PROSPECTUS

 

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

VISTA GOLD CORP.

$25,000,000
Common Shares
Warrants

Subscription Receipts

Units

​

Vista Gold Corp. (the “Company”) may offer and sell, from time to time, up to $25,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of common shares in the capital of the Company, without par value (which we refer to herein as “Common Shares”), warrants to purchase Common Shares (which we refer to herein as “Warrants”), subscription receipts for Common Shares, Warrants or any combination thereof (which we refer to herein as “Subscription Receipts”), or any combination thereof (which we refer to herein as “Units”) (collectively, the Common Shares, Warrants, Subscription Receipts, and Units are referred to herein as the “Securities”) in one or more transactions under this base prospectus (which we refer to herein as the “Prospectus”).  This Prospectus also covers (i) Common Shares that may be issued upon exercise of warrants and (ii) such indeterminate amount of securities as may be issued in exchange for, or upon conversion of, as the case may be, the securities registered hereunder, including, in each case, an indeterminate number of Common Shares that may be issued pursuant to anti-dilution or adjustment provisions in Warrants or Subscription Receipts issuable hereunder.  

​

This Prospectus provides you with a general description of the Securities that the Company may offer. Each time the Company offers Securities, it will provide you with a prospectus supplement (which we refer to herein as the “Prospectus Supplement”) that describes specific information about the particular Securities being offered and may add, update or change information contained in this Prospectus. You should read both this Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement, together with any additional information which is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.  This Prospectus may not be used to offer or sell securities without the Prospectus Supplement which includes a description of the method and terms of that offering.

​

The Company may sell the Securities on a continuous or delayed basis to or through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers. The Prospectus Supplement, which the Company will provide to you each time it offers Securities, will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the sale of the Securities, and any applicable fee, commission or discount arrangements with them.  For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this Prospectus.  

​

The Common Shares are traded on the NYSE MKT (which we refer to as “NYSE MKT”) and on the Toronto Stock Exchange (which we refer to as the “TSX”) under the symbol “VGZ”. On June 23, 2020, the last reported sale price of the Common Shares on the NYSE MKT was $0.95 per Common Share and on the TSX was C$1.30 per Common Share. There is currently no market through which the Securities, other than the Common Shares, may be sold and purchasers may not be able to resell the Securities purchased under this Prospectus.  This may affect the pricing of the Securities, other than the Common Shares, in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices, the liquidity of these Securities and the extent of issuer regulation.  See “Risk Factors”.

​

Investing in the Securities involves risks.  See “Risk Factors” on page 4.

​

These Securities have not been approved or disapproved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or any state securities commission nor has the SEC or any state securities commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus.   Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

​

THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JUNE 24, 2020

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

​

This Prospectus is a part of a registration statement that the Company filed with the SEC utilizing a “shelf” registration process.  Under this shelf registration process, the Company may sell any combination of the Securities described in this Prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of initial aggregate offering price of $25,000,000. This Prospectus provides you with a general description of the Securities that we may offer. The specific terms of the Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered will be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement and may include, where applicable: (i) in the case of Common Shares, the number of Common Shares offered, the offering price and any other specific terms of the offering; (ii) in the case of Warrants, the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares purchasable upon exercise of the Warrants, any procedures that will result in the adjustment of those numbers, the exercise price, dates and periods of exercise, and the currency or the currency unit in which the exercise price must be paid and any other specific terms; (iii) in the case of Subscription Receipts, the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares or Warrants receivable upon satisfaction of certain release conditions, any procedures that will result in the adjustment of those numbers, any additional payments to be made to holders of Subscription Receipts upon satisfaction of the release conditions, the terms of the release conditions, terms governing the escrow of all or a portion of the gross proceeds from the sale of the Subscription Receipts, terms for the refund of all or a portion of the purchase price for Subscription Receipts in the event the release conditions are not met and any other specific terms; and (iv) in the case of Units, the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares, Warrants, or Subscription Receipts comprising the Units.  A Prospectus Supplement may include specific variable terms pertaining to the Securities that are not within the alternatives and parameters set forth in this Prospectus.

​

In connection with any offering of the Securities (unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement), the underwriters or agents may over-allot or effect transactions which stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities offered at a higher level than that which might exist in the open market.  Such transactions, if commenced, may be interrupted or discontinued at any time.  See “Plan of Distribution”.

​

Please carefully read both this Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement together with the documents incorporated herein by reference under “Documents Incorporated by Reference” and the additional information described below under “Where You Can Find More Information”.

​

Owning securities may subject you to tax consequences both in Canada and the United States.  This Prospectus or any applicable Prospectus Supplement may not describe these tax consequences fully.  You should read the tax discussion in any Prospectus Supplement with respect to a particular offering and consult your own tax advisor with respect to your own particular circumstances.

​

References in this Prospectus to “$” are to United States dollars. Canadian dollars are indicated by the symbol “C$”.

​

You should rely only on the information contained in this Prospectus.  The Company has not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this Prospectus.  The distribution or possession of this Prospectus in or from certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law.  This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these Securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these Securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted or where the person making the offer or sale is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is not permitted to make such offer or sale.  The information contained in this Prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this Prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this Prospectus or of any sale of the Securities.  The Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

​

In this Prospectus and in any Prospectus Supplement, unless the context otherwise requires, references to “Vista”, “Vista Gold” and the “Company” refer to Vista Gold Corp., either alone or together with its subsidiaries.

​

​

i

CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS REGARDING ESTIMATES OF MEASURED, INDICATED AND INFERRED RESOURCES AND PROVEN AND PROBABLE RESERVES

​

The terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral reserve” and “probable mineral reserve” are terms defined in Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) – CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the “CIM Definition Standards”). These definitions differ from the definitions in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Industry Guide 7 (“SEC Industry Guide 7”) under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a “final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average metal price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves, and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.

​

In addition, the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a mineral deposit in these categories will ever be converted into reserves under SEC Industry Guide 7. “Inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic, technical and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all, or any part, of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or preliminary feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically, technically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

​

Accordingly, information contained in this Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain descriptions of our mineral deposits that may not be comparable to similar information made public by other companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. 

​

The term “mineralized material” as used in this annual report on Form 10-K, although permissible under SEC Industry Guide 7, does not indicate “reserves” by SEC Industry Guide 7 standards.  We cannot be certain and investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the mineralized material will ever be confirmed or converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant “reserves” or that can be economically or legally extracted.

​

The SEC has adopted amendments to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC. These amendments became effective February 25, 2019 (the “SEC Modernization Rules”) and, following a two-year transition period, the SEC Modernization Rules will replace the historical property disclosure requirements for mining registrants that are included in SEC Industry Guide 7. The Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization Rules until its fiscal year beginning January 1, 2021. Under the SEC Modernization Rules, the definitions of “proven mineral reserves” and “probable mineral reserves” have been amended to be substantially similar to the corresponding CIM Definition Standards and the SEC has added definitions to recognize “measured mineral resources”, “indicated mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources” which are also substantially similar to the corresponding CIM Definition Standards; however there are differences in the definitions and standards under the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definition Standards and therefore once the Company begins reporting under the SEC Modernization Rules there is no assurance that the Company’s mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates will be the same as those reported under CIM Definition Standards as contained in the technical report or that the economics for the Mt Todd project estimated in the technical report will be the same as those estimated in any technical report prepared by the Company under the SEC Modernization Rules in the future.

​

CURRENCY

​

References to C$ refer to Canadian currency and $ to United States currency.

​

​

​

ii

NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

​

This Prospectus, including all exhibits hereto and any documents that are incorporated by reference as set forth under “Documents Incorporated by Reference”, contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information under Canadian securities laws that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Prospectus, our other filings with the SEC and Canadian securities commissions and in press releases and public statements by our officers or representatives that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, such things as those listed below:

​

Operations

​

● our belief that the results of the 2019 PFS (as defined below) demonstrate a technically sound project with robust economics at current gold prices;
● our belief that our efforts to evaluate, engineer, permit and de-risk the Project have added to the underlying value of the Project and demonstrate strong development potential;
● our belief that process improvements reflected in the 2019 PFS will result in reduced operating costs, increased gold recovery, and higher gold production realized at Mt Todd;
● our plans and available funding to continue to identify and study potential Mt Todd optimizations, project improvements and efficiencies;
● the feasibility of Mt Todd;
● our belief that selectively rejecting sub-economic material will lower process operating costs at Mt Todd;
● our belief that fine grinding will improve gold recoveries and favorably impact project economics;
● estimates of future operating and financial performance;
● our plans to advance work at Mt Todd to take advantage of our strategic position;
● our expectation of Mt Todd’s impact, including environmental and economic impacts;
● our expectation that the 2018 Mt Todd Mine Management Plan will be approved by the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industries and Resources;
● that prospective development partners will recognize the value of Mt Todd and provide appropriate reward for Vista shareholders;
● plans and estimates concerning potential Mt Todd development, including access to an adequate supply of water, the availability of natural gas on acceptable terms, as well as the ability to obtain all required permits; 
● dewatering of the pit will not present any major issues when resuming operations in the Batman pit;
● estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources at Mt Todd;
● estimated operating costs, gold recovery and increased estimated gold production at Mt Todd;
● our intention to improve the value of our gold projects;
● the potential that development projects may lead to gold production or value-adding strategic transactions; and
● the results of feasibility studies; 
● our belief that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable mining, health, safety and environmental statutes and regulations in all of the jurisdictions in which we operate and that our operations are conducted in material compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
● our estimates with respect to historical mine production at Mt Todd;
● our expectation that plus 5/8” HPGR crusher product at Mt Todd is harder than the minus 5/8” crushed product and that the hardness of ore in the Batman deposit is relatively constant;

iii

● our expectation that use of HPGR crushers at Mt Todd will produce a product that can be ground more efficiently and reduce energy requirements as compared to a SAG mill design;
● our expectation that ore sorting will improve mill feed grade at Mt Todd by approximately 8%, resulting in run-of-mine average mill feed grade of 0.91 g Au/t compared to the Batman pit reserve grade of 0.84 g Au/t, and that total costs for grinding, leaching and tailings handling will be lower than previously estimated;
● the expectation that reclamation of the heap leach pad at Mt Todd will include disposal of pad liner and regrading of the area occupied by the heap leach pad only as the material on the existing heap leach pad will be processed through the mill at the end of mine life; and
● our expectation that existing infrastructure at Mt Todd will reduce initial capital expenditure and significantly reduce capital risk related to infrastructure construction;

​

Business and Industry

​

● our belief that our existing working capital, together with potential future sources of non-dilutive financing will be sufficient to fully fund our currently planned activities for more than 12 months;
● our belief that we are in a position to actively pursue strategic alternatives that provide the best opportunity to maximize value for the Company;  
● our belief that the At-the-Market program will provide additional financing flexibility at a low cost;
● the potential monetization of our non-core assets, including our mill equipment which is for sale, certain royalty interests and our Midas Gold Shares;
● potential funding requirements and sources of capital, including near-term sources of additional cash;
● our expectation that the Company will continue to incur losses and will not pay dividends for the foreseeable future;
● our potential entry into agreements to find, lease, purchase, option or sell mineral interests;
● our belief that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable laws and regulations;
● our belief that we maintain reasonable amounts of insurance;
● our expectations related to potential changes in regulations or taxation initiatives;
● our expectation that we will continue to be a PFIC for U. S. Federal tax purposes;
● the expected impact of the adoption of new accounting standards on our financial statements;
● the potential that we may grant options and/or other stock-based awards to our directors, officers, employees and consultants;
● Pursuant to the Los Reyes Option Agreement (defined in Item 2: Properties – Guadalupe de los Reyes Gold/Silver Project, Sinaloa, Mexico), our belief that:
o Prime Mining and Minera Alamos will have no legal interest in Los Reyes if the option agreement terminates;
o our belief we will receive any future payments and that we will be granted a net smelter return royalty pursuant to the terms of the Los Reyes option agreement;
o if we exercise the Back-in Right, we will enter into a joint venture agreement on acceptable terms, if at all;
o we will receive any future royalty cancelation payments;
● our belief that we will receive any future payments for cancellation of the net smelter return royalties on the Awak Mas project in Indonesia;
● preliminary estimates of the reclamation and other related costs associated with certain mining claims in British Columbia;

iv

● the potential that future expenditures may be required for compliance with various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment; and
● our belief that the COVID-19 pandemic may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

​

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information have been based upon our current business and operating plans, as approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”); our cash and other funding requirements and timing and sources thereof; results of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, mineral resource and reserve estimates, preliminary economic assessments and exploration activities; advancements of the Company’s required permitting processes; current market conditions and project development plans. The words “estimate,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “will,” “may” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These factors include risks such as:

​

Operating Risks

​

● preliminary feasibility and feasibility study results, timing and the accuracy of estimates and assumptions on which they are based; 
● resource and reserve estimate results, the accuracy of such estimates and the accuracy of sampling and subsequent assays and geologic interpretations on which they are based;
● technical and operational feasibility and the economic viability of deposits;
● our ability to raise sufficient capital on favorable terms or at all to meet the substantial capital investment at Mt. Todd;
● our ability to obtain, renew or maintain the necessary authorizations and permits for Mt Todd, including its development plans and operating activities; 
● the timing and results of a feasibility study on Mt Todd;
● market conditions supporting a decision to develop Mt Todd;
● delays in commencement of construction at Mt Todd;
● increased costs that affect our operations or our financial condition;
● our reliance on third parties to fulfill their obligations under agreements with us;
● whether projects not managed by us will comply with our standards or meet our objectives;
● whether our acquisition, exploration and development activities, as well as the realization of the market value of our assets, will be commercially successful and whether any transactions we enter into will maximize the realization of the market value of our assets;
● the success of future joint ventures, partnerships and other arrangements relating to our properties;
● perception of the potential environmental impact of Mt Todd;
● known and unknown environmental and reclamation liabilities, including reclamation requirements at Mt Todd;
● potential challenges to the title to our mineral properties;
● opposition to Mt Todd could have a material adverse effect;
● future water supply issues at Mt Todd;
● our ability to secure and maintain natural gas supply contracts to sustain the operation of our planned electrical power generation facility;
● litigation or other legal claims;
● environmental lawsuits;

v

Financial and Business Risks

​

● fluctuations in the price of gold;
● lack of adequate insurance to cover potential liabilities;
● the lack of cash dividend payments by us;
● our history of losses from operations;
● our ability to attract, retain and hire key personnel;
● volatility in our stock price and gold equities generally;
● our ability to obtain a development partner for Mt Todd on favorable terms, if at all;
● our ability to raise additional capital or raise funds from the sale of non-core assets on favorable terms, if at all;
● general economic conditions may have material adverse consequences;
● industry consolidation which could result in the acquisition of a control position in the Company for less than fair value;
● evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations;
● intense competition in the mining industry;
● tax initiatives on domestic and international levels;
● potential changes in regulations of taxation initiatives;
● fluctuation in foreign currency values;
● potential adverse findings by the Australian Government upon review of our Australian research and development grants; and
● our likely status as a PFIC for U.S. federal tax purposes;
● Vista may experience cybersecurity threats;
● Vista is subject to anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws; and
● Certain directors and officers serve as directors and officers of other companies in the natural resources sector.
● delays, potential losses and inability to maintain sufficient working capital due to business interruptions or global economic slowdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic;

Industry Risks

​

● inherent hazards of mining exploration, development and operating activities;
● a shortage of skilled labor, equipment and supplies;
● the accuracy of calculations of mineral reserves, mineral resources and mineralized material and fluctuations therein based on metal prices, and inherent vulnerability of the ore and recoverability of metal in the mining process;
● changes in environmental regulations to which our exploration and development operations are subject; and
● changes in climate change regulations could result in increased operating costs.

​

For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, please see “Risk Factors” below in this Prospectus. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that these statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in the statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any

vi

forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

​

​

vii

​

SUMMARY

​

Overview of the Company

​

Vista Gold Corp. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Vista,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) operate in the gold mining industry. We are focused on the evaluation, acquisition, exploration and advancement of gold exploration and potential development projects that may lead to gold production or value adding strategic transactions such as earn-in right agreements, option agreements, leases to third parties, joint venture arrangements with other mining companies, or outright sales of assets for cash and/or other consideration. We look for opportunities to improve the value of our gold projects through exploration drilling and/or technical studies focused on optimizing previous engineering work. We do not currently generate cash flows from mining operations.

​

The Company’s flagship asset is its 100% owned Mt Todd gold project (“Mt Todd” or the “Project”) in Northern Territory (“NT”) Australia. Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia. We have invested substantial amounts to evaluate, engineer, permit and de-risk the Project. We believe these efforts have added to the underlying value of the Project and demonstrate strong development potential. In January 2018, the Company announced positive results of an updated preliminary feasibility study for Mt Todd (the “2018 PFS”). In 2018 and 2019, we continued additional metallurgical testing that demonstrated improved gold recovery compared to the 2018 PFS. These test results, other findings and the outcome of an independent benchmarking study were incorporated into an updated preliminary feasibility study, which was issued in October 2019 (the “2019 PFS”). The 2019 PFS successfully confirmed the efficiency of ore sorting across a broad range of head grades, the natural concentration of gold in the screen undersize material prior to sorting, the economics of fine grinding and the resulting improved gold recoveries, and the selection of FLSmidth’s VXP mill as the preferred fine grinding mill.

​

Vista was originally incorporated on November 28, 1983 under the name “Granges Exploration Ltd.” It amalgamated with Pecos Resources Ltd. during June 1985 and continued as Granges Exploration Ltd. In June 1989, Granges Exploration Ltd. changed its name to Granges Inc. Granges Inc. amalgamated with Hycroft Resources & Development Corporation during May 1995 and continued as Granges Inc. Effective November 1996, Da Capo Resources Ltd. and Granges, Inc. amalgamated under the name “Vista Gold Corp.” and, effective December 1997, Vista continued from British Columbia to the Yukon Territory, Canada under the Business Corporations Act (Yukon Territory). On June 11, 2013, Vista continued from the Yukon Territory, Canada to the Province of British Columbia, Canada under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). The current addresses, telephone and facsimile numbers of our offices are:

​

​

​

​

Executive Office

    

Registered and Records Office

7961 Shaffer Parkway, Suite 5

 

1200 Waterfront Centre – 200 Burrard Street

Littleton, Colorado, USA 80127

 

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V7X 1T2

Telephone: (720) 981-1185

 

Telephone: (604) 687-5744

Facsimile: (720) 981-1186

 

Facsimile: (604) 687-1415

​

​

Recent Developments

​

In May 2020, the Company received $2,400,000 from PT Masmindo Dwi Area (“PT Masmindo”) to exercise its option to cancel 50% of the Awak Mas net smelter return (“NSR”) royalty. The Company still holds the remaining 50% of the NSR royalty which may be cancelled if PT Masmindo makes a final $2,500,000 payment by April 30, 2021.

​

The Securities Offered under this Prospectus

​

The Company may offer the Common Shares, Warrants, Subscription Receipts or Units with a total value of up to $25,000,000 from time to time under this Prospectus, together with any applicable Prospectus Supplement, at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of offering.  This Prospectus provides you with a general description of the Securities the Company may offer.  Each time the Company offers Securities, it will provide a Prospectus Supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices and other important terms of the Securities, including, to the extent applicable:

● designation or classification;
● aggregate offering price;

1

● original issue discount, if any;
● rates and times of payment of dividends, if any;
● redemption, conversion or exchange terms, if any;
● conversion or exchange prices, if any, and, if applicable, any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the conversion or exchange prices and in the securities or other property receivable upon conversion or exchange;
● restrictive covenants, if any;
● voting or other rights, if any; and
● important United States and Canadian federal income tax considerations.

A Prospectus Supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this Prospectus or in documents the Company has incorporated by reference.  However, no Prospectus Supplement will offer a security that is not described in this Prospectus.

The Company may sell the Securities on a continuous or delayed basis to or through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers. The Prospectus Supplement, which the Company will provide each time it offers Securities, will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the sale of the Securities, and any applicable fee, commission or discount arrangements with them.

Common Shares

​

The Company may offer Common Shares.  The Company may issue Common Shares independently or together with Warrants or Subscription Receipts, and the Common Shares may be attached to or separate from such securities. Holders of Common Shares are entitled to one vote per Common Share on all matters that require shareholder approval.  Holders of Common Shares are entitled to dividends when and if declared by the Board.  The Common Shares are described in greater detail in this Prospectus under “Description of Common Shares”.

Warrants

​

The Company may offer Warrants for the purchase of Common Shares, in one or more series, from time to time.  The Company may issue Warrants independently or together with Common Shares or Subscription Receipts, and the Warrants may be attached to or separate from such securities.  Warrants to be issued under this Prospectus may or may not be listed on the TSX or on any other securities exchange.  The Prospectus Supplement regarding any Warrant to be issued under this Prospectus will provide disclosure regarding whether the Warrants to be issued under such Prospectus Supplement will be listed or are listed on a securities exchange and will be filed in Canada on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR”) and in the United States with the SEC.

The Warrants will be evidenced by warrant certificates and may be issued under one or more warrant indentures, which are contracts between the Company and a warrant trustee for the holders of the Warrants.  In this Prospectus, the Company has summarized certain general features of the Warrants under “Description of Warrants.”  The Company urges you, however, to read any Prospectus Supplement related to the series of Warrants being offered, as well as the complete warrant indentures and warrant certificates that contain the terms of the Warrants.  Specific warrant indentures will contain additional important terms and provisions and will be filed in the United States on Form 8-K with the SEC and will be filed in Canada on SEDAR.

Subscription Receipts

​

The Company may issue Subscription Receipts, which will entitle holders to receive upon satisfaction of certain release conditions and for no additional consideration, Common Shares, Warrants or any combination thereof.  Subscription Receipts will be issued pursuant to one or more subscription receipt agreements, each to be entered into between the Company and an escrow agent, which will establish the terms and conditions of the Subscription Receipts.  Each escrow agent will be a financial institution organized under the laws of Canada or a province thereof and authorized to carry on business as a trustee.  A copy of the form of subscription receipt agreement will be filed in the United States on Form 8-K with the SEC and will be filed in Canada on SEDAR.

In the Prospectus, the Company has summarized certain general features of the Subscription Receipts under “Description of Subscription Receipts”. The Company urges you, however, to read any Prospectus Supplement related to Subscription Receipts being offered, as well as the complete subscription receipt agreement.

2

Units

​

The Company may offer Units consisting of Common Shares, Warrants and/or Subscription Receipts to purchase any of such securities in one or more series.  This Prospectus contains a summary of certain general features of the Units under “Description of Units.”  The Company urges you, however, to read any Prospectus Supplement related to the series of Units being offered.  The Company may evidence each series of units by unit certificates that the Company will issue under a separate unit agreement with a unit agent.  The Company will file in the United States on Form 8-K with the SEC and will file in Canada on SEDAR the unit agreements that describe the terms of the series of Units the Company is offering before the issuance of the related series of Units.

THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO OFFER OR SELL ANY SECURITIES UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.

​

​

​

3

RISK FACTORS

​

Investing in the Securities involves a high degree of risk.  Prospective investors in a particular offering of Securities should carefully consider the following risks as well as the other information contained in this Prospectus, any applicable Prospectus Supplement, and the documents incorporated by reference herein before investing in the Securities.  If any of the following risks actually occurs, the Company’s business could be materially harmed.  The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones the Company faces.  Additional risks and uncertainties, including those of which the Company is currently unaware or that the Company deems immaterial, may also adversely affect the Company’s business.

Operating Risks

​

We cannot be assured that Mt Todd is feasible or that a feasibility study will accurately forecast economic results.

​

Mt Todd is our principal asset. Our future profitability depends largely on the economic feasibility of the Project. Before arranging financing for Mt Todd, we will have to complete a feasibility study. The results of our feasibility study may not be as favorable as the results of our prefeasibility studies. There can be no assurance that the mining and comminution processes including ore sorting, gold production rates, revenue, capital and operating costs including taxes and royalties will not vary unfavorably from the estimates and assumptions included in such feasibility study.

​

Mt Todd requires substantial capital investment and we may be unable to raise sufficient capital on favorable terms or at all.

​

The construction and operation of Mt Todd will require significant capital. Our ability to raise sufficient capital and/or secure a development partner on satisfactory terms, if at all, will depend on several factors, including a favorable feasibility study, acquisition of the requisite permits, macroeconomic conditions, and future gold prices. Uncontrollable factors or other factors such as lower gold prices, unanticipated operating or permitting challenges, perception of environmental impact or, illiquidity in the debt markets or equity markets, could impede our ability to finance Mt Todd on acceptable terms, or at all.

​

If we decide to construct the mine at Mt Todd, we will be assuming certain reclamation obligations resulting in a material financial obligation.

​

The Mt Todd site was not reclaimed when the original mine closed. Although we are not currently responsible for the reclamation of these historical disturbances, we will accept full responsibility for them if and when we make a decision to finance and construct the mine and provide notice to the NT Government of our intention to take over and assume the management, operation and rehabilitation of Mt Todd. At such time, we will be required to provide a bond or other surety in a form and amount satisfactory to the NT Government (in whose jurisdiction Mt Todd is located) that would cover the prospective expense to reclaim the property. In addition, the regulatory authorities may increase reclamation and bonding requirements from time to time. The satisfaction of these bonding requirements and continuing or future reclamation obligations will require a significant amount of capital.

​

We may not be able to get the required permits to begin construction at Mt Todd in a timely manner or at all.

​

Any delay in acquiring the requisite permits, or failure to receive required governmental approvals could delay or prevent the start of construction of Mt Todd. If we are unable to acquire permits to mine the property, then the Project cannot be developed and operated. In addition, the property would have no reserves under SEC Industry Guide 7 and NI 43-101, which could result in an impairment of the carrying value of the Project.

​

There may be other delays in the construction of Mt Todd.

​

Delays in commencing construction could result from factors such as availability and performance of engineering and construction contractors, suppliers, consultants, and employees; availability of required equipment; and availability of capital. Any delay in performance by any one or more of the contractors, suppliers, consultants, employees or other persons on which we depend, or lack of availability of required equipment, or delay or failure to receive required governmental approvals, or financing could delay or prevent commencement of construction at Mt Todd. There can be no assurance of whether or when construction at Mt Todd will start or that the necessary personnel, equipment or supplies will be available to the Company if and when construction is started.

​

4

Increased costs could impede our ability to become profitable.

​

Capital and operating costs at mining operations are subject to variation due to a number of factors, such as changing ore grade, changing metallurgy, and revisions to mine plans in response to changing commodity prices, additional drilling results and updated geologic interpretations. In addition, costs are affected by the cost of capital, tax and royalty regimes, trade tariffs, the global cost of mining and processing equipment, commodity prices, foreign exchange rates, fuel, electricity, operating supplies and appropriately skilled labor. These costs are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make future development and production at Mt Todd less profitable or uneconomic. This could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

​

We cannot be assured that we will have an adequate water supply for mining operations at Mt Todd.

​

Water at Mt Todd is expected to be provided from a fresh water reservoir that is fed by seasonal rains. Insufficient rainfall, or drought-like conditions in the area feeding the reservoir could limit or extinguish this water supply. Sufficient water resources may not be available, resulting in curtailment or stoppage of operations until the water supply is replenished. This could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

​

We could be subject to litigation, allegations or other legal claims.

​

Our assets or our business activities may be subject to disputes that may result in litigation or other legal claims. We may be subject to allegations through press, social media, the courts or other mediums that may or may not be founded. We may be required to respond to or defend against these claims and/or allegations, which will divert resources away from our principal business. There can be no assurance that our defense of such claims and/or allegations would be successful, and we may be required to make material settlements. This could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and corporate reputation.

​

We rely on third parties to fulfill their obligations under agreements.

​

Our business strategy includes entering into agreements with third-parties (“Partners”), who may earn the right to obtain an interest in certain of our projects, in part by managing the respective project. Whether or not we hold a majority interest in a respective project, our Partner(s) may: (i) have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with or opposed to ours; (ii) exercise veto rights to block actions that we believe to be in the best interests of the project; (iii) take action contrary to our policies or objectives; or (iv) as a result of financial or other reasons, be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations under the respective joint venture, option, earn-in right or other agreement(s), such as contributing capital for the expansion or maintenance of projects. Any one or a combination of these could result in liabilities for us and/or could adversely affect the value of the related project(s) and, by association, damage our reputation and consequently our ability to acquire or advance other projects and/or attract future Partners.

​

Our exploration and development interests are subject to evolving environmental regulations.

​

Our property and royalty interests are subject to environmental regulations. Environmental legislation is becoming more restrictive in some jurisdictions, with stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects, and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not adversely affect our interests. Currently, our property and royalty interests are subject to government environmental regulations in Australia, Indonesia, Mexico and the U.S.

​

We could be subject to environmental lawsuits.

​

Neighboring landowners and other third parties could file claims based on environmental statutes and common law for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by environmental nuisance, the release of hazardous substances or other waste material into the environment on or around our properties. There can be no assurance that our defense of such claims would be successful. This could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, financial condition, results of operation, and corporate reputation.

​

​

​

5

We may have material undisclosed environmental liabilities of which we are not aware.

​

Vista has been engaged in gold exploration since 1983. Since inception the Company has been involved in numerous exploration projects in many jurisdictions. There may be environmental liabilities associated with disturbances at any of these projects for which the Company may be identified as a potentially responsible party, regardless of its level of involvement in creating the related disturbance. We may not be aware of such claims against the Company until regulators provide notice thereof. Consequently, we may have material undisclosed environmental responsibilities which could negatively affect our business prospects, financial condition and cash flows, results of operations, and corporate reputation.

​

There may be challenges to our title to mineral properties.

​

There may be challenges to our title to our mineral properties. If there are title defects with respect to any of our properties, we may be required to compensate other persons or reduce or lose our interest in the affected property. Also, in any such case, the investigation and resolution of title issues could divert Company resources from our core strategies.

​

Opposition to Mt Todd could have a material adverse effect.

​

There is generally an increasing level of public concern relating to extractive industries. Opposition to extractive industries, or our development and operating plans at Mt Todd specifically, could have adverse effects on our reputation and support from other stakeholders. As a result, we may be unable to attract a partner, secure adequate financing or complete other activities necessary to continue our planned activities. Any resulting delays or an inability to develop and operate Mt Todd as planned could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and corporate reputation.

​

Our exploration and development activities, strategic transactions, or any acquisition activities may not be commercially successful and could fail to lead to gold production or fail to add value.

​

Substantial expenditures are required to acquire gold properties, establish mineral reserves through drilling and analysis, develop metallurgical processes to extract metal from the ore and develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. We cannot be assured that any mineral reserves or mineral resources acquired, discovered or established will be in sufficient quantities or at sufficient grades to justify commercial operations, attract a strategic partner or strategic transaction, or that the funds invested in them will ever be recovered.

​

Financial and Business Risks

​

A substantial or extended decline in gold prices would have a material adverse effect on the value of our assets, on our ability to raise capital and could result in lower than estimated economic returns.

​

The value of our assets, our ability to raise capital and our future economic returns are substantially dependent on the price of gold. The gold price fluctuates continually and is affected by numerous factors beyond our control. Factors tending to influence gold prices include:

​

● gold sales or leasing by governments and central banks or changes in their monetary policy, including gold inventory management and reallocation of reserves;
● speculative short or long positions on futures markets;
● the relative strength of the U.S. dollar;
● expectations of the future rate of inflation;
● interest rates;
● changes to economic conditions in the United States, China, India and other industrialized or developing countries;
● geopolitical conflicts;
● changes in jewelry, investment or industrial demand;
● changes in supply from production, disinvestment and scrap; and
● forward sales by producers in hedging or similar transactions.

​

6

A substantial or extended decline in the gold price could:

​

● negatively impact our ability to raise capital on favorable terms, or at all;
● jeopardize the development of Mt Todd;
● reduce our existing estimated mineral resources and reserves by removing material from these estimates that could not be economically processed at lower gold prices;
● reduce the potential for future revenues from gold projects in which we have an interest;
● reduce funds available to operate our business; and
● reduce the market value of our assets, including our investment in Midas Gold Shares.

​

General economic conditions may have material adverse consequences.

​

General economic conditions and financial market turmoil may arise from many sources. These conditions could potentially impact the natural resource sector and Vista. This could include contraction in credit markets resulting in widening of credit risk, imposition of trade tariffs among various countries, devaluations, high volatility in global equity, commodity, foreign exchange and gold markets, and a lack of market liquidity. These and other factors could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

​

Industry consolidation could result in the acquisition of a control position in the Company for less than fair value.

​

Consolidation within the industry is a growing trend. As a result of the broad range of market and industry factors including the price of gold, we believe the current market value of the common shares in the capital of the Company (the “Common Shares”) does not reflect the fair value of the Company’s assets. These conditions could result in the acquisition of a control position, or attempted acquisition of a control position in the Company at what we believe to be less than fair value. This could result in substantial costs to us and divert our management’s attention and resources. A completed acquisition could result in realized losses of shareholder value.

​

We have a history of losses, and we do not expect to generate earnings from operations or pay dividends in the near term, if at all.

​

We are an exploration stage enterprise. As such, we devote our efforts to exploration, analysis and, if warranted, development of our projects. We do not currently produce gold and do not currently generate operating earnings from gold production. We finance our business activities principally by issuing equity and selling non-core assets.

​

We have incurred losses in all periods since 1998, except for the year ended December 31, 2011, during which we recorded non-cash net gains, and the year ended December 31, 2015 during which we recorded gains related to research and development (“R&D”) refunds. We expect to continue to incur losses. We have no history of paying cash dividends and we do not expect to be able to pay cash dividends or to make any similar distribution in the foreseeable future, if at all.

​

We may be unable to raise additional capital on favorable terms, or at all.

​

Our exploration and, if warranted, development activities and the construction and start-up of any mining operation require substantial amounts of capital. In order to develop Mt Todd, acquire attractive gold projects, and/or continue our business, we will have to secure a development partner or otherwise source sufficient equity and debt capital, raise additional funds from the sale of non-core assets and / or seek additional sources of capital from other external sources. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in raising additional capital on acceptable terms. If we cannot raise sufficient additional capital, we may be required to substantially reduce or cease operations, any of which may affect our ability to continue as a going concern.

​

Our business is subject to evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations that have increased both our compliance costs and the risk of noncompliance.

 

We are subject to changing rules and regulations promulgated by a number of governmental and self-regulated organizations, including the British Columbia Securities Commission, the SEC, the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”), the NYSE American, and the Financial Accounting Standards Board. These rules and regulations continue to evolve in scope and complexity and many new requirements have been created in response to laws enacted by the United States Congress, making compliance increasingly more difficult and uncertain, which could have an adverse effect on reputation and our stock price.

7

​

We face intense competition in the mining industry.

​

The mining industry is intensely competitive in all of its phases. Some of our competitors are much larger, established companies with greater financial and technical resources than ours. We compete with other companies for attractive mining properties, for capital, for equipment and supplies, for outside services and for qualified managerial and technical employees. Access to financing, equipment, supplies, skilled labor and other resources may also be affected by competition from non-mining related commercial sectors. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital, we will be unable to execute exploration and development programs or such programs may be reduced in scope. Competition for equipment and supplies could result in shortage of necessary supplies and/or increased costs. Competition for outside services could result in increased costs, reduced quality of service and/or delays in completing services. If we cannot successfully retain or attract qualified employees, our ability to advance the development of Mt Todd, to attract necessary financing, to meet all of our environmental and regulatory responsibilities, or to take opportunities to improve our business, could be negatively affected. This could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

​

The occurrence of events for which we are not insured may affect our cash flow and overall profitability.

​

We maintain insurance policies that mitigate certain risks related to our operations. This insurance is maintained in amounts that we believe to be reasonable based on the circumstances surrounding each identified risk. However, we may elect to limit or not have insurance for certain risks because of the high premiums associated with insuring those risks or for various other reasons. In other cases, insurance may not be available for certain risks. We do not insure against political risk. Occurrence of events for which we are not insured adequately, or at all, could result in significant losses that could materially adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to fund our business.

​

Our share price may be volatile and your investment in our Common Shares could suffer a decline in value.

​

Broad market and industry factors may adversely affect the price of our Common Shares, regardless of our actual operating performance. Factors that could cause fluctuation in the price of our Common Shares may include, among other things:

​

● changes in financial estimates by us or by any securities analysts who might cover our stock market performance;
● stock market price and volume fluctuations of other publicly traded companies and, in particular, those that are in the mining industry;
● speculation about our business in the press or the investment community;
● conditions or trends in our industry or the economy generally;
● changes in the prices of gold;
● announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships or divestitures;
● additions or departures of key personnel; and
● sales of our Common Shares, including sales by our directors, officers or significant stockholders.

​

In the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in their stock price. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs to us and divert our management’s attention and resources.

​

Currency fluctuations may adversely affect our costs.

​

We have material property interests in Australia. Most costs in Australia are incurred in the local currency. The appreciation of the Australian dollar, if any, against the U.S. dollar effectively increases our cost of doing business in Australia. This could have the effect of increasing the amount of capital required to continue to explore and develop Mt Todd, and/or reducing the pace at which it is developed.

8

​

Our Australian R&D grants are subject to review.

​

The Australian R&D tax incentive program, under which we have received certain grants related to qualifying R&D programs and expenditures, is a self-assessment process, and as such, the Australian Government has the right to review our qualifying programs and related expenditures. If such a review were to occur, and as a result of the review and failure of a related appeal a qualified program and related expenditures were disqualified, the respective R&D grant could be recalled with penalties and interest.

​

The Company is likely a “passive foreign investment company,” which will likely have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S. shareholders.

​

U.S. shareholders of our Common Shares should be aware that the Company believes it was classified as a PFIC up to and including the taxable year ended December 31, 2019, and based on current business plans and financial projections, management believes there is a significant likelihood that the Company will be a PFIC during the current taxable year. If the Company is a PFIC for any year during a U.S. shareholder’s holding period, then such U.S. shareholder generally will be required to treat any gain realized upon a disposition of Common Shares, or any so-called “excess distribution” received on their Common Shares, as ordinary income, and to pay an interest charge on a portion of such gain or distributions, unless the shareholder makes a timely and effective “qualified electing fund” (“QEF Election”) or a “mark-to-market” election with respect to the Common Shares. A U.S. shareholder who makes a QEF Election generally must report on a current basis its share of the net capital gain and ordinary earnings for any year in which the Company is PFIC, whether or not the Company distributes any amounts to its shareholders. U.S. shareholders should be aware that there can be no assurance that the Company will satisfy record keeping requirements that apply to a QEF Election, or that the Company will supply U.S. shareholders with information that such U.S. shareholders require to report under the QEF Election rules, in event that the Company is a PFIC and a U.S. shareholder wishes to make a QEF Election. Thus, U.S. shareholders may not be able to make a QEF Election with respect to their Common Shares. A U.S. shareholder who makes the mark-to-market election generally must include as ordinary income each year the excess of the fair market value of the Common Shares over the taxpayer’s basis therein. This paragraph is qualified in its entirety by the discussion below in “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities - “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Residents.” Each U.S. shareholder should consult his or her own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences of the PFIC rules and the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.

​

The Company may experience cybersecurity threats.

​

Vista relies on secure and adequate operations of information technology systems in the conduct of its operations. Access to and security of the information technology systems are critical to Vista’s operations. To Vista’s knowledge, it has not experienced any material losses relating to disruptions to its information technology systems. Vista has implemented ongoing policies, controls and practices to manage and safeguard Vista and its stakeholders from internal and external cybersecurity threats and to comply with changing legal requirements and industry practice. Given that cyber risks cannot be fully mitigated and the evolving nature of these threats, Vista cannot assure that its information technology systems are fully protected from cybercrime or that the systems will not be inadvertently compromised, or without failures or defects. Potential disruptions to Vista’s information technology systems, including, without limitation, security breaches, power loss, theft, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, natural disasters, and noncompliance by third party service providers and inadequate levels of cybersecurity expertise and safeguards of third party information technology service providers, may adversely affect the operations of Vista as well as present significant costs and risks including, without limitation, loss or disclosure of confidential, proprietary, personal or sensitive information and third party data, material adverse effect on its financial performance, compliance with its contractual obligations, compliance with applicable laws, damaged reputation, remediation costs, potential litigation, regulatory enforcement proceedings and heightened regulatory scrutiny.

​

The Company is subject to anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.

​

Vista’s operations are governed by, and involve interactions with, many levels of government in numerous countries. Vista is required to comply with anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws in the countries in which we conduct our business. In recent years, there has been a general increase in both the frequency of enforcement and the severity of penalties under such laws, resulting in greater scrutiny and punishment to companies convicted of violating anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws. Furthermore, a company may be found liable for violations by not only its employees, but also by its contractors and third-party agents. Although we have adopted internal control policies to mitigate such risks, there can be no assurance that our internal control policies and procedures always

9

will protect us from recklessness, fraudulent behavior, dishonesty or other inappropriate acts committed by our affiliates, employees or agents and such measures may not always be effective in ensuring that we, our employees, contractors or third-party agents will comply strictly with such laws. If we find ourselves subject to an enforcement action or are found to be in violation of such laws, this could lead to civil and criminal fines and penalties, litigation, and loss of operating licenses or permits, resulting in a material adverse effect on our reputation and results of operations.

​

Certain directors and officers may serve as directors and officers of other companies in the natural resources sector.

​

While there are no known existing or potential conflicts of interest between Vista and any of its directors or officers, certain of the directors and officers may serve as directors and officers of other natural resource companies and therefore it is possible that a conflict may arise between their duties as a director or officer of Vista and their duties as a director or officer of such other companies. The directors and officers of Vista are aware of the existence of laws governing accountability of directors and officers for corporate opportunity and disclosure of conflicts of interest. Should any director or officer breach the duties imposed upon them by applicable laws, such actions or inactions could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and corporate reputation.

​

Industry Risks

​

Calculations of mineral reserves and mineral resources are estimates only and subject to uncertainty.

​

The estimating of mineral reserves and mineral resources is an imprecise process and the accuracy of such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, the assumptions used and judgments made in interpreting engineering and geological information and estimating future capital and operating costs. There is significant uncertainty in any reserve or resource estimate, and the economic results of mining a mineral deposit may differ materially from the estimates as additional data are developed or interpretations change.

​

Estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources may be materially affected by other factors.

​

In addition to uncertainties inherent in estimating mineral reserves and mineral resources, other factors may adversely affect estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources. Such factors may include but are not limited to metallurgical, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political, gold prices, and capital and operating costs. Any of these or other adverse factors may reduce or eliminate estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources and could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and corporate reputation.

​

Feasibility studies are estimates only and subject to uncertainty.

​

Feasibility studies are used to determine the economic viability of an ore deposit, as are preliminary feasibility studies and preliminary economic assessments. Feasibility studies are the most detailed studies and reflect a higher level of confidence in the estimated production rates, and capital and operating costs. Generally accepted levels of confidence are plus or minus 15% for feasibility studies, plus or minus 25-30% for preliminary feasibility studies and plus or minus 35-40% for preliminary economic assessments. These thresholds reflect the levels of confidence that exist at the time the study is completed. Subsequent changes to metal prices, foreign exchange rates (if applicable), reclamation requirements, operating and capital costs may cause actual results of economic viability to differ materially from these estimates. Results of subsequent Mt. Todd prefeasibility or final feasibility studies may be less favorable than the current study.

​

Mining companies are increasingly required to consider and provide benefits to the communities and countries in which they operate, and are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety laws and regulations.

​

As a result of public concern about the real or perceived detrimental effects of economic globalization and global climate impacts, businesses in general and the mining industry in particular, face increasing public scrutiny of their activities. These businesses are under pressure to demonstrate that as they seek to generate satisfactory returns on investment to shareholders, other stakeholders, including employees, governments, indigenous peoples, communities surrounding operations and the countries in which they operate, benefit and will continue to benefit from their commercial activities. The potential consequences of these pressures include reputational damage, legal suits, increased costs, increased social investment obligations, difficulty in acquiring permits, and increased taxes and royalties payable to governments and communities.

10

​

Mining exploration, development and operating activities are inherently hazardous.

​

Mineral exploration involves many risks that even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. Operations in which we have direct or indirect interests will be subject to all the hazards and risks normally incidental to exploration, development and production of gold and other metals, any of which could result in work stoppages, damage to property, physical harm and possible environmental damage. The nature of these risks is such that liabilities might exceed any liability insurance policy limits. It is also possible that the liabilities and hazards might not be insurable, or, we could elect not to be insured against such liabilities due to high premium costs or other reasons, in which event, we could incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and corporate reputation.

​

Regulations and pending legislation involving climate change could result in increased operating costs.

​

Gold production is energy intensive, resulting in a significant carbon footprint. A number of governments and/or governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to various climate change interest groups and the potential impact of climate change. This type of legislation and possible future legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose significant costs related to increased energy requirements, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations.

​

Pending initiatives involving taxation could result in increased tax and operating costs.

There is growing attention from the media and the public on perceived international tax avoidance techniques which could result in escalating rates of poverty, inequality and unemployment in host countries. Initiatives like the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project being led by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development aim to reform the system of international taxation to minimize international tax avoidance techniques. This initiative and possible future initiatives could result in increased tax expense and related compliance costs for Mt Todd or other future mining operations.

​

Newly adopted rules regarding mining property disclosure by companies reporting with the SEC may result in increased operating and legal costs.

​

On October 31, 2018, the SEC adopted new rules to modernize mining property disclosure in reports filed with the SEC in order to harmonize SEC disclosure requirements with international standards. These rules are not effective until the Company’s first full fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. The Company currently reports mineral resources and reserves in compliance with NI 43-101. Because the Company files its reports with the SEC on U.S. domestic forms, under the new rules, the Company will be required to comply with the new SEC mining property disclosure requirements and not make disclosure in accordance with NI 43-101 in the reports it files with the SEC. It is not clear at this time if the Company will be required to prepare separate technical reports under the two reporting regimes or may rely on one technical report prepared in accordance with both reporting standards. Further, while the Company currently utilized its reports as filed with the SEC in meeting its reporting obligations in Canada, if its future reports have mining property disclosure that is not NI 43-101 compliant, the Company may have to prepare separate reports or a supplemental NI 43-101 mining property report. All these changes to the Company’s reporting requirements could result in increased compliance costs.

​

Direct and indirect consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic may have material adverse consequences.

​

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a material adverse effect on the global economy, which has impacted the natural resource sector and Vista. Vista has experienced a decline in value of its other investments and is incurring ongoing costs while certain corporate objectives are delayed. If a significant portion of our workforce becomes unable to work or travel to our operations due to illness or state or federal government restrictions (including travel restrictions and “shelter-in-place” and similar orders), we may be forced to reduce or suspend activities at Mt. Todd or our offices, which could limit currently ongoing activities. Illnesses or government restrictions, including the closure of national borders, related to COVID-19 also may disrupt the supply of raw goods, equipment, supplies and services upon which our operations rely. These conditions will require working capital not previously anticipated, which may adversely affect our liquidity and ability to source additional working capital on reasonable terms. Extended delays will continue to affect our liquidity and capital resources and may ultimately have a material adverse effect on both short-term and long-term financial position and results of operations. To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business and financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other

11

risks described in this “Risk Factors” section and those set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, such as those relating to our operations and financial condition. Because of the highly uncertain and dynamic nature of events relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not currently possible to estimate the impact of the pandemic on our business. However, these effects could have a material impact on our operations, and we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely.

​

​

12

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

​

The SEC allows the Company to “incorporate by reference” information it files with the SEC.  This means that the Company can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents.  Any information the Company references in this manner is considered part of this Prospectus.  Information the Company files with the SEC after the date of this Prospectus will automatically update and, to the extent inconsistent, supersede the information contained in this Prospectus.  

 

The following documents which have been filed by the Company with securities commissions or similar authorities in Canada and with the SEC, are specifically incorporated by reference into, and form an integral part of, this Prospectus.

​

(a) the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company, for the year ended December 31, 2019, which report contains the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto as at December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, together with the auditors’ report thereon and the related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, as filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020;

​

(b) the Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A of the Company, dated March 21, 2020, in connection with the Company’s April 30, 2020 annual general meeting of shareholders, to the extent such information is specifically incorporated by reference into Part III of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020;

​

(c) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, which report contains the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto as at March 31, 2020 and for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 and the related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, as filed with the SEC on May 4, 2020;

​

(d) the Current Reports on Form 8-K of the Company as filed on April 6, 2020 and May 4, 2020;

​

(e) the description of the Company’s Common Shares contained in its registration statement on Form 8-A filed on January 4, 1988, including any amendment or report filed for purposes of updating such description; and

​

(f) all other documents filed by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (excluding, unless otherwise provided therein or herein, information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 on any Current Report on Form 8-K), after the date of this Prospectus but before the end of the offering of the securities made by this Prospectus.

​

We also hereby specifically incorporate by reference all filings filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of the initial registration statement on Form S-3 to which this Prospectus relates and prior to effectiveness of such registration statement.

​

You may obtain copies of any of these documents by contacting us at the address and telephone number indicated below or by contacting the SEC as described below. You may request a copy of these documents, and any exhibits that have specifically been incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus supplement, at no cost, by writing or telephoning to:

Vista Gold Corp.

7961 Shaffer Parkway, Suite 5

Littleton, Colorado 80127

Attention: Douglas L. Tobler, Chief Financial Officer

(720) 981-1185

​

​

​

13

USE OF PROCEEDS

​

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities will be used by the Company for development of existing or acquired mineral properties and may also be used for acquisitions, working capital requirements, to repay indebtedness outstanding from time to time or for other general corporate purposes.  The Company may, from time to time, issue Common Shares or other securities otherwise than through the offering of Securities pursuant to this Prospectus.  

​

MARKET FOR COMMON SHARES

​

The Common Shares of Vista Gold are listed on the NYSE American under the trading symbol “VGZ”. On June 23, 2020, the last reported sale price of the Common Shares of Vista on the NYSE American was $0.95, there were 102,096,256 Common Shares issued and outstanding, and we had approximately 243 registered shareholders of record.

​

CERTAIN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

​

The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe certain Canadian federal income tax consequences to investors described therein of acquiring Securities including, in the case of investors who are not residents of Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada), whether payment of any amount in respect of a security will be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding tax.

​

The applicable Prospectus Supplement will also describe certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Securities by an initial investor who is a U.S. person (within the meaning of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code), if applicable, including, to the extent applicable, any such consequences relating to Securities payable in a currency other than the U.S. dollar, issued at an original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes or containing early redemption provisions or other special terms.

​

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES

​

The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares, without par value, of which 102,096,256 are issued and outstanding as at the date of this Prospectus.  

​

Under our Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), our Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) and our Deferred Share Unit Plan (the “DSU Plan”), we may grant options, RSUs or restricted stock awards, and/or DSUs to our directors, officers, employees and consultants.  The combined maximum number of our Common Shares that may be reserved for issuance under the Plan, the LTIP and the DSU Plan is a variable number equal to 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. Options, RSUs and DSUs under the Plan, LTIP and DSU Plan, respectively, are granted from time to time at the discretion of the Board, with vesting periods and other terms as determined by the Board.  There are options outstanding to purchase up to 1,367,000 Common Shares at prices ranging from $0.51 to $0.77. There are 2,572,969 restricted stock units and 726,000 deferred share units outstanding.  Upon the vesting conditions being met a holder of restricted stock units or deferred share units is entitled to receive one Common Share for each restricted stock unit held.

​

The Company may issue Common Shares independently or together with Warrants or Subscription Receipts, and the Common Shares may be attached to or separately from such securities.

​

Holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive notice of and to attend any meetings of shareholders of the Company and at any meetings of shareholders to one vote for each Common Share held, to receive dividends as and when declared by the directors of the Company and to receive a pro rata share of the assets of the Company available for distribution to the shareholders in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company.  There are no pre-emptive, conversion or redemption rights attached to the Common Shares.

​

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

​

The following description, together with the additional information the Company may include in any applicable Prospectus Supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the Warrants that the Company may offer under this Prospectus, which will consist of Warrants to purchase Common Shares and may be issued in one or more series.  Warrants may be offered independently or together with Common Shares or Subscription Receipts offered by any Prospectus Supplement, and may be attached to or separate from those Securities.  While the terms the Company has summarized below will apply generally to any Warrants that it may offer under this Prospectus, the

14

Company will describe the particular terms of any series of Warrants that it may offer in more detail in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.  The terms of any Warrants offered under a Prospectus Supplement may differ from the terms described below.

​

General

​

Warrants will be issued under and governed by the terms of one or more warrant indentures (each a “Warrant Indenture”) between the Company and a warrant trustee (the “Warrant Trustee”) that the Company will name in the relevant Prospectus Supplement.  Each Warrant Trustee will be a financial institution organized under the laws of Canada or any province thereof and authorized to carry on business as a trustee.

​

This summary of some of the provisions of the Warrants is not complete.  The statements made in this Prospectus relating to any Warrant Indenture and Warrants to be issued under this Prospectus are summaries of certain anticipated provisions thereof and do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the applicable Warrant Indenture.  Prospective investors should refer to the Warrant Indenture relating to the specific Warrants being offered for the complete terms of the Warrants. The Company urges you to read the applicable Prospectus Supplement related to the applicable Warrants that the Company sells under this Prospectus, as well as the complete Warrant Indenture and Warrant Certificate.  In the United States, the Company will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that the Company files with the SEC, any Warrant Indenture describing the terms and conditions of Warrants the Company is offering before the issuance of such Warrants. In Canada, the Company will file on SEDAR a copy of any Warrant Indenture after the Company has entered into it.

​

Warrants

​

The particular terms of each issue of Warrants will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. This description will include, where applicable:

​

● the designation and aggregate number of Warrants;
● the price at which the Warrants will be offered;
● the currency or currencies in which the Warrants will be offered;
● the date on which the right to exercise the Warrants will commence and the date on which the right will expire;
● the number of Common Shares that may be purchased upon exercise of each Warrant and the price at which and currency or currencies in which the Common Shares may be purchased upon exercise of each Warrant;
● the designation and terms of any Securities with which the Warrants will be offered, if any, and the number of the Warrants that will be offered with each Security;
● the date or dates, if any, on or after which the Warrants and the other Securities with which the Warrants will be offered will be transferable separately;
● whether the Warrants will be subject to redemption and, if so, the terms of such redemption provisions;
● whether the Company will issue the Warrants as global securities and, if so, the identity of the depositary of the global securities;
● whether the Warrants will be listed on any exchange;
● material United States and Canadian federal income tax consequences of owning the Warrants; and
● any other material terms or conditions of the Warrants.

Rights of Holders Prior to Exercise

​

Prior to the exercise of their Warrants, holders of Warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.

15

​

Exercise of Warrants

​

Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the Common Shares that the Company specifies in the applicable Prospectus Supplement at the exercise price that the Company describes therein.  Unless the Company otherwise specifies in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, holders of the Warrants may exercise the Warrants at any time up to the specified time on the expiration date that the Company sets forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.  After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.

​

Holders of the Warrants may exercise the Warrants by delivering the Warrant Certificate representing the Warrants to be exercised together with specified information, and paying the required amount to the Warrant Trustee in immediately available funds, as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.  The Company will set forth on the Warrant Certificate and in the applicable Prospectus Supplement the information that the holder of the Warrant will be required to deliver to the Warrant Trustee.

​

Upon receipt of the required payment and the Warrant Certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the Warrant Trustee or any other office indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will issue and deliver the Common Shares purchasable upon such exercise.  If fewer than all of the Warrants represented by the Warrant Certificate are exercised, then the Company will issue a new Warrant Certificate for the remaining amount of Warrants.  If the Company so indicates in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, holders of the Warrants may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for Warrants.

​

Anti-Dilution

​

The Warrant Indenture will specify that upon the subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or other material change of the Common Shares or any other reorganization, amalgamation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, the Warrants will thereafter evidence the right of the holder to receive the securities, property or cash deliverable in exchange for, or on the conversion of, or in respect of, the Common Shares to which the holder of a Common Share would have been entitled immediately after such event.  Similarly, any distribution to all or substantially all of the holders of Common Shares of rights, options, warrants, evidences of indebtedness or assets will result in an adjustment in the number of Common Shares to be issued to holders of Warrants.

​

Global Securities

​

The Company may issue Warrants in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities, which will be registered in the name of and be deposited with a depositary, or its nominee, each of which will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.  The global securities may be in temporary or permanent form. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global security. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the exchange, registration and transfer rights relating to any global security.

Modifications

​

The Warrant Indenture will provide for modifications and alterations to the Warrants issued thereunder by way of a resolution of holders of Warrants at a meeting of such holders or a consent in writing from such holders.  The number of holders of Warrants required to pass such a resolution or execute such a written consent will be specified in the Warrant Indenture.

​

The Company may amend any Warrant Indenture and the Warrants, without the consent of the holders of the Warrants, to cure any ambiguity, to cure, correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision, or in any other manner that will not materially and adversely affect the interests of holders of outstanding Warrants.

​

DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RECEIPTS

​

The Company may issue Subscription Receipts, which will entitle holders to receive upon satisfaction of certain release conditions and for no additional consideration, Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof.  Subscription Receipts will be issued pursuant to one or more subscription receipt agreements (each, a “Subscription Receipt Agreement”), each to be entered into between the Company and an escrow agent (the “Escrow Agent”), which will establish the terms and conditions of the Subscription Receipts.  Each Escrow Agent will be a financial institution organized under the laws of Canada or a province thereof and authorized to carry on business as a trustee.  In the United States, the Company will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part,

16

or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that the Company files with the SEC, any Subscription Receipt Agreement describing the terms and conditions of Subscription Receipts the Company is offering before the issuance of such Subscription Receipts.  In Canada, the Company will file on SEDAR a copy of any Subscription Receipt Agreement after the Company has entered into it.

​

The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of Subscription Receipts and is not intended to be complete.  The statements made in this Prospectus relating to any Subscription Receipt Agreement and Subscription Receipts to be issued thereunder are summaries of certain anticipated provisions thereof and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the applicable Subscription Receipt Agreement and the Prospectus Supplement describing such Subscription Receipt Agreement. The Company urges you to read the applicable Prospectus Supplement related to the particular Subscription Receipts that the Company  sells under this Prospectus, as well as the complete Subscription Receipt Agreement.

​

The Prospectus Supplement relating to any Subscription Receipts the Company offers will describe the Subscription Receipts and include specific terms relating to their offering.  All such terms will comply with the requirements of the TSX and NSYE MKT relating to Subscription Receipts.  If underwriters or agents are used in the sale of Subscription Receipts, one or more of such underwriters or agents may also be parties to the Subscription Receipt Agreement governing the Subscription Receipts sold to or through such underwriters or agents.

​

General

​

The Prospectus Supplement and the Subscription Receipt Agreement for any Subscription Receipts the Company offers will describe the specific terms of the Subscription Receipts and may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:

​

● the designation and aggregate number of Subscription Receipts offered;
● the price at which the Subscription Receipts will be offered;
● the currency or currencies in which the Subscription Receipts will be offered;
● the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares, Warrants or combination thereof to be received by holders of Subscription Receipts upon satisfaction of the release conditions, and the procedures that will result in the adjustment of those numbers;
● the conditions (the “Release Conditions”) that must be met in order for holders of Subscription Receipts to receive for no additional consideration Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof;
● the procedures for the issuance and delivery of Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof to holders of Subscription Receipts upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions;
● whether any payments will be made to holders of Subscription Receipts upon delivery of the Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions (e.g., an amount equal to dividends declared on Common Shares by the Company to holders of record during the period from the date of issuance of the Subscription Receipts to the date of issuance of any Common Shares pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement);
● the terms and conditions under which the Escrow Agent will hold all or a portion of the gross proceeds from the sale of Subscription Receipts, together with interest and income earned thereon (collectively, the “Escrowed Funds”), pending satisfaction of the Release Conditions;
● the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Escrow Agent will hold Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof pending satisfaction of the Release Conditions;
● the terms and conditions under which the Escrow Agent will release all or a portion of the Escrowed Funds to the Company upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions;
● if the Subscription Receipts are sold to or through underwriters or agents, the terms and conditions under which the Escrow Agent will release a portion of the Escrowed Funds to such underwriters or agents in payment of all or a portion of their fees or commission in connection with the sale of the Subscription Receipts;
● procedures for the refund by the Escrow Agent to holders of Subscription Receipts of all or a portion of the subscription price for their Subscription Receipts, plus any pro rata entitlement to interest earned or income generated on such amount, if the Release Conditions are not satisfied;

17

● any contractual right of rescission to be granted to initial purchasers of Subscription Receipts in the event this Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement under which Subscription Receipts are issued or any amendment hereto or thereto contains a misrepresentation;
● any entitlement of the Company to purchase the Subscription Receipts in the open market by private agreement or otherwise;
● whether the Company will issue the Subscription Receipts as global securities and, if so, the identity of the depositary for the global securities;
● whether the Company will issue the Subscription Receipts as bearer securities, registered securities or both;
● provisions as to modification, amendment or variation of the Subscription Receipt Agreement or any rights or terms attaching to the Subscription Receipts;
● the identity of the Escrow Agent;
● whether the Subscription Receipts will be listed on any exchange;
● material United States and Canadian federal tax consequences of owning the Subscription Receipts; and
● any other terms of the Subscription Receipts.

The holders of Subscription Receipts will not be shareholders of the Company.  Holders of Subscription Receipts are entitled only to receive Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof on exchange of their Subscription Receipts, plus any cash payments provided for under the Subscription Receipt Agreement, if the Release Conditions are satisfied.  If the Release Conditions are not satisfied, the holders of Subscription Receipts shall be entitled to a refund of all or a portion of the subscription price therefor and all or a portion of the pro rata share of interest earned or income generated thereon, as provided in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.

​

Escrow

​

The Escrowed Funds will be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent, and such Escrowed Funds will be released to the Company (and, if the Subscription Receipts are sold to or through underwriters or agents, a portion of the Escrowed Funds may be released to such underwriters or agents in payment of all or a portion of their fees in connection with the sale of the Subscription Receipts) at the time and under the terms specified by the Subscription Receipt Agreement.  If the Release Conditions are not satisfied, holders of Subscription Receipts will receive a refund of all or a portion of the subscription price for their Subscription Receipts plus their pro rata entitlement to interest earned or income generated on such amount, in accordance with the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement.  Common Shares or Warrants may be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent, and will be released to the holders of Subscription Receipts following satisfaction of the Release Conditions at the time and under the terms specified in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.

​

Anti-Dilution

​

The Subscription Receipt Agreement will specify that upon the subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or other material change of the Common Shares or Warrants or any other reorganization, amalgamation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, the Subscription Receipts will thereafter evidence the right of the holder to receive the securities, property or cash deliverable in exchange for, or on the conversion of, or in respect of, the Common Shares or Warrants to which the holder of a Common Share or Warrant would have been entitled immediately after such event.  Similarly, any distribution to all or substantially all of the holders of Common Shares of rights, options, warrants, evidences of indebtedness or assets will result in an adjustment in the number of Common Shares to be issued to holders of Subscription Receipts whose Subscription Receipts entitle the holders thereof to receive Common Shares.  Alternatively, such securities, evidences of indebtedness or assets may, at the option of the Company, be issued to the Escrow Agent and delivered to holders of Subscription Receipts on exercise thereof.  The Subscription Receipt Agreement will also provide that if other actions of the Company affect the Common Shares or Warrants, which, in the reasonable opinion of the directors of the Company, would materially affect the rights of the holders of Subscription Receipts and/or the rights attached to the Subscription Receipts, the number of Common Shares or Warrants which are to be received pursuant to the Subscription Receipts shall be adjusted in such manner, if any, and at such time as the directors of the Company may in their discretion reasonably determine to be equitable to the holders of Subscription Receipts in such circumstances.

​

18

Rescission

​

The Subscription Receipt Agreement will also provide that any misrepresentation in this Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement under which the Subscription Receipts are offered, or any amendment thereto, will entitle each initial purchaser of Subscription Receipts to a contractual right of rescission following the issuance of the Common Shares or Warrants to such purchaser entitling such purchaser to receive the amount paid for the Subscription Receipts upon surrender of the Common Shares or Warrants, provided that such remedy for rescission is exercised in the time stipulated in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.  This right of rescission does not extend to holders of Subscription Receipts who acquire such Subscription Receipts from an initial purchaser, on the open market or otherwise, or to initial purchasers who acquire Subscription Receipts in the United States.

​

Global Securities

​

The Company may issue Subscription Receipts in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities, which will be registered in the name of and be deposited with a depositary, or its nominee, each of which will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.  The global securities may be in temporary or permanent form. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global security. The applicable Prospectus Supplement also will describe the exchange, registration and transfer rights relating to any global security.

​

Modifications

​

The Subscription Receipt Agreement will provide for modifications and alterations to the Subscription Receipts issued thereunder by way of a resolution of holders of Subscription Receipts at a meeting of such holders or a consent in writing from such holders.  The number of holders of Subscriptions Receipts required to pass such a resolution or execute such a written consent will be specified in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.

​

The Company may amend the Subscription Receipt Agreement, without the consent of the holders of the Subscription Receipts, to cure any ambiguity, to cure, correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision, or in any other manner that will not materially and adversely affect the interests of holders of outstanding Subscription Receipts.

​

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

​

The following description, together with the additional information the Company may include in any applicable Prospectus Supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the Units that the Company may offer under this Prospectus.  While the terms the Company has summarized below will apply generally to any Units that the Company may offer under this Prospectus, the Company will describe the particular terms of any series of Units in more detail in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.  The terms of any Units offered under a Prospectus Supplement may differ from the terms described below.

The Company will enter into a form of unit agreement (“Unit Agreement”) between the Company and a unit agent (“Unit Agent”) that describes the terms and conditions of the series of Units the Company is offering, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of the related series of Units.  In the United States, the Company will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that the Company files with the SEC and in Canada, will file on SEDAR, the form of Unit Agreement that describes the terms and conditions of the series of Units the Company is offering, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of the related series of Units.

The following summary of material terms and provisions of the Units are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Unit Agreement and any supplemental agreements applicable to a particular series of Units.  The Company urges you to read the applicable Prospectus Supplements related to the particular series of Units that the Company sells under this Prospectus, as well as the complete Unit Agreement and any supplemental agreements that contain the terms of the Units.

General

​

The Company may issue units comprising two or more of Common Shares, Warrants and Subscription Receipts in any combination.  Each Unit will be issued so that the holder of the Unit is also the holder of each security included in the Unit.  Thus, the holder of a Unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security.  

19

The Unit Agreement under which a Unit is issued may provide that the Securities included in the Unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.

The Company will describe in the applicable Prospectus Supplement the terms of the series of Units, including:

● the designation and terms of the Units and of the securities comprising the Units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;
● any provisions of the governing Unit Agreement that differ from those described below; and
● any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the Units or of the securities comprising the Units.

The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under “Description of Common Shares”, “Description of Warrants” and “Description of Subscription Receipts” will apply to each Unit and to any Common Share, Warrant or Subscription Receipt included in each Unit, respectively.

Issuance in Series

​

The Company may issue Units in such amounts and in numerous distinct series as the Company determines.

​

Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Units

​

Each Unit Agent will act solely as the Company’s agent under the applicable Unit Agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any Unit.  A single bank or trust company may act as Unit Agent for more than one series of Units.  A Unit Agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by the Company under the applicable Unit Agreement or Unit, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon the Company.  Any holder of a Unit may, without the consent of the related Unit Agent or the holder of any other Unit, enforce by appropriate legal action its rights as holder under any security included in the Unit.

The Company, the Unit Agents and any of their agents may treat the registered holder of any Unit Certificate as an absolute owner of the Units evidenced by that certificate for any purpose and as the person entitled to exercise the rights attaching to the Units so requested, despite any notice to the contrary.

​

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

General

​

The Company may offer and sell the Securities on a continuous or delayed basis, separately or together: (a) to one or more underwriters or dealers; (b) through one or more agents; or (c) directly to one or more other purchasers. The Securities offered pursuant to any Prospectus Supplement may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions at: (i) a fixed price or prices, which may be changed from time to time; (ii) market prices prevailing at the time of sale; (iii) prices related to such prevailing market prices; or (iv) other negotiated prices.  The Company may only offer and sell the Securities pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement during the 36-month period that this Prospectus, including any amendments hereto, remains effective.  The Prospectus Supplement for any of the Securities being offered thereby will set forth the terms of the offering of such Securities, including the type of Security being offered, the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, the purchase price of such Securities, the proceeds to the Company from such sale, any underwriting commissions or discounts and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers.  Only underwriters so named in the Prospectus Supplement are deemed to be underwriters in connection with the Securities offered thereby.

​

By Underwriters

​

If underwriters are used in the sale, the Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale.  Unless otherwise set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto, the obligations of underwriters to purchase the Securities will be subject to certain conditions, but the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the Securities offered by the Prospectus Supplement if any of such Securities are purchased.  The Company may agree to pay the underwriters a fee or

20

commission for various services relating to the offering of any Securities.  Any such fee or commission will be paid out of the proceeds of the offering or the general corporate funds of the Company.

​

By Dealers

​

If dealers are used, and if so specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will sell such Securities to the dealers as principals.  The dealers may then resell such Securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealers at the time of resale.  Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

​

By Agents

​

The Securities may also be sold through agents designated by the Company.  Any agent involved will be named, and any fees or commissions payable by the Company to such agent will be set forth, in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.  Any such fees or commissions will be paid out of the proceeds of the offering or the general corporate funds of the Company.  Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

​

Direct Sales

​

Securities may also be sold directly by the Company at such prices and upon such terms as agreed to by the Company and the purchaser.  In this case, no underwriters, dealers or agents would be involved in the offering.

​

General Information

​

Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the Securities offered by this Prospectus may be deemed underwriters under the U.S. Securities Act, and any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any profit on their resale of the securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the U.S. Securities Act.

With respect to the sale of Securities under this Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement, the maximum commission or discount to be received by any member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. or independent broker or dealer will not be greater than eight percent (8%).

Underwriters, dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of Securities may be entitled under agreements to be entered into with the Company to indemnification by the Company against certain liabilities, including liabilities under Canadian provincial and territorial and United States securities legislation, or to contribution with respect to payments which such underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make in respect thereof.  Such underwriters, dealers or agents may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for, the Company in the ordinary course of business.

The Company may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this Prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable Prospectus Supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third parties may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third parties in such sale transactions will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

One or more firms, referred to as “remarketing firms,” may also offer or sell the Securities, if the Prospectus Supplement so indicates, in connection with a remarketing arrangement upon their purchase. Remarketing firms will act as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. These remarketing firms will offer or sell the Securities in accordance with the terms of the Securities. The Prospectus Supplement will identify any remarketing firm and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and will describe the remarketing firm’s compensation. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the Securities they remarket.

In connection with any offering of Securities (unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement), underwriters may over-allot or effect transactions which stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities offered at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market.  Such transactions may be commenced, interrupted or discontinued at any time.

21

AUDITORS, TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

​

The auditors of the Company are Plante & Moran, PLLC, (“Plante Moran”), of Denver, Colorado, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

​

The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Shares is Computershare Investor Services Inc. at the principal offices in Vancouver and Toronto.

​

EXPERTS

​

Information relating to the Company’s mineral properties in this Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein has been derived from reports, statements or opinions prepared or certified by Tetra Tech, Inc.,  Rex Clair Bryan, Anthony Clark, Thomas L. Dyer, Amy L. Hudson, Chris Johns, Deepak Malhotra, Zvonimir Ponos, Guy Roemer, Vicki Scharnhorst, Jessica I. Monasterio, Keith Thompson, and John Rozelle, and this information has been included in reliance on such companies and persons’ expertise.  Each of Tetra Tech, Inc.,  Rex Clair Bryan, Anthony Clark, Thomas L. Dyer, Amy L. Hudson, Chris Johns, Deepak Malhotra, Zvonimir Ponos, Guy Roemer, Vicki Scharnhorst, Jessica I. Monasterio, Keith Thompson, and John Rozelle is a qualified person as such term is defined NI 43-101.

​

None of Tetra Tech, Inc.,  Rex Clair Bryan, Anthony Clark, Thomas L. Dyer, Amy L. Hudson, Chris Johns, Deepak Malhotra, Zvonimir Ponos, Guy Roemer, Vicki Scharnhorst, Jessica I. Monasterio, Keith Thompson, and John Rozelle each being companies and persons who have prepared or certified the preparation of reports, statements or opinions relating to the Company’s mineral properties, or any director, officer, employee or partner thereof, as applicable, received or has received a direct or indirect interest in the property of the Company or of any associate or affiliate of the Company.  As at the date hereof, the aforementioned persons, companies and persons at the companies specified above who participated in the preparation of such reports, statements or opinions, as a group, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, less than 1% of the Company’s outstanding Common Shares.

​

The current auditors of the Company are Plante Moran, of Denver, Colorado.  Plante Moran report that they are independent of the Company in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia and in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC.  Plante Moran is registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as at December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 have been audited by Plante Moran and are incorporated by reference herein in reliance on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

LEGAL MATTERS

​

Certain legal matters related to the Securities offered by this Prospectus will be passed upon on the Company’s behalf by Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, with respect to matters of Canadian law, and Dorsey & Whitney LLP, with respect to matters of United States law.  

​

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

​

The Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.  Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

​

This Prospectus is part of a registration statement and, as permitted by SEC rules, does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement.  Whenever a reference is made in this Prospectus to any of our contracts or other documents, the reference may not be complete and, for a copy of the contract or document, you should refer to the exhibits that are part of the registration statement.  You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public reference rooms and their copy charges.   You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference rooms at:

 

100 F Street, N.E.
Room 1580
Washington, D.C. 20549

​

​

22

PROSPECTUS

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

GRAPHIC

​

VISTA GOLD CORP.

​

​

​

$25,000,000
Common Shares
Warrants

Subscription Receipts

Units

​

​

​

​

June 24, 2020

​

​

Vista Gold (AMEX:VGZ)
Historical Stock Chart
From Oct 2024 to Nov 2024 Click Here for more Vista Gold Charts.
Vista Gold (AMEX:VGZ)
Historical Stock Chart
From Nov 2023 to Nov 2024 Click Here for more Vista Gold Charts.