UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONWashington D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011
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: 000-28837
NEW JERSEY MINING COMPANY(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
89 Appleberg Road, Kellogg, Idaho 83837(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
(208) 783-3331Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
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 as the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to filing requirements for the past 90 days.Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).Yes [ ] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “small reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 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 [X]
On May 1, 2011, 45,040,662 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.
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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1: CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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The Company and Significant Accounting Policies:
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the management of New Jersey Mining Company (the Company) in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information, as well as the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim consolidated financial statements have been included.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of the Company's financial statements; accordingly, it is possible that the actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions, which could have a material effect on the reported amounts of the Company's financial position and results of operations. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2011, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2011.
For further information refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
The Company presents its consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting guidance for development stage entities, as management believes that while the Company’s planned principal operations have commenced, the revenue generated from them is not sufficient to cover all corporate costs. Additional development of the Company’s properties is necessary before a transition is made to reporting as a production stage company.
Principles of ConsolidationAt March 31, 2011, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the accounts of our majority owned New Jersey Mill Venture. Intercompany items and transactions between companies included in the consolidation are eliminated.
Related Party Transactions
The Company jointly owns with Marathon Gold USA (MUSA) and acts as the operator of the Golden Chest LLC. Accounts receivable are a part of normal operations which include operating costs, payroll, drilling costs, and drilling income. As of March 31, 2011 the following related party balances existed with Marathon Gold and GC LLC:
Engineering income includes engineering services provided to United Mine Services (UMS). UMS holds the noncontrolling interest in the Company's Mill Joint Venture. Engineering services to UMS in the first quarter of 2011 were $32,700. $1,500 was paid to Mine Systems Design, a related party, for office rent in the first quarter of 2011.
Fair Value Measurement
The table below sets forth our financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and their respective hierarchy level. We had no other financial assets or liabilities accounted for at fair value at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
New Jersey Mill Venture Agreement
The Company has one subsidiary. In January 2011, the New Jersey Mill Venture agreement was signed by the Company and United Mine Services, Inc. (UMS) relating to the New Jersey mineral processing plant. To earn a one third interest in the venture, UMS will provide funding to expand the processing plant to 15 tonnes/hr, which is estimated to cost $2.5 million. The proposed expansion budget included purchasing land held by the Company, known as the Zanetti Mining Lease, which was cancelled by the purchase of the land. The Company is the operator of the venture and will charge operating costs to UMS for milling its ore up to 7,000 tonnes/month, retain a milling capacity of 3,000 tonnes/month, and as the operator of the venture receive a fee of $2.50/tonne milled. UMS has contributed $989,420 for a vested, noncontrolling interest of 13% as of March 31, 2011. The Company holds the remaining interest.
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Subsequent Events
In April of 2011 Newmont North American Exploration (Newmont) withdrew from the Toboggan joint venture it held with the Company. Newmont quitclaimed the entire land package and will transfer to the Company all exploration data obtained during the three years of work that was conducted on the project.
Item 2: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
When we use the terms "New Jersey Mining Company," the "Company," "we," "us," or "our," we are referring to New Jersey Mining Company (the Company) and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.
Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Form 10-Q that address activities, events or developments that our management expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include discussion of such matters as:
Forward-looking statements also typically include words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "potential," "could" or similar words suggesting future outcomes. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including such factors as the volatility and level of metal prices, currency exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in cash flow, expected acquisition benefits, exploration mining and operating risks, competition, litigation, environmental matters, the potential impact of government regulations, and other matters related to the mining industry, many of which are beyond our control. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.
The Company is under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this report. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
Plan of OperationThe Company modified its strategy in 2010 and is continuing that modified strategy in 2011. The former strategy was to conduct exploration for gold, silver and base metal deposits in the greater Coeur d’Alene Mining District of northern Idaho while concurrently conducting mining and mineral processing operations on ore reserves it has located on its exploration properties. The new strategy now deemphasizes the generation of cash by mining and milling and emphasizes the exploration of its properties in order to increase the amount of reserves before making a production decision. The new financial strategy involves forming joint ventures with partners who contribute cash to earn their interest. The strategy includes finding and developing ore reserves of significant quality and quantity to justify investment in mining and mineral processing facilities. The Company’s primarily focus is on gold with silver and base metals of secondary emphasis. The Company receives revenue for providing core drilling and engineering services from its joint venture partners, as well as management fees.
All exploration is now being done at the Golden Chest mine. Other exploration properties include the Toboggan, Niagara/Copper Camp, the Silver Strand, the Coleman, and the Giant Ledge.
Exploration activities at the Golden Chest during the first quarter of 2011 increased substantially compared to prior periods. Exploration activity increased because of the venture agreement with Marathon Gold USA (MUSA) that was signed in December 2010. MUSA contributed $1,000,000 cash at the December closing and $500,000 on March 31, 2011 as required by the venture terms. MUSA is scheduled to contribute $500,000 by June 30, 2011, $1,000,000 by September 30, 2011 and $1,000,000 by November 30, 2011, bringing the total cash contribution by MUSA to $4 million for a 50% ownership of the venture. MUSA has the right to contribute an additional US$3.5 million by November 30, 2012 to take its ownership interest to 60% of the venture. MUSA also has the option to accelerate any of these contributions. During the first quarter of 2011, 1,750 meters of drilling was completed of the planned 10,000 meters drilling for 2011. The Company conducted core drilling operations at the Golden Chest for the venture under a service agreement.
The Toboggan Project is a group of prospects in the Murray, Idaho District that contain gold and silver telluride minerals. The Toboggan Project was being explored by Newmont North America Exploration Limited under a joint venture agreement. Newmont did not complete their earn-in by March 20, 2011 and the joint venture agreement was terminated. Newmont returned all the unpatented claims held by the venture to the Company. The Company is now actively searching for a new joint venture partner to continue exploration of the favorable gold prospects examined by Newmont.
The Niagara copper-silver deposit, also located in the Murray, Idaho area, in the Revett formation was drilled in the 1970’s, and the Company drilled five holes since which expanded the resource. Results of the recent drilling also indicate that gold would be a significant byproduct. Preliminary open pit mining studies have been completed. Currently the Company is seeking a joint venture partner for exploration and development of the Niagara deposit, and the Copper Camp prospect will be included in the proposed venture. These properties would be kept separate from the Toboggan Project.
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The Silver Strand mine is ready for small scale production of about 5,000 tonnes per year. However the New Jersey mineral processing plant is in a construction phase to expand capacity and won’t be re-commissioned until late 2011. Consequently, the Company is seeking a buyer for the mine.
At the Coleman underground mine future plans are to conduct further drilling to locate higher grade reserves. No work is planned in 2011.
The New Jersey mineral processing plant is being expanded in order to process ore from the nearby Crescent silver mine. A letter of intent to form a joint venture with United Mine Services, Inc. was signed in September 2010 and a definitive venture agreement was reached in January 2011. The plant will be expanded from a processing rate of 4 tonnes/hr to 15 tonnes/hr during 2011. UMS will pay the expansion cost estimated to be $2.5 million. After completion of the expansion, the Company will own 2/3 of the venture and UMS will own 1/3. The Company is the operator of the venture. UMS will have a minimum quota of ore of 7,000 tonnes per month and the Company will have 3,000 tonnes per month. Each party will pay its processing costs and the Company will charge a management fee of $2.50/tonne. Currently, the plant is under construction and most equipment is on order or already received. UMS has contributed $989,420 for a vested, noncontrolling interest of 13% as of March 31, 2011. The Company holds the remaining interest.
Changes in Financial Condition The Company maintains an adequate cash balance by increasing or decreasing its exploration expenditures as limited by availability of cash from operations or from financing activities. The cash balance at the end of the first quarter was $425,102, and Figure 1 shows the corresponding balances for previous accounting periods.
The cash balance increased during the quarter, starting from $357,317, primarily due to increases in cash in the New Jersey Mill Joint Venture accounts.
Results of OperationsIncome Earned during the Development Stage (Revenue) for the first quarter of 2011 was $230,571 as compared to nil for the first quarter of 2010. Revenue was higher in 2011 due to contracted services. Figure 2 shows a net loss for the first quarter of 2011 of $2,620 compared to $171,384 for the comparable period of 2010. The net loss for 2011 was less than 2010 because of higher revenue.
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There was no gold production in the first quarters of 2011 and 2010. No gold production is expected for 2011 because the mill is shutdown due to construction and only exploration activities are planned for the Golden Chest mine.
Preliminary plans at the Golden Chest mine include only exploration in 2011 but in 2012, ramp access may be extended to the Idaho vein reserves. When the Idaho vein ramp development is completed there will be more than 200,000 tonnes available for production from currently-existing reserves.
No production is planned at the Silver Strand mine in 2011 because plans are to sell the mine or engage a joint venture partner. The mine is ready for production on a seasonal basis.
About $2.5 million in capital expenditures are planned at the New Jersey mineral processing plant to increase the processing rate to 15 tonnes per hour. Expansion costs are paid by our partner, United Mine Services.
The amount of money to be spent on exploration at the Company’s mines and prospects depends primarily on contributions of our joint venture partners, particularly at the Golden Chest. If new joint venture partners are engaged at the Toboggan Project and Niagara-Copper Camp Projects, exploration activities would increase .
The Company provides surface drilling services at the Golden Chest and receives payment from Golden Chest LLC from funds provided by Marathon Gold. The Company also receives a management fee as Manager of the venture. The Company receives payment for engineering services from United Mine Services for the mill expansion project. No additional financing activities are necessary in 2011 unless exploration plans are expanded.
Drilling and Exploration IncomeDrilling and Exploration income increased for the three month period ending March 31, 2011 compared to last year because of drilling activity that was conducted at the Golden Chest under the newly formed Joint Venture agreement.
Joint Venture Management FeesJoint venture management fees are an income item related to the operation of the recently formed Golden Chest joint venture.
Changes in Direct Production CostsDirect production costs decreased for the three month period ending March 31, 2011 compared to the comparable period last year because efforts have been redirected towards exploration.
Drilling and Exploration Contract ExpenseDrilling and Exploration contract expense has increased for the three month period ending March 31, 2011 compared to the comparable period last year because of increased drilling activity at the Golden Chest.
Changes in Management CostsManagement expenses decreased for the three month period ending March 31, 2011 compared to the comparable period last year because some of the costs have been absorbed by the joint ventures.
Changes in Exploration CostsExploration expenses decreased for the three month period ending March 31, 2011 compared to the comparable period last year because most employees have been redirected to the Golden Chest or drilling activities.
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Item 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not required for small reporting companies.
Item 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer who also serves as the Company’s principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer, and principal financial officer has concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting.
The President, Chief Executive Officer, and principal financial officer conducted evaluations of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. No material changes in internal control over financial reporting occurred in the quarter ended March 31, 2011.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is currently a plaintiff along with Shoshone County, Idaho, and George E. Stephenson in a complaint against the USA, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Chief of the Forest Service, etc., for Declaratory Judgment and Quiet Title regarding a public right-of-way for the East Fork of Eagle Creek Road near Murray, Idaho. The complaint was filed on October 5, 2009 in the United States District Court, District of Idaho. The plaintiffs are bringing the action to adjudicate/declare under the Quiet Title Act, and under the Declaratory Judgment Act that the East Fork Eagle Creek Road is a public road as it crosses the lands owned by the USA in accordance with R.S. 2477.
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
Neither the constituent instruments defining the rights of the Company’s securities filers nor the rights evidenced by the Company’s outstanding common stock have been modified, limited or qualified.
No shares of stock were issued by the Company in the first quarter of 2011.
Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
The Company has no outstanding senior securities.
Item 4. REMOVED AND RESERVED
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Dodd-Frank DisclosureDuring the quarter ended March 31, 2011, the Company had no reportable health and safety violations, orders or citations, remedied or remitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration. There were no legal actions, mining-related fatalities, or similar events in relation to the Company’s United States operations requiring disclosure pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act.
Item 6. EXHIBITS
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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.
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