Source - LSE Regulatory
RNS Number : 6559K
Amaroq Minerals Ltd
29 August 2023
 

A picture containing symbol, logo, white, design Description automatically generated

("Amaroq" or the "Corporation" or the "Company")

 

Q2 2023 Financial Results

 

Launch of initial construction activities underway at cornerstone Nalunaq project

 

 

TORONTO, ONTARIO - 29 August 2023 - Amaroq Minerals Ltd. (AIM, TSXV, NASDAQ First North: AMRQ), an independent mine development company with a substantial land package of gold and strategic mineral assets in Southern Greenland, is pleased to present its Q2 2023 Financial Results.

 

Q2 2023 Corporate Highlights

 

·      Gold business working capital of $41.0 million as of June 30, 2023 ($46.7 million as of March 31, 2023).

·      Completion of GCAM Joint Venture (JV) transaction in April. Strategic minerals business has available liquidity of $29.3 million.

·      The Company is progressing with preparations to upgrade its Icelandic listing from Nasdaq First North Growth Market to the Nasdaq Main Market.

·      US$50.9 million senior secured debt funding package expected to close by the end of August 2023.

 

Q2 2023 Operational Highlights

 

·      Permitting: The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for Nalunaq are being translated, ahead of public consultation later this year.

·      Contracting: Key contracting processes for the processing plant, infrastructure and construction, as well as underground mine rehabilitation and mining, were 60% complete at the end of Q2 2023.

·      Engineering: Processing plant engineering, and preparations for its construction were 70% complete at the end of Q2 2023.

·      Construction: Commenced pad building and Nalunaq camp expansion and upgrade activities in Q2. Components for the processing plant are being mobilized to ship to Greenland.

·      Mining: Mine design and inspection took place in Q3, along with procurement of long lead items.

·    Nalunaq exploration: Completed 1,735m resource drilling at Nalunaq from six drillholes targeting resource expansion areas directly up dip from the proposed mining area of the Mountain Block.

·    Strategic Minerals: Amaroq progressed preparation for exploration projects at the Sava Copper Belt, Stendalen, Kobberminebugt and Paatasoq during the period.

 

Nalunaq Project KPIs

 

·      19,272 total hours worked during Q2 2023.

·      Daily average of 30 people working on site at Nalunaq over the period.

·      Zero Lost Time Injuries in H2 2023.

·      Committed to ensuring local representation among the workforce, with the ratio of Greenlandic personnel at Nalunaq standing at 50% in H2 2023.

·      The project is progressing on budget and to schedule. Amaroq intends to provide a fuller update on the Nalunaq project later this year.

 

 

 

 

Q3 2023 Outlook

·      Contracting: Key contracting processes are expected to be 80% complete at the end of Q3 2023, with Halyard and Thyssen Schachtbau finalised.

·      Engineering: Overall engineering for the processing plant is expected to be 75% complete at the end of Q3 2023.

·      Construction: Targeting 20% completion by the end of Q3 2023, with pad construction for the processing plant, fuel storage and transport infrastructure and tailings storage facilities essentially complete and with construction of the processing plant's main building set to commence.

·      Mine Rehabilitation: Equipment and personnel to rehabilitate the Nalunaq Mine access portals and ramp to be mobilised to site in Q3 2023.

·      Support Infrastructure: Expansion and upgrade of the 50-person Nalunaq base camp to 88-person expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

·      Nalunaq Exploration: Nalunaq drilling results from 1,735m drilling campaign expected in Q3 2023.

·      Strategic Minerals: Completion of the Sava drilling programme during the period with results expected in Q4 2023.

 

 

Eldur Olafsson, CEO of Amaroq, commented:

 

"I am pleased to provide an update on our activities in Q2 2023. Most notably during this period, we have been focused on preparations for initial mining activities at Nalunaq. Our programme is progressing on plan and to budget, with rehabilitation works due to commence shortly, and first gold production anticipated next year.

 

"Exploration activities within our strategic minerals JV are ramping up, most notably across the Sava Copper Belt, where we have established a new 20-person camp and are commencing drilling at our first target, as we look to improve our understanding of this emerging high potential resource."

 

 

 

Update on H2 2023 Operational Workplan

 

Nalunaq Development Workplan

·      Nalunaq

Mine rehabilitation works are set to commence at Nalunaq in Q4 following the mobilisation of equipment and personnel, including the installation of all required mining services within the Mountain Block, ahead conducting the mine trial next year. Anticipated forward-looking development milestones include:

§ Mine rehabilitation works planned for commencement in Q4 2023.

§ Mining trial in Mountain Block delivering ore expected to commence in Q1 2024.

§ Success on the mining trial will enable possible First Gold production in H2 2024.

Following finalisation of key contracts and procurement of all major long lead items for the process plant, the Company plans to commence construction of the Processing Plant main building in Q3 2023.

Expansion and upgrade of the Nalunaq all-weather camp expected to be complete by the end of 2023.

The Company intends to provide a further update on the Nalunaq Project Development programme later in 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold Exploration Projects

·      Nalunaq

Results from the completed Mountain Block drilling are expected in Q3 and will be incorporated with additional data collection and in-mine exploration, targeting further potential resource expansion zones.

·      Nanoq

ALS Goldspot is conducting a full review of the 2022 geophysical survey results to further define existing and new gold targets, ahead of further surface exploration and site preparation for initial drilling in 2024.

·      Vagar Ridge

Amaroq is progressing the construction of a robust geological and mineralisation model to inform future exploration at Vagar, including additional data collection and review and further geological mapping and sampling. Ground preparation and drill readiness preparations will also occur ahead of the 2024 season.

 

Strategic Minerals Projects (Amaroq 51%)

 

·      Sava Copper Belt (Sava/North Sava)

New 20 person exploration camp constructed and two drill rigs mobilised, to the first of two drill targets. Scout drilling is currently underway at Target West and Target North. Additional exploration has identified further high priority targets across the evolving copper belt, with the assistance of external porphyry and IOCG specialists.

Scout drilling across the two key targets in Sava will continue through Q3 with results expected during Q4.

Drilling at Target West is targeting porphyry style mineralisation with ore grade Cu and Mo encountered during 2022.

Drilling at Target West is targeting a ~2km long strike of epithermal style mineralisation hosting Cu/Au results from 2022.

In addition, the Company plans to conduct a Gravity geophysical survey over the Sava licence area to ensure full coverage of the prospective copper belt.

 

·      Stendalen

Following the completion of a high resolution Magnetotellurics (MT) geophysical survey over the host intrusion targeting areas of potential Ni/Cu sulphides similar in style to those seen at Voisey's Bay, detailed 3D inversion models will be reviewed ahead of targeting with a deep scout drillhole aiming to intersect three potential orebodies:

§ Ti/V layering in the upper regions of the intrusion;

§ Potential Platinum Group Metal (PGM) mineralisation within the layered sequence of the intrusion; and

§ Potential Ni/Cu sulphide mineralisation at depth and in the contract areas similar in style to that seen at Voisey's Bay in Labrador.

 

·      Kobberminebugt

Completion of a high-resolution MT survey over the entire licence, with results expected in Q3 2023.

 

·      Paatasoq

Reconnaissance exploration conducted over licence area, with the assistance of the University of St Andrews, to assess REE and critical metal potential. Full results and interpretations are expected through Q3 and Q4 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

Amaroq Financial Results

 

The following selected financial data is extracted from the Financial Statements for the three months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Financial Results


Six months ended June 30


2023

$

2022

$

Exploration and evaluation expenses

3,459,846

5,435,831

Site development costs

1,825,563

-

General and administrative

5,383,216

5,086,708

(Gain) on loss of control of subsidiary

(31,340,880)

-

Share of 6-months loss of an equity-accounted joint arrangement

1,639,482

-

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

19,980,808

(10,460,137)

 

Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share

0.07

(0.06)

 

 

Financial Position


As at June 30

As at March 31


2023

$

2023

$

Cash on hand

39,669,852

46,784,407

Total assets

87,686,844

62,010,593

Total current liabilities

2,980,657

1,729,851

Shareholders' equity

84,089,457

60,280,742

Working capital

41,017,725

46,738,567

 

 

 

Ends

 

 

Enquiries:  

Amaroq Minerals Ltd.  

Eldur Olafsson, Executive Director and CEO  

eo@amaroqminerals.com  

  

 Eddie Wyvill, Corporate Development

+44 (0)7713 126727  

ew@amaroqminerals.com  

  

Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (Nominated Adviser and Broker)  

Callum Stewart  

Varun Talwar  

Simon Mensley  

Ashton Clanfield  

+44 (0) 20 7710 7600  

  

Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited (Joint Broker)  

John Prior  

Hugh Rich  

Dougie Mcleod  

+44 (0) 20 7886 2500  

  

Landsbankinn hf. (Listing Agent)  

Ellert Arnarson  

Ellert.Arnarson@landsbankinn.is 

 

Camarco (Financial PR)  

Billy Clegg  

Elfie Kent  

Charlie Dingwall  

+44 (0) 20 3757 4980  

 

For Company updates:  

Follow @Amaroq_minerals on Twitter  

Follow Amaroq Minerals Inc. on LinkedIn  

 

Further Information:  

 

About Amaroq Minerals  

Amaroq Minerals' principal business objectives are the identification, acquisition, exploration, and development of gold and strategic metal properties in Greenland. The Company's principal asset is a 100% interest in the Nalunaq Project, a development stage property with an exploitation license including the previously operating Nalunaq gold mine. The Corporation has a portfolio of gold and strategic metal assets in Southern Greenland covering the two known gold belts in the region. Amaroq Minerals is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act and wholly owns Nalunaq A/S, incorporated under the Greenland Public Companies Act.

Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release.

Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not limited to: material adverse changes, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration, refurbishment, development or mining programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations.

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

 


 

Glossary

Ag

silver

Au

gold

Bt

Billion tonnes

Cu

copper

g

grams

g/t

grams per tonne

km

kilometers

Koz

thousand ounces

m

meters

Mo

molybdenum

MRE

Mineral Resource Estimate

Nb

niobium

Ni

nickel

oz

ounces

REE

Rare Earth Elements

t

tonnes

Ti

Titanium

t/m3

tonne per cubic meter

U

uranium

USD/ozAu

US Dollar per ounce of gold

V

Vanadium

Zn

zinc

 

 

 

Inside Information

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

 

Qualified Person Statement

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

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Alopex Logo.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amaroq Minerals Ltd.

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2023

 

 

 



As at June 30,

As at December 31,


Notes

2023

2022



$

$

ASSETS




Current assets




Cash


39,669,852

50,137,569

Due from a related party

11.1

2,218,604

-

Sales tax receivable


78,885

95,890

Prepaid expenses and others


2,031,041

450,290

Total current assets


43,998,382

50,683,749

Non-current assets


 

 


Deposit

 

27,944

27,944

Investment in equity-accounted joint arrangement

3

29,745,716

-

Escrow account for environmental monitoring


424,640

427,120

Mineral properties

4

48,821

85,579

Capital assets

5

13,441,341

13,871,669

Total non-current assets


43,688,462

14,412,312

TOTAL ASSETS


87,686,844

65,096,061

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY




Current liabilities




Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


2,903,747

1,138,961

Lease liabilities - current portion

6

76,910

71,797

Total current liabilities


2,980,657

1,210,758

Non-current liabilities




Lease liabilities

6

616,730

657,440

Total non-current liabilities


616,730

657,440

Total liabilities


3,597,387

1,868,198

 

Equity




Capital stock


131,837,145

131,708,387

Contributed surplus


6,002,893

5,250,865

Accumulated other comprehensive loss


(36,772)

(36,772)

Deficit


(53,713,809)

(73,694,617)

Total equity


84,089,457

63,227,863

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY


87,686,844

65,096,061

 

Subsequent events

14

 


 







 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 



 

Three months

ended June 30,

Six months

ended June 30,


Notes

2023

2022

2023

2022


 

$

$

$

$


 





Expenses

 





Exploration and evaluation expenses

8

2,278,193

4,425,501

3,459,846

5,435,831

Site development costs

9

1,825,564

-

1,825,564

-

General and administrative

10

2,806,181

2,097,937

5,383,216

5,086,708

Loss on disposal of capital assets

 

-

-

37,791

-

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

 

171,828

(173,880)

(25,175)

(26,693)

Operating loss

 

7,081,766

6,349,558

10,681,242

10,495,846

 

Other expenses (income)

 





Interest income

 

(240,268)

(34,392)

(471,588)

(54,717)

Project management income

11

(506,640)

-

(506,640)

-

Gain on loss of control of subsidiary

3

(31,340,880)

-

(31,340,880)

-

Share of loss of an equity-accounted joint arrangement

3

1,639,482

-

1,639,482

-

Finance costs

 

8,839

9,473

17,576

19,008


 





Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

 

23,357,701

(6,324,639)

19,980,808

(10,460,137)


 

 

 




 






 






 





Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic

 

263,281,297

177,109,616

263,242,536

177,104,206

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted

 

273,398,692

188,107,949

273,359,931

188,102,539

Basic earnings (loss) per share

12

0.09

(0.04)

0.08

(0.06)

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

12

0.09

(0.04)

0.07

(0.06)

Effect of dilution

 

-

-

0.01

-

      Share options

 

10,117,395

10,998,333

10,117,395

10,998,333


 





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

 

 



Notes

Number of common shares

outstanding

Capital

Stock

Contributed surplus

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Deficit

Total

Equity


 


$

$

$

$

$


 







Balance at January 1, 2022

 

177,098,737

88,500,205

3,300,723

(36,772)

(51,795,654)

39,968,502

Net loss and comprehensive loss

 

-

-

-

-

(10,460,137)

(10,460,137)









Options exercised

 

110,000

95,700

(40,700)

-

-

55,000

Stock-based compensation

 

-

-

1,480,560

-

-

1,480,560

Balance at June 30, 2022

 

177,208,737

88,595,905

4,740,583

(36,772)

(62,255,791)

31,043,925

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

263,073,022

131,708,387

5,250,865

(36,772)

(73,694,617)

63,227,863

Net income and comprehensive income

 

-

-

-

-

19,980,808

19,980,808


 







Options exercised, net

7

208,275

128,758

(150,000)

-

-

(21,242)

Stock-based compensation

7

-

-

902,028

-

-

902,028

Balance at June 30, 2023

 

263,281,297

131,837,145

6,002,893

(36,772)

(53,713,809)

84,089,457

 

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

 



Notes

Six months

ended June 30,



2023

2022



$

$

 

Operating activities




Net loss) for the period


19,980,808

(10,460,137)

Adjustments for:




Depreciation

5

392,537

418,075

Stock-based compensation

7

902,028

1,480,560

Gain on loss of control of subsidiary

3

(31,340,880)

-

Share of loss of an associate

3

1,639,482

-

Loss on disposal of capital assets


37,791

-

Other expenses


17,576

9,048

Foreign exchange


(48,884)

(13,571)



(8,419,542)

(8,566,025)

Changes in non-cash working capital items:




Sales tax receivable


17,004

(33,179)

Due from related party


(2,218,604)

-

Prepaid expenses and others


(1,580,751)

182,383

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


1,734,337

815,210



(2,048,014)

964,414

Net Cash used in operating activities


(10,467,556)

(7,601,611)

 

Investing activities




Acquisition of capital assets

5

-

(301,958)

Net Cash used in investing activities


-

(301,958)

 

Financing activities




Principal repayment - lease liabilities

6

(53,172)

(22,551)

Exercise of stock options

 

-

55,000

Net Cash (used in) provided by financing activities


(53,172)

32,449

 

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


(10,520,728)

(7,871,120)

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash


53,011

40,661

Net change in cash during the period


(10,467,717)

(7,830,459)

Cash, beginning of period


50,137,569

27,324,459

Cash, end of period


39,669,852

19,494,000

 

Supplemental cash flow information




Interest received


471,587

54,717





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


1.    NATURE OF OPERATIONS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Amaroq Minerals Ltd. (the "Corporation") was incorporated on February 22, 2017 under the Canada Business Corporations Act. The Corporation's head office is situated at 3400, One First Canadian Place, P.O. Box 130, Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1A4, Canada. The Corporation operates in one industry segment, being the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties. It owns interests in properties located in Greenland. The Corporation's financial year ends on December 31. Since July 2017, the Corporation's shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V"), since July 2020, the Corporation's shares are also listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange ("AIM") and from November 1, 2022, on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Iceland ("Nasdaq") under the AMRQ ticker.

 

These unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2023 ("Financial Statements") were approved by the Board of Directors on August 29, 2023.

 

1.1   Basis of presentation and consolidation

 

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

 

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

 

The Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The accounting policies, methods of computation and presentation applied in these Financial Statements are consistent with those of the previous financial year ended December 31, 2022, except for the policy described below.

 

a)   Investments in an associate or joint venture

 

The financial results of the Corporation's investments in its joint arrangement is included in the Corporation's results using the equity method. Under the equity method, the investment is initially recognized at cost, and the carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognize the Corporation's share of comprehensive income or loss of the associates after the date of acquisition. The Corporation's share of profits or losses is recognized in the condensed interim statement of income (loss).

 

Unrealized gains on transactions between the Corporation and an associate or joint venture are eliminated to the extent of the Corporation's interest in the associate. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Dilution gains and losses arising from changes in interests in investments in associates are recognized in the condensed interim statement of income (loss).

 

The Corporation assesses at each period-end whether there is any objective evidence that its investments in associates or joint venture are impaired. If impaired, the carrying value of the Corporation's share of the underlying assets of associates or joint venture is written down to its estimated recoverable amount (being the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use) and charged to the statement of income (loss).

 

There are two main instances when the Corporation recognizes an investment in associate or joint venture. In first case the entity recognizes an acquisition of new investment, has a significant influence over the investee but does not control it. In the second case, the Corporation loses control over the subsidiary because of a sale of a share in subsidiary that results in losing control over that subsidiary.  If the Corporation loses control over the subsidiary, then

-     The Corporation derecognizes the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary from the consolidated statement of financial position,

-     Recognizes the fair value of the consideration received from the transaction that has resulted in the loss of control,

-     Recognizes any investment retained in the former subsidiary at its fair value once control is lost and subsequently accounts for it and any amounts owed by or to the former subsidiary in accordance with the relevant IFRS. The fair value shall be regarded as a fair value of the initial recognition of the investment in joint venture or associate.

-     Subsequently recognizes associate's or joint venture's share of net profits or losses proportionately to the retained share of investment for the reporting periods.

 

1.2   Functional and presentation currency

 

The functional and presentation currency of the Corporation is Canadian dollars ("CAD"). The functional currency of Nalunaq A/S is CAD. The functional currency of Nalunaq A/S is determined using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity evolves and using the currency which is more representative of the economic effect of the underlying financings, transactions, events and conditions.

 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency of the underlying entity using appropriate rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of such transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the functional currency rate of exchange in effect at the end of each reporting period. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions are recognized in the net profit or loss.

 

 

2.    CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND ASSUMPTIONS

 

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

 

In preparing the Financial Statements, the significant judgements made by Management in applying the Corporation accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the Corporation's audited annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Management has exercised a significant judgement in assessing whether the Corporation still has control over its subsidiary Gardaq A/S or whether it lost control over the subsidiary but still has significant influence or joint control over Gardaq A/S. The result of this assessment is described under Note 3 below. Estimates and assumptions are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

 



 

3.    INVESTMENT IN AN ASSOCIATE or joint venture CORPORATION

 


  As at

   June 30,

  2023

As at

December 31,

2022


$

$

Balance at beginning of period

-

-

  Original Investment in Gardaq ApS

7,422


  Transfer of non-gold strategic minerals licences at cost

36,896


  Investment at conversion of Gardaq ApS to Gardaq A/S

55,344


  Gain on FV recognition of equity accounted investment in joint venture

31,285,536


  Investment retained at fair value- 51% share

31,385,198

-

  Share of joint venture's net losses- for 6 months ended Jun 30, 2023

(1,639,482)

-

Balance at end of period

29,745,716

-

 

On June 10, 2022, the Corporation announced that it had signed a non-binding head of terms with ACAM to establish a special purpose vehicle (the "SPV") and created a joint venture (the "JV") for the exploration and development of its Strategic Mineral assets for a combined contribution of $62.0 million (GBP 36.7 million). Subject to the final terms of the JV, ACAM invested $30.1 million (GBP 18 million) in exchange for a 49% shareholding in the SPV, with Amaroq holding 51%. Amaroq contributed its strategic non- precious mineral (i.e., non-gold) licenses, and will be required to provide a contribution in kind over a three-year period, valued, in aggregate, at $31.4 million (GBP 18.7 million) in the form of site support, logistics and overhead costs associated with utilizing its existing infrastructure in Southern Greenland to support the JV's activities. The transfer of these licenses has been approved by the Greenland Government on April 13, 2023. An option for further future funding of $16.0 million (GBP 10.0 million) is also potentially available on the achievement of agreed milestones.

 

The carrying historical value of the transferred strategic non-precious mineral licenses to Gardaq A/S is $36,758 (Note 4). Gardaq A/S is the Corporation's only joint venture. Gardaq's share capital consists solely of ordinary shares, which are held directly by the Corporation. Gardaq is incorporated in Greenland where its exploration and evaluation activities on bearing properties are carried out. The proportion of ownership interest is the same as the proportion of voting rights held. The investment in Gardaq is accounted for under the equity method. The Corporation's interest in Gardaq is 51% as of June 30, 2023.

 

Upon execution of the Subscription and Shareholders' Agreement ("SSHA") on April 13, 2023, the Corporation has ceased the control of Gardaq on that date. Given that the relevant activities of Gardaq require unanimous consent of its shareholders in accordance with the SSHA, management has determined that it has joint control and as such the Corporation performed deconsolidation of Gardaq A/S as at April 13, 2023, the date when control was lost. The fair value of the investment retained in Gardaq A/S was determined to be $31,385,198 (GBP 18.7million) for 51% retained equity share of Gardaq A/S. The fair value of Gardaq A/S was measured based on the cash consideration received in exchange for 49% of the outstanding shares.

 

The Corporation has determined that it has a joint control in Gardaq A/S as decisions around relevant activities require unanimous shareholder approval. Effective April 13, 2023, the Corporation's investment was accounted for as an investment in joint venture using the equity method. The equity method involves recording the initial investment at cost and subsequently adjusting the carrying value of the investment for the Corporation's proportionate share of the profit or loss, other comprehensive income or loss and any other changes in the joint venture's net assets, such as further investments or dividends. For the period ended June 30, 2023 the Corporation recorded the 51% proportion of net loss from Gardaq of $1,639,482.

 

 

 

The following tables summarize the unaudited financial information of Gardaq A/S as of June 30, 2023.

 


  As at

   June 30,

  2023


$

Cash and cash equivalent

29,337,924

Accounts receivables

-

Prepaid expenses and other

64,645

Total current assets

29,402,569

Mineral property

92,240

Total Assets

29,494,809

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

2,462,543

Capital stock

30,246,937

 Deficit

(3,214,671)

Total equity

27,032,266

Total liabilities and equity

29,494,809

 


  As at

   June 30,

  2023


$

Exploration and Evaluation expenses

2,751,253

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

(43,222)

Operating loss

2,708,031

Other expenses (income)

506,640

Net loss and comprehensive loss

3,214,671

 

 

4.    MINERAL PROPERTIES

 


As at December 31,

2022

Transfers (note 3)

As at June 30,

2023


$

$

$

Nalunaq - Au

1

-

1

Tartoq -

18,431

-

18,431

Vagar -

11,103

-

11,103

Nuna Nutaaq -

6,076

-

6,076

Anoritooq -

6,389

-

6,389

Siku -

6,821

-

6,821

Naalagaaffiup Portornga - Strategic Minerals

6,334

(6,334)

-

Saarloq - Strategic Minerals

7,348

(7,348)

-

Sava - Strategic Minerals

6,562

(6,562)

-

Kobberminebugt - Strategic Minerals

6,840

(6,840)

-

Stendalen - Strategic Minerals

4,837

(4,837)

-

North Sava - Strategic Minerals

4,837

(4,837)

-

Total mineral properties

85,579

(36,758)

48,821

 

 

 

 

 

 


As at December 31, 2021

Additions

As at

December 31,

2022

 

$

$

$

Nalunaq - Au

1

-

1

Tartoq -

18,431

-

18,431

Vagar -

11,103

-

11,103

Nuna Nutaaq -

6,076

-

6,076

Anoritooq -

6,389

-

6,389

Siku -

-

6,821

6,821

Naalagaaffiup Portornga - Strategic Minerals

6,334

-

6,334

Saarloq - Strategic Minerals

7,348

-

7,348

Sava - Strategic Minerals

6,562

-

6,562

Kobberminebugt - Strategic Minerals

-

6,840

6,840

Stendalen - Strategic Minerals

-

4,837

4,837

North Sava - Strategic Minerals

-

4,837

4,837

Total mineral properties

62,244

23,335

85,579

 

5.    CAPITAL ASSETS

 


Field equipment and

infrastruc- ture

Vehicles and rolling stock

Equipment (including software)

Construc- tion In Progress

Right-of- use assets

Total

 


$

$

$

$

$

$

 

 

Six months ended

June 30, 2023







 

Opening net book value

1,735,752

3,742,384

216,385

7,522,085

655,063

13,871,669

 

Disposals

-

-

(37,791)

-

-

(37,791)

 

Depreciation

(99,187)

(215,136)

(38,440)

-

(39,774)

(392,537)

 

Closing net book value

1,636,565

3,527,248

140,154

7,522,085

615,289

13,441,341

 

 







As at June 30, 2023







Cost

2,351,041

4,466,971

232,231

7,522,085

735,270

15,307,598

Accumulated depreciation

(714,476)

(939,723)

(92,077)

-

(119,981)

(1,866,257)

Closing net book value

1,636,565

3,527,248

140,154

7,522,085

615,289

13,441,341

 

Depreciation of capital assets related to exploration and evaluation properties is being recorded in exploration and evaluation expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss, under depreciation. Depreciation of $321,265 ($363,461 for the six months ended June 30, 2022) was expensed as exploration and evaluation expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2023.

 

As of June 30, 2023, the amount of $7,522,085 ($7,522,085 as of December 31, 2022) of construction in progress is related to equipment and infrastructure received or in storage and which will be installed at the appropriate time. Equipment and infrastructure include process plant components that are not yet available for use.

 



 

6.    LEASE LIABILITIES

 


As at

June 30

2023

As at

December 31

2022


$

$

Balance beginning

729,237

763,913

Principal repayment

(35,597)

(50,722)

Balance ending

693,640

729,237

Non-current portion - lease liabilities

(616,730)

(657,440)

Current portion - lease liabilities

76,910

71,797

 

The Corporation has one lease for its office. In October 2020, the Corporation started the lease for five years and five months including five free rent months during this period. The monthly rent is $8,825 until March 2024 and $9,070 for the balance of the lease. The Corporation has the option to renew the lease for an additional five-year period at $9,070 monthly rent indexed annually to the increase of the consumer price index of the previous year for the Montreal area.

 

7.    STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

7.1   Stock options

 

An incentive stock option plan (the "Plan") was approved initially in 2017 and renewed by shareholders on June 15, 2023. The Plan is a "rolling" plan whereby a maximum of 10% of the issued shares at the time of the grant are reserved for issue under the Plan to executive officers, directors, employees and consultants. The Board of directors grants the stock options, and the exercise price of the options shall not be less than the closing price on the last trading day, preceding the grant date. The options have a maximum term of ten years. Options granted pursuant to the Plan shall vest and become exercisable at such time or times as may be determined by the Board, except options granted to consultants providing investor relations activities shall vest in stages over a 12-month period with a maximum of one-quarter of the options vesting in any three-month period. The Corporation has no legal or constructive obligation to repurchase or settle the options in cash.

 

The fair value of each option granted was estimated at the time of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Black-Scholes is a pricing model used to determine the fair price or theoretical value for a call or a put option based on the following weighted assumptions at the measurement date:

                                                           


June 30,

 2023

June 30,

 2022

Risk free rate

-

2.7%

Expected life (years)

-

5 years

Volatility

-

68.9%

Underlying stock price

-

0.75

Strike price

-

$0.44

 

The total share-based payment expenses related to the options and the amount credited to contributed surplus for the six months ended June 30, 2023, were $4,028 (June 30, 2022-$ 1,480,560). The following table outlines the activity for stock options for the six months ended June 30,2023, and 2022:

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in stock options are as follows:

 

 

Six months ended

June 30, 2023

Six months ended

June 30, 2022


Number of options

Weighted average exercise price

Number of

 options

Weighted average exercise price



$



Balance, beginning

10,717,395

0.57

6,935,000

0.51

Granted

-

-

4,173,333

0.60

Exercised

(600,000)

0.43

(110,000)

0.50

Balance,

10,117,395

0.58

10,998,333

Balance, end exercisable

10,050,728

0.58

10,865,000

0.55

 

From the options exercised during the period ended June 30, 2023, 391,725 shares were withheld to cover the stock option grant price and related taxes.

 

Stock options outstanding and exercisable as at June 30, 2023 are as follows:

 

Number of options outstanding

Number of options exercisable

Exercise price

 

Expiry date



$


910,000

910,000

0.45

August 22, 2023

1,670,000

1,670,000

0.38

December 31, 2025

100,000

33.333

0.50

September 13, 2026

1,495,000

1,495,000

0.70

December 31, 2026

3,600,000

3,600,000

0.60

January 17, 2027

73,333

73,333

0.75

April 20, 2027

39,062

39,062

0.64

July 14, 2027

1,330,000

1,330,000

0.70

December 30, 2027

900,000

900,000

0.59

December 31, 2027

10,117,395

10,050,728



 

7.2   Restricted Share Unit

 

Conditional awards under the RSU

 

7.2.1    Description

 

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

 

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

 

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

·      First Measurement Date: December 31, 2023;

·      Second Measurement Date: December 31, 2024;

·      Third Measurement Date: December 31, 2025.

 

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

·      Awards granted after the First Measurement Date - 50% vest after one year, 50% vest after three years.

·      Awards granted after the Second Measurement Date - 50% vest after one year, 50% vest after two years.

·      RSUs granted after the Third Measurement Date - 100% vest after one year.

 

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

 

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

·      After December 31, 2023, 100% of the pool value at the First Measurement Date is delivered as restricted share units under the RSU Plan, subject to the maximum number of shares that can be allotted not being exceeded.

·      After December 31, 2024, the pool value at the Second Measurement Date is reduced by the pool value from the First Measurement Date (increased in line with share price movements between the First and Second Measurement Dates). 100% of the remaining pool value, if any, is delivered as restricted share units under the RSU Plan.

·      After December 31, 2025, the pool value at the Third Measurement Date is reduced by the pool value from the Second Measurement Date (increased in line with share price movements between the Second and Third Measurement Dates), and then further reduced by the pool value from the First Measurement Date (increased in line with share price movements between the First Measurement Date and the Third Measurement Date). 100% of the remaining pool value, if any, is delivered as restricted share units under the RSU Plan.

 

7.2.1    Valuation

 

The fair value of the award granted in December 2022 is $5,408,800 based on 80% of the available pool being awarded. A charge of $898,000 was recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2023.

 

8.    EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION EXPENSES (RECOVERY)

 


Three months

ended June 30,

Six months

ended June 30,


2023

2022

2023

2022

 


$

$

$

$

 

Geology

(138,599)

651,211

(25,494)

805,632

 

Lodging and on-site support

51,714

35,255

51,714

35,255

 

Drilling

1,036,653

1,250,066

1,036,653

1,290,527

 

Analysis

(26,355)

-

(26,355)

141,382

 

Geophysical survey

(416,177)

-

(416,177)

-

 

Transport

320,553

54,076

624,753

143,215

 

Helicopter charter

601,815

442,824

681,682

442,824

 

Logistic support

(51,509)

90,356

(51,509)

102,108

 

Insurance

-

(13,200)

-

-

 

Maintenance infrastructure

284,769

1,373,127

578,890

1,743,375

 

Supplies and equipment

432,460

360,158

603,017

360,158

Project Engineering


-

55,792

-

 

Government fees

25,615

-

25,615

7,894

 

Exploration and evaluation expenses before depreciation

2,120,939

4,243,873

3,138,581

5,072,370

 

Depreciation

157,254

181,628

321,265

363,461

 

Exploration and evaluation expenses

2,278,193

4,425,501

3,459,846

5,435,831

 











 

Exploration and Evaluation expenses for the period of three and six months ended June 30, 2023 are net of $1,398,912 of Exploration and Evaluation expenses incurred by Nalunaq A/S during the period from June 9 to Dec 31 2022 for the six non-gold strategic mineral licenses that have been transferred from Nalunaq A/S to Gardaq A/S.

 

9.    SITE DEVELOPMENT COSTS

 


Three months

ended June 30,

Six months

ended June 30,


2023

2022

2023

2022

 


$

$

$

$

 

Project Engineering and management

1,017,205

-

1,017,205

-

 

Infrastructure

658,507

-

658,507

-

 

Other costs (travel, logistics)

149,851

-

149,851

-

 

Site development costs

1,825,563

-

1,825,563

-

 








 

 

10.   GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATION

 


Three months

ended June 30,

Six months

ended June 30,


2023

2022

2023

2022


$

$

$

$

Salaries and benefits

620,073

601,769

1,237,662

1,241,768

Director's fees

157,000

157,000

314,000

314,000

Professional fees

910,879

748,904

1,522,757

1,024,612

Marketing and industry involvement

164,719

133,811

306,686

302,678

Insurance

67,602

104,651

135,204

205,670

Travel and other expenses

219,782

238,656

521,052

384,571

Regulatory fees

179,614

43,971

372,554

78,235

General and administration before following elements

2,319,669

2,028,762

4,409,915

3,551,534

Stock-based compensation

451,014

36,698

902,028

1,480,560

Depreciation

35,498

32,477

71,272

54,614

General and administration

2,806,181

2,097,937

5,383,215

5,086,708

 

11.   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

11.1 Billing according to Gardaq JV agreement

 


Three months

ended June 30,

Six months

ended June 30,


2023

2022

2023

2022


$

$

$

$

Project management fees

506,640

-

506,640

-

E&E expenses (Note 8)

1,711,964

-

1,711,964

-

 

2,218,604

-

2,218,604

-

 

As at June 30, 2023, the balance receivable from Gardaq amounted to $2,218,604 ($nil as at December 31, 2022). This receivable balance represents all exploration and evaluation costs incurred by the Corporation prior to the completion of the SSHA for six strategic minerals licenses transferred from Nalunaq A/S to Gardaq A/S. The exploration and evaluation costs incurred prior to completion of the Gardaq JV agreement have been transferred to Gardaq A/S from Nalunaq A/S post-closing of the deal in accordance with the respective clauses of the SSHA. (Note 3).

 

11.2 Marketing Activities in Iceland related to the Nasdaq Main Market Listing

 

In addition to Landsbankinn hf. acting as project manager and advisor on the admission to Nasdaq Main Market, the Corporation has engaged Fossar Investment Bank hf. ("Fossar") to assist in introducing Amaroq to investors, organizing investor meetings, and advising and analyzing potential effect the Admission has on the liquidity and formation of the share price of the Corporation.

 

Fossar is a related party of Amaroq as it is a company in which Sigurbjorn Thorkelsson, Non-Executive Director, is Chairman of the Board and indirectly controls over 30% of the capital. Amaroq has agreed to pay Fossar for their services $25,000 (GBP15,000) and Amaroq will be responsible for any ancillary expenses on the planned engagement. The Engagement will end upon the completion of Admission.

The engagement with Fossar constitutes a related party transaction in accordance with AIM Rule 13. The Independent Directors, being the Amaroq Directors other than Sigurbjorn Thorkelsson, having consulted with the Corporation's Nominated Adviser, are confident that the terms of the engagement with the related party are fair and reasonable insofar as the Corporation's shareholders are concerned.

$25,000 cost of engagement is included under Marketing and Industry involvement cost category under the General and Administrative expenses (Note 10) which is outstanding as of June 30, 2023 and recorded under the accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

11.3 Key Management Compensation

 

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

 

 


Three months 

ended June 30,

$ 

Six months 

ended June 30, 

 $


2023 

2022 

2023 

2022 


$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Short-term benefits 





Salaries and benefits 

312,513 

325,435 

654,817 

642,184 

Director's fees 

157,000 

157,000 

314,000 

314,000 

Long-term benefits 





Stock-based compensation

2,014 

4,431 

4,028 

1,111,362 

Total compensation 

471,527 

486,866 

972,845 

2,067,546 

 

 

 

 



 

12. NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

 

The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share:

 


 

Three months

ended June 30,

Six months

ended June 30,


Notes

2023

2022

2023

2022


 

$

$

$

$

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

 

23,357,701

(6,324,639)

19,980,808

(10,460,137)


 

 

 



Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic

 

263,281,297

177,109,616

263,242,536

177,104,206

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted

 

273,398,692

188,107,949

273,359,931

188,102,539

Basic earnings (loss) per share

 

0.09

(0.04)

0.08

(0.06)

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

 

0.09

(0.04)

0.07

(0.06)

Effect of dilution

 

-

-

0.01

-

      Share options outstanding

 

10,117,395

10,998,333

10,117,395

10,998,333

 

 

13.     FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

 

The Corporation is exposed to various risks through its financial instruments. The following analysis provides a summary of the Corporation's exposure to and concentrations of risk at June 30, 2023:

 

13.1 Credit Risk

 

Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause financial loss for the other party by failing to discharge an obligation. The Corporation's main credit risks relate to its amounts due from a related party. The Corporation performed expected credit loss assessment and assesses the amount to be fully recoverable.

 

13.2  Fair Value

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

 

•    Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

•    Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices)

•    Level 3 - Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (i.e., unobservable inputs)

 

The following table summarizes the carrying value of the Company's financial instruments:

 


June 30,

2023

December 31, 2022


$

$

 

Cash 

39,669,852

50,137,569

Due from a related party

2,218,604

-

Sales tax receivable

78,885

95,890

Deposit

27,944

27,944

Investment in equity-accounted joint arrangement

29,745,716

-

Escrow account for environmental monitoring

424,640

427,120

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

(2,903,747)

(1,138,961)

Lease liabilities

(693,640)

(729,237)

 

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

 

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

 

13.3 Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Corporation will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities. The Corporation manages this risk by managing its working capital and ensuring that sufficient cash is available. The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities as at June 30, 2023:

 


June 30, 2023


< 1 year

2 - 5 years

Over 5 years

Lease liabilities

$ 76,910

$ 616,730

$ -

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

2,903,747

                -

                      -


$ 2,980,657

$ 616,730

$ -

 

The Corporation has assessed that it is not exposed to significant liquidity risk due to its cash balance in the amount of $39.7 million at the period end.

 

14.   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

14.1 US$49.5M Debt Financing (the "Financing") and Potential Main Market Listing in Iceland

 

The Corporation continues to finalize the terms and conditions of the debt financing announced on March 28, 2023 and on August 11, 2023 the Corporation announced that it expected to close the transaction by the end of August 2023.

 

The debt financing consists of an increased US$50.9 million senior secured package, including:

(i)    US$18.5 million in senior debt term loans pursuant to revolving credit facilities provided by Landsbankinn hf. and Fossar Investment Bank;

(ii)    US$22.4 million in convertible notes with ECAM LP, JLE Property Ltd. and Livermore Partners LLC; and

(iii)   an overrun loan from JLE Property Ltd. of up to US$10 million under a revolving credit facility.

 

The financing remains subject to the completion of final documentation and agreement by the parties to all terms and conditions. In addition, the debt financing remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and satisfaction by the Corporation of all the requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange

 

On March 28, 2023, the Corporation announced its intention to explore the possibility of transfer of the Corporation's depositary receipts from Nasdaq First North Growth Market in Iceland to the regulated Nasdaq Main Market. On 28 July 2023, Amaroq submitted a request to Nasdaq Iceland to formally begin the procedure for admission, with the first day of trading expected to be in September 2023. The final application for admission is subject to the Financial Supervisory Authority of the Central Bank of Iceland (the FSA), approval of the Prospectus and all Nasdaq Main Market requirements being satisfied.

 

14.2 On-hire Incentive Stock Options Award

On July 24, 2023, the Corporation granted an on-hire incentive stock option award to a new senior employee of Amaroq Minerals. The option award gives the employee the right to acquire up to 19,480 common shares under the Company's stock option plan ("Amaroq Minerals Stock Option Plan"). The option has an exercise price of $0.77 per share and will vest on October 24, 2023. The option will expire if it remains unexercised five years from the date of the award.

 

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Amaroq Minerals Ltd. (AMRQ)

+0.98p (+1.23%)
delayed 16:57PM