Amaroq Minerals Ltd. birtir uppgjör fyrir þriðja ársfjórðung 2024 og kynnir nýjustu áfanga í rekstri félagsins


Reykjavík, Nov. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (“Amaroq” or the “Corporation” or the “Company”)

Amaroq Minerals Ltd. birtir uppgjör fyrir þriðja ársfjórðung 2024 og kynnir nýjustu áfanga í rekstri félagsins

TORONTO, ONTARIO – 14. nóvember 2024 – Amaroq Minerals Ltd. (AIM, TSX-V, NASDAQ Iceland: AMRQ), birtir í dag uppgjör þriðja ársfjórðungs (Q3) 2024. Allar upphæðir í dollurum tákna kanadíska dollara, nema annað sé tekið fram. Uppgjörið fylgir hér með á ensku.

Fjarfundur fyrir greiningaraðila og fjárfesta verður haldinn á morgun, 15. nóvember 2024, kl. 08:30 GMT. Upplýsingar um fundinn má finna neðar í þessari tilkynningu.

Eldur Ólafsson, forstjóri Amaroq:

„Við erum nú við það að hefja vinnslu á gulli úr Nalunaq, sem er afar stór áfangi fyrir félagið og mun skila tekjuflæði samhliða því sem við vinnum okkur upp í fulla framleiðslu.

„Við náðum verulegum framförum í uppbyggingu í Nalunaq á þriðja ársfjórðungi. Við settum upp og tengdum flest af þeim mikilvægu tækjum og íhlutum sem þarf til að hefja framleiðslu í vinnslustöðinni. Við höfum einnig haldið áfram þróun námunnar innan Mountain Block og safnað saman bergi fyrir fyrstu gullframleiðslu, sem hefst á þessum ársfjórðungi. Rannsóknir og boranir í fjórðungnum hafa aukið skilning okkar enn frekar á gullæðinni með borunum á Target Block svæðinu og í gegnum 75-æðina. Við væntum þess að niðurstöður þessara rannsókna, sem og úr Mountain Block, liggi fyrir fljótlega. Við teljum að þessar niðurstöður, til viðbótar við niðurstöður úr rannsóknarborunum síðustu tveggja ára, muni leiða til uppfærðs auðlindamats (MRE4) fyrir Nalunaq snemma á næsta ári.

„Félagið stundaði viðamiklar rannsóknir á þriðja ársfjórðungi og er ég afar stoltur af því sem rannsóknarteymi okkar hefur áorkað á þessu ári. Auk Nalunaq boruðum við fyrstu tvær holurnar í Nanoq-gullleyfinu sem og Target North í Sava, starfræktum þrjá borpalla í Stendalen og tókst einnig að bora tvær tilraunaholur í hinni sögufrægu Josva koparnámu. Við reiknum með niðurstöðum úr öllum þessum verkefnum á næstu mánuðum. Þessi vinna hefur lagt traustan grunn að frekari rannsóknum á gulli, kopar og nikkel á næsta ári og stuðlar að því að við raungerum verðmæti eignasafns okkar á Grænlandi."

Q3 2024 Corporate Highlights

  • Amaroq group liquidity of $26.0 million consisting of cash balances, undrawn revolving credit overrun facility less trade payables ($62.2 million as of June 30, 2024).
  • Gold business working capital before convertible note liability and loan payable of $37.9 million that includes prepaid contractors on the Nalunaq project of $17.8 million as of September 30, 2024 ($50.5 million that includes prepaid contractors on the Nalunaq project of $19.6 million as of June 30, 2024)
  • The Gardaq Joint Venture that comprises the Strategic Minerals business has available liquidity of $8.3 million as of September 30, 2024 ($13.5 million as of June 30, 2024).
  • In July 2024, the Company agreed heads of terms, subject to final documentation, with Landsbankinn for US$35 million in three Revolving Credit Facilities, securing a substantial increase and extension to its current debt facilities. Final documentation is currently in progress.
  • Post period on 4 October, Amaroq entered into an agreement with the holders of its US$22.4 million convertible notes to convert the notes’ outstanding balance into new common shares. That measure serves to simplify Amaroq’s capital structure, reduces cash interest costs and increases future financial flexibility.
  • Amaroq continues to develop opportunities in Servicing and Hydro to enhance local procurement options and support the transition towards cleaner energy sources.

Q3 2024 Operational Highlights

  • Permitting: The Company is working with stakeholders on the Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA), which it aims to have in place by the end of the year.
  • Contracting and Procurement: Procurement of all key contract packages is 100% complete and all of the critical path items have been procured and have arrived on site already.
  • Engineering: Process plant detail design and engineering is 98% complete with all packages issued to the market and manufactured.
  • Construction: Plant pad earthworks and civil construction at Nalunaq is 100% complete. The plant building structural steel is complete and cladding is 98% complete. Mechanical installation of the crushing circuit is 68% complete and installation of the civil foundations for the retaining walls, stockpile reclaimer and stacker conveyor were completed in August 2024. The installation of the grinding and gold room section started in July 2024 and was completed post-period. The trackless mining machines and light vehicle workshop construction is complete and in operation. The grinding circuit structural and mechanical installations are complete and electrical installation is in progress. The reclaim feeder has been cleared for use. The thickener tank structure, mechanical and pipework is complete, and electrical installation is also complete. Cable tray installation is complete, and installation of power and control cabling has commenced and is 92% complete. A new wing was installed at the camp to accommodate up to 120 people on site.
  • Mining: Amaroq continues to focus on optimising mine development in the Mountain Block. The ramp has been completed to 742 level and ore development continued on 732 level. Both MineArc refuge stations have been commissioned, and the leaky feeder communication system was installed from 300 to the 720 level. Construction of the underground main heating system is progressing at the 300 level portal, and preparations have been made for heating of the ramp. The exhaust raise fan for Target Block was commissioned in preparation for the development of an exploration drift for diamond drilling and resource expansion, and another portal is planned on 742 level to support further development in Mountain Block. The Company is looking to improve its development rates and increase availability of mining fleet with its contractor Thyssen. Amaroq is also reviewing adding further mining equipment to optimise operations going forward. Finally, the Company has started employing its own mining team personnel.
  • Gold and Strategic Minerals Exploration: Post period, Amaroq announced the completion of the 2024 exploration programme, including over 8,600 metres of core drilling across the gold and strategic metals portfolio. Results for the programme are expected over the coming months.

Nalunaq Project KPIs

            Metric

            Q2 2024

            Q3 2024

            Change

Total hours worked

            103,680 hours

            129,516 hours

            +25%

Daily average of people working on site

            96 people

            107 people

            +12%

Ratio of Greenlandic personnel

            51%

            43%

            -8%

Outlook

  • Activities at Nalunaq remain on track to deliver first gold in Q4 2024.
  • Exploration results from gold, copper and nickel exploration expected at various intervals in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025.
  • Updated measured resource statement for Nalunaq Gold mine expected to be published in Q1 2025.

Exploration activities overview

Gold projects:

  • Nalunaq
    • All additional 75 Vein sampling from historical core housed at Nalunaq has been completed. A total of 2,895 meters of core drilling has been completed across the Target Block Extension zone to the west of the historical mining areas.
    • In parallel to this, a programme of surface samples along the outcropping Main Vein and 75 Vein to the west was completed with mountaineering specialists.
    • A Mineral Resource Estimate update for Nalunaq has been initiated with a Qualified Person’s site visit conducted by Mining Plus.
    • The Company is now awaiting the assay results before conducting a detailed review of the Target Block Extension zone and conducting further planning to address its 2025 exploration priorities.

  • Nanoq

    • A 130-meter scout drilling programme was completed at Nanoq across previous channel sampling results with core geologically assessed and sampled at Nalunaq. These cores will be geologically logged and sampled results will then be used to guide objectives for the 2025 season.
  • Nalunaq Satellite Targets
    • Following the discovery of an outcropping vein above historical high grade float results, a small surface sampling programme was completed at Eagle’s Nest with mountaineering specialists. The Company is now awaiting the results of the surface sampling, which will be used to help direct further work programmes.
    • Amaroq continues to assess the viability of other surrounding projects to become potential satellite feeds to Nalunaq.

Strategic Minerals:

  • Stendalen
    • A new surface geophysical programme was completed ahead of commencing the 2024 drilling programme.
    • A total of 4,733 meters of exploration drilling was completed at Stendalen with the aim of providing greater geological understanding to the mineralisation style and geometry. Demobilisation of equipment from Stendalen is underway to ensure operational readiness for 2025.
    • Assay and downhole geophysical results, once received, will be used in conjunction with the University of Leicester to assess the mineral system present and produce targeting models. Environmental samples will also be analysed to commence the environmental baseline data for the project.
  • Copper Belt (Sava/North Sava, Kobberminebugt)
    • The geological field team has completed a programme of mapping and sampling across the copper belt area, assessing both potential porphyry and magmatic Cu-Ni targets.
    • The team has been supplemented by external support from copper subject matter expert.
    • Following this work, a 212-meter scout drilling programme was completed at Josva copper skarn target within the Kobberminebugt licence as well as 501 meters of scout drilling within the epithermal copper/gold target at Target North within the Sava licence.
  • Nunarsuit
    • The Company is reviewing the geological maps and results received from prospecting across the Nunarsuit licence.

Details of conference call

A conference call for analysts and investors will be held tomorrow, 15 November, at 08:30am GMT BST, including a management presentation and Q&A session.

To join the meeting, please register at the below link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dhWLE36tQGabAf9MI_zcCA

Amaroq Financial Results

The following selected financial data is extracted from the Financial Statements for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

Financial Results

 

Nine months ended Sep 30

 

2024
$

2023
$

Exploration and evaluation expenses

(5,172,947)

(5,737,257)

Site development costs

-

-

General and administrative

(11,831,157)

(8,015,379)

Gain on loss of control of subsidiary

-

31,340,880

Share of 9-months loss of an equity-accounted joint arrangement

(6,698,550)

(5,021,231)

Unrealized gain on derivative liability

1,636,567

273,780

Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income

(18,001,712)

13,425,594

Basic and diluted (loss) income per common share

(0.057)

0.05

Financial Position

 

As at Sep 30

As at June 30

 

2024
$

2024
$

Cash on hand

25,937,983

31,663,204

Total assets

199,102,439

177,950,773

Total current liabilities (before convertible notes liability and loan payable)

13,596,239

8,490,107

Total current liabilities (including convertible notes liability and loan payable)

76,516,905

41,932,965

Shareholders’ equity

121,963,411

135,365,745

Working capital - gold business (before convertible notes liability and loan payable)

37,937,316

50,734,743

Working capital - gold business (after convertible notes liability and loan payable)

(24,983,350)

17,291,885

Gold business liquidity (excluding $8.3 and $13.5M ring-fenced for strategic mineral exploration as of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively)

25,958,581

61,787,888

Enquiries:

Amaroq Minerals Ltd. 
Eldur Olafsson, Executive Director and CEO
eo@amaroqminerals.com 

Eddie Wyvill, Corporate Development
+44 (0)7713 126727
ew@amaroqminerals.com

Panmure Liberum (UK) Limited (Nominated Adviser and Corporate Broker)
Scott Mathieson
Kieron Hodgson
+44 (0) 20 7886 2500

Canaccord Genuity Limited (Corporate Broker)
James Asensio
Harry Rees
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7523 8000

Camarco (Financial PR)
Billy Clegg
Elfie Kent
Fergus Young
+44 (0) 20 3757 4980 

For Company updates:
Follow @Amaroq_minerals on X (Formerly known as Twitter)
Follow Amaroq Minerals Ltd on LinkedIn

Further Information: 

About Amaroq Minerals 

Amaroq Minerals' principal business objectives are the identification, acquisition, exploration, and development of gold and strategic metal properties in South Greenland. The Company's principal asset is a 100% interest in the past producing Nalunaq Gold mine which is due to go into production towards the end of 2024. The Company has a portfolio of gold and strategic metal assets in Southern Greenland covering the two known gold belts in the region as well as advanced exploration projects at Stendalen and the Sava Copper Belt exploring for Strategic metals such as Copper, Nickel, Rare Earths and other minerals. Amaroq Minerals is continued under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) and wholly owns Nalunaq A/S, incorporated under the Greenland Public Companies Act.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Glossary

Ag

silver

Au

gold

Bt

Billion tonnes

Cu

copper

g

grams

g/t

grams per tonne

km

kilometers

Koz

thousand ounces

m

meters

Mo

molybdenum

MRE

Mineral Resource Estimate

MT

Magnetotelluric data

Nb

niobium

Ni

nickel

oz

ounces

REE

Rare Earth Elements

t

tonnes

Ti

Titanium

t/m3

tonne per cubic meter

U

uranium

USD/ozAu

US Dollar per ounce of gold

V

Vanadium

Zn

zinc

Inside Information

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the UK version of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 on Market Abuse ("UK MAR"), as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, and Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 on Market Abuse ("EU MAR").

Qualified Person Statement

The technical information presented in this press release has been approved by James Gilbertson CGeol, VP Exploration for Amaroq Minerals and a Chartered Geologist with the Geological Society of London, and as such a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

Amaroq Minerals Ltd.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024

The attached financial statements have been prepared by Management of Amaroq Minerals Ltd. and have not been reviewed by the auditor

    
  

As at
September 30,

As at
December 31,

 

Notes

2024

2023

  

$

$

ASSETS

   

Current assets

   

Cash

 

25,937,983

21,014,633

Sales tax receivable

 

72,087

69,756

Prepaid expenses and others

 

17,812,986

18,681,568

Interest receivable

 

876,478

-

Inventory

 

6,834,021

680,358

Total current assets

 

51,533,555

40,446,315

Non-current assets

   

Deposit

 

177,944

27,944

Escrow account for environmental rehabilitation

 

6,872,073

598,939

Financial Asset - Related Party

3,13

5,762,187

3,521,938

Investment in equity accounted joint arrangement

3

16,794,261

23,492,811

Mineral properties

4

48,683

48,821

Right of use asset

7

652,190

574,856

Capital assets

5

117,261,546

38,241,559

Total non-current assets

 

147,568,884

66,506,868

TOTAL ASSETS

 

199,102,439

106,953,183

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   

Current liabilities

   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

13,479,402

6,273,979

Convertible notes

6

38,395,349

35,743,127

Loan payable

6.1

24,525,317

-

Lease liabilities – current portion

7

116,837

80,206

Total current liabilities

 

76,516,905

42,097,312

Non-current liabilities

   

Lease liabilities

7

622,123

577,234

Total non-current liabilities

 

622,123

577,234

Total liabilities

 

77,139,028

42,674,546

 

Equity

   

Capital stock

8

207,202,359

132,117,971

Contributed surplus

 

7,327,666

6,725,568

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(36,772)

(36,772)

Deficit

 

(92,529,842)

(74,528,130)

Total equity

 

121,963,411

64,278,637

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

199,102,439

106,953,183

    

Subsequent events

16

  

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

  

Three months
ended September 30,

Nine months
ended September 30,

 

Notes

2024

2023

2024

2023

  

$

$

$

$

      

Expenses

     

Exploration and evaluation expenses

10

(4,424,907)

(2,277,540)

(5,172,947)

(5,737,257)

Site development costs

 

-

1,825,564

-

-

General and administrative

11

(3,536,240)

(2,632,041)

(11,831,157)

(8,015,379)

Loss on disposal of capital assets

5

(149,917)

-

(149,917)

(37,791)

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

 

1,040,420

(83,882)

1,475,432

(58,707)

Operating loss

 

(7,070,644)

(3,167,899)

(15,678,589)

(13,849,134)

 

Other income (expenses)

     

Interest income

 

901,831

141,443

943,023

613,031

Gardaq management income and allocated cost

 

608,392

601,461

1,823,286

1,108,101

Gain on loss of control of subsidiary

3

-

-

-

31,340,880

Share of net loss of joint arrangement

3

(4,788,733)

(3,381,749)

(6,698,550)

(5,021,231)

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative liability

6

(3,655,048)

273,780

1,636,567

273,780

Finance costs

12

(9,317)

(1,022,258)

(27,449)

(1,039,833)

      

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

 

(14,013,519)

(6,555,222)

(18,001,712)

13,425,594

      
      
      
      

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic

 

327,418,727

263,579,331

314,985,260

263,356,034

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted

 

327,418,727

306,335,274

314,985,260

306,111,977

Basic earnings (loss) per share

14

(0.043)

(0.02)

(0.057)

0.05

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

14

(0.043)

(0.02)

(0.057)

0.04

Effect of dilution

 

-

-

-

0.01

Share options

 

7,261,353

9,126,875

7,261,353

9,126,875

Restricted shares

 

6,659,409

-

6,659,409

-

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

Amaroq Minerals Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited, in Canadian Dollars)

 

 

 

 

Notes

Number of common shares outstanding

Capital Stock

Contributed surplus

Accumulated other comprehensive
loss

Deficit

 

Total Equity

   

$

$

$

$

$

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

263,073,022

131,708,387

5,250,865

(36,772)

(73,694,581)

63,227,899

Net income and comprehensive income

 

-

-

-

-

13,425,594

13,425,594

Options exercised, net

 

597,029

409,584

(433,600)

-

-

(24,016)

Stock-based compensation

9

-

-

1,353,042

-

-

1,353,042

Balance at September 30, 2023

 

263,670,051

132,117,971

6,170,307

(36,772)

(60,268,987)

77,982,519

        

Balance at January 1, 2024

 

263,670,051

132,117,971

6,725,568

(36,772)

(74,528,130)

64,278,637

Net loss and comprehensive loss

 

-

-

-

-

(18,001,712)

(18,001,712)

Shares issued under a fundraising

8

62,724,758

75,574,600

-

-

-

75,574,600

Shares issuance costs

8

-

(1,218,285)

-

-

-

(1,218,285)

Options exercised – net

9.1

1,023,918

728,073

(745,500)

-

-

(17,427)

Stock-based compensation

9

-

-

1,347,598

-

-

1,347,598

Balance at September 30, 2024

 

327,418,727

207,202,359

7,327,666

(36,772)

(92,529,842)

121,963,411

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

   
 

 

Notes

Nine months ended September 30,

  

2024

2023

  

$

$

Operating activities

   

Net (loss) income for the period

 

(18,001,712)

13,425,594

Adjustments for:

   

Depreciation

5

603,135

525,518

Amortisation of ROU asset

7

83,704

59,991

Stock-based compensation

9

1,347,598

1,353,042

Gain on loss of control of subsidiary

3

-

(31,340,880)

Unrealized gain on derivative liability

6

(1,636,567)

(273,780)

Embedded derivate related transaction costs

 

-

641,526

Loss on disposal of capital assets

 

149,916

37,791

Share of net losses of joint arrangement

3

6,698,550

5,021,231

Gardaq management income and allocated cost

3,13

(1,823,286)

(1,108,101)

Interest income

 

(943,023)

(613,031)

Other expenses

 

(17,427)

-

Foreign exchange

 

(1,624,654)

(1,114,277)

Finance costs

 

27,449

-

  

(15,136,317)

(13,385,376)

Changes in non-cash working capital items:

   

Sales tax receivable

 

(2,331)

30,178

Due from related party

3,13

(388,400)

(52,304)

Prepaid expenses and others

 

(5,154,320)

(5,808,291)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

7,203,774

1,179,419

  

1,658,723

(4,650,998)

Cash flow used in operating activities

 

(13,477,594)

(18,036,374)

 

Investing activities

   

Transfer to escrow account for environmental rehabilitation

 

(6,044,556)

(165,946)

Construction in progress and acquisition of capital assets

5

(75,508,967)

(9,409,183)

Prepayment for acquisition of ROU asset

 

(5,825)

-

Deposit

 

(150,000)

-

Cash flow used in investing activities

 

(81,709,348)

(9,575,129)

 

Financing activities

   

Proceeds from issuance of shares

8

75,574,600

-

Proceeds from convertible notes, net of issue costs

6

-

29,427,152

Proceeds from loan, net of transaction cost

6

24,394,364

-

Shares issuance costs

8

(1,218,285)

-

Lease payments

7

(101,143)

(53,583)

Interest received

 

66,545

613,031

Cash flow from financing activities

 

98,716,081

29,986,600

Net change in cash before effects of exchange rate changes on cash during the period

 

3,529,139

2,375,097

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash

 

1,394,211

1,143,288

Net change in cash during the period

 

4,923,350

3,518,385

Cash, beginning of period

 

21,014,633

50,137,569

Cash, end of period

 

25,937,983

53,655,954

Supplemental cash flow information

   

Borrowing costs capitalised to capital assets

5

4,263,933

-

ROU assets acquired through lease

7

155,214

-

Shares issued as a result of options exercised - net

9.1

728,073

-

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

  1.    NATURE OF OPERATIONS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Amaroq Minerals Ltd. (the “Corporation”) was incorporated on February 22, 2017, under the Canada Business Corporations Act. As of June 19, 2024, the Corporation completed its continuance from the Canada Business Corporations Act into the Province of Ontario under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). The Corporation’s head office is situated at 100 King Street West, Suite 3400, First Canadian Place, Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1A4, Canada. The Corporation operates in one industry segment, being the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties. It owns interests in properties located in Greenland. The Corporation’s financial year ends on December 31. Since July 2017, the Corporation’s shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSX-V”). Since July 2020, the Corporation’s shares are also listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange (“AIM”) and from November 1, 2022, on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Iceland which were transferred on September 21, 2023 on Nasdaq Main Market Iceland (“Nasdaq”) under the AMRQ ticker.

These unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 (“Financial Statements”) were approved by the Board of Directors on November 14, 2024.

1.1    Basis of presentation and consolidation

The Financial Statements include the accounts of the Corporation and those of its 100% owned subsidiary Nalunaq A/S, company incorporated under the Greenland Public Companies Act. The Financial Statements also include the Corporation’s 51% equity share of Gardaq A/S, a joint venture with GCAM LP (Note 3).

The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) including International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 34, Interim Financial Reporting. The Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The accounting policies, methods of computation and presentation applied in these Financial Statements are consistent with those of the previous financial year ended December 31, 2023.

  2.    CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND ASSUMPTIONS

The preparation of the Financial Statements requires Management to make judgments and form assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the Financial Statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, Management evaluates its judgments in relation to assets, liabilities and expenses. Management uses past experience and various other factors it believes to be reasonable under the given circumstances as the basis for its judgments. Actual outcomes may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

In preparing the Financial Statements, the significant judgements made by Management in applying the Corporation accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the Corporation’s audited annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.

3.        INVESTMENT IN AN ASSOCIATE OR JOINT VENTURE CORPORATION

 

As at
September 30,
2024

As at
    December 31,
2023

 

$

$

Balance at beginning of period

23,492,811

-

        Original investment in Gardaq ApS

-

7,422

        Transfer of non-gold strategic minerals licences at cost

-

36,896

        Investment at conversion of Gardaq ApS to Gardaq A/S

-

55,344

        Gain on FV recognition of equity accounted investment in joint venture

-

31,285,536

        Share of joint venture’s net losses

(6,698,550)

(7,892,387)

Balance at end of period

16,794,261

23,492,811


        Original investment in Gardaq ApS

7,422

7,422

        Transfer of non-gold strategic minerals licences at cost

36,896

36,896

        Investment at conversion of Gardaq ApS to Gardaq A/S

55,344

55,344

        Gain on FV recognition of equity accounted investment in joint venture

31,285,536

31,285,536

        Investment retained at fair value- 51% share

31,385,198

31,385,198

Share of joint venture’s cumulative net losses

(14,590,937)

(7,892,387)

Balance at end of period

16,794,261

23,492,811

The following tables summarize the unaudited financial information of Gardaq A/S.

 

As at
September 30,
2024

As at
   December 31,
2023

 

$

$

Cash and cash equivalent

8,325,045

18,377,850

Prepaid expenses and other

560,579

351,752

Total current assets

8,885,624

18,729,602

Mineral property

117,576

92,239

Total assets

9,003,200

18,821,841

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

1,603,757

528,235

Financial liability - related party

5,762,187

3,521,938

Total liabilities

7,365,944

4,050,173

Capital stock

30,246,937

30,246,937

Deficit

(28,609,681)

(15,475,269)

Total equity

1,637,256

14,771,668

Total liabilities and equity

9,003,200

18,821,841

3.        INVESTMENT IN AN ASSOCIATE OR JOINT VENTURE CORPORATION (CONT’d)

 

As at
September 30,
2024

As at
September 30,
2023

 

$

$

Exploration and Evaluation expenses

12,144,276

8,565,658

Interest expense (income)

(5,985)

-

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

(858,925)

171,792

Operating loss

11,279,366

8,737,450

Other expenses

1,855,047

1,108,101

Net loss and comprehensive loss

13,134,413

9,845,551

3.1 Financial Asset – Related Party

Subject to a Subscription and Shareholder Agreement dated 13 April 2023, the Corporation undertakes to subscribe to two ordinary shares in Gardaq (the “Amaroq shares”) at a subscription price of GBP 5,000,000 no later than 10 business days after the third anniversary of the completion of the subscription agreement.

Amaroq’s subscription will be completed by the conversion of Gardaq’s related party balance into equity shares. Gardaq’s related party payable balance consists of overhead, management, general and administrative expenses payable to the Corporation. In the event that the related party payable balance is less than GBP 5,000,000, the Corporation shall, no later than 10 business days after the third anniversary of Completion:

(a)   subscribe to one Amaroq share by conversion of the amount payable to the Corporation,
(b)   subscribe to one Amaroq share at a subscription price equal to GBP 5,000,000 less the amount payable to the Corporation

In the event that the amount payable to the Corporation exceeds GBP 5,000,000, the Corporation shall subscribe to the Amaroq shares at a subscription price equal to GBP 5,000,000 by conversion of GBP 5,000,000 of the amount due from Gardaq. Gardaq shall not be liable to repay any of the balance payable to the Corporation that exceeds GBP 5,000,000 (equivalent to CAD 9,048,791 as at 30 September 2024). See note 13.1.

During the nine-month period ended 30 September 2024, the Corporation determined that the financial asset should be reclassified to the non-current asset category since the amount will be settled during April 2026. As a result, an amount of $5,762,187 has been reclassified to non-current assets as at 30 September 2024 ($3,521,938 reclassified as at 31 December 2023).

  4.    MINERAL PROPERTIES

 

As at December 31,
2023

 

 

Transfer

As at September 30,
2024

 

$

$

$

Nalunaq – Au

1

-

1

Tartoq – Au

18,431

-

18,431

Vagar – Au

11,103

-

11,103

Nuna Nutaaq – Au

6,076

-

6,076

Anoritooq – Au

6,389

-

6,389

Siku – Au

6,821

(138)

6,683

Total mineral properties

48,821

(138)

48,683

  4.   MINERAL PROPERTIES (CONT’d)

 

As at December 31,
2022

 

 

Transfers

As at September 30,
2023

 

$

$

$

Nalunaq - Au

1

-

1

Tartoq - Au

18,431

-

18,431

Vagar - Au

11,103

-

11,103

Nuna Nutaaq - Au

6,076

-

6,076

Anoritooq - Au

6,389

-

6,389

Siku - Au

6,821

-

6,821

Naalagaaffiup Portornga - Strategic Minerals

6,334

(6,334)

-

Saarloq - Strategic Minerals

7,348

(7,348)

-

Sava - Strategic Minerals

6,562

(6,562)

-

Kobberminebugt - Strategic Minerals

6,840

(6,840)

-

Stendalen - Strategic Minerals

4,837

(4,837)

-

North Sava - Strategic Minerals

4,837

(4,837)

-

Total mineral properties

85,579

(36,758)

48,821

  5.   CAPITAL ASSETS

 

Field equipment and
infrastructure

 

Vehicles and rolling stock

 

Equipment (including software)

 

Construction in progress

 

 

 

Total

 

$

$

$

$

$

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2024

     

Opening net book value

1,537,379

3,312,118

108,822

33,283,240

38,241,559

Additions

-

1,941,750

138

77,831,150

79,773,038

Disposals

-

(149,916)

-

-

(149,916)

Depreciation

(148,780)

(407,563)

(46,792)

-

(603,135)

 

Closing net book value

1,388,599

4,696,389

62,168

111,114,390

117,261,546

 

Field equipment and
infrastructure

 

Vehicles and rolling stock

 

Equipment (including software)

 

Construction in progress

 

 

 

Total

 

$

$

$

$

$

 

As at September 30, 2024

     

Cost

2,351,042

6,197,074

232,231

111,114,390

119,894,737

Accumulated depreciation

(962,443)

(1,500,685)

(170,063)

-

(2,633,191)

 

Closing net book value

1,388,599

4,696,389

62,168

111,114,390

117,261,546

  5.   CAPITAL ASSETS (CONT’d)

 

Field equipment and
infrastructure

Vehicles and rolling stock

Equipment (including software)

Construction In progress

Total

 

$

$

$

$

$

 

December 31, 2023

     

Opening net book value

1,735,752

3,742,384

216,385

7,522,085

13,216,606

Additions

-

-

-

25,761,155

25,761,155

Disposals

-

-

(80,983)

-

(80,983)

Adjustment

-

-

43,054

-

43,054

Depreciation

(198,373)

(430,266)

(69,634)

-

(698,273)

Closing net book value

1,537,379

3,312,118

108,822

33,283,240

38,241,559

 

Field equipment and
infrastructure

Vehicles and rolling stock

Equipment (including software)

Construction In progress

Total

 

$

$

$

$

$

As at December 31, 2023

     

Cost

2,351,041

4,466,971

232,231

33,283,240

40,333,483

Accumulated depreciation

(813,662)

(1,154,853)

(123,409)

-

(2,091,924)

Closing net book value

1,537,379

3,312,118

108,822

33,283,240

38,241,559

Depreciation of capital assets related to exploration and evaluation properties is being recorded in exploration and evaluation expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss, under depreciation. Depreciation of $556,632 ($478,519 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023) was expensed as exploration and evaluation expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

As at September 30, 2024, the Corporation had capital commitments, of $25,532,115. These commitments relate to the development of Nalunaq Project, rehabilitation of the Nalunaq mine, construction of processing plant, purchases of mobile equipment and establishment of surface infrastructure.

During the first nine months of 2024 the Corporation capitalised borrowing costs of $4,263,933 to construction in progress, which are included in additions.

  6.   CONVERTIBLE NOTES AND LOAN PAYABLE

CONVERTIBLE NOTES

Convertible notes loan

Embedded Derivatives at FVTPL

Total

 

$

$

$

Balance as at December 31, 2023

11,763,053

23,980,074

35,743,127

Accretion of discount

2,910,769

-

2,910,769

Accrued interest

1,142,212

-

1,142,212

Fair value change

-

(1,636,567)

(1,636,567)

Foreign exchange loss

235,808

-

235,808

Balance as at September 30, 2024

16,051,842

22,343,507

38,395,349

Non-current portion

-

-

-

Current portion

16,051,842

22,343,507

38,395,349

6. CONVERTIBLE NOTES AND LOAN PAYABLE (CONT’d)

CONVERTIBLE NOTES

Convertible notes loan

Embedded Derivatives at FVTPL

Total

 

$

$

$

Balance as at December 31, 2022

-

-

-

Gross proceeds from issue

30,431,180

-

30,431,180

Embedded derivative component

(19,443,663)

19,443,663

-

Transaction costs

(362,502)

-

(362,502)

Accretion of discount

949,062

-

949,062

Accrued interest

508,576

-

508,576

Fair value change

-

4,536,411

4,536,411

Foreign exchange gain

(319,600)

-

(319,600)

Balance as at December 31, 2023

11,763,053

23,980,074

35,743,127

Non-current portion

-

-

-

Current portion

11,763,053

23,980,074

35,743,127


LOAN PAYABLE

As at
September 30,
2024

As at
December 31,
2023

 

$

$

Balance as at December 31, 2023

-

-

Gross proceeds from issue

25,087,636

-

Transaction costs

(693,272)

-

Accretion of discount

32,973

-

Accrued interest

177,979

-

Foreign exchange gain

(79,999)

-

Balance as at September 30, 2023

24,525,317

-

Non-current portion

-

-

Current portion

24,525,317

-

6.1 Revolving Credit Facility

A $25 million (US$18.5 million) Revolving Credit Facility (“RCF”) was entered into with Landsbankinn hf. and Fossar Investment Bank on September 1, 2023, with a two-year term expiring on September 1, 2025 and priced at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 950bps. Interest is capitalized and payable at the end of the term.

The RCF is denominated in US Dollars and the SOFR interest rate is determined with reference to the CME Term SOFR Rates published by CME Group Inc. The RCF carries (i) a commitment fee of 0.40% per annum calculated on the undrawn facility amount and (ii) an arrangement fee of 2.00% on the facility amount where 1.5% has been paid on the closing date of the facility and 0.50% was paid at the first draw down. The facility is not convertible into any securities of the Corporation.

The facility is secured by (i) a bank account pledge from the Corporation and Nalunaq A/S, (ii) share pledges over all current and future acquired shares in Nalunaq A/S and Gardaq A/S held by the Corporation pursuant to the terms of share pledge agreements, (iii) a proceeds loan assignment agreement, (iv) a pledge agreement in respect of owner’s mortgage deeds and (v) a licence transfer agreement. During September 2024, the Corporation has drawn on this facility and the loan payable amount as of September 30, 2024, is $25,069,002.

This facility will be replaced by the new revolving credit facilities that are expected to be finalized subsequent to the interim financial reporting date (see note 6.4).

6.    CONVERTIBLE NOTES AND LOAN PAYABLE (CONT’d)

6.2 Convertible notes

Convertible notes represent $30.4 million (US$22.4 million) notes issued to ECAM LP (US$16 million), JLE Property Ltd. (US$4 million) and Livermore Partners LLC (US$2.4 million) on September 1, 2023 with a four-year term and a fixed interest rate of 5%. The conversion price of $0.90 per common share is the closing Canadian market price of the Amaroq shares on the day, prior to the closing day of the Debt Financing.

The convertible notes are denominated in US Dollars and will mature on September 30, 2027, being the date that is four years from the convertible note offering closing date. The principal amount of the convertible notes will be convertible, in whole or in part, at any time from one month after issuance into common shares of the Corporation ("Common Shares") at a conversion price of $0.90 (£0.525) per Common Share for a total of up to 33,629,068 Common Shares. The Corporation may repay the convertible notes and accrued interest at any time, in cash, subject to providing 30 days’ notice to the relevant noteholders, with such noteholders having the option to convert such convertible notes into Common Shares at the conversion price up to 5 days prior to the redemption date. If the Corporation chooses to redeem some but not all of the outstanding convertible notes, the Corporation shall redeem a pro rata share of each noteholder's holding of convertible notes. The Corporation shall pay a commitment fee to the holders of the convertible notes of, in aggregate, $5,511,293 (US$4,484,032), which shall be paid pro rata to each noteholder's holding of convertible notes. The commitment fee is payable on the earlier of (a) the date falling 20 business days after all amounts outstanding under the Bank Revolving Credit Facility have been repaid in full, but no earlier than the date that is 24 months after the date of issuance of the notes; and (b) the date falling 30 (thirty) months after the date of the subscription agreement in respect of the notes, irrespective of whether or not notes have converted at that date or been repaid.

The convertible notes will be secured by (i) bank account pledge agreements from the Corporation and Nalunaq A/S, (ii) share pledges over all current and future acquired shares in Nalunaq A/S and Gardaq A/S held by the Corporation pursuant to the terms of share pledge agreements, (iii) a proceeds loan assignment agreement, (iv) a pledge agreement in respect of owner’s mortgage deeds and (v) a licence transfer agreement.

The convertible notes represent hybrid financial instruments with embedded derivatives requiring separation. The debt host portion (the “Host”) of the instrument is initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost, whereas the aggregate conversion and repayment options (the “Embedded Derivatives”) are classified at fair value through profit and loss (FVTPL).

The fair value of the convertible notes at inception was recognized at $30.4 million (US$22.4 million) and $19.4 million (US$14.3 million) embedded derivative component was isolated and determined using a Black Scholes valuation model which required the use of significant unobservable inputs. As of September 30, 2024, the Corporation identified the fair value of embedded derivative associated with the early conversion option to be $22.3 million ($24.0 million as of December 31, 2023). The change in fair value of embedded derivative in the period from January 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024 has been recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss. The Host liability component at inception, before deducting transaction costs, was recognized to be the residual amount of $10.9 million (US$8.1 million) which is subsequently measured at amortized cost. Transaction costs incurred on the issuance of the convertible note amounted to $1,004,030, of which $362,502 was allocated to, and deducted from, the host liability component, and $641,528 was allocated to the embedded derivative component and charged to profit and loss.

Amendments and conversion of these convertible notes were concluded subsequently to the interim financial reporting date (see note 6.4).

6.    CONVERTIBLE NOTES AND LOAN PAYABLE (CONT’D)

6.3 Cost Overrun Facility

$13.5 million (US$10 million) Revolving Cost Overrun Facility was entered into with JLE Property Ltd. on September 1, 2023, on the same terms as the Bank Revolving Credit Facility.

The Overrun Facility is denominated in US Dollars with a two-year term, expiring on September 1, 2025, and will bear interest at the CME Term SOFR Rates by CME Group Inc. and have a margin of 9.5% per annum. The Overrun Facility carries a stand-by fee of 2.5% on the amount of committed funds. The Overrun Facility is not convertible into any securities of the Corporation.

The Overrun Facility will be secured by (i) bank account pledge agreements from the Corporation and Nalunaq A/S, (ii) share pledges over all current and future acquired shares in Nalunaq A/S and Gardaq A/S held by the Corporation pursuant to the terms of share pledge agreements, (iii) a proceeds loan assignment agreement, (iv) a pledge agreement in respect of owner’s mortgage deeds and (v) a licence transfer agreement. The Corporation has not yet drawn on this facility.

This facility will be replaced by the new revolving credit facilities that are expected to be finalized subsequent to the interim financial reporting date (see note 6.4).

6.4 US$35 million Revolving Credit Facility Heads of Terms

On July 2, 2024, the Corporation announced that it agreed a Head of Terms, subject to final approval and documentation, with Landsbankinn for US$35 million in three Revolving Credit Facilities, securing a substantial increase and extension to its existing debt facilities.

  • The financing package will replace the existing credit and cost overrun facilities, simplifying the structure of the debt package and increasing financial flexibility and liquidity for the Corporation.
  • Amaroq has signed term sheets for a US$35 million debt financing package with Landsbankinn consisting of:
    • US$28.5 million facility with a margin of 9.5% per annum, reducing to 7.5% once the full amount has been drawn and the Corporation’s cumulative EBITDA over a three-month period exceeds CAD 6 million. This facility will replace the Corporation’s existing revolving credit and cost overrun facilities entered into on September 1, 2023. US$18.5 million of the facility is to be used towards the completion of the Nalunaq development with the balance available for general corporate purposes.
    • US$6.5 million facility with a margin of 7.5% per annum, available for general corporate purposes once all other facilities have been fully drawn.
    • The new facilities will have a 1.5% arrangement fee, a 0.4% commitment fee on unutilised amounts, and an expected maturity date of October 1, 2026.
    • The new facilities will be subject to certain ongoing covenant tests, further detail of which will be provided on closing of definitive documentation.
  • Amaroq will finalise the new facilities’ legally binding documentation and expects to be in a position to sign binding documents before the end of the year. The Corporation’s currently undrawn US$10.0 million debt facilities will remain in place until this time.

     7.    LEASE LIABILITIES

 

As at
September 30,
2024

As at
December 31,
2023

 

$

$

Balance beginning

657,440

729,237

Lease additions

155,214

-

Lease payment

(101,143)

(105,894)

Interest

27,449

34,097

Balance ending

738,960

657,440

Non-current portion – lease liabilities

(622,123)

      (577,234)

Current portion – lease liabilities

116,837

80,206

The Corporation has two leases for its offices. In October 2020, the Corporation started a lease for five years and five months including five free rent months during this period. The monthly rent is $8,825 until March 2024 and $9,070 for the balance of the lease. The Corporation has the option to renew the lease for an additional five-year period at $9,070 monthly rent indexed annually to the increase of the consumer price index of the previous year for the Montreal area. In March 2024, the Corporation started a new lease for a two-year term with the option to extend for two more years. The monthly rent is $5,825 until March 2025 after which the monthly rent may increase as per the lease terms.

7.1         Right of use asset

 

As at

As at

 

September 30,

December 31,

 

2024

2023

 

$

$

Opening net book value

574,856

655,063

Additions

161,038

-

Amortisation

(83,704)

(80,207)

Closing net book value

652,190

574,856

   

Cost

997,238

836,200

Accumulated amortisation

(345,048)

(261,344)

Closing net book value

652,190

574,856

8.   SHARE CAPITAL

On February 23, 2024, the Corporation successfully completed its oversubscribed fundraising which resulted in a total of 62,724,758 new common shares being placed with new and existing institutional investors at a placing price of 74 pence (CAD $1.25 at the closing exchange rate on 9 February 2024). The placing price represents a 5.7% premium to the closing share price on 9 February 2024 on the AIM exchange. The fundraising consisted of:

  • A placing of new common shares with new and existing institutional investors at the placing price (the “UK Placing”). Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited acted as the sole bookrunner and broker on the UK Placing.
  • A placing of new depository receipts representing new common shares with new and existing investors at the placing price (the “Icelandic Placing”). Landsbankinn hf. and Fossar fjarfestingarbanki hf. acted as joint bookrunners on the Icelandic Placing and Landsbankinn hf. acted as underwriter.
  • A private placement of new common shares by certain existing institutional investors and a director of the Corporation at the placing price (the “Canadian Subscription”). The Director subscribed to approximately CAD $3.4 million (equivalent to GBP 2.0 million) in the fundraising.

As a result of the subscription, net proceeds of approximately GBP 44 million (CAD 75.6 million) have been raised, exceeding the initial targeted amount of GBP 30 million. The shares subscribed to were credited as fully paid and rank pari passu in all respects with the existing common shares of the Corporation.

     9.   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

        9.1 Stock options

An incentive stock option plan (the “Plan”) was approved initially in 2017 and renewed by shareholders on June 14, 2024. The Plan is a “rolling” plan whereby a maximum of 10% of the issued shares at the time of the grant are reserved for issue under the Plan to executive officers, directors, employees and consultants. The Board of directors attributes that the stock options and the exercise price of the options shall not be less than the closing price on the last trading day, preceding the grant date. The options have a maximum term of ten years. Options granted pursuant to the Plan shall vest and become exercisable at such time or times as may be determined by the Board, except options granted to consultants providing investor relations activities shall vest in stages over a 12-month period with a maximum of one-quarter of the options vesting in any three-month period. The Corporation has no legal or constructive obligation to repurchase or settle the options in cash.

On May 14, 2024, and June 3, 2024, the Corporation granted its employees 22,988 stock options with an exercise price ranging from $1.30 to $1.31 per share. The stock options vested 100% at the grant date. The options were granted at an exercise price equal to the closing market price of the shares the day prior to the grant. Total stock-based compensation costs amounted to $18,163 for an estimated fair value of $0.72 per share.

On January 5, 2024, a former director of the Corporation exercised his options. As a result, 150,000 options were exercised which resulted in the former director receiving 60,637 shares net of applicable withholdings. On May 23, 2024, the former Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of the Corporation exercised his options. As a result, 1,800,000 options were exercised which resulted in the former CFO receiving 963,281 shares net of applicable withholdings.On October 9, 2024, an employee of the Corporation exercised his options. As a result, 31,278 options were exercised which resulted in the employee receiving 11,090 shares net of applicable withholdings   

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONT’d)

Changes in stock options are as follows:

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2024

December 31, 2023

 

Number of options

Weighted average exercise price

Number of options

Weighted average exercise price

  

$

 

$

Balance, beginning

9,188,365

0.59

10,717,395

0.57

Granted

22,988

1.30

80,970

1.01

Exercised

(1,950,000)

0.60

(1,610,000)

0.46

Balance, end

7,261,353

0.59

9,188,365

0.59

Balance, end exercisable

7,261,353

0.59

9,188,365

0.59

Stock options outstanding and exercisable as at September 30, 2024 are as follows:

Number of options outstanding

Number of options exercisable

Exercise price

 

Expiry date

  

$

 

1,670,000

1,670,000

0.38

December 31, 2025

100,000

100,000

0.50

September 13, 2026

1,245,000

1,245,000

0.70

December 31, 2026

2,700,000

2,700,000

0.60

January 17, 2027

73,333

73,333

0.75

April 20, 2027

39,062

39,062

0.64

July 14, 2027

1,330,000

1,330,000

0.70

December 30, 2027

19,480

19,480

0.77

July 24, 2028

61,490

61,490

1.09

December 20, 2028

11,538

11,538

1.30

May 14, 2029

11,450

11,450

1.31

June 3, 2029

7,261,353

7,261,353

  

        9.2 Restricted Share Unit

9.2.1 Description

Conditional awards were made in 2022 that give participants the opportunity to earn restricted share unit awards under the Corporation’s Restricted Share Unit Plan (“RSU Plan”) subject to the generation of shareholder value over a four-year performance period.

The awards are designed to align the interests of the Corporation’s employees and shareholders, by incentivising the delivery of exceptional shareholder returns over the long-term. Participants receive a 10% share of a pool which is defined by the total shareholder value created above a 10% per annum compound hurdle.

The awards comprise three tranches, based on performance measured from January 1, 2022, to the following three measurement dates:

  • First Measurement Date: December 31, 2023;
  • Second Measurement Date: December 31, 2024; and
  • Third Measurement Date: December 31, 2025.

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONT’d)

Restricted share unit awards granted under the RSU Plan as a result of achievement of the total shareholder return performance conditions are subject to continued service, with vesting as follows:

  • Awards granted after the First Measurement Date - 50% vest after one year, 50% vest after three years.
  • Awards granted after the Second Measurement Date - 50% vest after one year, 50% vest after two years.
  • Awards granted after the Third Measurement Date - 100% vest after one year.

The maximum term of the awards is therefore four years from grant.

The Corporation’s starting market capitalization is based on a fixed share price of $0.552. Value created by share price growth and dividends paid at each measurement date will be calculated with reference to the average closing share price over the three months ending on that date.

  • After December 31, 2023, 100% of the pool value at the First Measurement Date is delivered as restricted share units under the RSU Plan, subject to the maximum number of shares that can be allotted not being exceeded.
  • After December 31, 2024, the pool value at the Second Measurement Date is reduced by the pool value from the First Measurement Date (increased in line with share price movements between the First and Second Measurement Dates). 100% of the remaining pool value, if any, is delivered as restricted share units under the RSU Plan.
  • After December 31, 2025, the pool value at the Third Measurement Date is reduced by the pool value from the Second Measurement Date (increased in line with share price movements between the Second and Third Measurement Dates), and then further reduced by the pool value from the First Measurement Date (increased in line with share price movements between the First Measurement Date and the Third Measurement Date). 100% of the remaining pool value, if any, is delivered as restricted share units under the RSU Plan.

9.2.2 RSU Plan Amendment

The RSU Plan was amended by a shareholders General Meeting on June 15, 2023. As a result of the amendment the number of shares that could be issued under the RSU Plan to satisfy the conditional awards and other share awards was increased from 10% of a fixed share capital amount of 177,098,740 shares to 10% of share capital at the time of award, amounting to 10% of 263,073,022 shares, reduced by the number of outstanding options at each calculation date. As a result, an additional expense based on the difference between the fair value of the conditional awards before and after the modification will be recognised over the service period. The incremental fair value was determined and incorporated info the valuation in 9.2.4.

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONT’d)

9.2.3 New Conditional Award under RSU Plan

On October 13, 2023, Amaroq made an award (the “Award”) under the RSU Plan as detailed below. The Award consists of a conditional right to receive value if the future performance targets, applicable to the Award, are met. Any value to which the participants are eligible in respect of the Award will be granted as Restricted Share Units (each an “RSU”), with each RSU entitling a participant to receive common shares in the Corporation. Each RSU will be granted under, and governed in accordance with, the rules of the Corporation's Restricted Share Unit Plan.

Award Date

October 13, 2023

Initial Price

CAD 0.552

Hurdle Rate

10% p.a. above the Initial Price

Total Pool

10% of the growth in value above the Hurdle rate, not exceeding 10% of the Corporation’s share capital.
The number of shares will be determined at the Measurement Dates.

Participant proportion

Edward Wyvill, Corporate Development, 10%

Performance Period

January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2025 (inclusive)

Normal Measurement Dates

First Measurement Date: December 31, 2023, 50% vesting on the first anniversary of grant, with the remaining 50% vesting on the third anniversary of grant.
Second Measurement Date: December 31, 2024, 50% vesting on the first anniversary of grant, with the remaining 50% vesting on the second anniversary of grant.
Third Measurement Date: December 31, 2025, vesting on the first anniversary of grant.

On August 14, 2024, Amaroq made an award (the “Award”) under the RSU Plan as detailed below. The Award consists of a conditional right to receive value if the future performance targets, applicable to the Award, are met. Any value to which the participants are eligible in respect of the Award will be granted as Restricted Share Units (each an “RSU”), with each RSU entitling a participant to receive common shares in the Corporation. Each RSU will be granted under, and governed in accordance with, the rules of the Corporation's Restricted Share Unit Plan.

Award Date

August 14, 2024

Initial Price

CAD 1.04

Hurdle Rate

10% p.a. above the Initial Price

Total Pool

10% of the growth in value above the Hurdle rate, not exceeding 10% of the Corporation’s share capital.
The number of shares will be determined at the Measurement Date.

Participant proportion

Ellert Arnarson, Chief Financial Officer, 12%

Performance Period

August 6, 2024, to December 31, 2025 (inclusive)

Measurement Date

December 31, 2025, vesting on the first anniversary of grant.

RSU Grant Date

First quarter of 2026

RSU Vesting Date

100% of the shares will vest on the first anniversary of grant (first quarter of 2027)

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONT’d)

9.2.4 Valuation

The fair value of the award granted in December 2022 and modified June 2023, in addition to the award granted October 13, 2023, increased to $7,378,000 based on 90% of the available pool being awarded.

During June 2024, some of the awards were forfeited due to the departure of Jaco Crouse, CFO of the Corporation, effective June 3, 2024 (see note 9.2.5). As a result of the departure, previously recognised RSU award vesting charges of $566,875 were reversed and the percentage of the pool that was allocated was reduced to 70%.

During August 2024, new awards granted to the CFO increased the percentage of the pool that was allocated to 82%.

A charge of $610,654 and $1,328,904 was recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 respectively, including the reduction of $566,875 of previously recognized RSU vesting charges which were reversed during the period as a result of the forfeiture of the RSU awards (a charge of $449,000 and $1,347,000 was recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023).

The fair value was obtained through the use of a Monte Carlo simulation model which calculates a fair value based on a large number of randomly generated projections of the Corporation’s share price.

Assumption

Value

Grant date

December 30, 2022

Amendment date

June 15, 2023

Additional award date

October 13, 2023

Forfeiture of 20% of the awards date

June 3, 2024

Additional award date

August 14, 2024

Expected life (years)

1.38 – 3.00

Share price at grant date

$0.70 - $1.02

Exercise price

N/A

Dividend yield

0%

Risk-free rate

3.44% - 4.71%

Volatility

49.5% - 72%

Fair value of awards - First Measurement Date

$3,538,000

Fair value of awards - Second Measurement Date

$1,526,000

Fair value of awards - Third Measurement Date

$1,496,000

Total fair value of awards (82% of pool)

$6,560,000

Expected volatility was determined from the daily share price volatility over a historical period prior to the date of grant with length commensurate with the expected life. A zero-dividend yield has been used based on the dividend yield as at the date of grant.

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONT’d)

9.2.5 Awards under Restricted Share Unit Plan (the “RSU”)

On February 23, 2024, in alignment with the Company’s RSU plan dated 15 June 2023, the Company granted an award (the “Award”) to directors and employees of the Company as listed below.

Award Date

February 23, 2024

Initial Price

CAD 0.552

Hurdle Rate

10% p.a. above the Initial Price

Total Pool

10% of the growth in value above the Hurdle rate, not exceeding 10% of the Company’s share capital
The number of shares is determined at the Measurement Dates

Participant proportions and Number of shares
subject to RSU

 

 

 

 

Eldur Olafsson, CEO                    40%        3,805,377 shares

Jaco Crouse1, CFO                         20%        1,902,688 shares

Joan Plant, Executive VP               10%        951,344 shares

James Gilbertson, VP Exploration         10%        951,344 shares

Edward Wyvill, Corporate Development        10%        951,344 shares

First Measurement Date:

31 December 2023
50% of the Shares will vest on the first anniversary of grant, with the remaining 50% vesting on the third anniversary of grant.

1The shares awarded under the RSU to Jaco Crouse, CFO, have been forfeited as a result of his departure effective June 3, 2024.

10. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION EXPENSES (RECOVERY)

 

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

 

2024

2023

2024

2023

 

$

$

$

$

Geology

440,058

201,738

573,208

176,116

Drilling

2,028,481

173,776

2,088,481

1,210,428

Lodging and on-site support

284,812

151,495

284,812

203,208

Analysis

60,176

27,416

193,086

1,061

Geophysical survey

-

-

-

(416,177)

Transport

14,059

25,510

18,968

650,263

Helicopter charter

805,327

205,073

805,327

886,755

Logistic support

-

-

-

(51,509)

Insurance

-

-

-

-

Maintenance infrastructure

363,154

628,733

379,986

1,207,624

Supplies and equipment

180,338

706,545

230,849

1,309,562

Project Engineering

-

-

-

55,792

Government fees

8,750

-

41,599

25,615

Exploration and evaluation expenses before depreciation

4,185,155

2,120,286

4,616,316

5,258,738

Depreciation

239,752

157,254

556,631

478,519

Exploration and evaluation expenses

4,424,907

2,277,540

5,172,947

5,737,257

11. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATION

 

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

 

2024

2023

2024

2023

 

$

$

$

$

Salaries and benefits

924,737

626,384

3,916,009

1,864,046

Director’s fees

159,000

158,667

477,000

472,667

Professional fees

793,524

296,024

2,645,492

1,818,781

Marketing and investor relations

169,781

173,572

482,952

480,258

Insurance

83,536

76,002

256,369

211,206

Travel and other expenses

534,375

471,992

1,778,834

993,167

Regulatory fees

214,236

342,668

796,695

715,222

General and administration before following elements

2,879,189

2,145,309

10,353,351

6,555,347

Stock-based compensation

611,185

451,014

1,347,598

1,353,042

Depreciation

45,866

35,718

130,208

106,990

General and administration

3,536,240

2,632,041

11,831,157

8,015,379

12.             FINANCE COSTS

 

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

 

2024

2023

2024

2023

 

$

$

$

$

Transaction costs and service fees

-

1,013,771

-

1,013,771

Lease interest

9,317

8,487

27,449

26,062

 

9,317

1,022,258

27,449

1,039,833

13.        RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION

13.1 Gardaq Joint Venture

 

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

 

2024

2023

2024

2023

 

$

$

$

$

Gardaq management fees and allocated cost

608,392

601,461

1,823,286

1,108,101

Other allocated costs

212,489

803,567

388,152

2,516,430

Foreign exchange revaluation

(34,116)

17,480

28,811

16,581

 

786,765

1,422,508

2,240,249

3,641,112

As at September 30, 2024, the balance receivable from Gardaq amounted to $5,762,187 ($3,521,938 as at December 31, 2023). This receivable balance represents allocated overhead and general administration costs to manage the exploration work programmes and day-to-day activities of the joint venture. This balance will be converted to shares in Gardaq within 10 business days after the third anniversary of the completion of the Subscription and Shareholder Agreement dated April 13, 2023 (See note 3.1).

13.        RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION (CONT’d)

13.2 Key Management Compensation

The Corporation’s key management are the members of the board of directors, the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Vice President Exploration, and the Executive Vice President. Key management compensation is as follows:

 

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

 

2024

2023

2024

2023

 

$

$

$

$

Short-term benefits 

    

Salaries and benefits 

385,277

316,736

1,225,843

971,553

Director’s fees 

159,000

158,667

477,000

472,667

Long-term benefits 

    

Stock-based compensation

531

2,014

2,143

6,042

Stock-based compensation - RSU

610,654

449,000

1,328,904

1,347,000

Total compensation 

1,155,462

926,417

3,033,890

2,797,262

14. NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

The calculation of net loss per share is shown in the table below.

 

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

 

2024

2023

2024

2023

 

$

$

$

$

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

(14,013,519)

(6,555,222)

(18,001,712)

13,425,594

     

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic

327,418,727

263,579,331

314,985,260

263,356,034

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted

327,418,727

306,335,274

314,985,260

306,111,977

Basic earnings (loss) per share

(0.043)

(0.02)

(0.057)

0.05

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

(0.043)

(0.02)

(0.057)

0.04

15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

The Corporation is exposed to various risks through its financial instruments. The following analysis provides a summary of the Corporation's exposure to and concentrations of risk at September 30, 2024:

15.1 Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause financial loss for the other party by failing to discharge an obligation. The Corporation’s main credit risk relates to its prepaid amounts to suppliers for placing orders, manufacturing and delivery of process plant equipment, as well as an advance payment to a mining contractor. The Corporation performed expected credit loss assessment and assessed the amounts to be fully recoverable.

15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT (CONT’d)

15.2 Fair Value

Financial assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value are classified in the fair value hierarchy based upon the nature of the inputs used in the determination of fair value. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are:

•        Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
•  Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices)
•        Level 3 - Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (i.e., unobservable inputs)

The following table summarizes the carrying value of the Corporation’s financial instruments:

 

September 30,
2024

December 31, 2023

  

$

$

 

Cash

25,937,983

21,014,633

Sales tax receivable

72,087

69,756

Prepaid expenses and others

17,812,986    

18,681,568

Interest receivable

876,478

-

Deposit

177,944

27,944

Escrow account for environmental monitoring

6,872,073

598,939

Financial Asset – Related Party

5,762,187

3,521,938

Investment in equity-accounted joint arrangement

16,794,261

23,492,811

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

(13,479,402)

(6,273,979)

Convertible notes

(38,395,349)

(35,743,127)

Loan payable

(24,525,317)   

-

Lease liabilities

(738,960)

(657,440)

Due to the short-term maturities of cash, prepaid expenses, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities, the carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate fair value at the respective balance sheet date.

The carrying value of the convertible note instrument approximates its fair value at maturity and includes the embedded derivative associated with the early conversion option and the host liability at amortized cost.

The carrying value of the loan payable approximate its fair value.

The carrying value of lease liabilities approximate its fair value based upon a discounted cash flows method using a discount rate that reflects the Corporation’s borrowing rate at the end of the period.

15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT (CONT’d)

15.3 Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Corporation will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities. The Corporation seeks to ensure that it has sufficient capital to meet short-term financial obligations after taking into account its exploration and operating obligations and cash on hand. The Corporation is currently negotiating new Head of Terms with Landsbankinn in order to fund general and administrative costs, exploration and evaluation costs and Nalunaq project development costs. The Corporation’s options to enhance liquidity include the issuance of new equity instruments or debt.

The following table summarizes the carrying amounts and contractual maturities of financial liabilities:

 

As at September 30, 2024

 

As at December 31, 2023

 

 

Trade and other payables

Convertible notes

Loan payable

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

Convertible Notes

Lease liabilities

 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Within 1 year

13,479,402

38,395,349

24,525,317

150,250

6,273,979

-

108,345

1 to 5 years

-

-

-

545,633

-

35,743,127

544,178

5 to 10 years

-

-

-

154,184

-

-

126,975

Total

13,479,402

38,395,349

24,525,317

850,067

6,273,979

35,743,127

779,498

The Corporation has assessed that it is not exposed to significant liquidity risk due to its cash balance in the amount of $25,937,983 at the period end and to the subsequent conversion of the convertible note into shares of the Corporation (see note 16).

16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Amendments and conversion of convertible notes

On October 4, 2024, the Corporation entered into an agreement with the holders of its US $22.4M convertible notes, due in 2027, to convert the notes into new common shares in order to simplify the Corporation’s capital structure, reduce cash interest costs and permit future financial flexibility.

The Corporation has amended the convertible notes to permit the payment of the outstanding interest and commitment fees in common shares of the Corporation at a conversion price equal to the closing price of the common shares on the TSX-V on the trading day immediately prior to such conversion. These amendments were approved by the TSX-V on October 14, 2024.

The holders of the convertible notes have elected to convert all of the outstanding principal of the convertible notes into 33,629,068 Common Shares (the “Principal Conversion Shares”) at a conversion price of CAD 0.90 (£0.525) per Principal Conversion Share and all of the outstanding interest of the convertible notes in 1,293,356 Common Shares (the “Interest Conversion Shares”) at a conversion price of CAD $1.3 (£0.73) per Interest Conversion Share. The Corporation and the holders of the convertible notes also agreed to make 70% of the total amount of the outstanding commitment fee immediately payable. The holders of the convertible notes have elected to convert such commitment fee payable into 3,307,502 Common Shares (the “Commitment Fee Conversion Shares”) in aggregate, at a conversion price of CAD $1.3 (£0.73) per Commitment Fee Conversion Share.

Following the consent of the TSX-V, and their approval of the amendments to the convertible notes, the 33,629,068 Principal Conversion Shares, 1,293,356 Interest Conversion Shares and 3,307,502 Commitment Fee Conversion Shares were admitted to trading on AIM, and TSX-V and Nasdaq Iceland’s main market.