Risk Factors - AUGG

-New additions in green
-Changes in blue
-Hover to see similar sentence in last filing

$AUGG Risk Factor changes from 00/03/17/22/2022 to 00/03/28/24/2024

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS You should carefully consider the following risk factors in addition to the other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Each of these risk factors could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, as well as materially and adversely affect the value of an investment in our Common Shares. The risks described below are not the only ones facing the Company. Additional risks that we are not presently aware of, or that we currently believe are immaterial, may also adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. We cannot assure you that we will successfully address these risks or that other unknown risks exist that may affect our business. Financial Risks We have a history of losses and expect to continue to incur losses in the future. With the exception of the current fiscal year, we have incurred losses since inception, have negative cash flow from operating activities and expect to continue to incur losses in the future. We have an accumulated deficit of approximately $33,000,000 as of December 31, 2023. We have an accumulated deficit of $20,173,541 as of December 31, 2021. We expect to continue to incur losses unless and until such time as our Bullfrog or Reward gold projects or one of our future acquired properties enters into commercial production and generates sufficient revenues to fund continuing operations. We expect to continue to incur losses unless and until such time as our Bullfrog Gold Project or one of our future acquired properties enters into commercial production and generates sufficient revenues to fund continuing operations. We recognize that if we are unable to generate cash flows from mining operations and dispositions of our properties, we will not be able to earn profits or continue operations. We recognize that if we are unable to generate cash flows from mining operations and dispositions of our properties, we will not be able to earn profits or continue operations. At this early stage of our operation, we also expect to face the risks, uncertainties, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies at the start up stage of their business development. At this early stage of our operation, we also expect to face the risks, uncertainties, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies at the start up stage of their business development. We cannot be sure that we will be successful in addressing these risks and uncertainties and our failure to do so could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition. We cannot be sure that we will be successful in addressing these risks and uncertainties and our failure to do so could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition. Negative Operating Cash Flow The Company is an exploration stage issuer and has not generated cash flow from operations. The Company is devoting significant resources to the advancement of its Bullfrog and Reward gold projects and to actively pursue exploration and development opportunities, however, there can be no assurance that it will generate positive cash flow from operations in the future. The Company is devoting significant resources to the exploration of its Bullfrog Gold Project and to actively pursue exploration and development opportunities, however, there can be no assurance that it will generate positive cash flow from operations in the future. The Company expects to continue to incur negative consolidated operating cash flow and losses until such time as it achieves commercial production at a particular project. The Company expects to continue to incur negative consolidated operating cash flow and losses until such time as it achieves commercial production at a particular project. The Company currently has negative cash flow from operating activities. The Company currently has negative cash flow from operating activities. 6 We have a limited operating history on which to base an evaluation of our business and prospects. We have a limited operating history on which to base an evaluation of our business and prospects. Since our inception we have had no revenue from operations. We have no history of producing metals from any of our properties. We have no history of producing metals from any of our properties. Our Bullfrog and Reward gold projects are exploration stage properties. Advancing properties from exploration into the development stage requires significant capital and time, and successful commercial production from a property, if any, will be subject to completing feasibility studies, permitting and construction of the mine, processing plants, roads, and other related works and infrastructure. Advancing properties from exploration into the development stage requires significant capital and time, and successful commercial production from a property, if any, will be subject to completing feasibility studies, permitting and construction of the mine, processing plants, roads, and other related works and infrastructure. As a result, we are subject to all of the risks associated with developing and establishing new mining operations and business enterprises including: ● completion of feasibility studies to verify reserves and commercial viability, including the ability to find sufficient gold/silver mineral reserves to support a commercial mining operation; ● the timing and cost, which can be considerable, of further exploration, preparing feasibility studies, permitting and construction of infrastructure, mining and processing facilities; ● the availability and costs of drill equipment, exploration personnel, skilled labor and mining and processing equipment, if required; ● the availability and cost of appropriate smelting and/or refining arrangements, if required; ● compliance with environmental and other governmental approval and permit requirements; ● the availability of funds to finance exploration, development and construction activities, as warranted; ● potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, environmental groups, local groups or local inhabitants which may delay or prevent development activities; ● potential increases in exploration, construction and operating costs due to changes in the cost of fuel, power, materials and supplies; and ● potential shortages of mineral processing, construction and other facilities related supplies. As a result, we are subject to all of the risks associated with developing and establishing new mining operations and business enterprises including: ·completion of feasibility studies to verify reserves and commercial viability, including the ability to find sufficient gold/silver mineral reserves to support a commercial mining operation; ·the timing and cost, which can be considerable, of further exploration, preparing feasibility studies, permitting and construction of infrastructure, mining and processing facilities; ·the availability and costs of drill equipment, exploration personnel, skilled labor and mining and processing equipment, if required; ·the availability and cost of appropriate smelting and/or refining arrangements, if required; ·compliance with environmental and other governmental approval and permit requirements; ·the availability of funds to finance exploration, development and construction activities, as warranted; ·potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, environmental groups, local groups or local inhabitants which may delay or prevent development activities; 12 ·potential increases in exploration, construction and operating costs due to changes in the cost of fuel, power, materials and supplies; and ·potential shortages of mineral processing, construction and other facilities related supplies. The costs, timing and complexities of exploration, development and construction activities may be increased by the location of our properties and demand by other mineral exploration and mining companies. It is common in exploration programs to experience unexpected problems and delays during drill programs and, if commenced, development, construction and mine start-up. It is common in exploration programs to experience unexpected problems and delays during drill programs and, if commenced, development, construction and mine start-up. Accordingly, our activities may not result in profitable mining operations and we may not succeed in establishing mining operations or profitably producing metals at any of our properties. Accordingly, our activities may not result in profitable mining operations and we may not succeed in establishing mining operations or profitably producing metals at any of our properties. We may need to obtain additional financing to fund our exploration programs. If we raise additional funds by issuing additional equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership of existing stockholders may be diluted and the securities that we may issue in the future may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of the current holders of our common stock. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt, we could be subject to debt covenants that could place limitations on our operations and financial flexibility. Increased costs could affect our financial condition. We anticipate that costs at our projects and properties that we may explore or develop will frequently be subject to variation from one year to the next due to a number of factors, such as changing grade, metallurgy and revisions to mine plans, if any, in response to the physical shape and location of the body. In addition, costs are affected by the price of commodities such as fuel, steel, rubber, and electricity. In addition, costs are affected by the price of commodities such as fuel, steel, rubber, and electricity. Such commodities are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production at certain operations less profitable. Such commodities are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production at certain operations less profitable. A material increase in costs at any significant location could have a significant effect on our profitability. A material increase in costs at any significant location could have a significant effect on our profitability. Operating Risks Our Bullfrog and Reward gold projects are in the exploration stage. Operating Risks Our Bullfrog Gold Project is in the exploration stage. The Bullfrog and Reward gold projects have estimated mineral resources, but there has not been a mineral reserve estimation in accordance with S-K 1300. The Bullfrog Gold Project has estimated mineral resources, but there has not been a mineral reserve estimation in accordance with S-K 1300. There is no assurance that we can establish the existence of any mineral reserves on the Bullfrog or Reward gold projects in commercially exploitable quantities. There is no assurance that we can establish the existence of any mineral reserves on the Bullfrog Gold Project in commercially exploitable quantities. Until we can do so, we cannot earn any revenues from the projects and if we do not do so, we will lose all of the funds that we expend on exploration. Until we can do so, we cannot earn any revenues from the project and if we do not do so, we will lose all of the funds that we expend on exploration. If we do not discover any mineral reserves in a commercially exploitable quantity, the exploration component of our business could fail. If we do not discover any mineral reserves in a commercially exploitable quantity, the exploration component of our business could fail. 7 The probability of an individual prospect ever having a “reserve” that meets the requirements of the SEC’s S-K 1300 standards is extremely remote; in all probability our projects do not contain any “reserves” and any funds that we spend on exploration could be lost. The probability of an individual prospect ever having a “reserve” that meets the requirements of the SEC’s S-K 1300 standards is extremely remote; in all probability our project does not contain any “reserves” and any funds that we spend on exploration could be lost. Even if we do eventually discover a mineral reserve on our project, there can be no assurance that they can be developed into producing mines and extract those minerals. Even if we do eventually discover a mineral reserve on our project, there can be no assurance that they can be developed into producing mines and extract those minerals. Both mineral exploration and development involve a high degree of risk and few mineral properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Both mineral exploration and development involve a high degree of risk and few mineral properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. The commercial viability of an established mineral deposit will depend on a number of factors including, by way of example, the size, grade and other attributes of the mineral deposit, the proximity of the mineral deposit to infrastructure such as a smelter, roads and a point for shipping, government regulation and market prices. Most of these factors will be beyond our control, and any of them could increase costs and make extraction of any identified mineral deposit unprofitable. Most of these factors will be beyond our control, and any of them could increase costs and make extraction of any identified mineral deposit unprofitable. We cannot be assured that the Bullfrog or Reward gold projects are feasible or that a feasibility study will accurately forecast economic results. We cannot be assured that the Bullfrog Gold Project is feasible or that a feasibility study will accurately forecast economic results. The Bullfrog and Reward gold projects are our principal assets. The Bullfrog Gold Project is our principal asset. Our future profitability depends largely on the economic feasibility of the projects. Before arranging financing for development and production at either the Bullfrog or Reward gold projects, we will have to complete a feasibility study. Before arranging financing for development and production at the Bullfrog Gold Project, we will have to complete a feasibility study. The results of our feasibility study may not be as favorable as the results of our prior studies. There can be no assurance that mining processes and results including potential gold production rates, revenue, capital and operating costs including taxes and royalties will not vary unfavorably from the estimates and assumptions included in such feasibility study. The Bullfrog and Reward gold projects require substantial capital investment and we may be unable to raise sufficient capital on favorable terms or at all. 13 The Bullfrog Gold Project requires substantial capital investment and we may be unable to raise sufficient capital on favorable terms or at all. The exploration and, if warranted, development and operation of the Bullfrog and Reward gold projects will require significant capital. The exploration and, if warranted, development and operation of the Bullfrog Gold Project will require significant capital. Our ability to raise sufficient capital and/or secure a development partner on satisfactory terms, if at all, will depend on several factors, including a favorable feasibility study, acquisition of the requisite permits, macroeconomic conditions, and future gold prices. Uncontrollable factors or other factors such as lower gold prices, unanticipated operating or permitting challenges, perception of environmental impact or, illiquidity in the debt markets or equity markets, could impede our ability to finance the Bullfrog or Reward gold projects on acceptable terms, or at all, including the cost of such capital and other conditions of financing arrangements that impose restrictive covenants and security interests that may affect the Company’s ability to operate as intended and ultimately its ability to continue as a going concern. Uncontrollable factors or other factors such as lower gold prices, unanticipated operating or permitting challenges, perception of environmental impact or, illiquidity in the debt markets or equity markets, could impede our ability to finance the Bullfrog Gold Project on acceptable terms, or at all, including the cost of such capital and other conditions of financing arrangements that impose restrictive covenants and security interests that may affect the Company’s ability to operate as intended and ultimately its ability to continue as a going concern. We may not be able to get the required permits at the Bullfrog and Reward gold projects in a timely manner or at all. We may not be able to get the required permits at the Bullfrog Gold Project in a timely manner or at all. Any delay in acquiring the requisite permits, or failure to receive required governmental approvals could delay or prevent the start of exploration or, if warranted, development of the Bullfrog and Reward gold projects. If we are unable to acquire permits to explore, develop or mine the property, then the projects cannot be developed and operated. In addition, the property would have no reserves under S-K 1300, which could result in an impairment of the carrying value of the project. We are a junior gold exploration company with no mining operations, and we may never have any mining operations in the future. Our business is exploring for gold and other minerals. In the event that we discover commercially exploitable gold or other deposits, we will not be able to generate any sales from them unless the gold or other minerals are actually mined, or we sell all or a part of our interest. Accordingly, we will need to find some other entity to mine our properties on our behalf, mine them ourselves or sell our rights to mine to third parties. Mining operations in the United States are subject to many different federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including stringent environmental, health and safety laws. In the event we assume any operational responsibility for mining our properties, it is possible that we will be unable to comply with current or future laws and regulations, which can change at any time. It is possible that changes to these laws will be adverse to any potential mining operations. Moreover, compliance with such laws may cause substantial delays and require capital outlays in excess of those we anticipate, adversely affecting any potential mining operations of ours. Our future mining operations, if any, may also be subject to liability for pollution or other environmental damage. It is possible that we will choose to not be insured against this risk because of high insurance costs or other reasons. 8 Difficulties we may encounter managing our growth could adversely affect our results of operations. Difficulties we may encounter managing our growth could adversely affect our results of operations. As our business needs expand, we may need to hire a significant number of employees. This expansion may place a significant strain on our managerial and financial resources. To manage the potential growth of our operations and personnel, we will be required to: ● improve existing, and implement new, operational, financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures; ● install enhanced management information systems; and ● train, motivate and manage our employees. To manage the potential growth of our operations and personnel, we will be required to: ·improve existing, and implement new, operational, financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures; ·install enhanced management information systems; and ·train, motivate and manage our employees. We may not be able to install adequate management information and control systems in an efficient and timely manner, and our current or planned personnel, systems, procedures and controls may not be adequate to support our future operations. If we are unable to manage growth effectively, our business would be seriously harmed. If we lose key personnel or are unable to attract and retain additional qualified personnel, we may not be able to successfully manage our business and achieve our objectives. 14 If we lose key personnel or are unable to attract and retain additional qualified personnel, we may not be able to successfully manage our business and achieve our objectives. We believe our future success will depend upon our ability to retain our key management. We may not be successful in attracting and retaining employees in the future and the loss of the key members of management would have a material adverse effect on our operations. The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic may impact the Company’s plans and activities The Company’s exploration and development activities may be affected by existing or threatened medical pandemics, such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). A government may impose strict emergency measures in response to the threat or existence of an infectious disease, such as the emergency measures imposed by governments of many countries and states in response to the COVID-19 virus pandemic. As such, there are potentially significant economic and social impacts of infectious diseases, including but not limited to the inability of the Company to develop and operate as intended, shortage of skilled employees or labor unrest, inability to access sufficient healthcare, significant social upheavals or unrest, disruption to operations, supply chain shortages or delays, travel and trade restrictions, government or regulatory actions or inactions (including but not limited to, changes in taxation or policies, or delays in permitting or approvals, or mandated shut downs), declines in the price of precious metals, capital markets volatility, availability of credit, loss of investor confidence and impact on economic activity in affected countries or regions. In addition, such pandemics or diseases represent a serious threat to maintaining a skilled workforce in the mining industry and could be a major health-care challenge for the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company or the Company’s personnel will not be impacted by these pandemic diseases and the Company may ultimately see its workforce productivity reduced or incur increased medical costs/insurance premiums as a result of these health risks. COVID-19 is rapidly evolving and the effects on the mining industry and the Company are uncertain. The Company may not be able to accurately predict the impact of infectious disease, including COVID-19, or the quantum of such risks. There can be no assurance that the Company will not be impacted by adverse consequences that may be brought about by pandemics on global financial markets, which may reduce resources, share prices and financial liquidity and may severely limit the financing capital available to the Company. 9 Mining Risks The nature of mineral exploration and production activities involves a high degree of risk and the possibility of uninsured losses. Mining Risks The nature of mineral exploration and production activities involves a high degree of risk and the possibility of uninsured losses. Exploration for minerals is highly speculative and involves much greater risk than many other businesses. Most exploration programs do not result in the discovery of mineralization, and any mineralization discovered may not be of sufficient quantity or quality to be profitably mined. Our operations are, and any future development or mining operations we may conduct will be, subject to all of the operating hazards and risks normally incident to exploring for and development of mineral properties, such as, but not limited to: ● economically insufficient mineralized material; ● the ability to find sufficient gold, silver or other metal reserves to support a profitable mining operation; ● fluctuation in production costs that make mining uneconomical; ● labor disputes; ● unanticipated variations in grade and geological characteristics; ● environmental events such as storms and flooding; ● water availability; ● difficult surface or underground conditions; ● industrial accidents; ● unexpected metallurgical response; ● mechanical and equipment performance limitations; ● geotechnical constraints; and ● decrease in the value of mineralized material due to lower gold and/or silver prices. Our operations are, and any future development or mining operations we may conduct will be, subject to all of the operating hazards and risks normally incident to exploring for and development of mineral properties, such as, but not limited to: ·economically insufficient mineralized material; ·the ability to find sufficient gold, silver or other metal reserves to support a profitable mining operation; ·fluctuation in production costs that make mining uneconomical; ·labor disputes; ·unanticipated variations in grade and geological characteristics; ·environmental events such as storms and flooding; ·water availability; ·difficult surface or underground conditions; ·industrial accidents; ·unexpected metallurgical response; ·mechanical and equipment performance limitations; ·geotechnical constraints; and ·decrease in the value of mineralized material due to lower gold and/or silver prices. Any of these risks can materially and adversely affect, among other things, the development of properties, production quantities and rates, costs and expenditures, potential revenues and production dates. We currently have very limited insurance to guard against some of these risks. We currently have very limited insurance to guard against some of these risks. If we determine that capitalized costs associated with any of our mineral interests are not likely to be recovered, we would incur a write-down of our investment in these interests. If we determine that capitalized costs associated with any of our mineral interests are not likely to be recovered, we would incur a write-down of our investment in these interests. All of these factors may result in losses in relation to amounts spent which are not recoverable or result in additional expenses. All of these factors may result in losses in relation to amounts spent which are not recoverable, or result in additional expenses. Estimates of mineral resources are subject to evaluation uncertainties that could result in project failure. Unless otherwise indicated, mineral resource figures presented in this Annual Report and in our filings with securities regulatory authorities, press releases and other public statements that may be made from time to time are based upon estimates made by independent geologists and mining engineers. When making determinations about whether to advance any of our projects to development, we must rely upon such estimates as to mineral resources, mineral reserves and grades on our properties. When making determinations about whether to advance any of our projects to development, we must rely upon such estimates as to mineral resources, mineral reserves and grades on our properties. Our exploration and future mining operations, if any, are and would be faced with risks associated with being able to accurately predict the quantity and quality of resources/reserves using sampling techniques and known resource estimation methodologies. Estimates of resources/reserve on our properties would be made using samples obtained from drilling programs. There is an inherent variability of assays between paired samples (proximal to each other) that cannot be reasonably eliminated. Additionally, there also may be unknown geologic details that have not been identified or correctly defined at the current level of accumulated knowledge about our properties. This could result in uncertainties that cannot be reasonably eliminated from the process of estimating resources/reserves. This could result in uncertainties that cannot be reasonably eliminated from the process of estimating resources/reserves. 10 Any material changes in resources/reserve estimates and grades will affect the economic viability of placing a property into production and a property’s return on capital. Any material changes in resources/reserve estimates and grades will affect the economic viability of placing a property into production and a property’s return on capital. As we have not completed feasibility studies on our Bullfrog or Reward gold projects and have not commenced actual production, resource estimates may require adjustments or downward revisions. As we have not completed feasibility studies on our Bullfrog Gold Project and have not commenced actual production, resource estimates may require adjustments or downward revisions. In addition, the grade ultimately mined, if any, may differ from that indicated by our technical reports and drill results. In addition, the grade ultimately mined, if any, may differ from that indicated by our technical reports and drill results. Minerals recovered in small scale tests may not be duplicated in large scale tests under existing on-site conditions or in production scale. The mineral resource estimates contained in this Annual Report have been determined based on assumed future prices, cut-off grades and operating costs that may prove to be inaccurate. Extended declines in market prices for gold or silver may render portions of our mineral resources uneconomic and result in reduced reported mineralization or adversely affect any commercial viability determinations we may reach. Extended declines in market prices for gold or silver may render portions of our mineral resources uneconomic and result in reduced reported mineralization or adversely affect any commercial viability determinations we may reach. Any material reductions in estimates of mineral resources, or of our ability to extract mineral resources, could have a material adverse effect on our share price and the value of our properties. Our exploration activities on our properties may not be commercially successful, which could lead us to abandon our plans to develop our properties and our investments in exploration. Our long-term success depends on our ability to identify mineral deposits on our existing Bullfrog and Reward gold projects and other properties we may acquire, if any, that we can then develop into commercially viable mining operations. Our long-term success depends on our ability to identify mineral deposits on our existing Bullfrog Gold Project and other properties we may acquire, if any, that we can then develop into commercially viable mining operations. Mineral exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks and is frequently non-productive. These risks include unusual or unexpected geologic formations, and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate equipment, or labor. The success of gold, silver and other commodity exploration is determined in part by the following factors: ● the identification of potential mineralization based on surficial analysis; ● availability of government-granted exploration permits; ● the quality of our management and our geological and technical expertise; and ● the capital available for exploration and development work. The success of gold, silver and other commodity exploration is determined in part by the following factors: ·the identification of potential mineralization based on surficial analysis; ·availability of government-granted exploration permits; ·the quality of our management and our geological and technical expertise; and ·the capital available for exploration and development work. Substantial expenditures are required to establish proven and probable mineral reserves through drilling and analysis, to develop metallurgical processes to extract metal, and to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. Whether a mineral deposit will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, which include, without limitation, the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; metal prices, which fluctuate widely; and government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. We may invest significant capital and resources in exploration activities and abandon such investments if we are unable to identify commercially exploitable mineral reserves. We may invest significant capital and resources in exploration activities and abandon 16 such investments if we are unable to identify commercially exploitable mineral reserves. The decision to abandon a project may have an adverse effect on the market value of our securities and the ability to raise future financing. The decision to abandon a project may have an adverse effect on the market value of our securities and the ability to raise future financing. The volatility of the price of gold and silver could adversely affect our future operations and, if warranted, our ability to develop our properties. The potential for profitability of our operations, the value of our Bullfrog and Reward gold projects or other properties we may acquire, the market price of our shares of common stock and our ability to raise funding to conduct continued exploration and development, if warranted, are directly related to the market price of gold and silver. The potential for profitability of our operations, the value of our Bullfrog Gold Project or other properties we may acquire, the market price of our shares of common stock and our ability to raise funding to conduct continued exploration and development, if warranted, are directly related to the market price of gold and silver. Our decision to put a mine into production and to commit the funds necessary for that purpose must be made long before the first revenue from production would be received. Our decision to put a mine into production and to commit the funds necessary for that purpose must be made long before the first revenue from production would be received. A decrease in the price of gold and/or silver may prevent our properties from being economically mined or result in the write-off of assets whose value is impaired as a result of lower gold and silver prices. The prices of gold and silver are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including inflation, fluctuation of the U. The prices of gold and silver are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including inflation, fluctuation of the U. S. dollar and foreign currencies, global and regional demand, the sale of gold by central banks, and the political and economic conditions of major gold and silver producing countries throughout the world. The volatility in gold prices is illustrated in the table presented under “Part I - Item 1. Business - Gold Price History” above. The volatility of metal prices represents a substantial risk which no amount of planning or technical expertise can fully eliminate. In the event gold and/or silver prices decline or remain low for prolonged periods of time, we might be unable to develop our properties, which may adversely affect our results of operations, financial performance and cash flows. 11 We are subject to significant governmental regulations, which affect our operations and costs of conducting our business. We are subject to significant governmental regulations, which affect our operations and costs of conducting our business. Our current and future operations are and will be governed by laws and regulations, including: ● laws and regulations governing mineral concession acquisition, prospecting, development, mining and production; ● laws and regulations related to exports, taxes and fees; ● labor standards and regulations related to occupational health and mine safety; and ● environmental standards and regulations related to waste disposal, toxic substances, land use and environmental protection. Our current and future operations are and will be governed by laws and regulations, including: ·laws and regulations governing mineral concession acquisition, prospecting, development, mining and production; ·laws and regulations related to exports, taxes and fees; ·labor standards and regulations related to occupational health and mine safety; and ·environmental standards and regulations related to waste disposal, toxic substances, land use and environmental protection. Companies engaged in exploration activities often experience increased costs and delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits may result in enforcement actions, including the forfeiture of mineral claims or other mineral tenures, orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities requiring operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment or costly remedial actions. We may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of our mineral exploration activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of such laws, regulations and permits. We may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of our mineral exploration activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of such laws, regulations and permits. Existing and possible future laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of exploration companies, or more stringent implementation, could have a material adverse impact on our business and cause increases in capital expenditures or require abandonment or delays in exploration. Our business is subject to extensive environmental regulations which may make exploring for or mining prohibitively expensive, and which may change at any time. All our operations are subject to extensive environmental regulations which can make exploration expensive or prohibit it altogether. We may be subject to potential liabilities associated with the pollution of the environment and the disposal of waste products that may occur as the result of exploring and other related activities on our properties. We may have to make payments to remedy environmental pollution, which may reduce the amount of money that we have available to use for exploration. This may adversely affect our financial position, which may cause shareholders to lose their investment. If we are unable to fully remedy an environmental problem, we might be required to suspend operations or to enter into interim compliance measures pending the completion of the required remedy. If we are unable to fully remedy an environmental problem, we might be 17 required to suspend operations or to enter into interim compliance measures pending the completion of the required remedy. If our properties are mined and we retain any operational responsibility for doing so, our potential exposure for remediation may be significant, and this may have a material adverse effect upon our business and financial position. We have not purchased insurance for potential environmental risks (including potential liability for pollution or other hazards associated with the disposal of waste products from our exploration activities). If we mine one or more of our properties and retain operational responsibility for mining, then such insurance may not be available to us on reasonable terms or at a reasonable price. All of our exploration and, if warranted, development activities may be subject to regulation under one or more local, state and federal environmental impact analyses and public review processes. Future changes in applicable laws, regulations and permits or changes in their enforcement or regulatory interpretation could have significant impact on some portion of our business, which may require us to re-evaluate our business from time to time. These risks include, but are not limited to, the risk that regulatory authorities may increase bonding requirements beyond our financial capability. Inasmuch as posting of bonding in accordance with regulatory determinations is a condition to the right to operate under all material operating permits, increases in bonding requirements could prevent operations even if we are in full compliance with all substantive environmental laws. Our property titles may be challenged. We are not insured against any challenges, impairments or defects to our mineral claims or property titles. We have not fully verified title to our properties. Unpatented claims were created and maintained in accordance with the federal General Mining Law of 1872. Unpatented claims are unique U.S. property interests and are generally considered to be subject to greater title risk than other real property interests because the validity of unpatented claims is often uncertain. This uncertainty arises, in part, out of the complex federal and state laws and regulations under the General Mining Law. Although the annual payments and filings for these claims, permits and patents have been maintained, we have conducted limited title search on our properties. The uncertainty resulting from not having comprehensive title searches on the properties leaves us exposed to potential title suits. Defending any challenges to our property titles may be costly and may divert funds that we could otherwise use for exploration activities and other purposes. In addition, unpatented claims are always subject to possible challenges by third parties or contests by the federal government, which, if successful, may prevent us from exploiting our discovery of commercially extractable gold. Challenges to our title may increase our costs of operation or limit our ability to explore certain portions of our properties. We are not insured against challenges, impairments or defects to our property titles, nor do we intend to carry extensive title insurance in the future. 12 Possible amendments to the General Mining Law could make it more difficult or impossible for us to execute our business plan. Possible amendments to the General Mining Law could make it more difficult or impossible for us to execute our business plan. The U.S. Congress has considered proposals to amend the General Mining Law of 1872 that would have, among other things, permanently banned the sale of public land for mining. The proposed amendment would have expanded the environmental regulations to which we are subject and would have given Indian tribes the ability to hinder or prohibit mining operations near tribal lands. The proposed amendment would also have imposed a royalty of 8% of gross revenue on new mining operations located on federal public land, which would have applied to substantial portions of our properties. The proposed amendment would have made it more expensive or perhaps too expensive to recover any otherwise commercially exploitable gold deposits which we may find on our properties. While at this time the proposed amendment is no longer pending, this or similar changes to the law in the future could have a significant impact on our business. Market forces or unforeseen developments may prevent us from obtaining the supplies and equipment necessary to explore for gold and other minerals. Gold exploration, and resource exploration in general, requires engaging contractors, and may result in unforeseen shortages of supplies and/or equipment that could result in the disruption of our planned exploration activities. Current demand for exploration drilling services, equipment and supplies is robust and could result in suitable equipment and skilled manpower being unavailable at scheduled times for our exploration program. Fuel prices are extremely volatile as well. We will attempt to locate suitable equipment, materials, manpower and fuel if we have sufficient funds to do so. If we cannot find the equipment and supplies needed for our various exploration programs, we may have to suspend some or all of them until equipment, supplies, funds and/or skilled manpower become available. Any such disruption in our activities may adversely affect our exploration activities and financial condition. We may not be able to maintain the infrastructure necessary to conduct exploration activities. 18 We may not be able to maintain the infrastructure necessary to conduct exploration activities. Our exploration activities depend upon adequate infrastructure. Reliable roads, bridges, power sources and water supply are important factors which affect capital and operating costs. Unusual or infrequent weather phenomena, sabotage, government or other interference in the maintenance or provision of such infrastructure could adversely affect our exploration activities and financial condition. Regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change could result in increased operating costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. A number of governments or governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to various climate change interest groups and the potential impact of climate change. Legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose significant costs on us, our venture partners and our suppliers, including costs related to increased energy requirements, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations. Any adopted future climate change regulations could also negatively impact our ability to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. Given the emotion, political significance and uncertainty around the impact of climate change and how it should be dealt with, we cannot predict how legislation and regulation will affect our financial condition, operating performance and ability to compete. Given the emotion, political significance and uncertainty around the impact of climate change and how it should be dealt with, we cannot predict how legislation and regulation will affect our financial condition, operating performance and ability to compete. Furthermore, even without such regulation, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about potential impacts on climate change by us or other companies in our industry could harm our reputation. Furthermore, even without such regulation, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about potential impacts on climate change by us or other companies in our industry could harm our reputation. The potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain and would be particular to the geographic circumstances in areas in which we operate. These may include changes in rainfall and storm patterns and intensities, water shortages, changing sea levels and changing temperatures. These impacts may adversely impact the cost, production and financial performance of our operations. 13 Our relationship with the communities in which we operate impacts the future success of our operations. Our relationship with the communities in which we operate impacts the future success of our operations. Our relationship with the communities in which we operate is important to ensure the future success of our existing operations. While we believe our relationships with the communities in which we operate are strong, there is an increasing level of public concern relating to the perceived effect of mining activities on the environment and on communities impacted by such activities. Certain non-governmental organizations (“NGOs”), some of which oppose globalization and resource development, are often vocal critics of the mining industry and its practices. Adverse publicity generated by such NGOs or others related to extractive industries generally, or its operations specifically, could have an adverse effect on our reputation or financial condition and may impact its relationship with the communities in which we operate. Adverse publicity generated by such NGOs or others related to extractive industries generally, or its operations specifically, could have an adverse effect on our reputation or financial condition and may impact its relationship with the communities in which we operate. While we believe that we operate in a socially responsible manner, there is no guarantee that our efforts in this respect will mitigate this potential risk. Newly adopted rules regarding mining property disclosure by companies reporting with the SEC may result in increased operating and legal costs. On October 31, 2018, the SEC adopted new rules to modernize mining property disclosure in reports filed with the SEC in order to harmonize SEC disclosure requirements with international standards. These rules are not effective until the Company’s first full fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. The Company currently reports mineralized material and reserves in Canada in compliance with NI 43-101. Because the Company files its reports with the SEC on U.S. domestic forms, under the new rules, the Company will be required to comply with the new SEC mining property disclosure requirements. These changes to the Company’s reporting requirements could result in increased compliance costs. General Risks Our business is subject to evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations that have increased both our compliance costs and the risk of noncompliance, which could have an adverse effect on our stock price. We are subject to changing rules and regulations promulgated by a number of governmental and self-regulated organizations, including the SEC, applicable securities regulatory authorities in Canada, the Canadian Securities Exchange, applicable Canadian authorities and the Financial Accounting Standards Board. These rules and regulations continue to evolve in scope and complexity and many new requirements have been created in response to laws enacted by Congress, making compliance more difficult and uncertain. Our efforts to comply with new regulations have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. Our efforts to comply with new 19 regulations have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. We are required to comply with Canadian securities regulations and are subject to additional regulatory scrutiny in Canada. We are a “reporting issuer” in Canada. As a result, our disclosure outside the United States differs from the disclosure contained in our SEC filings. Our reserve and resource estimates disseminated outside the United States are not directly comparable to those made in filings subject to SEC reporting and disclosure requirements, as we generally report reserves and resources in accordance with Canadian practices. These practices are different from the practices used to report reserve and resource estimates in reports and other materials filed with the SEC. It is Canadian practice to report measured, indicated, and inferred resources, which are generally not permitted in disclosures filed with the SEC. In the United States, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into reserves. Further, “inferred resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Disclosure of “contained ounces” is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC only permits issuers to report “resources” as in-place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information concerning descriptions of mineralization, reserves, and resources contained in disclosures released outside the United States may not be comparable to information made public by other United States companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC. 14 We are also subject to increased regulatory scrutiny and costs associated with complying with securities legislation in Canada. We are also subject to increased regulatory scrutiny and costs associated with complying with securities legislation in Canada. For example, we are subject to civil liability for misrepresentations in written disclosure and oral statements. Legislation has been enacted in these provinces which creates a right of action for damages against a reporting issuer, its directors and certain of its officers in the event that the reporting issuer or a person with actual, implied, or apparent authority to act or speak on behalf of the reporting issuer releases a document or makes a public oral statement that contains a misrepresentation or the reporting issuer fails to make timely disclosure of a material change. We do not anticipate any particular regulation that would be difficult to comply with. However, failure to comply with regulations may result in civil awards, fines, penalties, and orders that could have an adverse effect on us. Our stock price may be volatile. The stock market in general has experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of any specific public company. The market price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following: ●changes in our industry; ●competitive pricing pressures; ●our ability to obtain working capital financing; ●additions or departures of key personnel; ●limited “public float” in the hands of a small number of persons whose sales or lack of sales could result in positive or negative pricing pressure on the market prices of our common stock; ●sales of our common stock; ●our ability to execute our business plan; ●operating results that fall below expectations; ●loss of any strategic relationship; ●regulatory developments; ●economic and other external factors; and ●period-to-period fluctuations in our financial results. The market price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following: ·changes in our industry; ·competitive pricing pressures; ·our ability to obtain working capital financing; ·additions or departures of key personnel; ·limited “public float” in the hands of a small number of persons whose sales or lack of sales could result in positive or negative pricing pressure on the market prices of our common stock; ·sales of our common stock; ·our ability to execute our business plan; ·operating results that fall below expectations; ·loss of any strategic relationship; ·regulatory developments; ·economic and other external factors; and ·period-to-period fluctuations in our financial results. In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock. We have never paid nor do we expect in the near future to pay dividends. We have never paid cash dividends on our capital stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. Investors should not rely on an investment in our Company if they require income generated from dividends paid on our capital stock. Any income derived from our common stock would only come from rise in the market price of our common stock, which is uncertain and unpredictable. 15 Broker-dealers may be discouraged from effecting transactions in shares of common stock because they are considered a penny stock and are subject to the penny stock rules. Broker-dealers may be discouraged from effecting transactions in shares of common stock because they are considered a penny stock and are subject to the penny stock rules. Our shares of common stock are currently considered a “penny stock.” The SEC has adopted Rule 15g-9 which generally defines “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. The shares of common stock are covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and “accredited investors.” The term “accredited investor” refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC, which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer’s confirmation. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the shares of common stock. Consequently, these penny stock rules may affect the ability of broker-dealers to trade in the shares of common stock. Offers or availability for sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may cause the price of our common stock to decline. If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market upon the expiration of any statutory holding period, under Rule 144, or issued upon the exercise of outstanding options or warrants or upon the conversion of our Series B Preferred Stock, it could create a circumstance commonly referred to as an “overhang” and in anticipation of which the market price of our common stock could fall. The existence of an overhang, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, also could make more difficult our ability to raise additional financing through the sale of equity or equity related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate. We are dependent upon information technology systems, which are subject to disruption, damage, failure and risks associated with implementation and integration. A cybersecurity breach could occur and result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption, disclosure of business sensitive, confidential or personally identifiable information, misdirected wire transfers, reputational harm, and financial loss. We are dependent upon information technology systems in the conduct of our operations. Our information technology systems are subject to disruption, damage or failure from a variety of sources, including, without limitation, computer viruses, security breaches, cyber-attacks, natural disasters and defects in design. Cybersecurity incidents, in particular, are evolving and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and the corruption of data. Various measures have been implemented to manage our risks related to information technology systems and network disruptions. However, given the unpredictability of the timing, nature and scope of information technology disruptions, we could potentially be subject to operational delays, the compromising of confidential or otherwise protected information, destruction or corruption of data, security breaches, other manipulation or improper use of our systems and networks or financial losses from remedial actions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, competitive position, financial condition or results of operations. We are or may become subject to data privacy laws, regulations, litigation and directives relating to our processing of personal information. The jurisdictions in which we operate (including the United States) have laws governing how we must respond to a cyber incident that results in the unauthorized access, disclosure, or loss of personal information. Additionally, new laws and regulations governing data privacy and unauthorized disclosure of personal information and imposing certain cybersecurity-related requirements may provide for a private right of action and imposition of significant fines, pose increasingly complex compliance challenges. Some or all of such legislation will elevate our compliance costs over time. Our business involves collection, use, and other processing of personal information and personally identifiable information of our employees, investors, contractors, suppliers, and customer contacts. As legislation continues to develop and cyber incidents continue to evolve, we will likely be required to expend significant resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures to comply with such legislation and to detect, investigate and remediate vulnerabilities to cyber incidents that relate to data privacy. Any failure by us, or a company we acquire, to comply with such laws and regulations could result in reputational harm, loss of goodwill, penalties, liabilities, remediation costs, or mandated changes in our business practices. Each has the potential to materially impact our financial condition. ITEM 1B. 21 ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS Not applicable. 16 ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY Description of Processes for Assessing, Identifying and Managing Cybersecurity Risks We have a cybersecurity program, which uses technology and processes to help mitigate cybersecurity risks, with our management team working to monitor, assess, identify, and respond to potential cybersecurity incidents that threaten the Company. The program also focuses on security awareness and training for employees and contractors with access to Company facilities or systems. Cybersecurity risks for the Company include financial loss, loss of data, and business interruption. We maintain technology and non-technology based system controls, cybersecurity insurance, a robust backup program, and disaster recovery testing to mitigate these risks. Our cybersecurity program also follows defense in depth principles, which aim to implement various layered access control, detection, prevention, and response measures. We regularly engage with independent third parties to assess our vulnerabilities and help us mitigate cybersecurity-related risks. Our security posture is also tested by internal personnel and independent third parties to gauge its effectiveness from time to time. Management’s Role in Assessing and Managing Cybersecurity Risks The Company’s cybersecurity risk management and strategy processes for assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats are managed by members of our management team, primarily our SVP Corporate Affairs. Cybersecurity incidents are to be immediately reported to the Company’s management team for resolution with outsourced IT support team. Information technology general controls, including controls to mitigate cybersecurity risks, are included with management’s testing of internal control over financial reporting. Board of Director’s Oversight of Risks from Cybersecurity Cybersecurity risks are included in an overall enterprise risk management assessment which is reviewed each quarter by the Company’s audit committee. The Company engages third-party specialists on a periodic and rotating basis to review key information technology systems and provide recommendations for system updates and improvements. Results of these reviews are used to update information technology systems within the Company’s information system governance policies. The Company management reviews system and organization control reports (SOC 1, Type 2) for key outsourced information systems to ensure that third-party data processing is subject to appropriate controls and security measures. The Company’s management will also review the Company’s cybersecurity program with the full Board once every year. No Previous Material Cybersecurity Threats We are not aware of any previous cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company. Despite the security and risk management measures that we have implemented and any additional measures we may implement or adopt in the future, our facilities and systems, and those of our third-party service providers, have been and are vulnerable to security breaches, computer viruses, lost or misplaced data, programming errors, scams, burglary, human errors, acts of vandalism, misdirected wire transfers, or other malicious or criminal activities. A successful attack on our information or operational technology systems could have material consequences to the Company. While we devote resources to our security measures to protect our systems and information, these measures cannot provide absolute security. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for additional information about the risks to our business associated with a breach or compromise to our information technology systems. .