UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
Amendment #1
(Mark One)
___ | REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR |
_X_ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR |
___ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ____________________ to _______________________ |
Commission file number
0-30720
RADIUS GOLD INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
British Columbia, Canada
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
355 Burrard Street, Suite 830, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 2G8
(Address of principal executive offices)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
Title of each class None | Name of each exchange on which registered None |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
Common Shares, no par value
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 53,091,188 Common Shares, no par value
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
_X_Yes ___ No
Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
_X_Item 17 ___ Item 18
#
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1 | 1 | |
Item 1. | Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors | 1 |
Item 2. | Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable | 1 |
Item 3. | Key Information | 1 |
Item 4. | Information on the Company | 5 |
Item 5. | Operating and Financial Review and Prospects | 38 |
Item 6. | Directors, Senior Management and Employees | 46 |
Item 7. | Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions | 54 |
Item 8. | Financial Information | 55 |
Item 9. | The Offer and Listing | 55 |
Item 10. | Additional Information | 57 |
Item 11. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk | 71 |
Item 12. | Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities | 72 |
PART II | 72 | |
Item 13. | Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies | 72 |
Item 14. | Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds | 72 |
Item 15. | Controls and Procedures | 72 |
Item 16. | [Reserved] | 72 |
Item 16A. | Audit Committee Financial Expert | 72 |
Item 16B. | Code of Ethics | 72 |
Item 16C. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services | 73 |
Item 16D. | Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees | 73 |
Item 16E. | Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers | 73 |
PART III | 74 | |
Item 17. | Financial Statements | 74 |
Item 18. | Financial Statements | 74 |
Item 19. | Exhibits | 74 |
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS
In this Annual Report, the following technical terms have the following meanings:
vein, veinlet (small) | A tabular mineral deposit formed within or adjacent to faults or fractures by the deposition of minerals from hydrothermal fluids. | |
AA | Atomic absorption. | |
Adit | A passage driven horizontally into a mountainside providing access to a mineral deposit from the surface of the working of a mine. | |
Ag | The elemental symbol for silver. | |
alteration | The chemical and mineralogical changes in a rock mass resulting from the passage of hydrothermal fluids. | |
Anomalous or anomalies | A sample or location in which either (i) the concentration of an element(s) or (ii) geophysical response is significantly different from the average background values that typify an area. | |
anomaly | The geographical area corresponding to anomalous geochemical or geophysical values. | |
argillite | Unusually hard, fine-grained sedimentary rocks, such as shale, mudstone, siltstone, and claystone. Commonly black. | |
arsenopyrite | A sulphide of arsenic and iron. | |
As | The elemental symbol for arsenic. | |
Assay | An analysis to determine the presence, absence or quantity of one or more elemental components. | |
Au | The elemental symbol for gold. | |
Au Eq. g/t | Denotes gold equivalent grades: gold grade plus silver grades which have been converted to gold grades by using a ratio generally based on the prevailing spot prices of gold and silver. | |
auriferous | Containing anomalous concentrations of gold. |
background | The average concentration of an element or typical geophysical response in an area. | |
breccia | A rock consisting of sharp fragments in fine grained material. | |
channel sample | A sample which has been collected by continuous sampling across a measured interval, and is considered to be representative of the area sampled. | |
Cretaceous. | The geologic period extending from 135 million to 63 million years ago. | |
development | Preparation of a mineral deposit for commercial production including installations of plant and machinery and the construction of all related facilities. | |
Diamond drill | A type of rotary drill in which the cutting is done by abrasion rather than percussion. The cutting bit is set with diamonds and is attached to the end of long hollow rods through which water is pumped to the cutting face. The drill cuts a core of rock which is recovered in long cylindrical sections, an inch or more in diameter. | |
dip | The angle which a geological structure forms with a horizontal surface, measured perpendicular to the strike of the structure. | |
epidote | Calcium, aluminium, iron silicate mineral commonly occurring in hydrothermally altered carbonate-bearing rocks. | |
epithermal | A term applied to high-level hydrothermal systems which form at depths of ~1 km to surficial hotspring settings. | |
exploration | The prospecting, mapping, sampling, remote sensing, geophysical surveying, diamond drilling and other work involved in the searching for ore bodies. | |
FA | Fire assay. | |
fault | A fracture in a rock across which there has been displacement. | |
fracture | Breaks in a rock, usually planar. | |
Gangue | Minerals that occur with ore minerals, but are sub-economic to recover. |
Gold Dore | A gold and silver alloy produced at a mine prior to refinement into high purity metal. | |
GPS | Global Positioning System a space based satellite positioning system whereby receiver units on the ground or in the air use triangulation from known satellite signals to derive a location in three dimensional space. | |
graben | A downthrown block between two parallel faults. | |
grab sample | A sample of selected rock chips collected from within a restricted area of interest. | |
grade | The concentration of an ore metal in a rock sample, given either as weight percent for base metals (e.g. Cu, Zn, Pb) or in grams per tonne (g/t) or ounces per short ton (oz/t) for precious metals. The grade of an ore deposit is calculated, often using sophisticated statistical procedures, as an average of the grades of a very large number of samples collected from throughout the deposit. | |
g/t | Grams of per metric tonne. Usually used in association with gold or silver. | |
Heap leach | A process used for the recovery of metals from crushed ore in heaps using a suitable leaching solution. | |
ha or hectare | An area totaling 10,000 square metres. | |
Hg | The elemental symbol for mercury. | |
highly anomalous | An anomaly which is 50 to 100 times average background. | |
Host rock | The body of rock in which mineralization of economic interest occurs. | |
hydrothermal | Pertaining to hot fluids, dominantly water, in the earths crust which may carry metals and other compounds in solution to the site of ore deposition or wall rock alteration. | |
ICP | A type of assay technique. | |
intrusive | A rock mass formed below earths surface from magma which has intruded into a preexisting rock mass | |
limonite (limonitic) | A mixture of hydrated iron oxides and iron hydroxides. (Pertaining to or containing limonite.) | |
mesothermal | A hydrothermal ore deposit typically a vein system- formed at intermediate temperatures (200-300ºC) and pressures/depths. | |
mineral resource, measured mineral resource, indicated mineral resource, inferred mineral resource | Under CIM standards, a mineral resource is a concentration or occurrence of natural, solid, inorganic or fossilized organic material in or on the earths crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a mineral resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge. The terms mineral resource, measured mineral resource, indicated mineral resource, and inferred mineral resource used in this Joint Information Circular are mining terms defined under CIM standards and used in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. They are not defined terms under United States standards and generally may not be used in documents filed with the SEC by U.S. companies. See Joint Information Circular Notice to United States Securityholders. A mineral resource estimate is based on information on the geology of the deposit and the continuity of mineralization. Assumptions concerning economic and operating parameters, including cut-off grades and economic mining widths, based on factors typical for the type of deposit, may be used if these factors have not been specifically established for the deposit at the time of the mineral resource estimate. A mineral resource is categorized on the basis of the degree of confidence in the estimate of quantity and grade or quality of the deposit, as follows: inferred mineral resource: Under CIM standards, an inferred mineral resource 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. indicated mineral resource: Under CIM standards, an indicated mineral resource 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. measured mineral resource: Under CIM standards, a measured mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, 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 | Minerals of value occurring in rocks. | |
Mt | A million tonnes. | |
ore | A natural aggregate of one or more minerals which, at a specified time and place may be mined, processed and sold at a profit, or from which some part may profitably be separated. | |
Ounce / oz | Troy ounce, equal to approximately 31.103 grams. | |
outcrop | An exposure of rock at the earths surface. | |
Paleozoic | The geological era ranging from 600 million to 230 million years ago. | |
phyllite | A cleaved metamorphic rock having affinities to both schists and slates. | |
Pleistocene | A division of the Tertiary period. | |
Pliocene | A division of the Tertiary period. | |
ppb or parts per billion | A unit of measurement: 1ppb = 0.001 gram/Tonne | |
ppm or parts per million | A unit of measurement which is 1000 times larger than ppb or parts per billion (1ppm = 1000ppb =1 gram/Tonne). | |
pseudomorph | One mineral occurring in the crystal form of another. | |
quartz | A common rock-forming mineral (SiO2) that is frequently a dominant constituent of veins, especially those containing gold and silver mineralization. | |
Quaternary | The latest period of geological time in the stratigraphic column from 0 to 2 million years ago. | |
RC | Reverse Circulation drilling. | |
rhyolite | A silica-rich volcanic rock chemically equivalent to granite. Usually light colored, very fine-grained or glassy-looking. | |
Sb | The elemental symbol for antimony. | |
scorodite | A hydrated iron arsenate, oxidation product of arsenopyrite. | |
sericite | A white variety of muscovite mica. | |
Silicification / silicified | Complete or partial replacement of a rock by quartz, often during hydrothermal alteration. | |
Stibnite | An antimony sulphide mineral. | |
stockwork | A densely packed network of small veins, veinlets or fissures which may be filled with mineralized material. | |
strike | Azimuth of a plane surface aligned at right angles to the dip of the plane used to describe the orientation of stratigraphic units or structures. | |
Tertiary | The geological period extending from the end of the Cretaceous (65 million years ago) to approximately 2 million years before the present time. | |
Tl | The elemental symbol for thallium. | |
Tonne | A metric tonne, 1000 kilograms or 2,204.6 pounds. | |
travertine | Calcium carbonate deposited by precipitation from carbonate-saturated waters, particularly from hot springs. | |
UTM | The UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) system is a world-wide geographic coordinate system defined in meters. |
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), which represent expectations or beliefs of the Company about future events. These statements can be identified generally by forward-looking words such as expect, believe, anticipate, plan, intend, estimate, may, will or similar words. Information concerning the interpretation of drill results and mineral resource estimates also may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, as such information constitutes a prediction of what mineralization might be found to be present if and when a project is actually developed. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those described in Item 3.D. of this Annual Report under the heading, Risk Factors, and elsewhere in this Annual Report.
The Companys forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report are made as of the respective dates set forth in this Annual Report. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date the statements are made. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
PART I
Item 1.
Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers.
A.
Directors and Senior Management.
Not Applicable
B.
Advisers.
Not Applicable
C.
Auditors.
Not Applicable
Item 2.
Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable.
Not Applicable
Item 3.
Key Information.
A.
Selected Financial Data.
The following tables set forth and summarize selected consolidated financial data for the Company, prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (Canadian GAAP). The tables also summarize certain corresponding information prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). Canadian GAAP, as applied to the Company, materially differs from U.S. GAAP, as set forth in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.
The information presented in the tables was extracted from the financial statements of the Company. The information presented for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 and as at December 31, 2004 and 2003 was extracted from financial statements of the Company which were audited by Amisano Hanson, Chartered Accountants. The information presented for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 was extracted from financial statements of the Company which were audited by Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Accountants.
The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 5, Operating and Financial Review and Prospects and in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the Notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Annual Report. The Companys fiscal period ends on December 31 of each year.
The following is a summary of certain selected financial information for the Companys most recently completed fiscal year and for the Companys four preceding fiscal years.
Canadian GAAP
Under Canadian GAAP applicable to junior mining exploration companies, mineral exploration expenditures are deferred on mineral properties under exploration or development until such time as it is determined that further exploration or development is not warranted, at which time the property costs are written-off. Under U.S. GAAP, all exploration expenditures are expensed until an independent feasibility study has determined that the property is capable of economic commercial production. The following information has been reconciled for U.S. GAAP. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.
(CDN$ in 000, except per share data) | |||||
As at 12/31/04 | As at | As at | As at | As at | |
Working Capital | 17,071 | 14,795 | 1,952 | 2,744 | 477 |
Resource Properties (Cdn GAAP) | 16,820 | 7,657 | 6,714 | 5,087 | 2,003 |
Resource Properties (US GAAP) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Long Term Debt (Cdn GAAP) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Long Term Debt (Cdn GAAP) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Shareholders Equity (Cdn GAAP) | (34,265) | (22,606) | (8,707) | (7,897) | (2,450) |
Shareholders Equity (US GAAP) | (17,445) | (14,948) | (1,993) | (2,810) | (497) |
Total Assets (Cdn GAAP) | 34,612 | 23,108 | 8,826 | 8,105 | 2,706 |
Total Assets (US GAAP) | 17,792 | 15,450 | 2,112 | 3,018 | 703 |
Revenue | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Net Income(Loss) (Cdn GAAP) | (3,908) | (1,722) | (643) | (1,106) | (1,216) |
Earnings(Loss) Per Share (Cdn GAAP) | (0.) | (0.06) | (0.04) | (0.07) | (0.15) |
Net Income(Loss) (US GAAP) | (14,420) | (2,666) | (2,384) | (4,419) | (3,205) |
Earnings (Loss)Per Share (US GAAP) | (0.32) | (0.09) | (0.14) | (0.31) | (0.42) |
Dividends Per Share (Cdn GAAP) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Dividends Per Share (US GAAP) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Wtd.Avg.No.Shares (Cdn GAAP) | 44,917 | 28,446 | 18,056 | 14,860 | 8,064 |
Wtd.Avg.No.Shares (US GAAP) | 44,917 | 28,446 | 17,306 | 14,110 | 7,688 |
Except where otherwise indicated, all information extracted from or based on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are presented in accordance with Canadian GAAP.
No dividends have been declared in any of the years presented above.
Exchange Rate Information
In this Annual Report, unless otherwise specified, all dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian Dollars. References in this document to $ and CDN$ refer to Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified; and references to US$ refer to US dollars.
The following table sets forth the high and low rates of exchange for the Canadian dollar, expressed as Canadian dollars per U.S. dollar, for each month during the previous six months and the average of such exchange rates during the five most recent years ended December 31. The average rates presented in the table below represent the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during a year for the past five fiscal years. Exchange rates represent the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers payable in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The noon rate of exchange on June 27, 2005 as reported by the United States Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the conversion of Canadian dollars into United States dollars was US$1.00 = CDN$1.2308.
Exchange Rate U.S. Dollars into | ||
High | Low | |
Month ended May 31, 2005 | $1.2704 | $1.2372 |
Month ended April 30, 2005 | $1.2569 | $1.2147 |
Month ended March 31, 2005 | $1.2462 | $1.2019 |
Month ended February 28, 2005 | $1.2566 | $1.2299 |
Month ended January 31, 2005 | $1.2421 | $1.1987 |
Month ended December 31, 2004 | $1.2413 | $1.1858 |
Average | |
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 | $1.3015 |
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 | $1.4015 |
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 | $1.5704 |
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 | $1.5484 |
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 | $1.4850 |
B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness.
Not Applicable
C.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds.
Not Applicable
D.
Risk Factors.
No Guarantee of Success of Business
There is no assurance that the business of the Company will be successful.
Foreign Countries and Regulatory Requirements
The mineral projects in which the Company has an interest are located in Nicaragua and Guatemala. Mineral exploration and mining activities in Nicaragua and, Guatemala may be affected in varying degrees by political instability and government regulations relating to the mining industry. Any changes in regulations or shifts in political conditions are beyond the control of the Company and may adversely affect its business. Future operations may be affected in varying degrees by government regulations with respect to restrictions on production, price controls, export controls, income taxes, expropriations of property, environmental legislation and mine safety.
Exploration and Mining Risks
The business of exploration for minerals and mining involves a high degree of risk. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. At present, there are no known bodies of commercial ore on any of the Companys properties and the proposed exploration programs are an exploratory search for ore. Unusual or unexpected formation, formation pressures, fires, power outages, labour disruptions, flooding, explorations, cave-ins, landslides and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labour are other risks involved in the conduct of exploration programs. Although the management of the Company has experience in the exploration and development of mineral properties, it has relied on and may continue to rely upon consultants and others for exploration and operating expertise. The economics of developing mineral properties is affected by many factors including the cost of operations, variation of the grade of minerals mined and fluctuations in the price of any minerals produced.
Financing Risks
The Company has not yet established work programs for its properties and the Company may not have enough financial resources to complete the work programs on all of its properties. There is no assurance that sufficient funding will be available to it for all of such work programs or for the further properties that the Company may acquire. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain adequate financing in the future or that the terms of such financing will be favourable. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of its projects with the possible loss of such properties.
Uninsurable Risks
Hazards such as unusual or unexpected formations and other conditions are involved in mineral exploration and development. The Company may become subject to liability for pollution, cave-ins or hazards against which it cannot insure or against which it may elect not to insure. The payment of such liabilities may have a material, adverse effect on the Companys financial position.
Titles to Property
While the Company has obtained the usual industry standard title reports with respect to its properties which confirms ownership and that there are no registered encumbrances against the properties, this should not be construed as a guarantee of title. The properties may be subject to prior unregistered agreements or transfers and title may be affected by undetected defects or native land claims.
Permits and Licenses
The operations of the Company may require licenses and permits from various governmental authorities. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain all necessary licenses and permits that may be required to carry out exploration, development and mining operations at its projects.
Mineral Prices
Even if the Companys exploration programs are successful, factors beyond the control of the Company may affect the marketability of any minerals discovered. Metal prices have historically fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond the Companys control, including international, economic and political trends, expectations for inflation, currency exchange fluctuations, interest rates, global or regional consumption patterns, speculative activities and worldwide production levels. The effect of these factors cannot accurately be predicted.
Competition
The mining industry is intensely competitive in all its phases. The Company competes with many companies possessing greater financial resources and technical facilities than itself for the acquisition of mineral interests as well as for the recruitment and retention of qualified employees.
Item 4. Information on the Company.
A. History and Development of the Company
The Company was incorporated under the name Radius Explorations Ltd. on September 9, 1997 pursuant to the British Columbia Company Act by registration of its Memorandum and Articles. On July 1, 2004, the Company and PilaGold Inc. amalgamated (the Amalgamation) under the British Columbia Business Corporations Act by registration of a Notice of Articles with the new name Radius Gold Inc.. See Item 4D, Property, Plants and Equipment, for information regarding capital expenditures made by the Company on its properties.
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B. Business Overview.
The Company is a natural resource property exploration company in the exploration stage with no history of cash flows from operations. In 1997, it commenced activities by carrying out exploration work in the Yukon Territory, Canada. In 1999, the Company changed its focus to Latin America and acquired property interests in Mexico and Guatemala. In February, 2001, the Company and its joint venture partner, Barrick Gold Corporation, decided to discontinue exploration work on the El Salitre Project in Mexico. All expenditures made on this project to date were written off by the Company as at December 31, 2000.
Currently, the Company has property interests in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico and Dominican Republic. Its exploration activities are presently focused in Nicaragua. (See Properties of the Company, below, and Note 6, Notes to the Financial Statements).
Presently, the Company is in the exploration stage and its properties do not contain a known commercially viable minable deposit. There is no assurance that a commercially viable mineral deposit exists on any of the Companys properties, and further exploration is required before a final evaluation of the economic and legal feasibility is determined.
C. Organizational Structure.
The following table sets forth the name of each material subsidiary of the Company, the jurisdiction of its incorporation and the direct or indirect percentage ownership by the Company of such subsidiary.
Name | Date of Incorporation | Jurisdiction | Percentage Owned |
Radius Panama Corporation | August 31, 2000 | Panama | 100% |
Weltern Resources Corp. | March 9, 2000 | Panama | 100% |
Exploraciones Minera de Guatemala, S.A. | July 5, 1996 | Guatemala | 100% |
Minerales Sierra Pacifico, S.A. | November 17, 1999 | Guatemala | 100% |
Minerales de Nicaragua S.A. | November 18, 2002 | Nicaragua | 100% |
Radius (Cayman) Inc. | January 31, 2005 | Cayman Isl. | 100% |
Pavon (Cayman) Inc. | January 31, 2005 | Cayman Isl. | 100% |
D. Property, Plants and Equipment
The Company holds rights to properties in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Mexico, as set out in the following map:
and more particularly described as follows:
Guatemala Properties:
1.
Tambor Project
The El Tambor Property consists of 13 exploration concessions located in south-central Guatemala, as set out in the following map:
The Company, through its subsidiary, Weltern Resources Corp., entered into an agreement dated November 29, 2001 with Orogen Holding (BVI) Limited (Orogen), an affiliate of Gold Fields Explorations Inc., pursuant to which Orogen acquired the right to acquire a 55% beneficial interest in the Tambor Project in consideration for incurring exploration expenses of at least US$5,000,000. Orogen subsequently conducted exploration work on the Tambor Project in the approximate amount of US$3,250,000.
Pursuant to an agreement dated November 19, 2003 with Orogen, the Company re-acquired from Orogen all of its interest in the Tambor Project in consideration for the issuance and delivery of 1,300,000 common shares of the Company (issued) to Orogen.
(a)
Unidad Tipo, Santa Margarita, Tizate, El Injerto and Carlos Antonio
The Company has the right to acquire a 100% interest (subject to a 2.5% net smelter returns royalty) in five of these Concessions (the Unidad Tipo, the Santa Margarita, Tizate, El Injerto and Carlos Antonio concessions) under an option agreement dated November 21, 2000, as amended October 4, 2001 with Quimicos S.A. and Geominas S.A. for total consideration of US$500,000. In 2004, the Company made the final required payment of US$160,000 to exercise the option.
(b)
Cipres I
In year 2000, the Company entered into an option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in Cipres I Project. To acquire the interest, the Company paid US$15,000 and was required to make future cash payments totalling US$645,000 by 2004. Another portion of the Cipres Project was acquired by staking. In 2001, the optioned portion of the land was dropped.
During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company decided, based on its exploration results to date, to do no further exploration on the property and $46,255 in acquisition costs and $23,008 in deferred exploration costs were written-off to operations.
(c)
Progreso II to VII Concessions
The Company acquired the right to a 100% interest (subject to a 4% net smelter returns royalty) in the Progreso II to VII Concessions under an exploration lease and option to purchase agreement (the Entre Mares Option Agreement) dated May 7, 2003, and amended October 14, 2004, with Entre Mares De Guatemala, S.A., as lessor under the Entre Mares Option Agreement. The Company has incurred the minimum aggregate exploration costs required to be made by May 6, 2006 of US$800,000, and has the right until May 7, 2006 to elect to purchase the Progreso Concessions for US$250,000. One-half of the 4% royalty may be purchased by the Company for US$2.0 million.
Option Agreement with Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.
(formerly Fortuna Ventures Inc.) (Fortuna)
During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company entered into an option agreement with Fortuna for the further advancement of the El Tambor Project. Fortuna has been granted the option to spend US$4 million over four years to earn a 60% interest in the project and must spend a minimum of $250,000 per year. Once Fortuna has earned its 60% interest, the Company retains the right to back in to 11% of the project by matching Fortunas US$4 million expenditure within three years. Fortuna will also pay the Company the sum of US$50,000 in cash within ten business days of exchange acceptance and US$50,000 in cash of Fortuna on the six-month anniversary of the agreement. This option is subject to stock exchange approval. Fortuna became related to the Company by virtue of a common director subsequent to December 31, 2004.
George A. Armbrust, PhD., CPG of the firm, Chlumsky, Armbrust and Meyer, LLC of Lakewood, Colorado, prepared a National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report compliant gold resource estimate on the Tambor Project for Radius. That report is dated January 7, 2004 and there are no material changes to the property since the date of this report. The Technical Report has been filed in SEDAR.com. The following is a summary, prepared by Greg Smith, B.Sc., PGeo of the Technical Report, prepared by George A. Armbrust, PhD., CPG.
Exploration and Development History
The Tambor Project is located in south-central Guatemala. Tambor is a metasediment and greenstone hosted, structurally controlled mesothermal lode gold deposit. Quartz-gold-arsenopyrite mineralization occurs in veins and breccias localized by kink bands in sheared host rocks. The project hosts at least 13 gold-bearing mineral occurrences spread over a 14km by 6km area.
The Tambor property received progressively more-detailed work programs between 2000 and 2003. The bulk of the work was completed by Gold Fields Ltd who formed a joint venture with The Company in 2001 to explore the property. The initial exploration program included the establishment of 100 line-kilometers of grid and soil sampling. A total of 3,958 soil samples were collected over an 11 square kilometer area. The grid area was also geologically mapped and over 1,400 rocks samples were collected along the 7-kilometer gold trend.
Early work focused on the Bella Vista area, including the Laguna North, Laguna South and JNL targets and on the Tierra Blanca area, all in the western end of the JV property. In the Bella Vista area, 15 hand trenches were excavated on six of the nine known soil anomalies.
During 2002, Gold Fields conducted initial scout drilling on seven areas, mainly on the western end and east end of the JV properties. Of these seven areas, only the Laguna North area has received follow up drilling. In the final months of 2002, high grade quartz vein hosted mineralization with visible gold was located at Guapinol South. Hand excavated trenches there returned values up to 10.1m of 31g/t Au in trench GP-5.
In early 2003, Gold Fields made a new high grade discovery 200 m east of the Guapinol South veins in an area called Poza del Coyote. The first trench on this zone returned a high-grade core of 10.93m at 66.83 g/t Au within a broader lower grade mineralized zone. An initial ten-hole reverse circulation (RC) drilling program returned high grade intercepts in five holes with moderate-grade intercepts in four additional holes.
After completing the first stage drilling at Poza del Coyote, Gold Fields moved a core drill onto the Guapinol South area and had completed 31 core holes by the end of July 2003. About half the holes had high grade intercepts, although some were fairly narrow (1.5 to 2.0 meter core length). The core drill was then moved to Poza del Coyote and the Cliff Zone between there and Coyote. The results from the cliff zone returned some high grade intercepts.
In late 2003, the Company commissioned Chlumsky, Armbrust and Meyer (CAM) to complete a resource estimate on Tambor which was completed (see above).
During February and March 2004, the Company completed a geophysical orientation survey over the Tambor gold project in Guatemala. The survey was designed to test the suitability of a new 3D Induced Polarization (IP) method to locate additional mineralization. At total of 18 line km of surveying was completed on the Guapinol and Laguna Norte zones, over drill sections containing known mineralized intercepts. Initial interpretations suggest that there is a correlation between the known geochemical anomalies and the 3D IP geophysical anomalies.
Pursuant to its option agreement with the Company, Fortunas planned work includes:
•
Core drilling of roughly 3,000m around the known gold zones at Laguna North and Guapinol South to increase confidence in the resource and extend known mineralized zones;
•
Core drilling of roughly 3,000m to test high priority soil anomalies and geological targets which were not previously tested; and
•
An underground development program of approximately 300m on the high grade portion of Guapinol South, to confirm grades and better define the structural controls on gold mineralization.
Fortuna has not yet commenced work on the property and is currently raising the financing necessary to fund its exploration program on this project.
Geology, Mineral Deposits and Resources
Current understanding of the gold mineralization on the Tambor property suggests that it is a classic example of an orogenic (mesothermal) lode gold deposit. Specifically, Tambor is a metasediment and greenstone hosted, structurally controlled mesothermal lode gold deposit. Quartz-gold-arsenopyrite mineralization occurs in veins and breccias localized by kink bands in sheared host rocks. The project hosts at least 13 gold-bearing mineral occurrences spread over a 14km by 6km area.
Gold mineralization is associated with the convergence of the North American and Caribbean plates along major structures which evolved from transpressional to transcurrent movement. Mineralization is post-peak metamorphism. The gold zones are structurally controlled discordant veins, quartz-crush zones and vein stock works associated with shear zones.
Gold Fields prepared several resource estimates for Tambor JV properties but has not made them public. The main part of the resource is in the Guapinol South, Cliff and Poza del Coyote area.
In December 2003, Chlumsky, Armbrust and Meyer LLC (CAM) of Lakewood Colorado completed a NI43-101 compliant gold resource estimate for the Tambor Gold Project. Tambor contains 216,000 ounces of gold in inferred resources and 57,800 ounces in indicated resources, according to the independent resource estimate prepared by George A. Armbrust, Ph.D. CPG, Kenneth L. Meyer, Robert L. Sandefur P.E. and William Walker, PhD of CAM.
Significantly, CAM commented that there are at least 2 major gold-in-soil anomalies with associated anomalous rock samples that have yet to be drill tested: a substantial strike length of strong gold-in-soil geochemistry associated with gold values in rock samples exists to the west of the Guapinol South-Cliff Zone trend, and another similar zone occurs roughly 1 km to the north of, and parallel to, Guapinol. Accordingly, CAM states that it is considered likely that the current resource (at Tambor) could be doubled or tripled or even more with a concerted drilling program.
CAMs resource estimate is tabulated below:
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Indicated Resources
This section uses the term indicated resources. We advise U.S. investors that while that term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. U.S. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.
Tambor: Indicated Resource Estimate | |||
Area | Tonnes | Grade (g/t Au) | Contained Gold (Ounces) |
Guapinol South Cliff Zone | 336,000 | 3.910 | 42,200 |
Poza del Coyote | 120,000 | 4.024 | 15,500 |
Total | 456,000 | 3.940 | 57,800 |
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Resources
This section uses the term inferred resources. We advise U.S. investors that while this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize it. Inferred 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 other economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.
Tambor: Inferred Resource Estimate | |||
Area | Tonnes | Grade (g/t Au) | Contained Gold (Ounces) |
Guapinol South Cliff Zone | 368,000 | 5.325 | 63,000 |
Poza del Coyote | 228,000 | 4.219 | 31,000 |
Laguna North | 1,951,000 | 1.950 | 122,200 |
Total | 2,547,000 | 2.641 | 216,200 |
There has been no mining surface or underground development conducted at Tambor other than surface exploration trenching of soil anomalies.
2.
Marimba and Holly/Banderas Projects - Guatemala
(a)
Marimba Project
The Marimba Project consists of four exploration concessions located in southeastern Guatemala covering approximately 23,500 hectares. One of the concessions was acquired by the Company by way of a purchase price of $21,986 (US$13,750) and the other three concessions were acquired by way of applications for exploration concessions.
During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company entered into an option agreement with PilaGold Inc., whereby PilaGold Inc. could earn a 60% interest in the project. As a result of the Amalgamation on July 1, 2004, the terms of the agreement have been deemed satisfied.
Details of the concessions comprising the Marimba Project are set out in the below map and table:
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Marimba Project (18,122.5 ha) | ||||
Name | ID No. | Area (ha) | Details | |
1 | Jocotan II | LEXR-017 | 2,000 | granted May. 28,1998 |
2 | Olopa | LEXR-714 | 9522.50 | granted Dec.10, 2002 |
3 | El Tesoro | LEXR-701 | 9342.51(*) | granted Nov. 12,2002 |
4 | El Pinal | LEXR-704 | 4475.35(*) | granted June 6,2003 |
Exploration and Development History
In 2001 Pilagold completed widespread rock, soil, and stream sediment sampling. Sampling also included road cuts and trenches in the two main zones Cerro T and Lantiquin.
There is no history of commercial mineral production from the Marimba area, although locals have also extracted small quantities of stibnite, which is sold locally.
Government geology maps completed in the early 1970s mapped altered rhyolite volcanics, travertine deposits and active hot springs in the area of the Marimba Project of the Company. Geological investigation of the area was undertaken in 1999 and included rock and stream sediment sampling. Several companies have completed reconnaissance sampling in the region over the period 1993 to 1998 including Mayan Minerales S.A., Tombstone Explorations Co. Ltd., and Glamis Gold Ltd. In most cases no results are available for these programs. Additional evidence of mineral potential was provided by silica and clay alteration exposed during the building of a new roads and highways between 1999 and 2001.
At Marimba, Radius identified a gold-bearing epithermal alteration system extending over an area of 18 square kilometres, hosted within a dilation zone of the regional Jocotan fault system. Over 40 active and paleo-hot spring systems have been mapped in the area. Gold-silver mineralization is related to rhyolite domes and associated epithermal and hot-springs style mineralized systems, and occurs in a variety of altered units including silicified schists and jasperoidal (silica replaced) limestones. There are several significant gold-in-soil anomalies still to be tested at Marimba.
To date, most of the work at Marimba has concentrated on the Cerro T hill where silicified limestone breccias discovered in a road cut in early 2001 returned results of 0.64 g/t Au over 42.5m. A second prospect - the Lantiquin Zone - was also discovered which returned low-grade but consistent gold values from 0.1 to 0.8 g/t Au along a 400m road cut. Cerro T shares some similarities with the San Martin deposit (±38 million tonnes @ 0.77 g/t Au in oxide, heap-leachable), which is currently being mined by Glamis Gold.
Subsequent mapping at Cerro T highlighted the probable control by the Camotan Fault. This fault is generally at shallow to moderate angles to the south (30º-60º, perhaps with a thrust and/or listric component) separating thin bedded limestones and limey shales. Mineralization occurs as beige/yellow/brown, limonite-altered, silica-replaced (sandy), sheared and brecciated limestones.
Radius carried out a major soil sampling program across the Cerro T hill outlining a 2km soil anomaly. Trenching then exposed the gold-bearing, silicified breccia, at a fault controlled contact between a thick-bedded limestone and a shale unit.
Two rounds of drilling were completed in 2003. The first round of drilling consisted of 10 holes which confirmed the continuity of the gold-bearing breccias over an approximate strike length of 700m. Drill hole intercepts ranged from 2.6 g/t Au over 8.3m at the eastern end to 1.3 g/t Au over 22.9m on the western end.
Six holes (MDD 006 to 010 and MDD 015) were drilled over an area of 200m by 200m to test the grade and thickness of the gold-bearing discovery breccia previously exposed by trenching. Holes MDD 006 to MDD 009 returned remarkably consistent gold grades, and the weighted average of the four intersections is 1.18 g/t Au over 20.3 metres. An additional fence of four holes (MDD 011 to 014) was drilled 550m to the east of the discovery breccia. Of these, hole MDD 013, at the south end of the fence, returned an average of 2.6 g/t Au over 8.3m in mineralized breccia. This is interpreted to be an extension of the mineralization intersected in holes MDD 006 to 009.
The second phase of drilling extended the gold mineralization 400m further to the east than was previously known, and confirmed that the mineralized breccias are semi-continuous across at least 1200m of strike length. The breccias occupy an accurate, moderately north dipping structure that may become shallower dipping at depth. Mineralization appears to feather into 2 or 3 parallel narrow zones towards the east, where the structures are generally steeper, narrower, but also higher grade with a best intercept of 8.12 g/t over 1.9m. Gold results from the phase 2 drilling are tabulated below.
Preliminary metallurgical test work by Acme Analytical Laboratories in Vancouver indicates that the mineralized silicified breccia will be readily amenable to conventional heap leach extraction.
Geology, Mineral Deposits and Resources
Bottle-roll tests on a 100g composite sample of drill core from four mineralized intercepts (holes MDD006 to MDD009); indicate greater than 95% recovery of gold in 24 hours in 1% cyanide solution. The composite sample fire assayed 1.91g/t Au of which 1.90 g/t Au was recovered during the bottle roll test. Total sulphur is 0.1% and sulphide sulphur is 0.05%. Holes MDD 006 to MDD 009 returned consistent gold grades with a weighted average of the four intersections of 1.18 g/t Au over 20.3 metres.
Based on the drill results to date, the potential for near surface bulk tonnage resources appears to be limited to an area of 250 m by 250 m, but higher grade drill intercepts suggest good potential for mineralized feeder zones at depth with several kilometers of strike potential. However, on balance, the Company has decided that insufficient potential exists to justify further work at the current time.
No Resource or Reserve has been defined within the Marimba Project. No underground exploration has occurred on the Marimba Project. No surface equipment or plant exists at the Marimba Project.
(b)
Holly/Banderas Project
During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company acquired a 100% interest in the Holly/Banderas Project by paying US$13,750 (CDN$21,896). The Project consists of two granted exploration concessions and one application for exploration concession covering approximately 25,300 hectares. The Holly property is located about 3 hours from Guatemala City, near the town of Chuiquimula. Access is easy because the project straddles a main road and mineralization outcrops in road cuts. The Banderas property is roughly 10km SE of the Holly property.
During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company entered into an option agreement with PilaGold, whereby PilaGold could earn a 60% interest in the project. As a result of the Amalgamation on July 1, 2004, the terms of the agreement have been deemed satisfied.
The details of these Holly/Banderas concessions are set out in the below map and table:
Holly/Banderas Project (25,308.52 ha) | ||||
Name | ID No. | Area (ha) | Details | |
1 | Dorita | LEXR-032 | 5370.20 | granted Sept. 28, 1999 |
2 | La Joya II | LEXR-619 | 9943.50 | granted Feb. 27, 2002 |
3 | El Dorado* | SEXR-813 | 9,994.82 | applied for May 16, 2003 |
Exploration and Development History
Holly is a low sulphidation epithermal gold-silver vein prospect discovered by the Company in 2001. Soil and rock sampling outlined an extensive gold anomaly covering roughly 1 sq. km with 4 prominent, northwest-trending linear anomalies. Government geology maps completed in the early 1970s mapped altered rhyolite volcanics, travertine deposits and active hot springs in the area of the Eastern Projects. Previous exploration at the Holly Project was evidenced by a series of shallow pits and trenches however no detailed descriptions of this work exists.
The prospect has been mapped in detail by the Company and its joint venture partners, and some 1100 soil and 847 rock samples collected, with 8 hand trenches excavated. Swarms of narrow north-south trending high grade quartz veins are hosted by volcanics and related sediments, over a 1km wide area.
The trenching returned excellent results which included 44 g/t Au over 2m in the volcanics, and 10 g/t Au over 4m in the mudstones. The trench results were subsequently followed up by drilling. Seven diamond drill holes (approx. 1,000m) were drilled to test priority gold anomalies and known veins exposed in trenches. At least one hole was drilled into each of the 4 linear anomalies. Results were excellent, and in 2003, the property was optioned to PilaGold Inc. (a predecessor of the Company).
PilaGold began a second phase of RC drilling at Holly in May 2003. Drilling was completed mid-year with disappointing results and no further work has been completed since then. Just under 2,000m have been drilled in total at Holly: 978m in 7 holes in phase 1, and 8 holes for 1013m of RC drilling in phase 2. Core drilling in 2002 and 2003 returned a best result of 165 g/t Au + 5921 g/t Ag over 1.5m.
Highlights of the first phase of drilling include: HDD-4 intersected 6 metres assaying 43.6 g/t gold and 1,617 g/t silver within a broader interval of 21 metres that assayed 13.7 g/t gold and 544 g/t silver. At the Trail Zone HDD-5 intersected 10.6 metres assaying 7.9 g/t gold and 263.4 g/t silver and at the Holly Ridge Zone, HDD-1 intersected 14.2 metres assaying 4.1 g/t gold and 150 g/t silver. All holes were drilled at -45degrees and the geometry of the veins and breccia zones indicates that true thickness of the structures will be 75 to 90% of the reported intersections.
Phase II drilling consisted of eight RC holes totalling 1013.3 metres completed in May 2003. Results include; HRC01-10.7m @ 4.8g/tAu, HRC03-12.2m @ 0.98g/tAu, and HRC04-6.1m @ 1.46g/t Au, with holes #5 through #8 not returning significant intersections. Highlights include: 4 g/t Au with 150 g/t Ag over 14m in HDD-001, and 22 g/t Au with 697 g/t Ag over 3.6m in HDD-005 cutting veins in the volcanics; and 13 g/t Au with 544 g/t Ag over 21m in HDD-004 cutting silicified mudstones.
Drilling at Holly was successful in demonstrating high grades of individual veins at depth, and gold-in-soil anomalies reflecting possible strike extensions to mineralization have not been drilled tested.
The Holly property has been merged into the Banderas land package, forming a highly prospective area of at least 7 x 13 km. The intervening area contains strike extensions of key faults and graben features that trend between the 2 prospects, and has seen 1st pass prospecting but no significant follow up.
Geology, Mineral Deposits and Resources
The Holly property is underlain by Tertiary felsic volcaniclastics and limey mudstones, which sit in fault contact with Paleozoic phyllites to the north. This east-west contact is formed by the regional Jocotan Fault, which is directly associated with several gold occurrences, including the Companys Tambor project in western Guatemala, the Zopolote and Vueltas del Rio gold deposits in Honduras, and the Companys Marimba prospect, about 35km to the east.
The precious metal showings on the Holly Project outcrop over an area of 2.0 kilometres by 1.5 kilometres hosted in a variety of altered units including silicified schists and volcano-sedimentary rocks. Controls on mineralization include lithologies, structures, alteration related to felsic volcanism and possibly high level intrusives.
The Holly Ridge Zone is located in the central portion of the Holly Project, adjacent to the main highway. This 700m by 300m gold bearing zone occurs in variably silicified volcano-sedimentary units on both flanks of a prominent east-west trending ridge. Mineralized structures in the area appear to be a series of en-echelon and/or discontinuous and sub-parallel silicified zones and quartz veins dominantly trending 10 to 30 degrees east of N-S and dipping steeply to the west.
At the Trail Zone highly silicified finely bedded sedimentary rocks are exposed along a foot trail near the base of Holly Ridge. At the Trail Zone silicification is widespread (400m by 550m) however gold values are highly variable. The Trench Ridge Zone has been exposed for more than 500 metres along a prominent ridge west of the main highway. Mineralization has been outlined in channel, grab, and soil samples with an average width to the Zone of 250 metres. Individual mineralized structures closely parallel those of Holly Ridge with an average orientation of 160o. Mineralization at the Construction Road Zone is spatially related to the large rhyolite dome. A 150 metres long roadcut, created during the construction of the new highway returned a weighted average for a series of chip samples of 1.69g/t Au & 5.1g/t Ag over 40.0m. The Karen Zone is located 200 metres north of Holly Ridge. Mineralization consists of a series of highly variable gold-bearing quartz veins hosted by schist. Very fine grey sulphides, believed to carry the high silver grades, are irregularly distributed throughout the veins.
Structurally, the area is dominated by 140° to 160° trending fractures and faults, similar to the Banderas prospect, 9km to the SE. These structures are related to the N-S trending Ipala Graben, a local extensional basin, which controlled emplacement of younger rhyolites and basalts.
Mineralization at the Trench Ridge, Holly Ridge and Construction zones consist of narrow cm scale vuggy quartz veinlets, hosted mainly by volcanic tuffs and breccias. Some veins are also hosted by sheared phyllites in the Karen zone, north of the Jocotan Fault, and in silicified mudstones at the Trail zone, south of the volcanics.
The veinlets generally occur as sheeted swarms of 2-5 veinlets per meter, forming zones 5-50m meters wide. Grades up to 165 g/t Au over 1m have be returned from drill core, with wider intervals of 1.69 g/t Au over 40m in trenches. Grades would appear to be a function of vein density.
Gold and silver mineralization consists of pyrite, electrum and argentite. Silver contents are locally very high (up to 7000ppm) but base metals and standard epithermal indicator elements are absent.
Widespread clay and yellow to red jarositic staining are the most obvious alteration assemblage in the volcanics, along with local silification, particularly in the mudstones.
No Resource or Reserve has been defined within the Holly/Banderas Project. No underground exploration has occurred on the Holly/Banderas Project. No surface equipment or plant exists at the Holly/Banderas Project.
Joint Venture Agreement with Glamis Gold Ltd. (Glamis)
During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Glamis, giving Glamis an option to explore and develop the Marimba and Holly/Banderas properties.
The agreement gives Glamis the right to acquire a 51% interest in the properties by spending US$4 million over a four-year period. To earn this interest, Glamis must:
I.
incur US$250,000 in exploration or development expenditures on the properties in the first 12 months following receipt of all governmental permits necessary to carry out the proposed exploration program; and
II.
spend not less than US$4 million in exploration expenditures within four years from the effective date, including a minimum US$250,000 during each of the second, third and fourth years.
Glamis may earn an additional 24% interest in the property for a total of 75%, by financing and completing a positive feasibility study for the development and construction of a mine at Banderas within five years from the effective date. After the feasibility study has been completed, each party shall finance its share of future expenditures, including the construction and development of a mine on the property, in proportion to its respective interest in the property, or have its interest in the property diluted on a straight-line basis.
If Glamis fails to proceed with a feasibility study within five years from the effective date, the Company has an option to earn back to a 75% interest in the property by financing and completing a positive feasibility study for the development and construction of a mine at Banderas within seven years from the effective date.
3.
Eastern Guatemala Project - Guatemala
The Eastern Guatemala Project is located in eastern Guatemala and is a collection of three exploration concessions covering approximately 36,248 hectares. Two concessions are granted and one is in the application stage. All of these concessions were acquired by the Company by staking.
Nicaragua Properties
1.
Nicaragua Concessions
During the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004, the Company conducted exploration on 25 mineral concessions in Nicaragua comprising approximately 840,000 hectares. As at December 31, 2004, the Company had been granted title to nine of the concessions with the remaining 16 being applications for title pending.
(a)
San Pedro Concession
San Pedro lies in east central Nicaragua. Access to San Pedro is via truck from Copalar to San Pedro (2 hrs), boat to La Estrelia (20mins), followed by a 5km horse ride to the camp, 5km. From the camp it is possible to walk to all of the showings in the northwest of the San Pedro project, which cover a 2km by 1.5km area. In the dry season you can drive to about 1km west of the zone.
The following is a map showing the San Pedro concession:
Exploration and Development History
The area was initially visited in 2004 by Radius staff who were following-up on local reports of gold. The Companys geologists have uncovered a number of trenches and adits most of which have collapsed either at the portal or further in. There appears to have been an early phase of exploration and small-scale mining which may date from the 1930s, followed by intensive surface trenching sometime around 1980.
The Company initiated a second round of exploration in the first quarter of 2005 focusing on expanding the limits of the known mineralization and completing detailed mapping and soil and rock geochemistry across key areas of the property. Plans were also in place to fly and aeromagnetic / radiometric survey in the second quarter of 2005.
Geology, Mineral Deposits and Resources
Panning of stream sediments has defined an area of gold in stream sediments over a north-northwest trending area measuring roughly 12km by 3km. Radius field crews subsequently discovered gold-mineralized quartz-adularia epithermal veins in three northwest-southeast trending zones within a 5km by 12km area. The PM Zone in the northwest has seen the most exploration, while the Las Minas and Feliz Zones to the southeast are at an earlier stage.
Epithermal gold mineralization occurs as massive quartz to banded quartz-adularia veins and associated quartz vein stockwork. Alteration minerals, vein textural evidence and exposures of silica scinter indicate that the outcropping veins are at a high-level in the mineralizing system. The gold-mineralized structures are hosted by tuffs in a caldera setting cut by regional northwest-southeast trending extensional faults, and intruded by a rhyodacitic dome field. Visible gold can be panned from most streams within the caldera and stream sediment sampling has returned a strong gold anomaly within and beyond the area of known occurrences. Mineralization is open in all directions.
At the PM Zone two parallel veins have been defined over a strike length of 1.8km. Recent reconnaissance trenching has returned higher grade results of 12.9g/t Au over 2.5m in trench PM1-A8, and 14.6g/t Au over 2.5m in trench PM1-B1. Soil sampling in this area has defined a consistent 300m wide +300ppb Au anomaly for 1,000m, open to the north. Pitting and trenching within the anomaly between the known veins has exposed additional 1m wide veins and a strong stockwork zone raising the possibility for bulk mineable target in this area. Follow-up of soil anomalies elsewhere within the PM Zone has led to the discovery of several new veins in the zone. Assay results are pending for recent sampling in the PM zone.
Exploration of the Las Minas and Feliz Zones to the south of the PM Zone is at an early stage. Sampling of rocks in float and outcrop have returned gold grades ranging from trace to 38.2g/t Au outlining a 2km long, northwest-southeast trending mineralized structural zone at Las Minas. Trenching of the best results at the northwest end of this zone will start this month. Prospecting at the Feliz Zone has discovered 4 parallel veins in a 700m by 700m area partly ringed by rhyodacite intrusions. A grab sample of vein material from one of these veins assays 30.4g/t Au.
Radius exploration personnel are currently on the ground at San Pedro completing mapping, prospecting, soil sampling, hand trenching, and chip sampling covering the known zones and possible regional extensions along and across strike. Radius has also applied for additional concessions in the area to cover possible extensions to the San Pedro system. Soil sampling is planned to cover the 60km2 area of known mineralization at San Pedro.
(b)
Natividad (formerly called El Pavon) Project
Joint Venture Agreement with Meridian Gold Inc. (Meridian)
Natividad is located in central Nicaragua, a 5 hour drive from Managua and about 1 hour from the town of Waslala. It outcrops on a main road and access to most parts of the project area is possible by foot or on horse back. It is located in a hilly agricultural region largely given over to cattle grazing. The original forest cover has been cut down over many years by slash and burn farmers. The details of these Natividad licenses are set out in the below map and table:
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Name | Valid | Area (ha) | Details | |
1 | Geminis | 25 years | 37,326 | granted Feb. 11, 2004 |
2 | Natividad | 25 years | 10,906 | granted Feb. 11, 2004 |
3 | Natividad II | 25 years | 40,525 | granted August 20, 2004 |
4 | El Milagro I | 25 years | 16,484 | granted May 7, 2004 |
5 | El Milagro II | 25 years | 43,131 | granted Feb. 11, 2004 |
6 | La Rowena | pending | 45,040 | applied for August 8, 2003 |
7 | Geminis II | pending | 11,824 | applied for Oct 6, 2003 |
8 | El Progreso | Pending | 29,174 | applied for Feb. 6, 2004 |
9 | La Esperanza | pending | 48,840 | applied for Sept.10, 2003 |
During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Meridian, giving Meridian the option to acquire a 60% interest in Natividad which consists of five of the Companys granted concessions and four of the applications.
In order to earn the interest, Meridian must:
i.
Spend a minimum of US$3.5 million in exploration expenditures over the first two years of the agreement, and a minimum of US$1 million in each of years three and four;
ii.
Complete a positive feasibility study on the project; and
iii.
Make the cash payments set out below for its earned share of the propertys mineral resources.
Meridian may terminate the option after spending the US$3.5 million by providing 30 days prior written notice to the Company. If Meridian does not meet the US$3.5 million expenditures on or prior to the second anniversary date of the agreement, or Meridian withdraws from or terminates the agreement before making such committed expenditures, Meridian will pay to the Company the difference between the amount spent and the commitment of US$3.5 million in cash.
Upon completion of a positive feasibility study, Meridian will pay to the Company a predetermined price for its earned share of the mineral resources. Once Meridian has purchased 60 percent share of the mineral resources, it will have acquired an undivided 60% interest in the property. The price to be paid by Meridian to the Company for the resources will be:
1.
$40 per ounce of gold if average gold prices during 30 days prior to the fourth anniversary date are less than $400 per ounce;
ii.
$50 per ounce of gold if average gold prices during 30 days prior to the fourth anniversary date are equal to or greater than $400 per ounce but less than $500 per ounce;
iii.
$60 per ounce of gold if average gold prices during 30 days prior to the fourth anniversary are equal to or greater than $500 per ounce; and
iv.
$0.50 per ounce of silver if average recoverable silver grades for the resources exceed 100 grams per tonne.
When Meridian has exercised the option and acquired a 60 percent interest in the property, a joint venture will be established on a 60/40 basis.
Exploration and Development History
The vein system is a new discovery with little or no evidence of old mine workings or artisanal pits. It was discovered by the Companys prospecting teams in 2003 following up an old report of quartz veins in the area. Following the discovery of Natividad, the Company accumulated a large land position in the area covering what the Companys geologists believed to be the major controlling geological structures.
The Companys work at Natividad has defined at least half a dozen major veins or float trends, totaling many kilometers of strike length of potentially mineralized structures. These veins or trends include:
Pavon North
Pavon Central / South
Las Brisas
Manceras
Astrid
Arco Iris
Las Valles
Most work has been completed on the Pavon North and Pavon Central / South veins where a trenching and rock-saw channel sampling program returned excellent results with a best interval of 40.7g/t Au over 8.35m. Selected highlights of the trenching program conducted by Radius are given in the table below.
Trench No. | Sample | Interval (m) | Au g/t |
Pavon Central | |||
TRP-2 | Original Sample | 8.4 | 21.7 |
New Rock Saw Sample | 8.4 | 40.7 | |
Including | 5.7 | 58.4 | |
TRP-4 | Original Sample | 12.0 | 3.8 |
New Rock Saw Sample | 12.0 | 3.1 | |
Including | 5.0 | 4.9 | |
TRP-6 | Original Sample | 7.6 | 6.1 |
New Rock Saw Sample | 8.3 | 5.4 | |
Including | 4.8 | 8.5 | |
TRP-7 | Original Sample | 5.7 | 2.3 |
New Rock Saw Sample | 5.0 | 2.7 | |
TRP-13 | Original Sample | 17.8 | 2.0 |
New Rock Saw Sample | 17.8 | 0.9 | |
Pavon North | |||
TRN-1 | Original Sample | 16.0 | 7.1 |
New Rock Saw Sample | 16.0 | 8.1 | |
including | 8.0 | 14.2 | |
TRN-2 | Original Sample | 18.6 | 1.8 |
New Rock Saw Sample | 18.6 | 2.3 | |
including | 5.9 | 5.3 | |
TRN-3 | Original Sample | 2.0 | 1.3 |
New Rock Saw Sample | 2.0 | 1.7 | |
TRN-4 | Original Sample | 11.8 | 1.8 |
New Rock Saw Sample | 11.8 | 1.8 | |
TRN-5 | Original Sample | 7.3 | 2.4 |
New Rock Saw Sample | 7.3 | 2.7 | |
including | 2.0 | 5.8 | |
TRN-6 | Original Sample | 10.3 | 1.8 |
New Rock Saw Sample | 10.3 | 2.7 | |
including | 1.8 | 9.0 | |
TRN-13 | Original Sample | 3.2 | 5.4 |
New Rock Saw Sample | 3.2 | 8.7 |
The Company has also identified 2 additional trends named Jinji and Babaska although no significant work has been done on these structures so far. The Jinji vein can be traced in outcrop and float over 2km. It is similar to the Pavon South vein with variable widths from 2m. To the west, the Babaska has been mapped over a 4km strike in float and outcrop exhibiting both fine grained banded and chalcedonic quartz vein material.
In June 2004 Radius drilled several diamond drill holes from five drill sites, all of which cut significant thicknesses of epithermal quartz vein. As part of the permitting process for a major first stage drill program at Natividad, scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2005, the Ministry of the Environment in Nicaragua allowed Radius to drill a small number of geotechnical holes at Natividad on the Central and North veins to determine the general dip of main vein structure(s) to allow proper siting of access roads and drill pads.
All of the drill holes intersected the target veins as planned, showing continuity of the veins both along strike and down dip. In general, the veins have a steep westerly dip ranging from 65º to 77º, but may be locally vertical as in PADH-04. The results include best intersections of 16.8m grading 10.3 g/t Au and 5.8m grading 11.3 g/t Au from holes located 4km apart testing the same mineralized structure. Core recoveries were generally good in the mineralized zone, PADH-3 (49%) and PADH-5 (57%) were the exceptions.
The drill results (see Table below) reflect the overlying trench results with one important exception: PADH-1. This hole - which returned 11.3 g/t Au over 5.8m - was drilled at Pavon South where trench results have returned only modest grades. This demonstrates the potential for robust colloform banded quartz-adularia veins below weakly developed veining at surface, and may confirm that much of the exposed mineralization at Pavon South represents a high level of exposure of the epithermal system. The main implication of PADH-1 is that the entire strike length of the Pavon North and South veins must be systematically drill tested to identify the high grade ore bodies.
Hole Number | From | To | Intersection (m) | Au Grade (g/t) |
PADH-1 | 29.0 | 40.0 | 11.0 | 6.7 |
including | 34.2 | 40.0 | 5.8 | 11.3 |
PADH-2 | 69.2 | 70.0 | 0.8 | 5.8 |
PADH-3 | 43.0 | 50.6 | 7.6 | 1.4 |
PADH-4 | 50.0 | 52.3 | 2.3 | 1.1 |
PADH-5 | 13.5 | 29.9 | 16.4 | 6.9 |
including | 21.6 | 29.3 | 7.6 | 12.5 |
PADH-5b | 7.6 | 24.4 | 16.8 | 10.3 |
including | 21.9 | 24.4 | 2.5 | 57.3 |
PADH-6 | 52.7 | 64.3 | 11.6 | 2.2 |
including | 57.3 | 58.3 | 1.0 | 7.3 |
PADH-7 | 59.4 | 61.0 | 1.6 | 3.2 |
*Recovery over mineralized interval
Meridian commenced their drill program at the end of March 2005, and has completed roughly 40 holes on the Pavon North, Central and South veins in the first part of their commitment to drill at least 15,000m at Natividad. It is important to note that as with most drill programs - the current program will be reviewed and adjusted as it progresses and the final drill collar positions may differ from those shown on the map. A major heliborne aeromagnetic and radiometric program was also underway. The program will focus on identifying new structures within the Natividad joint venture project area.
Geology, Mineral Deposits and Resources
The Pavón North and Central veins are classic examples of the low-sulphidation epithermal type of gold deposit. It is hosted by two principal rock types, dacite porphyry and moderately welded andesitic ignimbrite flows.
The Pavón North vein trends roughly 160º and can be traced on surface for many hundreds of meters. Towards its southern end, it splits and the 120º trending North Splay branches off to the southeast. Between the North Splay and main North vein is a broad area of stockworking and silicification which constitute a bulk tonnage target.
The vein minerals in Pavon North are dominated by chalcedony, in part displaying crustification. At the highest outcropping part of the vein, the chalcedony and accompanying vein quartz underwent late-stage hydrothermal brecciation resulting in a loose fragmental texture.
In contrast, the Pavón Central vein contains abundant saccharoidal quartz and chalcedony, suggesting that the erosion level may be somewhat deeper. Indeed, Pavón North is 50-100m higher in elevation than Central. Both veins are characterized by colloform kaolinite after adularia bands.
Illite is the main alteration mineral within and proximal to both veins, although a lesser amount of smectite at Pavón North also suggests a shallower-level, lower-temperature position.
Massively silicified rocks marked by abundant drusy, quartz-lined cavities are observed locally in the Pavón North sector, mainly at the highest elevations, and may be the erosionally dissected remnants of a silicified horizon generated at one or more paleo-water tables. Such material is apparently absent at Pavón Central. In common with similar paleo-water table silicification elsewhere, metal contents are reportedly not anomalous. The friable acid-leached zone formed in the steam-heated environment above the paleo-water table appears to have been completely lost to erosion.
The remaining mineralized structures are traceable either as trails of vein boulders or as exposures of vein in creek beds. Initial indications from vein mineralogy are that the veins are exposed at a similar high level to Pavon North and Central. Recent reconnaissance trenching on the Astrid and Brisas veins has returned results of approximately 9m @ 9g/t Au and 6m @ 6g/t Au respectively.
In summary, Natividad is a highly prospective low-sulphidation epithermal vein system with the potential to host economic gold ore shoots. Although poorly exposed, the vein exposures in the Pavón North and Central trenches are robust and several (up to 8) metres wide. The abundance of chalcedony, especially in the North sector, and the remnants of a possible paleo-water table horizon both suggest shallow erosion and, hence, appreciable potential at depth.
Patriota Zone La Patriota is located approximately 25km southeast of the El Pavon Zone, also discovered by the Company. It appears to be related to the same north-south trending structural zone. To date, alteration and gold mineralization has been mapped and sampled along a strike length of over 1,200m. Eighteen reconnaissance chip samples were taken on three zones -- north zone central zone and the south zone. Results include; #53157-1.0m @ 33.0g/t Au and 100g/t Ag, #53158-2.0m @ 8.4g/t Au and 54g/t Ag, #53159-1.0m @ 81.4g/t Au and 86g/t Ag, #53162-2.0m @ 32.5g/t Au and 30g/t Ag, #53164-1.0m @ 14.7g/t Au and 135g/t Ag, #53165-0.5m @ 2.9g/t Au and 44g/t Ag, and #53168-2.5m @ 24.2g/t Au and 33g/t Ag.
No Resource or Reserve has been defined within the Natividad Project. No underground exploration has occurred on the Natividad Project. No surface equipment or plant exists at the Natividad Project.
(c)
Kuikuinita Project
Pursuant to an agreement dated November 22, 2002, the Company has acquired an option to earn a 70% interest in the Kuikuinita project. The Kuikuinita project consists of three exploration concessions located in northeastern Nicaragua. A map showing the Kuikuinita concessions is set out below:
In order to earn the interest the Company must:
i.
Make the following cash payments:
A.
US$10,000 on signing of the agreement (paid);
B.
US$15,000 upon transfer of the Kuikuinita concessions to a holding company, Goldstone Mining S.A. (paid);
C.
US$40,000 six months later (paid); and
D.
upon completion of the exploration work, a final payment of US$250,000.
ii.
Incur the following aggregate exploration expenditures:
A.
US$200,000 on or before November 22, 2003 (incurred);
B.
US$700,000 on or before November 22, 2004 (incurred); and
C.
US$1,100,000 on or before November 22, 2005.
After the earn-in, the optionors will have 45 days to decide to convert their 30% participating interest to a 4% net smelter return (NSR). In such event, the Company will have the right to purchase up to 3% of such 4% NSR at a cost of US$1,000,000 for each percentage point of the NSR purchased.
Exploration and Development History
The Kuikuinita concessions are located near the Golden Triangle district in northeastern Nicaragua which produced 5-million oz of gold during the 20th Century. Gold mineralization occurs in altered rocks over an area of 5km by 5km representing a significant bulk tonnage, low grade gold target.
A first phase of drilling was completed by PilaGold (now the Company) in late June 2004. A second phase of drilling commenced in late October 2004 to follow up a high grade silver+base metal intersection from the first phase of drilling.
In November 2004, the Company commenced a second phase of drilling at the Kuikuinita project to test for extensions to the high-grade silver and base metal zone intersected in hole KUDH-7. Roughly 500m of drilling were completed but no further significant results were received. At the current time, the Company is not planning to complete any additional work.
Geology, Mineral Deposits and Resources
The Kuikuinita prospect was explored by geochemical and geophysical surveys in the mid 1990s. These surveys defined several strong gold anomalies with coincident geophysical anomalies. Many of the anomalies are open in several directions.
In early 2003, PilaGold expanded the soil grids and conducted hand trenching pushing the anomalous area to roughly 25 square kilometres in size, and still open. The size of the potential mineralized area at Kuikuinita is suggested by the large anomalies described above and by the extent of artisanal gold workings.
The most significant anomaly is Loma Los Indios (LLI), where trenching of the more significant geochemical and geophysical anomalies indicates that gold mineralization is hosted by stocks and dykes. The intrusives cut ophiolitic ultramafics and volcanic wall rocks affected by pervasive quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration.
Alteration is composed dominantly of white clay with local sericite. The clay altered rocks generally return anomalous Au values in the 100-200 ppb range. Where silicification and quartz veining are present, gold values are usually in the +1 g/t Au range.
A first phase drill program was completed in June 2004. Sixteen holes were drilled for a total of 1,627m, to test:
- Areas of +1g/t Au values that were delineated in trench sampling
- Altered dacite dykes which appear to be spatially and genetically related to the mineralization
- And the source of alluvial gold in an extensive area of old workings known as Los Mantos.
The most significant intercepts from the first stage of drilling are from the Los Indios area, where nine out of eleven holes cut up to 53m of altered dacite dyke. In several cases the dyke widths at depth appear to exceed the widths originally seen in the trench exposures.
Three holes were completed at the Los Mantos target, drilling tested a 700m x 300m area with numerous artisanal workings where gold has been panned by local camposinos for around 3 decades. One hole was drilled at San Antonio and one at Bijagual, to test the mineralization underlying trench KBT-3. Neither hole intersected obvious mineralization although some alteration was noted.
The best results from the first stage of drilling include a silver rich, polymetallic intercept in Hole KUDH-7, which returned 2.7m @ 774 g/t Ag, 2.2g/t Au. 1.9% Cu, 12.5% Pb and 6.6% Zn. within a broader interval of 20.9m @ 0.8g/t Au, 226g/t Ag, 0.6% Cu, 3.4% Pb and 1.0% Zn. The results also include 12.9g/t Au over 2.8m from hole KUDH-10. This intercept is hosted by a zone of massive pyrite with anomalous Pb, Ag, Zn, and Cu values.
The silver/gold base metal zones, although suspected from surface trenching results, are a new style of mineralization on the property. The geometry of these mineralized intercepts is not clearly understood.
No Resource or Reserve has been defined within the Kuikuinita Project. No underground exploration has occurred on the Kuikuinita Project. No surface equipment or plant exists at the Kuikuinita Project.
(d)
Mena Properties
Pursuant to a letter agreement dated February 27, 2003 and an option agreement dated October 1, 2003, the Company was granted an option to earn a 70% interest in a series of mineral concessions in Nicaragua. Three groups of concessions currently remain subject to this option, namely, Kisilala, Columbia and San Ramon. In order to earn the interest, the Company must:
i.
Make the following cash payments:
A.
US$50,000 upon signing the agreement with the optionor (paid);
B.
US$150,000 (US$131,250 paid) upon transfer of the concessions into a newly incorporated Nicaraguan subsidiary Newco; and
C.
six months after the transfer of the concessions into Newco, US$25,000 for each concession the Company wishes to continue holding, with a minimum payment of US$100,000 (paid) if the Company wishes to continue the option on at least one of the mineral concessions;
D.
upon completion of the exploration work, a final payment of US$250,000.
ii.
Incur the following exploration expenditures for each concession for which the Company wishes to earn its 70% interest:
A.
US$300,000 in the first year following transfer of the concession to Newco;
B.
US$700,000 in the second year following the transfer of the concession to Newco; and
C.
US$1,000,000 in the third year following the transfer of the concession to Newco.
After the earn-in, the Company will submit a report to the optionor on all results obtained, and plan for future exploration of the concession. The optionor will have 90 days to decide to retain a 30% working interest or to convert to a 4% NSR. In that event, the Company will have the right to purchase 2% of the 4% NSR for $1,250,000 per percentage point, and will have a first right to purchase the remaining 2% NSR.
(i)
Kisilala Concession
Kisilala is located 21km north of the town of Prescillita, in the department of Region Autonoma del Atlantico Sur, south central Nicaragua. The project has year round access from Managua via the road to El Rama. A map showing the Kisilala concession is set out below:
Exploration and Development History
The Kisilala gold veins were the subject of intermittent small scale mining from 1902 to 1975. There has been limited modern exploration at Kisilala. Work completed included stream sediment sampling, rock sampling and geologic mapping during the mid-1990s by Western Mining Corp. (WMC) of Australia.
PilaGold mapped and trenched the veins to test the grade continuity along strike and across strike into the wall rock. A total of 527 rock and 583 soil samples have been collected from the property. Vein thickness and wall rock mineralization were tested in 23 trenches. The results demonstrated the continuity of the veins along strike. Drill testing of the structures will be necessary to test the grades at depth.
Some exploration was carried out by previous operators in the 1990s, but was restricted to stream sediment sampling, rock sampling and geologic mapping.
Geology, Mineral Deposits and Resources
At the Kisilala Project a series of gold bearing quartz veins are hosted by andesitic volcanic rocks.
The Kisilala Project covers a series of gold-bearing epithermal veins hosted by andesitic volcanic rocks which lie within a broad east-west trending corridor of gold occurrences, and have similar host-rock geology, distribution, and orientation to La Libertad. The prospect consists of Minas de Kisilala in the north, location of most of the known veins and the focus of past production, and Loma la Virgen hill, two kilometres to the south. A large epithermal system hosts gold mineralization in multiple veins and alteration zones over an area of 15km2. Intense silica-clay alteration forms broad envelopes around veins, which are commonly bleached and coated by oxides the weathered remnants of moderate amounts of sulphides. Importantly the alteration zones occur away from the trace of veins and limited sampling has returned high values of 10 g/t gold. WMC maps show a large alteration zone three kilometres west of Loma la Virgen, with gold values up to 12 g/t gold. Confirmation sampling completed by PilaGold exploration staff corroborated the occurrence of high grade gold values on the property. Potential for a bulk mineable gold deposit could come from two sources. First the mineralized envelopes around the multiple veins found in the prospect and second from disseminated mineralization in the pyroclastic host rocks. The prospect also has potential to host high grade bonanza style gold mineralization in the numerous outcropping veins.
PilaGold mapped and trenched the veins to test the grade continuity along strike and across strike into the wall rock. A total of 527 rock and 583 soil samples have been collected from the property. Vein thickness and wall rock mineralization were tested in 23 trenches. The results demonstrated the continuity of the veins along strike.
Drill testing of the structures failed to return any significant results and no further work is planned at the project.
No Resource or Reserve has been defined within the Kuikuinita Project. No underground exploration has occurred on the Kuikuinita Project. No surface equipment or plant exists at the Kuikuinita Project.
(ii)
Columbus Concession
The Columbus prospect is located 50 km east-northeast of the historical Bonanza mining camp in the "Golden Triangle" district of Nicaragua. Access to the property is via a 2 hour horse ride from the road head about 50km east of Rosita. The existing license covers 140km2. The Columbus prospect was explored by WMC of Australia between 1995 to 1997.
The Bonanza and nearby Siuna and Rosario camps are thought to have produced over 5-million ounces during the 19th and 20th Centuries. Most of the production came from quartz veins and replacement-style gold deposits. A map showing the Columbus concessions is set out below:
Exploration and Development History
Columbus is an intrusion-related copper-gold target dominated by several mineralogically distinct breccia pipes. Mineralization is hosted by a multiphase intrusive complex and associated volcanic rocks.
Columbus was explored by WMC from 1995 - 1997. Work consisted of geochemical sampling (stream sediments, soils, and float and bedrock rock samples), geophysical surveying (including magnetics, radiometrics, and induced polarization), and geological mapping. Geophysical surveys completed by WMC outlined chargeability anomalies coincident with the copper soil anomaly and a circular resistivity anomaly coincident with the gold/tourmaline breccia bodies. The central area was also the site of early placer production and locals are presently panning gold from this area as well as drainages from the surrounding ridge. No drilling and only a limited amount of trenching was conducted on the Columbus Prospect by WMC.
The area saw extensive artisanal gold operations in the 1960s, and local gold miners are currently working the sapprolitic intrusive bedrock for vein and breccia-hosted gold.
In June 2004, the Company began a first phase drill campaign at Columbus testing the most obvious breccia and intrusive targets. Drilling was completed by mid July. Insufficient significant results were returned from the project to justify further work.
Geology, Mineral Deposits and Resources
The main target developed was an elongated gold anomaly within the intrusive that had minimum dimensions of 800m x 300m. This anomalous area, which forms a NNW trending ridge, is underlain by quartz/tourmaline limonitic breccias. Rock sampling of the breccia bodies has returned grades averaging + 2g/t gold with samples up to 4.5 g/t gold. Soil sampling also returned other gold anomalies within the intrusive body and significant values in Cu and Mo. The Au anomaly appears to extend to the N and S forming a linear anomaly about 1.5km long. There is a strong NE fabric to the topography in this region and this is coincident with an airborne magnetic anomaly. The main area of interest is surrounded by an 8km diameter semi-circular ridge to the W, S, and E. This could also be interpreted as intersecting NE and NW structures forming a NE trending graben with Cerro Columbus in the middle. Trenching of gold anomalies along a north-south trending ridge exposed tourmaline breccia bodies which returned: COL03-12.1m @ 1.4g/t Au and COL04-13.8m @ 2.2g/t Au.
No Resource or Reserve has been defined within the Columbus Project. No underground exploration has occurred on the Columbus Project. No surface equipment or plant exists at the Columbus Project.
(iii)
San Ramon Concessions
The San Ramon camp is in south-central Nicaragua, 5km west of Matagalpa and a couple of hours drive from Managua. Infrastructure is good: the project is easily accessible by road followed by a short 5-10 minute walk. A map showing the San Ramon concessions is set out below:
Option agreement with Coastport Capital Inc. (Coastport)
By agreement dated July 20, 2004 and amended February 20, 2005, Coastport acquired an option to acquire a 50% interest in the San Ramon concessions from the Company. In order to exercise the option and earn a 50% interest, Coastport must incur exploration expenditures of $200,000 by December 1, 2004 (incurred), a total of US$1 million by December 31, 2005, and a total of US$2 million by July 1, 2006.
Exploration and Development History
Gold mining started at San Ramon in 1902 and was completed by 1950. It hosts several major high-grade epithermal gold quartz veins which were mined in the early to mid 1900s. Although there are no production records, gold was mined from the La Leonesa, La Reina, and Canton veins. Surface and underground workings suggest strike lengths of over 1,500m for individual veins. Mining stopped at the local water table, about 150m below surface.
PilaGold began working at San Ramon in late July 2003 focusing on finding mineable reserves in the wall rock and along strike of known high-grade veins. Trench results indicate that significant potential still exists at San Ramon and that there are many prospective areas still to be investigated. The Companys ground holdings around the San Ramon Project have therefore been extended to cover all known mineralized outcrop and associated stream geochemical anomalies.
The Companys trenching at La Leonesa returned a best intersection of 4m @ 5.9 g/t Au from the apparent hangingwall of the main epithermal vein. Channel sampling at Rosamond returned a best section of 12.3g/t over 4.5m from the footwall, and 13.6g/t Au over 1.9 from the hanging wall. Very little is known about the potential grades of the actual veins down dip from the historical mine workings.
Coastport completed an 11-hole diamond drill program at the San Ramon project in late 2004. The results include a best intersection of 16.9 g/t Au over 1.5m.
Eleven holes were completed on or beneath the Rosamond and La Leonesa vein systems at San Ramon. Veins and/or wall rock stockwork and breccia zones were intersected in most holes confirming what was seen and suspected from the surface trenching completed last year. Intersections which returned greater than 1g/t Au are shown below.
Hole No. | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Au g/t | Ag g/t* |
SRDH-2 | 73.1 | 76.2 | 3.1 | 2.8 | nsr |
SRDH-3 | 109.2 | 112.2 | 3.0 | 3.8 | nsr |
SRDH-4 | 105.8 | 108.2 | 2.4 | 2.6 | 28.6 |
SRDH-5 | 150.9 | 152.4 | 1.5 | 16.9 | 13.4 |
SRDH-7 | 62.3 | 66.5 | 4.3 | 4.8 | nsr |
SRDH-8 | 95.6 | 99.1 | 3.5 | 1.4 | nsr |
*nsr = no significant results
Significantly, reconnaissance prospecting on a newly acquired license in the San Ramon area has discovered a previously unknown vein exposed for 900m along strike in an area 5km southeast of the San Ramon veins. A concession application has been filed to cover the new discovery and more detailed work on this zone will start soon.
Coastports management has informed its joint venture partner, Radius, that further work is planned at San Ramon although the timing of the program is unclear.
Geology, Mineral Deposits and Resources
The Company is exploring the San Ramon district for 1) untested mineralization in the vein wall rocks; 2) high-grade ore shoots extending below the base of the mining; 3) high-grade blind veins along strike from known mineralized areas; and 4) new veins identified by surface geochemistry.
No Resource or Reserve has been defined within the San Ramon Project. No underground exploration has occurred on the San Ramon Project. No surface equipment or plant exists at the San Ramon Project.
Dominican Republic
The Company has staked two concessions covering approximately 19,165 hectares known as the Camila project located in southern Dominican Republic. Application for these concessions has been made with grants pending approval by the Department of Zoning.
Mexico
The Company has been acquiring a land position covering prospective areas in southern Mexico. To date, Radius has built a package of concessions and concession applications totaling roughly 540,000 hectares. The bulk of Radius land package lies within Chiapas covering the extension of a prospective geological trend which strikes into Mexico from western Guatemala. These rocks host the Marlin deposit (Glamis Gold) in Guatemala and the Ixhuatan prospect (Linear Gold Corp) in Chiapas.
Exploration of Radius ground will start with regional prospecting and stream sediment sampling. A team of geologists and prospectors is presently being mobilized to Mexico.
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.
Overview
At the date of this Annual Report, the Company has not been able to identify a known body of commercial grade ore on any of its properties, and the ability of the Company to realize the costs it has incurred to date on these properties is dependent upon the Company being able to identify a commercial ore body, to finance its exploration costs and to resolve any environmental, regulatory or other constraints which may hinder the successful development of the property, or being able to realize the costs incurred on a subsequent disposal of the property.
The Companys Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue on a going-concern basis. The Company has incurred losses since inception and the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern depends upon its ability to develop profitable operations and to continue to raise adequate financing. The Companys sole source of financing is by the issue of common stock from treasury. The Consolidated Financial Statements includes additional comments that state that conditions and events exist which cast substantial doubt on the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments as a result of this uncertainty.
The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and operating results of the Company for the three years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes to the financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The discussion and analysis set forth below covers the results measured under Canadian GAAP. Material differences between the application of Canadian GAAP and U.S. GAAP to the Companys audited financial statements exist as described in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Strategic Transaction
Radius Explorations Ltd. and PilaGold Inc. amalgamated (the Amalgamation) and continued as one company, Radius Gold Inc., pursuant to the provisions of the British Columbia Business Corporations Act. The holders of Radius Explorations shares received one (1) Radius Gold share for every one (1) Radius Explorations share held, and PilaGold shareholders received one (1) Radius Gold share for every two and one-quarter (2.25) PilaGold shares held.
A.
Operating Results.
Critical Accounting Policies
Management has prepared the consolidated financial statements of the Company in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles which conform, in all material respects, with those generally accepted in the United States of America, except as explained in Note 17. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The financial statements have, in managements opinion, been properly prepared using careful judgement and within the framework of the significant accounting policies summarized below.
a)
Principles of consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries:
i)
Minerales Sierra Pacifico S.A. and Exploraciones Mineras de Guatemala S.A., companies incorporated under the laws of Guatemala;
ii)
Minerales de Nicaragua S.A. and Desarrollo Geologico Minerao, S.A., companies incorporated under the laws of Nicaragua;
iii)
Recursos Del Cibao, S.A., a company incorporated under the laws of the Dominican Republic; and
iv)
Radius Panamá Corporation, Weltern Resources Corp. and Corporación Geológica de Panamá, companies incorporated under the laws of Panamá.
All significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company disposed of its 100% interest in Minera Interminus de Mexico S.A. de C.V., a company incorporated under the laws of Mexico, and recorded a loss on disposal of $910.
b)
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents included highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
c)
Mineral Properties
The Company defers the cost of acquiring, maintaining its interest, exploring and developing mineral properties until such time as the properties are placed into production, abandoned, sold or considered to be impaired in value. Costs of producing properties will be amortized on a unit of production basis and costs of abandoned properties are written-off. Proceeds received on the sale of interests in mineral properties are credited to the carrying value of the mineral properties, with any excess included in operations. Write-downs due to impairment in value are charged to operations.
The Company is in the process of exploring and developing its mineral properties and has not yet determined the amount of reserves available. Management reviews the carrying value of mineral properties on a periodic basis and will recognize impairment in value based upon current exploration results, the prospect of further work being carried out by the Company, the assessment of future probability of profitable revenues from the property or from the sale of the property. Amounts shown for properties represent costs incurred net of write-downs and recoveries, and are not intended to represent present or future values.
Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed or capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and which do not contribute to current or future revenue generation are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable, and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Generally, the timing of these accruals coincides with the earlier of completion of a feasibility study or the Companys commitment to a plan of action based on the then known facts.
d)
Property and Equipment and Amortization
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Equipment is amortized over their estimated useful lives using the following methods:
Leasehold improvements | 5 years straight-line |
Trucks | 5 years straight-line |
Computer equipment | 30% declining balance |
Office equipment | 20% declining balance |
Website | 30% declining balance |
Additions to equipment are amortized at one-half rate during the year of acquisition.
e)
Financial Instruments
The carrying value of the Companys financial instruments, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, due from/to related parties and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value due to the short-term maturity of such instruments. Unless otherwise noted, it is managements opinion that the Company is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from these financial instruments.
f)
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share
Basic loss per share (LPS) is calculated by dividing loss applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted LPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if potentially dilutive securities ere exercised or converted to common stock. Due to the losses, potentially dilutive securities were excluded form the calculation of diluted LPS, as they were anti-dilutive. Therefore, there is no difference in the calculation of basic and diluted LPS.
g)
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, current income taxes are recognized for the estimated income taxes payable for the current period. Future income taxes assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the tax and accounting basis of assets and liabilities as well as for the benefit of losses available to be carried forward to future years for tax purposes only if it is more likely than not that they can be realized.
h)
Foreign Currency Translation
Monetary items denominated in a foreign currency are translated into Canadian dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date and non-monetary items are translated at exchange rates prevailing when the assets were acquired or obligations incurred. Foreign currency denominated revenue and expense items are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the transaction date. Gains or losses arising from the translations are included in operations.
Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2004 compared to December 31, 2003
The Company reported a net loss for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 of 3,908,339 ($0.09 per share), compared to a loss of $1,722,063 ($0.06 loss per share) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. Interest income for 2004 increased significantly compared to 2003 due to a greater amount of funds invested in cash equivalents. Corporate expenses increased in almost all categories. Public relations costs were much greater in early 2004 as compared to 2003 as a result of printing and distributing marketing materials to at least 500,000 persons. There was a significant increase in professional fees and administrative costs due to the amalgamation transaction, and, since the amalgamation, administrative costs are greater due to the Companys paying a larger percentage of shared office costs and salaries.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, the Company recorded a stock-based compensation expense of $1,173,784 ($234,500 in 2003, as adjusted).
Year Ended December 31, 2003 compared to December 31, 2002
The Company reported a net loss for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 of $1,722,063 or $0.06 loss per share, compared to a loss of $642,626 or $0.04 loss per share for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. The increase in the year ended December 31,2003 was due to an increase in write off of resource property costs (2003 - $446,529; 2002 - $114,895), increased administrative expenses (2003 - $1,282,071; 2002 - $614,290) and increased foreign exchange losses (2003 - $64,702; 2002 Nil), that were offset by interest income (2003 - $72,149; 2002 - $32,689).
Write-offs of resource property costs for the current year consisted of the Companys property examination costs relating to Cipres and Golazo concessions and costs on the abandoned Guatemala concessions of $108,332.
Administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 were approximately one hundred percent higher than for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. The primary reason for the increase was the increased shareholder communications costs of $531,813 compared to $92,521 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. The reason for this increase was large volume mailouts being done to capture better market recognition.
Non-cash compensation charges for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 increased to $234,500 compared to nil in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 due to consultants being granted options. Professional fees increased in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 to $54,427 compared to $31,077 in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 due to legal fees on U.S. issues and an increase in auditing fees. Salaries for 2003 were comparable to 2002. Travel costs for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 were $90,446 compared to $42,130 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 due to more travelling for investor relations. All other areas of administrative operations decreased due to shared office costs being billed out.
Year Ended December 31, 2002 compared to December 31, 2001
The Company reported a net loss for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 of $642,626 or $0.04 loss per share, compared to a loss of $1,105,740 or $0.07 loss per share in the 2001 comparative period. The decreased loss was a result of lower administrative costs of $614,290 compared to $1,128,601 which was offset by increased write-offs of mineral properties and deferred exploration costs (2002 - $114,895; 2001 - $55,365), and further offset by interest income (2002 - $32,689; 2001 - $57,445), offset by consulting income (2002 - $14,090; 2001 - $20,781) and offset by a recovery of rental expense (2002 - $39,780). The 2002 resource property write-offs consist of Radiuss property examination costs and deferred exploration costs on concessions in Guatemala.
Administrative costs declined sharply in the shareholder communication area (2002 - $92,521 compared to 2001 - $529,234) due to the decreased volume of press releases, information packages and attendance at conferences and exhibits. Salaries took a large decline in 2002 due to a smaller staff. The increase in other administrative costs was due to general continuance of day to day business.
Mineral Properties
Year Ended December 31, 2004
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, $587,091 was spent on exploration of the Companys mineral properties in Guatemala. Of that amount, the major expenditure categories include $234,987 for geological and other consulting fees, $63,190 for salaries, $55,612 for licenses and taxes, and $48,572 for office rent. $893,643 in property investigation costs spent in Guatemala was written off during the year.
In February 2004, the Company increased its interest in the Tambor property by issuing to Gold Fields 1,300,000 shares at a deemed value of $1.49 per share. This is following Gold Fields incurring US$3,500,000 in property development.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, $2,422,462 was spent in Nicaragua. Of that amount, the major expenditure categories include $833,577 for geological and other consulting fees, $310,181 for geochemistry, $205,998 for drilling, $192,878 for camp food and supplies, $174,726 for salaries, $130,319 for travel, $129,072 for automobile costs, and $118,248 for licenses and taxes. $456,562 in property investigation costs spent in Nicaragua was written off during the year.
During 2004, the Company spent $46,006 in Mexico in connection with the investigation of properties for possible acquisition.
Year Ended December 31, 2003
During the year ended December 31, 2003, approximately $520,000 was spent on the Companys 100% owned mineral properties in Guatemala. Of that amount, the major expenditure categories include approximately $370,000 for personnel related costs, such as salaries, geological consulting fees and medical expenses, $65,000 for administration and $85,000 for licenses and taxes. Approximately $670,000 was spent in Nicaragua. Of that amount the major expenditure categories include approximately $365,000 for personnel related costs, such as salaries, geological consulting fees and medical expenses, $80,000 for administration costs and $46,000 on licenses and taxes and legal costs.
Year Ended December 31, 2002
During the year ended December 31, 2002, approximately $1.58 million was spent on Radiuss 100% owned mineral properties in Guatemala. Of that amount, the major expenditure categories include approximately $662,000 for personnel related costs, such as salaries, geological consulting fees and medical expenses, $190,000 for geochemistry and geophysics, and $184,000 for drilling.
During fiscal 2002, the Company spent approximately $78,000 on properties that it optioned to PilaGold and $63,000 on properties optioned to Gold Fields. During the year ended December 31, 2001, Radius incurred exploration expenditures of approximately $2.5 million on exploration of its properties, almost all of which was spent on projects located in Guatemala. Of that amount, the major expenditure categories include approximately $1,045,000 for personnel related costs, such as salaries, geological consulting fees and medical expenses, $283,000 for vehicle and other travel expenses, $212,000 for licences, taxes, property payments, legal and accounting, and $202,000 for geochemistry and geophysics.
Per Share Losses
Both the net losses and the losses per share have increased from the year 2002 to 2003 to 2004. These increases correspond to an increase in the issued and outstanding share capital the year 2002 to 2003 to 2004.
Outlook
Management expects that the Company will have sufficient working capital to meet its corporate and exploration commitments over the next 24 months. Actual funding requirements may vary from those planned due to a number of factors, including the progress of exploration and development activity. Management believes it will be able to raise equity capital as required in the long term, but recognizes the uncertainty attached thereto. The Company continues to use various strategies to minimize its dependence on equity capital, including the securing of joint venture partners where appropriate.
B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Year ended December 31, 2004 compared to December 31, 2003
During the 2004 fiscal year, the Companys cash resources increased by $1,749,499 compared to an increase of $12,927,332 in 2003. The 2004 increase is much smaller than the 2003 increase due mainly to the Company having spent a significantly greater amount on deferred exploration than in 2003. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, the Companys interest income and proceeds on issuance of shares provided additional cash of $1,471,875, which almost offset the cash component of operating expenses for the year of $1,537,547. In addition, the Company received $6,491,647 as a result of the Amalgamation.
As at December 31, 2004, the Company had working capital of approximately $17.1 million compared to working capital of $14.8 million as at the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.
The Companys paid up share capital as at December 31, 2004 was $42,060,982 representing 53,091,188 common shares without par value. The contributed surplus of $2,290,834 plus share capital, together with a deficit of $10,087,313, results in shareholders equity of $34,264,503. Details of share capital issuances are discussed in Note 8 to the Financial Statements. Subsequent to the 2004 fiscal year, the Company received an additional $240,140 from the exercise of stock options and share purchase warrants.
Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to December 31, 2002
During the 2003 fiscal year, the Companys cash resources increased by $12,927,332 compared to a decrease of $761,493 in 2002. The 2003 increase is a result of the Company receiving $15,386,927 from the sale of shares which includes gross proceeds of $9,817,500 from a private placement of units at $1.50 per unit and $500,000 from a private placement of units at $0.50 per unit. The balance of the increase resulted from the exercise of share purchase warrants and stock options. The Company spent $1,390,452 on its resource properties (2002 - $1,741,541).
As at December 31, 2003 Radius had working capital of approximately $14.80 million compared to working capital of $1.95 million as at the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. The increase in working capital is a result of Radius not spending the money it had raised from the sale of shares.
The Companys paid up share capital as at December 31, 2003 was $27,539,692 representing 38,395,242 common shares without par value. The contributed surplus of $234,500 plus share capital, together with a deficit of $5,168,074, results in shareholders equity of $22,606,118. Details of share capital issuances are discussed in Note 6 to the Financial Statements. Subsequent to the 2003 fiscal year Radius received an additional $180,138 from the exercise of stock options and share purchase warrants.
Year ended December 31, 2002 compared to December 31, 2001
During the 2002 fiscal year the Companys cash resources decreased by $761,493 compared to an increase of $2,073,536 in 2001. The decrease is a result of Radius spending $1,741,541 on its resource properties and raising cash of only $951,886 from the sale of shares. As at December 31, 2002 the Company had a working capital of approximately $1.95 million compared to working capital of $2.7 million as at the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001.
The decrease in working capital is a result of the expenditures on resource properties and a smaller amount of funds raised from the sale of shares. Radiuss paid up share capital as at December 31, 2002 was $11,652,765 representing 22,705,896 common shares without par value. The share capital, together with a deficit of $3,446,011, results in shareholders equity of $8,706,754 (2001 - $7,897,494).
C.
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
Not applicable.
D.
Trend Information.
The Company is an exploration stage natural resource company engaged in the process of exploring and evaluating its mineral properties and projects and has not yet determined whether its properties and projects contain ore reserves that are economically recoverable. Consequently, there is no production, sales, or inventory in the conventional sense. The Companys financial success will be dependent upon the extent to which it can discover mineralization and the economic viability of developing such properties. Such development may take years to complete and the amount of resulting income, if any, is difficult to determine with any certainty. The sales value of any mineralization discovered by the Company is largely dependent upon factors beyond the Companys control such as the market value of the commodities produced.
The Company is not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events which are reasonably likely to have a material effect upon the Companys net sales or revenues, income from continuing operations, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause reported financial information not necessarily to be indicative of future operating results or financial condition.
E.
Off-balance Sheet Arrangements
Not applicable.
F.
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
The following table lists as of December 31, 2004 information with respect to the Companys known contractual obligations.
Payments due by period | |||||
Contractual Obligations | Total | Less than 1 year | 1- 3 years | 3 5 years | More than 5 years |
Long-Term Debt Obligations | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Capital (Finance) Lease Obligations | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Operating Lease Obligations(1) | $76,573 | $76,573 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Purchase Obligations | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on the Company's Balance Sheet under Canadian GAAP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total | $76,573 | $76,573 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
(1)
Amount indicated is the office rent lease for the Companys head office in Vancouver, BC.
D.
Safe harbour
See Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees.
A.
Directors and Senior Management.
The following table lists as of June 23, 2005 the names of the directors and senior management of the Company. The directors and senior management have served in their respective capacities since their election and/or appointment and will serve until the next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders or until a successor is duly elected, unless the office is vacated in accordance with the Companys Articles.
Name and Municipality of Residence | Position(s) held | Date of First Appointment |
Simon Ridgway | Director & President | September 30, 1997 |
Mario Szotlender, | Director | December 13, 1999 |
Harmen Keyser | Director | September 9, 1997 |
David Farrell | Director | June 15, 2001 |
Nicholas Glass | Director | January 14, 2003 |
Ralph Rushton | Director & Vice-President, Corporate Development | May 2, 2003 |
Bradford Cooke | Director | July 1, 2004 |
Cheryl Messier | Chief Financial Officer | July 1, 2004 |
Jock Slater | Vice-President, Exploration | July 1, 2004 |
Tim Osler | Corporate Secretary | May 7, 1998 |
Biographical Information
The following is a brief description of the employment background of the Companys directors and senior management:
Simon T.P. Ridgway - President and Director
Mr. Simon Ridgway is an exploration financier with 15 years experience financing and managing exploration companies operating in North, Central and South America. Mr. Ridgway began his career prospecting for gold in the Yukon Territory where he learned the value added approach of grass roots exploration. A firm believer in the gold potential of Central America, his practical, low cost approach to exploration management has led to major discoveries in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.
Mario Szotlender - Director
Mr. Mario Szotlender holds a degree in international relations and has successfully directed Latin American affairs for numerous private and public companies over the past fifteen years, specializing in developing new business opportunities and establishing relations within the investment community. Mr. Szotlender has also operated several mineral operations in Venezuela, including the Las Cristinas in the 1980s. He is currently the President of Mena Resources Inc. and Focus Ventures Ltd., and is a director of several other public companies.
Harmen J. Keyser - Director
Mr. Harmen Keyser has over 20 years exploration experience in North America and abroad. He is registered as a Professional Geologist with the Northwest Territories Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists, and Geophysicists. Since 1991, Mr. Keyser has been self-employed. He is currently a director of the Company and several other public companies.
David Farrell Director
Mr. David Farrell is Vice President of Endeavour Financial, a private investment banking firm providing advisory services to small and mid-tier global mining companies. At Endeavour, David is responsible for originating and implementing M&A and merchant banking transactions. His experience at Endeavour includes two years in its London office, structuring and closing multi-jurisdictional transactions in Londons mining finance market. Prior to joining Endeavour in 2000, David was a corporate solicitor with Stikeman Elliott specializing in project finance, securities and corporate law and is admitted to the bar in both England and British Columbia.
Nicholas Glass - Director
Mr. Nicholas Glass is a member of the Bar in British Columbia, England and Wales, and currently practises as a mediator and arbitrator in labour relations disputes and civil claims. He has been on the boards of two highly successful public companies, one of which was sold in 2002 for $40 million. Mr. Glass is also a director and officer of two private investment companies, with real estate and securities holdings in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K.
Ralph Rushton Vice President, Corporate Development and Director
Mr. Ralph Rushton earned a BSc. in Geology from Portsmouth in the UK, an MSc from the University of Alberta, and studied Business Communications at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. With 14 years experience in gold mining and exploration gained mainly with the Anglo American group in Southern Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, Mr. Rustons current responsibilities include corporate development work and investor relations, and maintaining the Companys links with senior mining companies.
Bradford Cooke - Director
Mr. Bradford Cooke, M.Sc., P.Geo., is a mining executive and a professional geologist with over 29 years of experience in the mining industry. He earned a B.Sc. (Honours) degree from Queens University in 1976 and a M.Sc. (Geology) degree from the University of British Columbia in 1984. Mr. Cooke began his mineral exploration career in 1976 as a Project Geologist with Noranda Mines, and subsequently worked for Shell Minerals, Chevron Resources and as an independent geologic consultant. In 1987, Mr. Cooke founded Canarc Resource Corp. and since that time has focused on financing and managing the exploration and development of gold mining projects in North, Central and South America. He is currently a director of several other public companies.
Cheryl Messier Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Cheryl Messier has over 10 years experience as a financial controller. She worked as CFO for an international computer trading company grossing US$5 million in annual sales. Bringing strong cash flow management experience she joined the Company in June 2003.
Jock Slater Vice-President, Exploration
Mr. Jock Slater earned a B.Sc. in Geology from the University of British Columbia and an M.Sc. from the University of Alberta. He has 35 years of experience in the mining industry, working for Archer Cathro in the Yukon Territory, Eldorado Nuclear in Northern Saskatchewan, and BP Minerals, RTZ, and Barrick Gold in New Zealand, Indonesia, Turkey, Bulgaria, and China. Since 1999 he has directed the Companys exploration activity in Guatemala and Nicaragua.
Tim Osler - Secretary
Mr. Tim Osler, B.Sc., owns and operates a mining consulting and retail mining equipment business, and has developed a gold mining placer property in the Yukon Territory which is currently producing. Mr. Osler is currently a director of Mena Resources Inc. and Focus Ventures Ltd.
There are no family relationships among the members of the board of directors or the members of senior management of the Company. There are no arrangements or understanding with major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others, pursuant to which any member of the board of directors or member of senior management was selected.
B.
Compensation.
Executive officers are compensated in a manner consistent with their respective contributions to the overall benefit of the Company. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, the Company paid to its executive officers the following amounts:
Name | Position | Amount |
Simon Ridgway | President | $144,000 |
Ralph Rushton | Vice-President, Corporate Development | $ 96,000 |
Jock Slater | Vice-President, Exploration | $111,540 |
Cheryl Messier | Chief Financial Officer | $ 32,925 |
The Company has no standard arrangement pursuant to which directors are compensated for their services in their capacity as such except for the granting from time to time of incentive stock options. The following table sets out all options in the Company which are held as of May 31, 2005 by all the current directors and officers:
Optionees | Number of Shares Subject | Exercise Price ($) | Expiration Date |
Simon Ridgway | 320,000 | $0.68 | January 7, 2008 |
Mario Szotlender | 140,000 | $1.00 | July 10, 2006 |
Harmen Keyser | 40,000 | $0.99 | January 27, 2008 |
David Farrell | 100,000 | $1.00 | September 6, 2009 |
Nicholas Glass | 50,000 | $1.00 | September 6, 2009 |
Ralph Rushton | 22,222 | $1.37 | August 13, 2008 |
Bradford Cooke | 22,222 | $2.03 | April 22, 2008 |
Cheryl Messier | 22,222 | $1.37 | August 13, 2008 |
Jock Slater | 22,222 | $1.46 | January 29, 2008 |
Tim Osler | 17,778 | $0.99 | September 24, 2007 |
C.
Board Practices.
The directors of the Company are elected annually and hold office until the next Annual General Meeting of the members of the Company or until their successors in office are duly elected or appointed. All directors are elected for a one-year term. All officers serve at the pleasure of the board of directors. The next annual general meeting will be held in the spring of 2006.
Currently, there are no directors service contracts with the Company or any of its subsidiaries providing for benefits upon termination of employment.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of the Company is presently comprised of David Farrell, Bradford Cooke and Harmen Keyser, all of whom are independent and financially literate. The Audit Committee Charter provides that the primary function of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by reviewing the financial information to be provided to the shareholders and others, the systems of internal controls and management information systems established by management and the Companys external audit process and monitoring compliance with the Companys legal and regulatory requirements with respect to its financial statements.
The Audit Committee is accountable to the Board. In the course of fulfilling its specific responsibilities hereunder, the Audit Committee is expected to maintain an open communication between the Companys external auditors and the Board. The responsibilities of a member of the Audit Committee are in addition to such members duties as a member of the Board.
The Audit Committee does not plan or perform audits or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the Companys financial statements or financial disclosure or compliance with generally accepted accounting procedures as these are the responsibility of management and the external auditors.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee of the Company is presently comprised of David Farrell and Bradford Cooke, both of whom are unrelated and independent. The Compensation Committee Charter provides that the function of the Compensation Committee is to assist the Board in discharging its oversight responsibilities relating to compensation, including the compensation of key senior management employees of the Company.
The Compensation Committee is to review and make recommendations to the Board on an annual basis with respect to the Companys stock option plan and make recommendations respecting grants of options. It shall also review and recommend to the Board annually, or more frequently as required, managements succession plans for the Executive Management, including the specific development plans and career planning for potential successors to occupy these positions.
D.
Employees.
As at December 31, 2004, the Company had 25 employees, 6 in the Vancouver office and 19 in Guatemala or Nicaragua. Ten employees provide administrative or management services and 15 employees provide geological services. None of the employees is represented by a union.
E.
Share Ownership.
The following table sets forth, as of May 31, 2005, the number of the Companys Common Shares beneficially owned by (a) the directors and members of senior management of the Company, individually, and as a group, and (b) the percentage ownership of the outstanding Common Shares represented by such shares. The security holders listed below are deemed to be the beneficial owners of Common Shares underlying options and warrants which are exercisable within 60 days from the above date.
Unless otherwise indicated, the shareholders listed possess sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown.
Title | Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Amount | Percentage |
Common | Simon Ridgway | 3,348,876(2) | 6.28% |
Common | Mario Szotlender | 1,372,507(3) | 2.58% |
Common | Harmen Keyser | 259,863(4) | 0.49% |
Common | David Farrell | 100,000(5) | 0.19% |
Common | Nicholas Glass | 50,000(6) | 0.09% |
Common | Ralph Rushton | 230,222(7) | 0.43% |
Common | Bradford Cooke | 122,222(8) | 0.23% |
Common | Cheryl Messier | 122,222(9) | 0.23% |
Common | Jock Slater | 192,222(10) | 0.36% |
Common | Tim Osler | 518,123(11) | 0.97% |
Common | All Directors and Senior Management as a group (10 individuals) | 6,316,257 | 11.85% |
(1)
Based on 53,295,988 shares outstanding as at May 31, 2005, plus any Common Shares deemed to be beneficially owned by the individual (or, for the last row of the table, by the group) pursuant to options and warrants which are exercisable by the individual (or, for the last row of the table, by the group) within 60 days from the above date.
(2)
564,444 of these shares represent currently exercisable stock options; 111,111 of these shares represent currently exercisable share purchase warrants; and 175,000 of these shares are escrow shares which are releasable subject to the terms of the Escrow Agreement dated April 15, 1998. 1,813,122 of the free trading shares and 44,444 of the warrants are held by Mill Street Services Ltd., a private company owned by the Ridgway Family Trust, of which Simon Ridgway is the Trustee. 9,389 of the free trading shares are held by Elvietri Holdings, AVV, a private company owned by Simon Ridgway.
(3)
304,444 of these shares represent currently exercisable stock options; and 25,000 of these shares are escrow shares which are releasable subject to the terms of the Escrow Agreement dated April 15, 1998.
(4)
107,778 of these shares represent currently exercisable stock options; and 25,000 of these shares are escrow shares which are releasable subject to the terms of the Escrow Agreement dated April 15, 1998.
(5)
All of these shares represent currently exercisable stock options.
(6)
All of these shares represent currently exercisable stock options.
(7)
222,222 of these shares represent currently exercisable stock options.
(8)
All of these shares represent currently exercisable stock options.
(9)
All of these shares represent currently exercisable stock options.
(10)
All of these shares represent currently exercisable stock options.
(11)
72,778 of these shares represent currently exercisable stock options; and 12,500 of these shares are escrow shares which are releasable subject to the terms of the Escrow Agreement dated April 15, 1998.
Stock Option Plan
In May 2003, the Company established a Director and Employee Stock Option Plan, the material terms of which are as follows:
1.
the Plan reserves a rolling maximum of 10% of the issued capital of the Company at the time of granting of each option, with no vesting provisions;
2.
no more than 5% of the issued capital may be reserved for issuance to any one individual in any 12 month period;
3.
no more than 2% of the issued capital may be reserved for issuance to any Consultant (as defined by the TSX Venture Exchange) or to an optionee providing investor relations services in any 12 month period;
4.
the minimum exercise price of an option cannot be less than the Market Price (as defined by the TSX Venture Exchange) of the Companys shares less any allowable discount;
5.
options will be granted for a period of up to five years, or 10 years if the Company becomes a Tier 1 company on the TSX Venture Exchange;
6.
options are non-assignable and non-transferable; and
7.
there are provisions for adjustment in the number of shares issuable on exercise of options in the event of a share consolidation, split, reclassification or other relevant change in the Companys corporate structure or capitalization.
As at May 31, 2005, there were 3,521,197 shares reserved for issuance and subject to outstanding options granted under the Plan.
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.
A.
Major Shareholders.
A major shareholder of the Company is a person that beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the Companys Common Shares. The following table sets forth to the best of the Companys knowledge, as of May 31, 2005, the number of the Companys Common Shares beneficially owned by (a) each major shareholder of the Company, and (b) the percentage ownership of the outstanding Common Shares represented by such shares. The major shareholder listed below is deemed to be the beneficial owners of Common Shares underlying options and warrants which are exercisable within 60 days from the above date. Unless otherwise indicated, to the best of the Companys knowledge, the shareholder listed possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown.
Shareholder Name | Number of Shares | Percentage of Issued Shares(1) |
Simon Ridgway | 3,348,876 (2) | 6.28% |
(1)
Based on 53,295,988 shares outstanding as at May 31, 2005, plus any Common Shares deemed to be beneficially owned by the shareholder pursuant to options and warrants which are exercisable within 60 days from the above date.
(2)
564,444 of these shares represent currently exercisable stock options; 111,111 of these shares represent currently exercisable share purchase warrants; and 175,000 of these shares are escrow shares which are releasable subject to the terms of the Escrow Agreement dated April 15, 1998. 1,813,122 of the free trading shares and 44,444 of the warrants are held by Mill Street Services Ltd., a private company owned by the Ridgway Family Trust, of which Simon Ridgway is the Trustee. 9,389 of the free trading shares are held by Elvietri Holdings, AVV, a private company owned by Simon Ridgway.
To the best of the Companys knowledge, there are no arrangements the operation of which may result in a change in control of the Company.
The Company is a publicly-owned corporation, the shares of which are owned by residents of Canada, the United States, and other countries. The Company is not controlled directly or indirectly by another corporation or any foreign government. As of May 31, 2005, there were 53,295,988 shares of the Company outstanding, of which approximately 3,625 U.S. holders of record or beneficial holders, held a total of 5,890,839 shares (11.05%). The number of beneficial holders was determined based on a review of the number of holders represented by ADP Investor Communications, a U.S. mailing service.
B.
Related Party Transactions.
Pursuant to an agreement dated December 1, 2002, Mill Street Services Ltd. (Mill Street) was providing the management and consulting services of Simon Ridgway, as the President of the Company, at a rate of $8,000 per month. Effective as at the Amalgamation date of July 1, 2004, the Company and Mill Street entered into a new agreement whereby the Company pays $16,000 per month for Mr. Ridgways services. Mill Street is a private company owned by the Ridgway Family Trust, of which Simon Ridgway is the Trustee.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, the Company paid an aggregate of $159,215 to officers and companies that have common directors with the Company for salaries and consulting and management fees.
The Company and PilaGold Inc. amalgamated and continued as one company pursuant to the provisions of the British Columbia Business Corporations Act on July 1, 2004. Certain of the directors and officers of the Company were directors, officers and/or shareholders of PilaGold Inc.
C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel.
Not Applicable.
Item 8. Financial Information.
A.
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information.
The financial statements as required under Item 17 are attached hereto and found immediately following Item 19 of this Annual Report. An auditors report of Amisano Hanson with respect to the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003and the balance sheet as at December 31 2004 and 2003, are included herein immediately preceding the consolidated financial statements.
There are no legal proceedings currently pending which may have, or have had in the recent past, significant effects on the Companys financial position or profitability.
The Company has no history of paying dividends and the Company does not contemplate that any dividends will be paid on its shares in the immediate or the foreseeable future. The present policy of the Company is to retain future earnings for use in its operations and the expansion of its business.
B.
Significant Changes.
There have been no significant changes in the Company since the date of the Companys annual financial statements.
Item 9. The Offer and Listing.
The Company shares were listed and posted for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSXV) (formerly the Canadian Venture Exchange and before that, the Vancouver Stock Exchange) on October 7, 1998 and currently trades on the TSXV. The TSXV trading symbol is RDU.
Effective October 4, 2002, the Company began trading on the Regulated Unofficial Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the trading symbol RE1. Radius has the German Security ID number of 725224.
A.
Offer and Listing Details.
The following tables set forth the reported high and low closing bid prices (all expressed in Canadian dollars) on the TSXV for (a) the Companys five most recent fiscal years; (b) each quarterly period for the Companys past two fiscal years and for the first quarter of the Companys 2005 fiscal year, and (c) for each of the six months from December 2004 to May 2005.
High and Low Price for the Five Most Recent Fiscal Years | ||
Fiscal Year ended December 31 | High | Low |
2004 | $1.85 | $0.88 |
2003 | $2.03 | $0.63 |
2002 | $1.65 | $0.63 |
2001 | $1.29 | $0.20 |
2000 | $1.00 | $0.48 |
High and Low Prices for Each Quarterly Period for the Past Two Fiscal Years and For the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005 | ||
Period Ended: | High | Low |
March 31, 2005 | $1.69 | $1.21 |
December 2004 | $1.85 | $1.21 |
September 30, 2004 | $1.35 | $0.97 |
June 30, 2004 | $1.42 | $0.88 |
March 31, 2004 | $1.58 | $1.14 |
December 31, 2003 | $2.03 | $1.30 |
September 30, 2003 | $1.82 | $1.05 |
June 30, 2003 | $1.50 | $0.84 |
March 31, 2003 | $1.65 | $0.63 |
High and Low Prices for the Most Recent Six Months | ||
Period: | High | Low |
May 2005 | $1.40 | $1.14 |
April 2005 | $1.48 | $1.24 |
March 2005 | $1.69 | $1.38 |
February 2005 | $1.50 | $1.21 |
January 2005 | $1.55 | $1.35 |
December 2004 | $1.74 | $1.32 |
On May 31, 2005, the closing price of the Common Shares on TSXV was $1.19 per Common Share. During the last three years, the Common Shares have not been subject to any trading suspensions.
B.
Plan of Distribution.
Not Applicable
C.
Markets.
The Companys shares were listed and posted for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSXV) (formerly the Canadian Venture Exchange and before that, the Vancouver Stock Exchange) on October 7, 1998 and currently trades on the TSXV. The TSXV trading symbol is RDU.
Effective October 4, 2002, the Companys shares began trading on the Regulated Unofficial Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the trading symbol RE1. Radius has the German Security ID number of 725224.
Effective December 22, 2004, the Companys shares began trading on the U.S. Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the trading symbol RDUFF.
D.
Selling Shareholders.
Not Applicable.
E.
Dilution.
Not Applicable
F.
Expenses of the Issue.
Not Applicable
Item 10. Additional Information.
A.
Share Capital.
Not Applicable
B.
Articles of Association.
The Companys Articles do not contain any restrictions on the type of business in which the Company may engage.
Section 17 of the Companys Articles provides that, A director or senior officer who holds a disclosable interest (as that term is used in the Business Corporations Act) in a contract or transaction into which the Company has entered or proposes to enter is liable to account to the Company for any profit that accrues to the director or senior officer under or as a result of the contract or transaction only if and to the extent provided in the Business Corporations Act. A director who holds a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction into which the Company has entered or proposes to enter and who is present at the meeting of directors at which the contract or transaction is considered for approval may be counted in the quorum at the meeting whether or not the director votes on any or all of the resolutions considered at the meeting.
Section 13.5 of the Articles provides that the directors may from time to time determine the remuneration of directors. However, a disclosable interest does not include compensation to be paid to a director, and therefore such interest is not required to be disclosed pursuant to Section 17 of the Articles. Management believes that, in the absence of an independent quorum, a director cannot vote compensation to himself or herself.
The borrowing powers of the directors are addressed in Part 8, which states that, The Company, if authorized by the directors, may:
(1)
borrow money in the manner and amount, on the security, from the sources and on the terms and conditions that they consider appropriate;
(2)
issue bonds, debentures and other debt obligations either outright or as security for any liability or obligation of the Company or any other person and at such discounts or premiums and on such other terms as they consider appropriate;
(3)
guarantee the repayment of money by any other person or the performance of any obligation of any other person; and
(4)
mortgage, charge, whether by way of specific or floating charge, grant a security interest in, or give other security on, the whole or any part of the present and future assets and undertaking of the Company.
There is no provision in the Companys Articles regarding a mandatory age for retirement of directors. There is no requirement for a director to hold shares of the Company.
All of the authorized shares of common stock of the Company are of the same class and, once issued, rank equally as to dividends, voting powers, and participation in assets. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters to be acted upon by the shareholders. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors, in its discretion, out of funds legally available therefor.
Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of common stock are entitled to receive pro rata the assets of Company, if any, remaining after payments of all debts and liabilities. No shares have been issued subject to call or assessment. There are no pre-emptive or conversion rights and no provisions for redemption or purchase for cancellation, surrender, or sinking or purchase funds.
Any modification, amendment or variation of such shareholder rights or provisions are governed by the British Columbia Business Corporations Act and must be approved by a vote of at least 2/3 of the votes cast at a shareholders meeting. Unless the British Columbia Business Corporations Act or the Companys Articles otherwise provide, any action to be taken by a resolution of the members may be taken by an ordinary resolution or by a vote of a majority of the shares represented at the shareholders meeting.
The conditions governing the manner in which annual general meetings and extraordinary general meetings of shareholders are convoked, including the conditions of admission are described in the Articles of the Company in Section 10 Meetings of Shareholders.
Section 10.1 states that, Unless an annual general meeting is deferred or waived in accordance with the Business Corporations Act, the Company must hold its first annual general meeting within 18 months after the date on which it was incorporated or otherwise recognized, and after that must hold an annual general meeting at least once in each calendar year and not more than 15 months after the last annual reference date at such time and place as may be determined by the directors.
Section 10.4 states that, The Company must send notice of the date, time and location of any meeting of shareholders, in the manner provided in these Articles, or in such other manner, if any, as may be prescribed by ordinary resolution (whether previous notice of the resolution has been given or not), to each shareholder entitled to attend the meeting, to each director and to the auditor of the Company, unless these Articles otherwise provide, at least the following number of days before the meeting:
(1)
if and for so long as the Company is a public company, 21 days;
(2)
otherwise, 10 days.
The conditions of admission are described in Section 11.5 where it is stated that, The directors, the president (if any), the secretary (if any), the assistant secretary (if any), any lawyer for the Company, the auditor of the Company and any other persons invited by the directors are entitled to attend any meeting of shareholders, but if any of those persons does attend a meeting of shareholders, that person is not to be counted in the quorum and is not entitled to vote at the meeting unless that person is a shareholder or proxy holder entitled to vote at the meeting.
There are no limitations on the rights to own securities.
There is no provision of the Companys Articles, charter or bylaws that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company and that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving the Company (or any of its subsidiaries).
There are no conditions imposed by the Articles governing changes in the capital, where such conditions are more stringent that is required by law.
C.
Material Contracts.
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this Annual Report, the Company has not entered into any material contracts, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, during the two year period immediately preceding the filing of this Annual Report, except:
Gold Fields Right of First Refusal
The Company entered into an agreement dated July 8, 2003 (the Gold Fields Right of First Refusal Agreement) with Gold Fields Exploration B.V. (Gold Fields) which provided certain rights to Gold Fields (the Gold Fields Right of First Refusal) for a period of two years from the date of the agreement. This agreement applies to any property located in either Guatemala or Nicaragua (the Bound Properties), in which the Company (including any subsidiary of the Company), has an interest. If the Company intends to sell any interest in the Bound Properties, the Company is required to give Gold Fields the data on such Bound Property (the Subject Property) and then Gold Fields will have 60 days to make the Company an offer on such Subject Property. If the Company refuses the Gold Fields offer, then the Company may proceed for a period of 120 days to obtain offers from third parties on terms more favourable than contained in the Gold Fields offer. If the Company does not receive such a third party offer within such time frame, then the Subject Property again becomes bound by the terms of the Gold Fields Right of First Refusal Agreement.
If the Company does receive such a third party offer, then the Company cannot accept such third party offer unless it subsequently offers such Subject Property to Gold Fields on the terms the same as contained in the third party offer and then holds such offer open for 60 days.
If Gold Fields does not accept such offer within such 60 day period, then the Company may sell the Subject Property, within 45 days to the same third party offeror and on the same terms as contained in the third party offer.
As a result of then proposed Amalgamation, Gold Fields confirmed by an agreement dated April 2, 2004 that the Gold Fields Right of First Refusal did not apply to either of (a) property interests held by PilaGold Inc. or (b) any new properties acquired by the amalgamated company.
D.
Exchange Controls.
The Company is not aware of any Canadian federal or provincial laws, decrees, or regulations 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-Canadian holders of the common shares. There are no limitations on the right of non-Canadian owners to hold or vote the common shares imposed by Canadian federal or provincial law or by the charter or other constituent documents of the Company.
E.
Taxation
Canadian Income Tax Consequences
The summary below is restricted to the case of a holder (a Holder) of one or more common shares (Common Shares) who for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the Tax Act) is a non-resident of Canada, holds his Common Shares as capital property and deals at arms length with the Company.
Dividends
A Holder will be subject to Canadian withholding tax (Part XIII Tax) equal to 25%, or such lower rate as may be available under an applicable tax treaty, of the gross amount of any dividend paid or deemed to be paid on his Common Shares. Under the Canada-US Tax Convention (the Tax Convention), the rate of Part XIII Tax applicable to a dividend on Common Shares paid to a Holder who is a resident of the United States is, if the Holder is a company that beneficially owns at least 10% of the voting stock of the Company, 5% and, in any other case, 15% of the gross amount of the dividend. The Company will be required to withhold the applicable amount of Part XIII Tax from each dividend so paid and remit the withheld amount directly to the Receiver General for Canada for the account of the Holder.
Disposition of Common Shares
A Holder who disposes of Common Shares, including by deemed disposition on death, will not be subject to Canadian tax on any capital gain thereby realized unless the Common Share constituted taxable Canadian property as defined by the Tax Act. Generally, a common share of a public corporation will not constitute taxable Canadian property of a holder unless he held the common share as capital property used by him carrying on a business in Canada, or he or persons with whom he did not deal at arms length alone or together held or held options to acquire, at any time within the 60 months preceding the disposition, 25% or more of the issued shares of any class of the capital stock of the Company.
A Holder who is a resident of the United States and realizes a capital gain on disposition of Common Shares that was taxable Canadian property will nevertheless, by virtue of the Tax Convention, generally be exempt from Canadian tax thereon unless (a) more than 50% of the value of the Common Shares is derived from, or from an interest in, Canadian real estate, including Canadian mineral resources properties, (b) the Common Shares formed part of the business property of a permanent establishment that the Holder has or had in Canada within the 12 months preceding disposition, or (c) the Holder (i) was a resident of Canada at any time within the ten years immediately preceding the disposition, and for a total of 120 months during any period of 20 consecutive years, preceding the disposition, and (ii) owned the Common Shares when he ceased to be resident in Canada.
A Holder who is subject to Canadian tax in respect of a capital gain realized on disposition of Common Shares must include one-half of the capital gain (taxable capital gain) in computing his taxable income earned in Canada. The Holder may, subject to certain limitations, deduct one-half, two-thirds or three-quarters of any capital loss (depending upon the date on which the loss was realized) arising from disposition of taxable Canadian property from capital gains realized in the year of disposition in respect to taxable Canadian property and, to the extent not so deductible, from such taxable capital gains of any of the three preceding years or any subsequent year.
PART I UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following is a summary of the anticipated material U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of common shares of the Company (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 consequences that may apply to a U.S. Holder as a result of 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 of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares. 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 financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
Scope of this Disclosure
Authorities
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), Treasury Regulations, published Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rulings, published administrative pronouncements 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 as of the date of this Annual Report. 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 basis. 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 basis.
U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, a U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of Common Shares that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (a) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S., (b) a corporation, or other entity classified as a domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S. or any state in the U.S., including the District of Columbia, (c) an estate if the income of such estate is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of the source of such income, or (d) a trust if (i) such trust has validly elected to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (ii) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of such trust.
Non-U.S. Holders
A non-U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of Common Shares other than a U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares to non-U.S. Holders. Accordingly, a non-U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences (including the potential application of and operation of any tax treaties) of 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 consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares to U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including the following U.S. Holders: (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, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, or regulated investment companies or that are broker-dealers or dealers in securities; (c) U.S. Holders that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar; (d) U.S. Holders that are subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code; (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) partners of partnerships that hold Common Shares or owners of other entities classified as partnerships or pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes that hold Common Shares, (h) U.S. Holders that hold Common Shares other than as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including U.S. Holders described immediately above, should consult their own financial advisor, legal counsel or accountant regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
Tax Consequences Other than U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. state and local 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 financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the U.S. state and local and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares. (See [TaxationCanadian Federal Income Tax Consequences] above).
Treaty Application to Certain Individual U.S. Holders
An individual U.S. Holders who does not maintain a substantial presence, permanent home, or habitual abode in the U.S., or whose personal and economic relations are not closer to the U.S. than to any other country may be unable to benefit from the provisions of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention. An individual U.S. Holder described immediately above should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the availability of benefits under the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Acquisition, Ownership, and Disposition of Common Shares
Distributions on Common Shares
General Taxation of Distributions
A U.S. Holder that receives a distribution, including, in certain circumstances, a constructive distribution, with respect to the Common Shares 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 Company. To the extent that a distribution exceeds the current and accumulated earnings and profits of the Company, such distribution will be treated as a non-dividend distribution (a) first, as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holders tax basis in the Common Shares and, (b) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of such Common Shares. (See more detailed discussion at Disposition of Common Shares below).
Reduced Tax Rates for Certain Dividends
For taxable years beginning after May 6, 2003 and before January 1, 2009, a dividend paid by the Company generally will be taxed at the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains if (a) the Company is a qualified foreign corporation (as defined below), (b) the U.S. Holder receiving such dividend is an individual, estate, or trust, and (c) such dividend is paid on Common Shares that have been held by such U.S. Holder for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date (i.e., the first date that a purchaser of such Common Shares will not be entitled to receive such dividend).
The Company generally will be a qualified foreign corporation under Section 1(h)(11) of the Code (a QFC) if (a) the Company is incorporated in a possession of the U.S., (b) the Company is eligible for the benefits of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention, or (c) the Common Shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S. However, even if the Company satisfies one or more of such requirements, the Company will not be treated as a QFC if the Company is a foreign personal holding company, a foreign investment company, or a passive foreign investment company (each as defined below) for the tax year during which the Company pays a dividend or for the immediately preceding tax year.
As discussed below, the Company believes that it will be a passive foreign investment company (See more detailed discussion at Additional Rules that May Apply to U.S. HoldersPassive Foreign Investment Company below). Accordingly, the Company does not believe that it will be a QFC.
If the Company is not a QFC, a dividend paid by the Company to a U.S. Holder, including a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust, generally will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates (and not at the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains). The dividend rules are complex and each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the dividend rules.
Distributions Paid in Foreign Currency
The amount of a distribution paid to a U.S. Holder in foreign currency generally will be equal to the U.S. dollar value of such distribution based on the exchange rate applicable on the date of receipt. A U.S. Holder that does not convert foreign currency received as a distribution into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt generally will have a tax basis in such foreign currency equal to the U.S. dollar value of such foreign currency on the date of receipt. Such a U.S. Holder generally will recognize ordinary income or loss on the subsequent sale or other taxable disposition of such foreign currency (including an exchange for U.S. dollars). However, an individual U.S. Holder whose realized gain upon such subsequent sale or other taxable disposition of such foreign currency does not exceed U.S.$200 will not recognize such gain to the extent that the gain arises from a personal transaction, and there are no expenses associated with the transaction that meet the requirements for deductibility as a trade or business expense or as an expense for the production of income. Similarly, such foreign currency loss that does not exceed U.S. $200 will be non-deductible.
Dividends Received Deduction
Dividends paid on the Common Shares generally will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction. The availability of the dividends received deduction is subject to complex limitations that are beyond the scope of this discussion, and a U.S. Holder that is a corporation should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the dividends received deduction.
Disposition of Common Shares
A U.S. Holder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between (a) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received and (b) such U.S. Holders tax basis in the Common Shares sold or otherwise disposed of. Any such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss, which will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Common Shares are held for more than one year.
Preferential tax rates apply to long-term capital gains of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust. There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains of a U.S. Holder that is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses and net capital losses are subject to complex limitations. For a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust, capital losses may be used to offset capital gains and up to U.S.$3,000 of ordinary income. An unused capital loss of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust generally may be carried forward to subsequent taxable years, until such net capital loss is exhausted. For a U.S. Holder that is a corporation, capital losses may be used to offset capital gains, and an unused capital loss generally may be carried back three years and carried forward five years from the year in which such net capital loss is recognized.
Foreign Tax Credit
A U.S. Holder who pays (whether directly or through withholding) Canadian income tax with respect to 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. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis, whereas a deduction will reduce a U.S. Holders 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. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability that such U.S. Holders foreign source taxable income bears to such U.S. Holders worldwide taxable income. In applying this limitation, a U.S. Holders various items of income and deduction must be classified, under complex rules, as either foreign source or U.S. source. In addition, this limitation is calculated separately with respect to specific categories of income (including passive income, high withholding tax interest, financial services income, shipping income, and certain other categories of income). Dividends paid by the Company generally will constitute foreign source income and generally will be classified as passive income or, in the case of certain U.S. Holders, financial services income. In addition, a U.S. Holder that is a corporation and that owns 10% or more of the voting stock of the Company may, subject to complex limitations, be entitled to an indirect foreign tax credit under Section 902 of the Code with respect to dividends paid by the Company. The foreign tax credit rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the foreign tax credit rules.
Information Reporting; Backup Withholding Tax
Payments made within the U.S. of dividends on, and proceeds arising from certain sales or other taxable dispositions of, Common Shares generally will be subject to information reporting and backup withholding tax, at the rate of 28%, if a U.S. Holder (a) fails to furnish such U.S. Holders 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, U.S. Holders that are corporations generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding tax rules. Any amounts withheld under the U.S. backup withholding tax rules will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or will be refunded, if such U.S. Holder furnishes required information to the IRS. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the information reporting and backup withholding tax rules.
Additional Rules that May Apply to U.S. Holders
If the Company is a foreign personal holding company, a foreign investment company, a controlled foreign corporation, or a passive foreign investment company (each as defined below), the preceding sections of this summary may not describe the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
Foreign Personal Holding Company
The Company generally will be a foreign personal holding company under Section 552 of the Code (a FPHC) if (a) at any time during a taxable year, more than 50% of the total voting power or the total value of the outstanding shares of the Company is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals who are citizens or residents of the U.S. and (b) 60% (or 50% in certain cases) or more of the gross income of the Company for such taxable year is foreign personal holding company income. Foreign personal holding company income includes, for example, dividends, interest, certain rents and royalties, certain gains from the sale of stock and securities, and certain gains from commodities transactions.
If the Company is a FPHC, a U.S. Holder generally will be required to include in gross income such U.S. Holders allocable portion of the undistributed foreign personal holding company income (as defined in Section 556 of the Code) of the Company without regard to whether the income is distributed by the FPHC to its shareholders in the taxable year the income is earned. The Company does not believe that it has previously been, or currently is, a FPHC. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be a FPHC for the current or any future taxable year.
Foreign Investment Company
The Company generally will be a foreign investment company under Section 1246 of the Code (a FIC) if (a) 50% or more of the total voting power or the total value of the outstanding shares of the Company is owned, directly or indirectly, by citizens or residents of the U.S., domestic partnerships, domestic corporations, domestic estates, or domestic trusts (each as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) and (b) the Company is (i) registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a management company or a unit investment trust or (ii) engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities, commodities, or any interest in securities or commodities.
If the Company is a FIC, all or part of any gain recognized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares will be treated as ordinary income (rather than as capital gain). The Company does not believe that it has previously been, or currently is, a FIC. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be a FIC for the current or any future taxable year.
Controlled Foreign Corporation
The Company generally will be a controlled foreign corporation under Section 957 of the Code (a CFC) if more than 50% of the total voting power or the total value of the outstanding shares of the Company is owned, directly or indirectly, by citizens or residents of the U.S., domestic partnerships, domestic corporations, domestic estates, or domestic trusts (each as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code), each of which own, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding shares of the Company (a 10% Shareholder).
If the Company is a CFC, a 10% Shareholder generally will be subject to current U.S. federal income tax with respect to (a) such 10% Shareholders pro rata share of the subpart F income (as defined in Section 952 of the Code) of the Company and (b) such 10% Shareholders pro rata share of the earnings of the Company invested in United States property (as defined in Section 956 of the Code). In addition, under Section 1248 of the Code, any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares by a U.S. Holder that was a 10% Shareholder at any time during the five-year period ending with such sale or other taxable disposition generally will be treated as a dividend to the extent of the earnings and profits of the Company that are attributable to such Common Shares. If the Company is both a CFC and a passive foreign investment company (as defined below), the Company generally will be treated as a CFC (and not as a passive foreign investment company) with respect to any 10% Shareholder.
The Company does not believe that it has previously been, or currently is, a CFC. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be a CFC for the current or any future taxable year.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
The Company generally will be a passive foreign investment company under Section 1297 of the Code (a PFIC) if, for a taxable year, (a) 75% or more of the gross income of the Company for such taxable year is passive income or (b) 50% or more of the assets held by the Company either produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income, based on the fair market value of such assets (or on the adjusted tax basis of such assets, if the Company is not publicly traded and either is a controlled foreign corporation or makes an election). Passive income includes, for example, dividends, interest, certain rents and royalties, certain gains from the sale of stock and securities, and certain gains from commodities transactions. However, gains arising from the sale of commodities generally are excluded from passive income if (a) a foreign corporation holds the commodities directly (and not through an agent or independent contractor) as inventory or similar property or as dealer property, (b) such foreign corporation incurs substantial expenses related to the production, processing, transportation, handling, or storage of the commodities, and (c) gross receipts from sales of commodities that satisfy the requirements of clauses (a) and (b) constitute at least 85% of the total gross receipts of such foreign corporation.
For purposes of the PFIC income test and assets test described above, if the Company owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the total value of the outstanding shares of another foreign corporation, the Company will be treated as if it (a) held a proportionate share of the assets of such other foreign corporation and (b) received directly a proportionate share of the income of such other foreign 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 Company 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.
The Company believes that it was a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2003 and that it will be a PFIC for the taxable year ending December 31, 2004. There can be no assurance, however, that the IRS will not challenge the determination made by the Company concerning its PFIC status.
Default PFIC Rules Under Section 1291 of the Code
If the Company 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 Company 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 paid 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 taxable year) exceeds 125% of the average distributions received during the three preceding taxable years (or during a U.S. Holders 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 paid on the Common Shares, must be ratably allocated to each day in a Non-Electing U.S. Holders holding period for the Common Shares. The amount of any such gain or excess distribution allocated to prior years of such Non-Electing U.S. Holders holding period for the Class Common Shares (other than years prior to the first taxable year of the Company during such Non-Electing U.S. Holders holding period and beginning after January 1, 1987 for which the Company was a PFIC) will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the highest tax applicable to ordinary income in each such prior year. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder will be required to pay interest on the resulting tax liability for each such prior year, calculated as if such tax liability had been due in each such prior year. Such a Non-Electing U.S. Holder that is not a corporation must treat any such interest paid as personal interest, which is not deductible. The amount of any such gain or excess distribution allocated to the current year of such Non-Electing U.S. Holders holding period for the Common Shares will be treated as ordinary income in the current year, and no interest charge will be incurred with respect to the resulting tax liability for the current year.
If the Company is a PFIC for any taxable year during which a Non-Electing U.S. Holder holds Common Shares, the Company will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such Non-Electing U.S. Holder, regardless of whether the Company ceases to be a PFIC in one or more subsequent 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 taxable year for which the Company was a PFIC.
QEF Election
A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above. However, a U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such U.S. Holders pro rata share of (a) the net capital gain of the Company, which will be taxed as long-term capital gain to such U.S. Holder, and (b) and the ordinary earnings of the Company, 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 gain, 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 taxable year in which the Company is a PFIC, regardless of whether such amounts are actually distributed to such U.S. Holder by the Company. However, a U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election 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 also (a) may receive a tax-free distribution from the Company to the extent that such distribution represents earnings and profits of the Company that were previously included in income by the U.S. Holder because of such QEF Election and (b) will adjust such U.S. Holders 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. Holders holding period for the Common Shares in which the Company 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 first year. However, if the Company was a PFIC in a prior year, then in addition to filing the QEF Election documents, a U.S. Holder must elect to recognize (a) gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above) as if the Common Shares were sold on the qualification date or (b) if the Company was also a CFC, such U.S. Holders pro rata share of the post-1986 earnings and profits of the Company as of the qualification date. The qualification date is the first day of the first taxable year in which the Company was a QEF with respect to such U.S. Holder. The election to recognize such gain or earnings and profits can only be made if such U.S. Holders holding period for the Common Shares includes the qualification date. By electing to recognize such gain or earnings and profits, such U.S. Holder will be deemed to have made a timely QEF Election. In addition, under very limited circumstances, a U.S. Holder may make a retroactive QEF Election if such U.S. Holder failed to file the QEF Election documents in a timely manner.
A QEF Election will apply to the taxable year for which such QEF Election is made and to all subsequent taxable 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 taxable year, the Company ceases to be a PFIC, the QEF Election will remain in effect (although it will not be applicable) during those taxable years in which the Company is not a PFIC. Accordingly, if the Company becomes a PFIC in another subsequent taxable year, the QEF Election will be effective and the U.S. Holder will be subject to the QEF rules described above during any such subsequent taxable year in which the Company qualifies as a PFIC. In addition, the QEF Election will remain in effect (although it will not be applicable) with respect to a U.S. Holder even after such U.S. Holder disposes of all of such U.S. Holders direct and indirect interest in the Common Shares. Accordingly, if such U.S. Holder reacquires an interest in the Company, such U.S. Holder will be subject to the QEF rules described above for each taxable year in which the Company is a PFIC.
Each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a QEF Election. U.S. Holders should be aware that there can be no assurance that the Company will satisfy record keeping requirements that apply to a QEF, or that the Company will supply U.S. Holders with information that such U.S. Holders require to report under the QEF rules, in event that the Company is a PFIC and a U.S. Holder wishes to make 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 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.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above. However, if a U.S. Holder makes a Mark-to-Market Election after the beginning of such U.S. Holders holding period for the Common Shares and such U.S. Holder has not made a timely Mark-to-Market Election, the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above will apply to certain dispositions of, and distributions on, the Common Shares.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will include in ordinary income, for each taxable year in which the Company 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 taxable year over (b) such U.S. Holders 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 lesser of (a) the excess, if any, of (i) such U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares over (ii) the fair market value of such Common Shares as of the close of such taxable year or (b) the excess, if any, of (i) the amount included in ordinary income because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior taxable years over (ii) the amount allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior taxable years.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election generally also will adjust such U.S. Holders 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 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 taxable years over (b) the amount allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior taxable years).
A Mark-to-Market Election applies to the taxable year in which such Mark-to-Market Election is made and to each subsequent taxable 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 financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a Mark-to-Market Election.
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 Company 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.
The PFIC rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant 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.
F.
Dividends and Paying Agents.
Not Applicable
G.
Statement by Experts.
Not Applicable
H.
Documents on Display.
The documents concerning the Company which are referred to in this Annual Report may be inspected at the Companys executive offices, located at Suite 830, 355 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC.
I.
Subsidiary Information.
Not Applicable
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
There are no market risks which can be expected to materially affect the Companys business.
Mineral Prices
Even if the Companys exploration programs are successful, factors beyond the control of the Company may affect the marketability of any minerals discovered. Metal prices have historically fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous factors, including international, economic and political trends, expectations for inflation, currency exchange fluctuations, interest rates, global or regional consumption patterns, speculative activities and worldwide production levels. The effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted.
Foreign Currency Translation
Monetary items denominated in a foreign currency are translated into Canadian dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date and non-monetary items are translated at exchange rates prevailing when the assets were acquired or obligations incurred. Foreign currency denominated revenue and expense items are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the transaction date. Gains or losses arising from the translations are included in operations.
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities.
Not Applicable
PART II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies.
None.
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds.
None.
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Companys management, including the President, has reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days before the filing of this annual report. Based on that review and evaluation, the President has concluded that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing management with all material information required to be disclosed in this annual report on a timely basis.
Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the financial reporting of the Company. The management of the Company, including the President, has reviewed whether or not there have been significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls of the Company subsequent to the date of their most recent evaluation. Based on that review, the President has concluded that there have been no such significant changes.
Item 16. [Reserved]
Item 16A.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that there is one audit committee financial expert (as defined by the SEC) on the Companys audit committee, one of whom is David Farrell, a Director. Mr. Farrell has gained the attributes of an audit committee financial expert through his experience overseeing and assessing the performance of the public accountants who have audited the Companys financial statements;
Item 16B. Code of Ethics
The Company has not adopted a formal written code of ethics given its relatively small size. Directors and officers of the Company are subject to the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, whereby they are required to act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. Also, the Board of Directors of the Company is comprised of two lawyers who are available to the management of the Company to provide a high standard of care in the activities of the Company and to provide guidance when needed.
Item 16C.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Amisano Hanson, Chartered Accountants, has served as the Companys principal accountant since January 9, 2004. Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Accountants, served as the Companys principal accountant from March 28, 2001 through January 9, 2004. The charts below sets forth the total amount billed the Company by Amisano Hanson for services performed for the Companys fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, and breaks down these amounts by category of service:
Years ended December 31 | ||
2004 | 2003 | |
Audit: | $54,400 | $31,750 |
Audit Related: | 0 | 0 |
Tax | $2,300 | $1,675 |
All Other Fees | 0 | 0 |
Total | $60,700 | $33,425 |
Audit Fees are the aggregate fees billed for the audit of the Companys consolidated annual financial statements in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
Audit Committee's pre-approval policies and procedures
The Audit Committee nominates and engages the independent auditors to audit the financial statements, and approves all audit, audit-related services, tax services and other services provided by the Companys outside auditors. Any services provided by the auditors that are not specifically included within the scope of the audit must be pre-approved by the audit committee prior to any engagement. [The audit committee is permitted to approve certain fees for audit-related services, tax services and other services pursuant to a de minimus exception before the completion of the engagement. In 2004, none of the fees paid to the auditors were approved pursuant to the de minimus exception.]
Item 16D.
Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees.
Not Applicable
Item 16E.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.
None
PART II
Item 17. Financial Statements.
The Companys Consolidated Financial Statements are stated in Canadian Dollars and are prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP, the application of which, in the case of the Company, conforms in all material respects for the periods presented with U.S. GAAP, except as discussed in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company as required under Item 17 of Form 20-F attached hereto are individually listed under Item 19, and are found immediately following the text of this Annual Report. The audit reports of Amisano Hanson, Chartered Accountants, and Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Accountants, and the comments by auditors for U.S. readers on Canada U.S. reporting difference, are included herein immediately preceding the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 18. Financial Statements.
Not Applicable
Item 19. Exhibits.
Financial Statements
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Corporation and exhibits listed below are filed with this Annual Report on Form 20-F in the United States.
The following financial statements are attached to and form part of this Annual Report:
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company |
- Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm of Amisano Hanson, Chartered Accountants |
- Comments by Amisano Hanson for U.S. Readers on Canada U.S. Reporting Conflict - Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm of Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Accountants - Comments by Davidson & Company for U.S. Readers on Canada U.S. Reporting Conflict |
- Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2004 and2003 |
- Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 |
- Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 |
- Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 |
- Schedule of Mineral Properties as at December 31, 2004 and 2003 |
- Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company |
Exhibits
The following exhibits are attached to and form part of this Annual Report:
Exhibit No. | Description |
1 | Certificate of Amalgamation and Articles of the Company dated July 1, 2004. |
2 (1) | Escrow Agreement dated April 14, 1998 among the Company, Pacific Corporate Trust Company, as escrow agent, and certain shareholders of the Company named therein |
4.1 (2) | Management Agreement dated April 30, 2004 and effective July 1, 2004 between the Company and Mill Street Services Ltd. |
4.2 | Option Agreement dated December 1, 2004 between the Company and Fortuna Ventures Inc. |
4.3 | Amending Agreement dated June 9, 2005 between the Company and Fortuna Ventures Inc. |
4.4 | Option Agreement dated October 14, 2004 between the Company and Glamis Gold Ltd. |
4.5 | Amending Agreement dated March 31, 2005 between the Company and Glamis Gold Ltd. |
4.6 | Option Agreement dated September 22, 2004 between the Company and Meridian Gold Inc. |
4.7 | Option Agreement dated July 20, 2004 between the Company and Coastport Capital Inc. |
4.8 | Amending Agreement dated February 11, 2005 between the Company and Coastport Capital Inc. |
8 (3) | List of Subsidiaries |
31.1 | Section 302 Certification of the President, C.E.O. and C.F.O. |
32.1 | Section 906 Certification of the President, C.E.O. and C.F.O. |
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Form 20-F Registration Statement dated November 15, 2000.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Form 20-F Annual Report dated June 30, 2004.
(3)
See Item 4, Organizational Structure, herein.
-#-
RADIUS GOLD INC.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
REPORT AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian dollars)
A PARTNERSHIP of INCORPORATED PROFESSIONALS | AMISANO HANSON |
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders,
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Radius Gold Inc. (formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.) as at December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareholders' equity for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States of America). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the results of its operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
The financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2002 were audited by other auditors who expressed an opinion without reservation on those financial statements in their report dated April 17, 2003.
Vancouver, Canada | AMISANO HANSON |
April 5, 2005 | Chartered Accountants |
COMMENTS BY AUDITORS FOR U. S. READERS ON CANADA-U.S REPORTING CONFLICT
The Standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States of America) require the addition of an explanatory paragraph (following the opinion paragraph) when there are changes in accounting principles that have a material effect on the comparability of the Companys financial statements and changes in accounting principles that have been implemented in the consolidated financial statements. As discussed in Note 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for Stock-based Compensation (CICA Handbook Section 3870).
Our report to the shareholders dated April 5, 2005 is expressed in accordance with Canadian reporting standards, which do not permit a reference to such a change in accounting policy in the Auditors Report when the change in accounting policy is adequately disclosed in the financial statements.
Vancouver, Canada | AMISANO HANSON |
April 5, 2005 | Chartered Accountants |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders of
Radius Gold Inc..
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
We have audited the consolidated statement of operations of Radius Gold Inc. (formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.) and the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2002. These financial statements, expressed in Canadian dollars, are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations of the Company and the results of its changes in stockholders' equity and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2002 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
"DAVIDSON & COMPANY LLP"
Vancouver, Canada | Chartered Accountants |
| |
April 17, 2003 |
|
COMMENTS BY AUDITORS FOR U.S. READERS ON
CANADA - U.S. REPORTING DIFFERENCES
In the United States, reporting standards require the addition of an explanatory paragraph (following the opinion paragraph) when the financial statements are affected by conditions and events that cast substantial doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, such as those described in Note 1 to the financial statements. Our report to the shareholders, dated April 17, 2003 is expressed in accordance with Canadian reporting standards which do not permit a reference to such events and conditions in the auditors' report when these are adequately disclosed in the financial statements.
"DAVIDSON & COMPANY LLP"
Vancouver, Canada | Chartered Accountants |
| |
April 17, 2003 |
|
RADIUS GOLD INC.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Commitments Notes 6, 8 and 12
Subsequent Events Notes 6, 8 and 14
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: | ||||
Simon Ridgway | Director | Mario Szotlender | Director | |
RADIUS GOLD INC.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
RADIUS GOLD INC.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | |
Operating Activities | |||
Net loss for the year | $ (3,908,339) | $ (1,722,063) | $ (642,626) |
Items not affecting cash: | |||
Amortization | 55,379 | 29,036 | 25,377 |
Loss on disposal of subsidiary | - | 910 | - |
Non-cash compensation | 1,173,784 | 234,500 | - |
Write-off of mineral property acquisition costs | - | 338,197 | 91,143 |
Write-off of deferred exploration costs | 1,350,205 | 108,332 | 23,752 |
Changes in non-cash working capital items: | |||
Advances and receivables | (474,722) | 3,767 | (14,533) |
Prepaid expenses | (12,710) | (729) | 17,945 |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (257,763) | 141,848 | (122,679) |
Net cash used in operating activities | (2,074,166) | (866,202) | (621,621) |
Investing Activities | |||
Acquisition of capital assets | (253,876) | (141,309) | - |
Decrease in exploration advances | - | - | 43,792 |
Due from related parties | 126,355 | (302,617) | 71,164 |
Mineral property acquisition costs | (210,692) | (205,831) | (208,030) |
Deferred exploration costs | (3,094,156) | (1,184,621) | (1,533,511) |
Due to related parties | (275,812) | 240,985 | 34,827 |
Net cash acquired on amalgamation | 6,491,647 | - | - |
Net cash used in investing activities | 2,783,466 | (1,593,393) | (1,591,758) |
Financing Activities | |||
Net proceeds from issuance of capital stock | 1,040,199 | 15,386,927 | 951,886 |
Share subscriptions | - | - | 500,000 |
Net cash provided by financing activities | 1,040,199 | 15,386,927 | 1,451,886 |
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the year | 1,749,499 | 12,927,332 | (761,493) |
Decrease in cash from disposal of subsidiary | - | (1,468) | - |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | 14,784,487 | 1,858,623 | 2,620,116 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | $ 16,533,986 | $ 14,784,487 | $ 1,858,623 |
/contd
RADIUS GOLD INC.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | |
Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information: | |||
Cash paid for interest | $ - | $ - | $ - |
Cash paid for income taxes | $ - | $ - | $ - |
Non-cash Transactions Note 9
RADIUS GOLD INC.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Deficit | ||||||||||
Accumulated | ||||||||||
Common Stock | during the | |||||||||
Issued | Share | Contributed | Exploration | |||||||
Shares | Amount | Subscriptions | Surplus | Stage | Total | |||||
Balance, December 31, 2001 | 17,911,096 | $ 10,700,879 | $ - | $ - | $ (2,803,385) | $ 7,897,494 | ||||
Issued for cash pursuant to a private placement at $0.20 | 4,794,800 | 958,960 | - | - | - | 958,960 | ||||
Less: issue costs | - | (7,074) | - | - | - | (7,074) | ||||
Share subscriptions received | - | - | 500,000 | - | - | 500,000 | ||||
Net loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (642,626) | (642,626) | ||||
Balance, December 31, 2002 | 22,705,896 | 11,652,765 | 500,000 | - | (3,446,011) | 8,706,754 | ||||
Share subscriptions utilized | - | - | (500,000) | - | - | (500,000) | ||||
Issued for cash pursuant to a private placement at $0.50 | 1,000,000 | 500,000 | - | - | - | 500,000 | ||||
at $1.50 | 6,545,000 | 9,817,500 | - | - | - | 9,817,500 | ||||
Less: issue costs | - | (906,981) | - | - | - | (906,981) | ||||
Issued for cash pursuant to the exercise of share purchase options at $0.60 | 275,000 | 165,000 | - | - | - | 165,000 | ||||
at $0.66 | 155,000 | 100,750 | - | - | - | 100,750 | ||||
at $0.68 | 255,000 | 173,400 | - | - | - | 173,400 | ||||
at $0.90 | 30,000 | 27,000 | - | - | - | 27,000 | ||||
at $0.94 | 20,000 | 18,800 | - | - | - | 18,800 | ||||
at $0.95 | 20,000 | 19,000 | - | - | - | 19,000 | ||||
at $0.99 | 130,000 | 128,700 | - | - | - | 128,700 | ||||
at $1.00 | 40,000 | 40,000 | - | - | - | 40,000 | ||||
at $1.01 | 10,000 | 10,100 | - | - | - | 10,100 | ||||
at $1.25 | 50,000 | 62,500 | - | - | - | 62,500 | ||||
at $1.35 | 170,000 | 229,500 | - | - | - | 229,500 | ||||
Issued for cash pursuant to the exercise of share purchase warrants at $0.25 | 2,145,000 | 536,250 | - | - | - | 536,250 | ||||
at $0.55 | 738,750 | 406,313 | - | - | - | 406,313 | ||||
at $0.74 | 1,123,334 | 831,267 | - | - | - | 831,267 | ||||
at $1.25 | 2,982,262 | 3,727,828 | - | - | - | 3,727,828 | ||||
Non-cash compensation charge | - | - | - | 234,500 | - | 234,500 | ||||
Net loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (1,722,063) | (1,722,063) | ||||
Balance, December 31, 2003 | 38,395,242 | 27,539,692 | - | 234,500 | (5,168,074) | 22,606,118 |
/Contd.
Continued
RADIUS GOLD INC.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Deficit | ||||||
Accumulated | ||||||
Common Stock | during the | |||||
Issued | Share | Contributed | Exploration | |||
Shares | Amount | Subscriptions | Surplus | Stage | Total | |
Accounting change for stock-based compensation Note 3 | - | - | - | 1,010,900 | (1,010,900) | - |
Amalgamation Note 4 at $1.11 | 10,284,452 | 11,415,742 | - | - | - | 11,415,742 |
Pursuant to property acquisition agreement at $1.49 | 1,300,000 | 1,937,000 | - | - | - | 1,937,000 |
Issued for cash pursuant to the exercise of share purchase options | ||||||
at $0.60 | 35,000 | 21,000 | - | - | - | 21,000 |
at $0.65 | 117,000 | 76,050 | - | - | - | 76,050 |
at $0.68 | 69,000 | 46,920 | - | - | - | 46,920 |
at $0.90 | 30,000 | 27,000 | - | - | - | 27,000 |
at $0.95 | 55,000 | 52,250 | - | - | - | 52,250 |
at $0.99 | 79,444 | 78,650 | - | - | - | 78,650 |
at $1.10 | 65,000 | 71,500 | - | - | - | 71,500 |
Issued for cash pursuant to the exercise of share purchase warrants | ||||||
at $0.25 | 2,649,800 | 662,450 | - | - | - | 662,450 |
at $0.55 | 11,250 | 6,188 | - | - | - | 6,188 |
Non-cash compensation charge | - | - | - | 1,173,784 | - | 1,173,784 |
Transfer of contributed surplus on exercise of options | - | 128,350 | - | (128,350) | - | - |
Less: issue costs | - | (1,810) | - | - | - | (1,810) |
Net loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (3,908,339) | (3,908,339) |
Balance, December 31, 2004 | 53,091,188 | $ 42,060,982 | $ - | $ 2,290,834 | $ (10,087,313) | $ 34,264,503 |
RADIUS GOLD INC.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
SCHEDULE OF MINERAL PROPERTIES
for the year ended December 31, 2004
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Dominican | Total | |||||
Acquisition Costs | Guatemala | Nicaragua | Mexico | Republic | 2004 | |
Balance, beginning of year | $ 1,077,504 | $ - | $ - | $ - | $ 1,077,504 | |
Shares | 1,937,000 | - | - | - | 1,937,000 | |
Cash | 196,796 | 19,315 | - | - | 216,111 | |
Less: write-offs | - | - | - | - | - | |
Acquired through amalgamation Note 4 | 2,165,404 | 2,738,397 | - | 366,191 | 5,269,992 | |
Balance, end of year | 5,376,704 | 2,757,712 | - | 366,191 | 8,500,607 | |
Deferred Exploration Costs | ||||||
Balance, beginning of year | 5,910,418 | 670,041 | - | - | 6,580,459 | |
Administration | 4,453 | 38,902 | - | - | 43,355 | |
Automobile | 21,941 | 129,072 | - | - | 151,013 | |
Camp, food and supplies | 22,863 | 192,878 | - | - | 215,741 | |
Drafting, maps and printing | 466 | 13,490 | 31,717 | - | 45,673 | |
Drilling | 21,051 | 205,998 | - | - | 227,049 | |
Equipment rental | 6,938 | 85 | - | - | 7,023 | |
Geochemistry | 9,460 | 310,181 | - | - | 319,641 | |
Geological consulting | 162,570 | 801,354 | 13,924 | - | 977,848 | |
Other consulting | 72,417 | 32,223 | - | 5,664 | 110,304 | |
Legal and accounting | 17,455 | 57,591 | - | - | 75,046 | |
Licenses, rights and taxes | 55,612 | 118,248 | - | - | 173,860 | |
Materials | 11,232 | 40,857 | - | - | 52,089 | |
Maintenance | 473 | 6,677 | - | - | 7,150 | |
Miscellaneous | 2,716 | 11,832 | - | - | 14,548 | |
Medical expenses | 5,975 | 33,391 | 365 | - | 39,731 | |
Property investigation | 25,821 | 46,309 | - | - | 72,130 | |
Rent and utilities | 48,572 | 45,480 | - | - | 94,052 | |
Salaries and wages | 63,190 | 174,726 | - | - | 237,916 | |
Shipping | 3,055 | 9,454 | - | - | 12,509 | |
Telephone and communications | 11,686 | 43,395 | - | - | 55,081 | |
Travel and accommodation | 19,145 | 130,319 | - | 7,514 | 156,978 | |
587,091 | 2,442,462 | 46,006 | 13,178 | 3,088,737 | ||
6,497,509 | 3,112,503 | 46,006 | 13,178 | 9,669,196 | ||
Less: write-offs | (893,643) | (456,562) | - | - | (1,350,205) | |
Balance, end of year | 5,603,866 | 2,655,941 | 46,006 | 13,178 | 8,318,991 | |
$ 10,980,570 | $ 5,413,653 | $ 46,006 | $ 379,369 | $ 16,819,598 |
RADIUS GOLD INC.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
SCHEDULE OF MINERAL PROPERTIES
for the year ended December 31, 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Total | ||||
Acquisition Costs | Guatemala | Nicaragua | 2003 | |
Balance, beginning of year | $ 1,209,870 | $ - | $ 1,209,870 | |
Cash | 205,831 | - | 205,831 | |
Less: write-off | (338,197) | - | (338,197) | |
Balance, end of year | 1,077,504 | - | 1,077,504 | |
Deferred Exploration | ||||
Balance, beginning of year | 5,504,170 | - | 5,504,170 | |
Administration | 63,864 | 81,182 | 145,046 | |
Automobile | 16,413 | 31,768 | 48,181 | |
Camp, food and utilities | 16,861 | 49,759 | 66,620 | |
Consulting fees Note 8 | 164,235 | 292,356 | 456,591 | |
Drafting, maps and printing | 4,320 | 5,680 | 10,000 | |
Drilling | 6,356 | - | 6,356 | |
Equipment rental | 6,141 | - | 6,141 | |
Geochemistry | 29,209 | 23,917 | 53,126 | |
Geophysics | 6,254 | - | 6,254 | |
Legal and accounting fees | 27,376 | 23,751 | 51,127 | |
Licenses and taxes | 84,359 | 22,594 | 106,953 | |
Materials | 10,697 | 9,075 | 19,772 | |
Medical insurance | 18,696 | 8,210 | 26,906 | |
Salaries and wages | 49,947 | 63,133 | 113,080 | |
Shipping and courier | 984 | 468 | 1,452 | |
Telephone | 14,402 | 15,366 | 29,768 | |
Travel and accommodation | 13,012 | 42,782 | 55,794 | |
533,126 | 670,041 | 1,203,167 | ||
Less: expenditures recovered | (18,546) | - | (18,546) | |
Less: write-offs | (108,332) | - | (108,332) | |
Balance, end of year | 5,910,418 | 670,041 | 6,580,459 | |
$ 6,987,922 | $ 670,041 | $ 7,657,963 |
RADIUS GOLD INC.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 1
Nature of Operations
Radius Gold Inc. (the Company) is a public company, formed by the amalgamation of Radius Explorations Ltd. (Radius) (formerly RDU TSX-V) and PilaGold Inc. (PilaGold) (formerly PRI TSX-V) which became effective on July 1, 2004. The Company is in the business of acquiring, exploring and evaluating mineral resource properties, and either joint venturing or developing these properties further or disposing of them when the evaluation is completed.
The recoverability of amounts shown for mineral properties is dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, continuation of the Companys interest in the underlying mineral claims, the ability of the Company to obtain financing to complete their development, and future profitable production or disposition thereof.
Note 2
Significant Accounting Policies
Management has prepared the consolidated financial statements of the Company in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles which conform, in all material respects, with those generally accepted in the United States of America, except as explained in Note 17. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The financial statements have, in managements opinion, been properly prepared using careful judgement and within the framework of the significant accounting policies summarized below.
a)
Principles of consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries:
i)
Minerales Sierra Pacifico S.A. and Exploraciones Mineras de Guatemala S.A., companies incorporated under the laws of Guatemala;
ii)
Minerales de Nicaragua S.A. and Desarrollo Geologico Minerao, S.A., companies incorporated under the laws of Nicaragua;
iii)
Recursos Del Cibao, S.A., a company incorporated under the laws of the Dominican Republic; and
iv)
Radius Panamá Corporation, Weltern Resources Corp. and Corporación Geológica de Panamá, companies incorporated under the laws of Panamá.
All significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 2
Significant Accounting Policies (contd)
a)
Principles of consolidation (contd)
During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company disposed of its 100% interest in Minera Interminus de Mexico S.A. de C.V., a company incorporated under the laws of Mexico, and recorded a loss on disposal of $910.
b)
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents included highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
c)
Mineral Properties
The Company defers the cost of acquiring, maintaining its interest, exploring and developing mineral properties until such time as the properties are placed into production, abandoned, sold or considered to be impaired in value. Costs of producing properties will be amortized on a unit of production basis and costs of abandoned properties are written-off. Proceeds received on the sale of interests in mineral properties are credited to the carrying value of the mineral properties, with any excess included in operations. Write-downs due to impairment in value are charged to operations.
The Company is in the process of exploring and developing its mineral properties and has not yet determined the amount of reserves available. Management reviews the carrying value of mineral properties on a periodic basis and will recognize impairment in value based upon current exploration results, the prospect of further work being carried out by the Company, the assessment of future probability of profitable revenues from the property or from the sale of the property. Amounts shown for properties represent costs incurred net of write-downs and recoveries, and are not intended to represent present or future values.
Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed or capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and which do not contribute to current or future revenue generation are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable, and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Generally, the timing of these accruals coincides with the earlier of completion of a feasibility study or the Companys commitment to a plan of action based on the then known facts.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 2
Significant Accounting Policies (contd)
d)
Property and Equipment and Amortization
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Equipment is amortized over their estimated useful lives using the following methods:
Leasehold improvements
5 years straight-line
Trucks
5 years straight-line
Computer equipment
30% declining balance
Office equipment
20% declining balance
Website
30% declining balance
Additions to equipment are amortized at one-half rate during the year of acquisition.
e)
Financial Instruments
The carrying value of the Companys financial instruments, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, due from/to related parties and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value due to the short-term maturity of such instruments. Unless otherwise noted, it is managements opinion that the Company is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from these financial instruments.
f)
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share
Basic loss per share (LPS) is calculated by dividing loss applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted LPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if potentially dilutive securities ere exercised or converted to common stock. Due to the losses, potentially dilutive securities were excluded form the calculation of diluted LPS, as they were anti-dilutive. Therefore, there is no difference in the calculation of basic and diluted LPS.
g)
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, current income taxes are recognized for the estimated income taxes payable for the current period. Future income taxes assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the tax and accounting basis of assets and liabilities as well as for the benefit of losses available to be carried forward to future years for tax purposes only if it is more likely than not that they can be realized.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 2
Significant Accounting Policies (contd)
h)
Foreign Currency Translation
Monetary items denominated in a foreign currency are translated into Canadian dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date and non-monetary items are translated at exchange rates prevailing when the assets were acquired or obligations incurred. Foreign currency denominated revenue and expense items are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the transaction date. Gains or losses arising from the translations are included in operations.
Note 3
Change in Accounting Policy
Stock-based Compensation
Effective for fiscal years commencing on or after January 1, 2004, Canadian generally accepted accounting principles require the fair value of all share purchase options to be expensed over their vesting period with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus. Upon exercise of share purchase options, the consideration paid by the option holder, together with the amount previously recognized in contributed surplus, is recorded as an increase to share capital. Previously only share purchase options granted to non-employees followed this method and options granted to employees were not expensed.
The Company has adopted the new policy on a retroactive basis with no restatement of prior periods. Accordingly on January 1, 2004, deficit and contributed surplus were each increased by $1,010,900 to account for share purchase option expense that would have been charged to operations in 2002 and 2003 with respect to employee share purchase options granted since January 1, 2002. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate the fair value of share purchase options at the date of grant.
These compensation charges have been determined under the fair value method using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
2003 | 2002 | |
Expected dividend yield | 0.0% | - |
Expected volatility | 68.3% | - |
Risk-free interest rate | 2.80%-3.48% | - |
Expected term in years | 5 | - |
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 3
Change in Accounting Policy (contd)
Stock-based Compensation (contd)
Had the Company expensed the fair value of share purchase options in prior periods, the following pro forma amounts would have resulted:
2003 | 2002 | ||
Net loss | As reported | $ (1,722,063) | $ (642,626) |
Pro forma | $ (2,732,963) | $ (642,626) | |
Basic and diluted loss per share | As reported | $ (0.06) | $ (0.04) |
Pro forma | $ (0.10) | $ (0.04) |
Note 4
Amalgamation
a)
On July 1, 2004, Radius and PilaGold shareholders exchanged their shares for shares of the Company. Under the terms of the amalgamation, Radius shareholders received 1 Radius Gold Inc. share for every 1 Radius share held and PilaGold shareholders received 1 Radius Gold Inc. share for every 2.25 PilaGold shares held. PilaGold had 23,140,016 issued shares outstanding at July 1, 2004 which were exchanged for 10,284,452 Radius Gold Inc. shares. Radiuss issued shares at July 1, 2004 were 40,306,492 which were exchanged for 40,306,492 Radius Gold Inc. shares. The transaction resulted in the shareholders of Radius acquiring the majority of the outstanding shares of the Company and has been accounted for using the purchase method with Radius being identified as the acquirer. Accordingly all comparative figures presented are of Radius. The consolidated statement of operations include the consolidated operations of Radius from January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2004 and the consolidated operations of the Company from July 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004 and do not include the consolidated operations of PilaGold from its most recent fiscal year end (March 31, 2004) to June 30, 2004.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 4
Amalgamation (contd)
a)
The fair value of the acquired net identifiable assets of PilaGold were as follows:
Cash and short-term deposits | $ 6,491,647 | |
Advances and other receivables | 25,297 | |
Prepaid expenses and deposits | 28,708 | |
Due from related parties | 16,117 | |
Equipment | 22,553 | |
Advances for exploration | 134,393 | |
Deferred exploration | 5,269,992 | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (378,983) | |
Due to related parties | (193,983) | |
$ 11,415,741 |
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 4
Amalgamation (contd)
b)
As described above, the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 does not include the results of consolidated operations of PilaGold from its last fiscal year (March 31, 2004) to June 30, 2004 as follows:
Three month | ||
period ended | ||
June 30, 2004 | ||
Revenue | ||
Interest income | $ 21,154 | |
Expenses | ||
Amortization | 1,023 | |
Bank charges and interest | 623 | |
Consulting | 2,603 | |
Foreign currency exchange | (17,268) | |
Legal and accounting fees | 24,073 | |
Management fees | 7,500 | |
Office and miscellaneous | 8,531 | |
Promotion and travel | 108,371 | |
Regulatory and stock exchange fees | 176 | |
Rent and utilities | 8,540 | |
Salaries and wages | 28,635 | |
Shareholder communication | 18,076 | |
Telephone and fax | 1,207 | |
Transfer agent fees | 6,536 | |
198,626 | ||
Loss before other item | (177,472) | |
Other item: | ||
Write-off of exploration costs | (6,361) | |
Net loss for the period | $ (183,833) | |
Loss per share | $ (0.01) | |
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 5
Related Parties
Amounts due to and from related parties, which include directors and companies with common directors and officers, unless otherwise noted are unsecured, non-interest bearing and have no fixed terms of repayment.
Note 6
Mineral Properties
Title to mineral properties involves certain inherent risks due to the difficulties of determining the validity of certain claims as well as the potential for problems arising from the frequently ambiguous conveyancing history characteristic of many mineral properties. The Company has investigated title to all of its mineral properties and, to the best of its knowledge, title to all of its properties are in good standing. The properties in which the Company has committed to earn an interest are located in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and Mexico and the Company is therefore relying on title opinion by legal counsel who are basing such opinions on the laws of Guatemala, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and Mexico, respectively.
A. Guatemala
a.
El Tambor
(formerly Joint Venture Projects with Gold Fields Exploration, Inc., Guatemala)
The El Tambor Property consists of 13 exploration concessions located in south-central Guatemala.
The Company, through its subsidiary, Weltern Resources Corp., entered into an agreement dated November 29, 2001 with Orogen Holding (BVI) Limited (Orogen), an affiliate of Gold Fields Explorations Inc., pursuant to which Orogen acquired the right to acquire a 55% beneficial interest in the Tambor Project in consideration for incurring exploration expenses of at least US$5,000,000. Orogen subsequently conducted exploration work on the Tambor Project in the approximate amount of US$3,250,000.
Pursuant to an agreement dated November 19, 2003 with Orogen, the Company re-acquired from Orogen all of its interest in the Tambor Project in consideration for the issuance and delivery of 1,300,000 common shares of the Company (issued) to Orogen.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 6
Mineral Properties (contd)
A. Guatemala (contd)
a.
El Tambor (contd)
a)
Unidad Tipo, Santa Margarita, Tizate, El Injerto and Carlos Antonio
The Company has the right to acquire a 100% interest (subject to a 2.5% net smelter returns royalty) in five of these Concessions (the Unidad Tipo, the Santa Margarita, Tizate, El Injerto and Carlos Antonio concessions) under an option agreement dated November 21, 2000, as amended October 4, 2001 with Quimicos S.A. and Geominas S.A. for total consideration of US$500,000. In 2004, the Company made the final required payment of US$160,000 to exercise the option.
b)
Cipres I
In year 2000, the Company entered into an option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in Cipres I Project. To acquire the interest, the Company paid US$15,000 and was required to make future cash payments totalling US$645,000 by 2004. Another portion of the Cipres Project was acquired by staking. In 2001, the optioned portion of the land was dropped.
During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company decided, based on its exploration results to date, to do no further exploration on the property and $46,255 in acquisition costs and $23,008 in deferred exploration costs were written-off to operations.
c)
Progreso II to VII Concessions
The Company acquired the right to a 100% interest (subject to a 4% net smelter returns royalty) in the Progreso II to VII Concessions under an exploration lease and option to purchase agreement (the Entre Mares Option Agreement) dated May 7, 2003, and amended October 14, 2004, with Entre Mares De Guatemala, S.A., as lessor under the Entre Mares Option Agreement. The Company has incurred the minimum aggregate exploration costs required to be made by May 6, 2006 of US$800,000, and has the right until May 7, 2006 to elect to purchase the Progreso Concessions for US$250,000. One-half of the 4% royalty may be purchased by the Company for US$2.0 million.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 6
Mineral Properties (contd)
A. Guatemala (contd)
a.
El Tambor (contd)
d)
Tierra Blanca, Guatemala
In year 2000, the Company entered into an option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Tierra Blanca Project. To acquire the interest, the Company paid US$15,000 and is required to make future cash payments totalling US$985,000 by 2005. Payments during the year ended December 31, 2002 totalled $27,894 (2001: $40,495) in acquisition costs.
During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company decided, based on its exploration results to date, to do no further exploration on the property, and $91,143 in acquisition costs and $23,752 in deferred exploration costs were written-off to operations.
Joint Venture Agreement with Fortuna Ventures Inc. (Fortuna)
During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Fortuna for the further advancement of the El Tambor Project. Fortuna has agreed to spend US$4 million over four years to earn a 60% interest in the project and will spend a minimum of $250,000 per year. Once Fortuna has earned its 60%, the Company retains the right to back in to 11% of the project by matching Fortuna's US$4 million expenditure within three years. Fortuna will also pay the Company the sum of US$50,000 in cash within ten business days of exchange acceptance and US$50,000 in cash of Fortuna on the six-month anniversary of the agreement. This option is subject to regulatory approval. Fortuna became related to the Company by virtue of a common director subsequent to December 31, 2004.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 6
Mineral Properties (contd)
A. Guatemala (contd)
ii.
Marimba and Holly/Banderas
a)
Marimba
The Marimba Project consists of four exploration concessions located in southeastern Guatemala covering approximately 23,500 hectares. One of the concessions was acquired by the Company by way of a purchase price of $21,986 (US$13,750) and the other three concessions were acquired by way of applications for exploration concessions.
During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company entered into an option agreement with PilaGold, whereby PilaGold can earn a 60% interest in the project. Pursuant to the amalgamation agreement, effective July 1, 2004, the terms of the agreement have been deemed satisified.
b)
Holly/Banderas
During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company acquired a 100% interest in the Holly/Banderas Project by paying US$13,750 (CDN$21,896).
The Holly/Banderas Project consists of two granted exploration concessions and one application for exploration concession covering approximately 25,300 hectares.
During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company entered into an option agreement with PilaGold, whereby PilaGold can earn a 60% interest in the project. Pursuant to the amalgamation agreement, effective July 1, 2004, the terms of the agreement have been deemed satisified.
Joint Venture Agreement with Glamis Gold Ltd. (Glamis)
During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Glamis, giving Glamis an option to explore and develop the Holly/Banderas and Marimba properties.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 6
Mineral Properties (contd)
A. Guatemala (contd)
ii.
Marimba and Holly/Banderas (contd)
Joint Venture Agreement with Glamis Gold Ltd. (Glamis) (contd)
The agreement gives Glamis the right to acquire a 51% interest in the properties by spending US$4 million over a four-year period. To earn this interest, Glamis must:
I.
Incur US$250,000 in exploration or development expenditures on the properties in the first 12 months following receipt of all governmental permits necessary to carry out the proposed exploration program; and
II.
Spend not less than US$4 million in exploration expenditures within four years from the effective date, including a minimum US$250,000 during each of the second, third and fourth years.
Glamis may earn an additional 24% interest in the property for a total of 75%, by financing and completing a positive feasibility study for the development and construction of a mine at Banderas within five years from the effective date. After the feasibility study has been completed, each party shall finance its share of future expenditures, including the construction and development of a mine on the property, in proportion to its respective interest in the property, or have its interest in the property diluted on a straight-line basis.
If Glamis fails to proceed with a feasibility study within five years from the effective date, the Company has an option to earn back to a 75% interest in the property by financing and completing a positive feasibility study for the development and construction of a mine at Banderas within seven years from the effective date.
iii.
Eastern Guatemalan Project
The Eastern Guatemala Project is located in Eastern Guatemala and is a collection of three exploration concessions covering approximately 36,248 hectares. Two concessions are granted and one is in the application stage. All of these concessions were acquired by the Company by staking.
iv.
Regional Exploration
During the year ended December 31, 2004, deferred exploration costs incurred by the Company since 2000 on various properties in Guatemala totalling $893,643 was written off, as management is not planning any further work on those properties.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 6
Mineral Properties (contd)
B.
Nicaragua
i.
Nicaragua Concessions
During the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company commenced exploration on 25 mineral concessions in Nicaragua comprising approximately 840,000 hectares. As at December 31, 2004, the Company had been granted title to nine of the concessions with the remaining 16 applications for title pending.
a)
El Pavon
Joint Venture Agreement with Meridian Gold Inc. (Meridian)
During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Meridian, giving Meridian the option to acquire a 60% interest in El Pavon which consists of 5 of the Companys granted concessions and 4 of the applications. In order to earn the interest, Meridian must:
I.
Spend a minimum of US$3.5 million in exploration expenditures over the first two years of the agreement, and a minimum of US$1 million in each of years three and four;
II.
Complete a positive feasibility study on the project; and
III.
Make the cash payments set out below for its earned share of the propertys mineral resources.
This option is subject to regulatory approval and to completion of a formal agreement between the parties.
Meridian may terminate the option after spending the US$3.5 million by providing 30 days prior written notice to the Company. If Meridian does not meet the US$3.5 million expenditures on or prior to the second anniversary date of the agreement, or Meridian withdraws from or terminates the agreement before making such committed expenditures, Meridian will pay to the Company the difference between the amount spent and the commitment of US$3.5 million in cash.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 6
Mineral Properties (contd)
B.
Nicaragua (contd)
i.
Nicaragua Concessions (contd)
a)
El Pavon (contd)
Joint Venture Project with Meridian Gold Inc. (Meridian) (contd)
Upon completion of a positive feasibility study, Meridian will pay to the Company a predetermined price for its earned share of the mineral resources. Once Meridian has purchased 60 percent share of the mineral resources, it will have acquired an undivided 60% interest in the property. The price to be paid by Meridian to the Company for the resources will be:
I.
$40 per ounce of gold if average gold prices during 30 days prior to the fourth anniversary date are less than $400 per ounce;
II.
$50 per ounce of gold if average gold prices during 30 days prior to the fourth anniversary date are equal to or greater than $400 per ounce but less than $500 per ounce;
III.
$60 per ounce of gold if average gold prices during 30 days prior to the fourth anniversary are equal to or greater than $500 per ounce; and
IV.
$0.50 per ounce of silver if average recoverable silver grades for the resources exceed 100 grams per tonne.
When Meridian has exercised the option and acquired a 60 percent interest in the property, a joint venture will be established on a 60/40 basis.
Advances and receivables as at December 31, 2004 includes $425,463 advanced by the Company to Meridian for exploration costs incurred under this agreement.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 6
Mineral Properties (contd)
B.
Nicaragua (contd)
ii.
Kuikuinita Project
Pursuant to an agreement dated November 22, 2002, the Company has acquired an option to earn a 70% interest in the Kuikuinita project. The Kuikuinita project consists of three exploration concessions located in northeastern Nicaragua.
In order to earn the interest the Company must:
a.
Make the following cash payments:
I.
US$10,000 on signing of the agreement (paid);
II.
US$15,000 upon transfer of the Kuikuinita concessions to a holding company, Goldstone Mining S.A. (paid);
III.
US$40,000 six months later (paid); and
IV.
upon completion of the exploration work, a final payment of US$250,000.
b.
Incur the following aggregate exploration expenditures:
I.
US$200,000 on or before November 22, 2003 (incurred);
II.
US$700,000 on or before November 22, 2004 (incurred); and
III.
US$1,100,000 on or before November 22, 2005.
After the earn-in, the optionors will have 45 days to decide to convert their 30% participating interest to a 4% net smelter return (NSR). In such event, the Company will have the right to purchase up to 3% of such 4% NSR at a cost of US$1,000,000 for each percentage point of the NSR purchased.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 6
Mineral Properties (contd)
B.
Nicaragua (contd)
iii.
Mena Properties
Pursuant to a letter agreement dated February 27, 2003 and an option agreement dated October 1, 2003, the Company was granted an option to earn a 70% interest in a series of mineral concessions in Nicaragua. Three groups of concessions currently remain subject to this option, namely, Kisilala, Columbia and San Ramon. In order to earn the interest, the Company must:
a.
Make the following cash payments:
I.
US$50,000 upon signing the agreement with the optionor (paid);
II.
US$150,000 (US$131,250 paid) upon transfer of the concessions into a newly incorporated Nicaraguan subsidiary Newco; and
III.
six months after the transfer of the concessions into Newco, US$25,000 for each concession the Company wishes to continue holding, with a minimum payment of US$100,000 (paid) if the Company wishes to continue the option on at least one of the mineral concessions;
IV.
upon completion of the exploration work, a final payment of $US250,000.
b.
Incur the following exploration expenditures for each concession for which the Company wishes to earn its 70% interest:
I.
US$300,000 in the first year following transfer of the concession to Newco;
II.
US$700,000 in the second year following the transfer of the concession to Newco; and
III.
US$1,000,000 in the third year following the transfer of the concession to Newco.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 6
Mineral Properties (contd)
B.
Nicaragua (contd)
iii.
Mena Properties (contd)
After the earn-in, the Company will submit a report to the optionor on all results obtained, and plan for future exploration of the concession. The optionor will have 90 days to decide to retain a 30% working interest or to convert to a 4% NSR. In that event, the Company will have the right to purchase 2% of the 4% NSR for $1,250,000 per percentage point, and will have a first right to purchase the remaining 2% NSR.
Option agreement with Coastport Capital Inc. (Coastport)
By agreement dated July 20, 2004 and amended February 20, 2005, Coastport acquired an option to acquire a 50% interest in the San Ramon concessions from the Company. In order to exercise the option and earn a 50% interest, Coastport must incur exploration expenditures of $200,000 by December 1, 2004 (incurred), a total of US$1 million by December 31, 2005, and a total of US $2 million by July 1, 2006.
Advances and receivables as at December 31, 2004 includes $59,469 advanced by the Company to Coastport for exploration costs incurred under this agreement.
iv.
Regional Exploration
During the year ended December 31, 2004, deferred exploration costs incurred by the Company since 2003 on various properties in Nicaragua totalling $456,562 was written off, as management is not planning any further work on those properties.
C.
Dominican Republic
The Company has staked two concessions covering approximately 19,165 hectares known as the Camila project located in southern Dominican Republic. Application for these concessions has been made with grants pending approval by the Department of Zoning.
D.
Mexico
During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company incurred data acquisition and geological consulting costs in Southern Mexico, resulting in several concession applications being submitted after the year-end.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 7
Property and Equipment
2004 | 2003 | |||||
Cost | Accumulated Amortization | Net | Cost | Accumulated Amortization | Net | |
Leasehold improvements | $ 15,322 | $ 7,288 | $ 8,034 | $ 4,903 | $ 990 | $ 3,913 |
Trucks | 166,040 | 72,730 | 93,310 | 166,039 | 51,950 | 114,089 |
Furniture and equipment | 169,800 | 45,887 | 123,913 | 52,633 | 17,733 | 34,900 |
Computer hardware | 66,643 | 23,388 | 43,255 | - | - | - |
Website | 4,800 | 2,436 | 2,364 | - | - | - |
Land | 103,077 | - | 103,077 | - | - | - |
$ 525,682 | $ 151,729 | $ 373,953 | $ 223,575 | $ 70,673 | $ 152,902 |
Note 8
Capital Stock Note 14
Commitments
Escrow
As at December 31, 2004, there are 750,000 (2003: 750,000) common shares held in escrow, the release of which is subject to regulatory approval.
Stock-based Compensation
A summary of the status of the stock option plan as of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 and changes during the years ending on those dates is presented below:
2004 | ||
Weighted | ||
Number | Average | |
of | Exercise | |
Options | Price | |
Outstanding, beginning of year | 2,220,000 | $ 0.91 |
Amalgamation with PilaGold | 486,663 | 1.41 |
Granted | 1,855,000 | 1.13 |
Exercised | (450,444) | 0.83 |
Expired/cancelled | (420,000) | 1.31 |
Outstanding, end of year | 3,691,219 | $ 1.05 |
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 8
Capital Stock Note 14 (contd)
Commitments (contd)
Stock-based Compensation (contd)
2003 | ||
Weighted | ||
Number | Average | |
of | Exercise | |
Options | Price | |
Outstanding, beginning of year | 1,530,000 | $ 0.90 |
Granted | 1,845,000 | 0.85 |
Exercised | (1,155,000) | 0.84 |
Expired/cancelled | - | - |
Outstanding, end of year | 2,220,000 | $ 0.91 |
2002 | ||
Weighted | ||
Number | Average | |
of | Exercise | |
Options | Price | |
Outstanding, beginning of year | 1,790,000 | $ 0.88 |
Granted | - | - |
Exercised | - | - |
Expired/cancelled | (260,000) | 0.74 |
Outstanding, end of year | 1,530,000 | $ 0.90 |
A non-cash compensation charge of $1,173,784, associated with the granting of options, has been recognized in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004. The compensation charges have been determined under the fair value method using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
Expected dividend yield | 0.0% |
Expected volatility | 61% - 68% |
Risk-free interest rate | 2.25% - 4.11% |
Expected term in years | 1 - 5 |
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 8
Capital Stock (contd)
Commitments Note 14 (contd)
Stock-based Compensation (contd)
At December 31, 2004, the following employee and director common share purchase options were outstanding entitling the holder thereof the right to purchase one common share for each purchase option held:
Number | Exercise | Expiry | |
of Shares | Price | Date | |
22,222 | $ 1.46 | March 31, 2005 | |
50,000 | 0.99 | March 31, 2005 | |
29,000 | 0.60 | November 15, 2005 | |
125,000 | 0.85 | January 24, 2006 | |
140,000 | 1.00 | July 10, 2006 | |
670,000 | 0.68 | January 7, 2008 | |
140,000 | 0.90 | January 15, 2008 | |
55,000 | 0.99 | January 27, 2008 | |
50,000 | 1.50 | October 17, 2009 | |
235,000 | 1.10 | August 7, 2008 | |
150,000 | 1.30 | January 14, 2005 | |
100,000 | 1.30 | January 14, 2009 | |
375,000 | 1.32 | February 26, 2009 | |
102,222 | 0.99 | September 24, 2007 | |
128,888 | 1.46 | January 29, 2008 | |
22,222 | 1.58 | February 18, 2008 | |
22,222 | 2.00 | April 2, 2008 | |
22,222 | 2.03 | April 22, 2008 | |
11,111 | 2.03 | August 7, 2008 | |
66,666 | 1.37 | August 13, 2008 | |
44,444 | 1.98 | January 15, 2009 | |
35,000 | 1.00 | September 2, 2005 | |
445,000 | 1.00 | September 2, 2009 | |
650,000 | 1.00 | September 6, 2009 | |
3,691,219 | |||
Subsequent to December 31, 2004, 22,222 stock options exercisable at $1.46 per share previously granted to an employee lapsed unexercised.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 8
Capital Stock (contd)
Commitments Note 14 (contd)
Share Purchase Warrants
At December 31, 2004, the following share purchase warrants were outstanding entitling the holders thereof the right to purchase one common share for each share purchase warrant held:
Number | Exercise | Expiry | |
of Shares | Price | Date | |
458,150 | $ 1.50 | May 13, 2005 | |
3,272,500 | 1.75 | November 13, 2005 | |
1,196,666 | 1.75 | November 20, 2005 | |
4,927,316 |
Note 9
Non-cash Transactions
Investing and financing activities that do not have a direct impact on current cash flows are excluded from the cash flow statements as follows:
During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company issued 1,300,000 common shares with a value of $1,937,000 as payment on the El Tambor Gold Project (Note 6).
During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company issued 1,000,000 common shares at $0.50 per share pursuant to a private placement. The proceeds ($500,000) were received during the year ended December 31, 2002 and were included in share subscriptions.
During the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company issued 100,000 common shares with a value of $100,000 as payment on the El Tambor Gold Project (Note 6).
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 10
Related Party Transactions
The Company incurred the following expenditures charged by officers and companies which have common directors with the Company:
Years ended December 31, | |||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | |
Expenses | |||
Consulting fees | $ 15,215 | $ 9,660 | $ 60,000 |
Management fees | 45,000 | 30,000 | 30,000 |
Salaries and benefits | - | - | 20,625 |
Mineral property costs | |||
Consulting fees | 99,000 | 66,000 | 127,875 |
$ 159,215 | $ 105,660 | $ 238,500 |
These expenditures were measured by the exchange amount which is the amount agreed upon by the transacting parties.
Included in advances and receivables is $49,312 ($24,463) due from directors, officers and employees of the Company. Amounts due are unsecured, non-interest bearing and have no fixed terms of repayment.
Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities is $21,898 (2003: $Nil) owing to a company related by virtue of a common director.
Note 11
Income Taxes
The significant components of the Company's future income tax are as follows:
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | |
Future income tax assets: | |||
Non-capital losses carried forward | $ 2,701,631 | $ 1,386,174 | $ 878,000 |
Valuation allowance | (2,701,631) | (1,386,174) | (878,000) |
$ - | $ - | $ - |
The Company has available for deduction against future taxable income non-capital losses of approximately $7,600,000. These losses begin expiring in 2005. Subject to certain restrictions, the Company also has resource expenditures available to reduce taxable income in future years. Future tax benefits which may arise as a result of these non-capital losses and resource deductions have not been recognized in these consolidated financial statements.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 12
Commitment
The Company has entered into operating lease agreements for its office premises. The Company also sub leases rental space to other companies which are netted against rental expense. The annual lease commitment under the lease is as follows:
2005 | $ 20,248 | ||
2006 | 125,567 | ||
2007 | 125,927 | ||
2008 | 129,885 | ||
2009 | 130,245 | ||
2010 | 134,203 | ||
2011 | 123,020 | ||
$ 789,095 |
Note 13
Segmented Information
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operation decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. All of the Companys operations are within the mining sector relating to gold exploration. Due to the geographic and political diversity, the Companys mining operations are decentralized whereby Mine General Managers are responsible for business results and regional corporate offices provide support to the mines in addressing local and regional issues. The Companys operations are therefore segmented on a district basis. The Companys resource properties are located in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Mexico.
The segments accounting policies are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that expenses and other items are not allocated to the individual operating segments when determining profit or loss, but are rather attributed to the corporate office.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 13
Segmented Information (contd)
Details of identifiable assets by geographic segments are as follows:
Deferred | ||||
Total | Property and | Resource | Exploration | |
Assets | Equipment | Properties | Costs | |
December 31, 2004 | ||||
Canada | $ 16,605,483 | $ 45,462 | $ - | $ - |
Guatemala | 11,056,843 | 100,932 | 5,376,704 | 5,603,866 |
Nicaragua | 6,398,808 | 227,558 | 2,757,712 | 2,655,941 |
Dominican Republic | 381,642 | - | 366,191 | 13,178 |
Panama | 123,115 | - | - | - |
Mexico | 46,006 | - | - | 46,006 |
$ 34,611,897 | $ 373,952 | $ 8,500,607 | $ 8,318,991 | |
December 31, 2003 | ||||
Canada | $ 14,119,950 | $ 3,913 | $ - | $ - |
Guatemala | 7,904,303 | 126,242 | 1,077,504 | 5,910,418 |
Nicaragua | 952,766 | 22,747 | - | 670,041 |
Panama | 131,085 | - | - | - |
$ 23,108,104 | $ 152,902 | $ 1,077,504 | $ 6,580,459 | |
Note 14
Subsequent Events Notes 6 and 8
Subsequent to December 31, 2004:
–
the Company issued 57,000 common shares at $1.50 per share for total proceeds of $85,500 pursuant to the exercise of share purchase warrants.
–
the Company issued 37,800 common shares at $1.30 for total proceeds of $49,140, 40,000 common shares at $0.90 for total proceeds of $36,000, 50,000 common shares at $0.99 for total proceeds of $49,500 and 20,000 common shares at $1.00 for total proceeds of $20,000 pursuant to the exercise of share purchase options.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 15
Financial Instruments
a)
Credit risk:
For advances and receivable, the Company estimates, on a continuing basis, the probable losses and provides a provision for losses based on the estimated realizable value.
b)
Foreign currency risk:
The Company is exposed to fluctuations in foreign currencies through its operations in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Panamá. The Company monitors this exposure, but has no hedge positions. As at December 31, 2004, cash totalling $155,956 (2003: $494,094) was held in US dollars, $59,597 (2003: $197,824) in Nicaragua Cordoba and $272,265 (2003: $539,148) in Guatemala Quetzal.
Note 16
Comparative Figures
Certain of the comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the current years presentation.
Note 17
Reconciliation to United States of America Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Accounting practices under Canadian (CDN GAAP) and United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP), as they affect the Company, are substantially the same, except for the following:
a)
Mineral Properties
Under Canadian GAAP mineral property acquisition costs and exploration costs may be deferred and amortized to the extent they meet certain criteria. Under US GAAP, mineral costs are expensed as incurred. When it has been determined that a mineral property can be economically developed as a result of a final feasibility study establishing proven and probable reserves, costs incurred prospectively to develop the property are capitalized as incurred and are amortized using the units of production method over the estimated life of the ore body based on estimated recoverable ounces mined from proven and probable reserves. Therefore, additional expenses are required under US GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 17
Reconciliation to United States of America Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(contd)
b)
Stock-based Compensation
The Company grants stock options at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Companys stock at the date of the grant. Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 the Company had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method. The fair value is determined using an option-pricing model that takes into account the stock price at the grant date, the exercise price, the expected life of the option, the volatility of the underlying stock and the expected dividends, and the risk-free interest rate over the expected life of the option.
As a result of the new recommendations of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants regarding accounting for stock-based compensation, there is no difference between Canadian GAAP and US GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. The change in accounting policy is the same under US GAAP.
c)
Comprehensive Loss
US GAAP requires disclosure of comprehensive loss which, for the Company, is net loss under US GAAP plus the change in cumulative translation adjustment under US GAAP.
The concept of comprehensive loss does not come into effect under fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2006 for Canadian GAAP.
d)
New Accounting Standards
Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective accounting standards if currently adopted could have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements.
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 17
Reconciliation to United States of America Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(contd)
e)
Reconciliation of net loss determined in accordance with CDN GAAP to net loss determined under US GAAP are as follows:
Years ended December 31, | |||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | |
Net loss for the year as reported using CDN GAAP | $ (3,908,339) | $ (1,722,063) | $ (642,626) |
Foreign currency translation | 100,481 | 64,702 | - |
Adjustments to mineral properties | (10,511,840) | (943,923) | (1,741,541) |
Net loss for the year per US GAAP | (14,319,698) | (2,601,284) | (2,384,167) |
Foreign currency translation | (100,481) | (64,702) | - |
Comprehensive loss for the year per US GAAP | $ (14,420,179) | $ (2,665,986) | $ (2,384,167) |
Basic loss per share per US GAAP | $ (0.32) | $ (0.09) | $ (0.14) |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding per US GAAP | 44,916,963 | 28,446,194 | 17,305,597 |
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 17
Reconciliation to United States of America Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(contd)
f)
The effects of the differences in accounting under CDN GAAP and US GAAP on the balance sheets and statements of cash flows are as follows:
December 31, | |||
Balance Sheets | 2004 | 2003 | |
Total assets per CDN GAAP | $ 34,611,897 | $ 23,108,104 | |
Adjustments for mineral properties | (16,819,598) | (7,657,963) | |
Total assets per US GAAP | 17,792,299 | 15,450,141 | |
Total liabilities per CDN and US GAAP | (347,394) | (501,986) | |
$ 17,444,905 | $ 14,948,155 | ||
Deficit, per CDN GAAP | $ (10,087,313) | $ (5,168,074) | |
Adjustments to mineral properties | (16,819,598) | (7,657,963) | |
Deficit, per US GAAP | (26,906,911) | (12,826,037) | |
Contributed surplus per CDN and US GAAP | 2,290,834 | - | |
Share capital per Canadian and US GAAP | 42,060,982 | 27,774,192 | |
$ 17,444,905 | $ 14,948,155 | ||
Radius Gold Inc.
(formerly Radius Explorations Ltd.)
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Note 17
Reconciliation to United States of America Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(contd)
f)
(contd)
Years ended December 31, | |||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 | |
Statements of Cash Flows | |||
Cash flows used in operating activities per CDN GAAP | $ (2,074,166) | $ (866,202) | $ (621,621) |
Adjustments for mineral properties | (3,304,848) | (1,390,452) | (1,741,541) |
Cash flows used in operating activities per US GAAP | (5,379,014) | (2,256,654) | (2,363,162) |
Cash flows used in investing activities per CDN GAAP | 2,783,466 | (1,593,393) | (1,591,758) |
Adjustments for resource properties | 3,304,848 | 1,390,452 | 1,741,541 |
Cash flows used in investing activities per US GAAP | 6,088,314 | (202,941) | 149,783 |
Cash flows from financing activities per Canadian and US GAAP | 1,040,199 | 15,386,927 | 1,451,886 |
Increase (decrease) in cash per US GAAP | $ (1,749,499) | $ 12,927,332 | $ (761,493) |
SIGNATURE PAGE
The Registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Radius Gold
Registrant
Dated: July 27, 2005 Signed: _/s/ Simon Ridgway
Simon Ridgway
President and Director