QuickLinks
-- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ý
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011
OR
o
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: 001-9025
VISTA GOLD CORP.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Yukon Territory
|
|
98-0542444
|
|
|
|
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
|
|
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
|
Suite 5, 7961 Shaffer Parkway
|
|
|
Littleton, Colorado
|
|
80127
|
|
|
|
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
|
|
(Zip Code)
|
(720) 981-1185
(Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code)
|
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
Title of Each Class
|
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
|
|
Common Shares without par value
|
NYSE AMEX
|
SECURITIES
REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
None
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities
Act. Yes
o
No
ý
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Act. Yes
o
No
ý
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant (1) 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
ý
No
o
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 (§ 229.405 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
ý
No
o
Indicate by checkmark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part II of this Form 10-K or any amendment to the
Form 10-K.
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "Accelerated filer
and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer
o
Accelerated Filer
ý
Non-Accelerated Filer
o
**Smaller Reporting Company
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Act). Yes
o
No
ý
State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the
common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal
quarter: $201,306,000
The
number of shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding as of March 12, 2012 was 71,503,883.
Documents
incorporated by reference: To the extent herein specifically referenced in Part III, portions of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the 2012 Annual
General Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated herein. See Part III.
Summarized
financial information for Midas Gold Corp. as presented in this annual report on Form 10-K is as of September 30, 2011 and for the twelve months then ended, which
represents Midas Gold Corp.'s latest available financial data as of the filing date of this annual report. The Company will file an amendment to this annual report once the annual financial
information for Midas Gold Corp. is available.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
|
Page
|
GLOSSARY
|
|
2
|
USE OF NAMES
|
|
5
|
CURRENCY
|
|
5
|
METRIC CONVERSION TABLE
|
|
5
|
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
|
|
5
|
PART I
|
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
|
|
9
|
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
|
|
16
|
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
|
|
31
|
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
|
|
31
|
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
|
|
98
|
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
|
|
100
|
PART II
|
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
|
|
101
|
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
|
|
112
|
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
|
|
112
|
|
|
|
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
|
|
137
|
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
|
|
137
|
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
|
|
172
|
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
|
|
172
|
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
|
|
173
|
PART III
|
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
|
|
174
|
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
|
174
|
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
|
|
174
|
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
|
|
174
|
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
|
|
174
|
PART IV
|
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
|
|
175
|
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS REGARDING ESTIMATES OF MEASURED, INDICATED AND INFERRED RESOURCES AND PROVEN AND PROBABLE RESERVES
The
terms "mineral reserve", "proven mineral reserve" and "probable mineral reserve" are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with Canadian National
Instrument 43-101
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects
("NI 43-101") and the Canadian
Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM")
CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves
, adopted
by the CIM Council, as amended (the "CIM Definition Standards"). These definitions differ from the definitions in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Industry
Guide 7 ("SEC Industry Guide 7") under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or
"bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves, and the primary
environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.
In
addition, the terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" are defined in and required to be disclosed by
NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC.
Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a mineral deposit in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of
uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all, or any part, of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded
to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are
cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under
Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to
unit measures.
Accordingly,
information contained in this report and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain descriptions of our mineral deposits that may not be comparable to similar information made
public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
The
term "mineralized material" as used in this annual report on Form 10-K, although permissible under SEC Industry Guide 7, does not indicate "reserves" by SEC Industry Guide
7 standards. We cannot be certain that any part of the mineralized material will ever be confirmed or converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant "reserves". Investors are cautioned
not to assume that all or any part of the mineralized material will ever be confirmed or converted into reserves or that mineralized material can be economically or legally extracted.
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO ALL INVESTORS CONCERNING ECONOMIC ASSESSMENTS THAT INCLUDE INFERRED RESOURCES
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves have no demonstrated economic viability. The preliminary assessments on the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project and Awak
Mas gold project are preliminary in nature and include "inferred mineral resources" that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable
them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that the feasibility studies or preliminary assessments at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, Awak Mas gold project and
Long Valley gold project will ever be realized.
1
GLOSSARY
"
assay
" means to test ores or minerals by chemical or other methods for the purpose of determining the amount of valuable metals contained.
"
breccia
" means rock consisting of fragments, more or less angular, in a matrix of finer-grained material or of cementing material.
"
claim
" means a mining title giving its holder the right to prospect, explore for and exploit minerals within a defined area.
"
cut-off grade
" means the grade below which mineralized material or ore will be considered waste.
"
deposit
" means an informal term for an accumulation of mineralized material.
"
diamond drill
" means a rotary type of rock drill that cuts a core of rock and is recovered in long, cylindrical sections, two centimeters or more
in diameter.
"
fault
" means a fracture in rock along which there has been displacement of the two sides parallel to the fracture.
"
heap leach
" means a gold extraction method that percolates a cyanide solution through ore heaped on an impermeable pad or base.
"
indicated mineral resource
" and "
indicated resource
" means "
indicated mineral
resource
" as defined by the CIM in the CIM Definition Standards and is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical
characteristics can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic
viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits,
workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed.
"
inferred mineral resource
" and "
inferred resource
" means "
inferred mineral
resource
" as defined by the CIM in the CIM Definition Standards and is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of
geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and sampling gathered through
appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes.
"
measured mineral resource
" and "
measured resources
" means "
measured mineral
resource
" as defined by the CIM in the CIM Definition Standards and is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical
characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters to support production planning
and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from
locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity.
"
mineralization
" means the concentration of metals within a body of rock.
"
mineralized material
" under SEC Industry Guide 7 is a mineralized body that has been delineated by appropriately spaced drilling and/or
underground sampling to support a sufficient tonnage and average grade of metal(s). Such a deposit does not qualify as a reserve until a comprehensive evaluation based upon unit cost, grade,
recoveries, and other material factors conclude legal and economic feasibility. Mineralized material is
2
equivalent
to measured plus indicated mineral resources but does not include inferred mineral resources, which terms are defined by the CIM.
"
ore
" means material containing minerals that can be economically extracted.
"
oxide
" means mineralized rock in which some of the original minerals have been oxidized (
i.e.
, combined
with oxygen). Oxidation tends to make the ore more porous and permits a more complete permeation of cyanide solutions so that minute particles of gold in the interior of the minerals will be more
readily dissolved.
"
preliminary feasibility study
" ("PFS") as defined by the CIM is a comprehensive study of the viability of a mineral project that has advanced to a
stage where the mining method, in the case of underground mining, or the pit configuration, in the case of an open pit, has been established, and an effective method of mineral processing has been
determined, and includes a financial analysis based on reasonable assumptions of technical, engineering, legal, operating, economic, social and environmental factors and the evaluation of other
relevant factors, which are sufficient for a qualified person, acting reasonably, to determine if all or part of the mineral resource may be classified as a mineral reserve.
"
probable reserves
" under SEC Industry Guide 7 means reserves for which quantity and grade and/or quality are computed from information similar
to that used for proven reserves, but the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately spaced. The degree of assurance, although lower than that
for proven reserves, is high enough to assume continuity between points of observation.
"
probable mineral reserves
" as defined by the CIM in the CIM Definition Standards is the economically mineable part of an indicated and, in some
circumstances, a measured mineral resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. This study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, and
other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified.
"
proven reserves
" under SEC Industry Guide 7 means reserves for which (a) quantity is computed from dimensions revealed in outcrops,
trenches, workings or drill holes; grade and/or quality are computed from the results of detailed sampling and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are spaced so
closely and the geologic character is so well defined that size, shape, depth and mineral content of reserves are well established.
"
proven mineral reserves
", as defined by the CIM in the CIM Definition Standards, is the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource
demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. This study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at
the time of reporting, that economic extraction is justified.
"
qualified person
" as defined under NI 43-101 means an individual who (a) is an engineer or geoscientist with a
university degree, or equivalent accreditation, in an area of geoscience or engineering, relating to mineral exploration or mining; (b) has at least five years of experience in mineral
exploration, mine development or operation, or mineral project assessment or any combination of these that is relevant to his or her professional degree or area of practice; (c) has experience
relevant to the subject matter of the mineral project and the technical report; and (d) is in good standing with a professional association; and (e) in the case of a professional
association in a foreign jurisdiction, has a membership designation that (i) requires attainment of a position of responsibility in their profession that requires the exercise of independent
judgment; and (ii) requires (A) a favorable, confidential peer evaluation of the individual's character, professional judgment, expertise and ethical fitness; or (B) a
recommendation for membership by at least two peers, and demonstrated prominence or expertise in the field of mineral exploration or mining. Note: a professional association is a
self-regulatory organization of engineers, geoscientists or both that, among other criteria, requires compliance with the professional standards of competence and ethics established by the
organization and has disciplinary powers over its members.
3
"
recovery
" means that portion of the metal contained in the ore that is successfully extracted by processing, expressed as a percentage.
"
sampling
" means selecting a fractional, but representative, part of a mineral deposit for analysis.
"
sediment
" means solid material settled from suspension in a liquid.
"
stockwork
" means a rock mass interpenetrated by small veins of mineralization.
"
strike
", when used as a noun, means the direction, course or bearing of a vein or rock formation measured on a level surface and, when used as a verb,
means to take such direction, course or bearing.
"
strike length
" means the horizontal dimension of a mineral deposit or zone of mineralization.
"
stripping ratio
" means the ratio of waste to ore in an open pit mine.
"
sulfide
" means a compound of sulfur and some other element. From a metallurgical perspective, sulfide rock is primary ore that has not been oxidized.
Both ore and waste may contain sulfide minerals.
"
tailings
" means material rejected from a mill after most of the valuable minerals have been extracted.
"
vein
" means a fissure, fault or crack in a rock filled by minerals that have traveled upwards from some deep source.
"
volcaniclastic
" means derived by ejection of volcanic material from a volcanic vent.
"
waste
" means rock lacking sufficient grade and/or other characteristics of ore.
4
USE OF NAMES
In this annual report on Form 10-K, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms "we", "us", "our", "Vista", "Vista Gold", the "Company" or the
"Corporation" refer to Vista Gold Corp. and its subsidiaries.
CURRENCY
References to C$ refer to Canadian currency, A$ to Australian currency and $ or US$ to United States currency. All dollars amounts are expressed in thousands of dollars
except references to per ounce and per share amounts.
METRIC CONVERSION TABLE
To Convert Imperial Measurement Units
|
|
To Metric Measurement Units
|
|
Multiply by
|
Acres
|
|
Hectares
|
|
0.4047
|
Feet
|
|
Meters
|
|
0.3048
|
Miles
|
|
Kilometers
|
|
1.6093
|
Tons (short)
|
|
Tonnes
|
|
0.9071
|
Gallons
|
|
Liters
|
|
3.7850
|
Ounces (troy)
|
|
Grams
|
|
31.103
|
Ounces (troy) per ton (short)
|
|
Grams per tonne
|
|
34.286
|
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report, including all exhibits hereto and any documents that are incorporated by reference as set forth on the face page under "Documents incorporated by
reference", contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
and forward-looking
information under Canadian securities laws that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this
annual report on Form 10-K, our other filings with the SEC and Canadian securities commissions and in press releases and public statements by our officers or representatives that
address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, including, but not limited to,
such things as those listed below:
-
-
proposed
use of proceeds from our private placement completed in October 2010 and our public offering completed in April 2011;
-
-
estimates
of future operating and financial performance;
-
-
potential
funding requirements and sources of capital;
-
-
the
timing, performance and results of feasibility studies;
-
-
plans
and anticipated effects of the holding of approximately 27.8% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Midas Gold Corp.;
-
-
timing
and receipt of required land use, environmental and other permits for the Concordia gold project and timing for completion of drilling and testing programs at the
Concordia gold project;
-
-
timing
and outcome for the amendment to our application for the Change of Forest Land Use Permit ("CUSF") for the Concordia gold project and the anticipated
re-filing of the application with the Mexican Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources ("SEMARNAT");
5
-
-
capital
and operating cost estimates for the Concordia gold project, and anticipated timing for the commencement of construction at the Concordia gold project;
-
-
plans
for evaluation of the Mt. Todd gold project;
-
-
definitive
feasibility study and resource estimate results at the Mt. Todd gold project;
-
-
exploration,
resource estimate and preliminary assessment results at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project;
-
-
future
business strategy, competitive strengths, goals and expansion and growth of our business;
-
-
our
potential status as a gold producer;
-
-
plans
and estimates concerning potential project development, including matters such as schedules, estimated completion dates and estimated capital and operating
costs; and
-
-
estimates
of mineral reserves and mineral resources.
The
words "estimate," "plan," "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "believe," "will," "may" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.
These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information. These factors include such risks as:
-
-
feasibility
study results and preliminary assessment results and the accuracy of the mineral estimates on which they are based;
-
-
resource
estimates results and the accuracy of assay reports and geologic interpretations on which they are based;
-
-
the
economic viability of mineral deposits;
-
-
our
ability to obtain, renew or maintain the necessary authorizations and permits for our business, including our development plans and operating activities;
-
-
the
timing and results of a definitive feasibility study on the Mt. Todd gold project;
-
-
delays
in commencement of construction on the Mt. Todd gold project;
-
-
our
ability to secure the permits for the Mt. Todd gold project;
-
-
delays
in commencement of construction on the Concordia gold project;
-
-
status
of our required governmental permits for the Concordia gold project;
-
-
the
amendment and re-filing of our CUSF application and the uncertainty regarding SEMARNAT's review of our amended CUSF application;
-
-
political
factors influencing the approval of our CUSF application;
-
-
possible
impairment or write down of the carrying value of the Concordia gold project if the CUSF is not granted;
6
-
-
increased
costs that affect our financial condition;
-
-
our
reliance on third parties to fulfill their obligations under our agreements;
-
-
whether
projects not managed by us will comply with our standards or meet our objectives;
-
-
a
shortage of equipment and supplies;
-
-
whether
our acquisition, exploration and development activities, as well as the realization of the market value of our assets will be commercially successful and whether any
transactions we enter into will maximize the realization of the market value of our assets;
-
-
acquisition
and integration issues;
-
-
trading
price of our securities and our ability to raise funds in new share offerings due to future sales of our common shares in the public or private market and our
ability to raise funds from the exercise of our warrants;
-
-
fluctuations
in the price of our securities;
-
-
the
lack of dividend payments by us;
-
-
the
success of future joint ventures, partnerships and other arrangements relating to our properties;
-
-
the
market price of the securities held by us;
-
-
our
lack of recent production and limited experience in producing;
-
-
reclamation
liabilities, including reclamation requirements at the Mt. Todd gold project;
-
-
our
history of losses from operations;
-
-
historical
production not being indicative of potential future production;
-
-
future
water supply issues;
-
-
environmental
lawsuits;
-
-
lack
of adequate insurance to cover potential liabilities;
-
-
our
ability to retain and hire key personnel;
-
-
fluctuations
in the price of gold;
-
-
inherent
hazards of mining exploration, development and operating activities;
-
-
the
accuracy of calculations of mineral reserves, mineral resources and mineralized material and fluctuations therein based on metal prices, inherent vulnerability of the
ore and recoverability of metal in the mining process;
-
-
changes
in environmental regulations to which our exploration and development operations are subject;
-
-
changes
in climate change regulations;
7
-
-
changes
in corporate governance and public disclosure regulations;
-
-
uncertainty
related to our receipt of future payments in connection with our interest in the Amayapampa gold project;
-
-
intense
competition in the mining industry;
-
-
our
ability to raise additional capital on favorable terms, if at all;
-
-
conflicts
of interest of some of our directors as a result of their involvement with other natural resource companies;
-
-
potential
challenges to our title to our mineral properties;
-
-
political
and economic instability in Mexico and Indonesia;
-
-
fluctuation
in foreign currency values; and
-
-
our
likely status as a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC") for U.S. federal tax purposes.
For
a more detailed discussion of such risks and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements and forward-looking
information, please see "Item 1A. Risk Factors" below in this annual report on Form 10-K. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or
intended. There can be no assurance that these statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in the statements. Except as
required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any
forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
8
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
Overview
Vista Gold is currently engaged in the evaluation, acquisition, exploration and advancement of gold exploration and potential development projects, which may lead to gold
production, as well as the realization of the market value of our assets. Historically, our approach to acquisitions of gold projects has generally been to seek projects within political jurisdictions
with well-established mining, land ownership and tax laws, which have adequate drilling and geological data to support the completion of a third-party review of the geological data and to
complete an estimate of gold mineralization. In addition, we look for opportunities to improve the value of our gold projects through exploration drilling and/or technical studies resulting in changes
to the operating assumptions underlying previous engineering work.
We
are continuing to move our more advanced projects through technical, engineering and feasibility studies so that production decisions can be made on those projects.
Currently,
our holdings include the Mt. Todd gold project in Australia; the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico; the Concordia gold project in Mexico; the Awak Mas gold project in
Indonesia; the Long Valley gold project in California; and mining claims in Utah. Additional information about these projects is available under the section heading "Item 2. Properties" below.
In addition, we also own
approximately 28% of the shares of Midas Gold Corp., a company exploring for gold and developing the Golden Meadows project in the Yellow Pine-Stibnite District in Idaho, USA.
We
do not produce gold and do not currently generate operating earnings. Through 2011, funding to acquire and explore our gold properties and to operate the Corporation has been acquired through an
equity financing consisting of a public offering of our Common Shares. We expect to continue to raise capital through additional equity and/or debt financings, and through the exercise of stock
options and warrants.
Vista
Gold Corp. was originally incorporated on November 28, 1983 under the name "Granges Exploration Ltd." In November 1983, Granges Exploration Ltd. acquired all the
mining interests of Granges AB in Canada. On June 28, 1985, Granges Exploration Ltd. and Pecos Resources Ltd. amalgamated under the name "Granges Exploration Ltd.," and on
June 9, 1989, Granges Exploration Ltd. changed its name to "Granges Inc." On May 1, 1995, Granges Inc. and Hycroft Resources & Development Corporation were
amalgamated under the name "Granges Inc." Effective November 1, 1996, Granges Inc. and Da Capo Resources Ltd. amalgamated under the name "Vista Gold Corp." Effective
December 17, 1997, Vista Gold was continued from British Columbia to the Yukon Territory, Canada under the
Business Corporations Act
(Yukon
Territory). On September 22, 2006, we entered into an arrangement and merger agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") with Allied Nevada Gold Corp. ("Allied"), Carl Pescio and Janet
Pescio (collectively, the "Pescios") pursuant to which our Nevada-based mining properties and related assets were transferred to Allied, and the Pescios' interests in certain Nevada-based mining
properties and related assets were transferred to Allied. Completion of the transaction occurred on May 10, 2007. The current addresses, telephone and facsimile numbers of the offices of the
Corporation are:
Executive Office
|
Registered and Records Office
|
Suite 5 - 7961 Shaffer Parkway
Littleton, Colorado, USA 80127
Telephone: (720) 981-1185
Facsimile: (720) 981-1186
|
200 - 204 Lambert Street
Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada Y1A 3T2
Telephone: (867) 667-7600
Facsimile: (867) 667-7885
|
9
Employees
As of December 31, 2011, we had 33 full-time employees, 11 of whom were employed at our executive office in Littleton, Colorado, 9 of whom were
employed at our Mt. Todd gold project and 13 of whom were employed at the Concordia project. We use consultants with specific skills to assist with various aspects of our project evaluation, due
diligence, corporate governance and property management.
Segment Information
Segment information relating to the Corporation is provided in Notes 5, 6 and 20 to our Consolidated Financial Statements under the section heading
"Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" below.
Significant Developments in 2011
-
-
In
2011, we received the initial results of our Phase I surface sampling program completed at our Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico. In
June 2011, we initiated the first phase of a two-phase exploration program. In Phase I, vein outcrops, mostly in the form of stockwork, were mapped and 187 samples
were collected for assay analysis. The initial results from Phase I have confirmed the surface continuity of gold/silver bearing veins over a combined strike length of 14 km. Chip
samples collected from the stockwork surface expression of the veins contain silver grades as high as 653 grams/tonne ("g/t") and gold grades as high as 7.3 g/t. During
October 2011, we received the permits for our planned drilling program at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, and drilling on a 12-hole core program has started. This
program is designed to accomplish two objectives: 1) obtain core for metallurgical testing from the stockwork that is the host for the project's current reported estimated mineral resources,
and 2) test the potential for high gold grades and bonanza silver grades in the underlying low-sulfidation epithermal vein systems. See section heading "Item 2.
PropertiesGuadalupe de los Reyes Gold/Silver Project, Sinaloa, Mexico" below.
-
-
On
September 6, 2011, we announced the results of our new mineral resource estimate for the Batman deposit at the Corporation's Mt. Todd gold project in Northern
Territory, Australia. The new mineral resource estimate includes all previous drilling information plus the results from the 2010-2011 drilling program, which were previously announced by
the Corporation on June 27, 2011. See the section heading "Item 2. PropertiesMt. Todd Gold Project, Northern Territory, Australia" below.
-
-
On
June 14, 2011, we announced that on June 13, 2011, the Corporation's wholly-owned subsidiary, Vista Gold (Barbados) Corp. ("Vista Barbados") entered into an
additional option agreement ("Additional Option Agreement") with Pan Asia Resources Corp. ("Pan Asia"). The Additional Option Agreement provides Pan Asia with the opportunity to earn an
additional 20% interest in our Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia after it has earned a 60% interest in the project pursuant to the joint venture agreement between Vista Barbados and Pan Asia
that was executed in December 2009. Pan Asia can acquire the additional 20% interest by (a) making cash payments totaling $2,500 over a nine-month period; (b) issuing
shares with a value equal to $2,000 or making a cash payment of $2,000 within 12 months, depending on whether Pan Asia completes an initial public offering; and (c) carrying out a
5,000 meter drilling program in an area outside of the current project resource area within 18 months. In September 2011, the Additional Option Agreement and joint venture
agreement were assigned from Pan Asia to Awak Mas Holdings Pty. (an affiliate of Pan Asia). During the year ended December 31, 2011, we received $1,000 under the Additional Option
Agreement. See the section heading "Item 2. PropertiesAwak Mas Gold Project, Sulawesi, Indonesia" below.
-
-
On
May 5, 2011, we announced that our resale registration statement on Form S-3, initially filed with the SEC on March 15, 2011, was
declared effective. The registration statement registers for resale Common Shares, warrants and Common Shares acquirable upon the exercise of warrants (collectively, the "securities") held by certain
security holders named in the prospectus contained in the registration statement. The registration statement also registers the issuance by the Corporation of Common Shares
10
underlying
the warrants by holders that purchase the warrants pursuant to the resale registration statement. The Corporation will not receive any proceeds from the resale of the securities, other than
proceeds relating to the exercise of warrants, if those warrants are exercised. See "Item 8Consolidated Financial StatementsNote 9".
-
-
On
April 20, 2011, we announced that we had closed our public offering of 9,000,000 Common Shares at a price of C$3.30 ($3.43 based on the exchange rate on
April 20, 2011) per Common Share for aggregate proceeds of C$29,700 ($30,870 based on the exchange rate on April 20, 2011). We have been utilizing the proceeds as follows:
(i) advancement of the Mt. Todd gold project, (ii) exploration at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, (iii) permitting process at the Concordia gold project, and
(iv) general corporate and working capital purposes. See "Item 8Consolidated Financial StatementsNote 9".
-
-
On
April 6, 2011, we announced the completion of the combination (the "Combination") involving Midas Gold, Inc., Vista's wholly-owned subsidiary, Vista
Gold U.S. Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Idaho Gold Resources, LLC., whereby each party contributed their respective gold assets in the Yellow Pine-Stibnite District
in Idaho to a new Canadian private company named Midas Gold Corp. ("Midas Gold"). In exchange for the contribution of its Yellow Pine assets, Vista U.S. Inc. was issued 30,402,615 common
shares in the capital of Midas Gold ("Midas Gold Shares").
Concurrently
with the Combination, Midas Gold completed a private placement of 6,129,800 Midas Gold Shares at a purchase price of C$2.50 ($2.59 based on the exchange rate on April 6,
2011) per share to raise gross proceeds of C$15,325 ($15,876 based on the exchange rate on April 6, 2011) (the "Private Placement"). We purchased 1,400,000 Midas Gold Shares
through the Private Placement for an aggregate purchase price of C$3,500 ($3,632 based on the exchange rate on April 6, 2011). Following completion of the Combination and the Private Placement,
Vista and Vista US together held 31,802,615 Midas Gold Shares representing as at April 6, 2011 approximately 37.4% (basic) and 34.2% (fully diluted basis) of the issued and outstanding
Midas Gold Shares.
On
July 14, 2011, Midas Gold successfully completed an initial public offering ("IPO"), issuing 13,930,855 Midas Gold Shares. Midas Gold Shares began trading on the Toronto Stock
Exchange ("TSX") under the symbol "MAX." Vista owns 31,802,615 Midas Gold Shares, which following the completion of Midas Gold's IPO, represented 30.2% of the 105,241,936 issued and
outstanding Midas Gold Shares as of September 30, 2011. See "Subsequent Events" below and "Item 8Consolidated Financial StatementsNote 7".
-
-
On
March 7, 2011, we announced that we had repaid our $23,000 principal amount of outstanding 10% senior secured convertible notes (plus accrued interest), which
matured on March 4, 2011. These payments were made using available cash and did not require any borrowing. See "Item 8Consolidated Financial
StatementsNote 8".
-
-
On
March 2, 2011, we announced that the 15,308,044 warrants issued on December 15, 2010 in connection with our private placement that closed on
October 22, 2010, began trading March 1, 2011 on the TSX under the symbol VGZ.WT.U. See "Item 8Consolidated Financial StatementsNote 10".
-
-
On
January 4, 2011, we announced the positive results of a new preliminary feasibility study ("PFS") for the Batman deposit at our Mt. Todd gold project that is
designed to process all economic mineralization and store tailings in the existing tailings facility and the excess in a new tailings facility. Processing would be at a significantly higher daily rate
than that used in the PFS announced in August 2010. See the section heading "Item 2. PropertiesMt. Todd Northern Territory, Australia" below.
Payments on Properties
Through the use of cash and equity units, consisting of our Common Shares and warrants to purchase Common Shares as consideration, we continued our effort to build a portfolio
of gold projects through a strategy that
11
includes
evaluation, acquisition and exploration of gold exploration and potential development projects with the aim of adding value to the projects. In addition, we continued our efforts to improve
the value of our gold projects through exploration drilling and re-engineering the operating assumptions underlying previous engineering work. We continued making the scheduled payments on
the Yellow Pine gold project until that property was contributed to Midas Gold. These payments are described under the section heading "Item 2. Properties" below. We are current with all our
payment obligations.
Subsequent Events
-
-
On
January 1, 2012, we granted 300,000 restricted stock units ("RSUs") to certain employees. The terms of the restricted stock units agreement provide that the
vesting period for the RSUs is at least one year and that the RSUs will vest when the average adjusted value of our Common Shares (or shares plus dividends or distribution value) measured over
any consecutive 30-day period is two times the closing trading price of the Common Shares as listed on the New York Stock Exchange American Exchange ("NYSE AMEX") on
November 2, 2011 of $3.78 per share. The adjusted value is the closing trading price of the Common Shares as listed on the NYSE AMEX (on any given day) divided by one (1) plus the
percentage change (increase/decrease) from date the RSUs were granted to the current date of the average of the AMEX Gold Basket of Unhedged Gold Stocks Index ("HUI") and the Philadelphia Gold and
Silver Sector Index ("XAU"). In the event the share-price vesting provision is met prior to the end of one year, the RSUs will vest at the end of one year regardless of the share price at
that time.
-
-
On
January 3, 2012, we announced that effective January 1, 2012, Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation was appointed
to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Earnest's new title is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Mr. Earnest's appointment follows the retirement of Michael
B. Richings as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Mr. Richings will continue to be actively involved with Vista in his role as a director and the Chairman of the
Corporation's Board of Directors.
-
-
On
January 19, 2012, we announced the results of the initial drilling program for the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico, which was
initiated in November 2011. With the results of the first 10 core holes, we have begun to achieve our objectives of: (i) obtaining core for metallurgical testing from the
stockwork that is the host for the project's current reported estimated resource in support of a planned Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA"); (ii) testing for the potential for high gold
and silver grades in the underlying low-sulfidation epithermal vein systems, with hole 11GW-001 intersecting 1.5 meters of 5.46 g/t gold and
645.7 g/t silver at 60 meters below surface; and (iii) confirming the historic reverse circulation drill results with diamond core drilling. See the section heading
"Item 2. PropertiesGuadalupe de los Reyes Gold/Silver Project, Sinaloa, Mexico" below.
-
-
On
February 3, 2012, Republic Gold Ltd. announced that it had suspended operations in Bolivia at the Amayapampa gold project pending regulatory and policy
certainty specifically related to the nationalization of mining assets and the implications of the (draft) mining code. Republic Gold Ltd. stated that it will assess its options in Bolivia,
which may include the sale of its assets. See "Item 8Consolidated Financial StatementsNote 3" for further discussion regarding Vista's interest in the
Amayapampa project.
-
-
On
February 7, 2012, we announced that the Corporation had entered into an Earn-in Right Agreement (the "Earn-in Right Agreement") with Mexico-based
Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. ("Invecture") with respect to Vista's Concordia gold project in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Invecture is the owner of Frontera Copper Corporation, which owns and
operates the Piedras Verdes Copper Mine in the Mexican State of Sonora. Vista holds the Concordia gold project through its wholly-owned, Mexican subsidiary, Desarrollos Zapal, S.A. de C.V.
("DZ Mexico"). Under the terms of the Earn-in Right Agreement, Invecture made a non-refundable payment of $2,000 in exchange for the right to earn a 60% interest (subject to
adjustment) in DZ Mexico (the "Earn-in Right"). The Earn-in Right will expire if not exercised by February 7, 2014, subject to extension in certain circumstances
(the "Earn-in Period"). The
12
Earn-in
Right Agreement provides that during the Earn-in Period, Invecture will, at its sole expense, manage and operate the Concordia gold project and will undertake all commercially
reasonable efforts to obtain the CUSF and the Authorization of Environmental Impact which are required to develop the project.
The
Earn-in Right Agreement provides that the exercise of the earn-in right by Invecture is conditional upon, among other things: (i) receipt of the CUSF and the
Authorization of Environmental Impact; (ii) the completion of a feasibility report on the Concordia gold project that updates the existing feasibility report with respect to costs;
(iii) Invecture funding the Concordia gold project during the Earn-in Period; and (iv) Invecture making an additional payment of $20,000 to DZ Mexico, which amount will be
used to repay intercompany loans owed by DZ Mexico to Vista.
During
the Earn-in Period and subject to the terms of the Earn-in Right Agreement, Vista holds 40% of the DZ Mexico shareholder voting rights. The remaining 60% of the DZ
Mexico shareholder voting rights are held in a trust that will be instructed by representatives of Vista and Invecture. Upon Invecture's exercise of the Earn-in Right, Vista will continue
to hold a 40% interest (subject to adjustment) in DZ Mexico and the Concordia gold project.
As
part of the Earn-in Right Agreement, DZ Mexico has transferred all of its other material assets, including the mill equipment acquired by Vista for the Concordia gold project in 2008
and the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, to other entities in the Vista group of companies. Vista has granted Invecture the option to cause DZ Mexico to acquire the mill equipment for
$16,000 plus storage, insurance and transportation costs and any applicable taxes. This option is exercisable by Invecture until February 7, 2013.
-
-
On
February 14, 2012, Midas Gold announced that it completed a private placement financing of a total of 9,085,000 special warrants at a price of C$4.45 ($4.45
based on the exchange rate on February 14, 2012) for aggregate proceeds of C$40,428 ($40,448 based on the exchange rate on February 14, 2012). Following completion of this private
placement, Vista and its wholly-owned subsidiary Vista Gold U.S. Inc. ("Vista US") together hold 31,802,615 Midas Gold Shares representing approximately 27.8% (basic) and
25.4% (fully diluted basis) of the issued and outstanding Midas Gold Shares. See "Item 8Consolidated Financial StatementsNote 7" for further discussion
regarding Vista's investment in Midas Gold.
-
-
On
February 27, 2012, we announced the positive results from our drilling program, which is in progress at our Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project that confirm
our hypothesis that there is potential for high grade gold and silver mineralization in the district. See the section heading "Item 2. PropertiesGuadalupe de los Reyes Gold/Silver
Project, Sinaloa, Mexico" below.
-
-
On
March 12, 2012, we announced initial results from our resource conversion drilling program, which is in progress at our Mt. Todd gold project. In addition, we
announced our decision to build a project development team and to evaluate the potential for a larger project as our definitive feasibility study nears completion. See the section heading
"Item 2Properties, Mt. Todd Gold Project, Northern Territory, Australia" below.
13
Corporate Organization Chart
The name, place of incorporation, continuance or organization and percent of equity securities owned or controlled by Vista Gold as of March 12, 2012 for each of its
subsidiaries is set out below.
-
(a)
-
On
February 7, 2012, we entered into an Earn-in Right Agreement with Invecture whereby Invecture has the right to earn a 60% interest in the Concordia gold project,
which is owned through our wholly-owned, Mexican subsidiary, Desarrollos Zapal, S.A. de C.V. During the Earn-in Period and subject to the terms of the Earn-in Right
Agreement, Vista holds 40% of the DZ Mexico shareholder voting rights. The remaining 60% of the DZ Mexico shareholder voting rights will be held in a trust that are instructed by representatives of
Vista and Invecture. Upon Invecture's exercise of the Earn-in Right, Vista will continue to hold a 40% interest (subject to adjustment) in DZ Mexico and the Concordia gold project. See
"Subsequent Events" above.
Property Interests and Mining Claims
In the United States, our exploration activities are conducted in California and Utah. Mineral interests may be owned in these states by (a) the
United States, (b) the state itself, or (c) private parties. Where prospective mineral properties are owned by private parties, or by the state, some type of property acquisition
agreement is necessary in order for us to explore or develop the property. Generally, these agreements take the form of long-term mineral leases under which we acquire the right to explore
and develop the property in exchange for periodic cash payments during the exploration and development phase and a royalty, usually expressed as a percentage of gross production or net profits derived
from the leased properties if and when mines on the properties are brought into production. Other forms of acquisition agreements are exploration agreements coupled with options to purchase and joint
venture agreements. Where prospective mineral properties are held by the United States, mineral rights may be acquired through the location of unpatented mineral claims upon unappropriated
federal land. If the statutory requirements for the location of a mining claim are met, the locator obtains a valid possessory right to develop and produce minerals from the claim. The right can be
freely transferred and, provided that the locator is able to prove the discovery of locatable minerals on the claims, is protected against appropriation by the government without just compensation.
The claim locator also acquires the right to obtain a patent or fee title to his claim from the federal government upon compliance with certain additional procedures.
Mining
claims are subject to the same risk of defective title that is common to all real property interests. Additionally, mining claims are self-initiated and self-maintained
and therefore, possess some unique vulnerabilities not associated with other types of property interests. It is impossible to ascertain the validity of unpatented mining claims solely from an
examination of the public real estate records and, therefore, it can be difficult or impossible to confirm that all of the requisite steps have been followed for location and maintenance of a claim.
If the validity of a patented mining claim is challenged by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management or the U.S. Forest Service on the grounds that mineralization has not been demonstrated,
the claimant has the
14
burden
of proving the present economic feasibility of mining minerals located thereon. Such a challenge might be raised when a patent application is submitted or when the government seeks to include
the land in an area to be dedicated to another use.
Reclamation
We generally are required to mitigate long-term environmental impacts by stabilizing, contouring, re-sloping and revegetating various portions of a site
after mining and mineral processing operations are completed. These reclamation efforts are conducted in accordance with detailed plans, which must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate
regulatory agencies.
Government Regulation
Our mining operations and exploration activities are subject to various national, state, provincial and local laws and regulations in the United States, Mexico,
Australia, Indonesia and other jurisdictions, which govern prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, protection of the
environment, mine safety, hazardous substances and other matters. We have obtained or have pending applications for those licenses, permits or other authorizations currently required to conduct our
exploration and other programs. We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable mining, health, safety and environmental statutes and the regulations passed thereunder in
the United States, Mexico, Indonesia, Australia and the other jurisdictions in which we operate. There are no current orders or directions relating to us with respect to the foregoing laws and
regulations. For a more detailed discussion of the various government laws and regulations applicable to our operations and potential negative effects of these laws and regulations, see the section
heading "Item 1A.Risk Factors" below.
Environmental Regulation
Our gold projects are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing protection of the environment. These laws are continually changing and, in
general, are becoming more restrictive. Our policy is to conduct business in a way that safeguards public health and the environment. We believe that our operations are conducted in material
compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Changes
to current local, state or federal laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we operate could require additional capital expenditures and increased operating and/or reclamation costs.
Although we are unable to predict what additional legislation, if any, might be proposed or enacted, additional regulatory requirements could impact the economics of our projects.
During
2011, we believe the only material environmental incident to occur on a Vista property occurred at the Mt. Todd gold project, where on December 26, 2011, more than 340 mm of
precipitation fell in an approximate 1-hour period (a 500-year event). The result was uncontrolled discharges from several of the retention ponds on the property. The current Waste
Discharge License makes accommodation for these "non-typical" events. However, as a result of this event, Vista and the Northern Territory Government are investigating options to ensure
that this type of event will not occur again, and the results of these investigations will likely lead to environmental expenditures at the Mt. Todd gold project site in 2012. None of the other Vista
project sites had any material non-compliance occurrences with any applicable environmental regulations.
Competition
We compete with other mining companies in connection with the acquisition, exploration, financing and development of gold properties. There is competition for the limited
number of gold acquisition and exploration opportunities, some of which is with other companies having substantially greater financial resources than we have. As a result, we may have difficulty
acquiring attractive gold projects at reasonable prices. We also compete with other mining companies for mining engineers, geologists and other skilled personnel in the mining industry and for
exploration and development equipment.
15
We
believe no single company has sufficient market power to affect the price or supply of gold in the world market.
Gold Price History
The price of gold is volatile and is affected by numerous factors all of which are beyond our control, such as the sale or purchase of gold by various central banks and
financial institutions, inflation, recession, fluctuation in the relative values of the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, changes in global and regional gold demand and the political and
economic conditions of major gold-producing countries throughout the world.
The
following table presents the high, low and average afternoon fixed prices in U.S. dollars for an ounce of gold on the London Bullion Market over the past five years:
Year
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
Average
|
2007
|
|
841
|
|
608
|
|
695
|
2008
|
|
1,011
|
|
713
|
|
872
|
2009
|
|
1,213
|
|
810
|
|
972
|
2010
|
|
1,421
|
|
1,058
|
|
1,225
|
2011
|
|
1,895
|
|
1,319
|
|
1,571
|
2012 (to March 12, 2012)
|
|
1,788
|
|
1,590
|
|
1,699
|
-
Data
-
Source:
www.kitco.com
Seasonality
None of our properties are subject to restrictions on our operations due to seasonality.
Available Information
We make available, free of charge, on or through our Internet website, at www.vistagold.com our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q and our current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of
the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our Internet website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be, and are not incorporated into this annual
report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. The risks described below are not the only ones facing our company or otherwise associated with an
investment in our securities. Additional risks not presently known to us or which we currently consider immaterial may also adversely affect our business. We have attempted to identify the major
factors that could cause differences between actual and planned or expected results, and have attempted to include all material risk factors. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our
business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.
We cannot be certain that our acquisition, exploration and development activities will be commercially successful or that any transaction we enter into
will maximize the realization of the market value of our assets.
We currently have no properties that produce gold in commercial quantities. Substantial expenditures are required to acquire existing gold properties, to establish mineral
reserves through drilling and analysis, to develop metallurgical processes to extract metal from the ore and, in the case of new properties, to develop the mining and processing facilities and
infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. We cannot be assured that any mineral reserves or mineral resources acquired or discovered will be in sufficient quantities to justify commercial
operations or that the funds required for development can be obtained on a timely basis. In addition, we have entered, may in the future enter, into agreements with third parties to realize the market
value of certain of our
16
assets.
There is no assurance that transactions resulting from such agreements will maximize or realize the market value of our assets.
We have no history of producing metals from our current mineral properties and limited recent experience with producing mines; there can be no assurance
that we will successfully establish mining operations or profitably produce precious metals.
We have no history of producing metals from our current mineral properties. We do not produce gold and do not currently generate operating earnings. While we seek to move the
Mt. Todd and Concordia gold projects into production, such efforts will be subject to all of the risks associated with establishing new mining operations and business enterprises, including:
-
-
the
timing and cost, which are considerable, of the construction of mining and processing facilities;
-
-
the
ability to find sufficient gold reserves to support a profitable mining operation;
-
-
the
availability and costs of skilled labor and mining equipment;
-
-
compliance
with environmental and other governmental approval and permit requirements;
-
-
the
availability of funds to finance construction and development activities;
-
-
potential
opposition from non-governmental organizations, environmental groups, local groups or local inhabitants that may delay or prevent development
activities; and
-
-
potential
increases in construction and operating costs due to changes in the cost of labor, fuel, power, materials and supplies.
The
costs, timing and complexities of mine construction and development may be increased by the remote location of our properties. It is common in new mining operations to experience unexpected
problems and delays during construction, development and mine start-up. In addition, management of Vista will need to be expanded. This could result in delays in the commencement of
mineral production and increased costs of production. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that our activities will result in profitable mining operations or that we will successfully establish mining
operations.
We have a history of losses and may incur losses in the future.
We have incurred losses in all periods since inception, except for the year ended December 31, 2011, and may incur net losses in the future. We reported the following
earnings/(losses) from operations during each of the following periods:
-
-
approximately
$50,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011;
-
-
approximately
($20,000) for the year ended December 31, 2010; and
-
-
approximately
($6,000) for the year ended December 31, 2009.
We
had an accumulated deficit of approximately $265,000 as at December 31, 2011 and $315,000 and $295,000 as at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.
We
expect to continue to incur losses unless and until such time as one of our properties enters into commercial production and generates sufficient revenues to fund continuing operations. We have
committed and plan to continue to commit substantial capital and other resources to the ongoing development of the Mt. Todd gold project. The amount and timing of future expenditures will depend on a
number of factors, including, but not limited to, the progress of ongoing development and operations, permitting matters, the timing of development,
17
the
costs of production, the commercial viability of production and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. We cannot assure investors that we will ever achieve profitability.
Feasibility study results and preliminary assessment results are based on estimates that are subject to uncertainty.
Feasibility studies are used to determine the economic viability of a deposit, as are pre-feasibility studies and preliminary assessments. Feasibility studies are
the most detailed and reflect a higher level of confidence in the reported capital and operating costs. Generally accepted levels of confidence are plus or minus 15% for feasibility studies, plus or
minus 25-30% for pre-feasibility studies and plus or minus 35-40% for preliminary assessments. These levels reflect the levels of confidence that exist at the time
the study is completed. While these studies are based on the best information available to us for the level of study, we cannot be certain that actual costs will not significantly exceed the estimated
cost. While we incorporate what we believe is an appropriate contingency factor in cost estimates to account for this uncertainty, there can be no assurance that the contingency factor
is adequate.
The economic viability of a mineral deposit is based on many factors that are subject to uncertainty.
Many factors are involved in the determination of the economic viability of a mineral deposit, including the achievement of satisfactory mineral reserve estimates, the level of
estimated metallurgical recoveries, capital and operating cost estimates and estimates of future gold prices. Resource estimates are based on the assay results of many intervals from many drill holes
and the interpolation of those results between holes. Mineral reserve estimates may be materially affected by metallurgical, environmental, permitting, legal title, socio-economic factors, marketing,
political and other factors. There is no certainty that metallurgical recoveries obtained in bench scale or pilot plant scale tests will be achieved in commercial operations. Capital and operating
cost estimates are based upon many factors, including anticipated tonnage and grades of ore to be mined and processed, the configuration of the orebody, ground and mining conditions, expected recovery
rates of the gold from the ore and anticipated environmental and regulatory compliance costs. Each of these factors involves uncertainties, and as a result, we cannot give any assurance that our
development or exploration projects will become operating mines. Further, it may take many years from the initial phase of drilling before production is possible, and during that time, the economic
feasibility of exploiting a discovery may change as the result of changing commodity and supply costs. If a mine is developed, actual operating results may differ from those anticipated in a
feasibility study.
We require certain governmental authorizations and permits for our business, including our development plans and operating activities. We could incur
substantial costs or disruptions to our business if we cannot obtain, renew or maintain the necessary authorizations and permits.
A major risk inherent in our business is the requirement to obtain authorizations and permits from governmental authorities. Delays in obtaining authorizations or permits,
failure to obtain an authorization or permit or receipt of an authorization or permit with unreasonable conditions or costs could have a material adverse effect on our ability to develop one or more
of our gold projects, including, but not limited to, the Mt. Todd gold project. The failure to obtain necessary permits could result in an impairment and write down of the carrying value of
our projects.
As
we proceed with development at the Mt. Todd gold project, we may experience delays in the commencement of construction due to delays in receiving any required permits. There can be no assurance
whether or when construction at the Mt. Todd gold project will commence. If we are unable to acquire the necessary permits for construction and mining at the Mt. Todd gold project, then we will not
have mineral reserves under SEC Industry Guide 7 or NI 43-101, which could result in an impairment and write down of the carrying value of the project.
We
are awaiting receipt of certain permits needed before construction can begin at the Concordia gold project. We continue to experience delays in the commencement of construction on the Concordia
gold project due to delays in receiving the required permits. There can be no assurance whether or when construction at the Concordia gold project will commence. If we (whether ourselves or through
Invecture as part of Invecutre's
18
exercise
of the Earn-in Right) are unable to acquire the required permits to mine the Concordia gold project, then the Concordia gold project will not have mineral reserves under SEC
Industry Guide 7 or NI 43-101, which could result in an impairment and write down of the carrying value of the project.
Potential development at the Mt. Todd gold project depends, in part, on obtaining a positive definitive feasibility study.
We have engaged independent consultants to prepare a definitive feasibility study on the Mt. Todd gold project. There can be no assurance that the results of the definitive
feasibility study will be positive or that such study will be completed when expected. If the results of the definitive feasibility study are positive, we may be unable to raise additional capital
required to construct a mine at the Mt. Todd gold project (see "
We may be unable to raise additional capital on favorable terms
" below).
There may be delays in commencement of construction on the Mt. Todd gold project.
Delays in commencement of construction could result from delays in receiving the required governmental permits or from factors such as availability and performance of
engineering and construction contractors, suppliers and consultants; availability of required equipment and receipt of required governmental approvals. Any delay in the performance of any one or more
of the contractors, suppliers, consultants or other persons on which we depend, or lack of availability of required equipment, or delay or failure to receive required governmental approvals, could
delay or prevent commencement of construction at the Mt. Todd gold project. There can be no assurance whether or when construction at the Mt. Todd gold project will commence or that the necessary
personnel, equipment or supplies will be available to us if and when construction is commenced. If we are unable to acquire permits to mine the property, then we will have no reserves under SEC
Industry Guide 7 and NI 43-101, which could result in an impairment and write down of the carrying value of the project.
There may be delays in commencement of construction on the Concordia gold project.
Delays in commencement of construction could result from delays in receiving the required governmental permits, including permits related to the construction of the
desalination plant, pipeline, power line; or widening of the public access road; or from factors such as availability and performance of engineering and construction contractors, suppliers and
consultants, availability of required equipment and receipt of required governmental approvals. Any delay in the performance of any one or more of the contractors, suppliers, consultants, Invecture or
other persons on which we depend, or lack of availability of required equipment, or delay or failure to receive required governmental approvals, could delay or prevent commencement of construction at
the Concordia gold project. There can be no assurance whether or when construction at the Concordia gold project will commence or that the necessary personnel, equipment or supplies will be available
if and when construction is commenced. If we (whether ourselves or through Invecture as part of Invecture's exercise of the Earn-in Right) are unable to acquire permits to mine the
property, then we will have no reserves under SEC Industry Guide 7 and NI 43-101, which could result in an impairment and write down of the carrying value of the project.
Failure to secure permits for the Mt. Todd gold project could negatively impact our mineral reserves.
We have not received all of the governmental permits for the Mt. Todd gold project. There are many variables and uncertainties involved throughout the permitting process and
approval is not guaranteed. If we are unable to secure all necessary permits, Australian law will prohibit us from mining the Mt. Todd gold project and, accordingly, we will have no reserves at the
Mt. Todd gold project under SEC Industry Guide 7 and NI 43-101, which could result in an impairment and write down of the carrying value of the project.
There may be delays in obtaining the CUSF or a failure in obtaining the CUSF for the Concordia gold project, which could negatively impact the Company's
mineral reserves.
Our initial CUSF application was dismissed on administrative grounds by SEMARNAT. Specifically, SEMARNAT dismissed the CUSF application, without a review of its substantive
merit, for the alleged failure by our Mexican subsidiary, Desarrollos Zapal S.A. de C.V., to provide certain information and satisfy procedural
19
requirements.
We are currently working to clarify SEMARNAT's specific requirements. We (whether ourselves or through Invecture as part of Invecture's exercise of the Earn-in Right) intend
to make the appropriate amendments and re-file a new CUSF application. The CUSF is required before we can commence construction of the Concordia gold project. Amending and
resubmitting the CUSF application for review by SEMARNAT will cause unknown delays in the commencement of the Concordia gold project. There are many variables and uncertainties involved throughout the
CUSF application approval process, which could further delay the application and therefore further delay commencement of the Concordia gold project.
If
we are unable to secure a CUSF, Mexican law will prohibit us from mining the Concordia gold project and, accordingly, we will have no reserves at the Concordia gold project under SEC Industry Guide
7 and NI 43-101, which could result in an impairment and write down of the carrying value of the project.
Increased costs could affect our financial condition.
We anticipate that costs at our projects, including the Mt. Todd gold project, Guadalupe de Los Reyes gold/silver project, Concordia gold project and Awak Mas gold project, as
well as other properties that we may explore or develop, will frequently be subject to variation from one year to the next due to a number of factors, such as changing ore grade, metallurgy and
revisions to mine plans in response to the physical shape and location of the mineral deposit. In addition, costs are affected by the costs of labor and the price of commodities such as fuel and
electricity. Such commodities are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production at certain operations less profitable. A material increase in costs at
any project could have a significant effect on our profitability and could result in an impairment charge.
A shortage of equipment and supplies could adversely affect our ability to operate our business.
We are dependent on various supplies and equipment to carry out our mining exploration and development operations. The shortage of such supplies, equipment and parts could have
a material adverse effect on our ability to carry out our operations and therefore limit or increase the cost of production.
Joint ventures and other partnerships in relation to our properties may expose us to risks.
We have entered into, and may enter into, joint ventures or other partnership arrangements with other parties in relation to the exploration, development and production of
properties in which we have an interest. Joint ventures can often require unanimous approval of the parties to the joint venture or their representatives for certain fundamental decisions, such as an
increase or reduction of registered capital, merger, division, dissolution, amendments of constating documents and the pledge of joint venture assets, which means that each joint venture party may
have a veto right with respect to such decisions, which could lead to a deadlock in the operations of the joint venture or partnership. Further, we may be unable to exert control over strategic
decisions made in respect of such properties. Any failure of such other companies to meet their obligations to us or to third parties, or any disputes with respect to the parties' respective rights
and obligations, could have a material adverse effect on the joint ventures or their properties and therefore could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial performance,
cash flows and the price of our securities.
We rely on third parties to fulfill their obligations under agreements, which may not be successful, and non-managed projects may not comply
with our standards or meet our objectives.
We have entered into agreements with Awak Mas Holdings Pty. ("Awak Mas Holdings") pursuant to which Awak Mas Holdings has an option to acquire up to an 80% beneficial interest
in the Awak Mas gold project. In addition, we have granted Invecture the right to earn a 60% interest in the Concordia gold project. We may enter into similar arrangements with respect to our
properties in the future. Awak Mas Holdings currently operates the Awak Mas gold project and Invecture currently operates the Concordia gold project. Although we have sought to protect our interests
in relation to our arrangements with Awak Mas Holdings and Invecture, these transactions necessarily involve special risks. Whether or not we hold majority interest or maintain operational control in
the projects we hold an interest in, our partners may (i) have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with or opposed to ours; (ii) exercise veto rights so as to
block actions that
20
we
believe to be in the best interests of the project; (iii) take action contrary to our policies or objectives with respect to our investments; or (iv) as a result of financial or other
difficulties, be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations under the joint venture, option, earn-in right or other agreements, such as contributing capital for the expansion or
maintenance of projects. Where projects and operations are controlled and managed by our partners, we may provide expertise and advice, but we have limited control with respect to compliance with our
standards and objectives. Improper management or ineffective policies, procedures or controls could adversely affect the value of the related non-managed projects and operations and, by
association, damage our reputation and thereby harm our operations, value of assets and access to new assets.
In
addition, the exploration and development of our projects (including Awak Mas and Concordia gold projects) require substantial additional financing. If Awak Mas Holdings, Invecture or any of our
other partners are unable to satisfy the funding obligations under their respective agreements with us, we will have
to raise funds from external sources in order to maintain and advance its projects. See "
We may be unable to raise additional capital on favorable
terms
".
Acquisitions and integration issues may expose us to risks.
Our business strategy includes making targeted acquisitions. Any acquisition that we make may be of a significant size, may change the scale of our business and operations, and
may expose us to new geographic, political, operating, financial and geological risks. Our success in our acquisition activities depends on our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates,
negotiate acceptable terms for any such acquisition and integrate the acquired operations successfully with our operations. Any acquisitions would be accompanied by risks. For example, there may be
significant decreases in commodity prices after we have committed to complete the transaction and have established the purchase price or exchange ratio; a material mineral deposit may prove to be
below expectations; we may have difficulty integrating and assimilating the operations and personnel of any acquired companies, realizing anticipated synergies and maximizing the financial and
strategic position of the combined enterprise and maintaining uniform standards, policies and controls across the organization; the integration of the acquired business or assets may disrupt our
ongoing business and our relationships with employees, customers, suppliers and contractors; and the acquired business or assets may have unknown liabilities that may be significant. If we choose to
use equity securities as consideration for such an acquisition, existing shareholders may suffer dilution. Alternatively, we may choose to finance any such acquisition with our existing resources.
There can be no assurance that we would be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with such acquisitions.
The issuance of additional Common Shares may negatively impact the trading price of our securities.
We have issued equity securities in the past and may continue to issue equity securities to finance our activities in the future, including to finance future acquisitions, or
as consideration for acquisitions of businesses or assets. In addition, outstanding options, restricted stock units, warrants and broker warrants to purchase Common Shares may be exercised, resulting
in the issuance of additional Common Shares. The issuance by us of additional Common Shares would result in dilution to our shareholders, and even the perception that such an issuance may occur could
have a negative impact on the trading price of our securities.
The price of our securities may fluctuate and may result in losses to investors.
The trading price of Common Shares has been and may continue to be subject to large fluctuations, which may result in losses to investors. The high and low intraday sale prices
of Common Shares, respectively, on the NYSE AMEX were $3.38 and $1.16 in 2009; $3.45 and $1.30 in 2010 and $4.59 and $2.39 in 2011 and on the TSX were C$3.63 and C$1.40 in 2009; C$3.59 and C$1.33 in
2010 and C$4.55 and C$2.40 in 2011. The high and low intraday sales prices of Common Shares, respectively, on the NYSE AMEX were $3.46 and $3.34 and on the TSX were C$3.41 and C$3.31 on
March 12, 2012. The trading price of the Listed Warrants may be subject to large fluctuations, which may result in losses to investors. The high and low intraday sale prices of the Listed
Warrants, respectively, on the TSX were C$0.70 and C$0.65 on March 12, 2012. The trading price of the
21
Common
Shares and Listed Warrants may increase or decrease in response to a number of events and factors, including:
-
-
material
events in our business;
-
-
trends
in the gold mining industry and the markets in which we operate;
-
-
changes
in the price of gold;
-
-
changes
in financial estimates and recommendations by securities analysts;
-
-
acquisitions
and financings;
-
-
global
and regional political and economic conditions and other factors;
-
-
general
stock market conditions;
-
-
the
operating and share performance of other companies that investors may deem comparable to us; and
-
-
purchase
or sales of blocks of the Common Shares or warrants.
This
volatility may adversely impact the price of the Common Shares or warrants regardless of our operating performance.
We have never declared dividends.
We have never declared or paid any dividends on the Common Shares. Currently, we intend to retain our earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of the business
and do not expect to pay dividends or to make any other distributions in the future, which may limit the way in which investors may realize any returns on their investment.
We cannot be certain that the market price of securities held by us will be sustained or increased.
Our investments in securities of other public companies (including our investment in Midas Gold) are subject to volatility in the share prices of such companies. There can be
no assurance that an active trading market for any of the subject shares is sustainable. The trading prices of the subject shares could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors
beyond our control, including success (or failure) of exploration and development activities, quarterly variations in the subject companies' results of operations, changes in earnings
(if any), estimates made by analysts, conditions in the industry of such companies and macroeconomic developments in North America and globally, currency fluctuations and market perceptions of
the mining industry. Such market fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our investments and the value that we could realize on such investments.
Our continuing historical reclamation obligations at the Mt. Todd gold project and our reclamation requirements on our other properties could require
significant additional expenditures.
We could be responsible for the reclamation obligations related to previous disturbances located on all of its properties, including the Mt. Todd gold project. The Mt. Todd
site was not reclaimed when the original mine closed, and as a result, the dumps and heap leach pad require ongoing care and maintenance. We provide that care and maintenance, but will not be
responsible for the environmental liability resulting from previous operations until we make the decision to re-open the mine and have received the appropriate permits. The reclamation
obligations of the historic operations involve substantially the same areas that we would be required to reclaim if we were to undertake a proposed operation on the property. The obligation therefore
would not necessarily involve a substantially greater obligation than we would assume for our own proposed operations. The award of the permits to us would require an agreement by us to provide a bond
in a form satisfactory to the Northern Territory Government that would cover the expense of the reclamation of the property. The
22
satisfaction
of any bonding requirements and continuing or future reclamation obligations on our properties will require a significant amount of capital. There is a risk that we will be unable to fund
these historical and future reclamation requirements, and further, that the regulatory authorities may increase reclamation and bonding requirements to such a degree that it would not be commercially
reasonable to continue exploration or development activities on such properties, including at the Mt. Todd gold project. Such events could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations,
financial performance, cash flows and the price of our securities.
Historical production of gold at our Mt. Todd gold project may not be indicative of the potential for future development or revenue.
The Mt. Todd gold project was an operating mine in the late 1990's. Based on a review of project files, we believe that approximately 27.1 million short tons grading
0.031 gold ounces per ton and containing 826,000 ounces of gold were extracted between 1996 and the termination of mining in 2000. Processing was by a combination of heap leach
production from oxide ore and cyanidation of sulfide ore. The remaining mineralization consists of sulfide mineralization lying below and along strike of the existing open pit. Historical production
of gold from the Mt. Todd gold project may not be indicative of the potential for future development of the property. Due to the uncertainties associated with exploration and development, including
variations in geology and structure, there is no assurance that our development efforts will be successful or that prior operating results are reflective of additional or economically developable
deposits. Investors in our securities should not rely on historical operations as an indication that our mining properties will be placed into commercial production again or that such properties will
produce revenues or be profitable.
We cannot assure you that we will have an adequate supply of water to complete desired exploration or development of our mining properties.
We have obtained permits and water rights that we currently use to service the activities on our various properties and we plan to obtain all required permits and water rights
to serve other properties we may develop or acquire in the future.
However,
the amount of water that we are entitled to use pursuant to our water rights must be determined by the appropriate regulatory authorities in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Such
regulatory authorities may amend the regulations regarding such water rights, increase the cost of maintaining such water rights or eliminate our current water rights, and we may be unable to retain
all or a portion of such water rights. In addition, water at the Mt. Todd gold project is expected to be provided from a raw water dam and reservoir. Drought or drought-like conditions in
the area feeding the reservoir could limit or extinguish this water supply. Accordingly, there is no assurance that we will have access to the amount of water needed to explore or develop our
properties or to operate a mine at our properties, which may prevent us from generating revenue, and which could materially adversely affect our financial condition, cash flows and the price of
our securities.
We could be subject to environmental lawsuits.
Neighboring landowners and other third parties could file claims based on environmental statutes and common law for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the
release of hazardous substances or other waste material into the environment on or around our properties. There can be no assurance that our defense of such claims will be successful. A successful
claim against us could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, financial condition, results of operation and the price of our securities.
We do not insure against all risks to which we may be subject in our planned operations.
We do not maintain insurance to cover all of the potential risks associated with our operations or future operations. We may also be unable to obtain insurance to cover other
risks at economically feasible premiums or at all. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available, or may not be adequate to cover all liabilities. We might also become subject to liability for
environmental, pollution or other hazards associated with mineral exploration and production that we may not be insured against, which may exceed the limits of our insurance
23
coverage
or which we may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause us to incur significant costs that could materially adversely affect
our financial condition and our ability to fund activities on our properties. A significant loss or liability could force us to reduce or terminate our operations on a specific project
or altogether.
If we fail to hire and retain our key personnel, we may have an adverse effect on our operations.
We depend on a number of key personnel, including Frederick H. Earnest, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Vista, and Terri L. Eggert, the Interim Chief Financial
Officer of Vista. We rely heavily on these individuals for the conduct of our business. We believe that our success depends on the continued service of our key officers and there can be no assurance
that we will be able to retain any or all of such officers. The loss of any one of these personnel could have an adverse effect on our operations. We have employment contracts with each of these key
personnel. We do not have key man life insurance.
Our
ability to manage growth effectively will require us to continue to implement and improve our management systems and to recruit and train new employees. Although we have done so in the past and
expect to do so in the future, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in attracting and retaining skilled and experienced personnel.
The price of gold is subject to fluctuations, which could adversely affect the realizable value of our assets and potential future results of operations
and cash flows.
Our principal assets are mineral reserves and mineral resources, cash, certain mill equipment and the Midas Gold Shares. We intend to attempt to acquire additional properties
containing mineral reserves and mineral resources. The price that we pay to acquire these properties will be, in large part, influenced by the price of gold at the time of the acquisition. Our
potential future revenues are expected to be, in large part, derived from the mining and sale of gold from these properties or from the outright sale or joint venture of some of these properties. The
value of these mineral reserves and mineral resources, and the value of any potential gold production therefrom, will vary in proportion to variations in gold prices. The price of gold has fluctuated
widely, and is affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to,
international, economic and political trends; expectations of inflation; currency exchange fluctuations; central bank activities; interest rates; global or regional consumption patterns and
speculative activities. The effect of these factors on the price of gold, and therefore the economic viability of any of our projects, cannot accurately be predicted. Any drop in the price of gold
would adversely affect our asset values, cash flows, potential revenues and profits.
Mining exploration, development and operating activities are inherently hazardous.
Mineral exploration involves many risks that even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. Operations in which we have direct
or indirect interests will be subject to all the hazards and risks normally incidental to exploration, development and production of gold and other metals, any of which could result in work stoppages,
damage to property and possible environmental damage. The nature of these risks is such that liabilities might exceed any liability insurance policy limits. It is also possible that the liabilities
and hazards might not be insurable, or, we could elect not to be insured against such liabilities due to high premium costs or other reasons, in which event, we could incur significant costs that
could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
Calculations of mineral reserves and of mineral resources are estimates only, subject to uncertainty due to factors, including metal prices, inherent
variability of the ore and recoverability of metal in the mining process.
There is a degree of uncertainty attributable to the calculation of reserves and corresponding grades dedicated to future production. Until mineral reserves are actually mined
and processed, the quantity of ore and grades must be considered as an estimate only. In addition, the quantity of mineral reserves and ore may vary depending on metal prices. Estimates of mineral
resources are subject to uncertainty as well. The estimating of mineral reserves and mineral resources is a subjective process and the accuracy of such estimates is a function of the quantity and
quality of available data and the assumptions used and judgments made in interpreting
24
engineering
and geological information. There is significant uncertainty in any reserve or resource estimate, and the actual deposits encountered and the economic viability of mining a deposit may
differ materially from our estimates. Estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources may have to be recalculated based on changes in metal prices, further exploration or development activity or
actual production experience. This could materially and adversely affect estimates of the volume or grade of mineralization, estimated recovery rates or other important factors that influence
estimates of mineral reserves or mineral resources. Any material change in the quantity of mineral reserves, mineral resources, mineralization, grade or stripping ratio may affect the economic
viability of our properties. In addition, there can be no assurance that gold recoveries or other metal recoveries in small-scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in larger scale tests under
on-site conditions or during production.
Our exploration and development operations are subject to environmental regulations, which could result in us incurring additional costs and operational
delays.
All phases of our operations are subject to environmental regulation. Environmental legislation is evolving in some countries or jurisdictions in a manner that will require
stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of
responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not adversely affect our projects. We are
currently subject to U.S. federal and state government environmental regulations with respect to its project in California in the United States. We are also currently subject to
environmental regulations with respect to our properties in Australia, Mexico and Indonesia.
U.S. Federal Laws
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management requires that mining operations on lands subject to its regulation obtain an approved plan of operations subject to environmental
impact evaluation under the
National Environmental Policy Act.
Any significant modifications to the plan of operations may require the completion of an
environmental assessment or Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") prior to approval. Mining companies must post a bond or other surety to guarantee the cost of post-mining reclamation.
These requirements could add significant additional cost and delays to any mining project we undertake.
Under
the
U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
, mining companies may incur costs for generating, transporting, treating, storing, or
disposing of hazardous waste, as well as for closure and post-closure maintenance once they have completed mining activities on a property. Our mining operations may produce air emissions,
including fugitive dust and other air pollutants, from stationary equipment, storage facilities, and the use of mobile sources, such as trucks and heavy construction equipment, that are subject to
review, monitoring and/or control requirements under the
Federal Clean Air Act
and state air quality laws. Permitting rules may impose limitations on
our production levels or create additional capital expenditures in order to comply with the rules.
The
U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980
, as amended ("CERCLA"), imposes strict, joint and several
liability on parties associated with releases or threats of releases of hazardous substances. Those liable groups include, among others, the current owners and operators of facilities who release
hazardous substances into the environment and past owners and operators of properties who owned such properties at the time the disposal of the hazardous substances occurred. This liability could
include the cost of removal or remediation of the release and damages for injury to the surrounding property. We cannot predict the potential for future CERCLA liability with respect to our
U.S. properties.
California Laws
A new mining operation in California, such as the Long Valley gold project which is on federal unpatented mining claims within a National Forest, requires various federal,
state and local permits. Mining projects require the establishment and presentation of environmental baseline conditions for air, water, vegetation, wildlife, cultural, historical, geological,
geotechnical, geochemical, soil and socioeconomic parameters. An EIS would be
25
required
for any mining activities proposed on public lands. Also required would be a Plan of Operations/Reclamation Plan, and permits for waste-water discharge and wetland disturbance (dredge and
fill); a county mining plan and reclamation plan; a county mining operations permit; special use permits from the U.S. Forest Service; and possibly others. In addition, compliance must be
demonstrated with the
Endangered Species Act
and the
National Historical Preservation Act
consultation
process. Possible county zoning and building permits and authorization may be required. Baseline environmental conditions are the basis by which direct and indirect project-related impacts are
evaluated and by which potential mitigation measures are proposed. If the Long Valley gold project is found to significantly adversely impact any of these baseline conditions, we could incur
significant costs to correct the adverse impact, or delay the start of production. In addition, on December 12, 2002, California adopted a "backfilling law" requiring open-pit
surface mining operations for metallic minerals to back-fill the mines. While we have determined that the geometry of the Long Valley gold project would lend itself to compliance with this
law, future adverse changes to this law could have a corresponding adverse impact on our financial performance and results of operations, for example, by requiring changes to operating constraints,
technical criteria, fees or surety requirements.
Australia Laws
Mineral projects in the Northern Territory are subject to Australian federal and Northern Territory laws and regulations regarding environmental matters and the discharge of
hazardous wastes and materials. As with all mining projects, the Mt. Todd gold project would be expected to have a variety of environmental impacts should development proceed. We are required under
Australian laws and regulations (federal, state and territorial) to acquire permits and other authorizations before the Mt. Todd gold project can be developed and mined. In Australia, environmental
legislation plays a significant role in the mining industry. Various environmental documents, such as the EIS over the Mt. Todd gold project, covering studies on
inter alia
, air, water, pollution,
hazardous and toxic wastes, reclamation of mining area, etc., must be prepared and submitted to the Northern
Territory Minister For Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage and the Australian Government Minister For Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities for approval.
The
preparation of the EIS and related documents and other relevant environmental licenses would involve incurrence of time and costs and there is no assurance that those approvals/licenses can be
obtained in a timely manner. The Northern Territory government also has administrative discretion not to approve the EIS documents or grant the required environmental licenses (including any renewal
or extensions of such documents). We have entered into an agreement with the Northern Territory relating to environmental and rehabilitation issues. We must also comply with Aboriginal heritage
legislation requirements, which require
heritage survey work to be undertaken prior to the commencement of mining operations. All these conditions may result in the occurrence of significant production costs and may delay the production
activity of the Mt. Todd gold project.
These
conditions could frustrate investors seeking certainty in their investments, and as a result, we may incur costs and time to manage any issues that may arise and that could possibly affect the
overall mining activity of the Mt. Todd gold project.
Mexico Laws
We are required under Mexican laws and regulations to acquire permits and other authorizations before the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project or the Concordia gold
project can be developed and mined. Since the passage of Mexico's 1988 General Law on Ecological Equilibrium and Environmental Protection, a sophisticated system for environmental regulation has
evolved. In addition, the North American Free Trade Agreement requirements for regulatory standards in Mexico equivalent to those of the United States and Canada have obligated the Mexican
government to continue further development of environmental regulation. Most regulatory programs are implemented by various divisions of SEMARNAT.
There
can be no assurance that we will be able to acquire the necessary permits or authorizations on a timely basis to complete evaluation activities or to place the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver
project into production. Delays in acquiring any permit, authorization or updates could increase the development cost of the
26
Guadalupe
de los Reyes gold/silver project or delay the start of production. The most significant environmental permitting requirements, as they relate to the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver
project, are developing reports on environmental impacts; regulation and permitting of discharges to air, water and land; new source performance standards for specific air and water pollutant emitting
sources; solid and hazardous waste management regulations; developing risk assessment reports; developing evacuation plans; and monitoring inventories of hazardous materials. If the Guadalupe de los
Reyes gold/silver project is found to not be in compliance with any of these requirements, we could incur significant compliance costs, or might have to delay the start of production.
While
we believe that we have or we or Invecture will be able to obtain the necessary permits to place the Concordia gold project into production, there can be no assurance that we will be able to
acquire updates to necessary permits or authorizations on a timely basis. Delays in acquiring any permit, authorization or updates could increase the development cost of the Concordia gold project, or
delay the start of production. The most significant environmental permitting requirements, as they relate to the Concordia gold project, are developing reports on environmental impacts; regulation and
permitting of discharges to air, water and land; new source performance standards for specific air and water pollutant emitting sources; solid and hazardous waste management regulations; developing
risk assessment reports; developing evacuation plans; and monitoring inventories of hazardous materials. In order to exercise its earn-in right, Invecture will need to obtain such reports
on environmental impact. There is no certainty that Invecture will be successful or that it will meet the conditions necessary to exercise its earn-in right with
respect to the Concordia gold project. If the Concordia gold project is found to not be in compliance with any of these requirements, we could incur significant compliance costs, or might have to
delay the start of production.
Indonesia Laws
We are required under Indonesian laws and regulations to acquire permits and other authorizations before our Indonesian mining project, the Awak Mas gold project, can be
developed and mined. In Indonesia, environmental legislation plays a significant role in the mining industry. Various environmental documents, such as the analysis of environmental impact
("AMDAL") concerning the Awak Mas gold project, covering studies on
inter alia
, air, water, land, pollution, hazardous and toxic
wastes and reclamation of mining area, must be prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Environment for approval. In addition, we are also required to submit periodical environmental reports to the
relevant environmental government agencies pursuant to the AMDAL and other required environmental licenses (
e.g
. license for tailing waste).
The
preparation of AMDAL documents and other relevant environmental license documents involves incurrence of time and costs and there is no assurance that those approvals/licenses can be obtained in a
timely manner. The Indonesian government also has administrative discretion not to approve AMDAL documents or grant the required environmental licenses (including any renewal or extensions of such
documents). All these conditions may delay the production activity of the Awak Mas gold project.
Failure
to meet all of the requirements with respect to the above environmental documents, licensing and report submissions could cause us to be subject to administrative and criminal sanctions as
well as fines. In extreme cases, the administrative sanctions can also be imposed in the form of revocation of our business license and the contract of work that we have with the Indonesian
government.
As
well, from time to time, the implementation of the regional autonomy law in Indonesia can cause uncertainty as to the existence and applicability of national and regional regulations (including in
the environmental sector). Often regional regulations are in conflict with higher regulations that apply nationally. As a result, we may incur cost and time to manage any issues that may arise and
that could possibly affect the overall mining activity of the Awak Mas gold project.
27
Regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change could result in increased operating costs, which could have a material
adverse effect on our business.
A number of governments or governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to various climate change interest groups and the potential
impact of climate change. Legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose significant costs on us, our venture partners and our suppliers, including costs related to
increased energy requirements, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations. Any adopted future climate change regulations could also
negatively impact our ability to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. Given the emotion, political significance and uncertainty around the impact of climate change
and how it should be dealt with, we cannot predict how legislation and regulation will affect our financial condition, operating performance and ability to compete. Furthermore, even without such
regulation, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about potential impacts on climate change by us or other companies in our industry could harm our reputation. The
potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain, and would be particular to the geographic circumstances in areas in which we operate.
Our business is subject to evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations that have increased both our compliance costs and the risk of
noncompliance, which could have an adverse effect on the price of our securities.
We are subject to changing rules and regulations promulgated by a number of governmental and self-regulated organizations, including Canadian securities regulatory
authorities, the SEC, the NYSE AMEX, the TSX and the Financial Accounting Standards Board. These rules and regulations continue to evolve in scope and complexity and many new requirements have been
created in response to laws enacted by Congress, making compliance more difficult and uncertain. For example, on July 21, 2010, Congress passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the "Dodd-Frank Act"). Our efforts to comply with the Dodd-Frank Act and other new regulations have resulted in, and are likely to
continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.
Our receipt of future payments in connection with our disposal of the Amayapampa gold project is subject to uncertainty.
In April 2008, we announced the disposal of our wholly-owned subsidiary Vista Gold (Antigua) Corp. ("Vista Gold Antigua") to Republic Gold Limited ("Republic"). Vista
Gold Antigua indirectly held our interest in the Amayapampa gold project in Bolivia. Under the terms of the transaction, Republic agreed to pay us $3,000 in three equal payments of $1,000. The first
of these payments is due and payable upon the start of commercial production at Amayapampa, followed by $1,000 payments on each of the first and second anniversaries of the start of commercial
production. In addition, Republic has agreed to pay us a net smelter return royalty on the gold produced by or on behalf of Republic from the Amayapampa gold project in varying percentages depending
on the price of gold per ounce. In February 2012, Republic reported that it had suspended activities at the Amayapampa gold project.
The
Amayapampa gold project is not currently in production and we cannot assure that the project will ever become a producing mine or, if production is commenced at the mine, the timing and amounts
for any such production. Further, having disposed of the Amayapampa gold project, we have no control over the development of the project. Depending on whether and when production commences at
Amayapampa and levels of production achieved, receipt by us of the future payments contemplated by the purchase and sale agreement for the Amayapampa gold project is subject to uncertainty. At this
time, it is uncertain whether Republic will advance the Amayapampa gold project.
28
We face intense competition in the mining industry.
The mining industry is intensely competitive in all of its phases. As a result of this competition, some of which is with large established mining companies with substantial
capabilities and with greater financial and technical resources than ours, we may be unable to acquire additional attractive mining claims or financing on terms we consider acceptable. We also compete
with other mining companies in the recruitment and retention of qualified managerial and technical employees. If we are unable to successfully compete for qualified employees, our exploration and
development programs may be slowed down or suspended. We compete with other gold companies for capital. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital, our exploration and development programs may be
jeopardized or we may not be able to acquire, develop or operate gold projects.
We may be unable to raise additional capital on favorable terms, if at all.
The exploration and development of our properties, specifically the construction of mining facilities and commencement of mining operations, require substantial additional
financing. Significant capital investment is required to achieve commercial production from each of our properties. We will have to raise additional funds from external sources in order to maintain
and advance our existing property positions and to acquire new gold projects. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available at all or on acceptable terms, and, if additional
financing is not available, we may have to substantially reduce or cease our operations.
Some of our directors may have conflicts of interest as a result of their involvement with other natural resource companies.
Some of our directors are directors or officers of other natural resource or mining-related companies. Michael B. Richings and Frederick H. Earnest are each a director of Midas
Gold. John Clark is a director of Crown Point Ventures, APIC Petroleum Corporation and Zephyr Minerals Ltd. C. Thomas Ogryzlo is a director of Aura Minerals Inc. and Baja Mining Corp. W.
Durand Eppler is director of Augusta Resource Corporation, Golden Minerals Company and Frontier Mining Limited. Tracy Stevenson is the non-executive chairman and a director of Quaterra
Resources Inc. and a director of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. These associations may give rise to conflicts of interest from time to time. In the event that any such conflict of interest arises, a
director who has such a conflict is required to disclose the conflict at a meeting of the directors of the company in question and to abstain from voting for or against approval of any matter in which
such director may have a conflict. In appropriate cases, the company in question will establish a special committee of independent directors to review a matter in which any directors, or management,
may have a conflict. In accordance with the laws of the Yukon Territory, the directors of all Yukon Territory companies are required to act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of a
company for which they serve as a director.
There may be challenges to the title in our mineral properties.
There may be challenges to title to the mineral properties in which we hold a material interest. If there are title defects with respect to any of our properties, we might be
required to compensate other persons or perhaps reduce our interest in the affected property. Also, in any such case, the investigation and resolution of title issues would divert management's time
from ongoing exploration and development programs.
Our property interests in Mexico and Indonesia are subject to risks from political and economic instability in those countries.
We have property interests in Mexico and Indonesia that may be affected by risks associated with political or economic instability in those countries. The risks include, but
are not limited to, military repression, extreme fluctuations in currency exchange rates, labor instability or militancy, mineral title irregularities and high rates of inflation. In addition, changes
in mining or investment policies or shifts in political attitude in Mexico or Indonesia may adversely affect our business. We may be affected in varying degrees by government regulation with respect
to restrictions on production, price controls, export controls, income taxes, expropriation of property, maintenance of claims, environmental legislation, land use, land claims of local people, water
use and mine safety. The effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted.
29
Our financial position and results are subject to fluctuations in foreign currency values.
Because we have mining exploration and evaluation operations in North America and in Australia and Indonesia, we are subject to foreign currency fluctuations, which may
materially affect our financial position and results. We do not engage in currency hedging to offset any risk of currency fluctuations.
We
measure and report our financial results in U.S. dollars. We have mining projects in the United States, Australia, Mexico and Indonesia, and we are looking for other projects
elsewhere in the world. Economic conditions and monetary policies in these countries can result in severe currency fluctuations.
Currently
all our material transactions in Australia, Mexico and Indonesia are denominated in U.S. dollars. However, if we were to begin commercial operations in any of these or other
countries, it is possible that material transactions incurred in the local currency, such as engagement of local contractors for major projects, will be settled at a U.S. dollar value that is
different from the U.S. dollar value of the transaction at the time it was incurred. This could have the effect of undermining profits from operations in that country.
We are likely a "passive foreign investment company", which will likely have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for
U.S. shareholders.
U.S. shareholders of the Common Shares should be aware that we believe Vista was classified as a PFIC during the taxable year ended December 31, 2011, and based
on current business plans and financial projections, management believes there is a significant likelihood that Vista will be a PFIC during the current taxable year. If we are a PFIC for any year
during a U.S. shareholder's holding period, then such U.S. shareholder generally will be required to treat any gain realized upon a disposition of Common Shares, or any
so-called "excess distribution" received on their Common Shares, as ordinary income, and to pay an interest charge on a portion of such gain or distributions, unless the shareholder makes
a timely and effective "qualified electing fund" ("QEF Election") or a "mark-to-market" election with respect to the Common Shares. A U.S. shareholder who makes a
QEF Election generally must report on a current basis its share of the net capital gain and ordinary earnings for any year in which Vista is PFIC, whether or not we distribute any amounts to our
shareholders. However, U.S. shareholders should be aware that there can be no assurance that we will satisfy record keeping requirements that apply to a QEF Election, or that we will supply
U.S. shareholders with information that such U.S. shareholders require to report under the QEF Election rules, in event that Vista is a PFIC and a U.S. shareholder wishes to make
a QEF Election. Thus, U.S. shareholders may not be able to make a QEF Election with respect to their Common Shares. A U.S. shareholder who makes the
mark-to-market election generally must include as ordinary income each year the excess of the fair market value of the Common Shares over the taxpayer's basis therein. This
paragraph is qualified in its entirety by the discussion below under the heading "Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations." Each U.S. shareholder should consult his or her own tax
advisor regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences of the PFIC rules and the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of the Common Shares.
It may be difficult to enforce judgments or bring actions outside the United States against us and certain of our directors.
We are a Canadian corporation and certain of our directors are neither citizens nor residents of the United States. A substantial part of the assets of several of these
persons, and of Vista, are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for an investor:
-
-
to
enforce in courts outside the United States judgments obtained in United States courts based upon the civil liability provisions of United States
federal securities laws against these persons and us; or
-
-
to
bring in courts outside the United States an original action to enforce liabilities based upon United States federal securities laws against these persons
and us.
30
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
Detailed
information is contained herein with respect to the Mt. Todd gold project, Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, Concordia gold project, Awak Mas gold project and Long Valley gold
project. The Corporation holds the Mt. Todd gold project through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Vista Gold Australia Pty. Ltd.; the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project now held through its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Minera Gold Stake, S.A. de C.V.; the Concordia gold project through its wholly-owned subsidiary, DZ Mexico; the Awak Mas gold project through its indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary, PT Masmindo Dwi; and the Long Valley gold project through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Vista Gold California LLC. Awak Mas Holdings Pty. has an option to earn
up to an 80% interest in the Awak Mas gold project and Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. ("Invecture") has the right to earn up to a 60% interest in the Concordia gold project. See the section
heading "Item 2. PropertiesConcordia Gold Project, Baja California Sur, Mexico" and "Awak Mas Gold Project, Suluwesi, Indonesia" below. Units of measurement are reported in units
used by the qualified person in compiling reports on a project, usually, Imperial units for properties in the U.S. and metric units for properties outside the U.S. We use the units of
measurement as reported by the qualified persons in their respective reports, regardless of property location, in order to correspond to those units as reported by the qualified persons.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors:
This section and other sections of this annual report on Form 10-K contain the
terms "measured mineral resources," "indicated mineral resources,"
"inferred mineral resources," "proven mineral reserves," and "probable mineral reserves" as defined in accordance with NI 43-101. Please note the following regarding
these terms:
-
-
"Measured mineral resources" and "indicated mineral resources"
we advise U.S. investors that while these
terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, these terms are not defined in SEC Industry Guide 7 and the SEC does not normally permit such terms to be used in reports and
registration statements filed with the SEC.
U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be
converted into reserves.
-
-
"Inferred mineral resources"
we advise U.S. investors that while this term is recognized by Canadian
regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It
cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis
of a feasibility study or prefeasibility study, except in rare cases. The SEC normally only permits an issuer to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" as in-place
tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.
U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an inferred mineral resource exists or is
economically or legally minable.
-
-
"Proven mineral reserves" and "probable mineral reserves"
The definitions of proven and probable mineral reserves
used in NI 43-101 differ from the definitions for "proven reserves" and "probable reserves" as found in SEC Industry Guide 7. Accordingly, Vista Gold's disclosure of
mineral reserves herein may not be compatible to information from U.S. companies subject to reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.
Please
see
"Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves"
for further discussion on the differences between terms under NI 43-101 and SEC Industry Guide 7.
Cautionary Note To All Investors Concerning Economic Assessments That Include Mineral Resources:
Mineral resources that are not mineral
reserves have no demonstrated economic viability. The preliminary assessments
31
on
the Awak Mas, and Long Valley gold projects are preliminary in nature and include "inferred mineral resources" that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations
applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that the preliminary assessments at the Guadalupe de los Reyes, Awak Mas, and Long Valley gold
projects will ever be realized.
The
disclosure in this annual report on Form 10-K of a scientific or technical nature for Vista Gold's mineral properties is based on the following technical reports prepared in
accordance with NI 43-101:
-
(i)
-
"Mt.
Todd Gold Project Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment Report, Northern Territory, Australia" dated June 11, 2009 prepared by or under the supervision of
Mr. John Rozelle of Tetra Tech MM, Inc., at that time an independent qualified person. As of May 2011, Mr Rozelle is Vice President, Technical Services for
Vista Gold;
-
(ii)
-
"Mt.
Todd Gold Project Prefeasibility Study, Northern Territory, Australia" dated October 1, 2010 prepared by or under the supervision of Mr. John Rozelle
of Tetra Tech MM, Inc., (at that time an independent qualified person. As of May 2011, Mr Rozelle is Vice President, Technical Services for Vista Gold) and
Mr. Thomas Dyer of Mine Development Associates Inc. ("MDA"), an independent qualified person;
-
(iii)
-
"10.65 MTPY
Preliminary Feasibility Study, Mt. Todd Gold Project, Northern Territory, Australia" dated January 28, 2011 prepared by or under the
supervision of Mr. John Rozelle of Tetra Tech MM, Inc. (at that time an independent qualified person. As of May 2011, Mr Rozelle is Vice President, Technical
Services for Vista Gold), and Mr. Thomas Dyer of MDA, an independent qualified person;
-
(iv)
-
"NI 43-101 Technical
Report, Resource Update, Mt. Todd Gold Project, Northern Territory, Australia" effective date September 6, 2011,
issue date October 19, 2011, prepared by or under the supervision of Dr. Rex Bryan of Tetra Tech MM, Inc., and Dr. Deepak Malhotra of Resource Development Inc., each
an independent qualified person;
-
(v)
-
"Technical
Report for the Guadalupe de los Reyes Gold/Silver Project, Sinaloa, Mexico" dated August 12, 2009 and amended and restated on December 8, 2009
prepared by or under the supervision of Mr. Leonel Lopez of Pincock, Allen & Holt, an independent qualified person;
-
(vi)
-
"Feasibility
Study Update, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Vista Gold Corp., Paredones Amarillos Gold Project, Baja California Sur, Mexico"
(the Paredones Amarillos Gold Project has since been renamed the "Concordia Gold Project) dated September 1, 2009 prepared by or under the supervision of Terry Braun of SRK Consulting
(US), Inc., Steven Ristorcelli and Thomas Dyer of MDA and David Kidd of Golder Associates Inc., each an independent qualified person;
-
(vii)
-
"Preliminary
Assessment, Awak Mas Gold Project, Sulawesi, Indonesia" dated January 16, 2008 prepared by or under the supervision of Mr. John Rozelle of
Gustavson Associates, LLC., at that time an independent qualified person. As of May 2011, Mr Rozelle is Vice President, Technical Services for Vista Gold; and
-
(viii)
-
"Technical
Report, Preliminary Assessment, Long Valley Project, Mono County, California, USA" dated January 9, 2008 prepared by or under the supervision of
Mr. Neil Prenn and Mr. Thomas Dyer of MDA, each an independent qualified person.
32
Mt. Todd Gold Project, Northern Territory, Australia
Property Description and Location
Effective March 1, 2006, we and our subsidiary Vista Gold Australia Pty Ltd. ("Vista Gold Australia"), entered into agreements with Ferrier Hodgson, the Deed
Administrators for Pegasus Gold Australia Pty Ltd. ("Pegasus"), the government of the Northern Territory of Australia and the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation ("JAAC") and other
parties named therein, subject to regulatory approvals, to purchase a 100% interest in the Mt. Todd gold mine (also known as the Yimuyn Manjerr gold mine) in the Northern Territory, Australia. Under
these agreements, we are guarantor of the obligations of our subsidiary Vista Gold Australia.
As
part of the agreements, we agreed to pay Pegasus, A$1,000 ($740) and receive a transfer of the mineral leases and certain mine assets; and pay the Northern Territory government's costs of
management and operation of the Mt. Todd site up to a maximum of approximately A$375 (approximately $277) during the first year of the term (initial term is five years, subject to extensions), and
assume site management and pay management and operation costs in following years. Additionally, we agreed to issue Common Shares with a value of C$1,000 (amounting to 177,053 Common Shares) to
the JAAC as consideration for the JAAC entering into the agreement and for rent for the use of the surface overlying the mineral leases until a decision is reached to begin production. Other agreement
terms provide that we would undertake a technical and economic review of the mine and possibly form one or more joint ventures with the JAAC. In June 2006, the transactions contemplated under
the agreements were completed and effected, with funds held in escrow released to the ultimate vendors and the Common Shares issued to the JAAC. In June 2010, we announced that we had notified
the Northern Territory government that based on our on-going positive results to date, we intend to extend our agreement with the Northern Territory government related to the Mt. Todd gold
project for an additional five-year period to the end of 2015. On November 30, 2010, we, and the Northern Territory government, announced that the agreement has been renewed for an
additional five-year period to 2015.
There
is a royalty equal to 5% of the gross value of gold or other metals commercially extracted from certain mineral concessions which are located outside the zone of mineralization currently defined
by us and
previous operators generally known as the Batman deposit. The royalty is known as the Denehurst royalty. If the Mt. Todd gold project proves feasible, Vista has agreed to offer the JAAC an
opportunity for joint venture participation on a 90% Vista/10% JAAC basis. For rent of the surface during production, the JAAC is entitled to an annual amount equal to 1% of the annual value of
production with an annual minimum of A$50.
33
In
August and September 2007 and in May 2011, we obtained several new exploration licenses, located generally to the north of and contiguous to the Mt. Todd mining licenses.
EL28321, obtained in May 2011, is located west of the main block of tenements. Total land holdings controlled by Vista Gold Australia are approximately 140,227 hectares. A map showing
the location of the mining and exploration licenses and a table with a list of the mining and exploration licenses and the holding requirements follow.
34
Mt. Todd Land Holdings of Vista Gold Australia
|
License
Name
|
|
Serial
Number
|
|
Federal
Claim Type
|
|
Surface
Area
(hectares)
|
|
Location
Description
(UTM)
|
|
Location
Date
|
|
Expiration
Date
|
|
Estimated
Holding
Requirements
Annual Rent
including
GST
(thousands of
Australian
Dollars)
|
|
Annual
Work
Requirement
(thousands of
Australian
Dollars)
|
|
Annual
Reports
Due
|
|
Mining Licenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MLN 1070
|
|
MLN 1070
|
|
Mining License
|
|
3,982
|
|
Mining
License Block
|
|
March 5, 1993
|
|
March 4, 2018
|
|
$72
(due March 4)
|
|
N/A
|
|
April 4
|
|
|
|
|
|
MLN 1071
|
|
MLN 1071
|
|
Mining License
|
|
1,327
|
|
centered at approximately
|
|
March 5, 1993
|
|
March 4, 2018
|
|
$24
(due March 4)
|
|
N/A
|
|
April 4
|
|
|
|
|
|
MLN 1127
|
|
MLN 1127
|
|
Mining License
|
|
80
|
|
188555E,
435665N
|
|
March 5, 1993
|
|
March 4, 2018
|
|
$2
(due March 4)
|
|
N/A
|
|
April 4
|
|
Subtotals
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,389
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$98
|
|
$0
|
|
|
|
Exploration Licenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EL 25576
|
|
EL 25576
|
|
Exploration License
|
|
91,240
|
|
Centered at approximately 192557E, 8446405N
|
|
March 15, 2007
|
|
March 14, 2013
|
|
$49 (due March 14)
|
|
$420
|
|
April 14
|
|
EL 25668
|
|
EL 25668
|
|
Exploration License
|
|
8,773
|
|
Centered at approximately 199000E, 8463964N
|
|
March 17, 2007
|
|
March 16, 2013
|
|
$6 (due August 16)
|
|
$50
|
|
September 16
|
|
EL 25669
|
|
EL 25669
|
|
Exploration License
|
|
4,972
|
|
Centered at approximately 178272E, 8457220N
|
|
March 15, 2007
|
|
March 14, 2013
|
|
$3 (due March 14)
|
|
$40
|
|
April 14
|
|
EL 25670
|
|
EL 25670
|
|
Exploration License
|
|
10,010
|
|
Centered at approximately 185445E, 8424349N
|
|
March 15, 2007
|
|
March 15, 2013
|
|
$6 (due March 14)
|
|
$40
|
|
April 14
|
|
EL 28321
|
|
EL 28321
|
|
Exploration License
|
|
19,843
|
|
Centered at approximately 806729E, 8429210N
|
|
May 3, 2011
|
|
May 2, 2017
|
|
$1
(due May 2)
|
|
$15
|
|
June 2
|
|
Subtotals
|
|
|
|
|
|
134,838
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A$65
|
|
A$565
|
|
|
|
Totals A$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total =
A$163
|
|
Total = A$565
|
|
|
|
Totals US$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total in US$ @ an exchange rate on 1/24/2012 of US$1.00 = A$0.95 = US$171
|
|
Total in US$ @ an exchange rate on 1/24/2012 of US$1.00 = A$0.95 = US$595
|
|
|
|
Grand Totals
|
|
|
|
3 Mining Licenses, 5 Exploration Licenses
|
|
140,227
hectares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US$171
|
|
US$595
|
|
|
|
Surface use rights have been negotiated with the JAAC and are part of that agreement (see discussion above). There is sufficient space on these lands for
all necessary facilities including processing plant, tailings disposal and waste dump areas. There is also sufficient land for heap leach pads, but none are foreseen at this time.
A
Mine Management Plan is developed and submitted annually that details work to be done on the property, such as drilling. Once the plan is approved, work can commence. Vista Gold Australia complies
annually with this procedure and has received approval for all work done on the project to date. It is anticipated that permitting to resume mine production will be relatively straight-forward as the
area has been the subject of historical mining. Any future mining will necessitate an approved closure plan and sufficient bonding to carry-out that closure. An environmental impact
statement will be required for mine development. Further permitting, which is not expected to be an issue, will be required to continue exploration and development.
35
Accessibility, Climate, Vegetation, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
The project is located 56 kilometers by road northwest of Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia, and approximately 250 kilometers south of Darwin. Access is by
existing paved public roads and approximately four kilometers of paved private road. We control and maintain the private paved road.
Mt. Todd
was an operating mine in the late 1990s. Although most of the processing equipment and facilities were removed from the site, basic infrastructure items are still in place, including
project access control point, small shop and office, mill building, and various concrete slabs and floors, as well as a fully functioning tailings impoundment that has capacity to store additional
mill tailings. The Batman pit is partially filled with water that has been pumped from the containment pond downstream of the waste dumps. We will have to dewater the pit and treat the water for
discharge prior to the start of operations. The Mt. Todd site was not reclaimed when the mine closed, and as a result, the dumps and heap leach pad require ongoing care and maintenance.
Precipitation on the waste dumps and heap leach pad result in acid rock drainage which is controlled, in so much as possible, through retention dams, controlled release of acidic water, in accordance
with the waste discharge license, into the Edith River when water levels are high enough to permit such release and treatment of acidic waters in a water treatment plant, as described below. Vista
Gold Australia provides environmental care and maintenance, but is not responsible for the environmental liability resulting from previous operations until we take the decision to re-open
the mine and have received the appropriate permits.
We
completed the installation of a water treatment plant in 2009. The treated water was initially to be stored in the existing tailings impoundment facility, but the above average rainfall experienced
in the 2010-2011 wet season resulted in the suspension of water treatment as a result of the higher than normal level of water in the tailings impoundment facility. Recently, we started
pumping water from the tailings impoundment facility to the Batman Pit and are working with the NT Government to obtain the authorization to in situ treat the water stored in the pit. We expect to
receive the authorization to allow discharge of a significant portion of the treated water in the future. The project has its own fresh water reservoir which is expected to supply all of the project's
water needs.
A
medium voltage power line supplies the site with electrical power. The Mt. Todd gold project, when in operation, generated its own power using natural gas. The natural gas pipeline is still
in place, and should be considered as a resource for future operations.
Mt. Todd
is located sufficiently close to the city of Katherine to allow for an easy commute for workers. Because the area has both historic and current mining activity, the area hosts a
skilled mining workforce.
The
Mt. Todd area has a sub-tropical climate with a distinct wet season and dry season. The area receives most of its rainfall between the months of January and March. Temperatures
are moderate, allowing for year-round mining operations. Topography is relatively flat. The tenements encompass a variety of habitats forming part of the northern Savannah woodland region
which is
characterized by eucalypt woodland with tropical grass understories. Surface elevations are on the order of 130 to 160 meters above sea level in the area of the previous and planned plant site
and waste dump.
Geology and Mineralization
The Mt. Todd gold project is situated within the southeastern portion of the Early Proterozoic Pine Creek Geosyncline. The Batman deposit geology consists of a sequence
of hornfelsed interbedded greywackes and shales with minor thin beds of felsic tuff. Bedding consistently strikes at 325 degrees, dipping 40 degrees to 60 degrees to the
southwest. Northerly trending sheeted quartz sulfide veins and joints striking at 0 degrees to 20 degrees and dipping 60 degrees to the east are the major controls for
mineralization in the Batman deposit. The veins are 1 to 100 millimeters in thickness with an average thickness of around 8 to 10 millimeters and occur in sheets with up to
20 veins per horizontal meter. These sheeted veins are the main source of gold mineralization in the Batman deposit. In general, the Batman deposit is 1,500 to 1,550 meters in length by
365 to
36
450 meters
in true width and 450 to 500 meters in known down-dip extension (the deposit is open along strike and at depth).
History
The Mt. Todd Gold Project has a long, well-documented history as presented in the table below. In addition, it has a well-preserved and
meticulously maintained database and supporting file system. The care taken and quality of the data speaks to the integrity of the resultant studies that have been completed since the deposit
was discovered.
Mt. Todd Gold Project History
|
1986
|
|
|
October 1986 -
January 1987:
|
|
Conceptual Studies, Australia Gold PTY LTD (a subsidiary of BHP Billiton Limited); Regional Screening; (Higgins), Ground Acquisition by Zapopan N.L. ("Zapopan").
|
|
1987
|
|
|
February:
|
|
Joint Venture finalized between Zapopan and Billiton. Geological Reconnaissance, Regional
|
June - July:
|
|
BCL, stream sediment sampling.
|
October:
|
|
Follow-up BCL stream sediment sampling, rock chip sampling and geological mapping (Geonorth)
|
|
1988
|
|
|
Feb - March:
|
|
Data reassessment (Truelove)
|
March - April:
|
|
Gridding, BCL grid soil sampling, grid based rock chip sampling and geological mapping (Truelove)
|
May:
|
|
Percussion drilling Batman (Truelove)(BP1-17, 1,475m percussion)
|
May - June:
|
|
Follow-up BCL soil and rock chip sampling (Ruxton, Mackay)
|
July:
|
|
Percussion drilling Robin (Truelove, Mackay)RP1-14, (1,584m percussion)
|
July - Dec:
|
|
Batman diamond, percussion and RC drilling (Kenny, Wegmann, Fuccenecco)BP18-70, (6,263m percussion); BD1-71, (85,62m Diamond); BP71-100, (3,065m R.C.)
|
|
1989
|
|
|
Feb - June:
|
|
Batman diamond and RC drilling: BD72-85 (5,060m diamond); BP101-208, (8072m RC). Penguin, Regatta, Golf, Tollis Reef Exploration Drilling: PP1-8, PD1, RGP1-32, GP1-8, BP108, TP1-7 (202m diamond, 3090m RC); TR1-159
(501m RAB).
|
June:
|
|
Mining lease application (MLA's 1070, 1071) lodged.
|
July - Dec:
|
|
Resource Estimates; mining-related studies; Batman EM-drilling: BD12, BD86-90 (1,375m diamond); RC pre-collars and H/W drilling, BP209-220 (1,320m RC); Exploration EM and exploration drilling: Tollis, Quigleys, TP9, TD1, QP1-3, QD1-4
(1,141 diamond, 278m RC); Negative Exploration Tailings Dam: E1-16 (318m RC); DR1-144 (701m RAB) (Kenny, Wegmann, Fuccenecco, Gibbs).
|
|
1990
|
|
|
Jan - March:
|
|
Pre-feasibility related studies; Batman Inclined Infill RC drilling: BP222-239 (2,370m RC); Tollis RC drilling, TP10-25 (1,080m RC). (Kenny, Wegmann, Fuccenecco, Gibbs)
|
|
1993 - 1997
|
|
|
Pegasus
|
|
Pegasus reported investing more than US$200,000 in the development of the Mt. Todd mine and operated it from 1993 to 1997, when the project closed as a result of technical difficulties and low gold prices. The deed
administrators were appointed in 1997 and sold the mine in March 1999 to a joint venture comprised of Multiplex Resources Pty Ltd. and General Gold Resources Ltd.
|
|
1999 - 2000
|
|
|
March - June
|
|
Operated by a joint venture comprised of Multiplex Resources Pty Ltd. and General Gold Resources Ltd. Operations ceased in July 2000, Pegasus, through the Deed Administrators, regained possession of various
parts of the mine assets in order to recoup the balance of purchase price owed it. Most of the equipment was sold in June 2001 and removed from the mine. The tailings facility and raw water facilities still remain at the site.
|
|
2000 - 2006
|
|
|
|
|
The Deed Administrators, Pegasus, the government of the Northern Territory and the JAAC held the property.
|
|
2006
|
|
|
March
|
|
Vista Gold Corp. acquired concession rights from the Deed Administrators, surface use rights from the JAAC and entered into a contract with the Government of the Northern Territory of Australia.
|
|
37
While the property operated and closed due to bankruptcy, the failure of the project was not a result of a failure of the deposit or the resource estimate. The
failure of the project was primarily a result of inefficiencies in the comminution circuit, accompanied by poor recovery which resulted in higher than expected operating costs, and low gold prices.
Had the orebody been better understood and a different processing plant been built which would have been more appropriate for the deposit conditions, it is likely that the previous operation could
have survived the low gold price of the time.
Based
on a review of project files, we believe that approximately 24.6 million tonnes grading 1.06 grams gold per ton and containing 826,000 ounces of gold were extracted between
1996 and the termination of mining in 2000. Processing was by a combination of heap leach production from oxide ore and cyanidation of sulfide ore. The remaining mineralization consists of sulfide
mineralization lying below and along strike of the existing open pit, and in hanging wall structures parallel to the main zone in the existing open pit.
Exploration and Drilling
After acquiring the Mt. Todd gold project in early 2006, a NI 43-101 preliminary assessment on the Mt. Todd gold project was prepared
for us in December 2006. Following this preliminary assessment, an infill core drilling program consisting of 25 holes totaling 9,883 meters of drilling was completed on our
behalf in June 2007 by Titeline Drilling PL of Australia, and the assaying for gold was done by Northern Australian Labs ("NAL") in Pine Creek, Northern Territory, Australia,
with check assaying by ALS Chemex of Australia. ALS Chemex of Australia and NT Environmental Laboratories Pty. Ltd. of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia performed multi-element analyses
including copper. All holes were angle holes drilled to intersect mineralization at close to right angles. Sampling and assaying methods were conducted in accordance with the CIM Mineral Exploration
Best Practices Guidelines. All samples taken were nominally one meter in length. Vista management believes the data obtained is reliable.
In
2008, Boart Longyear Australia Pty Ltd. completed a 14 hole 9,006 meter core drilling program on our behalf designed to test the down-dip extension of
mineralization within the pit-shape evaluated in 2006, the continuity of mineralization below that pit shape and to obtain a sample for ongoing metallurgical testing. Sample preparation
was done by ALS Chemex in Adelaide, South Australia, followed by assaying for gold by ALS Chemex in Perth, Western Australia. A sample quality control/quality assurance program was implemented and
check assaying was done by Genalysis
Laboratory Services Pty Ltd. in Perth. Multi-element analyses, including copper, were done by ALS Chemex, also in Perth. Sampling and assaying methods were conducted in accordance with the CIM
Mineral Exploration Best Practices Guidelines. All samples taken were one meter in length, except the last interval of the drill hole. Vista management believes the data obtained is reliable.
As
a result of the drill program in 2007, we announced in February 2008 the results of an updated NI 43-101 estimate of mineral resources for the Batman deposit. The
estimate incorporated the results of 9,460 assay intervals from 25 drill holes (all core holes) drilled by us in 2007. These results are in addition to the results of
91,225 assay intervals from 730 drill holes (225 core, 435 reverse circulation and 70 rotary drill holes) completed by prior operators.
In
April 2008, we announced the results of a subsequent NI 43-101 estimate of silver and copper mineralization in the Batman deposit. This estimate was completed
utilizing standard industry software and estimation methodology. The estimate incorporates the results of 9,460 assay intervals from 25 drill holes (all core holes) drilled by us
in 2007 with assaying completed by an independent lab. These results are in addition to the results of 87 copper assays completed on random intervals from 730 drill holes
(225 core, 435 reverse circulation and 70 rotary drill holes) completed by prior operators. From the un-mined portion of the 730 drill holes previously
completed, we submitted 2,979 intervals of core for re-assay and multi-element analysis. The re-assay and multi-element analysis was incorporated into
the estimate.
In
late January 2009, we announced the results of an updated NI 43-101 gold resource estimate on the Batman deposit, which was published on February 27, 2009.
This estimate was completed utilizing standard industry software and estimation methodology. The updated estimate of mineral resource incorporated the results of
38
7,367 assay
intervals from 14 drill holes (all core holes) drilled by us in 2008 with sample preparation and assaying completed by a third party. These results were in addition to
the results of 100,685 assay intervals from 755 drill holes (250 core, 435 reverse circulation and 70 rotary drill holes) completed previously by historical
operators and us, which were used in the previous updates of the Mt. Todd resource estimate.
Sampling and Analysis
All assaying was fire assay on 50-gram charges. It is the opinion of Tetra Tech MM, Inc. ("Tetra Tech") that quality control and quality assurance methods
employed by the various companies working at Mt. Todd were standard at the time of the work, and the work, including quality control and quality assurance methods, has been audited several
times by independent consultants.
As
part of the 2007 exploration program, we embarked on a program to both verify the historic assay results and ensure that any future analytical work meets all current
NI 43-101 standards for reporting
of mineral resources. This program consisted of two components; re-assaying of a portion of the historic drill holes, and assaying of the new core drill holes.
We
completed a multi-phase program to evaluate the accuracy of gold assays generated by NAL on Mt. Todd core samples. The test involved three phases including, 1) cross-checking assay
standards used in the program between NAL and ALS-Chemex, 2) preparing and assaying 30 one-meter intervals of remaining half-core and detailed
analysis of crushing and analytical performance between the two labs, and 3) screen sieve assay analysis of 45 coarse reject samples plus the 45 comparable remaining
half-core samples.
Analysis
of the results from the two labs confirmed that finer material tends to be higher grade and that this fine material had been preferentially lost through the coarse-weave sample bags during
storage and handling of the coarse reject samples. The test also showed good reproducibility between labs in all tests at grade ranges typical of the deposit. Greater variance, which is not
unexpected, showed up in the few samples assaying in the 5 to 20 gold grams per tonne range.
We
used a sampling method and approach that was similar to what has historically been used at the Mt. Todd gold project. The drill core, upon removal from the core barrel, was photographed,
geologically logged, geotechnically logged, and placed into core boxes. The core boxes were transported to the sample preparation building where the core was marked and sawn into halves.
One-half was placed into sample bags as one-meter sample lengths, and the other half retained for future reference. The only exception to this was when a portion of the
remaining core was flagged for use in the ongoing metallurgical testwork.
The
bagged samples had sample tags placed both inside and on the outside of the sample bags. The individual samples were grouped into "lots" for submission to the independent lab for preparation and
analytical testing. All of this work was done under the supervision of a Vista Gold geologist.
Together
with Tetra Tech, we developed an assay protocol for the analyses of the 2008 exploration drill core and for validation of the historic assays.
2008 and Post-2008 Sample Preparation, Analyses and Security
The 2008 diamond drilling program was conducted under the supervision of the Geologic Staff which was composed of our Chief Geologist, several contract expatriate geologists,
and a core handling/cutting crew. The core handling crew was casual labor recruited locally.
Facilities
for the core processing included an enclosed logging shed and a covered cutting and storage area that was fenced in. Both of these facilities were considered to be limited access areas and
kept secured when work was not in progress.
39
The
diamond drill core was boxed and stacked at the rig by the drill crews. Core was then picked up daily by members of the core cutting crew and transported directly into the logging shed.
Processing
of the core included photographing, geotechnical and geologic logging, and marking the core for sampling. The nominal sample interval was one meter. When this process was completed, the
core was moved into the core cutting/storage area where it was laid out for sampling. The core was laid out for the following procedures:
-
-
one-meter
intervals were marked out on the core by a member of the geologic staff;
-
-
geotechnical
logging was done in accordance with the instructions received from SRK;
-
-
geologic
logging was then done by a member of the geologic staff. Assay intervals were selected at this time and a cut line marked on the core. The standard sample interval
was one meter. During the early part of the program some flexibility was allowed for portions of the core that were not expected to return significant values based on visual inspection. These portions
of the core were sampled in two meter intervals. This was discontinued when numerous greater than one part per million assays were received from the two meter intervals;
-
-
blind
sample numbers were then assigned and sample tickets prepared. Duplicate sample tickets were placed in the core tray at the appropriate locations; and
-
-
each
core tray was photographed and restacked on pallets pending sample cutting.
The
core was then cut using diamond saws with each interval placed in marked plastic bags. At this time, the standards and blanks were also placed in plastic bags for inclusion in the shipment. When a
sequence of five samples was completed, they were placed in a shipping bag and closed with a zip tie. All of these samples were kept in the secure area until crated for shipping.
Samples
were then placed in crates for shipping with 100 samples per crate (20 shipping bags). The crates were secured with padlocks and numbered globe seals as soon as they were loaded.
The secured crates were stacked outside the core shed until picked up for transport.
Sample
shipments were scheduled for approximately once per week. The sealed crates were picked up on site by the transport company for road transport to the preparation facility. A confirmation note
was prepared and signed by both the shipping company and the geologist supervising the loading. These confirmation notes were attached to the sample inventory and filed in the geology office
on site.
When
the shipment left site, sample transmittals were prepared and e-mailed to ALS Chemex. When the shipment arrived at the preparation facility, the samples were laid out and a
confirmation of sample receipt was e-mailed back to Vista Gold.
ALS
Chemex was selected as the primary laboratory for all further preparation and analysis, and the closest ALS Chemex facility with the capability of preparing the samples to the desired
specifications was its sample preparation facility located in Adelaide. A series of padlocks was purchased for the sample crates and keys to these padlocks were sent to the sample preparation
facility. ALS Chemex was instructed to notify Vista Gold immediately if a crate of samples arrived without the padlocks or if the globe seals were missing or showed evidence of tampering.
After
the samples were prepared, a split of the pulp was shipped directly to the ALS Chemex laboratory located in Perth for analysis. The ALS Chemex sample preparation facility also prepared splits of
the designated pulps and coarse rejects for cross-laboratory checks. Genalysis was selected as the secondary laboratory to do the QA/QC checks. When a batch of samples was prepared, the selected pulps
and coarse rejects were shipped via TNT to the Genalysis sample preparation facility in Adelaide for the cross-laboratory check analyses. ALS
40
Chemex
sent Vista Gold an e-mail list of samples transmitted to Genalysis when they were shipped. When this notification was received by Vista Gold, sample transmittals were prepared and
e-mailed to Genalysis.
When
the additional sample preparation work was completed, the Genalysis sample preparation facility in Adelaide shipped the pulps to its laboratory in Perth for the cross-laboratory
check analyses.
Preliminary Economic Assessment and Updated Estimate of Gold Mineralization, June 2009
In June 2009, we announced the results of a positive preliminary economic assessment (the "Mt. Todd PEA") with an updated estimate of gold resources under
NI 43-101 criteria for the Batman Deposit completed for us by Tetra Tech. This study was completed by or under the supervision of Mr. John Rozelle, P.G., at that time
an independent qualified person, utilizing standard industry software and estimation methodology. As of May 2011, Mr. Rozelle is Vice President, Technical Services for Vista Gold. The
technical report summarizing the results of the Mt. Todd PEA and updated mineral resource estimate entitled "Mt. Todd Gold Project Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment Report,
Northern Territory, Australia" dated June 11, 2009 is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
The
updated estimate of mineralized material (mineral resource estimate under CIM Definition Standards) incorporates the results of 108,052 assay intervals from and assaying completed by ALS
Chemex. These results are in addition to the results of 769 drill holes (250 core, 435 reverse circulation and 70 rotary drill holes) completed previously by BHP Resources
Pty Ltd., Zapopan, Pegasus and Vista. The deposit has a drill hole spacing that varies from 25 meters by 25 meters to 80-100 meters by
80-100 meters and generally averages 50 meters by 50 meters.
As
stated in Tetra Tech's June 2009 report, "...the Mt. Todd Project has an excellent drillhole database comprised of drill core, photographs of the drill core, assay certificates and
results, and geologic logs. The meticulous preservation of the drill core and associated "hard copies" of the data are a testament to the originators of the project and the subsequent companies that
have looked at the project. All data are readily available for inspection and verification. In addition, most of the subsequent companies or their consultants that have examined the project have
completed checks of the data and assay results. Other than the "normal" types of errors inherent in a project this size, (i.e. mislabeled intervals, number transpositions, etc.), which were
corrected prior to Tetra Tech's resource estimation, it is Tetra Tech's opinion that the databases and associated data are of a "high quality" in nature. Tetra Tech found no significant discrepancies
with the existing drillhole geologic logs and is satisfied that the geologic logging, as provided for the development of the three-dimensional geologic models, fairly represents both the geologic and
mineralogic conditions of each of the deposits that comprise the Mt. Todd Project."
Based
on the report, under SEC Industry Guide 7 guidelines, mineralized material for the Batman deposit, above a cut-off grade of 0.40 grams gold per tonne, is
estimated at 190,939,000 tonnes grading 0.84 grams gold per tonne.
Under
CIM Definition Standards, at the same cut-off grade of 0.40 grams gold per tonne, measured mineral resources are estimated at 52,919,000 tonnes grading
0.91 grams gold per ton, indicated mineral resources are estimated at 138,020,000 tonnes grading 0.81 grams gold per tonne and inferred mineral resources are estimated at
94,008,000 tonnes grading 0.74 grams gold per tonne. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Cautionary Note
to U.S. Investors: see the section heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves"
above.
There
are no known issues that might affect these estimates of mineralized material or mineral resources. Any drilling, sampling or recovery factors that could materially impact the accuracy or
reliability of sampling and analysis results have been disclosed and key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the mineral inventory (mineral resources under
NI 43-101) and mineral reserves have been disclosed.
41
The
Mt. Todd PEA reflected the technical studies which Vista Gold has undertaken since the issuance of the initial preliminary economic assessment on December 29, 2006, including over
18,000 meters of diamond drilling, a two-year metallurgical test program which included crushing and grinding, flotation and leach testwork, mine design and various preliminary
engineering studies and cost estimates.
The
Mt. Todd PEA envisioned a 30,000-tonne per day (nominally 10.5 million tonnes per year) ore mining operation with a 15.2 year mine life in the base case. The
owner-operated mine fleet would include 140 tonne trucks and 18 cubic meter shovels. Three stages of crushing followed by high-pressure grinding rolls would be used to reduce
the ore. Metallurgical testing to date indicates that a gold recovery of 82% can be achieved in a whole-ore leach with a grind-circuit product of 80% passing 100 mesh. Tailings
disposal would be accomplished by dry-stacking of tailings as described in the Mt. Todd PEA.
Three
potential operating scenarios were evaluated using a gold price of $750 per ounce (three-year running average as of first quarter 2009), an exchange rate of US$1 = A$1.35 and
first quarter 2009 costs. The three-year trailing gold price was $1,255 per ounce at the end of 2011. The results of the Mt. Todd PEA indicate that development of the
base-case alternative would have an estimated cash cost of $453 per ounce and a pre-tax IRR of 21.6%. All analyses were done on a pre-tax basis in order to guide
future study without introducing a taxation variable. Payback of initial capital invested would be three years from the start of production. The total gold mined over the 15.2 year mine life is
estimated to be 4,526,000 ounces, with an estimated annual production of 245,500 ounces (with average production over the first three years of 296,700 ounces). The Mt. Todd
PEA estimated that an economic gold cut-off grade of approximately 0.40 grams gold per tonne should be employed which results in a 12.8% increase (579,000 ounces) in measured
and indicated mineral resources as compared to the 0.50 grams gold per tonne cutoff grade employed in the previous preliminary economic assessment. At a gold price of $950 per ounce the
estimated pre-tax IRR is 37.7%. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Cautionary Note to
U.S. Investors: see the section heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves"
above. See the section heading "Cautionary Note to All Investors Concerning Economic Assessments that Include Mineral Resources."
Additional
information on the results of the Mt. Todd PEA can be found in our press release dated June 4, 2009, and in the study which is posted on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com
.
Development
In 2010, we undertook two drilling programs at the Batman deposit, and in the first program we completed 14 core and six reverse circulation drill holes
(8,291 total meters drilled) in a program designed to add resources through in-fill drilling in the parallel structures to the east (hanging wall) of the core zone of the Batman
deposit, to test/condemn hypothesized extensions of the deposit along strike and to the west of the core zone, and to provide core for metallurgical testing. The program concluded with the
in-fill drilling of the parallel structures on the east of the Batman deposit. The drill holes were oriented to the west to intersect the core zone at right angles and were inclined at
-55 to -60 degrees. Boart Longyear of Mitchell Park, South Australia, performed the drilling.
Included
in the total were three core holes totaling 1,469 meters, that were located and oriented to provide core samples for metallurgical testing, representative of the Batman deposit, in the
area of the pit defined by the June 2009 Mt. Todd PEA. The holes were drilled at -20 to -30 degree dips, at an acute angle to the strike of the deposit and
were not assayed due to the requirements for whole core to be used in the planned metallurgical testing program.
The
core was logged, photographed and sampled by employees and consultants of Vista Gold Australia under the direction of our Vice President of Exploration, Frank Fenne, P.G., who is a qualified
person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Core samples to be assayed were shipped to the ALS-Chemex sample preparation lab in Alice Springs, Australia. Prepared sample
pulps were shipped by ALS-Chemex to its assay lab in Perth, Australia. Check assaying was done by Genalysis of Perth, Australia. Core logging and sample custody,
42
preparation
and assaying were completed in compliance with NI 43-101 standards. Sample preparation, assaying and security protocols followed those developed in 2008 by Tetra
Tech and Vista Gold, as described in the
Sample Preparation, Analyses and Security
section above.
We
subsequently drilled one additional core hole in 2010 into the parallel structures in the hanging wall east of the core zone for 726 meters. Drilling was by Grid Drilling of Townsville,
North Queensland. The core was logged, photographed and sampled by our employees and consultants under the direction of Vista's Vice President of Exploration, Frank Fenne P.G., who is a qualified
person under NI 43-101. Core was sawed in half by our employees and consultants and one half shipped to NAL, for sample preparation and assaying. Check assaying was done by
Genalysis of Perth, Australia. Core logging and sample custody, sample preparation and assaying for all drill holes completed during 2010 followed those developed in 2008 by Tetra Tech and Vista Gold,
as described in the Sample Preparation, Analyses and Security section above.
Preliminary Feasibility Study and Updated Estimate of Gold Mineralization, October 2010
On August 8, 2010, we announced the positive results of a preliminary feasibility study ("PFS") for the Batman deposit. The PFS was constrained to consider tailings from
mineral reserves that could be accommodated by the existing tailings storage capacity of 60 million tonnes with processing at a rate of 6.77 million ore tonnes per year. The PFS was
managed by Tetra Tech of Golden, Colorado, which also undertook the resource modeling and estimation, geotechnical, environmental and site reclamation engineering and design. Mr. John Rozelle,
PG, the then Manager of Tetra Tech's Mineral Resource Division and Principal Geologist, at that time an independent qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, prepared or supervised
the preparation of material on behalf of Tetra Tech. As of May 2011, Mr. Rozelle is Vice President, Technical Services for Vista Gold. Mr. Thomas Dyer, P.E., of MDA of Reno,
Nevada, an independent qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, prepared or supervised the preparation of material on behalf of MDA. Mr. Rozelle and Mr. Dyer prepared
or supervised the preparation of the information that forms the basis for the scientific and technical information disclosed herein. The technical report summarizing the results of the PFS and updated
mineral resource estimate entitled "Mt. Todd Gold Project Prefeasibility Study, Northern Territory, Australia" dated October 1, 2010, is available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com
.
The
PFS was evaluated using the three-year trailing average gold price of $950 per ounce. Mineral reserve estimates and production highlights are tabulated below. Mineral reserves do not
include mineral resources.
Production Highlights, October 2010 PFS
(1)
|
Reserves and Production Estimates at $950 per gold ounce
|
|
|
|
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves (at a 0.55 grams gold per tonne cut-off)
(1)
|
|
60,050,000 tonnes
at 1.05 grams gold per tonne
|
|
Life of Mine Production
|
|
1,662,000 gold ounces
|
|
Average Annual Production (based on 8.86 year mine life)
|
|
187,500 gold ounces per year
|
|
Mining Rate (ore plus waste)
|
|
22,900,000 tonnes per year
|
|
Mill Throughput Rate
|
|
18,500 tonnes per day
|
|
Stripping Ratio (waste:ore)
|
|
2.37
|
|
Mine Life
|
|
8.86 years
|
|
-
(1)
-
Elevated
cutoff grades were used to constrain the total estimated mineral reserve tonnes to the remaining tailings capacity while maximizing return. In most areas, a cutoff grade of
0.55 grams gold per tonne was used. Select benches in the first two phases of mining used a cutoff grade of 0.60 grams gold per tonne.
-
(2)
-
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves as described in this table are based on Canadian definitions under
NI 43-101. These Reserves are based on a pre-feasibility study. Reserves for SEC Industry Guide 7 purposes require definitive or "final" feasibility study
and permits. See the section heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable
Reserves" above.
43
The PFS was completed using the three-year trailing average gold price of $950 per ounce (as stated above) and a foreign exchange rate of
$0.85 = A$1.00 and incorporates mid-2010 costs. At a gold price of $950 per ounce, the after-tax payback period was estimated at 5.4 years. The
three-year trailing gold price was $1,255 per ounce at the end of 2011 The following table summarizes the economic results with a comparison to the sensitivity at a gold price of $1,200
per ounce and a foreign exchange rate of $0.90 = A$1.00. The analyses were completed based on the proven and probable reserve estimates with any materials not meeting those categories treated
as waste.
Summary of Economic Results
|
|
$950 per gold ounce &
$0.85/A$1.00
|
|
$1,200 per gold ounce &
$0.90/A$1.00
|
Average Cash Operating Cost ($ per gold ounce produced)
|
|
$476
|
|
$493
|
Average Total Cash Production Costs ($ per gold ounce produced)
|
|
$487
|
|
$507
|
Pre-Production Capital Cost (thousands of dollars)
|
|
$441,258
|
|
$459,820
|
Sustaining Capital Cost (thousands of dollars)
|
|
$32,981
|
|
$32,981
|
Internal Rate of Return
|
|
14.9% before tax
9.8% after tax
|
|
25.4% before tax
16.2% after tax
|
Cumulative Cash Flow (pre-tax, thousands of dollars)
|
|
$472,615
|
|
$848,724
|
Net Present Value at 5% discount (pre-tax) (thousands of dollars)
|
|
$210,144
|
|
$487,156
|
Mineral Resources and Reserves Estimates for the October 2010 PFS
The October 2010 PFS is based on our updated gold mineral resource estimate for the Batman deposit as of June 11, 2009, which assumed a cutoff grade of
0.40 grams gold per tonne. In summary, based on the report, under SEC Industry Guide 7 guidelines, mineralized material for the Batman deposit net of mineral reserves, above a
cut-off grade of 0.40 grams gold per tonne, is estimated at 190,939,000 tonnes grading 0.84 grams gold per tonne.
Under
CIM Definition Standards, at the same cut-off grade of 0.40 grams gold per tonne, measured mineral resources are estimated at 52,919,000 tonnes grading
0.91 grams gold per tonne, indicated mineral resources are estimated at 138,020,000 tonnes grading 0.81 grams gold per tonne and inferred mineral resources are estimated at
94,008,000 tonnes grading 0.74 grams gold per tonne.
Mineral resources that are
not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: see the section heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding
Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves" above.
There are no known issues that might affect these estimates of mineralized
material or mineral resources.
MDA
used the June 2009 resource model to develop an open-pit mine design including intermediate pits plans and production schedules.
The
mineral reserve estimates were prepared and reported by MDA, under the supervision of Mr. Dyer, and using the June 2009 resource model at a gold price of $950 per ounce and
cut-off grade of 0.55 grams gold per tonne. Elevated cutoff grades were used to constrain the total estimated mineral reserve tonnes to the remaining tailings capacity while
maximizing return. In most areas, a cutoff grade of 0.55 grams gold per tonne was used; however, select benches in the first two phases of mining used a cutoff grade of 0.60 grams gold
per tonne. As mentioned previously, the PFS was evaluated using the three-year trailing average gold price of $950 per ounce (as of August 2010). The qualified person
believes the reserve estimate is the same under both SEC Industry Guide 7 and CIM Definition Standards. The reserve estimates as of October 2010 are shown in the following table.
44
Reserves Estimated at Mt. Todd, October 2010 PFS
Reserve Classification
|
|
Tonnes
|
|
Average Gold Grade
(grams gold per tonne)
|
Proven
(1,2,3)
|
|
24,458,000
|
|
1.09
|
Probable
(1,2,3)
|
|
35,592,000
|
|
1.02
|
Proven & Probable
(1,2,3)
|
|
60,050,000
|
|
1.05
|
-
(1)
-
Mineral
reserves are reported separately from mineral resources.
-
(2)
-
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves as described in this table are based on Canadian definitions under
NI 43-101. These Reserves are based on a pre-feasibility study. Reserves for SEC Industry Guide 7 purposes require definitive or "final" feasibility study
and permits. See the section heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves"
above.
-
(3)
-
See
the section heading "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Capital and Operating Cost Estimate, October 2010 PFS
Estimated life-of-mine average total cash production costs are projected to be $487 per ounce, with the highest costs occurring in the first five years
of the project. The latter half of the project life benefits from decreases in the required stripping. Pre-production capital costs, including contingency, owner's costs and working
capital, are estimated to be $441,000 and sustaining capital over the life of the mine is estimated to be $33,000. Post-operation reclamation costs are not included in the total capital
costs, but are included in the cash flow analyses and return on investment calculations.
Mining, October 2010 PFS
Under the October 2010 PFS, we planned to extract ore from the mine using conventional open-pit mining equipment and techniques. A waste mining fleet
consisting of 180-tonne trucks and 21-cubic meter shovels has been selected to complement the 140-tonne truck and loader ore-mining fleet. We plan to be
the owner and operator of the mining fleets and we expect to enter into maintenance and repair contracts for the major
mining equipment. Ore will be mined in three pit development phases over a period of 8.86 years. Waste rock will be placed in a single waste dump and concurrent reclamation is planned for the
lower benches of the dump.
Processing, October 2010 PFS
Following an extensive review of the plant performance data from previous operators, it was clear to us that there were a number of key reasons why these operations were
unsuccessful. As a result, we undertook mineralogical and metallurgical studies to fully understand the type of ore that would be treated over the life of the proposed mine. This was followed by
laboratory test programs that evaluated the metallurgical process, proposed equipment and the expected performance and cost parameters. We believe the principal reasons that led to the previous
operational failure were:
-
-
Ore
hardnessthe plant built by the previous operator was poorly designed to handle the hard ore and failed to produce a satisfactory product or achieve design
capacity. We tested and determined the expected ore hardness and then evaluated various combinations of equipment. The best combination of equipment involved primary and secondary crushing, tertiary
crushing employing high pressure grinding rolls ("HPGR") followed by a large ball mill. The use of HPGR is expected to result in a product which significantly improves the efficiency of the grinding
circuit. For the base case, the circuit is very simple with a large primary gyratory crusher, a secondary cone crusher, a single HPGR unit and a single ball mill. HPGR technology is currently being
successfully used by Newmont Mining Corporation, at Australia's largest gold mine, the 20 million ounce Boddington mine in Western Australia. The circuit has
45
The
proposed plant would have a design capacity of 18,500 tonnes per day and was designed to be simple, efficient and easy to maintain. The proposed flowsheet indicates that following grinding,
the slurried ore will
be sized by cyclones, thickened, pre-conditioned, and then leached in tanks prior to recovery in a hybrid carbon-in-pulp circuit. Gold will be stripped from the
carbon and precipitated in an electrowinning cell prior to refining into dore bars. The tailings will be detoxified using the SO2/Air process and deposited in the existing tailings impoundment
facility.
Further
contributing to lower costs, the proposed project will self-generate power using low-cost natural gas which can be supplied to the site via the existing natural gas
pipeline. The project also includes plans to produce lime from near-by limestone deposits, thereby significantly reducing the supply cost for this reagent.
Infrastructure, October 2010 PFS
As a previously operated project, the Mt. Todd gold project site has existing infrastructure which includes a fresh water storage reservoir with sufficient capacity to
sustain the proposed operation, paved access roads, concrete foundations for some of the crushing circuit, a natural gas pipeline and an electrical power line. Power will be generated on site using a
gas-turbine generator which is included in the project capital. The power plant is designed to have excess capacity to meet higher loads during large equipment starting up. Excess power
during operations will be sold into the grid further reducing expected costs. During the nine-year post-closure period, we intend to continue operating the natural gas turbine
power generating plant. Revenues derived from selling power to the grid during this period are expected to fund all of the reclamation activities.
Environmental, October 2010 PFS
The PFS includes engineering designs for the closure of the mine site following cessation of production. The closure plan was designed to meet all requirements for
long-term reclamation of the site and cost estimates include provisions for monitoring required under applicable law.
Economic Analysis, October 2010 PFS
As mentioned previously, the PFS economic analysis was completed using the three-year trailing average gold price of $950 per ounce and foreign exchange rate of
$0.85 = $A1.00. At a gold price of $950 per ounce, the after-tax payback period was estimated at 5.4 years.
We
have also completed sensitivity analyses calculated at gold prices of $1,000, $1,100, $1,200 and $1,500 per ounce. The $1,200 and $1,500 sensitivity analyses incorporate the foreign exchange rate
current in August 2010 of US$0.90 = A$1.00. Estimated before and after tax economic results, showing the IRR and NPV
5
%, cumulative cash flow and sensitivity to changes in
gold price are shown in the following tables.
46
Before-Tax Economic Results
Gold Price Scenario
|
|
Before Tax
IRR
|
|
Before Tax
NPV
5
%
|
|
Before Tax
Cumulative Cash Flow
|
$950 per ounce
|
|
14.9%
|
|
$
|
210,144
|
|
$
|
472,615
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,000 per ounce
|
|
17.5%
|
|
$
|
272,260
|
|
$
|
554,865
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,100 per ounce
|
|
22.6%
|
|
$
|
396,494
|
|
$
|
719,366
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,200 per ounce
|
|
25.4%
|
|
$
|
487,156
|
|
$
|
848,724
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,500 per ounce
|
|
39.3%
|
|
$
|
859,856
|
|
$
|
1,342,227
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After-Tax Economic Results
Gold Price Scenario
|
|
After Tax
IRR
|
|
After Tax
NPV
5
%
|
|
After Tax
Cumulative Cash Flow
|
$950 per ounce
|
|
9.8%
|
|
$
|
71,127
|
|
$
|
252,490
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,000 per ounce
|
|
11.4%
|
|
$
|
100,497
|
|
$
|
207,598
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,100 per ounce
|
|
14.5%
|
|
$
|
158,192
|
|
$
|
359,190
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,200 per ounce
|
|
16.2%
|
|
$
|
198,827
|
|
$
|
418,218
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,500 per ounce
|
|
23.9%
|
|
$
|
359,612
|
|
$
|
624,317
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preliminary Feasibility Study, January 2011
On January 4, 2011, we announced the positive results of a PFS for the Batman deposit, at a processing rate of 10.65 million tonnes of ore per year. The
January 2011 PFS was managed by Tetra Tech, and expands upon the PFS previously completed by Tetra Tech dated October 1, 2010, and announced on August 18, 2010. Tetra Tech
undertook the resource modeling and estimation, geotechnical, environmental and site reclamation engineering and design for the January 2011 PFS. Mr. John Rozelle, PG, the then Manager
of Tetra Tech's Mineral Resource Division and Principal Geologist, at that time an independent qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, prepared or supervised the preparation of
material on behalf of Tetra Tech.
Mr. Thomas Dyer, P.E., of MDA of Reno, Nevada, an independent qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, prepared or supervised the preparation of material on behalf of MDA.
Mr. Rozelle and Mr. Dyer prepared or supervised the preparation of the information that forms the basis for the scientific and technical information disclosed herein. As of
May 2011, Mr. Rozelle is the Vice President, Technical Services for Vista Gold. The technical report summarizing the results of the PFS and updated mineral resource estimate entitled
"10.65 MTPY Preliminary Feasibility Study, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Mt. Todd Gold Project, Northern Territory, Australia" dated January 28, 2011, is
available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com
.
The
January 2011 PFS evaluated the viability of a 30,000 tonne per day processing facility and the optimized extraction of the identified mineral resource. The previous PFS was
constrained to treating mineralized material, the volume of which would be accommodated in the existing tailings disposal facility (60,000,000 tonnes). The operating rate in the previous PFS
was 18,500 tonnes per day of ore compared to the higher, and more economical rate of 30,000 tonnes per day considered in the January 2011 study. A new tailings disposal facility
would be constructed to accommodate the excess tails from the increased ore reserves in the new PFS.
Highlights
of the January 2011 PFS include increased proven and probable mineral reserves, higher annual gold production, longer project life and improved economics at current and
long-term estimated gold prices.
The
January 2011 PFS was evaluated using a three-year trailing average gold price of $1,000 per ounce. The qualified persons believe the reserve estimate is the same under both SEC
Industry Guide 7 and CIM Definition Standards. Mineral reserve estimates and production highlights are tabulated below.
47
Production Highlights, January 2011 PFS
|
Reserves and Production Estimates at $1,000 per ounce gold
|
|
|
|
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves (at a 0.40 grams gold per tonne cut-off)
|
|
149.9 million tonnes
at 0.85 grams gold per tonne
|
|
Life of Mine Production
|
|
3,372,000 ounces
|
|
Average Annual Production
|
|
239,500 gold ounces per year
|
|
Mining Rate
|
|
29.5 million tonnes per year
|
|
Mill Throughput Rate
|
|
30,000 tonnes per day
|
|
Stripping Ratio (waste:ore)
|
|
1.8
|
|
Mine Life
|
|
14 years
|
|
-
(1)
-
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves as described in this table are based on Canadian definitions under
NI 43-101. These Reserves are based on a pre-feasibility study. Reserves for SEC Industry Guide 7 purposes require definitive or "final" feasibility study
and permits. See the section heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable
Reserves" above.
By utilizing the remaining capacity in the project's existing tailings storage facility and deferring the capital for additional tailings storage capacity until
later in the project's life, we have been able to increase the size of the proposed process facility to a more economic level of 30,000 tonnes per day and increase the projected annual
production to 250,000 ounces per year over the first five years of the project. Based on these positive results, we have now commenced a feasibility study for the Mt. Todd gold project that we
intend to complete by the end of the first quarter of 2012 or shortly thereafter. As part of the feasibility study program, we will undertake studies to further optimize the proposed operation,
evaluate opportunities to reduce estimated capital costs and enhance project returns.
The
January 2011 PFS was completed using a foreign exchange rate of $0.85 = A$1.00 and incorporates mid-2010 costs. The following table summarizes the economic results at a
gold price of $1,000 per ounce with a comparison to economic results at a gold price of $1,350 per ounce and a foreign exchange rate of $1.00 = A$1.00. After-tax payback of capital
was estimated at 7.2 years. For comparison, the three-year trailing gold price at year-end 2011 was $1,255 per gold ounce and the exchange rate was US$1.00
= A$0.98.
Summary of Economic Results
|
|
$1,000 per gold ounce &
$0.85/A$1.00
|
|
$1,350 per gold ounce &
$1.00/A$1.00
|
Average Cash Operating Cost ($ per gold ounce produced)
|
|
$520
|
|
$587
|
Average Total Cash Production Costs ($ per gold ounce produced)
|
|
$530
|
|
$600
|
Pre-Production Capital Cost (thousands of dollars)
|
|
$589,583
|
|
$675,957
|
Sustaining Capital Cost (thousands of dollars)
|
|
$260,522
|
|
$261,183
|
Internal Rate of Return
|
|
13.9% before tax
10.7% after tax
|
|
23.2% before tax
16.6% after tax
|
Cumulative Cash Flow (pre-tax, thousands of dollars)
|
|
$964,514
|
|
$1,860,112
|
Net Present Value at 5% discount (pre-tax, thousands of dollars)
|
|
$385,336
|
|
$944,470
|
Mineral Resources and Reserves Estimates, January 2011 PFS
The January 2011 PFS is based on our gold mineral resource estimate for the Batman deposit at the Mt. Todd gold project as of June 11, 2009, which assumed
a cutoff grade of 0.40 grams of gold per tonne. The resource estimate is detailed in the report "Mt. Todd Gold ProjectUpdated Preliminary Economic Assessment
48
ReportNorthern
Territory, Australia" dated June 11, 2009, and is available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com
. In summary, based on the report, under SEC
Industry Guide 7 guidelines and net of mineral reserves, mineralized material for the Batman deposit, above a cut-off grade of 0.40 grams gold per tonne, is estimated
at 41,064,000 tonnes grading 0.77 grams gold per tonne.
Also
in summary, under CIM Definition Standards, at the same cut-off grade of 0.40 grams gold per tonne and net of mineral reserves, measured mineral resources are estimated at
3,958,000 tonnes grading 0.88 grams gold per tonne, indicated mineral resources are estimated at 37,106,000 tonnes grading 0.76 grams gold per tonne and inferred mineral
resources are estimated at 94,008,000 tonnes grading 0.74 grams gold per tonne.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: see the section heading "Cautionary Note
to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves" above.
There are no known issues that
might affect these estimates of mineralized material or mineral resources.
MDA
used the June 2009 resource model to develop an open pit mine design, including intermediate pits plans and production schedules.
The
mineral reserve estimates shown in the following table were prepared and reported by MDA, under the supervision of Mr. Dyer, using the June 2009 resource model at a
cut-off grade of 0.40 grams of gold per tonne with a three-year trailing gold price of $1,000 per ounce of gold. The qualified persons believe the reserve estimate is
the same under both SEC Industry Guide 7 and CIM Definition Standards.
Batman Deposit Reserves Estimated at Mt. Todd, January 2011 PFS
Reserve Classification
|
|
Tonnes
|
|
Average Gold Grade
(grams gold per tonne)
|
Proven
(1,2 and 3)
|
|
48,961,000
|
|
0.91
|
Probable
(1,2 and 3)
|
|
100,914,000
|
|
0.83
|
Proven & Probable
(1,2 and 3)
|
|
149,875,000
|
|
0.85
|
-
(1)
-
Mineral
reserves are reported separately from mineral resources.
-
(2)
-
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves as described in this table are based on Canadian definitions under
NI 43-101. These Reserves are based on a pre-feasibility study. Reserves for SEC Industry Guide 7 purposes require definitive or "final" feasibility study
and permits. See the section heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves"
above.
-
(3)
-
See
the section heading "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Capital and Operating Cost Estimate, January 2011 PFS
Estimated life-of-mine average cash production costs are projected to be $520 per gold ounce and include the cost of concurrent reclamation. The latter
half of the project life benefits from decreases in the required stripping. Pre-production capital costs including contingency, owner's costs and working capital are estimated to be
$589,600 and sustaining capital over the life of the mine is estimated to be $260,500 including $150,400 for additional tailings storage capacity to be spent starting in year five.
Mining, January 2011 PFS
The mining fleet would be the same as envisioned in the October 2010 PFS (see
Preliminary Feasibility Study and Updated Estimate of Gold
Mineralization, October 2011)
, but the ore will be mined in four pit development phases over a period of 14 years. Waste rock will either be placed in a single
waste dump or used for tailings embankment construction. Concurrent reclamation is planned for the lower benches of the waste dump.
49
Processing, January 2011 PFS
Processing incorporated in the January 2011 PFS would be the same as in the October 2010 PFS (see
Preliminary Feasibility Study and
Updated Estimate of Gold Mineralization, October 2010
) but at an increased rate of 30,000 tonnes per day of ore.
Infrastructure, January 2011 PFS
Infrastructure is the same as reported in the October 2010 PFS (see
Preliminary Feasibility Study and Updated Estimate of Gold
Mineralization, October 2010
).
Environmental, January 2011 PFS
The January 2011 PFS includes engineering designs for the closure of the mine site following cessation of production. Where practical, concurrent reclamation activities
would be undertaken to reduce the time and expense involved in the closure of the site. The closure plan was designed to meet all requirements for long-term reclamation of the site and
cost estimates include provisions for monitoring required under applicable law.
Economic Analysis, January 2011 PFS
The economic analysis was completed using the three-year trailing average gold price of $1,000 per ounce and a foreign exchange rate of $0.85 = A$1.00. We
also completed sensitivity analyses at gold prices of $1,200, $1,350 and $1,500 per ounce. The $1,200, $1,350 and $1,500 sensitivity analyses incorporate the current foreign exchange rate of
$1.00 = A$1.00. Estimated before and after tax economic results, showing the IRR and NPV
5
%, cumulative cash flow and sensitivity to changes in gold price are shown in the following
tables.
Before-Tax Economic Results
Gold Price Scenario
|
|
Before Tax
IRR
|
|
Before Tax
NPV
5
%
|
|
Before Tax
Cumulative Cash Flow
|
$1,000 per ounce
|
|
13.9%
|
|
$
|
385,336
|
|
$
|
964,514
|
$1,200 per ounce
|
|
17.1%
|
|
$
|
610,603
|
|
$
|
1,359,383
|
$1,350 per ounce
|
|
23.2%
|
|
$
|
944,470
|
|
$
|
1,860,112
|
$1,500 per ounce
|
|
29.1%
|
|
$
|
1,278,336
|
|
$
|
2,360,841
|
After-Tax Economic Results
Gold Price Scenario
|
|
After Tax
IRR
|
|
After Tax
NPV
5
%
|
|
After Tax
Cumulative Cash Flow
|
$1,000 per ounce
|
|
10.7%
|
|
$
|
184,312
|
|
$
|
584,562
|
$1,200 per ounce
|
|
12.4%
|
|
$
|
284,528
|
|
$
|
777,849
|
$1,350 per ounce
|
|
16.6%
|
|
$
|
475,309
|
|
$
|
1,059,338
|
$1,500 per ounce
|
|
20.6%
|
|
$
|
664,986
|
|
$
|
1,339,945
|
Updated Batman Deposit Resource Estimate, September 2011
We announced the results of an updated mineral resource estimate for the Batman deposit on September 6, 2011, and the report can be found on SEDAR,
www.sedar.com
and Vista's website,
www.vistagold.com
. The updated gold resource estimate was completed on September 26, 2011, by Tetra
Tech of Golden, Colorado, pursuant to NI 43-101 standards. This updated gold resource estimate was completed by or under the supervision of Dr. Rex Bryan, SME
Registered Member, an independent qualified person (as defined in NI 43-101), utilizing standard industry software and resource estimation methodology. The estimate was
prepared using GEMCOM software and used whole block kriging to estimate block values.
50
Previous
technical reports contain extensive geologic and technical information related to the deposit for which the estimate is prepared. The last technical report was filed on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com
on February 7, 2011, and is entitled "10.65 Mtpy Preliminary Feasibility StudyNI 43-101 Technical
ReportMt. Todd Gold ProjectNorthern Territory, Australia" and is dated January 28, 2011. The updated resource estimate incorporates the results of
9,635 new assay intervals from 15 drill holes (all core holes) totaling 8,906.31 meters drilled by Vista in 2010-11 with sample preparation and assaying
completed by ALS Chemex. These results are in addition to the results of 118,550 assay intervals from 756 drill holes (250 core, 435 reverse circulation, 70 rotary
drill holes, and 1 percussion drill hole) completed previously by BHP Resources Pty Ltd., Zapopan, Pegasus and Vista, which were used in Vista's previous Mt. Todd mineral resource
estimates for the Batman Deposit. Vista completed its latest preliminary feasibility study for the Batman Deposit project, the results of which were announced on January 4, 2011, and plans to
complete a definitive feasibility study by the end of the first quarter of 2012 or shortly thereafter.
In
summary, based on the report, under SEC Industry Guide 7 guidelines, mineralized material for the Batman deposit, above a cut-off grade of 0.40 grams gold per
tonne, is estimated at 222,002 tonnes grading 0.84 grams gold per tonne. No mineral reserves were estimated in this study.
Also
in summary, under CIM Definition Standards, at the same cut-off grade of 0.40 grams gold per tonne, measured mineral resources are estimated at 67,166,000 tonnes grading
0.88 grams gold per tonne, indicated mineral resources are estimated at 154,836,000 tonnes grading 0.82 grams gold per tonne and inferred mineral resources are estimated at
103,563,000 tonnes grading 0.78 grams gold per tonne. Again, no mineral reserves were estimated in this study.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: see the
section heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves" above.
We
also announced on September 6, 2011, that we were preparing a definitive feasibility study, based on the new resource estimate, which we expect will include an updated estimate of mineral
reserves. During 2011, we conducted drilling at the Batman deposit for metallurgical testing and for geotechnical purposes and the results of this work will be incorporated in the definitive
feasibility study.
There
are no known issues that might affect these estimates of mineralized material or mineral resources.
Conversion Drilling Program Initial Results as of March 12, 2012
As
part of the ongoing Mt. Todd feasibility study process, we generated a final pit design based on estimated measured and indicated mineral resources. Subsequently, we determined the limits of an
economic pit using estimated measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources. This economic pit design and the location of inferred mineral resources relative to the feasibility study pit design
led the Company to commence an 8,500 meter drilling program in November 2011 designed to convert estimated inferred mineral resources to estimated measured or indicated mineral resources
in areas that could expand the feasibility study pit shape. The program is ongoing and the first three holes have been logged and assayed. The initial results are consistent with
51
our
expectation that the program will result in the reclassification of estimated resources in the area between the two pit shapes. The following table summarizes the results from the initial
three holes:
|
Hole #
|
|
Total Depth
(meters)
|
|
Assay Interval
|
|
Thickness
(meters)
|
|
Approx. True Thickness
(meters)
|
|
Gold Grade
(gram/tonne)
|
|
VB11-012
|
|
|
|
469.0 - 479.0
|
|
10.0
|
|
9
|
|
4.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
487.0 - 650.0
|
|
163.0
|
|
150
|
|
1.50
|
|
|
|
including
|
|
621.0 - 632.0
|
|
11.0
|
|
10
|
|
7.38
|
|
|
|
|
|
722.0 - 743.0
|
|
21.0
|
|
19
|
|
1.66
|
|
VB11-013
|
|
|
|
97.0 - 107.0
|
|
10.0
|
|
7
|
|
1.42
|
|
|
|
|
|
146.0 - 242.0
|
|
96.0
|
|
65
|
|
1.16
|
|
|
|
including
|
|
195.0 - 208.0
|
|
13.0
|
|
9
|
|
3.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
269.0 - 280.0
|
|
11.0
|
|
8
|
|
1.49
|
|
VB11-014
|
|
704.9
|
|
155.0 - 168.0
|
|
13.0
|
|
12
|
|
0.57
|
|
|
|
|
|
312.0 - 326.0
|
|
14.0
|
|
13
|
|
0.46
|
|
|
|
|
|
332.0 - 342.9
|
|
10.9
|
|
10
|
|
0.47
|
|
|
|
|
|
348.0 - 355.0
|
|
7.0
|
|
6
|
|
0.55
|
|
|
|
|
|
381.0 - 391.8
|
|
10.8
|
|
10
|
|
0.73
|
|
|
|
|
|
488.9 - 499.6
|
|
10.7
|
|
10
|
|
0.58
|
|
|
|
|
|
503.0 - 510.0
|
|
7.0
|
|
6
|
|
0.54
|
|
|
|
|
|
521.0 - 556.0
|
|
35.0
|
|
32
|
|
0.81
|
|
|
|
|
|
561.0 - 600.0
|
|
39.0
|
|
36
|
|
0.88
|
|
|
|
|
|
608.0 - 631.6
|
|
23.6
|
|
22
|
|
0.61
|
|
|
|
|
|
637.0 - 657.1
|
|
20.1
|
|
18
|
|
0.72
|
|
|
|
|
|
673.0 - 680.9
|
|
7.9
|
|
7
|
|
0.59
|
|
The drill results, and particularly hole VB11-012, continue to indicate that the Batman mineralization is open at depth and exhibits increasing gold
grades with depth. The results for hole VB11-013 suggest that previous exploration in this part of the deposit may have drilled below the up-rake, near surface
expression of the core zone of the deposit. Mineralization in the hanging wall of the core zone is more widespread than has been previously modeled and if we are successful, it is expected that
additional drilling of this style of mineralization within the limits of the pit will convert modeled inferred mineralization and waste into ore, resulting in a decrease in the stripping ratio. Based
on these initial results Vista has increased the size of its drilling program and is presently sourcing an additional drill rig to expedite the completion of the program.
The
sample intervals are constrained by geology and range from a minimum of 0.2 meters to a maximum of 1.2 meters in length, but mostly average 1 meter. Mean grades are calculated
using a 0.4 g Au/t cutoff with no upper cap applied to assay values. The maximum length of internal waste is 4.0 meters.
Core
logging and sample custody, preparation and assaying were completed in compliance with NI 43-101 standards.
52
Feasibility Study and Project Development Update as of March 12, 2011
The
current feasibility study is based on a 30,000 ore tonne per day mine and we expect to announce the results before the end of the first quarter of 2012 or shortly thereafter. Based on the
work done to date, we are initiating the process of hiring a General Manager and starting to build an Australian-based project development team. Also, the Company is advancing work to evaluate a
larger 40-45,000 tonne per day project based on the presently anticipated mine life and the potential for additional growth in project reserves.
We
believe that the drilling program will result in an increase in the estimated measured and indicated mineral resources at the Mt. Todd gold project. Based on conceptual mine plans that include the
targeted inferred mineral resource blocks, we have reason to believe that an additional increase in proven and probable reserves is also possible and should be evaluated in an updated feasibility
study prior to a definitive project development decision. Moreover, the anticipated life of the project has increased at the presently contemplated processing rate of 30,000 tonnes per day. We
believe that a larger process facility may be justified, resulting in a shorter mine life, increased annual production and more efficient use of the mining equipment capital, with a general shift in
the production toward the start of the project and corresponding improvements to the project's economics. We intend to conduct an updated feasibility study based on a larger process facility in order
to appropriately evaluate the potential costs and benefits prior to the anticipated approval of the principle environmental permits later this year.
Other
recent developments at Mt. Todd include testing of the large heap leach pad on site. This initial testing suggests that the heap leach pad may still contain a significant amount of gold. We are
planning additional drilling, and metallurgical testing is in progress to determine if the heap can be re-commissioned or be treated as ball mill feed for the planned processing facility.
The initial testing program leads us to believe that the heap leach pad should be considered as an asset rather than a reclamation liability as presently considered.
Mineral Resource Estimate for the Quigleys Deposit at the Mt. Todd Gold Project
On September 8, 2010, we announced that Tetra Tech had reviewed the geology and calculated a mineral resource estimate in accordance with CIM Standards. The mineral
resource estimate was conducted under the direction of Mr. John Rozelle, at the time an independent qualified person as defined by NI 43-101 using standard industry
software and resource estimation methodology. As of May 2011, Mr. Rozelle is Vice President, Technical Services for Vista Gold. The Quigleys deposit is located 3.5 km northeast of
the Batman deposit at our Mt. Todd gold project. The resource estimate is included in our preliminary feasibility report on the Batman deposit entitled "Mt. Todd Gold Project
Prefeasibility Study, Northern Territory, Australia" dated October 1, 2010, and is available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com
.
Mineralization
at the Quigleys deposit is interpreted to occur within a series of mineralized shears that strike north northwest and dip 30 degrees35 degrees to the west.
The main shear extends for nearly one kilometer along the strike and has been drilled to a vertical depth of 230 meters. The mineral resource estimate has been defined by 632 drill holes
drilled by Pegasus and Billiton Australia Gold Pty Ltd. in the late 1980s through the mid-1990s. Tetra Tech reviewed the integrity of the drill-hole database and
developed a computer model to estimate and classify the estimated mineral resources. The model reflected Tetra Tech's geological interpretation of the deposit, which constrained the mineralization to
the shear zones using geological information and assays from 49,178 samples obtained from the drilling. Lower grade, erratic mineralization in the hanging wall of the shears has not been
included in the mineral resource estimate.
Sampling
and assaying was done under the supervision of prior operators in conjunction with evaluation of the Batman deposit and are discussed in the PFS and the PEA, as part of the overall project
sampling and assaying methodology. Please see the quote from Tetra Tech in the section titled
Preliminary Economic Assessment and Updated Estimate of Gold Mineralization
June 2009
above.
53
Based
on Tetra Tech's resource analysis, at a cut-off grade of 0.50 grams of gold per tonne, under SEC Industry Guide 7 guidelines mineralized material for the Quigleys
deposit is estimated at 6,076,000 tonnes grading 0.92 grams gold per tonne.
Under
CIM Definition Standards, at the same cut-off grade of 0.50 grams gold per tonne, measured mineral resources are estimated at 511,000 tonnes grading 1.04 grams
gold per tonne, indicated mineral resources are estimated at 5,565,000 tonnes grading 0.91 grams gold per tonne and inferred mineral resources are estimated at 9,416,000 tonnes
grading 0.95 grams gold per tonne.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: see the section heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding
Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves" above.
There
are no known issues that might affect these estimates of mineralized material or mineral resources.
Exploration Potential
We control a large land package (134,838 hectares) of exploration tenements mostly surrounding the mining tenements that host the Mt. Todd gold project. EL28321,
obtained in May 2011, is located west of the main block of tenements and is considered an area prospective for limestone for use in ore processing and the water treatment facility at
Mt. Todd. In the third quarter of 2009, during a review of Pegasus' airborne geophysical survey data, our geologists identified five magnetic targets on our exploration tenements. The
targets are referred to as the Mt. Todd Structural Target Sequence ("MSTS"), and are characterized by distinct magnetic highs located within sedimentary rocks that should have a low magnetic
signature. These features are remarkably similar to those at Mt. Todd, which, as a result of the included pyrrhotite, exhibits a strong magnetic high. The MSTS targets were prioritized
following review of historic work in the area and site visits.
As
we announced on June 29, 2010, four of the new exploration targets are being investigated through additional soil and rock-chip sampling and testing, followed, where appropriate,
by drilling. Initial soil sampling on 100-meter by 100-meter grids was completed on MSTS3 and MSTS4 late in 2009 before the onset of the wet season. In this part of
Australia, mining occurs on a year-round basis as appropriate road access is installed, but exploration is difficult to impossible during the wet season (November through April) due to
unimproved road conditions in the field. Both targets returned low-level anomalous gold values. MSTS4 shows a magnetic high within low-signature silts and greywackes;
however, there are no historic soil or rock-chip sampling results on MSTS4 and no evidence of any mining.
Golden Eye
At MSTS4 (now called "Golden Eye" because of its appearance resembling two eyes on a surface sample assay map) rock chip sampling, in an area with limited exposure,
returned a 25.0 grams gold per tonne sample from a small outcrop of fault breccia. Further sampling returned 23.0 grams gold per tonne and 7.7 grams gold per tonne assays in vein
and breccias located 15 meters and 50 meters, respectively, north of the original sample. Due to the sparse outcrop, the orientation and thickness of the mineralized zone is not
currently known. A soil sampling program over the area was completed on a 20-meter grid. The survey returned a strong coherent gold anomaly approximately 400 meters in diameter with
coincident anomalous base metals and arsenic. Sampling was done by our employees and consultants under the direction of our Vice President of Exploration, Frank Fenne P.G., who is a qualified person
under NI 43-101, and shipped to NAL for sample preparation and assaying. Sampling, sample custody, preparation and assaying were completed in compliance with
NI 43-101 standards.
Beginning
in August 2010, after receiving approvals for drilling and before the onset of the 2010-2011 wet season, we completed four core holes on Golden Eye out of six that were
planned. All four Golden Eye drill holes encountered strong sulfide mineralization associated with banded iron formation with interesting concentrations of copper, lead zinc and anomalous gold
mineralization, with the best intercept occurring in hole GE10-003 and consisting of 1.1 meters of 7.69 grams gold per tonne including 0.3 meters of 26.7 grams
gold per tonne. Drill results were encouraging and provided useful geologic information for next season's exploration
54
program.
Drilling was done by Grid Drilling of Townsville, North Queensland. The core was logged, photographed and sampled by our employees and consultants under the direction of our Vice President of
Exploration, Mr. Frank Fenne P.G., who is a qualified person under NI 43-101. The core was sawed in half by our employees and consultants and one half shipped to NAL for
sample preparation and assaying. Check assaying was done by Genalysis of Perth, Australia. Core logging and sample custody, sample preparation and assaying were completed in compliance with
NI 43-101 standards.
Five
holes totalling 1,375.8 meters were completed during the 2010-2011 field season. Drilling has intersected several narrow weakly mineralized zones; however, none that can yet be
correlated with any confidence between different holes or between the drill holes and the mineralization identified on the surface. Nevertheless, the drilling has identified some additional features
and structural complexity which had not been revealed by the first stage of mapping and drilling carried out during the 2010 season.
The
most encouraging mineralization was intersected by GE11-002, consisting of a sheared, chloritic and broken sulfide-rich unit at 54.2-55-meters which
assayed 1.41 gold grams per tonne and a siliceous lode at 162.07-162.82 meters which assayed 1.86 gold grams per tonne. Although thin and patchy, this mineralization
is at least a clear indication that there are mineralised structures at Golden Eye which are yet to be defined with confidence.
Detailed
structural measurements on all of the holes have revealed several fold closures and also some textures which appear to be mylonite fabrics. This data will be compiled and stereoplotted in
order to try to gain a better understanding of the overall structure of the prospect and to determine what additional work may be required.
The
remaining holes all intersected widespread quartz sulfide containing pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, and arsenopyrite and contained anomalous gold, copper, bismuth, and arsenic. The
drill-hole data is currently being reviewed and additional drilling may be recommended.
RKD
Six holes totalling 1,587.4 meters were completed on the target known as RKD during 2011. The holes intersected a north-northwest-trending mineralized shear zone dipping
steeply to the west. The best gold intercept was in hole RKD11-003 which contained 2.7 meters of 2.3 gold grams per tonne. Hole RKD11-005 intersected
3 meters of 3.4% copper and 50 ppm silver in a chalcocite-rich part of the shear zone. All of the holes intersected anomalous gold with values up to 0.4 and 0.5 gold
grams per tonne.
Silver Spray
Two holes totalling 806.8 meters were completed at Silver Spray in September 2011. Both holes intersected several 20-meter zones of strong quartz
veining with galena, pyrrhotite and arsenopyrite. These zones contained anomalous lead, zinc, and arsenic but only sporadic anomalous gold (up to 0.18 gold grams per tonne).
Snowdrop
Six soil geochemical lines were completed in 2011 across the Snowdrop anomaly. These soils were collected on a 20-meter spacing to infill the existing
100-meter grid. The results confirmed and refined the previously defined gold-copper-arsenic-bismuth anomaly with 146 samples of 481 samples containing
100 ppm or greater copper and 60 samples containing greater than 5 ppb gold (high value 97 ppb). The onset of the wet season has suspended work on the target until next
spring. A drill plan will be included in the updated mine management plan to permit drilling in 2012.
Quigleys
Quigleys is a known gold occurrence that has been mined to shallow depths. We decided to explore further and, in 2011, three holes totalling 883.7 meters were completed
to test the high grade shear zone and to explore
55
hanging-
and footwall-quartz veining described in some of the historic drill holes. The main zone appears to be a quartz-healed shear zone with arsenopyrite and pyrrhotite that ranges from one to two
meters in thickness. However, the amount of quartz veining in VQ11-002 and VQ11-003 is surprising and bears a marked resemblance to the Batman core zone with a strong
density of sheeted quartz pyrrhotite veins in 10- to 20-meter zones. Assay results confirm the presence of significant gold mineralization in the hanging and foot wall zones of
the main mineralized shear. Because most of the historic drilling was reverse circulation, this mineralization has not been incorporated into the Quigleys resource model. In addition, most of historic
drilling in the area was not sufficiently deep to intersect the footwall mineralization encountered in hole VQ11-003 and this zone represents an intriguing Batman-style exploration target.
56
Guadalupe de los Reyes Gold/Silver Project, Sinaloa, Mexico
Property Description and Location
Guadalupe de los Reyes is located in the State of Sinaloa, in western Mexico, approximately halfway between the cities of Mazatlan and Culiacan. The project area is accessed by
a 30-kilometer dirt road from Cosala, a city of approximately 17,000 inhabitants. The city of Cosala is connected to the cities of Mazatlan and Culiacan by a
55-kilometer paved highway plus 100 kilometers of toll freeway or by small aircraft from a local airstrip to international airports of Durango, Mazatlan and Culiacan. The property
is held through 37 federal mining concessions totaling about 6,310.9 hectares. A location map and table of mining concessions controlled by Vista Gold follow.
57
Mining Concessions at Guadalupe de los Reyes Controlled by Vista Gold
|
Concession Name
|
|
Serial
Number
|
|
Surface Area
(hectares)
|
|
Location
Coordinates
UTM (NAD27)
|
|
(INEGI
Official
Map No.)
|
|
Location Date
|
|
Expiration
Date
|
|
Annual Fees (in
Mexican Pesos,
"MP")
|
|
Gaitan Concessions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
La Victoria
|
|
210803
|
|
199.8708
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
11/30/1999
|
|
11/29/2049
|
|
11,448.60
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prolongacion del Recuerdo
|
|
210497
|
|
91.4591
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
10/8/1999
|
|
10/7/2049
|
|
5,238.78
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prolongacion del Recuerdo Dos
|
|
209397
|
|
26.6798
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
4/9/1999
|
|
4/8/2049
|
|
3,055.38
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arcelia Isabel
|
|
193499
|
|
60.3723
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
12/19/1991
|
|
12/18/2041
|
|
12,169.84
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dolores
|
|
180909
|
|
222.0385
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
8/6/1987
|
|
8/5/2012
|
|
44,758.52
|
|
|
|
|
|
San Luis Concessions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Reyes 8
|
|
226037
|
|
9.0000
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
11/15/2005
|
|
11/14/2055
|
|
130
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Reyes Fraccion Oeste
|
|
210703
|
|
476.9373
|
|
|
|
G13C75 and G13C85
|
|
11/18/1999
|
|
11/17/2049
|
|
56,278
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Reyes Fraccion Norte
|
|
212757
|
|
1,334.4710
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
11/22/2000
|
|
10/7/2049
|
|
78,762
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Reyes Fraccion Sur
|
|
212758
|
|
598.0985
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
11/22/2000
|
|
10/7/2049
|
|
35,302
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Reyes Dos
|
|
214131
|
|
17.3662
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
8/10/2001
|
|
8/9/2051
|
|
1,024
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Reyes Tres
|
|
214302
|
|
197.0000
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
6/9/2001
|
|
5/9/2051
|
|
11,628
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Reyes Cinco
|
|
216632
|
|
319.9852
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
5/17/2002
|
|
5/16/2052
|
|
18,886
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Reyes Cuatro
|
|
217757
|
|
11.1640
|
|
Project centered
|
|
G13C75
|
|
8/13/2002
|
|
8/12/2052
|
|
328
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Reyes Seis
|
|
225122
|
|
427.6609
|
|
at approximately
|
|
G13C75
|
|
7/22/2005
|
|
7/21/2055
|
|
6,064
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Reyes Siete
|
|
225123
|
|
4.8206
|
|
345000E,
|
|
G13C75
|
|
7/22/2005
|
|
7/21/2055
|
|
70
|
|
|
|
|
|
San Miguel Concessions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
2686000N
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Norma
|
|
177858
|
|
150.0000
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
4/29/1986
|
|
4/28/2011
|
|
30,237
|
|
|
|
|
|
San Manuel
|
|
188187
|
|
55.7681
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
11/22/1990
|
|
11/21/2015
|
|
11,241.74
|
|
|
|
|
|
El Padre Santo
|
|
196148
|
|
50.0000
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
7/16/1993
|
|
7/15/2043
|
|
10,079
|
|
|
|
|
|
Santo Niño
|
|
211513
|
|
44.0549
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
5/31/2000
|
|
5/30/2050
|
|
2,523.46
|
|
|
|
|
|
El Faisan
|
|
211471
|
|
2.6113
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
5/31/2000
|
|
3/30/2050
|
|
149.58
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patricia
|
|
212775
|
|
26.2182
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
1/31/2001
|
|
1/30/2051
|
|
1,501.78
|
|
|
|
|
|
Martha I
|
|
213234
|
|
46.6801
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
4/10/2001
|
|
4/9/2051
|
|
2,673.84
|
|
|
|
|
|
San Pedro
|
|
212753
|
|
9.0000
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
11/22/2000
|
|
11/21/2050
|
|
515.52
|
|
|
|
|
|
San Miguel Concessions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
San Pablo
|
|
212752
|
|
11.1980
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
11/22/2000
|
|
11/21/2050
|
|
641.42
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nueva Esperanza
|
|
184912
|
|
33.0000
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
12/6/1989
|
|
12/5/2039
|
|
6,652.14
|
|
|
|
|
|
San Miguel
|
|
185761
|
|
11.7455
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
12/14/1989
|
|
12/13/2014
|
|
2,367.66
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vista Gold Concessions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Elota
|
|
237661
|
|
947.6449
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
4/20/2011
|
|
4/19/2061
|
|
5402.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
Elota Fraccion 1
|
|
237662
|
|
905.5592
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
4/20/2011
|
|
4/19/2061
|
|
5162.00
|
Elota Fraccion 2
|
|
237663
|
|
3.2803
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
4/20/2011
|
|
4/19/2061
|
|
19.00
|
Elota Fraccion 3
|
|
237664
|
|
2.7052
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
4/20/2011
|
|
4/19/2061
|
|
16.00
|
Elota Fraccion 4
|
|
237665
|
|
8.1142
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
4/20/2011
|
|
4/19/2061
|
|
46.00
|
Elota Fraccion 5
|
|
237666
|
|
4.1698
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
4/20/2011
|
|
4/19/2061
|
|
24.00
|
Elota Fraccion 6
|
|
237667
|
|
0.4779
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
4/20/2011
|
|
4/19/2061
|
|
3.00
|
Elota Fraccion 7
|
|
237668
|
|
0.1535
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
4/20/2011
|
|
4/19/2061
|
|
1.00
|
Elota Fraccion 8
|
|
237669
|
|
0.6546
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
4/20/2011
|
|
4/19/2061
|
|
4.00
|
Elota Fraccion 9
|
|
237670
|
|
0.9503
|
|
|
|
G13C75
|
|
4/20/2011
|
|
4/19/2061
|
|
6.00
|
Totals
|
|
|
|
6,310.9102 hectares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
364,409.26
Mexican Pesos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total in US$ @ an exchange rate on 1/24/2012 of US$1.00 = MP$13.15 = US$27,712
|
|
On August 1, 2003, we executed an agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project and a data package associated
with the project and general area, for aggregate consideration of $1,400 and a 2% NSR royalty. During a due-diligence period prior to the signing of the purchase agreement, we made
payments to the owner, Sr. Enrique Gaitan Maumejean, totaling $100, and upon exercising our option to complete the purchase, paid an additional $200. On August 4, 2004, we issued
138,428 Common Shares to Sr. Gaitan in satisfaction of the scheduled payment of $500, which could be made in cash or Common Shares at
58
our
discretion. An additional $500 in cash was to be paid in installments of $100 on each of the second through sixth anniversaries of the signing of the formal agreement, with the outstanding balance
becoming due upon commencement of commercial production. Payments of $100 were made in each of 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, completing the purchase option. A 2% NSR royalty will be paid to
Sr. Gaitan and may be acquired by us at any time prior to 2053 for $1,000.
On
December 19, 2007, we announced that we had signed an agreement to acquire Grandcru Resource Corporation's ("Grandcru") interest in two gold/silver mineral properties adjacent to our
Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project. The acquisition was completed on January 24, 2008. Under the terms of the agreement, we agreed to: (a) pay Grandcru $425 less any amounts
payable in back taxes on the mining concessions ($377, net of back taxes on the mining concessions), and pay a private investment group known as the San Miguel Group $75; and (b) issue to
Grandcru and the San Miguel Group, in aggregate, Common Shares of the Corporation with a value of $1,000 (amounting to 213,503 Common Shares) on closing. In addition, we reached agreement with
San Luis and with the San Miguel Group to complete the acquisition of their respective interests in the mining concessions at the same time as the closing occurred with
Grandcru. We agreed to pay a 2% NSR royalty on all minerals produced payable to the San Miguel Group on the mining concessions known as the San Miguel Concessions. We agreed to pay San Luis a 1% NSR
royalty on mining concessions known as the San Luis Concessions and the San Miguel Concessions, and a 2% to 3% NSR royalty depending on the gold price on our mining concessions known as the Gaitan
Concessions. At gold prices below $499.99 per ounce, the royalty payable to San Luis on the Gaitan Concessions will be 2% and at or above $500 per ounce, the royalty payable will be 3%. Certain of the
San Luis Concessions are subject to a pre-existing underlying royalty of a 3% NSR royalty payable to San Luis Corporacion, S.A. de C.V. The maximum royalty payable on any of the
mining concessions would be a 5% NSR royalty.
Most
of the surface rights to the Guadalupe de Los Reyes Project are held by the Ejido Tasajera ("Ejido"). In November 2011, we concluded a two-year lease for use of the surface
with the Ejido. A few individuals hold other surface rights. Previous operators in the area have successfully negotiated surface rights agreements with the Ejido and the individual surface holders. An
important consideration is the traditional use of land, which recognizes that mining is the preferred use of the land in and around old mine workings. It has been reported that prior operators had a
good working relationship with people of the Ejido, since many of the inhabitants are necessarily contracted when work is carried out in exploration or mining operations. No labor or access problems
have been reported by prior operators or other mining operators within the area. There is sufficient space on the mineral land controlled by us for all necessary facilities including processing plant,
heap leach pads and waste dump areas. To operate within the laws and regulations of Mexico, we must negotiate the use of the land rights before initiating development of any considerable mining
operations in the project area. We anticipate that adequate mine labor would be available from the local communities, but professional staff would need to be recruited from outside the area and would
be based in Cosala and either self-transport to the mine daily or be bussed.
There
are no known environmental liabilities on the project.
We
have no installations at or near the project.
Accessibility, Climate, Vegetation, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
The project is located in the western foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental at elevations that vary from approximately 300 meters to 1,000 meters. The
topography is moderate to rugged. Climate in this area is arid to semi-arid with an average temperature of 22 to 26 degrees Celsius. The average rainfall of approximately
1,000 millimeters occurs mostly during the period of June to September in strong storm events that cause flooding along the river beds and frequent interruptions of the road to Cosala. Outside
of infrequent flood interruptions of the road during the rainy season, it is anticipated that mining operations can occur on a year-round basis. Moderate to dense vegetation of bushes and
shrubs covers the hill slopes within the project area, in a transition zone that changes from the tropical vegetation towards the lower elevations to that of evergreens and other types of trees at
higher topography.
59
Access
to the Guadalupe de Los Reyes gold project area is from approximately midway (100 kilometers) on the toll road that connects the cities of Mazatlan, and Culiacan, and then to Cosala by a
55-kilometer, two-lane paved highway. A 30-kilometer dirt road connects Cosala with the project area. An airstrip for small aircraft is located near Cosala, with
public and private service to the cities of Mazatlan, Culiacan and Durango. Electrical power is available in the village of Guadalupe de los Reyes, but there may not be sufficient capacity to support
a mining operation. A trade-off study between on-site power generation and power capacity upgrades will be part of a future feasibility study. It is anticipated that
ground-water wells would supply water for any future mine development and that the source of mine personnel would be from nearby villages. Operations personnel would be secured from surrounding
villages. Transportation of personnel will be addressed in future feasibility studies.
Sporadic
underground mining of veins in the district occurred from the 1770s until the 1950s. Old, underground mine workings and relatively small mine-waste dumps exist in the area, but no
tailings ponds are present.
History
The Guadalupe de Los Reyes mining district was discovered, according to local residents, on December 12, 1772, (virgin of Guadalupe's day) and claimed on
January 6, 1773, (Wise men's day, "Dia de los Reyes Magos"); hence, the current name is Guadalupe de Los Reyes (previously Guadalupe Los Reyes). Several areas were developed within the district
throughout its production history, mainly the Guadalupe mine, El Zapote, San Miguel, Mariposa, La Chiripa, Tahonitas, Noche Buena, Candelaria, Tatemas, Las Primas, and Fresnillo, along three
principal vein systems. These veins include the 2.5-kilometer long East-West system of the Guadalupe mine; 4.0-kilometer long NW-trending systems of San
Miguel-Chiripa-Noche Buena, and Mariposa-Zapote-Tahonitas, and other secondary systems. Intermittent production of gold/silver ores from the different mines within the district was reported until the
1950s. Access to the district was on horseback until the early 1960s when the dirt road access from Cosala was built.
Historical
production for the Guadalupe district was estimated in February 1936, by Mr. C. W. Vaupell as approximately 600,000 ounces of gold and over 40 million ounces of
silver (1.5 million tonnes of ore averaging 12 grams per tonne gold and 900 grams per tonne silver). A more comprehensive report, based on National Registry records, by Minas de
San Luis, S.A. de C.V. summarized the production as 319,000 gold ounces and 15 million silver ounces from 1771 to February 1989.
From
the middle of the 1950s to the 1980s there was limited activity within the Guadalupe district that included exploration reconnaissance studies and mining concessions promotions, until Northern
Crown Mines Ltd. took important steps to test the geologic potential with drilling and considerable investment in the early 1990s.
Operating
companies in the district included Negociacion Minera de Guadalupe de los Reyes, S.A.; Compañia La Chiripa y Anexas; Compañia Candelaria
Canoas, S.A., and in recent times Mr. Enrique Gaitan Enriquez representing various companies such as Compañia Minera Campanillas, S.A. de C.V., Minera
Tatema, S.A. de C.V., Minera Sierra Pacifico, S.A. de C.V., and Minera Mariposa, S.A. de C.V. ("Mariposa"); and most recently exploration companies as Minas de San
Luis, S.A. de C.V. ("Luismin") (later acquired by Goldcorp, Inc."Goldcorp").; Minera Silverado, S.A. de C.V.; Northern Crown Mines Ltd. ("NCM"); Meridian Gold
Company ("Meridian"); Grupo San Miguel ("San Miguel Group"), Grandcru, and Vista Gold.
Intermittent
production occurred over a period of 150 years, from 1772 to the 1950s, resulting in a reported accumulated extraction of approximately 1.1 million tonnes with an average
grade of 9.20 gold grams per tonne gold and 430 silver grams per tonne from the various deposits located within the mining district. Most of this production was exported to Germany as
dore bars.
Subsequently,
private investors leased some of the concessions from a group of claimholders from the city of Culiacan and carried out exploration and development operations in the Mariposa mine,
resulting in extraction of approximately 1,000 tonnes of gold ore with an average grade of 5.2 gold grams per tonne. Between October 1988 and February 1989, Enrique Gaitan
and Associates mined 31,500 tonnes with a reported grade of 5.8 gold grams per tonne from an open cut in the El Zapote South area and recovered, according to Mr. Gaitan,
60
approximately
93 kilograms of gold from a small cyanide vat-leach facility. Minera Sierra Pacifico, S.A. de C.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NCM, began conducting
exploration activities in the El Zapote area in 1992, when modern methods of exploration were first applied in the project area with a program that included geochemical soil and rock chip sampling,
geophysical studies including VLF-EM and magnetic surveys, drilling, sample and assay checks, partial underground development and computer modeling to estimate mineral resources.
Preliminary metallurgical testwork was carried out on bulk samples and drill chips from the El Zapote deposit. Environmental permits for exploration were obtained by NCM and Meridian.
NCM,
under an option to purchase the mining claims that covered the Guadalupe de Los Reyes District, developed a full program of exploration. The exploration program included drilling five zones
within the Guadalupe district as follows: El Zapote deposit, 197 reverse circulation holes, 15,728 meters; Guadalupe deposit, 78 reverse circulation holes, 10,547 meters;
San Miguel deposit, 33 reverse circulation holes, 3,674 meters; Noche Buena deposit, 37 reverse circulation holes, 4,071 meters; and Tahonitas deposit, 389 reverse
circulation holes, 2,258 meters.
In
December 2001, Meridian optioned the project from NCM and carried out a due-diligence investigation including sample checks and drilling of 23 additional confirmatory
holes in four areas as follows: El Zapote deposit, 5 reverse circulation holes, 829.3 meters; La Chiripa deposit, 9 reverse circulation holes, 829.2 meters; San
Miguel deposit, 6 reverse circulation holes, 698.2 meters; and Orito deposit, 3 reverse circulation holes, 375.0 meters.
Meridian
subsequently dropped the option with NCM in 2002. In December 2002, NCM returned all mineral rights to the original concessionaires, including Mr. Enrique Gaitan, Luismin,
Mariposa and a group of concessionaires from the city of Culiacan. Luismin has carried out prospecting studies within the concessions that cover the northern portion of the district, including the El
Orito zone, including surface and geochemical sampling along known mineralized structures. These mineralized zones were discovered by prospectors developing small pits and surface workings along fault
and altered zones.
In
August 2003, we entered an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the mineral rights held by Mr. Gaitan, which cover approximately seven percent of the Guadalupe de Los Reyes
mining district area. These concessions enclose most of the main identified exploration targets within the Guadalupe de Los Reyes district area, including approximately 73 percent of the El
Zapote deposit gold resources, all of the Guadalupe-Laija deposit, 2.6 percent of the Guadalupe-West deposit, 25 percent of the Chiripa-San Miguel deposits, all
of the Noche Buena deposit, and 99 percent of the Tahonitas deposit.
In
2004, Grandcru entered into agreements with Luismin and the San Miguel Group (holders of the Mariposa concessions) to acquire concessions that cover approximately 62 percent of the mining
district.
By
agreement dated January 24, 2008, with Grandcru and simultaneously with Goldcorp and the San Miguel Group, we acquired the mineral rights that cover the Guadalupe mining district, except for
two small claims located within the area. This agreement consolidated Vista Gold's ownership of the known mineralization within the Guadalupe district.
There
were some open fractions within our concession grouping and we filed for coverage of those fractions. Ten concessions were granted to us in April, 2011, to consolidate our position.
Geology and Mineralization
Guadalupe de los Reyes occurs in a late Cretaceous-to-Tertiary-age volcanic sequence of rocks. Gold and silver mineralization is
characterized as Low Sulfidation Epithermal ("LSE") and has been found along a series of northwesterly and west-northwesterly trending structural zones. Mineralization in the project area
covers an area of approximately five by two kilometers (1,000 hectares), but has been extended by geologic interpretations to an area of over 8,600 hectares. Eight main target areas have
been identified along three major structural zones. Several of these targets have bulk tonnage potential which may be amenable to open-pit mining, including
61
the
El Zapote, San Miguel, Guadalupe Mine, Tahonitas, and Noche Buena zones. The El Zapote target occurs in the Mariposa-El Zapote-Tahonitas structural zone on the western side of the
project area and has been mapped for a distance of three kilometers. The El Zapote deposit is one of three deposits found along this structural zone, with the inactive underground Mariposa Mine one
kilometer to the northwest and the Tahonitas prospect 0.5 kilometers to the southeast. The Guadalupe zone occurs as the northwest extension of the mineralized structures that were developed by
underground mining along approximately 1,000 meters of the veins and to some 400 meters deep. The Guadalupe zone is found in the northeast portion of the area and has produced the
majority of precious metals within the district. The San Miguel and Noche Buena zones are enclosed by the same northwestern trending structure in between the El Zapote-Mariposa and the Guadalupe
structures.
Historical Exploration and Development
In August 2009, a third-party NI 43-101 technical study was complete for us by PAH, by or under the supervision of Leonel Lopez, C.P.G., an
independent qualified person, utilizing standard industry software and estimation methodology, to basically consolidate the mineralization in the district that we purchased from Grandcru with that
already held by us. The technical report outlining the results of the study entitled "Technical Report for the Guadalupe de Los Reyes Gold-Silver Project, Sinaloa, Mexico" dated
August 12, 2009 (and amended and restated on December 8, 2009, to address concerns the British Columbia Securities Commission raised regarding disclaimers and related portions of
the document, and the length of time since a site visit occurred. There were no concerns regarding technical data.) is available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com
.
Based
on the report, under SEC Industry Guide 7 guidelines, mineralized material for the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold project, above a cut-off grade of 0.50 gold grams per
tonne, is estimated at 10,048,000 tonnes grading 1.50 gold grams per tonne and 25.74 silver grams per tonne. Under CIM Definition Standards, at the same cut-off grade,
indicated mineral resources are estimated at 10,048,000 tonnes grading 1.50 gold grams per tonne and 25.74 silver grams per tonne and inferred mineral resources are estimated at
4,888,000 tonnes grading 2.02 gold grams per tonne and 59.98 silver grams per tonne.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Inventors: see the section heading
"Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves" above.
Sampling and Analysis
PAH carried out a review of the check assay program for the technical report, including correlation analysis of results for duplicate checks, and the conclusion was that the
results from check assaying were reasonable. NCM personnel applied the same procedure to all sampling and data registration of all the investigated mineralized zones within the project area. PAH
believes that an adequate amount of checking has been conducted and that the results are representative of the mineralization in the deposit.
PAH
conducted a thorough review of the NCM sampling procedures and lab processing for the prefeasibility study of January 1998. Most of the project analytical samples were delivered to
Bondar-Clegg de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. ("Bondar-Clegg de Mexico") in Hermosillo, Mexico, for sample preparation. PAH noted, however, that during one period (drill holes ZA-016 to
ZA-053 or approximately 20 percent of the data) analyses were conducted by SGS-XRAL laboratories in Hermosillo, Mexico. At Bondar-Clegg de Mexico, the entire sample was
crushed to 75 percent passing 10 mesh using jaw and cone crushers. Representative 250-gram splits of the crushed sample were obtained using a Jones riffle splitter. These
splits were then pulverized to -150 mesh using a ring and puck pulverizer. The resultant samples were sent to Bondar-Clegg de Mexico's assay laboratory in Vancouver, British
Columbia, for gold and silver analysis. For gold, a one-assay-ton fire assay was conducted with an AA finish, and if the AA value exceeded 10 gold grams per tonne, then
it was reassayed with a gravimetric finish. PAH noted that this is a typical analytical protocol and that Bondar-Clegg and Bondar-Clegg de Mexico are internationally recognized laboratories.
Silver
analyses of earlier drill-hole samples were conducted by fire assay with an atomic absorption finish, if silver was analyzed at all. Later drill-hole samples in which
silver was routinely analyzed were largely done by
62
aqua
regia digestion followed by atomic absorption. The acid digestion/atomic absorption silver values have been found to consistently be lower than the fire assay values because of a less complete
extraction of the silver from the samples. This is not expected to be a problem as long as the basis for the silver analyses is stated when applying metallurgical recoveries. Silver analyses by acid
digestion/AA were used for the resource calculations.
NCM
had approximately 10 percent of the sample intervals in the mineralized zone sent for duplicate analysis by a second laboratory to evaluate the quality of the sample analyses. Overall, PAH
found that the results from the check assaying are reasonable. It is PAH's opinion that the sampling methods and analyses representing the Guadalupe de Los Reyes gold/silver project deposits utilized
procedures in accordance with accepted industry standards and practices.
Recent Exploration and Development
On April 27, 2011, we announced that following a detailed review of the historic data from which we identified 13 priority targets, that we intended to commence
field exploration work in 2011, including field mapping and definition of drill targets. Prior exploration took place from 1988-2002, a period during which the silver price ranged from
$4-6 per ounce and there was little incentive to evaluate the geologic potential for higher grade silver zones, similar to those which existed in the vein system mined by previous
underground mining operations. Equally important, no significant studies were completed to fully evaluate the production potential of silver with extensive metallurgical testing. Vista's drill plan is
focused on confirming the bulk mineable resource estimates already identified and examining the high-grade potential of the underground minable vein systems in the district and in the
lower zones of the historic mine operations. Following the drilling program, Vista plans to commence a systematic metallurgical testing program so that the economic potential of the deposit can be
evaluated. The style of mineralization is similar to that of Primero Mining's Tayoltita operation located 60 kilometers to the southeast with a historic production of greater than
9 million ounces of gold and 600 million ounces of silver.
Following
extensive geologic mapping and surface sampling, on October 25, 2011, we received the government permits for our planned drilling program, and with an agreement for surface
exploration rights with the Ejido La Tasajera, we announced that drilling program would soon start. This program is designed to accomplish two objectives: obtain core for metallurgical testing
from the stockwork that is the host for the project's current reported estimated mineral resources, and test the potential for high gold grades and bonanza silver grades in the underlying LSE vein
systems. If this initial core drilling program is successful, we intend to undertake more comprehensive drilling. At this time, we are planning to initiate work to complete a preliminary economic
assessment in the latter part of 2012.
Drilling
commenced on November 7, 2011 and continued through December 13, 2011, when the program halted for the Christmas holidays. Energold Drill Co. was contracted for the work
and at the end of December 2011 had completed ten core holes totaling 1470.1 meters. All of the drilling targeted the Guadalupe vein system which can be traced over a distance of
4.5 kilometers. Approximately 2.5 kilometers of strike length was extensively developed by historic mining with underground workings extending 400 meters vertically.
Guadalupe West
In the Guadalupe West area, six holes were drilled down dip and along strike from previous drilling. Three additional holes were drilled to explore the projection of the vein
to the east in an area with no prior drilling. These holes were designed to test potential veining below surface stockwork outcrops that have returned assays ranging from one to four gold grams per
tonne. The final hole targeted high grade mineralization east of the main area of historic production.
Six
of the 10 holes intersected 10 to 40 meters of quartz veins and stockwork zones. In this area, the vein is typically five to eight meters wide with stockwork veining extending an
additional 20 to 30 meters up the hole.
63
The
following table summarizes the results of the drilling program as reported in a press released on January 29, 2012. The drilling was oriented to intersect the vein system at right angles to
provide a close approximation of true width.
|
Drill
Hole
|
|
INTERVAL
|
|
INCLUDING
|
|
Composite
Cutoff (g/t)
|
|
Thickness
(m)
|
|
Au
g/t
|
|
Ag
g/t
|
|
Au
equiv*
|
|
From
|
|
To
|
|
From
|
|
To
|
|
11GW-001
|
|
53.5
|
|
60.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
7.0
|
|
2.22
|
|
249.0
|
|
6.37
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56.6
|
|
58.1
|
|
4.0
|
|
1.5
|
|
5.46
|
|
645.7
|
|
16.22
|
|
|
|
107.0
|
|
109.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
2.6
|
|
1.88
|
|
6.9
|
|
2.0
|
|
11GW-002
|
|
70.2
|
|
71.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
1.0
|
|
0.61
|
|
37.7
|
|
1.24
|
|
|
|
88.9
|
|
96.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
8.0
|
|
0.67
|
|
56.9
|
|
1.62
|
|
11GW-003
|
|
77.6
|
|
79.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
2.0
|
|
2.16
|
|
23.3
|
|
2.55
|
|
|
|
82.6
|
|
84.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
2.0
|
|
3.23
|
|
59.3
|
|
4.22
|
|
|
|
91.1
|
|
93.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
2.0
|
|
0.88
|
|
20.9
|
|
1.23
|
|
|
|
96.1
|
|
103.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
7.6
|
|
1.79
|
|
97.1
|
|
3.41
|
|
11GW-004
|
|
114.7
|
|
116.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
2.0
|
|
0.54
|
|
6.7
|
|
0.65
|
|
11GW-005
|
|
50.1
|
|
51.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
1.8
|
|
1.16
|
|
47.6
|
|
1.95
|
|
|
|
58.9
|
|
61.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
3.0
|
|
0.53
|
|
5.2
|
|
0.62
|
|
|
|
74.1
|
|
77.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
3.0
|
|
0.51
|
|
20.3
|
|
0.85
|
|
11GW-006
|
|
64.8
|
|
70.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
5.4
|
|
1.39
|
|
27.3
|
|
1.85
|
|
|
|
73.7
|
|
94.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
20.3
|
|
1.60
|
|
40.0
|
|
2.27
|
|
11GW-007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No significant mineralization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11GW-008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No significant mineralization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11GW-009
|
|
21.4
|
|
24.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
3.0
|
|
1.28
|
|
211
|
|
4.80
|
|
11GV-001
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assays Pending
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
*
-
calculated
at 60:1 Ag:Au
Guadalupe Mine Zone (Laija Area) and El Zapote
Prior to the Christmas break in December 2011, the drill was moved to the main Guadalupe Mine Zone. This area consists of a branching system of epithermal veins and
stockwork zones that were the focus of much of the historic underground mining in the district. One core hole totaling 202.8 meters was completed prior to the holiday break. The hole
intersected feldspar porphyry with silicified and argillically altered zones with minor zones of pyrite-bearing quartz stockwork.
As
we announced on February 27, 2012, drilling with one drill resumed on January 10, 2012 and a second drill began drilling on January 23, 2012.Assays have been received from
three holes; two from the Guadalupe vein and one from the El Zapote vein. The intercepts from the Guadalupe vein confirm our hypothesis that there is potential for high grade gold-silver
mineralization in the district. Based on the depths of stopes from historic operations, it is estimated that the intercepts in the Guadalupe vein are a couple hundred meters above the base of the
productive zone. Neither drill hole from the Guadalupe vein reached the planned target depth due to difficult drilling conditions, though, assay results from 12GV-02 indicate strong
mineralization at the bottom of the hole.
The
results from the first hole from the El Zapote vein system are encouraging and confirm the presence of near surface stockwork veining previously defined by reverse circulation drilling.
64
The
results are summarized on the following table. The equivalent gold grade (Au equiv) was calculated using a metal price ratio of 60:1; 60 grams silver equals 1 gram equivalent
of gold.
This
drilling program, including the logging, photographing, and sampling by contractors of Vista, was conducted under the supervision of Vista's Vice President of Exploration, Mr. Frank Fenne
P.G., who is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Samples were shipped to the ALSChemex sample prep lab in Hermosillo, Mexico. Prepared sample pulps were shipped by
ALSChemex to its assay lab in Vancouver. Gold was analyzed using a 50-gram fire assay with an atomic absorption spectroscopy ("AAS") finish. Silver was initially analyzed using a
41 element ICP analysis using a four acid digestion. Silver assays greater than 100 grams per tonne were re-assayed using a 50-gram fire assay with a gravimetric
finish and these results replaced the AAS finish. An on-going quality control/quality assurance protocol was employed in the program that includes standards and blanks in every batch of
assays. Check assays were conducted on every twentieth sample by a second independent laboratory. Sampling, sample custody, preparation and assaying were completed in compliance with
NI 43-101 standards.
|
|
|
|
|
INTERVAL
|
|
INCLUDING
|
|
Composite
Cutoff (g/t)
|
|
Thickness
(m)
|
|
Au
g/t
|
|
Ag
g/t
|
|
Au
equiv
|
Drill Hole
|
|
Target Zone
|
|
From
|
|
To
|
|
From
|
|
To
|
|
11GV-01
|
|
Guadalupe Vein Zone
|
|
55.0
|
|
57.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
2.0
|
|
14.9
|
|
460
|
|
22.6
|
|
12GV-02
|
|
Guadalupe Vein Zone
|
|
236.3
|
|
245.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
8.9
|
|
7.79
|
|
477
|
|
15.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
239.9
|
|
245.2
|
|
4.0
|
|
5.3
|
|
12.15
|
|
738
|
|
24.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
289.8
|
|
294.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
4.9
|
|
0.92
|
|
115
|
|
2.8
|
|
12ZAP-01
|
|
El Zapote
|
|
0
|
|
7.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
7.1
|
|
0.54
|
|
18.1
|
|
0.84
|
|
|
|
|
|
27.0
|
|
29.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
2.0
|
|
1.63
|
|
26.4
|
|
2.07
|
|
|
|
|
|
37.0
|
|
38.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
1.7
|
|
8.47
|
|
31.5
|
|
8.99
|
|
|
|
|
|
43.1
|
|
58.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
15.0
|
|
4.95
|
|
33.7
|
|
5.51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45.1
|
|
51.4
|
|
1.0
|
|
6.3
|
|
10.13
|
|
50.2
|
|
10.97
|
|
All results are from angle diamond core holes. Interpreted vein orientation and approximate true width are illustrated on the cross sections that are on our
website. The high grade mineralization intersected in 12GV-02 from 236.3 to 245.2 meters occurs in a brecciated quartz vein and resulted in a lower core recovery (approx.
34%) than has been typically encountered. It is likely that finely ground rock was washed from the core. The grade of the interval without this loss of material could be lower or higher
than reported.
The
planned program of 4,000 meters of drilling is expected to be completed by the end of the first half 2012.
Concordia Gold Project, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Property Description and Location
The Concordia gold project is located 55 kilometers southeast of the city of La Paz (population approximately 220,000), in the Mexican state of Baja California
Sur and is accessed by paved and dirt roads. The project area covers over 3,710 hectares and is comprised of fifteen mining concessions. A map showing the location of the mining concessions and
a table with a list of the mining concessions and the holding requirements follow.
65
66
Concordia Mining Concessions Controlled by Vista Gold
Project is centered at approximately UTM coordinates 592500E, 2618000N (NAD27)
All concessions are located on INEGI official map number F12B23
Concession Name
|
|
Serial
Number
|
|
Surface Area
(hectares)
|
|
Location
Date
|
|
Expiration
Date
|
|
Annual Fees
(in Mexican Pesos,
"MP")
|
San Antonio
|
|
180064
|
|
151.3647
|
|
3/23/1987
|
|
3/22/2037
|
|
30,512
|
El Arbol De Oro
|
|
184973
|
|
162.0000
|
|
12/13/1989
|
|
12/12/2039
|
|
32,656
|
El Picachudo
|
|
189602
|
|
348.0000
|
|
12/5/1990
|
|
12/4/2040
|
|
70,150
|
La Dificultad
|
|
203910
|
|
454.0218
|
|
11/5/1996
|
|
11/4/2046
|
|
91,522
|
Julia
|
|
204485
|
|
469.4073
|
|
2/21/1997
|
|
2/20/2047
|
|
94,624
|
Tocopilla
|
|
204511
|
|
582.4949
|
|
2/28/1997
|
|
2/27/2047
|
|
117,420
|
La Rica
|
|
206545
|
|
481.1593
|
|
1/23/1998
|
|
1/22/2048
|
|
96,992
|
Maile
|
|
207581
|
|
296.9883
|
|
6/30/1998
|
|
6/29/2048
|
|
59,866
|
Cerro Pedregoso
|
|
218397
|
|
46.6493
|
|
11/5/2002
|
|
11/4/2052
|
|
1,328
|
La Encantada Fracc. 2
|
|
218398
|
|
12.9992
|
|
11/5/2002
|
|
11/4/2052
|
|
370
|
La Encantada Fracc. 1
|
|
218399
|
|
166.2248
|
|
11/5/2002
|
|
11/4/2052
|
|
4,734
|
La Encantada Fracc. II
|
|
218415
|
|
32.4883
|
|
11/5/2002
|
|
11/4/2052
|
|
926
|
La Encantada Fracc. I
|
|
218417
|
|
44.9991
|
|
11/5/2002
|
|
11/4/2052
|
|
1,282
|
Valle Perdido Fracc. I
|
|
226290
|
|
9.7752
|
|
12/6/2005
|
|
12/5/2055
|
|
134
|
Valle Perdido Reduccion 2
|
|
227346
|
|
451.5862
|
|
6/9/2006
|
|
11/4/2052
|
|
6,214
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals
|
|
|
|
3,710.1584
|
|
|
|
|
|
608,730
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15 ConcessionsTotaling US$ @ an exchange rate on 1/24/2012US$46,291
|
of = US$1.00 = MP $13.15
|
Note: Proof of Labor must be filed on all concessions annually. All concessions are Federal Mining Concessions.
We acquired 100% of the project on August 29, 2002, from Viceroy Resource Corporation ("Viceroy"). To acquire the project, we paid cash of C$1,000 and
issued 303,030 equity units comprised of one Common Share and one purchase warrant to purchase one Common Share to Viceroy, and on August 29, 2003, we paid Viceroy the remaining C$500
due pursuant to the acquisition contract (see also Consolidated Financial StatementsNote 5 under the section heading "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data" below).
Echo Bay
Mines Ltd. ("Echo Bay") holds a 2% net profits interest on certain concessions of the project, subject to a cap of $2,000. Additionally, Minera Tepmin, S.A. de
C.V. ("Tepmin"), holds a 1% net smelter return royalty ("NSR") on two concessions which are outside the limits of the current anticipated open-pit mine.
On
December 5, 2008, we completed a transaction to purchase the land needed for a desalination plant for the Concordia gold project. The purchase price of the land was 5,648 pesos, which
was equivalent to $424 on the purchase date. The land is located on the Pacific Coast, approximately 26 kilometers by air southwest of the project. The 1.6 hectare parcel of land is
zoned for industrial use and a Change of Land Use Permit ("CUS") has been received from the Municipality of La Paz for the installation of the desalination plant. On December 23, 2008,
we entered into an agreement to purchase approximately 500 hectares of land within the area covered by the mining concessions for the mill site and other infrastructure. The purchase price of
the
land was 6,000 pesos, which was equivalent to $456 on the purchase date. We paid $228, which was half of the total purchase price, on the date of purchase and we recorded as a
long-term liability the remaining $228 which was payable upon the earlier of: a) within 10 days following the start-up of commercial production at the Concordia
gold project; or b) three years from the date of the purchase agreement. In October 2010, we paid the remaining $228.
The
project holds environmental authorizations for the following purposes: project development including access road, power line, telephone communications, and infrastructure to supply water from a
well field;
67
construction
and operation of a tailings dam; disposal of tailings; construction of a mill; and installation of three pumping stations. Outstanding permits are discussed under the heading "Permitting"
below.
We
are not aware of any environmental liabilities on the property and believe that if any exist, the Corporation will not be liable for them.
Labor,
including skilled labor is available from the nearby towns including the city of La Paz. Areas for potential waste dumps and heap leach pads (although no heap leach pads are envisioned
at this time) are available through surface rights that Vista has obtained.
On
February 7, 2012, we announced that we have entered into the Earn-in Right Agreement with Invecture with respect to our Concordia gold project.
Under
the terms of the Agreement, Invecture made a non-refundable payment of $2,000 in exchange for the right to earn a 60% interest (subject to adjustment) in DZ Mexico
(the "Earn-in Right"). The Earn-in Right will expire if not exercised by February 7, 2014, subject to extension in certain circumstances
(the "Earn-in Period"). The Earn-in Right Agreement provides that during the Earn-in Period, Invecture will, at its sole expense, manage and operate the Concordia gold
project and will undertake all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the Change of Forest Land Use Permit ("CUSF") and the Authorization of Environmental Impact which are required to develop the
project. Invecture has advised that it will secure $70,000 in project debt finance to construct the Concordia gold project after it has exercised the Earn-in Right and after a project
development decision has been made. Once Invecture has earned its interest in the Concordia gold project, the parties have agreed to evaluate market conditions with regard to the future organization
and ownership structure of DZ Mexico.
The
Earn-in Right Agreement provides that the exercise of the Earn-in Right by Invecture is conditional upon, among other things: (i) receipt of the CUSF and the Authorization of
Environmental Impact; (ii) the completion of a feasibility report on the Concordia gold project which updates the existing feasibility report with respect to costs; (iii) Invecture
funding the Concordia gold project during the Earn-in Period; and (iv) Invecture making an additional payment of $20,000 to DZ Mexico, which amount will be used to repay
intercompany loans owed by DZ Mexico to Vista.
During
the Earn-in Period and subject to the terms of the Earn-in Right Agreement, Vista holds 40% of the DZ Mexico shareholder voting rights. The remaining 60% of the DZ Mexico
shareholder voting rights are held in a trust that will be instructed by representatives of Vista and Invecture. Upon Invecture's exercise of the Earn-in Right, Vista will continue to hold
a 40% interest (subject to adjustment) in DZ Mexico and the Concordia gold project.
As
part of the Earn-in Right Agreement, DZ Mexico has transferred all of its other material assets, including the mill equipment acquired by Vista for the Concordia gold project in 2008 and the
Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, to other entities in the Vista group of companies. Vista has granted Invecture the option to cause DZ Mexico to acquire the mill equipment for $16,000 plus
storage, insurance and transportation costs and any applicable taxes. This option is exercisable by Invecture during the first 12 months after the date of the Agreement.
Accessibility, Climate, Vegetation, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
The project site is currently accessible by paved highway to within 17 kilometers of the project on the north and then by government-maintained dirt roads. There is also
a government maintained dirt road from the west. The main access will be from the north. We plan to widen and improve approximately 10 kilometers of existing roads from the north and to
construct approximately 7 kilometers of new road immediately north of the project. At the present time, the project area is undeveloped with only several sheds and the drill access roads
constructed during the exploration phase. We maintain an office in the city of La Paz and a small warehouse for the storage of drill samples in the town of San Antonio. Operations personnel are
expected to come from villages in the
68
general
area and from La Paz. Personnel transportation options, such as busing from population centers, are being considered.
High-voltage
electrical power will be available from an existing sub-station located 18 kilometers north of the project area. We intend to construct a new power line
from the sub-station to the project. The power line design has been completed and the right-of-way agreements are in place. We intend to use desalinated sea water
from the Pacific Coast, north of Todos Santos. The length of the pipeline to transport desalinated sea water to the project is dependent on the ultimate route chosen; however, 45 kilometers was
used in the 2009 feasibility study update. Annual water consumption is estimated to be 1.4 million cubic meters.
Surface
rights have been secured by the purchase of titled land from a landowner in the area, and there is sufficient space on this land for the processing plant and tailings disposal facility. On
October 27, 2009, the General Direction of Mines in the Mexican Secretariat of Economy granted to us, Temporary Occupation Permits ("TOP") covering the seven mining concessions in the project
area (San Antonio, El Arbol de Oro, La Dificultad, Julia, Maile, La Encantada Fracc. 1, and Valle Perdido Fracc. I). We believe that the TOP grant us the surface rights
necessary for the open pit and waste rock dumps.
The
climate is semi-arid and mild. Operations will be possible year-round. Vegetation consists of mesquite trees and various cacti, with the primary type of vegetation
predominating in the area categorized as "deciduous tropical forest". Echo Bay had a program of relocating cacti of importance prior to drilling or road-building activities, and we
expect to do the same in the future. The topography comprises moderate to steep hills with elevations ranging from 400 to 800 meters. Overall, the drainage system is characterized by moderately
steep v-shaped valleys.
History
Mining in the region dates back to the colonial times, when gold was discovered by Jesuits who were colonizing the area. The initial recorded work on the property itself
commenced around 1970 when Noranda Inc. (under its subsidiary Cia Minera Gamma, S.A. de C.V.) ("Noranda") acquired a number of Baja Sur properties in 1970. Noranda joint-ventured the
property with Minera Las Cuevas, S.A. de C.V. A total of 28 core drill holes were completed on the property. Mine Development Associates Inc. of Reno, Nevada ("MDA") reports
26 core drill holes, which according to drilling dates in the current database, were completed in 1974.
An
extensive geochemical program and completion of 18 diamond drill holes in 1984 and 1985 was carried out by Imperial Metals Corporation ("IMC") who acquired the property in 1984.
In
1992, Tymar Resources Inc. ("Tymar") acquired 70% of the shares of IMC. Tymar then changed its name to Baja Gold Inc. ("Baja"). Baja's first program included extending the geochemical
survey and 18 reverse-circulation drill holes.
Echo Bay
entered into an agreement with IMC in May 1996, whereby Echo Bay could earn a 51% interest in the property by expending $4,500 on the project prior to January 1997
and by making cash payments to IMC. Echo Bay could also earn an additional 9% interest in the project by additional expenditures and cash payments. Echo Bay spent $13,400 on the project
through January 1997 and earned a 60% interest in the project. Baja amalgamated with Loki Gold Corporation during May 1996 to form VLB Resource Corporation ("VLB"), which subsequently
became a wholly owned subsidiary of Viceroy.
From
1994 to 1997, Echo Bay conducted extensive regional and local exploration over its claim block covering 150 square kilometers. Its exploration included stream sediment and soil
geochemistry, ground and airborne geophysics, satellite imagery, geologic mapping, rock sampling, and drilling. In addition, its reconnaissance exploration identified two targets within the claim
block but outside of the resource area: Tocopilla and Boca del Saucito.
69
From
1993 to 1997, Echo Bay carried out geologic mapping on about 33% of the claim block at a 1:4,000 scale. In a detailed stream-sediment sampling program across its claim block,
Echo Bay collected 910 samples and analyzed those for gold, silver, copper, and arsenic. Gold correlated with arsenic and ranged up to 5.75 gold grams per tonne, averaging
0.058 gold grams per tonne. Echo Bay also sampled vegetation and stream and drill-hole water samples. Soil sampling proved to be the most productive exploration tool because
of the thick vegetative cover and poorly developed outcrop. In addition to sampling over the resource area, soil grids were cut across the Boca del Saucito, Tocopilla, and Northern Perimeter areas.
From 1993 through 1996, 7,024 soil samples were collected and analyzed by Echo Bay. Over 1,300 rock chip samples were collected from outcrops of cataclasite and strongly altered
areas in road cuts, and were analyzed for gold, silver, arsenic, mercury, copper, lead and zinc.
Induced
polarization ("IP") surveying proved to be the most effective method for outlining disseminated sulfide mineralization at the Concordia gold project. Echo Bay conducted
40 line-kilometers of 50-meter and 100-meter spaced IP surveys over the resource and the Boca del Saucito area in 1994 and 1995. In addition, in 1994,
Echo Bay flew an extensive regional suite of airborne geophysics that included electromagnetic resistivity ("EM"), aeromagnetics, radiometrics, and very low-frequency resistivity
("VLF") surveying. There is a potassium/thorium radiometric high over the gold resource, reflecting its association with potassic alteration. Magnetics and EM do not show strong anomalies over the
gold resource. There is a correlation of IP highs and gold mineralization, due to the presence of sulfides in the mineralization.
From
1994 through 1997, Echo Bay drilled 36 HQ-size core holes totaling 9,587.9 meters and 321 5.5-inch reverse circulation holes totaling
61,396.5 meters on the property (Snowden reports 339 RC holes for 62,616 meters reverse circulation). The following table shows drill-hole data contained in the
database used for the resource estimate, and it is noted that most of the drill database consists of drill data attributed to Echo Bay. Echo Bay drilled HQ-size core holes
that were logged by a geologist and split for assay. They drilled 5.5-inch reverse circulation holes, from which chip samples were collected on intervals between one and two meters that
were logged by a geologist.
70
Concordia Drillhole Database
Type
|
|
No. Holes
|
|
Lengths (meters)
|
Combined*
|
|
4
|
|
2,182
|
Core
|
|
87
|
|
14,280
|
RC
|
|
347
|
|
62,473
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grand Total
|
|
438
|
|
78,934
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company
|
|
No. Holes
|
|
Lengths (meters)
|
Baja
|
|
18
|
|
1,217
|
Echo Bay
|
|
369
|
|
73,026
|
IMC
|
|
18
|
|
957
|
Noranda
|
|
26
|
|
2,520
|
Vista Gold
|
|
7
|
|
1,215
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grand Total
|
|
438
|
|
78,934
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year
|
|
No. Holes
|
|
Lengths (meters)
|
1974
|
|
26
|
|
2,520
|
1984
|
|
9
|
|
655
|
1985
|
|
9
|
|
302
|
1991
|
|
18
|
|
1,217
|
1994
|
|
82
|
|
15,890
|
1995
|
|
119
|
|
26,146
|
1996
|
|
127
|
|
24,724
|
1997
|
|
41
|
|
6,266
|
2005
|
|
7
|
|
1,215
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grand Total
|
|
438
|
|
78,934
|
|
|
|
|
|
Used/Not Used in Database
|
|
No. Holes
|
|
Lengths (meters)
|
Historic (not used)
|
|
44
|
|
3,477
|
Outside the area (not used)
|
|
7
|
|
1,215
|
Database (used)
|
|
387
|
|
74,242
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grand Total
|
|
438
|
|
78,934
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
*
-
"Combined"
means the hole was drilled partly by reverse circulation (RC) and the remainder by core; some meterages are off due to rounding.
Echo Bay produced a feasibility study in late 1996. This was superseded by a February 1997 feasibility study that updated the geology and mining
sections. Echo Bay then completed a favorable feasibility study in late 1997, elected to put the property into production, and purchased a used processing plant. However, when gold prices
quickly fell from over $375 per gold ounce, which had been the basis of the feasibility study, to less than $300 per gold ounce, Echo Bay terminated the detailed engineering work then in
progress and indefinitely suspended development of the project.
In
October 1999, Viceroy acquired the remaining 60% of the project from Echo Bay in exchange for the mill that was owned by the joint venture and a 2% net profits royalty on all the
concessions, except for two concessions, El Arbol de Oro and Picachudo that were already covered by a 1% NSR royalty to Tepmin. There is no record of Viceroy having done any exploration work on the
site between 1999 and 2002.
71
We
acquired the Concordia gold project from Viceroy in August 2002 by purchasing all of the assets of IMC for a total purchase price of C$3,000. The terms of the agreement called for payment of
50% in cash, with C$1,000 due at closing and C$500 due one year from closing, and 50% in Vista Gold equity units (one Common Share and one warrant to purchase one Common Share).
Geology and Mineralization
The south-southeast-trending Baja Peninsula is cut by north-trending extensional faults thought to be related to the Tertiary extensional environment of the Gulf of California
and East Pacific Rise. At the southern tip of the peninsula is the La Paz crystalline complex, made up of Cretaceous intermediate to silicic intrusions that cut and metamorphosed early Mesozoic
clastic and calcareous sedimentary rocks. The Concordia gold project lies on the northwest flank of the mountain range with Picacho Sierra la Laguna as its most prominent local feature. This mountain
range lies within the La Paz crystalline complex. The crystalline complex is bounded on the west by the La Paz fault that transects the peninsula. While a thick sequence of Tertiary
volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks crop out west of the La Paz fault, erosion has removed both the Tertiary volcanic units and the early Mesozoic metasedimentary rocks from the
Concordia area.
The
20 to 30 kilometer-wide, 100 kilometer long Todos Santos mineral belt, bounded by north-trending extensional faults, includes the Valle Perdido, El Triunfo, and San
Antonio mining districts, as well as Concordia. A regional north-northeast-striking fault, mapped for three kilometers north and south of Concordia, has an east-trending flexure in its
central portion, which is where the Concordia resource is located.
General
geology at Concordia consists of diorite roof pendants intruded by a granodiorite batholith with local low and high-angle fault zones. A north-east striking,
south-east dipping low-angle silicified fault zone (technically a "cataclasite") is the main host of gold mineralization at Concordia. Movement along this structure has been
characterized as reverse, resulting from compression. Secondary, high-angle faulting is thought to control the higher-grade mineralization at the project. The known gold mineralized
material occupies an inverted U-shaped block with an approximate strike length of 1,500 meters east-west to east-northeast, a width of approximately
500 meters down-dip, and a thickness averaging about 30 meters, but reaching 80 meters. The apex of the "U" is near the center of the proposed pit with the legs
forming the east and west pit lobes.
Silver
occurs in the deposit, but due to the lack of quality assurance and quality control data for the silver assays, a NI 43-101 compliant silver resource estimate has not
been prepared. Metallurgical testing indicates that silver recoveries are variable, but silver production is not included in the feasibility study (described below). It cannot be assumed that any
silver will be produced from the Concordia gold project.
Exploration and Drilling
The Concordia gold project has been a significant exploration target since the 1980s. Exploration prior to Vista Gold's involvement is discussed under the heading "History"
above. Our exploration efforts to date have primarily been in the Tocopilla area, which is about 3.5 kilometers north of the resource at Concordia. In 2004, we collected and analyzed
203 soil samples and 22 rock-chip samples. In 2005, we completed six hybrid expanding dipole-dipole IP lines across the Tocopilla target, with east-west lines
spaced 200 meters apart and totaling about 12 line-kilometers. Strong IP anomalies were identified on all lines with a good correlation between high IP values and high
resistivities. The IP chargeability response at Tocopilla was found to be stronger and broader than that at the Concordia deposit. In addition to this work on the Tocopilla target, Vista Gold
collected and analyzed nine rock samples from near the southwestern corner of the property.
In
December 2004, we completed metallurgical testing on 118 kilograms of quarter core from the Concordia project.
In
2005, we drilled seven NQ-size core holes for a total of 1,215.2 meters on the Tocopilla target, which lies north of the main resource area. Four were angle holes, and three were
vertical. The drilling encountered mineralization that was sub economic in value. Britton International Drilling of Hermosillo, Sonora, was the
72
drill
contractor. The core was split on site and then sent to Chemex's Hermosillo laboratory for sample preparation.
All
of the assaying was conducted for us by Chemex's Sparks, Nevada, laboratory following sample preparation at Chemex's Hermosillo, Sonora, laboratory. All rock chip samples and core were split with
a riffle splitter with fine crushing to 70% less than 2 millimeters and the split pulverized to 85% less than 75 microns. Soil samples were screened to minus 180 microns. All
assays were 30-gram fire assays with atomic absorption finish (FA-AA) for gold, accompanied by either 27-element four-acid ICP-AES for drill
samples or 34-element aqua regia ICP-AES for soil samples. Rock chip samples were analyzed by 30-gram FA-AA for gold only; and rock chip (but not
soil or core) samples with high results were assayed by 30-gram fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Based on a review of an assay certificate for 15 of the rock chip samples that showed
one sample analyzed by both methods, MDA assumed that samples assaying greater than 2.0 ppm gold by FA-AA were the ones re-assayed with a gravimetric finish. The same
assay certificate for the rock chip samples
indicates that Chemex used standards, blanks, and duplicates for quality control, but MDA had no detailed information about the results. Based on the review of one assay certificate for drill samples
from a subsequent core-drilling program, it appears that Chemex also used standards in their assay program, but MDA had no detailed information about the quality control results.
Definitive Feasibility Study and Mineral Resource and Reserve Estimate
In August 2007, we announced the start of a definitive feasibility study which was completed in early September 2008 under the direction of our independent
consultant, SRK. An update of the capital and operating costs and economic analysis of the project was completed on September 1, 2009 (the "Updated Study"). The technical report
outlining the results of the Updated Study entitled "Feasibility Study Update, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Vista Gold Corp., Paredones Amarillos Gold Project, Baja California
Sur, Mexico" dated September 1, 2009, is available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com
.
The
technical portions of the studies contracted directly by Vista Gold and supervised by SRK were completed by MDA (resource/reserve estimates, mine planning and mining capital/operating cost
estimates), Golder Associates Inc. ("Golder") (tailings impoundment facility design/construction cost estimates), and SRK (pit slope stability evaluation, closure plan/cost estimates and
economic analysis). Terry Braun, P.E., an independent qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, prepared or supervised the preparation of material on behalf of SRK. Steven
Ristorcelli, P. Geo. and Thomas Dyer, P. Eng., of MDA, each of whom are independent qualified persons as defined by NI 43-101, prepared or supervised the preparation of material on
behalf of MDA. David Kidd, P.E., an independent qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, of Golder, prepared or supervised the preparation of material on behalf of Golder.
In
connection with the feasibility study and confirmed in the Updated Study, a mineral resource estimate (mineralized material estimate under SEC Industry Guide 7) was completed by MDA by or
under the supervision of Mr. Steven Ristorcelli, P. Geo., an independent qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. The estimate was prepared using industry standard software
and estimation methodologies.
There
are 438 drill holes in the data base, of which four were drilled by reverse circulation methods down near mineralization followed by core drilling through the mineralized zone:
87 were core holes and 347 were reverse circulation holes. Of the 438 drill holes in the data base, 387 drill holes containing 51,622 samples were used in the
mineral resource estimate (mineralized material under SEC Industry Guide 7). Drill-hole spacing in the projected open-pit area is approximately 40 meters.
Mr. Ristorcelli reviewed available information necessary for the preparation of the resource estimate, including sampling, analytical, drilling and geologic.
The
only information available in respect of sampling programs relates to work that was completed by Echo Bay and subsequently by Vista Gold. The sampling programs completed by Vista Gold were
either completed after the resource model was prepared or were conducted outside the area of the reported resource and were not included in the preparation of the resource model. Most of the drilling
at the Concordia gold project has been
73
reverse
circulation drilling, and the majority of the reverse circulation drill sampling was completed on wet samples.
Echo Bay's
reverse circulation drill samples were collected in a cyclone that contained both a vertical and a side discharge port. Samples from both ports appeared to be representative of each
one-meter interval, although as observed in the field, samples from the vertical port were slightly heavier. Estimated sample weights were 5 to 10 kilograms. Samples were collected
in five-gallon plastic pails to which flocculent had been added and were then put into pre-numbered cloth bags; there was no mention of spilling or overflow or pouring samples
into bags. Samples were stored a safe distance away from drilling and sampling operations. Representative chip samples were collected, screened, and placed into chip trays. Echo Bay constructed
a sample preparation lab on the site that included a sample splitter, roll crusher, pulverizer, and drying oven.
For
Echo Bay's core drilling program, core samples were collected at 1.5-meter intervals and then sawed or split on site using a hydraulic splitter. One-half of the core
was prepared for assay, and the other half was retained as a duplicate or for engineering purposes.
All
Echo Bay samples were analyzed for gold using FA-AA. If the FA-AA analysis resulted in a grade higher than 2.0 grams gold per tonne, a gravimetric finish was
applied. Cone Laboratories ("Cone") in Denver, Colorado performed the original assaying, with duplicate samples checked by Rocky Mountain Geochemical ("RMG") of Salt Lake City, Utah.
No
information is available on sample security for any of the historic drilling programs.
Four
assay data bases existed which MDA audited and eventually merged into one data base. The data base with the fewest errors (less than 1% for gold, silver, copper and arsenic values) in an audit of
10% of the gold values and 5% of the other metal values was chosen as the base for merging.
Following
a review of the available documentation pertaining to the sampling and assaying programs, the data was deemed sufficiently accurate to use for estimation. However, Mr. Ristorcelli
noted that some of the early program's quality assurance and quality control procedures were poorly documented and that an apparent bias may exist between some of the assay values and the check assay
values of the same samples. Three other independent consulting firms have noted, and Echo Bay acknowledged, the apparent bias, but no one has been able to quantify it. MDA concluded that the
potential impact to the project could be 8% (half in grade and half in tonnage). As the original samples were not preserved and cannot be
re-assayed, Mr. Ristorcelli recommended a 12 to 15 hole drill program to confirm the validity of the model that relied on those assays whose check assay bias
is unresolved.
In
late 2009 and early 2010, we completed a 14-hole core drill program for resource and reserve confirmation and to evaluate any apparent check assay bias, under the direction of our Vice
President of Exploration, Frank Fenne, P.G., who is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Drilling was done by Major Drilling of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, and
core logging and sampling was done by consultants of Vista Gold. Sample preparation was by ALS Chemex of Hermosillo, who sent prepared sample pulps to ALS Chemex in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
for assaying. Check assaying was done by Acme Labs in Vancouver. Sampling, sample custody, preparation and assaying were completed in compliance with NI 43-101 standards.
However, the results of the drilling did not resolve the apparent check assay bias and additional work to resolve the issue is ongoing.
Mr. Ristorcelli
undertook multiple checks including review of the geologic interpretation, an assessment of the statistical behavior of the gold grades in the context of the geologic setting,
classical statistics on the entire database and by rock type, and geostatistics by domain to assess the validity of the model. He then classified the mineral resources into measured, indicated and
inferred categories of NI 43-101 requirements, following CIM Definition Standards.
74
Under
SEC Industry Guide 7 guidelines, mineralized material (excluding mineral reserves reported separately) at a cut-off grade of 0.40 grams gold per tonne totals
32,658,000 tonnes grading 0.77 grams gold per tonne.
Under
CIM Standards, excluding mineral reserves which are reported separately, and using a cutoff grade of 0.40 grams gold per tonne, measured mineral resources are estimated at
2,243,000 tonnes grading 0.89 grams gold per tonne, indicated mineral resources are estimated at 30,415,000 tonnes grading 0.76 grams gold per tonne, for combined measured
and indicated mineral resources of 32,658,000 tonnes grading 0.77 grams gold per tonne. Inferred mineral resources are excluded from estimates of mineral reserves and are estimated at
7,694,000 tonnes grading 0.64 grams gold per tonne.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: see the section heading "Cautionary Note to United States
Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves" above.
The
mineral reserve estimate was completed by MDA, by or under the supervision of Mr. Dyer, P. Eng., at a gold price of $700 per ounce of gold and cut-off grade of 0.40 grams
gold per tonne, and is summarized in the following table. The strip ratio is estimated at 3.57:1 waste to ore. The metallurgical recovery for gold is estimated, based on testing, to
be 91.5%.
Reserves Estimated at Concordia
Reserve Classification
|
|
Tonnes
(x1000)
|
|
Average Gold Grade
(grams/tonne)
|
Proven
(1)
|
|
7,147
|
|
1.17
|
Probable
(1)
|
|
30,801
|
|
1.06
|
Proven & Probable
(1)
|
|
37,948
|
|
1.08
|
-
(1)
-
Mineral
reserves are reported separately from mineral resources.
-
(2)
-
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves as described in this table are based on Canadian definitions under
NI 43-101. These reserves are based on a pre-feasibility study. Reserves for SEC Industry Guide 7 purposes require definitive or "final" feasibility study. See the section
heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves" above.
-
(3)
-
See
the section heading "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in this annual report on Form 10-K.
As of January 1, 2009, the trailing three-year average gold price was $723.60 per ounce, which is slightly higher than the $700 per
ounce gold price used by MDA for the mineral reserves reported in the table above. The three-year trailing gold price was $1,255 per ounce at the end of 2011. Therefore, under SEC
Industry Guide 7 requirements, the qualified person believes the mineral reserve estimate listed above is conservative. However, should we not be able to obtain the required governmental
permits to mine the property, then the project would not have mineral reserves under either NI 43-101 or SEC Industry Guide 7. See the section heading "Item 1A. Risk
Factors" above.
The
proposed pit is oriented approximately east-west and would have two distinct lobes. We plan to extract ore from the mine using conventional open-pit mining equipment and
techniques. A 91-tonne truck and loader fleet has been selected and we would be the owner and operator of the fleet. The higher-grade, west lobe would be mined first and a significant
portion of the waste rock from the east lobe would be used to backfill the west lobe of the pit. Concurrent reclamation of two waste dumps would be completed during the latter years of
the operation.
Over
the estimated 9.5 year life-of-mine, the estimated average cash production costs are projected to be $406 per ounce, with lower costs of $372 per ounce projected
during the first five years of production. Updated operating costs used prices effective as of the beginning of the third quarter of 2009. Updated pre-production capital costs, including
contingency, owner's costs and working capital, are estimated to be $189,800 or $157 per ounce of gold produced. Total capital costs including replacement, reclamation and salvage value over the life
of
75
the
project and final mine closure are estimated to be $167 per ounce of gold produced. Payback of capital is estimated at 2.9 years from the start of production at the Concordia
gold project.
We
intend to process the ore in a conventional crushing and grinding circuit consisting of a primary gyratory crusher followed by a semi-autogenous grinding mill and two ball mills with an
expected mill ore throughput rate of approximately 11,000 tonnes per day. The crushing and grinding equipment was acquired from the Colomac Mine and is presently stored in Canada at Edmonton
(major equipment) and Calgary (minor equipment in containers) waiting shipment to a refurbishing facility for repairs and reconditioning. The cost of this equipment was approximately $16,000. The
proposed flow sheet indicates that following grinding, the slurried ore will be sized by cyclones and then leached in tanks prior to gold recovery using a Kemix carbon-in-pulp
circuit. Gold will be stripped from the carbon and precipitated in an electrowinning cell prior to refining into dore bars. The tailings will be detoxified using ferrous sulfate, paste thickened and
deposited in a lined tailings impoundment facility on-site.
Due
to the scarcity of surface water and political sensitivities regarding the use of groundwater, we have elected to construct and operate a desalination plant on the Pacific Coast. Water would be
pumped approximately 45 kilometers to the site. Annual water consumption is estimated to be approximately 1.4 million cubic meters. We expect that energy for the project will be supplied
by the Comision Federal de Electricidad from an existing sub-station located approximately 18 kilometers north of the project. It is anticipated that diesel fuel for the project
will be provided in bulk quantities by Petroleos de Mexico. Fuel prices in Mexico are subsidized and have not experienced the volatility seen in other locations.
The
Concordia gold project is remotely located and is not expected to directly affect any local inhabitants. Our planned access road improvements will benefit the nearby small villages of Valle
Perdido (population 19) and El Rosario (population 67). Locally, employment at the mine, economic activities and the planned access road improvements are expected to benefit both
communities and regionally, the communities of San Antonio and El Triunfo, as well as the city of La Paz, are also expected to benefit from employment at the mine. We are working with
the local education and health care authorities and have become a "social partner" with the elementary school in El Rosario. In addition, we have funded programs to help member of the local community
to become more efficient in organizing and operating micro-businesses.
The
base-case economic analysis used a gold price profile with a gold price of $850 per ounce in the first three years of production, decreasing to $725 per ounce for the remainder. An
alternative sensitivity analysis was completed at a constant gold price of $950 per ounce. The economic analyses were conducted on 100% equity basis with no consideration of debt or leasing. Estimated
economic results, showing the internal rate of return ("IRR") and net present value at a 5% discount rate ("NPV5") and sensitivity of the base case due to changes in gold prices are presented in the
following table. Mexican income taxes payable are estimated at $71,600 over the 9.5 year life of the project. There is a 2% net-profits royalty payable to Echo Bay that
affects known mineralization and is capped at $2,000. Payback of capital is estimated at 2.9 years from the start of production.
The
calculation of income tax in Mexico is based on the higher of the Mexican ordinary tax or the flat tax. The ordinary income tax rate is 28% and is applied to the calculation of net operating
profit. The flat tax (referred to as the "IETU" in Mexico) was implemented on January 1, 2008 and is a minimum alternative tax that will be assessed at 17.5%. Property tax is calculated on the
capital expenditures that apply to land cost and acquisition, and buildings and infrastructure. The rate that is applied to these capital items is 0.25%.
76
Concordia Estimated Economic Results
Gold Price Scenario
|
|
IRR
|
|
Pre- Tax NPV5
($)
|
Base Case Gold Price Profile ($850 first three years and $725 for the remainder, production-weighted average $771)
|
|
24.7% pre-tax
19.6% after tax
|
|
$
|
150,000
|
Fixed $950 Gold Price
|
|
37.8% pre-tax
31.0% after tax
|
|
$
|
303,000
|
Permitting Status
On February 19, 2010, we announced that SEMARNAT had dismissed our application for the CUSF. In its dismissal, SEMARNAT had questioned the validity of the TOP issued by
the General Direction of Mines in the Secretariat of Economy, which were required as part of the CUSF application. SEMARNAT also identified the need for additional technical studies. We provided an
update on the status of our CUSF application in a press release on July 19, 2010.
The
Concordia gold project is located in a special use area on the northern limit of the buffer zone of the Sierra de La Laguna Biosphere (the "Biosphere"). In the immediate Concordia
gold project area, we had believed that the surface land was divided between land owned directly by DZ Mexico and a parcel of federal land which had yet to be defined by the Mexican Secretariat of
Agrarian Reform ("SRA"), although the process for doing so was underway. In the process of working our way through the SRA process of defining the limits of the supposed federal land, we became
convinced that the land was removed from the federal domain in the late 1800's. Consequently, we executed a contract to acquire the parcel of land and have filed documents with SRA to have our
ownership of this parcel officially recognized. We believe that we are close to receiving the official recognition. If we are successful in our attempt to gain this official recognition of our
ownership of all the surface land in project area, SRA must also rule to deny the request of the Mexican Nation Commission for Natural Protected Area ("CONANP") to become the administrator of
these lands.
Preliminary Project Design, Permitting Support and Other Activities
On July 19, 2010, we announced we have contracted ICA Fluor, with offices in Mexico City, Mexico, and Dublin, California, to be the engineering, procurement and
construction management contractor for the project. ICA Fluor's initial scope of work includes basic engineering in support of permitting activities. ICA Fluor is coordinating design work on the
access road, main power transmission line, processing plant, tailings impoundment facility, desalination plant and water supply pipeline at the Concordia gold project.
Following
the submission of the new CUSF application, we intend to present to SEMARNAT documents to modify and extend the Concordia gold project's environmental permits that were issued in 1997 and,
unless extended by DZ Mexico, will expire in 2012. The modifications will reflect the many design changes made to improve the Concordia gold project and enhance environmental protections which are now
incorporated into our proposed development plan.
We
are in the process of finalizing the remaining rights-of-way for the power transmission line and water supply. VWS Mexico, S.A. de C.V. has been contracted to provide
engineering and permitting support for the desalination plant. The appropriate environmental permit application for the desalination plant and water supply pipeline will be included in the renewal of
the project environmental permits.
Final
studies for the design of the facility have been completed and we have filed the appropriate environmental permit application.
We
have established ASUDES, a civil association (similar in function to a foundation). The goals of ASUDES are to promote improved access to health care and more educational opportunities for members
of the nearby local communities. A number of programs have been established in the area of health and education which have been well received by the local communities.
77
Awak Mas Gold Project, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Property Description and Location
In April, 2005, we completed our acquisition of the Awak Mas gold deposit in Sulawesi, Indonesia, for a purchase price of $1,500. The acquisition of the Awak Mas gold project
involved the purchase, through our wholly-owned subsidiary Vista Barbados of all of the outstanding shares of Salu Siwa Pty Ltd, an Australian company ("Salu Siwa") from the two owners of Salu
Siwa: Weston Investments Pty Ltd., an Australian company ("Weston"), and Organic Resource Technology Limited, an Australian company ("ORT"). Weston and ORT respectively owned 66% and 34% of the
outstanding Salu Siwa shares. Salu Siwa in turn owns 99% of the outstanding shares of PT Masmindo Dwi, an Indonesian company ("PT Masmindo"), which is the direct holder of the Awak Mas gold
project. The remaining 1% of the outstanding PT Masmindo shares is held by Vista Barbados. This project is held by us through a contract of work ("CoW") with the Indonesian government.
In
December 2009, we announced that our wholly-owned subsidiary Vista Barbados had signed a joint venture agreement (the "JV Agreement") with Pan Asia with respect to the development of
the Awak Mas gold project. The joint venture agreement provides Pan Asia, a privately held resource development company, with the opportunity to earn a 60% interest in the Awak Mas project by:
(i) expending $3,000 on the project within the next 30 months; (ii) completing an environmental impact assessment and feasibility study (in compliance with
NI 43-101, each of which is required by the CoW granted by the Indonesian Government under which the Awak Mas project is held; and (iii) issuing to Vista Gold two million
shares of Pan Asia and the right to purchase up to an additional two million shares of Pan Asia in the event of an initial public offering of Pan Asia shares (on the same terms as offered under
such initial public offering). Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, we will retain our controlling interest in the Awak Mas project until Pan Asia completes the earn-in
conditions described above.
On
June 13, 2011, our subsidiary, Vista Barbados, entered into the Additional Option Agreement with Pan Asia. The Additional Option Agreement provides Pan Asia with the opportunity to
earn an additional 20% interest in our Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia after it has earned a 60% interest in the project pursuant to the JV Agreement. Pan Asia can acquire the additional 20%
interest by (a) making cash
payments totaling $2,500 over a nine-month period; (b) issuing shares with a value equal to $2,000 or making a cash payment of $2,000 within 12 months, depending on whether
Pan Asia completes an initial public offering; and (c) carrying out a 5,000 meter drilling program in an area outside of the current project resource area within 18 months. If Pan
Asia completes the undertakings required in the JV Agreement and the Additional Option Agreement, Pan Asia will hold an 80% indirect interest in the Awak Mas gold project. Subsequently, Pan Asia
established Awak Mas Holdings Pty. to hold its interest in Awak Mas under Pan Asia's parent company, One Asia Resources Ltd. ("One Asia"). The two million shares of Pan Asia received by
Vista under the JV Agreement were exchanged for substantially equivalent shares of One Asia.
In
September 2011, the Additional Option Agreement and JV Agreement were assigned from Pan Asia to Awak Mas Holdings Pty.
Contract of Work
Under the Indonesian Constitution of 1945, the Government of Indonesia has sovereignty over all natural resources. Mining Law No. 11, instituted by the Indonesian
Government in 1967, provide that the exploitation of minerals, other than coal, is to be regulated by mining authorities known as Kuasa Pertambangan ("KP") and by a CoW. A KP may be issued only to
Indonesian citizens, wholly owned Indonesian companies or partnerships. They have a timeframe and status similar in scope to CoW's.
Where
direct foreign equity is required, a CoW and a CoW holding company must be established. The basic idea underlying the CoW is that the CoW company will be responsible for conducting all stages of
operations from prospecting to the marketing of refined minerals as a contractor for and on behalf of the Indonesian Government and bears all risks of exploration. A CoW is project specific and is
formerly granted by the
78
President
of Indonesia after due process, including negotiation with various government departments on matters such as taxation. The CoW system has evolved through several generations, with the
seventh generation now current. Most of the generations changed only in detail rather than in substance (changes to tax regimes, permissible application sizes, etc). Every CoW must be held by a
specific Indonesian domiciled PMA company (Penanaman Model Asing). Previously, to establish such a PMA company, usually a maximum of 90% foreign equity was permitted. The foreign investor was further
obliged to provide a genuine opportunity for further Indonesian capital participation once commercial production had commenced, with a majority Indonesian shareholding within 15 years of
commencement of commercial production. Under the terms of the seventh generation CoW's, 100% foreign ownership is permissible and no divestment to local interests is necessary. The PMA company, which
can hold only one CoW, has full control and management of its activities under the CoW and will have full responsibility and assume all risks of the operation. Agreements must be negotiated with land
and/or plantation owners for use of the surface, and will be done in the future as needed for access, mining, tailings storage, waste disposal and processing plants. The company is required to employ
Indonesian personnel to the maximum extent possible and undertake their training and to endeavor to utilize Indonesian goods and services wherever possible.
Obtaining
a CoW is a three step process and is usually very time consuming and expensive. The first step is to file the application. At this stage, the applicant is not entitled to do any work on the
property. Work can proceed only on those parts of the property covered by KP's, assuming that the KP owner has an equity interest in the CoW. The second step happens when the CoW is initialed by the
Department of Mines. An initialed CoW application is deemed to have precedence over any following CoW lodged over the same area and is generally regarded as having been "Approved in Principle" by the
Government of Indonesia and therefore a secure title interest. At this juncture, the foreign company will apply for a SIPP (Surat Izin Penyelidikan Pendahuluan or Permit for Preliminary Survey.) This
SIPP provides the foreign company with exploration rights over the CoW application area while the terms of the CoW are being finalized with the Indonesian Government. The SIPP period is usually one
year but could be renewed if required. A refundable interest-bearing bond of a minimum of $100 must be lodged with the Department of Mines upon granting of the SIPP. A SIPP is not a mining
authorization and is not transferable. It can be granted to an Indonesian individual, or an Indonesian company for a foreign company if that party has obtained in principle the approval from the
Department of Mines for a CoW for mining in the relevant area. A SIPP, once granted, creates a priority to the holder for the grant of mining authorizations in respect of that area and the area is
thereby closed to application from other parties. The holder of a SIPP must pay "deadrent", calculated on the area covered by the SIPP, as well as a security deposit. A SIPP cannot be renewed;
however, an application to renew a SIPP in respect of the same area can be granted if the CoW for that area has not been executed. The balance of the SIPP period if not used can be rolled into the
first survey period once the CoW is signed.
The
third step is the actual granting of the CoW. This occurs when the CoW document is signed by the President. At this point, a refundable and interest bearing performance bond of a variable amount,
established by a formula that takes into account the location of the CoW and its size, must be lodged with the Department of Mines. The SIPP bond may be used as all or part of the cash component of
the bond, this being a minimum of $100. Typically, a bond would be put up in the form of 30% cash and 70% bank guarantee. As an example, a bond of $500 would be in the form of $350 bank guarantee and
$150 cash, with the latter incorporating the SIPP bond. A performance bond of $5 per hectare is required, which also incorporates the SIPP bond. The CoW has a specific timetable as follows:
-
-
A
SIPP period, usually one year.
-
-
A
general survey period, usually one year.
-
-
An
exploration period, usually three years.
-
-
A
feasibility period, usually one year.
-
-
A
construction period, usually three years.
79
-
-
An
operating period, usually 10 to 30 years.
There
is a set formula for the gradual relinquishment of areas, down to 25% of the original area. There have been two reductions in area: the first by our predecessors and the second by us that we
received in March 2009. There are also expenditure requirements based on a minimum amount per square kilometer. Typically, in a fourth generation CoW, these would amount to $450 per square
kilometer, higher for subsequent generation CoWs. By negotiation with the Department of Mines, the exploration and feasibility periods may be renewable for up to two periods of one year, providing
expenditure is maintained to the satisfaction of the government agencies.
We
completed the exploration phase of the CoW in January 2008 and entered the feasibility phase in February 2008. The feasibility phase usually lasts one year, but may be negotiated for
up to 2 one-year extensions. Following the feasibility phase, with government approvals, there would be a construction phase lasting usually three years. The operating period
follows the construction phase, lasting usually 10 to 30 years. In late 2008, we applied for a suspension of the feasibility period for one year. Before this application was ruled upon, we
announced our JV Agreement with Pan Asia, which may have delayed the process. Subsequently, the government questioned the forest boundary and the feasibility period was put on hold. In 2011, the
forestry boundary question was settled and the signed Ministerial Decree extending the feasibility period for the CoW to February 12, 2012 was issued on March 28, 2011. One Asia has
applied for another extension.
In
April 2010, draft Terms of Reference for an Environmental Impact Study leading to a new Environmental Management Plan ("AMDAL") were presented to the environmental department
in Luwu Regency by Pan Asia's (operating through our subsidiary, PT Masmindo) AMDAL consultant. Because of a delay due to a question by the Indonesian government about the project boundary lines,
which has since been resolved in our favor, we agreed to extend One Asia's time commitments that are in our agreement by that amount of time (approximately nine months). At year end, One Asia
submitted its Terms of Reference for completion of the Environmental Impact Study to the Provincial Government and is awaiting Provincial Government approval to finalize the AMDAL process
during 2011.
Under
the CoW issued by the Indonesian Government, a royalty is applicable based on gold production from Awak Mas as follows: less than 2,000 kilograms (approximately 64,000 ounces) of
gold production per annum: $225 per kilogram of gold. Greater than 2,000 kilograms (approximately 64,000 ounces) of gold production per annum: $235 per kilogram. This royalty, assuming
hypothetical production exceeds 64,000 ounces per annum, equates to $7.31 per gold ounce. The Lone Star purchase of a 45% interest in the Awak Mas project from Gasgoyne Gold Mines ("GGM")
includes a royalty of $10.00 per ounce, payable to GGM for any production from the project in excess of two million gold ounces.
We
applied for a reduction in area, as required, to eliminate the areas where we believe there is low potential to discover economic mineralization. This was the second reduction in area, the previous
one done by our predecessors and approval for the area now held under the CoW was received in early 2009 and is shown on the map accompanying this section. With this second reduction in area, we have
met the requirements of the CoW pertaining to reduction in area.
A
map showing the location of the CoW and a table describing the land holding and holding requirements follow.
80
81
Awak Mas Land Holdings of Vista Gold
|
License
Name
|
|
Serial
Number
|
|
Federal
Claim Type
|
|
Surface
Area
(hectares)
|
|
Location
Description
|
|
Location
Date
|
|
Expiration
Date
|
|
Estimated
Annual
Holding
Costs
(US$)
|
|
Work
Requirement
s
|
|
Other
|
|
7th Generation Contract of Work
|
|
Notarial Deed No. 10 dated February 16, 1998, Decree of Minister of Justice No.C2-919, HT.01.01.TH.98 dated February 16, 1998
|
|
Contract of Work
|
|
14,390
|
|
Project centered at 12005' E. Longitude, 3020' S Latitude
|
|
1/19/1998
|
|
See description of COW above
|
|
Dead Rent US $0.50/Ha and Land Tax US $0.50/Ha
|
|
None
|
|
Gradual reduction of area to 25% of original.
|
|
Totals
|
|
14,390
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$14,390.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accessibility, Climate, Vegetation, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
The Awak Mas project area is mountainous, with steep razorback ridges and slope gradients generally ranging from 18 degrees to 27 degrees. The project is
moderately to extremely rugged in the western portion, becoming more subdued in the east, with elevations ranging from near sea level to 3,440 meters above mean sea level. Primary rainforest
predominates in the more rugged and inaccessible western portion of the project area, giving way to partially logged and cleared re-growth in lower lying and more accessible portions.
Sulawesi is located within a seismically active area and a number of seismic events associated with the Palu and Mantano faults, located within 90 kilometers of the project, have
been recorded.
The
Awak Mas project lies only 200 kilometers south of the equator and is characterized by a typical tropical maritime monsoonal climate, with hot wet summers (rainy season) and marginally
milder and dryer winters. The annual average rainfall is 3,200 millimeters, with the dryer period extending from July through October. Temperatures during the rainy season generally range
between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius. Mining operations are possible all year, but monsoonal rainfall events may prevent operations for short periods of time (hours).
The
project is accessible by existing secondary paved and gravel public roads. The access roads will require improvements in order to support the loads associated with the construction of the project.
At the present time, the project area is undeveloped with only a small office/camp complex and several sheds used for drill sample storage and the drill access roads constructed during the exploration
phase.
Electrical
power is presently supplied by diesel generator. Project power requirements may be supplied by diesel generated power or with commercial power from Palopa. If the latter is chosen,
approximately 40 kilometers of new power line construction will be required. The project is located at the headwaters of a significant river system. We believe that a small water reservoir can
be constructed to provide water for the project.
There
are many small villages and settlements nearby from which we plan to obtain personnel to operate the mine during development and production. Professionals will be recruited from outside the area
and will be housed in a camp onsite.
There
are no known environmental liabilities for which we are responsible. There are no known environmental concerns at the Awak Mas project site that are expected to be an impediment to permitting
and development. No known threatened and endangered plant or animal species and/or no unmanageable social issues are present. Permits to go forward with project development will be assessed and
obtained once a work program is developed and approved by the joint-venture partners and the government. Required closure and reclamation plans will be developed at various levels as the project
progresses through feasibility studies, permitting, detailed design and engineering.
82
History
The original partners in the Awak Mas Joint Venture were New Hope Consolidated Industries Pty Ltd ("New Hope") and PT Asminco Bara Utama ("Asminco"). In
September 1991, BMGC concluded a farm-in agreement with New Hope and subsequently earned a 60% equity in the project. In 1994, Lone Star Exploration NL ("LSE") negotiated the
right to acquire the equity of both BMGC and New Hope. Subsequent to this negotiation, GGM and JCI Limited ("JCI") structured an agreement to combine the various equities (45% LSE, 45% GGM, and
10% JCI) in the project under the single corporate entity of Masmindo Mining Corporation Limited ("MMC"). In January 1998, LSE purchased GGM's 45% interest in the project. Placer
Dome Inc. ("Placer") entered into a joint venture agreement with MMC in September 1998 to acquire a 51% interest in the project by spending $10,000. Placer spent $1,000 before concluding
that the project provided only limited opportunity to host a resource that would satisfy the company's internal objectives, and elected to withdraw from the joint venture in June 1999. In
October 1999, MMC signed an agreement with JCI effectively amounting to a debt for equity swap, whereby the current debt of approximately A$8,000 that MMC owed JCI was exchanged for a 66.6%
interest in the Awak Mas project. Subsequent to this transaction, MMC purchased JCI's interest in the project, once again assuming a full interest in the Awak Mas project, until an option to purchase
agreement was executed with us in November 2004 and the transaction was completed in April 2005.
A
final feasibility study was completed by independent consultants in 1997 for LSE supporting a mining scenario of three million tonnes per year of ore. Independent valuations of the project were
completed in 2000 and 2003 as well.
Over
$43,000 was spent on the project by previous operators.
Geology and Mineralization
The Awak Mas property is situated on the southern side of the Central Sulawesi Metamorphic Belt within a 50-kilometer-long, north-northeast trending
fault-bounded block of basement metamorphic rocks and younger sediments. The western margin of this block is represented by an easterly dipping thrust, whereas the eastern margin is defined by a major
basement structure. Imbricate faulting has complicated the internal morphology of the block. The property is dominated by the late Cretaceous Latimojong Formation, consisting of phyllites, slates,
basic to intermediate volcanics, limestone and schist representing a platform and/or fore arc trough flysch sequence. The Latimojong Formation overlies basement metamorphic rocks dominated by
phyllites and slates. Both sequences have been intruded by late-stage plugs and stocks of diorite, monzonite and syenite. To the east of the metamorphic block, basic intermediate
intrusives, pyroclastics and volcanogenic sediments comprising the Mesozoic Lamasi Ophiolite Complex appear to have been obducted into a position effectively overlying the younger flyschoid sequence
and basement metamorphics during continental accretion.
Gold
mineralization is distinctly mesothermal in character, atypical of the more ubiquitous low temperature or epithermal precious metal mineralization within many island arc environments in
Indonesia. Gold is associated with sulfur-poor, sodic-rich fluids introduced at a relatively late stage in the tectonic history. Albite-pyrite-silica-carbonate alteration,
which accompanies gold deposition, clearly overprints the ductile fabric associated with deformation and metamorphism in the older basement lithologies.
The
majority of gold mineralization on the property, including the Awak Mas deposit, is predominantly hosted within the flysch sequence, which typically dips at between 15 and 50 degrees,
generally towards the north. The majority of gold mineralization is associated with abundant quartz veining and silicaalbite-pyrite alteration; however, the association of gold and quartz
is not ubiquitous, with some vein zones appearing to be locally barren of mineralization.
Two
main styles of mineralization are present. The first represents broad shallow dipping zones of sheeted and stockwork quartz veining and associated alteration that conform to the shear fabric,
especially within the dark, graphitic mudstones. The other style consists of steeper dipping zones of quartz veining and breccias associated with high angle faults cutting both the flyschoid cover
sequence and basement metamorphic rocks.
83
Late-stage,
north-northeast trending normal faults locally disrupt or offset mineralization. A surface layer of consolidated scree and colluvium averaging three to four meters (maximum
15 meters) in thickness veneers the deposit. The base of weak oxidation within the mineralized sequence typically is within 20 meters of surface.
Exploration and Drilling
New Hope and Asminco commenced initial exploration under a SIPP permit in force from May to October 1987, which pre-dated execution of the initial
CoW. Following an initial reconnaissance visit in July 1987, the Bajo River (site of intermittent artisanal alluvial mining activity) and the Ulusalu area were recommended for further
assessment. During August and September 1987, reconnaissance sampling was completed in the Ulusalu/Tibusan/Ranteballa area, together with an initial appraisal of the alluvial gold potential in
the Bajo River at Bonelemo. During the initial two-year exploration period associated with the CoW, extending from October 1988 to October 1990 (including a one year
extension), exploration included regional stream sediment geochemistry, photogeological mapping, airborne geophysical survey, GIS database development, follow-up mapping and stream
sediment surveys, regional soil geochemistry, scout drilling programs, detailed structural and geological mapping and establishment of survey control.
Stream
sediment sampling culminated in the identification of six discrete anomalies within the flysch sequence lying immediately west of the major north-northwest trending suture. Three of these
targets, including Awak Mas, were subsequently followed up with further rock chip, float and stream sediment sampling and geological mapping during 1991.
At
the Awak Mas prospect, extensive excavations were noted to be backfilled with sand from mechanical crushing, indicating the existence of earlier artisanal mining activity. Soil sampling of the C
horizon (7,000 samples in total), employing portable Wacca drills was completed on lines 100, 200 and 400 meters apart, with sample intervals of 20 meters. This technique proved
effective in delineating broad geochemical anomalies in new areas and defining the extent of anomalies in areas of known mineralization. BMGC completed a farm-in agreement in
September 1991 and earned its equity in 1993. BMGC completed a 77-hole diamond drilling program, principally directed at the Awak Mas target, which confirmed the existence of
significant mineralization. Photogeological mapping, an airborne geophysical survey and subsequent interpretation substantially assisted in defining the gross geological and structural framework, and
identified several possible intrusive centers, some of which were later confirmed as diorite plugs. Detailed structural and geological mapping of individual prospect areas was undertaken to aid
interpretation of structure, and provide greater confidence in the orientation and continuity of gold mineralization. Extensive survey work provided grid control for the various sampling and drilling
programs, and in conjunction with photogrammetry, permitted the establishment of a topographic (digital terrain) model with a 5-meter contour interval in the vicinity of the Awak Mas
deposit. The feasibility study period commenced in October 1991 and, with a series of extensions of term, continued until April 1996. Aside from the drilling completed by BMGC prior to
its withdrawal from the project in 1993, MMC completed numerous additional programs between 1993 and 1997.
A
total of 791 holes aggregating 94,810 meters have been completed at Awak Mas, of which approximately 83% represent diamond or precollared diamond drillholes, the remainder comprising
reverse circulation drilling.
Between
1991 and 1996, over 150 individual technical studies were completed by external consultants. These studies culminated in a definitive feasibility study, undertaken by Minproc Engineers
Limited in 1996. The feasibility study was approved by the Director General of the Department of Mines and Energy in August 1996. In October of that year, the AMDAL was submitted in support of
the feasibility study, and
official government questions were issued in January 1997. The revised AMDAL was re-submitted in February 1997, along with an updated feasibility study.
In
late 1997, MMC requested an extension of the construction period due to a significant fall in the gold price from $400 per ounce to $300 per ounce. An extension until April 1998 was
subsequently approved to provide MMC the opportunity to identify additional, higher-grade resources and submit a revised feasibility study and environmental management strategy. Extensive additional
regional exploration was carried out in 1998 with the
84
objective
of identifying additional resources, preferably of higher grade, in an effort to achieve project viability against a deteriorating gold price.
Placer
entered into a joint venture agreement with MMC in September 1998 to continue regional exploration with the objective of identifying additional resources. The Salu Bulo prospect was
selected as the highest priority target for further assessment. Additional exploration was also completed in the Tarra North West and Sewatu areas, comprising traverse mapping, trenching, channel
sampling, mapping and diamond drilling (43 holes; 4,517.9 meters).
Placer
elected to withdraw from the joint venture in June 1999. JCI acquired a two-thirds interest in the Awak Mas project in October 1999, assumed management of the CoW and
completed a comprehensive review of the GIS database compiled by MMC, particularly the results of previous exploration within a five-kilometer radius of the Awak Mas deposit. This review
generated several targets worthy of further assessment, including the Rutuk, Salu Kanan and Lelating areas. The Rutuk area lies approximately 700 meters southwest of Awak Mas, and is considered
to represent a possible extension of the same mineralized system. JCI completed 15.2 line-kilometers of grid mapping, further rock chip sampling, 1,319 meters of trenching
and collected 528 two-meter channel samples. The results of this work defined a broad area of alteration and mineralization over an area measuring 600 meters by
300 meters. Mineralization is confined to two principal areas, Loi Rutuk and Alo Rutuk, which are hosted within the "cover" and "basement" sequence respectively.
Exploration
completed by JCI in the Salu Kanan area, situated 800 meters north-northeast of the Awak Mas deposit, included 7 kilometers of grid mapping and six rock chip samples. Initial
mapping and rock chip sampling results were disappointing, however, and no further work was undertaken. In the Lelating area, located 1.3 kilometers southeast of the Awak Mas deposit, JCI
completed 1.4 kilometers of grid mapping and a further 81 Wacca drillholes (244 meters), defining a 200-meter extension to the original soil anomaly. A solitary trench
(16 meters) was excavated across the anomaly extension, and subsequent channel sampling generated a mineralized interval of 12 meters at 4.61 gold grams per tonne.
Core
drilling was generally completed by contract drilling companies, although little detail is documented, apart from the drill rig used. It is understood that a limited number of early drill holes
were completed by man-portable (Jackro) rigs, while the vast majority of drilling was completed using either multipurpose RC/DDH or dedicated track/skid/truck mounted drill rigs, such as
Longyear 38s and 44s. A range of core sizes was drilled at Awak Mas, including BQZ, NQ2, HQ2, HQ3, PQZ and PQ3. The vast majority of the diamond core at Awak Mas is HQ. Where appropriate, an
orientation spear was used to
enable the determination of structural orientations. At the completion of each drill run, the core was removed from the barrel, placed in core trays, clearly labeled with the hole number, tray number
and interval. A driller's block was annotated with the depth and placed at the end of each run. The core trays were carefully stacked and transported to a dedicated core yard.
The
drilling was generally undertaken on a nominal 50-meter by 50-meter pattern, with local infill to 25 meters by 25 meters in two limited regions. The holes
were generally vertical or inclined at approximately 60 degrees to 70 degrees to grid west or southwest. The Rante region is generally drilled with holes dipping at minus
60 degrees and oriented towards 215 degrees.
The
reverse circulation drilling completed at Awak Mas was undertaken by a contractor. The majority of drilling was completed using a 5.25 inch face sampling hammer, although a limited number
of drill holes were completed using a 4.75 inch hammer. Little detail is documented on the air capacities and pressures of the drill rigs used to complete the RC programs. One-meter
samples were collected via a cyclone into plastic bags with the cyclone manually cleaned at the completion of each six-meter rod and more thoroughly cleaned at the completion of
each hole.
During
2005, we initiated an exploration program designed to identify drill targets in outlying surface indications of gold mineralization. The program involved soil and rock geochemistry, drilling
shallow test holes to obtain
85
bedrock
samples, geologic mapping and interpretation of results. In 2006, we completed a 13 hole diamond drill program totaling 2,576 meters that was designed to upgrade shows of
mineralization into reportable amounts
Sampling and Analyses
Gustavson Associates, LLC ("Gustavson") of Boulder, Colorado, was hired to review data and complete third-party technical studies at Awak Mas. Gustavson did not complete
an independent data verification program because previous companies had completed both internal and third party external data verification programs on the Awak Mas database and supporting data.
Gustavson reviewed these verification programs and was satisfied that they had been both comprehensive and rigorous. In addition, it was Gustavson's opinion that they had produced a database that
meets all of the current standards for reliability and accuracy.
It
is Gustavson's opinion that Vista Gold developed excellent sample handling and security procedures. They were well documented and audited on a regular basis. Gustavson's only concern was the
returned pulps, which Gustavson saw in open containers in the core sheds. Gustavson recommended that the pulp containers be resealed and placed in a 'tamper-proof" location within the core sheds. Core
was delivered to the Awak Mas core shack by Masmindo employees. The shack was kept under lock and key when Masmindo employees were not present. All core to be sampled was cut into one-half
splits, with half being retained for future reference and the other half being sent for analysis. The core cutting was
completed by a technician under the supervision of a Masmindo geologist. In addition, the supervising geologist was responsible for inclusion of the appropriate blanks, duplicates, and standards. The
cut core was placed into clean plastic sample bags that contain two, preprinted sample labels. One of the labels stayed with the pulp bag and the other with the reject bag. A third sample label was
stapled to the core tray along with the meterage represented by the sample. The fourth and final label remained in the sample tag book with the drill-hole number and meterage filled in.
The bagged samples were double sealed with two zip-strips. The first zip-strip was merely to close the bag and was unlabelled. The second zip-strip was labeled with
Masmindo's name and the matching sample number. Sealed sample bags were placed into rice bags for transport to the assay laboratory in Jakarta. The samples were transported by a contractor to the RPX
cargo facility in Makassar. RPX cargo then sent the samples directly to the assay laboratory in Jakarta. The assay laboratory in Jakarta was required to notify Masmindo if the samples did not arrive
with all of the seals intact. In addition, the assay laboratory also retained the seals of the samples that were analyzed as further proof of the chain of custody. The core shack on site retains all
of the duplicate splits as core and the returned pulps.
Various
analytical labs including Indo Assay Laboratory, Analabs, Jakarta and Intertek Caleb Brett Lab of Jakarta have been involved in assaying drill samples from Awak Mas. It is Gustavson's opinion
that the reports by the various companies and consultants have fairly represented the sampling and assaying history at the site and that the procedures implemented by the operators have resulted in an
assay database that fairly represents the tenor of the mineralization at the Awak Mas gold project.
Preliminary Assessment and Mineral Resource Estimate
The current geologic model contains a total of 803 drill holes for some 97,426 meters of drilling, predominately on nominal 50 meters by 50 meters
spacing, with infill to a nominal 25 meters by 25 meters spacing being restricted to two limited areas of the deposit, namely the Mapacing and Rante regions. There are an additional
13 drill holes (KAD 001 to KAD 013) that are located outside the Awak Mas area and, therefore, were not included in the resource estimation.
Gustavson
completed a mineral resource estimate in June 2007. Gustavson was subsequently commissioned in June 2007 to complete a preliminary assessment (the "Awak Mas PA") of the
project under NI 43-101 standards. The study was completed on January 16, 2008, by or under the supervision of John Rozelle, at that time an independent qualified
person. Mr. Rozelle has been the Vice President, Technical Services of the Corporation since June 2011. The report entitled "Preliminary Assessment, Awak Mas Gold Project, Sulawesi,
Indonesia" dated January 16, 2008, is available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com
. In this study, Gustavson confirmed the mineral resource estimate completed for us in
2007. Based on the report, under SEC Industry Guide
86
7 guidelines,
mineralized material for the deposit, above a cut-off grade of 0.50 grams gold per tonne, is estimated at 41,693,000 tonnes grading 1.24 grams
gold per tonne.
Under
CIM Definition Standards, at the same cut-off grade, measured mineral resources are estimated at 7,084,000 tonnes grading 1.30 grams gold per tonne, indicated mineral
resources are estimated at
34,609,000 tonnes grading 1.22 grams gold per tonne and inferred mineral resources are estimated at 20,425,000 tons grading 0.82 grams gold per tonne.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Inventors: see the section
heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred
Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves" above.
In
undertaking the Awak Mas PA, Gustavson considered the economic and technical parameters associated with development of the mineralized material (mineral resources under Canadian guidelines) by
open-pit mining. The study included a process flowsheet based on three stages of laboratory and pilot plant test programs from 1994 to 1997. The flowsheet was developed by Minproc
Engineers Ltd. in 1997, and reviewed and approved by RDi. The flowsheet includes a flotation circuit to recover gold associated with sulfide minerals following which the concentrate would be
treated in a carbon-in-leach circuit to recover the gold. The benign tailings from the flotation circuit would flow by gravity into a tailings impoundment and the sulfide
tailings would be detoxified, filtered and conveyed to a small "dry-stack" sulfide tailings storage facility. A third party consultant, Montgomery Watson Harza, prepared the tailings
disposal sites layout and closure plans, and assessed permitting requirements.
The
potential development included four different scenarios that would produce an estimated 0.6 to 1.0 million ounces of gold over a project life of 7 to 15 years. Gustavson estimated
the preproduction capital to be $124,000 to $178,000, depending on the scenario, and the total capital cost over the project life to be $148,000 to $218,000. The cost estimates used in the preparation
of a preliminary economic assessment are generally accepted as being within plus or minus 35 to 40% of what might be incurred in actual construction and operations. The costs in the Awak Mas PA are
within this level of confidence.
The Awak Mas PA is preliminary in nature and uses mineral resources (mineralized material under SEC Industry Guide 7) and not mineral
reserves, but also includes inferred mineral resources (not acceptable as mineralized material under SEC Industry Guide 7, but allowable in a preliminary assessment under certain circumstances
in NI 43-101). Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as
mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PA will be realized. Mineral resources (mineralized material under SEC Industry Guide 7) that are not mineral reserves do not have
demonstrated economic viability. A determination of mineral reserves would be necessary to demonstrate economic viability of the Awak Mas gold project. Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: see
the section heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves" above. See the section
heading "Cautionary Note to All Investors Concerning Economic Assessments that Include Mineral Resources" above.
At
a $625 per ounce gold price, the project appeared to be uneconomic. However, this is believed to be as much a function of infrastructure costs as any other aspect of the project. If the estimated
power costs and access road construction costs are reduced to more manageable levels, the project shows positive economics. It is possible that the government will participate to some degree in
helping to provide upgraded infrastructure for the benefit of the surrounding communities. Higher gold prices and engineering studies could result in improved economic returns. The
three-year trailing gold price was $1,255 per ounce at the end of 2011. Indonesian corporate tax rates are payable at the rate of 30% of net income. Local taxes may also apply, but at this
level of study, this has not been considered.
One Asia Exploration and Development
The following information has been provided to Vista by One Asia and Awak Mas Holdings Pty.
One
Asia commenced its activities at Awak Mas in January 2010 with the hiring of an experienced project manager and during the second quarter, a senior mining engineer to aid its resource
assessment work. One
87
Asia's
initial focus was on the mineral resource previously defined at the project and some months were spent on re-evaluating the geological database and producing an in house resource
model. Tetra Tech was hired to do an independent evaluation of its resource model.
In
early 2010, One Asia reported that it had assembled a team of highly qualified consultants to undertake a preliminary economic assessment or scoping study for the Awak Mas project. In 2011, One
Asia decided to change the scope of the study to a preliminary feasibility study. The team includes Amec-Minproc for plant and process design, Australian Mine Design & Development
for mine planning and ore reserve definition, Golder for geotechnical investigations and environmental consulting, Resindo Resources for infrastructure and local costs, and Tetra-Tech for
mineral resource evaluation. In 2011, ASLAmmtec was added to the team for metallurgical studies.
Initial
site visits by One Asia's consulting team was undertaken during the fourth quarter 2010 and further site visits were made during 2011.
During
2010 a number of local community initiatives were undertaken. An environmental and community development manager was hired in August 2011 to co-ordinate permitting efforts,
preparation of the environmental impact study and community relations.
A
program of infill and exploration drilling commenced in early 2011. This program is designed to upgrade inferred resources to indicated status so they can be included in the preliminary feasibility
study which was started in early 2011, and also provide core samples for additional metallurgical testing in Australia to aid the process design work being undertaken by Amec-Minproc.
Additionally, exploration and condemnation drilling was planned. GeoAssay Laboratory is doing the assaying with check assaying by PT Intertek Indonesia and ALSAmmtec is doing the metallurgical
testing. In addition, four core holes for geotechnical purposes were drilled into designed pit walls. As of the end of November 2011 (the end of the drilling season), 70 core
holes had been drilled into the Awak Mas deposit for 5,129.6 meters, including four geotechnical core drill holes, six exploration core holes had been drilled into the Rutuk area for
258 meters and nine exploration core holes had been drilled in the Salu Bulo area for 899.6 meters. Exploration drilling resumed in February 2012.
88
Long Valley Gold Project, California
Property Description and Location
The Long Valley gold project is located in the Inyo National Forest, about 7 miles east of the town of Mammoth Lakes, in Mono County, California. The property consists
of 95 contiguous, unpatented mining claims that cover an area of approximately 1,963 acres. A location map and table describing the claims held by Vista Gold follow.
89
Unpatented Mining Claims at Long Valley Controlled by Vista Gold
|
Claim Name
|
|
Serial
Number
|
|
Federal Claim
Type
|
|
Surface Area
(acres)
|
|
Location Description
(Section, Township and
Range)
|
|
Location Date
|
|
Annual
Holding Fee
|
|
Long Valley 1
|
|
231947
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
9/25/1989
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 2
|
|
231948
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
9/25/1989
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 3
|
|
231949
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
9/25/1989
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 4
|
|
231950
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
9/25/1989
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 5
|
|
231951
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
9/25/1989
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 6
|
|
231952
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
9/25/1989
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 7
|
|
231953
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
9/25/1989
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 8
|
|
231954
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
9/25/1989
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 9
|
|
231955
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/13/1989
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 10
|
|
231956
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/13/1989
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 11
|
|
231957
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/13/1989
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 12
|
|
237721
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 13
|
|
237722
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 24, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 14
|
|
237723
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 23 & 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 15
|
|
237724
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 23 & 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 16
|
|
237725
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 23 & 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 17
|
|
237726
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 23 & 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 18
|
|
237727
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 24, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 19
|
|
237728
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 24, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 20
|
|
237729
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 21
|
|
237730
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 14 & 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/8/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 22
|
|
237731
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 14 & 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/8/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 23
|
|
237732
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 14 & 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/8/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 24
|
|
237733
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 14 & 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/8/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
90
|
Claim Name
|
|
Serial
Number
|
|
Federal Claim
Type
|
|
Surface Area
(acres)
|
|
Location Description
(Section, Township and
Range)
|
|
Location Date
|
|
Annual
Holding Fee
|
|
Long Valley 25
|
|
237734
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 14 & 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/8/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 26
|
|
237735
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 14 & 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 27
|
|
237736
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 14, 15, 22 & 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 28
|
|
237737
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 15 and 22, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 29
|
|
237738
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 15 and 22, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 30
|
|
237739
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 15 and 22, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 31
|
|
237740
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 15, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 32
|
|
237741
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 15, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 33
|
|
237742
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 15, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 34
|
|
237743
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 14, 15, 22, & 23 T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 35
|
|
237744
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 14, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 36
|
|
237745
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 14, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/8/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 37
|
|
237746
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 14, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/8/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Long Valley 38
|
|
237747
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 14, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
7/8/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LVR 45
|
|
275118
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 25, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/18/1998
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LVR 46
|
|
275119
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 25, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/19/1998
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LVR 47
|
|
275120
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 25, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/20/1998
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LVR 48
|
|
275121
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 25, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/21/1998
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LVR 49
|
|
275122
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 25, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/22/1998
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LVR 50
|
|
275123
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 25, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/23/1998
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LVR 51
|
|
275124
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 25, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/24/1998
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LVR 52
|
|
275125
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 25, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/25/1998
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 57
|
|
270604
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/7/1996
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 59
|
|
270605
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/7/1996
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 63
|
|
242259
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 22, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/5/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
91
|
Claim Name
|
|
Serial
Number
|
|
Federal Claim
Type
|
|
Surface Area
(acres)
|
|
Location Description
(Section, Township and
Range)
|
|
Location Date
|
|
Annual
Holding Fee
|
|
LV 64
|
|
242260
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 22, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/5/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 65
|
|
242261
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 22, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/5/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 66
|
|
242262
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 22 & 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/5/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 67
|
|
242263
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 68
|
|
242264
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 69
|
|
242265
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 23 & 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 70
|
|
242266
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 71
|
|
242267
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 23 & 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 72
|
|
242268
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 73
|
|
242269
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 23 & 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 74
|
|
242270
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 75
|
|
242271
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 23 & 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 76
|
|
242272
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 77
|
|
242273
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 78
|
|
242274
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 79
|
|
242275
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 80
|
|
242276
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/6/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 81
|
|
242277
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 82
|
|
242278
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 83
|
|
242279
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 84
|
|
242280
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 85
|
|
242281
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 86
|
|
242282
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 87
|
|
242283
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 88
|
|
242284
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
92
|
Claim Name
|
|
Serial
Number
|
|
Federal Claim
Type
|
|
Surface Area
(acres)
|
|
Location Description
(Section, Township and
Range)
|
|
Location Date
|
|
Annual
Holding Fee
|
|
LV 89
|
|
242285
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 90
|
|
242286
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 91
|
|
242287
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 92
|
|
242288
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 93
|
|
242289
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 94
|
|
242290
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 95
|
|
242291
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 96
|
|
242292
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/7/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 98
|
|
242294
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 14, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/8/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 111
|
|
242307
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 14 & 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/9/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 112
|
|
242308
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/9/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 113
|
|
242309
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 14 & 23, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/9/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 114
|
|
242310
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 23 & 24, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/9/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 115
|
|
242311
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 13, 14, 23 & 24, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/9/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 116
|
|
242312
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 24, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/9/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 117
|
|
242313
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Sections 13 & 24, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/9/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 118
|
|
270618
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 25, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/7/1996
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 119
|
|
270619
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 25, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/7/1996
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 120
|
|
242316
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 24, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/9/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 121
|
|
270620
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 26, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
11/7/1996
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
LV 122
|
|
242318
|
|
Unpatented Lode Mining Claim
|
|
20.66
|
|
Section 24, T3S, R28E, MDM
|
|
12/10/1990
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
Totals
|
|
|
|
95 Unpatented Lode Mining Claims
|
|
1,962.70
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
11,875
|
|
Note:
all claims are Unpatented Federal Lode Mining Claims and do not expire provided annual fees are paid by August 31 of each year.
93
The surface rights covering the area of the claims are owned by the U.S. government, with the area being subject to a surface grazing lease. There is sufficient space on the mineral land
controlled by Vista Gold for all necessary facilities including processing plant, heap leach pads and waste dump areas.
On
January 22, 2003, we executed an option agreement to acquire 100% of the Long Valley gold project from Standard Industrial Minerals, Inc. ("Standard"). Under the terms of the option
agreement, we agreed to pay Standard $750 over five years, with annual payments to be due as follows: $100 due on each of January 15, 2003, 2004, and 2005; $200 due on January 15, 2006,
and $250 due on January 15, 2007. We made these payments and in January 2007, exercised our option to purchase the property, which is held through our indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary,
Vista Gold California LLC. Royal Gold, Inc. ("Royal Gold") holds a 1% NSR royalty on the property which we granted to Royal Gold in exchange for Royal Gold data pertaining to
the property.
There
are no known environmental liabilities on the project.
We
have no installations at or near the project.
Accessibility, Climate, Vegetation, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
The Long Valley property is located about 7 miles to the east of the town of Mammoth Lakes and about 45 miles north of the town of Bishop, California. Both towns
are connected by U.S. Highway 395, which passes a few miles west of the property. Access to the property from the highway is via a series of graded gravel roads. The property is in an
undisturbed condition.
Groundwater
has been encountered in many exploration drill holes at depths of 200 to 300 feet and should be available in sufficient quantities for processing. It is believed that adequate power
is available in the area with no more than a few miles of additional power line required to reach the property.
Operations
personnel should be available from Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, with employees commuting to work in private vehicles.
The
climate is semi-arid and moderate, with high temperatures in the summer generally in the 80 degree Fahrenheit range and winter highs generally in the
30-40 degree Fahrenheit range. Winter temperatures can be below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation at the property probably totals about 20 to 25 inches per year, divided
between winter snows and summer thunderstorms. Snow depths in winter are generally less than two feet on the property, and the overall climate should permit operations year-round. The
vegetation consists mostly of sagebrush and related shrubs and grasses with local areas of open pine forest.
The
property is located a few miles to the east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, at an elevation of about 7,200 feet, in an area of gently rolling terrain.
History
Freeport McMoran Copper and Gold, Inc. ("Freeport"), Standard; Battle Mountain Gold Company ("BMGC" or "Battle Mountain"), Royal Gold, and Amax Minerals Company ("Amax")
completed most of the drilling on the property. Most of the drilling prior to 1994 was vertical, and most of the drilling after 1993 was angled.
Gold
mineralization was first recognized on the property by Standard in the early 1980s as being present in small amounts in and around its kaolinite clay mining operations. Standard optioned the
property to Freeport in 1983, who prospected the area and defined several distinct mineralized zones, referred to as the North, Middle and South. Freeport drilled about 80 shallow reverse
circulation holes in mostly the North and South zones during 1983-1984. Freeport dropped the property, but additional drilling was performed by Standard in 1986, with 24 shallow
rotary holes drilled mostly in the South zone.
94
Royal
Gold acquired the property from Standard under a lease/purchase option agreement in 1988 and shortly thereafter drilled 52 air track holes in the South zone. Royal Gold also had performed
various metallurgical and engineering studies and submitted permitting documents in support of constructing a small operation based on gold resources in the South zone. However, in 1990, BMGC and
Royal Gold formed a joint venture to further explore and perhaps develop the property. During 1990 and 1991 BMGC, as the operator, completed geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, and geophysical
surveying of the area and also drilled 59 reverse circulation holes. These holes were mostly in the South zone, but also resulted in the discovery of two new zones contiguous with the South
zone, the Hilton Creek zone and the Southeast zone.
BMGC
dropped out of the joint venture in 1993, but work continued by Royal Gold. During the period 1994 through 1997, Royal Gold aggressively explored the property drilling some 625 holes
mostly in the Hilton Creek and Southeast zones. Only 10 core holes were drilled, with the balance being reverse circulation holes. During this time, Royal Gold also undertook extensive studies
related to metallurgical investigations, preliminary engineering studies, including resource estimations, and initiated baseline-type environmental studies of the biological, water, and
archeological resources of the area.
In
mid-1997, Amax performed extensive due-diligence investigations in consideration of forming a joint venture with Royal Gold to place the property into production. Its work
included drilling 46 reverse circulation holes and 10 core holes, as well as extensive re-assay and check assay work and the re-logging of older holes. Many of
the holes were intended as "twins" to earlier Royal Gold holes. Amax elected not to proceed with the formation of the joint venture because of the continued deterioration of the gold price and its
pending merger with Kinross Gold Corporation. The following table summarizes the drilling completed on the property.
History of Drilling on Long Valley Property, California
|
Year
|
|
Company
|
|
Number of Holes
|
|
Footage
|
|
1983-1984
|
|
Freeport
|
|
80
|
|
18,615
|
|
1985
|
|
Standard
|
|
24
|
|
2,055
|
|
1988
|
|
Royal Gold
|
|
52
|
|
4,770
|
|
1991-1992
|
|
Battle Mountain
|
|
59
|
|
18,685
|
|
1994-1997
|
|
Royal Gold
|
|
625
|
|
207,901
|
|
1997
|
|
Amax Gold
|
|
56
|
|
16,249
|
|
Totals
|
|
|
|
896
|
|
268,275
|
|
Following Amax's departure, Royal Gold continued with some of the environmental studies, reclaimed the drill roads and sites, performed some additional
geochemical sampling, re-estimated mineral resources, and initiated a community public relations campaign. Due to the continued decline in the gold price and the decision by Royal Gold to
become a royalty holding company, Royal Gold turned the property back to Standard, effective August, 2000. In January 2003, Vista Gold acquired the property from Standard. We acquired all
related data from Royal Gold in exchange for a 1% NSR royalty to Royal Gold. Since 2000, the only work done on the property has been that necessary to maintain the claims in good standing.
The
database contains 896 drill holes, totaling 268,275 feet. The majority of holes were drilled using reverse circulation methods. Gold was primarily analyzed by fire assay, with grade
determinations by atomic absorption.
Geology and Mineralization
The Long Valley gold project claims are contained entirely within the early Pleistocene-age Long Valley Caldera, which has been dated at about 760,000 years
old. The caldera is an elongated east-west oval depression
95
measuring
some 10 miles by 20 miles and is related to eruption of the Bishop Tuff, which is covered by younger rocks within the caldera.
The
Long Valley gold mineralization is located near the center of the caldera and is underlain by lithologic units related to the caldera formation and its subsequent resurgence. Associated with
resurgent doming is a sequence of interbedded volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks which were deposited in a lacustrine setting within the caldera. These rocks consist of sediment (siltstones through
conglomerates) and debris-flow deposits, with local deposits of intercalated silica sinter and rhyolite flows and dikes. All of these lithologies have been altered and/or mineralized to
variable degrees. Intruding the generally flat-lying lake sediments are several rhyolite domes that have been dated from 200,000 to 300,000 years in age.
The
north-south trending Hilton Creek fault zone appears to define the eastern limit of the resurgent dome within the central part of the Long Valley Caldera and extends outside the caldera to the
south. Offset along this fault appears to be variable and suggests that fault activity along this zone may be episodic in nature.
Gold
and silver mineralization at Long Valley appears to fall under the general classification of an epithermal, low sulfidation-type deposit. Several areas, termed the North, Central,
South, Southeast and Hilton Creek zones, on the Long Valley property are mineralized with low grades of gold and silver. The mineralized zones are generally north-south trending, up to
8,000 feet in length with widths ranging from 500 feet to 1,500 feet. The tabular bodies are generally flat-lying or have a shallow easterly dip. Mineralization is
typically from 50 to 200 feet thick and, in the South and Southeast zones, is exposed at or very near the surface. The top of the Hilton Creek zone is covered by 20 to 50 feet of
alluvium. The majority of the mineralization discovered to date is located in the Hilton Creek zone.
Gold
and silver mineralization is quite continuous throughout the zones and is well-defined above a cut-off grade of 0.010 gold ounces per ton. Within the continuous
zones of low-grade gold mineralization (above 0.010 gold ounces per ton) are numerous zones of higher grade mineralization above 0.050 gold ounces per ton, particularly in
the Hilton Creek zone, which may relate to zones of enhanced structural preparation. Mineralized zones typically correlate with zones of more intense clay alteration or argillization and/or
silicification.
Exploration, Drilling and Resource Estimate
As mentioned above, no physical work such as drilling has been done on the property since Royal Gold turned the property back to Standard in 2000.
The
database contains 896 drill holes totaling 268,275 feet of drilling, of which, 800 drill holes totaling 257,545 feet are reverse circulation, 20 drill holes
totaling 3,905 feet are core holes and the rest are rotary and air-track holes.
In
February 2003, MDA, completed an NI 43-101 third-party mineral resource estimate for Vista Gold on the Long Valley gold project. In January 2008, a
NI 43-101 third-party preliminary assessment was completed by MDA for us on the Long Valley gold project (the "Long Valley PA"), by or under the supervision of Neil
Prenn and Thomas Dyer of MDA, each independent qualified persons within the meaning of NI 43-101, utilizing standard industry software and estimation methodology. Both studies were
done under the supervision of Neil Prenn, a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101. The results of the Long Valley PA, which included an updated mineral resource estimate,
are summarized in the technical report entitled "Technical Report, Preliminary Assessment, Long Valley Project, Mono County, California, USA" dated January 9, 2008 and the report is available
on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Based
on the report, under SEC Industry Guide 7 guidelines, mineralized material for the Long Valley gold project, above a cut-off grade of 0.010 gold ounces per ton, is
estimated at 68,275,700 tons grading 0.018 gold ounces per ton.
96
Under
the CIM Definition Standards, at the same cut-off grade, measured mineral resources are estimated at 26,596,900 tons grading 0.017 gold ounces per ton, indicated
mineral resources are estimated at 41,678,800 tons grading 0.018 gold ounces per ton and inferred mineral resources are estimated at 32,913,300 tons grading 0.017 gold
ounces per ton
See the section heading "Cautionary Note to All Investors Concerning Economic Assessments That Include Mineral Resources" above. Cautionary Note to
U.S. Inventors: see the section heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves"
above.
There
are no known issues that might affect these estimates of mineralized material or mineral resources.
Sampling and Analysis
Most of the drill-hole samples obtained from the property were from generally dry reverse circulation drilling although, when drilling below the water table,
significant flows were encountered. Water was added when drilling dry to improve recovery. A total of 896 drill holes were completed on the property, including 20 core holes.
Little
is known of the sampling methods employed prior to 1994; however, sampling methods after 1994 are well documented. After 1994, the samples were collected and bagged at the drill site. The assay
lab picked up the samples at the drill site, dried the samples, crushed, split, pulverized, and blended to obtain assay pulps. Most of the assays were completed by fire assay methods with an AA
finish. Freeport completed aqua regia dissolution, followed by AA analysis of the samples. Freeport's samples were analyzed by Monitor Labs, who used acid digestion as the assay method. Battle
Mountain used Barringer Laboratories and Bondar-Clegg Laboratories for sample preparation and fire assaying (AA finish) of one-assay-ton pulps. Sampling after 1994 was
documented by Royal Gold. The Royal Gold samples were collected by taking a 5-10 pound split of each sample from the drill holes. Sample bags were sealed by the drill crew and not
opened until they reached American Assay Labs. A similar procedure was used by Amax, but its samples were analyzed by Chemex Labs.
The
first two Royal Gold core samples were collected at the drill site and placed in core boxes for transport to American Assay Lab's sample preparation facility where they were sawed in half and
followed the same procedure as the reverse circulation samples. Samples were either grouped by rock type within five-foot intervals or prepared in five-foot intervals. The
remaining Royal Gold core holes were six-inch diameter holes used for metallurgical testing, with the whole core
blended together into a single composite. Amax prepared the core for assay by crushing the whole core after logging.
According
to MDA, "The Long Valley project has had a considerable amount of check assaying and, as such, MDA concluded that collecting duplicate samples for verification purposes was
not warranted."
Sample Security
Samples were sealed in bags at the site and collected by commercial laboratory personnel.
Preliminary Assessment
As described above, in January 2008, the Long Valley PA was completed for us by MDA.
MDA
considered the economic and technical parameters associated with development of the mineral resources within the restraints imposed by the state of California's mining regulations that include a
provision that all mined materials not removed from the property be replaced within the perimeter of the excavation. The preliminary assessment evaluated the potential economics of the project
assuming that the mineral resources were mined using open-pit mining methods and processed using heap leach technology. The PA contemplates mining activities conducted by the owner using
purchased equipment. The study included a process flowsheet based on metallurgical testing conducted over the past ten years under the supervision of previous owners and consisting of cyanide shake
leach assays on pulps, bottle roll tests on drill cuttings from numerous reverse-
97
circulation
holes and long-term column tests on bulk samples from surface samples and core samples. The metallurgical test work and flowsheet were reviewed and approved for this study by
RDi. The flowsheet proposes a lined heap leach pad to be loaded at a rate of 4,000,000 tons per year of material in 30-foot-high lifts. The material would be crushed to
a nominal three-inch size and agglomerated with lime and cement prior to placing on the heap leach pad. Following application of cyanide leach solutions, the gold would be recovered in
carbon columns from which it would be stripped and a gold dore would be produced by electrowinning followed by refining. After the pit material has been mined, the remaining waste materials would be
backfilled into the pit along with the detoxified heap material. Please see maps included in the PA for potential locations of processing plant and temporary waste disposal and heap leach pads
(temporary due to the requirement to backfill the open-pits with these materials).
MDA
estimated startup capital at $58,800 and total project capital at $61,800. Operating costs including mine closure and heap detoxification are estimated per ton of material mined and processed on a
heap leach
as follows: mining, $3.54 per ton; processing, $1.96 per ton; cyanide destruction, $0.25 per ton; and general and administrative costs and royalties, $0.89 per ton. Total operating costs are estimated
at $6.64 per ton of heap leach material mined and processed which equates to $415 per ounce of gold recovered. An estimated 535,300 ounces of gold would be produced over an
eight-year mine life.
At
the base-case gold price of $550 per ounce used in the study, the pre-tax IRR was 12.3%. The mine life is estimated at 8 years and the payback of capital, at the base
case gold price of $550 per ounce, was estimated at just over four years. At a gold price of $800 per ounce, the IRR was 63.2%. The three-year trailing gold price was $1,255
per ounce at the end of 2011.
The Long Valley PA includes inferred mineral resources (7% inferred and 93% measured and indicated) that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic
considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the Long Valley PA will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral
reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: see the section heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of
Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves" above. See the section heading "Cautionary Note to All Investors Concerning Economic Assessments that Include Mineral
Resources" above.
Federal
U.S. income taxes of approximately 35% would be payable on net income. California state income tax is 8.84% on net income and there are probably local property and other taxes;
although, at this stage of the project, this has not been considered.
Exploration and Development
Because of other priorities (the Mt. Todd gold project, Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project and Concordia gold project), we have no immediate plans for developing
Long Valley, but we may seek a joint-venture partner in the future to assist us in moving this project forward.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We are not aware of any material pending or threatened litigation or of any proceedings known to be contemplated by governmental authorities that are, or would
be, likely to have a material adverse effect upon us or our operations, taken as a whole. There are no material proceedings pursuant to which any of our directors, officers or affiliates or any owner
of record or beneficial owner of more than 5% of our securities or any associate of any such director, officer or security holder is a party adverse to us or has a material interest adverse
to us.
98
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION.
As of December 31, 2011, we had three executive officers, namely Michael B. Richings, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Terri L. Eggert, Interim Chief
Financial Officer; and Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Operating Officer. Information follows as to Mr. Richings, Ms. Eggert and Mr. Earnest. Effective January 1,
2012, Frederick H. Earnest was appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Accordingly, Mr. Earnest's current title is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.
Mr. Earnest's appointment followed the retirement of Michael B. Richings as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Mr. Richings continues to be actively
involved with Vista in his role as a director and the Chairman of the Corporation's Board of Directors.
The
following information as to Mr. Richings, Ms. Eggert and Mr. Earnest. is presented as of January 1, 2012.
Name, Position and Age
|
|
Held Office Since
|
|
Business Experience During Past Five Years
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael B. Richings
Executive Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Age67
|
|
November 6, 2007 - January 1, 2012
(Executive Chairman)
January 1, 2012
(Chairman)
May 25, 2004 - January 1, 2012
(Chief Executive Officer)
|
|
Chairman of the Corporation since January 2012; Director of Midas Gold Corp. since April 2011; Former Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation from November 2007 to January 2012; Former director of Allied
Nevada Gold Corp. from September 2006 to June 2009; Former director of Zaruma Resources Inc. from November 2005 to June 2009; Former Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation from August 2007 to November 2007;
Former director of Triumph Gold Corp. from January 2004 to November 2006; Former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation from May 2004 to July 2007.
|
Terri L. Eggert
Interim Chief Financial Officer
Age51
|
|
May 18, 2011
|
|
Interim Chief Financial Officer from May 18, 2011 to present; Consultant providing critical financing and reporting services to various Colorado-based entities in their efforts to raise capital and complete business combinations since
September 2010; Vice President of Finance from September 2009 to August 2010 and Chief Accounting Officer from March 2010 to August 2010 for Cloud Peak Energy, Inc., the third largest producer of coal in the U.S;
Assistant Controller from January 2007 until July 2009 for Ball Corporation, a supplier of high-quality metal and plastic packaging for beverage, food and household products customers, and of aerospace and other technologies and services;
Molson Coors Brewing Company as its Director of Accounting Processes from June 2001 until January 2007, as its Director of Corporate Accounting from June 1997 through June 2001 and as its Manager of Technical Accounting from
December 1996 until June 1997.
|
99
Frederick H. Earnest
President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
Age50
|
|
August 1, 2007 (President)
August 1, 2007 - January 1, 2012 (Chief Operating Officer)
January 1, 2012 (Chief Executive Officer)
|
|
Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation since January 2012; President of the Corporation since August 2007; Director of Midas Gold Corp. since April 2011; Former Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation from August 2007 to
January 2012; Former Senior Vice President, Project Development of the Corporation from September 2006 to August 2007; Former President of Pacific Rim El Salvador, S.A. de C.V. from June 2004 to September 2006; Former
General Manager and Legal Representative of Compañía Minera Dayton from April 1998 to June 2004.
|
Arrangements between Officers and Directors
To our knowledge, there is no arrangement or understanding between any of our officers and any other person, including directors, pursuant to which the officer was selected to
serve as an officer.
Family Relationships
None of our executive officers are related by blood, marriage, or adoption to any other director, executive officer, or other key employees.
Legal Proceedings
We are not aware of any material legal proceedings to which any of our officers or any associate of any of our officers is a party adverse to us or any of our subsidiaries or
has a material interest adverse to us or any of our subsidiaries.
We
are not aware of any of our officers being involved in any legal proceedings in the past ten years relating to any matters in bankruptcy, insolvency, criminal proceedings (other than traffic and
other minor offenses) or being subject to any of the items set forth under Item 401 of Regulation S-K.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCOSURES.
We consider health, safety and environmental stewardship to be a core value for the Corporation.
Pursuant
to Section 1503(a) of the recently enacted Dodd-Frank Act, issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the
United States are required to disclose in their periodic reports filed with the SEC information regarding specified health and safety violations, orders and citations, related assessments and
legal actions, and mining-related fatalities under the regulation of by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration ("MSHA") under the
Federal Mine Safety and Health Act
of 1977
(the "Mine Act"). During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, our U.S exploration properties were not subject to regulation by the MSHA under the Mine
Act and consequently no disclosure is required under Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act.
100
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Price Range of Common Shares
The Common Shares of Vista Gold are listed on the NYSE AMEX and the TSX under the symbol VGZ. The following table sets out the reported high and low sale prices on the NYSE
AMEX and on the TSX for the periods indicated as reported by the exchanges.
|
|
|
|
NYSE AMEX
($)
|
|
TSX
(C$)
|
|
|
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
2010
|
|
1st quarter
|
|
2.84
|
|
1.92
|
|
3.16
|
|
1.98
|
|
|
2nd quarter
|
|
2.54
|
|
1.60
|
|
2.69
|
|
1.69
|
|
|
3rd quarter
|
|
2.59
|
|
1.30
|
|
2.70
|
|
1.33
|
|
|
4th quarter
|
|
3.45
|
|
2.25
|
|
3.59
|
|
2.30
|
2011
|
|
1st quarter
|
|
4.28
|
|
2.39
|
|
4.20
|
|
2.40
|
|
|
2nd quarter
|
|
4.09
|
|
2.52
|
|
3.98
|
|
2.48
|
|
|
3rd quarter
|
|
4.59
|
|
2.59
|
|
4.55
|
|
2.60
|
|
|
4th quarter
|
|
4.16
|
|
2.77
|
|
4.24
|
|
2.83
|
On
March 12, 2012, the last reported sale price of the Common Shares of Vista Gold on the NYSE AMEX was $3.36 and on the TSX was C$3.34. As at March 12, 2012, there were
71,503,883 Common Shares issued and outstanding, and we had approximately 399 registered shareholders of record.
Price Range of Warrants
The warrants of Vista Gold, which began trading on March 1, 2011, are listed on the TSX under the symbol VGZ.WT.U. The following table sets out the reported high and low
sale prices on the TSX for the periods indicated as reported by the exchanges.
|
|
|
|
TSX
(C$)
|
|
|
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
2011
|
|
1st quarter (March 1 to March 31, 2011)
|
|
2.00
|
|
1.30
|
|
|
2nd quarter
|
|
0.98
|
|
0.98
|
|
|
3rd quarter
|
|
1.25
|
|
0.70
|
|
|
4th quarter
|
|
0.88
|
|
0.45
|
On
March 12, 2012, the last reported sale price of the warrants of Vista Gold on the TSX was C$0.65.
Dividends
We have never paid dividends. While any future dividends will be determined by our directors after consideration of our earnings, financial condition and other relevant
factors, it is currently expected that available cash resources will be utilized in connection with the ongoing acquisition, exploration and evaluation programs of Vista Gold.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
See "Item 11. Executive Compensation" for information relating to our equity compensation plan.
101
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the yearly percentage change in the Corporation's cumulative total shareholder return on its Common Shares with the cumulative total return of the
S&P/TSX Composite Index and the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index, assuming the reinvestment of dividends, for the last five financial years. This performance chart assumes that $100 per share was invested on
December 31, 2006, in (i) the Corporation's Common Shares at the closing price of the Common Shares on such date of $8.63 per share, as quoted on the NYSE AMEX; (ii) the S&P/TSX
Composite Index; and (iii) the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index. Canadian dollar closing price quotes on the TSX are converted to US dollars using the noon exchange rate as quoted by the Bank of
Canada for the date of the closing price quote.
|
|
|
12/31/06
|
|
12/30/07
|
|
12/29/08
|
|
12/31/09
|
|
12/31/10
|
|
12/31/11
|
|
Vista Gold Corp
.
|
|
$
|
100
|
|
$
|
58.17
|
|
$
|
12.98
|
|
$
|
28.39
|
|
$
|
27.69
|
|
$
|
35.57
|
|
S&P/TSX Composite Index
|
|
$
|
100
|
|
$
|
107.16
|
|
$
|
69.63
|
|
$
|
91.00
|
|
$
|
104.14
|
|
$
|
92.61
|
|
S&P/TSX Global Gold Index
|
|
$
|
100
|
|
$
|
94.97
|
|
$
|
95.12
|
|
$
|
102.51
|
|
$
|
129.14
|
|
$
|
110.65
|
|
On May 10, 2007, Vista completed an arrangement involving its wholly-owned subsidiary, Allied Nevada Gold Corp ("Allied"). Pursuant to the arrangement,
each shareholder of Vista received (a) new shares of Vista, (b) 0.794 shares of Allied per share of Vista owned, subject to applicable withholding taxes, and (c) any payment the
shareholder was entitled to receive in lieu of a fractional share of Allied. A shareholder that invested $100 in Vista on December 31, 2006 would have received shares of Allied valued at $50.60
on May 10, 2007, $57.23 on December 31, 2007, $46.55 on December 31, 2008, $138.74 on December 31, 2009, $242.06 on December 31, 2010, and $278.59 on
December 31, 2011.
Exchange Controls
There are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Canada that restrict the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls, or that affect the
remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of the securities of Vista Gold, other than Canadian withholding tax. See "Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax
Considerations for U.S. Residents" below.
102
Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Residents
The following summarizes certain Canadian federal income tax consequences generally applicable under the
Income Tax Act
(Canada) and the regulations enacted thereunder (collectively, the "Canadian Tax Act") and the
Canada-United States Income Tax Convention
(1980)
(the "Convention") to the holding and disposition of Common Shares.
Comment
is restricted to holders of Common Shares each of whom, at all material times for the purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and the Convention, (i) is resident solely in the
United States, (ii) is entitled to the benefits of the Convention, (iii) holds all Common Shares as capital property and no Common Shares as "taxable Canadian property"
(as defined in the Canadian Tax Act) of the holder, (iv) deals at arm's length with and is not affiliated with Vista Gold, (v) does not and is not deemed to use or hold any
Common Shares in a business carried on in Canada, and (vi) is not an insurer that carries on business in Canada and elsewhere (each such holder, a "U.S. Resident Holder").
Certain
U.S.-resident entities that are fiscally transparent for United States federal income tax purposes (including limited liability companies) may not in all circumstances be regarded by
the Canada Revenue Agency (the "CRA") as entitled to the benefits of the Convention. Members or holders of an interest in such an entity that holds Common Shares should consult their own tax
advisers regarding the extent, if any, to which the CRA will extend the benefits of the Convention to the entity in respect of its Common Shares.
Generally,
a holder's Common Shares will be considered to be capital property of the holder provided that the holder acquired the Common Shares as a long-term investment; is not a trader
or dealer in securities; did not acquire, hold or dispose of the Common Shares in one or more transactions considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of trade (i.e. speculation);
and does not hold the Common Shares as inventory in the course of carrying on a business.
Generally,
a holder's Common Shares will not constitute "taxable Canadian property" of the holder at a particular time at which the Common Shares are listed on a "designated stock exchange" (which
currently includes the TSX) unless both of the following conditions are true:
-
(i)
-
the
holder or any one or more persons with whom the holder does not deal at arm's length, owned, alone or in any combination, 25% or more of the issued shares of any
class of the capital stock of Vista Gold at any time in the 60 months preceding the particular time; and
-
(ii)
-
more
than 50% of the fair market value of the Common Share was derived directly or indirectly from, or from any combination of, real or immovable property situated in
Canada, "Canadian resource properties" (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act), "timber resource properties" (as so defined), or options or interests therein, at any time in the
60 months preceding the particular time.
This
summary is based on the current provisions of the Canadian Tax Act and the Convention in effect on the date hereof, all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act and
Convention publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) on or before the date hereof, and the current published administrative and assessing policies of the CRA. It is
assumed that all such amendments will be enacted as currently proposed, and that there will be no other material change to any applicable law or administrative or assessing practice, although no
assurance can be given in these respects. Except as otherwise expressly provided, this summary does not take into account any provincial, territorial or foreign tax considerations, which may differ
materially from those set out herein.
This summary is of a general nature only, is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax considerations, and is not intended to be and should not be construed as
legal or tax advice to any particular U.S. Resident Holder. U.S. Resident Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisers for advice with respect to their particular circumstances.
The discussion below is qualified accordingly.
103
Disposition of Common Shares
A U.S. Resident Holder who disposes or is deemed to dispose of a Common Share should not thereby incur any liability for Canadian federal income tax in respect of any
capital gain thereby arising.
Taxation of Dividends on Common Shares
A U.S. Resident Holder on whose Common Share Vista Gold pays or credits, or is deemed to pay or credit, a dividend generally will be subject to Canadian withholding tax
at the rate of 15% or, if the U.S. Resident Holder is a company that beneficially owns at least 10% of the voting stock of Vista Gold, 5% of the gross amount of the dividend. Vista Gold will be
required to withhold the requisite amount of tax from the dividend and remit it to the CRA for the U.S. Resident Holder's account.
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) arising from
and relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.
This
summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential U.S. federal income tax considerations that may apply to a
U.S. Holder arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares. In addition, this summary does not take into account the individual facts and circumstances
of any particular U.S. Holder that may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such U.S. Holder, including specific tax consequences to a U.S. Holder under an
applicable tax treaty. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or U.S. federal income tax advice with respect to any U.S. Holder. Each
U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local tax,
and foreign tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.
No
legal opinion from U.S. legal counsel or ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") has been requested, or will be obtained, regarding the U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares. This summary is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS is not precluded from taking a position that is different from, and
contrary to, the positions taken in this summary. In addition, because the authorities on which this summary is based are subject to various interpretations, the IRS and the U.S. courts could
disagree with one or more of the positions taken in this summary.
Scope of this Summary
Authorities
This
summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"); Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary or proposed); published rulings of the IRS; published
administrative positions of the IRS; the Convention Between Canada and the United States of America with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, signed September 26, 1980, as amended
(the "Canada-U.S. Tax Convention") and U.S. court decisions that are applicable and, in each case, as in effect and available, as of the date of this document. Any of
the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied on a retroactive or prospective basis, which could
affect the U.S. federal income tax considerations described in this summary. This summary does not discuss the potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation
that, if enacted, could be applied on a retroactive or prospective basis.
104
U.S. Holders
For
purposes of this summary, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of Common Shares that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
-
-
an
individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S.;
-
-
a
corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) organized under the laws of the U.S., any state thereof or the
District of Columbia;
-
-
an
estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
-
-
a
trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the U.S. and the control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions, or
(2) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
Non-U.S. Holders
For
purposes of this summary, a "non-U.S. Holder" is a beneficial owner of Common Shares that is not a U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the U.S. federal
income tax consequences to non-U.S. Holders arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares. Accordingly, a
non-U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state
and local tax and foreign tax consequences (including the potential application of and operation of any income tax treaties) relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of
Common Shares.
U.S. Holders Subject to Special U.S. Federal Income Tax Rules Not Addressed
This
summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including the following:
(a) U.S. Holders that are tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts or other tax-deferred accounts;
(b) U.S. Holders that are financial institutions, underwriters, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts or regulated investment companies; (c) U.S. Holders that
are dealers in securities or currencies or U.S. Holders that are traders in securities that elect to apply a mark-to-market accounting method;
(d) U.S. Holders that have a "functional currency" other than the U.S. dollar; (e) U.S. Holders that own Common Shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction,
conversion transaction, constructive sale or other arrangement involving more than one position; (f) U.S. Holders that acquired Common Shares in connection with the exercise of employee
stock options or otherwise as compensation for services; (g) U.S. Holders that hold Common Shares other than as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code
(generally, property held for investment purposes); (h) partnerships and other pass-through entities (and investors in such partnerships and entities); or
(i) U.S. Holders that own or have owned (directly, indirectly or by attribution) 10% or more of the total combined voting power of the outstanding shares of the Corporation. This summary
also does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders who are: (a) U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the
U.S. subject to Section 877 of the Code; (b) persons that have been, are or will be a resident or deemed to be a resident in Canada for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act;
(c) persons that use or hold, will use or hold or that are or will be deemed to use or hold Common Shares in connection with carrying on a business in Canada; (d) persons whose Common
Shares constitute "taxable Canadian property" under the Canadian Tax Act; or (e) persons that have a permanent establishment in Canada for the purposes of the
Canada-U.S. Tax Convention. U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including U.S. Holders described immediately above, should consult
their own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local tax and foreign tax consequences
relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.
If
an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds Common Shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such partnership and the partners
of such partnership generally will depend on the activities of the partnership and the status of such partners. Partners of entities that are classified
105
as
partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences arising from and relating to the acquisition,
ownership and disposition of Common Shares.
Tax Consequences Not Addressed
This
summary does not address the U.S. state and local, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. federal alternative minimum tax or foreign tax consequences to U.S. Holders of
the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. state and local, U.S. federal estate and gift,
U.S. federal alternative minimum tax and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
If the Corporation is considered a "passive foreign investment company" under the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code (a "PFIC") at any time during a
U.S. Holder's holding period, the following sections will generally describe the U.S. federal income tax consequences to the U.S. Holder of the acquisition, ownership and
disposition of Common Shares. In addition, in any year in which the Corporation is classified as a PFIC, such holder would be required to file an annual report with the IRS containing such
information as Treasury Regulations and/or other IRS guidance may require. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of filing such information returns under
these rules, including the requirement to file a IRS Form 8621.
PFIC Status of the Corporation
The
Corporation generally will be a PFIC if, for a tax year, (a) 75% or more of the gross income of the Corporation for such tax year is passive income (the "income test"); or
(b) 50% or more of the value of the Corporation's assets either produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income, based on the quarterly average of the fair market value
of such assets (the "assets test"). "Gross income" generally means all sales revenues less the cost of goods sold, and "passive income" generally includes, for example, dividends, interest,
certain rents and royalties, certain gains from the sale of stock and securities and certain gains from commodities transactions.
Active
business gains arising from the sale of commodities generally are excluded from passive income if substantially all of a foreign corporation's commodities are (a) stock in trade of such
foreign corporation or other property of a kind, which would properly be included in inventory of such foreign corporation, or property held by such foreign corporation primarily for sale to customers
in the ordinary course of business; (b) property used in the trade or business of such foreign corporation that would be subject to the allowance for depreciation under Section 167 of
the Code; or (c) supplies of a type regularly used or consumed by such foreign corporation in the ordinary course of its trade or business.
For
purposes of the PFIC income test and asset test described above, if the Corporation owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the total value of the outstanding shares of another corporation,
the Corporation will be treated as if it (a) held a proportionate share of the assets of such other corporation, and (b) received directly a proportionate share of the income of such
other corporation. In addition, for purposes of the PFIC income test and asset test described above, "passive income" does not include any interest, dividends, rents or royalties that are received or
accrued by the Corporation from a "related person" (as defined in Section 954(d)(3) of the Code), to the extent such items are properly allocable to the income of such related person
that is not passive income.
In
addition, under certain attribution rules, if the Corporation is a PFIC, U.S. Holders will be deemed to own their proportionate share of any subsidiary of the Corporation that is also a PFIC
(a "Subsidiary PFIC") and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on their proportionate share of (i) a distribution on the shares of a Subsidiary PFIC; and (ii) a
disposition or deemed disposition of shares of a Subsidiary PFIC, both as if such U.S. Holders directly held the shares of such Subsidiary PFIC.
106
The
Corporation believes it was classified as a PFIC during the taxable year ended December 31, 2011, and based on current business plans and financial projections, the Corporation believes
there is a significant likelihood that it will be a PFIC during the current taxable year. The determination of whether a corporation was, or will be, a PFIC for a tax year depends, in part, on the
application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which are subject to differing interpretations. In addition, whether a corporation will be a PFIC for any tax year depends on the assets
and income of such corporation over the course of each such tax year and, as a result, cannot be predicted with certainty as of the date of this document. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that
the IRS will not challenge any determination made by the Corporation (or a Subsidiary PFIC) concerning its PFIC status. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the
PFIC status of the Corporation and each Subsidiary PFIC.
Default PFIC Rules Under Section 1291 of the Code
If
the Corporation is a PFIC, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares will depend on whether such
U.S. Holder makes an election to treat the Corporation and each Subsidiary PFIC, if any, as a "qualified electing fund" or "QEF" under Section 1295 of the Code (a "QEF Election")
or a mark-to-market election
under Section 1296 of the Code (a "Mark-to-Market Election"). A U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF Election or a
Mark-to-Market Election will be referred to in this summary as a "Non-Electing U.S. Holder."
A
Non-Electing U.S. Holder will be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code with respect to (a) any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of
Common Shares, and (b) any excess distribution received on the Common Shares. A distribution generally will be an "excess distribution" to the extent that such distribution (together with all
other distributions received in the current tax year) exceeds 125% of the average distributions received during the three preceding tax years (or during a U.S. Holder's holding period
for the Common Shares, if shorter).
Under
Section 1291 of the Code, any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, and any "excess distribution" received on Common Shares, must be ratably allocated
to each day in a Non-Electing U.S. Holder's holding period for the respective Common Shares. The amount of any such gain or excess distribution allocated to the tax year of
disposition or distribution of the excess distribution and to years before the entity became a PFIC, if any, would be taxed as ordinary income. The amounts allocated to any other tax year would be
subject to U.S. federal income tax at the highest tax rate applicable to ordinary income in each such year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the tax liability for each such year,
calculated as if such tax liability had been due in each such year. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder that is not a corporation must treat any such interest paid as "personal interest,"
which is not deductible.
If
the Corporation is a PFIC for any tax year during which a Non-Electing U.S. Holder holds Common Shares, the Corporation will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such
Non-Electing U.S. Holder, regardless of whether the Corporation ceases to be a PFIC in one or more subsequent tax years. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder may terminate
this deemed PFIC status by electing to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above) as if such Common Shares were sold on the last day of the
last tax year for which the Corporation was a PFIC.
QEF Election
A
U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective QEF Election for the first tax year in which its holding period of its Common Shares begins, generally, will not be subject to the rules of
Section 1291 of the Code discussed above with respect to its Common Shares. However, a U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such
U.S. Holder's pro rata share of (a) the net capital gain of the Corporation, which will be taxed as long-term capital gain to such U.S. Holder; and
(b) and the ordinary earnings of the Corporation, which will be taxed as ordinary income to such U.S. Holder. Generally, "net capital gain" is the excess of (a) net
long-term capital gain, over (b) net short-term capital loss, and "ordinary earnings" are the excess of (a) "earnings and profits," over (b) net capital
gain. A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such amounts for each tax year in which the Corporation is a PFIC, regardless of whether such
amounts are actually distributed to such U.S. Holder by the Corporation. However, for any tax year in which the Corporation is a PFIC and has no net
107
income
or gain, U.S. Holders that have made a QEF Election would not have any income inclusions as a result of the QEF Election. If a U.S. Holder that made a QEF Election has an income
inclusion, such a U.S. Holder may, subject to certain limitations, elect to defer payment of current U.S. federal income tax on such amounts, subject to an interest charge. If such
U.S. Holder is not a corporation, any such interest paid will be treated as "personal interest," which is not deductible.
A
U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally (a) may receive a tax-free distribution from the Corporation to the extent that such distribution represents "earnings and
profits" of the Corporation that were previously included in income by the U.S. Holder because of such QEF Election, and (b) will adjust such U.S. Holder's tax basis in the Common
Shares to reflect the amount included in income or allowed as a tax-free distribution because of such QEF Election. In addition, a U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally
will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares.
The
procedure for making a QEF Election, and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of making a QEF Election, will depend on whether such QEF Election is timely. A QEF Election will be
treated as "timely" if such QEF Election is made for the first year in the U.S. Holder's holding period for the Common Shares in which the Corporation was a PFIC. A U.S. Holder may make
a timely QEF Election by filing the appropriate QEF Election documents at the time such U.S. Holder files a U.S. federal income tax return for such year.
A
QEF Election will apply to the tax year for which such QEF Election is made and to all subsequent tax years, unless such QEF Election is invalidated or terminated or the IRS consents to revocation
of such QEF Election. If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election and, in a subsequent tax year, the Corporation ceases to be a PFIC, the QEF Election will remain in effect (although it will not be
applicable) during those tax years in which the Corporation is not a PFIC. Accordingly, if the Corporation becomes a PFIC in another subsequent tax year, the QEF Election will be effective and the
U.S. Holder will be subject to the QEF rules described above during any subsequent tax year in which the Corporation qualifies as a PFIC.
U.S. Holders
should be aware that there can be no assurances that we will satisfy record keeping requirements that apply to a QEF, or that we will supply U.S. Holders with information
that such U.S. Holders require to report under the QEF rules, in event that we are a PFIC and a U.S. Holder wishes to make a QEF Election. Thus, U.S. Holders may not be able to
make a QEF Election with respect to their Common Shares. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor, regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a QEF Election.
Mark-to-Market Election
A
U.S. Holder may make a Mark-to-Market Election only if the Common Shares are marketable stock. The Common Shares generally will be "marketable stock" if the Common
Shares are regularly traded on (a) a national securities exchange that is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission; (b) the national market system established pursuant to
section 11A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934; or (c) a foreign securities exchange that is regulated or supervised by a governmental authority of the country in which the
market is located, provided that (i) such foreign exchange has trading volume, listing, financial disclosure and meets other requirements and the laws of the country in which such foreign
exchange is located, together with the rules of such foreign exchange, ensure that such requirements are actually enforced; and (ii) the rules of such foreign exchange ensure active trading of
listed stocks. If such stock is traded on such a qualified exchange or other market, such stock generally will be "regularly traded" for any calendar year during which such stock is traded, other than
in de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter.
A
U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to its Common Shares generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code
discussed above with respect to such Common Shares. However, if a U.S. Holder does not make a Mark-to-Market Election beginning in the first tax year of such
U.S. Holder's holding period for the Common Shares or such U.S. Holder has not made a timely QEF Election, the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above will apply to
certain dispositions of, and distributions on, the Common Shares.
108
A
U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will include in ordinary income, for each tax year in which the Corporation is a PFIC, an amount equal to the excess,
if any, of (a) the fair market value of the Common Shares, as of the close of such tax year, over (b) such U.S. Holder's tax basis in such Common Shares. A U.S. Holder that
makes a Mark-to-Market Election will be allowed a deduction in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Common
Shares, over (ii) the fair market value of such Common Shares (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the
Mark-to-Market Election for prior tax years).
A
U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election generally also will adjust such U.S. Holder's tax basis in the Common Shares to reflect the amount included in
gross income or allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election. In addition, upon a sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, a U.S. Holder
that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will recognize ordinary income or ordinary loss (not to exceed the excess, if any, of (a) the amount included in ordinary
income because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior tax years, over (b) the amount allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market
Election for prior tax years).
A
Mark-to-Market Election applies to the tax year in which such Mark-to-Market Election is made and to each subsequent tax year, unless the Common
Shares cease to be "marketable stock" or the IRS consents to revocation of such election. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the availability of, and procedure for
making, a Mark-to-Market Election.
Although
a U.S. Holder may be eligible to make a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to the Common Shares, no such election may be made with respect to the stock of any
Subsidiary PFIC that a U.S. Holder is treated as owning, because such stock is not marketable. Hence, the Mark-to-Market Election will not be effective to eliminate the
interest charge described above with respect to deemed dispositions of Subsidiary PFIC stock or distributions from a Subsidiary PFIC.
Other PFIC Rules
Under
Section 1291(f) of the Code, the IRS has issued proposed Treasury Regulations that, subject to certain exceptions, would cause a U.S. Holder that had not made a timely QEF Election
to recognize gain (but not loss) upon certain transfers of Common Shares that would otherwise be tax-deferred (e.g., gifts and exchanges pursuant to corporate
reorganizations). However, the specific U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder may vary based on the manner in which Common Shares are transferred.
Certain
additional adverse rules will apply with respect to a U.S. Holder if the Corporation is a PFIC, regardless of whether such U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election. For example under
Section 1298(b)(6) of the Code, a U.S. Holder that uses Common Shares as security for a loan will, except as may be provided in Treasury Regulations, be treated as having made a taxable
disposition of such Common Shares.
Special
rules also apply to the amount of foreign tax credit that a U.S. Holder may claim on a distribution from a PFIC.
Subject
to such special rules, foreign taxes paid with respect to any distribution in respect of stock in a PFIC are generally eligible for the foreign tax credit. The rules relating to distributions
by a PFIC and their eligibility for the foreign tax credit are complicated, and a U.S. Holder should consult with its own tax advisor regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit with
respect to distributions by a PFIC.
In
addition, a U.S. Holder who acquires Common Shares from a decedent will not receive a "step up" in tax basis of such Common Shares to fair market value.
The
PFIC rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the PFIC rules and how the PFIC rules may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences of
the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.
109
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Acquisition, Ownership and Disposition of Common Shares
The following discussion is subject to the rules described above under the heading "Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules."
General Taxation of Distributions
Subject
to the PFIC rules discussed above, a U.S. Holder that receives a distribution, including a constructive distribution, with respect to a Common Share will be required to include the
amount of such distribution in gross income as a dividend (without reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distribution) to the extent of the current or accumulated "earnings and
profits" of the Corporation, as computed for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A dividend generally will be taxed to a U.S. Holder at ordinary income tax rates. To the extent that a
distribution exceeds the current and accumulated "earnings and profits" of the Corporation, such distribution will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a
U.S. Holder's tax basis in the Common Shares and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of such Common Shares. (See "Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares" below).
However, the Corporation may not maintain the calculations of earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles, and each U.S. Holder should therefore assume
that any distribution by the Corporation with respect to the Common Shares will constitute ordinary dividend income. Dividends received on Common Shares generally will not be eligible for the
"dividends received deduction." In addition, the Corporation does not anticipate that its distributions will be eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital
gains. The dividend rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the application of such rules.
Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares
Subject
to the PFIC rules discussed above, upon the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the
difference between the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received and such U.S. Holder's tax basis in such Common Shares sold or otherwise disposed of. Subject to the
PFIC rules discussed above, gain or loss recognized on such sale or other disposition generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale or other disposition, the
Common Shares have been held for more than one year.
Preferential
tax rates apply to long-term capital gain of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust. There are currently no preferential tax rates for
long-term capital gain of a U.S. Holder that is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses are subject to significant limitations under the Code.
Additional Tax on Passive Income
For
tax years beginning after December 31, 2012, certain individuals, estates and trusts whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surtax on "net
investment income" including, among other things, dividends and net gain from dispositions of property (other than property held in a trade or business). U.S. Holders should consult with their
own tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this tax on their ownership and disposition of Common Shares.
Receipt of Foreign Currency
The
amount of any distribution paid to a U.S. Holder in foreign currency, or on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, generally will be equal to the
U.S. dollar value of such foreign currency based on the exchange rate applicable on the date of receipt (regardless of whether such foreign currency is converted into U.S. dollars at
that time). If the foreign currency received is not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder will have a basis in the foreign currency equal to its
U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any U.S. Holder who receives payment in foreign currency and engages in a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the foreign currency may
have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss that would be treated as ordinary income or loss, and generally will be U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit purposes. Each
U.S. Holder should consult its own U.S. tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of receiving, owning and disposing of foreign currency.
110
Foreign Tax Credit
Subject
to the PFIC rules discussed above, a U.S. Holder that pays (whether directly or through withholding) Canadian income tax with respect to dividends paid on the Common Shares generally
will be entitled, at the election of such U.S. Holder, to receive either a deduction or a credit for such Canadian income tax paid. Generally, a credit will reduce a U.S. Holder's
U.S. federal income tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis, whereas a deduction will reduce a U.S. Holder's income subject to U.S. federal income tax.
This election is made on a year-by-year basis and applies to all foreign taxes paid (whether directly or through withholding) by a U.S. Holder during a year.
Complex
limitations apply to the foreign tax credit, including the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of a U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax
liability that such U.S. Holder's "foreign source" taxable income bears to such U.S. Holder's worldwide taxable income. In applying this limitation, a U.S. Holder's various items
of income and deduction must be classified, under complex rules, as either "foreign source" or "U.S. source." Generally, dividends paid by a foreign corporation should be treated as foreign
source for this purpose, and gains recognized on the sale of stock of a foreign corporation by a U.S. Holder should be treated as U.S. source for this purpose, except as otherwise
provided in an applicable income tax treaty, and if an election is properly made under the Code. However, the amount of a distribution with respect to the Common Shares that is treated as a "dividend"
may be lower for U.S. federal income tax purposes than it is for Canadian federal income tax purposes, resulting in a reduced foreign tax credit allowance to a U.S. Holder. In addition,
this limitation is calculated separately with respect to specific categories of income. The foreign tax credit rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own U.S. tax
advisor regarding the foreign tax credit rules.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Under
U.S. federal income tax law and Treasury Regulations, certain categories of U.S. Holders must file information returns with respect to their investment in, or involvement in, a
foreign corporation. For example, recently enacted legislation generally imposes new U.S. return disclosure obligations (and related penalties) on individuals who are U.S. Holders
that hold certain specified foreign financial assets in excess of $50,000. The definition of specified foreign financial assets includes not only financial accounts maintained in foreign financial
institutions, but also, unless held in accounts maintained by a financial institution, any stock or security issued by a non-U.S. person, any financial instrument or contract held
for investment that has an issuer or counterparty other than a U.S. person and any interest in a foreign entity. U.S. Holders may be subject to these reporting requirements unless their
Common Shares are held in an account at a domestic financial institution. Penalties for failure to file certain of these information returns are substantial. U.S. Holders should consult with
their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of filing information returns under these rules, including the requirement to file an IRS Form 8938.
Payments
made within the U.S. or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman, of dividends on, and proceeds arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of, Common Shares generally may be
subject to information reporting and backup withholding tax, at the rate of 28% (and increasing to 31% for payments made after December 31, 2012), if a U.S. Holder
(a) fails to furnish such U.S. Holder's correct U.S. taxpayer identification number (generally on Form W-9); (b) furnishes an incorrect
U.S. taxpayer identification
number; (c) is notified by the IRS that such U.S. Holder has previously failed to properly report items subject to backup withholding tax; or (d) fails to certify, under penalty
of perjury, that such U.S. Holder has furnished its correct U.S. taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified such U.S. Holder that it is subject to backup
withholding tax. However, certain exempt persons, such as corporations, generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding rules. Any amounts withheld under the
U.S. backup withholding tax rules will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or will be refunded, if such U.S. Holder
furnishes required information to the IRS in a timely manner. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the information reporting and backup withholding rules.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
None.
Repurchase of Securities
During 2011, neither Vista Gold nor any affiliate of Vista Gold repurchased Common Shares of Vista Gold registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.
111
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
The
selected financial data in the table below have been selected in part, from our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with those financial statements and the notes thereto.
|
|
Years ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
2008
|
|
2007
|
|
Results of operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income/(loss)
|
|
$
|
51,546
|
|
$
|
(20,020
|
)
|
$
|
(5,952
|
)
|
$
|
(15,320
|
)
|
$
|
(15,067
|
)
|
Basic income/(loss) per share
|
|
|
0.75
|
|
|
(0.42
|
)
|
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
(0.45
|
)
|
|
(0.47
|
)
|
Diluted income/(loss) per share
|
|
|
0.74
|
|
|
(0.42
|
)
|
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
(0.45
|
)
|
|
(0.47
|
)
|
Financial position
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Working capital
|
|
|
16,947
|
|
|
17,995
|
|
|
29,381
|
|
|
21,209
|
|
|
27,254
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
180,603
|
|
|
82,972
|
|
|
66,453
|
|
|
55,332
|
|
|
37,883
|
|
Long-term debt and non-current liabilities
|
|
|
36,157
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,895
|
|
|
28,719
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders' equity
|
|
|
141,223
|
|
|
58,342
|
|
|
36,632
|
|
|
25,810
|
|
|
37,189
|
|
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the three years ended December 31, 2011, and the
related notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). We have, from our inception until
December 31, 2010, reported to securities regulators in both Canada and the U.S. using Canadian generally accepted accounting principles financial statements with reconciliation to
U.S. GAAP. However, a change in the position of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") in late 2009 required Canadian companies, such as Vista, that do not qualify
as foreign private issuers to file their financial statements in the U.S. using U.S. GAAP for periods beginning after December 31, 2010. Therefore, we have retrospectively adopted
U.S. GAAP effective January 1, 2011 for all U.S. and Canadian filings. Canadian securities regulators announced
that they will continue to accept financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties
and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth under
the section heading "Item 1A. Risk Factors" above and elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. See section heading "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements"
above.
All dollar amounts stated herein are in U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share amounts, per warrant amounts, per ounce amounts, gold price per ounce amounts, and
exchange rates unless specified otherwise. References to C$ refer to Canadian currency, A$ to Australian currency and $ or US$ to United States Currency.
Overview
We are engaged in the evaluation, acquisition, exploration and advancement of gold exploration and potential development projects, which may lead to gold production, as well as
the realization of market value of our assets. Historically, our approach to acquisitions of gold projects has generally been to seek projects within political jurisdictions with
well-established mining, land ownership and tax laws, which have adequate drilling and geological data to support the completion of a third-party review of the geological data and to
complete an estimate of gold mineralization. In addition, we look for opportunities to improve the value of our gold projects continuing through exploration drilling and/or re-engineering
the operating assumptions underlying previous engineering work.
112
We
are continuing to move our more advanced projects through technical, engineering and feasibility studies so that production decisions can be made on those projects.
Our
holdings include the Mt. Todd gold project in Australia, the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico, the Concordia gold project in Mexico, the Long Valley gold project in California,
the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia, and mining claims in Utah. In addition, we also own approximately 28% of the shares of Midas Gold Corp., a company exploring for gold and developing the Golden
Meadows project in the Yellow Pine-Stibnite District in Idaho.
Outlook
At the end of 2011, we owned or controlled five properties containing mineralized material. We continue to advance our Mt. Todd, Guadalupe de los Reyes and Concordia (whether
ourselves or through Invecture
Group, S.A. de C.V. ("Invecture") as part of Invecture's exercise of the earn-in right agreement, as discussed in Project Updates below) projects through exploration, permitting and
technical, engineering and feasibility studies so that production decisions can be made on those projects. In addition, we believe that additional value can be added to the remaining projects through
exploration drilling and engineering studies, thus advancing them closer to a production decision.
We
do not currently generate operating cash flows. Subject to sustained gold prices and the risk factors disclosed under the section heading "Item 1A. Risk Factors" above, we hope to generate
revenues and cash flows in the future. We may generate revenues and cash flows from our portfolio of gold projects by several means, including, but not limited to, options, earn-in right agreements or
leases to third parties, joint venture arrangements with other gold producers, outright sales for cash and/or royalties or project development and operation.
As
at December 31, 2011, we had working capital of $16,947 and cash and cash equivalents of $17,873. At present, we believe that the current cash and cash equivalents balances as of
December 31, 2011 of $17,873 and marketable securities of $986 will cover these activities as well as general and administrative expenses. Additional capital will be necessary to advance the
projects to positive production decisions, and to conduct additional exploration drilling and engineering studies on our properties. Additional capital may be raised via revenues, if earned, or equity
and/or debt financings. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in our efforts to raise additional capital.
Results from Operations
Summary
Our 2011 consolidated net income was $51,546 or $0.75 per basic share compared to our consolidated net loss of $20,020 or $0.42 per basic share for the same period in 2010. For
the year ended December 31, 2011, the increase in consolidated net income of $71,566 from the respective prior period was primarily the result of the unrealized gain on the
long-term investment of $37,347 and the gain on disposal of a mineral property of $77,803, which were offset by increases in exploration, property evaluation and holding costs of $8,327;
corporate administration and investor relations costs of $2,092; and a deferred tax expense of $35,522. The increases in the unrealized gain on our shares of Midas Gold Corp. and the gain on disposal
of mineral property were the result of the completion of the combination with Midas Gold Corp. on April 6, 2011. The increases in exploration, property evaluation and holding costs; corporate
administration and investor relations costs; and deferred tax expense are explained below.
Our
2010 consolidated net loss was $20,020 or $0.42 per basic share compared to our 2009 consolidated net loss of $5,952 or $0.16 per basic share for a net increase of $14,068. The increase of $14,068
in 2010 was largely due to a decrease in the gain on disposal of marketable securities of $6,548. The gain during 2009 was mostly the result of the sale of our Allied Nevada Gold Corp. ("Allied")
shares that we retained in connection with the transaction that resulted in the formation of Allied and the transfer of Vista's Nevada properties to Allied. Also
113
contributing
to the increase in net loss for 2010 was an increase in the loss on extinguishment of convertible debt of $2,048. On May 20, 2010, we entered into a note repurchase agreement
whereby we repurchased $5,667 of outstanding principal notes in exchange for cash and Common Shares, and on July 14, 2009, we entered into a note repurchase agreement whereby we repurchased
$1,333 of outstanding principal notes in exchange for cash of $877 (see "Item 8.Consolidated Financial StatementsNote 8"). Lastly, contributing to the
increase in net loss for 2010 was the increase in exploration, property evaluation and holding costs of $6,564, which is explained below.
Exploration, property evaluation and holding costs
Exploration, property evaluation and holding costs were $21,774 for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $13,447 for the year ended December 31, 2010
and $6,883 for the year ended December 31, 2009. The increases of $8,327 and $6,564 from the respective prior periods were primarily due to the following:
-
-
Increases
in expenses at our Mt. Todd gold project of approximately $8,800 from 2010 to 2011 and approximately $4,000 from 2009 to 2010. The increase in 2011 was the
result of expenses associated with the feasibility study that we are currently undertaking at our Mt. Todd gold project, as well as an increase in expenses associated with permitting activities as we
move the project towards a development decision. The increase in 2010 was primarily a result of costs associated with the drilling program that began during 2010.
-
-
Expenses
at our Concordia gold project during 2011 approximated those for 2010. Expenses increased from 2009 to 2010 as we focused on moving the project towards a
development decision.
Corporate administration and investor relations
Corporate administration and investor relations costs increased to $6,375 during the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $4,283 for the same period in
2010. The increase of $2,092 from the prior period was primarily due to increases in stock-based compensation expense. The increase in stock-based compensation expense was primarily the result of our
issuance of 1,246,000 stock options and 960,000 restricted stock units
during the 2011 period as compared to the issuance of 165,000 stock options and 175,500 restricted stock units during the 2010 period. The increase in employee benefits was primarily due
to higher bonus payments during 2011 as compared to 2010. There were no other significant variances from the prior periods compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.
Corporate
administration and investor relations costs decreased to $4,283 during the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to $4,595 in 2009. This decrease of $312 from the prior period was
primarily due to a decrease in stock-based compensation expense. The decrease in stock-based compensation expense was primarily the result of our issuance of 165,000 stock options and
175,500 restricted stock units during the 2010 period as compared to the issuance of 860,000 stock options during the 2009 period. The restricted stock units granted in 2010 vest over a
period of one year and the intrinsic value is expensed equally over the vesting period as compared to stock options that have a vesting period of 2 years, of which 50% vest immediately and,
accordingly, 50% of the value is expensed immediately upon issuance and the remaining 50% is expensed over the vesting period. The result of such a vesting period is a much greater expense up front
upon issuance of stock options.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense was $420, $288 and $262 for years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increases of $132 and $26 from the
respective prior periods were primarily attributable to increased capital expenditures at the Mt. Todd gold project.
114
Gain/(loss) on extinguishment of convertible debt
On May 20, 2010, we entered into a notes repurchase agreement with Whitebox Advisors LLC ("Whitebox") whereby we agreed to repurchase their remaining 10% senior
secured convertible notes (the "Notes").
Pursuant
to the repurchase agreement, we agreed to repurchase Notes in the principal amount of $5,667 and interest payable through maturity on the Notes of $691. We agreed to pay Whitebox $2,233 in
cash and to issue 1,902,684 in Common Shares to Whitebox as consideration for the principal amount of the notes and interest payable of $6,358, in aggregate. The Common Shares issued were based
on a share price of $2.15. A loss of $1,633 was recorded in our Consolidated Statement of Income/(Loss) as a result of the Notes repurchase.
On
July 14, 2009, we entered into note repurchase agreements (the "Whitebox Repurchase Agreements") with Whitebox Combined Partners, LP ("Whitebox Combined Partners"), Whitebox
Convertible Arbitrage Partners, LP ("Whitebox Convertible Arbitrage") and Whitebox Special Opportunities Fund Series B Partners, LP ("Whitebox Special Opportunities") whereby we
agreed to repurchase their respective Notes.
Pursuant
to the Whitebox Repurchase Agreements, we agreed to repurchase Notes: (i) in the principal amount of $504 from Whitebox Combined Partners for an aggregate purchase price, including
interest, of $332; (ii) in the principal amount of $510 from Whitebox Convertible Arbitrage for an aggregate purchase price, including interest, of $336; and (iii) in the principal
amount of $319 from Whitebox Special Opportunities for an aggregate purchase price, including interest, of $210, based on a settlement date of July 14, 2009. We allocated the consideration paid
on the repurchase of the Notes to the liability and equity elements of the security based on their relative fair values at the date of the transaction. A gain of $415 was recorded in our Consolidated
Statement of Income/(Loss) as a result of the Notes repurchase.
Gain on disposal of mineral property
On April 6, 2011, Vista completed a combination (the "Combination") with Midas Gold, Inc. As part of the Combination, each of Midas Gold Inc. and
Vista Gold U.S. Inc. contributed their respective interests in gold assets in the Yellow Pine-Stibnite District in Idaho to a new Canadian private company named Midas Gold Corp.
("Midas Gold"). In exchange for the contribution of our Yellow Pine assets, Vista US was issued 30,402,615 common shares in the capital of Midas Gold ("Midas Gold Shares").
Upon
initial recognition of its investment in the Midas Gold Shares, Vista elected to apply the fair value option, and as such, the investment is recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance
Sheet. The difference between the fair value of the 30,402,615 Midas Gold Shares and the carrying value of our Yellow Pine assets has been recorded as a gain on disposal of mineral property of
$77,803, given that Vista ceased to have a controlling financial interest in the Yellow Pine gold project upon completion of the Combination.
Summarized
financial information for Midas Gold as presented in this annual report on Form 10-K is as of September 30, 2011 and for the twelve months then ended, which
represents Midas Gold's latest available financial data as of the filing date of this annual report. The Company will file an amendment to this annual report once the annual financial information for
Midas Gold is available.
Non-operating income and expenses
Gain on Sale of Marketable Securities
For the year ended December 31, 2011, we realized a gain of $459 on the sale of marketable securities as compared to $281 for the same period in 2010 and $6,829 for the
same period in 2009. The gain for 2011 resulted from the sale of marketable securities that had a book value of $133. The gain for the same period in 2010 resulted from the sale of marketable
securities that had a book value of $32. The gain of $6,829 in 2009 was mostly the result of our sale on April 3, 2009 of all 1,529,848 common shares of Allied for $9,016. These shares
had a book value of $2,194.
115
At
December 31, 2011, we held marketable securities available-for-sale with a quoted market value of $986. We purchased the securities for investing purposes with the
intent to hold the securities until such time as it would be advantageous to sell the securities at a gain. Although there can be no reasonable assurance that a gain will be realized from the sale of
the securities, we monitor the market status of the securities continuously in order to mitigate the risk of loss on the investment.
Unrealized Gain on Long-Term Investment
Unrealized gain on long-term investment was $37,347 for 2011 as compared with no gain or loss for 2010 or 2009. Upon initial recognition of our investment in the
Midas Gold Shares on April 6, 2011, we elected to apply the fair value option, and as such, the investment is recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet with subsequent changes in
fair value being recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income/(Loss) in the period in which they occur.
Write Down of Marketable Securities
Write down of marketable securities was $158, $nil and $123 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We continuously evaluate the market value
of our available-for-sale securities for other-than-temporary declines in market value. Such determination results in a write down of those impaired securities to
the current fair value in the period in which such determinations are made.
Interest Income
Interest income decreased to $49 for 2011 as compared to $131 for 2010. The decrease of $82 from the prior period was mostly the result of lower interest rates in
the market.
Interest
income was $131 during the year ended December 31, 2010 compared with $104 in 2009. The slight increase of $27 for the 2010 period was mostly the result of increased cash sent to
Australia to fund our Mt. Todd gold project programs, and as a result, we were able to take advantage of higher interest rates in the Australian market.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $120 during 2011 as compared with $1,061 for the same period in 2010. The decrease of $941 from the prior period was attributable to the repurchase in
May 2010 of a portion of our then outstanding Notes and the repayment of the remaining Notes on March 4, 2011. For the 2010 period, we were accruing interest on the principal amount of
the $28,667 outstanding on the Notes, whereas for the 2011 period, we were accruing interest on the principal amount of the $23,000 outstanding on the Notes as a result of the extinguishment of the
principal amount of $5,667 of the Notes in May 2010. For the year ended December 31, 2011, $24 is attributable to the amortization of the Notes issuance costs and $96 is attributable to
interest expense. These amounts are approximately 24% of the full interest expense associated with the issuance of the Notes.
Interest
expense was $1,061 during the year ended December 31, 2010 compared with $1,523 in 2009. The decrease of $462 from the prior period was mostly due to the repurchase of $5,667 of the
Notes in May 2010 as compared to the repurchase of $1,333 of the Notes in July 2009.
Deferred Income Tax Expense
As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, our deferred tax assets were fully reserved with a related valuation allowance. On April 6, 2011, we completed the Combination
with Midas Gold that was a tax-free reorganization for U.S. tax purposes. However, upon completion of the Combination, Vista US received Midas Gold Shares with a fair value that was
determined to be $78,872. The corresponding estimated deferred tax expense of $29,675 at the time of the Combination exceeded the valuation allowance of $6,086 for Vista US. Therefore, the
116
valuation
allowance against Vista US's deferred tax asset was released upon receipt of the Midas Gold Shares. At December 31, 2011, the deferred tax expense of $35,522 contemplates the deferred
tax expense for our unrealized gain on the Midas Gold Shares. The tax calculation is based on an effective rate of 38.87% (US Federal35% and state3.87%).
Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $24,990 for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $17,093 for the same period in 2010. The increase of $7,897 is
mostly the result of increases in net income of $69,928 and the deferred tax expense of $37,160, which were offset by increases in the gain on the disposal of mineral property of $78,072 and the
unrealized gain on the long-term investment of $37,347.
Net
cash used in operating activities in 2010 was $17,093 compared with $10,899 in 2009. The increase of $6,194 in 2010 was mostly the result of an increase in the net loss of $14,068 for the 2010
period, which was offset by a decrease in gain on disposal of marketable securities of $6,548.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $4,044 for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to net cash used of $2,364 for the same period in 2010. The increase in
cash used in investing activities of $1,680 is primarily due to increases in cash used to acquire long-term investments of $3,632, which is
due to the purchase of 1,400,000 Midas Gold Shares by Vista at C$2.50 per share as part of Midas Gold's private placement in April 2011. This increase and other less significant
increases were partially offset by cash proceeds received from Awak Mas Holdings Pty. under the additional option agreement of $1,000 and a decrease in additions to mineral properties.
Net
cash used in investing activities in 2010 was $2,364, compared with net cash provided by investing activities of $6,494 in 2009. The increase of $8,858 in cash used by investing activities in 2010
was mostly the result of a decrease in the proceeds from the sale of marketable securities of $8,742 due to the sale of 1,529,848 common shares of Allied that we held for $9,016. In addition,
during 2009, we sold most of the remaining patented mining claims in Colorado for $188. There were no similar transactions during the 2010 period.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $7,069 for the year ended December 31, 2011, which included the following:
-
-
cash
proceeds of $28,984 received from our April 2011 equity financing;
-
-
proceeds
of $883 and $309 received from the exercises of stock options and warrants, respectively;
-
-
cash
paid in lieu of capital stock issuances of $107; and
-
-
repayment
of the outstanding principal amount of $23,000 on the Notes upon maturity on March 4, 2011.
Net
cash provided by financing activities was $30,887 for the year ended December 31, 2010, which included the following:
-
-
cash
proceeds of $33,067 received from our October 2010 equity financing;
-
-
Notes
repayment of $2,233; and
117
-
-
proceeds
of $53 received from the exercises of stock options.
Net
cash provided by financing activities was $19,547 for the year ended December 31, 2009, which included the following:
-
-
cash
proceeds of $20,369 received from our September 2009 equity financing;
-
-
Notes
repayment of $866; and
-
-
proceeds
of $44 received from the exercises of stock options.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At December 31, 2011, our total assets were $180,603, compared to $82,972 as of December 31, 2010, representing an increase of $97,631. The increase in total
assets is primarily due to an increase in long-term investment of $119,871, which was offset by a decrease in our cash and cash equivalents of $21,965. At December 31, 2011, we had
working capital of $16,947 as compared with working capital of $17,995 at December 31, 2010, representing a decrease of $1,048. Our liquidity was impacted primarily by the repayment of our
outstanding $23,000 principal amount of the Notes on March 4, 2011 and the increase in our cash and cash equivalents of $28,984 from our equity financing on April 12, 2011, which was
offset by cash used in operating activities of $24,990 and cash invested in Midas Gold Shares of $3,632.
The
principal components of working capital at December 31, 2011 were cash and cash equivalents of $17,873 and marketable securities of $986. The principal components of working capital at
December 31, 2010 were
cash and cash equivalents of $39,838 and the Notes of $23,000. Other components include other liquid assets (December 31, 2011$1,177; December 31, 2010$1,084).
Our
investment in the Midas Gold Shares is currently subject to a contractual restriction on transfer from the date of the initial public offering of Midas Gold, which occurred on July 14,
2011. Because management intends on holding this investment for the long term, we have classified our investment in the Midas Gold Shares as a long-term investment.
Our
plan for 2012 continues those programs necessary to advance the Mt. Todd feasibility studies, to initiate the permitting phases at Mt. Todd and to further our exploration program at Guadalupe de
los Reyes, while minimizing expenditures in other areas. The budget contemplates that additional financing would be required in 2012 to have sufficient working capital to fund our planned operations.
On
March 4, 2011, we used a portion of the net cash proceeds from our October 22, 2010 $33,067 private placement of special warrants to repay the outstanding principal amount of $23,000
of the Notes and all accrued and unpaid interest of $504.
On
April 20, 2011, GMP Securities L.P. and Wellington West Capital Markets Inc. (collectively, the "Underwriters"), purchased, on a bought deal basis, 9,000,000 of our Common
Shares at a price of C$3.30 ($3.43 based on the exchange rate on April 20, 2011) per Common Share (the "Issue Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of C$29,700 ($30,870 based on the
exchange rate on April 20, 2011) (the "Offering"). The Common Shares were sold in Canada by way of a prospectus supplement to our existing base shelf prospectus dated April 27,
2009 and filed with the securities commissions in all of the provinces and territories of Canada (other than the Province of Québec) and in the United States by way of a
prospectus supplement to our base shelf prospectus included in our shelf registration statement filed with the SEC on April 28, 2009.
We
granted the Underwriters an over-allotment option to purchase additional common shares in an amount equal to up to 15% of the number of Common Shares sold pursuant to the Offering at the Issue
Price, exercisable at any time up to 30 days from the closing of the Offering. The over-allotment option expired unexercised on May 20, 2011.
118
We
have been utilizing the net proceeds of the Offering as follows: (i) advancement of the Mt. Todd project; (ii) exploration at the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project;
(iii) permitting process at the Concordia gold project; and (iv) general corporate administrative purposes of the Company.
On
February 7, 2012, we announced that we had entered into an earn-in right agreement with Invecture with respect to our Concordia project. Under the terms of the
earn-in right agreement, Invecture made a non-refundable payment of $2,000 in exchange for the right to earn a 60% interest in DZ Mexico, subject to adjustment. See
"Item 2PropertiesConcordia Project, Baja Sur California, Mexico" above and "Project Updates below for a complete discussion of this transaction.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements required to be disclosed in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Contractual Obligations
Upon completion of the Combination, our contractual obligation with respect to the Yellow Pine gold project was transferred to Midas Gold. At December, 2011, our contractual
obligations consist of our operating lease obligation of $93 associated with our Colorado office, which is due in less than one year, and our $635 obligation for the balance due on our acquisition of
some land for our Concordia gold project, which is due upon the achievement of certain milestones and recorded in other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
As
of December 31, 2011, Vista Gold has sufficient finances to meet its contractual obligations through December 31, 2012.
Summary of Quarterly Results
2011
|
|
4th Quarter
|
|
3rd Quarter
|
|
2nd Quarter
|
|
1st Quarter
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Net income/(loss)
|
|
|
(3,074
|
)
|
|
10,733
|
|
|
47,764
|
|
|
(3,877
|
)
|
Basic and diluted income/(loss) per share
|
|
|
(0.04
|
)
|
|
0.15
|
|
|
0.69
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
2010
|
|
4th Quarter
|
|
3rd Quarter
|
|
2nd Quarter
|
|
1st Quarter
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
(5,109
|
)
|
|
(4,145
|
)
|
|
(7,278
|
)
|
|
(3,488
|
)
|
Basic and diluted loss per share
|
|
|
(0.08
|
)
|
|
(0.09
|
)
|
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
(0.08
|
)
|
119
Transactions with Related Parties
Agreement with Sierra Partners LLC
On April 1, 2009, we entered into an agreement with Sierra Partners LLC ("Sierra") pursuant to which Sierra agreed to provide us with investor relations and
corporate finance consulting services. A founder and partner of Sierra is also one of our directors. Under the terms of the agreement, Sierra provided us with consulting services commencing
April 1, 2009 and ending on March 31, 2010, with the agreement continuing thereafter on a month-to-month basis. Sierra assists us with our efforts to maintain an investor
relations program and provides support and analysis of our general corporate finance and strategy efforts. As compensation for these services, we agreed to pay to Sierra a monthly retainer fee of $10
for the duration of the agreement. As part of the original terms of the agreement, we issued 60,000 stock options to Sierra with a recorded expense of $54 as of December 31, 2010. On
December 15, 2010, we issued an additional 30,000 stock options to Sierra with a recorded expense of $40 as of December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2011, we had made
payments to Sierra under the agreement totaling $330, of which $120 had been paid during the year ended December 31, 2011.
Director Participation in Private Placement Financing
The following directors of Vista participated in the special warrant private placement during October 2010: (a) W. Durand Eppler, 70,000 special warrants,
(b) Michael B. Richings25,000 special warrants, (c) Frederick H. Earnest20,000 special warrants, and (d) John M.
Clark10,869 special warrants. The Corporate Governance Committee approved the issuance of the foregoing special warrants to these directors.
Project updates
Mt. Todd Results of Preliminary Feasibility Study and Resource Estimate Update
Preliminary Feasibility Study, January 2011
On January 4, 2011, we announced the positive results of the 2011 PFS for the Batman deposit. The 2011 PFS was managed by Tetra Tech, and expands upon the PFS previously
completed by Tetra Tech and announced on August 18, 2010. Tetra Tech undertook the resource modeling and estimation, geotechnical, environmental and site reclamation engineering and design in
the 2011 PFS. Mr. John Rozelle, PG, Manager of Tetra Tech's Mineral Resource Division and Principal Geologist, at that time, an independent qualified person as defined by Canadian National
Instrument 43-101
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects
("NI 43-101"), prepared or supervised
the preparation of material on behalf of Tetra Tech. Mr. Rozelle has been the Vice President, Technical Services of the Corporation since May 2011. Mr. Thomas Dyer, P.E., of Mine
Development Associates ("MDA") of Reno, Nevada, an independent qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, prepared or supervised the preparation of material on behalf of MDA.
Mr. Rozelle and Mr. Dyer prepared or supervised the preparation of the information that forms the basis for the scientific and technical information disclosed herein. The technical
report summarizing the results of the 2011 PFS and updated mineral resource estimate entitled "10.65 MTPY Preliminary Feasibility Study, NI 43-101 Technical Report,
Mt. Todd Gold Project, Northern Territory, Australia" dated January 28, 2011 is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
The
2011 PFS evaluates the viability of a 30,000-tonne per day processing facility and the optimized extraction of the identified mineral resource. The previous PFS was constrained to
treating mineralized material, the volume of which would be accommodated in the existing tailings disposal facility (60,000,000 tonnes), and the operating rate was 18,500 tonnes per day
of ore compared to the higher, and more economical rate of 30,000 tonnes per day considered in the new PFS. A new tailings disposal facility would be constructed to accommodate the excess tails
from the increased ore reserves.
Highlights
of the 2011 PFS includes increased proven and probable mineral reserves, higher annual gold production, longer project life and improved economics at current and long-term
estimated gold prices.
120
The
2011 PFS was evaluated using a gold price of $1,000 per ounce. Therefore, the qualified persons believe the reserve estimate is the same under both SEC Industry Guide 7 and CIM Definition
Standards. Mineral reserve estimates and production highlights are tabulated below.
Production Highlights, January 2011 PFS
|
Reserves and Production Estimates at $1,000 per ounce gold
|
|
|
|
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves (at a 0.40 grams gold per tonne cut-off)
(1)
|
|
149.9 million tonnes
at 0.85 grams gold per tonne
|
|
Life of Mine Production
|
|
3,372,000 ounces
|
|
Average Annual Production
|
|
239,500 gold ounces per year
|
|
Mining Rate
|
|
29.5 million tonnes per year
|
|
Mill Throughput Rate
|
|
30,000 tonnes per day
|
|
Stripping Ratio (waste:ore)
|
|
1.8
|
|
Mine Life
|
|
14 years
|
|
-
(1)
-
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves as described in this table are based on Canadian definitions under
NI 43-101. These Reserves are based on a pre-feasibility study. Reserves for SEC Industry Guide 7 purposes require definitive or "final" feasibility study and
permits. See the section heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves"
above.
By utilizing the remaining capacity in the project's existing tailings storage facility and deferring the capital for additional tailings storage capacity until
later in the project's life, we have been able to increase the size of the proposed process facility to a more economic level of 30,000 tonnes per day and increase the projected annual
production to 250,000 ounces per year over the first five years of the project. Based on these positive results, we have commenced a feasibility study for the Mt. Todd gold project that
we expect to complete by the end of the first quarter of 2012 or shortly thereafter. As part of the feasibility study program, we will
undertake studies to further optimize the proposed operation, evaluate opportunities to reduce estimated capital costs and enhance project returns.
The
2011 PFS was completed using a foreign exchange rate of $0.85 = A$1.00 and incorporates mid-2010 costs. The following table summarizes the economic results at a gold price of
$1,000 per ounce with a comparison to economic results at a gold price of $1,350 per ounce and a foreign exchange rate of $1.00 = A$1.00.
Summary of Economic Results
|
|
$1,000 per gold ounce &
$0.85/A$1.00
|
|
$1,350 per gold ounce &
$1.00/A$1.00
|
Average Cash Operating Cost ($ per gold ounce produced)
|
|
$520
|
|
$587
|
Average Total Cash Production Costs ($ per gold ounce produced)
|
|
$530
|
|
$600
|
Pre-Production Capital Cost:
|
|
$589,583
|
|
$675,957
|
Sustaining Capital Cost:
|
|
$260,522
|
|
$261,183
|
Internal Rate of Return
|
|
13.9% before tax
10.7% after tax
|
|
23.2% before tax
16.6% after tax
|
Cumulative Cash Flow (pre-tax)
|
|
$964,514
|
|
$1,860,112
|
Net Present Value at 5% discount (pre-tax)
|
|
$385,336
|
|
$944,470
|
Mineral Resources and Reserves Estimates, January 2011 PFS
The 2011 PFS is based on our gold mineral resource estimate for the Batman deposit as of June 11, 2009, which assumed a cutoff grade of 0.40 grams of gold per
tonne. The resource estimate is detailed in the report
121
"Mt. Todd
Gold ProjectUpdated Preliminary Economic Assessment ReportNorthern Territory, Australia" dated June 11, 2009, and is available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com. Please see
Preliminary Economic Assessment and Updated Estimate of Gold Mineralization
above. In summary, based on the report, under SEC
Industry Guide 7 guidelines and net of mineral reserves, mineralized material for the Batman deposit, above a cut-off grade of 0.40 grams gold per tonne, is estimated at
41,064,000 tonnes grading 0.77 grams gold per tonne.
Also
in summary, under CIM Definition Standards, at the same cut-off grade of 0.40 grams gold per tonne and net of mineral reserves, measured mineral resources are estimated at
3,958,000 tonnes grading 0.88 grams gold per tonne, indicated mineral resources are estimated at 37,106,000 tonnes grading 0.76 grams gold per tonne and inferred mineral
resources are estimated at 94,008,000 tonnes grading 0.74 grams gold per tonne.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: see the section heading "Cautionary Note
to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves" above.
MDA
used the June 2009 resource model to develop an open pit mine design, including intermediate pits, plans and production schedules.
The
mineral reserve estimates shown in the following table were prepared and reported by MDA, under the supervision of Mr. Dyer, using the June 2009 resource model at a
cut-off grade of 0.40 grams of gold per tonne with a three-year trailing gold price of $1,000 per ounce of gold. The qualified persons believe the reserve estimate is
the same under both SEC Industry Guide 7 and CIM Definition Standards.
Batman Deposit Reserves Estimated at Mt. Todd, January 2011 PFS
Reserve Classification
|
|
Tonnes
|
|
Average Gold Grade
(grams gold per tonne)
|
Proven
(1)
|
|
48,961,000
|
|
0.91
|
Probable
(1)
|
|
100,914,000
|
|
0.83
|
Proven & Probable
(1)
|
|
149,875,000
|
|
0.85
|
-
(1)
-
Mineral
reserves are reported separately from mineral resources.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: see the section heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates
of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves" above.
Capital and Operating Cost Estimate, January 2011 PFS
Estimated life-of-mine average cash production costs are projected to be $520 per gold ounce and include the cost of concurrent reclamation. The latter
half of the project life benefits from decreases in the required stripping. Pre-production capital costs including contingency, owner's costs and working capital are estimated to be
$589,600 and sustaining capital over the life of the mine is estimated to be $260,500, including $150,400 for additional tailings storage capacity to be spent starting in year five.
Mining, January 2011 PFS
The mining fleet would be the same as envisioned in the October 2010 PFS (see
Preliminary Feasibility Study and Updated Estimate of Gold
Mineralization, October 2011
), but the ore will be mined in four pit development phases over a period of 14 years. Waste rock will either be placed in a single
waste dump or used for tailings embankment construction. Concurrent reclamation is planned for the lower benches of the waste dump.
Processing, January 2011 PFS
Processing incorporated in the January 2011 PFS would be the same as in the October 2010 PFS (see
Preliminary Feasibility Study and
Updated Estimate of Gold Mineralization, October 2010
) but at an increased rate of 30,000 tonnes per day of ore.
122
Infrastructure, January 2011 PFS
Infrastructure is the same as reported in the October 2010 PFS (see
Preliminary Feasibility Study and Updated Estimate of Gold
Mineralization, October
2010).
Environmental, January 2011 PFS
The 2011 PFS includes engineering designs for the closure of the mine site following cessation of production. Where practical, concurrent reclamation activities would be
undertaken to reduce the time and expense involved in the closure of the site. The closure plan was designed to meet all requirements for long-term reclamation of the site and cost
estimates include provisions for monitoring required under applicable law.
Economic Analysis, January 2011 PFS
The economic analysis was completed using the three-year trailing average gold price of $1,000 per ounce and a foreign exchange rate of $0.85 = A$1.00. We
also completed sensitivity analyses at gold prices of $1,200, $1,350 and $1,500 per ounce. The $1,200, $1,350 and $1,500 sensitivity analyses incorporate the current foreign exchange rate of
$1.00 = A$1.00. Estimated before and after tax economic results, showing the IRR and NPV 5%, cumulative cash flow and sensitivity to changes in gold price are shown in the following tables.
Before-Tax Economic Results
Gold Price Scenario
|
|
Before Tax
IRR
|
|
Before Tax
NPV
5
%
|
|
Before Tax
Cumulative Cash Flow
|
$1,000 per ounce
|
|
13.9%
|
|
$
|
385,336
|
|
$
|
964,514
|
$1,200 per ounce
|
|
17.1%
|
|
$
|
610,603
|
|
$
|
1,359,383
|
$1,350 per ounce
|
|
23.2%
|
|
$
|
944,470
|
|
$
|
1,860,112
|
$1,500 per ounce
|
|
29.1%
|
|
$
|
1,278,336
|
|
$
|
2,360,841
|
After-Tax Economic Results
Gold Price Scenario
|
|
After Tax
IRR
|
|
After Tax
NPV
5
%
|
|
After Tax
Cumulative Cash Flow
|
$1000 per ounce
|
|
10.7%
|
|
$
|
184,312
|
|
$
|
584,562
|
$1200 per ounce
|
|
12.4%
|
|
$
|
284,528
|
|
$
|
777,849
|
$1350 per ounce
|
|
16.6%
|
|
$
|
475,309
|
|
$
|
1,059,338
|
$1500 per ounce
|
|
20.6%
|
|
$
|
664,986
|
|
$
|
1,339,945
|
Updated Batman Resource Estimate, September 2011
We announced the results of an updated mineral resource estimate for the Batman deposit on September 6, 2011, and the report can be found on SEDAR, www.sedar.com and
Vista's website, www.vistagold.com. The updated gold resource estimate was completed on September 26, 2011, by Tetra Tech of Golden, Colorado, pursuant to
NI 43-101 standards. This updated gold resource estimate was completed by or under the supervision of Dr. Rex Bryan, SME Registered Member, an independent qualified
person (as defined in NI 43101), utilizing standard industry software and resource estimation methodology. The estimate was prepared using GEMCOM software and used whole
block kriging to estimate block values.
Previous
technical reports contain extensive geologic and technical information related to the deposit for which the estimate is prepared. The last technical report was filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com
on February 7, 2011, and is entitled "10.65 Mtpy Preliminary Feasibility StudyNI 43-101 Technical ReportMt. Todd Gold
ProjectNorthern Territory, Australia" and is dated January 28, 2011. The updated resource estimate incorporates the results of 9,635 new assay intervals from 15 drill
holes (all core holes) totaling 8,906.31 meters drilled by Vista in 2010-11 with sample preparation and assaying completed by ALS Chemex. These results are in addition
to the results of 118,550 assay intervals from 756 drill holes (250 core, 435 reverse circulation,
123
70 rotary
drill holes, and 1 percussion drill hole) completed previously by BHP Resources Pty Ltd., Zapopan, Pegasus and Vista, which were used in Vista's previous Mt. Todd
mineral resource estimates for the Batman Deposit. Vista completed its latest preliminary feasibility study for the Batman Deposit project, the results of which were announced on January 4,
2011, and plans to complete a definitive feasibility study by the end of the first quarter of 2012 or shortly thereafter.
In
summary, based on the report, under SEC Industry Guide 7 guidelines, mineralized material for the Batman deposit, above a cut-off grade of 0.40 grams gold per tonne, is
estimated at 222,002 tonnes grading 0.84 grams gold per tonne. No mineral reserves were estimated in this study.
Also
in summary, under CIM Definition Standards, at the same cut-off grade of 0.40 grams gold per tonne measured mineral resources are estimated at 67,166,000 tonnes grading
0.88 grams gold per tonne, indicated mineral resources are estimated at 154,836,000 tonnes grading 0.82 grams gold per tonne and inferred mineral resources are estimated at
103,563,000 tonnes grading 0.78 grams gold per tonne. Again, no mineral reserves were estimated in this study.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors: see the
section heading "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Reserves" above.
We
also announced on September 6, 2011, that we were preparing a definitive feasibility study, based on the new resource estimate, which we expect will include an updated estimate of mineral
reserves. During 2011, we conducted drilling at the Batman deposit for metallurgical testing and for geotechnical purposes and the results of this work will be incorporated in the definitive
feasibility study.
Exploration Potential
We control a large land package (134,838 hectares) of exploration tenements primarily surrounding mining tenements that host the Mt. Todd gold project. EL28321, obtained
in May 2011, is located west of the main block of tenements and is considered an area prospective for limestone for us in ore processing and the water treatment facility at Mt. Todd. In the
third quarter of 2009, during a review of Pegasus' airborne geophysical survey data, our geologists identified five magnetic targets on our exploration tenements. The targets are referred to as the
Mt. Todd Structural Target Sequence ("MSTS"), and are characterized by distinct magnetic highs located within sedimentary rocks that should have a low magnetic signature. These features are remarkably
similar to those at Mt. Todd, which, as a result of the included pyrrhotite, exhibits a
strong magnetic high. The MSTS targets were prioritized following review of historic work in the area and site visits.
As
we announced on June 29, 2010, four of the new exploration targets are being investigated through additional soil and rock-chip sampling and testing, followed, where appropriate,
by drilling. Initial soil sampling on 100-meter by 100-meter grids was completed on MSTS3 and MSTS4 late in 2009 before the onset of the wet season. In this part of
Australia, mining occurs on a year-round basis as appropriate road access is installed, but exploration is difficult to impossible during the wet season (November through April) due to
unimproved road conditions in the field. Both targets returned low-level anomalous gold values. MSTS4 shows a magnetic high within low-signature silts and greywackes;
however, there are no historic soil or rock-chip sampling results on MSTS4 and no evidence of any mining.
Golden Eye
At MSTS4 (now called "Golden Eye" because of its appearance resembling two eyes on a surface sample assay map) rock chip sampling, in an area with limited exposure,
returned a 25.0 grams gold per tonne sample from a small outcrop of fault breccia. Further sampling returned 23.0 grams gold per tonne and 7.7 grams gold per tonne assays in vein
and breccias located 15 meters and 50 meters, respectively, north of the original sample. Due to the sparse outcrop, the orientation and thickness of the mineralized zone is not
currently known. A soil sampling program over the area was completed on a 20-meter grid. The survey returned a strong coherent gold anomaly approximately 400 meters in diameter with
coincident anomalous base metals and arsenic. Sampling was done by our employees and consultants under the direction of our Vice President of Exploration, Frank
124
Fenne
P.G., who is a qualified person under NI 43-101, and shipped to NAL for sample preparation and assaying. Sampling, sample custody, preparation and assaying were completed in
compliance with NI 43-101 standards.
Beginning
in August 2010, after receiving approvals for drilling and before the onset of the 2010-2011 wet season, we completed four core holes on MSTS4 (now known as "Golden
Eye" because of its appearance resembling two eyes on a surface sample assay map), out of six that were planned. All four Golden Eye drill holes encountered strong sulfide mineralization associated
with banded iron formation with interesting concentrations of copper, lead zinc and anomalous gold mineralization, with the best intercept occurring in hole GE10-003 and consisting of
1.1 meters of 7.69 grams gold per tonne including 0.3 meters of 26.7 grams gold per tonne. Drill results were encouraging and provided useful geologic information for next
season's exploration program. Drilling was done by Grid Drilling of Townsville, North Queensland. The core was logged, photographed and sampled by our employees and consultants under the direction of
our Vice President of Exploration, Mr. Frank Fenne P.G., who is a qualified person under NI 43-101. The core was sawed in half by our employees and consultants and one half
shipped to NAL for sample preparation and assaying. Check assaying was done by Genalysis of Perth, Australia. Core logging and sample custody, sample preparation and assaying were completed in
compliance with NI 43-101 standards.
Five
holes totalling 1,375.8 meters were completed during the 2010-2011 field season. Drilling has intersected several narrow weakly mineralized zones; however, none that can yet be
correlated with any confidence between different holes or between the drill holes and the mineralization identified on the surface. Nevertheless, the drilling has identified some additional features
and structural complexity, which had not been revealed by the first stage of mapping and drilling carried out during the 2010 season.
The
most encouraging mineralisation was intersected by GE11-002, consisting of a sheared, chloritic and broken sulfide-rich unit at 54.2-55-meters,
which assayed 1.41 gold grams per tonne and a siliceous lode at 162.07-162.82 meters which assayed 1.86 gold grams per tonne. Although thin and patchy, this
mineralisation is at least a clear indication that there are mineralised structures at Golden Eye, which are yet to be defined with confidence.
Detailed
structural measurements on all of the holes have revealed several fold closures and also some textures, which appear to be mylonite fabrics. This data will be compiled and stereoplotted in
order to try to gain a better understanding of the overall structure of the prospect and to determine what additional work may be required.
The
remaining holes all intersected widespread quartz sulfide containing pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, and arsenopyrite and contained anomalous gold, copper, bismuth, and arsenic. The
drill-hole data is currently being reviewed and additional drilling may be recommended.
RKD
Six holes totalling 1,587.4 meters were completed on the target known as RKD during 2011. The holes intersected a north-northwest- trending mineralized shear zone
dipping steeply to the west. The best gold intercept was in hole RKD11-003, which contained 2.7 meters of 2.3 gold grams per tonne. Hole
RKD11-005 intersected 3 meters of 3.4% copper and 50 ppm silvern in a chalcocite-rich part of the shear zone. All of the holes intersected anomalous gold
with values up to 0.4 and 0.5 gold grams per tonne.
Silver Spray
Two holes totalling 806.8 meters were completed at Silver Spray in September 2011. Both holes intersected several 20-meter zones of strong quartz
veining with galena, pyrrhotite and arsenopyrite. These zones contained anomalous lead, zinc, and arsenic but only sporadic anomalous gold (up to 0.18 gold grams per tonne).
125
Snowdrop
Six soil geochemical lines were completed in 2011across the Snowdrop anomaly. These soils were collected on a 20-meter spacing to infill the existing
100-meter grid. The results confirmed and refined the previously defined gold-copper-arsenic-bismuth anomaly with 146 samples of 481 samples containing
100 ppm or greater copper and 60 samples containing greater than 5 ppb gold (high value 97 ppb). The onset of the wet season has suspended work on the target until next
spring. A drill plan will be included in the updated mine management plan to permit drilling in 2012.
Quigleys
Quigleys is a known gold occurrence that has been mined to shallow depths. We decided to explore further and, in 2011, three holes totalling 883.7 meters were completed
to test the high grade shear zone and to explore hanging- and footwall-quartz veining described in some of the historic drill holes. The main zone appears to be a quartz-healed shear zone with
arsenopyrite and pyrrhotite that ranges from one to two meters in thickness. However, the amount of quartz veining in VQ11-002 and VQ11-003 is surprising and bears a
marked resemblance to the Batman core zone with a strong density of sheeted quartz pyrrhotite veins in 10-to 20-meter zones. Assay results confirm the presence of significant
gold mineralization in the hanging and foot wall zones of the main mineralized shear. Because most of the historic drilling was reverse circulation, this mineralization has not been incorporated into
the Quigleys resource model. In addition, most of historic drilling in the area was not sufficiently deep to intersect the footwall mineralization encountered in hole VQ11-003 and this
zone represents an intriguing Batman-style exploration target.
Guadalupe de los Reyes Gold/Silver Project, Mexico
Recent Exploration and Development
On April 27, 2011, we announced that following a detailed review of the historic data from which we identified 13 priority targets, that we intended to commence
field exploration work in 2011, including field mapping and definition of drill targets. Prior exploration took place from 1988-2002, a period
during which the silver price ranged from $4-6 per ounce and there was little incentive to evaluate the geologic potential for higher grade silver zones, similar to those which
existed in the vein system mined by previous underground mining operations. Equally important, no significant studies were completed to fully evaluate the production potential of silver with extensive
metallurgical testing. Vista's drill plan is focused on confirming the bulk mineable resource estimates already identified and examining the high-grade potential of the underground minable
vein systems in the district and in the lower zones of the historic mine operations. Following the drilling program, Vista plans to commence a systematic metallurgical testing program so that the
economic potential of the deposit can be evaluated. The style of mineralization is similar to that of Primero Mining's Tayoltita operation located 60 kilometers to the southeast with a historic
production of greater than 9 million ounces of gold and 600 million ounces of silver.
Following
extensive geologic mapping and surface sampling, on October 25, 2011, we received the government permits for our planned drilling program, and with an agreement for surface
exploration rights with the Ejido La Tasajera, we announced that drilling program would soon start This program is designed to accomplish two objectives: obtain core for metallurgical testing
from the stockwork that is the host for the project's current reported estimated mineral resources, and test the potential for high gold grades and bonanza silver grades in the underlying LSE vein
systems. If this initial core drilling program is successful, we intend to undertake more comprehensive drilling. At this time, we are planning to initiate work to complete a preliminary economic
assessment in the latter part of 2012.
Drilling
commenced on November 7, 2011 and continued through December 13, 2011, when the program halted for the Christmas holidays. Energold Drill Co. was contracted for the work
and at the end of December 2011 had completed ten core holes totaling 1470.1 meters. All of the drilling targeted the Guadalupe vein system
126
which
can be traced over a distance of 4.5 kilometers. Approximately 2.5 kilometers of strike length was extensively developed by historic mining with underground workings extending
400 meters vertically.
Guadalupe West
In the Guadalupe West area, six holes were drilled down dip and along strike from previous drilling. Three additional holes were drilled to explore the projection of the vein
to the east in an area with no prior drilling. These holes were designed to test potential veining below surface stockwork outcrops that have returned assays ranging from one to four gold grams per
tonne. The final hole targeted high grade mineralization east of the main area of historic production.
Six
of the 10 holes intersected 10 to 40 meters of quartz veins and stockwork zones. In this area, the vein is typically five to eight meters wide with stockwork veining extending an
additional 20 to 30 meters up the hole.
The
following table summarizes the results of the drilling program as reported in a press released on January 29, 2012. The drilling was oriented to intersect the vein system at right angles to
provide a close approximation of true width.
|
|
|
INTERVAL
|
|
INCLUDING
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Drill
Hole
|
|
Composite
Cutoff (g/t)
|
|
Thickness
(m)
|
|
Au
g/t
|
|
Ag
g/t
|
|
Au
equiv*
|
|
From
|
|
To
|
|
From
|
|
To
|
|
11GW-001
|
|
53.5
|
|
60.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
7.0
|
|
2.22
|
|
249.0
|
|
6.37
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56.6
|
|
58.1
|
|
4.0
|
|
1.5
|
|
5.46
|
|
645.7
|
|
16.22
|
|
|
|
107.0
|
|
109.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
2.6
|
|
1.88
|
|
6.9
|
|
2.0
|
|
11GW-002
|
|
70.2
|
|
71.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
1.0
|
|
0.61
|
|
37.7
|
|
1.24
|
|
|
|
88.9
|
|
96.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
8.0
|
|
0.67
|
|
56.9
|
|
1.62
|
|
11GW-003
|
|
77.6
|
|
79.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
2.0
|
|
2.16
|
|
23.3
|
|
2.55
|
|
|
|
82.6
|
|
84.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
2.0
|
|
3.23
|
|
59.3
|
|
4.22
|
|
|
|
91.1
|
|
93.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
2.0
|
|
0.88
|
|
20.9
|
|
1.23
|
|
|
|
96.1
|
|
103.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
7.6
|
|
1.79
|
|
97.1
|
|
3.41
|
|
11GW-004
|
|
114.7
|
|
116.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
2.0
|
|
0.54
|
|
6.7
|
|
0.65
|
|
11GW-005
|
|
50.1
|
|
51.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
1.8
|
|
1.16
|
|
47.6
|
|
1.95
|
|
|
|
58.9
|
|
61.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
3.0
|
|
0.53
|
|
5.2
|
|
0.62
|
|
|
|
74.1
|
|
77.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
3.0
|
|
0.51
|
|
20.3
|
|
0.85
|
|
11GW-006
|
|
64.8
|
|
70.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
5.4
|
|
1.39
|
|
27.3
|
|
1.85
|
|
|
|
73.7
|
|
94.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
20.3
|
|
1.60
|
|
40.0
|
|
2.27
|
|
11GW-007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No significant
mineralization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11GW-008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No significant
mineralization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11GW-009
|
|
21.4
|
|
24.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
3.0
|
|
1.28
|
|
211
|
|
4.80
|
|
11GV-001
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assays Pending
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
*
-
calculated
at 60:1 Ag:Au
127
Guadalupe Mine Zone (Laija Area) and El Zapote
Prior to the Christmas break in December 2011, the drill was moved to the main Guadalupe Mine Zone. This area consists of a branching system of epithermal veins and
stockwork zones that were the focus of much of the historic underground mining in the district. One core hole totaling 202.8 meters was completed prior to the holiday break. The hole
intersected feldspar porphyry with silicified and argillically altered zones with minor zones of pyrite-bearing quartz stockwork.
As
we announced on February 27, 2012, drilling with one drill resumed on January 10, 2012 and a second drill began drilling on January 23, 2012. Assays have been received from
three holes; two from the Guadalupe vein and one from the El Zapote vein. The intercepts from the Guadalupe vein confirm our hypothesis that there is potential for high grade gold-silver
mineralization in the district. Based on the depths of stopes from historic operations, it is estimated that the intercepts in the Guadalupe vein are a couple hundred meters above the base of the
productive zone. Neither drill hole from the Guadalupe vein reached the planned target depth due to difficult drilling conditions, though, assay results from 12GV-02 indicated
strong mineralization at the bottom of the hole.
The
results from the first hole from the El Zapote vein system are encouraging and confirm the presence of near surface stockwork veining previously defined by reverse circulation drilling.
The
results are summarized on the following table. The equivalent gold grade (Au equiv) was calculated using a metal price ratio of 60:1; that is, 60 grams silver equals 1 gram
equivalent of gold.
This
drilling program, including the logging, photographing, and sampling by contractors of Vista, was conducted under the supervision of Vista's Vice President of Exploration, Mr. Frank Fenne
P.G., who is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Samples were shipped to the ALSChemex sample prep lab in Hermosillo, Mexico. Prepared sample pulps were shipped by
ALSChemex to its assay lab in Vancouver. Gold was analyzed using a 50-gram fire assay with an atomic absorption spectroscopy ("AAS") finish. Silver was initially analyzed using a
41 element ICP analysis using a four acid digestion. Silver assays greater than 100 grams per tonne were re-assayed using a 50-gram fire assay with a gravimetric
finish and these results replaced the AAS finish. An on-going quality control/quality assurance protocol was employed in the program that includes standards and blanks in every batch of
assays. Check assays were conducted on every twentieth sample by a
second independent laboratory. Sampling, sample custody, preparation and assaying were completed in compliance with NI 43-101 standards.
|
|
|
|
|
INTERVAL
|
|
INCLUDING
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Drill
Hole
|
|
|
|
Composite
Cutoff (g/t)
|
|
Thickness
(m)
|
|
Au
g/t
|
|
Ag
g/t
|
|
Au
equiv
|
|
Target Zone
|
|
From
|
|
To
|
|
From
|
|
To
|
|
11GV-01
|
|
Guadalupe Vein Zone
|
|
55.0
|
|
57.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
2.0
|
|
14.9
|
|
460
|
|
22.6
|
|
12GV-02
|
|
Guadalupe Vein Zone
|
|
236.3
|
|
245.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
8.9
|
|
7.79
|
|
477
|
|
15.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
239.9
|
|
245.2
|
|
4.0
|
|
5.3
|
|
12.15
|
|
738
|
|
24.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
289.8
|
|
294.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
4.9
|
|
0.92
|
|
115
|
|
2.8
|
|
12ZAP-01
|
|
El Zapote
|
|
0
|
|
7.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
7.1
|
|
0.54
|
|
18.1
|
|
0.84
|
|
|
|
|
|
27.0
|
|
29.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
2.0
|
|
1.63
|
|
26.4
|
|
2.07
|
|
|
|
|
|
37.0
|
|
38.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
1.7
|
|
8.47
|
|
31.5
|
|
8.99
|
|
|
|
|
|
43.1
|
|
58.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
15.0
|
|
4.95
|
|
33.7
|
|
5.51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45.1
|
|
51.4
|
|
1.0
|
|
6.3
|
|
10.13
|
|
50.2
|
|
10.97
|
|
All results are from angle diamond core holes. Interpreted vein orientation and approximate true width are illustrated on the cross sections on our website. The
high grade mineralization intersected in 12GV-02 from
128
236.3
to 245.2 meters occurs in a brecciated quartz vein and resulted in a lower core recovery (approx. 34%) than has been typically encountered. It is likely that finely ground rock was washed
from the core. The grade of the interval without this loss of material could be lower or higher than reported.
The
planned program of 4,000 meters of drilling is expected to be completed by the end of the first half 2012.
Concordia Gold Project
On February 7, 2012, we announced that we have entered into an Earn-in Right Agreement (the "Earn-in Right Agreement") with Mexico-based Invecture
Group, S.A. de C.V. ("Invecture") with respect to our Concordia gold project.
We
hold the Concordia gold project through our wholly-owned, Mexican subsidiary, Desarrollos Zapal, S.A. de C.V. ("DZ Mexico"). Under the terms of the Agreement, Invecture made a
non-refundable payment of $2,000 in exchange for the right to earn a 60% interest (subject to adjustment) in DZ Mexico (the "Earn-in Right"). The Earn-in
Right will expire if not exercised by February 7, 2014, subject to extension in certain circumstances (the "Earn-in Period"). The Earn-in Right Agreement provides that during
the Earn-in Period, Invecture will, at its sole expense, manage and operate the Concordia gold project and will undertake all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the Change of Forest
Land Use Permit ("CUSF") and the Authorization of Environmental Impact which are required to develop the project. Invecture has advised that it will secure $70,000 in project debt finance to construct
the Concordia gold project after it has exercised the Earn-in Right and after a project development decision has been made. Once Invecture has earned its interest in the Concordia gold
project, the parties have agreed to evaluate market conditions with regard to the future organization and ownership structure of DZ Mexico.
The
Earn-in Right Agreement provides that the exercise of the Earn-in Right by Invecture is conditional upon, among other things: (i) receipt of the CUSF and the Authorization of
Environmental Impact; (ii) the completion of a feasibility report on the Concordia gold project which updates the existing feasibility report with respect to costs; (iii) Invecture
funding the Concordia gold project during the Earn-in Period; and (iv) Invecture making an additional payment of $20,000 to DZ Mexico, which amount will be used to repay
intercompany loans owed by DZ Mexico to Vista.
During
the Earn-in Period and subject to the terms of the Earn-in Right Agreement, Vista holds 40% of the DZ Mexico shareholder voting rights. The remaining 60% of the DZ Mexico
shareholder voting rights are held in a trust that will be instructed by representatives of Vista and Invecture. Upon
Invecture's exercise of the Earn-in Right, Vista will continue to hold a 40% interest (subject to adjustment) in DZ Mexico and the Concordia gold project.
As
part of the Agreement, DZ Mexico has transferred all of its other material assets, including the mill equipment acquired by Vista for the Concordia gold project in 2008 and the Guadalupe de los
Reyes gold/silver project, to other entities in the Vista group of companies. Vista has granted Invecture the option to cause DZ Mexico to acquire the mill equipment for $16,000 plus storage,
insurance and transportation costs and any applicable taxes. This option is exercisable by Invecture during the first 12 months after the date of the Agreement.
Change of Forest Land Use Permit-Application Status
On February 19, 2010, we announced that the Mexican Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources ("SEMARNAT") had dismissed our application for the CUSF. In its
dismissal, SEMARNAT had questioned the validity of the Temporary Occupation Permits ("TOP") issued by the General Direction of Mines in the Secretariat of Economy, which were required as part of the
CUSF application. SEMARNAT also identified the need for additional technical studies. On July 19, 2010, we announced an update on the status of our CUSF permit application, technical programs
in progress, and a general overview of the development of the project.
129
The
Concordia gold project is located in a special use area on the northern limit of the buffer zone of the Sierra de La Laguna Biosphere (the "Biosphere"). In the immediate Concordia
gold project area, we had believed that the surface land was divided between land owned directly by DZ Mexico and a parcel of federal land that had yet to be defined by the Mexican Secretariat of
Agrarian Reform ("SRA"), although the process for doing so was underway. In the process of working our way through the SRA process of defining the limits of the supposed federal land, we became
convinced that the land was removed from the federal domain in the late 1800's. Consequently we executed a contract to acquire the parcel of land and have filed documents with SRA to have our
ownership of this parcel officially recognized. We believe that we are close to receiving the official recognition. If we are successful in our attempt to gain this official recognition of our
ownership of all the surface land in the project area, SRA must also rule to deny the request of the Mexican Nation Commission for Natural Protected Area ("CONANP") to become the administrator of
these lands.
Awak Mas Gold Project,
Sulawesi,
Indonesia
On December 28, 2009, we announced that our wholly-owned subsidiary Vista Barbados had signed a joint venture agreement with Pan Asia Resources Corporation
("Pan Asia") with respect to the development of the
Awak Mas gold project. The joint venture agreement (the "JV Agreement") provides Pan Asia, a privately held resource development company, with the opportunity to earn a 60% interest in the Awak
Mas project by: (i) expending $3,000 on the project within the next 30 months; (ii) completing an environmental impact assessment and feasibility study (in compliance with
NI 43-101), each of which is required by the contract of work ("CoW") granted by the Indonesian Government under which the Awak Mas project is held; and (iii) issuing to
Vista Gold two million shares of Pan Asia and the right to purchase up to an additional two million shares of Pan Asia in the event of an initial public offering of Pan Asia shares (on the same
terms as offered under such initial public offering). Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, we will retain our controlling interest in the Awak Mas project until Pan Asia completes the
earn-in conditions described above.
On
June 13, 2011, our subsidiary, Vista Barbados, entered into additional option agreement ("Additional Option Agreement") with Pan Asia. The Additional Option Agreement provides Pan Asia with
the opportunity to earn an additional 20% interest in our Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia after it has earned a 60% interest in the project pursuant to the JV Agreement. Pan Asia can acquire the
additional 20% interest by (a) making cash payments totaling $2,500 over a nine-month period; (b) issuing shares with a value equal to $2,000 or making a cash payment of
$2,000 within 12 months, depending on whether Pan Asia completes an initial public offering; and (c) carrying out a 5,000 meter drilling program in an area outside of the current
project resource area within 18 months. If Pan Asia completes the undertakings required in the JV Agreement and the Additional Option Agreement, Pan Asia will hold an 80% indirect interest in
the Awak Mas gold project. Subsequently, Pan Asia established Awak Mas Holdings Pty. to hold its interest in Awak Mas under Pan Asia's parent company, One Asia Resources Ltd.
("One Asia"). The two million shares of Pan Asia received by Vista under the joint venture agreement were exchanged for equivalent shares of One Asia. In September 2011, the Additional
Option Agreement and JV Agreement were assigned from Pan Asia to Awak Mas Holdings Pty. Ltd. (an affiliate of Pan Asia).
We
completed the exploration phase of the CoW in January 2008 and entered the feasibility phase in February 2008. The feasibility phase usually lasts one year, but may be negotiated for
up to 2 one-year extensions. Following the feasibility phase, with government approvals, there would be a construction phase lasting usually three years. The operating period
follows the construction phase, lasting usually 10 to 30 years. In late 2008, we applied for a suspension of the feasibility period for one year. Before this application was ruled upon, we
announced our joint venture agreement with Pan Asia (now "One Asia"), which may have delayed the process.
In
April 2010, draft Terms of Reference for an Environmental Impact Study leading to a new Environmental Management Plan ("AMDAL") were presented to the environmental department
in Luwu Regency by One Asia's (operating through our subsidiary, PT Masmindo) AMDAL consultant. Because of a delay due to a question by the Indonesian government about the project boundary lines,
which has since been resolved in our favor, we agreed to extend One Asia's time commitments that are in our agreement by that amount of time (approximately nine months). At year end, One Asia
submitted its Terms of Reference for completion of the
130
Environmental
Impact Study to the Provincial Government and is awaiting Provincial Government approval to finalize the AMDAL process during 2011. One Asia has applied for another extension to the
feasibility period.
One
Asia commenced it's activities at Awak Mas in January 2010 with the hiring of an experienced project manager and during the second quarter, a senior mining engineer to aid its resource
assessment work. One Asia's initial focus was on the mineral resource previously defined at the project and some months were spent on re-evaluating the geological database and producing an
in house resource model. Tetra Tech was hired to do an independent evaluation of its resource model.
In
early 2010, One Asia reported that it had assembled a team of highly qualified consultants to undertake a preliminary economic assessment or scoping study for the Awak Mas project. In 2011, One
Asia decided to change the scope of the study to a preliminary feasibility study. The team includes Amec-Minproc for plant and process design, Australian Mine Design & Development
for mine planning and ore reserve definition, Golder Associates for geotechnical investigations and environmental consulting, Resindo Resources for infrastructure and local costs, and
Tetra-Tech for mineral resource evaluation. In 2011, ALSAmmtec was added to the team for metallurgical studies.
Initial
site visits by One Asia's consulting team was undertaken during the fourth quarter 2010 and further site visits were made during 2011.
During
2010 a number of local community initiatives were undertaken. An environmental and community development manager was hired in August 2011 to co-ordinate permitting efforts,
preparation of the environmental impact study and community relations.
A
program of infill and exploration drilling commenced in early 2011. This program is designed to upgrade inferred resources to indicated status so they can be included in the preliminary feasibility
study which was started in early 2011, and also provide core samples for additional metallurgical testing in Australia to aid the process design work being undertaken by Amec-Minproc.
Additionally, exploration and condemnation drilling was planned. GeoAssay Laboratory is doing the assaying with check assaying by PT Intertek Indonesia and ALSAmmtec is doing the metallurgical
testing. In addition, four core holes for geotechnical purposes were drilled into designed pit walls. As of the end of November 2011 (the end of the drilling season), 70 core
holes had been drilled into the Awak Mas deposit for 5,129.6 meters, including the four geotechnical core drill holes, six exploration core holes had been drilled into the Rutuk area for
258 meters and nine exploration core holes had been drilled in the Salu Bulo area for 899.6 meters. Exploration drilling resumed in February 2012.
Subsequent Events
-
-
On
January 1, 2012, we granted 300,000 restricted stock units ("RSUs") to certain employees. The terms of the restricted stock units agreement provide that the
vesting period for the RSUs is at least one year and that the RSUs will vest when the average adjusted value of our Common Shares (or shares plus dividends or distribution value) measured over
any consecutive 30-day period is two times the closing trading price of the Common Shares as listed on the New York Stock Exchange American Exchange
("NYSE AMEX") on November 2, 2011 of $3.78 per share. The adjusted value is the closing trading price of the Common Shares as listed on the NYSE AMEX (on any given day) divided by one
(1) plus the percentage change (increase/decrease) from date the RSUs were granted to the current date of the average of the AMEX Gold Basket of Unhedged Gold Stocks Index ("HUI") and the
Philadelphia Gold and Silver Sector Index ("XAU"). In the event the share-price vesting provision is met prior to the end of one year, the RSUs will vest at the end of one year regardless of the share
price at that time.
-
-
On
January 3, 2012, we announced that effective January 1, 2012, Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation was appointed
to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Earnest's new title is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Mr. Earnest's appointment follows the retirement of Michael
B. Richings as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Mr. Richings will continue to be actively involved with Vista in his role as a director and the Chairman of the
Corporation's Board of Directors.
131
-
-
On
January 19, 2012, we announced the results of the initial drilling program for the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico, which was
initiated in November 2011. With the results of the first 10 core holes, we have begun to achieve our objectives of: (i) obtaining core for metallurgical testing from the
stockwork that is the host for the project's current reported estimated resource in support of a planned Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA"); (ii) testing for the potential for high gold
and silver grades in the underlying low-sulfidation epithermal vein systems, with hole 11GW-001 intersecting 1.5 meters of 5.46 g/t gold and
645.7 g/t silver at 60 meters below surface; and (iii) confirming the historic reverse circulation drill results with diamond core drilling. See the section heading
"Item 2. PropertiesGuadalupe de los Reyes Gold/Silver Project, Sinaloa, Mexico" above.
-
-
On
February 3, 2012, Republic Gold Ltd. announced that it had suspended operations in Bolivia at the Amayapampa gold project pending regulatory and policy
certainty specifically related to the nationalization of mining assets and the implications of the (draft) mining code. Republic Gold Ltd. stated that it will assess its options in Bolivia,
which may include the sale of its assets. See "Item 8Consolidated Financial StatementsNote 3" for further discussion regarding Vista's interest in the
Amayapampa project.
-
-
On
February 7, 2012, we announced that the Corporation had entered into an Earn-in Right Agreement (the "Earn-in Right Agreement") with Mexico-based
Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. ("Invecture") with respect to Vista's Concordia gold project in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Invecture is the owner of Frontera Copper Corporation, which owns and
operates the Piedras Verdes Copper Mine in the Mexican State of Sonora. Vista holds the Concordia gold project through its wholly-owned, Mexican subsidiary, Desarrollos Zapal, S.A. de C.V.
("DZ Mexico"). Under the terms of the Earn-in Right Agreement, Invecture made a non-refundable payment of $2,000 in exchange
for the right to earn a 60% interest (subject to adjustment) in DZ Mexico (the "Earn-in Right"). The Earn-in Right will expire if not exercised by February 7,
2014, subject to extension in certain circumstances (the "Earn-in Period"). The Earn-in Right Agreement provides that during the Earn-in Period, Invecture will, at its
sole expense, manage and operate the Concordia gold project and will undertake all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the CUSF and the Authorization of Environmental Impact which are required
to develop the project.
The
Earn-in Right Agreement provides that the exercise of the earn-in right by Invecture is conditional upon, among other things: (i) receipt of the CUSF and the
Authorization of Environmental Impact; (ii) the completion of a feasibility report on the Concordia gold project that updates the existing feasibility report with respect to costs;
(iii) Invecture funding the Concordia gold project during the Earn-in Period; and (iv) Invecture making an additional payment of $20,000 to DZ Mexico, which amount will be
used to repay intercompany loans owed by DZ Mexico to Vista.
During
the Earn-in Period and subject to the terms of the Earn-in Right Agreement, Vista will holds 40% of the DZ Mexico shareholder voting rights. The remaining 60% of the DZ
Mexico shareholder voting rights are held in a trust that will be instructed by representatives of Vista and Invecture. Upon Invecture's exercise of the Earn-in Right, Vista will continue
to hold a 40% interest (subject to adjustment) in DZ Mexico and the Concordia gold project.
As
part of the Earn-in Right Agreement, DZ Mexico has transferred all of its other material assets, including the mill equipment acquired by Vista for the Concordia gold project in 2008
and the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, to other entities in the Vista group of companies. Vista has granted Invecture the option to cause DZ Mexico to acquire the mill equipment for
$16,000 plus storage, insurance and transportation costs and any applicable taxes. This option is exercisable by Invecture until February 7, 2013.
-
-
On
February 14, 2012, Midas Gold announced that it completed a private placement financing of a total of 9,085,000 special warrants at a price of C$4.45 ($4.45
based on the exchange rate on February 14, 2012) for aggregate proceeds of C$40,428 ($40,448 based on the exchange rate on February 14, 2012). Following completion of this private
placement, Vista and Vista US together hold 31,802,615 Midas Gold Shares representing approximately 27.8% (basic) and 25.4% (fully diluted basis) of the issued and
132
Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Significant accounting policies
Basis of Presentation
We have, from our inception until December 31, 2010, reported to securities regulators in both Canada and the U.S. using Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles ("GAAP") financial statements with reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. However, a change in the position of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") in late 2009
required Canadian companies, such as Vista, that do not qualify as foreign private issuers to file their financial statements in the U.S. using U.S. GAAP for periods beginning after
December 31, 2010. Therefore, we have retrospectively adopted U.S. GAAP effective January 1, 2011 for all U.S. and Canadian filings. Canadian securities regulators announced that
they will continue to accept financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
A
comparison of our December 31, 2011 and 2010 balance sheets in U.S. GAAP to our balance sheet at December 31, 2010 as reported in Canadian GAAP is as follows:
|
|
U.S. GAAP
December 31,
2011
|
|
U.S. GAAP
December 31,
2010
|
|
Canadian
GAAP
December 31,
2010
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
17,873
|
|
$
|
39,838
|
|
$
|
39,838
|
Mineral properties
(1)
|
|
|
16,517
|
|
|
16,622
|
|
|
54,195
|
Other assets
|
|
|
146,213
|
|
|
26,512
|
|
|
26,409
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
180,603
|
|
$
|
82,972
|
|
$
|
120,442
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
$
|
39,380
|
|
$
|
24,630
|
|
$
|
24,135
|
Shareholders' equity
(1)
|
|
|
141,223
|
|
|
58,342
|
|
|
96,307
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
|
$
|
180,603
|
|
$
|
82,972
|
|
$
|
120,442
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note:
-
(1)
-
The
decrease in mineral properties and increase in the shareholders' equity during exploration stage is due to the conversion to U.S. GAAP from Canadian GAAP. In accordance
with U.S. GAAP, our property acquisition costs, including directly related acquisition costs, are capitalized when incurred, and mineral property exploration costs are expensed as incurred.
Under Canadian GAAP, however, both acquisition costs and exploration expenditures had been capitalized when incurred.
Use of estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
133
contingent
liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant areas requiring the use of
estimates include capital costs of projects, mine closure and reclamation obligations, useful lives for asset depreciation purposes, impairment of mineral properties, deferred income taxes, valuation
of investments and the calculation of stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand balances held with banks and certificates of deposit all with maturities of three months or less when purchased.
Marketable Securities
We classify marketable securities as available-for-sale. Accordingly, these securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses being
reported in other comprehensive income until such time that the securities are disposed of or become impaired. At that time, any gains or losses will then be realized and reported in our Consolidated
Statement of Income/(Loss). We use the specific identification method for determining carrying value in computing realized gains and losses on sales of investment securities. We evaluate investments
in a loss position to determine if such a loss is other-than-temporary. If so, such loss will be recognized and reported during that period.
Mineral Properties
Mineral property acquisition costs, including directly related acquisition costs, are capitalized when incurred, and mineral property exploration costs are expensed as
incurred. When we determine that a mineral property can be economically developed in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the costs then incurred to develop such property are capitalized. When ore
reserves associated with the projects can be determined, capitalized costs will be depleted using the units-of-production method over the estimated life of the proven and
probable reserves. If mineral properties are subsequently abandoned or impaired, any capitalized costs will be charged to loss in that period.
We
assess the carrying cost of our mineral properties for impairment whenever information or circumstances indicate the potential for impairment. Such evaluations compare estimated future net cash
flows with our carrying costs and future obligations on an undiscounted basis. If it is determined that the future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the property, a write
down to the estimated fair value is charged to loss for the period. Where estimates of future net cash flows are not available and where other conditions suggest impairment, management assesses if the
carrying value can be recovered.
Plant and Equipment
Plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging primarily
from three to ten years. Significant expenditures that increase the life of an asset, including interest capitalized on expenditures on qualifying assets, are capitalized and depreciated over the
remaining estimated useful life of the asset. Upon sale or retirement of assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation or amortization are eliminated from the respective accounts and any
resulting gains or losses are reflected in operations.
Asset Retirement Obligation and Closure Costs
The fair value of a liability for our legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets is recognized in the period in which it is incurred. The
associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset unless the asset has been previously written off, in which case the amount
is expensed.
The
liability will be adjusted for changes in the expected amounts and timing of cash flows required to discharge the liability and accreted to the full value over time through periodic charges
to income.
134
Warrants
Warrants and compensation options issued are recorded at fair value.
Stock-Based Compensation
We record compensation expense on the granting of all stock-based compensation awards, including stock options grants, restricted stock units grants and restricted stock awards
grants, calculated using the fair-value method. We use the Hull-White Trinomial method of determining the fair value of the stock option on the date of the grant. When an
option is granted, the fair value of the immediately vested portion is expensed and included within the stock-based compensation balance within shareholders' equity. As to the options vesting, the
fair value is amortized using the straight-line method over the vesting period and expensed on a monthly basis. When an option is exercised, the grant-date fair value of the
options is transferred to common stock. When options are cancelled, the vested fair-value balance of the stock options is transferred to additional paid-in capital. When stock
options are forfeited prior to becoming fully vested, any expense previously recorded is reversed through income. When options expire, the related fair value is transferred to additional
paid-in capital.
We
use the fair-value method of determining the fair value of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards on the date of grant. The fair value is amortized using the straight-line
method over the vesting period and expensed on a monthly basis. Certain restricted stock units vest upon the achievement of specified performance and market criterion, but not to be less than
one year. On a quarterly basis, management, using the best information available through that time, assesses the probability of achieving those performance and market milestones in determining
the appropriate vesting period for the purpose of recording the expense associated with those restricted stock units. On the date of vesting, the grant-date fair value of the restricted
stock units or restricted stock awards is transferred to common stock. When restricted stock units or restricted stock awards are forfeited prior to vesting, any expense previously recorded is
reversed through income.
Foreign Currency Exchange Gains or Losses
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. All of our foreign subsidiaries are direct and integral components of Vista and are dependent upon the economic environment
of our functional currency. Therefore, the functional currency of our foreign entities is considered to be the U.S. dollar in accordance with the
Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 830, "Foreign Currency Matters," and accordingly, translation gains and losses are reported in the loss for that period. Assets and liabilities of these
foreign operations are translated using period-end exchange rates and revenues and expenses are translated using average exchange rates during each period.
Income Taxes
We provide for income taxes using the liability method of tax allocation. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on deductible or
taxable temporary differences between financial statement values and tax values of assets and liabilities using enacted income tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences
are expected to reverse.
Deferred
tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates that have been enacted or substantively
enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is recognized as income or an expense and included in the profit or loss for the period, except when it arises from a transaction that is recognized
directly in equity, in which case the deferred tax is also recognized directly in equity, or when it arises from a business combination that is an acquisition, in which case the deferred tax is
included in the resulting goodwill or the amount of any excess of the acquirer's interest in the net fair value of the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities over the
cost of the combination.
We
establish a valuation allowance against the future income tax assets if, based on available information, it is more likely than not that all of the assets will not be realized.
135
Uncertainty in Income Tax Positions
The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is at least more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the
taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a
greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities. The Company records the related interest expense and penalties, if any, as tax expense in the
tax provision.
Net Income/(Loss) Per Share
Basic income/(loss) per share amounts are calculated by using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income/(loss) per share
amounts reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts that may require the issuance of common shares in the future were converted unless their inclusion would be
anti-dilutive.
Subsequent Events
We have evaluated events, if any, which occurred subsequent to December 31, 2011 to ensure that such events have been properly reflected in these consolidated financial
statements.
Recent accounting pronouncements
Business Combinations
In December 2010, ASC guidance for business combinations was updated to clarify existing guidance that requires a public entity to disclose pro forma revenue and
earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual period only. The update also
expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures required to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the
business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The updated guidance became effective for our fiscal year that began on January 1, 2011. Adoption of this
guidance has had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Fair Value Accounting
In January 2010, the ASC guidance for fair-value measurements and disclosures was updated to require enhanced detail in the Level 3 reconciliation,
which includes financial instruments valued using management's judgment and estimations. The updated guidance became effective for our fiscal year that began on January 1, 2011. Adoption of
this guidance had no impact on our consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2011.
In
May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued additional guidance to provide a consistent definition of fair value and to ensure that the fair value measurement and
disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The guidance changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure
requirements particularly for level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance is effective for us in 2012 and should be applied prospectively. We do not believe the adoption of this standard will
have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Presentation of Comprehensive Income
In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance that requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other
comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The option to present the components of other comprehensive income
as part of the statement has been eliminated. This guidance is
136
effective
for us in the first quarter of 2012 and should be applied prospectively. Our presentation of comprehensive income already complies with this new guidance.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
We are engaged in the acquisition of gold projects and related activities, including exploration, engineering, permitting and the preparation of feasibility
studies. The value of our properties, as well as our marketable securities and our investment in Midas, is related to the price of gold, and changes in the price of gold could affect our ability to
generate revenue from our portfolio of gold projects.
Gold
prices may fluctuate widely from time to time and are affected by numerous factors, including the following: expectations with respect to the rate of inflation, exchange rates, interest rates,
global and regional political and economic circumstances and governmental policies, including those with respect to gold holdings by central banks. The demand for and supply of gold affect gold
prices, but not necessarily in the same manner as demand and supply affect the prices of other commodities. The supply of gold consists of a combination of new mine production and existing stocks of
bullion and fabricated gold held by governments, public and private financial institutions, industrial organizations and private individuals. The demand for gold primarily consists of jewelry and
investments. Additionally, hedging activities by producers, consumers, financial institutions and individuals can affect gold supply and demand. While gold can be readily sold on numerous markets
throughout the world, its market value cannot be predicted for any particular time.
Because
we have exploration operations in North America, Indonesia and Australia, we are subject to foreign currency fluctuations. We do not engage in currency hedging to offset any risk of currency
fluctuations, as insignificant monetary amounts are held in foreign currencies for land holding costs related to the properties owned.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
Supplementary Data
For the required supplementary data, please see the section heading "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
OperationsSummary of Quarterly Results and 4th Quarter Review" above.
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a
process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company's principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company's board of directors, management and other personnel,
to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future
periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The
Company's management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2011. In making this assessment, the Company's management used the
criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based upon its assessment, management concluded that, at
December 31, 2011, the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective.
The
effectiveness of the Company's assessment of internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2011 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered
public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.
137
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders of Vista Gold Corp.:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income/(loss) and comprehensive income/(loss), shareholders' equity and
cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Vista Gold Corp. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and the results of
operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
In addition, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in
Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial
statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Item 9A of
the Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our
integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all
material respects.
Our
audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of
internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the
assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A
company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or
timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because
of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver,
British Columbia
March 14, 2012
138
VISTA GOLD CORP. (An Exploration Stage Enterprise)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
As at December 31,
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
(Dollar amounts in
U.S. dollars and
in thousands,
except shares)
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
17,873
|
|
$
|
39,838
|
|
Restricted cash (Note 5)
|
|
|
134
|
|
|
|
|
Marketable securities (Note 4)
|
|
|
986
|
|
|
1,703
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
1,177
|
|
|
1,084
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
20,170
|
|
|
42,625
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mineral properties (Note 5)
|
|
|
16,517
|
|
|
16,622
|
|
Plant and equipment (Note 6)
|
|
|
19,232
|
|
|
18,809
|
|
Amayapampa interest (Note 3)
|
|
|
4,813
|
|
|
4,813
|
|
Long-term investments (Note 7)
|
|
|
119,871
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred debt issuance costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
103
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current assets
|
|
|
160,433
|
|
|
40,347
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
180,603
|
|
$
|
82,972
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible notes (Note 8)
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
23,000
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
757
|
|
|
147
|
|
Accrued interest payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
109
|
|
Accrued liabilities and other
|
|
|
2,466
|
|
|
1,374
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
3,223
|
|
|
24,630
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
|
|
635
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liability, net (Note 18)
|
|
|
35,522
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current liabilities
|
|
|
36,157
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
39,380
|
|
|
24,630
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders' equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital stock, no par valueunlimited shares authorized; shares outstanding:
201171,503,883 and 201061,919,752 (Note 9)
|
|
|
380,119
|
|
|
349,719
|
|
Stock-based compensation (Note 11)
|
|
|
5,065
|
|
|
4,695
|
|
Warrants (Note 10)
|
|
|
10,876
|
|
|
10,721
|
|
Additional paid-in capital (Note 12)
|
|
|
8,729
|
|
|
7,565
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 13)
|
|
|
175
|
|
|
929
|
|
Accumulated deficit during exploration stage
|
|
|
(263,741
|
)
|
|
(315,287
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders' equity
|
|
|
141,223
|
|
|
58,342
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
|
$
|
180,603
|
|
$
|
82,972
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingenciesNote 15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsequent eventsNote 22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Approved by the Board of Directors
/s/
John M. Clark
John M. Clark
Director
|
|
/s/
C. Thomas Ogryzlo
C. Thomas Ogryzlo
Director
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
139
VISTA GOLD CORP. (An Exploration Stage Enterprise)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME/(LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
|
|
Years ended December 31,
|
|
Cumulative
during
Exploration
Stage
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
(Dollar amounts in U.S. dollars and in thousands,
except share and per share data)
|
|
Operating income and (expenses):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exploration, property evaluation and holding costs
|
|
$
|
(21,774
|
)
|
$
|
(13,447
|
)
|
$
|
(6,883
|
)
|
$
|
(58,124
|
)
|
Corporate administration and investor relations
|
|
|
(6,375
|
)
|
|
(4,283
|
)
|
|
(4,595
|
)
|
|
(32,947
|
)
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(420
|
)
|
|
(288
|
)
|
|
(262
|
)
|
|
(1,340
|
)
|
Gain/(loss) on extinguishment of convertible debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,633
|
)
|
|
415
|
|
|
(1,218
|
)
|
Gain/(loss) on currency translation
|
|
|
109
|
|
|
112
|
|
|
118
|
|
|
(54
|
)
|
Gain/(loss) on disposal of mineral property, net (Note 7)
|
|
|
77,803
|
|
|
|
|
|
(131
|
)
|
|
79,664
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating income/(loss)
|
|
|
49,343
|
|
|
(19,539
|
)
|
|
(11,338
|
)
|
|
(14,019
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-operating income and (expenses):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain/(loss) on sale of marketable securities
|
|
|
459
|
|
|
281
|
|
|
6,829
|
|
|
7,802
|
|
Unrealized gain on long-term investments (Note 7)
|
|
|
37,347
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,347
|
|
Write down of marketable securities
|
|
|
(158
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(123
|
)
|
|
(1,007
|
)
|
Interest income
|
|
|
49
|
|
|
131
|
|
|
104
|
|
|
2,812
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(120
|
)
|
|
(1,061
|
)
|
|
(1,523
|
)
|
|
(4,096
|
)
|
Other income/(expense)
|
|
|
148
|
|
|
168
|
|
|
99
|
|
|
(5,108
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-operating income/(loss)
|
|
|
37,725
|
|
|
(481
|
)
|
|
5,386
|
|
|
37,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
|
|
|
87,068
|
|
|
(20,020
|
)
|
|
(5,952
|
)
|
|
23,731
|
|
Deferred income tax (expense)
|
|
|
(35,522
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(35,522
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income/(loss) from continuing operations after income taxes
|
|
|
51,546
|
|
|
(20,020
|
)
|
|
(5,952
|
)
|
|
(11,791
|
)
|
Loss from discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,863
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income/(loss)
|
|
$
|
51,546
|
|
$
|
(20,020
|
)
|
$
|
(5,952
|
)
|
$
|
(24,654
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized fair-value increase/(decrease) on available-for-sale securities
|
|
|
754
|
|
|
252
|
|
|
(4,737
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income/(loss)
|
|
$
|
52,300
|
|
$
|
(19,768
|
)
|
$
|
(10,689
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (Note 14)
|
|
|
68,457,885
|
|
|
47,335,571
|
|
|
37,268,400
|
|
|
|
|
Income/(loss) per share
|
|
$
|
0.75
|
|
$
|
(0.42
|
)
|
$
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
|
|
Diluted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (Note 14)
|
|
|
69,295,947
|
|
|
47,335,571
|
|
|
37,268,400
|
|
|
|
|
Income/(loss) per share
|
|
$
|
0.74
|
|
$
|
(0.42
|
)
|
$
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
140
VISTA GOLD CORP. (An Exploration Stage Enterprise)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|
Common stock
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
|
Warrants
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
Deficit
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
Total shareholders' equity
|
|
|
|
(Dollar amounts in U.S. dollars and in thousands, except share and per share data)
|
|
Balances at December 31, 2008
|
|
$
|
300,657
|
|
$
|
4,161
|
|
$
|
336
|
|
$
|
6,772
|
|
$
|
(289,315
|
)
|
$
|
5,413
|
|
$
|
28,024
|
|
Equity financing, net of transaction costs
|
|
|
20,369
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,369
|
|
Stock options exercised
|
|
|
287
|
|
|
(42
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
245
|
|
Stock options expensed
|
|
|
|
|
|
888
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
888
|
|
Stock options expired
|
|
|
|
|
|
(90
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
90
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,737
|
)
|
|
(4,737
|
)
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,952
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(5,952
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances at December 31, 2009
|
|
$
|
321,313
|
|
$
|
4,917
|
|
$
|
336
|
|
$
|
6,862
|
|
$
|
(295,267
|
)
|
$
|
676
|
|
$
|
38,837
|
|
Equity financing, net of transaction costs
|
|
|
22,680
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,329
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,009
|
|
Stock options exercised
|
|
|
80
|
|
|
(27
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53
|
|
Stock options expensed
|
|
|
|
|
|
382
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
382
|
|
Stock options expired
|
|
|
|
|
|
(703
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
703
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted stock units expensed
|
|
|
|
|
|
126
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
126
|
|
Convertible debt repurchase
|
|
|
5,646
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,646
|
|
Warrants issued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,056
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,056
|
|
Warrants exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
253
|
|
|
253
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20,020
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(20,020
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances at December 31, 2010
|
|
$
|
349,719
|
|
$
|
4,695
|
|
$
|
10,721
|
|
$
|
7,565
|
|
$
|
(315,287
|
)
|
$
|
929
|
|
$
|
58,342
|
|
Equity financing, net of transaction costs
|
|
|
28,396
|
|
|
|
|
|
588
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,984
|
|
Stock options exercised
|
|
|
1,313
|
|
|
(430
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
883
|
|
Stock options expensed
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,496
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,496
|
|
Stock options expired
|
|
|
|
|
|
(828
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
828
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted stock units exercised
|
|
|
392
|
|
|
(392
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted stock units expensed
|
|
|
|
|
|
524
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
524
|
|
Cash paid in lieu of capital stock issuances
|
|
|
(107
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(107
|
)
|
Warrants expired
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(336
|
)
|
|
336
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrants exercised
|
|
|
406
|
|
|
|
|
|
(97
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
309
|
|
Other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(754
|
)
|
|
(754
|
)
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,546
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,546
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances at December 31, 2011
|
|
$
|
380,119
|
|
$
|
5,065
|
|
$
|
10,876
|
|
$
|
8,729
|
|
$
|
(263,741
|
)
|
$
|
175
|
|
$
|
141,223
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
141
VISTA GOLD CORP. (An Exploration Stage Enterprise)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
Cumulative
during
exploration
stage
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
(Dollar amounts in U.S. dollars and in thousands)
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income/(loss) for the period
|
|
$
|
51,546
|
|
$
|
(20,020
|
)
|
$
|
(5,952
|
)
|
$
|
(24,654
|
)
|
Adjustments to reconcile income/(loss) for the period to net cash used in operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
420
|
|
|
288
|
|
|
262
|
|
|
1,340
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
|
|
2,020
|
|
|
508
|
|
|
888
|
|
|
7,060
|
|
Gain on disposal of marketable securities
|
|
|
(459
|
)
|
|
(281
|
)
|
|
(6,829
|
)
|
|
(7,802
|
)
|
(Gain)/loss on extinguishment of convertible notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,633
|
|
|
(415
|
)
|
|
1,218
|
|
Accrued interest and accretion of interest
|
|
|
120
|
|
|
273
|
|
|
263
|
|
|
4,096
|
|
(Gain)/loss on disposal of mineral property
|
|
|
(78,072
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
131
|
|
|
(79,933
|
)
|
Common stock issued for interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
603
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,841
|
|
Unrealized gain on long-term investments
|
|
|
(37,347
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(37,347
|
)
|
Write down of marketable securities
|
|
|
158
|
|
|
|
|
|
123
|
|
|
1,007
|
|
Deferred tax expense
|
|
|
35,522
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,522
|
|
Other non-cash items
|
|
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
417
|
|
|
1,304
|
|
Change in working capital account items:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
(93
|
)
|
|
(575
|
)
|
|
84
|
|
|
(1,439
|
)
|
Accrued interest payable
|
|
|
(504
|
)
|
|
(25
|
)
|
|
(7
|
)
|
|
(8,090
|
)
|
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other
|
|
|
1,699
|
|
|
498
|
|
|
136
|
|
|
915
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
(24,990
|
)
|
|
(17,093
|
)
|
|
(10,899
|
)
|
|
(104,962
|
)
|
Cash flows from investing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of marketable securities
|
|
|
(329
|
)
|
|
(332
|
)
|
|
(83
|
)
|
|
(1,688
|
)
|
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities
|
|
|
592
|
|
|
313
|
|
|
9,055
|
|
|
11,049
|
|
Acquisition of long-term investments
|
|
|
(3,632
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,632
|
)
|
Proceeds from sales of short-term investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
250
|
|
|
(250
|
)
|
|
|
|
Additions to mineral property
|
|
|
(704
|
)
|
|
(2,240
|
)
|
|
(1,940
|
)
|
|
(7,647
|
)
|
Additions to plant and equipment
|
|
|
(971
|
)
|
|
(355
|
)
|
|
(476
|
)
|
|
(20,443
|
)
|
Proceeds from additional option agreement
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
Proceeds on disposal of mineral property
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
188
|
|
|
188
|
|
Proceeds on disposal of plant and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52
|
|
Cash transferred to Allied Nevada Gold Corp., net of receivable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(24,517
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
|
|
|
(4,044
|
)
|
|
(2,364
|
)
|
|
6,494
|
|
|
(45,638
|
)
|
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds from equity financings
|
|
|
28,984
|
|
|
33,067
|
|
|
20,369
|
|
|
137,070
|
|
Repayment of convertible notes
|
|
|
(23,000
|
)
|
|
(2,233
|
)
|
|
(866
|
)
|
|
(26,108
|
)
|
Proceeds from exercise of warrants
|
|
|
309
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,329
|
|
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
|
|
|
883
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
3,974
|
|
Issuance of convertible notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,345
|
|
Cash paid in lieu of capital stock issuances
|
|
|
(107
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(107
|
)
|
Transaction costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,841
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
7,069
|
|
|
30,887
|
|
|
19,547
|
|
|
180,662
|
|
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(21,965
|
)
|
|
11,430
|
|
|
15,142
|
|
|
30,062
|
|
Decrease in cash and cash equivalentsdiscontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,863
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(21,965
|
)
|
|
11,430
|
|
|
15,142
|
|
|
17,199
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
|
|
39,838
|
|
|
28,408
|
|
|
13,266
|
|
|
674
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
|
|
$
|
17,873
|
|
$
|
39,838
|
|
$
|
28,408
|
|
$
|
17,873
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental cash flow informationNote 17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
142
VISTA GOLD CORP. (AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts in U.S dollars and in thousands,
except per share and per ounce data unless otherwise noted)
1.
Nature of Operations
Vista Gold Corp. and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Vista," the "Corporation," "we," "our" or "us") operate in the mining industry and are focused on the evaluation,
acquisition, exploration and advancement of gold exploration and potential development projects, which may lead to gold production, as well as the realization of market value of our assets. As such,
we are considered an Exploration Stage Enterprise. Our approach to acquisitions of gold projects has generally been to seek projects within political jurisdictions with well-established
mining, land ownership and tax laws, which have adequate drilling and geological data to support the completion of a third-party review of the geological data and to complete an estimate of the gold
mineralization. In addition, we look for opportunities to improve the value of our gold projects through exploration drilling, and/or technical studies resulting changes to the operating assumptions
underlying previous engineering work.
We
are continuing to move our more advanced projects through technical, engineering and feasibility studies so that production decisions can be made on those projects.
2.
Significant Accounting Policies and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("U.S. GAAP")
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated interim financial statements of Vista consolidate the accounts of entities in which we have a controlling financial interest under the voting control model.
All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Our subsidiaries and percentage ownership in these entities are:
|
|
Ownership
|
Vista Gold U.S., Inc. and its subsidiary
|
|
100%
|
|
Vista California, LLC
|
|
100%
|
Granges Inc.
|
|
100%
|
Desarrollas Zapal Holding Corp. and its subsidiaries
|
|
100%
|
|
Desarrollas Zapal S.A. de C.V. (1% owned by Granges Inc.) and its subsidiaries
|
|
99%
|
|
|
Servicios Administrativos MPA S.A. de C.V. (1% owned by Granges Inc.)
|
|
99%
|
|
|
Servicios Industriales MPA S.A. de C.V. (1% owned by Granges Inc.)
|
|
99%
|
Vista Gold (Barbados) Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiary
|
|
100%
|
|
Salu Siwa Pty. Ltd and its subsidiary
|
|
100%
|
|
|
PT Masmindo Dwi (1% owned by Vista Gold (Barbados) Corp.)
|
|
99%
|
Vista Minerals (Barbados) Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiary
|
|
100%
|
|
Vista Gold Australia Pty Ltd.
|
|
100%
|
Minera Gold Stake Holdings Corp. (name changed from Vitliq Holdings Corp. effective January 23, 2012)
|
|
100%
|
|
Minera Gold Stake S.A. de C.V. (name changed from Vitliq S.A. de C.V. effective January 23, 2012)
(1% owned by Granges Inc.)
|
|
99%
|
Basis of Presentation
We have, from our inception until December 31, 2010, reported to securities regulators in both Canada and the U.S. using Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles ("Canadian GAAP") financial statements with reconciliation to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"). However, a change in the position of the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") in late 2009 required Canadian
143
companies,
such as Vista, that do not qualify as foreign private issuers to file their financial statements in the U.S. using U.S. GAAP for periods beginning after December 31,
2010. Therefore, we have retrospectively adopted U.S. GAAP effective January 1, 2011 for all U.S. and Canadian filings. Canadian securities regulators announced that they will continue
to accept financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
A
comparison of our December 31, 2011 and 2010 balance sheets in U.S. GAAP to our balance sheet at December 31, 2010 as reported in Canadian GAAP is as follows:
|
|
U.S. GAAP
December 31,
2011
|
|
U.S. GAAP
December 31,
2010
|
|
Canadian
GAAP
December 31,
2010
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
17,873
|
|
$
|
39,838
|
|
$
|
39,838
|
Mineral properties
(1)
|
|
|
16,517
|
|
|
16,622
|
|
|
54,195
|
Other assets
|
|
|
146,213
|
|
|
26,512
|
|
|
26,409
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
180,603
|
|
$
|
82,972
|
|
$
|
120,442
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
$
|
39,380
|
|
$
|
24,630
|
|
$
|
24,135
|
Shareholders' equity
(1)
|
|
|
141,223
|
|
|
58,342
|
|
|
96,307
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
|
$
|
180,603
|
|
$
|
82,972
|
|
$
|
120,442
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note:
-
(1)
-
The
decrease in mineral properties and increase in the shareholders' equity during exploration stage is due to the conversion to U.S. GAAP from Canadian GAAP. In accordance
with U.S. GAAP, our property acquisition costs, including directly related acquisition costs, are capitalized when incurred, and mineral property exploration costs are expensed as incurred.
Under Canadian GAAP, however, both acquisition costs and exploration expenditures had been capitalized when incurred.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Significant areas requiring the use of estimates include capital costs of projects, mine closure and reclamation obligations, useful lives for asset depreciation purposes, impairment of mineral
properties, deferred income taxes, valuation of investments and the calculation of stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand balances held with banks and certificates of deposit all with maturities of three months or less when purchased.
Marketable Securities
We classify marketable securities as available-for-sale. Accordingly, these securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses being
reported in other comprehensive income until such time that the securities are disposed of or become impaired. At that time, any gains or losses will then be realized and reported in our
144
Consolidated
Statement of Income/(Loss). We use the specific identification method for determining carrying value in computing realized gains and losses on sales of investment securities. We evaluate
investments in a loss position to determine if such a loss is other-than-temporary. If so, such loss will be recognized and reported during that period.
Mineral Properties
Mineral property acquisition costs, including directly related acquisition costs, are capitalized when incurred, and mineral property exploration costs are expensed as
incurred. When we determine that a mineral property can be economically developed in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the costs then incurred to develop such property are capitalized. When ore
reserves associated with the projects can be determined, capitalized costs will be depleted using the units-of-production method over the estimated life of the proven and
probable reserves. If mineral properties are subsequently abandoned or impaired, any capitalized costs will be charged to loss in that period.
We
assess the carrying cost of our mineral properties for impairment whenever information or circumstances indicate the potential for impairment. Such evaluations compare estimated future net cash
flows with our carrying costs and future obligations on an undiscounted basis. If it is determined that the future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the property, a write
down to the estimated fair value is charged to loss for the period. Where estimates of future net cash flows are not available and where other conditions suggest impairment, management assesses if the
carrying value can be recovered.
Plant and Equipment
Plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging primarily
from three to ten years. Significant expenditures that increase the life of an asset, including interest capitalized on expenditures on qualifying assets, are capitalized and depreciated over the
remaining estimated useful life of the asset. Upon sale or retirement of assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation or amortization are eliminated from the respective accounts and any
resulting gains or losses are reflected in operations.
Asset Retirement Obligation and Closure Costs
The fair value of a liability for our legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets is recognized in the period in which it is incurred. The
associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset unless the asset has been previously written off, in which case the amount
is expensed.
The
liability will be adjusted for changes in the expected amounts and timing of cash flows required to discharge the liability and accreted to the full value over time through periodic charges
to income.
Warrants
Warrants and compensation options issued are recorded at fair value.
145
Stock-Based Compensation
We record compensation expense on the granting of all stock-based compensation awards, including stock options grants, restricted stock units grants and restricted stock awards
grants, calculated using the fair-value method. We use the Hull-White Trinomial method of determining the fair value of the stock option on the date of the grant. When an
option is granted, the fair value of the immediately vested portion is expensed and included within the stock-based compensation balance within shareholders' equity. As to the options vesting, the
fair value is amortized using the straight-line method over the vesting period and expensed on a monthly basis. When an option is exercised, the grant-date fair value of the
options is transferred to common stock. When options are cancelled, the vested fair-value balance of the stock options is transferred to additional paid-in capital. When stock
options are forfeited prior to becoming fully vested, any expense previously recorded is reversed through income. When options expire, the related fair value is transferred to additional
paid-in capital.
We
use the fair-value method of determining the fair value of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards on the date of grant. The fair value is amortized using the
straight-line method over the vesting period and expensed on a monthly basis. Certain restricted stock units vest upon the achievement of specified performance and market criterion, but
not to be less than one year. On a quarterly
basis, management, using the best information available through that time, assesses the probability of achieving those performance and market milestones in determining the appropriate vesting period
for the purpose of recording the expense associated with those restricted stock units. On the date of vesting, the grant-date fair value of the restricted stock units or restricted stock
awards is transferred to common stock. When restricted stock units or restricted stock awards are forfeited prior to vesting, any expense previously recorded is reversed through income.
Foreign Currency Exchange Gains or Losses
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. All of our foreign subsidiaries are direct and integral components of Vista and are dependent upon the economic environment
of our functional currency. Therefore, the functional currency of our foreign entities is considered to be the U.S. dollar in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic
830, "
Foreign Currency Matters,
" and accordingly, translation gains and losses are reported in the loss for that period. Assets and liabilities of these
foreign operations are translated using period-end exchange rates and revenues and expenses are translated using average exchange rates during each period.
Income Taxes
We provide for income taxes using the liability method of tax allocation. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on deductible or
taxable temporary differences between financial statement values and tax values of assets and liabilities using enacted income tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences
are expected to reverse.
Deferred
tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates that have been enacted or substantively
enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is recognized as income or an expense and included in the profit or loss for the period, except when it arises from a transaction that is recognized
directly in equity, in which case the deferred tax is also recognized directly in equity, or when it arises from a business combination that is an acquisition, in which case the deferred tax is
included in the resulting goodwill or the amount of any excess of the acquirer's interest in the
146
net
fair value of the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities over the cost of the combination.
We
establish a valuation allowance against the future income tax assets if, based on available information, it is more likely than not that all of the assets will not be realized.
Uncertainty in Income Tax Positions
The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is at least more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the
taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a
greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities. The Company records the related interest expense and penalties, if any, as tax expense in the
tax provision.
Net Income/(Loss) Per Share
Basic income/(loss) per share amounts are calculated by using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income/(loss) per share
amounts reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts that may require the issuance of common shares in the future were converted unless their inclusion would be
anti-dilutive.
Subsequent Events
We have evaluated events, if any, which occurred subsequent to December 31, 2011 to ensure that such events have been properly reflected in these consolidated financial
statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Business Combinations
In December 2010, ASC guidance for business combinations was updated to clarify existing guidance that requires a public entity to disclose pro forma revenue and
earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual period only. The update also
expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures required to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the
business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The updated guidance became effective for our fiscal year that began on January 1, 2011. Adoption of this
guidance had minimal impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Fair Value Accounting
In January 2010, the ASC guidance for fair-value measurements and disclosures was updated to require enhanced detail in the Level 3 reconciliation,
which includes financial instruments valued using management's judgment and estimations. The updated guidance became effective for our fiscal year that began on January 1, 2011. Adoption of
this guidance had minimal impact on our consolidated financial statements for year ended December 31, 2011.
147
In
May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued additional guidance to provide a consistent definition of fair value and to ensure that the fair value measurement and
disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The guidance changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure
requirements particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance is effective for us in 2012 and should be applied prospectively. We do not believe the adoption of this standard will
have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Presentation of Comprehensive Income
In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance that requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other
comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The option to present the components of other comprehensive income
as part of the statement has been eliminated. This guidance is effective for us in the first quarter of 2012 and should be applied prospectively. Our presentation of comprehensive income already
complies with this new guidance.
3.
Amayapampa Interest
On April 7, 2008, we entered into an agreement to dispose of our wholly-owned subsidiary Vista Gold (Antigua) Corp. ("Vista Gold Antigua") to Republic Gold Limited
("Republic"). Vista Gold Antigua indirectly held our interest in the Amayapampa gold project in Bolivia. Under the terms of the transaction, Republic agreed to pay to us a total amount of $3,000 in
three payments of $1,000. The first of these payments will be due and payable upon the start of commercial production (as defined in the purchase and sale agreement) at the Amayapampa gold
project followed by $1,000 payments on each of the first and second anniversaries of the start of commercial production. In addition, Republic agreed to pay to us a net smelter return royalty ("NSR")
on the gold produced by or on behalf of Republic from the Amayapampa gold project in varying percentages depending on the price of gold per ounce. When the price of gold is between $500.01 and $650.00
per ounce, a 2% NSR is payable; when the price of gold is between $650.01 and $750.00 per ounce, a 3% NSR is payable; and when the price of gold is $750.01 per ounce and above, an NSR of 3.5% is
payable. The NSR is capped at 720,000 gold equivalent ounces, and no NSR payments are due to us if the gold price is below $500 per ounce.
The
Amayapampa interest is considered a financial instrument and as such has been accounted for at its fair value of $4,813 based on probability-weighted cash flow scenarios and assumptions, including
future gold prices, estimated gold production and the timing of commencement of commercial production. See Note 16Fair Value of Financial Instruments below for further discussion.
On
February 3, 2012, Republic announced that it has suspended operation in Bolivia at the Amayapampa gold project pending regulatory and policy certainty specifically related to the
nationalization of mining assets and the implications of the Bolivian Draft Mining Code. Republic stated that it will assess its option in Bolivia, which may include the sale of its assets. As of
December 31, 2011, we evaluated the carrying cost of the Amayapampa interest based upon the probability-weighted cash flows taking into account a higher probability that the project may never
go into production or commercial production may be delayed due to the political risks described above. Our evaluation also considered recent trends in future gold prices and updated gold production
estimates published by an independent third party consulting firm in January 2011. Based upon the recent upward trend in long-term gold prices and higher estimated gold production
specified in third party technical reports, we concluded that no impairment was required as of December 31, 2011.
148
4.
Marketable Securities
|
|
At December 31, 2011
|
|
At December 31, 2010
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
Unrealized
gain/(loss)
|
|
Fair value
|
|
Cost
|
|
Unrealized
gain
|
|
Fair value
|
Esperanza Silver Corp.
|
|
$
|
10
|
|
$
|
99
|
|
$
|
109
|
|
$
|
10
|
|
$
|
203
|
|
$
|
213
|
Black Isle Resources
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
63
|
Nevgold Resources Corp.
|
|
|
87
|
|
|
55
|
|
|
142
|
|
|
87
|
|
|
205
|
|
|
292
|
Sprott Resources Corp.
|
|
|
139
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
214
|
|
|
220
|
|
|
150
|
|
|
370
|
Canadian Phoenix
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
95
|
|
|
99
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
111
|
Other
|
|
|
458
|
|
|
(68
|
)
|
|
390
|
|
|
308
|
|
|
346
|
|
|
654
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
811
|
|
$
|
175
|
|
$
|
986
|
|
$
|
774
|
|
$
|
929
|
|
$
|
1,703
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During
the year ended December 31, 2011, we determined that certain of our securities had become impaired. The write down of $158 has been included in our Consolidated Statements of
Income/(Loss). There were no such write downs during the year ended December 31, 2010.
5.
Mineral Properties
|
|
2010
|
|
2011
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
Acquisition
costs
|
|
Option
payments
|
|
Capitalized
Interest
|
|
Cost
recovery
|
|
Disposals
|
|
Year to
date
activity
|
|
December 31,
|
Long Valley, United States
|
|
$
|
750
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
750
|
Yellow Pine, United States
|
|
|
800
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(800
|
)
|
|
(800
|
)
|
|
|
Concordia, Mexico
|
|
|
8,588
|
|
|
1,286
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
379
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,715
|
|
|
10,303
|
Guadalupe de los Reyes, Mexico
|
|
|
2,752
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,752
|
Awak Mas, Indonesia
|
|
|
1,586
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,020
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(1,020
|
)
|
|
566
|
Mt. Todd, Australia
|
|
|
2,146
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,146
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
16,622
|
|
$
|
1,286
|
|
$
|
50
|
|
$
|
379
|
|
$
|
(1,020
|
)
|
$
|
(800
|
)
|
$
|
(105
|
)
|
$
|
16,517
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amounts disclosed as mineral properties as of December 31, 2010 differ from those previously presented in the U.S. GAAP reconciliation to our
Canadian GAAP financial statements by $2,206. This amount represents option payments expensed as incurred in the years 2002 to 2006, which have been treated as property acquisition costs in these
consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The
recoverability of the carrying values of our mineral properties is dependent upon the successful start-up and commercial production from, or the sale or lease of, these properties, and
upon economic reserves being discovered or developed on the properties. Development and/or start-up of any of these projects will depend on, among other things, management's ability to
raise additional capital for these purposes. Although we have been successful in raising such capital in the past, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so in the future.
We
have determined that no impairment provision is currently required. A write down in the carrying values of one or more of our mineral properties may be required in the future as a result of events
and circumstances, such as our inability to obtain all the necessary permits, changes in the legal status of our mineral properties, government actions, the results of technical evaluation and changes
in economic conditions, including the price of gold and other commodities or input prices. We regularly evaluate the carrying value of our mineral properties to determine if impairment is required in
view of such factors.
149
(a) Long Valley
We entered into an option agreement in January 2003, with Standard Industrial Minerals, Inc. ("Standard"), to acquire Standard's 100% interest in the Long Valley
gold project in east central California, for an aggregate purchase price of $750.
(b) Yellow Pine
In November 2003, Idaho Gold Resources LLC, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Vista Gold entered into an option to purchase agreement for a
nine-year option to purchase 100% of the Yellow Pine gold project.
In
April 2011, we completed the combination with Midas Gold, Inc., a privately held company based in Spokane Valley, Washington whereby each party contributed their respective interests
in gold assets in the Yellow PineStibnite District located in Valley County, Idaho to Midas Gold Corp. The combination extinguished a 5.0% net smelter return royalty on Vista's Yellow
Pine gold project, which royalty is currently held by Midas Gold Corp. See Note 7.
(c) Concordia
We acquired 100% of the Concordia gold project in Mexico from Viceroy Resource Corporation in August 2002. The total acquisition cost of this project included cash
payments of $786 for acquisition and related costs, the issuance of 303,030 equity units with a fair value of $1,212 and a cash payment of $320 in August 2003. In September 2011,
the Company acquired some additional land from a third party for $1,150 as part of Vista's efforts to advance the Concordia gold project. Vista paid $538 in cash, while the remaining $635 is due upon
the achievement of certain milestones and is included in other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 22 for discussion regarding the earn-in
agreement entered into during February 2012.
(d) Guadalupe de los Reyes
In August 2003, we executed an agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Sinaloa State, Mexico and a data package
associated with the project and general area, for aggregate consideration of $1,400 and a 2% net smelter return royalty. A 2% net smelter return royalty is held by the previous owner and may be
acquired by us at any time for $1,000.
In
January 2008, we completed the acquisition of interests in various mineral properties adjacent to our Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Mexico. Under the terms of the agreement,
we: (a) paid Grandcru Resource Corporation ("Grandcru") total cash consideration of $452; and (b) issued to Grandcru and the San Miguel Group, in aggregate, our Common Shares with a
value of $1,000 (amounting to 213,503 Common Shares) on closing. We agreed to pay a 2% net smelter return royalty on all minerals produced payable to the San Miguel Group on the mining
concessions known as the San Miguel Concessions. We agreed to pay San Luis a 1% net smelter return royalty on mining concessions known as the San Luis Concessions and the San Miguel Concessions, and
2% to 3% net smelter return royalty depending on the gold price on our mining concessions known as the Gaitan Concessions. Certain of the San Luis Concessions are subject to a pre-existing
underlying royalty of 3% net smelter return royalty payable to Sanluis Corporacion, S.A. de C.V.
150
(e) Awak Mas
In April 2005, we completed our acquisition of the Awak Mas gold project in Sulawesi, Indonesia, pursuant to the exercise of our option to purchase the deposit for a
purchase price of $1,500.
In
December 2009, Pan Asia Resources Corp. ("Pan Asia") and our subsidiary Vista Gold (Barbados) Corp. ("Vista Barbados") executed a joint venture agreement ("JV Agreement")
allowing Pan Asia to earn a 60% interest in the project by: (a) expending $3,000 on the project within a specified period of time; (b) completing an environmental impact assessment and
feasibility study (in compliance with NI 43-101); and (c) issuing to Vista 2,000,000 shares of Pan Asia and the right to purchase up to an additional
2,000,000 shares of Pan Asia in the event Pan Asia completes an initial public offering of its shares. The 2,000,000 shares of Pan Asia received under the JV agreement were subsequently
exchanged for substantially equivalent shares of One Asia Resources Ltd.
In
June 2011, Vista Barbados entered into the Additional Option Agreement with Pan Asia. The Additional Option Agreement provides Pan Asia with the opportunity to earn an additional 20%
interest in our Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia after it has earned a 60% interest in the project pursuant to the JV Agreement. Pan Asia can acquire the additional 20% interest by (a) making
cash payments totaling $2,500 over a nine-month period; (b) issuing shares with a value equal to $2,000 or making a cash payment of $2,000 within 12 months, depending on
whether Pan Asia completes an initial public offering; and (c) carrying out a 5,000 meter drilling program in an area outside of the current project resource area within
18 months. In September 2011, the Additional Option Agreement and JV Agreement were assigned from Pan Asia to Awak Mas Holdings Pty. (an affiliate of Pan Asia). During the year
ended December 31, 2011, Vista received $1,000 under the Additional Option Agreement and has recorded these proceeds as a cost recovery against the carrying value of the Awak Mas gold project.
Any further proceeds received under these option agreements will be applied against the carrying value of the Awak Mas gold project until the carrying value is reduced to zero. Any proceeds received
in excess of the carrying value of the project will be recorded as a realized gain in the Consolidated Statement of Income/(Loss).
If
Awak Mas Holdings Pty. completes the undertakings required in the JV Agreement and the Additional Option Agreement, it will hold an 80% indirect interest in the Awak Mas gold project.
As
of December 31, 2011, we recorded restricted cash of $134 related to cash at the Awak Mas project contributed by Pan Asia but not yet spent for the furtherance of the project.
(f) Mt. Todd
Effective March 2006, Vista Gold and its subsidiary Vista Gold Australia Pty Ltd. ("Vista Australia") entered into agreements with Ferrier Hodgson, the Deed
Administrators for Pegasus Gold Australia Pty Ltd. ("Pegasus"), the government of the Northern Territory of Australia and the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation ("JAAC") and other
parties named therein, subject to regulatory approvals, to purchase a 100% interest in the Mt. Todd gold mine (also known as the Yimuyn Manjerr gold mine) in the Northern Territory, Australia. Under
these agreements, we are guarantor of the obligations of our subsidiary Vista Australia.
As
part of the agreements, we agreed to pay Pegasus, A$1,000 ($740) and receive a transfer of the mineral leases and certain mine assets; and pay the Northern Territory's costs of management and
operation of the Mt. Todd
151
site
up to a maximum of approximately A$375 (approximately $278) during the first year of the term (initial term is five years, subject to extensions), and assume site management and pay management
and operation costs in following years. Additionally, we issued Common Shares with a value of C$1,000 (amounting to 177,053 Common Shares) to the JAAC as consideration for the JAAC entering
into the agreement and for rent for the use of the surface overlying the mineral leases until a decision is reached to begin production. Other agreement terms provide that we will undertake a
technical and economic review of the mine and possibly form one or more joint ventures with the JAAC. In June 2006, the transactions contemplated under the agreements were completed and
effective, with funds held in escrow released to the ultimate vendors and the Common Shares issued to the JAAC. In November 2010, we, and the Northern Territory government, announced that the
agreement has been renewed for an additional five-year period to 2015.
6.
Plant and Equipment
|
|
December 31, 2011
|
|
December 31, 2010
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
Accumulated
depreciation
and write downs
|
|
Net
|
|
Cost
|
|
Accumulated
depreciation
and write downs
|
|
Net
|
Concordia, Mexico
|
|
$
|
18,238
|
|
$
|
92
|
|
$
|
18,146
|
|
$
|
18,185
|
|
$
|
63
|
|
$
|
18,122
|
Awak Mas, Indonesia
|
|
|
233
|
|
|
171
|
|
|
62
|
|
|
119
|
|
|
91
|
|
|
28
|
Mt. Todd, Australia
|
|
|
1,660
|
|
|
689
|
|
|
971
|
|
|
1,110
|
|
|
494
|
|
|
616
|
Corporate, United States
|
|
|
430
|
|
|
377
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
355
|
|
|
312
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
20,561
|
|
$
|
1,329
|
|
$
|
19,232
|
|
$
|
19,769
|
|
$
|
960
|
|
$
|
18,809
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.
Long-Term Investments
Midas Gold Corp. Combination
In April 2011, Vista completed a combination (the "Combination") with Midas Gold, Inc. As part of the Combination, each party contributed their respective
interests in gold assets in the Yellow Pine-Stibnite District in Idaho to a new Canadian private company named Midas Gold Corp. ("Midas Gold"). In exchange for the contribution of its
equity interests in Idaho Gold Holding Company, Vista US was issued 30,402,615 common shares in the capital of Midas Gold ("Midas Gold Shares"). Concurrently with the Combination, Midas Gold
completed a private placement of 6,129,800 Midas Gold Shares at a purchase price of C$2.50 ($2.59 based on the exchange rate on April 6, 2011) per share to raise gross proceeds of
C$15,325 ($15,876 based on the exchange rate on April 6, 2011) (the "Private Placement"). We purchased 1,400,000 Midas Gold Shares through the Private Placement for an aggregate
purchase price of C$3,500 ($3,632 based on the exchange rate on April 6, 2011). Following completion of the Combination and the Private Placement, Vista and Vista US together held
31,802,615 Midas Gold Shares representing as at April 6, 2011 approximately 37.4% (basic) and 34.2% (fully diluted basis) of the issued and outstanding Midas Gold Shares.
On
July 14, 2011, Midas Gold successfully completed an initial public offering ("IPO"), issuing 13,930,855 Midas Gold Shares. Midas Gold Shares began trading on the Toronto Stock
Exchange ("TSX") under the symbol "MAX." As of September 30, 2011, Midas had 105,241,936 common shares outstanding of which Vista owns 31,802,615 common shares or 30.2% of the
issued and outstanding Midas Gold Shares.
152
Upon
initial recognition of its investment in the Midas Gold Shares, Vista elected to apply the fair value option, and as such, the investment is recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance
Sheet. Subsequent changes in fair value are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income/(Loss) in the period in which they occur. The difference between the fair value of the
30,402,615 Midas Gold Shares and the carrying value
of our Yellow Pine assets has been recorded as a gain on disposal of mineral property given that Vista ceased to have a controlling financial interest in the Yellow Pine gold project upon completion
of the Combination.
The
Midas Gold Shares are currently subject to a contractual restriction on transfer from the date of Midas Gold's IPO, which was July 14, 2011. Because management intends on holding this
investment for the long term, we have classified our investment in the Midas Gold Shares as a long-term investment.
Summarized
financial information for Midas as of September 30, 2011 and for the twelve months then ended, which represents Midas Gold's latest available financial data as of the filing date of
this annual report, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards for interim financial statements is as follows. The Company will file an amendment to this annual report
once the annual financial information for Midas Gold is available.
|
|
September 30, 2011
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
51,250
|
|
|
Prepaid and other assets
|
|
|
293
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
51,543
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
Buildings and equipment
|
|
|
1,302
|
|
|
Exploraiton and evaluation assets
|
|
|
102,019
|
|
|
Other non-current assets
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current assets
|
|
|
103,339
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
154,882
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$
|
3,058
|
|
|
Current portion of notes payable
|
|
|
178
|
|
|
Accrued interest
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
3,245
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term portion of notes payable
|
|
|
566
|
|
Shareholders' equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital
|
|
|
155,482
|
|
|
Equity reserve
|
|
|
7,574
|
|
|
Deficit
|
|
|
(11,985
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders' equity
|
|
|
151,071
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
|
$
|
154,882
|
|
|
|
|
|
153
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
September 30,
2011
|
|
June 30,
2011
|
|
March 30,
2011
|
|
December 31,
2010
|
|
Operating income/(expense)
|
|
$
|
(2,988
|
)
|
$
|
(3,349
|
)
|
$
|
(982
|
)
|
$
|
(188
|
)
|
Other income/(expense)
|
|
|
(3,768
|
)
|
|
(52
|
)
|
|
5
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$
|
(6,756
|
)
|
$
|
(3,401
|
)
|
$
|
(977
|
)
|
$
|
(184
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per share, basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
$
|
(0.04
|
)
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
$
|
(0.00
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic and diluted
|
|
|
102,557,000
|
|
|
86,903,000
|
|
|
43,848,000
|
|
|
43,807,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.
Repayment of Convertible Notes
On March 4, 2008, we completed a private placement in which we issued and sold $30,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior secured convertible notes
(the "Notes"). The Notes were issued on March 4, 2008 and matured at face value on March 4, 2011 (the "Maturity Date"). The Notes accrued interest of 10% per annum.
Interest was payable each year in two installments on June 15 and December 15, and the principal was payable on the Maturity Date.
The
Notes were convertible at the holder's or issuer's discretion in accordance with the terms of the Notes. The holder could convert all or part of the debt underlying the Notes at any time prior to
the Maturity Date or the business day immediately preceding the Redemption Date (as defined below) at a price of $6.00 per Common Share (subsequently adjusted to $4.80 per Common Share, as
discussed below), subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The "Redemption Date" represented the date that the Notes would be redeemed in the event that we redeemed the Notes.
Pursuant
to the terms of the Notes, on March 4, 2009, the conversion price of the Notes was automatically adjusted from $6.00 per Common Share to $4.80 per Common Share.
Simultaneously
with the issuance of the Notes, we issued to Casimir Capital LP 200,000 Common Share purchase warrants with an exercise price of $6.00 per warrant and an expiration date
of March 4, 2011, as
partial consideration for acting as agent for the transaction. We also paid to Casimir Capital LP a cash fee of $1,200, being 4% of the gross proceeds of the offering of the Notes. The warrants
provided for cashless exercise if the market price of our Common Shares was above the exercise price of the warrants. In addition, the exercise price was subject to standard anti-dilution
adjustment provisions.
On
July 14, 2009, we entered into Note Repurchase Agreements (the "Whitebox Repurchase Agreements") with each of Whitebox Combined Partners, LP ("Whitebox Combined Partners"),
Whitebox Convertible Arbitrage Partners, LP ("Whitebox Convertible Arbitrage") and Whitebox Special Opportunities Fund Series B Partners, LP ("Whitebox Special Opportunities")
whereby we agreed to repurchase their respective Notes. Pursuant to the Whitebox Repurchase Agreements, we agreed to repurchase $1,333 Notes (i) in the principal amount of $504 from Whitebox
Combined Partners for an aggregate purchase price, including interest, of $332; (ii) in the principal amount of $510 from Whitebox Convertible Arbitrage for an aggregate purchase price,
including interest, of $336; and (iii) in the principal amount of $319 from Whitebox Special Opportunities for an
154
aggregate
purchase price, including interest, of $210, based on a settlement date of July 14, 2009. A gain of $415 was recorded in our Consolidated Statement of Income/(Loss) as a result of the
Notes repurchase.
On
May 20, 2010, we entered into a Notes Repurchase Agreement (the "Agreement") with Whitebox Advisors LLC ("Whitebox") whereby we agreed to repurchase Whitebox's remaining Notes.
Pursuant to the Agreement, we agreed to repurchase Notes in the principal amount of $5,667 and to settle interest payable through maturity on the Notes of $691. We agreed to pay Whitebox $2,233 in
cash and to issue 1,902,684 Common Shares to Whitebox as consideration for the Notes and interest payable of $6,358, in aggregate. A loss of $1,633 was recorded in our Consolidated Statement of
Income/(Loss) as a result of the Notes repurchase. As a result of the completion of the Agreement, 4,791,667 Common Shares were issuable upon conversion of the remaining Notes.
On
March 4, 2011, the Notes reached maturity. We used a portion of the net cash proceeds of $33,067 from our October 22, 2010 private placement to repay the outstanding principal of
$23,000 and accrued interest of $504. See Note 9 for further discussion of the private placement.
9.
Capital Stock
Common Shares issued and outstanding
|
|
Number of
shares issued
|
|
Common stock
|
|
As of December 31, 2008
|
|
34,475,829
|
|
$
|
300,657
|
|
Public offering
(a)
|
|
8,800,000
|
|
|
17,635
|
|
Over-allotment
(a)
|
|
1,320,000
|
|
|
2,734
|
|
Exercises of stock options, cashNote 11
|
|
83,195
|
|
|
287
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued during 2009
|
|
10,203,195
|
|
|
20,656
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2009
|
|
44,679,024
|
|
$
|
321,313
|
|
Early extinguishment of convertible notesNote 8
|
|
1,581,488
|
|
|
5,042
|
|
Interest payment on extinguished convertible notesNote 8
|
|
321,196
|
|
|
604
|
|
Private placement October 2010, net
(b)
|
|
15,308,044
|
|
|
22,680
|
|
Exercises of stock optionsNote 11
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
80
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued during 2010
|
|
17,240,728
|
|
|
28,406
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2010
|
|
61,919,752
|
|
$
|
349,719
|
|
Exercises of employee stock options, cash
|
|
354,984
|
|
|
1,313
|
|
Exercises of restricted stock units, fair valueNote 11
|
|
140,905
|
|
|
392
|
|
Cash paid in lieu of capital stock issuances
|
|
|
|
|
(107
|
)
|
April 20, 2011 equity financing
(c)
|
|
9,000,000
|
|
|
28,396
|
|
Exercises of October 22, 2010 warrants, cash
|
|
88,242
|
|
|
406
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued during 2011
|
|
9,584,131
|
|
|
30,400
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2011
|
|
71,503,883
|
|
$
|
380,119
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
155
(a) Public Offering and Over Allotment, September 2009
On September 21, 2009, we completed a public offering of Common Shares pursuant to a shelf registration statement previously filed with the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and a shelf prospectus previously filed with certain Canadian securities regulatory authorities. We offered and sold 8,800,000 Common
Shares to Dahlman Rose & Company and Wellington West Capital Markets, as underwriters, at a price of $2.25 per Common Share. We granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase
up to 1,320,000 additional Common Shares to cover over-allotments, if any. We received proceeds from the public offering, net of commissions, fees and expenses, of $17,635.
On
September 25, 2009, we completed the closing of the sale of 1,320,000 Common Shares pursuant to the underwriters' exercise of the over-allotment option. Consistent with
the public offering of Common Shares that closed on September 21, 2009, the 1,320,000 Common Shares were sold to Dahlman Rose & Company and Wellington West Capital Markets, as
underwriters, at the public offering price of $2.25 per Common Share. The over-allotment was made pursuant to our shelf registration statement filed with the SEC and a shelf prospectus
filed with certain Canadian securities regulatory authorities. With the sale of the additional 1,320,000 Common Shares to the underwriters, 10,120,000 Common Shares in total were sold in
connection with the offering. We received proceeds from the over-allotment, net of commissions, of $2,734.
(b) Private Placement, October 2010
On October 22, 2010, we closed our private placement, whereby we issued an aggregate of 14,666,739 special warrants at $2.30 per special warrant, for gross
proceeds of $33,733. The proceeds from the financing were placed into an escrow account with a Canadian financial institution, and upon receipt of Shareholders' Approval (as defined below), the
proceeds were released to us.
Upon
receipt of our shareholders' approval of the private placement ("Shareholders' Approval") on December 15, 2010, the special warrants were automatically exercised, for no additional
consideration, for one Common Share of Vista and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable over a five-year period from the closing of the private
placement to purchase one Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at a purchase price of $3.50 during the first year, $4.00 during the second year, $4.50 during the third year and $5.00 thereafter
until the expiry of the Warrant. If the closing price of the Common Shares on the NYSE AMEX Equities Stock Exchange is at least 35% above the current Exercise Price of the Warrants for a period of
15 consecutive trading days, then we will have the option to request that the Warrants be exercised. If the Warrants are not exercised within 25 business days following this request,
they will be cancelled. See Note 10 below.
We
agreed to pay fees in respect of subscriptions from investors introduced to us by a finder in the United States and an agent and finder in Canada. The fees were payable in that number of
special warrants equal to 5% of the number of special warrants purchased by investors introduced by that finder or agent. In addition, the finders and the agents were issued the number of compensation
warrants equal to 5% of the special warrants sold to purchasers introduced by that finder or agent pursuant to the private placement with each compensation warrant being exercisable for two years from
the closing of the private placement to acquire one Common Share at a price of $2.30 per Common Share. As a result, Vista issued 641,305 special warrants and 630,436 compensation
warrants to the agents and finders. Vista recognized non-cash expense related to these special warrants and compensation warrants of $1,475 and $612, respectively, which was allocated
pro rata
156
between
the Common Share and warrant components of the units. Upon Shareholder Approval, the special warrants issued to the finders and agents were automatically exercised and each special warrant
holder received one warrant and one Common Share per special warrant. The value of the Common Shares that was recorded was $1,031. The amount allocated as cost of equity related to the Special
Warrants and compensation warrants issued to agents and finders was $1,458. See Note 10 below.
(c) Public Offering, April 2011
On April 20, 2011, GMP Securities L.P. and Wellington West Capital Markets Inc. (collectively, the "Underwriters") purchased, on a bought deal basis,
9,000,000 of our Common Shares at a price of C$3.30 ($3.43 based on the exchange rate on April 20, 2011) per Common Share (the "Issue Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of C$29,700
($30,870 based on the exchange rate on April 20, 2011) (the "Offering"). Net cash proceeds after legal and regulatory fees were $28,984. Also, in connection with the Offering, we issued
450,000 compensation options to the Underwriters with a fair value of $588 (see Note 10). The Common Shares were sold by way of a prospectus supplement to our existing base shelf
prospectus dated April 27, 2009 and filed with the securities commissions in all of the provinces and territories of Canada (other than the Province of Québec) and in the
United States by way of a prospectus supplement to our base shelf prospectus included in our shelf registration statement filed with the SEC on April 28, 2009. On May 20, 2011, an
over-allotment option expired unexercised.
10.
Warrants
Further to Note 9, warrants granted and outstanding are summarized in the following table:
|
|
Warrants
granted
|
|
Valuation
|
|
Warrants
exercised
|
|
Warrants
expired
|
|
Warrants
outstanding
|
|
Weighted
average
exercise
price per
share
|
|
Expiry
date
|
|
Weighted
average
remaining
life (yrs.)
|
|
Intrinsic
value
|
As of December 31, 2008
|
|
12,408,917
|
|
$
|
336
|
|
(11,683,841
|
)
|
(525,077
|
)
|
200,000
|
|
$
|
6.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2009
|
|
12,408,917
|
|
|
336
|
|
(11,683,841
|
)
|
(525,077
|
)
|
200,000
|
|
|
6.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private placement October 2010
|
|
14,666,739
|
|
|
9,329
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,666,739
|
|
|
3.50
|
|
Oct-15
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
|
Finder's and agent's warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 2010
|
|
641,305
|
|
|
444
|
|
|
|
|
|
641,305
|
|
|
3.50
|
|
Oct-15
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
|
Finder's and agent's compensation warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 2010
|
|
630,436
|
|
|
612
|
|
|
|
|
|
630,436
|
|
|
2.30
|
|
Oct-12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2010
|
|
28,347,397
|
|
|
10,721
|
|
(11,683,841
|
)
|
(525,077
|
)
|
16,138,480
|
|
|
3.48
|
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
$
|
57
|
Convertible notes broker warrants
|
|
|
|
|
(336
|
)
|
|
|
(200,000
|
)
|
(200,000
|
)
|
|
6.00
|
|
Mar-11
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised from the October 22, 2010 private placement
|
|
|
|
|
(97
|
)
|
(88,242
|
)
|
|
|
(88,242
|
)
|
|
3.50
|
|
Oct-15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2011
|
|
28,347,397
|
|
$
|
10,288
|
|
(11,772,083
|
)
|
(725,077
|
)
|
15,850,238
|
|
$
|
3.45
|
|
|
|
3.7
|
|
$
|
485
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share. See Note 9.
As
discussed in Note 9 above, we completed a private placement financing in October 2010 in which we issued 14,666,739 special warrants. Upon receipt of shareholder approval of
the private placement, each special warrant was automatically exercised for one Common Share and one Common Share purchase warrant. The net proceeds of $33,067 from the private placement were
allocated to Common Shares and warrants, pro rata, using the market value of the Common Shares and the fair value of the warrants. As a result, warrants increased by $9,329.
157
The
fair value of the warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
Expected volatility
|
|
65%
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
2.11%
|
Expected lives (years)
|
|
5
|
Dividend yield
|
|
N/A
|
As
discussed in Note 9 above, we agreed to pay fees in respect of subscriptions from investors introduced to us by a finder in the United States and an agent and finder in Canada. The
fair value of the Special Warrants issued to the finders and agents and the fair value of the compensation warrants issued to the finders and agents was allocated pro rata to the Common Share
and warrant components of the units. As such, warrants were reduced by $628.
The
fair value of the Warrants issued to the agents and finders was determined using the Black-Scholes model above. The fair value of the compensation warrants issued to the finders and agents was
determined using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
Expected volatility
|
|
65%
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
0.68%
|
Expected lives (years)
|
|
2
|
Dividend yield
|
|
N/A
|
On
March 2, 2011, we announced that the 15,308,044 warrants issued on December 15, 2010 in connection with our private placement of Warrants began trading March 1, 2011 on
the TSX under the symbol VGZ.WT.U.
On
March 4, 2011, the warrants that were issued to the brokers in conjunction with the brokered private placement of the Notes expired. The value attributable to these warrants has been
reclassified to additional paid-in capital as a result.
On
May 5, 2011, our resale registration statement on Form S-3, which we agreed to file pursuant to the terms of our October 22, 2010 private placement of
14,666,739 warrants was declared effective. The registration statement registers for resale Common Shares, warrants and Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants held by certain
security holders named in the prospectus contained in the registration statement. The registration statement also registers the issuance of Common Shares underlying the warrants by holders that
purchase the warrants pursuant to the resale registration statement.
158
Compensation Options
|
|
Compensation
options
|
|
Valuation
|
|
Compensation
options
outstanding
|
|
Weighted
average
exercise price
|
|
Expiry
date
|
|
Weighted
average
remaining
life (yrs.)
|
|
Intrinsic
value
|
As of December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued as compensation to the underwriters
|
|
450,000
|
|
|
588
|
|
450,000
|
|
|
3.24
|
|
Apr-13
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2011
|
|
450,000
|
|
$
|
588
|
|
450,000
|
|
$
|
3.24
|
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In connection with the Offering, Vista granted 450,000 compensation options to the Underwriters as compensation. Each compensation option is exercisable
until April 20, 2013 to purchase one Common Share at the issue price of C$3.30, which was $3.07 at December 31, 2011.
11.
Stock-Based Compensation
A summary of the fair value of all awards issued under Vista's stock compensation plans included within Shareholders' Equity is as follows:
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
Balance, Beginning of Year
|
|
$
|
4,695
|
|
$
|
4,917
|
|
$
|
4,161
|
Stock options
|
|
|
238
|
|
|
(348
|
)
|
|
756
|
Restricted stock units
|
|
|
132
|
|
|
126
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, End of Year
|
|
$
|
5,065
|
|
$
|
4,695
|
|
$
|
4,917
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Option Plan
Under our Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"), we may grant options to our directors, officers, employees and consultants. The maximum number of our Common Shares that may be
reserved for issuance under the Plan, together with those reserved for issuance under the LTIP (as discussed below), is a variable number equal to 10% of the issued and outstanding Common
Shares on a non-diluted basis. Under the Plan, the exercise price of each option shall not be less than the market price of our Common Shares on the date preceding the date of grant, and
each option's maximum term is 10 years or such other shorter term as stipulated in a stock option agreement between Vista and the optionee. Options under the Plan are granted from time to time
at the discretion of the Board of Directors ("Board of Directors" or "Board"), with vesting periods and other terms as determined by the Board.
159
The
fair value of stock options granted to employees, directors and consultants was estimated at the grant date using the Hull-White Trinomial lattice option pricing model using the
following weighted average assumptions:
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
Expected volatility
|
|
83.40%83.86%
|
|
81.86%82.88%
|
|
76.42%78.80%
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
0.88%1.60%
|
|
1.51%2.88%
|
|
1.80%2.58%
|
Expected life (years)
|
|
5
|
|
5
|
|
5
|
Dividend yield
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
Option
pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected price volatility. Expected price volatility is based on the historical volatility of our Common Shares.
Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate. The expected term of the options granted is derived from the output of the option pricing model and
represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for the periods within the contractual term of the option is based on the
U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the date of grant.
A
summary of option activity under the Plan as of December 31, 2011 and changes during the year then ended is set forth in the following table:
|
|
Number of shares
|
|
Weighted average
exercise price
per share
|
|
Weighted average
remaining
contractual term
|
|
Aggregate
intrinsic value
|
OutstandingDecember 31, 2008
|
|
2,184,747
|
|
$
|
4.39
|
|
3.55
|
|
$
|
|
Granted
|
|
860,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
(83,195
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
(2,500
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cancelled
|
|
(7,500
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired
|
|
(163,407
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OutstandingDecember 31, 2009
|
|
2,788,145
|
|
$
|
3.75
|
|
3.43
|
|
$
|
534
|
Granted
|
|
165,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
(30,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cancelled
|
|
(325,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired
|
|
(9,484
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OutstandingDecember 31, 2010
|
|
2,588,661
|
|
$
|
3.55
|
|
2.90
|
|
$
|
463
|
Granted
|
|
1,246,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
(354,984
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited/Cancelled
|
|
(85,500
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired
|
|
(199,177
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OutstandingDecember 31, 2011
|
|
3,195,000
|
|
$
|
3.27
|
|
2.73
|
|
$
|
1,039
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ExercisableDecember 31, 2011
|
|
2,597,500
|
|
$
|
3.32
|
|
2.32
|
|
$
|
957
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
160
The
total number of options outstanding at December 31, 2011 is 3,195,000 with exercise prices ranging from approximately $1.77 to $7.45 and remaining lives of 0.58 to 4.88 years.
The total number of options outstanding represents 4.47% of issued capital.
Compensation
expense with a fair value of $1,496, $382, and $888 was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Under
the Plan, 1,246,000 stock options, which vest over a period of two years (623,000 in each year), were granted to our employees, directors and consultants during the year ended
December 31, 2011. The fair value of the 623,000 options immediately vested has been recorded as a non-cash compensation expense of $571. The weighted average grant-date fair
value of the 1,246,000 options granted during the year ended December 31, 2011 was $1.60.
Under
the Plan, 165,000 stock options, which vest over a period of two years (82,500 in each year), were granted to our employees and consultants during the year ended
December 31, 2010. The 82,500 immediately vested options had a fair value of $112. The weighted average grant-date fair value of the 165,000 options granted during the year ended
December 31, 2010 was $1.36.
Under
the Plan, 860,000 stock options, which vest over a period of two years (430,000 in each year), were granted to our employees, directors and consultants during the year ended
December 31, 2009. The 430,000 immediately vested options had a fair value of $398. The weighted average grant-date fair value of the 860,000 options granted during the year ended
December 31, 2009 was $0.93.
During
the year ended December 31, 2011, 354,984 options were exercised that had an aggregate intrinsic value of $806. During the year ended December 31, 2010,
30,000 options were exercised that had an aggregate intrinsic value of $18. During the year ended December 31, 2009, 83,195 options were exercised. There was no intrinsic value
associated with the options exercised during 2009.
161
A
summary of the status of our unvested stock options as of December 31, 2011, and changes during the year then ended, is set forth below:
|
|
Number
of shares
|
|
Weighted average
grant-date fair
value per share
|
UnvestedDecember 31, 2008
|
|
415,000
|
|
$
|
1.32
|
Granted
|
|
430,000
|
|
|
0.92
|
Vested
|
|
(412,500
|
)
|
|
1.32
|
Forfeited
|
|
(2,500
|
)
|
|
1.30
|
|
|
|
|
|
UnvestedDecember 31, 2009
|
|
430,000
|
|
$
|
0.92
|
Granted
|
|
82,500
|
|
|
1.36
|
Vested
|
|
(430,000
|
)
|
|
0.92
|
|
|
|
|
|
UnvestedDecember 31, 2010
|
|
82,500
|
|
$
|
1.36
|
Granted
|
|
1,246,000
|
|
|
1.60
|
Vested
|
|
(693,000
|
)
|
|
1.57
|
Forfeited
|
|
(38,000
|
)
|
|
1.51
|
|
|
|
|
|
UnvestedDecember 31, 2011
|
|
597,500
|
|
$
|
1.60
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of December 31, 2011, there was $1,803 of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of options outstanding. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted
average period of 0.58 years.
Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan
In May 2010, our shareholders approved the Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the "LTIP"), effective March 8, 2010 (the "Effective Date").
Under the LTIP, we may grant Restricted Stock Units ("RSU awards") or Restricted Stock Awards ("RSA awards") to the directors, officers, employees and consultants of Vista. The maximum
number of our Common Shares that may be reserved for issuance under the LTIP, together with those reserved for issuance under the Plan (as discussed above), is a variable number equal to 10% of
our issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. The total number of Common Shares issuable to our insiders at any time and issued to our insiders within any
one-year period under the LTIP, together with any stock options issued under the Plan, shall not exceed 10% of our issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis.
The
total number of Common Shares issuable to a director under the LTIP shall not exceed the lesser of: (i) 1% of our issued and outstanding Common Shares; and (ii) an annual award value of
$100 per director.
The
LTIP is administered by the Board of Directors, which can delegate the administration to the Compensation Committee or to such other officers and employees of Vista as designated by the Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors will determine the persons to whom awards are made; set the size, type, terms and conditions of the awards; fix the prices (if any) to be paid for the award;
interpret the LTIP; adopt, amend, rescind and take all other actions it believes are necessary or advisable for the implementation and administration of the LTIP.
162
Restricted Stock Units
The estimated fair value of each of our RSU awards was determined on the date of grant based on the closing market price of our Common Shares on the date of grant.
The
following table summarizes the RSU activity under the LTIP as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and changes during the years then ended is set forth in the following table:
|
|
Number of
units
|
|
Weighted
average grant-
date fair value
|
UnvestedDecember 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UnvestedDecember 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
175,500
|
|
|
2.37
|
|
|
|
|
|
UnvestedDecember 31, 2010
|
|
175,500
|
|
$
|
2.37
|
Forfeited
|
|
(10,000
|
)
|
|
2.37
|
Exercised
|
|
(165,500
|
)
|
|
2.37
|
Granted
|
|
960,000
|
|
|
3.84
|
|
|
|
|
|
UnvestedDecember 31, 2011
|
|
960,000
|
|
$
|
3.84
|
|
|
|
|
|
On
September 13, 2010, we granted 175,500 RSU awards to employees, directors and consultants of Vista. The market price on the date of grant was $2.37. All of the RSU awards granted
vested on the one-year anniversary of the grant date and upon vesting, a holder of an RSU award received one Common Share, for no additional consideration, for each RSU award held.
On
November 16, 2011, we granted 960,000 RSU awards to employees, directors and consultants of Vista. The market price on the date of grant was $3.84. 660,000 of the RSU awards granted
vest as follows: a) 50% vest after three years; b) 25% vest at the time that a definitive investment decision or significant transaction, as confirmed by the Board, is made for Mt. Todd;
c) 12.5% vest upon the completion of a positive preliminary feasibility study for the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project as set out in a technical report that has been filed on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com
by the Corporation; and d) 12.5% vest upon the addition of 1.5 million ounces of estimated measured and indicated mineral resources to Vista's
resource holdings, which estimated resources are set out in a technical report that has been filed on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com
by the Corporation. The vesting period for all
RSUs shall be at least one year. The remaining 300,000 RSU awards granted vest when the average adjusted value of the Common Shares (or Common Shares plus dividends or distribution
value) measured over any consecutive 30-day period is two times the closing trading price of the Common Shares as listed on the NYSE AMEX Exchange on November 2, 2011 of $3.78,
provided that this period is at least one year. The adjusted value is the closing trading price of the Common Shares as listed on the NYSE AMEX Exchange (on any given day) divided by one
(1) plus the percentage change (increase/decrease) from date the RSUs were granted to the current date of the average of the AMEX Gold Basket of Unhedged Gold Stocks Index ("HUI") and the
Philadelphia Gold and Silver Sector Index ("XAU"). In the event the share price vesting provision is met prior to the end of one year, the RSUs will vest at the end of one year regardless of the share
price at that time. Upon vesting, a holder of an RSU award will receive one Common Share, for no additional consideration, for each RSU award held.
163
Compensation
expense with a fair value of $524 and $126 was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for RSUs previously granted and vesting over time. No
RSUs were granted during 2009.
As
of December 31, 2011, there was $3,363 of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested RSU awards outstanding. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average
period of 1.68 years.
12.
Additional Paid-In-Capital
|
|
For the years ended December 31,
|
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
$
|
7,565
|
|
$
|
6,862
|
Cancelled options
|
|
|
|
|
|
4
|
Expired options
|
|
|
828
|
|
|
699
|
Expired warrantsNote 10
|
|
|
336
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of year
|
|
$
|
8,729
|
|
$
|
7,565
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
A reconciliation of the amounts contained in accumulated other comprehensive income is as follows:
|
|
Accumulated other
comprehensive income
|
|
Accumulated other
comprehensive income, net of tax
|
|
As of December 31, 2008
|
|
$
|
5,413
|
|
$
|
4,603
|
|
Increases to fair market value during period
|
|
|
2,092
|
|
|
1,778
|
|
Decreases due to realization of a gain
|
|
|
(6,829
|
)
|
|
(5,806
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2009
|
|
$
|
676
|
|
$
|
575
|
|
] Increases to fair market value during period
|
|
|
534
|
|
|
467
|
|
Decreases due to realization of a gain
|
|
|
(281
|
)
|
|
(246
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2010
|
|
$
|
929
|
|
$
|
796
|
|
Decreases to fair market value during period
|
|
|
(295
|
)
|
|
(251
|
)
|
Decreases due to realization of a gain
|
|
|
(459
|
)
|
|
(390
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2011
|
|
$
|
175
|
|
$
|
155
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
164
14.
Weighted Average Common Shares
Basic income/(loss) per Common Share is computed by dividing income/(loss) by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per
Common Share is computed similarly to basic income per Common Share except that weighted average Common Shares are increased to include the potential issuance of dilutive Common Shares.
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
Weighted average Common Shares:
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
68,457,885
|
|
47,335,571
|
Effect of dilutive employee stock-based awards
|
|
637,081
|
|
|
Effect of dilutive warrants
|
|
200,981
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
69,295,947
|
|
47,335,571
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
options to purchase 1,810,000 and 2,588,661 Common Shares, warrants to purchase 15,219,802 and 16,138,480 Common Shares were outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010,
respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted weighted average Common Shares outstanding because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
15.
Commitments and Contingencies
Refer to Note 5 for commitments in connection with acquisitions of mineral properties and Note 6 for commitments in connection with acquisitions of plant
and equipment.
16.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market
participants at the measurement date (exit price) and establishes a fair-value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value using the following definitions (from
highest to lowest priority):
-
-
Level 1Unadjusted
quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
-
-
Level 2Observable
inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or
indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs
that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
-
-
Level 3Prices
or valuation techniques requiring inputs that are both significant to the fair-value measurement and unobservable.
Our
financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, Amayapampa interest, long-term investments, accounts payable and certain other current assets and
liabilities. Due to the short-term nature of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and certain other current assets and liabilities, we
165
believe
that their carrying amounts approximated fair value. Our marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale. Accordingly, these securities are carried at fair
value, which is based upon quoted market prices in an active market, with unrealized gains and losses being reported in other comprehensive income until such time that the securities are disposed of
or become impaired. As such, these financial instruments are included in Level 1 in our fair-value hierarchy. The value of our long-term investment in the Midas Gold
Shares is based upon its quoted market price in an active market of $3.87 as discounted as of December 31, 2011 to the extent considered appropriate by management for the contractual
restriction on transfer (14 days remaining as of December 31, 2011), using management's best estimates of volatility (32%) and the risk free interest rate (0.91%) over the restriction
period. The discount was calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Based on these factors, this financial instrument is included in Level 2 in our fair-value hierarchy.
The value of the Amayapampa interest was estimated at $4,813 based on probability-weighted cash flow scenarios and assumptions, including future gold prices (weighted average gold price per ounce of
$1,150), estimated gold production (ranging from 350,000 to 650,000 ounces) and the timing of commencement of commercial production (periods ranging from 2 to 7 years or never), which
are management's best estimates based on current available information. As such, this financial instrument is included in Level 3 in our fair-value hierarchy.
17.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Material Non-Cash Transactions
As of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, all of our cash was held in liquid bank deposits.
Significant
non-cash transactions during the year ended December 31, 2011 included the following:
-
-
the
receipt of 30,402,615 Midas Gold Shares in exchange for our Yellow Pine assets with a carrying value of $800. The fair value of the Midas Gold Shares was
determined to be $78,872 upon receipt (see Note 7);
-
-
the
issuance of 450,000 compensation options as compensation to the Underwriters' of our April 20, 2011 equity financing
(see Note 10); and
-
-
the
acquisition of mineral properties for the partial consideration of a $635 obligation, which is due upon the achievement of certain milestones.
Significant
non-cash transactions during the year ended December 31, 2010 included the following:
-
-
the
issuance of 1,902,684 Common Shares as partial consideration for the repurchase of Notes in the principal amount of $5,667 and interest payable through to the
maturity date of $691;
-
-
the
receipt of 800,000 common shares in the capital of Black Isle Resources Corp. for the repayment of an outstanding $662 loan that was previously written off as an
uncollectible receivable. These common shares were valued at $38 when received and, accordingly, were recorded as a gain in our Consolidated Statement of Income/(Loss); and
-
-
issuance
of compensation options and special warrants to finders and agents as part of 2010 private placement.
166
There
were no significant non-cash transactions during the year ended December 31, 2009.
18.
Income Taxes
A reconciliation of the combined Canadian income taxes at statutory rates and the Corporation's effective income tax (benefit)/expense is as follows:
|
|
Years ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
Income tax (benefit)/expense at statutory rates
|
|
$
|
33,846
|
|
$
|
(7,008
|
)
|
$
|
(2,014
|
)
|
Increase/(decrease) in taxes from:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Permanent differences
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(989
|
)
|
|
Differences in foreign tax rates
|
|
|
1,930
|
|
|
630
|
|
|
160
|
|
|
Effect of foreign exchange
|
|
|
603
|
|
|
(755
|
)
|
|
(1,466
|
)
|
|
Change in effective tax rate
|
|
|
(764
|
)
|
|
209
|
|
|
(759
|
)
|
|
Prior year provision to actual adjustments
|
|
|
987
|
|
|
1,829
|
|
|
(2,433
|
)
|
|
Change in valuation allowance
|
|
|
(2,970
|
)
|
|
5,009
|
|
|
7,664
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
|
|
113
|
|
|
98
|
|
|
49
|
|
|
Debt discount interest
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
(182
|
)
|
|
(347
|
)
|
|
Meals and entertainment
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
Other adjustments
|
|
|
77
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
(28
|
)
|
|
Adjustments to capital gains
|
|
|
89
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Imputed interest
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
108
|
|
|
139
|
|
|
Realized foreign exchange gain/(loss) on intercompany balances
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
19
|
|
|
Expiration or use of NOLs
|
|
|
1,526
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax (benefit)/expense
|
|
$
|
35,522
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
167
Deferred
income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax
purposes. The significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities as at December 31 are as follows:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
|
Deferred income tax assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Excess tax basis over book basis of plant, and equipment
|
|
$
|
6,011
|
|
$
|
6,495
|
|
Operating loss carryforwards
|
|
|
26,772
|
|
|
20,945
|
|
Capital loss carryforwards
|
|
|
2,645
|
|
|
2,773
|
|
Other
|
|
|
2,023
|
|
|
1,407
|
|
Unrealized foreign exchange on loans
|
|
|
676
|
|
|
864
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax assets
|
|
|
38,127
|
|
|
32,484
|
|
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
|
|
|
(29,291
|
)
|
|
(31,886
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,836
|
|
|
598
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income tax liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amayapapa disposal consideration
|
|
|
482
|
|
|
482
|
|
Excess carrying value over tax value of plant, and equipment
|
|
|
29,784
|
|
|
|
|
Marketable securities
|
|
|
14,092
|
|
|
116
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
44,358
|
|
|
598
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred taxes
|
|
$
|
(35,522
|
)
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
Corporation has available income tax losses of $62,018, which may be carried forward and applied against future taxable income when earned.
168
The
losses expire as follows:
|
|
Noncapital
Canada
|
|
United States
|
|
Mexico
|
|
Indonesia
|
|
Barbados
|
|
Total
|
|
2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(168
|
)
|
|
(1,959
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(2,127
|
)
|
2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(254
|
)
|
|
(968
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(1,222
|
)
|
2014
|
|
|
(725
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(112
|
)
|
|
(428
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(1,265
|
)
|
2015
|
|
|
(889
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(290
|
)
|
|
(142
|
)
|
|
(9
|
)
|
|
(1,330
|
)
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(113
|
)
|
|
(105
|
)
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
(226
|
)
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(480
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(12
|
)
|
|
(492
|
)
|
2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,609
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(84
|
)
|
|
(5,693
|
)
|
2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
(519
|
)
|
|
(867
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(63
|
)
|
|
(1,449
|
)
|
2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
(783
|
)
|
|
(2,131
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,914
|
)
|
2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
(779
|
)
|
|
(5,771
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,550
|
)
|
2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
(748
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(748
|
)
|
2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
(691
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(691
|
)
|
2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,082
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,082
|
)
|
2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,362
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,362
|
)
|
2026
|
|
|
(1,027
|
)
|
|
(1,213
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,240
|
)
|
2027
|
|
|
(847
|
)
|
|
(1,700
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,547
|
)
|
2028
|
|
|
(5,245
|
)
|
|
(1,719
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,964
|
)
|
2029
|
|
|
(4,022
|
)
|
|
(2,309
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,331
|
)
|
2030
|
|
|
(5,032
|
)
|
|
(2,146
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,178
|
)
|
2031
|
|
|
(3,828
|
)
|
|
(3,779
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,607
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(21,615
|
)
|
$
|
(20,830
|
)
|
$
|
(15,795
|
)
|
$
|
(3,602
|
)
|
$
|
(176
|
)
|
$
|
(62,018
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our
tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2008; 2009; 2010; and 2011 remain subject to regulatory review.
19.
Retirement Plan
We sponsor a qualified tax-deferred savings plan in accordance with the provisions of Section 401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, which is
available to permanent U.S. employees. We make contributions of up to 4% of eligible employees' salaries. Our contributions were as follows: 2011$63; 2010$59;
2009$52.
20.
Geographic and Segment information
We evaluate, acquire, explore and advance gold exploration and potential development projects, which may lead to gold production, as well as the realization of the market value
of our assets. These activities are focused principally in Australia, North America and Indonesia. We reported no revenues in the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Geographic
location of mineral properties and plant and equipment is provided in Notes 5 and 6, respectively.
169
21.
Related Party Transactions
On April 1, 2009, we entered into an agreement with Sierra Partners LLC ("Sierra") pursuant to which Sierra agreed to provide us with investor relations and
corporate finance consulting services. A founder and partner of Sierra is also one of our directors. Under the terms of the agreement, Sierra provided us with consulting services commencing
April 1, 2009 and ending on March 31, 2010, with the agreement continuing thereafter on a month-to-month basis. Sierra assists us with our efforts to maintain an
investor relations program and provides support and analysis of our general corporate finance and strategy efforts. As compensation for these services, we agreed to pay to Sierra a monthly retainer
fee of $10 for the duration of the agreement. As part of the original terms of the agreement, we issued 60,000 stock options to Sierra with a recorded expense of $54 as of December 31,
2010. On December 15, 2010, we issued an additional 30,000 stock options to Sierra with a recorded expense of $40 as of December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2011, we had
made payments to Sierra under the agreement totaling $330, of which $120 had been paid during the year ended December 31, 2011.
22.
Subsequent Events
-
-
On
January 1, 2012, we granted 300,000 restricted stock units ("RSUs") to certain employees. The terms of the restricted stock units agreement provide that the
vesting period for the RSUs is at least one year and that the RSUs will vest when the average adjusted value of our Common Shares (or shares plus dividends or distribution value) measured over
any consecutive 30-day period is two times the closing trading price of the Common Shares as listed on the New York Stock Exchange American Exchange ("NYSE AMEX") on
November 2, 2011 of $3.78 per share. The adjusted value is the closing trading price of the Common Shares as listed on the NYSE AMEX (on any given day) divided by one (1) plus the
percentage change (increase/decrease) from date the RSUs were granted to the current date of the average of the AMEX Gold Basket of Unhedged Gold Stocks Index ("HUI") and the Philadelphia Gold and
Silver Sector Index ("XAU"). In the event the share-price vesting provision is met prior to the end of one year, the RSUs will vest at the end of one year regardless of the share price at
that time.
-
-
On
January 3, 2012, we announced that effective January 1, 2012, Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation was appointed
to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Earnest's new title is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Mr. Earnest's appointment follows the retirement of Michael
B. Richings as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Mr. Richings will continue to be actively involved with Vista in his role as a director and the Chairman of the
Corporation's Board of Directors.
-
-
On
February 3, 2012, Republic Gold Ltd. announced that it had suspended operations in Bolivia at the Amayapampa gold project pending regulatory and policy
certainty specifically related to the nationalization of mining assets and the implications of the (draft) mining code. Republic Gold Ltd. stated that it will assess its options in Bolivia,
which may include the sale of its assets. See "Item 8Consolidated Financial StatementsNote 3" for further discussion regarding Vista's interest in the
Amayapampa project.
-
-
On
February 7, 2012, we announced that the Corporation had entered into an Earn-in Right Agreement (the "Earn-in Right Agreement") with Mexico-based
Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. ("Invecture") with respect to Vista's Concordia gold project in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Vista holds the Concordia gold project through its wholly-owned,
Mexican subsidiary, Desarrollos Zapal, S.A. de C.V. ("DZ Mexico"). Under the terms of the Earn-in Right Agreement, Invecture made a non-refundable payment of $2,000 in
exchange for the right to earn a 60% interest (subject to adjustment) in DZ Mexico (the "Earn-in
170
Right").
The Earn-in Right will expire if not exercised by February 7, 2014, subject to extension in certain circumstances (the "Earn-in Period"). The Earn-in
Right Agreement provides that during the Earn-in Period, Invecture will, at its sole expense, manage and operate the Concordia gold project and will undertake all commercially reasonable
efforts to obtain the CUSF and the Authorization of Environmental Impact which are required to develop the project.
The
Earn-in Right Agreement provides that the exercise of the earn-in right by Invecture is conditional upon, among other things: (i) receipt of the CUSF and the
Authorization of Environmental Impact; (ii) the completion of a feasibility report on the Concordia gold project that updates the existing feasibility report with respect to costs;
(iii) Invecture funding the Concordia gold project during the Earn-in Period; and (iv) Invecture making an additional payment of $20,000 to DZ Mexico, which amount will be
used to repay intercompany loans owed by DZ Mexico to Vista.
During
the Earn-in Period and subject to the terms of the Earn-in Right Agreement, Vista will holds 40% of the DZ Mexico shareholder voting rights. The remaining 60% of the DZ
Mexico shareholder voting rights are held in a trust that will be instructed by representatives of Vista and Invecture. Upon Invecture's exercise of the Earn-in Right, Vista will continue
to hold a 40% interest (subject to adjustment) in DZ Mexico and the Concordia gold project.
As
part of the Earn-in Right Agreement, DZ Mexico has transferred all of its other material assets, including the mill equipment acquired by Vista for the Concordia gold project in 2008
and the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, to other entities in the Vista group of companies. Vista has granted Invecture the option to cause DZ Mexico to acquire the mill equipment for
$16,000 plus storage, insurance and transportation costs and any applicable taxes. This option is exercisable by Invecture until February 7, 2013.
-
-
On
February 14, 2012, Midas Gold announced that it completed a private placement financing of a total of 9,085,000 special warrants at a price of C$4.45 ($4.45
based on the exchange rate on February 14, 2012) for aggregate proceeds of C$40,428 ($40,448 based on the exchange rate on February 14, 2012). Following completion of this private
placement, Vista and Vista US together hold 31,802,615 Midas Gold Shares representing approximately 27.8% (basic) and 25.4% (fully diluted basis) of the issued and outstanding Midas Gold
Shares. See "Item 8Consolidated Financial StatementsNote 7" for further discussion regarding Vista's investment in Midas Gold.
171
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
At the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, an evaluation was carried out under
the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Interim Chief Financial Officer ("ICFO"), of the effectiveness of the design and
operations of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation,
the CEO and the ICFO have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this annual report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that: (i) information
required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules
and forms and (ii) material information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and ICFO, as
appropriate, to allow for accurate and timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in
Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal
financial officers and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and
procedures that:
-
-
pertain
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
-
-
provide
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
-
-
provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Our
management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth in the
Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on our assessment, we have concluded that, as of
December 31, 2011, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.
The
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm
that audited our Financial Statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K.
172
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting is included as part of Item 8. Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data herein.
Changes in Internal Controls
.
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely
to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
173
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Information
concerning our directors, Audit Committee, Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and Code of Ethics is contained in our definitive Proxy Statement, filed pursuant to
Regulation 14A promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference. Information concerning our executive
officers is set forth under Item 3 of this report.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Information
relating to executive compensation will be contained in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
Information
relating to security ownership of certain beneficial owners of our Common Shares, our equity compensation plans and the security ownership of our management will be contained in the Proxy
Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
Information
concerning this item will be contained in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Information
concerning this item will be contained in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
174
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
Documents Filed as Part of Report
Financial Statements
The following Consolidated Financial Statements of the Corporation are filed as part of this report:
-
1.
-
Report
of Independent Accountants dated March 14, 2012.
-
2.
-
Consolidated
Balance SheetsAt December 31, 2011 and 2010.
-
3.
-
Consolidated
Statements of Income/(Loss) and Comprehensive Income/(Loss)Years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009.
-
4.
-
Consolidated
Statements of Cash FlowsYears ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009.
-
5.
-
Consolidated
Statements of Shareholders' EquityYears ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009.
-
6.
-
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements.
See
"Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".
Financial Statement Schedules
No financial statement schedules are filed as part of this report, because such schedules are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial
Statements or notes thereto. See "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".
Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
Exhibit
Number
|
|
Description
|
3.01
|
|
Articles of Continuation filed as Exhibit 2.01 to the Form 20-F for the period ended December 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
3.02
|
|
By-Law No. 1 of Vista Gold filed as Schedule B to the Management Information and Proxy Circular as filed on Form 6-K as filed with the SEC on April 9, 1998 and incorporated herein by
reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
3.03
|
|
Amended By-Law No. 1 of Vista Gold filed as Schedule D to the Management Information and Proxy Circular as filed with the SEC on April 7, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference
(File No. 1-9025)
|
3.04
|
|
Articles of Arrangement of Vista Gold Corp., dated May 10, 2007 filed as Exhibit 3 to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 10, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference
(File No. 1-9025)
|
175
4.01
|
|
Note Indenture, dated March 4, 2008, among Vista Gold Corp., Minera Paredones Amarillos S.A. de C.V., as guarantor, HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as trustee and HSBC México, S.A. De C.V.,
Institución de Banca Múltiple, Grupo Financiero HSBC, División Fiduciaria, as collateral agent filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 3, 2008 and incorporated herein
by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
4.02
|
|
Special Warrant Indenture, dated October 22, 2010 filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 15, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference
(File No. 1-9025)
|
4.03
|
|
Warrant Indenture, dated October 22, 2010 filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 15, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference
(File No. 1-9025)
|
10.01
|
|
Stock Option dated July 1, 1985, between Henry C. Crofoot, trustee, and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.02
|
|
Data Purchase, Production Payment Grant and Option to Purchase Production Payment Agreement dated August 1, 2003 between Vista Gold and Enrique Gaitan Maumejean filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the
Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.03
|
|
Amendment Agreement dated January 14, 1988, among Henry C. Crofoot et al and Enrique Gaitan Maumejean filed as Exhibit 10.21 to Granges' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.04
|
|
Lewis Hycroft Agreement dated January 10, 1989, among Frank W. Lewis, Hycroft Lewis and Hycroft ResourcesDevelopment Inc. filed as Exhibit 10.16 to Granges' Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.05
|
|
Employment Agreement dated June 1, 2004 between Vista Gold and Gregory G. Marlier filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and incorporated herein by
reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.06
|
|
Employment Agreement effective as of January 1, 2005 between Vista Gold and Michael B. Richings filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated
herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.07
|
|
Third Amendment Agreement dated January 19, 2005, between Vista Gold Corp. and Luzon Minerals Ltd. filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and
incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.08
|
|
Stock Option Plan of Vista Gold dated November 1996 as amended in November 1998, May 2003, May 2005 and May 2006 filed as Schedule C to the Corporation's Annual Report on
April 3, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.09
|
|
Share Purchase Agreement dated August 29, 2002 between Vista Gold and Viceroy Minerals Corporation filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.10
|
|
Purchase Agreement dated October 7, 2002 between Vista Gold and Newmont Mining Corporation filed as Exhibit 10.26 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.11
|
|
Venture Assignment Agreement dated May 9, 2005 between Vista Gold Corp. filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and
incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
176
10.12
|
|
Assignment Agreement, dated May 9, 2005, between Continental Goldfields Limited and Vista Gold Corp. filed as Exhibit 10.28 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.13
|
|
Assignment of Rights dated May 9, 2005, between ORT Limited and Vista Gold Corp. filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005
and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.14
|
|
Option to Purchase Agreement dated July 18, 2005 between Vista Gold and Monex Exploration filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 8-K, dated July 18, 2005 and
incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.15
|
|
Purchase Agreement dated November 7, 2005 between Vista Gold Corp. and Luzon Minerals Ltd. filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 8-K, dated November 7, 2005
and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.16
|
|
Finder's Fee Agreement and each Purchaser as defined therein filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 2, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference
(File No. 1-9025)
|
10.17
|
|
Form of Subscription Agreement dated September 29, 2004, between Vista Gold and each Purchaser as defined therein filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.18
|
|
Agreement, dated March 1, 2006, among the Northern Territory of Australia, Vista Gold Australia Pty Ltd. and Vista Gold Corp. filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the Corporation's Annual Report on
Form 8-K, dated February 28, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.19
|
|
Employment Agreement dated June 1, 2004 between Vista Gold and Gregory G. Marlier filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 8-K, dated February 28, 2006 and
incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.20
|
|
Letter Agreement, dated April 12, 2005, between Prime Corporate Finance Pty Limited and Vista Gold Corp. filed as Exhibit 10.43 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.21
|
|
Employment Agreement effective as of January 1, 2005 between Vista Gold and Michael B. Richings filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 8-K, dated July 6, 2006 and
incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.22
|
|
Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated January 19, 2005, between Vista Gold Corp. filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 8-K for the SEC on August 16, 2006)
and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.23
|
|
Deed of Option, dated October 28, 2004, between Weston Investments, Organic Resources, Vista Gold Corp., Salu Siwa and JCI Limited filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the Corporation's Annual Report on
Form 8-K for the SEC on August 25, 2006) and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.24
|
|
Arrangement and Merger Agreement dated as of September 22, 2006, between Vista Gold Corp., Allied Nevada Gold Corp., Carl Pescio and JCI Limited filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the Corporation's Annual
Report on Form 8-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.25
|
|
Employment Agreement, dated as of September 22, 2006, between Vista Gold Corp., and JCI Limited filed as Exhibit 10.26 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 8-K for the year ended
December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
177
10.26
|
|
Assignment Agency Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2006, among Vista Gold Corp., filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 8-K dated October 30, 2006 and
incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.27
|
|
Assignment Loan Agreement dated May 9, 2005, between Vista Gold Corp. filed as Exhibit 10.28 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 8-K dated December 22, 2006 and incorporated herein by
reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.28
|
|
Assignment Agreement, dated May 9, 2005, between ORT Limited and Vista Gold Corp. filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 8-K dated December 22, 2006 and incorporated
herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.29
|
|
Purchase Letter Agreement dated July 18, 2005, between Vista Gold Corp. and Luzon Minerals Ltd. filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 18, 2005
and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.30
|
|
Fee Letter Agreement dated March 13, 2007, between Vista Gold Corp. and Luzon Minerals Ltd. filed as Exhibit 10.53 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.31
|
|
Amendment to Arrangement and Merger Agreement by and among Vista Gold Corp., Allied Nevada Gold Corp., Carl Pescio and Janet Pescio, dated May 8, 2007 filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation's
Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 10, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.32
|
|
Letter Agreement dated November 20, 2007, between Vista Gold Corp. and Luzon Minerals Ltd. filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated November 20, 2007
and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.33
|
|
Agreement dated December 19, 2007, between Grandcru Resource Corporation and Vista Gold Corp. filed as Exhibit (use corresponding Exhibit #) to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.34
|
|
Purchase and Termination Agreement dated December 19, 2007, among (i) Klaus Genssler, Genssler Investment Partnership, LLP, Douglas D. Foote and Synergex Group Limited Partnership, (ii) Grandcru
Resources Corporation, (iii) Minera Paredones Amarillos, S.A. de C.V. and (iv) Vista Gold Corp. filed as Exhibit (use corresponding Exhibit #) to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.35
|
|
Termination and Purchase Agreement dated December 21, 2007, among (i) Goldcorp Inc., Luismin S.A. de C.V. and Desarrollos Mineros San Luis, S.A. de C.V., (ii) Grandcru Resources
Corporation, (iii) Minera Paredones Amarillos, S.A. de C.V. and (iv) Vista Gold Corp. filed as Exhibit (use corresponding Exhibit #) to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2007 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.36
|
|
Asset Sale Agreement dated January 4, 2008, among Vista Gold Corp., Minera Paredones Amarillos, S.A. de C.V., Del Norte Company, Ltd. and A.M. King Industries, Inc. filed as Exhibit 10.1
to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 2, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.37
|
|
Agency Agreement, dated March 4, 2008, between Vista Gold Corp. and Casimir Capital L.P. filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 3, 2008 and
incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
178
10.38
|
|
Form of Subscription Agreement dated March 4, 2008, between Vista Gold Corp. and each Subscriber as defined therein filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
March 3, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.39
|
|
Purchase and Sale Agreement dated March 4, 2008, among Vista Gold Corp., Vista Gold (Antigua) Corp. and Republic Gold Limited ACN 106399311, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated April 4, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.40
|
|
Note Repurchase Agreement, dated July 14, 2009, by and between the Corporation and Whitebox Combined Partners, LP filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
July 20, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.41
|
|
Note Repurchase Agreement, dated July 14, 2009, by and between the Corporation and Whitebox Convertible Arbitrage Partners, LP filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated dated July 20, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.42
|
|
Note Repurchase Agreement, dated July 14, 2009, by and between the Company and Whitebox Special Opportunities Fund Series B Partners, LP filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Corporation's Current Report
on Form 8-K dated dated July 20, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.43
|
|
Joint Venture Agreement dated December 23, 2009 between Vista Gold (Barbados) Corp. and Pan Asia Resources Corporation filed as Exhibit 10.43 to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated
March 16, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.44
|
|
Note Repurchase Agreement dated May 13, 2010, by and between the Corporation and the Noteholder filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 6, 2010 and
incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.45
|
|
Canadian Agent Agreement dated September 29, 2010, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated November 9, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference
(File No. 1-9025)
|
10.46
|
|
Canadian Amended and Restated Agent Agreement, dated October 22, 2010, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 6, 2010 and incorporated herein by
reference (File No. 1-9025)
|
10.47
|
|
United States Finder's Agreement dated September 30, 2010, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 6, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference
(File No. 1-9025)
|
10.48
|
|
Canadian Finder's Agreement dated October 22, 2010, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 6, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference
(File No. 1-9025)
|
21
|
|
Subsidiaries of the Corporation
|
23.1
|
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent auditors
|
23.2
|
|
Consent of SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc.
|
23.3
|
|
Consent of Golder Associates, Inc.
|
23.4
|
|
Consent of Gustavson Associates, LLC
|
23.5
|
|
Consent of Mine Development Associates Inc, Neil Prenn.
|
23.6
|
|
Consent of Tetra Tech MM, Inc.
|
179
23.7
|
|
Consent of Leonel López, C.P.G.
|
23.8
|
|
Consent of Mine Development Associates Inc., Thomas Dyer
|
23.9
|
|
Consent of Mine Development Associates Inc., Steven Ristorcelli
|
23.10
|
|
Consent of Resource Development Inc.
|
24
|
|
Powers of Attorney
|
31.1
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
, as amended
|
31.2
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
, as amended
|
32.1
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
32.2
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
101.INS
(1)
(2)
|
|
XBRL Instance Document
|
101.SCH
(1)
(2)
|
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
|
101.CAL
(1)
(2)
|
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculations
|
101.DEF
(1)
(2)
|
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions
|
101.LAB
(1)
(2)
|
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels
|
101.PRE
(1)
(2)
|
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentations
|
-
(1)
-
Submitted
Electronically Herewith. Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language):
(i) Consolidated Statements of Income/(Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2011 and 2010,
(iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, and (iv) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
-
(2)
-
Pursuant
to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of
Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability.
180
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
|
VISTA GOLD CORP.
(Registrant)
|
Dated: March 14, 2012
|
By: /s/
Frederick H. Earnest
|
|
|
|
Frederick H. Earnest,
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
Dated: March 14, 2012
|
By: /s/
Terri L. Eggert
|
|
|
|
Terri L. Eggert
|
|
Interim Chief Financial Officer
|
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates
indicated:
Dated: March 14, 2012
|
By: /s/
Frederick H. Earnest
|
|
|
|
Frederick H. Earnest,
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
Dated: March 14, 2012
|
By: /s/
Terri L. Eggert
|
|
|
|
Terri L. Eggert
|
|
Interim Chief Financial Officer
|
|
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates
indicated:
Signature
|
|
Capacity
|
|
Date
|
/s/
Frederick H. Earnest
Frederick H. Earnest
|
|
Director
|
|
March 14, 2012
|
*
John M. Clark
|
|
Director
|
|
March 14, 2012
|
*
C. Thomas Ogryzlo
|
|
Director
|
|
March 14, 2012
|
*
Tracy Stevenson
|
|
Director
|
|
March 14, 2012
|
*
W. Durand Eppler
|
|
Director
|
|
March 14, 2012
|
*
Michael B. Richings
|
|
Director
|
|
March 14, 2012
|
* By: /s/ Frederick H. Earnest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Frederick H. Earnest
|
|
|
|
|
Attorney-in-Fact
|
|
|
|
|
Pursuant
to Power of Attorney filed as Exhibit 24 herewith.
181
QuickLinks
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS REGARDING ESTIMATES OF MEASURED, INDICATED AND INFERRED RESOURCES AND PROVEN AND PROBABLE RESERVES
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO ALL INVESTORS CONCERNING ECONOMIC ASSESSMENTS THAT INCLUDE INFERRED RESOURCES
GLOSSARY
USE OF NAMES
CURRENCY
METRIC CONVERSION TABLE
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
PART I
PART II
VISTA GOLD CORP. (AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE) NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (All dollar amounts in U.S dollars and in thousands, except per share and per ounce data unless otherwise
noted)
PART III
PART IV
SIGNATURES
Vista Gold (AMEX:VGZ)
Historical Stock Chart
Von Jun 2024 bis Jul 2024
Vista Gold (AMEX:VGZ)
Historical Stock Chart
Von Jul 2023 bis Jul 2024