Table of contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended August 31, 2023
OR
☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from to
Commission File Number: 1-35447
TRILOGY METALS INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
British Columbia
98-1006991
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Suite 1150, 609 Granville Street
Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
V7Y 1G5
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
(604) 638-8088
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares
TMQ
NYSE American
Toronto Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ◻
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes ☒ No ◻
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ◻
Accelerated filer ◻
Non-accelerated filer ☒
Smaller reporting company☒
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of October 11, 2023, the registrant had 155,883,843 Common Shares, no par value, outstanding.
Trilogy Metals Inc.
Table of Contents
Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
3
Item 1.
Financial Statements
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
15
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
23
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
24
Legal Proceedings
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.
Other Information
Item 6.
Exhibits
25
Item 1. Financial Statements
Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
in thousands of US dollars
August 31, 2023
November 30, 2022
$
Assets
Current assets
Cash
3,049
2,573
Accounts receivable
10
17
Deposits and prepaid amounts
457
320
Total current assets
3,516
2,910
Investment in Ambler Metals LLC (note 3)
136,867
142,754
Fixed assets
6
12
Right of use asset (note 5 (a))
188
319
Total assets
140,577
145,995
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 4)
482
345
Current portion of lease liability
82
189
Total current liabilities
564
534
Long-term portion of lease liability
—
33
Total liabilities
567
Shareholders’ equity
Share capital (note 6) – unlimited common shares authorized, no par value issued – 155,559,334 (2022 – 145,868,502)
187,715
182,178
Contributed surplus
118
122
Contributed surplus – options (note 6(b))
28,111
27,352
Contributed surplus – units (note 6(c))
2,858
2,638
Deficit
(78,789)
(66,862)
Total shareholders' equity
140,013
145,428
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
Commitments (note 8)
(See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements)
/s/ Tony Giardini, President, CEO and Director
/s/ Diana Walters, Director
Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors
Trilogy Metals Inc.For the Quarter Ended August 31, 2023
Interim Consolidated Statements of Loss
and Comprehensive Loss
in thousands of US dollars, except share and per share amounts
For the three months ended
For the nine months ended
August 31, 2022
Expenses
Amortization
2
4
Exploration expenses
22
11
Foreign exchange (gain) loss
(11)
1
(7)
General and administrative
278
279
1,014
Investor relations
18
71
155
Professional fees
139
131
897
568
Salaries
191
172
621
847
Salaries and directors expense – stock-based compensation
526
562
3,379
3,146
Total expenses
1,179
1,166
6,012
5,749
Other items
Gain on disposition of mineral property
(84)
Interest and other income
(37)
(83)
(15)
Share of loss on equity investment (note 3(b))
8,925
5,998
13,295
Write off mineral properties
(58)
90
Loss and comprehensive loss for the period
(4,052)
(9,938)
(11,927)
(19,035)
Basic loss per common share
(0.03)
(0.07)
(0.08)
(0.13)
Diluted loss per common share
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding
155,550,284
145,865,847
151,572,299
145,555,376
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
in thousands of US dollars, except share amounts
Contributed
Total
surplus –
shareholders’
Number of shares
Share capital
surplus
options
units
equity
outstanding
Balance – November 30, 2021
145,009,811
180,820
25,990
1,712
(42,605)
166,039
Exercise of options
31,674
50
(32)
Restricted Share Units
391,332
650
(650)
Joint venture contribution
31,469
51
Stock-based compensation
864
1,001
1,865
Loss for the period
(5,023)
Balance – February 28, 2022
145,464,286
181,571
26,822
2,063
(47,628)
162,950
50,000
26
36
110,000
113
(113)
274
229
503
(4,074)
Balance – May 31, 2022
145,624,286
181,710
27,106
2,179
(51,702)
159,415
244,216
235
(235)
221
350
571
Balance - August 31, 2022
145,868,502
181,945
27,327
2,294
(61,640)
150,048
Balance – November 30, 2022
146,225,035
2,346,366
1,538
(1)
(1,537)
143,505
111
Services settled by common shares
7,793
520
1,700
2,220
(5,072)
Balance – February 28, 2023
148,722,699
183,831
121
27,872
2,801
(71,934)
142,691
Shares issued for private placement, net of share issue cost
5,854,545
3,115
213,463
Deferred Share Units conversion
415,056
468
(468)
63,533
35
114
257
371
(2,803)
Balance – May 31, 2023
155,269,296
187,570
27,986
2,590
(74,737)
143,530
248,092
40,816
20
NovaGold deferred share units conversion
1,130
(3)
125
268
393
Balance – August 31, 2023
155,559,334
5
Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Cash flows used in operating activities
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash flows in operating activities
Professional fees settled by common shares
86
Office lease accounting
(9)
(13)
Gain on disposal of mineral property
Loss on equity investment in Ambler Metals LLC (note 3(b))
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain)
2,939
Net change in non-cash working capital
Decrease in accounts receivable
7
8
Increase in deposits and prepaid amounts
(137)
(231)
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(42)
(350)
Total cash flows used in operating activities
(2,634)
(3,367)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of common shares, net of share issue cost (note 6(a))
Proceeds from exercise of options
54
Total cash flows from financing activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from disposition of mineral property
142
Total cash flows from investing activities
Increase (decrease) in cash
481
(3,171)
Effect of exchange rate on cash
(5)
(4)
Cash – beginning of the period
6,308
Cash – end of the period
3,133
Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
1) Nature of operations
Trilogy Metals Inc. (“Trilogy” or the “Company”) was incorporated in British Columbia under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) on April 27, 2011. The Company is engaged in the exploration and development of mineral properties, through our equity investee (see note 3), with a focus on the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (“UKMP”), including the Arctic and Bornite Projects located in Northwest Alaska in the United States of America (“US”). The Company also conducts early-stage exploration through a wholly owned subsidiary, 995 Exploration Inc.
2) Summary of significant accounting policies
Basis of presentation
These interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts of Trilogy and its wholly owned subsidiaries, NovaCopper US Inc. (dba “Trilogy Metals US”) and 995 Exploration Inc. All intercompany transactions are eliminated on consolidation. For variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where Trilogy is not the primary beneficiary, we use the equity method of accounting.
All figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise noted. References to CDN$ refer to amounts in Canadian dollars.
These interim consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position as of August 31, 2023 and our results of operations and cash flows for the nine-month period ended August 31, 2023 and August 31, 2022. The results of operations for the nine-month period ended August 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2023.
As these interim consolidated financial statements do not contain all of the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements, these interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and Canadian securities regulatory authorities on February 14, 2023.
These interim consolidated financial statements were approved by the Company’s Audit Committee on behalf of the Board of Directors for issue on October 10, 2023.
Use of estimates and measurement uncertainties
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions of future events that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenditures during the period. Significant judgments include the assessment of potential indicators of impairment for our equity method investments where key judgement is the delay on the Ambler Access Project is temporary and the delay was considered when assessing indicators of impairment. Significant estimates include the measurement of income taxes, and the valuation of stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ materially from those reported.
Management assesses the possibility of impairment in the carrying value of its equity method investment in Ambler Metals whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable. Significant judgments are made in assessing the possibility of impairment. Factors that may be indicative of an impairment include a loss in the value of an investment that is not temporary. Management considers several factors in considering if an indicator of impairment has occurred, including but not limited to, sustained losses by the investment, the absence of the ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment, significant changes in the legal, business or regulatory environment, significant adverse changes impacting the investee and internal reporting indicating the economic performance of an investment is, or will be, worse than expected.
These factors are subjective and require consideration at each period end.
3) Investment in Ambler Metals LLC
(a)
Formation of Ambler Metals LLC
On February 11, 2020, the Company completed the formation of a 50/50 joint venture named Ambler Metals LLC (“Ambler Metals”) with South32 Limited (“South32”). As part of the formation of the joint venture, Trilogy contributed all its assets associated with the UKMP, including the Arctic and Bornite Projects, while South32 contributed cash of $145 million, resulting in each party’s subsidiaries directly owning a 50% interest in Ambler Metals.
Ambler Metals is an independently operated company jointly controlled by Trilogy and South32 through a four-member board, of which two members are appointed by Trilogy based on its 50% equity interest. All significant decisions related to the UKMP require the approval of both companies. We determined that Ambler Metals is a VIE because it is expected to need additional funding from its owners for its significant activities. However, we concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of Ambler Metals as the power to direct its activities, through its board, is shared under the Ambler Metals LLC limited liability company agreement. As we have significant influence over Ambler Metals through our representation on its board, we use the equity method of accounting for our investment in Ambler Metals. Our investment in Ambler Metals was initially measured at its fair value of $176 million upon recognition. Our maximum exposure to loss in this entity is limited to the carrying amount of our investment in Ambler Metals, which, as at August 31, 2023, totaled $136.9 million.
(b)
Carrying value of equity method investment
Trilogy recognized, based on its 50% ownership interest in Ambler Metals, an equity loss equivalent to its pro rata share of Ambler Metals’ comprehensive loss of $5.8 million for the three-month period ending August 31, 2023 (2022 - $17.9 million) and $12.0 million for the nine-month period ending August 31, 2023 (2022 - $26.6 million). During the nine-month period ending August 31, 2023, Trilogy made a $111,000 equity contribution to Ambler Metals through the issuance of 143,505 common shares of the Company as part of the long-term incentive compensation for Ambler Metals executives. Likewise, South32 made an equivalent equity contribution to Ambler Metals for $111,000 in cash for their 50% share. The carrying value of Trilogy’s 50% investment in Ambler Metals as at August 31, 2023 is summarized on the following table.
in thousands of dollars
November 30, 2022, Investment in Ambler Metals
Joint venture equity contribution
Share of loss on equity investment for the nine-month period ending August 31, 2023
(5,998)
August 31, 2023, Investment in Ambler Metals
(c)
The following table summarizes Ambler Metals’ Balance Sheet as at August 31, 2023.
102,140
114,049
66,866
80,755
Mineral properties
30,899
(4,200)
(4,335)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(3,707)
(3,664)
Members' equity (total assets less total liabilities)
97,940
109,714
Members’ cash is held at one bank, the majority of cash is uninsured as at August 31, 2023.
(d) The following table summarizes Ambler Metals' loss for the nine-month period ending August 31, 2023.
Three months ended
Nine months ended
Depreciation
38
32
77
Corporate salaries and wages
478
477
1,417
1,437
43
158
389
560
Mineral property expense
5,210
17,120
10,002
24,527
181
397
626
Foreign exchange (gain)/loss
(6)
(125)
(72)
(319)
(642)
Comprehensive loss
5,819
17,850
11,996
26,590
4) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Trade accounts payable
92
Accrued liabilities
94
Accrued salaries and vacation
296
Of the accrued salaries and vacation approximately $166,000 was settled, subsequent to the end of the third quarter, on September 1, 2023 through the issuance of common shares of the Company.
9
5) Leases
Balance as at November 30, 2022
Net amortization
(131)
Balance as at August 31, 2023
The Company’s lease arrangements primarily consist of an operating lease for our office space ending in June 2024. There are no extension options.
Total lease expense recorded within general and administrative expenses was comprised of the following components:
Operating lease costs
140
Variable lease costs
103
108
Total lease expense
243
248
Variable lease costs consist primarily of the Company’s portion of operating costs associated with the office space lease as the Company elected to apply the practical expedient not to separate lease and non-lease components.
As at August 31, 2023, the weighted-average remaining lease term is 0.6 years and the weighted-average discount rate is 8%. Significant judgment was used in the determination of the incremental borrowing rate which included estimating the Company’s credit rating.
Supplemental cash and non-cash information relating to our leases during the nine-month period ending August 31, 2023 are as follows:
Future minimum payments relating to the lease recognized in our balance sheet as of August 31, 2023 are as follows:
Fiscal year
2023
2024
2025
Total undiscounted lease payments
84
Effect of discounting
(2)
Present value of lease payments recognized as lease liability
6) Share capital
Authorized:
unlimited common shares, no par value
in thousands of dollars, except share amounts
Ascribed value
Private Placement, net of share issue cost
2,807,921
1,780
Deferred Share Units
112,142
60
Joint venture equity contribution (note 3(b))
August 31, 2023, issued and outstanding
On April 30, 2012, under the NovaGold Arrangement, Trilogy committed to issue common shares to satisfy holders of NovaGold deferred share units (“NovaGold DSUs”), once vested, on record as of the close of business April 27, 2012. When vested, Trilogy committed to deliver one common share to the holder for every six shares of NovaGold the holder is entitled to receive, rounded down to the nearest whole number. As at August 31, 2023, a total of 5,144 NovaGold DSUs remain outstanding representing a right to receive 859 Common Shares in Trilogy, which will settle upon certain directors retiring from NovaGold’s board.
Common shares issuance
On April 25, 2023, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement of 5,854,545 common shares of the Company (the “Common Share”) at a price of $0.55 per Common Share for gross proceeds of $3.2 million and net proceeds of $3.1 million. Financing costs consisted of legal and stock exchange fees.
Stock options
During the three-month period ended February 28, 2023, the Company granted 3,230,000 stock options (2022 - 1,734,500 stock options) at an exercise price of CDN$0.78 (2022 - CDN$2.21) to employees, consultants and directors exercisable for a period of five years with various vesting terms from immediate vesting to vesting over a two-year period. The fair value attributable to this option grants was CDN$0.37 (2022 - CDN$0.94). There were no stock options granted during the second and third quarters.
For the nine-month period ended August 31, 2023, Trilogy recognized a stock-based compensation charge of $0.8 million (2022 - $1.4 million) for options granted to directors, employees and service providers, net of estimated forfeitures.
The fair value of the stock options recognized in the period has been estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
Assumptions used in the pricing model for the nine-month period ended August 31, 2023 are as provided below.
Risk-free interest rates
3.49%
Exercise price
CDN$0.78
Expected life
3 years
Expected volatility
67.7%
Expected dividends
Nil
As at August 31, 2023, there were 2,131,757 non-vested options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of CDN$1.02; the non-vested stock option expense not yet recognized was $0.24 million. This expense is expected to be recognized over the next 16 months.
A summary of the Company’s stock option outstanding and changes during the nine-month period ended August 31, 2023 is as follows:
Weighted average
exercise price
Number of options
CDN$
Balance – beginning of the period
11,225,400
2.49
Granted
3,230,000
0.78
Cancelled
(286,000)
2.70
Expired
(1,170,000)
1.43
Balance – end of the period
12,999,400
2.16
There were no stock options exercised during the nine-month period ended August 31, 2023.
The following table summarizes information about the stock options outstanding at August 31, 2023.
Outstanding
Exercisable
Unvested
Weighted
Number of
average
average years
exercisable
unvested
Range of exercise price - CDN
to expiry
$0.75 to $1.00
4.27
1,463,328
1,766,672
$2.01 to $2.50
2,270,250
2.56
2.27
1,905,165
2.28
365,085
$2.51 to $3.00
6,041,650
1.73
2.64
$3.01 to $3.50
1,457,500
1.31
3.03
2.46
10,867,643
2.38
2,131,757
The aggregate intrinsic value of vested stock options (the market value less the exercise price) at August 31, 2023 was $Nil (2022 - $Nil) and the aggregate intrinsic value of exercised options for the nine-month period ending August 31, 2023 was $Nil (2022 - $0.05 million).
Restricted Share Units and Deferred Share Units
The Company has a Restricted Share Unit Plan (“RSU Plan”) to provide long-term incentives to employees and consultants and a Non-Executive Director Deferred Share Unit Plan (“DSU Plan”) to offset cash payments for fees to directors. Awards under the RSU Plan and DSU Plan have been settled in common shares of the Company with each restricted share unit (“RSU”) and deferred share unit (“DSU”) entitling the holder to receive one common share of the Company. All units are accounted for as equity-settled awards.
A summary of the Company’s unit plans and changes during the nine-month period ending August 31, 2023 is as follows:
Number of RSUs
Number of DSUs
257,268
1,560,734
4,273,433
1,107,895
Vested/Converted
(2,920,063)
(415,056)
1,610,638
2,253,573
For the nine-month period ending August 31, 2023, Trilogy recognized a combined RSU and DSU stock-based compensation charge of $2.0 million (2022 - $1.6 million), net of estimated forfeitures.
7) Financial instruments
The Company is exposed to a variety of risks arising from financial instruments. These risks and management’s objectives, policies and procedures for managing these risks are disclosed as follows.
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash, accounts receivable, deposits, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments approximates their carrying value due to the short-term nature of their maturity. The Company’s financial instruments initially measured at fair value and then held at amortized cost include cash, accounts receivable, deposits, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Financial risk management
The Company’s activities expose it to certain financial risks, including currency risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, interest risk and price risk.
Currency risk
Currency risk is the risk of a fluctuation in financial asset and liability settlement amounts due to a change in foreign exchange rates. The Company operates in the United States and Canada. The Company’s exposure to currency risk at August 31, 2023 is limited to the Canadian dollar balances consisting of cash of approximately CDN$126,000, accounts receivable of approximately CDN$12,000 and accounts payable of approximately CDN$340,000. Based on a 10% change in the US-Canadian exchange rate, assuming all other variables remain constant, the Company’s net loss would change by approximately $14,000.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a customer or third party to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company holds cash with a Canadian chartered financial institution of which the majority is uninsured as at August 31, 2023. The Company’s only significant exposure to credit risk is equal to the balance of cash as recorded in the financial statements.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulties raising funds to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company is in the exploration stage and does not have cash inflows from operations; therefore, the Company manages liquidity risk through the management of its capital structure and financial leverage.
13
Contractually obligated undiscounted cash flow requirements as at August 31, 2023 are as follows:
< 1 Year
1–2 Years
2–5 Years
Thereafter
Office lease
566
Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximately $166,000 is for accrued salaries that were settled, subsequent to the end of the third quarter, on September 1, 2023 through the issuance of common shares of the Company (note 9).
(d)
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Company is exposed to interest rate risk with respect to interest earned on cash. Based on balances as at August 31, 2023, a 1% change in interest rates would result in a negligible change in net loss, assuming all other variables remain constant.
As we are currently in the exploration phase none of our financial instruments are exposed to commodity price risk; however, our ability to obtain long-term financing and its economic viability could be affected by commodity price volatility.
8) Commitment
The Company has commitments with respect to an office lease requiring future minimum lease payments as summarized in note 5(b) above.
9) Subsequent event
On September 1, 2023, pursuant to previous elections, the Board of Directors were granted 175,127 DSUs in settlement of approximately $82,750 of director fees and senior management were granted 283,693 RSUs in lieu of cash salaries of approximately $166,000, all vesting immediately. The grants were in support of an effort to preserve cash and increase share ownership by settling director fees and a portion of senior management salaries in shares of the Company.
14
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
For the Quarter Ended August 31, 2023
(expressed in US dollars)
Cautionary notes
Forward-looking statements
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and other applicable securities laws. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding the Company’s work programs and budgets, including statements about
the plans and budget for the 2023 field exploration program, perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, the impact of the BLM’s suspension of permits on the right-of-way with the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (“AIDEA”) relating to the Ambler Road Project, the Company and Ambler Metals’ funding requirements, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, operating costs, cash flow estimates, production estimates and similar statements relating to the economic viability of a project, timelines, strategic plans, statements regarding Ambler Metals’ plans and expectations relating to its Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (as defined below), sufficiency of the $145 million subscription price to fund the UKMP, impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s operations, market prices for precious and base metals, statements regarding the Ambler Access Project (also known as the Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project), or other statements that are not statements of fact. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute “forward-looking statements” to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed.
Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as “expects”, “is expected”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives”, “potential”, “possible” or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, as well as on a number of material assumptions, which could prove to be significantly incorrect, including about:
We have also assumed that no significant events will occur outside of our normal course of business. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. We believe that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date of this MD&A. However, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:
16
This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in Trilogy’s Form 10-K dated February 14, 2023, filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the SEC, and other information released by Trilogy and filed with the appropriate regulatory agencies.
The Company’s forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
General
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of Trilogy Metals Inc. (“Trilogy”, “Trilogy Metals”, “the Company” or “we”) is dated October 11, 2023 and provides an analysis of our unaudited interim financial results for the quarter ended August 31, 2023 compared to the quarter ended August 31, 2022.
The following information should be read in conjunction with our August 31, 2023 unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes which were prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). The MD&A should also be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended November 30, 2022. A summary of the U.S. GAAP accounting policies is outlined in note 2 of the audited consolidated financial statements. All amounts are in United States dollars unless otherwise stated. References to “Canadian dollars” and “CDN$” are to the currency of Canada and references to “U.S. dollars”, “$” or “US$” are to the currency of the United States.
Richard Gosse, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration of the Company, is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”), and has approved the scientific and technical information in this MD&A.
Trilogy’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and the NYSE American Stock Exchange (“NYSE American”) under the symbol “TMQ”. Additional information related to Trilogy, including our annual report on Form 10-K, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
Description of business
We are a base metals exploration company focused on the exploration and development of mineral properties, through our equity investee, in the Ambler mining district located in Alaska, U.S.A. We conduct our operations through a wholly owned subsidiary, NovaCopper US Inc. which is doing business as Trilogy Metals US (“Trilogy Metals US”). Our Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects, (“UKMP” or “UKMP Projects”) were contributed into a 50/50 joint venture named Ambler Metals LLC (“Ambler Metals”) between Trilogy and South32 Limited (“South32”) on February 11, 2020 (see below). The projects contributed to Ambler Metals consist of: i) the Ambler lands which host the Arctic copper-zinc-lead-gold-silver project (the “Arctic Project”); and ii) the Bornite lands being explored under a collaborative long-term agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc. (“NANA”), a regional Alaska Native Corporation, which hosts the Bornite carbonate-hosted copper project (the “Bornite Project”) and related assets. The Company may also conduct early-stage exploration through a wholly owned subsidiary, 995 Exploration Inc.
Project activities
UKMP Field Activities
In July, Ambler Metals used the camp to support a small team of geologists who were continuing work started in 2022 on the stratigraphy and alteration of the Arctic deposit. The focus of the work was to relog existing drill core from 13 holes across the deposit and 4 holes from regional prospects. In addition, sampling was undertaken for chemostratigraphy and alteration footprint definition. Geological and talc models for the Arctic deposit were updated and an updated geological and structural model for the area surrounding Arctic was recommended.
The camp was also utilized by Ambler Metals to conduct sampling of core from the Bornite deposit to be used in a study initiated by the Center to Advance the Science of Exploration to Reclamation in Mining (“CASERM”) at the Colorado School of Mines to investigate the occurrence and distribution of critical elements, including germanium. Ambler Metals has recently accepted a proposal from CASERM with leveraged funding from the United States Geological Survey to contribute samples from Bornite to further investigate the occurrence, distribution, and sequestration of critical elements, including germanium, using a suite of micro-analytical methods such as SEM- and XRF-based techniques, electron probe micro analysis, and LA-ICP-MS. Objectives of the study include compiling a comprehensive whole-rock 60+ geochemical dataset of select samples from the Bornite deposit that complement the existing dataset from the South Reef area related to a recently prepared Master of Science thesis.
Bornite Studies
Ambler Metals has engaged Wood Canada Limited and SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. to complete an initial scoping level study on the Bornite deposit to determine if the ore at Bornite may extend the mine life at the proposed Arctic Project. The scope of work covers mining, processing, hydrogeology, infrastructure, tailings management, and waste rock management.
The study assumes that ore from Bornite will be transported approximately 30 km northeast to the Arctic mill for processing after completion of mining at the Arctic deposit. Bornite will utilize the proposed infrastructure supporting the Arctic Project including power generation, airstrips and camp. There are potential significant synergies between Arctic and Bornite which could lower the overall capital costs and extend the regional mine life from 13 years for the Arctic deposit to 30 years with both Arctic and Bornite.
The study is considering both an open-pit and an underground mine using existing geologic modelling, geotechnical information, and hydrogeological information and, where possible, will rely on concepts and costs developed for the Arctic Feasibility Study.
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Metallurgical test work to potentially increase cobalt reporting with copper concentrate was initiated in July using three previously tested concentrates from the Bornite deposit. The test work is being conducted by ALS Minerals and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.
Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project (“AMDIAP” or “Ambler Access Project”)
AIDEA started field work in May 2023 utilizing a camp at Coldfoot, which work was completed in mid-September. In mid-June AIDEA started utilizing the Ambler Metals Bornite camp with an average of 40 people daily at camp throughout the summer with approximately 20 NANA shareholder hires among them. Ambler Metals recently closed the Bornite camp with no safety incidents reported. AIDEA successfully completed the planned field program from Bornite consisting of cultural resource inventory surveys and testing of sites over approximately 450 acres, hydraulic and hydrology studies at bridge crossings to assess conditions for area drainage, culvert placement and bridge design, collecting topographical and bathymetric survey data to support bridge data and fish passage culverts, engineering reconnaissance surveys and fish habitat investigations. In March 2023, the board of Ambler Metals approved funding of $12.3 million, a 50% share of the total budget of $24.6 million for the Ambler Access Project which is being funded equally by AIDEA and Ambler Metals. As at August 31, 2023, $6.5 million has been spent to date on logistics and cost of the field season.
On November 15, 2022, the United States Bureau of Land Management (“USBLM”) submitted a status report announcing that it anticipated publishing a draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (“SEIS”) in the second quarter of calendar 2023 and a final SEIS in the fourth quarter of calendar 2023. On January 17, 2023 and March 20, 2023, the USBLM submitted status reports reaffirming the timing of the draft and final SEIS.
On May 19, 2023, the USBLM submitted a status report revising the timeline for development of the SEIS and a subsequent Record of Decision. The USBLM now anticipates publishing a draft SEIS in the third quarter of calendar year 2023, a final SEIS in the first quarter of calendar year 2024, and a Record of Decision within the second quarter of calendar year 2024. On July 18, 2023 and September 18, 2023, the USBLM submitted status reports reaffirming the timing of the draft SEIS, final SEIS and the Record of Decision.
Corporate developments
Private Placement
On April 25, 2023, the Company completed non-brokered private placement of 5,854,545 common shares of the Company (the “Common Share”) at a price of $0.55 per Common Share for gross proceeds of $3.2 million. After legal and stock exchange fees, the Company received net proceeds of $3.1 million.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of shareholders was held on May 17, 2023. All directors nominated by the Company and standing for election were elected by shareholders of the Company, with each director receiving greater than 97% of the votes cast.
Summary of results
in thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts
Selected expenses
Share of loss on equity investment
Comprehensive loss for the period
Basic and diluted loss per common share
For the three-month period ended August 31, 2023, we reported a net loss of $4.1 million compared to a net loss of $9.9 million for the three-month period ended August 31, 2022. The decrease in comprehensive loss in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same quarter in 2022 is due to the decrease in our share of loss of Ambler Metals, and stock-based compensation and salaries. The decrease of our share of losses of Ambler Metals is mainly due to the decrease in mineral property expenses over the comparative quarter in the prior year from the decrease in drilling, engineering and project support costs and partially offset from the increased cost in the Ambler Access Project.
For the nine-month period ended August 31, 2023, we reported a net loss of $11.9 million compared to a net loss of $19.0 million for the nine-month period ended August 31, 2022. The difference for the nine-month period ended August 31, 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, is primarily due to a $7.3 million decrease in our equity pick-up of Ambler Metals’ comprehensive loss in the current period as well as decreases in salaries and investor relations, and partially offset from the increase in professional fees and stock-based compensation. The decrease in our share of losses of Ambler Metals is mainly due to the decrease in mineral property expenses over the comparable period in the prior year from decreases in drilling, engineering, and project support costs and partially offset from the increase in the Ambler Access Project cost.
Liquidity and capital resources
We expended $2.6 million on operating activities during the nine-month period ending August 31, 2023 with the majority of cash spent on corporate salaries, professional fees related to our annual regulatory filings, and annual fees paid to the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American Exchange with the American and Canadian securities commissions.
As at August 31, 2023, we had cash and working capital of $3.0 million. Management continues with cash preservation strategies to reduce cash expenditures where feasible, including but not limited to reductions in marketing and investor conferences and office expenses. In addition, the Company’s Board of Directors have agreed to take all of their fees in deferred share units in an effort to preserve cash. The Company’s senior management team is also taking a portion of their base salaries in shares of the Company to preserve cash.
All project related costs are funded by Ambler Metals. Amber Metals is well funded to advance the UKMP with $66.9 million in cash and $66.0 million in working capital as at August 31, 2023. There are sufficient funds at Ambler Metals to fund this fiscal year’s budget for the UKMP and the Ambler Access Project. Trilogy does not anticipate having to fund the activities of Ambler Metals until the current cash balance of $66.9 million is expended.
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Off-balance sheet arrangements
We have no material off-balance sheet arrangements.
Outstanding share data
As at October 11, 2023, we had 155,883,843 common shares issued and outstanding. As at October 11, 2023, we had 12,999,400 stock options outstanding with a weighted-average exercise price of CDN$2.16, 2,428,701 Deferred Share Units (“DSUs”), and 1,610,638 Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”) outstanding. As at October 11, 2023 we hold 5,144 NovaGold Resources Inc. (“NovaGold”) DSUs for which the NovaGold director is entitled to receive one common share of Trilogy for every six NovaGold shares to be received upon their retirement from the NovaGold board. A total of 859 common shares will be issued upon redemption of the NovaGold DSUs. Upon the exercise of all the foregoing convertible securities, the Company would be required to issue an aggregate of 17,039,598 common shares.
New accounting pronouncements
There are no new accounting pronouncements affecting the Company.
Critical accounting estimates
The most critical accounting estimates upon which our financial status depends are those requiring estimates of the recoverability of our equity method investment in Ambler Metals, income taxes and valuation of stock‐based compensation.
Impairment of Investment in Ambler Metals LLC
Management assesses the possibility of impairment in the carrying value of its equity method investment in Ambler Metals whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable. Significant judgments are made in assessing the possibility of impairment. Factors that may be indicative of an impairment include a loss in the value of an investment that is not temporary. Management considers several factors in considering if an indicator of impairment has occurred, including but not limited to, sustained losses by the investment, the absence of the ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment, significant changes in the legal, business or regulatory environment, significant adverse changes impacting the investee including the status of the Ambler Access Project and internal reporting indicating the economic performance of an investment is, or will be, worse than expected.
These factors are subjective and require consideration at each period end. If an indicator of impairment is determined to exist, the fair value of the impaired investment is determined based on the valuation of cohort companies with similar projects or upon the present value of expected future cash flows using discount rates and other assumptions believed to be consistent with those used by principal market participants and observed market earnings multiples of comparable companies.
Management calculates the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows relating to the asset or asset group using estimated future prices, proven and probable reserves and other mineral resources, and operating, capital and reclamation costs. When the carrying value of an asset exceeds the related undiscounted cash flows, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value, which is usually determined using discounted future cash flows. Management’s estimates of mineral prices, mineral resources, foreign exchange rates, production levels operating, capital and reclamation costs are subject to risk and uncertainties that may affect the determination of the recoverability of the long-lived asset. It is possible that material changes could occur that may adversely affect management’s estimates.
Income taxes
We must make estimates and judgments in determining the provision for income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties. We are subject to income tax law in the United States and Canada. The evaluation of tax liabilities involving uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulation is based on factors such as changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, new audit activity, and effectively settled issues. The evaluation of an uncertain tax position requires significant judgment, and a change in such recognition would result in an additional charge to the income tax expense and liability.
Compensation expense for options granted to employees, directors and certain service providers is determined based on estimated fair values of the options at the time of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which takes into account, as of the grant date, the fair market value of the shares, expected volatility, expected life, expected forfeiture rate, expected dividend yield and the risk-free interest rate over the expected life of the option. The use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model requires input estimation of the expected life of the option, volatility, and forfeiture rate which can have a significant impact on the valuation model, and resulting expense recorded.
Additional information
Additional information regarding the Company, including our annual report on Form 10-K, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov and on our website at www.trilogymetals.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Not applicable.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted by the Company under U.S. and Canadian securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in those rules, including providing reasonable assurance that material information is gathered and reported to senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to permit timely decisions regarding public disclosure. Management, including the CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the rules of Canadian Securities Administration, as of August 31, 2023. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Internal control over financial reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act and National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuer’s Annual and Interim filings. Any system of internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended August 31, 2023 which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting. We continue to evaluate our internal control over financial reporting on an ongoing basis to identify improvements.
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we are a party to routine litigation and proceedings that are considered part of the ordinary course of its business. We are not aware of any material current, pending, or threatened litigation.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Trilogy and its future business, operations and financial condition are subject to various risks and uncertainties due to the nature of its business and the present stage of exploration of its mineral properties. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are under the heading “Risk Factors” under Trilogy’s Form 10-K dated February 14, 2023 (“Form 10-K”) which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov and on our website at www.trilogymetals.com. There have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in Trilogy’s Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
These disclosures are not applicable to us.
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit No.
Description
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation, dated April 27, 2011 (incorporated by reference Exhibit 99.2 to the Registration Statement on Form 40-F as filed on March 1, 2012, File No. 001-35447)
3.2
Articles of Trilogy Metals Inc., effective April 27, 2011, as altered March 20, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form 40-F as filed on April 19, 2012, File No. 001-35447)
3.3
Notice of Articles and Certificate of Change of Name, dated September 1, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K dated September 8, 2016)
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
32.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101
Interactive Data Files
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
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Cover Page Interactive Data File – the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: October 11, 2023
By:
/s/ Tony Giardini
Tony Giardini
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Elaine M. Sanders
Elaine M. Sanders
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer