gmo_Current folio_10K

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

 

 

 

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

 

For the transition period from                            to                          

 

Commission file number:  001-32986

 

GENERAL MOLY, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

 

Delaware

 

91-0232000

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or
Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

1726 Cole Blvd.,

Suite 115

Lakewood, CO

 

80401

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 928-8599

 

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

 

 

 

 

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share

 

NYSE MKT and Toronto Stock Exchange

(Title of Each Class)

 

(Name of each Exchange on Which Registered)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes   No 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes   No 

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes No

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer

 

Accelerated filer

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer

 

Smaller reporting company

 

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

 

As of June 30, 2015, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $47,079,075 based on the closing price as reported on the NYSE MKT.

 

As of March 3, 2016,  110,562,277 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value of $0.001 per share, were outstanding.

 

 

 


 

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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Certain portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be used in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders and to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2015 are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10-14, of this report on Form 10-K.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

Part I

 

 

 

 

ITEMS 1. & 2. 

BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES

 

 

 

ITEM 1A. 

RISK FACTORS

26 

 

 

 

ITEM 1B. 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

36 

 

 

 

ITEM 3. 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

36 

 

 

 

ITEM 4. 

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

37 

 

 

 

 

Part II

 

 

 

 

ITEM 5. 

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

38 

 

 

 

ITEM 6. 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

39 

 

 

 

ITEM 7. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

40 

 

 

 

ITEM 7A. 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

53 

 

 

 

ITEM 8. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

56 

 

 

 

ITEM 9. 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

86 

 

 

 

ITEM 9A. 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

86 

 

 

 

ITEM 9B. 

OTHER INFORMATION

86 

 

 

 

 

Part III

 

 

 

 

ITEM 10. 

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

87 

 

 

 

ITEM 11. 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

87 

 

 

 

ITEM 12. 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

87 

 

 

 

ITEM 13. 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

87 

 

 

 

ITEM 14. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

87 

 

 

 

 

Part IV

 

 

 

 

ITEM 15. 

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

88 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES 

94 

 

 

 


 

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PART I

 

ITEMS 1. & 2.BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES

 

The Company

 

References made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “we,” “our,” “us,” and the “Company” refer to General Moly, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiary Eureka Moly, LLC.

 

We are in the business of the exploration, development and mining of properties primarily containing molybdenum.  Our primary asset is an 80% interest in the Mt. Hope Project (“Mt. Hope Project”), a primary molybdenum property, located in Eureka County, Nevada.  The Mt. Hope Project contains proven and probable molybdenum reserves totaling 1.4 billion pounds (1.1 billion pounds owned by us) of which 1.2 billion pounds (1.0 billion pounds owned by us) are estimated to be recoverable.  We received federal and state of Nevada regulatory approvals in November 2012.  In 2006, we acquired a second significant molybdenum and copper project, the Liberty Project (“Liberty Project”), located in Nye County, Nevada, which we wholly own.  The Liberty Project is anticipated to become our second molybdenum and copper operation, after commencement of commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project, with initial production dependent on market conditions.

 

Mt. Hope Project

 

In August, 2007, we completed a Bankable Feasibility Study (“Bankable Feasibility Study” or “BFS”) that provided data on the viability, expected economics, and production and cost estimates of the project.  Since publication of the BFS, we have revised several estimates, based primarily on engineering progress, which remains approximately 65% complete at December 31, 2015.  Our current estimates for the Mt. Hope Project capital cost requirements are referred to as the “Project Capital Estimate” and our current estimates for the Mt. Hope Project operating costs are referred to as the “Project Operating Cost Estimate”.  On January 16, 2014, we filed a technical report (the “January 2014 Technical Report”) prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administration (“NI 43-101”) for the Mt. Hope Project. The NI 43-101 is a codified set of rules and guidelines for reporting and displaying information related to mineral properties owned by, or explored by, companies which report these results on stock exchanges within Canada. The completed report estimates molybdenum reserves and resources, production, capital and operating cost parameters, along with project economics, as discussed in “— Reserves and Mineralized Material” below.  There have been no subsequent updates to the January 2014 Technical Report.

 

Project Ownership

 

From October 2005 to January 2008, we owned the rights to 100% of the Mt. Hope Project.  Effective as of January 1, 2008, we contributed all of our interest in the assets related to the Mt. Hope Project, including our lease of the Mt. Hope Project, into Eureka Moly, LLC (“the LLC”), and in February 2008 entered into an agreement (“LLC Agreement”) for the development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project with POS-Minerals Corporation (“POS-Minerals”) an affiliate of POSCO, a public company based in the Republic of Korea and one of the world’s largest producers of steelPOSCO was ranked the 162nd largest corporation by revenues in the world in the Fortune Global 500 for 2015.  Under the LLC Agreement, POS-Minerals owns a 20% interest in the LLC and General Moly, through Nevada Moly, LLC (“Nevada Moly”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, owns an 80% interest.  In this report, POS-Minerals and Nevada Moly are also referred to as the “members.”  The ownership interests and/or required capital contributions under the LLC Agreement can change as discussed below.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement, POS-Minerals made its first and second capital contributions to the LLC totaling $100.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2008 (“Initial Contributions”).  Additional amounts of $100.7 million were received from POS-Minerals in December 2012, following receipt of major operating permits for the Mt. Hope Project, including the Record of Decision (“ROD”) from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”).

 

In addition, under the terms of the original LLC Agreement, since commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project was not achieved by December 31, 2011, the LLC will be required to return to POS-Minerals $36.0 million, since reduced to $33.9 million as discussed below, of its capital contributions (“Return of Contributions”), with no corresponding reduction in POS-Minerals’ ownership percentage.  Effective January 1, 2015, as part of a comprehensive

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agreement concerning the release of the reserve account described below, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals agreed that the Return of Contributions will be due to POS-Minerals on December 31, 2020; provided that, at any time on or before November 30, 2020, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals may agree in writing to extend the due date to December 31, 2021; and if the due date has been so extended, at any time on or before November 30, 2021, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals may agree in writing to extend the due date to December 31, 2022.  If the repayment date is extended, the unpaid amount will bear interest at a rate per annum of LIBOR plus 5%, which interest shall compound quarterly, commencing on December 31, 2020 through the date of payment in full.  Payments of accrued but unpaid interest, if any, shall be made on the repayment date.  Nevada Moly may elect, on behalf of the Company, to cause the Company to prepay, in whole or in part, the Return of Contributions at any time, without premium or penalty, along with accrued and unpaid interest, if any. 

 

The original Return of Contributions amount of $36.0 million due to POS-Minerals is reduced, dollar for dollar, by the amount of capital contributions for equipment payments required from POS-Minerals under approved budgets of the LLC, as discussed further below.  As of December 31, 2015, this amount has been reduced by $2.1 million, consisting of 20% of an $8.4 million principal payment made on milling equipment in March 2015 and a $2.2 million principal payment made on electrical transformers in April 2015, such that the remaining amount due to POS-Minerals is $33.9 million.  If Nevada Moly does not fund its additional capital contribution in order for the LLC to make the required return to POS-Minerals set forth above, POS-Minerals has an election to either make a secured loan to the LLC to fund the Return of Contributions, or receive an additional interest in the LLC, from Nevada Moly, estimated to be 5%.  In the latter case, Nevada Moly’s interest in the LLC is subject to dilution by a percentage equal to the ratio of 1.5 times the amount of the unpaid Return of Contributions over the aggregate amount of deemed capital contributions (as determined under the LLC Agreement) of both parties to the LLC (“Dilution Formula”).  At December 31, 2015, the aggregate amount of deemed capital contributions of both members was $1,078.3 million.

 

Furthermore, the LLC Agreement authorizes POS-Minerals to put/sell its interest in the LLC to Nevada Moly after a change of control of Nevada Moly or the Company, as defined in the LLC Agreement, followed by a failure by us or our successor company to use standard mining industry practice in connection with the development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project as contemplated by the parties for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months.  If POS-Minerals exercises its option to put or sell its interest, Nevada Moly or its transferee or surviving entity would be required to purchase the interest for 120% of POS-Minerals’ total contributions to the LLC, which, if not paid timely, would be subject to 10% interest per annum.

 

In November 2012, the Company and POS-Minerals began making monthly pro rata capital contributions to the LLC to fund costs incurred as required by the LLC Agreement.  The interest of a party in the LLC that does not make its monthly pro rata capital contributions to fund costs incurred is subject to dilution based on the Dilution Formula.  The Company and POS-Minerals consented, effective July 1, 2013, to Nevada Moly accepting financial responsibility for POS-Minerals’ 20% interest in costs related to Nevada Moly’s compensation and reimbursement as Manager of the LLC, and certain owners’ costs associated with Nevada Moly’s ongoing progress to complete project financing for its 80% interest, resulting in $2.9 million paid by Nevada Moly on behalf of POS-Minerals during the term of the consensual agreement, which ended on June 30, 2014.  From July 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014, POS-Minerals once again contributed its 20% interest in all costs incurred by the LLC.  Subject to the terms above, all required monthly contributions have been made by both parties.

 

Effective January 1, 2015, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals signed an amendment to the LLC agreement under which $36.0 million held by the LLC in a reserve account established in December 2012 is being released for the mutual benefit of both members related to the jointly approved Mt. Hope Project expenses through 2020In January 2015, the reserve account funded a reimbursement of contributions made by the members during the fourth quarter of 2014, inclusive of $0.7 million to POS-Minerals and $2.7 million to Nevada Moly.  The remaining funds are now being used to pay ongoing expenses of the LLC until the Company obtains full financing for its portion of the Mt. Hope Project construction cost, or until the reserve account is exhausted.  Any remaining funds after financing is obtained will be returned to Nevada Moly/the Company.  The balance of the reserve account at December 31, 2015 was $16.6 million.

 

Permitting Completion and Water Rights Considerations

 

On November 16, 2012, the BLM issued its ROD authorizing development of the Mt. Hope Project.  On April 23, 2015, the BLM issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (“FONSI”), approving an amendment to the Plan of Operations (“PoO”)The ROD and FONSI approve the PoO and amended PoO, respectively, for construction and

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operation of the mining and processing facilities and also grant the Right-of-Way, and amended Right-of-Way, respectively, for a 230kV power transmission line, discussed below.  Monitoring and mitigation measures identified in the ROD and FONSI, developed in collaboration with the regulatory agencies involved throughout the permitting process, will avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts, and reflect the Company’s commitment to operate the Mt. Hope Project to the highest environmental standards.

 

On February 15, 2013, Great Basin Resource Watch and the Western Shoshone Defense Project (“Plaintiffs”) filed a Complaint against the U.S. Department of the Interior and the BLM (the “Defendants”) in the U.S. District Court (“District Court”), District of Nevada, seeking relief under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) and other federal laws challenging the BLM’s issuance of the ROD for the Mt. Hope Project, and on February 20, 2013 filed a Motion for Preliminary Injunction.  The District Court allowed the LLC to intervene in the matter.

 

On August 22, 2013, the District Court denied, without prejudice, Plaintiffs’ Motion for Preliminary Injunction based on a  Joint Stipulation to Continue Preliminary Injunction Oral Argument, which advised the District Court that as a result of economic conditions, including the Company’s ongoing financing efforts, all major ground disturbing activities had ceased at the Mt. Hope Project.

 

On July 23, 2014, the U.S. District Court denied Plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment in its entirety and on August 1, 2014 the Court entered judgment in favor of the Defendants and the LLC, and against Plaintiffs regarding all claims raised in the Complaint.

 

On September 22, 2014, the Plaintiffs filed their notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (“Ninth Circuit”) of the U.S. District Court’s dismissal.  Both parties completed their respective briefing to the Ninth Circuit on May 1, 2015.    The ROD remains in effect as we await a decision from the Ninth Circuit.  The Company is confident in the BLM’s process and will continue to vigorously defend this subsequent appeal of the ROD.

 

On June 17, 2014, the LLC submitted an amendment to the approved PoO to reflect minor design changes that were identified during continued engineering and the initial phases of construction, and on November 6, 2014, submitted minor revisions to the amendment.  The BLM determined that an Environmental Assessment (“EA”) was required under the NEPA to analyze and disclose environmental impacts associated with these changes. After review and public comment, the BLM issued a FONSI on April 23, 2015. Ongoing changes to permits and the PoO during the life of mining operations are typical as design evolves and operations are optimized.

 

The State of Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (“NDEP”) issued a Reclamation Permit for the Mt. Hope Project on November 19, 2012, which authorizes surface disturbance and construction of facilities.  The Reclamation Permit originally approved the Phase 1 reclamation cost estimate of approximately $75.1 million.  As a result of delays in financing for the construction of the Mt. Hope Project, we submitted a revised proposal to NDEP to reduce our reclamation liability to current surface disturbance estimates.  In December 2015, NDEP and the BLM accepted our revised estimates approving a reduction of the reclamation estimate to approximately $2.8 million.  We worked with the LLC’s reclamation surety underwriters to satisfy the reduced $2.8 million financial guarantee requirements under the ROD for the Mt. Hope Project.  As of early 2016, the surety bond program is funded with a cash collateral payment of  $0.3 million, a reduction from the $4.6 million established in November 2014, resulting in a $4.3 million return of collateral received in February 2016.

 

In July 2011 and June 2012, respectively, the Nevada State Engineer (“State Engineer”) granted all water permits and approved a Monitoring, Management and Mitigation Plan (“3M Plan”) for the Mt. Hope Project.  Eureka County, Nevada and two other parties comprised of water rights holders in Diamond Valley and Kobeh Valley appealed the State Engineer’s decision granting the water permits to the Nevada State District Court (“District Court”) and then filed a further appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court challenging the District Court’s decision affirming the State Engineer’s decision to grant the water permits.  In June 2013, the appeal was consolidated by the Nevada Supreme Court with an appeal of the State Engineer’s approval of the 3M Plan filed by two water rights holders.  The District Court previously upheld the State Engineer’s approval of the 3M Plan and the two parties subsequently appealed the District Court’s decision to the Nevada Supreme Court.  While the appeals were pending, the 3M Plan had been implemented to collect information on background conditions and aquifer responses to the Mt. Hope Project’s pumping, as well as to address mitigation measures for impacted third-party water rights.

 

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On September 18, 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court issued an Order that reversed and remanded the cases to the District Court for further proceedings consistent with the Order.  On October 29, 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court issued the Order as a published Opinion.  The Nevada Supreme Court ruled that the State Engineer did not have sufficient evidence in the record at the time he granted the water permits to demonstrate that successful mitigation may be undertaken so as to dispel the threat to existing water rights holders.

 

On November 23, 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court issued its Remittitur to the District Court for the County of Eureka to remand the matter to the State Engineer for further proceedings consistent with its Opinion.  The Company will move forward as expeditiously as possible to reobtain its water permits, following the remand by the District Court to the State Engineer.  The Company expects to comply with the Supreme Court Opinion and provide additional evidence of its ability to successfully mitigate any potential impacts to water rights in Kobeh Valley that could result from the Mt. Hope Project’s water use.

 

On May 29, 2012, NDEP issued a Class II Air Quality Operating Permit for the Mt. Hope Project.  This permit establishes operating restrictions and monitoring requirements associated with specific air emission points and remains in effect.

 

On November 26, 2012, NDEP issued a Water Pollution Control Permit (“WPC”) for the Mt. Hope Project.  The WPC also approves the operational and closure plans for the Mt. Hope Project, establishes monitoring requirements, and remains in effect.

 

The LLC initiated cultural clearance activities at the Mt. Hope Project in early December 2012 upon receipt of an Archaeological Resource Protection Act Permit issued by the State Archeologist at the Nevada State Office of the BLM.  Cultural clearance is an important component of the LLC’s commitment to environmental protection and will be completed before major earthworks are done in any of the construction areas. The LLC has cleared priority areas for initial construction and will continue mitigation throughout the disturbance footprint. Use of this phased approach is intended to allow the LLC to maintain uninterrupted construction progress once construction resumes.

 

On January 2, 2013, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (“PUCN”) issued the LLC a permit to construct a 230kV power line that interconnects with Nevada Energy’s transmission system at the existing Machacek Substation located near the town of Eureka, Nevada and extend it approximately 25 miles to the planned Mt. Hope Substation.  In addition, the BLM approved the LLC’s surety bonds for reclamation of disturbance associated with construction of the 230kV power transmission line.  The PUCN permit and approved bond allows the LLC to build the transmission infrastructure in a timely manner and provide the necessary capacity to power construction activities and Mt. Hope Project operations. Construction of the transmission line will also include upgrades to the existing Machacek Substation near Eureka that will improve the reliability of electrical power to the community.  At full production the Mt. Hope Project will have a total electrical demand load of approximately 75 megawatts. Transmission capacity will be secured using a network services agreement and the LLC will negotiate for generating capacity prior to Mt. Hope Project commissioning activities, which will be available once the power line is constructed and energized.

 

The LLC initiated preliminary construction activities on the Mt. Hope Project in early January 2013 during a period in which market conditions were conducive to construction financing, including early wellfield development and clearing and grubbing of terrain.  Completion of the wellfield and water distribution systems are key items necessary to begin major construction activities.  Preliminary work also included clearing the open pit minesite, millsite, tailings dam and administrative office areas.  All preliminary construction activity was halted in the spring of 2013 and remains suspended as a result of the current molybdenum market, which along with the October 2015 decision of the Nevada Supreme Court, has affected our ability to obtain financing for construction of the Mt. Hope Project.

 

Capital & Operating Cost Estimates

 

The development of the Mt. Hope Project has a Project Capital Estimate of $1,312 million, which includes development costs of approximately $1,245 million and $67 million in cash financial guaranty/bonding requirements, advance royalty payments, and power pre-payment estimates.  These capital costs were updated in the third quarter of 2012, and were then escalated by approximately 3% in the third quarter of 2013, for those items not yet procured or committed to by contract.  The Mt. Hope Project has not materially changed in scope and remains currently designed at approximately 65% engineering completion, with solid scope definition.  The pricing associated with this estimate remains subject to escalation associated with equipment, construction labor and commodity price increases, and project

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delays, which will continue to be reviewed periodically.  The Project Capital Estimate does not include financing costs or amounts necessary to fund operating working capital and potential capital overruns, is subject to additional holding costs as financing activities for construction of the Mt. Hope Project are delayed, and may be subject to other escalation and de-escalation as contracts and purchase arrangements are finalized at then current pricing.  From October 2007 through the year ended December 31, 2015, the LLC spent approximately $282.2 million of the estimated $1,312 million on development of the Mt. Hope Project.

 

The LLC’s Project Operating Cost Estimate forecasts molybdenum production of approximately 40 million pounds per year for the first five years of operations at estimated average direct operating costs of $6.28 per pound based on $90 per barrel oil equivalent energy prices.  The Costs Applicable to Sales (“CAS”) per pound, including anticipated royalties calculated at a market price of $15 per pound molybdenum, are anticipated to average $7.00 per pound for the first 5 years.  For a reconciliation of direct operating costs, a non-GAAP measure, to CAS, see “—Description of the Mt. Hope Project—Reserves and Mineralized Material—Production and Operating Cost Estimates” below.  These cost estimates are based on 2013 constant dollars and are subject to cost inflation or deflation, including the impact of prevailing oil equivalent energy prices.  The Company will update the operating cost projections with new commodity pricing adjustments at the time of project construction restart.

 

Equipment and Supply Procurement

 

Through December 31, 2015, the LLC has made deposits and/or final payments of $85.7 million on equipment orders, has spent approximately $196.5 million for the development of the Mt. Hope Project, for a total Mt. Hope Project inception-to-date spend of $282.2 million.

 

In 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for eighteen haul trucks.  The order provides for delivery of those haul trucks required to perform initial mine development, which will begin several months prior to commercial production.  Non-refundable down-payments of $1.2 million were made in 2012, with pricing subject to escalation as the trucks were not delivered prior to December 31, 2013.  During January 2016, the LLC renegotiated the timelines for truck delivery and delayed deliveries into December 2016.  The contract is cancellable with no further liability to the LLC.

 

Also in 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for four mine production drills with a non-refundable down-payment of $0.4 million, and pricing was subject to escalation if the drills were not delivered by the end of 2013.  In the fourth quarter of 2015, the LLC accepted a change order which delayed delivery into December 2016.  The contract remains cancellable with no further liability to the LLC.

 

On June 30, 2012, the LLC’s contract to purchase two electric shovels expired.  On July 11, 2012, we signed a letter of intent with the same vendor providing for the opportunity to purchase the electric shovels at prices consistent with the expired contract, less a special discount in the amount of $3.4 million to provide credit to the LLC for amounts paid as deposits under the expired contract.  The letter of intent provides that equipment pricing will remain subject to inflation indexes and guarantees production slots to ensure that the equipment is available when required by the LLC.  In January 2016, the parties agreed to extend the letter of intent through December 30, 2016.

 

Based on our current forecast, the Company does not anticipate taking delivery of the haul trucks, drills, and electric shovels in 2016 and will work with the respective vendors to extend these agreements annually until we obtain financing for construction of the Mt. Hope Project.

 

Termination of Agreements with Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment Inc.

 

In March 2010, we signed a series of agreements with Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (“Hanlong”), an affiliate of Sichuan Hanlong Group, a privately held Chinese company.  The agreements formed the basis of a $745 million transaction that was intended to provide the Company with adequate capital to contribute its 80% share of costs to develop the Mt. Hope Project.  The agreements resulted in the sale to Hanlong of 11.8 million shares of our common stock for a purchase price of $40 million, with additional potential equity issuances conditioned on Hanlong procuring a project financing Term Loan from a Chinese bank.  The agreements also provided for Hanlong representation on our Board, limitations on how Hanlong would vote its shares of the Company and on its ability to purchase or dispose of our securities, and included a $10.0 million Bridge Loan to the Company to preserve liquidity until availability of the Term Loan. 

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Most of the provisions of the agreements with Hanlong were terminated in 2013 because no project financing occurred, including repayment of the $10.0 million Bridge Loan which the parties agreed to offset against the $10.0 million termination break fee owed to the Company by Hanlong.  However, Hanlong remains the owner of approximately 11% of our outstanding common stock and their representative continues as an elected member of our Board as of December 31, 2015.  In February 2016, the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors determined it would not renominate the Hanlong representative, Nelson F. Chen, to the Board, as Hanlong’s beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock on a fully diluted basis has fallen below 10%.  Mr. Chen’s term as a director will expire at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

Agreement with AMER International Group (“AMER”) 

 

Private Placement

 

In April 2015, the Company and AMER entered into a private placement for 40.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock and warrants to purchase 80 million shares of the Company’s common stock, priced using the trailing 90-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of $0.50 on April 17, 2015, the date the investment agreement was signed. General Moly received stockholder approval of the transaction on June 30, 2015.

 

On November 2, 2015, the Company and AMER entered into an amendment to the Investment and Securities Purchase Agreement, thereby creating a three-tranche investment strategy that creates a strategic partnership to assist the Company in obtaining full financing for the Mt. Hope Project.  The first tranche of the amended investment agreement closed on November 24, 2015 for a $4.0 million private placement representing 13.3 million shares, priced at $0.30 per share, and warrants to purchase 80.0 million shares of common stock at $0.50 per share, which will become exercisable upon availability of an approximately $700.0 million senior secured loan (“Bank Loan”). The $4.0 million private placement has been divided evenly between general corporate purposes and an expense reimbursement account available to both AMER and the Company to cover anticipated Mt. Hope financing costs and other jointly sourced business development opportunities. In addition, AMER and General Moly entered into a Stockholder Agreement allowing AMER to nominate a director to a now seven member General Moly Board of Directors, additional directors following the close of Tranche 3, discussed below, and drawdown of the Bank Loan.  The Stockholder Agreement also governs amer’s acquisition and transfer of General Moly shares.  The parties agreed to eliminate the condition to closing the investment agreement requiring a letter of intent from a Prime Chinese Bank endorsing the Bank Loan as a result of the current molybdenum market price and recent water rights decision from the Nevada Supreme Court. The parties also agreed to eliminate the requirement of the Company to obtain consent from APERAM, as Tranche 1 was issued at $0.30 per share, which is above the October 30, 2015, closing price of $0.29 per share.

 

Tranche 2 of the amended investment agreement will include a $6.0 million private placement representing 12.0 million shares, priced at $0.50 per share. $5.0 million of the $6.0 million will be used for general corporate purposes and $1.0 million will be set aside for the expense reimbursement account discussed above. Closing of the second tranche is contingent on the Nevada State Engineer restoring permits for the Mt. Hope Project's water rights and for the price of molybdenum to average in excess of $8/lb for a 30 consecutive calendar day period.

 

Tranche 3 of the amended investment agreement will include a $10.0 million private placement representing 14.7 million shares, priced at $0.68 per share. Execution of the third tranche is contingent on a final adjudication of the Mt. Hope Project's water rights through courts or settlement, if further protests and appeals result from the issuance of the water permits, and for the price of molybdenum to average in excess of $12/lb for a 30 consecutive calendar day period. After Tranche 3 of the agreement is executed, AMER will nominate a second director to General Moly’s then eight member Board of Directors.

 

The second and third tranches of the investment agreement may be subject to General Moly stockholder approval.

 

Term Loan

 

AMER has agreed to work cooperatively with the Company upon the return of improved molybdenum prices to procure and support a Bank Loan of approximately $700 million from a major Chinese bank or banks for development of

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the Mt. Hope Project. AMER will guarantee the Bank Loan, which is anticipated to have normal and customary covenants and security arrangements.

 

When documentation is complete and drawdown of the approximately $700 million Bank Loan becomes available, 80.0 million warrants to purchase common shares of General Moly will become exercisable by AMER at $0.50. After drawdown of the Bank Loan, AMER will nominate a third Director to General Moly’s Board of Directors. All conditions to complete the warrants transaction must be completed no later than April 17, 2017.

 

Molybdenum Supply Agreement

 

The Company and AMER have agreed on the substantive terms of a definitive agreement that would provide a one-time option exercisable simultaneously with Bank Loan execution to purchase the balance of the Company’s share of Mt. Hope molybdenum production, estimated to be approximately 16.5 million pounds annually, for the first five years of production, and 70% of the Company’s annual share of Mt. Hope molybdenum production thereafter at a cost of spot price less a slight discount.

 

Liberty Project

 

In March 2006, we purchased the Liberty Project in Nye County, Nevada, including water rights, mineral and surface rights, buildings and certain equipment, from High Desert Winds LLC.  The Liberty Project includes the former Hall molybdenum and copper deposit that was mined by open pit methods between 1982 and 1985 by the Anaconda Minerals Company (“Anaconda”) and, between 1988 and 1991, by Cyprus Metals Company (“Cyprus”).  In addition, Equatorial Tonopah, Inc. mined copper from 1999 to 2000 on this property, although their operations were in a separate open pit.  Much of the molybdenum deposit was drilled but not developed or mined by these previous owners.

 

In January 2007, we purchased the corporation that owned a 12% net smelter royalty on the Liberty Project, effectively eliminating all third party royalties on the property.  Additionally in 2007, we purchased all outstanding mineral claims associated with this property that were not previously owned by us, thus giving us control over all mineral rights within the boundary of the Liberty Project.

 

Since purchasing the Liberty Project, we have completed two drilling programs that, combined with previous evaluation work performed by former owners, identified mineralization.  In April 2008 we completed a pre-feasibility study that detailed initial capital and operating costs, anticipated mining and milling rates and permitting requirements.  In 2011, the Company released an updated NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate.  Later the same year, a pre-feasibility study detailing updated resource estimates and project economics was released. Metallurgical and environmental work were advanced in 2013 with dedicated internal resources and $0.2 million in external costs.  In 2014, the Company more closely examined the use of existing infrastructure and the copper potential of the property.  This work resulted in an updated NI 43-101 compliant pre-feasibility study, released in July 2014 which developed a statement of mineral reserves under the Canadian definitions.  Those definitions are not consistent with U.S. definitions.  Under United States Securities and Exchange Commission Industry Guide 7,  Description of property by issuers engaged or to be engaged in significant mining operations (“Industry Guide 7”), the Liberty Project deposit contains 309.2 million tons of mineralized material with a total molybdenum grade of 0.078% and a total copper grade of 0.098%.  The Liberty Project is considered to be a follow-on project to the Mt. Hope Project that the Company intends to actively pursue following development of the Mt. Hope Project, dependent on market conditions at that time.

 

Other Mining Properties

 

We also have mining claims and land purchased prior to 2006 which consist in part of (a) approximately 107 acres of fee simple land in the Little Pine Creek area of Shoshone County, Idaho, (b) six patented mining claims known as the Chicago-London group, located near the town of Murray in Shoshone County, Idaho, (c) 34 unpatented mining claims in Marion County, Oregon, known as the Detroit property, and (d) 83 unpatented mining claims in Sanders and Madison County, Montana.  Our efforts at these properties are minimal and consume no significant financial resources.  The total book value of these properties is approximately $0.1 million and the Company has retained production royalties of 1.5% of all net smelter returns on future production from two undeveloped properties in Skamania County, Washington and Josephine County, Oregon, which were sold in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

 

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Corporate Information

 

The Company was initially incorporated in Idaho under the name “General Mines Corporation” in 1925.  We have gone through several name changes and on October 5, 2007, we reincorporated the Company in the State of Delaware (“Reincorporation”) through a merger of Idaho General Mines, Inc. with and into General Moly, Inc., a Delaware corporation that was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Idaho General Mines, Inc. with General Moly, Inc. being the surviving entity.  In connection with the Reincorporation, all of the outstanding securities of Idaho General Mines, Inc. were converted into securities of General Moly, Inc. on a one-for-one basis.  For purposes of the Company’s reporting status with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), General Moly, Inc. is deemed a successor to Idaho General Mines, Inc. Our common stock is traded on the NYSE MKT under the symbol “GMO” and, in February 2008, the Company began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the same symbol.  Our registered and principal executive office is located at 1726 Cole Blvd., Suite 115, Lakewood, Colorado 80401 and the phone number for that office is (303) 928-8599.

 

We maintain a website at www.generalmoly.com, on which we post free of charge our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, Extensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”) documents, and any amendments to these reports under the heading “Investors” as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.  We also routinely post important information about the Company on our website under the heading “Investors.”  We do not incorporate the information on our website into this document and you should not consider any information on, or that can be accessed through, our website as part of this document.  You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the Securities and Exchange Commission Public Reference Room at 100 F Street NE Washington, DC 20549.  Information regarding the operation of the Public Reading Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1.800.732.0330.  The SEC also maintains a website that contains our reports and other information at www.sec.gov.

 

Corporate Strategy and Objective

 

Our corporate strategy has been to acquire and develop highly profitable advanced stage mineral deposits.  Our corporate objective is to profitably develop and operate the Mt. Hope Project and to complete our evaluation and commence development of the Liberty Project.  We are focused on obtaining financing required to complete the development of the Mt. Hope Project, while at the same time conserving our cash resources until such financing is received.  In addition, we continue to evaluate potential value-accretive acquisition opportunities jointly with AMER.

 

We believe we have the following business strengths that will enable us to achieve our objectives:

 

·

We have retained a strong, proven management team with experience in mine development, project financing, and operations.

 

·

The Mt. Hope Project, of which we own 80%, has received its federal and State of Nevada operational permits.  We are working with the Nevada State Engineer to re-obtain our water permits following the October 2015 Nevada Supreme Court decision reversing the issuance of our permits.  It is anticipated to be one of the largest and lowest cost primary molybdenum projects in the world, driven, in part, by high ore grades that will be processed early in the mine life.

 

·

Our Liberty Project has the potential to become a second, significant, molybdenum and copper operation and is wholly-owned by the Company and royalty-free.

 

·

The Mt. Hope Project and the Liberty Project are located in Nevada, which has a long and ongoing history of large-scale, open pit mining operations.

 

·

Both the Mt. Hope Project and the Liberty Project have near-by infrastructure for power, access roads, and water and have an environmentally sound design.

 

·

We have strong international support from the steel industry as evidenced by the strategic partnerships and off-take agreements we have in place with several of the world’s largest steel companies.

 

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·

We anticipate favorable long-term market fundamentals for molybdenum and copper based on historical price ranges and the industry cost structure and believe that the price has a better probability of appreciating than depreciating further.

 

Products

 

We do not currently produce any products.  When the Mt. Hope Project is developed, the LLC expects production of 40 million pounds of molybdenum per year over the first five years on average and approximately 1.2 billion pounds of molybdenum over the expected 41-year life of the project.  The Mt. Hope Project will primarily focus on producing Technical Grade Molybdenum Oxide (“TMO”), which is widely utilized by the steel industry.  In the future, we may also consider producing ferromolybdenum (“FeMo”), which is also used by the steel industry and would make the Company an integrated supplier to the steel industry, and have designed the Mt. Hope Project plant to accommodate this process.

 

Molybdenum is a refractory metal with very unique properties.  Approximately 70% to 80% of molybdenum applications are in steel making.  Molybdenum, when added to plain carbon and low alloy steels, increases strength, corrosion resistance and high temperature properties of the alloy.  The major applications of molybdenum containing plain and low alloy steels are automotive body panels, construction steel and oil and gas pipelines.  When added to stainless steels, molybdenum imparts specialized corrosion resistance in severe corrosive environments while improving strength.  The major applications of stainless steels are in industrial chemical process plants, desalinization plants, nuclear reactor cooling systems and environmental pollution abatement.  When added to super alloy steels, such as those used in jet turbine blades and other advanced aerospace engine components, molybdenum dramatically improves high temperature strength, thermal expansion and contraction resistance and resistance to oxidation.  The effects of molybdenum additions to steels are not readily duplicated by other elements and as such are not significantly impacted by substitution of other materials.

 

Other significant molybdenum applications include lubrication, catalytic sulfur reduction in petrochemicals, lighting, LCD activation screens, x-ray generation, high temperature heat dissipation and high temperature conductivity.  These areas represent the highest technical and value-added applications of molybdenum.

 

Competitive Conditions

 

Molybdenum exploration, development and production is a competitive business.  We anticipate competing worldwide with numerous molybdenum suppliers once the Mt. Hope Project achieves production.

 

The supply of molybdenum comes from both primary molybdenum mines which represents approximately 40% of the molybdenum produced annually, such as our proposed Mt. Hope Project, and as a byproduct of porphyry copper production, which represents approximately 60% of the annual production, as estimated by CPM Group in February 2016Annual molybdenum production is estimated by CPM Group to be 516 million pounds in 2016 and then 536 million pounds in 2017Although many companies produce molybdenum, some of which also mine other minerals, approximately two-thirds of global production is concentrated among ten companies.

 

When and if we develop either or both our Mt. Hope Project and/or Liberty Project and commence production, our competitive position will be based on the quality and grade of our ore bodies and our ability to manage costs compared with other producers. 

 

Employees

 

The Company had a total of 17 employees, including 16 exempt and 1 hourly employee, as of December 31, 2015.

 

Description of the Mt. Hope Project

 

Overview

 

The discussion in this section is based on the entire Mt. Hope Project, of which we own an 80% interest. The LLC is responsible for the development of the Mt. Hope Project.  The Mt. Hope Project will include the development of

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an open pit mine, construction of a concentrator and a roaster, and construction of all related infrastructure to produce TMO, the most widely used molybdenum product.

 

From November 2004 through August 2007 we conducted numerous exploration, drilling and evaluation studies, culminating in the BFS for the Mt. Hope Project.  In 2005, we initiated the baseline studies necessary for development of an Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”).  We completed an initial PoO, which the BLM accepted in September 2006.  In December 2006, the BLM selected an environmental firm to complete the EIS for the Mt. Hope Project.  The Company worked diligently with the environmental firm to complete the EIS, resulting in the ROD becoming effective on November 16, 2012.  On January 16, 2014, we filed a technical report (the “January 2014 Technical Report”) prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administration (“NI 43-101”) for the Mt. Hope Project, estimating molybdenum reserves and resources, production, capital and operating cost parameters and project economics.

 

The Mt. Hope Project — the Mt. Hope Lease

 

The Mt. Hope Project is owned/leased and will be operated by the LLC under the LLC Agreement.  The LLC currently has a lease (“Mt. Hope Lease”) with Mount Hope Mines, Inc. (“MHMI”) for the Mt. Hope Project for a period of 30 years from October 19, 2005 and for so long thereafter as operations are being conducted on the property.  The lease may be terminated earlier at the election of the LLC, or upon a material breach of the lease and failure to cure such breach.  If the LLC terminates the lease, termination is effective 30 days after receipt by MHMI of written notice to terminate the Mt. Hope Lease and no further payments would be due to MHMI.  If MHMI terminates the lease, termination is effective upon receipt of a notice of termination of a material breach, representation, warranty, covenant or term contained in the Mt. Hope Lease and followed by failure to cure such breach within 90 days of receipt of a notice of default.  MHMI may also elect to terminate the Mt. Hope Lease if the LLC has not cured the non-payment of obligations under the lease within 10 days of receipt of a notice of default.

 

Located in Eureka County, Nevada, the Mt. Hope Project consists of 13 patented lode claims and one millsite claim, which are owned by MHMI and leased to the LLC, and 1,521 unpatented lode claims, including 109 unpatented lode claims owned by MHMI and leased to the LLC and 1,412 unpatented lode claims owned by the LLC.  Patented claims are owned real property and unpatented claims are held subject to the paramount title of the United States of America (“U.S.”) and remain valid for as long as the claim contains a discovery of valuable minerals as defined by law and the holder pays the applicable fees.

 

The Mt. Hope Lease is subject to the payment of certain royalties.  See  “Business—Description of the Mt. Hope Project—Royalties, Agreement and Encumbrances” below.  In addition to the royalty payments, the LLC is obligated to maintain the property and the Mt. Hope Project’s associated water rights, including the payment of all property taxes and claim maintenance fees.  The LLC must also indemnify MHMI against any and all losses incurred as a result of any breach or failure to satisfy any of the terms of the Mt. Hope Lease or any activities or operations on the Mt. Hope property.

 

The LLC is not permitted to assign or otherwise convey its obligations under the Mt. Hope Lease to a third party without the prior written consent of MHMI, which consent may be withheld at its sole discretion.  If, however, the assignment takes the form of a pledge of our interest in the Mt. Hope Project for the purpose of obtaining project financing, MHMI’s consent may not be unreasonably withheld.  The Mt. Hope Lease further requires the LLC to keep the property free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, claims, charges and burdens on production except as allowed for project financing.

 

The Mt. Hope Lease requires that the terms of any project financing must provide that: (i) any principal amount of debt can only be repaid after payment of the periodic payments as set out in the Mt. Hope Lease; (ii) the lenders may not prohibit or interfere with any advance royalty payments due to MHMI under the Mt. Hope Lease; and (iii) no cash sweeps or payments of excess cash flow may be made to the lenders in priority of such advance royalty payments, as discussed in “ — Royalties, Agreements and Encumbrances” below.

 

The Mt. Hope Lease also contains an after acquired property clause, which requires that any property acquired by the LLC within two miles of the boundary of the Mt. Hope Project be conveyed to MHMI if requested within a certain time period following notification of such acquisition.  MHMI has requested that we maintain ownership of all new claims filed by the LLC, which now includes 1,412 unpatented lode claims.

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Property Description and Location

 

The Mt. Hope Project is located on the eastern flank of Mt. Hope approximately 21 miles north of Eureka, Nevada.  The Mt. Hope Project is located at the southern end of the northwest-trending Battle Mountain-Eureka mineral belt.  Mt. Hope is approximately 2.6 miles due west of Nevada State Route 278 (“Route 278”), and the Mt. Hope Project centers in sections 1 and 12, T22N-R51E and sections 12 and 13, T22N-R51½E.

 

Picture 1

 

Royalties, Agreements and Encumbrances

 

Advance Royalty

 

The Mt. Hope Lease requires a royalty advance (“Construction Royalty Advance”) of 3% of certain construction capital costs, as defined in the Mt. Hope Lease.  The LLC is obligated to pay a portion of the Construction Royalty Advance each time capital is raised for the Mt. Hope Project based on 3% of the expected capital to be used for those certain construction capital costs defined in the Mt. Hope Lease.  Through December 31, 2015, we have paid $24.1 million of the total Construction Royalty Advance.  Based on our Mt. Hope Project capital budget we estimate that a final reconciliation payment on the Capital Construction Cost Estimate (the “Estimate”) will be due following the commencement of commercial production, after as-built costs are definitively determined.  The Company estimates, based on the revised capital estimate discussed above and the current timeline for the commencement of commercial production, that an additional $4.2 million will be due approximately 24 months after the commencement of construction.  This amount was accrued as of December 31, 2015.  The capital estimates will be subject to escalation as the Company experiences continued delays associated with current market conditions and its ability to seek and obtain full financing for the Mt. Hope Project.

 

The LLC is also obligated to make a minimum annual advance royalty payment (“Annual Advance Royalty”) of $0.5 million each October 19 for any year wherein commercial production has not been achieved or the MHMI Production Royalty (as hereinafter defined) is less than $0.5 million.  As commercial production is not anticipated to commence until early 2019, the Company has accrued $1.5 million in Annual Advance Royalty payments which will be due in three $0.5 million installments in October 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.  An additional installment of $0.5 million was paid in October 2015.  The Estimate and the Annual Advance Royalty are collectively referred to as the “Advance Royalties.”  All Advance Royalties are credited against the MHMI Production Royalties once the mine has achieved commercial production.  After the mine begins production, the LLC estimates that the MHMI Production

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Royalties will be in excess of the Annual Advance Royalties for the life of the Mt. Hope Project. Until the advance royalties are fully credited, the LLC will pay one half of the calculated Production Royalty annually.  Assuming a realized $12 molybdenum price, the Annual Advance Royalties will be consumed within the first five years of commercial production.

 

Production Royalty

 

Following commencement of commercial production, the LLC will be required to pay a production royalty to MHMI and Exxon Corporation (“Exxon”) as follows:

 

(a) MHMI Production Royalty

 

After commencement of commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project, the LLC will be required to pay to MHMI a production royalty equal to the greater of: (i) $0.25 per pound of molybdenum metal (or the equivalent of some other product) sold or deemed to be sold from the Mt. Hope Project; or (ii) 3.5% of net returns (“Base Percentage”), if the average gross value of products sold is equal or lower than $12.00 per pound, or the Base Percentage plus 1% of net returns if the average gross value of products sold is higher than $12.00 per pound but equal or lower than $15.00 per pound, or the Base Percentage plus 1.5% of net returns if the average gross value of products sold is higher than $15.00 per pound (“MHMI Production Royalties”).  As used in this paragraph, the term “products” refers to ores, concentrates, minerals or other material removed and sold (or deemed to be sold) from the Mt. Hope Project; the term “gross value” refers generally to proceeds received by us or our affiliates for the products sold (or deemed to be sold); and the term “net returns” refers to the gross value of all products, less certain direct out of pocket costs, charges and expenses actually paid or incurred by us in producing the products.

 

(b) Exxon Production Royalty

 

Exxon will receive a perpetual 1% royalty interest in and to all ores, metals, minerals and metallic substances mineable or recoverable from the Mt. Hope Project in kind at the mine or may elect to receive cash payment equal to 1% of the total amount of gross payments received from the purchaser of ores mined/removed/sold from property net of certain deductions.

 

Environmental Regulations and Permits

 

The Mt. Hope Project is subject to numerous state of Nevada and federal environmental regulations and permits.  See “—Applicable Mining Laws” and “—Permitting” below for a detailed description of these requirements.

 

Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure, and Physiography

 

Access

 

The Mt. Hope Project has year-round access from Route 278.  The land package includes the land between the project site and Route 278 making the project accessible from existing roads.

 

Climate

 

Climate in the area is moderate, with average highs in July of about 85 degrees Fahrenheit and lows in January of about 17 degrees Fahrenheit.  Precipitation in the area is relatively low with annual precipitation averages of about 12 inches.  Operations at the site are planned to continue year-round.

 

Local Resources and Infrastructure

 

The town of Eureka, Nevada is approximately 21 miles to the south of the Mt. Hope Project, via Route 278.  The infrastructure requirements to support the mine and mill concentrator consist of bringing power and water to the property, commensurate with the operational requirements, including developing a water wellfield within the Kobeh Valley water basin, constructing site access roads, constructing maintenance shops for the mine and plant administrative offices, constructing a potable water supply system, constructing septic leachfield systems, installing emergency power

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generators and propane gas tanks, and installing facilities for project communications.  A 230kV power line is expected to be developed from the Machacek substation near Eureka to the minesite.

 

Water Rights and Surface Rights

 

Planned water wells, located approximately 6 miles to the southwest of the planned operating facilities, are anticipated to supply approximately 7,000 gallons per minute to the Mt. Hope Project.  Exploration for water is sufficiently advanced to identify the source of water that will be used for all project water needs, with final fresh water development to occur during the construction of the project.  (See “—Permitting — Mt. Hope Permitting Requirements — Water Appropriation Permits—Nevada Division of Water Resources” below for a discussion of the current status of our applications for water rights for use in the Mt. Hope Project).

 

Surface rights on the Mt. Hope Project include BLM open range grazing rights; water rights are located in the vicinity of the Project.  Two power line easements cross within the property boundaries.  An existing easement for a 345kV transmission line runs north-south on the western edge of the property and the other existing easement is a medium-voltage power line that runs east along the existing main access road that connects to Route 278 to the eastern property boundary.  The LLC also has a right-of-way from the BLM for a microwave relay that provides network communications and voice radio capability for the minesite and will provide improved cellular service to the surrounding community.

 

Physiography

 

The Mt. Hope area lies within an area of north-south trending mountains separated by alluvial valleys.  The primary mountain ranges in the Mt. Hope area include the Roberts Mountains, Sulphur Spring Range, Diamond Mountains, Simpson Park Range, and the Cortez Mountains.  Elevations of the mountains range from approximately 6,800 feet for the crests of the Sulphur Spring range to over 10,000 feet for the Roberts Mountains.

 

The major valleys in the Mt. Hope region are Diamond Valley to the east, Pine Valley to the north, and Kobeh Valley to the west and southwest of the Mt. Hope Project.  Diamond and Pine Valleys are elongated in a north-south direction.

 

Valleys are typically underlain by up to several thousand feet of unconsolidated to poorly consolidated alluvium.  Mountains are characterized by extensive bedrock exposures.  Soils are typically thin and poorly developed.

 

Generally, groundwater in the mountains is hosted in fracture-controlled aquifers, while groundwater in the valleys is in porosity-controlled aquifers.

 

The upper portions of the valleys are similar in nature and are characterized by slightly incised stream channels with no significant associated floodplain.  The uplands and mountains have slopes ranging from moderate to steep (over 30 percent) with shallow to deep, moderately alkaline to medium acidic soils.  Bedrock is often within 0.5 meters of the surface, particularly on the steep upland slopes.

 

Lake sediments make up the largest areas in the valleys.  The slopes range from smooth to rolling (0 to 15 percent) and the soils vary from shallow to deep and mildly to strongly alkaline.  The surface textures range from silty clay loams to gravelly sandy loams and local sand.  The permeability of these soils ranges from slow to rapid.

 

The natural vegetation of the region consists of pinion juniper and sagebrush with grass.  The pinion juniper occupies the higher elevations of the mountain slopes, with the lower areas in the valley covered predominantly with sagebrush, shrubs, and perennial bunchgrasses.

 

Mt. Hope, located in the lower foothills of the southeast flank of the Roberts Mountains, stands approximately 8,400 feet in elevation.  Areas to the east and southeast of the Mt. Hope Project slope gently to elevations from 6,400 to 7,900 feet.  Diamond Valley, situated to the south and east, is approximately 6,000 feet in elevation.

 

These physiographic attributes are typical of other major mines in Nevada.

 

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History

 

Prior Ownership and Results of Exploration Work

 

Lead-zinc ores were discovered at Mt. Hope in 1870, and small-scale mining was carried out sporadically until the 1970s.  Zinc and adjacent copper mineralization were the focus of drilling activities by Phillips Petroleum in the early 1970s and by ASARCO and Gulf (“ASARCO”) in the mid-1970s, which outlined further zinc mineralization.  The last drill hole of this series encountered significant molybdenum mineralization at depth west of the zinc deposits.  The significance of this mineralization was first recognized by ASARCO in 1976, but ASARCO did not reach an agreement with MHMI to test this potential.

 

Exxon recognized molybdenum potential at Mt. Hope in 1978 and acquired an option on the property from MHMI.  By 1982, Exxon had completed 69 drill holes, which partially defined a major molybdenum deposit underlying the east flank of the Mt. Hope property.  Exxon conducted a +/-25% feasibility study of the Mt. Hope project in 1982.  A draft EIS was completed on the project and public hearings were held in early 1985.  Exxon drilled an additional 60 holes on the property between 1983 and 1988 but did not update their deposit block model with data from the post-1982 holes.  Cyprus drilled four holes on the property in 1989-90 under an agreement with Exxon but did not pursue the project.

 

We established an agreement with MHMI in 2004 pursuant to which we obtained access to the work completed by previous companies that had evaluated the property, including drill core and drill data.  We used this data as the basis for developing an evaluation of the Mt. Hope deposit.  The evaluation provided the basic engineering, plant design and other aspects of analysis of the Mt. Hope Project and outlined a positive operating process, waste disposal, mine design and plan, preliminary Environmental Assessment (“EA”), permitting plan, operating and capital cost estimates, and the corresponding estimates of mineralized material.

 

Geology

 

Mt. Hope is located in north-central Nevada on the eastern edge of a mineral belt linking ore deposits of diverse ages. The Battle Mountain-Eureka mineral belt, a northwest-southeast trending corridor about 250 miles long, has localized major deposits of gold, silver, copper, and molybdenum.

 

The Mt. Hope molybdenum ore deposit occurs in an area of about two square miles of elevated igneous rocks.  The mineralized complex includes a variety of igneous rocks derived from a common volcanic source.  Quartz porphyry, the primary molybdenum host rock, is commonly veined with molybdenite.  Subordinate molybdenum mineralization also occurs in hornfels. The known orebody occurs in two zones of the quartz porphyry stock and hornfels wallrocks.

 

The ore deposit is a molybdenum porphyry, which is classified as a “Climax-type” deposit.  This type of deposit has well zoned molybdenum mineralization.  The molybdenum mineral content, termed grade zoning, surrounds the central area of the deposit and forms geometries that are circular in plan and arch shaped in section. Mt. Hope has two of these mineralized systems adjacent to each other.  The mineral zones or “shells” consist of quartz porphyry and hornfels cross-cut by quartz stockwork veining containing molybdenite.

 

Mineralization

 

The main form of molybdenum mineralization that occurs within the orebody is molybdenite (MoS2 - molybdenum disulfide).  Much of the known molybdenite is distributed around two lobes and offshoots of the main quartz porphyry stock and within two separate mineralized zones.  A concentration of higher-grade mineralization is present between the eastern and western mineral zones.  This overlap mineralization lies beneath the Mt. Hope Fault, and the upper, eastern edge is truncated by the fault surface.  The overlap zone is interpreted as a rock volume that was mineralized by both mineral systems in sequence, contributing to a greater intensity of stock work veining and additive molybdenum grades.  Referred to as the Mt. Hope Fault Zone, this area is approximately 1,300 feet in diameter and varies from 325 to 985 feet deep.  This zone will be the target of open pit mining in the first 7 years of the project.  During the 34 years of active mining, lower grade ore will be mined and stockpiled for processing during 8 years following the completion of mining.

 

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Exploration

 

The majority of the exploration activities were completed prior to leasing the property from MHMI.  However, since acquiring access to the Mt. Hope Project, we have completed additional exploration drilling for molybdenum for the purposes of supporting our BFS and subsequent January 2014 Technical Report and obtaining engineering information for items such as geotechnical design, hydrology, and condemnation for waste dumps and tailing ponds as well as infill drilling for ore calculation purposes.

 

All core and assay results from the extensive drilling campaigns are available to the Company.  Accordingly, this data has been incorporated into a high quality database and has been used to analyze and quantify the mineral resource.  The drilling at the Mt. Hope Project has been predominately performed by utilizing diamond core methods, and some reverse circulation (“RC”) in areas of condemnation and water well drilling.  The drill hole database used in the current mineral resource estimate includes 267 holes drilled for a total of 324,634 feet of drilling; 247,893 feet of which is core and RC collar/core finish, the remaining 76,741 feet is RC.

 

Ore to Be Mined

 

The table below summarizes the ore grades we expect to mill under our January 2014 Technical Report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 guidelines for the Mt. Hope Project:

 

Mill Feed Ore Statistics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

    

    

Average

    

    

 

 

 

 

 

Grade

 

Mo

 

Category

 

Ktons

 

Sulfide Mo%

 

Recovery %

 

Ore in Years 1-5

 

122,000

 

0.092

 

89.8

 

Ore in Years 1-10

 

244,000

 

0.086

 

89.5

 

Ore Life of Mine

 

985,000

 

0.07

 

88.8

 

 

The modeled pit, including the above mineralized material and waste, contains an estimated 2.7 billion tons of total material.  Based on these estimates, from the inception of production through year 34, the mill will process 820 million tons of ore at an average ore grade of 0.076% Sulfide Molybdenum (“Sulfide Mo”).  During this time period low-grade ore totaling 165 million tons with an average ore grade of 0.039% Sulfide Mo will be stockpiled for later feed into the mill from years 34 through 41.  Waste material totaling 1.7 million tons will also be mined and disposed of on site.  The total production is based on estimated life of mine and has a 0.034% Sulfide Mo cutoff grade.

 

In February 2014, we announced the results of an internal study for operating the Mt. Hope Project in later years in a sustained lower molybdenum price environment.  The study considered an optional scenario which would provide ore for 24 years of mining and 30 years of milling, compared with the base plan discussed above (34 years of mining and 41 years of milling).  The optional scenario provides the LLC with flexibility to respond to a sustained lower molybdenum price environment in later years, after the Mt. Hope Project is developed and operating.  During the first nine years of production in the pit, there would be no meaningful change between the base and optional scenario developed by the study.  The divergence would come in later years when the optional scenario could be implemented if lower molybdenum prices are sustained long-term.

 

Mining

 

The Mt. Hope Project is planned for production by conventional large-scale, hardrock, open-pit mining methods.  The current mine plan provides for primary loading with a fleet of two electric cable shovels, one hydraulic shovel, and one front-end loader.  The mine fleet is expected to include 24 240-ton trucks by the end of the first full year of production.  Once construction commences, the LLC anticipates engaging a contractor to perform approximately 10 months of pre-production stripping concurrent with the initial phases of construction of the Mt. Hope Project.

 

Ore will be hauled directly to the crusher at the southeast side of the pit.  Waste will be delivered to one of four waste sites located around the mine.  One low grade stockpile will be located to the east of the pit.  The low-grade material will be re-handled and processed through the plant following the initial 34 years of mining.  The planned storage of low-grade ores is 165 million tons at a grade of 0.039% Mo.

 

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Process Overview

 

The process circuit will include:

 

·

Primary Crusher & Coarse Ore Stockpile—The primary crusher will be located adjacent to the pit and crushed ore will be fed to a 70,000 ton live capacity stockpile.

 

·

Semi-Autogenous Grinding (“SAG”) & Ball Mill Circuit—Ore will be reclaimed from the stockpile from up to four feeders and fed by conveyor to the SAG mill.  The design will allow for the addition of a pebble crusher.  Following the SAG mill, the ore will be ground to 80% passing 150 micrometers in the two ball mills at an average daily processing rate of 66,688 tons.

 

·

Flotation Circuit—Following the grinding circuit, the ore will be processed in a conventional flotation plant.  The molybdenum ore will be treated through two banks of rougher/scavenger flotation, one stage of first cleaners followed by regrind, and six additional stages of cleaner flotation.  Some molybdenum concentrates with higher levels of included metals will be treated through a concentrate leach facility to produce the cleaned, final molybdenum concentrate.  Metallurgical results have indicated that an estimated mill recovery of approximately 89% is achievable across grades ranging from 0.04% through 0.1% molybdenum (“Mo”) with final concentrate grades of approximately 54% to 56% Mo.

 

·

Roaster Circuit—Molybdenum concentrate will be further processed in two multi-hearth roasters to produce technical grade molybdenum trioxide product.  The roasting facility will provide a fully integrated process.

 

Tailing Facility

 

The proposed mining and processing operation is expected to produce approximately 24 million tons of tailing (including sulfur dioxide scrubber residue) per year.  Approximately 990 million tons of tailing will be produced over the life of the project.  The tailing storage facility layout provides for the construction of one tailing impoundment that will contain approximately 30 years of operations.  A second facility is planned for the remaining years.  Both tailing impoundments will be constructed with plastic liners to provide for groundwater protection.

 

Reserves and Mineralized Material

 

Our January 2014 Technical Report, which contained an updated statement of reserves and mineralized material, revised the previous proven and probable estimates supported by the 2007 BFS.  The new statement establishes proven reserves totaling 320,473 thousand tons of ore at an average grade of 0.084% molybdenum and probable reserves totaling 664,129 thousand tons of ore at an average grade of 0.063% molybdenum, summarized as follows:

 

Statement of Reserves and Mineralized Material

Units = Short Tons

 

Reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cutoff Grade

 

Proven Reserves

 

Probable Reserves

 

Proven+Probable Reserves

 

 

    

 

    

Grade

    

 

    

Grade

    

 

    

Grade

 

Sulfide Mo

 

Ktons

 

Sulfide Mo

 

Ktons

 

Sulfide Mo

 

Ktons

 

Sulfide Mo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.034

%  

320,473

 

0.084

%  

664,129

 

0.063

%  

984,602

 

0.07

%

 

Additional Mineralized Material

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cutoff Grade

 

Mineralized Material

 

 

    

 

    

Grade

 

Sulfide Mo

 

Ktons

 

Sulfide Mo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.025–0.034

 

65,243

 

0.033

%

 

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Footnotes to Statements of Reserves and Mineralized Material

 

Reserve tons are tabulated at the cutoff grade of 0.034% Sulfide Mo.  The final reserve pit design completed in early 2014 was based on a molybdenum price of $12/lb molybdenum in the saleable form of molybdenum tri-oxide.  As of December 31, 2015, the approximate three-year backward average price for molybdenum was $9.56/lb, according to Ryan’s Notes, a ferro-alloy industry news and pricing publication (and the spot price for molybdenum on the same date was approximately $5.20/lb).

 

The reserve at the Mt. Hope Project is based on a detailed mine plan and production schedule that was reported in the January 2014 Technical Report.  If the current three-year backward average price for molybdenum is applied to the estimated mineral sales from that mine plan and schedule, the total of the non-discounted forward-looking cash flows is positive.  On that basis, the stated reserve is not impaired.

 

The three-year backward average price of molybdenum will continue to decline if the current trend in molybdenum prices does not improve.  As a result, the Company has developed alternative mine plans based on lower mineral prices to evaluate the economic sensitivity of the Mt. Hope Project.  An alternative mine plan has been developed based on a $10/lb molybdenum price as compared to the current price of $12/lb.  The resulting mine plan produces combined proven and probable reserves of approximately 738 million tons of ore at 0.072% molybdenum.  This alternative plan would result in 24 years of mining and 30 years of milling at the Mt. Hope Project compared to the stated reserve life of 34 years of mining and 41 years of milling.  If the alternative scenario were to be implemented in the future, the Mt. Hope Project would produce 933 million pounds of molybdenum, reducing salable molybdenum by 278 pounds of higher cost production.

 

The reserve at the Mt. Hope Project is based on a block model that utilized the statistical process of Indicator and Ordinary Linear Kriging constrained by appropriate rock type and grade boundaries.  Floating cone pit design algorithms were used to establish the guidelines to design eight phases and the reserve pit.  Mine planning utilized conventional mine equipment to prepare detailed mine cost estimates.

 

Mineralized material is tabulated within the same reserve pit outline at the cutoff grade of 0.025 — 0.034% Sulfide Mo.

 

The metallurgical recovery applied to the financial models used in the determination of reserves was variable by grade, with 89.8% for the first five years of mining, 89.5% for the first ten years, and 88.8% for the life of mine.  The molybdenum roaster recovery was held constant at 99.2%.

 

The base case financial model used a molybdenum price of $15/lb in the salable form of molybdenum tri-oxide.

 

Capital Cost Estimates

 

The development of the Mt. Hope Project has a Project Capital Estimate of $1,312 million, which includes development costs of approximately $1,245 million and $67 million in cash financial guaranty/bonding requirements, advance royalty payments, and power pre-payment estimates.  These capital costs were updated in the third quarter of 2012, and were then escalated by approximately 3% in the third quarter of 2013, for those items not yet procured or committed to by contract.  The Mt. Hope Project has not materially changed in scope and remains currently designed at approximately 65% engineering completion, with solid scope definition.  The pricing associated with the estimate remains subject to escalation associated with equipment, construction labor and commodity price increases, and project delays, which will continue to be reviewed periodically.  The Project Capital Estimate does not include financing costs or amounts necessary to fund operating working capital and potential capital overruns, is subject to additional holding costs as the Company experiences delays in obtaining its portion of financing for the Mt. Hope Project, and may be subject to other escalation and de-escalation as contracts and purchase arrangements are finalized at then current pricing.  From October 2007 through the year ended December 31, 2015, the LLC spent approximately $282.2 million of the estimated $1,312 million on development of the Mt. Hope Project.

 

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The anticipated capital requirements of the Mt. Hope Project are divided into cost categories in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Millions $US

 

 

    

 

 

    

2013

 

 

 

2012

 

Revised

 

Category

 

Estimate

 

Estimate

 

Mining equipment

 

$

150

 

$

149

 

Construction, materials & plant facilities

 

 

583

 

 

595

 

Owners cost, pre-stripping, camp

 

 

245

 

 

265

 

Taxes, freight, commissioning, spares

 

 

73

 

 

74

 

Equipment suspension costs

 

 

11

 

 

11

 

Engineering, Procurement, & Construction Mgmt

 

 

70

 

 

70

 

Contingency

 

 

70

 

 

59

 

Escalation

 

 

 

 

22

 

Total Capital

 

$

1,202

 

 

1,245

 

Bonding and pre-paid items

 

 

67

 

 

67

 

Total Capital Requirement

 

$

1,269

 

 

1,312

 

 

Furthermore, ongoing replacement and sustaining mine equipment and process plant capital over the expected 41-year operating life is currently estimated to be approximately $786 million (in 2013 dollars).  These amounts do not include financing costs, amounts necessary to fund operating working capital, or reclamation.  We expect that these cost estimates will continue to evolve over time based on changes in the industry-wide cost structure as well as changes in our operating strategies and initiatives for the project.

 

Pricing

 

The worldwide molybdenum price fluctuated between $5.33 per pound in 2003 to over $40.00 per pound in 2005 and traded in the mid-$30s per pound prior to October 2008, when prices fell from approximately $33.50 per pound to $7.70 per pound in April 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis.  Subsequent to April 2009, prices slowly rose finishing 2009 at $12.00 per pound and further increasing to finish 2010 at $16.40 per pound.  By the end of 2011, prices had pulled back to $13.30 per pound, then decreased further to $9.75 per pound at the conclusion of 2013, and fell further to $9.13 per pound by the end of 2014.  In 2015,  molybdenum traded in a range of $4.53 per pound to $9.40 per pound according to Ryan’s Notes, with performance for the first eight months of the year driven by tighter supply of material and solidifying downstream demand, particularly in the stainless steel, energy infrastructure and transportation industries. Beginning in September 2014, molybdenum price experienced a sharp pullback reflecting softening spot market molybdenum demand and a strengthening U.S. dollar, amongst other factors.

 

In our BFS and subsequent January 2014 Technical Report and for a portion of our financial evaluations, we use molybdenum prices prepared by an independent commodities research company, CPM Group.  Their research is a comprehensive look at both the supply and demand side of the molybdenum market.  Through their research, they forecast global growth rates for molybdenum for both supply and demand.  CPM Group continues to forecast prices in excess of current spot prices over the long-term.  In February 2016, CPM Group forecast that molybdenum prices would range between $6.60 and $10.90 per pound through 2019, $11.45 in 2020, $12.00 in 2021, $15.20 in 2022, $15.95 in 2023, and $17.15 in 2024.

 

Production and Operating Cost Estimates

 

Production over the life of the Mt. Hope Project is estimated to be 1.2 billion pounds of saleable molybdenum on a 100% basis.  Average yearly production over the first full five years is estimated at 40 million pounds of molybdenum.  Direct operating costs for the Mt. Hope Project over the first full five years of operation are anticipated to average $6.28 per pound, using $90 per barrel oil equivalent energy costs, and CAS per pound over the first full five years of operation, including anticipated royalties calculated at $15 per pound molybdenum, are anticipated to average $7.00 per pound.  Life of mine CAS are estimated to be approximately $8.70 per pound of molybdenum at $90 per barrel oil, inclusive of anticipated royalty payments calculated at $15 per pound molybdenum.  These cost estimates are based on 2013 constant dollars and are subject to cost inflation or deflation.  The Company will update the operating cost projections with new commodity pricing adjustments at the time of project construction restart.

 

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Reconciliation between CAS, a measure based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), and direct operating costs, a non-GAAP measure, is provided in the table below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description

    

First Five Years

    

Life of Mine

 

Direct operating costs

 

$

6.28

 

$

7.90

 

Royalty payments (1)

 

 

0.72

 

 

0.80

 

Total CAS

 

$

7.00

 

$

8.70

 


(1)

Royalty payments are a function of assumed molybdenum prices realized.  The above calculation assumes a molybdenum price of $15.00 per pound.

 

Description of the Liberty Project

 

On March 17, 2006, we purchased the Liberty Project, an approximately ten square mile property in Nye County, Nevada, including water rights, mineral and surface rights, buildings and certain equipment from High Desert Winds LLC (“High Desert”).  The property includes the former Hall molybdenum and copper deposit that was mined for molybdenum by open pit methods between 1982 and 1985 by Anaconda and between 1988 and 1991 by Cyprus.  Equatorial Tonopah, Inc. mined copper from 1999 to 2000 on this property, although their operations were in a separate open pit also located on the property.  Much of the molybdenum deposit was drilled but not developed or mined by these previous owners.  At closing, we paid High Desert a cash payment of $4.5 million for a portion of the property, and in November 2006, made an additional payment of $1.0 million for the remainder of the property.

 

On January 30, 2007, we purchased Equatorial Mining North America, Inc. and its two subsidiaries, which owned a 12% net smelter returns royalty on the Liberty Project, from Equatorial Mining Pty. Limited, effectively eliminating all third party royalties on the property.  The consideration paid for the Equatorial acquisition was $4.8 million with an additional deferred payment of $6.0 million, which will be due upon commencement of commercial production at the property.  In connection with the transaction, we acquired $1.2 million in cash accounts and assumed all environmental liabilities on the reclaimed site.  Additionally in 2007, we purchased all outstanding mineral claims associated with this property that were not previously owned by us thus giving the Company 100% control over all mineral rights within the boundary of the property, as well as claims on BLM property adjacent to the patented grounds.

 

Since purchasing the Liberty Project, we completed two drilling programs that, combined with previous evaluation work performed by former owners, identified additional mineralization.  In April 2008, we completed a pre-feasibility study on the Liberty Project that detailed initial capital and operating costs, anticipated mining and milling rates and permitting requirements.  In 2011 the Company released an updated NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate and later the same year a pre-feasibility study detailing updated resource estimates and project economics was released.  Metallurgical and environmental work were advanced in 2013 with $0.2 million in external costs and use of dedicated internal resources.  In 2014, the Company more closely examined the use of existing infrastructure and copper potential of the property.  This work resulted in an updated NI 43-101 compliant pre-feasibility study released in July 2014 which developed a statement of mineral reserves under Canadian definitions.  Those definitions are not consistent with U.S. definitions.  Under Industry Guide 7, the Liberty deposit contains 309.2 million tons of mineralized material with a total molybdenum grade of 0.078% and a total copper grade of 0.098%. The Liberty Project is viewed by the Company as a follow-on project to the Mt. Hope Project that we intend to actively pursue following development of the Mt. Hope Project, dependent on market conditions.

 

History

 

In 1955, Anaconda leased and optioned the Liberty molybdenum prospect and mine in order to evaluate extensive molybdenum and copper occurrences.  From 1956 through 1966, Anaconda explored or delineated molybdenum mineralization over an approximate one square mile area.  Drilling indicated extensive mineralization from the surface to a depth of approximately 2,000 feet.  Drilling delineated approximately 200 million tons of mineralization grading 0.091 percent sulfide molybdenum, which was included in a long-term mining plan.  (Historic references to tonnage and grade are based on available historic records.  They may not reflect the current definitions of mineral reserves and mineral resources as defined by the SEC or by Canadian NI 43-101.)  Mine construction began in 1979 with production from the Hall Mine starting in 1981.  Anaconda ceased operations in 1985 due to low metal prices.  Between 1982 and 1991, Anaconda and successor operator Cyprus mined a total of 50 million tons of ore grading 0.11 percent

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molybdenum.  No further molybdenum mining took place after 1991, leaving an estimated 150 million tons of un-mined material at a grade of 0.09 percent molybdenum.

 

Between 1995 and 2002 a copper zone independent of the existing molybdenum pit was the subject of a copper leach operation by Equatorial.  Approximately 10 million tons were mined before operations ceased in 2002.

 

The molybdenum mine open pit remains easily accessible for mining.  Various facilities and improvements continue to exist on the property that may be of future use for molybdenum and/or copper operations including a power supply, water rights, water and well system, offices, truck and vehicle shops, thickening tanks, water and fuel tanks, roads and other structures.  All of the mobile equipment was removed from the property.  Much of the plant area was reclaimed after the 2002 closure with most of the crushing, conveying, grinding, concentrator equipment and other milling equipment being removed from the property.

 

Geology

 

The Liberty molybdenum deposit appears to conform to a class of deposit that is generally termed in ore deposit literature as a “Climax-Urad” type, where better-grade molybdenum mineralization in the form of molybdenite (MoS2) is concentrated in and along the margins of an irregularly-shaped “sleeve” or “shell” around a central lower-grade to nearly barren core of silicic-alkalic intrusive rocks.  In some cases, an outer shell of copper-dominant mineralization surrounds the interior molybdenum-dominant shell(s).

 

The Hall stock (Cretaceous intrusive rocks) intruded the metasedimentary sequence of rocks in the Late Cretaceous Period. It hosts most of the molybdenum mineralization.   The 2,500 ft-diameter stock complex consists of two spatially and temporally-distinct bodies — the earlier North stock and the younger South stock, which truncated the molybdenum mineralization hosted by the North stock.

 

Base metal mineralization in the Liberty deposit consists of molybdenite (MoS2), chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), chalcocite (Cu2S), galena (PbS), sphalerite (ZnS), tetrahedrite (Cu8Sb2S7), and pyrite (FeS2).  Molybdenite occurs mainly in 0.1” to 1.2”-wide quartz veins and veinlets in amounts that range from 0.1% to more than 40% by volume, typically as a selvage on vein walls.  Molybdenite is also found in wider (+1.2”) quartz veins, but these are much less common in occurrence.  Chalcopyrite and pyrite also are common but lesser vein/veinlet constituents.

 

Although chalcopyrite can occur with molybdenite in minor amounts in veins and veinlets within the main body of molybdenum mineralization in the Hall stock, it is much more prevalent in quartz veins in the metasediments on the northeast and east sides of the stock. Here it occurs in the remnant of the copper-dominant shell that originally surrounded the Hall stock before it was tilted and disrupted by faulting.  In addition to chalcopyrite, chalcocite occurs as disseminations and as secondary coatings on pyrite within a roughly horizontal blanket of secondary supergene copper enrichment just below the bottom of oxidation.

 

The Liberty deposit has been subjected to much folding and faulting.  A major anticline located 3,000’ to the south of the Hall stock has an axis that trends N20˚W and plunges 50˚ to 70˚ to the northwest.  Post-Cretaceous tilting of the northern San Antonio Mountains and other structural disruptions have resulted in the rotation of the Liberty deposit so that it now plunges to the east.  This rotation has caused erosion of the deposit along its flank, exposing both the shallow and deep-emplaced portions of the mineralization.  The Liberty deposit was segmented by faulting.  The Basement Fault bounds the bottom of the deposit while the Liberty Fault truncates the deposit on the west side.  In addition to these major structures, a number of N40˚E- to N30˚W-trending normal faults and several east-west-trending normal faults transect the Liberty deposit.

 

Environmental Investigation - Shoshone County, Idaho

 

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”), imposes strict, joint, and several liability on parties associated with releases or threats of releases of hazardous substances.  Liable parties include, among others, the current owners and operators of facilities at which hazardous substances were disposed or released into the environment and past owners and operators of properties who owned such properties at the time of such disposal or release.  This liability could include response costs for removing or remediating the release and damages to natural resources.  We are unaware of any reason why our undeveloped properties would currently give rise to any potential CERCLA liability.  We cannot predict the likelihood of future

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CERCLA liability with respect to our properties, or to surrounding areas that have been affected by historic mining operations.

 

Our mineral property holdings in Shoshone County, Idaho include lands contained in mining districts that have been designated as a “Superfund Site” pursuant to CERCLA.  This “Superfund Site” was established to investigate and remediate primarily the Bunker Hill properties of Smelterville, Idaho, a small portion of Shoshone County where a large smelter was located.  However, because of the extent of environmental impact caused by the historical mining in the mining districts, the Superfund Site covers the majority of Shoshone County including our Chicago-London and Little Pine Creek properties as well as many small towns located in Northern Idaho.  We have conducted a property environmental investigation of these properties, which revealed no evidence of material adverse environmental effects at either property.  We are unaware of any pending action or proceeding relating to any regulatory matters that would affect our financial position due to these inactive mining claims in Shoshone County.

 

Applicable Mining Laws

 

Mining in the State of Nevada is subject to federal and state law.  Three types of laws are of particular importance to the Mt. Hope Project: those affecting land ownership and mining rights; those regulating mining operations; and those relating to the environment.

 

The Mt. Hope Project is situated on lands owned by the U.S.  (“federal lands”).  The LLC, as the owner or leaseholder of the unpatented mining claims, has the right to conduct mining operations on the lands subject to the required operating permits and approvals, compliance with the terms and conditions of the Mt. Hope Lease, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and ordinances.  On federal lands, mining rights are governed by the General Mining Law of 1872, as amended, 30 U.S.C. UU 21-161 (various sections), which allows for the location of mining claims on certain federal lands upon the discovery of a valuable mineral deposit and on proper compliance with claim location requirements.

 

The operation of mines is governed by both federal and state regulatory programs.  The predominant non-environmental federal regulatory program that will affect future mining operations at the Mt. Hope Project is the mine safety regulations administered by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.  Additional federal laws, such as those governing the purchase, transport, storage or usage of explosives, and those governing communications systems, labor and taxes also apply.  State non-environmental regulatory programs affecting operations include the permitting programs for drinking water systems, sewage and septic systems, water rights appropriations, Department of Transportation, and dam safety (engineering design and monitoring).

 

Environmental regulations require various permits or approvals before any mining operations on the Mt. Hope Project can begin.  Federal environmental regulations are administered primarily by the BLM.  The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has delegated authority for the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act to the State of Nevada.  The NDEP, therefore, has primacy for these programs and is responsible for administering the associated permits for the Mt. Hope Project.  The Bureau of Mining Regulations and Reclamation (“BMRR”) within NDEP administers the WPC and Reclamation permits.  The Bureau of Air Pollution Control (“BAPC”) within NDEP administers the Air Quality Permit.  The NDEP also administers the permit program for onsite landfills.  The Nevada Division of Wildlife administers the artificial industrial pond permit program.  Local laws and ordinances may also apply to such activities as waste disposal, road use and noise levels.  Both our Mt. Hope Project and Liberty Project will be subject to these various environmental laws and regulations.

 

Permitting

 

Permit Acquisition and Fundamental Environmental Permitting Considerations

 

We obtained the required principal environmental operating permits for the Mt. Hope Project in November 2012 in anticipation of the commencement of construction and availability of construction financing for the Mt. Hope Project.  Baseline studies and data acquisition to support permitting were initiated in the fourth quarter of 2005.  Facility designs and operational plans have been refined as data were collected and reviewed to minimize environmental impacts and facilitate the permitting process.  The planned mining and processing operations are consistent with numerous other permitted projects in Nevada, in terms of methods, facility design, equipment, and related engineering plans.

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Permitting Process Overview

 

The development, operation, closure and reclamation of mining projects in the U.S. require numerous notifications, permits, authorizations, and public agency decisions.  This section does not attempt to exhaustively identify all of the permits and authorizations that need to be granted, but instead focuses on those that are considered to be critical for Mt. Hope Project and/or Liberty Project start-up.

 

Environmental Inventories

 

There are certain environmental evaluations that routinely must be completed in order to provide the information against which project impacts are measured.  Both the BLM and the NDEP have requirements to profile existing conditions and to evaluate what effects will result from developing the Mt. Hope Project.

 

Reports summarizing background information on geology, air quality, soils, biology, water resources, wildlife, vegetation, noise, visual resources, social and economic conditions, and cultural resources have been assembled and have been submitted to the appropriate regulatory agencies.  These reports have been approved during the permitting process.

 

Mt. Hope Permitting Requirements

 

The Mt. Hope Project requires both federal and state permits before construction and operations can commence.  Major permits required for the Mt. Hope Project include the ROD, a BLM issued permit, water appropriation permits from the Nevada Division of Water Resources, the WPC permit and Reclamation Permit from the NDEP—BMRR, received in November 2012, and an Air Quality Permit (“AQP”) from the NDEP—BAPC, received in May 2012.

 

Plan of Operations Approval—Bureau of Land Management

 

The BLM prepared an EIS analyzing the environmental impacts of the Mt. Hope Project and alternatives in accordance with the NEPA.  Upon completion and approval of the EIS, the BLM issued the ROD for the Mt. Hope Project.  The ROD became effective on November 16, 2012, the date the BLM recorded its decision to approve the EIS and PoO for the Mt. Hope Project.

 

Potential environmental issues associated with the proposed operations have been identified and mitigation measures have been developed to minimize potential impacts.  These actions are anticipated to reduce potential environmental liability, and promote good community and social responsibility.

 

Potential impacts addressed in the ROD are primarily related to geochemistry and the associated potential for acid generation from waste rock, the water quality in the post-mining pit lake, and the potential mobilization of constituents in the tailings.  Other significant potential impacts include effects of groundwater pumping on existing water rights and/or surface water flows, air emissions, reduction of wildlife habitat (including a federally listed sensitive species) and the socioeconomic impact to the community of Eureka.  Extensive laboratory testing has been conducted to fully evaluate the geochemistry of all material types that will be mined.  The waste rock disposal facilities and tailing impoundment designs incorporate components to minimize potential impacts, consistent with accepted and demonstrated industry practices.  Hydrological and geochemical computer modeling predicts that the post-mining pit lake water quality will not pose a threat to wildlife and will therefore not require treatment. Air emissions will be reduced by using control technology and leading industry practices.  A detailed reclamation plan has been developed to re-establish post-mining land uses, including wildlife habitat.  Other resource-specific mitigation plans have been developed, including those for wild horses and burros, bats, cultural resources, the Pony Express Trail, sage grouse habitat, water resources, and fugitive dust. 

 

On June 17, 2014, the LLC submitted an amendment to its approved PoO to reflect minor design changes that were identified during continued engineering and the initial phases of construction, and on November 6, 2014, submitted minor revisions to the amendment.  The BLM prepared an Environmental Assessment (“EA”) to evaluate the environmental impacts of the PoO amendment, and on April 23, 2015, issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (“FONSI”) approving the PoO amendment.  Ongoing changes to permits and the PoO during the life of mining operations are typical as design evolves and operations are optimized.

 

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Water Appropriation Permits—Nevada Division of Water Resources

 

The Mt. Hope Project is primarily centered between two water basins:  the Kobeh Valley Basin and the Diamond Valley Basin.  Operation of the Mt. Hope Project is expected to require 7,000 gallons per minute of fresh water that will be sourced from wells located in Kobeh Valley, west of the Mt. Hope Project.  The Company has purchased from existing water rights holders essentially all available water rights in the Kobeh Valley Basin, totaling more than 16,000 acre feet annually.

 

In July 2011 and June 2012, respectively, the Nevada State Engineer (“State Engineer”) granted all water permits and approved a Monitoring, Management and Mitigation Plan (“3M Plan”) for the Mt. Hope Project.  Eureka County, Nevada and two other parties comprised of water rights holders in Diamond Valley and Kobeh Valley appealed the State Engineer’s decision granting the water permits to the Nevada State District Court (“District Court”) and then filed a further appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court challenging the District Court’s decision affirming the State Engineer’s decision to grant the water permits.  In June 2013, the appeal was consolidated by the Nevada Supreme Court with an appeal of the State Engineer’s approval of the 3M Plan filed by two water rights holders.  The District Court previously upheld the State Engineer’s approval of the 3M Plan and the two parties subsequently appealed the District Court’s decision to the Nevada Supreme Court.  While the appeals were pending, the 3M Plan had been implemented to collect information on background conditions and aquifer responses to the Mt. Hope Project’s pumping, as well as to address mitigation measures for impacted third-party water rights.

 

On September 18, 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court issued an Order that reversed and remanded the cases to the District Court for further proceedings consistent with the Order.  On October 29, 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court issued the Order as a published Opinion.  The Nevada Supreme Court ruled that the State Engineer did not have sufficient evidence in the record at the time he granted the water permits to demonstrate that successful mitigation may be undertaken so as to dispel the threat to existing water rights holders.

 

On November 23, 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court issued its Remittitur to the District Court for the County of Eureka to remand the matter to the State Engineer for further proceedings consistent with its Opinion.  The Company will move forward as expeditiously as possible to reobtain its water permits, following the remand by the District Court to the State Engineer.  The Company expects to comply with the Supreme Court Opinion and provide additional evidence of its ability to successfully mitigate any potential impacts to water rights in Kobeh Valley that could result from the Mt. Hope Project’s water use.

 

Water Pollution Control and Reclamation Permits—Nevada Division of Environmental Protection—Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation

 

Environmental regulations related to reclamation require that the cost for a third party contractor to perform reclamation activities on the minesite be estimated.  The BMRR administers the programs for the WPC Permit and the Reclamation Permit, both of which are required for the Mt. Hope Project.  The WPC Permit program specifies design criteria for containment of process fluids and mandates development of monitoring, operational, and closure plans.  The Reclamation Permit approves the proposed reclamation methods, specifies reclamation objectives, and requires bonding based on the reclamation cost estimate.  We received the WPC Permit and the Reclamation Permit in November 2012.

 

The original $75.1 million reclamation cost estimate was the basis for the initial 2012 required financial guarantee amount, and represents the reclamation obligation for the first phase (approximately equivalent to the first three years) of operations.  The LLC posted a financial instrument held by the BLM to provide a guarantee that this amount would be available to BLM and NDEP for use in conducting reclamation should we become insolvent or default on our reclamation obligations. 

 

Upon submittal to the BLM of the first amendment to the approved PoO, we simultaneously submitted an application to the NDEP-BMRR, for a modification of the reclamation permit, also to address these minor design changes. The revised reclamation permit was issued by NDEP-BMRR on November 17, 2014.    

 

As a result of delays in construction of the Mt. Hope Project, we submitted a second PoO amendment to BLM in October 2015 to reduce our reclamation liability to current surface disturbance.  Simultaneously, we submitted an application to NDEP-BMRR to modify the Reclamation permit to reflect this reduced reclamation liability.  On October

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26, 2015, NDEP-BMRR approved the proposed permit modification, including the reduced reclamation liability amount.  On December 21, 2015, BLM approved the PoO amendment, including the reduction of the reclamation liability to approximately $2.8 million. 

 

We worked with the LLC’s reclamation surety underwriters to satisfy the reduced $2.8 million financial guarantee requirements under the ROD for the Mt. Hope Project.  As of early 2016, the surety bond program is funded with a cash collateral payment of $0.3 million, a reduction from the $4.6 million established in November 2012 for the initial $75.1 million financial guarantee.    

 

Additionally, through the ROD, the BLM determined that a Long Term Funding Mechanism (“LTFM”) is required for post-reclamation obligations, including long-term monitoring and mitigation at the Mt. Hope Project site.  The LTFM approximates an undiscounted cost estimate of $83.2 million for mitigation and monitoring for a 500-year period post reclamation.  The Company completed preparation of a trust, designating the BLM as beneficiary, initially funded in the amount of $0.3 million to fund this long-term post-reclamation obligation in 2012, and it remains in place.

 

The BLM also holds a bond of $0.1 million to provide funds to assure reclamation of previously approved exploration disturbance.  Additionally, a reclamation cost estimate of $1.3 million was approved to remove and reclaim disturbance associated with the grant of rights-of-way for the 230 kV power transmission line. 

 

Air Quality Permit—Nevada Division of Environmental Protection—Bureau of Air Quality

 

The Nevada BAPC regulations categorize permit types as Class 1 or Class 2, based on the estimated emissions amounts.  The Mt. Hope Project is subject to a Class 2 permit (smaller emissions) based on emissions estimates.  The permit application included an emissions inventory and dispersion modeling to demonstrate that emissions from the project will not exceed established air quality standards.  Emissions are primarily associated with the crush/grind circuit (particulate matter) and the roaster (sulfur oxides).  Roaster emissions will be controlled with a 99.7% estimated removal efficiency for sulfur oxides. We received the Air Quality Permit (“AQP”) in May 2012.

 

Minor process changes identified through continued engineering and the preliminary phase of construction, were compiled into an application to amend the AQP, and submitted to Nevada BAPC on December 23, 2013.  A revised AQP was issued on July 30, 2014.

 

Liberty Project Permitting Requirements

 

The majority of the Liberty Project area is located on fee lands and patented claims owned by the Company.  Unpatented claims administered by the BLM are on public ground and largely surround the open pit and waste stockpile areas.  BLM approval would be required, which would likely include an EIS under NEPA.  A shorter EIS and state permitting process are anticipated for the Liberty Project as compared to the Mt. Hope Project as the project is located largely on privately held property with existing water rights, is located in a previously mined area in a mining friendly jurisdiction, and is sparsely vegetated due to the arid climate.

 

In addition to land ownership, two other factors distinguish the Liberty Project from the Mt. Hope Project with respect to environmental permitting.  First, water consumption is not as significant an issue at Liberty.  Unlike the Mt. Hope Project, the areas surrounding Liberty are not extensively irrigated.  In addition, we own significant water rights at the Liberty site and have water wells in place.  Second, the area has been mined previously which has resulted in significant surface disturbance.  By conducting exploration drilling on pre-existing disturbance, to the extent possible, the amount of additional disturbance is greatly reduced, and permitting requirements to support further exploration is likewise reduced.  Furthermore, there is extensive environmental information developed to support permitting of the previous mine operation.  We anticipate that this information can be used to streamline the permitting process by reducing the amount of baseline studies and other technical information that must be developed by the Company.

 

Other United States Regulatory Matters

 

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”) and related state laws regulate generation, transportation, treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous or solid wastes associated with certain mining-related activities.  RCRA also includes corrective action provisions and enforcement mechanisms, including inspections and fines for non-compliance.

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Mining operations may produce air emissions, including dust and other air pollutants, from stationary equipment, such as crushers and storage facilities, and from mobile sources such as trucks and heavy construction equipment.  All of these sources are subject to review, monitoring, permitting, and/or control requirements under the federal Clean Air Act and related state air quality laws.  Air quality permitting rules may impose limitations on our production levels or create additional capital expenditures in order to comply with the permitting conditions.

 

Under the federal Clean Water Act and delegated state water-quality programs, point-source discharges into “Waters of the State” are regulated by the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System program, while Section 404 of the Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of dredge and fill material into “Waters of the United States,” including wetlands.  Stormwater discharges also are regulated and permitted under that statute.  All of those programs may impose permitting and other requirements on our operations.

 

The Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) is administered by the U.S. Department of Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”).  The purpose of the ESA is to conserve and recover listed endangered and threatened species and their habitat.  Under the ESA, “endangered” means that a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.  “Threatened” means that a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.  Under the ESA, it is unlawful to “take” a listed species, which can include harassing or harming members of such species or significantly modifying their habitat.  We conduct wildlife and plant inventories required by regulatory agencies prior to initiating exploration or mining project permitting.  We currently are unaware of any endangered species issues at any of our projects.  A threatened species occurs in limited segments of two creeks approximately 10 miles to the north of the proposed wellfield for the Mt. Hope Project.  Although hydrologic modeling predicts no impacts to these stream segments, consultation with the USFWS was required.  Future identification of endangered species or habitat in our project areas may delay or adversely affect our operations.

 

We are committed to fulfilling or exceeding our requirements under applicable environmental laws and regulations.  These laws and regulations are continually changing and, as a general matter, are becoming more restrictive.  Our policy is to conduct our business in a manner that strives to safeguard public health and mitigates the environmental effects of our business activities.  To comply with these laws and regulations, we have made, and in the future may be required to make, capital and operating expenditures.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

You should carefully consider the risks described below and elsewhere in this report, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.  If any of the following risks actually occurs, the market price of our common stock would likely decline.  The risks and uncertainties we have described below include all of the material risks presently known to us, however, additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our operations.

 

Our investors may lose their entire investment in our securities

 

An investment in our securities is speculative and the price of our securities has been and will likely continue to be volatile.  Only investors who are experienced in high risk investments and who can afford to lose their entire investment should consider an investment in our securities.

 

We may not be able to obtain, maintain or renew licenses, rights and permits required to develop or operate our mines, or we may encounter environmental conditions or requirements that would adversely affect our business

 

In the ordinary course of business, mining companies are required to seek governmental permits for expansion of existing operations or for the commencement of new operations. The LLC was required to obtain a ROD from the BLM, authorizing implementation of the Mt. Hope Project PoO.  The LLC was also required to obtain various state and federal permits including water protection, air quality, water rights and reclamation permits.  The BLM’s issuance of the ROD is the subject of an appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the Nevada State Engineer’s issuance of the water permits and 3M Plan were reversed by the Nevada State Supreme Court in October 2015.  We may not be successful in reobtaining our water permits from the Nevada State Engineer or in defending future appeals of the water permits, if reissued, or defending legal challenges to our other permits, which may affect our ability to maintain the permits.  In addition to requiring permits for the development of the Mt. Hope Project, we will need to obtain and modify

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various mining and environmental permits during the life of the project.  Obtaining, modifying, and renewing the necessary governmental permits is a complex and time-consuming process involving numerous jurisdictions and often requiring public hearings and substantial expenditures.  The duration and success of our efforts to obtain, modify or renew permits will be contingent upon many variables, some of which are not within our control.  Increased costs or delays could occur, depending on the nature of the activity to be permitted and the interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the permitting authority.  All necessary permits may not be obtained and, if obtained, may not be maintained or renewed, or the costs involved in each case may exceed those that we previously estimated.  It is possible that the costs and delays associated with compliance with such standards and regulations could become such that we would not proceed with the financing, development or operation of the Mt. Hope Project.

 

The development of the Mt. Hope Project may continue to be delayed, which could result in increased costs or an inability to complete its development

 

The LLC may experience continued delays in developing the Mt. Hope Project.  These could increase its development costs, affect its economic viability, or prevent us from completing its development.  The timing of development of the Mt. Hope Project depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our and the LLC’s control, including:

 

·

Sustained low prices for molybdenum;

 

·

Timely availability of project financing to construct the Mt. Hope Project;

 

·

Timely availability of equipment;

 

·

Inability to reobtain water permits, and successfully defend subsequent appeals;

 

·

Continued appeal or unfavorable order concerning our attempts to reobtain water rights, our 3M plan, or permits, including the ROD;

 

·

Completion of advanced engineering; and

 

·

Timely availability of labor and resources from construction contractors throughout construction of the project.

 

·

Volatility in foreign exchange and/or interest rates

 

Any delays caused by our inability to raise capital when needed may lead to the cancellation or extension of, or defaults under, agreements with equipment manufacturers or a need to sell equipment already purchased, any of which may adversely impact the Mt. Hope Project timeline.  Additionally, delays to the Mt. Hope Project schedule have consequences with regard to our LLC Agreement with POS-Minerals, including potential claims by POS-Minerals, which may serve to increase our capital obligations and further enhance these risks.

 

Our profitability depends largely on the success of the Mt. Hope Project, the failure of which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition

 

We are focused primarily on the ability to develop the Mt. Hope Project and to seek and obtain construction financing upon improvement in current molybdenum market conditions.  Accordingly, our profitability depends largely upon the successful financing to continue the development and operation of this project.  We are currently incurring losses and we expect to continue to incur losses until sometime after molybdenum production begins at the Mt. Hope Project.  The LLC may never achieve production at the Mt. Hope Project and may never be profitable even if production is achieved.  The failure to see improvements in the molybdenum market such that we may seek and obtain financing for the construction of the Mt. Hope Project would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  Even if the LLC is successful in construction and eventually achieving production, an interruption in operations at the Mt. Hope Project that prevents the LLC from extracting ore from the Mt. Hope Project for any reason would have a material adverse impact on our business.

 

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If certain conditions are not met under the AMER transaction documents, our ability to begin construction of the Mt. Hope Project could be delayed further

 

The additional investments by AMER in our common stock and the related financing with a Chinese bank and the molybdenum supply agreement are subject to a number of conditions precedent, including increased molybdenum prices for a sustained period of time, reinstatement, final adjudication or settlement of any further appeal of our water permits by the Nevada State Engineer, and negotiation of acceptable loan terms with a Chinese bank.  These conditions may not be met, in which case our ability to begin construction of the Mt. Hope Project could be delayed further. 

 

Past strong demand for molybdenum in China could be affected by future developments in that country

 

The Company is highly exposed to the Chinese market.  China’s demand for molybdenum could be substantially affected by an economic slowdown in China, financial or banking market conditions impacting investment, or an accelerated shift from infrastructure-led to service-oriented growth.  Any or all of these may adversely affect the Company’s ability to obtain financing for construction of the Mt. Hope Project.

 

We may require and may not be able to obtain substantial financing in order to fund the development and eventual operations of the Company and the LLC and if we are successful in raising additional capital, it may have dilutive and other adverse effects on our stockholders

 

If the actual costs to obtain financing and complete the development of the Mt. Hope Project are significantly higher than we expect, we may not have enough funds to cover these costs and we may not be able to obtain other sources of financing.  The failure to obtain all necessary financing would prevent the LLC from developing and eventually achieving production at the Mt. Hope Project and impede our ability to become profitable.  Our financing plan assumes that POS-Minerals will continue to make their required on-going capital contributions after we obtain financing or exhaust the reserve account as outlined in the LLC Agreement.  We may not be able to obtain financing necessary for developing and eventually achieving production at the Mt. Hope Project if these contributions are not made.

 

We continue to review the technical merits of the Liberty Project, which would also require significant additional capital to permit and/or commence mining activities.  We may not be able to obtain the financing necessary to develop the Liberty Project should we decide to do so.

 

If additional financing is not available, or available only on terms that are not acceptable to us, we may be unable to fund the development and expansion of our business, attract and retain qualified personnel, take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures.  Any of these events may harm our business.  Also, if we raise funds by issuing additional shares of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities convertible into preferred or common stock, or a sale of additional minority interests in our assets, our existing stockholders will experience dilution, which may be significant, to their ownership interest in us or our assets.  If we raise funds by issuing shares of a different class of stock other than our common stock or by issuing debt, the holders of such different classes of stock or debt securities may have rights senior to the rights of the holders of our common stock.

 

The LLC Agreement gives POS-Minerals the right to approve certain major decisions regarding the Mt. Hope Project which could impair our ability to quickly adapt to changing market conditions

 

The LLC Agreement requires unanimous approval of the members for certain major decisions regarding the Mt. Hope Project.  This effectively provides either member with a veto right over the specified decisions.  These decisions include:

 

·

Approval of the operations to be conducted and objectives to be accomplished by the Mt. Hope Project (“Program and Budget”);

 

·

Approval of the budget for costs to be incurred by the LLC and the schedule of cash capital contributions to be made to the LLC (“Budget”);

 

·

Approval of cost overruns in excess of 10% until we obtain financing or exhaust the reserve account balance, and thereafter 15% of the approved Program and Budget;

 

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·

Approval of an expansion or contraction of the average tons per day (“tpd”) planned of 20% or more from the relevant tpd throughput schedule in the BFS;

 

·

Approval of the LLC’s acquisition or disposition of significant real property, water rights or real estate assets;

 

·

Approval of the incurrence of indebtedness by the LLC that requires (1) an asset of the LLC to be pledged as security, (2) the pledge of a membership interest in the LLC, or (3) a guaranty by either the Company or POS-Minerals, other than in each instance a purchase money security interest or other security interest in the LLC to finance the acquisition or lease of equipment; and

 

·

Approval of the issuance by the LLC of an ownership interest to any person other than Nevada Moly or POS-Minerals.

 

The requirement that certain decisions be approved by POS-Minerals may make it more difficult for our stockholders to benefit from certain decisions or transactions that we would otherwise cause the LLC to make if they are opposed by POS-Minerals.

 

Fluctuations in the market price of molybdenum could adversely affect the value of our company and our securities

 

The profitability of our mining operations will be influenced by the market price of the metals we mine.  The market prices of metals such as molybdenum fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors including several that are beyond the control of any mining company.  These factors include fluctuations with respect to the rate of inflation, the exchange rates of the U.S. dollar and other currencies, interest rates, global or regional political and economic conditions and banking crises, global and regional demand, production costs in major molybdenum producing areas, and a number of other factors.  Sustained periods of low molybdenum prices would adversely impact our ability to seek financing for the development of the Mt. Hope Project and the Liberty Project, and our ability to obtain revenues, profits, and cash flows.  In particular, a sustained low molybdenum price could:

 

·

Have a continued negative impact on the availability of financing to us;

 

·

Cause a continued delay and suspension of our development activities and, ultimately, mining operations at our Mt. Hope Project, if such operations become uneconomic at the then-prevailing molybdenum price; and

 

·

Prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our agreements or licenses which could cause us to lose our interests in, or be forced to sell, our properties.

 

Furthermore, the need to reassess the feasibility of any of our projects if molybdenum prices were to continue to be represented by historically low prices could cause substantial delays.  Mineral reserve calculations and life-of-mine plans using lower molybdenum prices could result in reduced estimates of mineral reserves and in material write-downs of our investment in mining properties and increased amortization, reclamation and closure charges.

 

The volatility in metals prices is illustrated by the quarterly average price range from January 2002 through December 31, 2015 for molybdenum:  $2.73 - $35.37 per pound.  The worldwide molybdenum price fluctuated between $5.33 per pound in 2003 to over $40.00 per pound in 2005 and traded in the mid-$30s per pound prior to October 2008, when prices fell from approximately $33.50 per pound to $7.70 per pound in April 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis.  Subsequent to April 2009, prices slowly rose finishing 2009 at $12.00 per pound and further increasing to finish 2010 at $16.40 per pound.  By the end of 2011, prices had pulled back to $13.30 per pound, then decreased further to $9.75 per pound at the conclusion of 2013, and fell further to $9.13 per pound by the end of 2014.  In 2015,  molybdenum traded in a range of $4.53 per pound to $9.40 per pound according to Ryan’s Notes, with performance for the first eight months of the year driven by tighter supply of material and solidifying downstream demand, particularly in the stainless steel, energy infrastructure and transportation industries. Beginning in September 2014, molybdenum price experienced a sharp pullback reflecting softening spot market molybdenum demand and a strengthening U.S. dollar, amongst other factors.    Although we estimate the Mt. Hope Project’s average cost of production over the first five years to be approximately $7.00 per pound, a sustained period of lower molybdenum prices would have material negative

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impacts on the Company’s profitability.  Actual molybdenum prices when and if we commence commercial production cannot be estimated and are subject to numerous factors outside our control.

 

Our profitability is subject to demand for molybdenum, and any decrease in that demand, or increase in the world’s supply, could adversely affect our results of operations

 

Molybdenum is used primarily in the steel industry.  The demand for molybdenum from the steel industry and other industries was extremely robust through the third quarter of 2008, primarily fueled by growth in Asia and other developing countries.  Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008, the global financial crisis forced steel companies to substantially reduce their production levels with a corresponding reduction in the consumption of molybdenum, which contributed to the decline in the price of molybdenum.  Starting in September 2014, molybdenum prices began to decline and are currently in the $5 to $6/lb range.  Although we negotiated an arrangement with AMER to help facilitate ultimate construction financing, continued low molybdenum prices could delay our ability to obtain financing, a continued suspension of our development or, in the future, a suspension of our mining operations at our Mt. Hope Project.

 

A sustained significant increase in molybdenum supply could also adversely affect our results.  CPM Group estimates that during the next five years a total of 72.4 million annual pounds of production could be added to the supply of molybdenum (including a portion of the supply from our Mt. Hope Project).  In the event demand for molybdenum does not increase to consume the potential additional production, the price for molybdenum may be adversely affected.

 

We are exposed to counter party risk, which may adversely affect our results of operations

 

The off-take agreements the Company has completed contain provisions allowing for the sale of molybdenum at certain floor prices, or higher, over the life of the agreements.  During the past 18 months there have been periods where the spot molybdenum prices fell below the inflation-adjusted floor prices in the contracts.  During these time periods all off-take contracts would have provided for the Company to sell molybdenum at above-spot prices.  In the event that our contract counterparties choose not to honor their contractual obligations, attempt to terminate these agreements as a result of the continuing delay in achieving production, or discontinue operations, our profitability may be adversely impacted.  We may be unable to sell any product our contract parties fail to purchase in a timely manner, at comparable prices, or at all.

 

 

Our mineralization and reserve estimates are uncertain, and any material inaccuracies in those estimates could adversely affect the value of our mineral reserves

 

There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating mineralization and reserves, including many factors beyond our control.  The estimation of mineralization and reserves is a subjective process and the accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment.  Results of drilling, metallurgical testing, production, and the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimate may justify revision of such estimates.  The volume and grade of mineralization and reserves recovered and rates of production may be less than anticipated.  Assumptions about prices are subject to greater uncertainty and metals prices have fluctuated widely in the past.  Further declines in the market price of molybdenum and copper may render mineralization and reserves containing relatively lower grades of ore uneconomic to exploit, which may materially and adversely impact our reserve and mineralization estimates at our projects.  Changes in operating and capital costs and other factors including, but not limited to, short-term operating factors such as the need for sequential development of ore bodies and the processing of new or different ore grades, may also materially and adversely affect mineralization and reserves.

 

Any material inaccuracies in our production estimates could adversely affect our results of operations

 

We have prepared estimates of future molybdenum production.  We or the LLC may never achieve these production estimates or any production at all.  Our production estimates depend on, among other things:

 

·

The accuracy of our mineralization and reserves estimates;

 

·

The accuracy of assumptions regarding ore grades and recovery rates;

 

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·

Ground conditions and physical characteristics of the mineralization, such as hardness and the presence or absence of particular metallurgical characteristics; and,

 

·

The accuracy of estimated rates and costs of mining and processing.

 

Our actual production may vary from our estimates if any of our assumptions prove to be incorrect.  With respect to the Mt. Hope Project, we do not have the benefit of actual mining and production experience in verifying our estimates, which increases the likelihood that actual production results will vary from the estimates.

 

Mining has inherent dangers and is subject to conditions or events beyond our control, and any operating hazards could have a material adverse effect on our business

 

Mining at the Mt. Hope Project will involve the potential for various types of risks and hazards, including: environmental hazards, industrial accidents, metallurgical and other processing problems, unusual or unexpected rock formations, structure cave-in or slides, flooding, fires, and interruption due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions.

 

These risks could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties, production facilities or other properties, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in mining, increased production costs, monetary losses, and possible legal liability.  We may not be able to obtain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums and some types of insurance may be unavailable or too expensive to maintain.  We may suffer a material adverse effect on our business and the value of our securities may decline if we incur losses related to any significant events that are not covered by our insurance policies.

 

Our operations make us susceptible to environmental liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on us

 

Mining is subject to potential risks and liabilities associated with the potential pollution of the environment and the necessary disposal of mining waste products occurring as a result of mineral exploration and production.  Insurance against environmental risk (including potential liability for pollution or other hazards as a result of the disposal of waste products occurring from exploration and production) is not generally available to us or the LLC (or to other companies in the minerals industry) at a reasonable price.  To the extent that we become subject to environmental liabilities, the satisfaction of any such liabilities would reduce funds otherwise available to us and could have a material adverse effect on us.  Laws and regulations intended to ensure the protection of the environment are constantly changing, and are generally becoming more restrictive.

 

Legal title to the properties in which we have an interest may be challenged, which could result in the loss of our rights in those properties

 

The ownership and validity, or title, of unpatented mining claims are often uncertain and may be contested.  A successful claim contesting our title or interest to a property or, in the case of the Mt. Hope Project, the landowner’s title or interest to such property could cause us and/or the LLC to lose the rights to mine that property.  In addition, the success of such a claimant could result in our not being compensated for our prior expenditures relating to the property.

 

Climate change and climate change legislation or regulations may adversely impact General Moly’s planned future operations

 

Energy is anticipated to be a significant input in General Moly’s operations.  A number of governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating legislative and regulatory change in response to the possible impacts of climate change.  U.S. Congress and several states have initiated legislation regarding climate change that could affect energy prices and demand.  In December 2009, the EPA issued an endangerment finding under the federal Clean Air Act indicating that current and projected concentrations of certain mixed greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, threaten the public health and welfare.  It is possible that regulation may be promulgated in the U.S. to address the concerns raised by the endangerment finding.  In December 2015, the U.S. and 195 other nations attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference adopted the Paris Agreement on global climate change, which establishes a universal framework for addressing greenhouse gas emissions based on nationally determined contributions. It also creates a process for participating countries to review and increase their intended emissions reduction goals every five years. The ultimate impact of the Paris Agreement depends on its ratification and implementation by participating countries, and cannot be determined at this time.

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Legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose increased costs on us, our partners and our suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations.  Until the timing, scope and extent of any future regulation becomes known, we cannot predict the effect on our financial condition, financial position, results of operations and ability to compare.

 

The possible physical impacts of climate change on the Company’s planned future operations are highly uncertain and would be particular to the geographic circumstances in the area in which we operate. These may include changes in rainfall, storm patterns and intensities, shortages of water or other natural resources, changing sea levels, and changing temperatures. These effects may adversely impact the cost, production and financial performance of the Company’s planned future operations.

 

Mineral exploration and mining activities require compliance with a broad range of laws and regulations, and compliance with or violation of these laws and regulations may be costly

 

Mining operations and exploration activities are subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health and safety, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, reclamation obligations, and mine safety.  In order to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we may be required to make capital and operating expenditures or to close an operation until a particular problem is remedied.  In addition, if our activities violate any such laws and regulations, we may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage, and may be fined if convicted of an offense under such legislation.  We may also incur additional expenses and our projects may be delayed as a result of changes and amendments to such laws and regulations, including changes in local, state, and federal taxation.

 

Land reclamation requirements for exploration properties may be burdensome, may divert funds from our exploration programs and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition

 

Although variable, depending on location and the governing authority, land reclamation requirements are generally imposed on mineral exploration companies, as well as companies with mining operations, in order to minimize long term effects of land disturbance.  Reclamation may include requirements to control dispersion of potentially deleterious effluents and to reasonably re-establish pre-disturbance landforms and vegetation.  In order to carry out reclamation obligations imposed on us in connection with our mineral exploration, we and the LLC must allocate financial resources that might otherwise be spent on further exploration programs.  Such costs could also have an adverse effect on our financial condition.

 

Non-compliance with our Mt. Hope Mines Inc. Lease could result in loss of the LLC’s rights to develop the Mt. Hope Project and may adversely affect our business

 

The LLC leases the Mt. Hope Project from MHMI under the Mt. Hope Lease.  Failure to comply with the terms of the Mt. Hope Lease (which principally require us to make prescribed payments on or before certain prescribed dates) could result in loss of the LLC’s rights to develop the Mt. Hope Project.  Any loss of rights under the Mt. Hope Lease would have a material adverse effect on us and our ability to generate revenues.

 

Our ability to operate our Company effectively could be impaired if we lose key personnel or if we are not able to attract and retain the additional personnel we will need to develop any of our projects, including the Mt. Hope Project

 

We are a small company with a limited operating history and relatively few employees.  The development of any of our proposed projects, including the Mt. Hope Project, will place substantial demands on us.  We depend on the services of key executives and a small number of personnel, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Legal Officer, and Vice President of Environmental and Permitting.  We will be required to recruit additional personnel and to train, motivate and manage these new employees.  The number of persons skilled in the development and operation of mining properties is limited and significant competition exists for these individuals.  We implemented a reduction in force in November 2014 and another in October 2015, affecting more than 40% of our employees and contractors as a result of the delay in our ability to obtain project financing.  In January 2016, we implemented a new  retention program including cash stay incentives to our non-officer employees and equity incentives to our officers and other senior managers, though this new retention program may not be successful in

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retaining our executives and key employees.  We may not be able to attract and retain qualified personnel in the future.  We do not maintain “key person” life insurance to cover our executive officers.  Due to the relatively small size of our company and the specific skill sets of our key employees, the loss of any of our key employees or our failure to attract and retain key personnel may delay or otherwise adversely affect the development of the Mt. Hope Project, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

We rely on independent contractors and experts and technical and operational service providers over whom we may have limited control

 

Because we are a small exploration and development stage company, we rely on independent contractors to assist us with technical assistance and services, contracting and procurement and other matters, including the services of geologists, attorneys, engineers and others.  Our limited control over the activities and business practices of these service providers or any inability on our part to maintain satisfactory commercial relationships with them may adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

Changes to the General Mining Law of 1872 and related federal legislation that impact unpatented mining claims could adversely impact the Mt. Hope Project

 

The Mt. Hope Project is located substantially on unpatented mining claims administered by the BLM.  Mining on unpatented mining claims is conducted pursuant to the General Mining Law of 1872 and amendments thereto.  Legislation for the amendment of the mining laws applicable to mining property has been considered by the U.S. Congress, which may include imposition of a governmental royalty and new permitting and environmental rules.  Amendments to the mining laws could cause delays, increase the costs, and have an adverse effect on the returns anticipated from the Mt. Hope Project.

 

Increased costs could affect our ability to become profitable

 

Costs at any particular mining location frequently 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 the physical shape and location of the ore body.  In addition, costs are affected by the price of commodities, such as fuel, electricity, and labor.  Commodity costs are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production at our projects less profitable or uneconomic.

 

We anticipate significant capital expenditures in connection with the development of the Mt. Hope Project.  In the past several years, costs associated with capital expenditures have escalated on an industry-wide basis as a result of major factors beyond our control.  Increased costs for capital expenditures have an adverse effect on the returns anticipated from the Mt. Hope Project.

 

Shortages of critical parts, equipment and skilled labor may adversely affect our development projects

 

The industry has been impacted at times by increased worldwide demand for critical resources such as input commodities, drilling equipment, tires, and skilled labor.  Shortages may cause unanticipated cost increases and delays in delivery times, potentially impacting operating costs, capital expenditures, and production schedules.

 

Cost estimates and timing of new projects are uncertain

 

The capital expenditures and time required to develop new mines or other projects are considerable and changes in costs or construction schedules can affect project economics.  There are a number of factors that can affect costs and construction schedules, including, among others:

 

·

Sustained lower molybdenum pricing;

 

·

Availability of project financing;

 

·

Availability of water, labor, power, transportation, commodities, and infrastructure;

 

·

Increases in input commodity prices and labor costs;

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·

Fluctuations in exchange rates;

 

·

Difficulty of estimating construction costs over a period of years; and

 

·

Delays in obtaining and maintaining environmental or other government permits, including appeals of granted water applications and the ROD.

 

Legislation, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, may make it difficult for us to retain or attract officers and directors and increase the costs of doing business, which could adversely affect our financial position and results of operations

 

We may be unable to attract and retain qualified officers, directors and members of board committees required to provide for our effective management as a result of the recent changes and currently proposed changes in the rules and regulations, which govern publicly-held companies.  The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has resulted in a series of rules and regulations by the SEC that increase responsibilities and liabilities of directors and executive officers.  The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, adopted in July 2010, imposes significant additional obligations and disclosure requirements, as to which SEC rulemaking is ongoing.  We are a small company with a limited operating history and no revenues or profits, which may influence the decisions of potential candidates we may recruit as directors or officers.  The real and perceived increased personal risk associated with these requirements may deter qualified individuals from accepting these roles.  In addition, costs of compliance with such legislation, including several provisions specifically applicable to companies engaged in mining operations, could have a significant impact on our financial position and results of operations.

 

The Company may be required to implement a reverse stock split to maintain trading on the stock exchanges on which our common stock is listed

 

Our common stock traded at very low prices throughout 2015 and continues to do so in early 2016.  As such, we may become non-compliant with the minimum share price rules of the NYSE MKT or the TSX.  If we become non-compliant, we may be required to implement a reverse stock split, as approved by our stockholders at the 2015 Annual Meeting, to maintain our listing status.  If we do implement a reverse stock split, it may result in adverse consequences to the Company, which may include the following:

 

·

The reduced number of outstanding shares of common stock resulting from a reverse stock split may not improve, and could adversely affect; the liquidity of our common stock;

·

A reverse stock split could result in a significant devaluation of our market capitalization and the trading price of our common stock, on an actual or an as-adjusted basis;

·

A reverse stock split may leave certain stockholders with one or more “odd lots,” which may be more difficult to sell than shares of common stock in even multiples of 100;

·

The market price per share of common stock after the reverse stock split may not increase in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of common stock outstanding before the reverse stock split;

·

The total market capitalization of our common stock after the proposed reverse stock split may be lower than the total market capitalization before the proposed reverse stock split; and

·

The increase in the ratio of authorized but unissued shares of common stock to issued shares of common stock resulting from the reverse stock split may be construed as having an anti-takeover effect by permitting the issuance of shares to purchasers who might oppose a hostile takeover bid or oppose any efforts to amend or repeal certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws.

If our common stock is delisted, it would trade on the over-the-counter market, which could negatively impact us by, among other things, reducing the liquidity and market price of our common stock; reducing the number of investors willing to hold or acquire our common stock, which could negatively impact our ability to raise equity or debt

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financing; decreasing the amount of news and analyst coverage for the Company; and limiting our ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.

 

Provisions of Delaware law and our charter and bylaws may delay or prevent transactions that would benefit stockholders

 

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law contain provisions that may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of the company.  These provisions, among other things:

 

·

Provide for staggering the terms of directors by dividing the total number of directors into three groups;

 

·

Authorize our board of directors to set the terms of preferred stock;

 

·

Restrict our ability to engage in transactions with stockholders with 15% or more of outstanding voting stock;

 

·

Authorize the calling of special meetings of stockholders only by the board of directors, not by the stockholders;

 

·

Limit the business transacted at any meeting of stockholders to those purposes specifically stated in the notice of the meeting; and

 

·

Prohibit stockholder action by written consent without a meeting and provide that directors may be removed only at a meeting of stockholders.

 

Because of these provisions, persons considering unsolicited tender offers or other unilateral takeover proposals may be more likely to negotiate with our board of directors rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts.  As a result, these provisions may make it more difficult for our stockholders to benefit from transactions that are opposed by an incumbent board of directors.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain statements in this document may constitute forward-looking statements, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of our Company, the Mt. Hope Project and our other projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  We use the words “may,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “future,” “plan,” “estimate,” “potential,” and other similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the following:

 

·

Our ability to obtain project financing for the development and construction of the Mt. Hope Project;

 

·

Our dependence on the success of the Mt. Hope Project;

 

·

Our ability to satisfy the conditions to the additional tranches of investment by AMER under the investment agreement, the $700 million bank loan or the molybdenum supply agreement;

 

·

The ability to obtain and maintain all required permits, water rights, and approvals for the Mt. Hope Project and the Liberty Project;

 

·

Issues related to the management of the Mt. Hope Project pursuant to the LLC Agreement;

 

·

Risks related to the failure of POS-Minerals to make ongoing cash contributions pursuant to the LLC Agreement;

 

·

Fluctuations in the market price of, demand for, and supply of molybdenum and other metals;

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·

The estimation and realization of mineral reserves and production estimates, if any;

 

·

The timing of exploration, development and production activities and estimated future production, if any;

 

·

Estimates related to costs of production, capital, operating and exploration expenditures;

 

·

Requirements for additional capital and our ability to obtain additional capital in a timely manner and on acceptable terms;

 

·

Our ability to renegotiate, restructure, suspend, cancel or extend payment terms of contracts as necessary or appropriate in order to conserve cash;

 

·

Government regulation of mining operations, environmental conditions and risks, reclamation and rehabilitation expenses;

 

·

Title disputes or claims;

 

·

Limitations of and access to certain insurance coverage; and

 

·

The future price of molybdenum, copper or other metals.

 

These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those identified under “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, our actual results could differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, and any events anticipated in the forward-looking statements may not actually occur.

 

ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

In July 2011 and June 2012, respectively, the Nevada State Engineer (“State Engineer”) granted all water permits and approved a Monitoring, Management and Mitigation Plan (“3M Plan”) for the Mt. Hope Project.  Eureka County, Nevada and two other parties comprised of water rights holders in Diamond Valley and Kobeh Valley appealed the State Engineer’s decision granting the water permits to the Nevada State District Court (“District Court”) and then filed a further appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court challenging the District Court’s decision affirming the State Engineer’s decision to grant the water permits.  In June 2013, the appeal was consolidated by the Nevada Supreme Court with an appeal of the State Engineer’s approval of the 3M Plan filed by two water rights holders.  The District Court previously approved the State Engineer’s approval of the 3M Plan and the two parties subsequently appealed the District Court’s decision to the Nevada Supreme Court.  While the appeals were pending, the 3M Plan had been implemented to collect information on background conditions and aquifer responses to the Mt. Hope Project’s pumping, as well as to address mitigation measures for impacted third-party water rights.

 

On September 18, 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court issued an Order that reversed and remanded the cases to the District Court for further proceedings consistent with the Order.  On October 29, 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court issued the Order as a published Opinion.  The Nevada Supreme Court ruled that the State Engineer did not have sufficient evidence in the record at the time he granted the water permits to demonstrate that successful mitigation may be undertaken so as to dispel the threat to existing water rights holders.

 

The Company is evaluating the Opinion to fully understand the process and timing associated with addressing issues identified by the Supreme Court, and will move forward as expeditiously as possible to reobtain its water permits, following the remand by the District Court to the State Engineer.  The Company expects to comply with the Supreme Court Opinion and provide additional evidence of its ability to mitigate any potential impacts to water rights in Kobeh Valley that could result from the Mt. Hope Project’s water use.

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On February 15, 2013, Great Basin Resource Watch and the Western Shoshone Defense Project (“Plaintiffs”) filed a Complaint against the U.S. Department of the Interior and the BLM (the “Defendants”) in the U.S. District Court (“District Court”), District of Nevada, seeking relief under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) and other federal laws challenging the BLM’s issuance of the ROD for the Mt. Hope Project, and on February 20, 2013 filed a Motion for Preliminary Injunction.  The District Court allowed the LLC to intervene in the matter.

 

On August 22, 2013, the District Court denied, without prejudice, Plaintiffs’ Motion for Preliminary Injunction based on a Joint Stipulation to Continue Preliminary Injunction Oral Argument, which advised the District Court that as a result of economic conditions, including the Company’s ongoing financing efforts, all major ground disturbing activities had ceased at the Mt. Hope Project.

 

On July 23, 2014, the U.S. District Court denied Plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment in its entirety and on August 1, 2014 the Court entered judgment in favor of the Defendants and the LLC, and against Plaintiffs regarding all claims raised in the Complaint.

 

On September 22, 2014, the Plaintiffs filed their notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (“Ninth Circuit”) of the U.S. District Court’s dismissal.  Both parties completed their respective briefing to the Ninth Circuit on May 1, 2015.  The ROD remains in effect as we await a decision from the Ninth Circuit.  The Company is confident in the BLM’s process and will continue to vigorously defend this subsequent appeal of the ROD.

 

ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Market Information

 

Our common stock trades on the NYSE MKT under the symbol “GMO.”  On February 14, 2008 our common stock began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”), also under the symbol “GMO.”

 

The following table sets forth our common stock closing price as reported on the NYSE MKT:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year

    

Quarter

    

High

    

Low

 

2015

 

First Quarter

 

$

0.65

 

$

0.39

 

 

 

Second Quarter

 

$

0.85

 

$

0.49

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

$

0.71

 

$

0.26

 

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

0.35

 

$

0.19

 

2014

 

First Quarter

 

$

1.42

 

$

0.99

 

 

 

Second Quarter

 

$

1.23

 

$

0.82

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

$

1.17

 

$

0.75

 

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.28

 

 

Holders

 

As of March 3, 2016, there were approximately 414 holders of record of our common stock.

 

Dividends

 

We have never declared or paid dividends on our common stock and we do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.  We will pay dividends on our common stock only if and when declared by our board of directors.  Our board’s ability to declare a dividend is subject to limits imposed by Delaware corporate law.  In determining whether to declare dividends, the board will consider these limits, our financial condition, results of operations, working capital requirements, future prospects, and other factors it considers relevant.

 

Increase in Authorized Common Stock

 

On June 30, 2015, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation increasing the authorized number of shares of our common stock from 200.0 million to 650.0 million.

 

Reverse Stock Split

 

Also on June 30, 2015, the Company’s stockholders approved a proposal permitting the Company’s Board to amend to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock within a range of one share of common stock for every three shares of common stock to one share of common stock for every fifteen shares of common stock.  The Company’s Board of Directors has not implemented this approved proposal. 

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period

 

(a)
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)

 

(b)
Average
Price Paid
Per Share

 

(c)
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

 

(d)
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Programs

October 1, 2015, through October 31, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

November 1, 2015, through November 30, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

December 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015

 

13,086 

 

 

$

0.25 

 

 

 

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(1)

Represents shares of common stock delivered to us as payment of withholding taxes due upon the vesting of restricted stock held by our employees. 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions, except per share data)

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

    

2015

    

2014

    

2013

    

2012

    

2011

 

Loss from operations

 

 

(9.7)

 

 

(11.0)

 

 

(9.8)

 

 

(11.4)

 

 

(15.2)

 

Net loss

 

 

(15.2)

 

 

(11.0)

 

 

(16.3)

 

 

(9.9)

 

 

(14.8)

 

Basic and diluted net loss per share

 

$

(0.16)

 

$

(0.12)

 

$

(0.18)

 

$

(0.11)

 

$

(0.16)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31,

    

2015

    

2014

    

2013

    

2012

    

2011

 

Total assets

 

$

346.5

 

$

362.0

 

$

360.7

 

$

385.5

 

$

271

 

Long-term obligations

 

 

42.2

 

 

34.3

 

 

24.8

 

 

39.8

 

 

30.4

 

Contingently redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

 

173.3

 

 

210

 

 

209.0

 

 

201.9

 

 

98.1

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

$

117.4

 

$

126.7

 

$

134.8

 

$

148.1

 

$

143.1

 

 

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ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations constitutes management’s review of the factors that affected our financial and operating performance for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report.

 

Overview

 

We are a development stage company and began the development of the Mt. Hope Project on October 4, 2007.  During the year ended December 31, 2008 we also completed work on a pre-feasibility study of our Liberty Project, which we updated during 2014.

 

Project Ownership

 

From October 2005 to January 2008, we owned the rights to 100% of the Mt. Hope Project.  Effective as of January 1, 2008, we contributed all of our interest in the assets related to the Mt. Hope Project, including our lease of the Mt. Hope Project, into Eureka Moly, LLC (“the LLC”), and in February 2008 entered into an agreement (“LLC Agreement”) for the development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project with POS-Minerals Corporation (“POS-Minerals”) an affiliate of POSCO, a public company based in the Republic of Korea and one of the world’s largest producers of steelPOSCO was ranked the 162nd largest corporation by revenues in the world in the Fortune Global 500 for 2015.  Under the LLC Agreement, POS-Minerals owns a 20% interest in the LLC and General Moly, through Nevada Moly, LLC (“Nevada Moly”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, owns an 80% interest.  In this report, POS-Minerals and Nevada Moly are also referred to as the “members.”  The ownership interests and/or required capital contributions under the LLC Agreement can change as discussed below.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement, POS-Minerals made its first and second capital contributions to the LLC totaling $100.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2008 (“Initial Contributions”).  Additional amounts of $100.7 million were received from POS-Minerals in December 2012, following receipt of major operating permits for the Mt. Hope Project, including the Record of Decision (“ROD”) from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”).

 

In addition, under the terms of the original LLC Agreement, since commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project was not achieved by December 31, 2011, the LLC will be required to return to POS-Minerals $36.0 million, since reduced to $33.9 million as discussed below, of its capital contributions (“Return of Contributions”), with no corresponding reduction in POS-Minerals’ ownership percentage.  Effective January 1, 2015, as part of a comprehensive agreement concerning the release of the reserve account described below, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals agreed that the Return of Contributions will be due to POS-Minerals on December 31, 2020; provided that, at any time on or before November 30, 2020, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals may agree in writing to extend the due date to December 31, 2021; and if the due date has been so extended, at any time on or before November 30, 2021, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals may agree in writing to extend the due date to December 31, 2022.  If the repayment date is extended, the unpaid amount will bear interest at a rate per annum of LIBOR plus 5%, which interest shall compound quarterly, commencing on December 31, 2020 through the date of payment in full.  Payments of accrued but unpaid interest, if any, shall be made on the repayment date.  Nevada Moly may elect, on behalf of the Company, to cause the Company to prepay, in whole or in part, the Return of Contributions at any time, without premium or penalty, along with accrued and unpaid interest, if any. 

 

The original Return of Contribution amount of $36.0 million due to POS-Minerals is reduced, dollar for dollar, by the amount of capital contributions for equipment payments required from POS-Minerals under approved budgets of the LLC, as discussed further below.  As of December 31, 2015, this amount has been reduced by $2.1 million, consisting of 20% of an $8.4 million principal payment made on milling equipment in March 2015 and a $2.2 million principal payment made on electrical transformers in April 2015, such that the remaining amount due to POS-Minerals is $33.9 million.  If Nevada Moly does not fund its additional capital contribution in order for the LLC to make the required return to POS-Minerals set forth above, POS-Minerals has an election to either make a secured loan to the LLC to fund the Return of Contributions, or receive an additional interest in the LLC, from Nevada Moly, estimated to be 5%.  In the latter case, Nevada Moly’s interest in the LLC is subject to dilution by a percentage equal to the ratio of 1.5 times the amount of the unpaid Return of Contributions over the aggregate amount of deemed capital contributions (as

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determined under the LLC Agreement) of both parties to the LLC (“Dilution Formula”).  At December 31, 2015, the aggregate amount of deemed capital contributions of both members was $1,078.3 million.

 

Furthermore, the LLC Agreement authorizes POS-Minerals to put/sell its interest in the LLC to Nevada Moly after a change of control of Nevada Moly or the Company, as defined in the LLC Agreement, followed by a failure by us or our successor company to use standard mining industry practice in connection with the development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project as contemplated by the parties for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months.  If POS-Minerals exercises its option to put or sell its interest, Nevada Moly or its transferee or surviving entity would be required to purchase the interest for 120% of POS-Minerals’ total contributions to the LLC, which, if not paid timely, would be subject to 10% interest per annum.

 

In November 2012, the Company and POS-Minerals began making monthly pro rata capital contributions to the LLC to fund costs incurred as required by the LLC Agreement.  The interest of a party in the LLC that does not make its monthly pro rata capital contributions to fund costs incurred is subject to dilution based on the Dilution Formula.  The Company and POS-Minerals consented, effective July 1, 2013, to Nevada Moly accepting financial responsibility for POS-Minerals’ 20% interest in costs related to Nevada Moly’s compensation and reimbursement as Manager of the LLC, and certain owners’ costs associated with Nevada Moly’s ongoing progress to complete project financing for its 80% interest, resulting in $2.9 million paid by Nevada Moly on behalf of POS-Minerals during the term of the consensual agreement, which ended on June 30, 2014.  From July 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014, POS-Minerals once again contributed its 20% interest in all costs incurred by the LLC.  Subject to the terms above, all required monthly contributions have been made by both parties.

 

Effective January 1, 2015, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals signed an amendment to the LLC agreement under which $36.0 million held by the LLC in a reserve account established in December 2012 is being released for the mutual benefit of both members related to the jointly approved Mt. Hope Project expenses through 2020In January 2015, the reserve account funded a reimbursement of contributions made by the members during the fourth quarter of 2014, inclusive of $0.7 million to POS-Minerals and $2.7 million to Nevada Moly.  The remaining funds are now being used to pay ongoing expenses of the LLC until the Company obtains full financing for its portion of the Mt. Hope Project construction cost, or until the reserve account is exhausted.  Any remaining funds after financing is obtained will be returned to Nevada Moly/the Company.  The balance of the reserve account at December 31, 2015 was $16.6 million.

 

Permitting Completion and Project Restart

 

On November 16, 2012, the BLM issued its ROD authorizing development of the Mt. Hope Project.  On April 23, 2015, the BLM issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (“FONSI”), approving an amendment to the PoOThe ROD and FONSI approve the Plan of Operations (“PoO”) and amended PoO, respectively, for construction and operation of the mining and processing facilities and also grant the Right-of-Way, and amended Right-of-Way, respectively, for a 230kV power transmission line, discussed below.  Monitoring and mitigation measures identified in the ROD and FONSI, developed in collaboration with the regulatory agencies involved throughout the permitting process, will avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts, and reflect the Company’s commitment to operate the Mt. Hope Project to the highest environmental standards.

 

On February 15, 2013, Great Basin Resource Watch and the Western Shoshone Defense Project (“Plaintiffs”) filed a Complaint against the U.S. Department of the Interior and the BLM (the “Defendants”) in the U.S. District Court (“District Court”), District of Nevada, seeking relief under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) and other federal laws challenging the BLM’s issuance of the ROD for the Mt. Hope Project, and on February 20, 2013 filed a Motion for Preliminary Injunction.  The District Court allowed the LLC to intervene in the matter.

 

On August 22, 2013, the District Court denied, without prejudice, Plaintiffs’ Motion for Preliminary Injunction based on a Joint Stipulation to Continue Preliminary Injunction Oral Argument, which advised the District Court that as a result of economic conditions, including the Company’s ongoing financing efforts, all major ground disturbing activities had ceased at the Mt. Hope Project.

 

On July 23, 2014, the U.S. District Court denied Plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment in its entirety and on August 1, 2014 the Court entered judgment in favor of the Defendants and the LLC, and against Plaintiffs regarding all claims raised in the Complaint.

 

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On September 22, 2014, the Plaintiffs filed their notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (“Ninth Circuit”) of the U.S. District Court’s dismissal.  Both parties completed their respective briefing to the Ninth Circuit on May 1, 2015.    The ROD remains in effect as we await a decision from the Ninth Circuit.  The Company is confident in the BLM’s process and will continue to vigorously defend this subsequent appeal of the ROD.

 

On June 17, 2014, the LLC submitted an amendment to the approved PoO to reflect minor design changes that were identified during continued engineering and the initial phases of construction, and on November 6, 2014, submitted minor revisions to the amendment.  The BLM prepared an Environmental Assessment (“EA”) to evaluate the environmental impacts of the amendment, and on April 23, 2015, issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (“FONSI”) approving the PoO amendment. Ongoing changes to permits and the PoO during the life of mining operations are typical as design evolves and operations are optimized.

 

Environmental regulations related to reclamation require that the cost for a third party contractor to perform reclamation activities on the minesite be estimated.  The original $75.1 million reclamation cost estimate was the basis for the required financial guarantee amount, and represents the reclamation obligation for the first phase (approximately equivalent to the first 3 years) of operations.  The LLC was required to post a financial instrument held by the BLM to provide a guarantee that this amount will be available to BLM and NDEP for use in conducting reclamation should we become insolvent or default on our reclamation obligations.  As a result of delays in financing for the construction of the Mt. Hope Project, we submitted a second PoO amendment to BLM in October, 2015, to reduce our reclamation liability to current surface disturbance.  Simultaneously, we submitted an application to NDEP-BMRR to modify the Reclamation permit to reflect this reduced reclamation liability. On October 26, 2015, NDEP-BMRR approved the proposed permit modification, including the reduced reclamation liability amount.   On December 21, 2015, BLM approved the PoO amendment, including the reduction of the reclamation liability to approximately $2.8 million.  We worked with the LLC’s reclamation surety underwriters to satisfy the reduced $2.8 million financial guarantee requirements under the ROD for the Mt. Hope Project.  As of early 2016, the surety bond program is funded with a cash collateral payment of $0.3 million, a reduction from the $4.6 million established in November 2014, resulting in a $4.3 million net return of collateral received in February 2016.

 

On May 29, 2012, NDEP issued a Class II Air Quality Operating Permit for the Mt. Hope Project.  This permit establishes operating restrictions and monitoring requirements associated with specific air emission points and remains in effect.

 

On November 26, 2012, NDEP issued a Water Pollution Control Permit (“WPC”) for the Mt. Hope Project.  The WPC also approves the operational and closure plans for the Mt. Hope Project, establishes monitoring requirements, and remains in effect.

 

The LLC initiated cultural clearance activities at the Mt. Hope Project in early December 2012 upon receipt of an Archaeological Resource Protection Act Permit issued by the State Archeologist at the Nevada State Office of the BLM.  Cultural clearance is an important component of the LLC’s commitment to environmental protection and will be completed before major earthworks are done in any of the construction areas. The LLC has cleared priority areas for initial construction and will continue mitigation throughout the disturbance footprint. Use of this phased approach is intended to allow the LLC to maintain uninterrupted construction progress once construction resumes.

 

On January 2, 2013, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (“PUCN”) issued the LLC a permit to construct a 230kV power line that interconnects with Nevada Energy’s transmission system at the existing Machacek Substation located near the town of Eureka, Nevada and extend it approximately 25 miles to the planned Mt. Hope Substation.  In addition, the BLM approved the LLC’s surety bonds for reclamation of disturbance associated with construction of the 230kV power transmission line.  The PUCN permit and approved bond allows the LLC to build the transmission infrastructure in a timely manner and provide the necessary capacity to power construction activities and Mt. Hope Project operations. Construction of the transmission line will also include upgrades to the existing Machacek Substation near Eureka that will improve the reliability of electrical power to the community.  At full production the Mt. Hope Project will have a total electrical demand load of approximately 75 megawatts. Transmission capacity will be secured using a network services agreement and the LLC will negotiate for generating capacity prior to Mt. Hope Project commissioning activities, which will be available once the power line is constructed and energized.

 

The LLC initiated preliminary construction activities on the Mt. Hope Project in early January 2013 during a period in which market conditions were conducive to construction financing, including early wellfield development and

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clearing and grubbing of terrain.  Completion of the wellfield and water distribution systems are key items necessary to begin major construction activities.  Preliminary work also included clearing the open pit minesite, millsite, tailings dam and administrative office areas.  All preliminary construction activity was halted in the spring of 2013 and remains suspended as a result of the current molybdenum market, which along with the October 2015 decision of the Nevada Supreme Court, has affected our ability to obtain financing for construction of the Mt. Hope Project.

 

Capital & Operating Cost Estimates

 

The development of the Mt. Hope Project has a Project Capital Estimate of $1,312 million, which includes development costs of approximately $1,245 million and $67 million in cash financial guaranty/bonding requirements, advance royalty payments, and power pre-payment estimates.  These capital costs were updated in the third quarter of 2012, and were then escalated by approximately 3% in the third quarter of 2013, for those items not yet procured or committed to by contract.  The Mt. Hope Project has not materially changed in scope and remains currently designed at approximately 65% engineering completion, with solid scope definition.  The pricing associated with this estimate remains subject to escalation associated with equipment, construction labor and commodity price increases, and project delays, which will continue to be reviewed periodically.  The Project Capital Estimate does not include financing costs or amounts necessary to fund operating working capital and potential capital overruns, is subject to additional holding costs as financing activities for construction of the Mt. Hope Project are delayed, and may be subject to other escalation and de-escalation as contracts and purchase arrangements are finalized at then current pricing.  From October 2007 through the year ended December 31, 2015, the LLC spent approximately $282.2 million of the estimated $1,312 million on development of the Mt. Hope Project.

 

The LLC’s Project Operating Cost Estimate forecasts molybdenum production of approximately 40 million pounds per year for the first five years of operations at estimated average direct operating costs of $6.28 per pound based on $90 per barrel oil equivalent energy prices.  The Costs Applicable to Sales (“CAS”) per pound, including anticipated royalties calculated at a market price of $15 per pound molybdenum, are anticipated to average $7.00 per pound for the first 5 years.  For a reconciliation of direct operating costs, a non-GAAP measure, to CAS, see “—Description of the Mt. Hope Project—Reserves and Mineralized Material—Production and Operating Cost Estimates” below.  These cost estimates are based on 2013 constant dollars and are subject to cost inflation or deflation.

 

Equipment and Supply Procurement

 

Through December 31, 2015, the LLC has made deposits and/or final payments of $85.7 million on equipment orders, has spent approximately $196.5 million for the development of the Mt. Hope Project, for a total Mt. Hope Project inception-to-date spend of $282.2 million.

 

In 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for eighteen haul trucks.  The order provides for delivery of those haul trucks required to perform initial mine development, which will begin several months prior to commercial production.  Non-refundable down-payments of $1.2 million were made in 2012, with pricing subject to escalation as the trucks were not delivered prior to December 31, 2013.  During January 2016, the LLC renegotiated the timelines for truck delivery and delayed deliveries into December 2016.  The contract is cancellable with no further liability to the LLC.

 

Also in 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for four mine production drills with a non-refundable down-payment of $0.4 million, and pricing was subject to escalation if the drills were not delivered by the end of 2013.  In the fourth quarter of 2015, the LLC accepted a change order which delayed delivery into December 2016.  The contract remains cancellable with no further liability to the LLC.

 

On June 30, 2012, the LLC’s contract to purchase two electric shovels expired.  On July 11, 2012, we signed a letter of intent with the same vendor providing for the opportunity to purchase the electric shovels at prices consistent with the expired contract, less a special discount in the amount of $3.4 million to provide credit to the LLC for amounts paid as deposits under the expired contract.  The letter of intent provides that equipment pricing will remain subject to inflation indexes and guarantees production slots to ensure that the equipment is available when required by the LLC.  In January 2016, the parties agreed to extend the letter of intent through December 31, 2016.

 

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Based on our current forecast, the Company does not anticipate taking delivery of the haul trucks, drills, and electric shovels in 2016 and will work with the respective vendors to extend these agreements annually until we obtain financing for construction of the Mt. Hope Project.

 

Termination of Agreements with Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment Inc.

 

In March 2010, we signed a series of agreements with Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (“Hanlong”), an affiliate of Sichuan Hanlong Group, a privately held Chinese company.  The agreements formed the basis of a $745 million transaction that was intended to provide the Company with adequate capital to contribute its 80% share of costs to develop the Mt. Hope Project.  The agreements resulted in the sale to Hanlong of 11.8 million shares of our common stock for a purchase price of $40 million, with additional potential equity issuances conditioned on Hanlong procuring a project financing Term Loan from a Chinese bank.  The agreements also provided for Hanlong representation on our Board, limitations on how Hanlong would vote its shares of the Company and on its ability to purchase or dispose of our securities, and included a $10.0 million Bridge Loan to the Company to preserve liquidity until availability of the Term Loan. 

Most of the provisions of the agreements with Hanlong were terminated in 2013 because no project financing occurred, including repayment of the $10.0 million Bridge Loan which the parties agreed to offset against the $10.0 million termination break fee owed to the Company by Hanlong.  However, Hanlong remains the owner of approximately 11% of our outstanding common stock and their representative continues as an elected member of our Board as of December 31, 2015.  In February 2016, the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors determined it would not renominate the Hanlong representative, Nelson F. Chen, to the Board, as Hanlong’s beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock on a fully diluted basis has fallen below 10%.  Mr. Chen’s term as a director will expire at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

Molybdenum Market Update

 

The worldwide molybdenum price fluctuated between $5.33 per pound in 2003 to over $40.00 per pound in 2005 and traded in the mid-$30s per pound prior to October 2008, when prices fell from approximately $33.50 per pound to $7.70 per pound in April 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis.  Subsequent to April 2009, prices slowly rose finishing 2009 at $12.00 per pound and further increasing to finish 2010 at $16.40 per pound.  By the end of 2011, prices had pulled back to $13.30 per pound, then decreased further to $9.75 per pound at the conclusion of 2013, and fell further to $9.13 per pound by the end of 2014.  In 2015,  molybdenum traded in a range of $4.53 per pound to $9.40 per pound according to Ryan’s Notes, with performance for the first eight months of the year driven by tighter supply of material and solidifying downstream demand, particularly in the stainless steel, energy infrastructure and transportation industries. Beginning in September 2014, molybdenum price experienced a sharp pullback reflecting softening spot market molybdenum demand and a strengthening U.S. dollar, amongst other factors.

 

Outlook

 

In spite of the current low prices, we view the long-term outlook for our business positively, supported by limitations on supplies of molybdenum, the requirements for molybdenum in the steel industry, and a recovery in the oil and gas industry.  World market prices for molybdenum and other commodities have fluctuated historically and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control.  We believe the underlying long-term fundamentals of the molybdenum business remain positive, supported by the significant role of molybdenum in the steel industry and a challenging long-term supply environment attributable to difficulty in replacing existing and high cost large mines’ output with new production sources.  Future molybdenum prices are expected to be volatile and are likely to be influenced by demand from China and emerging markets, as well as economic activity in the U.S. and other industrialized countries, the timing of the development of new supplies of molybdenum, and production levels of mines and molybdenum milling.

 

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Capital Requirements

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Our total consolidated cash balance at December 31, 2015 was $13.0 million compared to $13.3 million at December 31, 2014.  The decrease in our cash balances for the year ended December 31, 2015 was due to a variety of cash inflows and outflows.  Inflows included funds released from the reserve account of $19.4 million and a distribution

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from the LLC to Nevada Moly of $6.3 million upon termination of the power transmission contract.  Outflows included payments made on long-lead equipment orders of $11.5 million, $2.3 million in distributions by the LLC to POS-Minerals, $3.9 million in development costs for the Mt. Hope Project, and $8.3 million in general and administrative costs.  Deposits on property, plant and equipment relate primarily to scheduled payments for long-lead time equipment for the Mt. Hope Project; see “— Contractual Obligations” below.  The majority of funds expended were used to advance the Mt. Hope Project.    The Company received $4.0 million in cash proceeds during the fourth quarter upon closing of the first tranche of the investment agreement with AMER, discussed below, of which $2.0 million was placed in an expense reimbursement account to be used by both the Company and AMER for costs related to financing of the Mt. Hope Project and other jointly sourced business development opportunities, with the remaining $2.0 million available for general corporate purposes.

 

The $36.0 million reserve account established in December of 2012, at the direction of the LLC management committee, was payable to Nevada Moly upon release, at which time the funds would have become available for use by the Company.  Effective January 1, 2015, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals signed an amendment to the LLC agreement under which $36.0 million owed to Nevada Moly and held by the LLC in the reserve account will be released over the next few years, but only for the mutual benefit of both members related to jointly approved Mt. Hope Project expenses as discussed above.  The balance of the reserve account at December 31, 2015 was $16.6 million.

 

The cash needs for the development of the Mt. Hope Project are significant and require that we arrange for financing to be combined with funds anticipated to be received from POS-Minerals in order to retain its 20% membership interest.  The Company estimates the go-forward capital required for the Mt. Hope Project, based on 65% completed engineering, to be approximately $1,030 million, of which the Company’s 80% capital requirement is $824 million.

 

In April 2015, the Company and AMER entered into a private placement for 40.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock and warrants to purchase 80 million shares of the Company’s common stock, priced using the trailing 90-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of $0.50 on April 17, 2015, the date the investment agreement was signed.  General Moly received stockholder approval of the transaction on June 30, 2015.

 

On November 2, 2015, the Company and AMER entered into an amendment to the Investment and Securities Purchase Agreement, thereby creating a three-tranche investment strategy that creates a strategic partnership to assist the Company in obtaining full financing for the Mt. Hope Project.  The first tranche of the amended investment agreement closed on November 24, 2015 for a $4.0 million private placement representing 13.3 million shares, priced at $0.30 per share, and warrants to purchase 80.0 million shares of common stock at $0.50 per share, which will become exercisable upon availability of an approximately $700.0 million senior secured loan (“Bank Loan”).  The $4.0 million private placement has been divided evenly between general corporate purposes and an expense reimbursement account available to both AMER and the Company to cover anticipated Mt. Hope financing costs and other jointly sourced business development opportunities.  In addition, AMER and General Moly entered into a Stockholder Agreement that allowed AMER to nominate a director to a now seven member General Moly Board of Directors, additional directors following the close of Tranche 3, discussed below, and drawdown of the Bank Loan, respectively.  The Stockholders Agreement also governs AMER’s acquisition and transfer of General Moly shares.  The parties agreed to eliminate the condition to closing the investment agreement requiring a letter of intent from a Prime Chinese Bank endorsing the Bank Loan as a result of the current molybdenum market price and recent water rights decision from the Nevada Supreme Court.  The parties also agreed to eliminate the requirement of the Company to obtain consent from APERAM, as Tranche 1 was issued at $0.30 per share, which was above the October 30, 2015 closing price of $0.29 per share.

 

The second tranche of the amended investment agreement will include a $6.0 million private placement representing 12.0 million shares, priced at $0.50 per share.  $5.0 million of the $6.0 million will be reserved for general corporate purposes and $1.0 million will be set aside for the expense reimbursement account discussed above.  Closing of the second tranche is contingent on the Nevada State Engineer restoring permits for the Mt. Hope Project’s water rights and for the price of molybdenum to average in excess of $8/lb for a 30 day consecutive calendar day period.

 

The third tranche of the agreement will include a $10.0 million private placement representing 14.7 million shares, priced at $0.68 per share.  Execution of the third tranche is contingent on a final adjudication of the Mt. Hope Project’s water rights through courts or settlement, if further protests and appeals result from the issuance of the water permits, and for the price of molybdenum to average in excess of $12/lb for a 30 consecutive calendar day period.  After

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the third tranche of the agreement is executed, AMER will nominate a second director to General Moly’s then eight member Board of Directors.

 

The second and third tranches of the investment agreement may be subject to General Moly stockholder approval.

 

There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining the financing required to complete the Mt. Hope Project, or in raising additional financing in the future on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all.

 

In order to preserve our cash liquidity, we implemented in the third quarter of 2013, a cost reduction and personnel retention program, which included reductions in base cash compensation for our executive officers, senior management employees and members of the Board of Directors.  We approved cash and equity incentives for the executive officers who remained with the Company through the earliest to occur of a financing plan for the Mt. Hope Project approved by the Board of Directors, a Change of Control (as defined in the employment or change of control agreements between the Company and each of our executive officers); involuntary termination (absent cause); or January 15, 2015 (the “Vesting Date”), and a personnel retention program providing cash and equity incentives for other employees who remained with the Company.   On the January 15, 2015 vesting date, we paid $1.1 million in cash stay incentives to our eligible employees and executive officers, excluding our CEO, Bruce D. Hansen.  Mr. Hansen agreed to defer his $0.4 million cash stay incentive to January 15, 2016 in consideration for an equity grant.  This amount was paid to Mr. Hansen in January 2016.  The Company also issued 726,493 shares of common stock on the January 15, 2015 vesting date under this plan.

 

Effective January 16, 2015, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved a new personnel retention program for officers and employees of the Company.  The program included RSU grants for our executive officers who remain with the Company through the earliest to occur of a financing plan for the Mt. Hope Project approved by the Board, a Change of Control (as defined in the employment or change of control agreements between the Company and each of the named executive officers); involuntary termination (absent cause); or January 15, 2016. 

 

In October 2015, the Company announced a management restructuring and cost reduction program, which included a 25% reduction in workforce, compensation reductions for senior executives, and a reduction of engineering, administrative and consulting expenses.  This restructuring program resulted in a $0.2 million expense recorded in the Company’s September 30, 2015 financial statements.  An additional $0.2 million expense was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015 related to the restructuring program.  The program is focused on maintaining liquidity and sustainability during a period of challenging market conditions in the mining industry.    

 

As previously mentioned, effective January 1, 2015, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals signed an amendment to the LLC agreement to allow for the use of the $36.0 million owed to Nevada Moly and held by the LLC in a reserve account on the Mt. Hope Project.  The funds are now being used to pay ongoing expenses of the LLC until the Company obtains full financing for its portion of the Mt. Hope Project construction cost, or until the reserve account is exhausted.  The balance of the reserve account at December 31, 2015 was $16.6 million.

 

With our cash conservation plan, our Corporate and Liberty related cash requirements have declined to approximately $1.6 million per quarter, while all Mt. Hope Project related funding is payable out of the aforementioned reserve account.  Accordingly, based on our current cash on hand and our ongoing cash conservation plan, the Company expects it will have adequate liquidity in order to fund our working capital needs through 2016.    Additional potential funding sources include public or private equity offerings, including the $20.0 million equity investment from AMER described above, arranging for use of restricted cash, or sale of other assets owned by the Company.  There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in securing additional funding.  This could result in further cost reductions, contract cancellations, and potential delays which ultimately may jeopardize the development of the Mt. Hope Project.

 

When financing becomes available, the additional funding will allow us to restart equipment procurement, and agreements that were suspended or terminated will be renegotiated under current market terms and conditions, as necessary.  In the event of an extended delay related to availability of the Company’s portion of full financing for the Mt. Hope Project, the Company will make its best efforts to revise procurement and construction commitments to preserve liquidity, our equipment deposits and pricing structures.

 

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Total assets as of December 31, 2015 decreased to $346.5 million compared to $362.0 million as of December 31, 2014 primarily due to general and administrative expenses incurred and a $4.3 million loss incurred upon termination of the electricity termination contract at the LLC.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

Our total consolidated cash balance at December 31, 2014 was $13.3 million compared to $21.7 million at December 31, 2013.  The decrease in our cash balances for the year ended December 31, 2014 was due primarily to development of the Mt. Hope Project and general and administrative expenditures incurred of $18.2 million offset by the receipt of ongoing cash contributions received from POS-Minerals of $1.3 million and the private placement of $8.5 million of units consisting of convertible notes and warrants In December 2014.

 

Total assets as of December 31, 2014 increased to $362.0 million compared to $360.7 million as of December 31, 2013 primarily due to proceeds received from the Notes issued in December 2014.

 

Results of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015 we had a consolidated net loss of $16.1 million compared with a net loss of $11.0 million in the same period for 2014The 2015 net loss includes a $4.3 million loss recorded upon termination of the power transmission contract at the LLC as well as a $1.0 million loss recorded on extinguishment of several of the Senior Convertible Promissory Notes. 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, exploration and evaluation expenses were $1.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively, reflecting continuous care and maintenance expense at the Liberty Project during both periods.  Additionally, 2014 included additional costs related to the pre-feasibility study update during that year.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, general and administrative expenses, comprised largely of salaries and benefits, legal and audit fees, insurance costs, and outside contracted services, were $8.7 million and $8.9 million, respectively.  The decrease in costs in 2015 compared to the previous year relates primarily to our efforts to further reduce costs and conserve cash in the latter part of 2015.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014,  interest income was nil as a result of low deposit interest rates on consolidated cash balances in 2015 and 2014.  Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $1.1 million and nil, respectively, as a result of cash interest expense incurred during 2015 on the Senior Convertible Promissory Notes issued and non-cash interest expense incurred as a result of the amortization of debt issuance costs and the embedded derivatives associated with the Senior Convertible Promissory Notes.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014 we had a consolidated net loss of $11.0 million compared with a net loss of $16.3 million in the same period for 2013.  The 2013 net loss includes the constructive receipt of the Hanlong break fee for $10.0 million, the write off of unamortized warrant expense for $11.5 million, forgiveness of debt of bridge loan interest for $0.8 million, and a $6.4 million write off of debt issuance costs as discussed below.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, exploration and evaluation expenses were $2.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively, reflecting some ongoing prefeasibility work and continuous care and maintenance expense at the Liberty Project, culminating in a new pre-feasibility study being issued in 2014.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, general and administrative expenses, comprised largely of salaries and benefits, legal and audit fees, insurance costs, and outside contracted services, were $8.9 million and $9.0 million, respectively.  The decrease in costs in 2014 compared to the previous year relates primarily to our efforts to reduce costs and conserve cash.

 

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For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the write off of unamortized warrant expense was nil and $11.5 million, respectively, as a result of the write off of loan commitment costs associated with the termination of the warrant issued to Hanlong in connection with the Sub Debt Facility.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, constructive receipt of break fee was nil and $10.0 million, respectively, and forgiveness of debt of bridge loan interest for nil and $0.8 million, respectively, as a result of the termination of the Hanlong relationship in August 2013.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, write off of debt issuance costs was nil and $6.4 million, respectively, as a result of the termination of the Hanlong relationship in August 2013.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, interest income was nil as a result of low deposit interest rates on consolidated cash balances in 2014 and 2013.  Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was nil and $0.8 million, respectively, as a result of interest accrued on the bridge loan outstanding during 2013 and amortization of loan commitment costs related to the Hanlong warrant in 2013.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

None.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015 were as follows, based on financing expectations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments due by period

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Contractual obligations *

    

Total

    

2016

    

2017 - 2018

    

2019 & Beyond

 

Operating Lease Obligations

 

 

0.1

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

Agricultural Sustainability Trust Contributions

 

 

4.0

 

 

 —

 

 

4.0

 

 

 

Senior Convertible Promissory Notes**

 

 

5.9

 

 

 —

 

 

5.9

 

 

 —

 

Senior Promissory Notes**

 

 

1.3

 

 

 —

 

 

1.3

 

 

 —

 

Equipment Purchase Contracts

 

 

3.4

 

 

1.2

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

Advance Royalties

 

 

5.7

 

 

0.5

 

 

1.0

 

 

4.2

 

Return of Contributions to POS-Minerals

 

 

33.9

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

33.9

 

3M Plan Contributions

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

0.7

 

Total

 

$

55.3

 

$

1.8

 

$

14.7

 

$

38.8

 


* With the exception of the Senior Notes, which are the obligation of the Company, all amounts are commitments of the LLC, and as a result of the agreement between Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals are to be funded by the reserve account until such time that the Company obtains financing for its portion of construction costs at the Mt. Hope Project or until the reserve account balance is exhausted, and thereafter are to be funded 80% by Nevada Moly and 20% by POS-Minerals.  POS-Minerals remains obligated to make capital contributions for its 20% portion of equipment payments required by approved budgets of the LLC, and such amounts contributed by the reserve account on behalf of POS-Minerals will reduce, dollar for dollar, the amount of capital contributions that the LLC is required to return to POS-Minerals, as described above.

 

** The Company is obligated to pay interest on the senior convertible notes at a rate of 10% per year, payable quarterly.

 

Through December 31, 2015, the LLC has made deposits and/or final payments of $85.7 million on equipment orders, has spent approximately $196.5 million for the development of the Mt. Hope Project, for a total Mt. Hope Project inception-to-date spend of $282.2 million.

 

In 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for eighteen haul trucks.  The order provides for delivery of those haul trucks required to perform initial mine development, which will begin several months prior to commercial production.  Non-refundable down-payments of $1.2 million were made in 2012, with pricing subject to escalation as the trucks were not delivered prior to December 31, 2013.  During January 2016, the LLC renegotiated the timelines for truck delivery and delayed deliveries into December 2016.  The contract is cancellable with no further liability to the LLC.

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Also in 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for four mine production drills with a non-refundable down-payment of $0.4 million, and pricing was subject to escalation if the drills were not delivered by the end of 2013.  In the fourth quarter of 2015, the LLC accepted a change order which delayed delivery into December 2016.  The contract remains cancellable with no further liability to the LLC.

 

On June 30, 2012, the LLC’s contract to purchase two electric shovels expired.  On July 11, 2012, we signed a letter of intent with the same vendor providing for the opportunity to purchase the electric shovels at prices consistent with the expired contract, less a special discount in the amount of $3.4 million to provide credit to the LLC for amounts paid as deposits under the expired contract.  The letter of intent provides that equipment pricing will remain subject to inflation indexes and guarantees production slots to ensure that the equipment is available when required by the LLC.  In January 2016, the parties agreed to extend the letter of intent through December 31, 2016.

 

Based on our current forecast, the Company does not anticipate taking delivery of the haul trucks, drills, and electric shovels in 2016 and will work with the respective vendors to extend these agreements annually under we obtain financing for construction of the Mt. Hope Project.

 

If the LLC does not make the payments contractually required under these purchase contracts, it could be subject to claims for breach of contract or to cancellation of the respective purchase contract.  In addition, the LLC may proceed to selectively suspend, cancel or attempt to renegotiate additional purchase contracts if necessary to further conserve cash.  See “Liquidity, Capital Resources and Capital Requirements” above.  If the LLC cancels or breaches any contracts, the LLC will take all appropriate action to minimize any losses, but could be subject to liability under the contracts or applicable law.  The cancellation of certain key contracts could cause a delay in the commencement of operations, and could add to the cost to develop the Company’s interest in the Mt. Hope Project.

 

Through December 31, 2015, the LLC has made deposits and/or final payments of $85.7 million on equipment orders.  Of these deposits, $69.5 million relate to fully fabricated items, primarily milling equipment, for which the LLC has additional contractual commitments of $3.4 million noted in the table above.  The remaining $16.2 million reflects both partially fabricated milling equipment, and non-refundable deposits on mining equipment.  As discussed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this report, the mining equipment agreements remain cancellable with no further liability to the LLC. The underlying value and recoverability of these deposits and our mining properties in our consolidated balance sheets are dependent on the LLC’s ability to fund development activities that would lead to profitable production and positive cash flow from operations, or proceeds from the disposition of these assets. There can be no assurance that the LLC will be successful in obtaining project financing, in generating future profitable operations, disposing of these assets or the Company securing additional funding in the future on terms acceptable to us or at all.  Our audited consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to recoverability and classification of recorded assets or liabilities.

 

Obligations under capital and operating leases

 

We have contractual obligations under operating leases that will require a total of $0.1 million in payments over the next three years.  Operating leases consist primarily of rents on office facilities and office equipment.  Our expected payments are $0.1 million, nil, and nil for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

 

Creation of Agricultural Sustainability Trust

 

On August 19, 2010, the LLC entered into an agreement with the Eureka Producers’ Cooperative (the “EPC”) whereby the LLC will fund a $4.0 million Sustainability Trust (the “Trust”) in exchange for the cooperation of the EPC with respect to the LLC’s water rights and permitting of the Mt. Hope Project.  The Trust will be tasked with developing and implementing programs that will serve to enhance the sustainability and well-being of the agricultural economy in the Diamond Valley Hydrographic Basin through reduced water consumption.

 

The Trust may be funded by the LLC over several years based on the achievement of certain milestones, which are considered to be probable, and as such $4.0 million is accrued in the Company’s December 31, 2015, financial statements and is included in mining properties, land, and water rights.

 

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Permitting Considerations

 

In the ordinary course of business, mining companies are required to seek governmental permits for expansion of existing operations or for the commencement of new operations. The LLC was required to obtain approval from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) to implement the Mt. Hope Project Plan of Operations (“PoO”).  This approval, in the form of a Record of Decision (“ROD”) was obtained only after successful completion of the process of environmental evaluation, which incorporates substantial public comment.  The LLC was also required to obtain various state and federal permits including, but not limited to, water protection, air quality, water rights and reclamation permits.  In addition to requiring permits for the development of the Mt. Hope Project, we will need to obtain and modify various mining and environmental permits during the life of the Mt. Hope Project.  Maintaining, modifying, and renewing the necessary governmental permits is a complex and time-consuming process involving numerous jurisdictions and often involving public hearings and substantial expenditures.  The duration and success of the LLC’s efforts to obtain, modify or renew permits will be contingent upon many variables, some of which are not within the LLC’s control.  Increased costs or delays could occur, depending on the nature of the activity to be permitted and the interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the permitting authority.  All necessary permits may not be obtained and, if obtained, may not be renewed, or the costs involved in each case may exceed those that we previously estimated.  In addition, it is possible that compliance with such permits may result in additional costs and delays.

 

On November 16, 2012, the BLM issued its ROD authorizing development of the Mt. Hope Project.  On April 23, 2015, the BLM issued a FONSI, approving an amendment to the PoOThe ROD and FONSI approve the Plan of Operations (“PoO”) and amended PoO, respectively, for construction and operation of the mining and processing facilities and also grant the Right-of-Way, and amended Right-of-Way, respectively, for a 230kV power transmission line, discussed below.  Monitoring and mitigation measures identified in the ROD and FONSI, developed in collaboration with the regulatory agencies involved throughout the permitting process, will avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts, and reflect the Company’s commitment to operate the Mt. Hope Project to the highest environmental standards.

 

On February 15, 2013, Great Basin Resource Watch and the Western Shoshone Defense Project (“Plaintiffs”) filed a Complaint against the U.S. Department of the Interior and the BLM (the “Defendants”) in the U.S. District Court (“District Court”), District of Nevada, seeking relief under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) and other federal laws challenging the BLM’s issuance of the ROD for the Mt. Hope Project, and on February 20, 2013 filed a Motion for Preliminary Injunction.  The District Court allowed the LLC to intervene in the matter.

 

On August 22, 2013, the District Court denied, without prejudice, Plaintiffs’ Motion for Preliminary Injunction based on a Joint Stipulation to Continue Preliminary Injunction Oral Argument, which advised the District Court that as a result of economic conditions, including the Company’s ongoing financing efforts, all major ground disturbing activities had ceased at the Mt. Hope Project.

 

On July 23, 2014, the U.S. District Court denied Plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment in its entirety and on August 1, 2014 the Court entered judgment in favor of the Defendants and the LLC, and against Plaintiffs regarding all claims raised in the Complaint.

 

On September 22, 2014, the Plaintiffs filed their notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (“Ninth Circuit”) of the U.S. District Court’s dismissal.  Both parties completed their respective briefing to the Ninth Circuit on May 1, 2015.    The ROD remains in effect as we await a decision from the Ninth Circuit.  The Company is confident in the BLM’s process and will continue to vigorously defend this subsequent appeal of the ROD.

 

On June 17, 2014, the LLC submitted an amendment to its approved PoO to reflect minor design changes that were identified during continued engineering and the initial phases of construction, and on November 6, 2014, submitted minor revisions to the amendment.  The BLM prepared an Environmental Assessment (“EA”) to evaluate the environmental impacts of the PoO amendment, and on April 23, 2015, issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (“FONSI”) approving the PoO amendment. Ongoing changes to permits and the PoO during the life of mining operations are typical as design evolves and operations are optimized.

 

The State of Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (“NDEP”) issued a Reclamation Permit for the Mt. Hope Project on November 19, 2012, which authorizes surface disturbance and construction of facilities.  The Reclamation Permit originally approved the Phase 1 reclamation cost estimate of approximately $75.1 million.  As a

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result of delays in financing for the construction of the Mt. Hope Project, we submitted a revised proposal to NDEP to reduce our reclamation liability to current surface disturbance estimates.  In December 2015, NDEP and the BLM accepted our revised estimates approving a reduction of the reclamation estimate to approximately $2.8 million.  We worked with the LLC’s reclamation surety underwriters to satisfy the reduced $2.8 million financial guarantee requirements under the ROD for the Mt. Hope Project.  As of early 2016, the surety bond program is funded with a cash collateral payment of $0.3 million, a reduction from the $4.6 million established in November 2014, resulting in a $4.3 million return of collateral received in February 2016.

 

The Mt. Hope Project underwent exhaustive environmental analysis and review that lasted more than 6 years.  The process to complete the final Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) included extensive public and cooperating agency input (including the BLM, the National Park Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Nevada Division of Wildlife and the County of Eureka).  The Company supports the work completed by the BLM and believes that the ROD complies will all federal statutes and rules, and is very robust and defensible.

 

Water Rights Considerations

 

In July 2011 and June 2012, respectively, the Nevada State Engineer (“State Engineer”) granted all water permits and approved a Monitoring, Management and Mitigation Plan (“3M Plan”) for the Mt. Hope Project.  Eureka County, Nevada and two other parties comprised of water rights holders in Diamond Valley and Kobeh Valley appealed the State Engineer’s decision granting the water permits to the Nevada State District Court (“District Court”) and then filed a further appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court challenging the District Court’s decision affirming the State Engineer’s decision to grant the water permits.  In June 2013, the appeal was consolidated by the Nevada Supreme Court with an appeal of the State Engineer’s approval of the 3M Plan filed by two water rights holders.  The District Court previously upheld the State Engineer’s approval of the 3M Plan and the two parties subsequently appealed the District Court’s decision to the Nevada Supreme Court.  While the appeals were pending, the 3M Plan had been implemented to collect information on background conditions and aquifer responses to the Mt. Hope Project’s pumping, as well as to address mitigation measures for impacted third-party water rights.

 

On September 18, 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court issued an Order that reversed and remanded the cases to the District Court for further proceedings consistent with the Order.  On October 29, 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court issued the Order as a published Opinion.  The Nevada Supreme Court ruled that the State Engineer did not have sufficient evidence in the record at the time he granted the water permits to demonstrate that successful mitigation may be undertaken so as to dispel the threat to existing water rights holders.

 

On November 23, 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court issued its Remittitur to the District Court for the County of Eureka to remand the matter to the State Engineer for further proceedings consistent with its Opinion.  The Company will move forward as expeditiously as possible to reobtain its water permits, following the remand by the District Court to the State Engineer.  The Company expects to comply with the Supreme Court Opinion and provide additional evidence of its ability to successfully mitigate any potential impacts to water rights in Kobeh Valley that could result from the Mt. Hope Project’s water use.

 

Environmental Considerations

 

Our mineral property holdings in Shoshone County, Idaho include lands contained in mining districts that have been designated as  a “Superfund Site” pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act.  This “Superfund Site” was established to investigate and remediate primarily the Bunker Hill properties of Smelterville, Idaho, a small portion of Shoshone County where a large smelter was located.  However, because of the extent of environmental impact caused by the historical mining in the mining district, the Superfund Site covers the majority of Shoshone County including our Chicago-London and Little Pine Creek properties as well as many small towns located in Northern Idaho.  We have conducted a property environmental investigation of these properties, which revealed no evidence of material adverse environmental effects at either property.  We are unaware of any pending action or proceeding relating to any regulatory matters that would affect our financial position due to these inactive mining claims in Shoshone County.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Estimates

 

The process of preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the use of estimates and assumptions regarding certain types of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses.  Such estimates primarily relate to unsettled transactions and events as of the date of the financial statements.  Accordingly, upon settlement, actual results may differ from estimated amounts.

 

Provision for Taxes

 

Income taxes are provided based upon the asset and liability method of accounting.  Under this approach, deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end.  In accordance with authoritative guidance for Income Taxes, a valuation allowance is recorded against the deferred tax asset if management does not believe the Company has met the “more likely than not” standard to allow recognition of such an asset.  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had deferred tax assets principally arising from net operating loss carryforwards for income tax purposes multiplied by an expected rate of 35%.  As management of the Company has concluded that it is not more likely than not that we will realize the benefit of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance equal to the net deferred tax asset has been established.

 

Mining Properties, Land and Water Rights

 

The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable.  If the sum of estimated future net cash flows on an undiscounted basis is less than the carrying amount of the related asset grouping, asset impairment is considered to exist.  The related impairment loss is measured by comparing estimated future net cash flows on a discounted basis to the carrying amount of the asset.  Changes in significant assumptions underlying future cash flow estimates may have a material effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.  To date no such impairments have been identified.  Property and equipment are being depreciated over useful lives of three to twenty-seven and one-half years using straight-line depreciation.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with authoritative guidance for Share-Based Payments.  Under the fair value recognition provisions of this statement, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period.  Determining the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires judgment; including estimating the expected term of the award, volatility of the underlying equity and estimating the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited.  If actual results associated with share-based awards that are forfeited differ significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense and our results of operations could be materially impacted.

 

Contingently Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (“CRNCI”)

 

Under GAAP, certain noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities meet the definition of mandatorily redeemable financial instruments if the ability to redeem the interest is outside of the control of the consolidating entity.  As described in Note 1 — “Description of Business”, the LLC Agreement permits POS-Minerals the option to put its interest in the LLC to Nevada Moly upon a change of control, as defined in the LLC Agreement, followed by a failure to use standard mining industry practice in connection with development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project as contemplated by the parties for a period of 12 consecutive months.  As such, the CRNCI has continued to be shown as a separate caption between liabilities and equity.  The carrying value of the CRNCI has historically included the $36.0 million Return of Contributions, now $33.9 million, which will be returned to POS-Minerals in 2020, unless further extended by the members of the LLC as discussed above.  The expected Return of Contributions to POS-Minerals was carried at redemption value as we believed redemption of this amount was probable.  Effective January 1, 2015, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals agreed that the Return of Contributions will be due to POS-Minerals on December 31, 2020, unless further extended by the members of the LLC as discussed above.  As a result, we have reclassified the Return of Contributions payable to POS-Minerals from CRNCI to a non-current liability at redemption value, and subsequently

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reduced it by $2.1 million, consisting of 20% of an $8.4 million principal payment made on million equipment in March 2015 and a $2.2 million principal payment made on electrical transformers in April 2015, such that the remaining amount due to POS-Minerals is $33.9 million. 

 

The remaining carrying value of the CRNCI has not been adjusted to its redemption value as the contingencies that may allow POS-Minerals to require redemption of its noncontrolling interest are not probable of occurring.  Under GAAP, until such time as that contingency has been eliminated and redemption is no longer contingent upon anything other than the passage of time, no adjustment to the CRNCI balance should be made. Future changes in the redemption value will be recognized immediately as they occur and the Company will adjust the carrying amount of the CRNCI to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period.

 

Senior Convertible Promissory Notes and other Long-Term Debt

 

As discussed in Note 2, in December 2014, the Company sold and issued $8.5 million in units consisting of Senior Convertible Promissory Notes (the “Notes”) and warrants to accredited investors, including several directors and each of the named executive officers of the Company, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 506 thereunder. The Notes are unsecured obligations and are senior to any of the Company’s future secured obligations to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such obligations.

 

The Notes bear interest at a rate of 10.0% per annum, payable in cash quarterly in arrears on each March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 beginning March 31, 2015. The Notes are convertible at any time in an amount equal to 80% of the greater of (i) the average volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) for the 30 Business Day period ending on the Business Day prior to the date of the conversion, or (ii) the average VWAP for the 30 Business Day period ending on the original issuance date of this note.  Each Note will convert into a maximum of 100 shares per note, resulting in the issuance of up to 8,535,000 shares. General Moly’s named executive officers and board of directors who participate in the offering will be restricted from converting at a price less than $0.32, the most recent closing price at the time that the Notes were issued. The Notes are mandatorily redeemable at par plus the present value of remaining coupons upon (i) the availability of cash from a financing for Mt. Hope and (ii) any other debt financing by the Company. In addition, 50% of any proceeds from the sale of assets cumulatively exceeding $250,000 will be used to prepay the Notes at par plus the present value of remaining coupons. The Company has the right to redeem the Notes at any time at par plus the present value of remaining coupons. The Private Placement was negotiated by independent members of General Moly’s board of directors, none of whom participated in the transaction.  As of December 31, 2015, an aggregate of $2.6 million of Notes had been converted into 2,625,000 shares of common stock and $1.3 million of non-convertible Senior Promissory Notes, resulting in a $0.2 million annual reduction in interest payments made by the Company in the servicing of the Notes, as further discussed in Note 6 below.

 

The Company evaluates its contracts for potential derivatives.  See Note 6 for a description of the Company’s accounting for embedded derivatives and the Notes.

 

The Company additionally has certain debt related a land mortgage.  These items are allocated between long-term and current based on payments contractually required to be made within the next twelve months.

 

Debt issuance costs are costs incurred in connection with the Company’s debt financings that have been capitalized and are being amortized over the stated mandatory period or estimated life of the related debt, using the effective interest method.

 

Recent Accounting Developments

 

See recently adopted accounting developments in Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

We are a development stage company in the business of the exploration, development and mining of properties primarily containing molybdenum.  As a result, upon commencement of production, our financial performance could be

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materially affected by fluctuations in the market price of molybdenum and other metals we may mine.  The market prices of metals can fluctuate widely due to a number of factors.  These factors include fluctuations with respect to the rate of inflation, the exchange rates of the U.S. dollar and other currencies, interest rates, global or regional political and economic conditions, banking environment, global and regional demand, production costs, and investor sentiment.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation — Molybdenum Market Update” for a discussion of molybdenum prices.

 

In order to better manage commodity price risk and to seek to reduce the negative impact of fluctuations in prices, we will seek to enter into long-term supply contracts for our portion of the Mt. Hope production.  On December 28, 2007, we entered into a molybdenum supply agreement with ArcelorMittal S.A. (“ArcelorMittal”), the world’s largest steel company, that provides for ArcelorMittal to purchase 6.5 million pounds of molybdenum per year, plus or minus 10%, once the Mt. Hope Project commences commercial operations at minimum specified levels. The supply agreement provides for a floor price along with a discount for spot prices above the floor price and expires five years after the commencement of commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project.  Both the floor and threshold levels at which the percentage discounts change are indexed to a producer price index. According to public filings, on January 25, 2011, the boards of directors of ArcelorMittal S.A. and APERAM each approved the transfer of the assets comprising ArcelorMittal’s stainless and specialty steels businesses from its carbon steel and mining businesses to APERAM, a separate entity incorporated in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.  This transfer did not include the supply agreement the Company had in place with ArcelorMittal.    The shares of the Company’s common stock previously owned by ArcelorMittal were transferred to APERAM.

 

Additionally, on May 14, 2008, we entered into a molybdenum supply agreement with SeAH Besteel Corporation (“SeAH Besteel”), Korea’s largest manufacturer of specialty steels, which provides for SeAH Besteel to purchase 4.0 million pounds of molybdenum per year, plus or minus 10%, once the Mt. Hope Project commences commercial operations at minimum specified levels. Like the APERAM supply agreement, the supply agreement with SeAH Besteel provides for a floor price along with staged discounts for spot prices above the floor price and expires five years from the date of first supply under the agreement.  Both the floor and threshold levels at which the percentage discounts change are indexed to a producer price index.  On July 22, 2015, the Company and SeAH Besteel entered into a first amendment to the molybdenum supply agreement, which provides that the agreement will terminate on December 31, 2020, if commercial operations at the minimum specified levels have not commenced by that date.

 

On August 8, 2008, the Company entered into a molybdenum supply agreement (“Sojitz Agreement”) with Sojitz Corporation (“Sojitz”).  The Sojitz Agreement provides for the supply of 5.0 million pounds per year of molybdenum for five years, beginning once the Mt. Hope Project reaches certain minimum commercial production levels.  One million annual pounds sold under the Sojitz Agreement will be subject to a per-pound molybdenum floor price and is offset by a flat discount to spot molybdenum prices above the floor.  The remaining 4.0 million annual pounds sold under the Sojitz Agreement will be sold with reference to spot molybdenum prices without regard to a floor price.  The Sojitz Agreement includes a provision that allows Sojitz the option to cancel in the event that supply from the Mt. Hope Project had not begun by January 1, 2013.  The described option is available up to ten days following the achievement of certain production levels at the Mt. Hope Project.  As commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project has not commenced, Sojitz currently has the option to cancel its contract or participate in the molybdenum supply agreement as described above.

 

The long-term supply agreements provide for supply only after commercial production levels are achieved, and no provisions require the Company to deliver product or make any payments if commercial production is never achieved or declines in later periods and have floor prices ranging from $12.75 to $13.50 per pound and incremental discounts above the floor price.  The agreements require that monthly shortfalls be made up only if the Company’s portion of Mt. Hope production is available for delivery, after POS-Minerals has taken its 20% share.  In no event do these requirements to make up monthly shortfalls become obligations of the Company if production does not meet targeted levels.

 

Furthermore, each of the agreements remain as contractual obligations and have take-or-pay provisions that require the buyers to either take delivery of product made available by the Company, or to pay as though they had taken delivery pursuant to the term of the agreements.  In the event that our contract parties choose not to honor their contractual obligations or attempt to terminate these agreements as a result of the continuing delay in achieving production, our profitability may be adversely impacted.  We may be unable to sell any product our contract parties fail to purchase in a timely manner, at comparable prices, or at all.

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While we have not used derivative financial instruments in the past, we may elect to enter into derivative financial instruments to manage commodity price risk.  We have not entered into any market risk sensitive instruments for trading or speculative purposes and do not expect to enter into derivative or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

As of December 31, 2015, we had a balance of cash and cash equivalents of $13.0 million and restricted cash of $23.4 million.  Interest rates on short term, highly liquid investments have not changed materially since December 31, 2010, and continue to be 1% or less on an annualized basis.

 

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ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

GENERAL MOLY, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2015

 

CONTENTS

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

57 

 

 

Financial Statements:

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

58 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 

59 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 

60 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Equity as of December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 

62 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

63 

 

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of General Moly, Inc.

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, cash flows, and equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of General Moly, Inc. at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Item 9A: Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

As discussed in Note 2 "Liquidity" to the consolidated financial statements, the ability of the Company to implement its current business plan is dependent upon the Company obtaining additional financing.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Denver, Colorado

March 11, 2016

 

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GENERAL MOLY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(In thousands, except par value amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

December 31,

    

December 31,

 

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

$

13,047

 

$

13,269

 

Deposits, prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

 

150

 

 

698

 

Total Current Assets

 

 

 

13,197

 

 

13,967

 

Mining properties, land and water rights

 

 

 

220,635

 

 

216,595

 

Deposits on project property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

85,698

 

 

74,151

 

Restricted cash held at EMLLC

 

 

 

16,636

 

 

36,000

 

Restricted cash held for loan procurement

 

 

 

1,850

 

 

 —

 

Restricted cash held for electricity transmission

 

 

 

 —

 

 

12,021

 

Restricted cash held for reclamation bonds

 

 

 

4,932

 

 

5,358

 

Non-mining property and equipment, net

 

 

 

369

 

 

519

 

Debt Issuance Costs

 

 

 

164

 

 

441

 

Other assets

 

 

 

2,994

 

 

2,994

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

 

$

346,475

 

$

362,046

 

LIABILITIES, CRCNI, AND EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

 

$

1,762

 

$

4,633

 

Accrued advance royalties

 

 

 

500

 

 

500

 

Current portion of long term debt

 

 

 

142

 

 

290

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

 

 

2,404

 

 

5,423

 

Provision for post closure reclamation and remediation costs

 

 

 

1,198

 

 

1,276

 

Accrued advance royalties

 

 

 

5,200

 

 

5,200

 

Accrued payments to Agricultural Sustainability Trust

 

 

 

4,000

 

 

4,000

 

Long term debt, net of current portion

 

 

 

1,517

 

 

249

 

Senior Convertible Promissory Notes

 

 

 

5,480

 

 

7,763

 

Return of Contributions Payable to POS-Minerals

 

 

 

33,884

 

 

 —

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

 

2,125

 

 

1,125

 

Total Liabilities

 

 

 

55,808

 

 

25,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTINGENTLY REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST ("CRNCI")

 

 

 

173,265

 

 

210,317

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 650,000,000 and 200,000,000 shares authorized, respectively, 109,298,393 and 92,200,657 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

 

 

 

109

 

 

92

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

 

282,633

 

 

276,718

 

Accumulated deficit during exploration and development stage

 

 

 

(165,340)

 

 

(150,117)

 

Total Equity

 

 

 

117,402

 

 

126,693

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES, CRNCI, AND EQUITY

 

 

$

346,475

 

$

362,046

 

 

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

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GENERAL MOLY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended

 

 

    

 

December 31,

    

December 31,

    

December 31,

 

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

REVENUES

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration and evaluation

 

 

 

1,032

 

 

2,097

 

 

772

 

General and administrative expense

 

 

 

8,703

 

 

8,872

 

 

8,985

 

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

9,735

 

 

10,969

 

 

9,757

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

 

 

 

(9,735)

 

 

(10,969)

 

 

(9,757)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSE):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on Termination of Power Transmission Contract

 

 

 

(4,317)

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on Extinguishment of Senior Convertible Notes

 

 

 

(971)

 

 

 

 

 

Write-off of loan commitment fees (warrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11,472)

 

Gain on forgiveness of debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

804

 

Constructive receipt of break fee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

Write-off of debt issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,420)

 

Realized gain from sale of mining properties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,292

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

(1,100)

 

 

(29)

 

 

(751)

 

TOTAL OTHER (EXPENSE)/INCOME, NET

 

 

 

(6,388)

 

 

(29)

 

 

(6,547)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

 

 

(16,123)

 

 

(10,998)

 

 

(16,304)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Taxes

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED NET LOSS

 

 

$

(16,123)

 

$

(10,998)

 

$

(16,304)

 

Less: Net loss attributable to CRNCI

 

 

 

900

 

 

38

 

 

 —

 

NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO GMI

 

 

$

(15,223)

 

$

(10,960)

 

$

(16,304)

 

Basic and diluted net loss attributable to GMI per share of common stock

 

 

$

(0.16)

 

$

(0.12)

 

$

(0.18)

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding — basic and diluted

 

 

 

97,056

 

 

91,907

 

 

91,568

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

 

$

(15,223)

 

$

(10,960)

 

$

(16,304)

 

 

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

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GENERAL MOLY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended

 

 

    

 

December 31,

    

December 31,

    

December 31,

 

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Net loss

 

 

$

(16,123)

 

$

(10,998)

 

$

(16,304)

 

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

251

 

 

339

 

 

341

 

Non-cash interest expense

 

 

 

367

 

 

29

 

 

753

 

Stock-based compensation for employees and directors

 

 

 

(40)

 

 

1,718

 

 

1,829

 

Loss on Termination of Power Transmission Contract

 

 

 

218

 

 

(1)

 

 

(7)

 

Loss on Extinguishment of Senior Convertible Notes

 

 

 

971

 

 

 

 

 

Write-off of loan commitment fees (warrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,472

 

Write-off of debt issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,420

 

Constructive receipt of break fee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(10,000)

 

Forgiveness of debt (interest on bridge loan)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(804)

 

Realized gain related to sale of mining properties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,292)

 

Decrease (increase) in deposits, prepaid expenses and other

 

 

 

548

 

 

(73)

 

 

(489)

 

(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

 

 

(2,445)

 

 

417

 

 

(8,170)

 

(Decrease) increase in post closure reclamation and remediation costs

 

 

 

(162)

 

 

(122)

 

 

691

 

Net cash used by operating activities

 

 

 

(16,415)

 

 

(8,691)

 

 

(15,560)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase and development of mining properties, land and water rights

 

 

 

(4,083)

 

 

(9,510)

 

 

(35,280)

 

Deposits on property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

(11,473)

 

 

(752)

 

 

(3,689)

 

Proceeds from sale of land and equipment

 

 

 

463

 

 

 

 

1,000

 

(Increase) in restricted cash for loan procurement

 

 

 

(2,000)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Decrease in restricted cash

 

 

 

31,961

 

 

974

 

 

659

 

Net cash used by investing activities

 

 

 

14,868

 

 

(9,288)

 

 

(37,310)

 

 

 

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GENERAL MOLY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock proceeds, net of issuance costs

 

 

 

3,813

 

 

(36)

 

 

49

 

Cash contributions returned to POS-Minerals

 

 

 

(2,268)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Cash contributions received from POS-Minerals

 

 

 

 

 

1,348

 

 

7,127

 

Proceeds from unit offering

 

 

 

 

 

8,535

 

 

 

Increase in capitalized debt issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

(23)

 

 

(702)

 

Repayment of Long-Term Debt

 

 

 

(220)

 

 

(261)

 

 

(250)

 

Net cash provided by financing activities:

 

 

 

1,325

 

 

9,563

 

 

6,224

 

Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

(222)

 

 

(8,416)

 

 

(46,646)

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

 

 

13,269

 

 

21,685

 

 

68,331

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

 

$

13,047

 

$

13,269

 

$

21,685

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation capitalized as development

 

 

$

155

 

$

443

 

$

1,078

 

Accrued portion of advance royalties

 

 

 

500

 

 

500

 

 

 

Conversion of Senior Convertible Promissory Notes

 

 

 

(2,488)

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Convertible Senior Promissory Notes Issued

 

 

 

1,340

 

 

 

 

 

Return of Contributions Payable to POS-Minerals

 

 

 

36,000

 

 

 

 

 

Reduction in Return of Contributions payable to POS-Minerals

 

 

 

(2,116)

 

 

 

 

 

Write off of debt issuance costs

 

 

 

(115)

 

 

 

 

 

Installment purchase of equipment and land

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

139

 

Loan commitment costs

 

 

 

 

 

472

 

 

 

Change in accrued portion of deposits on property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

74

 

 

(709)

 

 

728

 

 

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

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GENERAL MOLY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

 

(In thousands, except number of shares and per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Accumulated

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

Comprehensive

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Paid-In Capital

 

Income (Loss)

 

Deficit

 

Total

 

Balances, December 31, 2012

 

91,333,092

 

$

91

 

$

270,902

 

$

 —

 

$

(122,853)

 

$

148,140

 

Stock Options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised at $2.41 per share

 

20,000

 

 

 —

 

 

48

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

48

 

Exercise of stock options

 

46,165

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,907

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,907

 

Issuance of Units of Common Stock :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued pursuant to stock awards

 

361,992

 

 

1

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1

 

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2013

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(16,304)

 

 

(16,304)

 

Balances, December 31, 2013

 

91,761,249

 

$

92

 

$

273,857

 

$

 —

 

$

(139,157)

 

$

134,792

 

Issuance of Units of Common Stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued pursuant to stock awards

 

439,408

 

 

 —

 

 

(36)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(36)

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,161

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,161

 

Issuance of Warrants

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

786

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

786

 

Debt issuance costs

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(50)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(50)

 

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2014

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,960)

 

 

(10,960)

 

Balances, December 31, 2014

 

92,200,657

 

$

92

 

$

276,718

 

$

 —

 

$

(150,117)

 

$

126,693

 

Issuance of Units of Common Stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued pursuant to stock awards

 

1,139,403

 

 

1

 

 

(90)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(89)

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

115

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

115

 

Conversion of Senior Convertible Promissory Notes

 

2,625,000

 

 

3

 

 

1,983

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,986

 

Debt issuance costs

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(80)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(80)

 

Private Placement

 

13,333,333

 

 

13

 

 

3,987

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

4,000

 

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2015

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(15,223)

 

 

(15,223)

 

Balances, December 31, 2015

 

109,298,393

 

$

109

 

$

282,633

 

$

 —

 

$

(165,340)

 

$

117,402

 

 

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

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GENERAL MOLY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1 — DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

General Moly, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our,” “Company,” or “General Moly”) is a Delaware corporation originally incorporated as General Mines Corporation on November 23, 1925.  We have gone through several name changes and on October 5, 2007, we reincorporated in the State of Delaware (“Reincorporation”) through a merger involving Idaho General Mines, Inc. and General Moly, Inc., a Delaware corporation that was a wholly owned subsidiary of Idaho General Mines, Inc. The Reincorporation was effected by merging Idaho General Mines, Inc. with and into General Moly, with General Moly being the surviving entity.  For purposes of the Company’s reporting status with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), General Moly is deemed a successor to Idaho General Mines, Inc.

 

The Company conducted exploration and evaluation activities from January 1, 2002 until October 4, 2007, when our Board of Directors (“Board”) approved the development of the Mt. Hope molybdenum property (“Mt. Hope Project”) in Eureka County, Nevada.  Since that time, the Company has continued its efforts to both obtain financing for and develop the Mt. Hope Project.  However, the combination of financing delays and court proceedings has resulted in a current suspension of development.  We also continue to evaluate the copper resource of our Liberty molybdenum and copper property (“Liberty Project”) in Nye County, Nevada.

 

The Mt. Hope Project

 

From October 2005 to January 2008, we owned the rights to 100% of the Mt. Hope Project.  Effective as of January 1, 2008, we contributed all of our interest in the assets related to the Mt. Hope Project, including our lease of the Mt. Hope Project, into Eureka Moly, LLC (“the LLC”), and in February 2008 entered into an agreement (“LLC Agreement”) for the development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project with POS-Minerals Corporation (“POS-Minerals”).  Under the LLC Agreement, POS-Minerals owns a 20% interest in the LLC and General Moly, through Nevada Moly, LLC (“Nevada Moly”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, owns an 80% interest.  The ownership interests and/or required capital contributions under the LLC Agreement can change as discussed below.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement, POS-Minerals made its first and second capital contributions to the LLC totaling $100.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2008 (“Initial Contributions”).  Additional amounts of $100.7 million were received from POS-Minerals in December 2012, following receipt of major operating permits for the Mt. Hope Project, including the Record of Decision (“ROD”) from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”).

 

In addition, under the terms of the LLC Agreement, since commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project was not achieved by December 31, 2011, the LLC will be required to return to POS-Minerals $36.0 million, since reduced to $33.9 million as discussed below, of its capital contributions (“Return of Contributions”), with no corresponding reduction in POS-Minerals’ ownership percentage.  Effective January 1, 2015, as part of a comprehensive agreement concerning the release of the reserve account described below, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals agreed that the Return of Contributions will be due to POS-Minerals on December 31, 2020; provided that, at any time on or before November 30, 2020, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals may agree in writing to extend the due date to December 31, 2021; and if the due date has been so extended, at any time on or before November 30, 2021, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals may agree in writing to extend the due date to December 31, 2022.  If the repayment date is extended, the unpaid amount will bear interest at a rate per annum of LIBOR plus 5%, which interest shall compound quarterly, commencing on December 31, 2020 through the date of payment in full.  Payments of accrued but unpaid interest, if any, shall be made on the repayment date.  Nevada Moly may elect, on behalf of the Company to cause the Company to prepay, in whole or in part, the Return of Contributions at any time, without premium or penalty, along with accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

 

The original Return of Contributions amount due to POS-Minerals is reduced, dollar for dollar, by the amount of capital contributions for equipment payments required from POS-Minerals under approved budgets of the LLC, as discussed further below.  As of December 31, 2015, this amount has been reduced by $2.1 million, consisting of 20% of an $8.4 million principal payment made on milling equipment in March 2015 and a $2.2 million principal payment made on electrical transformers in April 2015, such that the remaining amount due to POS-Minerals is $33.9 million.  If Nevada Moly does not fund its additional capital contribution in order for the LLC to make the required return to POS-Minerals set forth above, POS-Minerals has an election to either make a secured loan to the LLC to fund the Return of

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Contributions, or receive an additional interest in the LLC, from Nevada Moly, estimated to be 5%.  In the latter case, Nevada Moly’s interest in the LLC is subject to dilution by a percentage equal to the ratio of 1.5 times the amount of the unpaid Return of Contributions over the aggregate amount of deemed capital contributions (as determined under the LLC Agreement) of both parties to the LLC (“Dilution Formula”).  At December 31, 2015, the aggregate amount of deemed capital contributions of both members was $1,078.3 million.

 

Furthermore, the LLC Agreement authorizes POS-Minerals to put/sell its interest in the LLC to Nevada Moly after a change of control of Nevada Moly or the Company, as defined in the LLC Agreement, followed by a failure by us or our successor company to use standard mining industry practice in connection with the development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project as contemplated by the parties for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months.  If POS-Minerals exercises its option to put or sell its interest, Nevada Moly or its transferee or surviving entity would be required to purchase the interest for 120% of POS-Minerals’ total contributions to the LLC, which, if not paid timely, would be subject to 10% interest per annum.

 

In November 2012, the Company and POS-Minerals began making monthly pro rata capital contributions to the LLC to fund costs incurred as required by the LLC Agreement.  The interest of a party in the LLC that does not make its monthly pro rata capital contributions to fund costs incurred is subject to dilution based on the Dilution Formula.  The Company and POS-Minerals consented, effective July 1, 2013, to Nevada Moly accepting financial responsibility for POS-Minerals’ 20% interest in costs related to Nevada Moly’s compensation and reimbursement as Manager of the LLC, and certain owners’ costs associated with Nevada Moly’s ongoing progress to complete project financing for its 80% interest, resulting in $2.9 million paid by Nevada Moly on behalf of POS-Minerals during the term of the consensual agreement, which ended on June 30, 2014. From July 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014, POS-Minerals once again contributed its 20% interest in all costs incurred by the LLC.  Subject to the terms above, all required monthly contributions have been made by both parties.

 

Effective January 1, 2015, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals signed an amendment to the LLC agreement under which a separate $36.0 million owed to Nevada Moly held by the LLC in a reserve account established in December 2012 is being released for the mutual benefit of both members related to the jointly approved Mt. Hope Project expenses through 2020.  In January 2015, the reserve account funded a reimbursement of contributions made by the members during the fourth quarter of 2014, inclusive of $0.7 million to POS-Minerals and $2.7 million to Nevada Moly.  The funds are now being used to pay ongoing expenses of the LLC until the Company obtains full financing for its portion of the Mt. Hope Project construction cost, or until the reserve account is exhausted.  Any remaining funds after financing is obtained will be returned to the Company.  The balance of the reserve account at December 31, 2015 was $16.6 million.

 

Termination of Agreements with Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment Inc.

 

In March 2010, we signed a series of agreements with Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (“Hanlong”), an affiliate of Sichuan Hanlong Group, a privately held Chinese company.  The agreements formed the basis of a $745 million transaction that was intended to provide the Company with adequate capital to contribute its 80% share of costs to develop the Mt. Hope Project.  The agreements resulted in the sale to Hanlong of 11.8 million shares of our common stock for a purchase price of $40 million, with additional potential equity issuances conditioned on Hanlong procuring a project financing Term Loan from a Chinese bank.  The agreements also provided for Hanlong representation on our Board, limitations on how Hanlong would vote its shares of the Company and on its ability to purchase or dispose of our securities, and included a $10.0 million Bridge Loan to the Company to preserve liquidity until availability of the Term Loan. 

 

Most of the provisions of the agreements with Hanlong were terminated in 2013 because no project financing occurred, including repayment of the $10.0 million Bridge Loan which the parties agreed to offset against the $10.0 million termination break fee owed to the Company by Hanlong. However, Hanlong remains the owner of approximately 11% of our outstanding common stock and their representative continues as an elected member of our Board as of December 31, 2015.  In February 2016, the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors determined it would not renominate the Hanlong representative, Nelson F. Chen, to the Board, as Hanlong’s beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock on a fully diluted basis has fallen below 10%.  Mr. Chen’s term as a director will expire at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

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Agreement with AMER International Group (“AMER”) 

 

Private Placement

 

In April 2015, the Company and AMER entered into a private placement for 40.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock and warrants to purchase 80.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock, priced using the trailing 90-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of $0.50 on April 17, 2015, the date the investment agreement was signed. General Moly received stockholder approval of the transaction on June 30, 2015.

 

On November 2, 2015, the Company and AMER entered into an amendment to the Investment and Securities Purchase Agreement, thereby creating a three-tranche investment strategy that creates a strategic partnership to assist the Company in obtaining full financing for the Mt. Hope Project.   The first tranche of the amended investment agreement closed on November 24, 2015 for a $4.0 million private placement representing 13.3 million shares, priced at $0.30 per share, and warrants to purchase 80.0 million shares of common stock at $0.50 per share, which will become exercisable upon availability of an approximately $700.0 million senior secured loan (“Bank Loan”). The $4.0 million private placement has been divided evenly between general corporate purposes and an expense reimbursement account available to both AMER and the Company to cover anticipated Mt. Hope financing costs and other jointly sourced business development opportunities. In addition, AMER and General Moly entered into a Stockholder Agreement allowing AMER to nominate a director to a now seven member General Moly Board of Directors, additional directors following the close of Tranche 3, discussed below, and drawdown of a senior secured loan (“Bank Loan”).  The Stockholder Agreement also governs amer’s acquisition and transfer of General Moly shares.  The parties agreed to eliminate the condition to closing the investment agreement requiring a letter of intent from a Prime Chinese Bank endorsing the Bank Loan as a result of the current molybdenum market price and recent water rights decision from the Nevada Supreme Court. The parties also agreed to eliminate the requirement of the Company to obtain consent from APERAM, as Tranche 1 was issued at $0.30 per share, which is above the October 30, 2015, closing price of $0.29 per share.

 

The second tranche of the amended investment agreement will include a $6.0 million private placement representing 12.0 million shares, priced at $0.50 per share. $5.0 million of the $6.0 million will be used for general corporate purposes and $1.0 million will be set aside for the expense reimbursement account discussed above. Closing of the second tranche is contingent on the Nevada State Engineer restoring permits for the Mt. Hope Project's water rights and for the price of molybdenum to average in excess of $8/lb for a 30 consecutive calendar day period.

 

The third tranche of the amended investment agreement will include a $10.0 million private placement representing 14.7 million shares, priced at $0.68 per share. Execution of the third tranche is contingent on a final adjudication of the Mt. Hope Project's water rights through courts or settlement, if further protests and appeals result from the issuance of the water permits, and for the price of molybdenum to average in excess of $12/lb for a 30 consecutive calendar day period. After the third tranche of the agreement is executed, AMER will nominate a second director to General Moly’s then eight member Board of Directors.

 

The second and third tranches of the investment agreement may be subject to General Moly stockholder approval.

 

Term Loan

 

AMER has agreed to work cooperatively with the Company upon the return of improved molybdenum prices to procure and support a Bank Loan of approximately $700 million from a major Chinese bank or banks for development of the Mt. Hope Project. AMER will guarantee the Bank Loan, which is anticipated to have normal and customary covenants and security arrangements.

 

When documentation is complete and drawdown of the approximately $700 million Bank Loan becomes available, 80 million warrants to purchase common shares of General Moly will become exercisable by AMER at $0.50. After drawdown of the Bank Loan, AMER will nominate a third Director to General Moly’s Board of Directors. All conditions to complete the warrants transaction must be completed no later than April 17, 2017 in order for the warrants to vest and become exercisable.

 

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Molybdenum Supply Agreement

 

The Company and AMER have agreed on the substantive terms of a definitive agreement that would provide a one-time option exercisable simultaneously with Bank Loan execution to purchase the balance of the Company’s share of Mt. Hope molybdenum production, estimated to be approximately 16.5 million pounds annually, for the first five years of production, and 70% of the Company’s annual share of Mt. Hope molybdenum production thereafter at a cost of spot price less a slight discount.

 

NOTE 2 — LIQUIDITY

 

The cash needs for the development of the Mt. Hope Project are significant and require that we and/or the LLC arrange for financing to be combined with funds anticipated to be received from POS-Minerals in order to retain its 20% membership interest.  If we are unsuccessful in obtaining financing, we will not be able to proceed with the development of the Mt. Hope Project.

 

Although hampered by the continuing low molybdenum prices, the Company continues its efforts to obtain full financing of the Mt. Hope Project.  On April 17, 2015, the Company announced a significant Investment and Securities Purchase Agreement (“AMER Investment Agreement”) with AMER.  AMER has agreed to work with the Company to procure and support a senior secured term loan (“Bank Loan”) of approximately $700 million from a major Chinese bank or banks for development of the Mt. Hope Project, and to provide a guarantee for the Bank Loan.  On June 30, 2015, the Company received stockholder approval of the agreement with AMER.  As discussed in Note 1, on November 2, 2015, the Company announced receipt of funds to successfully close the first tranche of the amended AMER Investment Agreement, resulting in a $4.0 million cash inflow to the Company.

 

There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining the financing required to complete the Mt. Hope Project, or in raising additional financing in the future on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all. 

 

In order to preserve our cash liquidity, we implemented in the third quarter of 2013, a cost reduction and personnel retention program, which included reductions in base cash compensation for our executive officers, senior management employees and members of the Board of Directors.  We approved cash and equity incentives for the executive officers who remained with the Company through the earliest to occur of a financing plan for the Mt. Hope Project approved by the Board of Directors;  a Change of Control (as defined in the employment or change of control agreements between the Company and each of our executive officers); involuntary termination (absent cause); or January 15, 2015 (the “Vesting Date”), and a personnel retention program providing cash and equity incentives for other employees who remained with the Company.   On the January 15, 2015 vesting date, we paid $1.1 million in cash stay incentives to our eligible employees and executive officers, excluding our CEO, Bruce D. Hansen.  Mr. Hansen agreed to defer his $0.4 million cash stay incentive to January 15, 2016 in consideration for an equity grant.  This amount was paid to Mr. Hansen in January 2016.  The Company also issued 726,493 shares of common stock on the January 15, 2015 vesting date under this plan.

 

In October 2015, the Company announced a  management restructuring and cost reduction program, which included a 25% reduction in workforce, compensation reductions for senior executives, and a reduction of engineering, administrative and consulting expenses.  This restructuring program resulted in a $0.4 million expense recorded in the Company’s December 31, 2015 financial statements.  The program is focused on maintaining liquidity and sustainability during a period of challenging market conditions in the mining industry. 

 

In December 2014, the Company sold and issued $8.5 million in units consisting of Senior Convertible Promissory Notes (the "Notes") and warrants to accredited investors, including several directors and each of our named executive officers, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 506 thereunder. The Notes are unsecured obligations and are senior to any of the Company's future secured obligations to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such obligations.  The warrants are exercisable between June 26, 2015 and December 26, 2019, for an aggregate of 8,535,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $1.00 per share.  The Company received net proceeds from the sale of the units of approximately $8.0 million, after deducting discounts and offering expenses of approximately $0.5 million. Net proceeds from the sale are being used to fund ongoing operations.  In February and April 2015, a number of the participants exercised their right to convert the Notes.  Upon completion of the conversions, $1.3 million in non-convertible Senior Promissory Notes and 2.6 million shares were issued, with $5.9 million in Notes remaining available for conversion.  See additional discussion of the Notes in Note 6.

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We continue to work with our long-lead vendors to manage the timing of contractual payments for milling equipment.  In March 2015, the LLC remitted $8.9 million to the manufacturer of our crusher, SAG and ball mills, and in early April 2015, made a $2.4 million payment due to the manufacturer of the two 230kV primary transformers.  Both payments were funded with cash from the reserve account, described above.  The following table sets forth the LLC’s remaining cash commitments under these equipment contracts (collectively, “Purchase Contracts”) at December 31, 2015 (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

As of

 

 

 

December 31,

 

Year

 

2015 *

 

2016

 

 

1.2

 

2017

 

 

2.2

 

Total

 

$

3.4

 


* All amounts are commitments of the LLC, and as a result of the agreement between Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals are to be funded by the $36.0 million reserve account until such time that the Company obtains financing for its portion of construction costs at the Mt. Hope Project or until the reserve account balance is exhausted, and thereafter are to be funded 80% by Nevada Moly and 20% by POS-Minerals. POS-Minerals remains obligated to make capital contributions for its 20% portion of equipment payments required by approved budgets of the LLC, and such amounts contributed by the reserve account on behalf of POS-Minerals will reduce, dollar for dollar, the amount of capital contributions that the LLC is required to return to POS-Minerals, as described under Note 1 above.

 

If the LLC does not make the payments contractually required under these purchase contracts, it could be subject to claims for breach of contract or to cancellation of the respective purchase contract.  In addition, the LLC may proceed to selectively suspend, cancel or attempt to renegotiate additional purchase contracts if necessary to further conserve cash.  If the LLC cancels or breaches any contracts, the LLC will take all appropriate action to minimize any losses, but could be subject to liability under the contracts or applicable law.  The cancellation of certain key contracts could cause a delay in the commencement of operations, and could add to the cost to develop the Company’s interest in the Mt. Hope Project.

 

Through December 31, 2015, the LLC has made deposits and/or final payments of $85.7 million on equipment orders.  Of these deposits, $69.5 million relate to fully fabricated items, primarily milling equipment, for which the LLC has additional contractual commitments of $3.4 million noted in the table above.  The remaining $16.2 million reflects both partially fabricated milling equipment, and non-refundable deposits on mining equipment.  As discussed in Note 12, the mining equipment agreements remain cancellable with no further liability to the LLC. The underlying value and recoverability of these deposits and our mining properties in our consolidated balance sheets are dependent on the LLC’s ability to fund development activities that would lead to profitable production and positive cash flow from operations, or proceeds from the disposition of these assets. There can be no assurance that the LLC will be successful in generating future profitable operations, disposing of these assets or the Company securing additional funding in the future on terms acceptable to us or at all.  Our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to recoverability and classification of recorded assets or liabilities.

 

In June 2015, the LLC reached an agreement to terminate the existing third-party transmission contracts to provide power to the Mt. Hope Project in favor of a future arrangement for transmission under the provider’s network services agreement.  With the agreement, the LLC received a return of approximately $7.9 million in cash net of termination costs, expense and consideration to the transmission providers, resulting in a loss of $4.3 million to the LLC.  In August 2015, the LLC distributed $6.3 million to Nevada Moly and $1.6 million to POS-Minerals under the terms of the LLC Agreement.

 

With our cash conservation plan, our Corporate and Liberty related cash requirements have declined to approximately $1.6 million per quarter, while all Mt. Hope Project related funding is payable out of the $36.0 million reserve account, the balance of which was $16.6 million at December 31, 2015.  Accordingly, based on our current cash on hand and our ongoing cash conservation plan, the Company expects it will have adequate liquidity in order to fund our working capital needs through December 31, 2016.  Additional potential funding sources include public or private equity offerings, including tranches 2 and 3 of the $20.0 million investment from AMER described in Note 1, arranging for use of other restricted cash, or sale of other assets owned by the Company.  There is no assurance that the Company

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will be successful in securing additional funding.  This could result in further cost reductions, contract cancellations, and potential delays which ultimately may jeopardize the development of the Mt. Hope Project.

 

NOTE 3 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

This summary of significant accounting policies is presented to assist in understanding the financial statements.  The financial statements and notes are representations of the Company’s management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity.  These accounting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and have been consistently applied in the preparation of the financial statements.

 

Accounting Method

 

Our financial statements are prepared using the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with GAAP.  With the exception of the LLC, all of our subsidiaries are wholly owned.  In February 2008, we entered into the LLC Agreement, which established our ownership interest in the LLC at 80%.  The consolidated financial statements include all of our wholly owned subsidiaries and the LLC.  The POS-Minerals contributions attributable to their 20% interest are shown as Contingently Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The net loss attributable to contingently redeemable noncontrolling interest is reflected separately on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and reduces the Contingently Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Net losses of the LLC are attributable to the owners of the LLC based on their respective ownership percentages in the LLC. During 2015, the LLC had a $4.5 million loss primarily associated with a loss incurred upon termination of the electricity transmission contract discussed in Note 2, of which $0.9 million was attributed to the Contingently Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest.

 

Contingently Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (“CRNCI”)

 

Under GAAP, certain noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities meet the definition of mandatorily redeemable financial instruments if the ability to redeem the interest is outside of the control of the consolidating entity.  As described in Note 1 — “Description of Business”, the LLC Agreement permits POS-Minerals the option to put its interest in the LLC to Nevada Moly upon a change of control, as defined in the LLC Agreement, followed by a failure to use standard mining industry practice in connection with development and operation of the Mt. Hope Project as contemplated by the parties for a period of 12 consecutive months.  As such, the CRNCI has continued to be shown as a separate caption between liabilities and equity.  The carrying value of the CRNCI has historically included the $36.0 million Return of Contributions, now $33.9 million, that will be returned to POS-Minerals in 2020, unless further extended by the members of the LLC as discussed above.  The expected Return of Contributions to POS-Minerals was carried at redemption value as we believed redemption of this amount was probable.  Effective January 1, 2015, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals agreed that the Return of Contributions will be due to POS-Minerals on December 31, 2020, unless further extended by the members of the LLC as discussed above.  As a result, we have reclassified the Return of Contributions payable to POS-Minerals from CRNCI to a non-current liability at redemption value, and subsequently reduced it by $2.1 million, consisting of 20% of an $8.4 million principal payment made on milling equipment in March 2015 and a $2.2 million principal payment made on electrical transformers in April 2015, such that the remaining amount due to POS-Minerals is $33.9 million.

 

The remaining carrying value of the CRNCI has not been adjusted to its redemption value as the contingencies that may allow POS-Minerals to require redemption of its noncontrolling interest are not probable of occurring.  Under GAAP, until such time as that contingency has been eliminated and redemption is no longer contingent upon anything other than the passage of time, no adjustment to the CRNCI balance should be made. Future changes in the redemption value will be recognized immediately as they occur and the Company will adjust the carrying amount of the CRNCI to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period.

 

Estimates

 

The process of preparing consolidated financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions regarding certain types of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses.  Such estimates primarily relate to unsettled transactions and events as of the date of the financial statements.  Accordingly, upon settlement, actual results may differ from estimated amounts.

 

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Asset Impairments

 

We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used, using a fair-value based approach when events and circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount of our assets may not be recoverable.  The economic environment and molybdenum and copper prices may be considered as impairment indicators for the purposes of these impairment assessments.  In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired when the anticipated undiscounted cash flows from such asset is less than its carrying value.  In that event, an impairment charge will be recorded in our Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss based on the difference between book value and the estimated fair value of the asset computed using discounted future cash flows, or the application of an expected fair value technique in the absence of an observable market price.  Future cash flows include estimates of recoverable quantities to be produced from estimated proven and probable mineral reserves, commodity prices (considering current and historical prices, price trends and related factors), production quantities and capital expenditures, all based on life-of-mine plans and projections.  In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist that are largely independent of cash flows from other asset groups.  Generally, in estimating future cash flows, all assets are grouped at a particular mine for which there are identifiable cash flows.  While our 2015 impairment analysis did not result in any long-lived asset impairments, there can be no assurance that there will not be asset impairments if commodity prices experience a sustained decline and/or if there are significant downward adjustments to estimates of recoverable quantities to be produced from proven and probable mineral reserves or production quantities, and/or upward adjustments to estimated operating costs and capital expenditures, all based on life-of-mine plans and projections.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

 

We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalent instruments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy established by FASB guidance for Fair Value Measurements because they are valued based on quoted market prices in active markets.

 

We consider all restricted cash to be long-term.  In December 2012, the Company established a reserve account at the direction of the LLC management committee in the amount of $36.0 million. Effective January 1, 2015, Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals agreed upon procedures for maintaining the Mt. Hope Project as described above. Under the agreement, the funds, which were to remain restricted until availability of the Company’s portion of financing for the Mt. Hope Project was confirmed or until the LLC management committee agreed to release the funds, can be released for the mutual benefit of the members for expense related to the Mt. Hope Project.  The balance of the reserve account at December 31, 2015 was $16.6 million.

 

Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share

 

Net loss per share was computed by dividing the net loss attributable to the Company by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.  The weighted average number of shares was calculated by taking the number of shares outstanding and weighting them by the amount of time that they were outstanding.  Outstanding awards as of December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

December 31, 2015

    

December 31, 2014

    

December 31, 2013

 

Warrants

 

 

89,535,000

 

9,535,000

 

1,000,000

 

Stock Options

 

 

45,002

 

271,112

 

544,999

 

Unvested Stock Awards

 

 

1,658,673

 

1,723,328

 

2,280,890

 

Stock Appreciation Rights

 

 

1,402,186

 

1,923,144

 

2,096,653

 

 

These awards were not included in the computation of diluted loss per share for the twelve months December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, because to do so would have been anti-dilutive.  Therefore, basic loss per share is the same as diluted loss per share.

 

Mineral Exploration and Development Costs

 

All exploration expenditures are expensed as incurred.  Significant property acquisition payments for active exploration properties are capitalized.  If no economic ore body is discovered, previously capitalized costs are expensed in the period the property is abandoned.  Expenditures to develop new mines, to define further mineralization in existing

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ore bodies, and to expand the capacity of operating mines, are capitalized and amortized on a units-of-production basis over proven and probable reserves.

 

Should a property be abandoned, its capitalized costs are charged to operations.  The Company charges to the consolidated statement of operations the allocable portion of capitalized costs attributable to properties sold.  Capitalized costs are allocated to properties sold based on the proportion of claims sold to the claims remaining within the project area.

 

Mining Properties, Land and Water Rights

 

Costs of acquiring and developing mining properties, land and water rights are capitalized as appropriate by project area.  Exploration and related costs and costs to maintain mining properties, land and water rights are expensed as incurred while the property is in the exploration and evaluation stage.  Development and related costs and costs to maintain mining properties, land and water rights are capitalized as incurred while the property is in the development stage.  When a property reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs are amortized using the units-of-production basis over proven and probable reserves.  Mining properties, land and water rights are periodically assessed for impairment of value, and any subsequent losses are charged to operations at the time of impairment.  If a property is abandoned or sold, a gain or loss is recognized and included in the consolidated statement of operations.

 

The Company has capitalized royalty payments made to Mt. Hope Mines, Inc. (“MHMI”) (discussed in Note 12 below) during the development stage.  The amounts will be applied to production royalties owed upon the commencement of production.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Property and equipment are depreciated using the following estimated useful lives:

 

 

 

 

 

Field equipment

    

Four to ten years

 

Office furniture, fixtures, and equipment

 

Five to seven years

 

Vehicles

 

Three to five years

 

Leasehold improvements

 

Three years or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter

 

Residential trailers

 

Ten to twenty years

 

Buildings and improvements

 

Ten to twenty seven and one-half years

 

 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, accumulated depreciation and amortization was $2.1 and $2.3 million, respectively, of which $1.9 and $2.0 million, respectively, was capitalized.

 

Senior Convertible Promissory Notes and other Long-Term Debt

 

In December 2014, the Company sold and issued $8.5 million in units consisting of Senior Convertible Promissory Notes (the "Notes") and warrants to accredited investors, including several directors and officers of the Company, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 506 thereunder. The Notes are unsecured obligations and are senior to any of the Company's future secured obligations to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such obligations.

 

The Notes bear interest at a rate of 10.0% per annum, payable in cash quarterly in arrears on each March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 beginning March 31, 2015. The Notes are convertible at any time in an amount equal to 80% of the greater of (i) the average volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) for the 30 Business Day period ending on the Business Day prior to the date of the conversion, or (ii) the average VWAP for the 30 Business Day period ending on the original issuance date of this note.  Each Note will convert into a maximum of 100 shares per note, resulting in the issuance of up to 8,535,000 shares, or 9.3% of shares outstanding. General Moly’s executive management team and board of directors who participate in the offering will be restricted from converting at a price less than $0.32, the most recent closing price at the time that the Notes were issued. The Notes are mandatorily redeemable at par plus the present value of remaining coupons upon (i) the availability of cash from a financing for Mt. Hope and (ii) any other debt financing by the Company. In addition, 50% of any proceeds from the sale of assets cumulatively

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exceeding $250,000 will be used to prepay the Notes at par plus the present value of remaining coupons. The Company has the right to redeem the Notes at any time at par plus the present value of remaining coupons. The Private Placement was negotiated by independent members of General Moly’s board of directors, none of whom participated in the transaction.  As of December 31, 2015, an aggregate of $2.6 million of Notes had been converted into 2,625,000 shares of common stock and $1.3 million of non-convertible Senior Promissory Notes, resulting in a $0.2 million annual reduction in interest payments made by the Company in the servicing of the Notes, as further discussed in Note 6 below.

 

The Company evaluates its contracts for potential derivatives.  See Note 6 for a description of the Company’s accounting for embedded derivatives and the Notes.

 

The Company additionally has certain debt related to a land mortgage.  It is allocated between long-term and current based on payments contractually required to be made within the next twelve months.

 

Debt issuance costs are incurred in connection with the Company’s debt financings that have been capitalized and are being amortized over the stated maturity period or estimated life of the related debt, using the effective interest method.

 

Provision for Taxes

 

Income taxes are provided based upon the asset and liability method of accounting.  Under this approach, deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end.  In accordance with authoritative guidance under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, Income Taxes, a valuation allowance is recorded against the deferred tax asset if management does not believe the Company has met the “more likely than not” standard to allow recognition of such an asset.

 

Reclamation and Remediation

 

Expenditures for ongoing compliance with environmental regulations that relate to current operations are expensed or capitalized as appropriate.  Future obligations to retire an asset, including site closure, dismantling, remediation and ongoing treatment and monitoring, are recorded as a liability at fair value at the time of construction or development.  The fair value determination is based on estimated future cash flows, the current credit-adjusted risk-free discount rate and an estimated inflation factor.  The value of asset retirement obligations is evaluated on an annual basis or as new information becomes available on the expected amounts and timing of cash flows required to discharge the liability.  The fair value of the liability is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset and this additional carrying amount will be depreciated or amortized over the estimated life of the asset upon the commencement of commercial production.  An accretion cost, representing the increase over time in the present value of the liability, will also be recorded each period as accretion expense upon the commencement of commercial production.  As reclamation work is performed or liabilities are otherwise settled, the recorded amount of the liability is reduced.

 

Stock-based Compensation

 

Stock-based compensation represents the fair value related to stock-based awards granted to members of the Board, officers and employees.  The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to determine the fair value of stock-based awards under authoritative guidance for Stock-Based Compensation.  For stock based compensation that is earned upon the satisfaction of a service condition, the cost is recognized on a straight-line basis (net of estimated forfeitures) over the requisite vesting period (up to three years).  Awards expire five years from the date of vesting.

 

Further information regarding stock-based compensation can be found in Note 9 — “Equity Incentives.”

 

Warrants

 

The Company has issued warrants in connection with several financing transactions and uses the Black-Scholes model or a lattice to determine the fair value of these transactions based on the features included in each.

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Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

ASU 2015-03 — Interest — Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30):  Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 requiring that, effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015, debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts.  The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by these amendments.   The Company has determined the impact to be minimal and will result in the collapse of the debt issuance costs line item on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the long-term debt line items.

 

Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (Topic 205):  Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (Topic 205):  Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.  The update requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued and requires additional disclosures documenting such evaluation.  The Company is currently reviewing the standard to determine the appropriate timing for adoption.

 

 

NOTE 4 — MINING PROPERTIES, LAND AND WATER RIGHTS

 

We currently have interests in two mining properties that are the primary focus of our operations, the Mt. Hope Project and the Liberty Project.  We also have certain other, non-core, mining properties that are being evaluated for future development or sale.

 

The Mt. Hope Project.  We are currently in the process of developing the Mt. Hope Project.  In January 2014, the Company published an updated Technical Report on the Mt. Hope Project using Canadian Instrument NI 43-101 guidelines, which provided data on the viability and expected economics of the project.  Based on the findings in the study, on a 100% basis, we reported 1.4 billion pounds of contained (1.2 billion pounds recoverable) molybdenum in proven and probable reserves.

 

Liberty Project.  We are currently in the process of exploration and evaluation of the Liberty Project.  In July 2014, the Company published an updated NI 43-101 compliant pre-feasibility study, which more closely examined the use of existing infrastructure and the copper potential of the property.

 

Other Mining Properties.  We also have mining claims and land purchased prior to 2006 which consist in part of (a) approximately 107 acres of fee simple land in the Little Pine Creek area of Shoshone County, Idaho, (b) six patented mining claims known as the Chicago-London group, located near the town of Murray in Shoshone County, Idaho, (c) 34 unpatented mining claims in Marion County, Oregon, known as the Detroit property and (d) 83 unpatented mining claims in Sanders and Madison County, Montana.

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Summary.  The following is a summary of mining properties, land and water rights at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

At

    

At

 

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

Mt. Hope Project:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Development costs

 

$

169,735

 

$

165,785

 

Mineral, land and water rights

 

 

11,324

 

 

11,728

 

Advance Royalties

 

 

29,800

 

 

29,300

 

Total Mt. Hope Project

 

 

210,859

 

 

206,813

 

Total Liberty Project

 

 

9,695

 

 

9,701

 

Other Properties

 

 

81

 

 

81

 

Total

 

$

220,635

 

$

216,595

 

 

Development costs and Deposits on project property, plant and equipment

 

Development costs of $169.7 million include hydrology and drilling costs, expenditures to further the permitting process, capitalized salaries, project engineering costs, and other expenditures required to fully develop the Mt. Hope Project.  Deposits on project property, plant and equipment of $85.7 million represent ongoing progress payments on equipment orders for the custom-built grinding and milling equipment, related electric mill drives, and other processing equipment that require the longest lead times.

 

Restricted Cash held for Electricity Transmission

 

In 2008, the LLC paid $12.0 million into an escrow arrangement for electricity transmission services.  The amount represented security for a third party transmission contract that will provide power to the Mt. Hope Project, and was accounted for as restricted cash. As electricity transmission was not delivered to the Mt. Hope Project by December 1, 2014, the LLC worked with the provider to terminate the existing agreement in favor of a future arrangement for transmission under the provider’s network services agreement.  With the agreement, the LLC received a return of approximately $7.9 million in cash net of termination costs, expenses and consideration to the transmission providers, resulting in a loss of $4.3 million to the LLC.  In August 2015, the LLC distributed $6.3 million to Nevada Moly and $1.6 million to POS-Minerals under the terms of the LLC Agreement.

 

NOTE 5 — ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

 

Asset retirement obligations arise from the acquisition, development, construction and normal operation of mining property, plant and equipment due to government controls and regulations that protect the environment, and are primarily related to closure and reclamation of mining properties.  The exact nature of environmental issues and costs, if any, which the Company or the LLC may encounter in the future are subject to change, primarily because of the changing character of environmental requirements that may be enacted by governmental authorities.

 

The following table shows asset retirement obligations for future mine closure and reclamation costs in connection with the Mt. Hope Project and within the boundaries of the Plan of Operations (“PoO”):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

At

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2015

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

At January 1, 2014

 

$

1,112

 

Accretion Expense

 

 

80

 

Adjustments*

 

 

(115)

 

At December 31, 2014

 

$

1,077

 

Accretion Expense

 

 

72

 

Adjustments*

 

 

(91)

 

At December 31, 2015

 

$

1,058

 


* Includes annual changes to the escalation rate, the market-risk premium rate, or reclamation time periods

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The estimated future reclamation costs for the Mt. Hope Project have been discounted using a rate of 8%.  The total inflated and undiscounted estimated reclamation costs associated with current disturbance under the PoO at the Mt. Hope Project were $6.4 million at December 31, 2015. Increases in ARO liabilities resulting from the passage of time are recognized as accretion expense.

 

The LLC is required by U.S. federal and state laws to provide financial assurance sufficient to allow a third party to implement approved closure and reclamation plans if the LLC is unable to do so.  The laws govern the determination of the scope and cost of the closure, and the amount and forms of financial assurance.  As of December 31, 2015, the LLC had provided the appropriate regulatory authorities with $73.4 million in reclamation financial guarantees through the posting of surety bonds for reclamation of the Mt. Hope Project as approved in the ROD.  As of December 31, 2015, we had $4.6 million in cash deposits associated with these bonds, which are specific to the PoO disturbance and accounted for as restricted cash and are unrelated to the inflated and undiscounted liability referenced above.  As a result of delays in financing for the construction of the Mt. Hope Project, we submitted a revised proposal to NDEP and the BLM to reduce our reclamation liability to current surface disturbance.  In December 2015, NDEP and the BLM accepted our revised estimates approving a reduction of the reclamation estimate to approximately $2.8 million.  We worked with the LLC’s reclamation surety underwriters to satisfy the reduced $2.8 million financial guarantee requirements under the ROD for the Mt. Hope Project.  As of early 2016, the surety bond program is funded with a cash collateral payment of $0.3 million, a reduction from the $4.6 million established in November 2014, resulting in a $4.3 million return of collateral received in February 2016.

 

The LLC has a smaller liability at the Mt. Hope Project for disturbance associated with exploration drilling which occurred outside the PoO boundaries.  The LLC has not discounted this reclamation liability as the total amount is approximately $0.1 million.

 

The Company’s Liberty Project is currently in the exploration stage.  The Company has not discounted the reclamation liability incurred at the Liberty Project as the total is approximately $0.1 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Mt. Hope Project

    

 

 

 

 

 

outside PoO

 

 

 

 

 

 

boundary

 

Liberty

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

At January 1, 2014

 

 

81

 

 

125

 

Adjustments *

 

 

 —

 

 

(7)

 

At December 31, 2014

 

$

81

 

$

118

 

Adjustments *

 

 

(59)

 

 

 —

 

At December 31, 2015

 

$

22

 

$

118

 


* Includes reduced / reclaimed disturbance, BLM rate changes, and transfer into the approved PoO

 

NOTE 6 — CONVERTIBLE SENIOR NOTES

 

In December 2014, the Company sold and issued 85,350 Units of Convertible Senior Notes (the “Notes”) with warrants (the “Warrants”) to qualified buyers pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of which 23,750 Units were sold and issued to related parties, including several directors and each of our named executive officers.  The Notes are unsecured obligations and are senior to any of the Company's future secured obligations to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such obligations.

 

The transaction value of $8.5 million was allocated between debt for the Notes and equity for the Warrants based on the relative fair value of the two instruments.   This resulted in recording $0.8 million in Additional Paid In Capital for the relative fair value of the Warrants and $7.7 million as Convertible Senior Notes.  The Company received net proceeds from the sale of the Notes of approximately $8.0 million, after deducting offering expenses of approximately $0.5 million, which was allocated between debt and equity, As a result, the Company recognized $0.4 million as Debt Issuance Costs to be amortized over the expected redemption period, and $0.1 million recognized as a reduction to Additional Paid in Capital. Net proceeds from the sale will be used to fund ongoing operations until the Company’s portion of project financing is obtained.

 

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The Notes bear interest at a rate of 10.0% per annum, payable in cash quarterly in arrears on each March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 beginning March 31, 2015.  The Notes mature on December 26, 2019 unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or converted. The Company may redeem the Notes for cash, either in whole or in part, at any time, in exchange for the sum of (i) a cash payment equal to the unpaid principal plus all accrued but unpaid interest through the date of redemption and (ii) the present value of the remaining scheduled interest payments discounted to the maturity date at the annual percentage yield on U.S. Treasury securities with maturity similar to the notes plus 25 basis points (the “Optional Redemption”).  The Notes are mandatorily redeemable at par plus the present value of remaining coupons upon (i) the availability of cash from a financing for Mt. Hope and (ii) any other debt financing by the Company. In addition, 50% of any proceeds from the sale of assets cumulatively exceeding $250,000 will be used to prepay the Notes at par plus the present value of remaining coupons (the “Mandatory Redemption”).

 

The Notes are convertible at any time in an amount equal to 80% of the greater of (i) the average VWAP for the 30 Business Day period ending on the Business Day prior to the date of the conversion, or (ii) the average VWAP for the 30 Business Day period ending on the original issuance date of this note.  Each Note will convert into a maximum of 100 shares per note, resulting in the issuance of 8,535,000 shares, or 9.3% of shares outstanding (the “Conversion Option”).  General Moly’s executive management team and board of directors who participated in the offering are restricted from converting at a price less than $0.32, the most recent closing price at the time that the Notes were issued.

 

If the Company undergoes a “fundamental change”, the Notes will be redeemed for cash at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any. Examples creating a “fundamental change” include the reclassification of the common stock, consolidation or merger of the Company with another entity or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, certain holders of the Convertible Notes, including both directors and named executive officers of the Company, elected to convert notes totaling $2.6 million, reducing the principal balance of the Convertible Notes to $5.9 million. Upon conversion, the Convertible Notes holders received 2,625,000 shares of common stock, at conversion prices ranging from $0.3462 to $0.5485, and were issued non-convertible Senior Promissory Notes (“Promissory Notes”) of $1.3 million, pursuant to the terms of the share maximum provision of the Conversion Option.  The Promissory Notes have identical terms to the Convertible Notes, with the exception that the holder no longer has a Conversion Option. Accordingly, the Promissory Notes bear interest equal to 10.0% per annum, payable in cash quarterly in arrears on each March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and mature on December 26, 2019.  The conversions will result in a $0.2 million annual reduction in interest payments made by the Company in the servicing of the Notes.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, the loss on extinguishment incurred at conversion was $0.9 million.

 

Based on the redemption and conversion features discussed above, the Company determined that there were embedded derivatives that require bifurcation from the debt instrument and accounted for under ASC 815. Embedded derivatives are separated from the host contract, the Notes, and carried at fair value when: (a) the embedded derivative possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract; and (b) a separate, stand-alone instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument. The Company has concluded that the Mandatory Redemption and Conversion Option features embedded within the Notes meet these criteria and, as such, must be valued separate and apart from the Notes as one embedded derivative and recorded at fair value each reporting period (the “Embedded Derivatives”).

 

A probability-weighted calculation was utilized to estimate the fair value of the Mandatory Redemption.

 

The Company used a binomial lattice model in order to estimate the fair value of the Conversion Option in the Notes. A binomial lattice model generates two probable outcomes, arising at each point in time, starting from the date of valuation until the maturity date. A lattice was initially used to determine if the Notes would be converted or held at each decision point. Within the lattice model, the Company assumes that the Notes will be converted early if the conversion value is greater than the holding value

 

As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, the carrying value of the Convertible Notes, absent the embedded derivatives, was $5.3 million and $6.9 million inclusive of an unamortized debt discount of $0.6 million and $1.7 million, all of which is considered long term debt. The fair value of the Convertible Notes was $7.5 million and $11.2 million at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, the

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carrying value of the Promissory Notes was $1.3 million. The fair value of the Promissory Notes was $0.9 million at December 31, 2015. There were no outstanding borrowings related to the Promissory Notes as of December 31, 2014.

 

The embedded derivatives recorded in Senior Convertible Promissory Notes at fair value were $0.2 million and $0.9 million at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The changes in the estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives during the year ended December 31, 2015 resulted in a gain of $0.4 million and a write-off of $0.3 million at conversion recognized as an offset to interest expense in the Statement of Operations.

 

The Company has estimated the fair value of the Convertible Senior Notes and embedded derivatives based on Level 3 inputs. Changes in certain inputs into the valuation models can have a significant impact on changes in the estimated fair value. For example, the estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives will generally decrease with: (1) a decline in the stock price; (2) increases in the estimated stock volatility; and (3) an increase in the estimated credit spread.

 

The following inputs were utilized to measure the fair value of the Notes and embedded derivatives: (i) price of the Company’s common stock; (ii) Conversion Rate (as defined in the Note); (iii) Conversion Price (as defined in the Note); (iv) maturity date; (v) risk-free interest rate; (vi) estimated stock volatility; (vii) estimated credit spread for the Company; (viii) default intensity; and (ix) recovery rate.

 

The following tables set forth the inputs to the models that were used to value the embedded derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

December 31, 2015

    

December 31, 2014

 

Stock Price

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.64

 

Maturity Date

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

Risk-Free Interest Rate

 

 

1.54%

 

 

1.75%

 

Estimated Stock Volatility

 

 

40.00%

 

 

40.00%

 

Default Intensity

 

 

2.00%

 

 

2.00%

 

Recovery Rate

 

 

30.00%

 

 

30.00%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type of Event

    

Expected Date

    

Probability of Event

 

Mandatory Redemption

 

April 17, 2017

 

80%

 

Conversion Option

 

October 17, 2017

 

10%

 

Note Reaches Maturity

 

December 31, 2019

 

10%

 

 

 

NOTE 7 —COMMON STOCK AND COMMON STOCK WARRANTS

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, 1,139,403 shares of common stock were issued pursuant to stock awards under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.  Additionally, we issued 2.6 million shares upon the conversion of certain Senior Convertible Promissory Notes in February and April 2015 and 13.3 shares of common stock to AMER upon closing of the amended Investment Agreement in November 2015.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, 439,408 shares of common stock were issued pursuant to stock awards.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013, options representing 20,000 shares were exercised for cash in the amount of $0.1 million, options representing 250,000 shares were exercised in a cashless exchange resulting in the issuance of 46,165 shares and 361,992 shares of common stock were issued pursuant to stock awards.

 

 

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The following is a summary of common stock warrant activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Number of Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warrants

    

Exercise Price

 

Balance at December 31, 2012

 

 

11,000,000

 

$

4.23 to 5.00

 

Expiration of warrants

 

 

(10,000,000)

 

$

4.23

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

 

 

1,000,000

 

$

5.00

 

Issuance of new warrants

 

 

8,535,000

 

$

1.00

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

 

 

9,535,000

 

$

1.00 to 5.00

 

Issuance of new warrants

 

 

80,000,000

 

$

0.50

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

 

 

89,535,000

 

$

0.50 to 5.00

 

Weighted average exercise price

 

$

0.60

 

 

 

 

 

On October 26, 2012, the Company issued a warrant to Hanlong to purchase 10.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with the signing of the subordinated debt agreement at a price of $4.23 per share and had a value of $12.4 million.  In addition, the $12.4 million value placed on the warrant issued to Hanlong in connection with the Sub Debt Facility was considered a loan commitment fee.  These costs were to be amortized over the life of the Sub Debt Facility using the straight-line method from the date the loan agreement was effective.  The termination of the Sub Debt Facility in May 2013 resulted in a non-cash charge to the income statement in the amount of $11.5 million for the remaining unamortized value associated with the warrants.

 

On December 26, 2014, the Company issued 8.5 million warrants in connection with the private placement of its senior convertible notes at a price of $1.00 per share and had a relative fair value of $0.8 million.  In addition, the $0.8 million value placed on the warrants was considered a debt discount and is to be amortized over the expected redemption period.

 

On November 2, 2015, the Company issued 80.0 million warrants to AMER in connection with the closing of the amended Investment Agreement at a price of $0.50 per share and a relative fair value of $0.5 million, resulting in an entry to additional paid-in capital.

 

Of the warrants outstanding at December 31, 2015, 8.5 million are exercisable at $1.00 per share at any time from June 26, 2015 through their expiration on December 26, 2019, 1.0 million are exercisable at $5.00 per share once General Moly has received financing necessary for the commencement of commercial production at the Mt. Hope Project and will expire one year thereafter, and the remaining 80.0 million become exercisable upon availability of an approximately $700.0 million Bank Loan prior to April 17, 2017, as described in Note 1 above.  Should the vesting condition not be met on those 80.0 million warrants prior to April 17, 2017, pending potential renegotiation of the Investment Agreement, the warrants will expire.

 

Pursuant to our amended Certificate of Incorporation, approved by the stockholders at the general meeting of June 30, 2015, we are authorized to issue 650.0 million shares of $0.001 par value common stock.  All shares have equal voting rights, are non-assessable and have one vote per share.  Voting rights are not cumulative and therefore, the holders of more than 50% of the common stock could, if they choose to do so, elect all of the directors of the Company.  The Certificate of Amendment was filed in Delaware on July 14, 2015.

 

Additionally, on June 30, 2015, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation providing the Board with the flexibility to effect a reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock.  This amendment has not yet been implemented by the Board.

 

NOTE 8 — PREFERRED STOCK

 

Pursuant to our Certificate of Incorporation we are authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of $0.001 per share par value preferred stock.  The authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock may be issued in designated series from time to time by one or more resolutions adopted by the Board.  The Board has the authority to determine the preferences, limitations and relative rights of each series of preferred stock.  At December 31, 2015, and 2014,  no shares of preferred stock were issued or outstanding.

 

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NOTE 9 — EQUITY INCENTIVES

 

In 2006, the Board and shareholders of the Company approved the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (“2006 Plan”) that replaced the 2003 Equity Incentive Plan (“2003 Plan”).  In May 2010, our shareholders approved an amendment to the 2006 Plan increasing the number of shares that may be issued under the plan by 4,500,000 shares to 9,600,000 shares.  The 2006 Plan authorizes the Board, or a committee of the Board, to issue or transfer up to an aggregate of 9,600,000 shares of common stock, of which 1,388,498 remain available for issuance as of December 31, 2015.  Awards under the 2006 Plan may include incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, restricted stock units, restricted stock awards, and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”).  At the option of the Board, SARs may be settled with cash, shares, or a combination of cash and shares.  The Company settles the exercise of other stock-based compensation with newly issued common shares.

 

Stock-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the award’s fair value as calculated by the Black-Scholes option pricing model and is recognized as compensation ratably on a straight-line basis over the requisite vesting/service period.  As of December 31, 2015, there was $1.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation arrangements, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.

 

Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights

 

All stock options and SARs are approved by the Board of Directors prior to or on the date of grant.  Stock options and SARs are granted at an exercise price equal to or greater than the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant.  Both award types vest over a period of zero to three years with a contractual term of five years after vesting.  The Company estimates the fair value of stock options and SARs using the Black-Scholes valuation model.  Key inputs and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options and SARs include the grant price of the award, expected option term, volatility of the Company’s stock, the risk-free rate and the Company’s dividend yield.  The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used in the valuation and the resulting weighted-average fair value per option or SAR granted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31:

    

 

2015

    

 

2014

    

 

2013

 

Expected Life *

 

 

3.5 to 6.0 years

 

 

3.5 to 6.0 years

 

 

3.5 to 6.0 years

 

Interest Rate+

 

 

0.36% to 1.37%

 

 

0.58% to 1.37%

 

 

0.36% to 1.37%

 

Volatility **+

 

 

62.04% to 85.97%

 

 

70.31% to 92.76%

 

 

62.04% to 87.82%

 

Dividend Yields

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

Weighted Average Fair Value of Stock Appreciation Rights Granted During the Year

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

2.74

 


*   The expected life is the number of years that the Company estimates, based upon history, that options or SARs will be outstanding prior to exercise or forfeiture.

** The Company’s estimates of expected volatility are principally based on the historic volatility of the Company’s common stock over the most recent period commensurate with the estimated expected life of the Company’s stock options and other relevant factors.

+   The interest rate and volatility used by the Company in calculating stock compensation expense represent the values in effect at the date of grant for all awards.

 

At December 31, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable (fully vested) options and SARs was nil and had a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 1.5 years.  The total intrinsic value of both options and SARs exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was nil in all years. 

 

Restricted Stock Units and Stock Awards

 

Grants of restricted stock units and stock awards (“Stock Awards”) have been granted as performance based or earned over a required service period to officers and employees, or to Board members and the Company Secretary without any service requirement. Time based grants for officers and employees generally vest and stock is received without restriction to the extent of one-third of the granted stock for each year following the date of grant.  Performance based grants are recognized as compensation based on the probable outcome of achieving the performance condition.  Stock Awards issued to members of the Board and the Company Secretary that are fully vested at the time of issue are recognized as compensation upon grant of the award.

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The compensation expense recognized by the Company for Stock Awards is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 the weighted-average grant date fair value for Stock Awards was $0.49,  $1.42, and $1.82, respectively.  The total fair value of stock awards vested during 2015 and 2014 is $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

 

Summary of Equity Incentive Awards

 

The following table summarizes activity under the Plans during the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

SARs

 

Stock Awards

 

 

    

Weighted

    

 

    

Weighted

    

Number

    

Weighted

    

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

of Shares

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise

 

Number of Shares

 

Strike

 

Under

 

Grant

 

Number of

 

 

 

Price

 

Under Option

 

Price

 

Option

 

Price

 

Shares

 

Balance at January 1, 2015

 

$

7.25

 

271,112

 

$

2.76

 

1,923,144

 

$

2.73

 

1,723,328

 

Awards Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.49

 

1,660,000

 

Awards Exercised or Earned

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.38

 

(1,590,643)

 

Awards Forfeited

 

 

6.40

 

(150,000)

 

 

2.73

 

(288,476)

 

 

3.26

 

(134,012)

 

Awards Expired

 

 

8.26

 

(76,110)

 

 

1.36

 

(232,482)

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

 

$

8.36

 

45,002

 

 

2.93

 

1,402,186

 

 

1.73

 

1,658,673

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2015

 

$

8.36

 

45,002

 

 

2.07

 

343,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A summary of the status of the non-vested awards as of December 31, 2015 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2015 is presented below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

SARs

 

Stock Awards

 

 

    

Weighted

    

 

    

Weighted

    

Number

    

Weighted

    

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

of Shares

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

Number of Shares

 

Fair

 

Under

 

Fair

 

Number of

 

 

 

Value

 

Under Option

 

Value

 

Option

 

Value

 

Shares

 

Balance at January 1, 2015

 

$

6.40

 

150,000

 

$

3.14

 

1,369,758

 

$

2.73

 

1,723,328

 

Awards Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.49

 

1,660,000

 

Awards Vested or Earned

 

 

 

 

 

2.14

 

(22,846)

 

 

1.38

 

(1,590,643)

 

Awards Forfeited

 

 

6.40

 

(150,000)

 

 

2.73

 

(288,476)

 

 

3.26

 

(134,012)

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

 

$

 

 

 

3.21

 

1,058,436

 

 

1.73

 

1,658,673

 

 

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Compensation Cost Recognized and Capitalized Related to Equity Incentives

 

The following table summarizes the compensation cost recognized and capitalized related to equity incentives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary of Compensation Cost Recognized and

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capitalized related to Equity Incentives for the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31 (in thousands):

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Stock Options*

 

$

(431)

 

$

 

$

 —

 

SARs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance based

 

 

(136)

 

 

382

 

 

417

 

Vesting over time

 

 

5

 

 

34

 

 

146

 

Stock Awards:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance based*

 

 

454

 

 

1,160

 

 

810

 

Vesting over time

 

 

119

 

 

450

 

 

933

 

Board of Directors and Secretary

 

 

104

 

 

135

 

 

601

 

Total

 

$

115

 

$

2,161

 

$

2,907

 

Included in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalized as Development

 

 

155

 

 

443

 

 

1,078

 

Expensed

 

 

(40)

 

 

1,718

 

 

1,829

 

 

 

$

115

 

$

2,161

 

$

2,907

 


*The Company recorded significant forfeitures during 2014 and 2015 related to unvested options of terminated employees and performance-based restricted shares forfeited as a result of the failure to achieve certain associated milestones required for vesting.

 

Taxes

 

A portion of the Company’s granted options are intended to qualify as incentive stock options (“ISO”) for income tax purposes.  As such, a tax benefit is not recorded at the time the compensation cost related to the options is recorded for book purposes due to the fact that an ISO does not ordinarily result in a tax benefit unless there is a disqualifying disposition.  Stock option grants of non-qualified options result in the creation of a deferred tax asset, which is a temporary difference, until the time that the option is exercised.  Any excess tax benefits from non-qualified stock option exercises are not recorded until the tax deduction reduces income tax payable.

 

NOTE 10 — CHANGES IN CONTINGENTLY REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (CRNCI)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity for

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

    

December 31,

    

December 31,

 

Changes CRNCI (Dollars in thousands)

 

2015

 

2014

 

Total CRNCI January 1, 2015 and 2014, respectively

 

$

210,317

 

$

209,007

 

Plus: Capital Contributions Attributable to CRNCI

 

 

2,116

 

 

1,348

 

Less:  Return of Contributions

 

 

(36,000)

 

 

 —

 

Less:  Return of Contributions Attributable to CRNCI

 

 

(2,268)

 

 

 —

 

Less: Net Loss Attributable to CRNCI

 

 

(900)

 

 

(38)

 

Total CRNCI December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively

 

$

173,265

 

$

210,317

 

 

 

 

NOTE 11 — INCOME TAXES

 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014 we had deferred tax assets principally arising from the net operating loss carry forwards for income tax purposes multiplied by an expected rate of 35%. As management of the Company cannot determine that it is not more likely than not that we will realize the benefit of the deferred tax assets, a valuation

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allowance equal to the net deferred tax asset has been established at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The significant components of the deferred tax asset at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

December 31,

    

December 31,

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

Operating loss carry forward

 

$

237,375

 

$

212,710

 

Unamortized exploration expense

 

 

6,221

 

 

7,247

 

Fixed asset depreciation

 

 

(227)

 

 

17

 

Deductible stock based compensation

 

 

1,630

 

 

4,958

 

Other

 

 

177

 

 

279

 

Deductible temporary difference

 

$

245,176

 

$

225,211

 

Taxable temporary difference — Investment in Eureka Moly, LLC

 

$

(127,325)

 

$

(120,679)

 

Senior convertible notes debt discount

 

$

(1,916)

 

 

(875)

 

Net deductible temporary difference

 

$

115,935

 

$

103,657

 

Deferred tax asset

 

$

40,577

 

$

36,280

 

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance

 

$

(40,577)

 

$

(36,280)

 

Net deferred tax asset

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

At December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 we had net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $237.4 million and $212.7 million, respectively, which expire in the years 2021 through 2035.  The change in the allowance account from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2015 was $4.3 million.

 

As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits.  There was no change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during the year or in prior periods or due to settlements with taxing authorities or lapses of applicable statues of limitations.  The Company is open to federal and state tax audits until the applicable statutes of limitations expire.

 

NOTE 12 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Mt. Hope Project

 

The Mt. Hope Project is owned/leased and will be operated by the LLC under the LLC Agreement.  The LLC currently has a lease (“Mt. Hope Lease”) with MHMI for a period of 30 years from October 19, 2005 and for so long thereafter as operations are being conducted on the property.  The lease may be terminated earlier at the election of the LLC, or upon a material breach of the lease and failure to cure such breach.  If the LLC terminates the lease, termination is effective 30 days after receipt by MHMI of written notice to terminate the lease and no further payments would be due to MHMI.  If MHMI terminates the lease, termination is effective upon receipt of a notice of termination due to a material breach, representation, warranty, covenant or term contained in the Mt. Hope Lease and followed by a failure to cure such breach within 90 days of receipt of a notice of default.  MHMI may also elect to terminate the Mt. Hope Lease if the LLC has not cured the non-payment of obligations under the lease within 10 days of receipt of a notice of default.  In order to maintain the Lease Agreement, the LLC must pay certain minimum advance royalties as discussed below.

 

The Mt. Hope Lease requires a royalty advance (“Construction Royalty Advance”) of 3% of certain construction capital costs, as defined in the Mt. Hope Lease. The LLC is obligated to pay a portion of the Construction Royalty Advance each time capital is raised for the Mt. Hope Project based on 3% of the expected capital to be used for those certain construction capital costs defined in the Mt. Hope Lease.  Through December 31, 2015, we have paid $24.1 million of the total Construction Royalty Advance.  Based on our Mt. Hope Project capital budget we estimate that a final reconciliation payment on the Capital Construction Cost Estimate (the “Estimate”) will be due following the commencement of commercial production, after as-built costs are definitively determined.  The Company estimates, based on the revised capital estimate discussed above and the current timeline for the commencement of commercial production, that an additional $4.2 million will be due approximately 24 months after the commencement of construction.  This amount was accrued as of December 31, 2015.  The capital estimates may be subject to escalation in the event the Company experiences continued delays in achieving full financing for the Mt. Hope Project.

 

The LLC is also obligated to make a minimum annual advance royalty payment (“Annual Advance Royalty”) of $0.5 million each October 19 for any year wherein commercial production has not been achieved or the MHMI

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Production Royalty (as hereinafter defined) is less than $0.5 million.  As commercial production is not anticipated to commence until mid-2019, the Company has accrued $1.5 million in Annual Advance Royalty payments which will be due in three $0.5 million installments in October 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.  An additional installment of $0.5 million was paid in October 2015.  The Estimate and the Annual Advance Royalty are collectively referred to as the “Advance Royalties.”  All Advance Royalties are credited against the MHMI Production Royalties once the mine has achieved commercial production.  After the mine begins production, the LLC estimates that the MHMI Production Royalties will be in excess of the Annual Advance Royalties for the life of the Mt. Hope Project 50%.  Until the advance royalties are fully credited, the LLC will pay one half of the calculated Production Royalty annually.  Assuming a $12 molybdenum price, the Annual Advance Royalties are consumed within the first five years of commercial production.

 

Deposits on project property, plant and equipment

 

At December 31, 2015, the LLC has active orders with varying stages of fabrication on milling process equipment comprised of two 230kV primary transformers and substation, a primary crusher, a semi-autogenous mill, two ball mills, and various motors for the mills.  In late 2012 and early 2013, the LLC made additional commitments for wellfield materials and equipment, and placed purchase orders for long-lead milling process equipment including the commitments for the engineering portion of flotation cells and roaster equipment.

 

The following table sets forth the LLC’s cash commitments under mining and milling equipment contracts (collectively, “Purchase Contracts”) at December 31, 2015 (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

As of

 

 

 

December 31,

 

Year

 

2015 *

 

2016

 

 

1.2

 

2017

 

 

2.2

 

Total

 

$

3.4

 


* All amounts are commitments of the LLC, and as a result of the agreement between Nevada Moly and POS-Minerals are to be funded by the reserve account until such time that the Company obtains financing for its portion of construction costs at the Mt. Hope Project or until the reserve account balance is exhausted, and thereafter are to be funded 80% by Nevada Moly and 20% by POS-Minerals. POS-Minerals remains obligated to make capital contributions for its 20% portion of equipment payments required by approved budgets of the LLC, and such amounts contributed by the reserve account on behalf of POS-Minerals will reduce, dollar for dollar, the amount of capital contributions that the LLC is required to return to POS-Minerals, as described above.

 

Equipment and Supply Procurement

 

Through December 31, 2015, the LLC has made deposits and/or final payments of $85.7 million on equipment orders, has spent approximately $196.5 million for the development of the Mt. Hope Project, for a total Mt. Hope Project inception-to-date spend of $282.2 million.

 

In 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for eighteen haul trucks.  The order provides for delivery of those haul trucks required to perform initial mine development, which will begin several months prior to commercial production.  Non-refundable down-payments of $1.2 million were made in 2012, with pricing subject to escalation as the trucks were not delivered prior to December 31, 2013.  During January 2016, the LLC renegotiated the timelines for truck delivery and delayed deliveries into December 2016.  The contract is cancellable with no further liability to the LLC.

 

Also in 2012, the LLC issued a firm purchase order for four mine production drills with a non-refundable down-payment of $0.4 million, and pricing was subject to escalation if the drills were not delivered by the end of 2013.  In the fourth quarter of 2015, the LLC accepted a change order which delayed delivery into December 2016.  The contract remains cancellable with no further liability to the LLC.

 

On June 30, 2012, the LLC’s contract to purchase two electric shovels expired.  On July 11, 2012, we signed a letter of intent with the same vendor providing for the opportunity to purchase the electric shovels at prices consistent with the expired contract, less a special discount in the amount of $3.4 million to provide credit to the LLC for amounts paid as deposits under the expired contract.  The letter of intent provides that equipment pricing will remain subject to

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inflation indexes and guarantees production slots to ensure that the equipment is available when required by the LLC.  In January 2016, the parties agreed to extend the letter of intent through December 31, 2016.

 

Based on our current forecast, the Company does not anticipate taking delivery of the haul trucks, drills, and electric shovels in 2016 and will work with the respective vendors to extend these agreements annually until we obtain financing for construction of the Mt. Hope Project.

 

Obligations under capital and operating leases

 

We have contractual operating leases that will require a total of $0.1 million in payments over the next three years.  Operating leases consist primarily of rents on office facilities and office equipment.  Our expected payments are $0.1 million, nil, and nil for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively.

 

Creation of Agricultural Sustainability Trust

 

On August 19, 2010, the LLC entered into an agreement with the Eureka Producers’ Cooperative (“EPC”) whereby the LLC will fund a $4.0 million Sustainability Trust (“Trust”) in exchange for the cooperation of the EPC with respect to the LLC’s water rights and permitting of the Mt. Hope Project.  The Trust will be tasked with developing and implementing programs that will serve to enhance the sustainability and well-being of the agricultural economy in the Diamond Valley Hydrographic Basin through reduced water consumption.

 

The Trust may be funded by the LLC over several years based on the achievement of certain milestones, which are considered probable, and as such $4.0 million has been accrued in the Company’s December 31, 2015, financial statements and is included in mining properties, land, and water rights.

 

Permitting Considerations

 

In the ordinary course of business, mining companies are required to seek governmental permits for expansion of existing operations or for the commencement of new operations. The LLC was required to obtain approval from the BLM to implement the Mt. Hope Project PoO.  This approval, in the form of a ROD was obtained only after successful completion of the process of environmental evaluation, which incorporates substantial public comment.  The LLC was also required to obtain various state and federal permits including, but not limited to, water protection, air quality, water rights and reclamation permits.  In addition to requiring permits for the development of the Mt. Hope Project, we will need to obtain and modify various mining and environmental permits during the life of the Mt. Hope Project.  Maintaining, modifying, and renewing the necessary governmental permits is a complex and time-consuming process involving numerous jurisdictions and often involving public hearings and substantial expenditures.  The duration and success of the LLC’s efforts to obtain, modify or renew permits will be contingent upon many variables, some of which are not within the LLC’s control.  Increased costs or delays could occur, depending on the nature of the activity to be permitted and the interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the permitting authority.  All necessary permits may not be obtained and, if obtained, may not be renewed, or the costs involved in each case may exceed those that we previously estimated.  In addition, it is possible that compliance with such permits may result in additional costs and delays.

 

On November 16, 2012, the BLM issued its ROD authorizing development of the Mt. Hope Project.  On April 23, 2015, the BLM issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (“FONSI”), approving an amendment to the PoO.  The ROD and FONSI approve the Plan of Operations (“PoO”) and amended PoO, respectively, for construction and operation of the mining and processing facilities and also grant the Right-of-Way, and amended Right-of-Way, respectively, for a 230kV power transmission line, discussed below.  Monitoring and mitigation measures identified in the ROD and FONSI, developed in collaboration with the regulatory agencies involved throughout the permitting process, will avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts, and reflect the Company’s commitment to operate the Mt. Hope Project to the highest environmental standards.

 

On February 15, 2013, Great Basin Resource Watch and the Western Shoshone Defense Project (“Plaintiffs”) filed a Complaint against the U.S. Department of the Interior and the BLM (“Defendants”) in the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, seeking relief under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) and other federal laws challenging the BLM’s issuance of the ROD for the Mt. Hope Project, and on February 20, 2013 filed a Motion for Preliminary Injunction.  The District Court allowed the LLC to intervene in the matter.

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On August 22, 2013, the District Court denied, without prejudice, Plaintiffs’ Motion for Preliminary Injunction based on a Joint Stipulation to Continue Preliminary Injunction Oral Argument, which advised the District Court that as a result of economic conditions, including the Company’s ongoing financing efforts, all major ground disturbing activities had ceased at the Mt. Hope Project.

 

On July 23, 2014, the U.S. District Court denied Plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment in its entirety and on August 1, 2014 the Court entered judgment in favor of the Defendants and the LLC, and against Plaintiffs regarding all claims raised in the Complaint. 

 

On September 22, 2014, the Plaintiffs filed their notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (“Ninth Circuit”) of the U.S. District Court’s dismissal.  Both parties completed their respective briefing to the Ninth Circuit on May 1, 2015.  The ROD remains in effect as we await a decision from the Ninth Circuit.  The Company is confident in the BLM’s process and will continue to vigorously defend this subsequent appeal of the ROD.

 

On June 17, 2014, the LLC submitted an amendment to the approved PoO to reflect minor design changes that were identified during continued engineering and the initial phases of construction, and on November 6, 2014, submitted minor revisions to the amendment.  The BLM prepared an Environmental Assessment (“EA”) to evaluate the environmental impacts of the PoO amendment, and on April 23, 2015, issued a Finding Of No Significant Impact (“FONSI”) approving the PoO amendment. Ongoing changes to permits and the PoO during the life of mining operations are typical as design evolves and operations are optimized.

 

Environmental regulations related to reclamation require that the cost for a third party contractor to perform reclamation activities on the minesite be estimated.  The original $75.1 million reclamation cost estimate was the basis for the required financial guarantee amount, and represents the reclamation obligation for the first phase (approximately equivalent to the first 3 years) of operations.  The LLC was required to post a financial instrument held by the BLM to provide a guarantee that this amount will be available to BLM and NDEP for use in conducting reclamation should we become insolvent or default on our reclamation obligations.  As a result of delays in financing for the construction of the Mt. Hope Project, we submitted a second PoO amendment to BLM in October, 2015, to reduce our reclamation liability to current surface disturbance.  Simultaneously, we submitted an application to NDEP-BMRR to modify the Reclamation Permit to reflect this reduced reclamation liability. On October 26, 2015, NDEP-BMRR approved the proposed permit modification, including the reduced reclamation liability amount.   On December 21, 2015, BLM approved the PoO amendment, including the reduction of the reclamation liability to approximately $2.8 million.  We worked with the LLC’s reclamation surety underwriters to satisfy the reduced $2.8 million financial guarantee requirements under the ROD for the Mt. Hope Project.  As of early 2016, the surety bond program is funded with a cash collateral payment of $0.3 million, a reduction from the $4.6 million established in November 2014, resulting in a $4.3 million return of collateral received in February 2016.

 

Water Rights Considerations

 

In July 2011 and June 2012, respectively, the Nevada State Engineer (“State Engineer”) granted all water permits and approved a Monitoring, Management and Mitigation Plan (“3M Plan”) for the Mt. Hope Project.  Eureka County, Nevada and two other parties comprised of water rights holders in Diamond Valley and Kobeh Valley appealed the State Engineer’s decision granting the water permits to the Nevada State District Court (“District Court”) and then filed a further appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court challenging the District Court’s decision affirming the State Engineer’s decision to grant the water permits.  In June 2013, the appeal was consolidated by the Nevada Supreme Court with an appeal of the State Engineer’s approval of the 3M Plan filed by two water rights holders.  The District Court previously upheld the State Engineer’s approval of the 3M Plan and the two parties subsequently appealed the District Court’s decision to the Nevada Supreme Court.  While the appeals were pending, the 3M Plan had been implemented to collect information on background conditions and aquifer responses to the Mt. Hope Project’s pumping, as well as to address mitigation measures for impacted third-party water rights.

 

On September 18, 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court issued an Order that reversed and remanded the cases to the District Court for further proceedings consistent with the Order.  On October 29, 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court issued the Order as a published Opinion.  The Nevada Supreme Court ruled that the State Engineer did not have sufficient evidence in the record at the time he granted the water permits to demonstrate that successful mitigation may be undertaken so as to dispel the threat to existing water rights holders.

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On November 23, 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court issued its Remittitur to the District Court for the County of Eureka to remand the matter to the State Engineer for further proceedings consistent with its Opinion.  The Company will move forward as expeditiously as possible to reobtain its water permits, following the remand by the District Court to the State Engineer.  The Company expects to comply with the Supreme Court Opinion and provide additional evidence of its ability to successfully mitigate any potential impacts to water rights in Kobeh Valley that could result from the Mt. Hope Project’s water use.

 

Environmental Considerations

 

Our mineral property holdings in Shoshone County, Idaho include lands contained in mining districts that have been designated as a “Superfund Site” pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act.  This “Superfund Site” was established to investigate and remediate primarily the Bunker Hill properties of Smelterville, Idaho, a small portion of Shoshone County where a large smelter was located.  However, because of the extent of environmental impact caused by the historical mining in the mining district, the Superfund Site covers the majority of Shoshone County including our Chicago-London and Little Pine Creek properties as well as many small towns located in Northern Idaho.  We have conducted a property environmental investigation of these properties, which revealed no evidence of material adverse environmental effects at either property.  We are unaware of any pending action or proceeding relating to any regulatory matters that would affect our financial position due to these inactive mining claims in Shoshone County.

 

NOTE 13 — UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The following is a summary of selected unaudited quarterly financial information (in thousands except per share amounts):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

Q1

 

Q2

 

Q3

 

Q4

 

Loss from operations

 

$

(3,103)

 

$

(2,284)

 

$

(2,633)

 

$

(1,714)

 

Other (expense)/income

 

 

(681)

 

 

(5,403)

 

 

(57)

 

 

(247)

 

Consolidated net loss

 

 

(3,774)

 

 

(6,811)

 

 

(2,674)

 

 

(1,962)

 

Basic net income/(loss) per share

 

 

(0.04)

 

 

(0.07)

 

 

(0.03)

 

 

(0.02)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations

 

$

(2,359)

 

$

(2,827)

 

$

(3,238)

 

$

(2,545)

 

Other income/(expense)

 

 

(12)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(17)

 

Consolidated net loss

 

 

(2,370)

 

 

(2,827)

 

 

(3,238)

 

 

(2,525)

 

Basic net income/( loss) per share

 

$

(0.03)

 

$

(0.03)

 

$

(0.04)

 

$

(0.02)

 

 

 

 

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ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Based on the foregoing, our management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  On May 14, 2013, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) published an updated Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) and related illustrative documents.  The Company adopted the new framework in 2014.

 

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company.  Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Internal control over financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the Company’s transactions; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of the Company’s financial statements; providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of the Company’s assets are made in accordance with management’s authorization; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of the Company’s financial statements would be prevented or detected.

 

Management conducted its evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting based on the framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework in 2013.  Based on this evaluation, management concluded that, at December 31, 2015, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

 

The effectiveness of the Company’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which appears herein.

 

ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

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PART III

 

ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Information regarding directors and executive officers of registrant is presented under the heading “Directors and Executive Officers” in our definitive proxy statement for use in connection with the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“2015 Proxy Statement”) to be filed within 120 days after our fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.

 

Information regarding Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance report is presented under the heading “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our 2016 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.  Information regarding our code of ethics is presented under the heading “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics” in our 2016 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.  Information regarding our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Finance Committee, Technical Committee and our Nominating Committee is presented under the heading “The Board of Directors, Board Committees and Director Independence” in our 2016 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

 

ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Information regarding executive compensation is presented under the heading “Executive Compensation” in our 2016 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.

 

ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

Information regarding certain information with respect to our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2015 is set forth under the heading “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in our 2016 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.

 

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is set forth under the heading “Voting Securities and Principal Holders” in our 2016 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.

 

ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is presented under the heading “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in our 2016 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.

 

ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

Information regarding principal accounting fees and services is presented under the headings “Audit Fees,” “Audit-Related Fees,” “Tax Fees,” and “All Other Fees” in our 2016 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(1)Financial Statements

 

See the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements included on page 50 for a list of the financial statements included in this Form 10-K.

 

(2)Financial Statement Schedules

 

Financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not required or are not applicable.

 

(3)Exhibits

 

 

 

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

 

 

 

3.1†

 

Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2015.)

 

 

 

3.2†

 

Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 5, 2010.)

 

 

 

3.3†

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 10, 2015.)

 

 

 

4.1†

 

Form of Senior Convertible Promissory Note (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 30, 2014.)

 

 

 

4.2†

 

Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 30, 2014.)

 

 

 

4.3†

 

Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December 26, 2014, by and among General Moly, Inc. and the several investors signatory thereto (Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 30, 2014.)

 

 

 

10.1†

 

Lease Agreement, dated October 17, 2005, between the Company and Mount Hope Mines, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2006.)

 

 

 

10.2†

 

Modification to Mount Hope Mines Lease Agreement, dated January 26, 2006 (Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on March 31, 2006.)

 

 

 

10.3†

 

Amendment to Lease Agreement, made effective as of November 20, 2007, between the Company and Mount Hope Mines, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on March 21, 2008.)

 

 

 

10.4†

 

Option to Lease, dated November 12, 2004, between the Company and Mount Hope Mines, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on April 6, 2005.)

 

 

 

10.5†

 

Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 11, 2006, between the Company and Equatorial Mining Limited (Filed as Exhibit 10.17 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on April 3, 2007.)

 

 

 

10.6†

 

Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2007, between the Company and ArcelorMittal S.A. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on March 21, 2008.)

 

 

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Exhibit
Number

 

Description

10.7†

 

Consent and Waiver Agreement, dated April 16, 2010, by and between the Company and ArcelorMittal S.A. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010.)

 

 

 

10.8†+

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2012, between the Company and Bruce D. Hansen (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2012.)

 

 

 

10.9†+

 

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of September 6, 2013, between the Company and Bruce D. Hansen (Filed as Exhibit 10.01 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2013.)

 

 

 

10.10†+

 

Salary Reduction and Stay Incentive Agreement, dated as of September 6, 2013, between the Company and Bruce D. Hansen (Filed as Exhibit 10.021 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2013.)

 

 

 

10.11†+

 

First Amendment to Salary Reduction and Stay Incentive Agreement dated as of January 14, 2015, by and between General Moly, Inc. and Bruce D. Hansen (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 21, 2015.)

 

 

 

10.12†+

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2012, between the Company and David Chaput (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2012.)

 

 

 

10.13†+

 

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of September 6, 2013, between the Company and David A. Chaput (Filed as Exhibit 10.03 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2013.)

 

 

 

10.14†+

 

Salary Reduction and Stay Incentive Agreement, dated as of September 6, 2013, between the Company and David A. Chaput (Filed as Exhibit 10.04 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2013.)

 

 

 

10.15†+

 

Stay Incentive Agreement, dated effective January 16, 2015 between General Moly, Inc. and David A. Chaput (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 4, 2015.)

 

 

 

10.16†+

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 10.18 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 5, 2007.)

 

 

 

10.17†+

 

General Moly, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on May 21, 2010.)

 

 

 

10.18†+

 

Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Agreement under 2006 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company (Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on April 3, 2007.)

 

 

 

10.19†+

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under 2006 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company (Filed as Exhibit 10.14 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on April 3, 2007.)

 

 

 

10.20†+

 

Form of Non-Employee Option Award Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on January 12, 2007.)

 

 

 

10.21†+

 

Form of Employee Stock Option Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 99.2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on January 12, 2007.)

 

 

 

10.22†+

 

Form of Stock Appreciation Right Grant Notice and Agreement under the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 5, 2009.)

 

 

 

10.23†+

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under 2006 Equity Incentive Plan of the Company (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q Filed on October 29, 2010.)

 

 

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Exhibit
Number

 

Description

10.24†*

 

Molybdenum Supply Agreement between General Moly and ArcelorMittal Purchasing SAS, dated as of December 28, 2007 (Filed as Exhibit 10.19 to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on March 31, 2008.)

 

 

 

10.25†*

 

Extension Molybdenum Supply Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2010, by and between the Company and ArcelorMittal S.A. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 30, 2010.)

 

 

 

10.26

 

Contribution Agreement between Nevada Moly, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Eureka Moly, LLC, and POS-Minerals Corporation (Filed as Exhibit 10.20 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2008.)

 

 

 

10.27

 

Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Eureka Moly, LLC (Filed as Exhibit 10.20 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2008.)

 

 

 

10.28

 

Amendment No. 1 to Limited Liability Company Agreement of Eureka Moly, LLC, dated as of October 28, 2008, between Nevada Moly, LLC and POS-Minerals Corporation (Filed as Exhibit 10.27 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2009.)

 

 

 

10.29

 

Amendment No. 2 to Limited Liability Company Agreement of Eureka Moly, LLC, dated as of January 20, 2010, between Nevada Moly, LLC and POS-Minerals Corporation (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 25, 2010.)

 

 

 

10.30

 

Amendment No. 4 to Limited Liability Company Agreement of Eureka Moly, LLC dated as of January 1, 2015, by and between Nevada Moly, LLC and POS-Minerals Corporation (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 22, 2015).

 

 

 

10.31

 

Third Installment Election, dated as of March 3, 2010, between Nevada Moly, LLC and POS-Minerals Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 5, 2010.) 

 

 

 

10.32

 

Guarantee and Indemnity Agreement, dated February 26, 2008, by POSCO Canada Ltd., in favor of Nevada Moly, LLC and the Company (Filed as Exhibit 10.20 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2008.)

 

 

 

10.33†*

 

Molybdenum Supply Agreement between the Company and SeAH Besteel Corporation, dated as of May 14, 2008 (Filed as Exhibit 10.25 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2008.)

 

 

 

10.34†*

 

First Amendment to Molybdenum Supply Agreement dated July 22, 2015, by and between the Company and SeAH Besteel Corporation (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 24, 2015.)

 

 

 

10.35†*

 

Molybdenum Supply Agreement between the Company and Sojitz Corporation, dated as of August 8, 2008 (Filed as Exhibit 10.26 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 3, 2008.)

 

 

 

10.36†+

 

Employment Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2012, between the Company and Robert I. Pennington (Filed as Exhibit 10.28 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 8, 2013.)

 

 

 

10.37†+

 

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of September 6, 2013, between the Company and Robert I. Pennington (Filed as Exhibit 10.05 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2013.)

 

 

 

10.38†+

 

Salary Reduction and Stay Incentive Agreement, dated as of September 6, 2013, between the Company and Robert I. Pennington (Filed as Exhibit 10.06 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2013.)

 

 

 

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10.39†+

 

Stay Incentive Agreement, dated effective January 16, 2015, between General Moly, Inc. and Robert I. Pennington (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 4, 2015.)

 

 

 

10.40†+

 

Employment Agreement, dated November 6, 2007, between the Company and Lee M. Shumway (Filed as Exhibit 10.49 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 5, 2010.)

 

 

 

 

 

10.41†+

 

Change of Control Severance Agreement, dated effective as of January 1, 2012, between the Company and Lee M. Shumway (Filed as Exhibit 10.40 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2012.)

 

 

 

10.42†+

 

Stay Incentive Agreement, dated as of September 6, 2013, between the Company and Lee M. Shumway (Filed as Exhibit 10.09 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2013.)

 

 

 

10.43†+

 

First Amendment to Change of Control Severance, Confidentiality and Non-Solicitation Agreement, dated as of September 6, 2013, between the Company and Lee M. Shumway (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2013.)

 

 

 

10.44†+

 

Stay Incentive Agreement, dated effective January 16, 2015, between General Moly, Inc. and Lee M. Shumway (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 4, 2015.)

 

 

 

10.45

 

Securities Purchase Agreement between the Company and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. dated March 4, 2010 (Filed as Annex B to our Definitive Proxy Statement filed on April 6, 2010.)

 

 

 

10.46

 

Amendment No. 1 to Securities Purchase Agreement dated July 30, 2010, between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 29, 2010.)

 

 

 

10.47

 

Amendment No. 2 to Securities Purchase Agreement dated October 26, 2010, between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on November 23, 2010.)

 

 

 

10.48

 

Amendment No. 3 to Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 20, 2010, between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 7(e) to Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc.’s Schedule 13D filed on December 30, 2010.)

 

 

 

10.49

 

Amendment No. 4 to Securities Purchase Agreement dated July 7, 2011, between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 13, 2011.)

 

 

 

10.50

 

Amendment No. 5 and Notice Pursuant to Securities Purchase Agreement dated June 14, 2012, by and between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 15, 2012.)

 

 

 

10.5

 

Option Agreement with respect to Securities Purchase Agreement dated January 9, 2012, between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.46 to our Annual Report on Fromm 10-K filed on March 1, 2012.)

 

 

 

10.52

 

Stockholder Agreement dated December 20, 2010, between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2010.)

 

 

 

10.53

 

Amendment No. 1 to Stockholder Agreement dated as of October 26, 2012, by and between General Moly, Inc. and Hanlong (USA) Mining Investment, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 31, 2012.)

 

 

 

10.54

 

Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated April 16, 2010, issued to CCM Qualified Master Fund, Ltd. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010.)

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10.55

 

Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated April 16, 2010, issued to Coghill Capital Management, LLC. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010.)

10.56

 

Agreement to Reprice and Exercise Warrants between the Company and CCM Master Qualified Fund, Ltd. Dated December 21, 2010 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2011.)

 

 

 

10.57

 

Agreement to Reprice and Exercise Warrants between the Company and CCM Special Holdings Fund, LP. Dated December 21, 2010 (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2011.)

 

 

 

10.58

 

Cooperation Agreement dated August 10, 2010, between Eureka Moly, LLC and the Eureka Producers Cooperative (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on August 26, 2010.)

 

 

 

10.59

 

Employment Offer Letter dated August 17, 2010, between General Moly, Inc. and Robert Scott Roswell (Filed as Exhibit 10.60 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2011.)

 

 

 

10.60†+

 

Change of Control Severance Agreement dated January 1, 2012, between General Moly, Inc. and Robert Scott Roswell (Filed as Exhibit 10.60 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2012.)

 

 

 

 

 

10.61†+

 

Stay Incentive Agreement, dated as of September 6, 2013, between the Company and R. Scott Roswell (Filed as Exhibit 10.07 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2013.)

 

 

 

10.62†+

 

First Amendment to Change of Control Severance, Confidentiality and Non-Solicitation Agreement, dated as of September 6, 2013, between the Company and R. Scott Roswell (Filed as Exhibit 10.08 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2013.)

 

 

 

10.63†+

 

Stay Incentive Agreement, dated effective January 16, 2015, between General Moly, Inc. and R. Scott Roswell (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 4, 2015.)

 

 

 

10.64†+

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (performance-based vesting) (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2011.)

 

 

 

10.65†+

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (tome-based vesting) (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2011.)

 

 

 

10.66†+

 

Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Grant Notice for the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2011.)

 

 

 

10.67

 

Unit Subscription Agreement dated as of December 22, 2014, by and among General Moly, Inc. and the several investors signatory thereto (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 30, 2014.)

10.68†+

 

Leave of Absence Letter Agreement dated effective as of February 6, 2015 between General Moly, Inc. and Patrick M. James (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 10, 2015.)

 

 

 

10.69

 

Investment and Securities Purchase Agreement dated April 17, 2015, between General Moly Inc., and AMER International Group Co., Ltd. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 21, 2015.)

 

 

 

10.70†

 

Amendment No. 1 to Investment and Securities Purchase Agreement dated April 17, 2015, between General Moly, Inc. and Amer International Group Co., Ltd. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 1, 2015.)

 

 

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Exhibit
Number

 

Description

10.71†

 

Common Stock Purchase Warrant by and between General Moly, Inc. and Amer International Group Co. Ltd. dated November 24, 2015 (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 1, 2015.)

 

 

 

10.72†

 

Stockholder Agreement by and between General Moly, Inc. and Amer International Group Co. Ltd. dated November 24, 2015 (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 1, 2015.)

 

 

 

10.73†

 

Expense Reimbursement Agreement by and between General Moly, Inc. and Amer International Group Co. Ltd. dated November 24, 2015 (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 1, 2015.)

 

 

 

10.74+

 

Separation and Release Agreement by and between General Moly, Inc. and David A. Chaput dated October 16, 2015 (Filed herewith)

 

 

 

21.1

 

Subsidiaries of General Moly, Inc. (Filed herewith)

 

 

 

23.1

 

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Filed herewith)

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) (Filed herewith)

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) (Filed herewith)

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 1350 (Furnished herewith)

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 1350 (Furnished herewith)

 

 

 

 

 

 

101

 

The following XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) materials are filed herewith: (i) XBRL Instance; (ii) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema; (iii) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation; (iv) Taxonomy Extension Labels, (v) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation, and (vi) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition.


Previously filed as indicated and incorporated herein by reference.

+Management contract.

*Confidential treatment has been granted for certain portions of this exhibit, and such confidential portions have been separately filed with the Securities Exchange Commission.

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in Lakewood, Colorado on March 11, 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL MOLY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Bruce D. Hansen

 

 

Name:

Bruce D. Hansen

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below on March 11, 2016  by the following persons, on behalf of the Registrant, and in the capacities indicated.

 

 

 

 

/s/ Bruce D. Hansen

 

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Bruce D. Hansen

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

/s/ Lee M. Shumway

 

Chief Financial Officer

Lee M. Shumway

 

(Principal Financial Officer & Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

/s/ Ricardo M. Campoy

 

Chairman of the Board

Ricardo M. Campoy

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Mark A. Lettes

 

Director

Mark A. Lettes

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Gary A. Loving

 

Director

Gary A. Loving

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Gregory P. Raih

 

Director

Gregory P. Raih

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Nelson F. Chen

 

Director

Nelson F. Chen

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Tong Zhang

 

Director

Tong Zhang

 

 

 

94