Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Ur-Energy Inc. |
Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) |
(the accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements) |
| | Note | | | September 30, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Assets | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | 3 | | | | 39,920 | | | | 46,189 | |
Accounts receivable | | | | | | | 4 | | | | 4 | |
Inventory | | | 4 | | | | 9,903 | | | | - | |
Prepaid expenses | | | | | | | 1,375 | | | | 894 | |
Assets held for sale | | | 6 | | | | - | | | | 1,536 | |
Total current assets | | | | | | | 51,202 | | | | 48,623 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current portion of inventory | | | 4 | | | | - | | | | 7,923 | |
Restricted cash | | | 5 | | | | 8,065 | | | | 7,966 | |
Mineral properties | | | 6 | | | | 35,966 | | | | 35,067 | |
Capital assets | | | 7 | | | | 20,099 | | | | 21,260 | |
Total non-current assets | | | | | | | 64,130 | | | | 72,216 | |
Total assets | | | | | | | 115,332 | | | | 120,839 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities and shareholders' equity | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | 8 | | | | 3,245 | | | | 2,864 | |
Current portion of notes payable | | | 9 | | | | 5,290 | | | | 1,262 | |
Current portion of warrant liability | | | 11 | | | | - | | | | 2,027 | |
Environmental remediation accrual | | | | | | | 70 | | | | 71 | |
Total current liabilities | | | | | | | 8,605 | | | | 6,224 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes payable | | | 9 | | | | 7,066 | | | | 11,060 | |
Lease liability | | | | | | | 6 | | | | 18 | |
Asset retirement obligations | | | 10 | | | | 30,553 | | | | 29,915 | |
Warrant liability | | | 11 | | | | 2,559 | | | | 4,236 | |
Total non-current liabilities | | | | | | | 40,184 | | | | 45,229 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholders' equity | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share capital | | | 12 | | | | 256,797 | | | | 248,319 | |
Contributed surplus | | | | | | | 20,825 | | | | 20,040 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | | | | | 4,279 | | | | 4,142 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | | | | | (215,358 | ) | | | (203,115 | ) |
Total shareholders' equity | | | | | | | 66,543 | | | | 69,386 | |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | | | | | | | 115,332 | | | | 120,839 | |
Ur-Energy Inc. |
Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data) |
(the accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements) |
| | | | | Three months ended | | | Nine months ended | |
| | | | | September 30, | | | September 30, | |
| | Note | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sales | | | 13 | | | | - | | | | 9 | | | | 19 | | | | 16 | |
Cost of sales | | | 14 | | | | (1,655 | ) | | | (1,703 | ) | | | (5,039 | ) | | | (5,211 | ) |
Gross loss | | | | | | | (1,655 | ) | | | (1,694 | ) | | | (5,020 | ) | | | (5,195 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating costs | | | 15 | | | | (2,910 | ) | | | (2,189 | ) | | | (9,668 | ) | | | (6,778 | ) |
Loss from operations | | | | | | | (4,565 | ) | | | (3,883 | ) | | | (14,688 | ) | | | (11,973 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net interest expense | | | | | | | (114 | ) | | | (182 | ) | | | (451 | ) | | | (558 | ) |
Warrant liability revaluation gain (loss) | | | 11 | | | | (295 | ) | | | (5,060 | ) | | | 1,620 | | | | (11,384 | ) |
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | | | | | | | 19 | | | | 15 | | | | 29 | | | | (352 | ) |
Other income (loss) | | | 13 | | | | (7 | ) | | | 2 | | | | 1,247 | | | | 908 | |
Net loss | | | | | | | (4,962 | ) | | | (9,108 | ) | | | (12,243 | ) | | | (23,359 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | | | | | | 87 | | | | 219 | | | | 137 | | | | 472 | |
Comprehensive loss | | | | | | | (4,875 | ) | | | (8,889 | ) | | | (12,106 | ) | | | (22,887 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss per common share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | | | | | (0.03 | ) | | | (0.04 | ) | | | (0.06 | ) | | | (0.12 | ) |
Diluted | | | | | | | (0.03 | ) | | | (0.04 | ) | | | (0.06 | ) | | | (0.12 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average common shares: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | | | | | 221,844,180 | | | | 197,205,734 | | | | 219,431,614 | | | | 189,835,800 | |
Diluted | | | | | | | 221,844,180 | | | | 197,205,734 | | | | 219,431,614 | | | | 189,835,800 | |
Ur-Energy Inc. |
Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data) |
(the accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Accumulated | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Other | | | | | | | |
Nine months ended | | | | | Share Capital | | | Contributed | | | Comprehensive | | | Accumulated | | | Shareholders' | |
September 30, 2021 | | Note | | | Shares | | | Amount | | | Surplus | | | Income | | | Deficit | | | Equity | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2020 | | | | | | 170,253,752 | | | | 189,620 | | | | 20,946 | | | | 3,707 | | | | (180,177 | ) | | | 34,096 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exercise of stock options | | | 12 | | | | 1,723,818 | | | | 1,540 | | | | (462 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,078 | |
Exercise of warrants | | | 12 | | | | 481,000 | | | | 551 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 551 | |
Shares issued for cash | | | 12 | | | | 16,930,530 | | | | 15,237 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 15,237 | |
Less amount assigned to warrant liability | | 11&12 | | | | - | | | | (2,604 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (2,604 | ) |
Less share issue costs | | | 12 | | | | - | | | | (1,307 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (1,307 | ) |
Stock compensation | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 231 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 231 | |
Comprehensive income (loss) | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 219 | | | | (7,372 | ) | | | (7,153 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2021 | | | | | | | 189,389,100 | | | | 203,037 | | | | 20,715 | | | | 3,926 | | | | (187,549 | ) | | | 40,129 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exercise of stock options | | | 12 | | | | 160,000 | | | | 134 | | | | (40 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 94 | |
Exercise of warrants | | | 12 | | | | 825,637 | | | | 1,245 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,245 | |
Shares issued for cash | | | 12 | | | | 4,423,368 | | | | 6,930 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,930 | |
Less share issue costs | | | 12 | | | | - | | | | (218 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (218 | ) |
Stock compensation | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 259 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 259 | |
Comprehensive income (loss) | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 34 | | | | (6,879 | ) | | | (6,845 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
June 30, 2021 | | | | | | | 194,798,105 | | | | 211,128 | | | | 20,934 | | | | 3,960 | | | | (194,428 | ) | | | 41,594 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exercise of stock options | | | 12 | | | | 17,548 | | | | 16 | | | | (5 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 11 | |
Exercise of warrants | | | 12 | | | | 5,443,823 | | | | 9,021 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 9,021 | |
Shares issued for cash | | | 12 | | | | 6,026,499 | | | | 10,112 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 10,112 | |
Less share issue costs | | | 12 | | | | - | | | | (253 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (253 | ) |
Stock compensation | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 289 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 289 | |
Comprehensive income (loss) | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 219 | | | | (9,108 | ) | | | (8,889 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
September 30, 2021 | | | | | | | 206,285,975 | | | | 230,024 | | | | 21,218 | | | | 4,179 | | | | (203,536 | ) | | | 51,885 | |
Ur-Energy Inc. |
Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data) |
(the accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Accumulated | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Other | | | | | | | |
Nine months ended | | | | | Share Capital | | | Contributed | | | Accumulated | | | Shareholders' | | | | |
September 30, 2022 | | Note | | | Shares | | | Amount | | | Surplus | | | Income | | | Deficit | | | Equity | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2021 | | | | | | 216,782,694 | | | | 248,319 | | | | 20,040 | | | | 4,142 | | | | (203,115 | ) | | | 69,386 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exercise of stock options | | | 12 | | | | 239,422 | | | | 244 | | | | (73 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 171 | |
Exercise of warrants | | | 12 | | | | 259,000 | | | | 308 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 308 | |
Shares issued for cash | | | 12 | | | | 1,214,774 | | | | 2,128 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2,128 | |
Less share issue costs | | | 12 | | | | - | | | | (53 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (53 | ) |
Stock compensation | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 261 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 261 | |
Comprehensive income (loss) | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (108 | ) | | | (6,928 | ) | | | (7,036 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2022 | | | | | | | 218,495,890 | | | | 250,946 | | | | 20,228 | | | | 4,034 | | | | (210,043 | ) | | | 65,165 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exercise of stock options | | | 12 | | | | 80,603 | | | | 81 | | | | (25 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 56 | |
Shares issued for cash | | | 12 | | | | 669,535 | | | | 1,185 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,185 | |
Less share issue costs | | | 12 | | | | - | | | | (30 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (30 | ) |
Stock compensation | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 464 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 464 | |
Comprehensive income (loss) | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 158 | | | | (353 | ) | | | (195 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
June 30, 2022 | | | | | | | 219,246,028 | | | | 252,182 | | | | 20,667 | | | | 4,192 | | | | (210,396 | ) | | | 66,645 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exercise of stock options | | | 12 | | | | 320,000 | | | | 269 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 269 | |
Exercise of warrants | | | 12 | | | | 3,560,000 | | | | 4,346 | | | | (81 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 4,265 | |
Stock compensation | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 239 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 239 | |
Comprehensive income (loss) | | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 87 | | | | (4,962 | ) | | | (4,875 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
September 30, 2022 | | | | | | | 223,126,028 | | | | 256,797 | | | | 20,825 | | | | 4,279 | | | | (215,358 | ) | | | 66,543 | |
Ur-Energy Inc. |
Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) |
(the accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements) |
| | | | | Nine months ended | |
| | | | | September 30, | |
| | Note | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Cash provided by (used for): | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Operating activities | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss for the period | | | | | | (12,243 | ) | | | (23,359 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Items not affecting cash: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stock based compensation | | | | | | 964 | | | | 779 | |
Net realizable value adjustments | | | | | | 5,039 | | | | 5,211 | |
Amortization of mineral properties | | | | | | 936 | | | | 1,525 | |
Depreciation of capital assets | | | | | | 1,362 | | | | 1,336 | |
Accretion expense | | | | | | 339 | | | | 365 | |
Amortization of deferred loan costs | | | | | | 34 | | | | 32 | |
Gain on loan forgiveness | | | | | | - | | | | (900 | ) |
Provision for reclamation | | | | | | (1 | ) | | | - | |
Mark to market loss (gain) | | | | | | (1,620 | ) | | | 11,384 | |
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) | | | | | | (27 | ) | | | 350 | |
Accounts receivable | | | | | | - | | | | (15 | ) |
Inventory | | | | | | (7,019 | ) | | | (5,318 | ) |
Prepaid expenses | | | | | | (481 | ) | | | (381 | ) |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | | | | 381 | | | | (142 | ) |
| | | | | | (12,336 | ) | | | (9,133 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Investing activities | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of capital assets | | | | | | (213 | ) | | | (63 | ) |
| | | | | | (213 | ) | | | (63 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Financing activities | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of common shares and warrants for cash | | | 12 | | | | 3,313 | | | | 32,280 | |
Share issue costs | | | 12 | | | | (83 | ) | | | (1,778 | ) |
Proceeds from exercise of warrants and stock options | | | | | | | 3,279 | | | | 7,822 | |
| | | | | | | 6,509 | | | | 38,324 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Effects of foreign exchange rate changes on cash | | | | | | | (130 | ) | | | 19 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ending cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | | | 16 | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | | | | | | | 54,155 | | | | 12,127 | |
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash from above | | | | | | | (6,170 | ) | | | 29,147 | |
| | | | | | | 47,985 | | | | 41,274 | |
Ur-Energy Inc. Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements September 30, 2022 |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated) |
1. Nature of Operations
Ur-Energy Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated on March 22, 2004, under the laws of the Province of Ontario. The Company continued under the Canada Business Corporations Act on August 8, 2006. The Company is an exploration stage issuer, as defined by United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company is engaged in uranium mining and recovery operations, with activities including the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of uranium mineral resources located primarily in Wyoming. The Company commenced uranium production at its Lost Creek Project in Wyoming in 2013.
Due to the nature of the uranium recovery methods used by the Company on the Lost Creek Property, and the definition of “mineral reserves” under Subpart 1300 to Regulation S-K (“S-K 1300”), the Company has not determined whether the properties contain mineral reserves. This was true while the Company reported its mineral resources pursuant to Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”). The Company’s report The Lost Creek ISR Uranium Property, Sweetwater County, Wyoming, as amended September 19, 2022 (the “Lost Creek Report”), outlines the potential viability of the Lost Creek Property. The recoverability of amounts recorded for mineral properties is dependent upon the discovery of economic resources, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to develop the properties and upon attaining future profitable production from the properties or sufficient proceeds from disposition of the properties.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of presentation
These interim consolidated financial statements do not conform in all respects to the requirements of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”) for annual financial statements. These interim consolidated financial statements reflect all normal adjustments which in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021. We applied the same accounting policies as in the prior year. Certain information and footnote disclosures required by US GAAP have been condensed or omitted in these interim consolidated financial statements.
3. Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents consist of the following:
Cash and cash equivalents | | September 30, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | |
| | | | | | |
Cash on deposit | | | 4,084 | | | | 9,068 | |
Money market funds | | | 35,836 | | | | 37,121 | |
| | | 39,920 | | | | 46,189 | |
Ur-Energy Inc. Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements September 30, 2022 |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated) |
4. Inventory
The Company’s inventory consists of the following:
Inventory by Type | | September 30, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | |
| | | | | | |
Conversion facility inventory | | | 9,903 | | | | 7,923 | |
| | | 9,903 | | | | 7,923 | |
Inventory by Duration | | September 30, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | |
| | | | | | |
Current portion of inventory | | | 9,903 | | | | - | |
Non-current portion of inventory | | | - | | | | 7,923 | |
| | | 9,903 | | | | 7,923 | |
Using lower of cost or net realizable value (“NRV”) calculations, the Company reduced the inventory valuation by $5,039 and $5,211 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, respectively.
5. Restricted Cash
The Company’s restricted cash consists of the following:
Restricted Cash | | September 30, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | |
| | | | | | |
Cash pledged for reclamation | | | 8,065 | | | | 7,966 | |
| | | 8,065 | | | | 7,966 | |
The Company’s restricted cash consists of money market accounts and short-term government bonds.
The bonding requirements for reclamation obligations on various properties have been reviewed and approved by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (“WDEQ”), including the Wyoming Uranium Recovery Program (“URP”), and the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) as applicable. The restricted money market accounts are pledged as collateral against performance surety bonds, which secure the estimated costs of reclamation related to the properties. Surety bonds providing $28.2 million of coverage towards reclamation obligations are collateralized by the restricted cash.
Ur-Energy Inc. Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements September 30, 2022 |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated) |
6. Mineral Properties
The Company’s mineral properties consist of the following:
| | Lost Creek | | | Shirley Basin | | | Other U.S. | | | | |
Mineral Properties | | Property | | | Property | | | Properties | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2021 | | | 4,527 | | | | 17,362 | | | | 13,178 | | | | 35,067 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reclassify assets no longer held for sale | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,536 | | | | 1,536 | |
Change in estimated reclamation costs | | | - | | | | 299 | | | | - | | | | 299 | |
Depletion and amortization | | | (936 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | (936 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
September 30, 2022 | | | 3,591 | | | | 17,661 | | | | 14,714 | | | | 35,966 | |
Lost Creek Property
The Company acquired certain Wyoming properties in 2005 when Ur-Energy USA Inc. purchased 100% of NFU Wyoming, LLC. Assets acquired in this transaction include the Lost Creek Project, other Wyoming properties, and development databases. NFU Wyoming, LLC was acquired for aggregate consideration of $20 million plus interest. Since 2005, the Company has increased its holdings adjacent to the initial Lost Creek acquisition through staking additional claims and making additional property purchases and leases.
There is a royalty on each of the State of Wyoming sections under lease at the Lost Creek, LC West and EN Projects, as required by law. We are not recovering U3O8 within the State section under lease at Lost Creek and are therefore not subject to royalty payments currently. Other royalties exist on certain mining claims at the LC South, LC East and EN Projects. There are no royalties on the mining claims in the Lost Creek, LC North, or LC West Projects.
Pathfinder Mines Corporation
The Company acquired additional Wyoming properties when Ur-Energy USA Inc. closed a Share Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) with an AREVA Mining affiliate in 2013. Under the terms of the SPA, the Company purchased Pathfinder Mines Corporation (“Pathfinder”). Assets acquired in this transaction include the Shirley Basin mine, portions of the Lucky Mc mine, and development databases. Pathfinder was acquired for aggregate consideration of $6.7 million, the assumption of $5.7 million in estimated asset reclamation obligations, and other consideration. Previously, a non-core, unpermitted non-operating property held by Pathfinder was classified as an asset held for sale. At this time, there are no longer active discussions for the sale of the property. The property has therefore been reclassified and is no longer considered an asset held for sale.
Other U.S. properties
Other U.S. properties include the acquisition costs of several prospective mineralized properties, which the Company continues to maintain through claim payments, lease payments, insurance, and other holding costs in anticipation of future exploration efforts.
Ur-Energy Inc. Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements September 30, 2022 |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated) |
7. Capital Assets
The Company’s capital assets consist of the following:
| | September 30, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | |
| | | | | Accumulated | | | Net Book | | | | | | Accumulated | | | Net Book | |
Capital Assets | | Cost | | | Depreciation | | | Value | | | Cost | | | Depreciation | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Rolling stock | | | 3,450 | | | | (3,433 | ) | | | 17 | | | | 3,450 | | | | (3,413 | ) | | | 37 | |
Enclosures | | | 34,024 | | | | (14,745 | ) | | | 19,279 | | | | 33,949 | | | | (13,488 | ) | | | 20,461 | |
Machinery and equipment | | | 1,604 | | | | (992 | ) | | | 612 | | | | 1,489 | | | | (946 | ) | | | 543 | |
Furniture and fixtures | | | 265 | | | | (138 | ) | | | 127 | | | | 266 | | | | (121 | ) | | | 145 | |
Information technology | | | 1,131 | | | | (1,073 | ) | | | 58 | | | | 1,177 | | | | (1,121 | ) | | | 56 | |
Right of use assets | | | 36 | | | | (30 | ) | | | 6 | | | | 36 | | | | (18 | ) | | | 18 | |
| | | 40,510 | | | | (20,411 | ) | | | 20,099 | | | | 40,367 | | | | (19,107 | ) | | | 21,260 | |
8. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities | | September 30, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | |
| | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | | 1,275 | | | | 854 | |
Accrued payroll liabilities | | | 1,852 | | | | 1,927 | |
Accrued severance, ad valorem, and other taxes payable | | | 118 | | | | 83 | |
| | | 3,245 | | | | 2,864 | |
9. Notes Payable
On October 15, 2013, the Sweetwater County Commissioners approved the issuance of a $34.0 million Sweetwater County, State of Wyoming, Taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bond (Lost Creek Project), Series 2013 (the “Sweetwater IDR Bond”) to the State of Wyoming, acting by and through the Wyoming State Treasurer, as purchaser. On October 23, 2013, the Sweetwater IDR Bond was issued, and the proceeds were in turn loaned by Sweetwater County to Lost Creek ISR, LLC pursuant to a financing agreement dated October 23, 2013 (the “State Bond Loan”). The State Bond Loan calls for payments of interest at a fixed rate of 5.75% per annum on a quarterly basis commencing January 1, 2014. The principal was to be paid in 28 quarterly installments commencing January 1, 2015.
On October 1, 2019, the Sweetwater County Commissioners and the State of Wyoming approved an eighteen-month deferral of principal payments beginning October 1, 2019. On October 6, 2020, the State Bond Loan was again modified to defer principal payments for an additional eighteen months. Quarterly principal payments resumed on October 1, 2022, and the last payment will be due on October 1, 2024.
Ur-Energy Inc. Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements September 30, 2022 |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated) |
The following table summarizes the Company’s current and long-term debt.
Current and Long-term Debt | | September 30, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | |
| | | | | | |
Current | | | | | | |
State Bond Loan | | | 5,333 | | | | 1,305 | |
Deferred financing costs | | | (43 | ) | | | (43 | ) |
| | | 5,290 | | | | 1,262 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Long-term | | | | | | | | |
State Bond Loan | | | 7,108 | | | | 11,136 | |
Deferred financing costs | | | (42 | ) | | | (76 | ) |
| | | 7,066 | | | | 11,060 | |
The schedule of remaining payments on outstanding debt as of September 30, 2022, is presented below.
Remaining Payments | | Total | | | 2022 | | | 2023 | | | 2024 | | | Final payment | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
State Bond Loan | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Principal | | | 12,441 | | | | 1,305 | | | | 5,409 | | | | 5,727 | | | Oct-2024 | |
Interest | | | 911 | | | | 179 | | | | 525 | | | | 207 | | | | |
Total | | | 13,352 | | | | 1,484 | | | | 5,934 | | | | 5,934 | | | | |
10. Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset retirement obligations (“ARO”) relate to the Lost Creek mine and Shirley Basin project and are equal to the current estimated reclamation cost escalated at inflation rates ranging from 0.74% to 2.44% and then discounted at credit adjusted risk-free rates ranging from 0.33% to 8.93%. Current estimated reclamation costs include costs of closure, reclamation, demolition and stabilization of the wellfields, processing plants, infrastructure, aquifer restoration, waste dumps, and ongoing post-closure environmental monitoring and maintenance costs. The schedule of payments required to settle the future reclamation extends through 2033.
The present value of the estimated future closure estimate is presented in the following table.
Asset Retirement Obligations | | Total | |
| | | |
December 31, 2021 | | | 29,915 | |
| | | | |
Change in estimated reclamation costs | | | 299 | |
Accretion expense | | | 339 | |
| | | | |
September 30, 2022 | | | 30,553 | |
The restricted cash discussed in note 5 relates to the surety bonds provided to the governmental agencies for these and other reclamation obligations.
Ur-Energy Inc. Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements September 30, 2022 |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated) |
11. Warrant Liability
In August 2020, we issued 9,000,000 warrants as part of a registered direct offering with two warrants redeemable for one common share of the Company’s stock at a price of $0.75 per full share. The warrants were exercised prior to the August 4, 2022 expiration date.
In February 2021, we issued 16,930,530 warrants as part of an underwritten public offering with two warrants redeemable for one common share of the Company’s stock at a price of $1.35 per full share. The warrants will expire in February 2024.
Because the warrants are priced in U.S. dollars and the functional currency of Ur-Energy Inc. is Canadian dollars, a derivative financial liability was created. The liability created, and adjusted monthly, is calculated using the Black-Scholes model described below as there is no active market for the warrants. Any gain or loss from the adjustment of the liability is reflected in net income for the period.
The Company’s warrant liabilities consist of the following:
| | Aug-2020 | | | Feb-2021 | | | | |
Warrant Liability Activity | | Warrants | | | Warrants | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2021 | | | 2,027 | | | | 4,236 | | | | 6,263 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Warrants exercised | | | (1,790 | ) | | | - | | | | (1,790 | ) |
Mark to market revaluation gain | | | (215 | ) | | | (1,405 | ) | | | (1,620 | ) |
Effects for foreign exchange rate changes | | | (22 | ) | | | (272 | ) | | | (294 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
September 30, 2022 | | | - | | | | 2,559 | | | | 2,559 | |
| | Feb-2021 | |
Warrant Liability Duration | | Warrants | |
| | | |
Current portion of warrant liability | | | - | |
Warrant liability long-term | | | 2,559 | |
| | | | |
| | | 2,559 | |
The fair value of the warrant liabilities on September 30, 2022, was determined using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions:
| | Feb-2021 | |
Black-Scholes Assumptions at September 30, 2022 | | Warrants | |
| | | |
Expected forfeiture rate | | | 0.0 | % |
Expected life (years) | | | 1.3 | |
Expected volatility | | | 74.3 | % |
Risk free rate | | | 3.8 | % |
Expected dividend rate | | | 0.0 | % |
Exercise price | | $ | 1.35 | |
Market price | | $ | 1.09 | |
Ur-Energy Inc. Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements September 30, 2022 |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated) |
12. Shareholders’ Equity and Capital Stock
Common shares
The Company’s share capital consists of an unlimited amount of Class A preferred shares authorized, without par value, of which no shares are issued and outstanding; and an unlimited amount of common shares authorized, without par value, of which 223,126,028 shares and 216,782,694 shares were issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021, respectively.
On February 4, 2021, the Company closed an underwritten public offering of 14,722,200 common shares and accompanying warrants to purchase up to 7,361,100 common shares, at a combined public offering price of $0.90 per common share and accompanying warrant. The warrants have an exercise price of $1.35 per whole common share and will expire three years from the date of issuance. Ur-Energy also granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,208,330 common shares and warrants to purchase up to 1,104,165 common shares on the same terms. The option was exercised in full. Including the exercised option, Ur-Energy issued a total of 16,930,530 common shares and 16,930,530 warrants to purchase up to 8,465,265 common shares. The gross proceeds to Ur‑Energy from this offering were approximately $15.2 million. After fees and expenses of $1.3 million, net proceeds to the Company were approximately $13.9 million.
Stock options
In 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the adoption of the Company's stock option plan (the “Option Plan”). The Option Plan was most recently approved by the shareholders on May 7, 2020. Eligible participants under the Option Plan include directors, officers, employees, and consultants of the Company. Under the terms of the Option Plan, grants of options will vest over a three-year period: one-third on the first anniversary, one-third on the second anniversary, and one-third on the third anniversary of the grant. The term of the options is five years.
Activity with respect to stock options is summarized as follows:
| | Outstanding | | | Weighted-average | |
Stock Option Activity | | Options | | | exercise price | |
| | # | | | $ | |
| | | | | | |
December 31, 2021 | | | 10,064,024 | | | | 0.68 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Granted | | | 175,000 | | | | 1.74 | |
Exercised | | | (640,025 | ) | | | 0.66 | |
| | | | | | | | |
September 30, 2022 | | | 9,598,999 | | | | 0.64 | |
The exercise price of a new grant is set at the closing price for the shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) on the trading day immediately preceding the grant date and there is no intrinsic value as of the date of grant.
We received $0.4 million and $1.2 million from options exercised in the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively.
Ur-Energy Inc. Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements September 30, 2022 |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated) |
Stock-based compensation expense from stock options was $0.2 million and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, and $0.2 million and $0.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively.
As of September 30, 2022, there was approximately $0.7 million unamortized stock-based compensation expense related to the Option Plan. The expenses are expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 1.7 years under the Option Plan.
As of September 30, 2022, outstanding stock options are as follows:
| | | Options outstanding | | | Options exercisable | | | |
| | | | | | Weighted- | | | | | | | | | Weighted- | | | | | | |
| | | | | | average | | | | | | | | | average | | | | | | |
| | | | | | remaining | | | Aggregate | | | | | | remaining | | | Aggregate | | | |
Exercise | | | Number | | | contractual | | | intrinsic | | | Number | | | contractual | | | intrinsic | | | |
price | | | of options | | | life (years) | | | value | | | of options | | | life (years) | | | value | | | Expiry |
$ | | | # | | | | | | $ | | | # | | | | | | $ | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 0.65 | | | | 1,024,095 | | | | 0.2 | | | | 449,977 | | | | 1,024,095 | | | | 0.2 | | | | 449,977 | | | 2022-12-15 |
| 0.56 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 0.5 | | | | 106,673 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 0.5 | | | | 106,673 | | | 2023-03-30 |
| 0.67 | | | | 807,997 | | | | 0.9 | | | | 337,503 | | | | 807,997 | | | | 0.9 | | | | 337,503 | | | 2023-08-20 |
| 0.66 | | | | 716,674 | | | | 1.2 | | | | 309,719 | | | | 716,674 | | | | 1.2 | | | | 309,719 | | | 2023-12-14 |
| 0.57 | | | | 2,528,579 | | | | 2.1 | | | | 1,312,102 | | | | 1,815,616 | | | | 2.1 | | | | 942,139 | | | 2024-11-05 |
| 0.46 | | | | 2,824,490 | | | | 3.1 | | | | 1,792,345 | | | | 1,248,735 | | | | 3.1 | | | | 792,414 | | | 2025-11-13 |
| 1.04 | | | | 1,322,164 | | | | 3.9 | | | | 64,818 | | | | 566,911 | | | | 3.9 | | | | 27,792 | | | 2026-08-27 |
| 1.61 | | | | 175,000 | | | | 4.5 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | 2027-03-14 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 0.61 | | | | 9,598,999 | | | | 2.3 | | | | 4,373,137 | | | | 6,380,028 | | | | 1.9 | | | | 2,966,217 | | | |
The aggregate intrinsic value of the options in the preceding table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value for stock options, with an exercise price less than the Company’s TSX closing stock price as of the last trading day in the three months ended September 30, 2022 (approximately US$1.09), that would have been received by the option holders had they exercised their options on that date. There were 9,423,999 in‑the‑money stock options outstanding and 6,380,028 in-the-money stock options exercisable as of September 30, 2022.
The fair value of the stock options on their respective grant dates was determined using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions:
Stock Options Fair Value Assumptions | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | | | | |
Expected forfeiture rate | | | 5.6 | % | | | 6.1 | % |
Expected life (years) | | | 3.9 | | | | 3.9 | |
Expected volatility | | | 72.7 | % | | | 69.5 | % |
Risk free rate | | | 1.9 | % | | | 0.7 | % |
Expected dividend rate | | | 0.0 | % | | | 0.0 | % |
Black-Scholes value (CAD$) | | $ | 1.22 | | | $ | 0.74 | |
Ur-Energy Inc. Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements September 30, 2022 |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated) |
Restricted share units
On June 24, 2010, the Company’s shareholders approved the adoption of the Company’s restricted share unit plan (the “RSU Plan”), as subsequently amended and now known as the Restricted Share Unit and Equity Incentive Plan (the “RSU&EI Plan”). The RSU&EI Plan was approved by our shareholders most recently on June 2, 2022.
Eligible participants under the RSU&EI Plan include directors and employees of the Company. Granted RSUs are redeemed on the second anniversary of the grant. Upon an RSU redemption, the holder of the RSU will receive one common share, for no additional consideration, for each RSU held.
Activity with respect to RSUs is summarized as follows:
| | | | | Weighted average | |
| | Outstanding | | | grant date | |
Restricted Share Unit Activity | | RSUs | | | fair value | |
| | # | | | $ | |
| | | | | | |
December 31, 2021 | | | 1,011,660 | | | | 0.69 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Granted | | | - | | | | - | |
Released | | | - | | | | - | |
Forfeited | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
September 30, 2022 | | | 1,011,660 | | | | 0.69 | |
Stock-based compensation expense from RSUs was $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, and $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively.
As of September 30, 2022, there was approximately $0.1 million unamortized stock-based compensation expense related to the RSU&EI Plan. The expenses are expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting periods of 0.8 years under the RSU&EI Plan.
As of September 30, 2022, outstanding RSUs are as follows:
RSUs outstanding | |
| | | Weighted- | | | | | | | |
| | | average | | | | | | | |
| | | remaining | | | Aggregate | | | | |
Number | | | contractual | | | intrinsic | | | Redemption | |
of RSUs | | | life (years) | | | value | | | Date | |
# | | | | | | $ | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 706,130 | | | | 0.1 | | | | 769,682 | | | 2022-11-13 | |
| 305,530 | | | | 0.9 | | | | 333,028 | | | 2023-08-27 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1,011,660 | | | | 0.4 | | | | 1,102,710 | | | | |
Ur-Energy Inc. Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements September 30, 2022 |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated) |
The fair value of restricted share units on their respective grant dates was determined using the Intrinsic Value Method with the following assumptions:
Restricted Share Unit Fair Value Assumptions | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | |
Expected forfeiture rate | | | 4.4 | % | | | 4.2 | % |
Grant date fair value (CAD$) | | $ | 1.44 | | | $ | 0.63 | |
Warrants
In August 2020, the Company issued 9,000,000 warrants to purchase 4,500,000 of our common shares at $0.75 per full share. In February 2021, the Company issued 16,930,530 warrants to purchase 8,465,265 of our common shares at $1.35 per full share.
The following represents warrant activity during the period ended September 30, 2022:
| | | | | Number of | | | | |
| | Outstanding | | | shares to be issued | | | Per share | |
Warrant Activity | | warrants | | | upon exercise | | | exercise price | |
| | # | | | # | | | $ | |
| | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2021 | | | 24,368,530 | | | | 12,184,265 | | | | 1.16 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exercised | | | (7,638,000 | ) | | | (3,819,000 | ) | | | 0.75 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
September 30, 2022 | | | 16,730,530 | | | | 8,365,265 | | | | 1.35 | |
We received $2.9 million and $6.6 million from warrants exercised in the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively
As of September 30, 2022, outstanding warrants are as follows:
| | | | | | Weighted- | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | average | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | remaining | | | Aggregate | | | | |
Exercise | | | Number | | | contractual | | | Intrinsic | | | | |
price | | | of warrants | | | life (years) | | | Value | | | Expiry | |
$ | | | # | | | | | | $ | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1.35 | | | | 16,730,530 | | | | 1.3 | | | | - | | | 2024-02-04 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1.35 | | | | 16,730,530 | | | | 1.3 | | | | - | | | | |
Ur-Energy Inc. Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements September 30, 2022 |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated) |
Fair value calculation assumptions for stock options, restricted share units, and warrants
The Company estimates expected future volatility based on daily historical trading data of the Company’s common shares. The risk-free interest rates are determined by reference to Canadian Treasury Note constant maturities that approximate the expected life. The Company has never paid dividends and currently has no plans to do so.
Share-based compensation expense is recognized net of estimated pre-vesting forfeitures, which results in expensing the awards that are ultimately expected to vest over the expected life. Estimated forfeitures and expected lives were based on actual historical experience.
13. Sales and Other Income
Revenue is primarily derived from the sale of U3O8 to domestic utilities under contracts or spot sales. There were no sales of U3O8 in the nine months ended September 30, 2022, or September 30, 2021. Disposal billings were nil and $19 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, and $9 thousand and $16 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively.
During March 2022, we sold a royalty interest related to Strata Energy’s Lance Uranium ISR Project for $1.3 million. There was no carrying value related to the royalty on our balance sheet therefore the entire amount was recognized as other income.
14. Cost of Sales
Cost of sales includes ad valorem and severance taxes related to the extraction of uranium, all costs of wellfield and plant operations including the related depreciation and amortization of capitalized assets, reclamation, and mineral property costs, plus product distribution costs. These costs are also used to value inventory. The resulting inventoried cost per pound is compared to the NRV of the product, which is based on the estimated sales price of the product, net of any necessary costs to finish the product. Any inventory value in excess of the NRV is charged to cost of sales.
Cost of sales consists of the following:
| | Three months ended | | | Nine months ended | |
| | September 30, | | | September 30, | |
Cost of Sales | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of product sales | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Lower of cost or NRV adjustments | | | 1,655 | | | | 1,703 | | | | 5,039 | | | | 5,211 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 1,655 | | | | 1,703 | | | | 5,039 | | | | 5,211 | |
Ur-Energy Inc. Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements September 30, 2022 |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated) |
15. Operating Costs
Operating expenses include exploration and evaluation expense, development expense, general and administration (“G&A”) expense, and mineral property write-offs. Exploration and evaluation expense consists of labor and the associated costs of the exploration and evaluation departments as well as land holding and exploration costs including drilling and analysis on properties which have not reached the permitting or operations stage. Development expense relates to properties that have reached the permitting or operations stage and include costs associated with exploring, delineating, and permitting a property. Once permitted, development expenses also include the costs associated with the construction and development of the permitted property that are otherwise not eligible to be capitalized. G&A expense relates to the administration, finance, investor relations, land, and legal functions, and consists principally of personnel, facility, and support costs.
Operating costs consist of the following:
| | Three months ended | | | Nine months ended | |
| | September 30, | | | September 30, | |
Operating Costs | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exploration and evaluation | | | 422 | | | | 515 | | | | 1,421 | | | | 1,671 | |
Development | | | 1,188 | | | | 187 | | | | 3,137 | | | | 652 | |
General and administration | | | 1,186 | | | | 1,368 | | | | 4,771 | | | | 4,090 | |
Accretion | | | 114 | | | | 119 | | | | 339 | | | | 365 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2,910 | | | | 2,189 | | | | 9,668 | | | | 6,778 | |
16. Supplemental Information for Statement of Cash Flows
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash per the Statement of Cash Flows consists of the following:
Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash | | September 30, 2022 | | | September 30, 2021 | |
| | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | 39,920 | | | | 33,413 | |
Restricted cash | | | 8,065 | | | | 7,861 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | 47,985 | | | | 41,274 | |
Interest expense paid was $0.5 million and $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
17. Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, warrant liability and notes payable. The Company is exposed to risks related to changes in interest rates and management of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.
Ur-Energy Inc. Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements September 30, 2022 |
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated) |
Credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash. These assets include Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar denominated certificates of deposit, money market accounts, and demand deposits. These instruments are maintained at financial institutions in Canada and the U.S. Of the amount held on deposit, approximately $0.6 million is covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, or the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, leaving approximately $47.4 million at risk on September 30, 2022, should the financial institutions with which these amounts are invested be rendered insolvent. The Company does not consider any of its financial assets to be impaired as of September 30, 2022.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they come due.
As of September 30, 2022, the Company’s current financial liabilities consisted of accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $3.2 million, and $5.3 million for the current portion of notes payable.
As of September 30, 2022, we had $39.9 million of cash and cash equivalents. In addition to our cash position, our finished, ready-to-sell, conversion facility inventory value is immediately realizable, if necessary.
Sensitivity analysis
The Company has completed a sensitivity analysis to estimate the impact that a change in interest rates would have on the net loss of the Company. This sensitivity analysis shows that a change of +/- 100 basis points in interest rate would have a negligible effect on the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The financial position of the Company may vary at the time that a change in interest rates occurs causing the impact on the Company’s results to vary.
Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
Business Overview
The following discussion and analysis is designed to provide information that we believe is necessary for an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition, and results of our operations and should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and MD&A contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Incorporated on March 22, 2004, Ur-Energy is an exploration stage issuer, as that term is defined by the SEC. We are engaged in uranium recovery and processing activities, including the acquisition, exploration, development and operation of uranium mineral properties in the U.S. We are operating our first in situ recovery uranium facility at our Lost Creek Project in Wyoming. Ur-Energy is a corporation continued under the Canada Business Corporations Act on August 8, 2006. Our Common Shares are listed on the TSX under the symbol “URE” and on the NYSE American under the symbol “URG.”
Ur-Energy has one wholly owned subsidiary, Ur-Energy USA Inc., incorporated under the laws of the State of Colorado. Ur-Energy USA Inc. has three wholly-owned subsidiaries: NFU Wyoming, LLC, a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Wyoming which acts as our land holding and exploration entity; Lost Creek ISR, LLC, a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Wyoming to operate our Lost Creek Project and hold our Lost Creek properties and assets; and Pathfinder Mines Corporation (“Pathfinder”), incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, which holds, among other assets, the Shirley Basin and Lucky Mc properties in Wyoming. Our material U.S. subsidiaries remain unchanged since the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 9, 2022.
We utilize in situ recovery (“ISR”) of the uranium at our flagship project, Lost Creek, and will do so at other projects where possible. The ISR technique is employed in uranium extraction because it allows for an effective recovery of roll front uranium mineralization at a lower cost. At Lost Creek, we extract and process uranium oxide (“U3O8”) for shipping to a third-party conversion facility to be weighed, assayed and stored until sold. After sale, when further processed, the uranium we have produced fuels carbon-free, emissions-free nuclear power which is a cost-effective and reliable form of electrical power. Nuclear power is estimated to provide more than 50% of the carbon-free electricity in the U.S.
Our Lost Creek processing facility, which includes all circuits for the production, drying and packaging of U3O8 for delivery into sales transactions, is designed and approved under current licensing to process up to 1.2 million pounds of U3O8 annually from the Lost Creek wellfield. The processing facility has the physical design capacity and is licensed to process 2.2 million pounds of U3O8 annually, which provides additional capacity of up to one million pounds U3O8, to process material from other sources. We expect that the Lost Creek processing facility will be utilized to process captured U3O8 from our Shirley Basin Project for which we anticipate the need only for a satellite plant. However, the Shirley Basin permit and license allow for the construction of a full processing facility, providing greater construction and operating flexibility as may be dictated by market conditions.
Uranium Market Update
Increased support for nuclear energy has been sustained as more governments understand it is a critical element to successfully address climate change. Growing numbers of countries are making commitments to net-zero emissions, including on more accelerated schedules than previously targeted. In the process, many nations and large companies are endorsing nuclear energy to meet such objectives, recognizing the safety, reliability, and economic advantages nuclear power presents. Supply-demand fundamentals also continue to strengthen with the supply gap widening as secondary inventories decline while projections are for sustained growth of nuclear power through traditional uses and the construction of advanced reactors of various types. Additionally, projections for sustained growth of nuclear power globally in coming years has incentivized investment in the fuel cycle industries, through legislative programs and private and industrial capital.
In the U.S., in late 2020, Congress approved the appropriation of $75 million for the establishment of a new national uranium reserve through which the Department of Energy (“DOE”), National Nuclear Security Administration (“NNSA”) is to purchase domestically produced uranium. In June 2022, NNSA issued a solicitation for proposals to purchase from uranium producers qualified under the solicitation up to one million pounds U3O8. We submitted a bid proposal to the NNSA and await information on the award of contracts. There can be no assurance that the Company will be a successful bidder.
The Biden Administration continues to prioritize climate change initiatives and its leaders have expressed an understanding that clean, carbon-free nuclear energy must be an integral part of those initiatives. Several pieces of federal legislation have been proposed which will support nuclear energy and the nuclear fuel cycle industries. We continue to see signs of increased bipartisan support for nuclear energy in Washington, including the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (November 2021) which is designed to prevent the premature closure of nuclear power plants and extend the life of others.
Proposed U.S. legislation this year includes efforts to further restrict or preclude imports from Russia; and establishment of an Executive Office for Nuclear Energy Policy to promote engagement with ally and partner nations to develop a civil nuclear export strategy and offset China and Russia’s growing influence on international nuclear energy development. Most recently, Senators Manchin, Risch and Barrasso attached a provision to the National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”) that proposes expansion of the Uranium Reserve Program. Congress is expected to vote on the NDAA this year. Numerous states in the U.S. also have passed legislation supporting nuclear power.
Globally, several countries including China, Japan, France, Germany and England are ramping up power plant construction, reactor life extensions and/or research activities. As a result of these and other developments in the U.S. and abroad, uranium price increases have been largely sustained over the past year. Spot market prices continue to experience volatility, but through Q3 per-pound prices continued in the upper $40s and $50s. While generally lagging behind spot price increases, earlier increases to term pricing have been sustained.
The short- and long-term worldwide implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine remain difficult to predict as the war continues. In addition to the adverse economic and other effects felt beyond the borders of Ukraine, the war may result in impacts felt more directly by the nuclear fuel industries and uranium producers specifically. The imposition of sanctions on Russia by the U.S. and other countries has resulted in counter measures by Russia and may result in additional counter sanctions including the possible termination of exports of enriched uranium from Russia to the U.S. As described above, legislation to prohibit Russian imports of uranium has been introduced in Congress. Russia has historically and very recently shown its willingness to utilize energy resources as foreign policy “tools” in its relations with European nations, creating supply disruptions and leveraging punitive pricing. Consistent with that practice, Russia may influence Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to halt uranium exports to the U.S. or otherwise interfere with the shipments to the U.S.
Mineral Rights and Properties
We have 12 U.S. uranium properties. Ten of our uranium properties are in the Great Divide Basin, Wyoming, including Lost Creek. Currently, we control nearly 1,800 unpatented mining claims and three State of Wyoming mineral leases for a total of more than 35,000 acres in the area of the Lost Creek Property, including the Lost Creek permit area (the “Lost Creek Project”), and certain adjoining properties referred to as LC East, LC West, LC North, LC South and EN Project areas (collectively, with the Lost Creek Project, the “Lost Creek Property”). Our Shirley Basin Project permit area, also in Wyoming, comprises nearly 1,800 acres of Company-controlled mineral acres.
Lost Creek Property
Lost Creek continues to operate at reduced production levels, which allows us to sustain operating cost reductions at Lost Creek, while optimizing processes and continuing wellfield development and construction activities in preparation for ramp up to full production rates.
An advance development program at Lost Creek was implemented in late 2021, with the intent to significantly improve our ability to quickly return to production when ramp-up occurs. Our program to advance the development of the fourth header house in MU2 (HH 2‑4) has progressed substantially with all wells installed and surface construction is ongoing. Additionally, we are now installing wells related to the fifth header house (HH 2‑5) and have ordered all necessary equipment to construct the header house. Long-lead items for the sixth header house in MU2 have also been ordered. We completed the planned delineation drill program to assist with further wellfield design within HHs 2-5 through 2-9. Hiring of staff and engagement of contractors has steadily progressed for these planned development activities. Together with our optimization of plant processes, these wellfield programs will significantly advance our readiness and shorten the time frame to production when a formal decision to ramp-up occurs.
During Q3, we completed a new multi-year sales agreement with a leading U.S. nuclear utility to supply uranium produced from projects owned and operated by the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries, including Lost Creek. This initial agreement calls for the annual delivery of a base amount of 200,000 pounds of uranium concentrates over a six-year period beginning in the second half of 2023. Sales prices are anticipated to be profitable on a Company-wide, all-in cost basis and are escalated annually from the initial pricing in 2023.
We believe this agreement reflects the U.S. utilities desire to support domestic uranium production from a proven producer. Pursuant to the Company’s request, the sales agreement is conditioned on our securing additional contractual commitments to support a development decision. We are in ongoing discussions with other purchasers with the objective of layering in sufficient additional offtake agreements to incentivize a full ramp up of production at Lost Creek.
The first two mine units at Lost Creek (MU1 and MU2) have all appropriate permits necessary for a return to operations, including production resulting from the ongoing MU2 advance development program, when ramp up occurs. We have received Wyoming Uranium Recovery Program (“URP”) approval of the amendment to the Lost Creek source material license to include recovery from the LC East Project (HJ and KM horizons) immediately adjacent to the Lost Creek Project and additional HJ horizons at the Lost Creek Project. Currently, we await only approval by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Land Quality Division (“LQD”) of the amendment to the Lost Creek permit to mine adding HJ and KM horizons at LC East and HJ mine units at Lost Creek. We anticipate the LQD review will be complete in 2022.
Shirley Basin Project
Our Shirley Basin Project stands construction ready, having received the source material license, permit to mine, and aquifer exemption for the project. These approvals represent the final major permits required to begin construction of the Shirley Basin Project. Situated in an historic mining district, the project has existing access roads, power, waste disposal facility and shop buildings onsite. Delineation and exploration drilling were completed historically, and wellfield, pipeline and header house layouts are finalized. Additional, minor on-the-ground preparations have been completed since the authorizations were received.
Research and Development
We continue to pursue several research and development (“R&D”) projects with the overall objective to introduce new methods of cost-effective technology to our Lost Creek Project, and to Shirley Basin when it is constructed. The development projects are at varying stages of development and include a new material for injection wells and related well installation process, for which a provisional patent has been filed with the U.S. Patent Office. During 2022 Q2, we received WDEQ authorization to proceed with field testing the materials and engineering, and testing continued throughout the summer. Although the technology will not be used for production wells, it will be used for injection wells which generally represent approximately 65% of the wells throughout wellfields designed with traditional “five-spot” recovery patterns. In addition to its relatively low cost and availability of materials in the midst of current supply chain challenges, the proposed method, if proven out, is expected to reduce drill rig time on injection wells by about 70% and reduce environmental impacts. It is anticipated that the cost savings from reduced drill rig time will be partially offset by the need for additional in-house labor.
Work continues on engineering of an advanced water treatment system. Beyond water recycling gains already achieved with our industry-leading Class V circuit, the new system may allow an additional 90% reduction of disposed water. This project is in advanced-stage analyses expected to be completed in 2022. The value of increasing the water recycling rate is an increased reduction in required wastewater disposal, and thus the need for additional (and costly) deep disposal wells. An added benefit will be the recycling of the majority of bleed and process water which would have historically been disposed of as waste. As contemplated, the system will also provide enhanced water filtration of injection fluids which will allow for removal of existing and future header house filtration systems.
Casper Operations Headquarters
Construction has commenced on our new multipurpose building at our Casper, Wyoming operations headquarters. The new multipurpose building, which is expected to be complete in mid-2023, will allow for centralized construction activities as well as housing our shared services chemistry laboratory. The additional facility will allow us to construct header houses for Lost Creek and, when built and operational, Shirley Basin. Building, wiring and automating header houses in Casper, as well as other construction activities, will provide numerous safety, environmental and financial advantages to our operations.
Results of Operations
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP measures with US GAAP financial statement presentation
The U3O8 and cost per pound measures included in the following table do not have a standardized meaning within US GAAP or a defined basis of calculation. These measures are used by management to assess business performance and determine production and pricing strategies. They may also be used by certain investors to evaluate performance.
The following table provides information on our production and ending inventory of U3O8 pounds.
U3O8 Production and Ending Inventory
| | Unit | | | 2021 Q4 | | | 2022 Q1 | | | 2022 Q2 | | | 2022 Q3 | | | YTD 2022 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U3O8 Production | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pounds captured | | lb | | | | 74 | | | | 83 | | | | 83 | | | | 74 | | | | 240 | |
Pounds drummed | | lb | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Pounds shipped | | lb | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Pounds purchased | | lb | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 40,000 | | | | 40,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U3O8 Ending Inventory | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pounds | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In-process inventory | | lb | | | | 1,069 | | | | 1,146 | | | | 1,223 | | | | 1,279 | | | | | |
Plant inventory | | lb | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | | |
Conversion inventory - produced | | lb | | | | 267,049 | | | | 267,049 | | | | 267,049 | | | | 267,049 | | | | | |
Conversion inventory - purchased | | lb | | | | 16,741 | | | | 16,741 | | | | 16,741 | | | | 56,741 | | | | | |
| | lb | | | | 284,859 | | | | 284,936 | | | | 285,013 | | | | 325,069 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Value | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In-process inventory | | $ | 000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | | |
Plant inventory | | $ | 000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | | |
Conversion inventory - produced | | $ | 000 | | | | 7,488 | | | | 7,488 | | | | 7,488 | | | | 7,488 | | | | | |
Conversion inventory - purchased | | $ | 000 | | | | 435 | | | | 435 | | | | 435 | | | | 2,415 | | | | | |
| | $ | 000 | | | | 7,923 | | | | 7,923 | | | | 7,923 | | | | 9,903 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost per Pound | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In-process inventory | | $/lb | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | | |
Plant inventory | | $/lb | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | | |
Conversion inventory - produced | | $/lb | | | | 28.04 | | | | 28.04 | | | | 28.04 | | | | 28.04 | | | | | |
Conversion inventory - purchased | | $/lb | | | | 25.98 | | | | 25.98 | | | | 25.98 | | | | 42.56 | | | | | |
| | $/lb | | | | 27.81 | | | | 27.81 | | | | 27.80 | | | | 30.46 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Produced conversion inventory detail: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ad valorem and severance tax | | $/lb | | | | 0.59 | | | | 0.59 | | | | 0.59 | | | | 0.59 | | | | | |
Cash cost | | $/lb | | | | 18.60 | | | | 18.60 | | | | 18.60 | | | | 18.60 | | | | | |
Non-cash cost | | $/lb | | | | 8.85 | | | | 8.85 | | | | 8.85 | | | | 8.85 | | | | | |
| | $/lb | | | | 28.04 | | | | 28.04 | | | | 28.04 | | | | 28.04 | | | | | |
During 2020, we intentionally reduced production operations at Lost Creek in response to the depressed state of the uranium market at that time. As a result, production rates declined significantly and will remain low until a decision to ramp up is made. Recent spot price improvements are encouraging and long-term contract pricing necessary to support a ramp-up decision has slowly improved, which allowed the Company to secure a new long-term contract for the sale of U3O8. We are continuing to pursue additional long-term sales contracts, which could support a decision to ramp up.
As of September 30, 2022, we had approximately 323,790 pounds of U3O8 at the conversion facility including 267,049 produced pounds at an average cost per pound of $28.04, and 56,741 purchased pounds at an average cost per pound of $42.56.
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021
The following table summarizes the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, and 2021:
| | Three months ended | | | Nine months ended | |
| | September 30, | | | September 30, | |
| | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | Change | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | Change | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sales | | | - | | | | 9 | | | | (9 | ) | | | 19 | | | | 16 | | | | 3 | |
Cost of sales | | | (1,655 | ) | | | (1,703 | ) | | | 48 | | | | (5,039 | ) | | | (5,211 | ) | | | 172 | |
Gross profit (loss) | | | (1,655 | ) | | | (1,694 | ) | | | 39 | | | | (5,020 | ) | | | (5,195 | ) | | | 175 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating costs | | | (2,910 | ) | | | (2,189 | ) | | | (721 | ) | | | (9,668 | ) | | | (6,778 | ) | | | (2,890 | ) |
Loss from operations | | | (4,565 | ) | | | (3,883 | ) | | | (682 | ) | | | (14,688 | ) | | | (11,973 | ) | | | (2,715 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net interest expense | | | (114 | ) | | | (182 | ) | | | 68 | | | | (451 | ) | | | (558 | ) | | | 107 | |
Warrant mark to market gain (loss) | | | (295 | ) | | | (5,060 | ) | | | 4,765 | | | | 1,620 | | | | (11,384 | ) | | | 13,004 | |
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | | | 19 | | | | 15 | | | | 4 | | | | 29 | | | | (352 | ) | | | 381 | |
Other income (loss) | | | (7 | ) | | | 2 | | | | (9 | ) | | | 1,247 | | | | 908 | | | | 339 | |
Net loss | | | (4,962 | ) | | | (9,108 | ) | | | 4,146 | | | | (12,243 | ) | | | (23,359 | ) | | | 11,116 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | | 87 | | | | 219 | | | | (132 | ) | | | 137 | | | | 472 | | | | (335 | ) |
Comprehensive loss | | | (4,875 | ) | | | (8,889 | ) | | | 4,014 | | | | (12,106 | ) | | | (22,887 | ) | | | 10,781 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss per common share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | (0.03 | ) | | | (0.04 | ) | | | 0.01 | | | | (0.06 | ) | | | (0.12 | ) | | | 0.06 | |
Diluted | | | (0.03 | ) | | | (0.04 | ) | | | 0.01 | | | | (0.06 | ) | | | (0.12 | ) | | | 0.06 | |
Sales
There were no sales of U3O8 in the first nine months of 2022 or 2021. We billed disposal fees of nil and $19 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, and $9 thousand and $16 thousand in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales per the financial statements includes ad valorem and severance taxes related to the extraction of uranium, all costs of wellfield and plant operations including the related depreciation and amortization of capitalized assets, reclamation, and mineral property costs, plus product distribution costs. These costs are also used to value inventory. The resulting inventoried cost per pound is compared to the NRV of the product, which is based on the estimated sales price of the product, net of any necessary costs to finish the product. Any inventory value in excess of the NRV is charged to cost of sales in the financial statements. NRV adjustments, if any, are excluded from the U3O8 cost of sales and U3O8 cost per pound sold figures because they relate to the pounds of U3O8 in ending inventory and do not relate to the pounds of U3O8 sold during the period.
In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, cost of sales per the financial statements included $1.7 million and $5.0 million for 2022 and $1.7 million and $5.2 million for 2021, respectively, in lower of cost or NRV adjustments. With production rates held to intentionally lower levels, nearly all production costs during 2022 and 2021 were charged to cost of sales as NRV adjustments. Production costs in 2022 have been very consistent with 2021 with higher labor and service costs offset by lower non-cash and conversion facility costs.
Gross Profit (Loss)
The gross losses per the financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 were $1.7 million and $5.0 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the gross losses were $1.7 million and $5.2 million, respectively. The losses were composed of NRV adjustments less the disposal fee revenue.
Operating Costs
Operating costs include exploration and evaluation expense, development expense, general and administration expense, and accretion expense.
The following table summarizes the operating costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, and 2021:
| | Three months ended | | | Nine months ended | |
| | September 30, | | | September 30, | |
Operating Costs | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | Change | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | Change | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exploration and evaluation | | | 422 | | | | 515 | | | | (93 | ) | | | 1,421 | | | | 1,671 | | | | (250 | ) |
Development | | | 1,188 | | | | 187 | | | | 1,001 | | | | 3,137 | | | | 652 | | | | 2,485 | |
General and administration | | | 1,186 | | | | 1,368 | | | | (182 | ) | | | 4,771 | | | | 4,090 | | | | 681 | |
Accretion | | | 114 | | | | 119 | | | | (5 | ) | | | 339 | | | | 365 | | | | (26 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2,910 | | | | 2,189 | | | | 721 | | | | 9,668 | | | | 6,778 | | | | 2,890 | |
Total operating costs for the three months ended September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, were $2.9 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Total operating costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, were $9.7 million and $6.8 million, respectively. The increase was primarily due to the MU2 advance development program being conducted at Lost Creek and higher administrative labor and non-cash costs.
Exploration and evaluation expense consists of labor and the associated costs of the exploration, evaluation, and regulatory departments, as well as land holding and exploration costs on properties that have not reached the development or operations stage. Total exploration and evaluation expense decreased approximately $0.1 million in 2022 Q3 and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to 2021 costs. Lower labor accounted for most of the difference. When our Vice President Regulatory Affairs was promoted to the Chief Executive Officer position, the Vice President position was not replaced, which resulted in lower labor costs within the exploration and evaluation department.
Development expense includes costs incurred at the Lost Creek Project not directly attributable to production activities, including wellfield construction, drilling, and development costs. It also includes costs associated with the Shirley Basin Project, which is in a more advanced stage and is classified as a development project. The $1.0 million and $2.5 million increases in development expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, relate to the MU2 advance development program currently underway. The $2.5 million year-to-date increase was composed of higher development drilling ($0.9 million), drilling supplies ($1.4 million), and labor ($0.2 million) costs.
General and administration expenses relate to the administration, finance, investor relations, land, and legal functions, and consist principally of personnel, facility, and support costs. The $0.7 million increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 included an increase in labor related costs ($0.4 million), stock-based compensation ($0.2 million), and increased professional services ($0.1 million).
Other Income and Expenses
Net interest expense remained consistent in 2022.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the warrant liability mark to market resulted in a $0.3 million loss and $1.6 million gain, respectively. As a part of the August 2020 registered direct offering and the February 2021 underwritten public offering, we sold warrants that were priced in U.S. dollars. Because the functional currency of the Ur-Energy Inc. entity is Canadian dollars, a derivative financial liability was created. The liability was originally calculated, and is revalued monthly, using the Black-Scholes model as there is no active market for the warrants. Any gain or loss resulting from the revaluation of the liability is reflected in other income and expenses for the period. The Company’s stock price, volatility, and other factors are used in the Black-Scholes model and can lead to significant increases and decreases in the warrant liability and corresponding mark to market gains and losses.
Because the functional currency of the Ur‑Energy Inc. entity is Canadian dollars, the entity’s USD bank account is revalued into Canadian dollars and any gain or loss resulting from changes in the currency rates is reflected in other income and expenses for the period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the average USD balance in the entity’s bank accounts was higher and the change in foreign exchange rates resulted in a $0.4 million loss. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the average USD balance in the entity’s bank account was lower and the change in foreign exchange rates resulted in a small gain.
During March 2022, we sold a royalty interest related to Strata Energy’s Lance Uranium ISR Project for $1.3 million. There were no assets related to the royalty on our balance sheet, therefore the entire amount was recognized as other income.
Earnings (loss) per Common Share
The basic and diluted losses per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, were $0.03 and $0.06, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the loss per common share was $0.04 and $0.12, respectively. The diluted loss per common share is equal to the basic loss per common share due to the anti-dilutive effect of all convertible securities in periods of loss.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash decreased from the December 31, 2021 balance of $54.2 million to $48.0 million as of September 30, 2022. Cash resources consist of Canadian and U.S. dollar denominated deposit and money market accounts, and U.S. treasury bills. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we used $12.3 million for operating activities, $0.2 million for investing activities, and generated $6.5 million from financing activities.
Operating activities used $12.3 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. We spent $2.8 million on production related cash costs, purchased 40,000 pounds of U3O8 for $2.0 million, spent $8.3 million on operating costs and paid loan interest of $0.5 million. This was partially offset by the $1.3 million received from the sale of the royalty interest.
Investing activities used $0.2 million during the period for the replacement of older IT equipment and work associated with ongoing capital projects such as the construction of the Casper shop and lab building.
Financing activities provided $6.5 million of cash in 2022. We received net proceeds of $3.3 million from the sale of common shares through our At Market Facility and $3.2 million from the exercise of warrants and stock options.
Wyoming State Bond Loan
On October 23, 2013, we closed a $34.0 million Sweetwater County, State of Wyoming, Taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bond financing program loan (“State Bond Loan”). The State Bond Loan calls for payments of interest at a fixed rate of 5.75% per annum on a quarterly basis, which commenced January 1, 2014. The principal was to be payable in 28 quarterly installments, which commenced January 1, 2015. The State Bond Loan is secured by all the assets at the Lost Creek Project. As of September 30, 2022, the balance of the State Bond Loan was $12.4 million.
On October 1, 2019, the Sweetwater County Commissioners and the State of Wyoming approved an eighteen-month deferral of principal payments beginning October 1, 2019. On October 6, 2020, the State Bond Loan was again modified to defer principal payments for an additional eighteen months. Quarterly principal payments resumed on October 1, 2022, and the last payment will be due on October 1, 2024.
Universal Shelf Registration and At Market Facility
On May 15, 2020, we filed a universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC through which we may offer and sell, from time to time, in one or more offerings, at prices and terms to be determined, up to $100 million of our common shares, warrants to purchase our common shares, our senior and subordinated debt securities, and rights to purchase our common shares and/or senior and subordinated debt securities. The registration statement became effective May 27, 2020, for a three-year period.
On May 29, 2020, we entered into an At Market Issuance Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with B. Riley Securities, Inc. (“B. Riley Securities”), relating to our common shares. On June 7, 2021, we amended and restated the Sales Agreement to include Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor,” and together with B. Riley Securities, the “Agents”) as a co-agent. Under the Sales Agreement, as amended, we may, from time to time, issue and sell Common Shares at market prices on the NYSE American or other U.S. market through the agents for aggregate sales proceeds of up to $50 million.
On November 23, 2021, we filed a new universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC through which we may offer and sell, from time to time, in one or more offerings, at prices and terms to be determined, up to $100 million of our common shares, warrants to purchase our common shares, our senior and subordinated debt securities, and rights to purchase our common shares and/or senior and subordinated debt securities. The registration statement became effective December 17, 2021, for a three-year period.
On December 17, 2021, we entered into an amendment to the Sales Agreement (“Amendment No. 1” and together with the Sales Agreement, the “Amended Sales Agreement”) with the Agents to, among other things, reflect the new registration statement under which we may sell up to $50 million from time to time through or to the Agents under the Amended Sales Agreement, in addition to amounts previously sold under the Sales Agreement. As of October 27, 2022, we have issued and sold 1,884,309 common shares having aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $3.3 million since December 17, 2021, under the Amended Sales Agreement.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, we utilized the Amended Sales Agreement for gross proceeds of nil and $3.3 million, respectively.
2021 Underwritten Public Offering
On February 4, 2021, the Company closed a $15.2 million underwritten public offering of 16,930,530 common shares and accompanying one-half common share warrants to purchase up to 8,465,265 common shares, at a combined public offering price of $0.90 per common share and accompanying one-half common share warrant. The gross proceeds to Ur‑Energy from this offering were approximately $15.2 million. After fees and expenses of $1.3 million, net proceeds to the Company were approximately $13.9 million.
Liquidity Outlook
As of October 27, 2022, we had $37.3 million of cash and cash equivalents. In addition to our cash position, our finished, ready-to-sell, conversion facility inventory is worth approximately $17.1 million at recent spot prices. We await the outcome of the DOE NNSA Uranium Reserve contract awards and, if we are successful, we understand that the sale is scheduled to follow within 60 days after the contract award. If we are unsuccessful, while the value of the finished-product inventory is immediately realizable into spot sales, we do not anticipate selling it in the next 12 months unless it will be advantageous to do so.
Looking Ahead
Global recognition of nuclear energy’s role in achieving net-zero carbon emissions continues to expand. Japan, several member nations of the European Union, and the United Kingdom have all announced action plans making nuclear energy an integral part of the climate change solution. The Biden Administration also continues to voice support for clean energy and the nuclear industry.
In June 2022, DOE NNSA issued a solicitation for proposal to purchase qualified domestically produced uranium. We submitted a bid proposal and now await the outcome of contract awards by NNSA. Although there can be no assurance that the Company will be a successful bidder, our existing inventory has been classified as current, reflecting our intention to participate in the contract process.
Legislation has been introduced to extend and expand the DOE uranium reserve. The proposal would support annual purchases by DOE of approximately 2.5 million pounds of domestically produced U3O8.
The sustained support for nuclear energy has prompted financial funds and uranium ETFs to purchase uranium inventories thereby supporting the uranium spot price. It is more than a year since the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust (“SPUT”) began its purchases of uranium. SPUT established the means in the equity markets to raise more than $3 billion for such purchases and now holds more than 58 million pounds U3O8. While others have established the vehicles by which to make substantial purchases of uranium, SPUT remains the most prolific purchaser. The rally in uranium spot prices which began in 2021 continues in 2022, with price per-pound during the quarter remaining in the upper $40s and lower $50s. Moreover, nuclear utilities and other purchasers are back in the market, resulting in some strengthening of term pricing.
These changing sentiments and stronger prices enabled us to secure an initial multi-year sales agreement with a leading U.S. nuclear utility. The agreement calls for annual delivery of a base amount of 200,000 pounds of U3O8 over a six-year period, beginning in the second half of 2023. Sales prices are anticipated to be profitable on a Company-wide, all-in cost basis, and are escalated annually from initial pricing in 2023. We are in ongoing discussions with other purchasers with the objective of layering in sufficient additional offtake agreements to incentivize a full ramp up of production at Lost Creek.
To heighten our readiness to return to production operations at Lost Creek, we are advancing preparations in the fully permitted MU2 through a drilling and construction program, which is being supplemented by purchases of mid- and long-lead time items for additional development in MU2. We are also steadily progressing our hiring for Lost Creek staff and engagement of contractors for the development work. When the advance work is complete, Lost Creek operations can increase to full production rates in as little as six months following a formal “go” decision to ramp up.
We continue to diligently work to optimize processes and refine production plans, supported by our experienced Lost Creek operational staff, who stand ready to expand Lost Creek production to an annualized run rate of up to 1.2 million pounds. We are prepared to ramp up and to deliver future Lost Creek production into additional new sales contracts. A production ramp up will include further development work in both of the first two mine units, followed by the ten additional mining areas as defined in the Lost Creek Technical Report Summary (as amended, September 19, 2022). The Lost Creek facility now has the constructed and licensed capacity to process up to 2.2 million pounds of U3O8 per year and sufficient mineral resources to feed the processing plant for many years to come.
Our cash position as of October 27, 2022, is $37.3 million. In addition to our strong cash position, we have nearly 324,000 pounds of finished, U.S. produced U3O8 inventory at the conversion facility, worth approximately $17.1 million at recent spot prices. Our financial position provides us with adequate funds to maintain and enhance operational readiness at Lost Creek, as well as having allowed us to preserve our existing inventory to sell into higher prices.
We will continue to closely monitor the uranium market, the impact and possible expansion of the uranium reserve program, and other developments in the markets or from Congress, which may positively affect the uranium production industry. Until market conditions signal a decision for the return to production operations, we will focus on maintaining safe and compliant operations while continuing to enhance and leverage our operational readiness.
Transactions with Related Parties
There were no reportable transactions with related parties during the quarter.
Proposed Transactions
As is typical of the mineral exploration, development, and mining industry, we will consider and review potential merger, acquisition, investment and venture transactions and opportunities that could enhance shareholder value. Timely disclosure of such transactions is made as soon as reportable events arise.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We have established the existence of uranium resources at the Lost Creek Property, but because of the unique nature of in situ recovery mines, we have not established, and have no plans to establish, the existence of proven and probable reserves at this project. Accordingly, we have adopted an accounting policy with respect to the nature of items that qualify for capitalization for in situ U3O8 mining operations to align our policy to the accounting treatment that has been established as best practice for these types of mining operations.
The development of the wellfield includes injection, production and monitor well drilling and completion, piping within the wellfield and to the processing facility and header houses used to monitor production and disposal wells associated with the operation of the mine. These costs are expensed when incurred.
Mineral Properties
Acquisition costs of mineral properties are capitalized. When production is attained at a property, these costs will be amortized over a period of estimated benefit.
Development costs including, but not limited to, production wells, header houses, piping and power will be expensed as incurred as we have no proven and probable reserves.
Inventory and Cost of Sales
Our inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value based on projected revenues from the sale of that product. We are allocating all costs of operations of the Lost Creek facility to the inventory valuation at various stages of production with the exception of wellfield and disposal well costs which are treated as development expenses when incurred. Depreciation of facility enclosures, equipment and asset retirement obligations as well as amortization of the acquisition cost of the related property is also included in the inventory valuation. We do not allocate any administrative or other overhead to the cost of the product.
Share-Based Expense and Warrant Liability
We are required to initially record all equity instruments including warrants, restricted share units and stock options at fair value in the financial statements.
Management utilizes the Black-Scholes model to calculate the fair value of the warrants and stock options at the time they are issued. In addition, the fair value of derivative warrant liability is recalculated monthly using the Black-Scholes model with any gain or loss being reflected in the net income for the period. Use of the Black-Scholes model requires management to make estimates regarding the expected volatility of the Company’s stock over the future life of the equity instrument, the estimate of the expected life of the equity instrument and the number of options that are expected to be forfeited. Determination of these estimates requires significant judgment and requires management to formulate estimates of future events based on a limited history of actual results.
Impairment of long-lived assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Management applies significant judgment to assess mineral properties and capital assets for impairment indicators that could give rise to the requirement to conduct a formal impairment test. Circumstances that could trigger a review include, but are not limited to: significant decreases in the market price of the asset; significant adverse changes in the business climate or legal factors; significant changes in expected capital, operating, or reclamation costs; current period cash flow or operating losses combined with a history of losses or a forecast of continuing losses associated with the use of the asset; and current expectation that the asset will more likely than not be sold or disposed of significantly before the end of its estimated useful life. Recoverability of these assets is measured by comparison of the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds fair value. Management did not identify impairment indicators that would require a formal impairment test.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not entered into any material off balance sheet arrangements such as guaranteed contracts, contingent interests in assets transferred to unconsolidated entities, derivative instrument obligations, or with respect to any obligations under a variable interest entity arrangement.
Outstanding Share Data
As of October 27, 2022, we had outstanding 223,126,028 common shares and 9,598,999 options to acquire common shares.