UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020

 

OR

 

  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from        to      

 

Commission file number: 000-55710

 

 

NioCorp Developments Ltd.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

British Columbia, Canada   98-1262185
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     

 7000 South Yosemite Street, Suite 115 Centennial, CO

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) 

 

80112

(Zip code)

     
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (855) 264-6267

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Not Applicable   Not Applicable   Not Applicable

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

 

Large Accelerated Filer Accelerated Filer
Non-Accelerated Filer

Smaller Reporting Company

  Emerging Growth Company

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☒

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

 

As of May 11, 2020, the registrant had 234,940,635 Common Shares outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

       
      Page
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION     
       
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   1
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS   13
ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK   21
ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES   22
       
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION     
       
ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS   23
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS   23
ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS   23
ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES   23
ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES   23
ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION   23
ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS   24
       
SIGNATURES    25

 

i

 

  

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Contents

 

    Page
     
Condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2019 (unaudited)   2
     
Condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (unaudited)   3
     
Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (unaudited)     4
     
Condensed consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (unaudited)   5
     
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)   6 - 12

1

 

 

NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data) (unaudited)

 

 

        As of  
    Note   March 31,
2020
    June 30,
2019
 
ASSETS                
Current                
Cash       $ 48     $ 357  
Prepaid expenses and other         2       71  
Total current assets         50       428  
Non-current                    
Deposits         35       35  
Available for sale securities at fair value         4       5  
Mineral interests         10,617       10,617  
Total assets       $ 10,706     $ 11,085  
                     
LIABILITIES                    
Current                    
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities       $ 3,450     $ 2,941  
Related party loans   6     3,345       1,480  
Convertible debt, current portion   4     838       800  
Derivative liability, convertible debt         33       -  
Total current liabilities         7,666       5,221  
Convertible debt, net of current portion         -       1,012  
Total liabilities         7,666       6,233  
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                    
Common stock, unlimited shares authorized; shares outstanding: 234,940,635 and 232,496,215, respectively   5     83,919       82,939  
Additional paid-in capital         13,269       13,124  
Accumulated deficit         (94,028 )     (90,685 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss         (120 )     (526 )
Total equity         3,040       4,852  
Total liabilities and equity       $ 10,706     $ 11,085  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2

 

 

NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

 

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data) (unaudited)

 

        For the three months ended March 31,     For the nine months ended March 31,  
    Note   2020     2019     2020     2019  
Operating expenses                            
Employee related costs       $ 341     $ 552     $ 1,040     $ 1,267  
Professional fees         41       71       226       216  
Exploration expenditures   7     294       858       971       2,863  
Other operating expenses         141       106       473       457  
Total operating expenses         817       1,587       2,710       4,803  
Change in financial instrument fair value   4     (49 )     -       39       633  
Foreign exchange loss (gain)         395       (125 )     359       73  
Interest expense         100       55       233       210  
(Gain) loss on available for sale securities         (1 )     2       2       4  
Loss before income taxes         1,262       1,519       3,343       5,723  
Income tax benefit         -       -       -       -  
Net loss   3   $ 1,262     $ 1,519     $ 3,343     $ 5,723  
                                     
Other comprehensive loss:                                    
Net loss       $ 1,262     $ 1,519     $ 3,343     $ 5,723  
Other comprehensive (gain) loss:                                    
Reporting currency translation         (449 )     113       (406 )     (59 )
Total comprehensive loss       $ 813     $ 1,632     $ 2,937     $ 5,664  
                                     
Loss per common share, basic and diluted       $ 0.00     $ 0.01     $ 0.01     $ 0.03  
                                     
Weighted average common shares outstanding         234,870,686       225,361,562       234,453,544       220,890,406  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3

 

 

NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) (unaudited)

 

    For the nine months ended March 31,  
    2020     2019  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES            
Total loss for the period   $ (3,343 )   $ (5,723 )
Non-cash elements included in net loss:                
Change in financial instrument fair value     39       633  
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments     1       4  
Accretion of convertible debt     -       44  
Foreign exchange loss     331       93  
Share-based compensation     145       474  
      (2,827 )     (4,475 )
Change in working capital items:                
Prepaid expenses     69       (95 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     586       1,436  
Net cash used in operating activities     (2,172 )     (3,134 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock     -       2,476  
Share issue costs     -       (76 )
Issuance of convertible debt     -       1,000  
Related party debt drawdown     1,865       -  
Other current assets     -       (175 )
Net cash provided by financing activities     1,865       3,225  
Exchange rate effect on cash and cash equivalents     (2 )     (38 )
Change in cash and cash equivalents during period     (309 )     53  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     357       73  
Cash and cash equivalent, end of period   $ 48     $ 126  
                 
Supplemental cash flow information:                
Amounts paid for interest   $ 48     $ 113  
Amounts paid for income taxes     -       -  
Non-cash financing transactions                
Lind conversions   $ 980     $ 3,399  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4

 

 

NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

 

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for Common Shares outstanding) (unaudited)

 

    Nine months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019  
    Common Shares Outstanding     Common Stock     Additional Paid-in Capital     Deficit     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss     Total  
Balance, June 30, 2018   213,405,372     $ 74,683     $ 12,379     $ (83,349 )   $ (520 )   $ 3,193  
Exercise of options     16,203       15       (15 )     -       -       -  
Exercise of warrants     115,000       64       -       -       -       64  
Fair value of Lind warrants granted     -       -       156       -       -       156  
Private placements – September 2018     4,975,158       2,412       -       -       -       2,412  
Debt conversions     8,154,801       3,399       -       -       -       3,399  
Share issuance costs     -       (76 )     -       -       -       (76 )
Share-based payments     -       -       474       -       -       474  
Reporting currency presentation     -       -       -       -       59       59  
Loss for the period     -       -       -       (5,723 )     -       (5,723 )
Balance, March 31, 2019     226,666,534     $ 80,497     $ 12,994     $ (89,072 )   $ (461 )   $ 3,958  
                                                 
Balance, June 30, 2019   232,496,215     $ 82,939     $ 13,124     $ (90,685 )   $ (526 )   $ 4,852  
Debt conversions     2,444,420       980       -       -       -       980  
Share-based payments     -       -       145       -       -       145  
Reporting currency presentation     -       -       -       -       406       406  
Loss for the period     -       -       -       (3,343 )     -       (3,343 )
Balance, March 31, 2020     234,940,635     $ 83,919     $ 13,269     $ (94,028 )   $ (120 )   $ 3,040  

 

    Three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019  
    Common Shares Outstanding     Common Stock     Additional Paid-in Capital     Deficit     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss     Total  
Balance, December 31, 2018   223,936,708     $ 79,320     $ 12,746     $ (87,553 )   $ (348 )   $ 4,165  
Debt conversions     2,729,826       1,177       -       -       -       1,177  
Share-based payments     -       -       248       -       -       248  
Reporting currency presentation     -       -       -       -       (113 )     (113 )
Loss for the period     -       -       -       (1,519 )     -       (1,519 )
Balance, March 31, 2019     226,666,534     $ 80,497     $ 12,994     $ (89,072 )   $ (461 )   $ 3,958  
                                                 
Balance, December 31, 2019     234,839,598     $ 83,872     $ 13,241     $ (92,766 )   $ (569 )   $ 3,778  
Debt conversions     101,037       47       -       -       -       47  
Share-based payments     -       -       28       -       -       28  
Reporting currency presentation     -       -       -       -       449       449  
Loss for the period     -       -       -       (1,262 )     -       (1,262 )
Balance, March 31, 2020     234,940,635     $ 83,919     $ 13,269     $ (94,028 )   $ (120 )   $ 3,040  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5

 

 

NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2020

 

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)

 

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

NioCorp Developments Ltd. (“NioCorp” or the “Company”) was incorporated on February 27, 1987, under the laws of the Province of British Columbia and currently operates in one reportable operating segment consisting of exploration and development of mineral deposits in North America, specifically, the Elk Creek Niobium/Scandium/Titanium property (the “Elk Creek Project”) located in southeastern Nebraska.

 

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis that contemplates the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities at their carrying values in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. These financial statements do not reflect any adjustments that may be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

 

The Company currently earns no operating revenues and will require additional capital in order to advance the Elk Creek Project to construction and commercial operation. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is uncertain and is dependent upon obtaining sufficient financing, the generation of profits from mineral properties, and maintaining continued support from its shareholders and creditors.

 

2. BASIS OF PREPARATION

 

a) Basis of Preparation and Consolidation

 

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries with all significant intercompany transactions eliminated. The accounting policies followed in preparing these interim condensed consolidated financial statements are those used by the Company as set out in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2019.

 

In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary (including reclassifications and normal recurring adjustments) to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows at March 31, 2020, and for all periods presented, have been included in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to appropriate SEC rules and regulations. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2019. The interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year ending June 30, 2020, or future operating periods.

 

b) Recent Accounting Standards

 

Issued and Adopted

On July 1, 2019, NioCorp adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases, which requires the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and related liabilities associated with all leases that are not short-term in nature. NioCorp has elected to use July 1, 2019, the effective date of adoption, as the initial date of transition and not to restate comparative prior periods and to carry forward historical lease classifications. The new standard also provides practical expedients for a company’s ongoing accounting. For those leases with a lease term of 12 months or less, the Company will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities. Management reviewed the impact of existing leases at adoption date and determined the resulting changes did not require the recording of any assets or liabilities on NioCorp’s condensed consolidated balance sheets and had no other material impacts on the financial statements. Additionally, the Company concluded that its leases to explore for mineral deposits and rights to use land on which those natural resources are contained are outside the scope of this update.

 

6

 

 

NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2020

 

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)

 

On July 1, 2019, NioCorp adopted ASU 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation - Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This update aimed to simplify the accounting for share-based payments awarded to non-employees for goods or services acquired. The update specifies that the measurement date is the grant date and that awards are required to be measured at fair value. The adoption of this standard had no impacts on the financial statements.

 

Issued and Not Effective

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards did not or will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13 - Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This update modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820 and eliminates ‘at a minimum’ from the phrase ‘an entity shall disclose at a minimum’ to promote the appropriate exercise of discretion by entities when considering fair value disclosures and to clarify that materiality is an appropriate consideration. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impacts that adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

c) Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. The Company regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions related to the deferred income tax asset valuations, convertible debt valuations, and share-based compensation. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience, and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the other sources. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially and adversely from the Company’s estimates. To the extent there are material differences between estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected.

 

3. GOING CONCERN ISSUES

 

The Company incurred a loss of $3,343 for the nine months ended March 31, 2020 (2019 - $5,723) and had a working capital deficit and an accumulated deficit of $7,616 and $94,028, respectively, as of March 31, 2020. These factors indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

The Company’s ability to continue operations and fund its expenditures is dependent on management’s ability to secure additional financing. Management is actively pursuing such additional sources of financing, and while it has been successful in doing so in the past, there can be no assurance it will be able to do so in the future. These consolidated financial statements do not give effect to any adjustments required to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in other than the normal course of business and at amounts different from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements.

 

Since March 2020, several measures have been implemented in the United States, Canada, and the rest of the world in response to the increased impact from the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”). While the impact of COVID-19 is expected to be temporary, the current circumstances are dynamic and the impact on our business operations cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. We believe this could have an adverse impact on our ability to obtain financing, development plans, results of operations, financial position, and cash flows during the current fiscal year.

 

7

 

 

NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2020

 

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)

 

4. CONVERTIBLE DEBT

 

    As of  
    March 31, 2020     June 30,
2019
 
Convertible notes, current portion   $ 800     $ 800  
Convertible security, current portion     38       -  
    $ 838     $ 800  
                 
Convertible security, noncurrent potion   $ -     $ 1,102  

 

Convertible Notes

The changes in the derivative liability related to the conversion feature are as follows:

 

    Derivative Liability  
Balance, June 30, 2019   $ -  
Change in fair value of derivative liability     33  
Balance, March 31, 2020   $ 33  

 

Effective October 10, 2019, the due date for the Company’s outstanding convertible promissory notes was extended for one year to October 14, 2020. All other terms and conditions remained unchanged.

 

Convertible Security Funding

The change in the Lind Asset Management IV, LLC (“Lind”) convertible securities balance is comprised of the following:

 

    Convertible Security  
Balance, June 30, 2019   $ 1,012  
Conversions, at fair value     (980 )
Changes in fair market value     6  
Balance, March 31, 2020   $ 38  

 

The convertible security issued to Lind pursuant to the Convertible Security Funding Agreement, dated June 27, 2018, between the Company and Lind (the “Second Convertible Security”), is convertible into common shares of the Company (“Common Shares”) at a conversion price equal to 85% of the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares (in Canadian dollars) on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the five consecutive trading days immediately prior to the date on which Lind provides the Company with notice of its intention to convert an amount of the applicable Convertible Security from time to time. During the nine months ended March 31, 2020, $867 principal amount of the Second Convertible Security was converted into 2,444,420 Common Shares.

 

5. COMMON STOCK

 

a) Stock Options

 

    Number of Options     Weighted Average Exercise Price (C$)  
Balance, June 30, 2019     19,449,909     $ 0.62  
Issued     -       -  
Exercised     -       -  
Cancelled/expired     -       -  
Balance, March 31, 2020     19,449,909     $ 0.62  

 

8

 

 

NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2020

 

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)

 

The following table summarizes information about options to purchase Common Shares (“Options”) outstanding at March 31, 2020:

 

Exercise Price (C$)     Expiry Date   Number Outstanding     Aggregate Intrinsic Value     Number Exercisable     Aggregate Intrinsic Value  
$ 0.62     January 19, 2021     5,264,909     C$ 158       5,264,909     C$ 158  
$ 0.94     July 21, 2021     540,000       -       540,000       -  
$ 0.76     March 6, 2022     5,400,000       -       5,400,000       -  
$ 0.47     November 9, 2022     3,800,000       684       3,800,000       684  
$ 0.54     November 15, 2023     4,445,000       489       3,333,750       366  
              19,449,909     C$ 1,331       18,338,659     C$ 1,208  

 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing Common Share price of C$0.65 as of March 31, 2020, that would have been received by the Option holders had all Option holders exercised their Options as of that date. The total number of in-the-money Options vested and exercisable as of March 31, 2020, was 12,398,659.

 

As of March 31, 2020, there was $9 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Option plans. The cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of approximately 0.1 years.

 

b) Warrants

 

    Warrants     Weighted Average Exercise Price  
Balance June 30, 2019     21,374,801     C$ 0.78  
Granted     -       -  
Exercised     -       -  
Expired     (8,333,801 )     0.86  
Balance, March 31, 2020     13,041,000     C$ 0.74  

 

At March 31, 2020, the Company had outstanding exercisable Warrants, as follows:

 

Number     Exercise Price (C$)     Expiry Date
  260,483     C$ 0.73     August 15, 2020
  1,458,792     C$ 0.75     September 14, 2020
  1,028,785     C$ 0.75     September 28, 2020
  283,413     C$ 0.66     September 28, 2020
  308,901     C$ 0.62     October 31, 2020
  355,132     C$ 0.54     December 6, 2020
  1,546,882     C$ 0.72     January 30, 2021
  529,344     C$ 0.70     February 5, 2021
  541,435     C$ 0.69     February 7, 2021
  1,058,872     C$ 0.72     April 5, 2021
  833,330     C$ 0.72     April 29, 2021
  645,250     C$ 0.72     May 9, 2021
  1,035,319     C$ 0.77     July 9, 2021
  3,155,062     C$ 0.79     July 26, 2021
  13,041,000              

 

9

 

 

NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2020

 

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)

 

6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES

 

The Company has a loan with Mark Smith, President, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Executive Chairman of NioCorp (the “Original Smith Loan”), that bears an interest rate of 10%, is secured by the Company’s assets pursuant to a concurrently executed general security agreement (the “General Security Agreement”) and is subject to both a 2.5% establishment fee and 2.5% prepayment fee. As of March 31, 2020, the principal amount outstanding under the Original Smith Loan was $1,000.

 

The Company also has a non-revolving credit facility agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with an original amount of $2,000 with Mr. Smith. The Credit Agreement bears an interest rate of 10% and drawdowns from the Credit Agreement are subject to a 2.5% establishment fee. Amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement are secured by all of the Company’s assets pursuant to the General Security Agreement. The Credit Agreement contains financial and non-financial covenants customary for a facility of its size and nature. On January 17, 2020, the Company and Mr. Smith entered into an amending agreement to the Credit Agreement, increasing the limit of the non-revolving credit facility to $2.5 million.

 

During the nine-month period ended March 31, 2020, Mr. Smith advanced an additional $1,865 to the Company under the Credit Agreement, and as of March 31, 2020, the principal amount outstanding under the Credit Agreement was $2,345.

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of March 31, 2020, include origination fees and interest payable to Mr. Smith under the Original Smith Loan and the Credit Agreement of $349.

 

7. Exploration Expenditures

 

    For the Three Months Ended March 31,     For the Nine Months Ended March 31,  
    2020     2019     2020     2019  
Technical studies and engineering   $ 9     $ 667     $ 32     $ 2,317  
Field management and other     236       148       806       421  
Metallurgical development     49       43       133       125  
Total   $ 294     $ 858     $ 971     $ 2,863  

 

8. Leases

 

The Company has three operating leases with an average remaining life of 0.5 years as of March 31, 2020. The Company incurred lease costs of $77 and $82 for the nine months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The calculated ROU assets and lease liabilities were de minimis.

 

9. Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company measures the fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on US GAAP guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.

 

The Company classifies financial assets and liabilities as held-for-trading, available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, loans and receivables, or other financial liabilities depending on their nature. Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized at fair value on their initial recognition.

 

Financial assets and liabilities classified as held-for-trading are measured at fair value, with gains and losses recognized in net income. Financial assets classified as held-to-maturity, loans and receivables, and financial liabilities other than those classified as held-for-trading are measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest method of amortization. Financial assets classified as available-for-sale are measured at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses being recognized in income.

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NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2020

 

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)

 

Financial instruments including receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and related party loans are carried at amortized cost, which management believes approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

The following tables present information about the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2019, respectively, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques the Company utilized to determine such fair value. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical instruments. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable, such as quoted prices, interest rates, and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the financial instrument and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the instrument.

 

    As of March 31, 2020  
    Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Assets:                        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 48     $ 48     $ -     $ -  
Available-for-sale securities     4       4       -       -  
Total   $ 52     $ 52     $ -     $ -  
Liabilities:                                
Convertible debt   $ 38     $ -     $ -     $ 38  
Derivative liability, convertible debt     33       -       -       33  
Total   $ 71     $ -     $ -     $ 71  

 

    As of June 30, 2019  
    Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Assets:                        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 357     $ 357     $ -     $ -  
Available-for-sale securities     5       5       -       -  
Total   $ 362     $ 362     $ -     $ -  
Liabilities:                                
Convertible debt   $ 1,012     $ -     $ -     $ 1,012  
Derivative liability, convertible debt     -       -       -       -  
Total   $ 1,012     $ -     $ -     $ 1,012  

 

The Company measures the fair market value of the Level 3 components using the Black Scholes model and discounted cash flows, as appropriate. These models take into account management’s best estimate of the conversion price of the stock, an estimate of the expected time to conversion, an estimate of the stock’s volatility, and the risk-free rate of return expected for an instrument with a term equal to the duration of the convertible debt.

 

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of the Company’s convertible debt components classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:

 

Balance, June 30, 2019   $ 1,012  
Conversions to equity     (980 )
Realized and unrealized losses     39  
Balance, March 31, 2020   $ 71  

 

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NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2020

 

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)

 

10. Subsequent events

 

On April 3, 2020, the Company and Mr. Smith entered into an amending agreement to the Credit Agreement, increasing the principal balance limit of the non-revolving credit facility to $3.0 million.

 

On April 17, 2020, Elk Creek Resources Inc (“ECRC”), a wholly owned subsidiary, received a U.S. Small Business Administration Loan (the “SBA Loan”) from American National Bank, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), in the amount of $196. The application for these funds required the Company in good faith to certify that the current economic uncertainty made the loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the Company. This certification further required the Company to take into account current business activity and the ability to access other sources of liquidity sufficient to support ongoing operations in a manner that is not significantly detrimental to the business.

 

The guidance and requirements with respect to the certification made by the Company did not contain any objective criteria and is subject to interpretation.  Despite the Company’s understanding under the CARES Act that given the Company’s circumstances it satisfied all eligible requirements for the SBA Loan, management will continue to assess the Company’s continued qualification if or when updated or revised guidance is released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

 

If a determination is subsequently made that the Company’s qualification status has changed, the Company may be required to, among other matters, return the SBA Loan. Under the terms of the SBA Loan, the Company may be eligible for full or partial loan forgiveness, however, no assurance is provided that the Company will apply for, or obtain forgiveness for, any portion of the SBA Loan.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements as of, and for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2020, and the related notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”). This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements and information as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. See “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” below.

 

All currency amounts are stated in thousands of U.S. dollars unless noted otherwise.

 

As used in this report, unless the context otherwise indicates, references to “we,” “our,” the “Company,” “NioCorp,” and “us” refer to NioCorp Developments Ltd. and its subsidiaries, collectively.

 

Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the exhibits attached hereto contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Such forward-looking statements concern our anticipated results and developments in the operations of the Company in future periods, planned exploration activities, the adequacy of the Company’s financial resources, and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “potential,” “possible,” and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results “will,” “may,” “could,” or “should” (or the negative and grammatical variations of any of these terms) occur or be achieved. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect,” “is expected,” “anticipates” or “does not anticipate,” “plans,” “estimates,” or “intends,” or stating that certain actions, events, or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “might,” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks related to the following:

 

risks related to our ability to operate as a going concern;
risks related to our requirement of significant additional capital;
risks related to our limited operating history;
risks related to changes in economic valuations of the Elk Creek Project, such as net present value calculations, changes or disruptions in the securities markets;
risks related to our history of losses;
risks related to cost increases for our exploration and, if warranted, development projects;
risks related to feasibility study results;
risks related to mineral exploration and production activities;
risks related to our lack of mineral production from our properties;
risks related to the results of our metallurgical testing;
risks related to the price volatility of commodities;
risks related to estimates of mineral resources and reserves;
risks related to changes in mineral resource and reserve estimates;
risks related to differences in U.S. and Canadian reserve and resource reporting;
risks related to our exploration activities being unsuccessful;
risks related to our ability to obtain permits and licenses for production;

 

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risks related to government and environmental regulations that may increase our costs of doing business or restrict our operations;
risks related to proposed legislation that may significantly affect the mining industry;
risks related to land reclamation requirements;
risks related to competition in the mining industry;
risks related to the difficulties of managing and treating water at our Elk Creek Project;
risks related to equipment and supply shortages;
risks related to current and future joint ventures and partnerships;
risks related to our ability to attract qualified management;
risks related to the ability to enforce judgment against certain of our Directors;
risks related to claims on the title to our properties;
risks related to surface access on our properties;
risks related to potential future litigation;
risks related to our lack of insurance covering all our operations;
risks related to the need for resilience in the face of potential impacts from climate change;
risks related to a disruption in, or failure of, our information technology (“IT”) systems, including those related to cybersecurity;
risks related to covenants contained in agreements with our secured creditors that may affect our assets;
risks related to the extent to which our level of indebtedness may impair our ability to obtain additional financing;
risks related to our status as a “passive foreign investment company” under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
risks related to our Common Shares, including price volatility, lack of dividend payments, dilution and penny stock rules;
risks related to our status as an “emerging growth company” and the impact of related reduced reporting requirements on our ability to attract investors; and
Risks related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business plans, financial condition and liquidity.

 

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including without limitation those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, as well as other factors described elsewhere in this report and the Company’s other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

 

The Company’s forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based on the beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this report. The Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations, or opinions should change, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not attribute undue certainty to, or place undue reliance on, forward-looking statements.

 

National Instrument 43-101 Compliance

 

Scott Honan, M.Sc., SME-RM, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”), has supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for the Elk Creek Project disclosure in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and has approved the disclosure in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q related thereto. Mr. Honan is not independent of the Company, as he is the Vice President, Business Development. Additional information on the updated NI 43-101 Feasibility Study for the Elk Creek Project (the “2019 Feasibility Study”) is available in our NI 43-101 Technical Report, issued May 29, 2019, which is available under NioCorp’s profile on the Canadian Administrators website at www.sedar.com and on our website at www.niocorp.com/wp-content/uploads/180001_FINAL_43-101_FS_NioCorp_AS_FILED.pdf.

 

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Company Overview

 

NioCorp is developing the Elk Creek Project, located in southeast Nebraska. The Elk Creek Project is an advanced Niobium (“Nb”)/Scandium (“Sc”)/Titanium (“Ti”) exploration project. Niobium is used to produce various superalloys that are extensively used in high performance aircraft and jet turbines. It also is used in High-Strength, Low-Alloy (“HSLA”) steel, a stronger steel used in automobiles, bridges, structural systems, buildings, pipelines, and other applications that generally increases strength and/or reduces weight, which can result in environmental benefits, including reduced fuel consumption and material usage and fewer air emissions. Scandium can be combined with aluminum to make high-performance alloys with increased strength and improved corrosion resistance. Scandium also is a critical component of advanced solid oxide fuel cells, an environmentally preferred technology for high-reliability, distributed electricity generation. Titanium is a component of various superalloys and other applications that are used for aerospace applications, weapons systems, protective armor, medical implants and many others. It also is used in pigments for paper, paint, and plastics.

 

Our primary business strategy is to advance our Elk Creek Project to commercial production. We are focused on obtaining additional funds to carry out our near-term planned work programs associated with securing the project financing necessary to complete mine development, construction, commissioning, and operation of the Elk Creek Project.

 

Emerging Growth Company Status

 

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 101 of the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act (“JOBS Act”) as we do not have more than $1.07 billion in annual gross revenue and did not have such amount as of June 30, 2019, this being the last day of our most recently completed fiscal year.

 

We may lose our status as an emerging growth company on the last day of our fiscal year during which (i) our annual gross revenue exceeds $1.07 billion or (ii) we issue more than $1.07 billion in non-convertible debt in a three-year period. We will lose our status as an emerging growth company if at any time we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, as defined in Rule 405 under the Exchange Act. We will lose our status as an emerging growth company on the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of our first sale of Common Shares pursuant to an effective registration statement.

 

As an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act, we have elected to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised standards pursuant to Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act. The election is irrevocable.

 

As an emerging growth company, we are exempt from Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 14A(a) and (b) of the Exchange Act. Such sections are described below:

 

Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires a public company’s auditor to attest to, and report on, management’s assessment of its internal controls.
Sections 14A(a) and (b) of the Exchange Act, implemented by Section 951 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) Act, require companies to hold shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation and golden parachute compensation.

 

As long as we qualify as an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 14A (a) and (b) of the Exchange Act.

 

COVID-19

 

In December 2019, COVID-19 was identified in Wuhan, China, and has since spread to other countries, including the United States. In March 2020, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. Several countries, including the United States, have taken steps to restrict travel, temporarily close businesses and issue quarantine orders, and it remains unclear how long such measures will remain in place. As a result of COVID-19, the Company has curtailed corporate travel related to landowner negotiations and project site visitations. Additionally, the Company is following, and will continue to follow, social distancing and other similar guidelines promulgated by both Colorado and Nebraska governmental officials.

 

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On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the CARES Act. On April 17, 2020, ECRC, a wholly owned subsidiary, received an SBA Loan from American National Bank, pursuant to the PPP established under the CARES Act, in the amount of $196. Under the PPP Promissory Note, the SBA Loan has a fixed interest rate of 1%, a maturity date of April 17, 2022, and no payments are due on the SBA Loan for six months. Pursuant to the terms of the SBA Loan and Promissory Note, ECRC may apply for forgiveness of the amount due on the SBA Loan in an amount equal to the sum of the following costs incurred by ECRC during the eight-week period (or any other period that may be authorized by the U.S. Small Business Administration) beginning on the date of first disbursement of the SBA Loan: payroll costs, any payment of interest on a covered mortgage obligation, payment on a covered rent obligation, and any covered utility payment. The amount of SBA Loan forgiveness shall be calculated in accordance with the requirements of the PPP, including the provisions of Section 1106 of the CARES Act, although no more than 25% of the amount forgiven can be attributable to non-payroll costs. The CARES Act also includes provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer side social security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. It is currently unclear if and how the Company may further benefit from the CARES Act, but we continue to examine the impacts the CARES Act may have on our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

 

As of May 11, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty with regards to overall project funding timelines and has heightened the risk that we may be unable to secure sufficient additional capital, including but not limited to equity and debt offerings, to fund future expenditures or to maintain our liquidity. It is also possible that the COVID-19 pandemic could further adversely affect our business plans, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity in the future. For example, it could impact the operations of state and federal regulators, inhibiting our ability to obtain required licenses and permits within the previously expected time frames. It could also affect the businesses of our mine engineering consultants and key contractors for the Elk Creek Project, delaying the completion of the mine plans and causing uncertainty regarding our ability to finalize necessary engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) agreements. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is fluid and continues to evolve, and therefore, we cannot currently predict the extent to which our business plans, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity will ultimately be impacted.

 

Recent Corporate Events

 

On January 17, 2020, the Company entered into an amending agreement to the non-revolving credit facility agreement, dated January 16, 2017 (as amended from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and between the Company and Mark A. Smith, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), President and Executive Chairman and Director, increasing the limit of the non-revolving credit facility to $2.5 million from the previous limit of $2.0 million. Further, on April 3, 2020, the Company and Mr. Smith entered into an amending agreement to the Credit Agreement, increasing the principal limit of the non-revolving credit facility to $3.0 million. Funds drawn on the Credit Agreement are expected to assist the Company in continuing its work to secure project financing for the Elk Creek Project and move the project to a construction start. All other Credit Agreement terms and conditions remained unchanged.

 

On March 9, 2020, the Company announced that Lind released the last of its liens that had been placed on the Company’s Nebraska land interests in Johnson County, Nebraska as part of an overall $11 million in debt financing it provided to NioCorp.

 

On April 13, 2020, the Company announced that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent with a large, integrated U.S.-based steel producer outlining the steel producer’s interest in purchasing up to 25% of NioCorp’s production of ferroniobium over the first 10 years of production from the Elk Creek Project.

 

On April 15, 2020, the Company announced that the Elk Creek Project will be highlighted at the 13th Annual Global Infrastructure Forum, currently scheduled to occur later this summer.

 

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Elk Creek Project Update

 

In early July 2019, the Company finalized work on the air construction permit (the “Air Permit”) application for the State of Nebraska, and our application for the Air Permit was submitted to the Nebraska Department of Environmental and Energy (“NDEE”) on July 24, 2019. The permit review process is being led by NDEE personnel. The advanced emissions control technologies included as part of the planned Elk Creek Project resulted in prospective air emissions that are below levels that trigger the need for a permit under the federal Prevention of Significant Deterioration (“PSD”) program. As a result, the Elk Creek Project is navigating a more efficient state-level permitting process than is typically encountered under the PSD process.

 

The NDEE notified the Company that the permit application was administratively complete on July 29, 2019, and that the permit application was technically complete on September 27, 2019. The NDEE continued to review regulatory issues associated with the permit application, as well as develop the draft permit, through the third quarter of fiscal year 2020. The draft permit was provided to the Company on March 26, 2020 for courtesy source review and the Company responded with a set of comments and requested changes on April 8, 2020. The NDEE considered the Company’s comments and requested changes before issuing a revised draft permit for a formal 30-day public comment period on April 16, 2020. This comment period is expected to close on May 18, 2020.

 

The NDEE allows for applicants to request a variance under state law to allow construction to start before a final Air Permit is issued. A variance request would only be pursued if issuance of the Air Permit extends past the time where the construction of permanent project features is expected to take place. Once project financing is obtained and on-the-ground activity commences at the Elk Creek Project site, the Company can legally proceed without the Air Permit or a permit variance to conduct work related to site preparation, land grading and clearing, drilling, geotechnical examination, equipment mobilization, temporary worker support infrastructure, off-site electrical and natural gas supply development, and other earthwork-related activities that are not directly associated with permanent project features.

 

The development of the Elk Creek Project will require significant additional capital above what NioCorp has raised to date, and the Company anticipates that any significant work on the Elk Creek Project pursuant to agreements that may be reached with key contractors will be contingent on obtaining sufficient project financing, if and when available.

 

On January 9, 2020, the Company announced that it had secured legal agreements with landowners to extend the Company’s option-to-purchase agreements (“OTPs”) on two land parcels planned for use as part of the Elk Creek Project. The OTPs, which cover a total of 226 acres of land, involve two land parcels that were subject to agreements that were set to expire in 2020.

 

On April 29, 2020, the Company announced that it secured an agreement with a southeastern Nebraska landowner to extend the Company’s OTP on 266 acres of land where underground mining and mineral processing operations will be conducted as part of the proposed Elk Creek Project. Over the last six months, the Company has secured eight extensions of OTPs covering approximately 1,499 acres of land in southeast Nebraska. The Company now holds a total of 15 OTPs covering 2,817 acres, or 4.4 square miles, associated with the Elk Creek Project. In the event that sufficient project financing is obtained, the Company intends to purchase land parcels as required by the Elk Creek Project construction schedule. The Company remains focused on retaining and, as necessary, extending those OTPs necessary for immediate project construction and to support long-term operations.

 

Other Activities

 

Our long-term financing efforts continued during the quarter ended March 31, 2020. However, as noted above under “Recent Corporate Events,” the COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty with respect to overall project funding and timelines. As funds become available through the Company’s fundraising efforts, we expect to undertake the following activities:

 

Acquisition of key land parcels currently subject to the Company’s OTPs needed for immediate project construction and extensions to the OTPs governing land parcels that will be needed later during the project execution phase;
Continuation of the Company’s efforts to secure federal, state and local permits and completion of the current effort to obtain a state Air Permit;
Negotiation and completion of EPC agreements;
Completion of the final detailed engineering for the underground portion of the Elk Creek Project;

Completion of the final detailed engineering for surface project facilities;
Construction of natural gas and electrical infrastructure to serve the Elk Creek Project site;
Completion of water supply agreements and related infrastructure to deliver fresh water to the project site;
Initiation of revised mine groundwater investigation and control activities; and
Initiation of long-lead equipment procurement activities.

 

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Financial and Operating Results

 

The Company has no revenues from mining operations. Operating expenses incurred related primarily to performing exploration activities, as well as the activities necessary to support corporate and shareholder duties and are detailed in the following table.

 

    For the Three Months Ended March 31,     For the Nine Months Ended March 31,  
    2020     2019     2020     2019  
Operating expenses:                        
Employee-related costs   $ 341     $ 552     $ 1,040     $ 1,267  
Professional fees     41       71       226       216  
Exploration expenditures     294       858       971       2,863  
Other operating expenses     141       106       473       457  
Total operating expenses     817       1,587       2,710       4,803  
                                 
Change in financial instrument fair value     (49 )     -       39       633  
Foreign exchange loss (gain)     395       (125 )     359       73  
Interest expense     100       55       233       210  
(Gain) loss on available for sale securities     (1 )     2       2       4  
Income tax expense     -       -       -       -  
Net Loss   $ 1,262     $ 1,519     $ 3,343     $ 5,723  

 

Nine months ended March 31, 2020 compared to nine months ended March 31, 2019

 

Significant items affecting operating expenses are noted below:

 

Employee-related costs declined in 2020 as compared to 2019, due to decreased share-based compensation costs, which reflect the timing of Option issuances and the corresponding vesting periods, as well as the number of Options granted and associated fair value calculations, partially offset by salary adjustments.

 

Other operating expenses include investor relations, general office expenditures, equity offering and proxy expenditures, board-related expenditures and other miscellaneous costs. These costs increased slightly in 2020 as compared to 2019, primarily due to increased financial services and loan origination fees related to additional Credit Agreement drawdowns which were offset by lower board-related share-based compensation costs and lower investor relations spending.

 

Exploration expenditures decreased in 2020 as compared to 2019, reflecting our efforts in the prior year to evaluate mine engineering design changes for the 2019 Feasibility Study and to develop the detailed engineering necessary to support the submission of the Air Permit application.

 

Other significant items impacting the change in the Company’s net loss are noted below:

 

Change in financial instrument fair value represents non-cash changes in the market value of convertible securities, which are carried at fair value, as well as changes in the market value of the derivative liability component of the Company’s outstanding convertible promissory notes, and the fair market value of Warrants issued in connection with the funding of convertible securities. The 2019 loss includes the value of Warrants issued to Lind in July 2018 in connection with the Second Convertible Security funding, as well as recognition of prepaid interest incurred on funding.

 

Foreign exchange loss (gain) is primarily due to changes in the U. S. dollar against the Canadian dollar and reflects the timing of foreign currency transactions, primarily U.S. dollar-based related party loans, and subsequent changes in exchange rates.

 

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Three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to three months ended March 31, 2019

 

Overall, the decrease in net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019, is primarily the result of the same factors underlying the nine-month changes, as discussed above.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

  

We have no revenue generating operations from which we can internally generate funds. To date, our ongoing operations have been financed by the sale of our equity securities by way of private placements, convertible securities issuances, and the exercise of incentive stock options and share purchase warrants. While the COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty with respect to overall project funding and timelines, we believe that we will be able to secure additional private placement financings in the future, although we cannot predict the timing, size, or pricing of any such financings. In addition, we may raise funds through the sale of interests in our mineral properties, although current market conditions have substantially reduced the number of potential buyers/acquirers of any such interests.

 

As of March 31, 2020, the Company had cash of $0.048 million and a working capital deficit of $7.6 million, compared to cash of $0.4 million and working capital deficit of $4.8 million on June 30, 2019. The working capital deficit increased due to the timing of cash infusions to support current operations and the recategorization of convertible debt from long-term liabilities to current liabilities based on maturity dates.

 

We expect that the Company will operate at a loss for the foreseeable future. The Company’s current planned operational needs are approximately $8 million until June 30, 2020. In addition to outstanding accounts payable and short-term liabilities, our average monthly expenditures are approximately $310 per month where approximately $275 is for corporate overhead and estimated costs related to securing financing necessary for advancement of the Elk Creek Project. Approximately $33 per month is planned for expenditures relating to the advancement of Elk Creek Project by NioCorp’s wholly owned subsidiary, Elk Creek Resources Corp. The Company’s ability to continue operations and fund our current work plan is dependent on management’s ability to secure additional financing.

 

The Company anticipates that it may need to raise $11 million - $12 million to continue planned operations for the next twelve months focused on financing, permitting, OTP extensions and/or exercises and detailed engineering efforts related to the Elk Creek Project. Management is actively pursuing such additional sources of debt and equity financing, and while it has been successful in doing so in the past, there can be no assurance it will be able to do so in the future.

 

Elk Creek property lease commitments are $65 until June 30, 2020, exclusive of costs incurred to exercise or, if necessary, extend our current land and mineral right option agreements that are needed to support the execution phase of the Elk Creek Project, which expire at various times between May 2020 and September 2021. To maintain its currently held properties and fund its currently anticipated general and administrative costs and planned exploration and development activities at the Elk Creek Project for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, the Company will likely require additional financing during the current fiscal year. Should such financing not be available in that timeframe, we will be required to reduce our activities and will not be able to carry out all our presently planned activities at the Elk Creek Project. 

 

As discussed above under “Recent Corporate Events,” on April 3, 2020, the Company expanded the existing Credit Agreement between the Company and its CEO, President, Executive Chairman and Director, Mark Smith, to $3.0 million from the previous limit of $2.5 million. On April 9 and 29, 2020, the Company completed drawdowns from the Credit Agreement in the amount of $125 and $150, respectively. The Company expects that the funds will be used for general corporate purposes. Following the drawdowns, the remaining availability under the Credit Agreement is $0.4 million. These drawdowns are subject to the interest, establishment fee, covenants, events of default and other terms of the Credit Agreement.

 

As discussed above under “COVID-19,” the Company received the $196 SBA Loan on April 17, 2020. This SBA Loan is expected to cover a portion of ECRC payroll costs and other eligible expenses over the eight-week period commencing on April 17, 2020.

 

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We currently have no further funding commitments or arrangements for additional financing at this time (other than the potential exercise of Options and Warrants) and there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all. There is significant uncertainty that we will be able to secure any additional financing in the current equity or debt markets. The quantity of funds to be raised and the terms of any proposed equity or debt financing that may be undertaken will be negotiated by management as opportunities to raise funds arise. Management intends to pursue funding sources of both debt and equity financing, including but not limited to the issuance of equity securities in the form of Common Shares, Warrants, subscription receipts, or any combination thereof in units of the Company pursuant to private placements to accredited investors or pursuant to equity lines of credit or public offerings in the form of underwritten/brokered offerings, at-the-market offerings, registered direct offerings, or other forms of equity financing and public or private issuances of debt securities including secured and unsecured convertible debt instruments or secured debt project financing. Management does not currently know the terms pursuant to which such financings may be completed in the future, but any such financings will be negotiated at arm’s-length. Future financings involving the issuance of equity securities or derivatives thereof will likely be completed at a discount to the then-current market price of the Company’s securities and will likely be dilutive to current shareholders.

 

The audit opinion and notes that accompany our financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2019 disclose a “going concern” qualification and disclosures to our ability to continue in business. The financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a going concern. We are an exploration stage company and we have incurred losses since our inception. We do not have sufficient cash to fund normal operations and meet debt obligations for the next twelve months without deferring payment on certain current liabilities and raising additional funds. We believe that the going concern condition cannot be removed with confidence until the Company has entered into a business climate where funding of its planned ongoing operating activities is secured.

 

We have no exposure to any asset-backed commercial paper. Other than cash held by our subsidiaries for their immediate operating needs in Colorado and Nebraska, all of our cash reserves are on deposit with major United States and Canadian chartered banks. We do not believe that the credit, liquidity, or market risks with respect thereto have increased as a result of the current market conditions. However, in order to achieve greater security for the preservation of our capital, we have, of necessity, been required to accept lower rates of interest, which has also lowered our potential interest income.

 

Operating Activities

 

During the nine months ended March 31, 2020, the Company’s operating activities consumed $2.2 million of cash (2019: $3.1 million). The cash used in operating activities for 2020 reflects the Company’s funding of losses of $3.3 million, partially offset by share-based compensation charges, other non-cash transactions and a $0.6 million increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Overall, 2020 operational outflows decreased from 2019 due to the timing of project-related expenditures. Going forward, the Company’s working capital requirements are expected to increase substantially in connection the development of the Elk Creek Project.

 

Financing Activities

 

Financing inflows were $1.9 million during the nine months ended March 31, 2020, as compared to $3.2 million during the corresponding period in 2019, primarily reflecting the timing of private placement issuances and related party debt drawdowns initiated during the comparative periods.

 

Cash Flow Considerations

 

As noted above under “Recent Corporate Events,” the COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty with respect to overall project funding and timelines. The Company has historically relied upon equity financings and, to a lesser degree, debt financings, to satisfy its capital requirements and will continue to depend heavily upon equity capital to finance its activities. The Company may pursue debt financing in the medium term if it is able to procure such financing on terms more favorable than available equity financing; however, there can be no assurance the Company will be able to obtain any required financing in the future on acceptable terms.

 

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The Company has limited financial resources compared to its proposed expenditures, no source of operating income, and no assurance that additional funding will be available to it for current or future projects, although the Company has been successful in the past in financing its activities through the sale of equity securities.

 

The ability of the Company to arrange additional financing in the future will depend, in part, on the prevailing capital market conditions, including the impacts of COVID-19 on the timing and availability of funding, and its success in developing the Elk Creek Project. Any quoted market for the Common Shares may be subject to market trends generally, notwithstanding any potential success of the Company in creating revenue, cash flows, or earnings, and any depression of the trading price of the Common Shares could impact its ability to obtain equity financing on acceptable terms.

 

Historically, the Company has used net proceeds from issuances of Common Shares to provide sufficient funds to meet its near-term exploration and development plans and other contractual obligations when due. However, further development and construction of the Elk Creek Project will require substantial additional capital resources. This includes near-term funding and, ultimately, funding for Elk Creek Project construction and other costs. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” above for the Company’s discussion of arrangements related to possible future financings.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

There have been no material changes to our contractual obligations discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the heading “Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations” as of June 30, 2019, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, other than the continued conversion of outstanding convertible Lind debt and the increases in related party loans.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

There have been no material changes in our critical accounting policies discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies” as of June 30, 2019, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019.

 

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

 

The Company has been a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) as defined under Section 1297 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in recent years and expects to continue to be a PFIC in the future. Current and prospective United States shareholders should consult their tax advisors as to the tax consequences of PFIC classification and the U.S. federal tax treatment of PFICs. Additional information on this matter is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, under the heading “Risks Related to the Common Shares.”

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Interest rate risk

 

The Company’s exposure to changes in market interest rates, relates primarily to the Company’s earned interest income on cash deposits and short-term investments. The Company maintains a balance between the liquidity of cash assets and the interest rate return thereon. The carrying amount of financial assets, net of any provisions for losses, represents the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk. 

 

Foreign currency exchange risk

 

The company incurs expenditures in both U.S. dollars and Canadian dollars. Canadian dollar expenditures are primarily related to certain Common Share-related costs and corporate professional services. As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may impact the costs of our operating activities. To reduce this risk, we maintain sufficient cash balances in Canadian dollars to fund expected near-term expenditures.

 

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Commodity price risk

 

The Company is exposed to commodity price risk related to the elements associated with the Elk Creek Project. A significant decrease in the global demand for these elements may have a material adverse effect on our business. The Elk Creek Project is not in production, and the Company does not currently hold any commodity derivative positions.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

At the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including the CEO and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that: (i) information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms and (ii) material information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and the CFO, as appropriate, to allow for accurate and timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all error and all fraud. The effectiveness of our or any system of disclosure controls and procedures, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the system will be met and is subject to certain limitations, including the exercise of judgment in designing, implementing and evaluating controls and procedures and the assumptions used in identifying the likelihood of future events.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We know of no material, active, or pending legal proceedings against the Company, nor are we involved as a plaintiff in any material proceeding or pending litigation. There are no proceedings in which any of our directors, officers, or affiliates, or any registered or beneficial shareholder, is an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to our interest.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

The following updates should be read in conjunction with the risk factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic could have an adverse effect on NioCorp’s business plans, financial condition and liquidity.

 

Although it is not possible to predict the ultimate impact of COVID-19, including on NioCorp’s business plans, financial position or liquidity, such impacts that may be material include, but are not limited to: (i) inability to obtain necessary licenses or permits due to impacts on the operations of state and federal regulatory agencies, (ii) delays in the completion of the mine plans and uncertainty regarding our ability to finalize necessary EPC agreements as a result of disruptions in the businesses of our mine engineering consultants and key contractors for the Elk Creek Project, (iii) reduced availability and productivity of its employees, (iv) increased operational risks as a result of remote work arrangements, including the potential effects on internal controls, as well as cybersecurity risks and increased vulnerability to security breaches, information technology disruptions and other similar events, (v) a negative impact on our liquidity position, and (vi) increased costs and less ability to access funds under its existing credit facility and the capital markets. To the extent the duration of any of these conditions extends for a longer period of time, the impact will generally be a more severe adverse impact.

 

In addition, we cannot predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on our customers, suppliers, vendors, and other business partners, and each of their financial conditions; however, any material effect on these parties could adversely impact us. The impact of COVID-19 may also exacerbate other risks discussed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, any of which could have a material effect on us. This situation is changing rapidly, and additional impacts may arise that we are not aware of currently.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

On March 2, 2020, the Company issued 101,037 Common Shares to Lind upon conversion of US$41.667 in principal amount of the Second Convertible Security at a conversion price of C$0.6332 per share. The Common Shares were issued pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, in connection with the voluntary conversion of a portion of the total principal and prepaid interest outstanding under the Second Convertible Security and based upon representations and warranties of Lind in connection therewith.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act, issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the United States are required to disclose specified information about mine health and safety in their periodic reports. These reporting requirements are based on the safety and health requirements applicable to mines under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”) which is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”). During the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries and their properties or operations were not subject to regulation by MSHA under the Mine Act and thus no disclosure is required under Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.   Title
     
3.1(1)   Notice of Articles dated April 5, 2016
3.2(1)   Articles, as amended, effective as of January 27, 2015
10.1(2)   Amending Agreement to Credit Facility Agreement, dated as of January 17, 2020, between NioCorp Developments Ltd. and Mark Smith
10.2(3)   Amending Agreement to Credit Facility Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2020, between NioCorp Developments Ltd. and Mark Smith
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS (4)   XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH(4)   XBRL Taxonomy Extension- Schema
101.CAL(4)   XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Calculations
101.DEF(4)   XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Definitions
101.LAB(4)   XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Labels
101.PRE(4)   XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Presentations

 

(1) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Draft Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 377-01354) submitted to the SEC on July 26, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.
(2) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 17, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference.
(3) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 3, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference.
(4) Submitted Electronically Herewith. Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2019, (ii) the Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Three and Nine Months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, (iii) the Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, (iv) the Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 and (v) the Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

   

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

NIOCORP DEVELOPMENTS LTD.

(Registrant)

 

By:      /s/ Mark A. Smith  
  Mark A. Smith  
  President, Chief Executive Officer and
Executive Chairman
 
  (Principal Executive Officer)  
     
Date: May 11, 2020  
     
By: /s/ Neal Shah  
  Neal Shah  
  Chief Financial Officer  
  (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)  
     
Date: May 11, 2020  

 

 

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