UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 40-F
(Check One)
| ¨ | Registration statement pursuant to Section 12
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
or
| þ | Annual report pursuant to Section 13(a)
or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
|
For the fiscal year ended: |
December 31, 2014 |
Commission File Number: |
1-31956 |
CLAUDE RESOURCES INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its
charter)
Canada |
1040 |
Not Applicable |
(Province or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number, if
applicable) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification
Number, if applicable) |
200 - 219 Robin Crescent
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7L 6M8 Canada
(306) 668-7505
(Address and telephone number of Registrant’s
principal executive offices)
CT Corporation System
111 Eighth Avenue, 13th Floor
New York, NY 10011
(212) 894-8700
(Name, address (including zip code) and telephone
number (including area code) of agent for service in the United States)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b)
of the Act:
|
|
Name of each exchange |
Title of each class |
|
on which registered |
Common Shares |
|
Toronto Stock Exchange and OTCQB |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g)
of the Act: Not applicable
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation
pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: Not applicable
For annual reports, indicate by check mark the
information filed with this Form:
þ
Annual information form þ Audited annual financial statements
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each
of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 188,155,978
common shares
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant:
(1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act 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 þ No
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically
and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant
was required to submit and post such files).
Yes ¨ No
¨
PRINCIPAL DOCUMENTS
The following documents have been filed as part of this Annual Report
on Form 40-F
| 1. | Annual Information Form dated March 26, 2015 attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto. |
| 2. | Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Registrant as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for the years then ended and
the related notes, the auditor’s report on the consolidated financial statements and Management’s Report on Internal
Control over Financial Reporting attached as Exhibit 99.2 hereto. |
| 3. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the Registrant for the year ended December 31, 2014 dated March 26, 2015 attached
as Exhibit 99.3 hereto. |
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Claude Resources Inc. (the “Registrant”)
maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Registrant’s
filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized
and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The
Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after having evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period
covered by this annual report have concluded that, as of such date, the design and operation of the Registrant’s disclosure
controls and procedures were effective. However, as recommended by the SEC in its adopting release, the Registrant will
continue to periodically evaluate its disclosure controls and procedures and will make modifications from time to time as deemed
necessary to ensure that information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s
rules and forms.
The Registrant’s management, including
the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that its disclosure controls and procedures or internal
controls and procedures will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can
provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control
system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their
costs. Because of inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all
control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Registrant have been detected. These inherent limitations include the
realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally,
controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override
of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future
events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions;
over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures
may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may
occur and not be detected.
MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL
CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Registrant’s management is responsible
for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f)
and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act.
The Registrant’s internal control over
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable
detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Registrant’s assets; (2) provide reasonable
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and that the Registrant’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of its management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Registrant’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial
statements.
Under the supervision and with the participation
of the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness
of the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report,
based on the framework set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission. Based on its evaluation under this framework, management concluded that the Registrant’s
internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.
At December 31, 2013, the Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer concluded that ICFR was not effective as a result of the material weakness in ICFR discussed below.
Management noted that as at December 31, 2013:
Income taxes – there was a lack of review
and monitoring controls of the income tax function relating to complex, non-routine transactions and provisions. This control
deficiency resulted in the Company recording adjustments to deferred income tax assets, deferred income tax liabilities and deferred
income tax expense. This control deficiency relating to complex, non-routine transactions and provisions creates a reasonable
possibility that material misstatements of the consolidated financial statements including disclosures will not be prevented or
detected on a timely basis as a result.
The Company has taken the following remedial
actions related to the above noted material weakness:
In response to the material weakness identified
above, Management believes it has made significant improvements in the procedures and controls it utilizes to determine the review
and monitoring controls of the income tax function relating to complex, non-routine transactions and provisions. As part
of the preparation of the December 31, 2014 annual financial statements and notes thereto, the Company enhanced processes and controls
whereby the income tax function relating to complex, non-routine transactions and provisions are communicated to the Company’s
finance department and external advisors for assessment in a timely manner and are subject to increased review.
Attestation
Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
This annual report does not include an attestation
report of the Registrant’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting as the Registrant
qualifies as an “emerging growth company” under section 3(a) of the Exchange Act (as amended by the Jumpstart Our Business
Startups Act, enacted on April 5, 2012), and is therefore exempt from the attestation requirement.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL
REPORTING
Other than the response
to the material weakness reported at December 31, 2013, there have been no significant changes made in our internal controls over
financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
NOTICES PURSUANT TO REGULATION
BTR
The Registrant was not required by Rule 104
of Regulation BTR to send any notice to any of its directors or executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2014.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The Registrant’s board of
directors has determined that it has at least one audit committee financial expert (as such term is defined in the rules
and regulations of the SEC) serving on its audit committee. Ronald J. Hicks CPA, CA has been determined to be such audit
committee financial expert (as such term is defined in Form 40-F) and is independent. (as such term is defined by the NYSE
MKT corporate governance standards).
The SEC has indicated that the designation
of Ronald J. Hicks, CPA, CA as an audit committee financial expert does not make him an “expert” for any purpose,
impose on him any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on
members of the audit committee and board of directors who do not carry this designation, or affect the duties, obligations or
liability of any other members of the audit committee or the board of directors.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Registrant has adopted codes of ethics that
apply to all directors, officers and employees of the Registrant. No amendment was made to the Code of Ethics during the Registrant’s
most recently completed financial year and no waiver from a provision of the Code of Ethics was granted by the Registrant during
the Registrant’s most recently completed financial year. Copies of the codes of ethics are available on the Registrant’s
Internet website at www.clauderesources.com or, upon request, without charge, by contacting the Registrant at (306) 668-7505. Unless
specifically referred to herein, the information on the Registrant’s website shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference
in this annual report.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table sets out the fees billed
in Canadian dollars to the Registrant by KPMG LLP and its affiliates for professional services rendered in each of the years ended
December 31, 2014 and 2013. During these years, KPMG LLP was the Registrant’s only external auditor.
| |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
Audit Fees(1) | |
$ | 175,375 | | |
$ | 206,700 | |
Audit-Related Fees | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Tax Fees | |
| - | | |
| - | |
All Other Fees | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Total | |
$ | 175,375 | | |
$ | 206,700 | |
| (1) | Audit fees are comprised of KPMG LLP services in respect of the audit of the December 31, 2014 consolidated financial statements. |
Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Registrant’s audit committee pre-approves
all audit services and permitted non-audit services provided to the Registrant by KPMG LLP. The audit committee has
delegated to the chair of the audit committee, who is independent, the authority to act on behalf of the audit committee with respect
to the pre-approval of audit and permitted non-audit services provided by its external auditors where the aggregate fees are estimated
to be less than or equal to $40,000. Any approvals by the chair are reported to the full audit committee at its next
meeting. Services where the aggregate fees are estimated to be greater than $40,000 require full audit committee approval. None
of the services described in footnote 1 under “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” above were approved by the audit
committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Please see the section entitled “Financial
and Other Instruments” in the Registrant’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31,
2014 included as Exhibit 99.3 to this annual report on Form 40-F and Note 22 entitled “Financial Instruments” in the
Registrant’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 included as Exhibit 99.2 to this
annual report on Form 40-F.
TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Please see the section entitled “Contractual
Obligations” in the Registrant’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2014 included
as Exhibit 99.3 to this annual report on Form 40-F.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
A number of statements in the documents incorporated
by reference in this Form 40-F constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Please refer to the section entitled “Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information”
in the Annual Information Form dated March 26, 2015, incorporated by reference herein, attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and forming
an integral part of this document, for a discussion of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to
vary from those forward-looking statements.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Registrant has a separately-designated standing
audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The members of the Registrant’s
audit committee are Ronald J. Hicks, CPA, CA, , J. Robert Kowalishin and Brian Booth.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
The Registrant is not currently required to
disclose the information required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
UNDERTAKING AND CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS
The Registrant undertakes to make available,
in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the SEC staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested
to do so by the SEC staff, information relating to: the securities registered pursuant to Form 40-F; the securities in relation
to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises; or transactions in said securities.
| B. | Consent to Service of Process |
The Registrant has previously filed with the
SEC a consent to service of process on Form F-X with respect to the class of securities in relation to which the obligation to
file this annual report arises.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange
Act, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this annual report
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
|
CLAUDE RESOURCES INC. |
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Date: March 26, 2015 |
By: |
/s/ Brian Skanderbeg |
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|
Name: Brian Skanderbeg |
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Title: President and Chief Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.: |
Description: |
|
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99.1 |
Annual Information Form dated March 26, 2015. |
|
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99.2 |
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Registrant as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for the years then ended and the related notes, the auditor’s report on the consolidated financial statements and Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. |
|
|
99.3 |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the Registrant for the year ended December 31, 2014 dated March 26, 2015. |
|
|
99.4 |
Consent of KPMG LLP, the Registrant’s independent registered public accounting firm. |
|
|
99.5 |
Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
|
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99.6 |
Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
|
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99.7 |
Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. 1350. |
|
|
99.8 |
Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. 1350. |
|
|
99.9 |
Consent of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., independent technical expert. |
Exhibit 99.1
Claude Resources Inc.
200, 219 Robin Crescent
Saskatoon, SK
S7L 6M8
Annual
Information Form
For the year ended December 31, 2014
Dated as of March 26, 2015
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 1 |
Claude Resources Inc. (“Claude” or the “Company”)
Annual Information Form – March 26, 2015
Table of Contents
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Page |
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Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information |
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3 |
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Technical Information |
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4 |
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Cautionary Note To U.S. Investors Concerning Resource Estimate |
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4 |
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Metric Equivalents |
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4 |
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Glossary of Terms |
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5 |
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Item 1: |
Corporate Structure |
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1.1 |
Name, Address and Incorporation |
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11 |
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1.2 |
Subsidiary Corporations |
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11 |
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Item 2: |
General Development of the Business |
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2.1 |
Recent History |
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11 |
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Item 3: |
Description of the Company’s Business |
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3.1 |
General |
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17 |
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3.2 |
Risk Factors |
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18 |
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3.3 |
Mineral Properties |
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27 |
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Item 4: |
Dividends |
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4.1 |
Dividends |
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53 |
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Item 5: |
Description of Capital Structure |
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5.1 |
General Description of Capital Structure |
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53 |
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Item 6: |
Market for Securities |
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6.1 |
Trading Price and Volume |
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53 |
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Item 7: |
Directors and Executive Officers |
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7.1 |
Name, Occupation and Security Holdings |
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54 |
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7.2 |
Cease Trade Orders or Bankruptcies |
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55 |
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Item 8: |
Transfer Agent and Registrar |
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8.1 |
Transfer Agent and Registrar |
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56 |
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Item 9: |
Material Contracts |
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9.1 |
Material Contracts |
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56 |
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Item 10: |
Legal Proceedings |
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10.1 |
Legal Proceedings |
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56 |
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Item 11: |
Interests of Experts |
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11.1 |
Interests of Experts |
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56 |
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Item 12: |
Audit Committee |
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12.1 |
Audit Committee Charter |
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57 |
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12.2 |
Composition of the Audit Committee |
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57 |
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12.3 |
Relevant Education and Experience |
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57 |
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12.4 |
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures |
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58 |
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12.5 |
External Audit Service Fees |
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58 |
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Item 13: |
Additional Information |
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58 |
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APPENDIX A Charter of the Audit Committee |
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Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 2 |
STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING
INFORMATION
All statements, other than statements of
historical fact, contained or incorporated by reference in this annual information form constitute “forward-looking information”
within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the
United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”).
Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the future price of gold, the estimation
of mineral reserves and resources, the realization of mineral reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production,
costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities,
permitting time lines, currency exchange rate fluctuations, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining
operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage.
Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”,
“expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”,
“estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”
or “believes”, or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions,
events or results, “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”,
“occur” or “be achieved” or the negative connotation thereof.
All forward-looking statements are based
on various assumptions, including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management, the assumed long-term price
of gold, that the Company will receive required permits and access to surface rights, that the Company can access financing, appropriate
equipment and sufficient labour, and that the political environment within Canada will continue to support the development of mining
projects in Canada.
Forward-looking statements are subject
to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or
achievements of Claude to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including
but not limited to: actual results of current exploration activities; environmental risks; future prices of gold; possible variations
in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; mine development and operating risks; accidents, labour issues and other risks of the
mining industry; delays in obtaining government approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities;
and other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors”
in this annual information form. These risks and uncertainties are not, and should not be construed as being, exhaustive.
Although Claude has attempted to identify
important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there
may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements
will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements in this annual
information form are made as of the date of this annual information form, being March 26, 2015 and, accordingly, are subject to
change after such date. Except as otherwise indicated by Claude, these statements do not reflect the potential impact of any non-recurring
or other special items that may occur after the date hereof. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing
information about management’s current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding
of our operating environment.
Claude does not undertake to update any
forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
The forward-looking statements contained
in this annual information form are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 3 |
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The disclosure in this annual information
form of a scientific or technical nature for the Company's material properties is based on technical reports prepared for those
properties in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 — Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI
43-101") of the Canadian Securities Administrators. Information prepared by or under the supervision of Qualified Persons
under NI 43-101 and included in this annual information form is with the consent of such persons.
Other information
has been prepared and included in this annual information form following review and verification by Brian Skanderbeg, P.GEO,
President and Chief Executive Officer, a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101. In
2014, Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources were estimated by Claude personnel. The Mineral Resource evaluation work was completed
by a team of geologists and engineers under the supervision of Brian Skanderbeg, P.Geo., President and Chief Executive Officer.
Mineral Reserves were conducted under the direction of Qualified Person Gordon Reed, P.Eng., Seabee Gold Operation General Manager.
The technical
reports described herein have been filed on SEDAR and can be reviewed at www.sedar.com.
In this annual information form, the terms
"mineral reserve", "probable mineral reserve", "proven mineral reserve", "mineral resource",
"inferred mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "prefeasibility
study" and "feasibility study" have the meanings ascribed to those terms by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy
and Petroleum, as the CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by CIM Council, as amended on
the date hereof (the "CIM Definition Standards"), as required by NI 43-101. The definitions set out in this annual
information form for such terms reflect the CIM Definition Standards and are for convenience of reference only. In the event of
a discrepancy between the CIM Definition Standards and the definitions set out in this annual information form, the CIM Definition
Standards shall prevail.
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS
CONCERNING RESOURCE ESTIMATE
The resource estimates in this document
were prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. The requirements of NI 43-101 differ significantly from the requirements of the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In this document, we use the terms “measured,” “indicated”
and “inferred” resources. Although these terms are recognized and required in Canada, the SEC does not recognize them.
The SEC permits US mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that constitute “reserves”.
Under United States standards, mineralization may not be classified as a reserve unless the determination has been made that the
mineralization could be economically and legally extracted at the time the determination is made. United States investors should
not assume that all or any portion of a measured or indicated resource will ever be converted into “reserves”. Further,
“inferred resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and whether they can be mined economically
or legally, and United States investors should not assume that “inferred resources” exist or can be legally or economically
mined, or that they will ever be upgraded to a higher category.
METRIC EQUIVALENTS
For ease of reference, the following factors
for converting metric measurements into imperial equivalents are provided:
To Convert from Metric | |
To Imperial | |
Multiply metric unit by |
Metres | |
Feet (ft.) | |
3.281 |
Kilometres (km) | |
Miles | |
0.621 |
Tonnes | |
Tons (2,000 pounds) | |
1.102 |
Grams | |
Troy Ounces | |
0.032 |
Hectares | |
Acres | |
2.471 |
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 4 |
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Aboriginal – means First Nation,
Métis, or Inuit.
Actinolite – a bright green
or grayish green monoclinic mineral of the amphibole group.
Alteration – any change in
the mineral composition of a rock brought about by physical or chemical means.
Amphibolite – a metamorphic
rock that may have originated as a basalt lava flow or mafic dike/sill.
Anticline – a fold,
generally convex upward, whose core contains the older rocks.
Arsenopyrite – the
most common arsenic mineral and principal ore of arsenic; occurs in many sulfide ore deposits, particularly those containing lead,
silver, and gold.
Assaying – laboratory examination
that determines the content or proportion of a specific metal (ie: silver) contained within a sample. Technique usually involves
firing/smelting.
Au Eq (“gold equivalent”)
– a measure of contained metal expressed in equivalent gold grade.
Biotite – a widely
distributed and important rock-forming mineral of the mica group.
Boudinage – a structure
common in strongly deformed sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, in which an original continuous competent layer or bed has been
stretched, thinned and broken at regular intervals into bodies resembling boudins or sausages.
Brecciated – broken into sharp-angled
fragments surrounded by finer-grained material.
Bulk Sample – a collection
of representative mineralized material whose location, geologic character and metal assay content can be determined and then used
for metallurgical or geotechnical testing purposes.
Carbon-in-pulp – a method
of recovering gold and silver from pregnant cyanide solutions by absorbing the precious metals within the solution onto granules
of activated carbon.
Care and Maintenance Basis –
in reference to mining means the indefinite suspension of all operations except those services and personnel necessary to insure
the safeguarding of mining property and assets against controllable acts.
Chalcopyrite – a sulphide
mineral of copper and iron.
Chlorite – a group of platy,
monoclinic, usually greenish minerals.
Chloritic alteration – the
replacement by, conversion into, or introduction of chlorite into a rock.
Clastic – fragments of minerals
and rocks that have been moved individually from their places of origin.
Core Samples – the cylindrical
form of rock called “core” that is extracted from a diamond drill hole. Mineralized sections are separated and these
samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Cross-cut – a horizontal opening
driven from a shaft or haulage drift at an oblique or right angle to the strike of a vein or other orebody.
Crown – Her Majesty the Queen
in right of Saskatchewan as represented by the Saskatchewan Ministry of the Economy.
Cut-off Grade – the lowest
grade of mineralized material that qualifies as a reserve in a deposit (ie: contributing material of the lowest assay that is included
in a reserve estimate).
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 5 |
Diamond Drilling – a type
of rotary drilling in which diamond bits are used as the rock-cutting tool to produce a recoverable drill core sample of rock for
observation and analysis.
Dip – the angle that a structural
surface, a bedding or fault plane makes with the horizontal, measured perpendicular to the strike of the structure.
Disposition – rights granted
by the Crown under a permit, claim or lease.
Dore – the final saleable
product from a gold mine.
Drift – a horizontal underground
opening that follows along the length of a vein or rock formation.
Duty to Consult
– governments in Canada may have a duty to consult with and potentially accommodate Aboriginal groups prior to making decisions
which may impact lands and resources subject to established or potential treaty or Aboriginal rights, title or other claims.
These governments, in turn, may delegate procedural aspects of this duty to industry.
Electrowinning – the process
of recovering metal from solution by electrolysis.
Exploration – work involved
in searching for ore, from prospecting to diamond drilling or driving a drift.
Face – the end of a drift,
crosscut or stope in which work is taking place.
Facies – the character and
composition of sedimentary deposits.
Fault – a fracture or break
in rock along which there has been movement.
Feasibility
Study – a comprehensive technical and economic study of the selected development option for a mineral project
that includes appropriately detailed assessments of realistically assumed mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, marketing,
legal, environmental, social and governmental considerations together with any other relevant operational factors and detailed
financial analysis, that are necessary to demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction is reasonably justified (economically
mineable). The results of the study may reasonably serve as the basis for a final decision by a proponent or financial institution
to proceed with, or finance, the development of the project. The confidence level of the study will be higher than that of a Prefeasibility
Study.
Feldspathic arenite – a sandstone
containing abundant quartz, less than ten percent argillaceous matrix and 10 to 25 percent feldspar.
Felsic – an adjective describing
an igneous rock having mostly light colored minerals and rich in silica, potassium and/or sodium rich aluminosilicated minerals.
Fire Assay – the assaying
of metallic minerals by use of a miniature smelting procedure with various agents.
Footwall – the rock on the
underside of a vein or ore structure.
Fracture – a break or crack
in rock.
Gabbro – a dark-coloured,
plutonic rock with quartz between 0 and 5 percent and feldspar greater than 90 percent.
Garnet – a brittle, transparent
mineral with a vitreous luster.
Geophysical Survey – a scientific
method of prospecting that measures the physical properties of rock formations. Common properties investigated include magnetism,
specific gravity, electrical conductivity and radioactivity.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 6 |
Gneiss – a layered or banded
crystalline metamorphic rock, the grains of which are aligned or elongated into a roughly parallel arrangement.
Grade – the metal content
of rock with precious metals, grade can be expressed as troy ounces or grams per tonne of rock.
Gram metre – a measure of
contained gold within a given interval calculated as the product of grams of gold per tonne intercepted over length of core.
Granitoid – a light-coloured,
plutonic rock with quartz between 20 and 60 percent.
Gross – in reference to land
means a 100 percent interest.
Head Grade – the average grade
of ore fed into a mill.
Hydrothermal – the products
or the actions of heated waters in a rock mass such as a mineral deposit precipitating from a hot solution.
Igneous – a primary type of
rock formed by the cooling of molten material.
Indicated Mineral Resource –
is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics, can be
estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support
mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration
and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill
holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed.
Inferred Mineral Resource –
is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence
and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited
information and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and
drill holes.
ITA – Income Tax
Act (Canada).
Joint Venture – a contractual
arrangement whereby two or more parties undertake an economic activity that is subject to joint control.
Lens – a body of ore that
is thick in the middle and tapers towards the ends.
Lithostructural – an assemblage
of rocks that is unified on the basis of structural and lithological features.
LT – long tons.
Mafic – igneous rocks composed
mostly of dark, iron and magnesium-rich minerals.
Measured
Mineral Resource – is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape,
and physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate
application of technical and economic parameters, to support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the
deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate
techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough to confirm
both geological and grade continuity.
Metamorphosed Rocks – rocks
that are changed in character by processes of intense heat and pressure deep within the earth’s crust.
Metallurgy – the study of
the extractive processes which produce minerals from their host rocks.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 7 |
Mill – a processing facility
where ore is finely ground and thereafter undergoes physical or chemical treatment to extract the valuable metals.
Mineral – a naturally formed
chemical element or compound having a definitive chemical composition and usually a characteristic crystal form.
Mineralization – a natural
concentration in rocks or soil of one or more minerals.
Mineral Reserve – the economically
mineable part of a Measured or Indicated Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a Prefeasibility Study. This study must include
adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of
reporting, that economic extraction can be justified. A Mineral Reserve includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that
may occur when material is mined.
Mineral Resource – a concentration
or occurrence of natural, solid, inorganic, or fossilized organic material in or on the Earth’s crust in such form and quantity
and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological
characteristics, and continuity of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and
knowledge.
Muck – ore or rock that has
been broken by blasting.
Muskeg – a thick deposit of
decayed vegetable matter forming swampy areas.
National Instrument 43-101 or NI 43-101
– National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators.
Net Smelter Return Royalty/ NSR Royalty
– a phrase used to describe a royalty payment made by a producer of metals based on a percentage of gross metal production
from the property, less deduction of certain limited costs including smelting, refining, transportation and insurance costs.
Ounces – troy ounces of a
fineness of 999.9 parts per 1,000 parts.
Ore – rock, generally containing
metallic or non-metallic minerals, which can be mined and processed at a profit.
Ore Body – a sufficiently
large amount of ore that can be mined economically.
Pillar – a block of solid
ore or other rock left in place to structurally support the shaft, walls or roof of a mine.
Plunge – the vertical angle
a linear geological feature makes with the horizontal plane.
Porphyry – any igneous rock
in which relatively large crystals are set in a fine-grained groundmass.
Prefeasibility
Study – a comprehensive study of a range of options for the technical and economic viability of a mineral project
that has advanced to a stage where a preferred mining method, in the case of underground mining, or the pit configuration, in the
case of an open pit, is established and an effective method of mineral processing is determined. It includes a financial analysis
based on reasonable assumptions on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental
considerations and the evaluation of any other relevant factors which are sufficient for a Qualified Person, acting reasonably,
to determine if all or part of the Mineral Resource may be classified as a Mineral Reserve.
Probable Mineral Reserve –
the economically mineable part of an Indicated, and in some circumstances, a Measured Mineral Resource, demonstrated by at least
a Prefeasibility Study. This study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant
factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 8 |
Proven Mineral Reserve – the
economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a Prefeasibility Study. This study must include
adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of
reporting, that economic extraction is justified.
Pulp – a mixture of ground
ore and water.
Pyrite – an iron sulphide
mineral (FeS2), the most common naturally occurring sulphide mineral.
Pyrrhotite – a bronze-colored,
often magnetic iron sulphide mineral.
Qualified Person – an individual
who is an engineer or geoscientist with at least five (5) years of experience in mineral exploration, mine development, mine operation,
project assessment or any combination of these; has experience relevant to the subject matter of the mineral project and technical
report; and is a member in good standing of a professional association.
Quartz – crystalline silica;
often forming veins in fractures and faults within older rocks.
Raise – a vertical
or inclined underground working that has been excavated from the bottom upward.
Ramp - an inclined underground opening.
Sericite – a fine-grained
potassium mica found in various metamorphic rocks.
Shear Zone – a zone in which
shearing has occurred on a large scale so that the rock is crushed and brecciated.
Showing – surface occurrence
of mineral.
Shrinkage Stoping – any mining
method in which broken ore is temporarily retained in the stope to provide a working platform and/or to offer temporary support
to the stope walls during active mining.
Sill – an intrusive sheet
of igneous rock of roughly uniform thickness that has been forced between the bedding planes of existing rock; the initial horizontal
drift along the strike of the ore vein.
Specific Gravity – the ratio
between the weight of a unit volume of a substance and a similar weight and unit volume of water.
Splay – one of a series of
divergent small faults or fractures at the extremities of a major fault.
Stope – an underground excavation
from which ore has been extracted, either above or below a level. Access to stopes is usually by way of adjacent raises.
Stratigraphy – the sequence
of bedded rocks in a particular area.
Tailings – the material that
remains after all economically and technically recoverable precious metals have been removed from the ore during processing. This
material is discharged, normally in as slurry, to a final storage area commonly known as a Tailings Management Facility (TMF).
Till – is unsorted glacial
sediment. Its content may vary from clays to mixtures of clay, sand, gravel and boulders. This material is typically derived from
the subglacial erosion and incorporated by the moving ice of the glaciers of previously available unconsolidated sediments.
Tonne – a metric ton or 2,204
pounds.
Tourmaline – a complex, crystalized
silicate containing boron.
Trenching – the process of
exploration by which till is removed from a trench cut from the earth’s surface.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 9 |
Vein – a thin, sheet-like,
cross-cutting body of hydrothermal mineralization, principally quartz.
Waste – barren rock in a mine,
or mineralized material that is too low in grade to be mined and milled at a profit.
Working interest or WI
– means the interest held by Claude in property. This interest normally bears its proportionate share of capital and
operating costs as well as royalties or other production burdens. The working interest percentage is expressed before royalty interests.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 10 |
Item 1 Corporate Structure
1.1 Name, Address and Incorporation
Claude Resources Inc. (“Claude”
or the “Company”) amalgamated effective January 1, 2015, with its then subsidiary St. Eugene Mining Corporation Limited
(“SEM”). The amalgamated Company carries on business under the name Claude Resources Inc. and is governed by the Canada
Business Corporations Act.
The registered
office of the Company is located at 1500, 410 – 22nd Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7K 5T6. Its principal
executive office is located at 200, 219 Robin Crescent, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7L 6M8, Telephone: (306) 668-7505, Facsimile:
(306) 668-7500, email: clauderesources@clauderesources.com, website: www.clauderesources.com.
| 1.2 | Subsidiary Corporations |
Claude has two wholly-owned subsidiary
corporations: 4158849 Canada Ltd. and Madsen Gold Corporation, both Canada federal corporations. References herein to the “Company”
or “Claude” include the Company and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires.
Item 2 General Development of the
Business
Recent developments in the Company’s
business over the last three completed fiscal years were as follows:
2014: On January
31, 2014, the Company announced the retirement of the Company’s long-time President and Chief Executive Officer, Neil McMillan,
effective March 31, 2014.
On March 4, 2014, Claude announced the
closing of its previously announced agreement whereby Pure Gold Mining Inc. (“Pure Gold”) (TSX.V: PGM), formerly Laurentian
Goldfields Ltd. (“Laurentian”) (TSX.V: LGF), acquired Claude’s 100 percent interest in the Madsen Gold Project
in Red Lake, Ontario Canada. Claude received CDN $6.25 million cash upon closing of the transaction and received an additional
CDN $2.5 million cash six months following the close of the transaction. In addition, Claude received approximately 9.8 million
shares of Laurentian, which represented approximately 10.1 percent ownership in Laurentian.
In addition,
the Company engaged a strategic and financial advisor to undertake a strategic review of Claude’s business plan and
capital structure and to explore alternatives with the objective to maximize value for all shareholders. The strategic review was
completed in Q1 2015.
On March 20, 2014, the
Company announced the closing of a Net Smelter Royalty (“NSR”) Return agreement (the “NSR
Royalty Agreement”) with Orion Mine Finance Fund. Pursuant to this transaction, proceeds of USD $12 million were
received by the Company in exchange for a three percent NSR on production from the Seabee Gold Operation. The NSR agreement
provides Claude with the option, which expires on December 31, 2016, to repurchase half or 1.5 percent of the 3 percent NSR
for U.S. $12 million. Proceeds from the transaction were used to further development at the Seabee Gold Operation and for
general working capital purposes primarily related to the Seabee Gold Operation.
On March 27, 2014, Claude’s Board
of Directors announced the appointment of Mike Sylvestre, as interim President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1,
2014 following the retirement of Neil McMillan on March 31, 2014.
On March 28, 2014, the Company announced
that it had completed a private placement (the "Private Placement") of common shares in the capital of Claude ("Common
Shares"). The Private Placement consisted of the issuance of 4,545,454 Common Shares at a price of CDN $0.22 per Common Share,
being the market price of the Common Shares within the meaning of the Toronto Stock Exchange Company Manual, to Crown Capital Partners
Inc. (“CCP”). The Common Shares were issued to CCP as payment for a waiver being granted by CCP in connection with
a Credit Agreement dated as of April 5, 2013 as a result of a covenant breach at December 31, 2013, as well as the modification
of certain covenants. Concurrently with satisfaction of this one-time payment, the 5.75 million common share purchase warrants
pursuant to the original agreement were cancelled.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 11 |
On March 31, 2014, the Company released
an updated NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate for the Seabee property. Effective November 15, 2013,
Proven and Probable Reserves at the Seabee Gold Operation were 2,308,800 tonnes, grading 5.70 grams per tonne or 422,900 ounces
of gold. The Company’s Mineral Resource at its Seabee Gold Operation included Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of
175,200 ounces and Inferred Mineral Resources totaling 582,900 ounces.
On April 21, 2014, Claude provided an update
of its 2013 underground drilling program at the Seabee Gold Operation. The underground drilling program drilled approximately 50,000
metres in an on-going effort to expand and better define the Seabee Gold Operation’s current resource.
Highlights include (cut grade over true widths):
Seabee Mine:
| · | Hole: U13-061: 13.16 g/t over 4.7 metres; |
| · | Hole: U13-066: 8.27 g/t over 7.8 metres; |
| · | Hole: U13-075: 12.23 g/t over 10.7 metres; |
| · | Hole: U13-076: 22.62 g/t over 6.1 metres; |
| · | Hole: U13-077: 23.58 g/t over 4.8 metres; |
| · | Hole: U13-087: 31.32 g/t over 2.5 metres; |
| · | Hole: U13-089: 49.02 g/t over 2.0 metres; and |
| · | Hole: U13-321: 31.54 g/t over 5.2 metres. |
Santoy Mining Complex (Santoy 8 Mine and Santoy Gap Deposit):
| · | Hole: SUG-13-905A: 13.28 g/t over 3.5 metres; |
| · | Hole: SUG-13-301: 17.32 g/t over 4.0 metres; |
| · | Hole: SUG-13-320: 9.64 g/t over 4.4 metres; |
| · | Hole: SUG-13-335: 10.34 g/t over 6.5 metres; |
| · | Hole: SUG-13-347: 13.90 g/t over 5.7 metres; and |
| · | Hole: SUG-13-355: 6.09 g/t over 8.5 metres. |
On June 17, 2014, the Company announced
that initial production from the Santoy Gap deposit was ahead of schedule. For the month of May, development ore from three levels
in the eastern block of the Santoy Gap deposit produced on average 125 tonnes per day at a grade of approximately 7.1 grams per
tonne. Production at Santoy Gap began only two and a half years after its discovery and represents a significant milestone in the
life of mine plan at the Seabee Gold Operation.
The Company also announced that mining
crews had exposed the eastern portion of the ore body on the 24, 26, 28 and 30 levels. The 28 and 30 levels were the first to be
developed and are expected to begin initial long-hole production ahead of schedule during the third quarter. To support optimization
of the mine design, the Company announced that it was conducting an infill drill program of approximately 27,000 metres. In addition
to ongoing development work and the infill drill program, the Company completed the 290 metre ventilation raise at the Santoy Gap
deposit. The completion of the ventilation raise marked a critical milestone in driving increased underground productivity to advance
the ore body towards safe and sustainable production.
On June 25, 2014, Claude’s Board
of Directors announced the retirement of its Chair, Ted Nieman, Q.C. and Ray McKay. Both retirements were effective June 30, 2014.
Mike Sylvestre, interim President and CEO, became Chair of the Board. In addition, director Brian Booth was selected by the Board
to act as the lead independent director. Furthermore, the Board reduced both its number of directors as well as its committee structure.
At that time, the Board had five directors and two committees, being the Audit and Safety, Health and Environment committees. These
measures were part of the Company’s commitment to a cash optimization plan and further contributed to ongoing cost reductions.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 12 |
On September 10, 2014, Claude announced
that the underground drill program at the Santoy Gap was continuing to achieve excellent results, including an intersection of
26.77 grams of gold per tonne over 8.7 metres true width.
2014 Underground Drilling Update
The underground drilling program was designed
to define and expand the current Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources at the Santoy Gap. Results show high grade and excellent
widths that are hosted within three distinct vein systems, namely the Santoy Gap 9A, 9B and 9C. Select highlight holes that have
intercepted multiple vein systems are presented in the tables below. All results are reported as cut grade and true width.
Highlight Holes Intercepting Multiple Vein Systems Within
the Santoy Gap Deposit:
|
|
VEIN SYSTEM |
|
|
9A |
|
9B |
|
9C |
HOLE # |
|
GRADE g/t
(cut) |
|
TRUE
WIDTH (m) |
|
GRADE g/t
(cut) |
|
TRUE
WIDTH (m) |
|
GRADE g/t
(cut) |
|
TRUE
WIDTH (m) |
SUG-14-027 |
|
33.56 |
|
4.57 |
|
7.71 |
|
2.52 |
|
4.28 |
|
10.21 |
SUG-14-028 |
|
15.35 |
|
7.51 |
|
4.84 |
|
3.42 |
|
6.71 |
|
7.13 |
SUG-14-029 |
|
50.00 |
|
1.88 |
|
10.91 |
|
10.47 |
|
15.17 |
|
4.80 |
SUG-14-034 |
|
13.29 |
|
2.58 |
|
22.54 |
|
9.62 |
|
4.93 |
|
1.72 |
SUG-14-038 |
|
9.87 |
|
8.22 |
|
20.20 |
|
0.87 |
|
28.36 |
|
2.02 |
SUG-14-044 |
|
8.03 |
|
3.39 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
11.33 |
|
7.63 |
SUG-14-048 |
|
6.06 |
|
6.34 |
|
6.23 |
|
4.69 |
|
26.77 |
|
8.70 |
Highlights of Santoy Gap Year to Date 2014 Underground Drilling
Results:
| |
ZONE INTERSECTION | |
| |
| |
TRUE |
HOLE # | |
NAME (Target) | |
FROM | |
TO | |
GRADE g/t (uncut) | |
GRADE g/t (cut) | |
WIDTH (m) |
SUG-14-003 | |
9A | |
171.00 | |
177.00 | |
19.31 | |
19.31 | |
3.99 |
SUG-14-004 | |
9B | |
173.50 | |
181.40 | |
15.55 | |
15.55 | |
4.97 |
SUG-14-026 | |
9C | |
139.00 | |
147.20 | |
11.95 | |
11.95 | |
5.73 |
SUG-14-026 | |
9A | |
156.00 | |
160.50 | |
25.01 | |
25.01 | |
3.16 |
SUG-14-027 | |
9A | |
157.50 | |
163.50 | |
45.49 | |
33.56 | |
4.57 |
SUG-14-028 | |
9A | |
151.50 | |
161.20 | |
16.44 | |
15.35 | |
7.51 |
SUG-14-029 | |
9C | |
119.50 | |
125.40 | |
27.51 | |
15.17 | |
4.80 |
SUG-14-029 | |
9B | |
127.30 | |
140.00 | |
14.75 | |
10.91 | |
10.47 |
SUG-14-029 | |
9A | |
145.50 | |
147.80 | |
91.58 | |
50.00 | |
1.88 |
SUG-14-031 | |
9B | |
117.00 | |
123.00 | |
16.31 | |
13.63 | |
5.42 |
SUG-14-034 | |
9B | |
118.30 | |
129.50 | |
36.96 | |
22.54 | |
9.62 |
SUG-14-038 | |
9A | |
132.40 | |
141.80 | |
14.97 | |
9.87 | |
8.22 |
SUG-14-044 | |
9C | |
128.80 | |
139.10 | |
11.33 | |
11.33 | |
7.63 |
SUG-14-045 | |
9C | |
141.30 | |
152.10 | |
8.91 | |
8.91 | |
7.57 |
SUG-14-047 | |
9C | |
159.30 | |
172.50 | |
11.06 | |
11.06 | |
7.36 |
SUG-14-048 | |
9C | |
154.00 | |
168.30 | |
30.16 | |
26.77 | |
8.70 |
SUG-14-056 | |
9C | |
150.40 | |
168.00 | |
7.35 | |
7.35 | |
10.88 |
SUG-14-308 | |
9A | |
131.20 | |
139.50 | |
37.04 | |
14.71 | |
4.86 |
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 13 |
Note: Composites are calculated at a
3.5 g/t cut-off and a 50.0 g/t top-cut and may include internal dilution.
Santoy Gap Update
In addition to an update on the Company
underground drill program at the Santoy Gap, Claude announced that long-hole production at the Santoy Gap deposit had been initiated
ahead of schedule. Long-hole production was originally expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2014. From May through July,
the Santoy Gap produced approximately 13,000 tonnes at 7.1 grams of gold per tonne. Thus far, the average grade has been 8% higher
than the Santoy Gap Mineral Reserve grade of 6.4 grams of gold per tonne. Year to date, the Santoy Gap has had a positive impact
on production from the Santoy Mine Complex with overall grades improving to 5.65 grams of gold per tonne in the second quarter
versus the 3.66 grams of gold per tonne during the first quarter of this year.
Production ramp up at the Santoy Gap was
well ahead of schedule and became the main contributor of tonnes and ounces mined from the Santoy Mine Complex during the remainder
of 2014. Production tonnage from Santoy Gap averaged 300 to 400 tonnes per day during the fourth quarter, which is well above the
budgeted throughput of 200 tonnes per day. The increase in tonnage and grade from Santoy Gap is expected to drive unit cost improvements
going forward.
During the third quarter, the Company engaged
an engineering firm to update sections of the Santoy Gap mine plan, focusing on mine design, ventilation and future power requirements.
Once completed, the Company will move forward with development to achieve a full production rate of 500 to 700 tonnes per day.
Capital expenditures required to achieve the future production ramp up are expected to be minimal and the Company expects to fund
its organic growth through internal cash flows.
On November 13, 2014, Claude’s Board
of Directors announced the appointment of Mr. Brian Skanderbeg as President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of
the Company effective November 17, 2014. Brian joined Claude in 2007 and was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer in 2012. He brings over 10 years of extensive gold mining and exploration experience. He previously worked for Goldcorp,
Inco Ltd. and Helio Resources and holds a B.Sc. from the University of Manitoba and a M.Sc. from Rhodes University, South Africa.
On December 18, 2014, the Company announced
that its Board of Directors named Brian Booth, current Lead Director, as Chair of the Board effective January 1, 2015. The Company’s
then Chair, Mike Sylvestre, stepped down as Chair effective December 31, 2014. Mr. Sylvestre remained on the Board as a director
until February 19, 2015, resigning to pursue a new role within the mining sector.
On January 8, 2015, the Company announced
that the Seabee Gold Operation achieved record annual gold production of 62,984 ounces for 2014, an increase of 44 percent year
over year. In 2014, the Seabee Gold Operation milled 279,597 tonnes at a grade of 7.32 grams per tonne with an average mill recovery
of 95.7 percent. The 44 percent increase in gold production was driven by a 43 percent increase in grade as mill throughput remained
consistent. Gold sales increased 40 percent in 2014 to approximately 62,700 ounces at an average gold price of approximately CDN $1,395
per ounce.
The Company also announced its 2015 outlook
for the Seabee Gold Operation where production is planned to be between 60,000 and 65,000 ounces of gold. Production will be sourced
primarily from the Santoy Gap and L62 deposits. The majority of tonnes and ounces in the 2015 business plan are expected to come
from the Santoy Gap deposit as it ramps up to 500 tonnes per day.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 14 |
On January 29, 2015, the Company’s
Board of Directors announced that Mr. Patrick Downey had joined the Board, effective January 30, 2015. “Mr. Downey is a
veteran mining executive with an extensive track record in operations and development.
In March 2015, the Company
released an updated NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate for the Seabee property. Effective
November 30, 2014, Proven and Probable Reserves at the Seabee Gold Operation were 1,323,100 tonnes, grading 7.03 grams per
tonne or 299,000 ounces of gold. The Company’s Mineral Resource at its Seabee Gold Operation included Measured and
Indicated Mineral Resources of 125,200 ounces and Inferred Mineral Resources totaling 847,300 ounces.
2013: On January 17, 2013, the Company
announced that it had expanded its current debt facilities with its existing bank and, in addition, had come to an agreement, subject
to due diligence, with CCP for a five year, $25 million long-term debt facility (the “CCP Debt Facility”). The new
capital structure was finalized to advance the Company over the long term without diluting existing shareholders through major
equity financings. The debt facilities were utilized to retire the $9.8 million debenture due in May 2013, for expansion capital
at the Seabee Gold Operation and for working capital purposes. Further, 1,693,200 warrants listed pursuant
to the debenture offering expired unexercised.
The CCP Debt Facility closed on April 5,
2013, carries an interest rate of 10 percent of the outstanding principal and is compounded and payable monthly. Principal
payments, which began in May 2014, are payable monthly with a balloon payment, due at maturity, of $10.9 million. The CCP Debt
Facility included 5.75 million warrants at a strike price of $0.70 which were subsequently cancelled.
On February 4, 2013, the Company announced
that it had completed the shaft extension project at the Seabee Mine. The project extended the shaft from 550 metres to 980 metres
depth. As expected, the resultant reduction of trucking distance, approximately 430 vertical metres, and ore handling resulted
in lower diesel consumption, reduced maintenance costs and improved ventilation at the Seabee Mine.
In March 2013, the Company released an
updated NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate for the Seabee property. Effective December 31, 2012,
Proven and Probable Reserves for the Seabee Gold Operation were 1,575,200 tonnes, grading 6.14 grams per tonne or 311,100 ounces
of gold. The Company’s Mineral Resources at its Seabee Gold Operation included Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of
344,200 ounces of gold and Inferred Mineral Resources totaling 603,400 ounces. Results obtained from drilling completed during
2012 from the Santoy Gap deposit were incorporated into and had a material impact on the update.
On May 22, 2013, the Company released results
from a 2013 first quarter drill program at Santoy 8 and Santoy Gap. This drilling extended the Santoy Gap mineralized system down
plunge to 650 metres depth and has extended Santoy 8’s system 400 metres below the base of the existing Inferred Mineral
Resource. These step-out drill intercepts significantly expanded the footprint of the Santoy Mine Complex and are of a materially
higher grade than the current reserve and resource base. Highlights from these 2013 drill results are summarized below:
Highlights from 2013 Santoy Mine Complex Drilling |
Hole ID | |
Easting | |
Northing | |
From (m) | |
To (m) | |
Grade (g/t) | |
Width (m) | |
Zone |
JOY-13-690 | |
599175 | |
6171150 | |
684.27 | |
685.82 | |
330.35 | |
1.55 | |
GAP |
| |
| |
Incl | |
684.98 | |
685.82 | |
602.00 | |
0.84 | |
GAP |
JOY-13-692 | |
599721 | |
6170539 | |
632.85 | |
646.71 | |
18.80 | |
13.86 | |
Santoy 8 |
| |
| |
Incl | |
632.85 | |
635.85 | |
73.49 | |
3.00 | |
Santoy 8 |
Note: Composites were calculated using a 3.0 g/t Au cut-off grade and may include internal dilution. True widths are interpreted to be 75 to 95 percent of drilled width. Assay results are uncut.
Effective November 1, 2013, the Company
voluntarily delisted its common shares from the NYSE MKT. This decision was based on the general tone of the resource sector and
the Company’s continued pursuit to rationalize expenditures. The delisting of the shares did not affect the listing of the
shares on the TSX and U.S. shareholders have the opportunity to trade shares of the Company on the TSX as well as over the OTC
Markets Groups’ OTCQB Marketplace under the symbol “CLGRF”.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 15 |
Subsequently, on
November 7, 2013, based on the third quarter completion of a detailed mine design for the Santoy Gap deposit (and incorporating
the results of the first quarter drill results discussed above), the Company updated its NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Reserve and
Mineral Resource statement for its Seabee Gold Operation, effective December 31, 2012. Highlights of the update included an increase
to the Seabee Gold Operation Mineral Reserves by 78 percent to 554,100 ounces of gold. This increase included the initial Mineral
Reserve of 243,000 ounces of gold at 6.24 grams per tonne at the Santoy Gap deposit. The updated technical report supporting
the Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate dated December 31, 2012 was filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com on December
23, 2013.
2012: On February 2, 2012, the Company
announced that it had completed the acquisition of SEM. As a result of this acquisition, Claude now owns 100 percent of the Amisk
Gold Project. At 40,400 hectares, this gold and silver exploration property is one of the largest land positions in the prolific
Flin Flon mineral district. The Amisk Gold Property is located 20 kilometres southwest of Flin Flon, Manitoba and hosts the Amisk
Gold Project, a bulk mineable gold and silver deposit. Currently, the Amisk Gold Project hosts a NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource
estimate of 1.57 million gold equivalent ounces. A detailed description of the Amisk Gold Project can be found under “3.3
Mineral Properties”.
In March 2012, the Company released an
updated NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate for the Seabee property. Effective December 31, 2011,
the update included recent drill results from the Santoy Gap and resulted in an additional 2,321,000 tonnes at 6.63 grams of gold
per tonne (495,000 ounces) in the Inferred Mineral Resource category. Inclusive of ounces from the Santoy Gap, the Seabee Gold
Operation reported an Indicated Mineral Resource of 70,600 ounces and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 873,400 ounces. Compared
to December 31, 2010, this represented a 206 percent increase in gold within the Company’s Mineral Resources. The technical
report supporting the Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate dated April 28, 2012 was filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com
on April 30, 2012.
In April 2012, Mr. Brian Booth was appointed
to the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Booth’s geological background and experience as a business leader has provided
new insight to the Management team and Board.
At the end of August 2012, the Company
provided an exploration update from its 2012 drill program targeting the Santoy Gap deposit. Drill results extended the mineralized
system up-dip, along strike to the north and at depth as well as confirming continuity within the existing inferred resource. Drill
hole JOY-12-677 returned the widest intercept, 14.58 grams of gold per tonne over 29.74 metres, confirming a high grade core that
hosts multiple vein sets over combined widths of between 20 and 30 metres. The system remains open in most directions and underground
development from the existing Santoy 8 infrastructure was then initiated.
On November 27, 2012, the Company released
the final drill holes of the 2012 exploration program targeting the Santoy Gap deposit. These final drill holes (see table below)
targeted the down-dip extension of the Santoy Gap deposit. Of these, four drill holes returned visible gold-bearing intercepts,
including JOY-12-688 and JOY-12-689, which contained both hanging-wall and Santoy Gap deposit mineralized intervals. Santoy Gap
deposit intercepts were highlighted by drill hole JOY-12-686 that returned 8.16 grams of gold per tonne over 5.93 metres and JOY-12-689
that returned 4.68 grams of gold per tonne over 1.41 metres and 5.03 grams of gold per tonne over 1.58 metres. Drill hole JOY-12-686
extended economic mineralization 150 metres down-dip to a depth of 650 metres below surface. Drill hole JOY-12-689 was of particular
significance as it implies continuity of the Santoy Gap deposit structure along strike towards the Santoy 8 deposit within the
Santoy Mine Complex.
A sub-parallel, hanging-wall structure
was discovered with JOY-12-688 and JOY-12-689 returning 5.07 grams of gold per tonne over 6.00 metres and 3.51 grams of gold per
tonne over 4.53 metres, respectively. Both intercepts contained coarse visible-gold associated with silicified granodiorite and
quartz veining. The intercepts lie between 375 and 425 metres below surface and remain open in all directions.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 16 |
Highlights from 2012 Santoy Gap drilling |
Hole ID | |
Easting | |
Northing | |
From (m) | |
To (m) | |
Grade (g/t) | |
Width (m) | |
Zone |
JOY-12-686 | |
599287 | |
6170925 | |
642.40 | |
648.33 | |
8.16 | |
5.93 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-688 | |
599481 | |
6170719 | |
416.20 | |
422.20 | |
5.07 | |
6.00 | |
HW |
JOY-12-689 | |
599537 | |
6170658 | |
382.84 | |
387.37 | |
3.51 | |
4.53 | |
HW |
| |
| |
And | |
603.00 | |
604.32 | |
4.68 | |
1.41 | |
GAP |
| |
| |
And | |
607.50 | |
609.08 | |
5.03 | |
1.58 | |
GAP |
Note: Composites were calculated using a 3.0
g/t Au cut-off grade and may include internal dilution. True widths are interpreted to be 75 to 95 percent of drilled width. Assay
results are uncut.
In December 2012, the Company reported
an updated NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource estimate from the Santoy Gap deposit (see table below). The update upgraded a significant
portion of the Santoy Gap deposit’s Inferred Resource into the Indicated category while continuing to grow the Santoy Gap
deposit.
Santoy Gap, Mineral Resource Statement * |
|
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
|
Tonnes |
|
Grade
(g/t) |
|
Gold
Ounces |
|
Tonnes |
|
Grade
(g/t) |
|
Gold
Ounces |
Indicated Mineral Resources |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
994,000 |
|
8.80 |
|
281,000 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
Inferred Mineral Resources |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,875,000 |
|
5.92 |
|
357,000 |
|
2,321,000 |
|
6.63 |
|
495,000 |
* Reported at a cut-off grade of 3.0
grams of gold per tonne assuming an underground extraction scenario, a gold price of U.S. $1,475 per ounce, and metallurgical recoveries
of 95 percent. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have a demonstrated economic viability. All figures have been
rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimates.
The Santoy Gap resource was defined to
be in excess of 690 metres below surface and over a strike length of 800 metres. The deposit is located between 200 and 1,000 metres
north of the existing Santoy 8 resource and remains open down plunge to the north and at depth.
Item 3 Description of the Company’s
Business
3.1 General
The Company is engaged in the acquisition,
exploration, and development of precious metal properties and the production and marketing of minerals. All of Claude's mineral
properties are located in northern Saskatchewan.
The Company’s mineral property portfolio
includes the Seabee Property, which includes two producing gold mines and various exploration properties located at Laonil Lake,
Saskatchewan, approximately 125 kilometres northeast of La Ronge, Saskatchewan. This property has been in operation since December
1991, producing 1,129,924 ounces of gold to December 31, 2014. In 2014, gold production was 62,984 compared to 43,850 ounces in
2013.
The Company also owns 100 percent of the
Amisk Gold Property, located in the province of Saskatchewan, 20 kilometres southwest of Flin Flon, Manitoba, which covers an area
of 40,400 hectares.
A detailed description of the Seabee Property
and the Company’s other mineral properties is found under “3.3 Mineral Properties”.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 17 |
Operations, although affected by weather,
are not seasonal as gold is produced year round. Gold is a commodity for which there is an active market and is not differentiated
from the products of competitors. Therefore, the Company conducts no special marketing and its revenue is determined by prevailing
market prices.
The Company is not dependent upon any patents,
licenses or new manufacturing processes, nor is it dependent upon any financial contracts other than those entered into in the
ordinary course of its business.
A statement regarding the Company’s
competitive position is disclosed in “3.2 Risk Factors”, under “Industry Competition may Hinder Corporate Growth”.
An investment in the common shares
of the Company must be considered speculative due to the nature of the Company’s business and the present stage
of exploration and development of its mineral deposit properties. The risks described below may not be the only ones
facing Claude. Additional risks not currently known to Claude, or that Claude currently deems immaterial, may also impair
the operations of the Company. In addition to the other information contained in the Company’s 2014 annual report,
the following risk factors should be considered in evaluating the Company.
Persistent Low Gold Prices Could Cause
Mine Operations to be Suspended or Shutdown and Negatively Affect the Company’s Profitability, Cash Flow and Ability to Operate
as a Going Concern
The economics of developing gold and other
metal properties are affected by many factors including the cost of operations, variations in the grade of ore mined and the price
of gold or other metals. Depending on the price of gold, the Company may determine that it is impractical to commence or continue
commercial production. The price of gold has fluctuated in recent years. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the market price
per ounce for gold ranged from a low of U.S. $1,142 to a high of U.S. $1,385 with an average price of U.S. $1,266.
Any significant drop in the price of gold
adversely impacts the Company’s revenues, profitability and cash flows. Also, sustained low gold prices can:
| 1. | Reduce production revenues as a result of cutbacks caused by the cessation of mining operations
involving deposits or portions of deposits that have become uneconomic at the prevailing price of gold; |
| 2. | Cause the cessation or deferral of new mining projects; |
| 3. | Decrease the amount of capital available for exploration activities; |
| 4. | Reduce existing reserves by removing ore from reserves that cannot be economically mined at prevailing
prices; or, |
| 5. | Cause the write-off of an asset whose value is impaired by the low price of gold. |
Gold prices may fluctuate widely and are
affected by numerous industry factors, such as demand for precious metals, forward selling by producers and central bank sales
and purchases of gold. Moreover, gold prices are also affected by macro-economic factors such as expectations for inflation, interest
rates, currency exchange rates and global or regional political and economic situations. The current demand for and supply of gold
affects gold prices, but not necessarily in the same manner as current demand and supply affects the price of other commodities.
The potential supply of gold consists of new mine production plus existing stocks of bullion and fabricated gold held by governments,
financial institutions, industrial organizations and individuals. If gold prices remain at low market levels for a sustained period,
the Company could determine that it is not economically feasible to continue mining operations or exploration activities.
There can be no assurance that the price
of gold will remain stable or that such price will be at a level that will prove feasible to begin development of its properties,
or commence or, if commenced, continue commercial production.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 18 |
Uncertainty of Production Estimates
can Negatively Impact Earnings and Cash Flow
The Company’s gold production may
fall below estimated levels as a result of mining accidents such as cave-ins, rock falls, rock bursts or as a result of other operational
difficulties. In addition, production may be unexpectedly reduced if, during the course of mining, mineral grades are lower than
expected, the physical or metallurgical characteristics of the minerals are less amenable than expected to mining or treatment,
or dilution increases. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Company will achieve current or future production estimates.
The Company is Involved in the Resource
Industry which has Certain Inherent Exploration and Operating Risks
The exploration for and development of
mineral deposits involves significant risks, which even the combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge may not
eliminate. It is impossible to guarantee that current or future exploration programs on existing mineral properties will establish
reserves.
The level of profitability of the
Company in future years will depend mainly on gold prices, the cost of production at the Seabee Operation and whether any of
the Company’s exploration stage properties can be brought into production. Whether an ore body will continue to be
commercially viable depends on a number of factors, some of which are the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size,
grade and proximity to infrastructure, as well as metal prices, which cannot be predicted and which have been highly volatile
in the past, mining costs, and government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land
tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals, environmental protection and reclamation and closure obligations. The
effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may cause a mineral deposit that
has been mined profitably in the past, such as the Seabee Operation, to become unprofitable. The Company is subject to the
risks normally encountered in the mining industry, such as unusual or unexpected geological formations, cave-ins or flooding.
The Company may become subject to liability for pollution, cave-ins or other hazards against which it cannot
insure or against which it may elect not to insure.
The development of gold and other mineral
properties is affected by many factors, including the cost of operations, variations in the grade of ore, fluctuations in commodity
markets, costs of processing equipment and other factors such as government regulations, including regulations relating to royalties,
fluctuations in the U.S. dollar versus Canadian dollar exchange rate, allowable production, importing and exporting of minerals
and environmental protection.
Fluctuations in the U.S. Dollar versus
Canadian Dollar Exchange Rate Could Negatively Impact Operating Results
The price of gold is denominated in U.S.
dollars and, accordingly, the Company’s proceeds from gold sales will be denominated and received in U.S. dollars. As a result,
fluctuations in the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar could result in unanticipated fluctuations in the Company’s financial
results, which are reported in Canadian dollars. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the CDN$/US$ exchange rate ranged from
a low of $1.0639 to a high of $1.1656 with an average of $1.1046.
Current Global Financial Condition
Market events and conditions, including
the disruptions in the international credit markets and other financial systems, the deterioration of global economic conditions
in 2008 and 2009 and, more recently, in Europe, along with political instability in the Middle East and budget deficits and debt
levels in the United States, have caused significant volatility to commodity prices. These conditions have also caused a loss of
confidence in the broader United States, European and global credit and financial markets and resulting in the collapse of, and
government intervention in, major banks, financial institutions and insurers and creating a climate of greater volatility, less
liquidity, widening credit spreads, less price transparency, increased credit losses and tighter credit conditions. Notwithstanding
various actions by governments, concerns about the general condition of the capital markets, financial instruments, banks, investment
banks, insurers and other financial institutions caused the broader credit markets to further deteriorate and stock markets to
decline substantially. These events are illustrative of the effect that events beyond Claude’s control may have on commodity
prices, demand for metals, including gold and silver, and general financial market liquidity, all of which may affect the Company’s
business.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 19 |
Claude is also exposed to liquidity and
various counterparty risks including, but not limited to: (i) financial institutions that hold Claude’s cash and cash equivalents;
(ii) companies that have payables to Claude, including bullion brokers; (iii) Claude’s insurance providers; (iv) Claude’s
lenders; (v) Claude’s other banking counterparties; and (vi) companies that have received deposits from Claude for the future
delivery of equipment and or other operational inputs. Claude is also exposed to liquidity risks in meeting its capital expenditure
requirements in instances where cash positions are unable to be maintained or appropriate financing is unavailable. These factors
may impact the ability of Claude to obtain loans and other credit facilities in the future and, if obtained, on terms favourable
to Claude. Furthermore, repercussions from the 2008-2009 economic crisis continue to be felt, as reflected in increased levels
of volatility and market turmoil. As a result of this uncertainty, Claude’s planned growth could either be adversely or positively
impacted and the trading price of Claude’s securities could either be adversely or positively affected.
Limitations under Credit Facilities
The Company’s secured credit facilities
may limit, among other things, the Company’s ability to permit the creation of certain liens, make investments or dispose
of the Company’s material assets. In addition, these credit facilities may limit the Company’s ability to incur additional
indebtedness and requires the Company to maintain specified financial ratios and meet financial condition covenants. Events beyond
the Company’s control, including changes in general economic and business conditions, may affect the Company’s ability
to satisfy these covenants, which could result in a default under one or both of the credit facilities. If an event of default
under the credit facility occurs, the lenders could elect to declare all principal amounts outstanding thereunder at such time,
together with accrued interest, to be immediately due. In such an event, the Company may not have sufficient funds to repay amounts
owing under the facility.
Use of Derivatives
Claude currently hedges a portion of future
gold sales to manage price exposure to fluctuations in that base metal. Claude also hedges its propane fuel price exposure and
to manage adverse price movements impacting costs specific to fuel prices.
Claude uses certain derivative products
to manage the risks associated with gold price volatility and with changes in other commodity input prices (including energy prices).
The use of derivative instruments involves certain inherent risks including: (i) credit risk - the risk that the creditworthiness
of a counterparty may adversely affect its ability to perform its payment and other obligations under its agreement with Claude
or adversely affect the financial and other terms the counterparty is able to offer Claude; (ii) market liquidity risk –
the risk that Claude has entered into a derivative position that cannot be closed out quickly, by either liquidating such derivative
instrument or by establishing an offsetting position; and (iii) unrealized mark-to-market risk – the risk that, in respect
of certain derivative products, an adverse change in market prices for commodities or currencies will result in Claude incurring
an unrealized mark-to-market loss in respect of such derivative products.
There is no assurance that a hedging program
designed to reduce the price risk associated with fluctuations in base metals, propane fuel prices will be successful. Although
hedging may protect Claude from an adverse price change, it may also prevent Claude from benefiting fully from a positive price
change.
Inability to Raise Required Funding
Could Cause Deferral of Projects and/or Dilution of Property Interests
The Company’s ability to continue
its production, exploration and development activities depends in part on its ability to generate revenues from its operations
or to obtain financing through joint ventures, debt financing, equity financing, and production sharing arrangements or other means.
The failure of the Company to meet its
ongoing obligations on a timely basis could result in the loss or substantial dilution of its interest (as existing or as proposed
to be acquired) in its properties and materially impact the Company’s business and financial condition.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 20 |
At current gold prices and forecast production,
Management believes operating cash flows and the Company’s line of credit will be sufficient to fund the Q1 2015 winter road
resupply and 2015 operations.
Fluctuations in External Factors Affecting
Costs
The Company’s production costs are
dependent on a number of factors, including refining charges, and the cost of inputs used in mining operations, including, but
not limited to, equipment, labour (including contractors), petroleum, chemical reagents, tires and power. All of these factors
are beyond the Company’s control. If the Company’s total production costs per ounce of gold rise above the market price
of gold and remain so for any sustained period, the Company may experience losses and may curtail or suspend some or all of its
exploration, development and mining activities.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 21 |
Unfavourable Government Regulatory Changes
May Cause Cessation of Mining Operations and Exploration Activities
The Company’s
exploration activities and mining operations are affected to varying degrees by government regulations relating to mining operations,
the acquisition of land, pollution control and environmental protection, safety, production and expropriation of property. Changes
in these regulations or in their application are beyond the control of the Company and may adversely affect its operations, business
and results of operations. Failure to comply with the conditions set out in any permit or failure to comply with the applicable
statutes and regulations may result in orders to cease or curtail operations or to install additional equipment. The Company may
be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of its operating or exploration activities.
Currently, all of the Company’s properties
are subject to the federal laws of Canada and, depending upon the location of the Company’s properties, may be subject to
the provincial laws of Saskatchewan as well as local municipal laws. Mineral exploration and mining may be affected in varying
degrees by government regulations relating to the mining industry. Any changes in regulations or shifts in political conditions
are beyond the control of the Company and may adversely affect its business.
Operations may be affected in varying degrees
by government regulations with respect to price controls, export controls, foreign exchange controls, income taxes, expropriation
of property, environmental and mine safety legislation.
Aboriginal Rights, Title Claims and
the Duty to Consult may Delay Projects
Exploration, development and mining activities
at the Company’s Saskatchewan properties may affect established or potential treaty or Aboriginal rights, title or other
claims held by Aboriginal groups, in these circumstances, First Nation and Métis, with related duty to consult issues. The
Company is committed to effectively managing any impacts to such rights, title and claims and any resulting consultation requirements
that may arise. However, there is no assurance that the Company will not face material adverse consequences because of the legal
and factual uncertainties associated with these issues.
Failure to Effectively Manage the Company’s
Tailings Facilities could Negatively Impact Gold Production
The Company’s Seabee Mill produces
tailings. Managing these tailings is integral to gold production. The Seabee Operation’s East Lake and Triangle Lake tailings
management facilities have the capacity to store tailings from milling ore from the Seabee Mill until approximately 2020. The Company
is currently in the process of planning tailings capacity expansion beyond 2020. This will support the extension of Seabee’s
mine life and provide additional tailings capacity to process ore from the Santoy Mine Complex. If the Company does not receive
regulatory approval for new or expanded tailings facilities, gold production could be constrained.
Changes to Safety, Health and Environmental
Regulations Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Future Operations
Safety, health and environmental legislation
affects nearly all aspects of the Company’s operations including exploration, mine development, working conditions, waste
disposal, emission controls and protection of endangered and protected species. Compliance with safety, health and environmental
legislation can require significant expenditures and failure to comply with such safety, health and environmental legislation may
result in the imposition of fines and penalties, the temporary or permanent suspension of operations, clean-up costs resulting
from contaminated properties, damages and the loss of important permits. Exposure to these liabilities arises not only from the
Company’s existing operations, but from operations that have been closed or sold to third parties. Generally, the Company
is required to reclaim properties after mining is completed and specific requirements vary among jurisdictions. The Company is
required to provide financial assurances as security for reclamation costs, which may exceed the Company’s estimates for
such costs. The Company could also be held liable for worker exposure to hazardous substances and for accidents causing injury
or death. There can be no assurances that the Company will at all times be in compliance with all safety, health and environmental
regulations or that steps to achieve compliance would not materially adversely affect the Company’s business.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 22 |
Safety, health and environmental laws and
regulations are evolving in all jurisdictions where the Company has activities. The Company is not able to determine the specific
impact that future changes in safety, health and environmental laws and regulations may have on its operations and activities,
and its resulting financial position; however, the Company anticipates that capital expenditures and operating expenses will increase
in the future as a result of the implementation of new and increasingly stringent safety, health and environmental regulation.
For example, emissions standards are poised to become increasingly stringent. Further changes in safety, health and environmental
laws, new information on existing safety, health and environmental conditions or other events, including legal proceedings based
upon such conditions or an inability to obtain necessary permits, may require increased financial reserves or compliance expenditures
or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Environmental and regulatory review is
a long and complex process that can delay the opening, modification or expansion of a mine, extend decommissioning at a closed
mine, or restrict areas where exploration activities may take place.
Decommissioning and Reclamation Obligations
May Constrain Production
Environmental regulators are demanding
more and more financial assurances so that the parties involved, and not the government, bear the costs of decommissioning and
reclaiming sites. Decommissioning plans have been filed for the Seabee Property. These plans are reviewed, as necessary, or at
the time of an amendment or renewal of an operating licence. Regulators may conduct a further review of the detailed decommissioning
plans, and this can lead to additional requirements, costs and financial assurances. It is not possible to predict what level of
decommissioning and reclamation and financial assurances regulators may require in the future.
As filed with the Government of Saskatchewan’s
Ministry of Environment, the Company estimated in its Mine Closure Plan the closure costs at the cessation of mining at its Seabee
Mine at $6.3 million. Actual costs of completing the reclamation of the mine site may be higher than those estimated. The Company
has issued letters of credit in favour of the Ministry of Environment in the amount of $2.1 million in support of its obligations.
The letters of credit are secured by investment certificates. The Company has received approval to incrementally fund its remaining
closure cost obligations over the next four years as follows: 2015 - $0.5 million; 2016 - $1.0 million; 2017 - $1.0 million; and,
2018 - $1.5 million.
Imprecise Ore Reserves and Ore Grade
Estimates may Negatively Impact Gold Production and Operating Profitability
Although the Company has assessed the Mineral
Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates contained in this document and believes that the methods used to estimate such Mineral Reserves
and Mineral Resources are appropriate, such figures are estimates. Estimates of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are inherently
imprecise and depend to some extent on statistical inferences drawn from limited drilling, which may prove unreliable. Furthermore,
the indicated level of recovery of gold may not be realized. Market price fluctuations of gold may render reserves and deposits
containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomic. Moreover, short-term operating factors relating to Mineral Reserves,
such as the need for orderly development of the deposits or the processing of new or different grades, may cause mining operations
to be unprofitable in any particular period. Until Mineral Reserves or Mineral Resources are actually
mined and processed, Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource grades must be considered as estimates only.
Potential Shareholder Dilution Could
Impact Share Price and New Equity Issues
As of December 31, 2014, there were stock
options outstanding to purchase 8,497,937 common shares. The common shares issuable under these options, if fully exercised, would
constitute approximately 4.3 percent of the Company’s resulting share capital. The exercise of such options and the subsequent
resale of such shares in the public market could adversely affect the prevailing share market price and the Company’s ability
to raise equity capital in the future at a time and price which it deems appropriate. The Company may also enter into commitments
in the future which would require the issuance of additional common shares and the Company may grant additional share purchase
warrants and stock options. Any share issuances from the Company’s treasury could result in immediate dilution to existing
shareholders.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 23 |
Industry Competition may Hinder Corporate
Growth
The Company’s business is intensely
competitive, and the Company competes with other mining companies, some of which have greater resources and experience. Competition
in the precious metals mining industry is primarily for mineral rich properties which can be developed and produced economically;
the technical expertise to find, develop, and produce such properties; the labour to operate the properties; and, the capital for
the purpose of financing development of such properties. Many competitors not only explore for and mine precious metals, but also
conduct refining and marketing operations on a worldwide basis and some of these companies have much greater financial and technical
resources than the Company. Such competition may result in the Company being unable to acquire desired properties, to recruit or
retain qualified employees or to acquire the capital necessary to fund its operations and develop its properties. The Company’s
inability to compete with other mining companies could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations
and its business.
Impairment of Assets may Impact Operational
Performance
In accordance with IFRS, the Company capitalizes
certain expenditures relating to its mineral projects. From time to time the carrying amounts of mining properties and plant and
equipment are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
If there are indicators of impairment, an exercise is undertaken to determine whether the carrying values are in excess of their
recoverable amount. Such review is undertaken on an asset by asset basis, except where such assets do not generate cash flows independent
of other assets, and then the review is undertaken at the cash generating unit level.
Events that could, in some circumstances,
lead to an impairment include, but are not limited to, changes to gold price or cost assumptions, changes to Mineral Reserve or
Mineral Resource grades or the Company’s market capitalization being less than the carrying amounts of its mining properties
and plant and equipment.
The assessment requires the use of estimates
and assumptions such as, but not limited to, long-term gold prices, foreign exchange rates, discount rates, future capital requirements,
Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates, operating performance as well as the definition of cash generating units. It is
possible that the actual fair value could be significantly different from those assumptions, and changes in the assumptions will
affect the recoverable amount. In the absence of any mitigating valuation factors, the Company’s failure to achieve its valuation
assumptions or a decline in the fair value of its cash generating units or other assets may, over time, result in impairment charges.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 24 |
If the Company determines that an asset
is impaired, the Company will charge against earnings any difference between the carrying amount of the assets and the estimated
fair value less cost to sell those assets. Any such charges could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results
of operations.
Extreme and Persistent Weather Conditions
could Cause Operating and Exploration Difficulties
The
Company’s mining and exploration properties are all located in Saskatchewan. Access to these properties and the ability
to conduct work on them can be affected by adverse weather conditions. Adverse weather conditions can also increase the cost of
both access and work on the Company’s properties.
Title to Company Properties could
be Challenged with Potential Loss of Ownership
Acquisition of title to mineral properties
is a very detailed and time-consuming process. The Company believes it has investigated title to all of its mineral properties
and has obtained title opinions with respect to its most significant properties. To the best of the Company’s knowledge,
titles to all such properties are in good standing. For the Seabee and Amisk properties, the Company has examined property search
abstracts from the Saskatchewan Ministry of the Economy as well as made inquiries and reviewed lease files from the Ministry. It
has also received confirmation of title from Saskatchewan Environment.
The title to the Company’s properties
could be challenged or impugned. The properties may have been acquired in error from parties who did not possess transferable title,
may be subject to prior unregistered agreements or transfers and title may be affected by undetected defects.
We May Not be Able to Hire Enough Skilled Employees to Support
Operations
Many of the projects undertaken by the
Company rely on the availability of skilled labour and the capital outlays required to employ such labour. The Company employs
full and part time employees, contractors and consultants to assist in executing operations and providing technical guidance. In
the event of a skilled labour shortage, various projects of the Company may not become operational due to increased capital outlays
associated with labour. Further, a skilled labour shortage could result in operational issues such as production shortfalls and
higher mining costs.
Uninsured Risks could Negatively Impact
Profitability
In the course of exploration, development
and production of mineral properties, certain risks, and in particular, unexpected or unusual geological operating conditions including
rock bursts, cave-ins, fire and flooding and earthquakes may occur. It is not always possible to fully insure against such risks
and the Company may decide not to take out insurance against such risks as a result of high premiums or other reasons. Should such
liabilities arise, they could reduce or eliminate any future profitability and result in increased costs and a decline in the value
of the securities of the Company.
Information Systems Security Threats
Although the Company has not
experienced any material losses to date relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches, there can be no
assurance that Claude will not incur such losses in the future. The Company’s risk and exposure to these matters cannot
be fully mitigated because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats. As a result, cyber security and the
continued development and enhancement of controls, processes and practices designed to protect systems, computers, software,
data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access is a priority. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the Company
may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance protective measures or to investigate and
remediate any security vulnerabilities.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 25 |
The Company is Subject to Evolving Corporate
Governance and Public Disclosure Regulations that have Increased the Cost of Compliance and the Risk of Non-compliance
The Company is subject to changing rules
and regulations promulgated by a number of Canadian and United States governmental and self-regulating organizations, including
the Canadian Securities Administrators, the Toronto Stock Exchange, the SEC and the International Accounting Standards Board. These
rules and regulations continue to evolve in scope and complexity making compliance more difficult and uncertain. Efforts to comply
with new regulations have resulted, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and
a diversion of Management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.
Due to the Company’s Canadian
Jurisdiction, Investors may be Deterred from Trading Company Stock as it may be Difficult for United States (“U.S.”)
Investors to Effect Service of Process Against the Company
The Company is incorporated under the laws
of Canada. All of the Company’s directors and officers are residents of Canada and all of the Company’s assets and
its subsidiaries are located in Canada. Consequently, it may be difficult for United States investors to affect service of process
in the United States upon the Company’s directors or officers or to realize in the United States upon judgments of United
States courts predicated upon civil liabilities under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A judgment
of a U.S. court predicated solely upon such civil liabilities may be enforceable in Canada by a Canadian court if the U.S. court
in which the judgment was obtained had jurisdiction, as determined by the Canadian court, in the matter. There is substantial doubt
whether an original action could be brought successfully in Canada against any of such persons or the Company predicated solely
upon such civil liabilities.
Internal Controls Provide No Absolute
Assurances as to Reliability of Financial Reporting
The Company has invested resources to document
and assess its system of internal controls over financial reporting and it is continuing its evaluation of such internal controls.
Internal controls over financial reporting are procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are properly
authorized, assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use, and transactions are properly recorded and reported. A
control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance with respect to
the reliability of financial reporting and financial statement preparation.
The Company is required to satisfy the
requirement of Section 404 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), which requires an annual
assessment by management of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
If the Company fails to maintain the adequacy
of its internal control over financial reporting, as such standards are modified, supplemented, or amended from time to time, the
Company may not be able to ensure that it can conclude on an ongoing basis that it has effective internal controls over financial
reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Company’s failure to satisfy the requirement of Section
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act on an ongoing, timely basis could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reality of its
financial statements, which in turn could harm the Company’s business and negatively impact the trading price of its common
shares. In addition, any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation,
could harm the Company’s operating results or cause it to fail to meet its reporting obligations.
Although the Company intends to devote
substantial time and incur substantial costs, as necessary, to ensure ongoing compliance, the Company cannot be certain that it
will be successful in complying with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
The Company is Subject to Certain Legal
Proceedings and May be Subject to Additional Litigation in the Future
All industries, including the mining industry,
are subject to legal claims, with and without merit. Defense and settlement costs can be substantial, even with respect to claims
that have no merit. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the litigation process, there can be no assurance that the resolution of
any particular legal proceeding will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of
operations.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 26 |
Conflicts of Interest
Certain of the directors of the Company
are also directors and officers of other companies engaged in mineral exploration and development and mineral property acquisitions.
As such, situations may arise where such directors are in a conflict of interest with the Company. Any decision made by any of
these directors and officers involving Claude will be made in accordance with their duties and obligations to deal fairly and in
good faith with a view to the best interests of Claude and its shareholders. In addition, the Company will resolve any actual conflicts
of interest if and when the same arise in accordance with the Company’s Code of Ethics Policy.
3.3 Mineral Properties
The Company’s
mineral property portfolio includes the Seabee Mine and Santoy Mine Complex (both producing gold mines), and a portfolio of exploration
properties located in the Province of Saskatchewan. The Company has assembled the majority of its property portfolio in and around
the Seabee and Santoy Mines (including the Santoy Gap deposit, Neptune and Porky Lake exploration projects) and Amisk Gold Property
in Saskatchewan. At the Seabee Operation, Claude owns a mill and equipment that could potentially be used to process ore from any
economic ore body found within the portfolio of properties located around it either by relocating the mill and equipment to the
economic ore body or by transporting the ore to the current mill site. At the present time, only the Seabee Mine and
Santoy Mine Complex are producing gold.
CLAUDE ASSET LOCATIONS
Except for the operations from Seabee and
the Santoy Mine Complex, all of the Company’s mining properties are at the exploration stage. Among the Company’s exploration
projects, those within trucking distance of the Seabee Mill will receive the majority of the Company’s exploration budget
and focus for the foreseeable future.
Seabee Mine
The Seabee Mine is located at Laonil Lake,
Saskatchewan, approximately 125 kilometres northeast of the town of La Ronge. Claude commenced commercial production at the mine
in December, 1991. Since start-up, the mine has produced 1,129,924 ounces of gold including 62,984 ounces produced in 2014.
SEABEE PROPERTY
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 27 |
SEABEE AREA
Property Description and Access
The Seabee Gold Operation has
produced gold from six mineral leases (“ML”). It is currently producing from ML5519, ML5520, ML5543
and ML5551. The original ten quartz claims covering the mine site were consolidated into a single mineral lease (ML 5519)
of approximately 201 hectares granted by the Crown on November 25, 1999. In November 1994, the Company entered into an
option agreement to acquire a 100 percent working interest, subject to a 30 percent Net Profits Interest, in the surrounding
Currie Rose property (in August 2010, the Company purchased the 30 percent Net Profits Interest on the Currie Rose Property).
After fulfilling the conditions in the option agreement and obtaining a 100 percent interest in the property, a portion of
the claims were converted to a mineral lease (ML 5520) on January 1, 1999. The leases were renegotiated in June of 2002
and expire in 2025. Additional mineral leases were added during 2007 at Porky West (ML 5536) and Santoy 7 (ML 5535) and
during 2009 at Santoy 8 (ML 5543) and Santoy Gap (ML 5551) during 2013. Late in 2012, the Company staked an additional
3,350 hectares, taking its current land position to in excess of 17,200 hectares.
Figure 1: Seabee Property showing significant
gold deposits and occurrences
The Seabee Gold Operation is located in
the La Ronge Mining District at the north end of Laonil Lake approximately 125 kilometres northeast of the town of La Ronge, Saskatchewan
and about 150 kilometres northwest of Flin Flon, Manitoba.
Topography of the region is characterized
by low rocky ridges interspersed with lakes and muskeg. Temperature in the region typically ranges from -13 degrees Fahrenheit
(-25 degrees Celsius) in January to 62 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) in July. Mean annual precipitation is approximately
20 inches per year which includes snowfall from late October to mid-April.
Access to the minesite is by fixed wing
aircraft from La Ronge or Flin Flon to a 1,275 metre airstrip located on the property. Equipment and bulky or heavier supplies
are trucked to the site via a 60 kilometre winter road from Brabant Lake on Highway 102. The winter road is typically in use from
January through March.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 28 |
The Seabee Operation directly supports
a workforce of approximately 280 employees with permanent camp facilities. Electrical power is provided by a transmission line
to the operation by the provincial power authority, Saskatchewan Power Corporation.
Property Royalties
Seabee Operation NSR
During the first quarter of 2014, the Company
announced the closing of an NSR Royalty Agreement with Orion Mine Finance Fund on all future gold sales at the Seabee Gold Operation.
Pursuant to this transaction, proceeds of US $12 million were received by the Company in exchange for a three percent NSR. The
NSR Royalty Agreement provides the Company with the option, which expires on December 31, 2016, to repurchase half or 1.5 percent
of the 3 percent NSR for US $12 million. The NSR payments are paid quarterly in cash or in physical gold at the average price of
gold in each calendar month.
Red Mile Royalty Agreements
From 2004 through
2007 the Company sold production royalties pursuant to four Royalty Agreements, for proceeds of $7.1 million, $14.0 million, $35.0
million and $25.6 million, respectively. Proceeds from the sale of each of the royalties were deposited in exchange for a promissory
note; these promissory notes have been classified as restricted for accounting purposes. It is expected that interest and
principal from the restricted promissory notes will be sufficient to fund the expected basic royalty payments and any interest
expense. Under certain circumstances the Company has the right, by way of a call option, to acquire
the partnership which owns the royalty, for the lower of market value or for the outstanding amount of the restricted promissory
note at the end of the tenth year of each Royalty Agreement. This would effectively terminate the applicable royalty obligation.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company’s 100 percent owned subsidiary exercised its call right to purchase
the equity of the holder of the royalty pursuant to the 2004 Red Mile Royalty Agreement. Furthermore, subsequent to December 31,
2014, the same subsidiary exercised its call right to purchase the equity of the holder pursuant to the 2005 Red Mile Royalty Agreement.
In each case, the restricted promissory note pursuant to the respective agreements was sufficient to satisfy the call price. At
March 26, 2015, only the 2006 and 2007 Royalty Agreements remain.
In addition to the royalty, the Company
granted a net profit interest (“NPI”) of varying percentages, payable only if gold prices exceed a pre-determined threshold:
Summary
of NPI’s Pursuant to Red Mile Royalty Agreements |
| |
2005
Agreement | |
2006
Agreement | |
2007
Agreement |
Net Profit Interest | |
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
| |
|
Applicable years | |
2015 | |
2015-2016 | |
2015-2017 |
Percent | |
1.00, 2.00 or 3.00 | |
3.75, 4.00 or 4.25 | |
3.50, 3.70 or 3.90 |
Price of gold thresholds | |
$875, $1,075 or $1,275 | |
$975, $1,175 or $1,375 | |
$1,250, $1,500 or $1,675 |
Prior to any NPI payment, the Company is
entitled to first recover from the NPI expenditures (including capital expenditures), working capital, operating losses, interest
charges and asset retirement obligations relating to the production of ore at the Seabee Operation. These expenditures are calculated
on a cumulative basis from the commencement of the individual agreements. At December 31, 2014, the cumulative carry forward amounts
remained in a deficiency position under each of the agreements. Using current production, price and cost forecasts within the Company’s
current Life of Mine Plan, no payments are anticipated over the remaining life of these NPIs.
Santoy Project Net Profits Interest
Subject to the Agreement for Assignment
of Mineral Dispositions dated the 21st day of March, 1984 between Saskatchewan Mining Development Corporation ("Cameco")
and Claude Resources Inc., there was a five percent NPI on the Company's Santoy property. During 2014, the Company
entered into an agreement and completed the purchase of the Santoy Project NPI for $0.3 million.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 29 |
Saskatchewan Government Production Royalties
Royalties are payable to the province of
Saskatchewan under the terms of the Mineral Disposition Regulations, 1986. The royalty is calculated on five percent
of the first million ounces of production escalating to 10 percent thereafter on net operating profits and becomes payable once
capital and exploration costs are recovered. At current and anticipated production rates, Crown royalty payments are not expected
to be required during 2015 or 2016. To date, there have been no royalty taxation payments made to the province.
History
Gold was first discovered around Laonil
Lake in 1947 by prospectors acting on behalf of Cominco Inc. (“Cominco”). Between 1947 and 1950, Cominco conducted
an extensive program of prospecting, trenching, geological mapping and diamond drilling. The latter involved 79 holes
totaling 4,414 metres and identified four gold-bearing structures or zones on the property.
The property remained dormant until 1974,
although in 1958 Cominco applied for and was granted 10 Quartz mining leases covering the property. In 1961, Cominco drilled 2
shallow holes of 41 metres as part of an overall review of the known property data. This review allowed Cominco to estimate the
property contained a small gold resource. Cominco resumed exploration in 1974 and drilled 16 holes totaling 458 metres to test
additional vein structures. In 1982-83, Cominco resumed work and drilled 3,776 metres in 20 holes, but they did not complete the
entire program as Cominco sold the property to BEC International Corporation who subsequently reached an agreement with Claude
which became the owner.
After its acquisition of the Seabee Property,
Claude drilled 3 holes totaling 226 metres to corroborate Cominco’s prior work and property estimates. In June 1985, Claude
optioned the property to Placer Development Limited (subsequently Placer Dome Inc., “Placer”). Placer carried out an
extensive exploration program, which included geologic mapping, trenching and stripping, geophysical, geochemical, environmental
and metallurgical studies, as well as both surface and underground drilling: 95 surface drill holes were completed and 72 underground
drill holes were drilled from an underground exploration decline on Zone 2. The decline was 305 metres long and diamond drill stations
were cut from one of two drives. At the completion of this program, Placer determined the property did not meet its criteria for
development and allowed its option on the Seabee Property to expire in June 1988 and returned the property to Claude.
After the return of the property, Claude
initiated geological compilation and analytical studies designed to correlate and substantiate the work done by Placer. The Company
engaged Cominco Engineering Services Limited (“Cominco Engineering”) to conduct bulk sampling and drilling as part
of a feasibility study. A.C.A. Howe International Limited (“A.C.A. Howe”) completed a reserve estimate for the property
in December 1988 and Cominco Engineering submitted a positive Feasibility Study in August 1989 and subsequently revised the study
in May 1990. At that time, Claude made the decision to put the deposit into production and construction of the mine began in the
summer of 1990. Mining commenced at Seabee in December 1991.
Regional and Property Geology
Northern Saskatchewan forms part of the
Churchill Province of the Canadian Shield. It has been subdivided into a series of lithostructural crystal units and the section
containing the Seabee Mine has been termed the Glennie Lake domain. This domain includes both sediment-and volcanic-derived rocks.
The mine is located within the eastern contact area of the Laonil Lake Intrusive Complex, a roughly triangular shaped gabbroic
intrusive body. All rocks are deformed and have been regionally metamorphosed at conditions of middle amphibolite facies.
The Seabee Property is underlain by the
Laonil Lake gabbro. Numerous quartz-tourmaline bearing mineralized shear structures traverse the complex forming a complicated
shear system. The vein structures dip steeply, generally strike at 70 degrees and exhibit extreme splay structures. Although the
predominant trend is around 70 degrees, sub-parallel to the Laonil Lake Shear Zone, northwesterly structures have also been encountered.
Vein mineralogy is dominantly quartz with pyrite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite with accessory tourmaline and carbonate. Silicification
is the most common alteration type. Gold mainly occurs in the free form as flakes and films replacing pyrite or at sulphide boundaries.
The higher grade gold values are often associated with sections rich in sulphides or at vein junctions.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 30 |
Mine Details
Construction of the Seabee Mine began in
1990. The mill was completed in late 1991 with gold production commencing in December of that year. The mine hosts permanent facilities
to support all mining operations and personnel. The Seabee Operation employs approximately 280 workers with 160 on site at any
given time, subject to seasonal adjustments. Approximately 190 persons are employed in the mill, surface maintenance, electrical,
catering, surface, diamond drilling and technical services areas. The majority of these employees are on a two week-in and two
week-out rotation. The remaining 90 people are employed in the underground operations. Camp facilities on site are capable of accommodating
approximately 200 people and are supported by a full complement of dining and recreation facilities.
Claude received regulatory approval in
1991 to deposit mill effluent and tailings into the dewatered East Lake. The East Lake Tailings Management Facility (“TMF”)
was near capacity by the end of 2004; therefore, a new TMF was proposed.
Claude selected Triangle Lake as the preferred
site for the construction of a new TMF. Conditional regulatory approval to deposit tailings in Triangle Lake was obtained in 2004.
The proposed TMF at Triangle Lake included
two containment dams, North Dam and South Dam, at the north and south ends of the Triangle Lake basin, respectively. The North
Dam was to provide tailings containment between Triangle and Pine Lakes, while the South Dam was to divert surface runoff from
the lowlands south of the Triangle Lake and provide tailings containment. Regulatory approval was granted in August 2004 to construct
the North Dam. A preliminary design for the South Dam was completed in August 2005 and the dam itself was completed in 2006.
In 2007, the Company raised the height
of the Triangle Lake Dams to 454.0 metres elevation, recommissioned the water treatment plant and installed evaporators at its
TMF. Designs and construction to raise the Triangle Lake dams to the 460.0 metre elevation have been approved by Saskatchewan Environment.
Construction will be completed in stages and in 2012 construction was completed up to the 457.0 metre elevation. Review and approval
to store tailings up to the new elevation was received in April 2013. During 2014, construction was completed up to the 458.4 metre
level. Staged upgrades to the tailings facilities will continue up to the 460.0 metre elevation. Costs to reach the 460.0 metre
elevation are expected to be approximately $1.0 to $2.0 million.
Engineering studies also proposed stacked
tailings for the East Lake TMF which could extend TMF capacity by four to five years, at current production rates. Stacked tailings,
a process which allows for tailings impoundment to exceed final dam elevation, has been used successfully in other mining jurisdictions
in Canada. The Company expects the stacked tailings process will also be completed in stages with annual costs of up to $1.0 million.
As required by regulatory authorities,
the Company has provided letters of credit as security for reclamation related to the Seabee Operation in the amount of $2.1 million.
As security for these letters of credit, the Company has provided investment certificates in the same amount. In April 2011, the
Company submitted an updated decommissioning plan for the Seabee Operation. Initial comments were received from Saskatchewan Environment
during the first quarter of 2012 with continuing discussions occurring throughout 2012. In 2013, a final agreement on the decommissioning
plan was accepted with the full cost of the plan being approximately $6.3 million. The Company has received approval to incrementally
fund its remaining closure cost obligations over the next several years: 2015 - $0.5 million; 2016 - $1.0 million; 2017 - $1.0
million; and, 2018 - $1.5 million).
The Company uses a variety of mining methods
to extract ore from the gold deposits. The selection of the method is dependent upon a variety of factors including: orebody geometry,
dip, location, personnel and equipment availability, etc. The major mining methods include:
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 31 |
| · | Longhole Mining: Most of the mining is completed via longhole mining.
This method is employed in steeply dipping orebodies. Strike length is limited and ore pillars, or rib pillars, are left in place
to control dilution. |
| · | Avoca long hole mining: In high value ore with appropriate access points,
avoca mining increases ore recovery as there are no pillars left for ground stability. Ore is blasted at one end of an open stope
while dry waste rock fill is added to the other end to limit the length of the exposed wall in order to control wall failure. |
| · | Cut and Fill: In shallow dipping orebodies cut and fill methods are employed to maximize ore recovery.
In this method mining progresses from bottom up with individual lifts of ore (3-5 metres vertical) are extracted. Waste rock is
backfilled into the open cavity before mining of the next lift up. |
| · | Alimak mining: In narrow orezones or zones with significant capital development requirements, alimak
mining is employed to minimize development requirements. Alimak mining requires an upper and lower access point between which an
alimak raise is excavated. Production activities can be conducted from the alimak raise itself, or from a development drift excavated
off the raise. |
The
zones currently being mined are accessed by a ramp driven to the 1,200 metre level. Mining efforts are currently being focused
on the 2b and 2c zones at depth on the 970 thru 1,100 levels, as well as the L62 zone between the 690 and 900 level.
The shaft and hoisting facility, commissioned in the fourth quarter of 1997 (with extensions commissioned in November 2003 and
February 2013), provides ore and waste transport to surface. As much as 850 tonnes per day of ore and waste are moved to the ore
and waste pass system and hoisted to surface with the ore then conveyed to the mill. Seabee operated under a five year mine
plan focusing on the 2b, 2c and L62 zones while continuing to expand and explore for additional underground ore zones. The mill
process consists of a three stage crushing circuit, a three stage grinding circuit, followed by cyanide leaching. The leached gold
is collected in a carbon-in-pulp circuit, stripped and collected on stainless steel mesh cathodes by electrowinning. The product
from electrowinning is refined into dore bars in a bullion furnace. Power is supplied by line from Saskatchewan Power Corporation’s
provincial power grid.
In 2013, exploration activities included
significant semi-detailed mapping near Seabee, drilling of 4,300 metres, development, compilation and prospecting of a number of
near-mine targets. Through application of an updated structural model for both the Seabee and Santoy regions, the Company’s
exploration department generated a number of targets for evaluation during 2013. A number of these targets were advanced through
sampling, stripping and mapping with a goal of advancing towards drill readiness. Results from the 2013 program continued to support
the potential for further discovery within the Seabee footwall environment.
During 2014, exploration at the Seabee
Mine focused on low cost per ounce targets, proximal to infrastructure with the potential to materially impact near-term production,
drive resource growth and to positively impact the Company’s Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources. Exploration
of the Seabee Region is focused on a near mine environment and is prioritizing drill targets to be tested during 2015.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 32 |
Figure 2: Seabee Mine Composite Longitudinal
Section
Seabee Mine Future Work Programs
Mineralization
is known to extend below the current lowest working levels at Seabee, in addition to known veins not yet mined. During 2015, Claude
is planning in excess of 60,000 metres of underground drilling at Seabee and Santoy to replace production. Drilling will be focused
on the extension at depths of the 2B and 2C veins.
In addition,
2015’s exploration budget will focus on evaluating the most prospective targets within a one kilometre radius of the Seabee
head-frame and the CMN, Herb Lake and 2d deep targets. The CMN and Herb Lake targets were most recently prospected in 2013 at which
time the latter yielded significant high-grade grab samples along a Seabee parallel trend. The 2d deep target represents a large
panel below mined-out stopes and holds the potential for significant ounces within striking distance of existing mine workings.
An underground drill program coordinated by the Exploration department will focus on high-priority near-mine targets, which have
the potential to result in new discoveries proximal to Seabee’s mine infrastructure and thereby expanding the current
resource/reserve base.
The following table details the operating
data of the Seabee Operation for the last 5 years:
Operating Data for Seabee Gold Operation | |
December 31 | |
2014 | | |
2013 | | |
2012 | | |
2011 | | |
2010 | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Ore Milled (tonnes)(1) | |
| 279,597 | | |
| 280,100 | | |
| 275,200 | | |
| 257,200 | | |
| 204,000 | |
Grade processed (grams per tonne) | |
| 7.32 | | |
| 5.11 | | |
| 5.86 | | |
| 5.68 | | |
| 7.55 | |
Mill Recoveries (%) | |
| 95.7 | | |
| 95.3 | | |
| 95.6 | | |
| 95.3 | | |
| 95.5 | |
Gold Produced (ounces) (1) | |
| 63,000 | | |
| 43,900 | | |
| 49,600 | | |
| 44,800 | | |
| 47,300 | |
Gold Sold (ounces) (2) | |
| 62,800 | | |
| 44,800 | | |
| 48,700 | | |
| 44,600 | | |
| 44,000 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Cash Cost (CDN$/ounce of gold sold) (3) | |
$ | 836 | | |
$ | 983 | | |
$ | 997 | | |
$ | 908 | | |
$ | 709 | |
Cash Cost (US$/ounce of gold sold) (3) | |
$ | 757 | | |
$ | 954 | | |
$ | 998 | | |
$ | 918 | | |
$ | 689 | |
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 33 |
| (1) | 2010 results include tonnes milled and ounces produced
from the Santoy 8 Project Bulk Sample. |
| (2) | Statistic excludes ounces sold from the Santoy 8 Project
which was not yet in commercial production. |
| (3) | The Company reports its operating costs on a per-ounce
basis based on uniform standards developed by the Gold Institute. Management uses this measure to analyze the profitability (compared
to average realized gold prices) of the Seabee Operation, before depreciation, depletion and accretion. When evaluating this profitability
measure, investors should be aware that no provision has been made for exploration or development costs. A reconciliation of the
cash costs in the above table is provided below: |
Consolidated Total Cash Costs (U.S.
Dollar)
Per Gold Ounce Sold
Summary of Consolidated Total Cash Costs |
December 31 | |
2014 | | |
2013 | | |
2012 | | |
2011 | | |
2010 | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Cash operating costs | |
$ | 724 | | |
$ | 954 | | |
$ | 998 | | |
$ | 918 | | |
$ | 689 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Royalties | |
| 33 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Total cash costs | |
$ | 757 | | |
$ | 954 | | |
$ | 998 | | |
$ | 918 | | |
$ | 689 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Gold ounces sold | |
| 62,800 | | |
| 44,800 | | |
| 48,700 | | |
| 44,600 | | |
| 44,000 | |
Mine operating costs (US $ millions) | |
$ | 45.4 | | |
$ | 42.8 | | |
$ | 48.5 | | |
$ | 41.0 | | |
$ | 30.3 | |
(CDN $ millions) | |
$ | 50.2 | | |
$ | 44.1 | | |
$ | 48.5 | | |
$ | 40.5 | | |
$ | 31.2 | |
Readers are cautioned that the above measures
of cash costs may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies should these companies not follow Gold
Institute standards.
The following table details the All-In
Sustaining Cost per Ounce data of the Seabee Operation for the last 5 years:
Summary of All-In Sustaining Costs |
December 31 | |
2014 | | |
2013 | | |
2012 | | |
2011 | | |
2010 | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Production cost (CDN$) | |
$ | 50,211 | | |
$ | 44,051 | | |
$ | 48,535 | | |
$ | 40,542 | | |
$ | 31,217 | |
NSR Royalty | |
| 2,264 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Smelting, refining, freight | |
| 228 | | |
| 162 | | |
| 141 | | |
| 115 | | |
| 114 | |
By-product credits | |
| (74 | ) | |
| (15 | ) | |
| (65 | ) | |
| (60 | ) | |
| - | |
General and administrative | |
| 7,240 | | |
| 7,058 | | |
| 7,897 | | |
| 6,779 | | |
| 4,875 | |
Accretion | |
| 148 | | |
| 182 | | |
| 175 | | |
| 166 | | |
| 108 | |
Development | |
| 16,978 | | |
| 23,027 | | |
| 24,241 | | |
| 20,812 | | |
| 10,750 | |
Property, plant and equipment | |
| 4,999 | | |
| 7,591 | | |
| 22,186 | | |
| 14,698 | | |
| 6,665 | |
Exploration | |
| 233 | | |
| 1,081 | | |
| 5,998 | | |
| 5,073 | | |
| 5,870 | |
All-In Sustaining Costs | |
$ | 82,227 | | |
$ | 83,137 | | |
$ | 109,108 | | |
$ | 88,125 | | |
$ | 59,599 | |
Divided by ounces sold | |
| 62,772 | | |
| 44,823 | | |
| 48,673 | | |
| 44,632 | | |
| 44,003 | |
All-in sustaining cost per ounce (CDN$) | |
$ | 1,310 | | |
$ | 1,855 | | |
$ | 2,242 | | |
$ | 1,974 | | |
$ | 1,354 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
CDN$ Exchange Rate | |
| 1.1048 | | |
| 1.0302 | | |
| 0.9994 | | |
| 0.9893 | | |
| 1.0300 | |
All-in sustaining cost per ounce (U.S.$) | |
$ | 1,186 | | |
$ | 1,801 | | |
$ | 2,243 | | |
$ | 1,996 | | |
$ | 1,315 | |
The Company reports its
All-In Sustaining cost per-ounce based on the definition of all-in sustaining costs as set out by the World Gold Council.
The Company defines all-in sustaining costs as the sum of production costs, sustaining capital (capital required to
maintain current operations at existing levels), corporate general and administrative expenses, exploration expenses and
reclamation cost accretion related to current operations. All-in sustaining costs exclude expansion capital, reclamation cost
accretion not related to current operations, interest expense, debt repayment and income taxes. The costs included in the
calculation of all-in sustaining costs are divided by commercial gold ounces sold; U.S.$ all-in sustaining costs per ounce
sold are translated using the average Bank of Canada CDN$/U.S.$ exchange rate. Readers are cautioned that the above measures
may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies should these companies not follow Gold
Institute standards.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 34 |
Since commencement of production in 1991,
the mill has processed nearly 5.2 million tonnes of ore at an average head grade of 7.28 grams of gold per tonne producing 1,129,924
ounces of gold to December 31, 2014.
Seabee Property – Santoy Region
The Santoy Lake property is an 11,400 acre
(4,566 hectares) claim group located approximately 14 kilometres east of the Company’s operating Seabee Mine and hosts the
Company’s Santoy Mine Complex (which includes the Santoy 8 and Santoy Gap deposits). Claude holds a 100 percent interest
in the property; the five percent NPI on the property was repurchased by the Company during 2014 for $0.3 million. An all-weather
road providing access from the Seabee Mill was completed in 2006 and continues to be upgraded. During 2009, the Company completed
the construction of the power line extension from the Seabee mine to the Santoy Mine Complex. During the second quarter of 2011,
the Company declared that its Santoy Mine Complex had achieved commercial production effective January 1, 2011. During 2014 and
2013, the Santoy Mine Complex produced 20,962 ounces and 17,718 ounces of gold, respectively.
Geology
Gold mineralization at the Santoy Region
is hosted in siliceous, shear structures with sulfide-chlorite-quartz veins and in silicified granitoid sills. Gold mineralization
of the Santoy 8 ore lens occurs over a strike length of 600 metres, a depth of 500 metres and remains open along strike and down
plunge to the north. The Santoy 8E ore lens has been intercepted over a strike length of 200 metres, depth of 250 metres and remains
open along strike and down plunge to the north. The mineralized lenses dip moderately to steeply eastward and amenable to bulk
mining techniques. Mineralized sections of this zone range in thickness from 1.5 to 15 metres. The Santoy 8 and 8 East zone deposits
are hosted in a four kilometre long, northwest trending and northeast dipping sheared and mineralized corridor in mafic volcaniclastic
rocks and granitoid sills. The 8 and 8 East zones start about 2.5 kilometres south of Santoy 7, and extend for at least 1,000 metres
further south. Gold mineralization occurs in gold-sulfide-chlorite-quartz veins in the shear zones, near or in the granodiorite
and granite sills.
During 2011, drilling defined the Santoy
Gap deposit approximately 400 to 900 metres north of the Santoy 8 deposit and underground infrastructure, immediately on strike
and adjacent to the Santoy 8 deposit within the Santoy Mine Complex.
Historical drilling completed in and around
the Santoy Gap and along the Santoy regional shear zone has extended the mineralized system, discovered a sub-parallel lens to
the Santoy Gap approximately 150 metres to the east and affirmed the high prospectivity of the Santoy Regional Shear Zone, hosting
multiple deposits over a three kilometre strike length. The Santoy Gap system remains open down plunge to the north, along strike
to the south and at depth. These intercepts at depth may link with the existing Santoy 8 resource 300 metres to the south. Drilling
at Santoy Gap has extended the mineralized system down-plunge to 650 metres depth and at Santoy 8 has extended the system 500 metres
below the base of the existing inferred resource.
In 2014 and 2013, infill and exploration
drilling continued to confirm and expand the Santoy Gap system.
History
In 1998, work crews conducted basic prospecting
and mapping and discovered several new veins. In the first quarter of 2002, these targets were drill-tested with encouraging results.
The Santoy area became the subject of an ongoing exploration program with two significant deposits (Santoy 7 and Santoy 8 and 8
East) outlined in 2004 and 2005.
The 2004 and 2005 drilling programs concentrated
on Santoy 6, 7 and 8 zones. Seven gold zones had been discovered on the Santoy property during the Company’s previous prospecting
programs, with the 7 and 8 zones looking the most promising.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 35 |
In 2004, there were 5 holes drilled in
Santoy 6 (598 metres), 48 holes in Santoy 7 (6,164 metres) and 21 holes (2,797 metres) drilled in Santoy 8.
The 2005 program in the Santoy area was
devoted to the Santoy 8 and 8 East zones. Sixty-eight diamond drill holes totaling approximately 15,296 metres were drilled. This
drilling was carried out to test the north-northwest plunge and dip extensions of the mineralized shear structures outlined in
previous drill campaigns.
Permit applications for an all-weather
access road and bulk sampling were submitted to the Provincial Government in 2005. Permitting was granted to bulk sample the Santoy
7 zone in the third quarter of 2005, with physical work starting in February of 2006.
During 2007, concurrent with the processing
of Santoy 7 bulk sample tonnes in the first half, infill drilling continued on Santoy 7 and Santoy 8 to provide more accurate information
for proposed mine plans. The Santoy area, as a whole, contains a number of high grade gold showings, some of which were drill-tested
in previous years. Bulk sampling of the Santoy 7 deposit was initiated during the first quarter of 2007 and continued through to
October when commercial production was attained. During 2008 and 2009 mining continued on three levels at a production rate of
approximately 150 tonnes per day. During the first quarter of 2010, mining operations at Santoy 7 ceased due to depletion of existing
reserves.
At Santoy 8, Claude carried out a drill
program of 147 diamond drill holes totaling 31,670 metres in Santoy 8 (23,430 metres in 103 holes) and Santoy 8E (8,240 metres
in 44 holes). The program provided 25-metre infill data to a depth of 250 metres on the deposits as well as testing strike and
plunge extensions. Gold mineralization at Santoy 8 has been extended to a strike length of 600 metres, a width of 350 metres and
remains open along strike and down plunge to the north.
The core from this program was logged and
split at the Company's core logging facility at the Seabee Mine. Assaying has been done by TSL Laboratories of Saskatoon with random
checks of pulps and rejects performed by an independent accredited lab. All core intervals have been fire assayed with a gravimetric
finish, with samples that assayed greater than 10 grams per tonne checked by a total metallics assay.
During 2008, Claude updated its NI 43-101
compliant Mineral Resource estimate at Santoy 8 and conducted an economic study to evaluate the portion of mineral resources it
planned to mine in the first three years of the Santoy 8 Project.
The Santoy power line project, which ties
the Santoy Mine Complex to the provincial power grid, was completed during 2009. Portal construction and surface infrastructure
for the planned development of the Santoy Mine Complex to access the Santoy 8 deposit were also initiated in late 2009. The Company
completed the environmental studies and received the permits required for commercial mining of the Santoy 8 and 8E deposits in
2010.
During 2010, Claude continued underground
development and advanced the Santoy Mine Complex Project towards the commercial production decision made during the second quarter
of 2011.
Exploration during 2010 continued with
a drill program targeting the Santoy Gap deposit as well as infill and extension drilling in proximity to Santoy 8. The program
was designed to test the Santoy shear system between the Santoy 7 and 8 deposits as well as the down plunge continuity of the Santoy
8 and 8E deposits. Historic drill testing of the shear system has focused on relatively shallow drill holes with 200 metre spacings.
Results from the 2010 program successfully outlined continuity at depth for both the Santoy 8 and 8E deposits and provided encouraging
results from the Santoy Gap deposit. The target at the Santoy Gap deposit is located 300 to 900 metres north of underground infrastructure,
immediately on strike and adjacent to the Santoy 8 deposit within the Santoy Mine Complex.
During 2011,
drilling targetting the Santoy Gap deposit included 33,000 metres of drilling in 82 holes. Drilling has intercepted multiple
high-grade intervals, significantly expanding the strike length and width of the mineralized system and has expanded the Santoy
Gap and Santoy 8 system to in excess of 1.8 kilometres long. Highlights of full year drilling provided
below:
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 36 |
Highlights from 2011 Santoy Gap drilling |
Hole ID |
|
Easting |
|
Northing |
|
From (m) |
|
To (m) |
|
Au Grade
(g/t) |
|
Width
(m) |
JOY-11-565* |
|
599043 |
|
6170888 |
|
396.22 |
|
397.68 |
|
27.65 |
|
1.46 |
JOY-11-588 |
|
599021 |
|
6170706 |
|
222.16 |
|
231.94 |
|
35.00 |
|
9.78 |
|
|
|
|
Incl |
|
231.44 |
|
231.94 |
|
533.00 |
|
0.50 |
JOY-11-589 |
|
599237 |
|
6170826 |
|
468.66 |
|
470.63 |
|
46.44 |
|
1.97 |
JOY-11-594 |
|
598995 |
|
6170771 |
|
289.42 |
|
291.70 |
|
14.75 |
|
2.28 |
|
|
|
|
And |
|
301.17 |
|
305.21 |
|
16.14 |
|
4.04 |
JOY-11-600 |
|
598968 |
|
6170808 |
|
290.36 |
|
291.77 |
|
56.23 |
|
1.41 |
JOY-11-606 |
|
599247 |
|
6170665 |
|
395.33 |
|
403.13 |
|
12.95 |
|
7.80 |
|
|
|
|
Incl |
|
397.08 |
|
400.14 |
|
23.44 |
|
3.06 |
JOY-11-611 |
|
599292 |
|
6170777 |
|
455.13 |
|
458.95 |
|
9.74 |
|
3.82 |
|
|
|
|
Incl |
|
456.67 |
|
457.81 |
|
23.24 |
|
1.14 |
JOY-11-535 |
|
599349 |
|
6170487 |
|
310.57 |
|
316.00 |
|
10.30 |
|
5.43 |
JOY-11-549 |
|
599178 |
|
6170745 |
|
330.38 |
|
336.62 |
|
6.73 |
|
6.24 |
JOY-11-551 |
|
599205 |
|
6170769 |
|
405.77 |
|
408.59 |
|
22.06 |
|
2.82 |
JOY-11-554 |
|
599146 |
|
6170803 |
|
413.20 |
|
415.44 |
|
41.94 |
|
2.24 |
JOY-11-555 |
|
599146 |
|
6170803 |
|
377.40 |
|
397.65 |
|
12.79 |
|
20.25 |
|
|
|
|
Incl |
|
377.40 |
|
378.40 |
|
144.00 |
|
1.00 |
JOY-11-556 |
|
599146 |
|
6170803 |
|
323.00 |
|
343.48 |
|
19.10 |
|
20.48 |
|
|
|
|
Incl |
|
331.00 |
|
331.59 |
|
524.00 |
|
0.59 |
JOY-11-580 |
|
599097 |
|
6170891 |
|
364.06 |
|
365.78 |
|
36.51 |
|
1.72 |
Note: * Partial result, certain assays within
zone are pending. Composites calculated at 3.0 g/t cut-off and may include internal dilution. True width is interpreted to range
from 70 to 95% drilled width.
During 2012, the Company’s exploration
program focused on aggressively exploring the Santoy Gap deposit and its relationship to the Santoy 8 deposit body to depths up
to 750 metres. Infill and exploration drilling continued to confirm and expand the Santoy Gap system. A total of 71 holes and 35,000
metres were completed in and around the Santoy Gap Lens and along the Santoy Regional Shear Zone during 2012. The Santoy Gap system
remains open down plunge to the north, along strike to the south and at depth. These recent intercepts at depth may link with the
existing Santoy 8 resource 300 metres to the south.
Highlights from 2012 Santoy Gap drilling
include:
Highlights from 2012 Santoy Gap drilling |
Hole ID | |
Easting | |
Northing | |
From (m) | |
To (m) | |
Grade (g/t) | |
Width (m) | |
Zone |
JOY-12-622 | |
599436 | |
6170747 | |
403.57 | |
405.29 | |
4.81 | |
1.72 | |
HW |
| |
| |
And | |
722.00 | |
723.00 | |
6.20 | |
1.00 | |
FW |
JOY-12-624 | |
599148 | |
6170973 | |
519.71 | |
520.43 | |
7.87 | |
0.72 | |
FW |
JOY-12-630 | |
598791 | |
6170890 | |
272.27 | |
272.77 | |
13.60 | |
0.50 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-636 | |
599035 | |
6170957 | |
415.77 | |
432.50 | |
6.91 | |
16.73 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-638 | |
599035 | |
6170957 | |
398.00 | |
400.30 | |
13.94 | |
2.30 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-643 | |
598950 | |
6170670 | |
181.75 | |
183.57 | |
41.88 | |
1.82 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-648 | |
599073 | |
6170506 | |
61.92 | |
62.42 | |
17.25 | |
0.50 | |
Other |
| |
| |
And | |
158.00 | |
159.00 | |
11.45 | |
1.00 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-657 | |
599124 | |
6170848 | |
322.24 | |
322.79 | |
23.20 | |
0.55 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-661 | |
599124 | |
6170848 | |
345.20 | |
345.70 | |
14.90 | |
0.50 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-664 | |
599080 | |
6170572 | |
135.14 | |
135.64 | |
15.45 | |
0.50 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-665 | |
599094 | |
6170889 | |
378.25 | |
380.00 | |
13.84 | |
1.75 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-666 | |
599000 | |
6170595 | |
143.29 | |
143.95 | |
20.30 | |
0.66 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-667 | |
599000 | |
6170595 | |
124.57 | |
126.24 | |
10.75 | |
1.67 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-670 | |
599010 | |
6170745 | |
253.59 | |
255.97 | |
11.50 | |
2.38 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-674 | |
599207 | |
6170942 | |
520.15 | |
526.45 | |
4.67 | |
6.30 | |
GAP |
| |
| |
And | |
566.25 | |
567.25 | |
49.50 | |
1.00 | |
FW |
JOY-12-677 | |
599154 | |
6170781 | |
321.04 | |
350.78 | |
14.58 | |
29.74 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-678 | |
598827 | |
6170985 | |
230.50 | |
231.50 | |
50.30 | |
1.00 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-679 | |
599155 | |
6170775 | |
343.99 | |
364.28 | |
13.81 | |
20.29 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-682 | |
599155 | |
6170775 | |
374.60 | |
375.60 | |
27.20 | |
1.00 | |
GAP |
| |
| |
And | |
400.80 | |
405.50 | |
11.07 | |
4.70 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-686 | |
599287 | |
6170925 | |
642.40 | |
648.33 | |
8.16 | |
5.93 | |
GAP |
JOY-12-688 | |
599481 | |
6170719 | |
416.20 | |
422.20 | |
5.07 | |
6.00 | |
HW |
JOY-12-689 | |
599537 | |
6170658 | |
382.84 | |
387.37 | |
3.51 | |
4.53 | |
HW |
| |
| |
And | |
603.00 | |
604.32 | |
4.68 | |
1.41 | |
GAP |
| |
| |
And | |
607.50 | |
609.08 | |
5.03 | |
1.58 | |
GAP |
Note: Composites were calculated using a 3.0
g/t Au cut-off grade and may include internal dilution. True widths are interpreted to be 75 to 95 percent of drilled width. Assay
results are uncut. True widths are interpreted to be 75 to 95 percent of drilled width. Assay results are uncut.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 37 |
Figure 3: Santoy Region Composite Longitudinal
Section of the Santoy Mine Complex
In addition to extending the mineralized
system, the program discovered a sub-parallel lens to the Santoy Gap deposit, approximately 150 metres to the east. These latest
drill intercepts continue to affirm the high prospectivity of the Santoy Regional Shear Zone, hosting multiple deposits over a
three kilometre strike length.
The 2013 surface drill program consisted
of three step-out drill holes targeting the down-plunge extension of the Santoy Gap and Santoy 8 deposits. Of these, two drill
holes returned high grade intercepts, interpreted to represent extensions of the mineralized system. Testing intercepted the Santoy
Gap and or Santoy 8 structures. Down-plunge drilling tested the extension of Santoy 8 intercepted a vein system hosted in a thick
package of highly altered shear zone.
Drilling at Santoy Gap has extended the
mineralized system down-plunge to 650 metres depth and at Santoy 8 has extended the system 400 metres below the base of the existing
inferred resource. Theses stepout drill intercepts significantly expand the footprint of the Santoy Mine Complex and are of a materially
higher grade than the current reserve and resource base. Santoy Gap results are highlighted by drill hole JOY-13-690 that returned
330.35 grams of gold per tonne over 1.55 metres, inclusive of a bonanza grade interval of 602.00 grams of gold per tonne over 0.84
metres. This is the highest grade interval drilled to date at the Santoy Gap. Drill hole JOY-13-692 returned 18.80 grams of gold
per tonne over 13.86 metres in the final hole of the program. The intercept is located 400 metres down plunge from existing Santoy
8 inferred resources and 200 metres along strike from the Santoy Gap inferred resources. Drill hole JOY-13-692 is of particular
significance as it confirms continuity at depth between the Santoy Gap and Santoy 8 deposits.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 38 |
The 2014 underground drilling program was
designed to define and expand the current Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources at the Santoy Gap. Results show high grade and
excellent widths that are hosted within three distinct vein systems, namely the Santoy Gap 9A, 9B and 9C. Select highlight holes
that have intercepted multiple vein systems are presented in the next two tables and provide further highlights and information
specific to each intercept. All results are reported as cut grade and true width.
Highlight Holes Intercepting Multiple Vein Systems Within
the Santoy Gap Deposit:
| |
VEIN SYSTEM |
| |
9A | |
9B | |
9C |
HOLE # | |
GRADE g/t (cut) | |
TRUE WIDTH (m) | |
GRADE g/t (cut) | |
TRUE WIDTH (m) | |
GRADE g/t (cut) | |
TRUE WIDTH (m) |
SUG-14-027 | |
33.56 | |
4.57 | |
7.71 | |
2.52 | |
4.28 | |
10.21 |
SUG-14-028 | |
15.35 | |
7.51 | |
4.84 | |
3.42 | |
6.71 | |
7.13 |
SUG-14-029 | |
50.00 | |
1.88 | |
10.91 | |
10.47 | |
15.17 | |
4.80 |
SUG-14-034 | |
13.29 | |
2.58 | |
22.54 | |
9.62 | |
4.93 | |
1.72 |
SUG-14-038 | |
9.87 | |
8.22 | |
20.20 | |
0.87 | |
28.36 | |
2.02 |
SUG-14-044 | |
8.03 | |
3.39 | |
- | |
- | |
11.33 | |
7.63 |
SUG-14-048 | |
6.06 | |
6.34 | |
6.23 | |
4.69 | |
26.77 | |
8.70 |
Highlights of Santoy Gap Year to Date 2014 Underground Drilling
Results:
| |
ZONE INTERSECTION | |
| |
| |
|
HOLE # | |
NAME (Target) | |
FROM | |
TO | |
GRADE g/t (uncut) | |
GRADE g/t (cut) | |
TRUE WIDTH (m) |
SUG-14-001 | |
9C | |
118.50 | |
127.50 | |
4.84 | |
4.84 | |
7.60 |
SUG-14-001 | |
9B | |
129.00 | |
132.50 | |
20.74 | |
15.82 | |
2.96 |
SUG-14-001 | |
9A | |
138.60 | |
140.50 | |
28.82 | |
23.86 | |
1.61 |
SUG-14-002 | |
9A | |
155.40 | |
165.00 | |
9.37 | |
9.37 | |
6.96 |
SUG-14-003 | |
9C | |
144.00 | |
149.60 | |
4.51 | |
4.51 | |
3.78 |
SUG-14-003 | |
9A | |
171.00 | |
177.00 | |
19.31 | |
19.31 | |
3.99 |
SUG-14-004 | |
9C | |
158.10 | |
163.80 | |
7.41 | |
7.41 | |
3.49 |
SUG-14-004 | |
9B | |
173.50 | |
181.40 | |
15.55 | |
15.55 | |
4.97 |
SUG-14-007 | |
9C | |
136.80 | |
139.40 | |
21.05 | |
21.05 | |
1.91 |
SUG-14-007 | |
9A | |
165.00 | |
173.90 | |
5.99 | |
5.42 | |
6.72 |
SUG-14-008 | |
9A | |
171.70 | |
174.40 | |
36.23 | |
22.39 | |
1.95 |
SUG-14-009 | |
9C | |
133.80 | |
137.10 | |
9.03 | |
9.03 | |
2.48 |
SUG-14-010 | |
9A | |
153.00 | |
157.00 | |
5.77 | |
5.77 | |
3.11 |
SUG-14-016 | |
9C | |
153.50 | |
157.50 | |
10.16 | |
10.16 | |
2.66 |
SUG-14-017 | |
9C | |
131.80 | |
140.20 | |
5.24 | |
5.24 | |
6.19 |
SUG-14-019 | |
9B | |
166.50 | |
169.50 | |
17.93 | |
17.93 | |
1.92 |
SUG-14-020 | |
9A | |
144.00 | |
151.50 | |
3.51 | |
3.51 | |
6.14 |
SUG-14-022 | |
9C | |
120.00 | |
121.50 | |
21.19 | |
21.19 | |
1.23 |
SUG-14-025 | |
9C | |
113.10 | |
114.30 | |
67.03 | |
50.00 | |
1.05 |
SUG-14-026 | |
9C | |
139.00 | |
147.20 | |
11.95 | |
11.95 | |
5.73 |
SUG-14-026 | |
9A | |
156.00 | |
160.50 | |
25.01 | |
25.01 | |
3.16 |
SUG-14-027 | |
9C | |
129.10 | |
142.50 | |
4.28 | |
4.28 | |
10.21 |
SUG-14-027 | |
9B | |
147.00 | |
150.30 | |
7.71 | |
7.71 | |
2.52 |
SUG-14-027 | |
9A | |
157.50 | |
163.50 | |
45.49 | |
33.56 | |
4.57 |
SUG-14-028 | |
9C | |
127.30 | |
136.50 | |
6.71 | |
6.71 | |
7.13 |
SUG-14-028 | |
9B | |
144.90 | |
149.30 | |
4.84 | |
4.84 | |
3.42 |
SUG-14-028 | |
9A | |
151.50 | |
161.20 | |
16.44 | |
15.35 | |
7.51 |
SUG-14-029 | |
9C | |
119.50 | |
125.40 | |
27.51 | |
15.17 | |
4.80 |
SUG-14-029 | |
9B | |
127.30 | |
140.00 | |
14.75 | |
10.91 | |
10.47 |
SUG-14-029 | |
9A | |
145.50 | |
147.80 | |
91.58 | |
50.00 | |
1.88 |
SUG-14-030 | |
9C | |
114.40 | |
117.50 | |
5.55 | |
5.55 | |
2.66 |
SUG-14-031 | |
9B | |
117.00 | |
123.00 | |
16.31 | |
13.63 | |
5.42 |
SUG-14-031 | |
9A | |
128.70 | |
133.50 | |
11.95 | |
11.95 | |
4.33 |
SUG-14-032 | |
9A | |
131.90 | |
135.50 | |
5.66 | |
5.66 | |
3.26 |
SUG-14-033 | |
9C | |
148.40 | |
152.90 | |
6.86 | |
6.86 | |
2.93 |
SUG-14-033 | |
9B | |
160.00 | |
163.30 | |
10.58 | |
10.58 | |
2.18 |
SUG-14-034 | |
9B | |
118.30 | |
129.50 | |
36.96 | |
22.54 | |
9.62 |
SUG-14-034 | |
9A | |
130.60 | |
133.60 | |
13.29 | |
13.29 | |
2.58 |
SUG-14-035 | |
9C | |
116.70 | |
120.20 | |
16.57 | |
16.57 | |
3.07 |
SUG-14-036 | |
9C | |
133.20 | |
138.50 | |
11.13 | |
11.13 | |
3.96 |
SUG-14-037 | |
9B | |
132.00 | |
136.00 | |
6.89 | |
6.89 | |
3.20 |
SUG-14-038 | |
9C | |
112.40 | |
114.70 | |
28.36 | |
28.36 | |
2.02 |
SUG-14-038 | |
9B | |
120.00 | |
121.00 | |
20.20 | |
20.20 | |
0.87 |
SUG-14-038 | |
9A | |
132.40 | |
141.80 | |
14.97 | |
9.87 | |
8.22 |
SUG-14-039 | |
9C | |
120.00 | |
122.00 | |
9.29 | |
9.29 | |
1.64 |
SUG-14-039 | |
9A | |
146.80 | |
149.50 | |
9.84 | |
9.84 | |
2.20 |
SUG-14-041 | |
9C | |
143.20 | |
148.10 | |
10.57 | |
10.57 | |
3.51 |
SUG-14-041 | |
9B | |
151.40 | |
155.40 | |
5.59 | |
5.59 | |
3.05 |
SUG-14-042 | |
9C | |
133.90 | |
139.20 | |
53.11 | |
11.89 | |
3.94 |
SUG-14-044 | |
9C | |
128.80 | |
139.10 | |
11.33 | |
11.33 | |
7.63 |
SUG-14-044 | |
9A | |
156.20 | |
160.80 | |
19.18 | |
8.03 | |
3.39 |
SUG-14-045 | |
9C | |
141.30 | |
152.10 | |
8.91 | |
8.91 | |
7.57 |
SUG-14-045 | |
9B | |
153.00 | |
156.00 | |
11.58 | |
11.58 | |
2.08 |
SUG-14-047 | |
9C | |
159.30 | |
172.50 | |
11.06 | |
11.06 | |
7.36 |
SUG-14-048 | |
9C | |
154.00 | |
168.30 | |
30.16 | |
26.77 | |
8.70 |
SUG-14-048 | |
9B | |
171.30 | |
179.20 | |
7.04 | |
6.23 | |
4.69 |
SUG-14-048 | |
9A | |
185.40 | |
196.20 | |
6.06 | |
6.06 | |
6.34 |
SUG-14-049 | |
9C | |
160.80 | |
165.00 | |
13.50 | |
13.50 | |
2.60 |
SUG-14-049 | |
9B | |
174.40 | |
178.70 | |
12.49 | |
12.49 | |
2.66 |
SUG-14-049 | |
9A | |
193.50 | |
199.00 | |
4.93 | |
4.93 | |
3.36 |
SUG-14-056 | |
9C | |
150.40 | |
168.00 | |
7.35 | |
7.35 | |
10.88 |
SUG-14-308 | |
9A | |
131.20 | |
139.50 | |
37.04 | |
14.71 | |
4.86 |
SUG-14-310 | |
9A | |
107.50 | |
109.00 | |
19.38 | |
19.38 | |
1.00 |
SUG-14-314 | |
9A | |
74.20 | |
77.80 | |
5.37 | |
5.37 | |
3.46 |
SUG-14-316 | |
9A | |
162.60 | |
169.60 | |
5.76 | |
5.76 | |
3.28 |
SUG-14-318 | |
9A | |
137.10 | |
144.80 | |
6.47 | |
6.47 | |
4.39 |
SUG-14-328 | |
9A | |
70.20 | |
73.80 | |
12.19 | |
12.19 | |
3.59 |
SUG-14-329 | |
9A | |
74.60 | |
78.00 | |
6.38 | |
6.38 | |
3.23 |
SUG-14-334 | |
9A | |
159.90 | |
161.30 | |
166.87 | |
50.00 | |
0.73 |
SUG-14-337 | |
9A | |
72.20 | |
73.50 | |
48.30 | |
48.30 | |
1.27 |
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 39 |
Note: Composites are calculated at a
3.5 g/t cut-off and a 50.0 g/t top-cut and may include internal dilution.
Santoy Region Future Work Programs
At Santoy drilling will be focused on infill
drilling on the Santoy Gap deposit for conversion into reserves as well as production definition drilling. Additional drilling
will evaluate extensions at depths of the Santoy 8 deposit.
During the third quarter, the Company engaged
an engineering firm to update sections of the Santoy Gap mine plan, focusing on mine design, ventilation and future power requirements.
Once completed, the Company will move forward with development to achieve a full production rate of 500 to 700 tonnes per day.
Capital expenditures required to achieve the future production ramp up are expected to be minimal and the Company expects to fund
its organic growth through internal cash flows.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 40 |
Figure 4: Map of the Santoy Region
Seabee Property – Currie Rose
Claude's 11,000 acre (4,500 hectare), 100
percent owned Currie Rose property adjoins the Seabee property with most of the ground under disposition lying to the west, north
and east.
Geology
The geology of the Currie Rose property
is similar to that observed in the previously described Seabee Mine, as the Laonil Lake Intrusive Complex underlies much of the
property. Outside the core of the property, the Laonil Lake Intrusive Complex is flanked by a volcanic-sedimentary rock sequence.
Limited drilling in these rock types has returned anomalous gold values. As reported above, gold-bearing shears traverse this sequence.
See “History” below for further detail.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 41 |
History
The Currie Rose property was originally
staked by prospector David Partridge in 1980 to cover gold occurrences discovered by his father, Eric Partridge, during the mid
1960s and early 1970s. They were optioned in 1980 and purchased outright in 1983 by Currie Rose Resources. Currie Rose Resources
conducted exploration on the property from 1980 to 1984 before optioning the property to Placer. Placer was the exploration operator
from 1984 to 1990. Approximately $2.6 million was spent on various exploration activities on the property during this period.
Placer’s option on the property expired
in 1991 with Currie Rose Resources regaining a 100 percent interest. No exploration work was conducted until 1994 when Claude entered
into an option agreement and carried out a prospecting program. This program identified at least nine gold bearing structures that
warranted drill testing. In 1995, Claude conducted a drill program of 3,458 metres in 27 holes to test the structures identified
during the prior year. In 1996, Claude drilled a total of 2,566 metres in 23 holes to define the 10 zone which was adjacent to
the western boundary of the Seabee Property claims.
In 1997, Claude drilled a total of 1,395
metres in six holes, including one that straddled the Seabee Property’s western boundary. The holes encountered veins that
were interpreted as extensions of the Seabee’s 10 and 2c structures. Work programs in 1999 involved 60 holes totaling 7,346
metres of diamond drilling. This program targeted showings discovered by prospecting in the two preceding years and focused on
an area of the Currie Rose property to the south and west of the mine trend. It produced some remarkable intersections on a structure
(R and S Vein intersection) that appears to have a limited strike length. Additional structures returned encouraging intersections
that required follow-up drilling.
The work program in 2000 included the winter
drilling of 23 surface holes totaling 5,397 metres. As a follow-up to the preceding year’s program, most of the holes were
collared to the west of the Mineral Lease 5520 in the Bird Lake area, exploring for mineralized structures parallel to the 2 Vein.
Other targets in the Porky Lake and Pine Lake areas were also tested. Drilling was successful in confirming the existence of strong
shear structures with encouraging gold values.
In 2001, Claude explored six more remote
target areas with a program that involved 42 holes that totaled 5,037 metres of diamond drilling. Testing splays and parallel structures,
this drilling encountered anomalous gold values within variably sheared host rocks. Target areas included Scoop, Porky, Herb, Pine,
East and West Bird Lakes.
In 2002, Claude focused its attention on
a laterally extensive geochemical soil anomaly on the west shore of Porky Lake and on a series of quartz-bearing shear structures
north and east of the No. 5 ramp access. Porky Lake lies three kilometres north of the Seabee Mine. The Porky Main and West zones
are located in or close to the hinge area of the regional Porky Lake anticline. Mineralization is hosted by shear zones near the
contact between mafic metavolcanic rocks and underlying feldspathic arenite. Both lithologies are extensively altered and quartz
flooded. Eighteen holes totaling 3,355 metres targeted the former and 31 holes totaling 6,743 metres targeted the latter. The Porky
Lake drilling resulted in the discovery of the Porky West zone, a ‘calc-silicate’ second order shear structure that
returned gold grades in the 3-15 grams per tonne range over widths from one to three metres. Additional drilling east of the No.
5 mine access produced isolated high gold values over narrow widths.
Drilling in 2003 on the Porky West zone
had as its goal, the delineation of this mineralized structure to depth and along strike. The program consisted of 28 holes totaling
5,775 metres on 50-metre centres on the main zone. An additional 13 holes totaling 2,913 metres tested the structure’s potential
along strike to the west. This drilling resulted in the discovery of an arenite-hosted high-grade lens named the west zone. Follow-up
induced polarization geophysical surveys suggest the Porky Lake mineralized system is more pervasive than previously thought with
greater continuity of the associated sulfide phases.
Drilling in 2004 in the Porky Main zone
consisted of 22 in-fill holes totaling 3,047 metres. The holes were collared on a grid of approximately 25 by 25 metres. Based
on these and previously drilled holes, a resource estimation has identified 160,000 tonnes grading 7.50 grams per tonne in the
Indicated Mineral Resource category with an additional 70,000 tonnes grading 10.43 grams per tonne in the Inferred Mineral Resource
category. This resource estimation was done using the sectional method, with a 3.0 grams per tonne cut-off grade and a 42.5 grams
per tonne cutting factor.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 42 |
The Porky West zone is located approximately
1.5 kilometres northwest of the Porky Main zone, in the northwest limb of the Porky Lake anticline. Mineralization in this structure
is similar to that in the Main zone, but is mainly hosted in the feldspathic arenite. Thirty-one delineation holes totaling 5,027
metres were drilled in 2004 on the West zone on a grid of approximately 25 by 25 metres. The zone is open along strike further
to the northwest as indicated by surface exploration that has returned high-grade grab samples.
A 6.8 kilometre all-weather road has been
constructed between the Porky West zone and the Seabee mill.
In addition to the delineation drills in
the Main and West zones, 25 exploratory holes totaling 5,710 metres were drilled on the eastern limb of the Porky Lake anticline,
also targeting the contact between the mafic metavolcanic rocks and feldspathic arenite. This phase of the drill program identified
a wide mineralized corridor (10 to 20 metres) that routinely returned assays of 1 to 2 grams per tonne. Within this corridor and
associated with carbonate and chloritic alteration, drilling returned multiple high-grade sulfide-quartz vein intercepts, up to
31.87 grams per tonne over 6.3 metres.
The core from this program was logged and
split at the Company's core logging facility at the Seabee mill. Assaying has been done by TSL Laboratories of Saskatoon which
include random checks of pulps and rejects. All core intervals have been fire assayed with a gravimetric finish, with samples that
assayed greater than 10 grams per tonne checked by a total metallics assay.
Claude continued to aggressively explore
the Porky Lake area for gold deposits in 2005. Permission to conduct bulk sampling of the Porky West zone was granted in early
June. Physical work began at the site with the collaring of the portal and driving about 125 metres of a 3.5 metre high by 4.0
metre wide decline ramp down to the 65 metre level. A 7,657 tonne bulk sample grading 3.69 grams per tonne was extracted in 2006
above the previously defined Mineral Resource.
There was limited exploration done in 2007.
In 2008, Claude obtained an additional 35,000 tonne bulk sampling permit. In June 2008, dewatering of the decline and underground
development was initiated. Once preparations were completed, a decline was driven down to access the 75-11 and 65-11 sills
during the initial phase of the expanded bulk sampling program. During 2008, 5,781 tonnes at a grade of 3.59 grams per tonne
were processed from Porky West.
During 2009 the Company undertook a small
diamond drill exploration program and completed the bulk sample program. The bulk sample program extracted and processed 33,068
tonnes of ore at 3.34 grams of gold per tonne – development reached the 115 metre level. The surface diamond drilling program
extended the Porky West ore shoots down plunge.
During 2010, exploration focused on the
preliminary evaluation of the Neptune target. The Neptune target is approximately six kilometres north
of the Seabee Minesite. Exploration in this area was focused on the Pigeon Lake region utilizing geological, geochemical and geophysical
surveys and historical drill data. The gold-in-soil anomaly exists along three sub-parallel trends spanning a width of at least
200 metres. Peak soil values of 111 parts per billion (“ppb”) were obtained from minus 80 mesh soil samples obtained
over and adjacent to outcropping mineralization. Prospector channel and grab samples from outcropping quartz vein-hosted mineralization
returned values of up to 18.23 grams per tonne (please see Claude news release “Claude Resources Inc. Drills 13.6
Grams of Gold per Tonne Over 3.0 Metres at Neptune Target” dated March 23, 2011).
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 43 |
Figure 5: Neptune target showing significant
gold intercepts and soil anomaly
Initial drilling revealed high gold grades
associated with sheeted quartz veins within several prospective zones of alteration and veining hosted within both arenite and
basalt-derived, biotite-chlorite schist. Exploration efforts in 2011 included the completion of a 28 hole, 9,550 metre drill program
designed to test the 1.8 kilometre strike length of the soil anomaly to vertical depths of up to 250 metres. This drill program
outlined a gold-bearing structure over a strike length of 1,200 metres to depths in excess of 250 metres and intersected high-grade
gold within multiple structures with assay results of up to 84.66 grams of gold per tonne across 3.20 metres.
In 2012, the Company drilled a further
5,670 metres in 15 drill holes confirming the sporadic nature of the gold-bearing system.
Seabee (Currie Rose) Property Future
Work Programs
Claude will continue to analyze the potential
for these targets. However, no exploration work was undertaken in 2014 and none is expected in 2015.
Seabee Area Reserves and Resources
Claude originally
commissioned Cominco Engineering to provide a feasibility study on the Seabee Mine in 1989. A positive feasibility study was prepared
and presented to the Company in August 1989, and a revised study was presented in May 1990. The reserve estimates for the property
were reviewed by A.C.A. Howe. From 1988-2006, A.C.A. Howe visited the mine annually and received all technical, developmental and
production reports concerning the mine. Using this information, A.C.A. Howe then reviewed the reserve estimates developed by the
Company’s own mining staff. From 2007 to 2010 the Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates were conducted under the
direction of the Company’s Qualified Persons. In 2011, the Company engaged SRK to conduct an independent audit of the 2011
year end reserves and resources. In 2012, the Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates were conducted under the direction
of the Company’s Qualified Persons. In 2013, the Company engaged SRK to act as QP on the 2013 year-end Mineral Reserves;
Mineral Resources estimates were conducted under the direction of the Company’s Qualified Person, Brian Skanderbeg, P.Geo.,
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In 2014, Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources were estimated by Claude
personnel. The Mineral Resource evaluation work was completed by a team of geologists and engineers under the supervision of Brian
Skanderbeg, P.Geo., President and Chief Executive Officer. Mineral Reserves were conducted under the direction of Qualified Person
Gordon Reed, P.Eng., Seabee Gold Operation General Manager.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 44 |
The methodology for estimating Mineral
Reserves and Mineral Resources is an interpolation and extrapolation between sill sampling and diamond drill holes. Resource blocks
are measured from planned stope dimensions, excluding any pillars. High-grade gold assays are cut to 50 grams per tonne at the
Seabee and Santoy 8 mines prior to grade estimates. The Company uses a 70 grams per tonne top cut for its newly discovered L62
deposit. This cutting factor has been established from statistics and is supported by experience during the life of the mine.
Proven Mineral Reserves are sampled in
two dimensions by a sill and a raise, or are sampled by horizontal sill mining and projected to no more than one mine level to
diamond drill holes on the same structure. Probable Mineral Reserves include blocks that have either been sampled by sill mining
and projected beyond diamond drilling to a maximum one mine level, or have been sampled by closely spaced diamond drill holes of
usually 25 to 35 metres laterally and up to 50 metres down dip on structures with a previous production history, or have been mapped
and sampled at surface.
The major portion of the Proven and Probable
Mineral Reserves occur within the well-defined shoots currently being mined. The following mining and economic factors are well-established
and have been applied to those Mineral Resources thereby resulting in their conversion to Mineral Reserves.
A block cut-off grade averaging 4.5 grams
per tonne for the Seabee Mine, 3.6 grams per tonne for Santoy 8 and Santoy Gap and 3.0 grams per tonne for Porky West and Porky
Main is applied to Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources. This cut-off is the application of dilution, mining losses and mill
recovery. It may be beneficial on occasion to mine and haul lower grade ore to access reserves.
The walls and back of shrinkage stopes
at the mine are supported by rock bolts to minimize external dilution. Dilution can range from 10 to 40 percent, but typically
a dilution factor of 20 to 25 percent is applied.
Remotely-operated scooptrams are used to
retrieve the residual in-stope ore that is trapped between the drawpoints, keeping stope recovery at an approximate average of
85 percent. Based upon regular test work at the mine, a Specific Gravity of 2.8 is utilized in tonnage estimates on the less sulphide-rich
zones; the 2d structure has a measured density of 2.9.
All samples were assayed by the Company’s
non-accredited assay lab at the Seabee Mine site. Duplicate check assays were conducted at site as well as at TSL Laboratories
in Saskatoon. As well, an extensive quality assurance/quality control program including the insertion of blanks, duplicates and
standards. Results of the spot checks were consistent with those reported. Sampling interval was established by minimum or maximum
sampling lengths and geological and/or structural criteria. Minimum sampling length was 0.3 metres while the maximum was 1.5 metres.
200 gram samples were pulverized until greater than 80 percent passes through a 200 mesh screen. 30 gram pulp samples were then
analyzed for gold by fire assay with gravimetric finish (0.01 grams per tonne detection limit).
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 45 |
At the Seabee Gold Operation, year over year, Proven and
Probable Mineral Reserves grade increased by 23 percent to 7.03 grams per tonne while reserve ounces decreased 29 percent to
299.000 ounces. The increase in reserve grade was driven by a 35 percent increase in grade year over year at the Santoy Gap
(7.64 grams per tonne from 5,68 grams per tonne). The increase in grade and reduction in reserve ounces at Santoy Gay was
largely the result of a revision to the mining method from the pre-feasibilitv study. Based on information from the
Company’s 2014 infihl drilling program that demonstrated better vein continuity and improved pillar configuration,
Transverse mining was replaced with Long-hole mining.
Measure and Indicated Mineral Resources decreased 29 percent
to 125.200 ounces. Inferred Mineral Resources increased by 45 percent to 847,300 ounces. The near doubling of inferred ounces
year over year came from significantly expanding the Santoy 8 ore body at depth. This extension is significant in size and grade
and provides for a great opportunity to expand the life of mine at the Santoy Mine Complex.
The Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources of the Santoy Gap
deposit continue to be important and represent an opportunity for the Company due to their proximity to permitted mine infrastructure,
low development cost and near-term production potential. Furthermore, based on its high-grade nature and size, the Santoy Gap
deposit demonstrates the potential that exists to grow production at the Seabee Gold Operation.
Seabee Gold Operation Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources |
Proven and Probable Reserves |
| |
November 30, 2014 | |
November 15, 2013 |
Projects | |
Tonnes | |
Grade (g/t) | |
Ozs | |
Tonnes | |
Grade (g/t) | |
Ozs |
Seabee | |
410,300 | |
6.46 | |
85,200 | |
490,000 | |
6.67 | |
105,000 |
Santoy 8 | |
113,200 | |
4.80 | |
17,500 | |
362,100 | |
4.45 | |
51,800 |
Santoy Gap | |
799,600 | |
7.64 | |
196,300 | |
1,456,700 | |
5.68 | |
266,100 |
Totals | |
1,323,100 | |
7.03 | |
299,000 | |
2,308,800 | |
5.70 | |
422,900 |
Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources |
Projects | |
Tonnes | |
Grade (g/t) | |
Ozs | |
Tonnes | |
Grade (g/t) | |
Ozs |
Seabee | |
105,900 | |
6.78 | |
23,100 | |
151,000 | |
6.42 | |
31,200 |
Santoy 8 | |
101,700 | |
5.69 | |
18,600 | |
68,000 | |
4.55 | |
9,900 |
Santoy Gap | |
182,600 | |
5.69 | |
33,400 | |
309,400 | |
8.44 | |
83,900 |
Porky Main | |
160,000 | |
7.50 | |
38,600 | |
160,000 | |
7.50 | |
38,600 |
Porky West | |
100,700 | |
3.57 | |
11,600 | |
100,700 | |
3.57 | |
11,600 |
Totals | |
651,000 | |
5.98 | |
125,200 | |
789,100 | |
6.91 | |
175,200 |
Inferred Mineral Resources |
Projects | |
Tonnes | |
Grade (g/t) | |
Ozs | |
Tonnes | |
Grade (g/t) | |
Ozs |
Seabee | |
403,300 | |
8.09 | |
104,900 | |
421,600 | |
9.78 | |
132,600 |
Santoy 8 | |
1,344,300 | |
8.56 | |
369,900 | |
640,100 | |
6.09 | |
125,300 |
Santoy Gap | |
1,319,100 | |
7.50 | |
318,100 | |
1,210,000 | |
6.96 | |
270,800 |
Porky Main | |
70,000 | |
10.43 | |
23,500 | |
70,000 | |
10.43 | |
23,500 |
Porky West | |
174,800 | |
5.48 | |
30,800 | |
174,800 | |
5.48 | |
30,800 |
Totals | |
3,311,400 | |
7.96 | |
847,300 | |
2,516,500 | |
7.21 | |
582,900 |
Footnotes to the Mineral Resource Statement:
| 1. | At November 30, 2014, Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources were estimated by Claude personnel.
The Mineral Resource evaluation work was completed by a team of geologists and engineers under the supervision of Brian Skanderbeg,
P.Geo., President and Chief Executive Officer, a full time employee of Claude. Mineral Reserves were conducted under the direction
of Qualified Person Gordon Reed, P.Eng., Seabee Gold Operation General Manager, a full time employee of Claude. Mr. Skanderbeg
and Mr. Reed have sufficient experience, which is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration
and to the activities undertaken to qualify as a Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101. |
| 2. | At November 15, 2013, Mineral Resources were estimated by Claude personnel. SRK Consulting (Canada)
Inc. prepared the Company’s Mineral Reserves as at November 15, 2013. The Mineral Resource evaluation work was completed
by a team of geologists and engineers under the supervision of Brian Skanderbeg. Mineral Reserves were conducted under the direction
of Qualified Person Stephen Taylor, P.Eng (SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc.). |
| 3. | The Mineral Resources and reserves reported herein have been estimated in conformity with generally
accepted CIM “Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves Best Practices” guidelines and are reported in accordance
with Canadian Securities Administrators’ NI 43-101. |
| 4. | Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Seabee deposit are reported at a cut-off of 4.5
grams of gold per tonne. Santoy 8 and Santoy Gap Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off of 3.6 grams
of gold per tonne. Porky Main and Porky West Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 3.0 grams of gold per tonne.
Assumptions include a price of CDN $1,375 per ounce of gold using metallurgical and process recovery of 95.2 percent and overall
ore mining and processing costs derived from 2014 and 2013 realized costs. |
| 5. | All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Summation of individual
columns may not add-up due to rounding. |
| 6. | Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.
There is no certainty that all or any part of the Mineral Resource will be converted into Mineral Reserves. |
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 46 |
Amisk Property
The Amisk Property, totaling 40,400 hectares,
is a gold exploration property located in the province of Saskatchewan 20 kilometres southwest of Flin Flon, Manitoba. Access to
the property is via air, water or winter ice road from Flin Flon. The property consists of 85 mineral dispositions in the Amisk
area. Some of the mineral dispositions have immaterial Net Profits Interest royalties.
The property is at the advanced-exploration
stage and is currently without economic ore reserves. Therefore, the current operations on the property consist of an exploratory
search for mineable deposits of ore.
AMISK LOCATION
How Acquired
Husky and a predecessor company of Cameco
entered into an agreement effective November 1, 1987 whereby a joint venture (the "Amisk Joint Venture") was established
to prospect for and locate minerals within the Amisk property. Each of Husky and Cameco had a 50 percent participating interest
in the Amisk Joint Venture.
In October of 1995, Claude entered into
an option agreement (the "Amisk Lake Option Agreement") with Husky and Cameco, whereby it could earn and acquire a 35
percent participating interest in the Amisk Joint Venture by spending an aggregate of $2.5 million on the property by October,
1999. Claude had spent approximately $3.4 million on this property and had earned a 35 percent participating interest under the
Amisk Lake Option Agreement.
Late in 2009 the Company reevaluated the
potential of the Amisk Gold Project and acquired the interests held by Cameco and Husky in early 2010. Subsequently, the Company
then finalized a sale agreement with SEM to sell to SEM a 35 percent interest in the property. During the fourth quarter of 2011,
the Company announced its intent to acquire all of the shares of SEM. On February 2, 2012, the Company announced the successful
closing of this transaction. As a result, Claude now owns 100 percent of the Amisk Gold Project. During 2012, the Company staked
an additional 16,033 hectares on the western portion of the Amisk Gold Project.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 47 |
Figure 6: Amisk Gold Project
Regional and Property Geology
The Amisk Gold Property area lies within
the Laurel Lake Rhyolite Complex within the Flin Flon-Snow Lake Greenstone Belt. The known mineralization on the property is confined
to the complex where deformation has influenced its present distribution and orientation.
Precious metal mineralization is part of
a synergistic hydrothermal event. The observed vein mineralogy consists of pyrite and quartz, along with copper, lead, zinc, and
antimony sulphides, small quantities of bismuth and antimony tellurides with quartz and carbonate minerals. Sericite-muscovite
alteration occurs in the wallrock, forming an envelope about the sulphide dominant mineralization. Quartz veins on the property
have been observed to be deformed, boudinaged and folded, which is consistent with the overall deformation style.
Previous Exploration History
Free gold was discovered in quartz veins
on the northwest shore of Amisk Lake in 1913. Since then, many claims have been staked at different times covering various parts
of the area. Exploration activity in the area remained somewhat sporadic and geophysically-oriented for base metals until Saskatchewan
Mining Development Corporation (a predecessor of Cameco) began assembling a land package through staking and options in the late
1970s. Cameco continued with geophysical and geochemical programs which resulted in the discovery of gold on the Laurel Lake property
and on a number of other significant gold showings in the area prior to the programs being suspended in 1989.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 48 |
In the first three years of its option,
Claude completed four phases of diamond drilling totaling 18,000 metres in 57 holes as well as geological mapping during the summers
of 1997 through 1999. In 2000, Claude conducted mapping and prospecting of those claims to fulfill assessment obligations. This
field program resulted in the discovery of a gold-bearing shear system on Lookout Island that required follow-up.
In 2001, work programs on the Amisk property
focused on meeting assessment requirements as part of the option agreement obligations. In 2002, field crews mapped and resampled
the margins of the Laurel Lake rhyolite dome. The work confirmed the existence of elevated gold values as discontinuous stockwork
fractures proximal to the rhyolite’s margins. The program also included further stripping/sampling of the Lookout Island
gold-bearing shear system and two silicified/pyritized corridors south of the Laurel Lake zone on Hyslin Bay.
There had been no field work done on the
Amisk Property from 2003 to 2009.
During 2010, a 5,600 metre, 21 hole drill
program on the Amisk Gold Project was completed. The program tested the extensions of the Amisk Gold Deposit as well as validated
historic drill data in the core of the deposit. All of the 11 holes from the winter drill program intersected mineralization and
successfully confirmed near-surface, potentially bulk-mineable gold and silver mineralization. A significant number of the holes
ended in mineralization.
Based on the positive results from the
second quarter drill program, a summer program that included the sampling of greater than 22,000 metres of historic core, was undertaken.
Subsequent sampling of this drill core during 2010 confirmed grade continuity expanded the mineralized system and yielded 244 composite
intervals greater than a 20 gram metre produced from the 278 historic drill holes. Highlights include up to 241 metres at 2.16
grams of gold per tonne and 18.9 grams of silver per tonne.
The results combined with geological compilation
and modeling outline an extensive, bulk-mineable gold system. The system remains open along strike to the northeast, southwest,
southeast and down-dip.
Based on the success of the 2010 winter
drill program and the summer historic core sampling, the Joint Venture approved and completed a 3,300 metre drill program that
expanded the strike and dip extensions of the Amisk Gold Deposit.
Combined with results from the summer historic
core sampling program, 2010 drilling has expanded the mineralized system to a strike length of 500 metres, width of 400 metres
and depths of 400 metres.
On February 17, 2011, Claude released an
NI 43-101 compliant resource calculation which included results of all drilling to date, inclusive of historic core. The independent
Mineral Resource statement was completed by SRK and is outlined in Table 13. An NI 43-101 Technical Report in support of the Mineral
Resource statement was filed on SEDAR on April 4, 2011. Claude held a 65 percent interest in the Amisk Lake Gold Project at December
31, 2011, which increased to a 100 percent interest on February 1, 2012 (see "2.1 Recent History under "General Development
of the Business").
Consolidated Mineral Resource Statement* Amisk Gold Project, Saskatchewan (100 percent) |
| |
Quantity | |
Grade (g/tonne) | |
Contained Ounces (000’s) |
Resource Class | |
(000’s tonnes) | |
Au | |
Ag | |
Au Eq | |
Au | |
Ag | |
Au Eq |
Indicated | |
30,150 | |
0.85 | |
6.17 | |
0.95 | |
827 | |
5,978 | |
921 |
Inferred | |
28,653 | |
0.64 | |
4.01 | |
0.70 | |
589 | |
3,692 | |
645 |
| * | Reported at a cut-off of 0.40 grams of gold equivalent
(Au Eq) per tonne using a price of U.S. $1,100 per ounce of gold and U.S. $16 per ounce of silver inside a conceptual pit shell
optimized using metallurgical and process recovery of eight-seven percent, overall ore mining and processing costs of U.S.$15
per tonne and overall pit slope of fifty degrees. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Mineral
Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. |
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 49 |
Figure 7: Surface Projection of the
Amisk Gold Deposit
During 2011, a 20 hole, 6,480 metre drill
program was completed on the Amisk Gold Project. This program focused specifically on testing the limits of the mineralized footprint
north of the current pit outline, targeting depth extension below the pit bottom and infill drilling to evaluate potential upgrade
of categories in the resource estimate completed by SRK. Twenty drill holes successfully confirmed continuity of gold mineralization
within the northern and eastern portion of the deposit as well as demonstrated the potential for expansion to the east and southeast.
2011 Summer and Fall Drill Results from the Amisk Gold Project |
Hole | |
Easting | |
Northing | |
Az/Dip | |
From (m) | |
Length (m) | |
Au (g/t) | |
Ag (g/t) |
AL-11-300 | |
676827 | |
6066224 | |
80/-45 | |
50.00 | |
9.00 | |
1.50 | |
9.2 |
and | |
| |
| |
| |
188.00 | |
56.50 | |
0.58 | |
3.5 |
AL-11-301 | |
676875 | |
6066233 | |
80/-45 | |
150.00 | |
21.00 | |
1.15 | |
6.7 |
and | |
| |
| |
| |
205.00 | |
24.61 | |
1.88 | |
12.4 |
AL-11-302 | |
676910 | |
6066380 | |
80/-45 | |
96.00 | |
8.51 | |
1.14 | |
4.5 |
AL-11-303 | |
676910 | |
6066380 | |
283/-45 | |
18.00 | |
26.00 | |
1.02 | |
4.3 |
AL-11-304 | |
676910 | |
6066380 | |
0/-90 | |
93.41 | |
37.59 | |
0.55 | |
2.8 |
AL-11-305 | |
676900 | |
6066330 | |
80/-45 | |
175.47 | |
8.03 | |
1.16 | |
6.2 |
AL-11-306 | |
676885 | |
6066283 | |
80/-45 | |
40.25 | |
89.75 | |
0.51 | |
2.5 |
AL-11-307 | |
676921 | |
6066430 | |
80/-45 | |
NSI | |
| |
| |
|
AL-11-308 | |
676921 | |
6066430 | |
285/-45 | |
NSI | |
| |
| |
|
AL-11-309 | |
676900 | |
6066480 | |
283/-45 | |
18.92 | |
1.00 | |
5.31 | |
13.1 |
AL-11-310 | |
676900 | |
6066480 | |
0/-90 | |
NSI | |
| |
| |
|
AL-11-311 | |
676900 | |
6066480 | |
283/-60 | |
NSI | |
| |
| |
|
AL-11-312 | |
676877 | |
6066141 | |
70/-45 | |
69.50 | |
26.50 | |
0.44 | |
1.5 |
and | |
| |
| |
| |
108.00 | |
24.00 | |
0.51 | |
0.9 |
and | |
| |
| |
| |
191.15 | |
28.85 | |
0.67 | |
2.8 |
AL-11-313 | |
676838 | |
6066035 | |
105/-45 | |
37.85 | |
16.15 | |
1.02 | |
7.4 |
and | |
| |
| |
| |
125.00 | |
22.00 | |
0.54 | |
7.6 |
and | |
| |
| |
| |
185.00 | |
19.50 | |
0.65 | |
2.3 |
and | |
| |
| |
| |
239.47 | |
36.53 | |
0.61 | |
2.9 |
AL-11-314 | |
676835 | |
6066052 | |
90/-45 | |
141.00 | |
23.00 | |
0.76 | |
2.8 |
AL-11-315 | |
676999 | |
6066416 | |
184/-62 | |
87.94 | |
12.22 | |
1.32 | |
6.7 |
Incl | |
| |
| |
| |
95.08 | |
1.92 | |
5.42 | |
30.8 |
AL-11-316 | |
676868 | |
6066443 | |
177/-58 | |
92.00 | |
37.00 | |
0.49 | |
2.2 |
AL-11-317 | |
676769 | |
6066515 | |
178/-58 | |
256.00 | |
16.50 | |
1.37 | |
5.7 |
incl | |
| |
| |
| |
257.00 | |
3.00 | |
5.28 | |
22.4 |
AL-11-318 | |
676444 | |
6066436 | |
166/-66 | |
69.00 | |
1.81 | |
0.17 | |
11.5 |
and | |
| |
| |
| |
311.00 | |
12.00 | |
6.24 | |
23.5 |
incl | |
| |
| |
| |
313.85 | |
1.15 | |
62.00 | |
224 |
and | |
| |
| |
| |
643.5 | |
71.74 | |
0.6 | |
4 |
incl | |
| |
| |
| |
699.5 | |
14.00 | |
1.64 | |
11.8 |
and | |
| |
| |
| |
728.00 | |
37.00 | |
0.61 | |
2.2 |
incl | |
| |
| |
| |
763.00 | |
2.00 | |
5.71 | |
22.0 |
and | |
| |
| |
| |
809.39 | |
10.61 | |
1.65 | |
2.6 |
incl | |
| |
| |
| |
809.39 | |
2.21 | |
6.06 | |
8.5 |
AL-11-319 | |
676744 | |
6065948 | |
97/-47 | |
53.00 | |
32.00 | |
0.98 | |
7.1 |
incl | |
| |
| |
| |
68.00 | |
1.00 | |
8.95 | |
39.7 |
and | |
| |
| |
| |
159.5 | |
29.00 | |
0.59 | |
5.6 |
and | |
| |
| |
| |
206.5 | |
21.00 | |
1.28 | |
8.5 |
incl | |
| |
| |
| |
223.00 | |
1.50 | |
11.3 | |
45.3 |
and | |
| |
| |
| |
339.00 | |
18.95 | |
1.95 | |
14.9 |
incl | |
| |
| |
| |
348.00 | |
3.01 | |
7.38 | |
57.7 |
AL-11-320 | |
676709 | |
6065787 | |
105/-47 | |
| |
NSI | |
| |
|
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 50 |
Note: Intervals noted are intercepted width not true width,
have been calculated using a 0.3 g/tonne cut-off and are uncut. True width is variable between 60 and 100 percent of drilled width.
They may include internal dilution intervals of up to 10 metres. No significant Intercept ("NSI").
Mineralization intercepted in the drilling
is consistent with the current resource model and is associated with a sequence of quartz porphyritic, rhyolitic lapilli tuffs
and basaltic tuffs hosting disseminations and stringers of pyrite, sphalerite, galena, tetrahedrite and chalcopyrite.
A total of 20 holes comprising 6,480 metres
were drilled during the fall 2011 program. The program tested from surface to in excess of 700 metres depth and was designed to
expand the limits of the Amisk Gold deposit as well as infill within the northern and eastern portion of the deposit.
Highlights of the drilling include: 6.24
grams of gold per tonne and 23.5 grams of silver per tonne over 12.00 metres and 3.39 percent zinc and 0.91 percent lead over 1.81
metres in hole AL-11-318, and 1.95 grams of gold per tonne and 14.9 grams of silver per tonne over 18.95 metres in AL-11-319. Mineralization
intercepted in the drilling is consistent with the current resource model and is associated with a sequence of quartz porphyritic,
rhyolitic lapilli tuffs and basaltic tuffs and argillite hosting disseminations, stringers and semi-massive intervals of pyrite,
sphalerite, galena, tetrahedrite, pyrrotite and chalcopyrite.
Drill hole AL-11-319 confirmed continuity
of gold mineralization within the southeastern portion of the deposit as well as demonstrated the potential for expansion to the
east and southeast. Four holes were completed evaluating the continuity of the system to depths in excess of 700 metres. Hole AL-11-318
intercepted significant mineralization at depth with intercepts of up to 71.74 metres at 0.60 grams of Au per tonne as well as
a 1.81 metre interval of 3.39 percent zinc and 0.91 percent lead in the hangingwall, 250 metres west of the deposit.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 51 |
During 2012 and 2013, work on the external
PEA at Amisk continued, including a technical site visit and an evaluation of the potential production rate. Detailed (as well
as reconnaissance) exploration of the deposit also continued. On the Company’s newly acquired claims and western block of
the Amisk Gold Project, reconnaissance work occurred with the goal of identifying similarities to Amisk’s historical geology
and for potential drill targets. These claims host potential for Amisk-style Au-Ag mineralization as well as conventional base-metal
deposits typical of the Flin Flon Belt.
Amisk Property Future Work Programs
No drilling was completed during 2014 and
none is planned for 2015. The Company is currently considering strategic alternatives for this asset.
Sampling and Analysis of Exploration Drill Holes
As a detailed description of each hole
is logged, including detailed documentation of rock quality and core recovery, any zones of potential mineralization are marked
off for sampling, together with three to five samples in both the hanging and foot walls. Samples average one to 1.5 metres in
width with 0.3 metre widths taken in places for geological interpretation purposes.
Samples are chosen based on geology. Lode
gold mineralization in the greenstone belts currently explored by Claude have shown through numerous exploration programs carried
out by the Company to have the economic concentrations of gold located within the visually identifiable quartz- sulphide bearing
dilation or shear zones within the host rocks. However, field geologists are also trained to sample any other interval in the core
that may have mineralization associated with it, such as simple increases in sulphide mineral content or quartz veining not associated
with a known zone.
Once the drill hole has been logged and
marked for assay, the core is transferred to the core splitting facility and the selected sections are sawn, bagged and sealed
using strict cleanliness guidelines. These sealed and labeled bags are then put into large tubs or sacks that are then sealed with
security tags for transport to the approved offsite laboratory.
The Quality Assurance program provides
the Company with the degree of certainty required to use the resulting data as the basis for further exploration and development.
It involves the routine placement of control samples to monitor the performance of the laboratories used by Claude, all of which
are ISO approved. Each batch of samples that goes into a laboratory’s furnace has at least one known powder from a suite
of standards purchased from recognized laboratories, resulting in a frequency of 1 in 20, or 5 percent. A “blank” sample
of a coarse-grained quartz-rich rock is inserted after every sample containing the occurrence of visible gold. During any “definition
drilling” program for the calculation of a mineral resource, then a frequency of one control sample in every 10 samples is
used, with a blank following any occurrence of visible gold. Pulp duplicates are run every tenth sample by the laboratory.
The Quality Control program reviews results
from the above control samples and makes the required decisions to either accept the data from each individual batch or to reject
the data and request a re-run of a batch. A batch is rejected if the result for the standard exceeds the tolerance of the 95 percent
confidence level stated on the certificates that accompany each standard. Regarding the coarse-grained “blanks”, a
batch is rejected if the result is more than 3 times the detection limit of the laboratory. Regarding the pulp duplicates, the
failure trigger is not as clear-cut due to the lode-gold nature of the mineralization. However, batches will start to be considered
for re-run where the duplicates are greater than ±10 percent.
Security of Samples
Drill core is monitored from the moment
it is taken out of the ground until it is split and the samples are delivered to the laboratory door. Unauthorized personnel are
not permitted access to the drill machines or the core logging and splitting facilities. Samples split for assay are double-bagged
within the splitting facility with coded security tags and the laboratory receiving the samples report any tags that are broken
or any sample bags that appear to have been tampered with.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 52 |
Item 4 Dividends
4.1 Dividends
The Company has not paid dividends on its
common shares in the past and does not expect to pay dividends in the near future. The present policy of the Company is to retain
any future earnings for use in its operations and expansion of its business.
Item 5 Description of Capital Structure
| 5.1 | General Description of Capital Structure |
As of December 31, 2014, the authorized
capital of the Company consisted of an unlimited number of common shares without par value and an unlimited number of first and
second preferred shares, each issuable in series. There were 188,155,978 common shares issued and outstanding as of December 31,
2014, the end of the Company’s most recent fiscal year. No first or second preferred shares were issued and outstanding as
of that date.
The first preferred shares are issuable
in series and rank ahead of the second preferred shares and the common shares in respect of dividend payment, dissolution or any
other distribution of assets. The other rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to each series of the first preferred
shares are fixed by the Board of Directors at the time of creation of such series.
The second preferred shares are issuable
in series and rank ahead of the common shares in respect of dividend payment, dissolution or any other distribution of assets.
The other rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to each series of the second preferred shares are fixed by the
Board of Directors at the time of creation of such series.
The common shares of the Company are entitled
to vote at meetings of the shareholders and, upon dissolution or any other distribution of assets, to receive such assets of the
Company as are distributable to the holders of the common shares.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company also
had outstanding 8,497,937 share purchase options with a weighted average exercise price of $1.07.
On March 27, 2009, the Corporation established
a shareholder rights plan (the "Plan") to ensure the fair treatment of shareholders in connection with any takeover bid
for common shares of the Corporation. The Plan seeks to provide shareholders with adequate time to properly assess a take-over
bid without undue pressure. It is also intended to provide the Board with more time to fully consider an unsolicited take-over
bid and, if considered appropriate, to identify, develop and negotiate other alternatives to maximize shareholder value.
The Plan will continue to be in force
and effect until the annual meeting of shareholders in 2015, where shareholders will be asked to ratify and approve the Plan,
or until otherwise terminated pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. A copy of the Plan has been filed and is available on SEDAR
at www.sedar.com.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 53 |
Item 6 Market for Securities
| 6.1 | Trading Price and Volume |
The Company’s common shares are publicly
traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the trading symbol “CRJ”. The following table sets forth
the reported high and low prices and aggregate volume of trading of the Company’s common shares on the TSX for the twelve
months ending December 31, 2014:
Common Shares
Toronto Stock Exchange
| |
Canadian Dollars | | |
| |
2014 | |
High | | |
Low | | |
Total Volume | |
December | |
$ | 0.345 | | |
$ | 0.265 | | |
| 8,993,700 | |
November | |
$ | 0.320 | | |
$ | 0.220 | | |
| 8,194,100 | |
October | |
$ | 0.275 | | |
$ | 0.190 | | |
| 9,261,400 | |
September | |
$ | 0.280 | | |
$ | 0.200 | | |
| 5,507,300 | |
August | |
$ | 0.320 | | |
$ | 0.240 | | |
| 7,207,400 | |
July | |
$ | 0.285 | | |
$ | 0.210 | | |
| 7,578,600 | |
June | |
$ | 0.230 | | |
$ | 0.140 | | |
| 4,222,200 | |
May | |
$ | 0.185 | | |
$ | 0.140 | | |
| 3,543,200 | |
April | |
$ | 0.205 | | |
$ | 0.175 | | |
| 4,981,700 | |
March | |
$ | 0.270 | | |
$ | 0.195 | | |
| 10,262,200 | |
February | |
$ | 0.220 | | |
$ | 0.160 | | |
| 12,189,600 | |
January | |
$ | 0.260 | | |
$ | 0.140 | | |
| 9,039,300 | |
Item 7 Directors and Executive Officers
7.1 Name, Occupation and Security Holdings
The names, municipality of residence, positions
with the Company and principal business activities outside the Company of the directors and executive officers of the Company as
at March 26, 2015 are set forth below:
Name and Municipality of
Residence |
Positions Held |
Director/Officer
Since |
Principal Occupation |
Brian Booth, P.Geo.(1)(3)
West Vancouver, BC
|
Director, Chair of the Board |
2012 |
President and CEO of Pembrook Mining Corp. |
Brian Skanderbeg, P.Geo.
Saskatoon, SK
|
Director, President and CEO |
2008 |
President and CEO of Claude |
Ronald J.
Hicks, CPA, CA (1)(2)
Saskatoon, SK
|
Director |
2006 |
Chartered Professional Accountant |
J. Robert
Kowalishin, P. Eng.(1)(3)
Saskatoon, SK
|
Director |
2007 |
Business Person |
Rita M. Mirwald, C.M. (2)(3)
Saskatoon, SK
|
Director |
2011 |
Business Person |
Patrick Downey, B.Sc., P. Eng.
Vancouver, BC
|
Director |
2015 |
Business Person |
Rick Johnson, CPA, CA
Saskatoon, SK |
Chief Financial Officer |
2004 |
Chief Financial Officer of Claude |
Note:
| (1) | Member of the Audit Committee. |
| (2) | Member of the Human Resources & Compensation Committee (disbanded and assumed by the Board
on July 1, 2014). |
| (3) | Member of the Safety, Health & Environmental (SHE) Committee. |
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 54 |
All of the directors and executive officers
of Claude have been engaged for more than five years in their present principal occupations except for: Mr. Skanderbeg who was
VP Exploration from April 2008 to September 2012 and Senior Vice President & COO from September 2012 to November 2014 (at which
time he was appointed to the role of President and CEO); and Mr. Downey who was CEO of Elgin Mining Inc., which was acquired by
Mandalay Resources in June 2014, from July 2011 to June 2014.
The directors of the Company are elected
annually and hold office until the next annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Company or until their successors in
office are duly elected or appointed.
Certain of the directors serve as directors
of other public companies and if a conflict of interest arises at a meeting of the Board of Directors, any director in conflict
will declare his interest and abstain from voting on such matter.
Executive officers are recommended by the
Chief Executive Officer and approved by the Board of Directors to serve until terminated by the Board of Directors or until their
successors are appointed.
Directors and officers of the Company,
as a group, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over 764,818 of the common shares outstanding
at December 31, 2014, being less than one percent of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company.
7.2 Cease Trade Orders or Bankruptcies
Except as set out below, no director or
executive officer of the Company:
| (a) | is, as at the date of this Information Circular, or has been, within 10 years before the date of
this annual information form, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company (including Claude)
that: |
| (i) | was subject to a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the relevant company access
to any exemption under securities legislation that was issued while the director or executive officer was acting in the capacity
of director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer, or |
| (ii) | was subject to a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the relevant company access
to any exemption under securities legislation that was issued after the director or executive officer ceased to be a director,
chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting
in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer, or |
| (b) | is, as at the date of this annual information form, or has been, within 10 years before the date
of this annual information form, a director or executive officer of any company (including Claude) that, while that persons was
acting in that capacity, or within a year of the person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under
any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise
with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets; or |
| (c) | has, within the 10 years before the date of this annual information form, become bankrupt, made
a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement
or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the director or executive
officer. |
Mr. Downey was a director of Sutcliffe
Resources Inc. (now Zoloto Resources Ltd.) from April 2007 to November 2008. On May 11, 2007, Zoloto Resources Ltd. was issued
a cease trade order by the British Columbia Securities Commission ("BCSC") for failure to file financial statements and
an MD&A for the financial year ended December 31, 2006. That cease trade order was revoked on May 11, 2007. Thereafter, a management
cease trade order in respect of insiders of Zoloto Resources Ltd. was issued by the BCSC on May 14, 2008 for failure to file financial
statements and an MD&A for the financial year ended December31, 2007 and was revoked on July 8, 2008.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 55 |
Item 8 Transfer Agent and Registrar
| 8.1 | Transfer Agent and Registrar |
The Company’s transfer agent and
registrar is Valiant Trust Company, located at 310, 606 – 4th Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1T1.
Item 9 Material Contracts
The Company has no material contracts other
than those entered into in the ordinary course of business and the following:
| (a) | the CCP Debt Facility set forth under "General Development of the Business – Recent
History" on page 16; |
| (b) | the NSR Royalty Agreement set forth under “General Development of the Business – Recent
History” on page 12 and “Property Royalties” on page 28; |
| (c) | the Red Mile Royalty Agreements set forth under “Property Royalties” on page 28. |
Item 10 Legal Proceedings
10.1 Legal Proceedings
All industries, including the mining industry,
are subject to legal claims, with and without merit. Defence and settlement costs can be substantial, even with respect to claims
that have no merit. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the litigation process, there can be no assurance that the resolution of
any particular legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of
operations.
Item 11 Interests of Experts
11.1 Interests of Experts
SRK Consulting
(Canada) Inc., Suite 2100 – 25 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 3A1, has provided the Company with independent
NI 43-101 Technical Reports for the Amisk Gold Project. The Company has no knowledge of registered or
beneficial interests held directly or indirectly by SRK or any of its designated professionals in any securities or other property
of the Company.
KPMG LLP,
independent chartered accountants, have audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December
31, 2014. KPMG LLP is independent in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct of
the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Saskatchewan and have complied with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence.
Certain information
has been prepared and included in this annual information form following review and verification by Brian Skanderbeg, P.GEO,
President & Chief Executive Officer, a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101.
Mr. Skanderbeg beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, less than one percent of the outstanding commons shares of the Company.
Item 12 Audit Committee
12.1 Audit Committee Charter
Attached as Appendix A is the Charter of
the Company’s Audit Committee.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 56 |
12.2 Composition of the Audit Committee
Members of the Audit Committee are: Ronald
J. Hicks, CPA, CA (Chair), J. Robert Kowalishin and Brian Booth. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent and financially
literate.
12.3 Relevant Education and Experience
Name |
|
Principal Occupation and Biography |
Ronald J. Hicks, CPA, CA
(May 2006)
|
|
Ronald J. Hicks is a member of the
Chartered Professional Accountants of Saskatchewan (“CPA Saskatchewan”), formerly the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of Saskatchewan (“ICAS”). He joined Deloitte & Touche LLP in 1959 and
was admitted to partnership in 1977 until his retirement in August 2000. In 2004, Mr.
Hicks received the Distinguished Community Service Award from ICAS.
He is currently a Director Emeritus with Ducks Unlimited Canada. In 2013, Mr. Hicks was awarded with
the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for his contributions to conservation and his
work with Ducks Unlimited Canada. In his career, he has served as director with Dickenson
Mines Limited, Kam Kotia Mines Limited, Saskatchewan Government Insurance and Prairie Malt
Limited. Mr. Hicks served as Chairman of the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club
(Saskatoon Committee), Ducks Unlimited (Saskatoon Committee), ICAS Saskatchewan Public Practice
Review and Appraisal Committee and Admissions Committee. Ron became a Director of
Claude in 2006.
|
J. Robert Kowalishin, P.Eng.
(March 2007) |
|
J. Robert Kowalishin retired after a 42
year career with the Trane Company. He has held senior management positions in Canada and the United States, most recently District
Manager of Trane's Ontario operations based in Toronto, Ontario. Previous to that, he served as Franchise Holder in Saskatoon
(1972-1995), and Regional Manager responsible for Canada and northeastern United States. After retirement, he was a consultant
and adviser to Trane's Leadership Development Program. Mr. Kowalishin received his Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering)
from the University of Saskatchewan in 1962 and is a Life Member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning
Engineers and a Life Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. Bob became a Director
of Claude in 2007.
|
Brian R. Booth, B.Sc.,P.Geo.
(April 2012)
|
|
Mr. Booth currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Pembrook Mining Corp., an exploration company based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Mr. Booth holds a B.Sc in Geology from McGill University and is also a member of the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario. Mr. Booth began his career as a Geologist on the Casa Berardi gold discoveries in Quebec. He opened Inco's exploration office in Val d'Or, Quebec and is credited with the discovery of the Douay West gold deposit in 1990 and was subsequently appointed to the board of Societe D’Exploration Miniere Vior Inc. In 1994, as Inco's Manager Exploration, Eastern North America, he conducted the preliminary assessment of the Voisey's Bay Ni-Cu-Co discovery. He later relocated to Indonesia to manage Inco's exploration office in Jakarta during which time he was involved, through a joint venture with Highlands Gold, in the discovery of the Beutong copper porphyry in Sumatra. Mr. Booth served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Lake Shore Gold Corp. and later as a Director. Brian became a Director of Claude in 2012 and became Chair of the Board in 2015. |
12.4 Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Committee has implemented a policy
restricting the services that may be provided by the Company’s external auditors and the fees paid to the external auditors.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 57 |
12.5 External Audit Service Fees
The aggregate fees for professional services
rendered by KPMG LLP for the 2014 and 2013 fiscal years are shown in the table below:
| |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Audit fees(1) | |
$ | 175,375 | | |
$ | 206,700 | |
Audit-Related Fees | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Tax Fees | |
| - | | |
| - | |
All Other Fees | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Total | |
$ | 175,375 | | |
$ | 206,700 | |
| (1) | Audit fees are comprised of KPMG LLP services in respect of the audit of the December 31, 2014
consolidated financial statements. |
Item 13 Additional Information
Additional information, including details
as to directors’ and officers’ remuneration, indebtedness, principal holders of Claude shares, options to purchase
Company shares and interests of insiders in material transactions, if applicable, is contained in the Management Information Circular
dated March 26, 2015. Additional financial information is provided in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and
MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Copies of the above and other disclosure
documents may also be examined and/or obtained through the internet by accessing Claude’s website at www.clauderesources.com
or by accessing the Canadian System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) website at www.sedar.com
or on the Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 58 |
APPENDIX
A
CLAUDE
RESOURCES INC.
Charter of the Audit Committee
of the Board of Directors
I. Purpose
The primary purpose of the Audit Committee
is to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibility to the shareholders as they relate to:
| · | the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and the Company’s accounting policies,
disclosure, internal controls and financial reporting practices; |
| · | recommending the appointment, compensation and the monitoring of the qualifications, independence
and performance of the Company’s external auditors; and |
| · | maintaining, through regularly scheduled meetings, a line of communication between the Board and
the Company’s financial management and external auditors. |
II. Structure and Operations
Composition and Qualifications
The Committee shall be appointed by the
Board and shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and for such terms as the Board may determine. The Committee shall be comprised
of three or more Directors (as determined from time to time by the Board), each of whom shall meet the independence and experience
requirements of all applicable corporate securities laws and stock exchange listing requirements for audit committee membership.
| 1. | Each member of the Committee will be a Director who: (a) is not otherwise employed by the Company,
and (b) has not been so employed at any time during the three years prior to the time he or she is appointed to the Committee unless
otherwise permitted by applicable U.S. and Canadian regulatory standards. |
| 2. | Each member of the Committee will have and maintain independence from management of the Company
in accordance with the standards of independence required above. |
| 3. | Except for the undertaking of non-material specific projects unanimously approved by the Board,
no member of the Committee may receive, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee from the Company
other than: (a) director’s fees, which may be received in cash, stock options, deferred share units, or other in-kind consideration
ordinarily available to Directors; (b) a pension or other deferred compensation for prior service that is not contingent on future
service; and (c) other regular benefits that Directors receive in their capacity as members of the Board or its committees. |
| 4. | Each member of the Committee shall be financially literate (such qualifications interpreted by
the Board in its business judgment) with at least one member designated as being a financial expert. |
| 5. | Each member of the Committee shall have accounting or related financial management expertise (such
qualifications interpreted by the Board in its business judgment). |
Organization, Procedures and Powers
| 1. | The Board shall appoint one member of the Committee as the Chair. The Chair (or in his or her absence,
a member designated by the Chair) shall preside at all meetings of the Committee. The Chair shall be responsible for leadership
of the Committee, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and making regular reports to the Board. |
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 59 |
| 2. | The Committee shall have the authority to establish its own rules and procedures, consistent with
the bylaws of the Company, for notice and conduct of its meetings should the Committee, in its discretion, deem it desirable to
do so. |
| 3. | The Committee shall have the authority to engage independent counsel, independent accountants or
other outside advisers as the Committee deems necessary to carry out its duties. |
III. Meetings
The Committee will meet at least four times
annually and at such other times as it deems necessary to fulfill its responsibilities. A majority of the members of the Committee
shall constitute a quorum.
| 1. | The Committee may include in its meetings: (a) members of the Company’s management, (b) representatives
of the external auditors, (c) other directors by invitation, or (d) any other personnel employed or retained by the Company. |
| 2. | The Committee may periodically meet with members of the Company’s management in separate
executive sessions to discuss any matters that the Committee believes should be addressed privately. |
| 3. | A meeting of the Committee may be convened by the Chair of the Committee, a quorum of the Committee
members, or the external auditors. The Corporate Secretary shall, upon direction of any of the foregoing, arrange a meeting of
the Committee. The Committee shall report to the Board in a timely manner with respect to each of its meetings. |
IV. Responsibilities and Duties
Financial Statements and Published Information
| 1. | Review with management and the external auditors any items of concern, any proposed changes in
major accounting policies, any identified risks and uncertainties, and any issues requiring management judgement, to the extent
that the foregoing may be material to financial reporting. |
| 2. | Consider any matter required to be communicated to the Committee by the external auditors under
applicable International Financial Reporting Standards, applicable law and listing standards, including the external auditors’
report to the Committee (and management’s response thereto) on: (a) all critical accounting policies and practices used by
the Company; (b) all material alternative accounting treatments of financial information within generally accepted accounting principles
that have been discussed with management, including the ramifications of the use of such alternative treatments and disclosures
and the treatment preferred by the external auditors; and (c) any other material written communications between the external auditors
and management. |
| 3. | Require the external auditors to present and discuss with the Committee their views about the quality,
not just the acceptability, of the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards with particular focus on accounting
estimates and judgements made by management and their selection of accounting principles. |
| 4. | Discuss with management and the external auditors (a) any accounting adjustments that were noted
or proposed (i.e. immaterial or otherwise) by the external auditors but were not reflected in the financial statements and (b)
any material correcting adjustments that were identified by the external auditors in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards or applicable law. |
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 60 |
| 5. | Discuss with management and the external auditors any significant financial reporting issues considered
during the fiscal period and the method of resolution. Resolve disagreements between management and the external auditors regarding
financial reporting. |
| 6. | Review with management and the external auditors any off-balance sheet financing mechanisms being
used by the Company, if any. |
| 7. | Review with management and the external auditors and legal counsel, if necessary, any litigation,
claim or other contingency, including tax assessments, that could have a material effect on the financial position or operating
results of the Company, and the manner in which these matters have been disclosed or reflected in the financial statements. |
| 8. | Review any problems experienced by the external auditors in performing the audit, including any
restrictions or limitations imposed by management. |
| 9. | Review the results of the external auditors’ audit work including findings and recommendations,
including the post-audit management letter, and management’s response and any resulting changes in accounting practices or
policies and the impact such changes may have on the financial statements. |
| 10. | Review the annual report, including the audited annual financial statements, in conjunction with
the report of the external auditors, and related management discussion and analysis, make recommendations to the Board with respect
to approval thereof, before being released to the public, and obtain an explanation from management of all significant variances
between comparable reporting periods. |
| 11. | Review with management and recommend to the Board for approval the Corporation’s Proxy Form,
Information Circular, Annual Information Form and relevant U.S. forms, if applicable. |
| 12 | Confirm with the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer (and considering the external
auditor’s comments, if any, thereon), that the financial statements fairly represent the Company’s financial condition,
cash flow and results for the reporting period. |
| 13 | Review and recommend to the Board for approval all interim unaudited financial statements and quarterly
reports, related interim management discussion and analysis and media releases, before being released to the public. |
| 14. | Review management’s internal control report and the related attestation report of the external
auditors when required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, if required. |
| 15. | Review and approve all related party transactions. |
Appointment, Retention and Evaluation
of External Auditors
| 1. | The Company’s external auditors shall report directly to this Committee. This Committee has
the direct responsibility to compensate, oversee, and evaluate the external auditors. The Committee will recommend to the shareholders
the appointment, and where appropriate, the replacement of the external auditors. In connection with its oversight of the external
audit activities, the Committee will: |
| · | At least annually, obtain and review a report by the external auditors describing: |
| (a) | The external audit firm’s internal quality-control procedures; and |
| (b) | Any material issues raised by: (i) the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review,
of the firm, or (ii) any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, respecting one or more independent
audits carried out by the firm, and any steps taken to deal with any issues raised in the reviews described above. |
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 61 |
| · | Annually review and evaluate: |
| (a) | The experience and qualifications of the senior members of the external auditor team; and |
| (b) | The performance and independence of the external auditors, including the lead partner of the external
audit firm. |
| · | Review and approve the annual audit plan prior to the annual audit being undertaken by the external
auditors, including reviewing the year-to-year co-ordination of the audit plan and the extent of its scope. Recommend the Board
approve the fees to be paid to external auditors. |
| · | Periodically meet separately with the external auditors without senior management present. |
| · | At least annually, present the Committee’s conclusion with respect to its evaluation of the
external auditors to the Board. See “External Auditor Review Guidelines”. |
Independence of External Auditors
| 1. | The Committee shall obtain confirmation and assurance as to the external auditors’ independence,
including ensuring that they submit on a periodic basis (not less than annually) to the Committee a formal written statement delineating
all relationships between the external auditors and the Company. The formal submission should also disclose the amount of fees
received by the external auditors for the audit services and for various types of non-audit services. |
| 2. | The Committee shall actively engage in a dialogue with the external auditors with respect to any
disclosed relationships or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the external auditors and take appropriate
action in response to the external auditors’ report to satisfy itself of their independence. |
| 3. | The Committee will periodically review, and if necessary, update its policy with regard to the
pre-approval for any permitted non-audit services, including a requirement that the Committee approve all non-audit engagements
of the external auditors and shall, consistent with that policy, approve the retention of the external auditors to perform such
services and the fees for such services, if required by that policy. The Committee may, in its discretion, delegate to the Chair
of the Committee the authority to pre-approve any audit or non-audit services to be performed by the external auditors, provided
that any such approvals are presented to the Committee at its next scheduled meeting. See “Pre-Approval Policy”. |
| 4. | Periodically review and, if necessary, update its guidelines for the Company’s hiring of
employees and former employees of the external auditors who were previously engaged on the Company’s account. |
| 5. | Discuss with management the timing and process for implementing the rotation of the lead audit
partner, the concurring partner and any other active audit engagement team partner within the time limits and in such a manner
as necessary to prevent the external auditor from being deemed “not independent of the Company”. |
Internal Controls
The Committee will review with the external
auditors and senior management:
| · | The adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s internal accounting and financial controls,
including computerized information system controls and security, and consider any recommendations for improvement of such controls. |
| · | Major issues as to the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls and any special audit
steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies. |
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 62 |
| · | Any related significant findings and recommendations of the external auditors together with senior
management’s responses thereto. |
Risk Management
The Committee will meet periodically with
senior management to discuss the Company’s policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management. In doing so, the
Committee will review the Company’s major financial risk exposure and the steps management has taken to monitor and control
such exposure.
Disclosure Controls
| 1. | Review annually the disclosure controls and procedures, including the certification timetable and
related process. Confirm quarterly with the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer the effectiveness of disclosure
controls and procedures, and whether there are any significant deficiencies in internal controls or any fraud related to management
or persons who have a significant role in internal controls. |
| 2. | Approve the appointment and removal of Disclosure Committee Members. |
Compliance
| 1. | Monitor compliance by the Company with all payments and remittances required to be made in accordance
with applicable law, where the failure to make such payments could render the directors of the corporation personally liable. |
| 2. | Review the findings of any examination by financial or corporate governance regulatory authorities. |
| 3. | Establish procedures for receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Committee
regarding accounting, auditing, internal accounting controls, or other matters and the confidential, anonymous submission by employees
of concerns regarding these matters. “See Whistleblower Policy”. |
Miscellaneous
The Committee will:
| 1. | Review the appointment of the Chief Financial Officer and have the Chief Financial Officer report
to the Committee on the qualifications of new employees with a financial oversight role (i.e. having oversight of, or direct responsibility
for, preparing of financial statements and related information). |
| 2. | Approve the expenses submitted for reimbursement by the Chief Executive Officer or designate the
Audit Chair to do the same. |
V. Annual Performance Evaluation
The Audit Committee shall perform a review
and evaluation, at least annually, of the performance of the Audit Committee and its members, including a review of adherence of
the Audit Committee to this Charter. In addition, the Audit Committee shall review and reassess, at least annually, the adequacy
of this Charter and recommend to the Board any improvements to this Charter that the Audit Committee considers necessary or appropriate.
The Audit Committee shall conduct such evaluation and reviews in such manner as it deems appropriate.
Claude Resources Inc. – 2014 Annual Information Form | 63 |
Exhibit 99.2
MANAGEMENT'S
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements of Claude Resources Inc. are the responsibility of Management and have been approved
by the Board of Directors.
The
consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Management in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards
("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"). The consolidated financial statements
include amounts that are based on estimates and judgments. Financial information used elsewhere in the annual report is consistent
with that in the financial statements.
The
Management of the Company, in furtherance of the integrity and objectivity of data in the financial statements, has developed
and maintains a system of internal accounting controls. These internal accounting controls provide reasonable assurance that financial
records are reliable, form a proper basis for preparation of financial statements and that assets are properly accounted for and
safeguarded. The internal accounting control process includes Management's communication to employees of policies which govern
ethical business conduct.
The
Board of Directors carries out its responsibility for the consolidated financial statements in this annual report principally
through its audit committee, consisting of independent directors. The audit committee reviews the Company's annual consolidated
financial statements and recommends their approval to the Board of Directors. The shareholders' auditors have full access to the
audit committee, with and without Management being present.
These
consolidated financial statements have been audited by the shareholders' auditors, KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants, in accordance
with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards.
|
|
|
Brian Skanderbeg, P. Geo |
|
Rick Johnson, CPA, CA |
Chief Executive Officer |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
Date:
March 26, 2015
KPMG LLP |
|
Telephone |
(306) 934-6200 |
Chartered Accountants |
|
Fax |
(306) 934-6233 |
500 – 475 Second Avenue South |
|
Internet |
www.kpmg.ca |
Saskatoon Saskatchewan S7K 1P4 |
|
|
|
Canada |
|
|
|
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’
REPORT
To the Shareholders of Claude
Resources Inc.
We have audited the accompanying
consolidated financial statements of Claude Resources Inc., which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as
at December 31, 2014 and December 31,
2013, the consolidated statements
of income (loss), comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and notes, comprising
a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management’s Responsibility
for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for
the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and for such internal control as management determines is
necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due
to fraud or error.
Auditors’ Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian
generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures
to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend
on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether
due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation
and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An
audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made
by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence
we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated
financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Claude Resources Inc. as
at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the
years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards
Board.
Chartered Accountants
March 26, 2015
Saskatoon, Canada
KPMG LLP, is a Canadian limited liability partnership
and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”),
a Swiss entity.
KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(In Thousands of Canadian Dollars)
| |
| | |
DECEMBER 31 | | |
DECEMBER 31 | |
| |
| | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
Note | | |
| | |
| |
Assets | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Cash and cash equivalents | |
| | | |
$ | 11,172 | | |
$ | - | |
Short-term investments | |
| 6 | | |
| 1,177 | | |
| 1,643 | |
Accounts receivable | |
| | | |
| 3,245 | | |
| 2,873 | |
Inventories | |
| 7 | | |
| 20,318 | | |
| 20,565 | |
Prepaid expenses and deposits | |
| | | |
| 609 | | |
| 390 | |
Assets held for sale | |
| 8 | | |
| - | | |
| 13,423 | |
Current assets | |
| | | |
| 36,521 | | |
| 38,894 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Mineral properties | |
| 9 | | |
| 128,912 | | |
| 140,544 | |
Deposits for reclamation costs | |
| 11 | | |
| 2,079 | | |
| 2,237 | |
Non-current assets | |
| | | |
| 130,991 | | |
| 142,781 | |
Total assets | |
| | | |
$ | 167,512 | | |
$ | 181,675 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Liabilities | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Bank indebtedness | |
| | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 8,623 | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | |
| 12 | | |
| 8,142 | | |
| 6,997 | |
Loans and borrowings | |
| 13 | | |
| 3,600 | | |
| 31,869 | |
Net royalty obligation | |
| 14 | | |
| 912 | | |
| 1,001 | |
Liabilities related to assets held for sale | |
| 8 | | |
| - | | |
| 2,316 | |
Current liabilities | |
| | | |
| 12,654 | | |
| 50,806 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Loans and borrowings | |
| 13 | | |
| 17,981 | | |
| - | |
Net royalty obligation | |
| 14 | | |
| 654 | | |
| 1,826 | |
Decommissioning and reclamation | |
| 11 | | |
| 6,798 | | |
| 6,447 | |
Non-current liabilities | |
| | | |
| 25,433 | | |
| 8,273 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Shareholders' equity | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Share capital | |
| 15 | | |
| 198,489 | | |
| 195,245 | |
Contributed surplus | |
| | | |
| 7,148 | | |
| 8,223 | |
Accumulated deficit | |
| | | |
| (76,373 | ) | |
| (80,925 | ) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | |
| | | |
| 161 | | |
| 53 | |
Total shareholders' equity | |
| | | |
| 129,425 | | |
| 122,596 | |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | |
| | | |
$ | 167,512 | | |
$ | 181,675 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
On behalf of the Board:
|
|
|
Brian Booth, P.Geo. |
|
Ronald J. Hicks, CPA, CA |
Chair |
|
Chairman, Audit Committee |
Consolidated
Statements of Income (Loss)
(In
Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except per share amounts)
| |
| | |
DECEMBER 31 | |
| |
| | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
Note | | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Revenue | |
| | | |
$ | 87,372 | | |
$ | 63,794 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Mine Operating: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Production costs | |
| | | |
| 50,211 | | |
| 44,051 | |
Production royalty | |
| | | |
| 2,264 | | |
| - | |
Depreciation and depletion | |
| | | |
| 21,965 | | |
| 22,949 | |
| |
| | | |
| 74,440 | | |
| 67,000 | |
Gross profit (loss) | |
| | | |
| 12,932 | | |
| (3,206 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
General and administrative | |
| | | |
| 7,240 | | |
| 7,057 | |
Finance expense | |
| 16 | | |
| 4,062 | | |
| 3,195 | |
Finance and other income | |
| 17 | | |
| (2,247 | ) | |
| (2,712 | ) |
Impairment charge | |
| 10 | | |
| - | | |
| 63,835 | |
Loss on sale of assets | |
| | | |
| 642 | | |
| - | |
(Gain) loss on investments | |
| | | |
| (1,317 | ) | |
| 262 | |
| |
| | | |
| 8,380 | | |
| 71,637 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Profit (loss) before income tax | |
| | | |
| 4,552 | | |
| (74,843 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Deferred income tax recovery | |
| | | |
| - | | |
| (1,420 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net profit (loss) | |
| | | |
$ | 4,552 | | |
$ | (73,423 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net earnings (loss) per share | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Basic and diluted | |
| 21 | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net earnings (loss) | |
| | | |
$ | 0.02 | | |
$ | (0.42 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Basic | |
| | | |
| 186,645 | | |
| 175,562 | |
Diluted | |
| | | |
| 186,877 | | |
| 175,562 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(In
Thousands of Canadian Dollars)
| |
DECEMBER 31 | |
| |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Net profit (loss) | |
$ | 4,552 | | |
$ | (73,423 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Other comprehensive loss | |
| | | |
| | |
(Gain) loss on available-for-sale securities transferred to profit | |
| (1,317 | ) | |
| 227 | |
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities | |
| 1,425 | | |
| (199 | ) |
Other comprehensive income | |
| 108 | | |
| 28 | |
Total comprehensive income (loss) | |
$ | 4,660 | | |
$ | (73,395 | ) |
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated
Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(In
Thousands of Canadian Dollars)
| |
DECEMBER 31 | |
| |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Share Capital | |
| | | |
| | |
Balance, beginning of year | |
$ | 195,245 | | |
$ | 193,189 | |
Common shares and warrants issued | |
| 1,501 | | |
| 1,421 | |
Transfers from contributed surplus | |
| 1,743 | | |
| 635 | |
Balance, end of year | |
$ | 198,489 | | |
$ | 195,245 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Contributed Surplus | |
| | | |
| | |
Balance, beginning of year | |
$ | 8,223 | | |
$ | 6,652 | |
Stock-based compensation | |
| 668 | | |
| 2,274 | |
Transfers to share capital | |
| (1,743 | ) | |
| (635 | ) |
Other | |
| - | | |
| (68 | ) |
Balance, end of year | |
$ | 7,148 | | |
$ | 8,223 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Accumulated Deficit | |
| | | |
| | |
Balance, beginning of year | |
$ | (80,925 | ) | |
$ | (7,502 | ) |
Net profit (loss) | |
| 4,552 | | |
| (73,423 | ) |
Balance, end of year | |
$ | (76,373 | ) | |
$ | (80,925 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | |
| | | |
| | |
Balance, beginning of year | |
$ | 53 | | |
$ | 25 | |
Other comprehensive income | |
| 108 | | |
| 28 | |
Balance, end of year | |
$ | 161 | | |
$ | 53 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Shareholders' equity, end of year | |
$ | 129,425 | | |
$ | 122,596 | |
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
(In
Thousands of Canadian Dollars)
| |
DECEMBER 31 | |
| |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Net profit (loss) | |
$ | 4,552 | | |
$ | (73,423 | ) |
Adjustments for non-cash items: | |
| | | |
| | |
Depreciation and depletion | |
| 21,965 | | |
| 22,949 | |
Finance expense | |
| 1,291 | | |
| 522 | |
Finance and other income | |
| (1,261 | ) | |
| (1,214 | ) |
Impairment charge | |
| - | | |
| 63,835 | |
Loss on sale of assets | |
| 642 | | |
| - | |
(Gain) loss on investments | |
| (1,317 | ) | |
| 262 | |
Stock-based compensation | |
| 668 | | |
| 2,274 | |
Deferred income tax recovery | |
| - | | |
| (1,420 | ) |
| |
| 26,540 | | |
| 13,785 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Net changes in non-cash operating working capital: | |
| | | |
| | |
Accounts receivable | |
| (372 | ) | |
| 1,972 | |
Inventories | |
| (205 | ) | |
| (1,530 | ) |
Prepaid expenses and deposits | |
| (219 | ) | |
| (113 | ) |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | |
| 1,145 | | |
| (536 | ) |
Cash provided by operating activities | |
| 26,889 | | |
| 13,578 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | |
| | | |
| | |
Additions to mineral properties | |
| (22,200 | ) | |
| (31,907 | ) |
Proceeds from NSR agreement | |
| 12,822 | | |
| - | |
Proceeds from sale of assets | |
| 8,259 | | |
| - | |
Repurchase of royalty | |
| (300 | ) | |
| - | |
Decrease in reclamation deposits | |
| 158 | | |
| - | |
Decrease (increase) in short-term investments | |
| 4,335 | | |
| (1,500 | ) |
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities | |
| 3,074 | | |
| (33,407 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | |
| | | |
| | |
Proceeds from issue of common shares and warrants, net of issue costs | |
| 711 | | |
| 725 | |
Debenture redemption | |
| - | | |
| (9,751 | ) |
Term loan | |
| | | |
| | |
Proceeds, net of issues costs | |
| - | | |
| 24,328 | |
Repayments | |
| (2,400 | ) | |
| - | |
Demand loans: | |
| | | |
| | |
Proceeds | |
| - | | |
| 5,000 | |
Repayments | |
| (7,950 | ) | |
| (2,388 | ) |
Obligations under finance lease: | |
| | | |
| | |
Repayments | |
| (291 | ) | |
| (1,495 | ) |
Cash from (used in) financing activities | |
| (9,930 | ) | |
| 16,419 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | |
| 20,033 | | |
| (3,410 | ) |
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents related to assets held for sale | |
| (238 | ) | |
| (1,682 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Cash and cash equivalents (bank indebtedness), beginning of year | |
| (8,623 | ) | |
| (3,531 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents (bank indebtedness), end of year | |
$ | 11,172 | | |
$ | (8,623 | ) |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Claude Resources Inc. (“Claude”
or the “Company”) is a company domiciled in Canada. The address of the Company’s registered office is at 1500,
410 – 22nd Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7K 5T6. Its principal office is located at 200, 219 Robin Crescent,
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7L 6M8.
Claude Resources Inc. is a gold producer whose
shares are listed on both the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CRJ) and the OTCQB (OTCQB: CLGRF). The Company is also engaged in the
exploration and development of gold mineral reserves and mineral resources. The Company’s entire asset base is located in
Canada. Its revenue generating asset is the 100 percent owned Seabee Gold Operation, located in northern Saskatchewan. Claude also
owns 100 percent of the Amisk Gold Project in northeastern Saskatchewan.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
These consolidated financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
These consolidated financial statements were
authorized for issue by the Company’s Board of Directors on March 26, 2015.
Details of the Company’s accounting policies,
including changes during the year, are included in Notes 3 and 4.
BASIS OF MEASUREMENT
These consolidated financial statements have
been prepared on the historical cost basis except for available-for-sale financial assets and liabilities for cash-settled share-based
payment arrangements, which are measured at fair value.
FUNCTIONAL CURRENCY
These consolidated financial statements are
presented in Canadian dollars, which is the Company’s functional currency. All financial information presented in Canadian
dollars has been rounded to the nearest thousand, except share data or as otherwise noted.
USE OF JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of the Company’s consolidated
financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires Management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application
of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Significant judgments, estimates and assumptions are related
to the useful lives and recoverability of mineral properties and deferred income tax assets or liabilities, valuation of inventory,
provisions for decommissioning and reclamation and financial instruments.
Although these estimates are based on Management’s
best knowledge of the amount, events or actions, actual results ultimately may differ from those estimates.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed
on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any
future periods affected.
Critical Judgments in Applying Accounting
Policies
Critical judgments that the Company’s
management has made in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies, apart from those involving estimates, that
have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are as follows:
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Production Start Date
The Company assesses the stage of each mine
under construction to determine when a mine moves into commercial production. The criteria used to assess the start date of commercial
production are based on the unique nature of each mine construction project, such as the complexity of the geology and its location.
The Company considers various relevant criteria to assess when the mine construction phase is substantially complete and the mine
is ready for its intended use. At this point, deferred costs are reclassified from “Mines under construction” to “Producing
mines” and “Property, plant and equipment”. Some of the criteria will include, but are not limited, to the following:
| · | Completion of a reasonable period of testing of the mine plant and equipment; |
| · | Ability to produce precious metal in saleable form; |
| · | Ability to sustain certain levels of ongoing production of precious metals; and |
| · | Production attaining a reasonable percentage of Mine Plan for a specified period of time. |
When a mine enters the production stage, the
capitalization of certain construction costs cease and costs are either regarded as inventory or operating expense, except for
new capital costs which are capitalized. Depreciation and depletion commence at this time.
Exploration and Evaluation Expenditures
The application of the Company’s accounting
policy for exploration and evaluation expenditures requires judgment in determining whether future economic benefits are likely
either from future extraction or sale or where activities have not reached a stage which permits a reasonable assessment of the
existence of mineral reserves. The determination of a mineral resource is itself an estimation process that involves varying degrees
of uncertainty depending on sub-classification and these estimates directly impact the decision to continue the deferral of exploration
and evaluation expenditures. The accounting policy requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions about future events
or circumstances, in particular whether an economically viable extraction operation can be established. Estimates and assumptions
made may change if new information becomes available. If, after an expenditure is capitalized, information becomes available suggesting
that the recovery of this expenditure is unlikely, the amount capitalized is written off in the statement of income in the period
when the new information becomes available.
Critical Estimates and Assumptions in Applying
Accounting Policies
Significant assumptions about the future and
other major sources of estimation uncertainty as at the end of the reporting period that have a significant risk of resulting in
a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of the Company’s assets and liabilities are as follows:
Impairment
At the end of each reporting period, the Company
assesses whether any indication of impairment exist. Where an indicator of impairment exists, an estimate of the recoverable amount
is made. Determining the recoverable amount requires the use of estimates and assumptions such as long-term commodity prices, discount
rates, future capital requirements, exploration potential and operating performance. Changes in circumstances may affect these
estimates and the recoverable amount.
Fair value for mineral properties is generally
determined as the present value of estimated future cash flows arising from the continued use of the assets, which includes estimates
such as the cost of future expansion plans and eventual disposal, using assumptions that an independent market participant would
take into account. Cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.
Inventories
Net realizable value tests are performed at
each reporting date and represent the estimated future sales price of the product the Company expects to realize when the product
is processed and sold, less estimated costs to complete production and bring the product to sale.
Stockpiles are measured by estimating the number of tonnes added
and removed from the stockpile, the number of contained gold ounces is based on assay data, and the estimated recovery percentage
is based on the expected processing method.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Stockpile tonnages are verified by periodic
surveys.
Mine Operating Costs
When determining mine operating costs recognized
in the Consolidated Statements of Income, the Company makes estimates of quantities of ore within stockpiles and of quantities
in-circuit and the recoverable gold in this material to determine the average costs of finished goods sold during the period. Changes
in these estimates can result in a change in mine operating costs of future periods and carrying amounts of inventories.
Ore Reserve and Resource Estimates
Ore reserves are estimates of the amount of
ore that can be economically extracted from the Company’s mining properties. Estimating the quantities and grades of the
reserves and resources requires the size, shape and depth of the ore bodies to be determined by analyzing geological data such
as the logging and assaying of drill samples. This process may require complex and difficult geological judgments and calculations
to interpret the data. The estimation of recoverable reserves is based upon factors such as estimates of foreign exchange rates,
commodity prices, future capital requirements and production costs along with geological assumptions and judgments made in estimating
the size and grade of the ore body.
Because the economic assumptions used to estimate
the gold mineral reserves and resources change from year to year, and because additional geological data is generated during the
course of operations, estimates of the mineral reserves and resources may change from year to year. Changes in the reserve or resource
estimates may impact upon the carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets, mine properties, property, plant and equipment,
decommissioning and reclamation, recognition of deferred tax balances and depreciation and amortization charges.
At the end of each financial year, the Company
updates its estimate of proven and probable gold mineral reserves and resources. Depreciation of the Company’s mining assets,
included within the Mineral properties line item on the Statement of Financial Position, is prospectively adjusted, based on these
changes. The Company also monitors the accuracy of the estimate during the periods between annual updates for significant changes
to economic assumptions and geological data that could require an interim update to the estimate.
Fair value measurement
The Company measures financial instruments,
such as derivatives, at fair value each balance sheet date. The fair values of financial instruments measured at amortized cost
are disclosed in Note 22. Also, from time to time, the fair values of non-financial assets and liabilities are required to be determined,
e.g., when the entity acquires a business, or where an entity measures the recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit
(CGU) at fair value less costs of disposal.
Fair value is the price that would be received
to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
The fair value of an asset or a liability is
measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants
act in their economic best interest. A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant's
ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant
that would use the asset in its highest and best use.
The Company uses valuation techniques that
are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant
observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs. Changes in estimates and assumptions about these inputs could
affect the reported fair value.
Taxation
Estimation of deferred taxes includes judgments
based on expected performance of the Company. Various factors are considered to assess taxes, including past operating results,
operational plans, expiration of tax losses and tax pools carried forward and tax planning strategies.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Decommissioning and Reclamation
The Company’s mining and exploration
activities are subject to various environmental laws and regulations. The Company estimates environmental obligations based on
the current legal and constructive requirements. The Company provides for the closure, reclamation and decommissioning of its operating
and development sites based on the estimated future costs using information available at the reporting date. Provision is made,
based on net present values, for decommissioning and land restoration costs as soon as the obligation arises.
Additional Accounting Judgments, Estimates
and Assumptions
In addition to the above disclosure on estimates
and judgments, the Company has disclosed additional information relating to significant estimates and judgments recognized in the
consolidated financial statements throughout the following notes:
Note 6 |
Investments |
Note 9 |
Mineral Properties |
Note 11 |
Decommissioning and Reclamation |
Note 14 |
Net Royalty Obligation |
Note 15 |
Share-based Compensation |
Note 20 |
Income Taxes |
Note 22 |
Financial Instruments |
| 3. | Significant Accounting Policies: |
The accounting policies utilized by Management
for the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated
financial statements.
CONSOLIDATION PRINCIPLES
The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. The Company
controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability
to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated
financial statements from the date on which control commences until the date on which control ceases. These consolidated financial
statements include the Company’s proportionate share of joint operations. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated
on consolidation. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared using the same reporting dates as the Company.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
The Company’s functional and presentation
currency is the Canadian dollar. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollars at the rate
of exchange prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated
into Canadian dollars at the rate of exchange in effect at the date of the Statement of Financial Position. Non-monetary items
are translated at the rate in effect at the date of the transaction. Exchange gains and losses on these transactions are included
in profit (loss).
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Non-derivative Financial Assets
The Company initially recognizes loans and
receivables and deposits on the date they originate. All other financial assets (including assets designated at fair value through
profit or loss) are recognized initially on the trade date at which the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of
the instrument.
The Company derecognizes a financial asset
when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash
flows on the financial asset in a transaction in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset
are transferred.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Financial assets and liabilities are offset
and a net asset amount is presented in the Statement of Financial Position when, and only when, the Company has a legal right to
offset the amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
The Company’s non-derivative financial
assets include: held-to-maturity financial assets; loans and receivables; and available-for-sale financial assets.
Held-to-maturity financial assets
If the Company has the positive intent and
ability to hold debt securities to maturity, then such financial assets are classified as held-to-maturity. Held-to-maturity financial
assets are recognized initially at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition,
held-to-maturity financial assets are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.
Any sale or reclassification of a more than insignificant amount of held-to-maturity investments not close to their maturity would
result in the reclassification of all held-to-maturity investments as available-for-sale, and prevent the Company from classifying
investment securities as held-to-maturity for the current and the following two fiscal years.
The Company’s held-to-maturity financial
assets are deposits for reclamation costs.
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are financial assets
with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Such assets are recognized initially at fair value
plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, loans and receivables are measured at amortized
cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.
The Company’s loans and receivables are
comprised of: cash and cash equivalents; accounts receivable; and short-term investments.
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances
and deposits with original maturities of three months or less. Bank overdrafts, if utilized, are repayable on demand, form an integral
part of the Company’s cash management and are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the
Statement of Cash Flows. The Company only deposits cash surpluses with major banks of high quality credit standing. Cash on hand
earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Short-term deposits are made for varying periods of between
one day and three months, depending on the immediate cash requirements of the Company, and earn interest at the respective short-term
deposit rates.
Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative
financial assets that are designated as available-for-sale and are not classified in any of the previous categories of financial
assets. Available-for-sale financial assets are recognized initially at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs.
Subsequent to initial recognition, these assets
are measured at fair value and changes therein, other than impairment losses, are recognized in other comprehensive income and
presented within equity. When an investment is derecognized through sale or has an impairment that is other than temporary, the
cumulative gain or loss in other comprehensive income is transferred to profit or loss.
The Company’s investments in equity securities are classified
as available-for-sale financial assets.
Non-derivative Financial Liabilities
The Company initially recognizes debt securities
issued and subordinated liabilities on the date that they originate. All other financial liabilities (including liabilities designated
at fair value through profit or loss) are recognized initially on the trade date at which the Company becomes a party to the contractual
provisions of the instrument.
The Company derecognizes a financial liability
when its contractual obligations are discharged, cancelled or expire.
The Company has the following non-derivative
financial liabilities: demand loans; bank overdrafts in the form of a line of credit; accounts payable and accrued liabilities;
and the Company’s debenture.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Such financial liabilities are recognized initially
at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition these financial liabilities are
measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
Share Capital
Common shares
Common shares are classified as equity. Incremental
costs directly attributable to the issue of common shares are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects.
Derivative and Other Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments, which include
foreign exchange and gold derivative contracts, are not designated as hedges. These instruments are recorded using the mark-to-market
method of accounting whereby the instruments are recorded in the consolidated Statement of Financial Position at their fair value
as either an asset or liability with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
Effective Interest Rate Method
The Company utilizes the effective interest
rate method when accounting for certain of its financial instruments. The effective interest rate method is a method of calculating
the amortized cost of a financial asset or a financial liability (or group of financial assets or financial liabilities) and of
allocating the interest income or interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that
discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument or, when appropriate,
a shorter period to the net carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability. When calculating the effective
interest rate, the Company estimates cash flows considering all contractual terms of the financial instrument.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are comprised of broken ore, gold
in-circuit and consumable materials and supplies.
Broken Ore
Broken ore represents material that, at the
time of extraction, the Company expects to process into a saleable form and sell at a profit. Ore is recorded as an asset that
is classified within inventory as material is extracted from underground mines. Ore contained in stockpiles is initially measured
by estimating the number of tonnes added and removed from the stockpile, and then converted to estimated ounces of gold contained
therein based on assay data and applying estimated metallurgical recovery rates (based on the expected processing method). As ore
is processed, costs are removed based on recoverable quantities of gold and each stockpile’s average cost per unit. Ore is
accumulated in stockpiles which are subsequently processed into gold dore in a saleable form under a mine plan that takes into
consideration optimal scheduling of production of the Company’s reserves, present plant capacity and the market price of
gold. Stockpiled ore on surface is valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value.
Gold In-Circuit
Gold contained in the milling circuit represents
gold that the Company counts as production but is not yet in a saleable form. Gold contained in the milling circuit is valued at
the lower of cost and net realizable value.
Materials and Supplies
Material and supplies inventory is valued at
the lower of cost and net realizable value. Any provision for obsolescence is determined by reference to specific stock items identified
as obsolete.
ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
Non-current assets, or disposal groups comprising
assets and liabilities, are classified as held-for-sale if it is highly probable that they will be recovered primarily through
sale rather than through continuing use.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Such assets, or disposal groups, are generally
measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment loss on a disposal group is allocated
first to goodwill, and then to the remaining assets and liabilities on a pro rata basis, except that no loss is allocated to inventories,
financial assets or deferred tax assets, which continue to be measured in accordance with the Company’s other accounting
policies. Impairment losses on initial classification as held-for-sale or held-for-distribution and subsequent gains and losses
on re-measurement are recognized in profit or loss. Subsequent gains, if any, are not recognized in excess of any cumulative past
impairment losses.
Once classified as held-for-sale, intangible
assets and property, plant and equipment are no longer amortized or depreciated.
MINERAL PROPERTIES
The Company holds various positions in mining
interests, including exploration rights, mineral claims, mining leases, unpatented mining leases and options to acquire mining
claims or leases. All of these positions are classified as mineral properties for financial statement purposes.
Recognition and Measurement
All costs related to the acquisition, exploration
and development of mineral properties and the development of mining assets are capitalized on a property by property basis. These
costs include expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset, as well as development costs on producing
properties incurred to develop future producing assets. Development costs on producing properties include only expenditures incurred
to develop reserves or for delineation of existing reserves. Interest on debt directly related to the acquisition and development
of mineral properties is capitalized until commencement of commercial production. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are
charged to operations expenses as incurred. The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials and direct labour,
any other costs directly attributable to bringing the assets to a working condition for their intended use, the costs of dismantling
and removing the items and restoring the site on which they are located, and borrowing costs on qualifying assets. Items of property,
plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.
The decision to develop a mine property within
a project area is based on an assessment of the commercial viability of the property and the availability of financing. Once the
decision to proceed to development is made, development and other expenditures relating to the project area are reclassified and
disclosed as part of mineral properties with the intention that these will be depreciated by charges against earnings from future
mining operations. No depreciation is charged against the property until commercial production commences. After a mine property
has been brought into commercial production, costs of additional work on that property are expensed as incurred, except for new
development costs which are capitalized.
When material components of property, plant
and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment
and depreciated separately.
Gains and losses on disposal of an item of
property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount of property, plant
and equipment, and are recognized within other income in profit or loss.
Subsequent Costs
The cost of replacing a part of an item of
property, plant and equipment is added to the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied
within the part will flow to the Company, and its cost can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is removed.
The costs of the day-to-day servicing of property, plant and equipment are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.
Depreciation and Depletion
Depreciation
is calculated over the depreciable amount (which is the cost of an asset, less its residual value, if any) using either the straight-line
method or the units of production method. Depletion is calculated over the net book value using the units of production method.
Land is shown at cost and not depreciated or depleted.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Upon commencement of commercial production,
the cost of mine development, mine buildings, plant and equipment directly used in production are amortized using the shorter of
the unit of production method over estimated recoverable ore reserves or the useful life of the asset. Estimated recoverable ore
reserves include proven and probable mineral reserves.
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual
values are reviewed at each financial year end and adjusted if appropriate.
EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION EXPENDITURES
Exploration and evaluation expenditures are
those expenditures incurred by the Company in connection with the exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources before the
technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource are demonstrable.
Pre-exploration expenditures are expensed as
incurred.
All direct costs related to the acquisition
and exploration of resource property interests are capitalized by property. Exploration and evaluation assets include expenditures
on acquisition of rights to explore, studies, exploratory drilling, trenching, sampling, and other direct costs related to exploration
or evaluation of a project. General and administrative costs are only included in the measurement of exploration and evaluation
costs where they are related directly to operational activities in a particular area of interest. Exploration and evaluation assets
are initially measured at cost and classified as tangible assets.
An impairment review of exploration and evaluation
assets is performed, either individually or at the cash-generating unit (“CGU”) level, when there are indicators that
the carrying amount of the assets may exceed their recoverable amounts. To the extent that this occurs, the excess is fully provided
for, in the financial period in which this is determined. Exploration and evaluation assets are reassessed on a regular basis and
these costs are carried forward provided that at least one of the conditions below is met:
| · | such costs are expected to be recouped in full through successful development and exploration of
the area of interest or alternatively, by its sale; or |
| · | exploration and evaluation activities in the area of interest have not yet reached a stage that
permits a reasonable assessment of the existence or otherwise of economically recoverable reserves, and active and significant
operations in relation to the area are continuing, or planned for the future. |
Where a project is determined to be technically
or commercially feasible and a decision has been made to proceed with development with respect to a particular area of interest,
the relevant exploration and evaluation asset is tested for impairment and the balance is reclassified as a development asset in
mineral properties.
LEASES
Leases in terms of which the Company assumes
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Upon initial recognition the leased asset
is measured at an amount equal to the lower of its cost or the present value of the minimum lease payments. Subsequent to initial
recognition, the asset is accounted for in accordance with the accounting policy applicable to that asset. Other leases are operating
leases and the leased assets are not recognized in the Company’s statement of financial position.
DECOMMISSIONING AND RECLAMATION
The mining, extraction and processing activities
of the Company normally give rise to legal and / or a constructive obligation for site closure or environmental restoration. Closure
and restoration can include property decommissioning and dismantling, removal or treatment of waste materials, as well as site
and land restoration. The Company provides for the closure, reclamation and decommissioning of its operating and development sites
based on the estimated future costs using information available at the reporting date. Costs included in the provision comprise
all closure and restoration activity expected to occur gradually over the life of the operation and at the time of closure. Routine
operating costs that may impact the ultimate closure and restoration activities, such as waste material handling conducted as a
normal part of a mining or production process, are not included in the provision.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
The amount of the provision recognized is estimated
based on the risk adjusted costs required to settle the present obligation, discounted using a pre-tax risk-free discount rate
consistent with the probability weighted expected cash flows.
When the provision is initially recorded, a
corresponding asset is recognized. At each reporting date the restoration and rehabilitation provisions are remeasured in line
with changes in discount rates and timing or amounts of the costs to be incurred.
Changes in the provision relating to mine rehabilitation
and restoration obligations, which are not the result of the current production of inventory, are added to or deducted from the
related asset, other than the unwinding of the discount which is recognized as a finance cost in the Statements of Income. Changes
to the provision for reclamation and remediation obligations related to operating mines, which are not the result of current production
of inventory, are recorded with an offsetting change to the related asset. For properties where mining activities have ceased or
are in reclamation, changes are charged directly to earnings.
IMPAIRMENT
Financial Assets
A financial asset not carried at fair value
through profit or loss is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is objective evidence that it is impaired.
A financial asset is impaired if objective evidence indicates that a loss event has occurred after the initial recognition of the
asset and that the loss event will have a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset.
Objective evidence that financial assets (including
equity securities) are impaired can include default or delinquency by a debtor, restructuring of an amount due to the Company on
terms that the Company would not consider otherwise, indications that a debtor or issuer will enter bankruptcy, or the disappearance
of an active market for a security. In addition, for an investment in an equity security, a significant or prolonged decline in
its fair value below its cost is objective evidence of impairment.
At the end of each reporting period, the Company
assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. With respect to available-for-sale
securities, for which unrealized gains and losses are generally recognized in Other Comprehensive income (“OCI”), a
significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the investment below its cost may be evidence that the assets are impaired.
If objective evidence of impairment were to exist, the impaired amount (i.e. the unrealized loss) would be recognized in profit
(loss); any subsequent reversals would be recognized in OCI and would not flow back into profit (loss).
Impairment losses on available-for-sale investment
securities are recognized by transferring the cumulative loss that has been recognized in other comprehensive income, and presented
in unrealized gains/losses on available-for-sale financial assets in equity, to profit or loss. The cumulative loss that is removed
from other comprehensive income and recognized in profit or loss is the difference between the acquisition cost, net of any principal
repayment and amortization, and the current fair value, less any impairment loss previously recognized in profit or loss.
If, in a subsequent period, the fair value
of an impaired available-for-sale investment security increases and the increase can be related objectively to an event occurring
after the impairment loss was recognized in profit or loss, then the impairment loss is reversed, with the amount of the reversal
recognized in profit or loss. However, any subsequent recovery in the fair value of an impaired available-for-sale equity security
is recognized in other comprehensive income.
Non-Financial Assets
The carrying amounts of the Company’s
non-financial assets, other than inventories, deferred tax assets, and exploration and evaluation assets, are reviewed at each
reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s
recoverable amount is estimated.
The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is
the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs of disposal.
Fair value less costs of disposal is determined
as the amount that would be obtained from the sale of the asset in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable and
willing parties. Fair value for mineral assets is generally determined as the present value of the estimated future cash flows
expected to arise from the continued use of the asset, including any expansion prospects, and its eventual disposal, using assumptions
that an independent market participant would take into account. These cash flows are discounted by an appropriate discount rate
to arrive at a net present value of the asset.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Value in use is determined as the present value
of the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continued use of the asset in its present form and its eventual disposal.
Value in use is determined by applying assumptions specific to the Company’s continued use and cannot take into account future
development. These assumptions are different than those used in calculating fair value and consequently the value in use calculation
is likely to give a different result (usually lower) than a fair value calculation. The estimated future cash flows are discounted
to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the
risks specific to the asset.
For the purpose of impairment testing, assets
that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing
use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets.
An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying
amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in profit (loss). Impairment losses
recognized in respect of CGUs are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of goodwill, if any, allocated to the units, and
then to reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the unit (group of units) on a pro rata basis.
Impairment losses recognized in prior periods
are assessed at each reporting date whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the impairment may have reversed.
An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that
would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized. A reversal of an impairment
loss is recognized immediately in profit (loss).
PROVISIONS
A provision is recognized if, as a result of
a past event, the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that
an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected
future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific
to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognized as finance cost.
EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS
Short-term Employee Benefits
Short-term employee benefit obligations are
expensed as the related service is provided. A liability is recognized for the amount expected to be paid under short-term cash
bonus plans if the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided
by the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably.
Share-based Payments
The Company has two stock-based compensation
plans which are described further in Note 15(a) and 15(b).
Stock Option Plan
The Company accounts for all stock option awards
using the fair-value method of accounting. Under this method, the Company recognizes compensation expense for the stock options
granted based on their grant date fair value, which is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value
of the option is expensed over the vesting period with a corresponding amount recorded as contributed surplus. Consideration received
on the exercise of stock options is recorded as share capital and the related contributed surplus is transferred to share capital.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Employee Share Purchase Plan
Under the Employee Share Purchase Plan (“ESPP”),
compensation expense is recognized as the fair value of the shares granted under the plan and is recognized over the one year vesting
period pursuant to the ESPP. Consideration received from the ESPP is recorded as share capital and amounts recorded in contributed
surplus related to the fair value of the shares granted under the plan are transferred to share capital upon the issuance of shares.
Shares issued pursuant to the ESPP are valued for accounting purposes using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using variables
in effect at the grant date.
Deferred Share Unit and Restricted Share Unit Plans
The Company’s Deferred Share Unit (“DSU”)
and Restricted Share Unit (“RSU”) Plans are cash-settled. For cash-settled plans, the fair value of the amount
payable to eligible individuals is recognized as an expense, with a corresponding increase in liabilities, over the period that
the individuals unconditionally become entitled to payment. The liability is re-measured at each reporting date and at the settlement
date. Any changes in the fair value of the liability are recognized as employee benefit expense in earnings.
TERMINATION BENEFITS
Termination benefits are expensed at the earlier of when the Company
can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits and when the Company recognizes costs for a restructuring. If benefits are not
expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting period, then they are discounted.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue from the sale of precious metals is
recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer. This is when persuasive evidence of
an arrangement exists, title and insurance risk passes to the customer, collection is reasonably assured and the price is reasonably
determinable.
LEASE PAYMENTS
Payments made under operating leases are recognized
in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognized as an integral
part of the total lease expense, over the term of the lease.
Minimum lease payments made under finance leases
are apportioned between the finance expense and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance expense is allocated to
each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense is comprised of current
and deferred taxes. Current tax and deferred tax are recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to a business
combination, or items recognized directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.
Current
Current tax is the expected tax payable or
receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the reporting date,
and any adjustments to tax payable in respect of previous years.
Deferred
Deferred tax is recognized in respect of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation
purposes. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse,
based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.
A deferred tax asset is recognized for unused
tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences, to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will
be available against which they can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the
extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Tax Exposures
In determining the amount of current and deferred
tax, the Company takes into account the impact of uncertain tax positions and whether additional taxes and interest may be due.
This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and may involve a series of judgments about future events. New information
may become available that causes the Company to change its judgment regarding the adequacy of existing tax liabilities; such changes
to tax liabilities will impact tax expense in the period that such a determination is made.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
The Company presents basic and diluted earnings
per share (“EPS”) data for its common shares. Basic per share amounts are calculated using the weighted average number
of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted per share amounts are calculated based on the treasury-stock method, which assumes
that any proceeds obtained on exercise of options and warrants, along with any unrecognized stock-based compensation, would be
used by the Company to repurchase common shares at the average market price during the period. The weighted average number of shares
outstanding is then adjusted by the net change.
Changes in Accounting Policies
The Company has adopted the following new standards,
along with any consequential amendments, effective January 1, 2014. These changes were made in accordance with the applicable transitional
provisions.
Offsetting Financial Assets and Liabilities
In December 2011, the IASB published Offsetting
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities and issued new disclosure requirements in IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures.
The amendments to IAS 32 clarify that an entity currently has a legally enforceable right to set-off if that right is not contingent
on a future event, and enforceable both in the normal course of business and in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy
of the entity and all counterparties. The amendments to IAS 32 also clarify when a settlement mechanism provides for net settlement
or gross settlement that is equivalent to net settlement. These amendments have been applied retrospectively. The amendments to
IAS 32 did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
IFRIC 21 Levies
IFRIC 21, Levies (“IFRIC 21”),
is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014 and is applied retrospectively. It is applicable to all levies
imposed by governments under legislation, other than outflows that are within the scope of other standards (e.g., IAS 12 Income
Taxes) and fines or other penalties for breaches of legislation.
The interpretation clarifies that an entity
recognizes a liability for a levy when the activity that triggers payment, as identified by the relevant legislation, occurs. It
also clarifies that a levy liability is accrued progressively only if the activity that triggers payment occurs over a period of
time, in accordance with the relevant legislation. For a levy that is triggered upon reaching a minimum threshold, the Interpretation
clarifies that no liability should be anticipated before the specified minimum threshold is reached. The adoption of IFRIC 21 did
not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company as at December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
Future Changes in Accounting Policies
These are the changes that the Company reasonably
expects will have an impact on its disclosures, financial position or performance when applied at a future date. The Company intends
to adopt these standards, if applicable, when they become effective.
Financial Instruments
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (“IFRS
9”), was issued by the IASB on November 12, 2009 and will replace IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement
(“IAS 39”). IFRS 9 uses a single approach to determine whether a financial asset is measured at amortized cost
or fair value, replacing the multiple rules in IAS 39. The approach in IFRS 9 is based on how an entity manages its financial instruments
in the context of its business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. The new standard also
requires a single impairment method to be used, replacing the multiple impairment methods in IAS 39. IFRS 9 is effective for annual
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 (tentative). The Company is currently evaluating the impact of IFRS 9 on its financial
statements, if any.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Revenue
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
(“IFRS 15”), was issued by the IASB in May 2014, is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017
and is to be applied retrospectively. IFRS 15 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The
Company intends to adopt IFRS 15 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning January 1, 2017. The Company is currently
evaluating the impact of IFRS 15 on its financial statements, if any.
| 5. | Determination of Fair Values: |
A number of the Company’s accounting
policies and disclosures require the determination of fair value, for both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities.
Fair values have been determined for measurement and or disclosure purposes based on the methods described below. When applicable,
further information about the assumptions made in determining fair values is disclosed in the notes specific to that asset or liability.
Investments in Equity Securities and Debt Securities
The fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale
financial assets is determined by reference to their quoted closing bid price at the reporting date.
Derivatives
The fair value of the Company’s forward
contracts is estimated based on appropriate price modeling commonly used by market participants. Such modeling uses discounted
cash flow analysis with observable market inputs including future interest rates, implied volatilities and the credit risk of the
Company or the counterparties as appropriate, with resulting valuations periodically validated through third-party or counterparty
quotes.
Share-based payment transactions
The fair value of issuances under the Company’s
employee share purchase plan, and stock option plan may be measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Measurement inputs
include share price on measurement date, exercise price of the instrument, expected volatility (based on weighted average historic
volatility adjusted for changes expected due to publicly available information), weighted average expected life of the instruments
(based on historical experience and general option holder behavior) and the risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds).
| 6. | Short-term Investments: |
As at December 31, | |
| |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| |
| | |
| |
Short-term Investments | |
(a) | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 1,500 | |
Available-for-sale securities | |
(b) | |
| 1,177 | | |
| 143 | |
| |
| |
$ | 1,177 | | |
$ | 1,643 | |
(a) Short-term Investments
Short-term investments are comprised of instruments
with terms to maturity between three and 12 months. During the first half of 2014, the Company’s short-term investments were
redeemed and utilized for reduction of debt. Short-term investments are classified as loans and receivables for financial instrument
purposes (Note 22).
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
(b) Available-for-sale Investments
As at December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Available-for-sale securities, beginning of period | |
$ | 143 | | |
$ | 378 | |
Acquisition of available-for-sale securities | |
| 2,444 | | |
| - | |
Disposition of available-for-sale securities (Note 8) | |
| (1,567 | ) | |
| - | |
Write-down of available-for-sale securities | |
| - | | |
| (284 | ) |
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities | |
| 157 | | |
| 49 | |
Available-for-sale securities, end of period | |
$ | 1,177 | | |
$ | 143 | |
At December 31, 2014, the Company reviewed
its portfolio of available-for-sale securities in order to assess whether there was objective evidence of impairment. Factors considered
in the Company’s assessment included the length of time and extent to which fair value was below cost and current conditions
specific to the investment. Utilizing these factors, the Company determined that the Company’s available-for-sale securities
were not impaired in value.
By holding these available-for-sale securities,
the Company is exposed to various risk factors including market price risk and liquidity risk (Note 22).
Details of the Company’s inventories are as follows:
As at December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Gold bullion and in-circuit (1) (2) | |
$ | 2,743 | | |
$ | 2,522 | |
Stockpiled ore (1) (2) | |
| 1,101 | | |
| 1,838 | |
Materials and supplies (3) | |
| 16,474 | | |
| 16,205 | |
Inventories | |
$ | 20,318 | | |
$ | 20,565 | |
| (1) | For the year ended December 31, 2014, depreciation and depletion of $1.2 million is included in
the above noted balances (December 31, 2013 - $1.7 million). |
| (2) | For the year ended December 31, 2014, there was a $0.4 million write-down of gold inventory to
net realizable value (December 31, 2013 – $1.8 million). |
| (3) | For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company wrote-down $0.1 million of materials and supplies
inventory. There was no material write-down or reversal of write-down of materials and supplies inventory for the year ended December
31, 2013. |
Write-downs and reversals, if any, are included in production costs.
| 8. | Assets and Liabilities Classified as Held for Sale: |
During 2014, the Company completed the sale
of the Madsen Gold Project located in Red Lake, Ontario, Canada to Pure Gold Mining Inc. (“Pure Gold”), formerly Laurentian
Goldfields Ltd., for $8.75 million cash and 9,776,885 shares of Pure Gold. The Company disposed of a portion of its Pure Gold shares
during 2014; at December 31, 2014, Claude had 4,047,885 shares of Pure Gold remaining.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Details of the Company’s property, plant and equipment included
in mineral properties are as follows:
| |
Property | | |
| | |
Exploration | | |
| |
| |
acquisition | | |
Buildings, | | |
And | | |
| |
| |
and mine | | |
plant and | | |
evaluations | | |
| |
| |
development | | |
equipment | | |
assets | | |
Total | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Cost | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
At January 1, 2013 | |
$ | 183,759 | | |
$ | 141,261 | | |
$ | 97,806 | | |
$ | 422,826 | |
Additions | |
| 18,214 | | |
| 7,081 | | |
| 7,708 | | |
| 33,003 | |
Reclassification to held for sale | |
| (1,469 | ) | |
| (1,059 | ) | |
| (53,302 | ) | |
| (55,830 | ) |
At December 31, 2013 | |
| 200,504 | | |
$ | 147,283 | | |
$ | 52,212 | | |
$ | 399,999 | |
Additions | |
| 17,181 | | |
| 4,965 | | |
| 240 | | |
| 22,386 | |
Seabee NSR Royalty sale | |
| (12,522 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (12,522 | ) |
Transfers between groups | |
| 14,625 | | |
| 47 | | |
| (14,672 | ) | |
| - | |
At December 31, 2014 | |
$ | 219,788 | | |
$ | 152,295 | | |
$ | 37,780 | | |
$ | 409,863 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Depreciation and impairment losses | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
At January 1, 2013 | |
$ | 111,070 | | |
$ | 96,808 | | |
$ | 7,346 | | |
$ | 215,224 | |
Depreciation | |
| 10,927 | | |
| 11,879 | | |
| - | | |
| 22,806 | |
Impairment (Note 10) | |
| 22,059 | | |
| 277 | | |
| 41,499 | | |
| 63,835 | |
Reclassification to held for sale | |
| - | | |
| (1,059 | ) | |
| (41,351 | ) | |
| (42,410 | ) |
At December 31, 2013 | |
| 144,056 | | |
$ | 107,905 | | |
$ | 7,494 | | |
$ | 259,455 | |
Depreciation | |
| 10,804 | | |
| 10,692 | | |
| - | | |
| 21,496 | |
At December 31, 2014 | |
$ | 154,860 | | |
$ | 118,597 | | |
$ | 7,494 | | |
$ | 280,951 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Carrying amounts | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
At December 31, 2013 | |
$ | 56,448 | | |
$ | 39,378 | | |
$ | 44,718 | | |
$ | 140,544 | |
At December 31, 2014 | |
$ | 64,928 | | |
$ | 33,698 | | |
$ | 30,286 | | |
$ | 128,912 | |
Seabee Gold Operation NSR Sale
During the first quarter of 2014, the Company
completed a Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) royalty agreement on the Seabee Gold Operation. Pursuant to this transaction,
proceeds of U.S. $12.0 million were received by the Company in exchange for a three (3) percent NSR. On the Company’s Statement
of Financial Position, proceeds received from the completion of the NSR royalty agreement were booked to Cash with a corresponding
credit to Mineral Properties. Under the terms of the NSR, the Company has the option, which expires on December 31, 2016, to purchase
half or 1.5 percent of the three percent NSR for U.S. $12.0 million. The NSR payments will be paid quarterly in cash or in physical
gold at the average price of gold in each calendar month. During 2015, NSR costs were $2.3 million (2013 – nil).
Exploration properties
Amounts reflected for exploration properties
not in commercial production represent costs incurred to date, net of impairments, and are not intended to reflect present or future
values. The recoverability of these costs is dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable ore reserves and the ability
to obtain necessary financing for the development of future profitable production from the properties or realization of sufficient
proceeds from the disposition of the properties.
At December 31, 2014, the Company reviewed its exploration and evaluation
assets individually for indicators of impairment. Management believes that the Company’s exploration and evaluation assets
have not yet reached a stage that permits a reasonable assessment of the economically recoverable reserves. In addition, exploration
activities in relation to these assets are continuing or planned for the future. As such, no indicators that the carrying amount
of these assets may exceed their recoverable amount were noted.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Leased machinery
To support its operations, the Company may
lease production equipment under finance lease agreements. At December 31, 2014, the Company did not have any assets under finance
leases included in buildings, plant and equipment (December 31, 2013: $3.0 million).
Security
The Company’s Term loan (Note 13) is
secured by a general security agreement covering all of the Company's assets, except those subordinated to bank debt.
Capitalized interest
At December 31, 2014, the Company did not capitalize
any interest with respect to its Term loan (Note 13). For the year ended December 31, 2013, interest costs of $0.2 million relating
to the Madsen project were capitalized in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy prior to the classification of
this project as assets held for sale.
Mine Operating Costs by Function
December 31 | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Production costs | |
$ | 50,211 | | |
$ | 44,051 | |
Depreciation and depletion | |
| 21,965 | | |
| 22,949 | |
Impairments (Note 10) | |
| - | | |
| 63,835 | |
| |
$ | 72,176 | | |
$ | 130,835 | |
The Company’s accounting policy requires
assessment whether any indication of impairment exists at each of its mineral properties at the end of each reporting period.
2014 Indicators of Impairment
There have been no indicators of impairment
at December 31, 2014 for the Company’s CGU (the Seabee Gold Mine and the Santoy Mine Complex). Therefore, according to IAS
36, Impairment of Assets, no further evaluation work was required for the Seabee Gold Operation. The Company also reviewed
and concluded that a reversal of previous impairment charges was not warranted because indicators of reversal were not present.
2013 Indicators of Impairment
(a) Seabee Gold Operation
During 2013, due to revised assumptions relating
to future production from the Seabee Gold Operation during the third quarter, it was determined that there were indicators of impairment
and an estimate of the recoverable amount of the Company’s mineral properties was completed. This assessment was done at
the Cash Generating Unit (“CGU”) level, which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent
of the cash flows of other assets. Fair Value Less Costs of Disposal (“FVLCD”) of the Company’s CGU was determined
by calculating the net present value of the future cash flows expected to be generated by the CGU. Determining the recoverable
amount required the use of estimates and assumptions such as long-term commodity prices, discount rates, future capital requirements,
exploration potential and operating performance. The estimates of future cash flows were derived from the Company’s most
recent Life of Mine Plan (“LOMP”) utilizing an average estimated long-term gold price of CDN $1,435 per ounce to estimate
future revenues. The future cash flows of the Company’s CGU were discounted using a real weighted average cost of capital
(“WACC”) of 7.75 percent after taking into account the location, market risk and various other factors deemed applicable
to the project.
Based on the Company’s estimate of FVLCD,
total impairment losses of $22.2 million were recognized during 2013 because the carrying amount of the Company’s Seabee
Gold Operation CGU exceeded its recoverable amount; as such, the Company’s Mineral properties balance was reduced by the
amount of the impairment with a corresponding charge recognized in profit (loss).
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
(b) Madsen Property
The Company completed the sale of the Madsen
Property during the first quarter of 2014.
During 2013, the Company’s Madsen assets
were classified as held for sale. Immediately before classification as held for sale, the Madsen assets were re-measured at the
lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Based on the Company’s estimate of FVLCS, an impairment
loss was recognized as the carrying amount of the Company’s Madsen Property exceeded its recoverable amount by $41.6 million;
as such, the Company’s Mineral properties balance was reduced by the amount of the impairment with a corresponding charge
recognized in profit (loss).
| 11. | Decommissioning and Reclamation: |
The Company’s decommissioning and reclamation
costs consists of reclamation and closure costs. Mineral property obligations were determined using discount rates ranging from
1.76 to 2.77 percent. Expected undiscounted payments of future obligations are $7.4 million over the next 4 to 10 years. During
2014, an accretion expense of $0.1 million has been charged (2013 - $0.2 million), augmented by revisions made to the decommissioning
and reclamation costs, resulting in an increase in the overall carrying amount of the provision. Changes to the provision during
the year ended December 31, 2014 are as follows:
As at December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Decommissioning and reclamation provision, beginning of year | |
$ | 6,447 | | |
$ | 9,163 | |
Accretion | |
| 148 | | |
| 182 | |
Revisions due to change in estimates and discount rate | |
| 203 | | |
| (673 | ) |
| |
| 6,798 | | |
| 8,672 | |
Amount re-classified to Liabilities related to assets held for sale | |
| - | | |
| (2,225 | ) |
Decommissioning and reclamation provision, end of year | |
$ | 6,798 | | |
$ | 6,447 | |
As required by regulatory authorities, the
Company has provided letters of credit as security for reclamation related to its properties in the amount of $2.1 million (December
31, 2013 - $2.2 million). As security for these letters of credit, the Company has provided investment certificates in the amount
of $2.1 million (December 31, 2013 - $2.2 million).
As filed with the Government of Saskatchewan’s
Ministry of Environment, the Company estimated in its Mine Closure Plan the closure costs at the cessation of mining at its Seabee
Mine at $6.3 million. Actual costs of completing the reclamation of the mine site may be higher than those estimated. The Company
has issued letters of credit in favor of the Ministry of Environment in the amount of $2.1 million in support of its obligations.
The letters of credit are secured by investment certificates. The Company has received approval to incrementally fund its remaining
closure cost obligations over the next four years as follows: 2015 - $0.5 million; 2016 - $1.0 million; 2017 - $1.0 million; and
2018 - $1.5 million.
| 12. | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities: |
As at December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Trade payables | |
$ | 3,225 | | |
$ | 4,123 | |
Accrued liabilities | |
| 2,554 | | |
| 820 | |
Salaries and wages payable | |
| 2,363 | | |
| 2,054 | |
| |
$ | 8,142 | | |
$ | 6,997 | |
The fair value of accounts payable and accruals approximate their
carrying amount. Trade payables relate mainly to the acquisition of materials, supplies and contractors services. These payables
do not accrue interest and no guarantees have been granted.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
This note provides information about the contractual
terms of the Company’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings, which are measured at amortized cost. For more information
about the Company’s exposure to interest rate and liquidity risk, see Note 22.
As at December 31, | |
| |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| |
| | |
| |
Current liabilities | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Demand loans | |
(a) | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 2,950 | |
Current portion of finance lease liabilities | |
(b) | |
| - | | |
| 291 | |
Current portion of term loan | |
(c) | |
| 3,600 | | |
| 23,628 | |
Revolving loan | |
(e) | |
| - | | |
| 5,000 | |
| |
| |
$ | 3,600 | | |
$ | 31,869 | |
As at December 31, | |
| |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| |
| | |
| |
Non-current liabilities | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Term loan | |
(c) | |
$ | 21,581 | | |
$ | 23,628 | |
Less current portion | |
(c) | |
| (3,600 | ) | |
| (23,628 | ) |
| |
| |
$ | 17,981 | | |
$ | - | |
At December 31, 2013, the Company was not in
compliance with a certain financial covenant requirement of the Term Loan. As such, the amortized cost of this facility was reclassified
as a current liability. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company obtained a waiver from the lender and entered into a Waiver
and Credit Amendment Agreement (“Amending Agreement”) to make certain amendments to the original Credit Agreement.
As such, the long-term portion of this Term Loan was reclassified back to non-current liabilities in the first quarter of 2014.
At December 31, 2014, the Company was bound by and met all covenants on this credit facility.
(a) Demand Loans
The Company’s obligations under demand
loans were retired during the third quarter of 2014.
As at December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
| |
$ | - | | |
$ | 2,950 | |
| |
$ | - | | |
$ | 2,950 | |
(b) Finance Lease Liabilities
The Company’s obligations under finance
leases were retired during the first quarter of 2014.
(c) Term Loan
Terms
Interest on the Company’s term loan (the
“Term Loan”) with Crown Capital Partnership Inc. (“CCP”) is fixed at 10 percent, compounds monthly and
is payable monthly. Monthly principal payments of $0.3 million began in May 2014. The maturity date of the Term Loan is 60 months
from closing (April 2018), at which time a $10.9 million principal payment will be due.
Closing Costs
The Company incurred $1.6 million of closing
costs associated with the completion of this Term Loan. These costs reduce the carrying value of the Term Loan on the Statement
of Financial Position and will be amortized using the effective interest rate method at an effect rate of approximately 12 percent
over the five year period of the Term Loan.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
For the years ended December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Term loan | |
$ | 25,000 | | |
$ | 25,000 | |
Adjustments: | |
| | | |
| | |
Closing costs | |
| (1,627 | ) | |
| (1,627 | ) |
Amortization of closing costs | |
| 608 | | |
| 255 | |
Principal repayments | |
| (2,400 | ) | |
| - | |
Current portion | |
| (3,600 | ) | |
| (23,628 | ) |
| |
$ | 17,981 | | |
$ | - | |
Repayment Schedule
The tables below outline remaining scheduled
repayments of the Term Loan until maturity.
| |
Term Loan | | |
| | |
Future Value of | |
| |
Principal | | |
| | |
Term Loan | |
| |
Payments | | |
Interest | | |
Payments | |
As at December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2014 | | |
2014 | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Less than one year | |
$ | 3,600 | | |
$ | 2,095 | | |
$ | 5,695 | |
Between one and five years | |
| 19,000 | | |
| 3,498 | | |
| 22,498 | |
| |
$ | 22,600 | | |
$ | 5,593 | | |
$ | 28,193 | |
The Term Loan is subordinate to all of the
Company’s other short-term and long-term Loans and borrowings and contains early retraction and redemption provisions. The
Company has the right to prepay the Term Loan subject to a prepayment fee (calculated on the amount being prepaid) of:
Months Following Closing * | |
Prepayment Fee | |
Months 13 – 24 | |
| 2 | % |
Months 25 – 36 | |
| 1 | % |
Months 37 – 60 | |
| 0 | % |
* The Term Loan with CCP closed in April 2013.
(e) Revolving Loan
The Company’s $5.0 million revolving
loan was repaid during the first quarter of 2014.
(f) Line of Credit
The Company has access up to an $8.5 million
operating line of credit which bears interest at prime plus 5.0 percent; the prime rate at December 31, 2014 was 3 percent. At
December 31, 2014, this operating line of credit was undrawn. These funds are available for general corporate purposes. At December
31, 2014, the Company was bound by and met all covenants on this credit facility.
| 14. | Net Royalty Obligation: |
(a) Royalty Agreements
During each of 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the
Company entered into separate Royalty Agreements (“Agreements”) whereby it sold a basic royalty on gold production
at its Seabee Gold Operation. The Company received cash consideration consisting of royalty income, indemnity fee income and interest
income.
Under the terms of the Agreements, the Company is required to make
royalty payments at fixed amounts per ounce of gold produced; these amounts vary over the term of the respective Agreements. A
portion of the cash received at the inception of the respective agreements was placed with a financial institution; in return,
the Company received a promissory note which is classified as restricted for accounting purposes. The Company utilizes interest
earned from the restricted promissory notes and, if necessary, a portion of the principal to fund the basic royalty payments pursuant
to each agreement. Over the life of the royalty agreements, it is expected that interest earned and principal from the restricted
promissory notes will be sufficient to fund the expected basic royalty payments.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
The Company has the legal right of offset and
the intention to settle on a net basis. As such, the Company has presented these transactions on a net basis on the Statements
of Financial Position.
| |
Note | |
2004 Agreement | | |
2005 Agreement | | |
2006 Agreement | | |
2007 Agreement | | |
Total | |
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Restricted Promissory Notes | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Principal Balance (1) | |
(b)(d) | |
| - | | |
| 14,679 | | |
| 36,099 | | |
| 26,305 | | |
| 77,083 | |
Interest receivable (1) | |
| |
| - | | |
| 147 | | |
| 2,209 | | |
| 1,609 | | |
| 3,965 | |
Interest Rate | |
| |
| - | | |
| 6 percent | | |
| 7 percent | | |
| 7 percent | | |
| | |
Maturity | |
(d) | |
| DEC 10, 2014 | | |
| FEB 15, 2015 | | |
| FEB 15, 2016 | | |
| FEB 15, 2017 | | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Royalty Payments | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Royalty Rate per ounce of gold produced (2) | |
| |
| - | | |
| $65.00 to $112.45 | | |
| $88.95 to $198.95 | | |
| $48.64 to $147.05 | | |
| | |
Royalty payable (current) (1) | |
(b)(d) | |
| - | | |
| 654 | | |
| 2,195 | | |
| 1,586 | | |
| 4,435 | |
Royalty obligation payable (long-term) (1) | |
(b)(d) | |
| - | | |
| 14,179 | | |
| 36,129 | | |
| 26,398 | | |
| 76,706 | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net Profit Interest | |
(c) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Applicable years (3) | |
| |
| - | | |
| 2015 | | |
| 2015-2016 | | |
| 2015-2017 | | |
| | |
Percent | |
| |
| - | | |
| 1.00, 2.00 or 3.00 | | |
| 3.75, 4.00 or 4.25 | | |
| 3.50, 3.70 or 3.90 | | |
| | |
Price of gold thresholds | |
| |
| - | | |
| $875, $1,075 or $1,275 | | |
| $975, $1,175 or $1,375 | | |
| $1,250, $1,500 or $1,675 | | |
| | |
| (2) | Over the remaining life of the respective agreements. |
| (3) | The NPI pursuant to the 2004 Royalty Agreement expired on December 31, 2014. |
(b) Net Royalty Obligation
The following schedule outlines the different
components of the transaction that are presented net on the Company’s consolidated Statements of Financial Position:
As at December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Current portion | |
| | | |
| | |
Assets | |
| | | |
| | |
Interest receivable on Restricted promissory notes | |
$ | 3,965 | | |
$ | 4,991 | |
Restricted promissory note (2004 agreement) | |
| - | | |
| 6,776 | |
Restricted promissory note (2005 agreement) | |
| 14,679 | | |
| - | |
| |
| 18,644 | | |
| 11,767 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Liabilities | |
| | | |
| | |
Current portion of deferred revenue | |
| 942 | | |
| 1,075 | |
Interest payable on royalty obligations | |
| 4,435 | | |
| 4,782 | |
Royalty obligation (2004 agreement) | |
| - | | |
| 6,911 | |
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
As at December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Royalty obligation (2005 agreement) | |
| 14,179 | | |
| - | |
| |
| 19,556 | | |
| 12,768 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Net royalty obligation (current) | |
$ | (912 | ) | |
$ | (1,001 | ) |
As at December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Long-term portion | |
| | | |
| | |
Assets | |
| | | |
| | |
Restricted promissory notes | |
$ | 62,404 | | |
$ | 76,978 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Liabilities | |
| | | |
| | |
Deferred revenue | |
| 531 | | |
| 1,473 | |
Royalty obligation | |
| 62,527 | | |
| 77,331 | |
| |
| 63,058 | | |
| 78,804 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Net royalty obligation (long-term) | |
$ | (654 | ) | |
$ | (1,826 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Total net royalty obligation | |
$ | (1,566 | ) | |
$ | (2,827 | ) |
The interest income and the indemnity fees
received by the Company are being amortized into income over the prepayment period and the life of the respective agreements. The
interest income and the indemnity fees are netted against interest expense and are reflected in “Financing expense”
on the consolidated statement of income.
(c) NPI Payment
In addition to the royalty, the Company granted
a net profit interest (“NPI”) of varying percentages, payable only if gold prices exceed a pre-determined threshold.
Prior to any NPI payment, the Company is entitled to first recover the NPI expenditures (including capital expenditures), working
capital, operating losses, interest charges and asset retirement obligations relating to the production of ore at the Seabee Operation.
These expenditures are calculated on a cumulative basis from the commencement of the individual agreements. At December 31, 2014,
the cumulative carry forward amounts remained in a deficiency position under each of the agreements and no payments are expected
during 2015 or 2016.
(d) Call and Put
Under certain circumstances, a 100 percent
owned subsidiary of Claude has the right to purchase (“Call”) the equity of the holder of the royalties or right to
receive the royalties at an amount no greater than the fair market value thereof at the time of the Call. The Call price will be
paid from the balance owing to the Company under the promissory notes. Under certain circumstances, the purchaser of the royalties
will have the right to sell (“Put”) their interest in the royalty to the Company at an amount no greater than the fair
market value thereof at the time of the Put. However, such right is subject to the subsidiary of Claude’s pre-emptive right
to exercise the Call in advance of any Put being exercised and completed.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the
Company’s 100 percent owned subsidiary exercised its call right to purchase the equity of the holder of the royalty pursuant
to the 2004 Red Mile Royalty Agreement. Furthermore, subsequent to December 31, 2014, the same subsidiary exercised its call right
to purchase the equity of the holder pursuant to the 2005 Red Mile Royalty Agreement. In each case, the restricted promissory note
pursuant to the respective agreements was sufficient to satisfy the call price. At March 26, 2015, only the 2006 and 2007 Royalty
Agreements remain.
AUTHORIZED
The authorized share capital of the Company
consists of an unlimited number of common shares and two classes of unlimited preferred shares issuable in series.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
The first preferred shares are issuable in
series and rank ahead of the second preferred shares and the common shares in respect of dividend payment, dissolution or any other
distribution of assets. The other rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to each series of the first preferred
shares are fixed by the Board of Directors at the time of creation of such series.
The second preferred shares are issuable in
series and rank ahead of the common shares in respect of dividend payment, dissolution or any other distribution of assets. The
other rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to each series of the second preferred shares are fixed by the Board
of Directors at the time of creation of such series.
The common shares of the Company are entitled
to vote at all meetings of the shareholders and, upon dissolution or any other distribution of assets, to receive such assets of
the Company as are distributable to the holders of the common shares.
As at December 31, | |
| | |
2014 | | |
| | |
2013 | |
| |
Shares | | |
| | |
Shares | | |
| |
Common shares: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Outstanding, beginning of year | |
| 175,811,376 | | |
$ | 190,999 | | |
| 173,745,564 | | |
$ | 189,640 | |
ESPP (a) | |
| 7,799,148 | | |
| 2,454 | | |
| 2,065,812 | | |
| 1,359 | |
Equity issue (e) | |
| 4,545,454 | | |
| 1,000 | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Issue costs, net of income taxes | |
| - | | |
| (210 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Outstanding, end of year | |
| 188,155,978 | | |
| 194,243 | | |
| 175,811,376 | | |
| 190,999 | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Warrants and other equity: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Warrants (e) (f) | |
| | | |
| 4,474 | | |
| | | |
| 4,474 | |
Tax adjusted cumulative issue costs | |
| | | |
| (228 | ) | |
| | | |
| (228 | ) |
| |
| 188,155,978 | | |
$ | 198,489 | | |
| 175,811,376 | | |
$ | 195,245 | |
The Company has the following equity-settled plans:
| (a) | Employee Share Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) |
The ESPP was established to encourage employees
to purchase the Company’s common shares. Under the plan, eligible employees may contribute up to five percent of their basic
annual salary and the Company shall contribute common shares in an amount equal to 50 percent of the employee’s contribution.
Shares of the Company are issued to employees based on a weighted average market price over a specific period.
During 2014, the Company issued 7,799,148 common
shares (2013 – 2,065,812) pursuant to this plan. The maximum number of common shares of the Company available for issue under
this ESPP is five percent of the Company’s common shares outstanding. Distribution of common shares pursuant to the
Company’s ESPP occurs annually, subsequent to the year of participation. Subsequent to December 31, 2014, the Company issued
6,105,093 shares pursuant to 2014 participation in the plan.
The weighted average fair value of ESPP options
granted during 2014 was $0.06 (2013 - $0.25) and, for accounting purposes, was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing
model with assumptions of a 1.00 year weighted average expected option life (2013 – 1.00 year), a 19 percent expected forfeiture
rate (2013 – 23 percent), 68 percent volatility (2013 – 61 percent) and an interest rate of 1.0 percent (2013 –
1.1 percent). The expected volatility used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model is based on the historical volatility of the
Company’s shares over the weighted average expected option life.
During 2014, compensation expense recognized
in respect of the ESPP was $0.3 million (2013 - $1.7 million). This compensation expense has been included in General and administrative
expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
The Company has established a stock option
plan under which common share purchase options may be granted to directors, officers and key employees. The maximum number of common
shares available for option under the stock option plan is nine percent of the Company’s common shares outstanding. Options
granted have an exercise price of the Company’s prior day’s closing price quoted on the TSX for the common shares of
Claude. All options are settled by physical delivery of shares. Vesting periods of options granted under the Company’s stock
option plan vary on a grant by grant basis, at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. Grants to Employees have
a term to expiry of 7 to 10 years and typically have a vesting term of 3 to 5 years. Grants to Directors have a term to expiry
of 7 to 10 years and vest immediately.
Options outstanding under this plan at December
31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and their weighted average exercise prices are as follows:
| |
| | |
Weighted | | |
| | |
Weighted | |
| |
DEC 31 | | |
Average | | |
DEC 31 | | |
Average | |
| |
2014 | | |
Exercise | | |
2013 | | |
Exercise | |
| |
Options | | |
Price | | |
Options | | |
Price | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Beginning of year | |
| 7,936,361 | | |
$ | 1.19 | | |
| 6,948,527 | | |
$ | 1.43 | |
Options granted | |
| 1,096,576 | | |
| 0.21 | | |
| 1,937,268 | | |
| 0.43 | |
Options exercised | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Options forfeited | |
| (475,000 | ) | |
| 1.05 | | |
| (934,434 | ) | |
| 1.35 | |
Options expired | |
| (60,000 | ) | |
| 1.57 | | |
| (15,000 | ) | |
| 1.79 | |
Outstanding, end of year | |
| 8,497,937 | | |
$ | 1.07 | | |
| 7,936,361 | | |
$ | 1.19 | |
There were no stock options exercised during
2014 or 2013.
For director and employee options outstanding
at December 31, 2014, the range of exercise prices, the weighted average exercise price and the weighted average remaining contractual
life are as follows:
| |
Options Outstanding | | |
Options Exercisable (Vested) | |
Option Price Per Share | |
Quantity | | |
Weighted Average Remaining Life | | |
Weighted Average Exercise Price | | |
Quantity | | |
Weighted Average Remaining Life | | |
Weighted Average Exercise Price | |
$0.17 - $0.50 | |
| 2,880,341 | | |
| 5.75 | | |
$ | 0.36 | | |
| 887,366 | | |
| 5.48 | | |
$ | 0.44 | |
$0.51 - $1.00 | |
| 973,178 | | |
| 4.17 | | |
| 0.75 | | |
| 973,178 | | |
| 4.17 | | |
| 0.75 | |
$1.01 - $1.50 | |
| 2,339,673 | | |
| 3.83 | | |
| 1.20 | | |
| 2,339,673 | | |
| 3.83 | | |
| 1.20 | |
$1.51 - $2.00 | |
| 1,828,000 | | |
| 5.12 | | |
| 1.87 | | |
| 1,626,000 | | |
| 4.96 | | |
| 1.86 | |
$2.01 - $2.38 | |
| 476,745 | | |
| 6.18 | | |
| 2.32 | | |
| 405,396 | | |
| 6.17 | | |
| 2.31 | |
| |
| 8,497,937 | | |
| 4.93 | | |
$ | 1.07 | | |
| 6,231,613 | | |
| 4.57 | | |
$ | 1.27 | |
The foregoing options have expiry dates ranging
from January 5, 2015 to December 11, 2021.
The weighted average fair value of stock options
granted during 2014 was $0.13 and was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with assumptions of a 5.9 year weighted
average expected option life, a 6.8 percent expected forfeiture rate, 74.2 percent volatility and interest rates ranging from 1.4
to 1.9 percent. The weighted average fair value of stock options granted during 2013 was $0.28 and was estimated using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model with assumptions of a 6.1 year weighted average expected option life, a 4.8 percent expected forfeiture rate,
72.9 percent volatility and interest rates ranging from 1.4 to 2.1 percent.
For 2014, the compensation expense recognized
in respect of stock options was $0.4 million (2013 - $0.5 million). This compensation expense has been included in General and
administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income (loss).
The expected volatility used in the Black-Scholes
option pricing model is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s shares over the weighted average expected option
life.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
The Company has the following cash-settled plans:
| (c) | Deferred Share Unit Plan |
The Company offers a Deferred Share Unit (“DSU”)
plan to non-employee Directors. A DSU is a notional unit that reflects the market value of a single common share of Claude. A portion
of each Director’s annual retainer is paid in DSUs. Each DSU fully vests upon award and are redeemable for cash upon a director
leaving the Company’s Board of Directors. The redemption amount will be based upon the weighted average of the closing prices
of the common shares of Claude on the TSX for the last 20 trading days prior to the redemption date multiplied by the number of
DSUs held by the Director.
During 2014, the Company granted 3,043,481
DSUs to participating Directors. At December 31, 2014, total DSUs held by participating Directors was 3,302,985 (December 31, 2013
– 1,580,086). During 2014, the Company settled 1,320,582 DSUs in conjunction with the retirement of two Directors. Subsequent
to December 31, 2014, the Company granted 517,123 DSUs to participating Directors.
Compensation expense recognized in respect
of DSUs during 2014 was $1.0 million (2013 - $0.2 million). This compensation expense has been included in General and administrative
expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
| (d) | Restricted Share Unit Plan |
In 2014, the Company established a Restricted
Share Unit (“RSU”) plan whereby it may provide each plan participant an annual grant of RSUs in an amount determined
by the Company’s Board of Directors. An RSU is a notional unit that reflects the market value of a single common share of
Claude that entitles the participant to a cash payment for all fully vested units. RSUs vest annually over a three-year period.
The final value of the RSUs will be based upon the weighted average of the closing prices of the common shares of Claude on the
TSX for the last 20 trading days prior to the redemption date multiplied by the number of RSUs held by participants.
For RSUs, the Company records compensation
expense with an offsetting credit to accounts payable to reflect the estimated fair value of RSUs granted to participants. During
2014, a total of 1,058,696 RSUs were granted to participants in the Company’s RSU plan. At December 31, 2014, total RSUs
held by plan participants was 778,261.
During 2014, compensation expense recognized
in respect of RSUs $0.2 million (2013 - $nil). This compensation expense has been included in General and administrative expenses
in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Equity Issue:
| (e) | Credit Agreement Waiver |
During 2013, the Company granted 5,750,000
common share purchase warrants priced at $0.70 per common share purchase warrant (Note 15(f)). The value of the common share purchase
warrants on the date of issuance was $1.0 million. During the first quarter of 2014, pursuant to a credit agreement waiver with
CCP, the warrants were cancelled for consideration of $1.0 million, which was paid with 4,545,454 common shares of the Company.
Other:
| (f) | Schedule of Warrants Outstanding |
Each common share purchase warrant entitles
the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at prices determined at the time of issue.
| | |
| |
Number | | |
| | |
| | |
Number | |
Exercise | | |
| |
Outstanding at | | |
| | |
| | |
Outstanding at | |
Price | | |
Expiry Date * | |
DEC 31, 2013 | | |
Granted | | |
Cancelled | | |
DEC 31, 2014 | |
$ | 0.70 | | |
April 5, 2018 | |
| 5,750,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 5,750,000 | | |
| - | |
* At December 31, 2014, there were no common
share purchase warrants outstanding. This compares to 5.8 million common share purchase warrants outstanding at December 31, 2013.
As noted above, the 5,750,000 warrants held by CCP were cancelled in conjunction with an Amending Agreement pursuant to a long
term debt arrangement between Claude and CCP during the first quarter of 2014.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
The range of exercise prices and dates of expiration of the common
share purchase warrants outstanding at December 31, 2013 were as follows:
| | |
| |
Number | | |
| | |
| | |
Number | |
Exercise | | |
| |
Outstanding at | | |
| | |
| | |
Outstanding at | |
Price | | |
Expiry Date | |
DEC 31, 2012 | | |
Granted | | |
Expired | | |
DEC 31, 2013 | |
$ | 1.60 | | |
May 22, 2013 | |
| 1,693,200 | | |
| - | | |
| 1,693,200 | | |
| - | |
$ | 0.70 | | |
April 5, 2018 | |
| - | | |
| 5,750,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 5,750,000 | |
| | | |
| |
| 1,693,200 | | |
| 5,750,000 | | |
| 1,693,200 | | |
| 5,750,000 | |
For the years ended December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Interest expense on loans and borrowings | |
$ | 2,770 | | |
$ | 2,884 | |
Interest capitalized to mineral properties | |
| - | | |
| (211 | ) |
Retirement of warrants | |
| 790 | | |
| - | |
Debenture and Term Loan amortization | |
| 354 | | |
| 340 | |
Accretion expense | |
| 148 | | |
| 182 | |
| |
$ | 4,062 | | |
$ | 3,195 | |
Finance expense paid for during 2014 was $2.8 million (December
31, 2013 - $2.9 million).
| 17. | Finance and Other Income: |
For the years ended December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Net royalty income | |
$ | (1,261 | ) | |
$ | (1,214 | ) |
Other income | |
| (165 | ) | |
| (217 | ) |
Derivative gain | |
| (711 | ) | |
| (1,249 | ) |
Interest income | |
| (110 | ) | |
| (32 | ) |
| |
$ | (2,247 | ) | |
$ | (2,712 | ) |
Finance and other income received during 2014 was $1.0 million (December
31, 2013 - $1.5 million).
For the years ended December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Wages and salaries | |
$ | 32,812 | | |
$ | 35,182 | |
Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) and EI remittances | |
| 1,216 | | |
| 1,305 | |
| |
$ | 34,028 | | |
$ | 36,487 | |
| 19. | Related Party Transactions: |
Key Management Personnel
Compensation of key management personnel of the Company:
For the years ended December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Cash compensation – Salaries, short-term incentives and other Benefits | |
$ | 1,655 | | |
$ | 1,406 | |
Long term incentives, including share-based payments | |
| 1,120 | | |
| 1,069 | |
Total compensation paid to key management personnel | |
$ | 2,775 | | |
$ | 2,475 | |
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
The Company’s Executive Leadership Team
(consisting of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer) are considered to be Key Management Personnel. In addition,
members of the Company’s Board of Directors are included in this definition, as defined by IAS 24, Related Party Disclosures.
Compensation of the Company’s key management
personnel includes salaries, non-cash benefits and board fees. Executive officers also participate in the Company’s ESPP,
stock compensation program and RSU program. The Board of Directors also participate in the DSU program.
(a) Effective tax rate reconciliation
The provision for income tax, both current
and deferred, differs from the amount calculated by applying the combined expected federal and provincial income tax rate to profit
before income tax. The reasons for these differences are as follows:
For the years ended December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Profit (loss) before income taxes | |
$ | 4,552 | | |
$ | (74,843 | ) |
Federal and Provincial statutory income tax rate | |
| 27.0 | % | |
| 27.0 | % |
Expected tax (recovery) expense | |
| 1,229 | | |
| (20,208 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Permanent differences | |
| 89 | | |
| 556 | |
Other | |
| (174 | ) | |
| 23 | |
Loss of resource pools on sale of Madsen Gold Project | |
| 4,991 | | |
| - | |
Decrease in tax assets related to royalty payable | |
| 255 | | |
| 66 | |
Tax assets not recorded | |
| (6,390 | ) | |
| 18,143 | |
Income tax recovery | |
$ | - | | |
$ | (1,420 | ) |
(b) Income tax recognized directly in Other
comprehensive income (loss)
Other comprehensive income included on the
consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) is presented net of income taxes. The following income tax amounts are included
in each component of other comprehensive income (loss):
For the year ended December 31, 2013:
| |
| | |
Income tax | | |
| |
| |
Before tax | | |
(recovery) expense | | |
Net of tax | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Loss on available for sale securities transferred to profit | |
| 262 | | |
| (35 | ) | |
| 227 | |
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities | |
| (231 | ) | |
| 32 | | |
| (199 | ) |
| |
| 31 | | |
| (3 | ) | |
| 28 | |
For the year ended December 31, 2014:
| |
| | |
Income tax | | |
| |
| |
Before tax | | |
(recovery) expense | | |
Net of tax | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Gain on available for sale securities transferred to profit | |
| (1,317 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (1,317 | ) |
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities | |
| 1,425 | | |
| - | | |
| 1,425 | |
| |
| 108 | | |
| - | | |
| 108 | |
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
(c) Significant components of recognized
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities)
The significant components of deferred income tax assets/liabilities
are as follows:
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Recognized in | | |
| |
| |
| | |
Recognized | | |
Recognized | | |
other | | |
| |
| |
JAN 1 | | |
in | | |
directly | | |
comprehensive | | |
DEC 31 | |
| |
2013 | | |
Net profit | | |
to equity | | |
Income | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Financing charges | |
| 688 | | |
| (430 | ) | |
| (258 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Decommissioning and reclamation | |
| 2,475 | | |
| (2,475 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Net royalty obligation | |
| 2,505 | | |
| (2,505 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Investments | |
| - | | |
| (3 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 3 | | |
| - | |
Mineral properties | |
| (7,815 | ) | |
| 7,815 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Loss carry forwards | |
| 1,002 | | |
| (1,002 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Other | |
| 48 | | |
| 20 | | |
| (68 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Total Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) | |
| (1,097 | ) | |
| 1,420 | | |
| (326 | ) | |
| 3 | | |
| - | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Recognized in | | |
| |
| |
| | |
Recognized | | |
Recognized | | |
other | | |
| |
| |
JAN 1 | | |
in | | |
directly | | |
comprehensive | | |
DEC 31 | |
| |
2014 | | |
Net profit | | |
to equity | | |
Income | | |
2014 | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Financing charges | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Decommissioning and reclamation | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Net royalty obligation | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Investments | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Mineral properties | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Loss carry forwards | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Other | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Total Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Management is not recognizing any deferred
tax assets in excess of its deferred tax liabilities and does not expect to recognize any significant deferred tax assets or liabilities
in the foreseeable future from its current operations.
(d) Significant components of unrecognized
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities)
The significant components of unrecognized deferred income tax assets/liabilities
are as follows:
| |
JAN 1
2013 | | |
Tax assets not recognized in net income | | |
Tax assets not recognized in equity | | |
Tax assets not recognized in other comprehensive income | | |
DEC 31
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Financing charges | |
| - | | |
| 165 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 165 | |
Decommissioning and reclamation | |
| - | | |
| 2,342 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 2,342 | |
Net royalty obligation | |
| - | | |
| 2,017 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 2,017 | |
Investments | |
| 247 | | |
| 32 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 279 | |
Mineral properties | |
| - | | |
| 12,532 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 12,532 | |
Loss carry forwards | |
| - | | |
| 989 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 989 | |
Other | |
| - | | |
| 66 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 66 | |
| |
| 247 | | |
| 18,143 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 18,390 | |
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
| |
JAN 1
2014 | | |
Tax assets not recognized in net income | | |
Tax assets not recognized in equity | | |
Tax assets not recognized in other comprehensive income | | |
DEC 31
2014 | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Financing charges | |
| 165 | | |
| 30 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 195 | |
Decommissioning and reclamation | |
| 2,342 | | |
| (507 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 1,835 | |
Net royalty obligation | |
| 2,017 | | |
| (678 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 1,339 | |
Investments | |
| 279 | | |
| (168 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 111 | |
Mineral properties | |
| 12,532 | | |
| (5,275 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 7,257 | |
Loss carry forwards | |
| 989 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 989 | |
Other | |
| 66 | | |
| 208 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 274 | |
| |
| 18,390 | | |
| (6,390 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 12,000 | |
(e) Unrecognized Income Tax Credits
The Company has $4.1 million (2013 - $4.2 million)
of unused income tax credits that can be applied against future taxes payable. No deferred tax asset or income tax credit receivable
has been recognized as it is not probable that future taxable profits will be available to utilize the credits. The income tax
credit will expire, if unused, as follows:
| |
2014 | |
| |
| |
2026 | |
$ | 61 | |
2027 | |
| 539 | |
2028 | |
| 314 | |
2029 | |
| 230 | |
2030 | |
| 273 | |
2031 | |
| 700 | |
2032 | |
| 1,843 | |
2033 | |
| 157 | |
2034 | |
| 11 | |
| |
$ | 4,128 | |
(f) Unrecognized Tax Loss Carryforwards
The Company has tax loss carryforward balances
that have not been recognized. No deferred tax asset has been recognized as it is not probable that they will be utilized. The
tax loss carryforward balance and year of expiry are summarized as follows:
| |
2014 | |
| |
| |
2025 | |
$ | 283 | |
2026 | |
| 278 | |
2027 | |
| 313 | |
2028 | |
| 287 | |
2029 | |
| 779 | |
2030 | |
| 1,143 | |
2031 | |
| 489 | |
2032 | |
| 90 | |
2033 | |
| 96 | |
| |
$ | 3,758 | |
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
| 21. | Earnings (Loss) Per Share: |
Basic:
The calculation of basic earnings per share
has been based on the following profit (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders and weighted-average number of ordinary shares
outstanding.
For the years ended December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Net profit (loss) attributable to common Shareholders | |
$ | 4,552 | | |
$ | (73,423 | ) |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) | |
| 186,645 | | |
| 175,562 | |
Basic net profit (loss) per share | |
$ | 0.02 | | |
$ | (0.42 | ) |
Diluted:
For the years ended December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Net profit (loss) attributable to common Shareholders | |
$ | 4,552 | | |
$ | (73,423 | ) |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | |
| 186,645 | | |
| 175,562 | |
Dilutive effect of stock options | |
| 232 | | |
| - | |
Dilutive effect of warrants | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Weighted average number of common Shares outstanding (diluted) | |
| 186,877 | | |
| 175,562 | |
Diluted net profit (loss) per share | |
$ | 0.02 | | |
$ | (0.42 | ) |
Excluded from the computation of diluted earnings
per share for the year ended December 31, 2014 were options outstanding on 7.7 million common shares with an average exercise price
greater than the average market price of the Company’s common shares.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, there
was no effect of applying the treasury-stock method to the weighted average number of shares outstanding as all of the options
and warrants were anti-dilutive.
| 22. | Financial Instruments: |
The Company is exposed in varying degrees to
a variety of financial instrument related risks by virtue of its activities. The overall financial risk management program focuses
on preservation of capital and protecting current and future Company assets and cash flows by reducing exposure to risks posed
by the uncertainties and volatilities of financial markets.
The Company’s Board of Directors has
responsibility to ensure that an adequate financial risk management policy is established and to approve the policy.
The Company’s Audit Committee oversees
Management’s compliance with the Company’s financial risk management policy, approves financial risk management programs,
and receives and reviews reports on management compliance with the policy.
The types of risk exposures and the way
in which such exposures are managed are as follows:
Credit Risk – The Company’s
credit risk is primarily attributable to its liquid financial assets including cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and commodity
and currency instruments. The Company limits exposure to credit risk on liquid financial assets through maintaining its cash and
cash equivalents and reclamation deposits with high-credit quality financial institutions. Sales of precious metals are to entities
considered to be credit worthy, as evaluated through the Company’s risk management program, which includes an evaluation
of new and existing customers and quarterly monitoring.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Liquidity Risk – The Company
ensures that there is sufficient capital in order to meet short term business requirements, after taking into account cash flows
from operations and the Company’s holdings of cash and cash equivalents. The Company believes operating cash flows will be
sufficient to fund the ongoing capital improvements at the Seabee properties for the next twelve months. The Company’s cash
is invested in business accounts with quality financial institutions and is available on demand.
| |
Payments/Commitments due by period | |
At December 31, 2014 | |
Total | | |
Less than 1 year | | |
2-3 Years | | |
4-5 Years | | |
More than 5 years | |
Contractual Obligation | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Term loan | |
| 22,600 | | |
| 3,600 | | |
| 7,200 | | |
| 11,800 | | |
| - | |
Interest on term loan | |
| 5,593 | | |
| 2,095 | | |
| 3,110 | | |
| 388 | | |
| - | |
Decommissioning and reclamation | |
| 4,000 | | |
| 500 | | |
| 2,000 | | |
| 1,500 | | |
| - | |
Office lease | |
| 356 | | |
| 194 | | |
| 162 | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
| 32,549 | | |
| 6,389 | | |
| 12,472 | | |
| 13,688 | | |
| - | |
Market Risk – Market risk
is the potential for loss from adverse changes in the market value of financial instruments. The level of market risk that the
Company is exposed to varies depending on the composition of its derivative instrument portfolio, as well as current and expected
market conditions. The significant market risk exposures to which the Company is exposed are Foreign exchange risk, Commodity price
and Interest rate risk. These are discussed further below:
Foreign exchange risk –
The results of the Company’s operations are subject to currency risks. The Company’s revenues from the production and
sale of gold are denominated in U.S. dollars. However, the Company’s operating expenses are primarily incurred in Canadian
dollars and its liabilities are primarily denominated in Canadian dollars. The Company is not exposed to material foreign exchange
risk on its financial instruments.
For a $0.01 movement in the US$/CDN$ exchange
rate, based on assumptions comparable to 2014 actuals, earnings and cash flow will have a corresponding movement of $1.0 million,
or $0.01 per share.
Interest rate risk – In
respect to the Company’s financial assets, the interest rate risk mainly arises from the interest rate impact on our cash
and cash equivalents, reclamation deposits and debt. In respect to financial liabilities, the Company’s line of credit carries
a floating interest rate with the balance of Company debt at fixed interest rates. When possible, the Company will fix its interest
costs to avoid variations in cash flows. Due to the greater proportion of fixed rate debt, a one percent change in interest rates
would not materially impact earnings or cash flows.
Commodity price risk –
The value of the Company’s mineral resources is related to the price of gold and the outlook for this mineral. Gold and
precious metal prices historically have fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous factors outside of the Company’s
control, including, but not limited to, industrial and retail demand, central bank lending, forward sales by producers and speculators,
levels of worldwide production, short-term changes in supply and demand because of speculative hedging activities and certain
other factors related specifically to gold. The profitability of the Company’s operations is highly correlated to the market
price of gold. If the gold price declines below the cost of production at the Company’s operations, for a prolonged period
of time, it may not be economically feasible to continue production. The Company is not exposed to material commodity price risk
on its financial instruments.
For a U.S. $10 movement in gold price per
ounce, based on assumptions comparable to 2014 actuals, earnings and cash flow will have a corresponding movement of CDN $0.7
million, or $0.00 per share.
At December 31, 2014, the Company had derivative
instruments outstanding in the form of forward sales contracts relating to 2015 production totaling 16,000 ounces. The market
value gain inherent in these contracts at December 31, 2014 was $0.5 million. The Company did not have any derivative instruments
outstanding at December 31, 2013.
Fair Value - The Company has various financial
instruments comprised of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, short and long-term investments, restricted promissory notes,
reclamation deposits, demand loans, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, long-term debt, and royalty obligations.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
Fair value is the price that would be received
to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
For disclosure purposes, all financial instruments measured at fair value are categorized into one of three hierarchy levels, described
below. The fair value hierarchy establishes three levels to classify the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.
Each level is based on the transparency of the inputs used to measure the fair values of assets and liabilities:
Level 1 – Values based
on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Values based
on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly (for example, interest rate
and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, forward pricing curves used to value currency and commodity contracts
and volatility measurement used to value option contracts) or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 – Values based
on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
The fair values of financial assets and
liabilities, together with the carrying amounts shown in the Statement of Financial Position, are as follows:
As at December 31, | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
Carrying Value | | |
Estimated Fair Value | | |
Carrying Value | | |
Estimated Fair Value | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Loans and receivables | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Cash and cash equivalents (1) | |
$ | 11,172 | | |
$ | 11,172 | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Short-term investments (1) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
$ | 1,500 | | |
$ | 1,500 | |
Accounts receivable (2) | |
| 2,710 | | |
| 2,710 | | |
| 2,873 | | |
| 2,873 | |
Available-for-sale financial assets | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Investments (1) | |
| 1,177 | | |
| 1,177 | | |
| 143 | | |
| 143 | |
Held-to-maturity | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Deposits for reclamation costs | |
| 2,079 | | |
| 2,079 | | |
| 2,237 | | |
| 2,237 | |
Other financial assets | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Assets held for sale | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 13,423 | | |
| 13,423 | |
Derivative instruments (3) | |
| 535 | | |
| 535 | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Other financial liabilities | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Bank indebtedness | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 8,623 | | |
| 8,623 | |
Demand and revolving loans | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 7,950 | | |
| 7,950 | |
Accounts payable | |
| 8,142 | | |
| 8,142 | | |
| 6,997 | | |
| 6,997 | |
Liabilities related to assets held for sale | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 2,316 | | |
| 2,316 | |
Net royalty obligations | |
| 1,566 | | |
| 1,566 | | |
| 2,827 | | |
| 2,827 | |
Term loan | |
| 21,581 | | |
| 22,600 | | |
| 23,628 | | |
| 25,000 | |
| (1) | Based on quoted market prices – Level 1. |
| (2) | At December 31, 2014, there were no receivables that were past due or considered impaired. |
| (3) | Based on models with observable inputs – Level 2. |
Valuation Techniques:
Investments
The fair value of Investments is determined based on the closing
bid price of each security at the balance sheet date. The closing bid price is a quoted market price obtained from the exchange
that is the principal active market for the particular security, and therefore Investments are classified within Level 1 of the
fair value hierarchy.
Term Loan
The Company’s Term Loan is recorded at amortized cost. The
fair value is the principal outstanding on the Term Loan, as the fixed interest rate approximates rates for similar instruments.
Claude Resources Inc. |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
For the Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
Expressed in Thousands of Canadian Dollars, except share data or as otherwise noted |
|
The Company’s objective when managing
its capital is to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern so that it can provide adequate returns to shareholders
and benefits to other stakeholders. The Company defines capital that it manages as the aggregate of its equity attributable to
owners of the Company, which is comprised of issued capital, contributed surplus, accumulated deficit and accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss).
The Company manages the capital structure and
makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets and the
Company’s working capital requirements. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company (upon approval
from its Board of Directors, as required) may issue new shares through private placements, sell assets or incur debt. The Board
of Directors reviews and approves any material transaction out of the ordinary course of business, including proposals on acquisitions,
major investments, as well as annual capital and operating budgets. The Company believes that this approach, given the relative
size of the Company, is reasonable. There were no changes in the Company’s approach to capital management during the year
ended December 31, 2014. The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.
The Company utilizes a combination of short-term
and long-term debt and equity to finance its operations and exploration.
As at December 31, | |
| | |
| |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| Interest | | |
Maturity | |
| | | |
| | |
Demand loans | |
| | | |
| |
$ | - | | |
$ | 2,950 | |
Revolving loan | |
| | | |
| |
| - | | |
| 5,000 | |
Finance lease liabilities | |
| | | |
| |
| - | | |
| 291 | |
Term loan * | |
| 10.00 | % | |
Apr/2018 | |
| 21,581 | | |
| 23,628 | |
Total debt | |
| | | |
| |
$ | 21,581 | | |
$ | 31,869 | |
| |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Shareholders’ equity | |
| | | |
| |
| 129,425 | | |
| 122,596 | |
| |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Debt to equity | |
| | | |
| |
| 16.7 | % | |
| 26.0 | % |
* Closing costs
associated with the Company’s long-term debt are netted against the principal balance owing, thereby reducing the carrying
value of the Company’s debt on the Statement of Financial Position. Amounts presented in the above table are the amortized
cost of the balances owing (Note 13).
At December 31, 2014, the Company is bound
by and has met all covenants on its credit facilities.
Exhibit 99.3
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis
The following Management’s Discussion
and Analysis (“MD&A”) of the consolidated operating and financial performance of Claude Resources Inc. (“Claude”
or the “Company”) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is prepared as of March 26, 2015. This discussion
is the responsibility of Management and has been prepared using International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”),
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s
audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. The Board of Directors has approved the disclosure presented herein.
All amounts referred to in this discussion are expressed in Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated.
Overview
Claude Resources Inc., incorporated pursuant
to the Canada Business Corporations Act, is a gold producer with shares listed on both the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX-CRJ) and
OTCQB marketplace (OTCQB – CLGRF). The Company also engages in the exploration and development of gold Mineral Reserves and
Mineral Resources.
The Company’s revenue generating asset
is the 100 percent owned Seabee Gold Operation, located in northern Saskatchewan, which includes 42,500 acres (17,200 hectares)
and is comprised of six mineral leases and extensive surface infrastructure. Claude also owns 100 percent of the Amisk Gold Project
in northeastern Saskatchewan. The Amisk Gold Project is located 20 kilometres southwest of Flin Flon, Manitoba and hosts the Amisk
Gold Deposit and a large number of gold occurrences and prospects. At 99,800 acres (40,400 hectares), this gold and silver exploration
property is one of the largest land positions in the Flin Flon mineral district.
The Company’s Seabee and Amisk properties
contain large, long life Mineral Resources in the politically safe jurisdiction of Canada. These properties, and their related
deposits, each contain over one million ounces of gold in the ground inventory and have significant leverage to the price of gold
and provide valuable opportunities for the Company and its shareholders. Management intends to monitor the attractiveness of these
projects and evaluate alternatives to optimize value.
Production, Financial and Exploration
Highlights
Seabee Gold Operation Production
| · | Production: Record setting production of 62,984 ounces of gold during 2014
which was 44
percent higher
year over year (2013 - 43,850 ounces produced). This increase was attributable to a 43 percent increase in
grade year over year. |
| · | Tonnes Milled: Mill throughput was 279,597 tonnes at 7.32 grams per tonne with a recovery
of 95.7 percent during 2014 (2013 – 280,054 tonnes at 5.11 grams per tonne with a recovery of 95.3 percent). |
| · | Santoy Gap: Mined initial development ore during the first half of 2014 with long-hole production
(originally forecast to begin in the fourth quarter of 2014) initiated ahead of schedule during the third quarter. The Santoy Gap
deposit (part of the Santoy Mine Complex) represents an opportunity for the Company to grow production due to Santoy Gap’s
proximity to permitted mine infrastructure, low development cost and near-term production potential. |
Santoy Gap
| · | The Santoy Gap deposit is significant the Seabee Gold Operation in that it contains
approximately 2,000 ounces per vertical metre, whereas the Company has historically mined approximately 1,000 ounces per
vertical metre at the Seabee Mine. As such, it is expected that operations will be able to mine more ounces with less
capital
development and at lower costs in this deposit. This provides the opportunity to increase production and also
increase
margins and
cash
flow. |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
| · | In 2014, the Santoy Gap deposit has produced nearly 47,600 tonnes at an average grade of
7.96 grams of
gold per
tonne, four
percent above the updated (2014) reserve grade. During the third quarter, the Company engaged an
engineering firm to update areas of the Santoy Gap mine plan with a focus on mine design, ventilation and future power
requirements. Once completed, the Company will move forward with development to achieve a full production rate of 500 to 700
tonnes per day. Capital expenditures required to achieve the future production ramp up are expected to be low and the
Company expects to fund its organic growth through internal cash flows. |
| · | The Company completed a 27,000 metre infill drilling program to better define and expand the
current Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources at the Santoy Gap and to optimize mine design. To date, the results have been
very positive and include an intersection of 26.77 grams of gold per tonne over 8.7 metres true width (Please see Claude
news release
“Claude Resources Drills 26.77 G/T Gold over 8.7 M & Initiates Long-Hole Production at Santoy Gap”
dated September 10, 2014). Exploration results at the Santoy Mine Complex demonstrate that this system has the potential to
increase resources beyond current levels. During 2015, one of the key targets will be to follow-up the result from drill
hole
JOY-13-692, an
exploration intercept from 2013 that graded 18.80 grams per tonne over 13.86 metres (including 30.08 grams per tonne over
7.09 metres). |
Seabee Mine Alimak Mining Method
| · | During 2014, the Company commenced the Alimak mining method on the L62 deposit
within the Seabee Mine. The Alimak mining method is a proven method utilized at operations similar to the Seabee Gold
Operation. One of the key benefits of the Alimak mining method is that it requires significantly less development which then
decreases overall costs and time to production. The Company now has the ability to mine a 100 metre high
stope in nine
months utilizing the Alimak mining method versus 16 to 18 months needed for traditional Long Hole mining. The Alimak
method has been instrumental driver in the Seabee Mine achieving year to date production of approximately 450 tonnes per
day at an
average grade of 9.10 grams of gold per tonne. |
Financial
| · | Revenue:
$87.4 million generated from a 40 percent increase in ounces sold ( 2014 -
62,772 ounces; 2013 - 44,823 ounces) at an average price of CDN $1,392 (U.S. $1,260), a 37 percent increase from 2013 revenue of $63.8
million at an average price of $1,423 (U.S. $1,382). |
| · | Net profit (loss): Net profit of $4.6 million, or $0.02 per share (2013 – net loss
of $73.4 million, or $0.42 per share, after impairment charges of $63.8 million. |
| · | Adjusted Net profit (loss) (1): $3.9 million, or $0.02 per share, after
adjusting for
deferred
income tax
(recovery) expense and non-operational items such as impairment charges and gain (loss) on sale of assets and
investments (2013 - adjusted net loss of $10.7 million, or $0.06 per share). |
| · | All-in sustaining costs (1): $82.2 million, or CDN $1,310 (U.S. $1,186) per ounce
(2013 - $83.1 million, or CDN $1,855 (U.S. $1,801) per ounce), a decrease of 29 percent. |
| · | Cash cost per ounce of gold (1): CDN $836 (U.S. $757) per ounce for the
year ended December 31, 2014 was 15 percent lower than the CDN $983 (U.S. $954) per ounce for 2013 a decrease of 15 percent. |
| · | Cash flow from operations before net changes in non-cash operating working capital (2):
$26.5 million, or $0.14 per share (2013 – $13.8 million, or $0.08 per share). |
| · | Working capital: $23.9 million (December 31, 2013 – working capital deficiency of
$11.9 million). |
| · | Debt reduction of $10.6 million and repayment of $8.6 million on the Company’s line of credit
during 2014. |
| · | Cash and cash equivalents of $11.2 million at December 31, 2014. |
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 2 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources
| · | Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves at November 30, 2014 were 299,000 ounces of gold. The Santoy
Gap deposit contributed 196,300 ounces of this total. Measured and Indicated (“M&I”) Mineral Resources at November
30, 2014 were 125,200 ounces of contained gold. The Santoy Gap deposit contributed 33,400 ounces of this total. Inferred Mineral
Resources totalled 847,300 ounces; the Santoy Gap deposit contributed 318,100 of this total. |
| · | Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves grade increased by 23 percent to 7.03 grams per tonne. This
increase was driven by Santoy Gap’s Mineral Reserve grade of 7.64 grams per tonne, a 35 percent increase over 2013. |
Exploration
Seabee Gold Operation:
| · | During 2014, exploration expenditures at the Seabee Gold Operation focused on review and compilation
of existing data to support the development and evaluation of several near-mine targets. |
| · | Over 54,000 metres of underground drilling was completed at the Seabee Gold Operation during 2014.
The Company’s focus was on targets proximal to infrastructure with the potential to materially impact
near-term production, drive resource growth and to positively impact the Company’s Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources. |
Amisk Gold Project:
| · | During 2014, there was no exploration activity for the Amisk Gold Project. |
Outlook
Corporate Outlook
In the future, Claude will continue to:
| i) | Continue to seek improvements in all areas of safety, health and the environment in our
operations; |
| ii) | Focus on cost containment, improving margins and sustaining a production profile of over 60,000
ounces per year at the Seabee Gold Operation; |
| iii) | Reduce debt and strengthen its Balance Sheet; and |
| iv) | Sustain or increase reserves and resources at the Seabee Gold Operation through targeted exploration
and development. |
Operating and Financial Outlook
Gold production during 2015 at the Seabee
Gold Operation is estimated to range between 60,000 and 65,000 ounces of gold. Operating costs in 2015 are expected to be
marginally lower than 2014 with unit cash costs to range from $785 to $850 per ounce, inclusive of royalties. All-in
sustaining costs are expected to range from $1,175 to $1,275 per ounce. Quarterly operating results are expected to
fluctuate throughout 2015; as such, they will not necessarily be reflective of the full year average.
With cash and cash equivalents
of $11.2 million at December 31, 2014, Management believes that operating cash flows (at current gold prices and
forecast production) will be sufficient to fund the 2015 Winter Ice Road resupply requirements, service all debt (principal
and interest) and further development opportunities at the Seabee Gold Operation.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 3 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Forecast and Capital Outlook
During 2015, capital expenditures at
the Seabee Gold Operation are expected to include continued investment and upgrades that are estimated to total $19.9
million, funded from cash and cash equivalents on hand at December 31, 2014 and from operating cash flow generated during
2015. This 10 percent reduction from 2014 expenditures of $22.0 million is due to reduced underground development costs
attributable to the transition to the Alimak mining method at the L62 and the lower development capital intensity of the
Santoy Gap Deposit.
Table 1: Capital Expenditures (CDN$ million) |
| |
2015 Forecast | | |
2014 Actual | |
Capital Development | |
$ | 13.8 | | |
$ | 17.0 | |
Property, Plant and Equipment | |
| 6.1 | | |
| 5.0 | |
Total | |
$ | 19.9 | | |
$ | 22.0 | |
Development expenditures are expected to be
prioritized at Santoy Gap. Property, plant and equipment costs include expenditures on equipment replacement and tailings management
facilities.
Exploration Outlook
Exploration spending during 2015 is forecast
to be approximately $0.7 million (2014 - $0.2 million).
At the Seabee Gold Operation,
exploration expenditures will continue to focus on targets proximal to infrastructure with the potential
to materially impact near-term production, drive resource growth and to positively impact the Company’s Mineral
Reserves and Mineral Resources. Drilling at Seabee is anticipated to consist of:
Table 2: Summary of Estimated 2015 Drilling at Seabee |
Area | |
Target | |
Metres | |
Seabee Operations | |
Seabee underground | |
| 30,000 | |
Santoy Mine Complex | |
Santoy 8 and Gap underground | |
| 35,000 | |
Total: | |
| |
| 65,000 | |
mission and vision
The Company’s mission is to create and
deliver outstanding stakeholder value through the exploration, development and mining of gold and other precious metals. Its vision
is to be valued by all stakeholders for its ability to discover, develop and produce gold and other precious metals in a disciplined,
safe, environmentally responsible and profitable manner.
goals and key performance drivers
– Measuring the Company’s Results
The Company’s goals and key performance
drivers include:
| · | Pursuing best practices in the areas of safety, health and the environment in all areas of
our operations; |
| · | Improving operating margins at the Seabee Gold Operation; |
| · | Sustaining or building reserves and resources at the Seabee Gold Operation through targeted exploration
and development; |
| · | Maintaining financial capacity and liquidity in order to reduce financial risk; |
| · | Taking steps to evaluate strategically attractive opportunities and accretive
transactions; and |
| · | Ensuring that the Company’s share price reflects underlying
value. |
Safety, Health and the Environment
The Company continues to seek
improvements in all areas of Safety, Health and Environmental performance.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 4 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
To measure its objectives relating to the
Environment, the Company utilizes a Safety, Health and Environment Management System (“SHEMS”). In the areas of
Safety and Health, the Company utilizes the Total Recordable Incident Rate (“TRIR”) metric, a standard industry
rating that is used to determine the frequency of serious injuries (medical incidents and higher) that a company has for
every 200,000 hours worked. Management utilizes the TRIR metric because it encompasses all incidents that have caused serious
harm to the Company’s workforce, thereby enabling the Company to be more proactive with its policies and procedures
designed to improve and maintain safety. During 2014, Claude continued to make great progress in this metric and achieved a
Company record of 2.5 per 200,000 hours (2013 – 3.6 per 200,000 hours; 2012 – 8.2 per 200,000 hours).
Notwithstanding these results, the Company continues to monitor systems and processes with the intention of improving this
statistic while striving for zero injuries. The Company has continued to make great strides with respect to its Environment
Management System and reportable incidents remained consistent and non-compliance incidents were half of those reported in
the prior year.
Production, Gold Price Realized and Unit
Operating Costs at the Seabee Gold Operation
During 2014, at the Seabee Mine,
the Company successfully changed its mining method to Alimak mining. In addition, commencement of long-hole production was
achieved at the Santoy Gap deposit. During 2014, the Company achieved a 40 percent increase in gold sales (2014
– 62,772; 2013 – 44,823 ounces) reported offset by a two percent decrease in Canadian dollar gold prices realized
(2014 - $1,392 (U.S. $1,260); 2013 - $1,423 (U.S. $1,382).
Total cash cost per ounce of gold (1)
sold for 2014, inclusive of the NSR Royalty costs, decreased 15 percent to CDN $836 (U.S. $757) per ounce from CDN $983 (U.S.
$954) during 2013, a result of a 14 percent increase in production costs offset by a 40 percent increase in ounces sold.
All-in sustaining costs (1) during 2014 were $82.2 million, or CDN $1,310 (U.S. $1,186) per ounce (2013 - $83.1
million, or CDN $1,855 (U.S. $1,801) per ounce).
During 2015, the Company will continue to focus
on the profitability of the Seabee Gold Operation through a combination of improved grade control, cost controls and developing
the production profile at higher grade ore bodies, including the L62 and Santoy Gap deposits. The Santoy Gap deposit is expected
to average 500 tonnes per day, accounting for approximately 60 percent of 2015’s overall production.
Resource Base
Results obtained from drilling completed
during 2014 from the Santoy Gap deposit were incorporated into, and continued to have a positive impact on, the Seabee
Mine’s updated NI 43-101 resource calculation as at November 30, 2014. At November 30, 2014, Proven and Probable
reserves at the Seabee Gold Operation were 1,323,100 tonnes, grading 7.03 grams per tonne or 299,000 ounces of gold. Measured
and Indicted Mineral Resources at the Seabee Gold Operation were 125,200 ounces, grading 5.98 grams per tonne, and Inferred
Mineral Resources totalling 847,300 ounces grading 7.96 grams per tonne.
Financial Capacity
During 2014, in conjunction with the sale
of the Madsen Gold Project, the Company repaid its $5.0 million revolving loan. In addition, the Company completed a a three
percent Net Smelter Royalty (“NSR”) agreement on the Seabee Gold Operation for gross proceeds of U.S.
$12.0 million. The combination of the sale of the Madsen Gold Project and the sale of the royalty considerably improved the
Company’s financial strength. At December 31, 2014, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $11.2 million
(December 31, 2013 – Bank indebtedness of $8.6 million) and working capital of $23.9 million (December 31, 2013 –
working capital deficiency of $11.9 million).
Strategically Attractive and Accretive
Transactions
The Company will continue to review
and evaluate transactions with the potential to be accretive shareholder value.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 5 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Shareholder Value
The Company continues to make what it believes
to be the best decisions to maximize shareholder value. These decisions include:
| · | closing the sale of Madsen and closing the sale of the NSR on the Seabee Gold
Operation in the first quarter of 2014; |
| · | debt reduction of $10.6 million and repayment of $8.6 million on the Company’s line of credit
during 2014; |
| · | successful transition to the Alimak mining method on the L62 deposit; |
| · | mining initial development ore at the Santoy Gap during the first half of 2014 with long-hole production
(originally forecast to begin in the fourth quarter of 2014) initiated ahead of schedule during the third quarter; |
| · | developing an updated Life of Mine Plan at Seabee which forecasts an increase to annual production;
and |
| · | taking steps to evaluate accretive and strategically attractive transactions. |
During 2015 and beyond, the Company will continue
to develop shareholder value by further implementing cost control programs, systems and processes intended to reduce overall operating
costs at the Seabee Gold Operation. Furthermore, based on its high-grade ore and size, the Santoy Gap deposit demonstrates the
potential that exists to grow production at the Seabee Gold Operation and the ability to find high grade ounces near current mine
infrastructure.
Mining
Operation Results
Seabee Gold Operation
At the Seabee Gold Operation, Claude is
focused on improving profit margins and executing its mine plan. Profit margins will be increased by developing deposits of
higher grades and margins (L62, Santoy Gap), with continued focus on control of all areas of input costs.
The Company is also continuing with its review
of operating processes and procedures to identify and implement efficiencies designed to increase production and lower operating
costs.
During 2014, the Company milled 279,597 tonnes
at a grade of 7.32 grams of gold per tonne (2013 – 280,054 tonnes at a grade of 5.11 grams of gold per tonne). With mill
tonnage and recoveries relatively unchanged year over year, the increase in ounces produced is attributable to the 43 percent increase
in grade.
Table 3: Seabee Gold Operation Annual Production Statistics |
December 31 | |
2014 | | |
2013 | | |
Change | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Operating Data | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Tonnes Milled | |
| 279,597 | | |
| 280,054 | | |
| - | |
Head Grade (grams per tonne) | |
| 7.32 | | |
| 5.11 | | |
| 43 | % |
Recovery (%) | |
| 95.7 | % | |
| 95.3 | % | |
| - | |
Gold Ounces | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Produced | |
| 62,984 | | |
| 43,850 | | |
| 44 | % |
Sold | |
| 62,772 | | |
| 44,823 | | |
| 40 | % |
Seabee Mine
During 2014, the Seabee Mine produced 42,022
ounces of gold (2013 – 26,132 ounces). This increase was attributable to a 10 percent increase in tonnes milled (due to the
completion of the shaft extension during 2013 and the commencement of the Alimak mining method on the L62 deposit during 2014)
and a 45 percent increase in grade attributable to differences in mine sequencing period over period. The key drivers of the increase
in grade have been increased contribution from the L62 where mined grades have been reconciling above reserve grades.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 6 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Table 4: Seabee Mine Annual Production Statistics |
December 31 | |
2014 | | |
2013 | | |
Change | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Tonnes Milled | |
| 155,163 | | |
| 140,550 | | |
| 10 | % |
Tonnes per Day | |
| 425 | | |
| 385 | | |
| 10 | % |
Head Grade (grams per tonne) | |
| 8.81 | | |
| 6.07 | | |
| 45 | % |
Gold Produced (ounces) | |
| 42,022 | | |
| 26,132 | | |
| 61 | % |
Santoy Mine Complex
During 2014, the Santoy Mine Complex produced
20,962 ounces of gold (2013 – 17,718 ounces) from the Santoy Gap and Santoy 8 deposits. Year over year, this result is attributable
to a 32 percent increase in grade offset by an 11 percent decrease in tonnes (due to increased contribution from the Seabee Mine’s
L62 Deposit). Production from the Santoy Gap deposit was 47,600 tonnes at 7.96 grams per tonne. In 2015, plans are to move from
one mining front to three, driving increased production and stope availability while reducing production risk.
Table 5: Santoy Mine Complex Annual Production Statistics |
December 31 | |
2014 | | |
2013 | | |
Change | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Tonnes Milled | |
| 124,434 | | |
| 139,504 | | |
| (11 | )% |
Tonnes per Day | |
| 341 | | |
| 382 | | |
| (11 | )% |
Head Grade (grams per tonne) | |
| 5.46 | | |
| 4.15 | | |
| 32 | % |
Gold Produced (ounces) | |
| 20,962 | | |
| 17,718 | | |
| 18 | % |
Capital Projects
Tailings Facility
During 2014, the Company continued with
upgrades to its tailings facilities to ensure adequate storage capacity and treatment of Mill effluent and work on this
project will continue in 2015. When completed, this facility will be permitted up to 460
metre elevation and will have the capacity to store mill tailings from milling ore from the Seabee Mill until approximately
2020. The Company is currently in the process of planning tailings capacity expansion beyond 2020. This will support the
extension of Seabee’s mine life and provide additional tailings capacity to process ore from the Santoy Mine
Complex.
Santoy Gap
The Company has completed the ramp
from Santoy 8 to the Santoy Gap deposit as well as three drill chambers for infill and definition drilling. In addition to
ongoing work and the infill drill program, the Company completed the 290 metre ventilation raise at the Santoy Gap deposit.
The completion of the ventilation raise marked a critical milestone in driving increased underground productivity to advance
the ore body towards safe and sustainable production. Mining crews have exposed the eastern portion of the ore body on the
24, 26, 28 and 30 levels as well as on the western portion of the 26 level. The 28 and 30 levels were the first to
be developed and began long-hole production ahead of schedule during the third quarter.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 7 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Financial
Results of Operations
Highlights
Table 6: Highlights of Financial Results of Operations |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
Change
from 2013
to 2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
87,372 |
|
|
$ |
63,794 |
|
|
$ |
80,808 |
|
|
|
37 |
% |
Production costs |
|
$ |
50,211 |
|
|
$ |
44,051 |
|
|
$ |
48,535 |
|
|
|
14 |
% |
Gross profit (loss) |
|
$ |
12,932 |
|
|
$ |
(3,206 |
) |
|
$ |
16,592 |
|
|
|
503 |
% |
Impairment charge* |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
63,835 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Net profit (loss)* |
|
$ |
4,552 |
|
|
$ |
(73,423 |
) |
|
$ |
5,569 |
|
|
|
106 |
% |
Earnings (loss) per share (basic and diluted) |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
(0.42 |
) |
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average realized price per ounce (CDN$) |
|
$ |
1,392 |
|
|
$ |
1,423 |
|
|
$ |
1,660 |
|
|
|
(2 |
)% |
Average realized price per ounce (U.S.$) |
|
$ |
1,260 |
|
|
$ |
1,382 |
|
|
$ |
1,661 |
|
|
|
(9 |
)% |
Cash Cost per ounce (CDN$/oz) (1) |
|
$ |
836 |
|
|
$ |
983 |
|
|
$ |
997 |
|
|
|
(15 |
)% |
Cash Cost per ounce (U.S.$/oz) (1) |
|
$ |
757 |
|
|
$ |
954 |
|
|
$ |
998 |
|
|
|
(21 |
)% |
All-In Sustaining Cost per ounce (CDN$)(1) |
|
$ |
1,310 |
|
|
$ |
1,855 |
|
|
$ |
2,242 |
|
|
|
(29 |
)% |
All-In Sustaining Costs (U.S.$/oz) (1) |
|
$ |
1,186 |
|
|
$ |
1,801 |
|
|
$ |
2,243 |
|
|
|
(34 |
)% |
* 2013
figures include impairment charges of $22.2 million on the Company’s Seabee Gold Operation and impairment charges of $41.6
million on the Company’s recently sold Madsen Property.
During 2014,
the Company continued various initiatives intended to improve profitability at the Seabee Gold Operation through a combination
of cost controls and expediting the development of production profiles at the L62 and Santoy Gap deposits. The Company anticipates
that the increasing contribution of the Santoy Gap deposit and continued contribution of ore from the L62 deposit will be positive
catalysts in lowering overall unit operating costs at the Seabee Gold Operation during 2015 and beyond.
Net Profit (Loss)
For the year ended December 31, 2014,
the Company recorded net profit of $4.6 million, or $0.02 per share. This compares to a net loss of $73.4 million, or $0.42
per share, after $63.8 million of impairment charges which were partially offset by a $1.4 million deferred income tax
recovery for the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012 - net profit of $5.6 million, or $0.03 per share, after a deferred tax
expense of $3.0 million). Profit from operations before income tax in 2014 was $4.6 million, or $0.02 per share (2013 –
Net loss of $74.8 million, or $0.43 per share; 2012 – Profit of $8.5 million, or $0.05 per share), largely attributable
to higher revenue associated with increased gold sales year over year and due to impairment charges incurred during 2013. The
Company’s profit trends with changes in revenue and expenditures, which has been significantly impacted by the price of
gold, annual production and the Company’s cash flow optimization plan, respectively. Management is focused on
continuing to pursue best practices intended to stabilize unit production costs and has engaged external consultants to
provide additional feedback and recommendations on improving operational efficiencies.
Revenue
Gold revenue from the Company’s Seabee
Gold Operation for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased 37 percent to $87.4 million from the $63.8 million reported for the
year ended December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 - $80.8 million).
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 8 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Three-year trend
The increase in gold revenue in 2014 was attributable
to a 40 percent increase in gold sales volume (2014 – 62,772; 2013 – 44,823 ounces; and 2012 – 48,672 ounces)
due to higher ore grades offset by a two percent decrease in Canadian dollar gold prices realized (2014 - $1,392 (U.S. $1,260);
2013 - $1,423 (U.S. $1,382); and 2012 - $1,660 (U.S. $1,661)). The decrease in realized price for the year ended December 31, 2014
reflects the decrease in market gold prices which averaged U.S. $1,266 per ounce during 2014 compared to market gold prices of
U.S. $1,411per ounce during 2013 (2012 – U.S. $1,669).
Figure 1: Average Gold Price (London PM Fix – US$)
Production Costs
For the year ended December 31, 2014,
mine production costs of $50.2 million (2013 - $44.1 million) were 14 percent higher year over year; this increase
was largely a function of the transition to the Alimak mining method at Seabee, which is offset by lower development costs.
All-in sustaining costs (1) during 2014 were $82.2 million, or CDN $1,310 (U.S. $1,186) per ounce (2013 - $83.1
million, or CDN $1,855 (U.S. $1,801) per ounce). For 2014, total cash cost per ounce of gold (1), inclusive of the
NSR Royalty costs, of CDN $836 (U.S. $757) per ounce decreased from CDN $983 (U.S. $954) during 2013. These results
are attributable to 40 percent more ounces sold year over year, a reflection of consistent tonnes and higher grade.
Production Royalty
During 2014, the Company completed
a three percent NSR with Orion Mine Finance Fund on the Seabee Gold
Operation (Please see Claude news release “Claude Enters into Royalty Transaction with Orion Mine Finance” dated
March 20, 2014). For the year ended December 31, 2014, royalties incurred were $2.3 million (2013 - $nil).
Depreciation and Depletion
For 2014, depreciation and depletion
was $22.0 million (2013 - $22.9 million), down four percent year over year. These results are attributable to an increase in
the Seabee Gold Operation’s asset base more than offset by an increase in the Seabee Gold Operation’s reserves,
both of which were impacted by bringing Santoy Gap’s asset base and reserves into the calculation of
depletion during the third quarter.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 9 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense of $7.2
million for the year ended December 31, 2014 was relatively unchanged from 2013.
Table 7: Corporate General and Administrative Expense |
December 31 | |
2014 | | |
2013 | | |
Change | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Direct administration | |
$ | 5,319 | | |
$ | 4,658 | | |
| 14 | % |
Stock-based compensation | |
| 668 | | |
| 2,274 | | |
| (71 | )% |
Deferred share units | |
| 1,034 | | |
| 68 | | |
| 1,421 | % |
Restricted share units | |
| 219 | | |
| 57 | | |
| 284 | % |
Total General and Administrative | |
$ | 7,240 | | |
$ | 7,057 | | |
| 3 | % |
Finance Expense
Finance expense includes interest
expense, accretion expense and derivative losses. For the year ended December 31, 2014, Finance expense was $4.1 million
(2013 - $3.2 million). This increase is attributable to interest expense associated with the Company’s loans and
expenses related to the value of the shares issued as payment for a waiver granted by Crown Capital Partners Inc. (“CCP”) in
connection with a credit agreement.
Finance and Other Income
Finance and other income consists of interest
income, production royalties pursuant to the Red Mile Royalty transactions, derivative gains and other miscellaneous income. For
the year ended December 31, 2014, finance and other income was $2.2 million (2013 – $2.7 million). This result is attributable
to a decrease in derivative gains and miscellaneous revenue.
Impairment Charge
The Company’s accounting policy requires
assessment whether any indication of impairment exists at each of its mineral properties at the end of each reporting period. For
the year ended December 31, 2014, no impairment charges were recorded. For the year ended December 31, 2013, an impairment charge
of $63.8 million was recorded ($22.2 of which related to the Company’s Seabee Gold Operation and $41.6 million of which related
to the Company’s Madsen Project, which was sold in the first quarter of 2014.
Loss on Sale of Assets
For the year ended December 31, 2014, loss
on sale of assets of $0.6 million (2013 - $nil) relates to the sale of the Madsen Project completed in the first quarter of 2014.
(Gain) Loss on investments
The Company has an equity portfolio of publicly
listed companies that are classified as available-for-sale on the Statement of Financial Position. For the year ended December
31, 2014, gain on investments was $1.3 million (2013 - loss of $0.3 million). Year over year, the increase noted is attributable
to disposing of 5.7 million of the 9.8 million shares in Pure Gold Mining Inc. received pursuant to the sale of
the Madsen Gold Project.
Deferred Income Tax (Recovery) Expense
For 2014, the Company had a deferred income
tax recovery of $nil (2013 - deferred tax recovery of $1.4 million). Management is not recognizing any deferred tax assets
in excess of its deferred tax liabilities and does not expect to recognize any significant deferred tax assets or liabilities in
the foreseeable future based on its current operations.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 10 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Liquidity, Financial Resources and Capital Structure
The Company monitors its spending plans, repayment
obligations and cash resources on a continuous basis with the objective of ensuring that there is sufficient capital within the
Company to meet business requirements, after taking into account cash flows from operations and the Company’s holdings of
cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. The Company’s typical cash requirement over the first and second quarters
of each year is significant because of the Seabee Gold Operation’s winter ice road resupply, which includes restocking diesel,
propane and other large consumables as well as the continued investment in maintenance and growth capital relating to the mining
fleet and mine infrastructure.
The Company’s objective when managing
capital is to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern so that it can continue to provide adequate returns to shareholders
and benefits to other stakeholders. The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in
economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure,
the Company may issue new shares, sell assets or incur debt. The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.
The Company’s capital structure is comprised
of a combination of short-term and long-term debt and shareholders’ equity.
The capital structure of the Company is as
follows:
Table 8: Schedule of Capital Structure of the Company |
December 31 | |
| | |
| |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| Interest | | |
Maturity | |
| | | |
| | |
Demand loans | |
| | | |
| |
$ | - | | |
$ | 2,950 | |
Revolving loan | |
| | | |
| |
| - | | |
| 5,000 | |
Finance lease liabilities | |
| | | |
| |
| - | | |
| 291 | |
Term loan* | |
| 10.00 | % | |
April/2018 | |
| 21,581 | | |
| 23,628 | |
Total debt * | |
| | | |
| |
$ | 21,581 | | |
$ | 31,869 | |
| |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Shareholders’ equity | |
| | | |
| |
| 129,425 | | |
| 122,596 | |
| |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Debt * to equity | |
| | | |
| |
| 17 | % | |
| 26 | % |
* For
accounting purposes, closing costs associated with the Company’s Term loan were netted against the principal balance owing,
thereby reducing the carrying value of the Company’s debt on the Statement of Financial Position. The amount presented in
the above table is the amortized cost of the balance owing. At December 31, 2014, the principal balance owing on the Company’s
Term loan was $22.6 million. A reconciliation between the principal balance owing and the amortized cost (carrying amount) presented
on the Company’s Statement of Financial Position is included in the “Other Financial Measures and Reconciliations”
section of this MD&A.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Cash Flow
The Company
had cash and cash equivalents of $11.2 million at December 31, 2014 (December 31, 2013 -
bank indebtedness of $8.6 million). Short-term investments at December 31, 2014 decreased
to $1.2 million (December 31, 2013 – $1.6 million), reflecting the sale of a portion
of the Company’s shares in Pure Gold Mining Inc. (formerly Laurentian Goldfields Ltd.), which were received in the first
quarter of 2014 pursuant to the closing of the Madsen sale.
Operating
Activities
Operating cash flow is the Company’s
primary source of liquidity. As required, the Company may enhance its liquidity and supplement operating cash flow through a combination
of equity issuances, securing debt financing and sale of non-core assets. The principal use of operating cash flow is to fund the
Company’s: operating and capital expenditures at the Seabee Gold Operation; general and administrative costs; and principal
and interest payments.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 11 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
During 2014, the Company’s cash flow
from operations before net changes in non-cash operating working capital (2) was $26.5 million, or $0.14 per share (2013
- $13.8 million, or $0.08 per share). Cash provided by operating activities was $26.9 million, a $13.3 million increase compared
to 2013; this result is due largely to improved net earnings. Whether favorable or unfavorable, future changes in the Canadian
dollar price of gold will continue to have a material impact on the cash flow and liquidity of the Company.
At December 31, 2014, the Company had working
capital of $23.9 million (December 31, 2013 – working capital deficiency of $11.9 million).
Investing
Activities
Cash
provided by investing activities amounted to $3.1 million for the year ended December
31, 2014 (2013 – ($33.4) million). Investing activities included the proceeds from the sale of an NSR (Q1 2014), the
sale of the Madsen Property (Q1 2014), the decrease in reclamation deposits (Q2 2014), the sale of a portion of the
Company’s shares in publicly traded companies and the redemption of certain short-term investments (collectively
providing $25.6 million). These were offset by Mineral property expenditures of $22.2
million during 2014, a $9.7 million decrease over 2013. These mineral property
expenditures were largely comprised of underground development of $17.0 million and
property, plant and equipment additions of $5.0 million. Property, plant and equipment
additions include mining equipment, camp infrastructure and tailings management facility expansion. The Company utilized its
cash flow provided by investing activities (which included proceeds from the NSR Agreement and the sale of Madsen) to
fund these additions.
Financing
Activities
Financing activities
during 2014 included proceeds of $0.7 million received from the issuance of common shares pursuant to the Company’s Employee
Share Purchase Program (“ESPP”). This was offset by the repayment of the $5.0 million revolving loan, $2.4 million
of Term loan principal repayments and $3.3 million of demand loans and capital leases repayments,
resulting in a net financing cash outflow of $9.9 million. This compares to a net financing
cash inflow of $16.4 million during 2013, which consisted of $0.7 million in funding received
from the Company’s ESPP, demand loan proceeds of $5.0 million and net Term loan proceeds of $24.3 million; these proceeds
were offset by debenture, demand loan and capital lease repayments totaling $13.6 million.
During 2014, in addition to
interest payments, monthly principal payments of $0.3 million began in May 2014 and will continue until the Term Loan matures
in 2018, at which time a lump sum principal payment of $10.9 million will be due. A total of $2.4 million of Term Loan
principal payments were made during 2014 (2013 – nil).
In 2014, the Company announced that it had completed a private placement (the “Private Placement”) of common
shares in the capital of Claude (“Common Shares”). The Private Placement consisted of the issuance of 4,545.454
Common Shares at a price of CDN $0.22 per Common Share, being the market price of the Common Shares within the meaning of
the Toronto Stock Exchange Company Manual, to CCP. The Common Shares were issued to CCP as payment for a waiver being granted
by CCP in connection with a Credit Agreement dated as of April 5. 2013 as a result of a covenant breach at December 31, 2013,
as well as the modification of certain covenants. Concurrently with satisfaction of this one-time payment, the 5.75 million
common share purchase warrants pursuant to the original agreement were cancelled.
Financial and Other Instruments
In the normal course of its operations, the
Company is exposed to gold price, foreign exchange, interest rate, liquidity, equity price and counterparty risks. The overall
financial risk management program focuses on preservation of capital and protecting current and future Company assets and cash
flows by reducing exposure to risks posed by the uncertainties and volatilities of financial markets.
The Company may use derivative financial instruments
to hedge some of its exposure to fluctuations in gold prices and foreign exchange rates. The Company does not acquire, hold or
issue derivatives for trading purposes. The Company’s management of financial risks is aimed at ensuring that net cash flows
are sufficient to meet all its financial commitments as and when they fall due and to maintain the capacity to fund its forecast
project development and exploration strategies.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 12 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
The value of the Company’s mineral resources
is related to the price of gold and the outlook for this mineral. Gold and precious metal prices historically have fluctuated widely
and are affected by numerous factors outside of the Company’s control, including, but not limited to, industrial and retail
demand, central bank lending, forward sales by producers and speculators, levels of worldwide production, short-term changes in
supply and demand because of speculative hedging activities and certain other factors related specifically to gold. The profitability
of the Company’s operations is highly correlated to the market price of gold. If the gold price declines below the cost of
production at the Company’s operations, for a prolonged period of time, it may not be economically feasible to continue production.
The Company’s revenues from the production
and sale of gold are denominated in U.S. dollars. However, the Company’s operating expenses are primarily incurred in Canadian
dollars and its liabilities are primarily denominated in Canadian dollars. The results of the Company’s operations are subject
to currency risks. The operating results and financial position of the Company are reported in Canadian dollars in the Company’s
consolidated financial statements.
To mitigate the effects of price fluctuations
in revenue, the Company may enter into derivative instrument transactions, from time to time, in respect of the price of gold and
foreign exchange rates. Such transactions can expose the Company to credit, liquidity and interest rate risk. At December 31, 2014,
the Company had derivative instruments outstanding in the form of forward sales contracts relating to 2015 production totaling
16,000 ounces; at December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any derivative instruments outstanding. The market value gain inherent
in these contracts at December 31, 2014 was $0.5 million (2013 - $nil). The Company’s main exposure to interest rate risk
arises from interest earning cash deposits.
The Company’s liquidity position is managed
to ensure sufficient liquid funds are available to meet its financial obligations in a timely manner. The Company manages liquidity
risk by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and ensuring that the Company has the ability to access required
funding.
The Company is exposed to equity securities
market price risk, arising from investments classified on the balance sheet as available-for-sale. Investments in equity securities
are approved by the Board on a case-by-case basis. All of the Company’s available-for-sale equity investments are in junior
resource companies listed on the TSX Venture Exchange.
The Company is exposed to counterparty risk
which is the risk that a counterparty will not complete its obligations under a financial instrument resulting in a financial loss
for the Company. The Company does not generally obtain collateral or other security to support financial instruments subject to
credit risk; however, the Company only deals with credit worthy counterparties. Accounts receivable comprise institutions purchasing
gold under normal settlement terms of two working days. Counterparty risk under derivative financial instruments is to reputable
institutions. All significant cash balances are on deposit with high-rated banking institutions. The carrying amount of financial
assets recorded in the financial statements represents the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk without taking account
of the value of any collateral or other security obtained.
Contractual Obligations
The Company’s contractual and other obligations
as at December 31, 2014 are summarized as follows:
Table 9: Schedule of Payments / Commitments due by Period |
| |
Total | | |
Less than 1 year | | |
2-3 Years | | |
4-5 Years | | |
More than 5 years | |
Contractual Obligation | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Term loan | |
| 22,600 | | |
| 3,600 | | |
| 7,200 | | |
| 11,800 | | |
| - | |
Interest on term loan | |
| 5,593 | | |
| 2,095 | | |
| 3,110 | | |
| 388 | | |
| - | |
Decommissioning and reclamation | |
| 4,000 | | |
| 500 | | |
| 2,000 | | |
| 1,500 | | |
| - | |
Office lease | |
| 356 | | |
| 194 | | |
| 162 | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
| 32,549 | | |
| 6,389 | | |
| 12,472 | | |
| 13,688 | | |
| - | |
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 13 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
In addition to the above, the Company has
a three percent NSR with Orion Mine Finance Fund on all future gold sales at the Seabee Gold Operation. The NSR agreement
provides the Company with the option, which expires on December 31, 2016, to repurchase half or 1.5 percent of the 3 percent
NSR for U.S. $12 million.
Statements
of Financial Position
Highlights
Table 10: Select Statements of Financial Position Data |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Change from | |
December 31 | |
2014 | | |
2013 * | | |
2012 | | |
2013 to 2014 | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Total assets | |
$ | 167,512 | | |
$ | 181,675 | | |
$ | 234,517 | | |
| (8 | )% |
Non-current liabilities | |
$ | 25,433 | | |
$ | 8,273 | | |
$ | 13,756 | | |
| 207 | % |
* At
December 31, 2013, the Company’s Term loan was classified as a current liability due to non-compliance with a financial covenant.
Non-current liabilities at December 31, 2014 reflect the reclassification of the Company’s Term Loan from current to long-term
due to execution of a waiver agreement pursuant to the Term Loan during the first quarter of 2014.
Assets
The Company’s
total assets were $167.5 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $181.7 million at December 31, 2013; Claude’s asset base
primarily consists of non-current assets comprising mineral properties, reflecting the capital intensive nature of the exploration
and mining business and the impact of the significant capital expenditures relating to its operations and exploration projects.
The $14.2 million net decrease resulted largely from increases of: $11.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, a result of asset
sales and higher gold sales (attributable to improved production and grade at the Seabee Gold Operation); $0.2 million in inventories,
and $0.4 million in Accounts receivable, largely attributable to the timing of gold sales. These increases were offset mainly by
decreases of: $0.5 million in Short-term investments, attributable to the disposition of certain of the Company’s equity
investments; $13.4 million in Assets held for sale (relating to the classification of the
Madsen Property as held for sale at December 31, 2013); and $11.6 million in Mineral properties, largely attributable to the NSR completed by the Company on the Seabee Gold Operation.
Liabilities
Total Current and Non-current liabilities were
$38.1 million at December 31, 2014, down $21.0 million
from December 31, 2013. This result was attributable to decreases of: $8.6
million in Bank indebtedness, $10.3 million (net) of Loans and borrowings, attributable
to repayment of the Company’s $5.0 million revolving loan, principal repayments of $2.4 million on the Company’s Term
loan, $3.0 million of repayments on demand loans and $0.3 million of repayments on obligations
under finance lease; $2.3 million in Liabilities related to assets held for sale, attributable
to the Madsen Property being classified as held for sale at December 31, 2013 and the sale itself being completed in the first
quarter of 2014; and a net decrease of $1.3 million in the Company's current and long-term Net royalty obligation. These decreases
were offset by a $1.1 million increase in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, attributable to the timing and payment
of expenditures relating to consumables at the Seabee Gold Operation; and a $0.4 million increase
in the Company’s Decommissioning and reclamation provision.
Shareholders’ Equity
Shareholders’ equity increased by $6.8
million to $129.4 million at December 31, 2014, from $122.6 million at December 31, 2013. This variance is mainly attributable
to an increase in Share capital of $3.2 million due to the issuance of common shares pursuant to the Company’s ESPP and pursuant
to a private placement completed during the first quarter of 2014; a decrease of $1.1 million to Contributed surplus; and a $4.6
million decrease to Accumulated deficit, a result of the net profit for 2014.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 14 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Comprehensive income consists of net profit
(loss), together with certain other economic gains and losses that are collectively referred to as “other comprehensive income
(loss)” or “OCI” and are excluded from the Income Statement.
Key Sensitivities
Earnings from Claude’s gold operation
are sensitive to fluctuations in both commodity and currency prices. The key factors and their approximate effect on earnings,
earnings per share and cash flow, based on assumptions comparable to 2014 actuals, are as follows:
Gold
For a U.S. $10 movement in gold price per ounce,
earnings and cash flow will have a corresponding movement of CDN $0.7 million, or $0.00 per share. For a $0.01 movement in the
U.S.$/CDN$ exchange rate, earnings and cash flow will have a corresponding movement of CDN $1.0 million, or $0.01 per share.
Grade
For a 0.25 gram per tonne movement in grade,
earnings and cash flow will have a corresponding movement of CDN $3.1 million, or $0.02 per share.
Selected
Quarterly Production and Financial Data
For the quarter ended December 31, 2014,
the Company recorded a net loss of $0.5 million, or $0.00 per share, compared to a net loss of $27.1 million, or $0.15 per
share, for the comparable period in 2013. The loss was driven by lower production ounces associated with decreased tonnage
and lower grades due to mine sequencing at the L62 deposit and Santoy Mine Complex. In addition. we had a significant amount
of in-stope ore at the L62 deposit that was not delivered to the mill during the fourth quarter but rather during the first
quarter of 2015. The costs associated with the in-stope ore were expensed during the fourth quarter while revenues generated
from this ore will be realized in the first quarter of 2015.
Gold revenue generated during the fourth quarter
was $22.7 million, a 30 percent increase over the $17.5 million reported for the same period in 2013. This was a result of increased
Canadian dollar gold prices realized Q4 2014 - $1,365 (U.S. $1,201); Q4 2013 - $1,323 (U.S. $1,260) and higher gold sales volume
compared to the fourth quarter of 2013 (Q4 2014 – 16,639 ounces; Q4 2013 – 13,209 ounces).
For the three months ended December 31, 2014,
total mine operating costs were $15.0 million, up $2.5 million period over period. Canadian dollar cash operating cost per ounce
was down three percent period over period (Q4 2014 – CDN $934 (U.S. $822); Q4 2013 – CDN $944 (U.S. $899)). For the
three months ended December 31, 2014, expenditures relating to the three percent NSR were $0.6 million (Q4 2013 - $nil).
During the fourth quarter of 2014, depreciation
and depletion of the Company’s gold assets of $5.1 million represented a 29 percent decrease over the $7.2 million reported
during the comparable period in 2013. These results are attributable to fewer tonnes broken and milled and higher Seabee Gold Operation
reserves period over period, slightly offset by a larger asset base being depreciated period over period.
Table 11: Selected Quarterly Production and Financial Data |
| |
Dec 31 | | |
Sept 30 | | |
Jun 30 | | |
Mar 31 | | |
Dec 31 | | |
Sept 30 | | |
Jun 30 | | |
Mar 31 | |
| |
2014 | | |
2014 | | |
2014 | | |
2014 | | |
2013 | | |
2013 | | |
2013 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Tonnes milled | |
| 60,551 | | |
| 74,930 | | |
| 79,746 | | |
| 64,370 | | |
| 74,458 | | |
| 64,642 | | |
| 79,077 | | |
| 61,877 | |
Grade processed (grams per tonne) | |
| 6.57 | | |
| 8.88 | | |
| 7.70 | | |
| 5.76 | | |
| 5.61 | | |
| 5.30 | | |
| 5.13 | | |
| 4.31 | |
Gold Ounces | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Produced | |
| 12,300 | | |
| 20,600 | | |
| 18,700 | | |
| 11,300 | | |
| 12,800 | | |
| 10,500 | | |
| 12,400 | | |
| 8,100 | |
Sold | |
| 16,600 | | |
| 17,600 | | |
| 17,700 | | |
| 10,900 | | |
| 13,200 | | |
| 10,800 | | |
| 11,500 | | |
| 9,300 | |
Gold sales ($ millions) | |
| 22.7 | | |
| 24.3 | | |
| 24.7 | | |
| 15.6 | | |
| 17.5 | | |
| 15.0 | | |
| 16.1 | | |
| 15.3 | |
Production costs ($ millions) | |
| 15.0 | | |
| 12.0 | | |
| 12.6 | | |
| 10.6 | | |
| 12.5 | | |
| 9.9 | | |
| 10.1 | | |
| 11.6 | |
Capital expenditures ($ millions) | |
| 6.2 | | |
| 4.4 | | |
| 3.8 | | |
| 7.8 | | |
| 6.7 | | |
| 5.8 | | |
| 7.3 | | |
| 13.4 | |
Net profit (loss) ($ millions) (a) | |
| (0.5 | ) | |
| 6.9 | | |
| 3.3 | | |
| (5.1 | ) | |
| (27.1 | ) | |
| (33.9 | ) | |
| (9.9 | ) | |
| (2.5 | ) |
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 15 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Table 11: Selected Quarterly Production and Financial Data |
|
|
Dec 31 |
|
|
Sept 30 |
|
|
Jun 30 |
|
|
Mar 31 |
|
|
Dec 31 |
|
|
Sept 30 |
|
|
Jun 30 |
|
|
Mar 31 |
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net profit (loss) per share (a) (d) |
|
|
(0.00 |
) |
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
(0.15 |
) |
|
|
(0.19 |
) |
|
|
(0.06 |
) |
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
Average realized gold price (CDN$ per ounce) |
|
|
1,365 |
|
|
|
1,384 |
|
|
|
1,397 |
|
|
|
1,438 |
|
|
|
1,323 |
|
|
|
1,389 |
|
|
|
1,393 |
|
|
|
1,643 |
|
Average realized gold price (U.S.$ per ounce) |
|
|
1,201 |
|
|
|
1,270 |
|
|
|
1,282 |
|
|
|
1,303 |
|
|
|
1,260 |
|
|
|
1,338 |
|
|
|
1,361 |
|
|
|
1,629 |
|
Cash cost per ounce (b) (CDN$ per ounce) |
|
|
934 |
|
|
|
735 |
|
|
|
753 |
|
|
|
978 |
|
|
|
944 |
|
|
|
919 |
|
|
|
875 |
|
|
|
1,245 |
|
Cash cost per ounce (b) (U.S.$ per ounce) |
|
|
822 |
|
|
|
675 |
|
|
|
691 |
|
|
|
886 |
|
|
|
899 |
|
|
|
885 |
|
|
|
855 |
|
|
|
1,235 |
|
All-in sustaining (b) (CDN$ per ounce) |
|
|
1,434 |
|
|
|
1,063 |
|
|
|
1,065 |
|
|
|
1,919 |
|
|
|
1,609 |
|
|
|
1,574 |
|
|
|
1,590 |
|
|
|
2,857 |
|
All-in sustaining (b) (U.S.$ per ounce) |
|
|
1,262 |
|
|
|
976 |
|
|
|
977 |
|
|
|
1,738 |
|
|
|
1,533 |
|
|
|
1,516 |
|
|
|
1,554 |
|
|
|
2,833 |
|
Cash flow from operations before net changes in non-cash operating working capital ($ millions) (c) |
|
|
4.5 |
|
|
|
10.4 |
|
|
|
9.9 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
Cash flow from operations before net changes in non-cash operating working capital (c) per share |
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic) |
|
|
188,156 |
|
|
|
188,156 |
|
|
|
188,156 |
|
|
|
182,029 |
|
|
|
175,811 |
|
|
|
175,811 |
|
|
|
175,811 |
|
|
|
174,801 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CDN$/U.S.$ Exchange |
|
|
1.1361 |
|
|
|
1.0892 |
|
|
|
1.0902 |
|
|
|
1.1038 |
|
|
|
1.0498 |
|
|
|
1.0383 |
|
|
|
1.0235 |
|
|
|
1.0086 |
|
(a)
Basic and diluted, calculated based on the number of shares issued and outstanding during the quarter. Q4 2013 reflects the impact
of a $3.5 million impairment charge on the Seabee Gold Operation and a $4.3 million impairment charge on the Madsen Property. Q3
2013 reflects the impact of a $7.9 million impairment charge on the Seabee Gold Operation and a $37.3 million impairment charge
on the Madsen Property. Q2 2013 results reflect the impact of a $10.8 million impairment charge on the Seabee Gold Operation.
(b)
Denotes a non-IFRS measure. For an explanation and reconciliation of non-IFRS measures, refer to the “Non-IFRS Financial
Measures” section of this MD&A.
(c) For
an explanation of this performance measure, refer to the “Other Performance Measures” section of this MD&A.
(d)
Net profit (loss) per share for each quarter has been calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding for
the quarter. As such, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual total.
Trends
|
· |
Tonnage throughput ranging from 60,551 to 79,746 tonnes. |
|
· |
Improving gold sales, a result of improving grade. |
|
· |
More than 106,000 ounces of gold production over the last eight quarters. |
|
· |
Decreasing capital expenditures. |
|
· |
A decline in Canadian average gold price realized, which has ranged from $1,323 to $1,643 per ounce over the last eight quarters. |
|
· |
The weakening of the Canadian dollar versus the United States dollar. |
Accounting Estimates
Certain of the Company’s accounting policies
require that Management make decisions with respect to the formulation of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Claude’s significant accounting policies are contained in Note 3 to the consolidated
financial statements. The following is a discussion of the accounting estimates that are critical in determining the Company’s
financial results.
Reserves
Estimation of reserves involves the exercise
of judgment. Forecasts are based on geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data, all of which are subject to many uncertainties
and interpretations. The Company expects that, over time, reserve estimates may be revised upward or downward based on updated
information. Such information may include revisions to geological data or assumptions, a change in economic data, and the results
of drilling and exploration activities. Reserve estimates can have a significant impact on net earnings, as they are a key component
in the calculation of depreciation and depletion. In addition, changes in reserve estimates, commodity prices and future operating
and capital costs can have a significant impact on the impairment assessments of the applicable assets.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 16 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Valuation of Properties
Claude assesses the carrying values of its
properties at the end of each reporting period, or more frequently if warranted by a change in circumstances, to determine whether
any indication of impairment exists. If it is determined that carrying values of assets cannot be recovered, the unrecoverable
amounts are written off against current earnings. Recoverability is dependent upon assumptions and judgments regarding future prices,
costs of production, sustaining capital requirements and economically recoverable ore reserves. A change in assumptions may materially
impact the potential impairment of these assets.
Decommissioning and Reclamation
Claude’s mining, exploration and development
activities are subject to various levels of Federal and Provincial Law as well as environmental regulations, including requirements
for closure and reclamation. Management’s judgment and estimates are used when estimating reclamation and closure costs.
In some cases, these costs will be incurred many years from the date of estimate. Estimates may be revised as a result of changes
in government regulations or assumptions.
New
Accounting Pronouncements
The Company has adopted the following new standards,
along with any consequential amendments, effective January 1, 2014. These changes were made in accordance with the applicable transitional
provisions.
Offsetting Financial Assets and Liabilities
In December 2011, the IASB published Offsetting
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities and issued new disclosure requirements in IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures.
The amendments to IAS 32 clarify that an entity currently has a legally enforceable right to set-off if that right is not contingent
on a future event, and enforceable both in the normal course of business and in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy
of the entity and all counterparties. The amendments to IAS 32 also clarify when a settlement mechanism provides for net settlement
or gross settlement that is equivalent to net settlement. These amendments have been applied retrospectively. The amendments to
IAS 32 did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
IFRIC 21 Levies
IFRIC 21, Levies (“IFRIC 21”),
is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014 and is applied retrospectively. It is applicable to all levies
imposed by governments under legislation, other than outflows that are within the scope of other standards (e.g., IAS 12 Income
Taxes) and fines or other penalties for breaches of legislation.
The interpretation clarifies that an entity
recognizes a liability for a levy when the activity that triggers payment, as identified by the relevant legislation, occurs. It
also clarifies that a levy liability is accrued progressively only if the activity that triggers payment occurs over a period of
time, in accordance with the relevant legislation. For a levy that is triggered upon reaching a minimum threshold, the Interpretation
clarifies that no liability should be anticipated before the specified minimum threshold is reached. The adoption of IFRIC 21 did
not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company as at December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 17 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Future
Accounting Pronouncements
The standards and interpretations that are
issued, but not yet effective, up to the date of issuance of the Company’s financial statements are disclosed below. These
are the changes that the Company reasonably expects will have an impact on its disclosures, financial position or performance when
applied at a future date. The Company intends to adopt this standard, if applicable, when it becomes effective.
Financial Instruments
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (“IFRS
9”), was issued by the IASB on November 12, 2009 and will replace IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement
(“IAS 39”). IFRS 9 uses a single approach to determine whether a financial asset is measured at amortized cost
or fair value, replacing the multiple rules in IAS 39. The approach in IFRS 9 is based on how an entity manages its financial instruments
in the context of its business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. The new standard also
requires a single impairment method to be used, replacing the multiple impairment methods in IAS 39. IFRS 9 is effective for annual
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 (tentative). The Company is currently evaluating the impact of IFRS 9 on its financial
statements, if any.
Revenue
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
(“IFRS 15”), was issued by the IASB in May 2014, is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017
and is to be applied retrospectively. IFRS 15 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The
Company intends to adopt IFRS 15 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning January 1, 2017. The Company is currently
evaluating the impact of IFRS 15 on its financial statements, if any.
Exploration Results
During 2014, exploration at the Seabee
Gold Operation focused on targets proximal to infrastructure with the potential to materially impact near-term
production, drive resource growth, improve costs and positively impact the Company’s Mineral Reserves and Mineral
Resources.
All exploration activities were carried out
under the direction of Qualified Person, Brian Skanderbeg, P. Geo., President and Chief Executive Officer.
Seabee Gold Operation
The Seabee Gold Operation is located northeast
of La Ronge, Saskatchewan and consists of two producing mines, the Seabee Mine (which includes the L62 deposit) and the Santoy
Mine Complex (which includes the Santoy 8 and Santoy Gap deposits). In addition, the Seabee Gold Operation is host to various regional
exploration targets.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 18 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Figure 2: Seabee Property regional map showing
significant gold deposits and occurrences.
Santoy Region
The Santoy Region includes the Santoy 8 and
Santoy Gap deposits, which are part of the Santoy Mine Complex.
Gold mineralization at the Santoy Region is
hosted in siliceous, shear structures with sulfide-chlorite-quartz veins and in silicified granitoid sills. The mineralized lenses
dip moderately to steeply eastward and are amenable to bulk mining techniques. Gold mineralization of the Santoy 8 ore lens occurs
over a strike length of 600 metres, a depth of 500 metres and remains open along strike and down plunge to the north. The Santoy
8E ore lens has been intercepted over a strike length of 200 metres, depth of 250 metres and remains open along strike and down
plunge to the north. The true thickness of the Santoy 8 deposits varies from 1.5 metres to 15 metres.
The Santoy Gap deposit is located 400 to 900
metres north of underground infrastructure, immediately on strike and adjacent to the Santoy 8 deposit within the Santoy Mine Complex.
Historical drilling completed in and around the Santoy Gap and along the Santoy regional shear zone has extended the mineralized
system, discovered a sub-parallel lens to the Santoy Gap approximately 150 metres to the east and affirmed the high prospectivity
of the Santoy Regional Shear Zone, hosting multiple deposits over a three kilometre strike length. The Santoy Gap system remains
open down plunge to the north, along strike to the south and at depth. These intercepts at depth may link with the existing Santoy
8 resource 300 metres to the south.
Drilling at Santoy Gap has extended the mineralized
system down-plunge to 650 metres depth and at Santoy 8 has extended the system 400 metres below the base of the existing inferred
resource. These step-out drill intercepts significantly expand the footprint of the Santoy Mine Complex and are of a materially
higher grade than the current reserve and resource base. Results from the underground drill program during 2014 have shown high
grade and excellent widths that are hosted within three distinct vein systems (Santoy Gap 9A, 9B and 9C). Select highlight holes
that have intercepted multiple vein systems are presented in the table below.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 19 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Table 12: Highlights of Drill Holes Intercepting Multiple Vein Systems Within the Santoy Gap Deposit |
| |
VEIN SYSTEM | |
| |
9A | | |
9B | | |
9C | |
Hole ID | |
GRADE g/t (cut) | | |
TRUE WIDTH (m) | | |
GRADE g/t (cut) | | |
TRUE WIDTH (m) | | |
GRADE g/t (cut) | | |
TRUE WIDTH (m) | |
SUG-14-027 | |
| 33.56 | | |
| 4.57 | | |
| 7.71 | | |
| 2.52 | | |
| 4.28 | | |
| 10.21 | |
SUG-14-028 | |
| 15.35 | | |
| 7.51 | | |
| 4.84 | | |
| 3.42 | | |
| 6.71 | | |
| 7.13 | |
SUG-14-029 | |
| 50.00 | | |
| 1.88 | | |
| 10.91 | | |
| 10.47 | | |
| 15.17 | | |
| 4.80 | |
SUG-14-034 | |
| 13.29 | | |
| 2.58 | | |
| 22.54 | | |
| 9.62 | | |
| 4.93 | | |
| 1.72 | |
SUG-14-038 | |
| 9.87 | | |
| 8.22 | | |
| 20.20 | | |
| 0.87 | | |
| 28.36 | | |
| 2.02 | |
SUG-14-044 | |
| 8.03 | | |
| 3.39 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 11.33 | | |
| 7.63 | |
SUG-14-048 | |
| 6.06 | | |
| 6.34 | | |
| 6.23 | | |
| 4.69 | | |
| 26.77 | | |
| 8.70 | |
Note: Composites were calculated using a 3.5 g/t
Au cut-off grade and a 50.0 g/t top-cut and may include internal dilution.
These results are significant because all three
structures hosted within the Santoy Gap continue to demonstrate economic grades and widths. The Santoy Gap deposit contains more
gold ounces per vertical metre than other ore bodies within the Seabee Gold Operation; as such, the Company has the opportunity
to improve productivity and margins.
Results during 2013 were highlighted by drill
hole JOY-13-690 that returned 330.35 grams of gold per tonne over 1.55 metres, inclusive of a bonanza grade interval of 602.00
grams of gold per tonne over 0.84 metres. This is the highest grade interval drilled to date at the Santoy Gap deposit. Drill hole
JOY-13-692 returned 18.80 grams of gold per tonne over 13.86 metres in the final hole of the program. The intercept is located
400 metres down plunge from existing Santoy 8 inferred resources and 200 metres along strike from the Santoy Gap inferred resources. Drill
hole JOY-13-692 is of particular significance as it confirms continuity at depth between the Santoy Gap and Santoy 8 deposits.
Follow-up of this drill hole is one of the key targets for the 2015 drill program.
Table 13: Highlights from 2013 Santoy Mine Complex Drilling |
Hole ID | |
Easting | |
Northing | |
From (m) | | |
To (m) | | |
Grade (g/t) | | |
Width (m) | | |
Zone | |
JOY-13-690 | |
599175 | |
6171150 | |
| 684.27 | | |
| 685.82 | | |
| 330.35 | | |
| 1.55 | | |
| GAP | |
| |
| |
Incl | |
| 684.98 | | |
| 685.82 | | |
| 602.00 | | |
| 0.84 | | |
| GAP | |
JOY-13-692 | |
599721 | |
6170539 | |
| 632.85 | | |
| 646.71 | | |
| 18.80 | | |
| 13.86 | | |
| Santoy 8 | |
Note: Composites were calculated using a 3.0 g/t
Au cut-off grade and may include internal dilution. True widths are interpreted to be 75 to 95 percent of drilled width. Assay
results are uncut.
The 2013 surface drill program was able to
demonstrate significant resource and grade upside at the Santoy Mine Complex, the prospectivity of the regional Santoy system and
highlighted the potential for near term resource growth. With the completion of the Company’s exploration ramp from Santoy
8 to Santoy Gap, Claude’s exploration group initiated underground infill drilling to aid in the development of a detailed
mine design for the Santoy Gap as its production profile is further advanced.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 20 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Figure 3: Santoy Region Composite Longitudinal
Section.
Seabee Region
In 2015, exploration will focus on evaluating the most prospective targets within a one kilometre radius of the Seabee
head-frame and the CMN, Herb Lake and 2d deep targets. The CMN and Herb Lake targets were most recently prospected in 2013
at which time the latter yielded significant high-grade grab samples along a Seabee parallel trend. The 2d deep target represents
a large panel below mined-out stopes and holds the potential for significant ounces within striking distance of existing mine
workings. An underground drill program coordinated by the Exploration department will focus on highpriority near-mine targets,
which have the potential to result in new discoveries roxtmal to Seabee’s mine infrastructure and thereby expanding
the current resource/reserve base.
Figure 4: Seabee Mine Composite Longitudinal
Section (L62 Zone Discovery)
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 21 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Amisk Gold Project
The Amisk Gold Project is located in the Flin
Flon-Snow Lake Greenstone Belt and is host to the Amisk Gold Deposit as well as a large number of gold occurrences and prospects.
There were no exploration activities at the Amisk Gold Project during 2014.
At the Amisk Gold Project, regional potential
remains high and exploration maturity low. Field work and extensive compilation have resulted in the emergence of an extensive
list of exploration targets that are currently being prioritized for future assessment. The Company has also completed target development
(with the goal of identifying targets with similarities to Amisk’s historical geology), ranking and ground-base reconnaissance
in areas which host potential for Amisk-style gold-silver (“Au-Ag”) mineralization as well as conventional base-metal
deposits typical of the Flin Flon belt.
Figure 5: Amisk Gold Project
Drilling from the Company’s historical
drill programs successfully confirmed continuity of gold mineralization within the northern and eastern portion of the deposit
as well as demonstrated the potential for expansion to the east and southeast. Gold and silver mineralization at the Amisk Gold
Project is associated with a sequence of quartz porphyritic, rhyolitic lapilli tuffs and flows hosting disseminations and stringers
of pyrite, sphalerite, galena, tetrahedrite and chalcopyrite. Drilling has intercepted the mineralized system over a strike length
of 1,200 metres, width of 400 metres and depths of in excess of 600 metres. The system remains open to the southwest, southeast,
northwest and at depth.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 22 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Figure 6: Cross Section A-A’ of the
Amisk Gold Property
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Procedures
Rigorous quality assurance and quality control
procedures have been implemented including the use of blanks, standards and duplicates. Geochemical analyses were submitted to
ALS Chemex in Vancouver, British Columbia, TSL Laboratories in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and or the Seabee mine site lab. ALS Chemex
and TSL Laboratories are ISO approved. Core samples were analyzed by a 30 gram gold fire assay with an atomic absorption and gravimetric
and or screen fire finish.
Mineral Reserves and Mineral
Resources
The Company’s Mineral Reserves and Mineral
Resources estimates were conducted under the direction of Qualified Persons Brian Skanderbeg, P.Geo., President and Chief Executive
Officer and Gordon Reed, P. Eng., Seabee Gold Operation General Manager.
Seabee Gold Operation
At the Seabee Gold Operation, year
over year proven and Probable Mineral reserve grade increased by 23 percent to 7.03 grams per tonne while reserve ounces
decreased 29 percent to 299,000 ounces. The increase in reserve grade was driven by a 35 percent increase in grade year over
year at the Santoy Gap (7.64 grams per tonne from 5.68 grams per tonne). The increase in grade and reduction in reserve
ounces at Santoy Gap was largely the result of a revision to the mining method from the pre-feasibility study.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 23 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Based on information from the Company’s 2014
infill drilling program that demonstrated better vein continuity and improved pillar configuration, Transverse mining was
replaced with Long-hole mining.
Measured and indicated Mineral Resources decreased 29
percent to 125,200 ounces. Inferred Mineral Resources increased by 45 percent to 847,300 ounces. The near doubling of
inferred ounces year over year came from significantly expanding the Santoy 8 ore body at depth. This extension is
significant in size and grade and provides for a great opportunity to expand the life of mine at the Santoy Mine Complex.
The Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resources of the Santoy
Gap deposit continue to be important and represent an opportunity for the Company due to their proximity to permitted mine
infrastructure, low development cost and near- term production potential. Furthermore, based on its high grade nature and
size, the Santoy Gap deposit demonstrates the potential that exists to grow production at the Seabee Gold Operation.
Table 14: Seabee Gold Operation Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources |
Proven and Probable Reserves |
| |
November 30, 2014 | | |
November 15, 2013 | |
Projects | |
Tonnes | | |
Grade (g/t) | | |
Ozs | | |
Tonnes | | |
Grade (g/t) | | |
Ozs | |
Seabee | |
| 410,300 | | |
| 6.46 | | |
| 85,200 | | |
| 490,000 | | |
| 6.67 | | |
| 105,000 | |
Santoy 8 | |
| 113,200 | | |
| 4.80 | | |
| 17,500 | | |
| 362,100 | | |
| 4.45 | | |
| 51,800 | |
Santoy Gap | |
| 799,600 | | |
| 7.64 | | |
| 196,300 | | |
| 1,456,700 | | |
| 5.68 | | |
| 266,100 | |
Totals | |
| 1,323,100 | | |
| 7.03 | | |
| 299,000 | | |
| 2,308,800 | | |
| 5.70 | | |
| 422,900 | |
Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources |
Projects | |
Tonnes | | |
Grade (g/t) | | |
Ozs | | |
Tonnes | | |
Grade (g/t) | | |
Ozs | |
Seabee | |
| 105,900 | | |
| 6.78 | | |
| 23,100 | | |
| 151,000 | | |
| 6.42 | | |
| 31,200 | |
Santoy 8 | |
| 101,700 | | |
| 5.69 | | |
| 18,600 | | |
| 68,000 | | |
| 4.55 | | |
| 9,900 | |
Santoy Gap | |
| 182,600 | | |
| 5.69 | | |
| 33,400 | | |
| 309,400 | | |
| 8.44 | | |
| 83,900 | |
Porky Main | |
| 160,000 | | |
| 7.50 | | |
| 38,600 | | |
| 160,000 | | |
| 7.50 | | |
| 38,600 | |
Porky West | |
| 100,700 | | |
| 3.57 | | |
| 11,600 | | |
| 100,700 | | |
| 3.57 | | |
| 11,600 | |
Totals | |
| 651,000 | | |
| 5.98 | | |
| 125,200 | | |
| 789,100 | | |
| 6.91 | | |
| 175,200 | |
Inferred Mineral Resources |
Projects | |
Tonnes | | |
Grade (g/t) | | |
Ozs | | |
Tonnes | | |
Grade (g/t) | | |
Ozs | |
Seabee | |
| 403,300 | | |
| 8.09 | | |
| 104,900 | | |
| 421,600 | | |
| 9.78 | | |
| 132,600 | |
Santoy 8 | |
| 1,344,300 | | |
| 8.56 | | |
| 369,900 | | |
| 640,100 | | |
| 6.09 | | |
| 125,300 | |
Santoy Gap | |
| 1,319,100 | | |
| 7.50 | | |
| 318,100 | | |
| 1,210,000 | | |
| 6.96 | | |
| 270,800 | |
Porky Main | |
| 70,000 | | |
| 10.43 | | |
| 23,500 | | |
| 70,000 | | |
| 10.43 | | |
| 23,500 | |
Porky West | |
| 174,800 | | |
| 5.48 | | |
| 30,800 | | |
| 174,800 | | |
| 5.48 | | |
| 30,800 | |
Totals | |
| 3,311,400 | | |
| 7.96 | | |
| 847,300 | | |
| 2,516,500 | | |
| 7.21 | | |
| 582,900 | |
Footnotes to the Mineral Resource Statement:
| 1. | At November 30, 2014, Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources were estimated by Claude personnel.
The Mineral Resource evaluation work was completed by a team of geologists and engineers under the supervision of Brian Skanderbeg,
P.Geo., President and Chief Executive Officer. Mineral Reserves were conducted under the direction of Qualified Person Gordon Reed,
P.Eng., Seabee Gold Operation General Manager. Mr. Skanderbeg and Mr. Reed have sufficient experience, which is relevant to the
style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activities undertaken to qualify as Qualified Persons
as defined by NI 43-101. |
| 2. | At November 15, 2013, Mineral Resources were estimated by Claude personnel. SRK Consulting (Canada)
Inc. prepared the Company’s Mineral Reserves as at November 15, 2013. The Mineral Resource evaluation work was completed
by a team of geologists and engineers under the supervision of Brian Skanderbeg. Mineral Reserves were conducted under the direction
of Qualified Person Stephen Taylor, P.Eng (SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc.). |
| 3. | The Mineral Resources and reserves reported herein have been estimated in conformity with generally
accepted CIM “Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves Best Practices” guidelines and are reported in accordance
with Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 43-101. |
| 4. | Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Seabee deposit are reported at a cut-off of 4.5
grams of gold per tonne. Santoy 8 and Santoy Gap Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off of 3.6 grams
of gold per tonne. Porky Main and Porky West Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 3.0 grams of gold per tonne.
Assumptions include a price of CDN $1,375 per ounce of gold using metallurgical and process recovery of 95.2 percent and overall
ore mining and processing costs derived from 2014 and 2013 realized costs. |
| 5. | All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Summation of individual
columns may not add-up due to rounding. |
| 6. | Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.
There is no certainty that all or any part of the Mineral Resource will be converted into Mineral Reserves. |
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 24 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Amisk Gold Project
At the Amisk Gold Project, Claude’s independent
NI 43-101 compliant resource calculation outlines an Indicated Resource of 921,000 ounces of 0.95 grams of Au Eq per tonne and
an Inferred Resource of 645,000 ounces at 0.70 grams of Au Eq per tonne.
Table 15: Amisk Gold Project Consolidated Mineral Resource Statement* |
| |
Quantity | | |
Grade (g/tonne) | | |
Contained Ounces (000’s) | |
Resource Class | |
(000’s tonnes) | | |
Au | | |
Ag | | |
Au Eq | | |
Au | | |
Ag | | |
Au Eq | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Indicated | |
| 30,150 | | |
| 0.85 | | |
| 6.17 | | |
| 0.95 | | |
| 827 | | |
| 5,978 | | |
| 921 | |
Inferred | |
| 28,653 | | |
| 0.64 | | |
| 4.01 | | |
| 0.70 | | |
| 589 | | |
| 3,692 | | |
| 645 | |
* Reported at a cut-off of 0.40 grams of
gold equivalent (Au Eq) per tonne using a price of U.S. $1,100 per ounce of gold and U.S. $16 per ounce of silver inside a conceptual
pit shell optimized using metallurgical and process recovery of 87 percent, overall ore mining and processing costs of U.S. $15
per tonne and overall pit slope of 50 degrees. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates.
Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.
The mineral resources for the Amisk Gold Project
are sensitive to the selection of cut-off grade. The table below presents the quantity and grade estimates at a range of cut-off
grades inside the conceptual pit shell considered for reporting the Mineral Resource Statement. A cut-off value of 0.4 grams of
gold equivalent per tonne was selected based on optimization results and benchmarking against similar deposits.
Table 16: Global Block Model Quantity and Grade Estimates, Amisk Lake Gold Project at
Various Cut-off Grades. |
Grade | |
Indicated | | |
Inferred | |
Au Eq (gpt) | |
Quantity (tonnes) | | |
Au Eq (gpt) | | |
Ounces Au Eq | | |
Quantity (tonnes) | | |
Au Eq (gpt) | | |
Ounces Au Eq | |
0.40 | |
| 30,150,090 | | |
| 0.95 | | |
| 920,881 | | |
| 28,653,135 | | |
| 0.70 | | |
| 644,854 | |
0.50 | |
| 23,533,117 | | |
| 1.09 | | |
| 824,702 | | |
| 19,446,358 | | |
| 0.82 | | |
| 512,676 | |
0.60 | |
| 18,322,858 | | |
| 1.25 | | |
| 736,367 | | |
| 13,665,490 | | |
| 0.94 | | |
| 412,994 | |
0.70 | |
| 14,359,129 | | |
| 1.41 | | |
| 650,936 | | |
| 9,491,034 | | |
| 1.07 | | |
| 326,504 | |
0.80 | |
| 11,418,785 | | |
| 1.58 | | |
| 580,054 | | |
| 6,659,786 | | |
| 1.20 | | |
| 256,941 | |
0.90 | |
| 9,206,976 | | |
| 1.76 | | |
| 520,980 | | |
| 4,825,758 | | |
| 1.34 | | |
| 207,903 | |
1.00 | |
| 7,606,617 | | |
| 1.93 | | |
| 471,998 | | |
| 3,589,543 | | |
| 1.48 | | |
| 170,802 | |
1.50 | |
| 3,472,946 | | |
| 2.80 | | |
| 312,642 | | |
| 1,078,945 | | |
| 2.16 | | |
| 74,928 | |
Note: The reader is cautioned that the figures in this table
should not be misconstrued with a Mineral Resource Statement. The figures are only presented to show the sensitivity of the block
model estimates to the selection of cut-off grade.
Business Risks
The profitability and operating cash flow of
the Company is dependent on several factors: the quantity of gold produced, related gold prices, foreign exchange, operating costs,
capital expenditures, exploration levels and environmental, health and safety regulations. These and other risk factors listed
below relate to the mining industry in general while others are specific to Claude. A complete list of risk factors is contained
within the Company’s Annual Information Form. Whenever possible, the Company seeks to mitigate these risk factors.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 25 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Persistent Low Gold Prices Could
Cause Mine Operations to be Suspended or Shutdown and Negatively Affect the Company’s Profitability, Cash Flow and Ability
to Operate as a Going Concern
The economics of developing gold and other
metal properties are affected by many factors including the cost of operations, variations in the grade of ore mined and the price
of gold or other metals. Depending on the price of gold, the Company may determine that it is impractical to commence or continue
commercial production. The price of gold has fluctuated in recent years. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the market price
per ounce for gold ranged from a low of U.S. $1,142 to a high of U.S. $1,385 with an average price of U.S. $1,266.
Any significant drop in the price of gold
adversely impacts the Company’s revenues, profitability and cash flows. Also, sustained low gold prices can:
| 1. | Reduce production revenues as a result of cutbacks caused by the cessation of mining operations
involving deposits or portions of deposits that have become uneconomic at the prevailing price of gold; |
| 2. | Cause the cessation or deferral of new mining projects; |
| 3. | Decrease the amount of capital available for exploration activities; |
| 4. | Reduce existing reserves by removing ore from reserves that cannot be economically mined at prevailing
prices; or, |
| 5. | Cause the write-off of an asset whose value is impaired by the low price of gold. |
Gold prices may fluctuate widely and are
affected by numerous industry factors, such as demand for precious metals, forward selling by producers and central bank sales
and purchases of gold. Moreover, gold prices are also affected by macro-economic factors such as expectations for inflation, interest
rates, currency exchange rates and global or regional political and economic situations. The current demand for and supply of gold
affects gold prices, but not necessarily in the same manner as current demand and supply affects the price of other commodities.
The potential supply of gold consists of new mine production plus existing stocks of bullion and fabricated gold held by governments,
financial institutions, industrial organizations and individuals. If gold prices remain at low market levels for a sustained period,
the Company could determine that it is not economically feasible to continue mining operations or exploration activities.
There can be no assurance that the price
of gold will remain stable or that such price will be at a level that will prove feasible to begin development of its properties,
or commence or, if commenced, continue commercial production.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 26 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Uncertainty of Production Estimates
can Negatively Impact Earnings and Cash Flow
The Company’s gold production may
fall below estimated levels as a result of mining accidents such as cave-ins, rock falls, rock bursts or as a result of other operational
difficulties. In addition, production may be unexpectedly reduced if, during the course of mining, mineral grades are lower than
expected, the physical or metallurgical characteristics of the minerals are less amenable than expected to mining or treatment,
or dilution increases. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Company will achieve current or future production estimates.
The Company is Involved in the
Resource Industry which has Certain Inherent Exploration and Operating Risks
The exploration for and development of
mineral deposits involves significant risks, which even the combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge may not
eliminate. It is impossible to guarantee that current or future exploration programs on existing mineral properties will establish
reserves.
The level of profitability of the Company
in future years will depend mainly on gold prices, the cost of production at the Seabee Operation and whether any of the Company’s
exploration stage properties can be brought into production. Whether an ore body will continue to be commercially viable depends
on a number of factors, some of which are the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure,
as well as metal prices, which cannot be predicted and which have been highly volatile in the past, mining costs, and government
regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals,
environmental protection and reclamation and closure obligations. The effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but
the combination of these factors may cause a mineral deposit that has been mined profitably in the past, such as the Seabee Operation,
to become unprofitable. The Company is subject to the risks normally encountered in the mining industry, such as unusual or unexpected
geological formations, cave-ins or flooding. The Company may become subject to liability for pollution, cave-ins or other hazards
against which it cannot insure or against which it may elect not to insure.
The development of gold and other mineral
properties is affected by many factors, including the cost of operations, variations in the grade of ore, fluctuations in commodity
markets, costs of processing equipment and other factors such as government regulations, including regulations relating to royalties,
fluctuations in the U.S. dollar versus Canadian dollar exchange rate, allowable production, importing and exporting of minerals
and environmental protection.
Fluctuations in the U.S. Dollar
versus Canadian Dollar Exchange Rate Could Negatively Impact Operating Results
The price of gold is denominated in U.S.
dollars and, accordingly, the Company’s proceeds from gold sales will be denominated and received in U.S. dollars. As a result,
fluctuations in the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar could result in unanticipated fluctuations in the Company’s financial
results, which are reported in Canadian dollars. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the CDN$/US$ exchange rate ranged from
a low of $1.0639 to a high of $1.1656 with an average of $1.1046.
Current Global Financial Condition
Market events and conditions, including
the disruptions in the international credit markets and other financial systems, the deterioration of global economic conditions
in 2008 and 2009 and, more recently, in Europe, along with political instability in the Middle East and budget deficits and debt
levels in the United States, have caused significant volatility to commodity prices. These conditions have also caused a loss of
confidence in the broader United States, European and global credit and financial markets and resulting in the collapse of, and
government intervention in, major banks, financial institutions and insurers and creating a climate of greater volatility, less
liquidity, widening credit spreads, less price transparency, increased credit losses and tighter credit conditions. Notwithstanding
various actions by governments, concerns about the general condition of the capital markets, financial instruments, banks, investment
banks, insurers and other financial institutions caused the broader credit markets to further deteriorate and stock markets to
decline substantially. These events are illustrative of the effect that events beyond Claude’s control may have on commodity
prices, demand for metals, including gold and silver, and general financial market liquidity, all of which may affect the Company’s
business.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 27 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Claude is also exposed to liquidity and
various counterparty risks including, but not limited to: (i) financial institutions that hold Claude’s cash and cash equivalents;
(ii) companies that have payables to Claude, including bullion brokers; (iii) Claude’s insurance providers; (iv) Claude’s
lenders; (v) Claude’s other banking counterparties; and (vi) companies that have received deposits from Claude for the future
delivery of equipment and or other operational inputs. Claude is also exposed to liquidity risks in meeting its capital expenditure
requirements in instances where cash positions are unable to be maintained or appropriate financing is unavailable. These factors
may impact the ability of Claude to obtain loans and other credit facilities in the future and, if obtained, on terms favourable
to Claude. Furthermore, repercussions from the 2008-2009 economic crisis continue to be felt, as reflected in increased levels
of volatility and market turmoil. As a result of this uncertainty, Claude’s planned growth could either be adversely or positively
impacted and the trading price of Claude’s securities could either be adversely or positively affected.
Limitations under Credit Facilities
The Company’s secured credit facilities
may limit, among other things, the Company’s ability to permit the creation of certain liens, make investments or dispose
of the Company’s material assets. In addition, these credit facilities may limit the Company’s ability to incur additional
indebtedness and requires the Company to maintain specified financial ratios and meet financial condition covenants. Events beyond
the Company’s control, including changes in general economic and business conditions, may affect the Company’s ability
to satisfy these covenants, which could result in a default under one or both of the credit facilities. If an event of default
under the credit facility occurs, the lenders could elect to declare all principal amounts outstanding thereunder at such time,
together with accrued interest, to be immediately due. In such an event, the Company may not have sufficient funds to repay amounts
owing under the facility.
Use of Derivatives
Claude currently hedges a portion of future
gold sales to manage price exposure to fluctuations in that base metal. Claude also hedges its propane fuel price exposure and
to manage adverse price movements impacting costs specific to fuel prices.
Claude uses certain derivative products
to manage the risks associated with gold price volatility and with changes in other commodity input prices (including energy prices).
The use of derivative instruments involves certain inherent risks including: (i) credit risk - the risk that the creditworthiness
of a counterparty may adversely affect its ability to perform its payment and other obligations under its agreement with Claude
or adversely affect the financial and other terms the counterparty is able to offer Claude; (ii) market liquidity risk –
the risk that Claude has entered into a derivative position that cannot be closed out quickly, by either liquidating such derivative
instrument or by establishing an offsetting position; and (iii) unrealized mark-to-market risk – the risk that, in respect
of certain derivative products, an adverse change in market prices for commodities or currencies will result in Claude incurring
an unrealized mark-to-market loss in respect of such derivative products.
There is no assurance that a hedging program
designed to reduce the price risk associated with fluctuations in base metals, propane fuel prices will be successful. Although
hedging may protect Claude from an adverse price change, it may also prevent Claude from benefiting fully from a positive price
change.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 28 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Inability to Raise Required Funding
Could Cause Deferral of Projects and/or Dilution of Property Interests
The Company’s ability to continue
its production, exploration and development activities depends in part on its ability to generate revenues from its operations
or to obtain financing through joint ventures, debt financing, equity financing, and production sharing arrangements or other means.
The failure of the Company to meet its
ongoing obligations on a timely basis could result in the loss or substantial dilution of its interest (as existing or as proposed
to be acquired) in its properties and materially impact the Company’s business and financial condition.
At current gold prices and forecast production,
Management believes operating cash flows and the Company’s line of credit will be sufficient to fund the Q1 2015 winter road
resupply and 2015 operations.
Fluctuations in External Factors
Affecting Costs
The Company’s production costs are
dependent on a number of factors, including refining charges, and the cost of inputs used in mining operations, including, but
not limited to, equipment, labour (including contractors), petroleum, chemical reagents, tires and power. All of these factors
are beyond the Company’s control. If the Company’s total production costs per ounce of gold rise above the market price
of gold and remain so for any sustained period, the Company may experience losses and may curtail or suspend some or all of its
exploration, development and mining activities.
Unfavourable Government Regulatory
Changes May Cause Cessation of Mining Operations and Exploration Activities
The Company’s
exploration activities and mining operations are affected to varying degrees by government regulations relating to mining operations,
the acquisition of land, pollution control and environmental protection, safety, production and expropriation of property. Changes
in these regulations or in their application are beyond the control of the Company and may adversely affect its operations, business
and results of operations. Failure to comply with the conditions set out in any permit or failure to comply with the applicable
statutes and regulations may result in orders to cease or curtail operations or to install additional equipment. The Company may
be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of its operating or exploration activities.
Currently, all of the Company’s properties
are subject to the federal laws of Canada and, depending upon the location of the Company’s properties, may be subject to
the provincial laws of Saskatchewan as well as local municipal laws. Mineral exploration and mining may be affected in varying
degrees by government regulations relating to the mining industry. Any changes in regulations or shifts in political conditions
are beyond the control of the Company and may adversely affect its business.
Operations may be affected in varying degrees
by government regulations with respect to price controls, export controls, foreign exchange controls, income taxes, expropriation
of property, environmental and mine safety legislation.
Aboriginal Rights, Title Claims
and the Duty to Consult may Delay Projects
Exploration, development and mining activities
at the Company’s Saskatchewan properties may affect established or potential treaty or Aboriginal rights, title or other
claims held by Aboriginal groups, in these circumstances, First Nation and Métis, with related duty to consult issues. The
Company is committed to effectively managing any impacts to such rights, title and claims and any resulting consultation requirements
that may arise. However, there is no assurance that the Company will not face material adverse consequences because of the legal
and factual uncertainties associated with these issues.
Failure to Effectively Manage the
Company’s Tailings Facilities could Negatively Impact Gold Production
The Company’s Seabee Mill produces
tailings. Managing these tailings is integral to gold production. The Seabee Operation’s East Lake and Triangle Lake tailings
management facilities have the capacity to store tailings from milling ore from the Seabee Mill until approximately 2020. The Company
is currently in the process of planning tailings capacity expansion beyond 2020. This will support the extension of Seabee’s
mine life and provide additional tailings capacity to process ore from the Santoy Mine Complex. If the Company does not receive
regulatory approval for new or expanded tailings facilities, gold production could be constrained.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 29 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Changes to Safety, Health and Environmental
Regulations Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Future Operations
Safety, health and environmental legislation
affects nearly all aspects of the Company’s operations including exploration, mine development, working conditions, waste
disposal, emission controls and protection of endangered and protected species. Compliance with safety, health and environmental
legislation can require significant expenditures and failure to comply with such safety, health and environmental legislation may
result in the imposition of fines and penalties, the temporary or permanent suspension of operations, clean-up costs resulting
from contaminated properties, damages and the loss of important permits. Exposure to these liabilities arises not only from the
Company’s existing operations, but from operations that have been closed or sold to third parties. Generally, the Company
is required to reclaim properties after mining is completed and specific requirements vary among jurisdictions. The Company is
required to provide financial assurances as security for reclamation costs, which may exceed the Company’s estimates for
such costs. The Company could also be held liable for worker exposure to hazardous substances and for accidents causing injury
or death. There can be no assurances that the Company will at all times be in compliance with all safety, health and environmental
regulations or that steps to achieve compliance would not materially adversely affect the Company’s business.
Safety, health and environmental laws and
regulations are evolving in all jurisdictions where the Company has activities. The Company is not able to determine the specific
impact that future changes in safety, health and environmental laws and regulations may have on its operations and activities,
and its resulting financial position; however, the Company anticipates that capital expenditures and operating expenses will increase
in the future as a result of the implementation of new and increasingly stringent safety, health and environmental regulation.
For example, emissions standards are poised to become increasingly stringent. Further changes in safety, health and environmental
laws, new information on existing safety, health and environmental conditions or other events, including legal proceedings based
upon such conditions or an inability to obtain necessary permits, may require increased financial reserves or compliance expenditures
or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Environmental and regulatory review is
a long and complex process that can delay the opening, modification or expansion of a mine, extend decommissioning at a closed
mine, or restrict areas where exploration activities may take place.
Decommissioning and Reclamation
Obligations May Constrain Production
Environmental regulators are demanding
more and more financial assurances so that the parties involved, and not the government, bear the costs of decommissioning and
reclaiming sites. Decommissioning plans have been filed for the Seabee Property. These plans are reviewed, as necessary, or at
the time of an amendment or renewal of an operating licence. Regulators may conduct a further review of the detailed decommissioning
plans, and this can lead to additional requirements, costs and financial assurances. It is not possible to predict what level of
decommissioning and reclamation and financial assurances regulators may require in the future.
As filed with the Government of Saskatchewan’s
Ministry of Environment, the Company estimated in its Mine Closure Plan the closure costs at the cessation of mining at its Seabee
Mine at $6.3 million. Actual costs of completing the reclamation of the mine site may be higher than those estimated. The Company
has issued letters of credit in favour of the Ministry of Environment in the amount of $2.1 million in support of its obligations.
The letters of credit are secured by investment certificates. The Company has received approval to incrementally fund its remaining
closure cost obligations over the next four years as follows: 2015 - $0.5 million; 2016 - $1.0 million; 2017 - $1.0 million; and,
2018 - $1.5 million.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 30 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Imprecise Ore Reserves and Ore
Grade Estimates may Negatively Impact Gold Production and Operating Profitability
Although the Company has assessed the Mineral
Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates contained in this document and believes that the methods used to estimate such Mineral Reserves
and Mineral Resources are appropriate, such figures are estimates. Estimates of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are inherently
imprecise and depend to some extent on statistical inferences drawn from limited drilling, which may prove unreliable. Furthermore,
the indicated level of recovery of gold may not be realized. Market price fluctuations of gold may render reserves and deposits
containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomic. Moreover, short-term operating factors relating to Mineral Reserves,
such as the need for orderly development of the deposits or the processing of new or different grades, may cause mining operations
to be unprofitable in any particular period. Until Mineral Reserves or Mineral Resources are actually mined and processed, Mineral
Reserve and Mineral Resource grades must be considered as estimates only.
Potential Shareholder Dilution
Could Impact Share Price and New Equity Issues
As of December 31, 2014, there were stock
options outstanding to purchase 8,497,937 common shares. The common shares issuable under these options, if fully exercised, would
constitute approximately 4.3 percent of the Company’s resulting share capital. The exercise of such options and the subsequent
resale of such shares in the public market could adversely affect the prevailing share market price and the Company’s ability
to raise equity capital in the future at a time and price which it deems appropriate. The Company may also enter into commitments
in the future which would require the issuance of additional common shares and the Company may grant additional share purchase
warrants and stock options. Any share issuances from the Company’s treasury could result in immediate dilution to existing
shareholders.
Industry Competition may Hinder
Corporate Growth
The Company’s business is intensely
competitive, and the Company competes with other mining companies, some of which have greater resources and experience. Competition
in the precious metals mining industry is primarily for mineral rich properties which can be developed and produced economically;
the technical expertise to find, develop, and produce such properties; the labour to operate the properties; and, the capital for
the purpose of financing development of such properties. Many competitors not only explore for and mine precious metals, but also
conduct refining and marketing operations on a worldwide basis and some of these companies have much greater financial and technical
resources than the Company. Such competition may result in the Company being unable to acquire desired properties, to recruit or
retain qualified employees or to acquire the capital necessary to fund its operations and develop its properties. The Company’s
inability to compete with other mining companies could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations
and its business.
Impairment of Assets may Impact
Operational Performance
In accordance with IFRS, the Company capitalizes
certain expenditures relating to its mineral projects. From time to time the carrying amounts of mining properties and plant and
equipment are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
If there are indicators of impairment, an exercise is undertaken to determine whether the carrying values are in excess of their
recoverable amount. Such review is undertaken on an asset by asset basis, except where such assets do not generate cash flows independent
of other assets, and then the review is undertaken at the cash generating unit level.
Events that could, in some circumstances,
lead to an impairment include, but are not limited to, changes to gold price or cost assumptions, changes to Mineral Reserve or
Mineral Resource grades or the Company’s market capitalization being less than the carrying amounts of its mining properties
and plant and equipment.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 31 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
The assessment requires the use of estimates
and assumptions such as, but not limited to, long-term gold prices, foreign exchange rates, discount rates, future capital requirements,
Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates, operating performance as well as the definition of cash generating units. It is
possible that the actual fair value could be significantly different from those assumptions, and changes in the assumptions will
affect the recoverable amount. In the absence of any mitigating valuation factors, the Company’s failure to achieve its valuation
assumptions or a decline in the fair value of its cash generating units or other assets may, over time, result in impairment charges.
If the Company determines that an asset
is impaired, the Company will charge against earnings any difference between the carrying amount of the assets and the estimated
fair value less cost to sell those assets. Any such charges could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results
of operations.
Extreme and Persistent Weather
Conditions could Cause Operating and Exploration Difficulties
The Company’s mining and exploration
properties are all located in Saskatchewan. Access to these properties and the ability to conduct work on them can be affected
by adverse weather conditions. Adverse weather conditions can also increase the costs of both access and work on the Company’s
properties.
Title to Company Properties could
be Challenged with Potential Loss of Ownership
Acquisition of title to mineral properties
is a very detailed and time-consuming process. The Company believes it has investigated title to all of its mineral properties
and has obtained title opinions with respect to its most significant properties. To the best of the Company’s knowledge,
titles to all such properties are in good standing. For the Seabee and Amisk properties, the Company has examined property search
abstracts from the Saskatchewan Ministry of the Economy as well as made inquiries and reviewed lease files from the Ministry. It
has also received confirmation of title from Saskatchewan Environment.
The title to the Company’s properties
could be challenged or impugned. The properties may have been acquired in error from parties who did not possess transferable title,
may be subject to prior unregistered agreements or transfers and title may be affected by undetected defects.
We May Not be Able to Hire Enough
Skilled Employees to Support Operations
Many of the projects undertaken by the
Company rely on the availability of skilled labour and the capital outlays required to employ such labour. The Company employs
full and part time employees, contractors and consultants to assist in executing operations and providing technical guidance. In
the event of a skilled labour shortage, various projects of the Company may not become operational due to increased capital outlays
associated with labour. Further, a skilled labour shortage could result in operational issues such as production shortfalls and
higher mining costs.
Uninsured Risks could Negatively
Impact Profitability
In the course of exploration, development
and production of mineral properties, certain risks, and in particular, unexpected or unusual geological operating conditions including
rock bursts, cave-ins, fire and flooding and earthquakes may occur. It is not always possible to fully insure against such risks
and the Company may decide not to take out insurance against such risks as a result of high premiums or other reasons. Should such
liabilities arise, they could reduce or eliminate any future profitability and result in increased costs and a decline in the value
of the securities of the Company.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 32 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Information Systems Security Threats
Although the Company has not experienced
any material losses to date relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches, there can be no assurance that Claude
will not incur such losses in the future. The Company’s risk and exposure to these matters cannot be fully mitigated because
of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats. As a result, cyber security and the continued development and enhancement
of controls, processes and practices designed to protect systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or
unauthorized access is a priority. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the Company may be required to expend additional resources
to continue to modify or enhance protective measures or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities.
The Company is Subject to Evolving
Corporate Governance and Public Disclosure Regulations that have Increased the Cost of Compliance and the Risk of Non-compliance
The Company is subject to changing rules
and regulations promulgated by a number of Canadian and United States governmental and self-regulating organizations, including
the Canadian Securities Administrators, the Toronto Stock Exchange, the SEC and the International Accounting Standards Board. These
rules and regulations continue to evolve in scope and complexity making compliance more difficult and uncertain. Efforts to comply
with new regulations have resulted, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and
a diversion of Management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.
Due to the Company’s Canadian
Jurisdiction, Investors may be Deterred from Trading Company Stock as it may be Difficult for United States (“U.S.”)
Investors to Effect Service of Process Against the Company
The Company is incorporated under the laws
of Canada. All of the Company’s directors and officers are residents of Canada and all of the Company’s assets and
its subsidiaries are located in Canada. Consequently, it may be difficult for United States investors to affect service of process
in the United States upon the Company’s directors or officers or to realize in the United States upon judgments of United
States courts predicated upon civil liabilities under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A judgment
of a U.S. court predicated solely upon such civil liabilities may be enforceable in Canada by a Canadian court if the U.S. court
in which the judgment was obtained had jurisdiction, as determined by the Canadian court, in the matter. There is substantial doubt
whether an original action could be brought successfully in Canada against any of such persons or the Company predicated solely
upon such civil liabilities.
Internal Controls Provide No Absolute Assurances as
to Reliability of Financial Reporting
The Company has invested resources to document
and assess its system of internal controls over financial reporting and it is continuing its evaluation of such internal controls.
Internal controls over financial reporting are procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are properly
authorized, assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use, and transactions are properly recorded and reported. A
control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance with respect to
the reliability of financial reporting and financial statement preparation.
The Company is required to satisfy the
requirement of Section 404 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), which requires an annual
assessment by management of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
If the Company fails to maintain the adequacy
of its internal control over financial reporting, as such standards are modified, supplemented, or amended from time to time, the
Company may not be able to ensure that it can conclude on an ongoing basis that it has effective internal controls over financial
reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Company’s failure to satisfy the requirement of Section
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act on an ongoing, timely basis could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reality of its
financial statements, which in turn could harm the Company’s business and negatively impact the trading price of its common
shares. In addition, any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation,
could harm the Company’s operating results or cause it to fail to meet its reporting obligations.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 33 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Although the Company intends to devote
substantial time and incur substantial costs, as necessary, to ensure ongoing compliance, the Company cannot be certain that it
will be successful in complying with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
The Company is Subject to Certain Legal Proceedings
and May be Subject to Additional Litigation in the Future
All industries, including the mining industry,
are subject to legal claims, with and without merit. Defense and settlement costs can be substantial, even with respect to claims
that have no merit. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the litigation process, there can be no assurance that the resolution of
any particular legal proceeding will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of
operations.
Conflicts of Interest
Certain of the directors of the Company
are also directors and officers of other companies engaged in mineral exploration and development and mineral property acquisitions.
As such, situations may arise where such directors are in a conflict of interest with the Company. Any decision made by any of
these directors and officers involving Claude will be made in accordance with their duties and obligations to deal fairly and in
good faith with a view to the best interests of Claude and its shareholders. In addition, the Company will resolve any actual conflicts
of interest if and when the same arise in accordance with the Company’s Code of Ethics Policy.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 34 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Common Share Data
The authorized share capital of the Company
consists of an unlimited number of common shares and two classes of unlimited preferred shares issuable in series. At December
31, 2014, there were 188,155,978 common shares outstanding. This compares to 175,811,376 common shares outstanding at December
31, 2013.
During 2014, the Company issued 7,799,148 common
shares pursuant to the Company’s ESPP (2013 - 2,065,812 common shares). Also, during the first quarter of 2014, Claude completed
a private placement (the "Private Placement") of common shares in the capital of the Company ("Common Shares").
The Private Placement consisted of the issuance of 4,545,454 Common Shares at a price of CDN $0.22 per Common Share to Crown Capital
Partners Inc. (“CCP”). The Common Shares were issued to CCP as payment for a waiver being granted by CCP in connection
with the Credit Agreement dated as of April 5, 2013. Subsequent to December 31, 2014, the Company issued 6,105,093 common shares
pursuant to 2014 participation in the Company’s ESPP.
At March 26, 2015, there were 194,261,071 common
shares of the Company issued and outstanding.
Stock Options, Warrants, Deferred
Share Units and Restricted Share Units Outstanding
Stock Options
At December 31, 2014, there were 8.5 million
director, officer and key employee stock options outstanding with exercise prices ranging from $0.17 to $2.38 per share and expiration
dates ranging from January 5, 2015 to December 11, 2021. This compares to 7.9 million director, officer and key employee stock
options outstanding at December 31, 2013 ranging from $0.14 to $2.38 per share.
Warrants
At December 31,
2014, there were no common share purchase warrants outstanding. This compares to 5.8 million common share purchase warrants outstanding
at December 31, 2013. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company entered into an Amending Agreement pursuant to its long-term
debt arrangement with CCP whereby the 5,750,000 warrants held by CCP were cancelled in conjunction with the waiver of a covenant
breach for consideration of $1.0 million, which was paid with 4,545,454 common shares of Claude.
Deferred Share Units
The Company offers a Deferred Share Unit (“DSU”)
plan to non-employee Directors. A DSU is a notional unit that reflects the market value of a single common share of Claude. A portion
of each Director’s annual retainer is paid in DSUs. Each DSU fully vests upon award and are redeemable for cash upon a director
leaving the Company’s Board of Directors. The redemption amount will be based upon the weighted average of the closing prices
of the common shares of Claude on the TSX for the last 20 trading days prior to the redemption date multiplied by the number of
DSUs held by the Director.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 35 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
During 2014, the Company granted 3,043,481
DSUs to participating Directors. Also during 2014, a total of 1,320,582 DSUs were settled for proceeds of $0.3 million in conjunction
with the retirement of two Company Directors. At December 31, 2014, total DSUs held by participating Directors was 3,302,985 (December
31, 2013 – 1,580,086). Subsequent to December 31, 2014, the Company granted 517,123 DSUs to participating Directors.
Restricted Share Units
During 2014, the Company established a Restricted
Share Unit (“RSU”) plan whereby it may provide each plan participant an annual grant of RSUs in an amount determined
by the Company’s Board of Directors. An RSU is a notional unit that reflects the market value of a single common share of
Claude that entitles the participant to a cash payment for all fully vested units. RSUs vest annually over a three-year period.
The final value of the redemption amount will be based upon the weighted average of the closing prices of the common shares of
Claude on the TSX for the last 20 trading days prior to the redemption date multiplied by the number of RSUs held by participants.
For RSUs, the Company records compensation
expense with an offsetting credit to accounts payable to reflect the estimated fair value of RSUs granted to participants. During
2014, a total of 1,058,696 RSUs were granted to participants in the Company’s RSU plan (YTD 2013 – nil). At December
31, 2014, total RSUs held by participants was 778,261 (December 31, 2013 – nil).
Footnotes
| (1) | See description and reconciliation of non-IFRS measures in the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliations”
section of this MD&A. |
| (2) | See description and reconciliation of this performance measure in the “Other Performance Measures and Reconciliations”
section of this MD&A. |
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
and Reconciliations
The Company utilizes non-IFRS financial measures
as supplemental indicators of operating performance and financial position. These non-IFRS financial measures are used internally
by the Company for comparing actual results from one period to another. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional
measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company’s performance and
ability to generate cash flow. Accordingly, such information is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered
in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Adjusted Net Profit (Loss)
Adjusted net profit (loss) is a measure that
does not have a standardized meaning or a consistent basis of calculation under IFRS (non-IFRS measure). The Company uses this
measure (which represents the Company’s net profit (loss) calculated under IFRS adjusted for deferred income tax (recovery)
expense and non-operational items such as impairment charges and gain (loss) on sale of assets and investments), in addition to
conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, as a more meaningful way to compare the Company’s financial performance
from period to period. Furthermore, Management believes that certain investors and other stakeholders use this information to evaluate
the Company’s performance.
Adjusted net profit (loss) is non-standard
supplemental information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information prepared according
to accounting standards. Other companies may calculate this measure differently, so you may not be able to make a direct comparison
to similar measures presented by other companies. Investors are cautioned that the above measures may not be comparable to similarly
titled measures of other companies.
The table below reconciles adjusted net profit
(loss) with the Company’s net profit (loss), as determined under IFRS.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 36 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Table 17: Adjusted Net Profit (loss) |
December 31 | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Net (loss) profit | |
$ | 4,552 | | |
$ | (73,423 | ) |
Adjustments: | |
| | | |
| | |
Impairment charges | |
| - | | |
| 63,835 | |
Loss on sale of assets | |
| 642 | | |
| - | |
(Gain) Loss on investments | |
| (1,317 | ) | |
| 262 | |
Deferred income tax (recovery) expense | |
| - | | |
| (1,420 | ) |
Adjusted Net Profit (loss) | |
$ | 3,877 | | |
$ | (10,746 | ) |
Weighted Average shares outstanding (basic) | |
| 186,645 | | |
| 175,562 | |
Weighted Average shares outstanding (diluted) | |
| 186,877 | | |
| 175,562 | |
Per share adjusted net profit (loss) (basic and diluted) | |
$ | 0.02 | | |
$ | (0.06 | ) |
All-In Sustaining Cost Per Ounce
All-in sustaining costs and
all-in sustaining cost per ounce are Non-GAAP measures. These measures are intended to assist readers in evaluating the total
costs of producing gold from current operations. While there is no standardized meaning across the industry for this measure,
the Company’s definition conforms to the definition of all-in sustaining costs as set out by the World Gold Council,
which became effective January 1, 2014. The Company defines all-in sustaining costs as the sum of production costs,
sustaining capital (capital required to maintain current operations at existing levels), corporate general and administrative
expenses, exploration expenses and reclamation cost accretion related to current operations. All-in sustaining costs exclude
expansion capital, reclamation cost accretion not related to current operations, interest expense, debt repayment and income
taxes. The costs included in the calculation of all-in sustaining costs are divided by commercial gold ounces sold; U.S.$
all-in sustaining costs per ounce sold are translated using the average Bank of Canada CDN$/U.S.$ exchange rate.
All-in sustaining costs and all-in sustaining
cost per ounce are reconciled to the amounts included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) as follows:
Table 18: All-In Sustaining Cost per Ounce |
December 31 | |
2014 | | |
2013 | | |
Change | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Production cost (CDN$) | |
$ | 50,211 | | |
$ | 44,051 | | |
| 14 | % |
Production royalty | |
| 2,264 | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Smelting, refining, freight | |
| 228 | | |
| 162 | | |
| 41 | % |
By-product credits | |
| (74 | ) | |
| (15 | ) | |
| 393 | % |
General and administrative | |
| 7,240 | | |
| 7,058 | | |
| 3 | % |
Accretion | |
| 148 | | |
| 182 | | |
| (19 | )% |
Development | |
| 16,978 | | |
| 23,027 | | |
| (26 | )% |
Property, plant and equipment | |
| 4,999 | | |
| 7,591 | | |
| (34 | )% |
Exploration | |
| 233 | | |
| 1,081 | | |
| (78 | )% |
All-In Sustaining Costs | |
$ | 82,227 | | |
$ | 83,137 | | |
| (1 | )% |
Divided by ounces sold | |
| 62,772 | | |
| 44,823 | | |
| 40 | % |
All-in sustaining cost per ounce (CDN$) | |
$ | 1,310 | | |
$ | 1,855 | | |
| (29 | )% |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
CDN$ Exchange Rate | |
| 1.1048 | | |
| 1.0302 | | |
| | |
All-in sustaining cost per ounce (U.S.$) | |
$ | 1,186 | | |
| 1,801 | | |
| (34 | )% |
Cash Cost Per Ounce
The Company reports its cash costs on a per-ounce
basis, based on uniform standards developed by the Gold Institute, an independent researcher and evaluator of the gold market and
gold industry. Management uses this measure to analyze the profitability, compared to average realized gold prices, of the Seabee
Gold Operation. Investors are cautioned that the above measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies,
should these companies not follow World Gold Council.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 37 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Table 19: Total Cash Cost per Gold Ounce Sold |
December 31 | |
2014 | | |
2013 | | |
Change | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Production costs (CDN$) | |
$ | 50,211 | | |
$ | 44,051 | | |
| 14 | % |
Divided by ounces sold | |
| 62,772 | | |
| 44,823 | | |
| 40 | % |
Production cost per ounce (CDN$) | |
$ | 800 | | |
$ | 983 | | |
| (19 | )% |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
NSR royalty | |
$ | 2,264 | | |
$ | - | | |
| - | |
Divided by ounces sold | |
| 62,772 | | |
| 44,823 | | |
| 40 | % |
NSR royalty cost per ounce (CDN$) | |
$ | 36 | | |
$ | - | | |
| - | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Total cash cost per ounce (CDN$) | |
$ | 836 | | |
$ | 983 | | |
$ | (15 | )% |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
CDN$ Exchange Rate | |
| 1.1048 | | |
| 1.0302 | | |
| | |
Total cash cost per ounce (U.S.$) | |
$ | 757 | | |
$ | 954 | | |
| (21 | )% |
Other Financial Measures and
Reconciliations
Cash Flow from Operations before Net Changes in Non-Cash Operating
Working Capital
The Company uses Cash Flow from Operations
before Net Changes in Non-Cash Operating Working Capital as a supplemental measure of its financial performance. The Company uses
this measure to analyze the cash generated by its operations. These measures are not necessarily indicative of operating profit
or cash flow from operations as determined under IFRS. Investors are cautioned that the above measures may not be comparable to
similarly titled measures of other companies.
Table
20: Calculation of Cash Flow from Operations before Net Changes in Non-Cash Operating Working Capital |
December 31 | |
2014 | | |
2013 | | |
Change | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Net (loss) profit | |
$ | 4,552 | | |
$ | (73,423 | ) | |
| (106 | )% |
Adjustments for non-cash items: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Depreciation and depletion | |
| 21,965 | | |
| 22,949 | | |
| (4 | )% |
Finance expense | |
| 1,291 | | |
| 522 | | |
| 147 | % |
Finance and other income | |
| (1,261 | ) | |
| (1,214 | ) | |
| 4 | % |
Impairment charges | |
| - | | |
| 63,835 | | |
| - | |
Loss on sale of assets | |
| 642 | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
(Gain) loss on investments | |
| (1,317 | ) | |
| 262 | | |
| (603 | )% |
Stock-based compensation | |
| 668 | | |
| 2,274 | | |
| (71 | )% |
Deferred income tax recovery | |
| - | | |
| (1,420 | ) | |
| - | |
| |
$ | 26,540 | | |
$ | 13,785 | | |
| 93 | % |
Weighted Average shares outstanding (basic) | |
| 186,645 | | |
| 175,562 | | |
| | |
Weighted Average shares outstanding (diluted) | |
| 186,877 | | |
| 175,562 | | |
| | |
Per share cash flows from operating activities (basic and diluted) | |
$ | 0.14 | | |
$ | 0.08 | | |
| 75 | % |
Reconciliation Principal Balance Owing on Debt
Pursuant to Company accounting policy, closing
costs associated with the Company’s long-term debt are netted against the face value of the debt, thereby reducing the carrying
value of the Term Loan on the Statement of Financial Position. These costs are amortized using the effective interest rate method
over the life of the debt facility. A reconciliation of the amortized cost of the Company’s Term loan versus the principal
balance owing is outlined below.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 38 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Table 21: Principal Balance of Debt |
December 31 | |
2014 | | |
2013 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Term loan (amortized cost) | |
$ | 21,581 | | |
$ | 23,628 | |
Add: | |
| | | |
| | |
Remaining closing costs to be amortized | |
| 1,019 | | |
| 1,372 | |
Debt (principal balance owing) | |
$ | 22,600 | | |
$ | 25,000 | |
Disclosure Controls and Internal
Controls over Financial Reporting
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As at December 31, 2014, we evaluated our disclosure
controls and procedures as defined in the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Canadian
Securities Administrators. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of Management, including
the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing
and maintaining adequate Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (“ICFR”). ICFR, no matter how well designed, has
inherent limitations and can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of published
financial statements. Under the supervision and with the participation of the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief
Financial Officer, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based
on the criteria set forth in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief
Financial Officer concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as at December 31, 2014.
At December 31, 2013, the Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer concluded that ICFR was not effective as a result of the material weakness in ICFR discussed below.
Management noted that as at December 31, 2013:
| · | Income taxes – there was a lack of review and monitoring controls of the income tax function
relating to complex, non-routine transactions and provisions. This control deficiency resulted in the Company recording adjustments
to deferred income tax assets, deferred income tax liabilities and deferred income tax expense. This control deficiency relating
to complex, non-routine transactions and provisions creates a reasonable possibility that material misstatements of the consolidated
financial statements including disclosures will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis as a result. |
The Company has taken the following remedial
actions related to the above noted material weakness:
| · | In response to the material weakness identified above, Management believes it has made significant
improvements in the procedures and controls it utilizes to determine the review and monitoring controls of the income tax function
relating to complex, non-routine transactions and provisions. As part of the preparation of the December 31, 2014 annual
financial statements and notes thereto, the Company enhanced processes and controls whereby the income tax function relating to
complex, non-routine transactions and provisions are communicated to the Company’s finance department and external advisors
for assessment in a timely manner and are subject to increased review. |
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 39 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Other than the response to the material weakness
reported at December 31, 2013, there have been no significant changes made in our internal controls over financial reporting during
the year ended December 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control
over financial reporting.
Limitations of Controls and Procedures
The Company’s Management, including the
President and Chief Executive Officer and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, believes that any disclosure controls and
procedures or internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable,
not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect
the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because
of the inherent limitations in all control systems, they cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances
of fraud, if any, within the Company have been prevented or detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments
in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can
be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by unauthorized override of the
control. The design of any control system also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events,
and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.
Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in a cost effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur
and not be detected.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors
Concerning Resource Estimates
Resource Estimates
The resource estimates in this Management’s
Discussion and Analysis were prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators.
The requirements of National Instrument 43-101 differ significantly from the requirements of the SEC. In this Management’s
Discussion and Analysis, the Company uses certain terms such as “measured”, “indicated” and “inferred”
resources. Although these terms are recognized and required in Canada, the SEC does not recognize them. The SEC permits U.S. mining
companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that constitute “reserves”. Under
U.S. standards, mineralization may not be classified as a reserve unless the determination has been made that the mineralization
could be economically and legally extracted at the time the determination is made. U.S. investors should not assume that all or
any portion of a measured or indicated resource will ever be converted into “reserves”. Further, “inferred resources”
have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and whether they can be mined economically or legally, and U.S. investors
should not assume that “inferred resources” exist or can be legally or economically mined, or that they will ever be
upgraded to a more certain category.
Compliance with Canadian Securities Regulations
This annual report is intended to comply with
the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange and applicable Canadian securities legislation, which differ in certain respects
from the rules and regulations promulgated under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange
Act”), as promulgated by the SEC.
U.S. investors are urged to consider the disclosure
in our Annual Report on Form 40-F, File No. 001-31956, filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act, which may be obtained from the
Company (without cost) or from the SEC’s Web site: http://sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 40 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking
Information
All statements, other than statements of historical
fact, contained or incorporated by reference in this MD&A constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning
of applicable Canadian securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements
include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the future price of gold, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources,
the realization of mineral reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital
expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, currency
exchange rate fluctuations, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks,
unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. Generally, these forward-looking
statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does
not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”,
“intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or the negative
connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results, “may”,
“could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be
achieved” or the negative connotation thereof.
All forward-looking statements are based on
various assumptions, including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management, the assumed long-term price of
gold, that the Company will receive required permits and access to surface rights, that the Company can access financing, appropriate
equipment and sufficient labour, and that the political environment within Canada will continue to support the development of mining
projects in Canada.
Forward-looking statements are subject to known
and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements
of Claude to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited
to: actual results of current exploration activities; environmental risks; future prices of gold; possible variations in ore reserves,
grade or recovery rates; mine development and operating risks; accidents, labour issues and other risks of the mining industry;
delays in obtaining government approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; and other
risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the section entitled “Business Risk” in this
MD&A. These risks and uncertainties are not, and should not be construed as being, exhaustive.
Although Claude has attempted to identify important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other
factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will
prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly,
readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements in this MD&A
are made as of the date of this MD&A, being March 26, 2015 and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except
as otherwise indicated by Claude, these statements do not reflect the potential impact of any non-recurring or other special items
that may occur after the date hereof. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management’s
current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of our operating environment.
Claude does not undertake to update any forward-looking
statements that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
The forward-looking statements contained
in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 41 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Additional
Information
Additional information related to the Company,
including its Annual Information Form (Form 40-F in the U.S.), is available on Canadian (www.sedar.com) and U.S. (www.sec.gov)
securities regulatory authorities’ websites. Certain documents are also available on the Company’s website at www.clauderesources.com.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 42 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Conversion Multiples
For ease of reference, the following factors
for converting metric measurements into imperial equivalents are provided:
To Convert from Metric | |
To Imperial | |
Multiply Metric Units by | |
Metres | |
Feet (ft.) | |
| 3.281 | |
Kilometres (km) | |
Miles | |
| 0.621 | |
Tonnes | |
Tons (2,000 pounds) | |
| 1.102 | |
Grams | |
Troy Ounces | |
| 0.032 | |
Hectares | |
Acres | |
| 2.471 | |
Glossary
of Financial Terms
Current ratio = (current asset / current
liabilities)
Debt to capital = (total debt –
cash and cash equivalents) / (total debt – cash and cash equivalents + total shareholders’ equity)
Working capital = (current asset – current liabilities)
Glossary
of Technical Terms
Alteration – any change in the
mineral composition of a rock brought about by physical or chemical means.
Assaying - laboratory examination that
determines the content or proportion of a specific metal (i.e.: silver) contained within a sample. Technique usually involves firing/smelting.
Au Eq (“gold equivalent”) –
a measure of contained metal expressed in equivalent gold grade.
Biotite – a widely distributed
and important rock-forming mineral of the mica group.
Brecciated – broken into sharp-angled
fragments surrounded by finer-grained material.
Bulk Sample – a collection of
representative mineralized material whose location, geologic character and metal assay content can be determined and then used
for metallurgical or geotechnical testing purposes.
Chalcopyrite - a sulphide mineral of
copper and iron.
Chlorite – a group of platy, monoclinic,
usually greenish minerals.
Chloritic alteration – the replacement
by, conversion into, or introduction of chlorite into a rock.
Core Samples - the cylindrical form
of rock called “core” that is extracted from a diamond drill hole. Mineralized sections are separated and these samples
are sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Cross-cut - a horizontal opening driven
from a shaft or haulage drift at an oblique or right angle to the strike of a vein or other orebody.
Cut-off Grade - the lowest grade of
mineralized material that qualifies as a reserve in a deposit (i.e.: contributing material of the lowest assay that is included
in a reserve estimate).
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 43 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Diamond Drilling – a type of rotary
drilling in which diamond bits are used as the rock-cutting tool to produce a recoverable drill core sample of rock for observation
and analysis.
Dip – the angle that a structural
surface, a bedding or fault plane makes with the horizontal, measured perpendicular to the strike of the structure.
Drift - a horizontal underground opening
that follows along the length of a vein or rock formation.
Duty to Consult - governments in Canada
may have a duty to consult with and potentially accommodate Aboriginal groups prior to making decisions which may impact lands
and resources subject to established or potential treaty or Aboriginal rights, title or other claims. These governments, in turn,
may delegate procedural aspects of this duty to industry.
Exploration – work involved in
searching for ore, from prospecting to diamond drilling or driving a drift.
Fault – a fracture or break in
rock along which there has been movement.
Feasibility Study – a comprehensive
technical and economic study of the selected development option for a mineral project that includes appropriately detailed assessments
of realistically assumed mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental
considerations together with any other relevant operational factors and detailed financial analysis, that are necessary to demonstrate
at the time of reporting that extraction is reasonably justified (economically mineable). The results of the study may reasonably
serve as the basis for a final decision by a proponent or financial institution to proceed with, or finance, the development of
the project. The confidence level of the study will be higher than that of a Prefeasibility Study.
Fire Assay - the assaying of metallic
minerals by use of a miniature smelting procedure with various agents.
Footwall - the rock on the underside
of a vein or ore structure.
Fracture – a break or crack in
rock.
Geophysical Survey - a scientific method
of prospecting that measures the physical properties of rock formations. Common properties investigated include magnetism, specific
gravity, electrical conductivity and radioactivity.
Grade – the metal content of rock
with precious metals, grade can be expressed as troy ounces or grams per tonne of rock.
Granitoid – a light-coloured,
plutonic rock with quartz between 20 and 60 percent.
Head Grade – the average grade
of ore fed into a mill.
Hydrothermal – the products or
the actions of heated waters in a rock mass such as a mineral deposit precipitating from a hot solution.
Igneous – a primary type of rock
formed by the cooling of molten material.
Indicated Mineral Resource – is
that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics, can be estimated
with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine
planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration and
testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill
holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 44 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Inferred Mineral Resource – is
that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and
limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information
and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes.
Lens - a body of ore that is thick in
the middle and tapers towards the ends.
Lithostructural – an assemblage
of rocks that is unified on the basis of structural and lithological features.
Mafic - igneous rocks composed mostly
of dark, iron and magnesium-rich minerals.
Measured Mineral
Resource - is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics
are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical
and economic parameters, to support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is
based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations
such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade
continuity.
Metallurgy – the study of the
extractive processes which produce minerals from their host rocks.
Mill - a processing facility where ore
is finely ground and thereafter undergoes physical or chemical treatment to extract the valuable metals.
Mineral – a naturally formed chemical
element or compound having a definitive chemical composition and usually a characteristic crystal form.
Mineralization – a natural concentration
in rocks or soil of one or more minerals.
Mineral Reserve – the economically
mineable part of a Measured or Indicated Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a Prefeasibility Study. This study must include
adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of
reporting, that economic extraction can be justified. A Mineral Reserve includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that
may occur when material is mined.
Mineral Resource – a concentration
or occurrence of natural, solid, inorganic, or fossilized organic material in or on the Earth’s crust in such form and quantity
and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological
characteristics, and continuity of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and
knowledge.
National Instrument 43-101 or NI 43-101
– National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators.
Ounces - troy ounces of a fineness of
999.9 parts per 1,000 parts.
Ore - rock, generally containing metallic
or non-metallic minerals, which can be mined and processed at a profit.
Ore Body - a sufficiently large amount
of ore that can be mined economically.
Plunge - the vertical angle a linear
geological feature makes with the horizontal plane.
Porphyry - any igneous rock in which
relatively large crystals are set in a fine-grained groundmass.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 45 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Prefeasibility Study – a comprehensive
study of the viability of a mineral project that has advanced to a stage where the mining method, in the case of underground mining,
or the pit configuration, in the case of an open pit, has been established, and where an effective method of mineral processing
has been determined. This study must include a financial analysis based on reasonable assumptions of technical engineering, operating,
and economic factors, which are sufficient for a Qualified Person acting reasonably, to determine if all or part of the Mineral
Resource may be classified as a Mineral Reserve.
Probable Mineral Reserve – the
economically mineable part of an Indicated, and in some circumstances, a Measured Mineral Resource, demonstrated by at least a
Prefeasibility Study. This study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant
factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified.
Proven Mineral Reserve – the economically
mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a Prefeasibility Study. This study must include adequate
information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting,
that economic extraction is justified.
Pulp - a mixture of ground ore and water.
Pyrite - an iron sulphide mineral (FeS2),
the most common naturally occurring sulphide mineral.
Pyrrhotite - a bronze-colored, often
magnetic iron sulphide mineral.
Qualified Person – an individual
who is an engineer or geoscientist with at least five (5) years of experience in mineral exploration, mine development, mine operation,
project assessment or any combination of these; has experience relevant to the subject matter of the mineral project and technical
report; and is a member in good standing of a professional association.
Quartz – crystalline silica; often
forming veins in fractures and faults within older rocks.
Raise - a vertical or inclined underground
working that has been excavated from the bottom upward.
Ramp - an inclined underground opening.
Sericite – a fine-grained potassium
mica found in various metamorphic rocks.
Shear Zone - a zone in which shearing
has occurred on a large scale so that the rock is crushed and brecciated.
Showing - surface occurrence of mineral.
Sill - an intrusive sheet of igneous
rock of roughly uniform thickness that has been forced between the bedding planes of existing rock; the initial horizontal drift
along the strike of the ore vein.
Specific Gravity - the ratio between
the weight of a unit volume of a substance and that of a unit volume of water.
Stope - an underground excavation from
which ore has been extracted, either above or below a level. Access to stopes is usually by way of adjacent raises.
Stratigraphy – the sequence of
bedded rocks in a particular area.
Tailings - Tailings consist of ground
rock and process effluents that are generated in a mine processing plant or mill. Mechanical and chemical processes are used to
extract gold from mine ore and produce a waste stream known as tailings. This process of product extraction is never 100 percent
efficient, nor is it possible to reclaim all reusable and expended processing reagents and chemicals. The unrecoverable and uneconomic
metals, minerals, chemicals, organics and process water are discharged, normally as slurry, to a final storage area commonly known
as a Tailings Management Facility (TMF) or Tailings Storage Facility (TSF).
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 46 |
2014 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (in thousands of CDN dollars, except as otherwise noted) |
Till - is unsorted glacial sediment.
Its content may vary from clays to mixtures of clay, sand, gravel and boulders. This material is typically derived from the subglacial
erosion and incorporated by the moving ice of the glaciers of previously available unconsolidated sediments.
Tonne – a metric ton or 2,204
pounds.
Trenching - the process of exploration
by which till is removed from a trench cut from the earth’s surface.
Vein – a thin, sheet-like, cross-cutting
body of hydrothermal mineralization, principally quartz.
Waste – barren rock in a mine,
or mineralized material that is too low in grade to be mined and milled at a profit.
Working interest or WI -
means the interest held by Claude in property. This interest normally bears its proportionate share of capital and operating costs
as well as royalties or other production burdens. The working interest percentage is expressed before royalty interests.
Claude Resources Inc. | Page 47 |
|
EXHIBIT 99.4 |
KPMG LLP |
|
Telephone |
(306) 934-6200 |
Chartered Accountants |
|
Fax |
(306) 934-6233 |
500, 475 – 2nd Avenue South |
|
Internet |
www.kpmg.ca |
Saskatoon Saskatchewan S7K 1P4 |
|
|
|
Canada |
|
|
|
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
FIRM
The Board of Directors
Claude Resources Inc.
We consent to the use of our report dated March
26, 2015 with respect to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 40-F.
Chartered Accountants
March 26, 2015
Saskatoon, Canada
KPMG LLP, is a Canadian limited liability partnership
and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”),
a Swiss entity.
KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.
EXHIBIT 99.5
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Brian Skanderbeg, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of Claude Resources Inc.; |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with
respect to the period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in
all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the issuer as of, and for, the periods presented
in this report; |
| 4. | The issuer’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the issuer and have: |
| (a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known
to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
| (b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed
under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| (c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the issuer’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions
about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on
such evaluation; and |
| (d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the issuer’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the
period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s
internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The issuer’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the issuer’s auditors and the audit committee of the issuer’s board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent functions): |
| (a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the issuer’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information;
and |
| (b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuer’s
internal control over financial reporting. |
|
/s/ Brian Skanderbeg |
|
Name: |
Brian Skanderbeg |
|
Title: |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT 99.6
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Rick Johnson, CPA, CA, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of Claude Resources Inc.; |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with
respect to the period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in
all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the issuer as of, and for, the periods presented
in this report; |
| 4. | The issuer’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the issuer and have: |
| (a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known
to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
| (b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed
under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| (c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the issuer’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions
about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on
such evaluation; and |
| (d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the issuer’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the
period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s
internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The issuer’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the issuer’s auditors and the audit committee of the issuer’s board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent functions): |
| (a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the issuer’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information;
and |
| (b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuer’s
internal control over financial reporting. |
|
/s/ Rick Johnson |
|
Name: |
Rick Johnson, CPA, CA |
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer and |
|
|
Vice President Finance |
EXHIBIT 99.7
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF
2002
In connection with the
Annual Report of Claude Resources Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2014, as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Brian Skanderbeg,
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge:
| 1. | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
| 2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
of the Company. |
Dated: March 26, 2015
|
/s/ Brian Skanderbeg |
|
Name: |
Brian Skanderbeg |
|
Title: |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT 99.8
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF
2002
In connection with the
Annual Report of Claude Resources Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2014, as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Rick Johnson, Vice
President Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge:
| 1. | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
| 2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
of the Company. |
|
/s/ Rick Johnson |
|
Name: |
Rick Johnson, CPA, CA |
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer and |
|
|
Vice President Finance |
EXHIBIT 99.9
|
SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc.
101. 1984 Regent Street South
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
P3E 5S1
T: 1.705.682.3270
sudbury@srk.com
www.srk.com |
Sudbury, March 24, 2015
Project Number: 3CC024.012
Consent of Author
Claude Resources Inc.
200-219 Robin Crescent, Saskatoon, SK
S7L 6M8
I, Stephen Taylor, hereby consent to the incorporation
in the Annual Information Form (“AIF”) of Claude Resources Inc., of the mineral reserve estimate prepared under SRK
Consulting (Canada) Inc. supervision for the year ending December 31, 2013 and to this information being incorporated into the
Annual Report on Form 40-F, to be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended. We were jointly responsible for preparing and certifying the Seabee Operation Mineral Reserves for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
Yours truly
SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc.
|
|
Stephen
Taylor, PEng (PEO # 90365834)
Principal Mining Engineer |
|
|
Local
Offices:
Saskatoon
Sudbury
Toronto
Vancouver
Yellowknife |
Group
Offices:
Africa
Asia
Australia
Europe
North
America
South
America |