UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
  
FORM 10-Q
 
Mark One)
 
  x    QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009
or
   o     TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from .............................................................to............................................................................
 
Commission file number 0-52151
 
Eastern Goldfields, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
                                              Nevada                                                                                       88-0441307
                             (State or other jurisdiction of                                                                (I.R.S. Employer
                             incorporation or organization)                                                              Identification No.)
 
1660 Hotel Circle North, Suite 207, San Diego, California 92108-2808
(Address of principal executive offices                                 (Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code  (619) 497-2555
 
______________________________________________________________________
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  x            No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  o                                                                           Accelerated filer  o
 
Non-accelerated filer    o      (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)            Smaller reporting company  x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   
                                                                                                                                      Yes  o           No x
 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY 
PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
 
Yes  x           No o
 
 

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 
On May 11, 2009, 9,932,214 shares of the issuer’s common stock were outstanding.

 

 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

MARCH 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 31, 2008

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

March 31, 2009

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

1,025

 

$

38,275

Inventories (Notes 2 and 4)

 

 

473,502

 

 

357,777

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

431,853

 

 

289,222

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

906,380

 

 

685,274

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant, and mine development, net 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   (Notes 2 and 5)

 

 

24,223,890

 

 

24,583,241

Other assets

 

 

539,987

 

 

485,522

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

25,670,257

 

$

25,754,037

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 


3


 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

MARCH 31, 2009 AND DECEMBER 31, 2008

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

March 31, 2009

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

 

(Unaudited) 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bank overdraft

 

$

58,012

 

$

-

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

 

 

2,149,311

 

 

1,650,370

Advances from stockholders

 

 

114,150

 

 

110,832

Short term loans (Note 6)

 

 

15,608,703

 

 

15,350,549

Current portion of long-term liabilities (Note 7)

 

 

357,725

 

 

480,636

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

18,287,901

 

 

17,592,387

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long term liabilities, net of current portion (Note 7)

 

 

1,345,455

 

 

1,370,472

Reclamation and remediation obligations (Note 8)

 

 

346,262

 

 

352,974

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

 

1,691,717

 

 

1,723,446

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

 

 

-

 

 

-

Minority interest (Note 10)

 

 

3,625,298

 

 

1,178,746

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Class Preference Shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

$0.00001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 3,081,393 and 2,881,393 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively

 

 

32

 

 

45

Preferred Stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

$0.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008

 

 

-

 

 

-

Common Stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

$0.001 par value, 160,000,000 shares authorized; 9,377,986 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008

 

 

9,378

 

 

9,378

Common stock to be issued

 

 

554

 

 

440

Additional paid in capital

 

 

23,228,201

 

 

22,914,882

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(5,331,453)

 

 

(2,668,197)

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(11,978,698)

 

 

(11,196,876)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,928,014

 

 

9,059,672

Less: Loan to Lomshiyo (Note 10)

 

 

(3,862,673)

 

 

(3,800,214)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

2,065,341

 

 

5,259,458

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Total liabilities and  stockholders’ equity

 

$

25,670,257

 

$

25,754,037

 

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

 

4



EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

Three Months

Ended

March 31, 2009

Three Months

Ended

March 31,2008

 

Income:

Sales

Other income

 

 

$

 

 

1,912,790

138,378

 

 

$

 

 

2,185,015

73,262

 

Total income

 

 

2,051,168

 

 

2,258,277

 

Costs and expenses:

Cost of production

Exploration costs

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

1,485,709

-

666,517

 

 

 

1,589,011

-

542,906

 

Total costs and expenses     

 

 

2,152,226

 

 

2,131,917

 

Income (Loss) from operations

 

 

(101,058)

 

 

126,360

 

Other expenses:

Interest

 

Income (Loss) before minority interest

Minority interest

 

 

 

654,629

 

 

 

23,714

 

 

(755,687)

(26,135)

 

 

102,646

(15,397)

 

Income (Loss) before provision for income taxes

Provision for income taxes

 

 

(781,822)

-

 

 

87,249

-

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

 

(781,822)

 

$

 

87,249

 

Earnings (loss) per share, basic

 

$

 

(0.08)

 

$

 

0.01

 

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted

 

$

 

(0.08)

 

$

 

0.01

 

Weighted average shares outstanding, basic

 

 

9,377,986

 

 

9,377,986

 

Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted

 

 

9,377,986

 

 

9,961,086

 

 

 

 

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


5


 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

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

 

 

Common Stock

 

A Class Preference Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Shares

 

 

Par       

Value

 

 

Number of Shares

 

 

Par 

Value

Common

Stock  to be

Issued

 

Additional              Paid-in Capital

 

 Accumulated Other      Comprehensive   Loss

 

 

Accumulated

Deficit

 

 

Loan to  

Lomshiyo

 

 

Total

Stockholders'

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2008 (Audited)

 

9,377,986

 

$

9,378

 

2,881,393

 

$

45

$

440

$

22,914,882

 

$

(2,668,197)

 

$

(11,196,876)

 

$

(3,800,214)

 

$

5,259,458

Common stock to be issued for cash (114,003 shares)           

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

114

 

 

313,319

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

313,433

Common stock issued in exchange for A Class Shares

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

200,000

 

 

 

3

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

3

Accrual of interest income on loan to Lomshiyo

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(134,719)

 

 

 

(134,719)

Net loss

 

-

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(781,822)

 

 

-

 

 

(781,822)

Foreign currency translation

 

-

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

(16)

 

-

 

-

 

 

(2,663,256)

 

 

-

 

 

72,260

 

 

(2,591,012)

Comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,372,834)

Balance at March 31, 2009 (Unaudited)

 

9,377,986

 

$

9,378

 

3,081,393

 

$

32

$

554

$

23,228,201

 

$

(5,331,453)

 

$

(11,978,698)

 

$

(3,862,673)

 

$

2,065,341

 

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


6


 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months

 

Three Months

 

 

Ended March 31, 2009

Ended March 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(781,822)

 

$

87,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used

 

 

 

 

 

 

  in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

124,680

 

 

135,841

Accrued interest income on Loan Lomshiyo

 

 

(134,719)

 

 

(72,460)

     Minority interest                                                                                      

 

 

26,135

 

 

15,397

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Increase in inventories

 

 

(115,725)

 

 

(43,299)

 Decrease (Increase) in other assets

 

 

-

 

 

(154,680)

 (Increase) Decrease  in prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

(142,631)

 

 

148,849

 Increase in bank overdraft

 

 

58,012

 

 

-

 Increase in accounts payable and other current  liabilities

 

 

498,941

 

 

143,446

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Net cash provided from (used in) operations   

 

 

(467,129)

 

 

260,343

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of  property and equipment

 

 

(391,827)

 

 

(989,369)

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(391,827)

 

 

(989,369)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advances from (to) stockholders

 

 

3,318

 

 

461,738

Repayment of long-term debt

 

 

(147,928)

 

 

(179,668)

Proceeds from common stock issued

 

 

313,433

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Net cash used in (by)  financing activities

 

 

168,823

 

 

282,070

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

 

 

652,883

 

251,665

Net decrease in cash

 

 

(37,250)

 

(195,291)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, beginning of period

 

 

38,275

 

355,148

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, end of period

 

$

1,025

$

159,857

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

  Cash paid for interest

 

$

654,629

$

23,714

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash operating,

 

 

 

 

 

   investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrual of interest income on loan to Lomshiyo

 

$

134,719

$

72,460

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

7



EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

1.         ORGANIZATION AND HISTORY

 

Eastern Goldfields, Inc., (the “Company" or "EGI") is the parent company of Eastern Goldfields SA (Proprietary) Limited, (“EGSA”), a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of South Africa. EGSA conducts all of the Company’s business operations in South Africa through its South African corporation subsidiaries.

 

Eastern Goldfields, Inc. was originally incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on July 15, 1998, under the name of Fairbanks Financial, Inc. The Company was established as a business management, marketing and consulting firm to serve both the emerging and established business entrepreneur. Since its incorporation, the Company has had minimal operations. It redirected its business efforts in late 2005 and on September 23, 2005, following a change in control, it purchased 100% of the issued and outstanding common or ordinary stock of EGSA. On October 1, 2005, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, EGSA, acquired, via a share exchange, 100% of the issued and outstanding common or ordinary stock of Eastern Goldfields Limited (“EGL”), a South African gold producer and developer corporation. EGL conducts mining operations in the Barberton Greenstone Belt area of the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.  On October 25, 2005, the Company changed its corporate name to Eastern Goldfields, Inc. to more accurately reflect its business operations.  On May 30, 2008, EGSA acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding common or ordinary stock of Barbrook Mines Limited (“Barbrook”), also a South African gold producer and developer corporation.  On December 15, 2008, ownership of Barbrook was placed under EGL.   

 

This share exchange for the acquisition of EGL by EGI’s wholly owned South African subsidiary, EGSA, was accounted for as a reverse acquisition, and, accordingly, for financial statement purposes, EGL was considered the accounting acquiror and the subject transaction was considered a recapitalization of EGL rather than an acquisition by the Company. Accordingly, the historical financial statements prior to this share exchange are those of EGL, however, the name of the consolidated corporation going forward is Eastern Goldfields, Inc.

 

EGL itself is a South African holding company which has three South African subsidiary corporations; Makonjwaan Imperial Mining Company (Pty) Ltd. (“MIMCO”), Eastern Goldfields Exploration (Pty) Ltd. (“EGE”) and Centurion Mining Company (Pty) Ltd. (“Centurion”).

 

2.         SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. They do not include all information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. However, except as disclosed herein, there has been no material changes in the information disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K of Eastern Goldfields, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31,  2008. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2009, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or the entire year. For further information, these unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes should be read in conjuction with the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008, included in the Company’s annual report on Form  10-K.

 

8


 

 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 (Unaudited)

 

2.         SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Property Plant and Mine Development

 

Mining assets, including mine development and infrastructure costs and mine plant facilities, are recorded at cost of acquisition. Expenditure incurred to evaluate and develop new ore bodies, to define mineralization in existing ore bodies, to establish or expand productive capacity, is capitalized until commercial levels of production are achieved, at which times the costs are amortized as set out below.

 

Mineral rights are recorded at cost of acquisition. When there is little likelihood of a mineral right being exploited, or the value of mineral rights have diminished below cost, a write-down is affected against income in the period that such determination is made.

 

Non-mining assets are recorded at cost of acquisition. These assets include the assets of the mining operation not included in the previous categories and all the assets of the non-mining operations.

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization is determined to give a fair and systematic charge in the income statement taking into account the nature of a particular ore body and the method of mining of that ore body. Mining assets, including mine development and infrastructure costs, mine plant facilities and evaluation costs, are amortized over the life of the mine using units-of-production method, based on estimated proved and probable ore reserves above the infrastructure. The proven and probable reserve quantities used to calculate depreciation, depletion and amortization do not include the proven and probable reserve quantities attributable to stockpiled inventory.

 

Proved and probable ore reserves reflect the estimated quantities of economically recoverable reserves, which can be recovered in future from known mineral deposits.

 

Certain mining plant and equipment included in mine development and infrastructure is depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

 

Other non-mining assets are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:

 

Vehicles – 10 years

 

Furniture and equipment – 3 years

 

The carrying amounts of the group's assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the asset's recoverable amount is estimated.

 

 9


 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 (Unaudited)

 

2.         SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Earnings Per Share

 

In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 128 Earnings Per Share which requires the Company to present basic and diluted earnings per share for all periods presented. The computation of loss per common share (basic and diluted) is based on the weighted average number of shares actually outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share have been calculated to give effect to the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding if the potential dilutive instruments had been issued for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.  The weighted average number of outstanding shares includes the common stock as well as the A Class Preference Shares, as the holders of the A Class Preference Shares have the same rights and entitlements as those attached to the common stock. The computation of dilutive loss per common share does not assume conversion, exercise or contingent exercise of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings.

 

The following table reconciles basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share and the related weighted average number of shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2009:

 

                                                                                         DISCLOSURE FOR RECONCILIATION

                                                                                                    OF BASIC AND DILUTED

                                                                                                      EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

                                                                                      For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

 

                                                                                        Income                  Shares                  Per-share

                                                                                        ( Numerator )        ( Denominator )            Amount

 

        Net loss                                                                          $(781,822)              9,377,986                    $   (0.08)

 

        BASIC AND DILUTED EPS

        Income available to common

                stockholders                                                         $(781,822)              9,377,986                    $   (0.08)

 

 

 

  10


 

 

 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 (Unaudited)

 

2.         SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Income Taxes

 

Deferred income taxes are reported using the liability method.  Deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences.  Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases.  Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

 

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The Company’s functional currency is the South African Rand.  The Company translates the foreign currency financial statements of its foreign operations by translating balance sheet accounts at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date and the income statement accounts using the prevailing exchange rates at the transaction date.  Translation gains and losses are recorded in stockholders’ equity and realized gains and losses are reflected in operations.

 

Exploration Expenses

 

Exploration costs are charged to operations as incurred.

 

11


 

 

 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 (Unaudited)

 

2.         SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.  During the three months ended March 31, 2009, there was no impairment of long-lived assets.

 

Inventories  

 

As described below, costs that are incurred in or that benefit the productive process are accumulated as stockpiles and inventories. Stockpiles and inventories are carried at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value represents the estimated future sales price of the product based on current and long-term metals prices, less the estimated costs to complete production and bring the product to sale. Write-downs of stockpiles and inventories, resulting from net realizable value impairments, are reported as a component of Cost of production . The major classifications are as follows:

 

Stockpiles

 

Stockpiles represent materials that are currently in the process of being converted to a saleable product. Conversion processes vary depending on the nature of the ore and the specific processing facility, but include mill in-circuit, leach in-circuit and carbon in-pulp inventories. In-process material is measured based on assays of the material fed into the process and the projected recoveries of the respective plants. In-process inventories are valued at the average cost of the material fed into the process attributable to the source material coming from the mines, stockpiles and/or leach pads plus the in-process conversion costs, including applicable depreciation relating to the process facilities incurred to that point in the process.

 

Precious Metals In process

 

Precious metals in process is gold bullion.  Precious metals that result from the Company’s mining and processing activities are valued at the average cost of the respective in-process inventories incurred prior to the refining process, plus applicable refining costs.

 

Revenue Recognition  

 

Revenue is recognized, net of treatment charges, from a sale when the price is determinable, the product has been delivered, the title has been transferred to the customer and collection of the sales price is reasonably assured.

 

12


 

 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 (Unaudited)

 

2.         SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Deferred Stripping Costs  

 

In general, mining costs are allocated to production costs and inventories, and are charged to c osts of production when gold is sold.  However, at open pit mines with diverse grades and waste-to-ore ratios over the mine life, the Company defers and amortizes certain mining costs on a UOP basis over the life of the mine.  These mining costs, which are commonly referred to as “deferred stripping” costs, are incurred in mining activities that are normally associated with the removal of waste rock.  The deferred stripping accounting method is generally accepted in the mining industry where mining operations have diverse grades and waste-to-ore ratios; however, industry practice does vary.  Deferred stripping matches the costs of production with the sale of such production at the Company’s operations where it is employed, by assigning each ounce of gold with an equivalent amount of waste removal cost.

 

If the Company were to expense stripping costs as incurred, there could be greater volatility in the Company’s period-to-period results of operations.

 

Deferred stripping costs are charged to Costs of Production as gold is produced and sold using the UOP method based on estimated recoverable ounces of proven and probable gold, using a stripping ratio calculated as the ratio of total tons to be moved to total proven and probable ore reserves, which results in the recognition of the costs of waste removal activities over the life of the mine as gold is produced.

 

The Company reviews and evaluates its deferred stripping costs for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

 

As the Company’s open pit operations ceased by end-2008, the Company did not measure and recognize production stage deferred stripping costs and credits for the three months period ended March 31, 2009.  

 

Reclamation and Remediation Costs (Asset Retirement Obligations)

 

In August 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”, which established a uniform methodology for accounting for estimated reclamation and abandonment costs. Reclamation costs are allocated to expense over the life of the related assets and are adjusted for changes resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or amount of the original present value estimate. Prior to adoption of SFAS No. 143, estimated future reclamation costs were based principally on legal and regulatory requirements. Such costs related to active mines are accrued and charged over the expected operating lives of the mines using the UOP method based on proven and probable reserves. Future remediation costs for inactive mines are accrued based on management’s best estimate at the end of each period of the undiscounted costs expected to be incurred at a site. Such cost estimates included, where applicable, ongoing care, maintenance and monitoring costs.  Changes in estimates at inactive mines are reflected in earnings in the period an estimate is revised.

 

 

13


 

 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 (Unaudited)

 

2.         SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Stock Option Expense  

 

Compensation cost recognized includes: (a) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, which have since vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of FAS 123, and (b) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, which have vested based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of FAS 123(R).

 

        Fair Value Accounting

 

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”).  FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  The provisions of FAS 157 were adopted January 1, 2008.  In February 2008, the FASB staff issued Staff Position No. 157-2 “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP FAS 157-2”).  FSP FAS 157-2 delayed the effective date of FAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually).  The provisions of FSP FAS 157-2 are effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2009.           

 

FAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under FAS 157 are described below:

 

Level 1           Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

 

Level 2           Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;

 

Level 3           Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).

 

The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy.  As required by FAS 157, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of output that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

 

  14


 

 

 

 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 (Unaudited)

 

2.         SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Fair Value Accounting (Continued)

 

 

 

             Fair Value at March 31, 2009

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

  Level 3

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                  Cash

 

$

1

 

$

1

 

$

-

 

$

-

                  Other assets

 

 

25,669

 

 

25,669

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

25,670

 

$

$25,670

 

$

-

 

$

-

Liabilities :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                  Accounts payable and other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                      current liabilities

 

$

2,207

 

$

2,207

 

$

-

 

$

-

                 Advances from stockholders  

 

 

114

 

 

114

 

 

-

 

 

-

                 Short term loans

 

 

15,966

 

 

-

 

 

15,966

 

 

-

                 Long term liabilities  

 

 

1,345

 

 

-

 

 

1,345

 

 

-

 

 

$

19,632

 

$

2,321

 

$

17,311

 

$

-

 

 

The Company’s cash and certain other assets are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy since they are valued using quoted market prices.  The cash and certain other assets that are valued based on quoted market prices in active markets are primarily money market securities.

 

The Company’s accounts payable and other current liabilities and advances from stockholders are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy since they occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

 

The Company’s short term loans and long term liabilities are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy since they have a specified (contractual) term.

 

The total amount of the changes in fair value for the period was included in net loss as a result of changes from December 31, 2008.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“FAS 159”) permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value, with the objective of improving financial reporting by mitigating volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions.  The provisions of FAS 159 were adopted January 1, 2008.  The Company did not elect the Fair Value Option for any of its financial assets or liabilities, and therefore, the adoption of FAS 159 had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

 

            Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In April 23, 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP)  Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly. Based on guidance, if an entity determines that the level of activity for an asset or liability has significantly decreased and that a transaction is not orderly, further analysis of transactions or quoted prices is needed, and a significant adjustment to the transaction or quoted prices may be necessary to estimate fair value in accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157 Fair Value Measurements . This FSP is to be applied prospectively and is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009 with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The company will adopt this FSP for its quarter ending June 30, 2009. There is no expected impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. The guidance applies to investments in debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairments may be recorded. If an entity’s management asserts that it does not have the intent to sell a debt security and it is more likely than not that it will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, then an entity may separate other-than-temporary impairments into two components:  1) the amount related to credit losses (recorded in earnings), and 2) all other amounts (recorded in other comprehensive income). This FSP is to be applied prospectively and is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009 with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The company will adopt this FSP for its quarter ended June 30, 2009. There is no expected impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and Accounting Principles Board (APB) 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The FSP amends FSAS No. 107 “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” to require an entity to provide disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim financial instruments in interim financial information. This FSP is to be applied prospectively and is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009 with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The company will include the required disclosures in its quarter ending June 30, 2009.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (R), Business Combinations, which became effective January 1, 2009 via prospective application to business combinations. This Statement requires that the acquisition method of accounting be applied to a broader set of business combinations, amends the definition of a business combination, provides a definition of a business, requires an acquirer to recognize an acquired business at its fair value at the acquisition date and requires the assets and liabilities assumed in a business combination to be measured and recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date (with limited exceptions). The company adopted this Statement on January 1, 2009. There was no impact upon adoption , and its effects on future periods will depend on the nature and significance of business combinations subject to this statement.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 141 (R)-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies. This FSP requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies be recognized at fair value if fair value can be reasonably estimated. If fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, the asset or liability would generally be recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” and FASB Interpretation No. 14, “Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss”. Further, the FASB removed the subsequent accounting guidance for assets and liabilities arising from contingencies from SFAS no. 141(R). The requirements of this FSP carry forward without significant revision the guidance on contingencies of SFAS No.  141, “Business Combinations”, which was superseded by SFAS No. 141(R) (see previous paragraph). The FSP also eliminates the requirement to disclose an estimate of the range of possible outcomes of recognized contingencies at the acquisition date. For unrecognized contingencies, the FASB requires that entities include only the disclosures required by SFAS No. 5. This FSP was adopted effective January 1, 2009. There was no impact upon adoption, and its effects on future periods will depend on the nature and significance of business combinations subject to this statement.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets. The FSP states that in developing assumptions about renewal or extension options used to determine the useful life of an intangible asset, an entity needs to consider its own historical experience adjusted for entity-specific factors. In the absence of that experience, an entity shall consider the assumptions that market participants would used about renewal or extension options. This FSP is to be applied to intangible assets acquired after January 1, 2009. The adoption of this FSP did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

 

  15


 

 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 (Unaudited)

 

3.         GOING CONCERN

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern. The Company has sustained net losses of $781,822 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  Net cash used in operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $467,129. The Company also has an accumulated deficit of $11,978,698 and a working capital deficit of $17,381,521 at March 31, 2009.

 

The items discussed above raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. If the Company's financial resources are insufficient, the Company may require additional financing in order to execute its business plan and support its operations. The Company cannot predict whether this additional financing will be in the form of equity, debt or another form. The Company may not be able to obtain the necessary additional capital on a timely basis, on acceptable terms, or at all. Should financing sources fail to materialize, management would seek alternate funding sources such as the sale of common and/or preferred stock, the issuance of debt or other means. The Company plans to attempt to address its working capital deficiency by increasing its sales, maintaining strict expense controls and seeking strategic alliances.

 

In the event that these financing sources do not materialize, or the Company is unsuccessful in increasing its revenues and profits, the Company will be forced to further reduce its costs, may be unable to repay its debt obligations as they become due, or respond to competitive pressures, any of which circumstances would have a material adverse effect on its business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, if these funding sources or increased revenues and profits do not materialize, and the Company is unable to secure additional financing, the Company could be forced to reduce or curtail its business operations.

 

4.         INVENTORIES

 

Inventories at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consist of the following:

 

 

 

March 31, 2009

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold in hand

 

$

-

 

$

146,364

Precious metals in process

 

 

281,017

 

 

187,259

Stockpiles

 

 

192,485

 

 

24,154

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

473,502

 

$

357,777

 

 

 

 

  16


 

 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 (Unaudited)

 

5.         PROPERTY, PLANT AND MINE DEVELOPMENT

 

Major classes of property, plant, and mine development as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

 

March 31, 2009

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land and buildings

 

$

372,213

 

$

379,428

Mining assets

 

 

4,520,508

 

 

4,608,130

Mine development costs

 

 

21,823,189

 

 

24,108,457

Mining rights

 

 

2,964,280

 

 

966,842

Motor vehicles

 

 

79,856

 

 

81,404

Furniture and equipment

 

 

157,886

 

 

160,946

Metallurgical plant

 

 

4,119,993

 

 

4,199,851

Plant and equipment

 

 

252,127

 

 

50,224

Environmental rehabilitation fund

 

 

156,004

 

 

159,026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34,446,056

 

34,714,308

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

(10,222,166)

 

(10,131,067)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net property and equipment

 

$

24,223,890

 

$

24,583,241

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense is $124,680 and $135,841 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

17


 

 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 (Unaudited)

 

6.         SHORT TERM LOANS

 

Short term loans at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consist of the following:

 

 

 

March 31, 2009

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phoenix Gold Fund and Asian Investment Management Services Ltd

 

$

3,891,304

 

$

3,822,724

Investec Bank Limited

 

 

9,549,764

 

 

9,364,097

Kestrel S.A.

 

 

2,167,635

 

 

2,163,728

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

15,608,703

 

$

15,350,549

 

On March 28, 2008, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary EGSA entered into a Convertible Loan Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Phoenix Gold Fund and Asian Investment Management Services Ltd, collectively referred to as “the Lenders”.

 

The Loan amounting to R32 million ($3,361,768 as of March 31, 2009) received on April 18, 2008 is termed as pre-listing funds prior to EGSA’s intended listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange within twelve months from the date of this Agreement.  

 

For the purposes of this Agreement, EGSA has been ascribed a value of R432 million and the percentage shareholding that will be issued to the Lenders in order to discharge the Loan has been calculated accordingly.

 

The loan principal can convert into 6.9% of the total issued and outstanding shares of the ordinary capital of EGSA after the conversion of the loan by EGSA.  Conditions relating to interest payments are as follows:   

 

•         If EGSA is able to list its shares with the JSE Limited (JSE) within six months of the agreement date then no interest is due and payable. 

•         If EGSA is not able to list its ordinary shares with the JSE within six months of the agreement date then interest will accrue at the South African Prime Lending Rate.

•         If EGSA lists its ordinary shares with the JSE after six months but before twelve months of the agreement date, then interest will accrue and be paid on a monthly basis until conversion or repayment of the loan. 

 

If EGSA has been unable to list its ordinary shares with the JSE within twelve months of the agreement date, then the lender can demand repayment of principal and accrued interest or conversion of the debt into the corresponding ordinary shares of EGSA.  Accordingly, the loan balance outstanding at March 31, 2009 includes $529,536 of accrued interest. The Company is currently renegotiating the terms of the agreement with the lender.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 18


 

 

 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 (Unaudited)

 

6.         SHORT TERM LOANS (Continued)

 

On May 27, 2008, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary EGSA obtained R80 million ($8,404,421 as of March 31, 2009) six month bridging loan facility (“facility”) from Investec Bank Ltd. (“Investec”) for the acquisition of Barbrook Mines Ltd.  On October 30, 2008, this facility was renegotiated and the Company received a commitment letter agreement from Investec.  Under the terms of this agreement, Investec has agreed to extend the maturity date of the Company’s existing bridging loan (the “Existing Loan”) from the original maturity date of November 28, 2008 to May 29, 2009 (the “Loan Extension”).

 

As consideration for the Loan Extension, the Company agreed to the following:

 

i.         To grant Investec 820,000 Common Stock Purchase Warrants for the purchase of 820,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an exercise price equal to the lower of $3.75 per share and the price at which the Company raises equity capital in its next offering;

ii.        To increase the interest rate on the Existing Loan from Jibar plus 3% to Jibar plus 4%;

iii.      To confirm that the Company has sufficient working capital for the period through the last date of the Loan Extension;

iv.      To subordinate all shareholder loans to the Existing Loan;

v.       To prohibit the payment of any interest and principal on all shareholder loans;

vi.      To prohibit further indebtedness without the prior written approval of Investec; and

vii.    To provide Investec on or before the 5th calendar day of each month, monthly management accounts and an update on the Company’s financing strategy and provide Investec with an opportunity to review the strategy with Investec, upon Investec’s request.

 

The loan balance outstanding at March 31, 2009 includes $1,145,343 of accrued interest. 

 

On August 25, 2008, the Company obtained a Swiss Francs 2,200,000 ($2,061,650 as of March 31, 2009) six month loan from a shareholder, Kestrel SA (“Kestrel”), for purposes of working capital requirements.  Interest on the loan is 15% p.a. calculated on the outstanding balance and compounded monthly in arrears.  In addition, on August 22, 2008, the Company entered into a Common Stock Purchase Warrant Agreement with Kestrel whereby Kestrel is entitled to purchase up to Fifty Thousand (50,000) shares of Common Stock (par value $0.001 per share) from the Company upon payment to the Company of Five Dollars ($5.00) per share.  Warrants may be purchased at any time on or after August 20, 2008 but all rights to purchase the Shares and to exercise this Warrant shall expire on August 21, 2011 after which it shall become void and all rights hereunder shall thereupon cease.  The repayment of the loan was extended to June 30, 2009.

 

The loan balance outstanding at March 31, 2009 includes $105,985 of accrued interest.

 

 

 

 

 

  19


 

 

 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 (Unaudited)

 

7.         LONG TERM LIABILITIES

 

 

Standard Bank Vehicle and Asset Finance

Less: Current portion

 

$

 

1,703,180

(357,725)

 

 

$

 

1,345,455

 

Secured by installment sale agreements over certain mining equipment, bearing interest at the prime bank overdraft rate less 1% and repayable in monthly installments of R547,956 ($57,566), including interest.

 

Maturities of the liabilities are as follows:

 

For the year ending December 31:

2009

2010

2011

2002

 

 

 

 

$

 

357,725

533,671

574,895

236,889

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

1,703,180

 

8.         RECLAMATION AND REMEDIATION

 

The Company’s mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations are continually changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. The Company conducts its operations so as to protect the public health and environment and believes its operations are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in all material respects. The Company has made, and expects to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations, but cannot predict the full amount of such future expenditures. Estimated future reclamation costs are based principally on legal and regulatory requirements.

 

At March 31, 2009 $346,262 were accrued for reclamation obligations relating to currently or recently producing mineral properties.

 

The following is a reconciliation of the total liability for reclamation and remediation:

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2008

Reduction, change in estimate and other

Liabilities settled

Accretion expense

 

 

 

 

$

 

352,974

(6,712)

-

-

 

Balance, March 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

$

 

346,262

 

 

20



EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 (Unaudited)

 

9.         COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

A first continuing covering bond in the amount of South African Rands 200,000 ($21,011) was registered over the property held by a subsidiary, Makonjwaan Properties Henry Nettman Two Eight (Pty) Ltd., in lieu of financial guarantees amounting to South African Rands 164,000 ($17,229) issued in favor of the Department of Minerals and Energy.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company entered into a Service and Support Agreement with Cheston Minerals PTY Limited (“CML”), a company owned by EGI’s President.  This agreement covers the rental of the Company’s South African office and use of the office equipment and supplies, which are owned by CML.  The term of the agreement is one year and is renewable on an annual basis.  The Company charged $49,500 to operating expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

 

Our recently acquired subsidiary, Barbrook Mines, was subject to several claims brought against it by creditors during 2006 and 2007 fiscal years.  These claims, which had been accrued for at 2007 year end, were in the main settled and the matters finalized.  In the matter with Sentinel Corporate Solutions (Pty) Limited, Sentinel has issued summons against Barbrook for R1,108,061 (approximately $116,000) in respect of amounts payable, which are accrued for, in respect of a labor contract.  Barbrook has instituted an action against Sentinel for R7,456,465 (approximately $783,000) in respect of damages incurred when the labor force set fire to the Barbrook administration building.  Both matters with Sentinel are presently still being defended and are not yet finalized.

 

10.       MINORITY INTEREST

 

The current South African mining legislation promulgated under “Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act of 2004 (“MPRDA”) seeks, among other things, (i) to expand opportunities for historically disadvantaged South Africans to enter the mineral industry and obtain benefits from the exploitation of mineral resources; and (ii) to promote employment, social and economic welfare as well as ecologically sustainable development. In order to convert an old order mining right to a new order mining right the holder is required to submit a social and labor plan. The plan should describe how it will expand opportunities for historically disadvantaged South Africans to enter the mineral industry.

 

Further, for purposes of mining right conversions effective May 1, 2004 (the effective date), the MPRDA (incorporating the Mining Charter) requires mining company ownership for historically disadvantaged South Africans to 15% ownership within five years and 26% ownership within 10 years of the effective date. The transfer of ownership is to be consummated at fair market value.

 

Accordingly, and pursuant to the requirements of MPRDA, EGL on December 9, 2005 entered into a “Heads of Agreement” to sell 26% of its ordinary stock to Lomshiyo Investments (Proprietary) Limited (“Lomshiyo”) for a consideration of R9,900,000 (At March 31, 2009 – $1,040,047).  The transaction closed on February 2, 2006.  Further, and upon the acquisition of Barbrook on May 30, 2008, a similar agreement was concluded with Lomshiyo on December 15, 2008 amounting to R20,800,000 (At March 31, 2009 – $2,185,149).   

 

 

  21

 


EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

 (Unaudited)

 

10.       MINORITY INTEREST (Continued)

 

These two amounts are classified as loans to Lomshiyo and are reflected as a reduction of equity in the Company’s March 31, 2009 consolidated balance sheet.  Lomshiyo is a South African corporation whose majority shareholders are historically disadvantaged South Africans. 

 

The purchase of ordinary stock was financed with a note receivable bearing an annual interest rate of the South African Prime Rate (15% at March 31, 2009).  The note accrues interest and is payable to the Company on January 2, of each year.  A total of $637,477 of accrued interest has been added to the note receivable.  The note is due and payable on December 31, 2010.  The Company’s common stock collateralizes the note receivable.

 

11.        CONVERTIBLE LOAN

 

In December 2008, the Company approved a private placement of up to $2,000,000 at a price of $3 per Common Stock and Common Stock Purchase Warrants with an exercise price of $3.  This private placement was closed on March 15, 2009, and funds received from subscribers amounted to $1,633,554 (net of $29,134 in commissions) representing 554,228 of Common Stock.  The issuing of the share certificates is in progress.    

 

12.       STOCK OPTIONS

 

            Employee Stock Options

 

The Company currently maintains the Eastern Goldfields, Inc. 2005 Stock Plan (“Stock Plan”), approved by stockholders on November 26, 2005, for executives and eligible employees.  Under this Stock Plan, options to purchase shares of stock can be granted with exercise prices not less than 100% of fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant.  Options granted under the Company’s stock plan vest over periods ranging from one to three years of the date of the grant and are exercisable over a period of time not to exceed 10 years from grant date.  At December 31, 2006, no shares were available for future grants under the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

The following table summarizes annual activity for all stock options for each of the two years ended December 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22


 

 

 

 

 

EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2008

 (Unaudited)

 

12.       STOCK OPTIONS (Continued)

 

            Employee Stock Options (Continued)

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

Number of Shares

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

 

Number of Shares

 

Weighted Average Exercise Price

Outstanding, beginning

   of the period

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited and expired

 

 

 

 

850,000

-

-

-

 

 

$

 

1.50

-

-

-

 

 

 

850,000

-

-

-

 

 

$

 

1.50

-

-

-

Outstanding, end of the period

 

850,000

 

$

1.50

 

 

850,000

 

$

1.50

Options exercisable, end of year

 

Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

833,000

 

 

 

-

 

 

$

 

1.50

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

550,000

 

 

 

$-

 

 

$

 

1.50

 

 

 

 

 

The fair value of the stock options granted (and vested) during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, was approximately $0 and $0 or $0 and $0 per stock option, respectively, and was determined using the Black Scholes option pricing model.  The factors used for the years ended December 31, 2008, were the option exercise price of $1.50 per share, a 3 year life of the options, volatility measure of 43.77% (2007 – 50%), a dividend rate of 0% and a risk free interest rate of 2.10% (2007 - 4.55%).

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2008, with exercise prices less than the fair market value on the date of grant with no restrictions on exercisability after vesting:

 

  

Options Outstanding

  

 

  

Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise Prices

 

Number
Outstanding

 

Weighted-
average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
(in years)

 

Weighted-
average
Exercise
Price

 

Number
Exercisable

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

$1.50

  

850,000

  

      9

  

 $

1.50

  

833,000

 

 $

1.50

 

As of March 31, 2009, there were approximately $NIL of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.6 years.

 

 

 

 

13.       COMMON STOCK

 

On November 21, 2008, the Board of Directors approved the issuance of 300,000 Special Shares to certain employees in payment of the services that the Company had received. Of the total 300,000 Special Shares, 200,000 related to South African employees, and, in accordance with the South African Exchange Regulations, 200,000 Class A Preference Shares in the South African subsidiary EGSA had been issued. The corresponding 200,000 shares in EGI and the balance of 100,000 shares of EGI to non-South African employees are in the process of being issued.
 

On February 16, 2009, 554,228 shares of restricted common stock at $3.00 per share and 554,228 Common Stock Purchase Warrants in the form of a unit security at $3.00 per unit were issued for cash for a total offering of $1,662,684 less offering costs of $29,134 totaling $1,633,550. These share certificates were issued on May 7, 2009.

 

 

14.       SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

On April 30, 2009 the Company entered into the Restated Convertible Loan and Option Agreement (the "Restated Agreement") with Asian Investment Management Services, Limited ("AIMS"). The Restated Agreement provides that AIMS will; (A) provide technical and corporate assistance to the Company's subsidiary, EGSA, in connection with EGSA's strategies and objectives; (B) make available additional funds as an "Additional Loan" no later than May 29, 2009 in an amount not to exceed 93,000,000 (South African Rand) to EGSA so as to allow EGSA to pay all amounts due Investec Bank Limited under the Investec Loan and for EGSA to cancel the security given by or on behalf of EGSA to Investec Bank including, but not limited to, the Borrower's Cession and the Guarantee; (C) convert the Additional Loan and the existing convertible loan of March 31, 2008 in the amount of 32,000,000 (South African Rand) that EGSA received from AIMS and the Phoenix Gold Fund (as amended on March 27, 2009) (the "Original Loan"), both consolidated and totaling 125,000,000 (South African Rand) into 40% of the outstanding common shares of either EGSA or such other entity as the parties agree for purposes of the planned listing of the common stock of the Company and its subsidiaries (or such other entity as the Company and AIMS may determine by subsequent agreement) pursuant to the Listing Commitment. The Restated Agreement also grants AIMS a right of first refusal which provides that the Company shall not obtain any additional funding from any other source unless the Company has first offered AIMS the opportunity to provide such additional funding on no less favorable terms and conditions and AIMS has, after thirty days from the date of receipt of notice, declined to exercise its right of first refusal.
 

 

23


 

 

MATTER OF FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

THIS FORM 10-Q CONTAINS "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS" THAT CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THE USE OF FORWARD-LOOKING WORDS SUCH AS "BELIEVES," "EXPECTS," "MAY," "WILL," "SHOULD," OR "ANTICIPATES," OR THE NEGATIVE OF THESE WORDS OR OTHER VARIATIONS OF THESE WORDS OR COMPARABLE WORDS, OR BY DISCUSSIONS OF PLANS OR STRATEGY THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES.  MANAGEMENT WISHES TO CAUTION THE READER THAT THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, INCLUDING,  BUT NOT LIMITED TO, STATEMENTS REGARDING THE COMPANY’S MARKETING PLANS, GOALS, COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS, REGULATIONS THAT AFFECT PUBLIC COPMPANIES THAT HAVE NO EXISTING BUSINESS AND OTHER MATTERS THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS ARE ONLY PREDICTIONS.  NO ASSURANCES CAN BE GIVEN THAT SUCH PREDICTIONS WILL PROVE CORRECT OR THAT THE ANTICIPATED FUTURE RESULTS WILL BE ACHIEVED.  ACTUAL EVENTS OR RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY EITHER BECAUSE ONE OR MORE PREDICTIONS PROVE TO BE ERRONEOUS OR AS A RESULT OF OTHER RISKS FACING THE COMPANY. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS SHOULD BE READ IN LIGHT OF THE CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS AND IMPORTANT FACTORS DESCRIBED IN THIS FORM 10-Q FOR EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC., INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE MATTERS SET FORTH IN MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. THE RISKS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE RISK FACTORS AND UNCERTAINTIES SET FORTH IN ITEM 1A, RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH A SMALL COMPANY THAT HAS ONLY A LIMITED HISTORY OF OPERATIONS, THE COMPARATIVELY LIMITED FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF THE COMPANY, THE INTENSE COMPETITION THE COMPANY FACES FROM OTHER ESTABLISHED COMPETITORS, ANY ONE OR MORE OF THESE OR OTHER RISKS COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THE FUTURE RESULTS INDICATED, EXPRESSED, OR IMPLIED IN SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.  WE UNDERTAKE NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE OR REVISE ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT TO REFLECT EVENTS, CIRCUMSTANCES, OR NEW INFORMATION AFTER THE DATE OF THIS FORM 10-Q OR TO REFLECT THE OCCURRENCE OF UNANTICIPATED OR OTHER SUBSEQUENT EVENTS.

 

As used herein, the term “the Company,” “we,”  “us,” and “our” refer to Eastern Goldfields, Inc., a Nevada corporation and its subsidiaries unless otherwise noted.

 

 

Item 2. Plan of Operation.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.  Our Plan of Operations section discusses our unaudited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, accrued expenses, financing operations, and contingencies and litigation. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our financial statements include estimates as to the appropriate carrying value of certain assets and liabilities which are not readily apparent from other sources.

 

These accounting policies are described at relevant sections in this discussion and analysis and in the notes to the financial statements included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2009

 

24


 

Our strategy, to the extent that we are able, is to grow our mineral reserves through optimization of current operations, exploration and prudent acquisitions.  The following is a summary of the actions and strategies that we implemented in 2008:

 

•         Development of the Lily Mine operation

•         Acquisitions

•         Exploration

 

Growth and Expansion

 

Lily Mine

 

Our primary focus, to the extent that we are able, is to develop the underground mine at Lily.  Primary development of the initial underground section began in June 2007 and full conversion from open pit mining to underground mining commenced in January 2009.  All of Lily Mine’s gold production since January 2009 is being derived from underground operations.  To date, some 2,400 meters of underground development has been completed.  This underground tonnage will be treated at the current Makonjwaan mill for the next two years.  The acquisition of the nearby Barbrook Mine, discussed below, with a dormant processing plant has altered the original strategy of building a new plant at the Lily Mine site.  The Barbrook processing plant, which is in the process of being refurbished, will be used to process the ore from Lily Mine’s underground mining operation. 

 

If our estimates and operating conditions can be maintained and assuming no interruptions in our plans. we anticipate that Lily underground operations may ramp up to full production of around 30,000 tons per month by mid 2010.  If current operating levels can be maintained and if we are successful in meeting the challenges and uncertainties that we face, we expect to produce approximately 14,000 ounces of gold in 2009 for gross revenue of approximately $12,450,000 increasing to approximately 35,000 ounces of gold per year in years 2011 through 2023 for gross annual revenue of approximately $31,400,000 (using a projected gold price of $900/oz.).  These are only estimates and are subject to change and fluctuating market conditions.  The results of the Bankable Feasibility Study (“BFS”) completed in March 2008, include an estimate that the Lily Mine has a life of at least 15 years based on existing mineral reserves.    

 

The Lily Main Pit opencast operation:

 

  • Commenced in June 2000 and was closed in October 2006.  During this period, 1,012,000 tonnes were successfully extracted at an average grade of 2.89 grams of gold per ton.

 

  • The closure of the Lily Main open pit was timed to coincide with extraction of oxidized ore from the Lily East pit.  Mining continued until August 2007 before the pit was closed due to unstable high wall conditions.  During this period a total of 96,347 tons were extracted having an average grade of 2.27 grams of gold per ton.

 

  • Open pit production commenced at Rosie’s Fortune in July 2007.  This open pit was initially planned to be mined until May 2008 but was found to be sufficiently productive to be continued until December 2008.  A total of 180,572 tonnes were extracted at an average grade of 2.22 grams of gold per ton.

 

The strategy behind extending open pit mining operations after closure of the Main pit in October 2006 was to maintain cash flow while establishing and preparing the underground workings for production.  This was done with the expectation that the Lily East and Rosie’s Fortune open pit operations would be marginal but profitable.

 

25


 

The following table summarizes the tons milled, gold produced and operating profit (loss) for the life of the open pit operations to December 2008.

 

 

Period

Ore Milled

 

Au Produced

Average Grade Produced

Operating Profit/(loss)

Year

mths

T

Kg

oz

g/t

oz/t

US$

2000/01

9

120,000

240

7,700

1.99

0.062

338,087

2001/02

12

154,000

309

9,900

2.00

0.063

647,117

2002/03

12

153,000

343

11,000

2.36

0.074

1,049,173

2003/04

12

131,000

241

7,700

1.84

0.057

(541,559)

2004

9

116,000

230

7,400

1.98

0.062

(743,916)

2005

12

168,000

398

12,800

2.37

0.074

420,522

2006

12

166,200

377

12,100

2.27

0.071

2,278,341

2007

12

160,000

322

10,400

2.32

0.072

1,660,754

2008

12

154,000

242

7,800

1.58

0.051

846,214

TOTAL

 

1,322,200

2,702

86,800

2.09

0.064

5,954,733

(1)     Prior to March 31, 2004, 12 month accounting periods were from April 1 to March 31

(2)     2005 represents the first year of change to the accounting period or fiscal year based on a calendar year

 

The extensive exploration diamond drilling programs completed since 2005 up to the end of 2008 have successfully increased the mineral reserves of the Lily Mine to the extent that a full Bankable Feasibility Study has been completed giving the entire project a very positive NPV and IRR at a conservative medium term gold price of US$800/ounce.  82 diamond drill holes (with wedges), totaling in excess of 28,800 meters of drilling, have increased reserves from 210,000 ounces at the end of 2004 to an estimated 565,000 ounces by the end of 2008.  The discovery cost is remarkably low at an estimated +/-US$2.00 per ounce during this exploration period. 

 

The aim of this extensive drilling exercise was twofold:

 

•         To extend Mineral Reserves along strike and in depth.  The drilling has successfully identified the mineralized zone over 2,000 meters of horizontal strike to 600 meters of vertical depth below surface.

 

•         To infill between existing drill intersections in certain areas, thereby upgrading the estimation confidence of the Mineral Reserves within the planned underground section of the extended Lily ore body.

 

The resultant revised Reserves allow for a Life of Mine of 15 years with a production capacity of 32,000 tons per month.

 

To the extent that we are able and provided that we can implement our current plans, we anticipate that exploration will continue on the mine property both from surface and later from underground as the mine develops in depth to continue increasing the reserve potential.

 

There can be no assurance that we will be successful in implementing these plans or the plan of operations described in this Form 10-Q.  We face many risks and uncertainties and we have only a limited history of operations.  See Item 1A. “Risk Factors”

 

26


 

Acquisitions

 

If circumstances and our financial resources allow, we intend to make strategic acquisitions in the next few years with the objective of increasing its production to 100,000 oz/annum.  We continue to investigate potential opportunities.  We cannot assure you that we will achieve these or other goals or if we achieve them, that we can sustain any such achievement for any period in the future.

 

Barbrook Mine:  As disclosed in our Form 8-K, on February 21, 2008 we entered into an agreement to purchase Barbrook Mine. This offer was accepted by the seller corporation, Maid 'O The Mist (Proprietary) Limited, a company incorporated in the Republic of South Africa and a subsidiary of Caledonia Mining Corporation Limited (“Caledonia”), a company incorporated in Canada .  The acquisition was completed on May 30, 2008. 

 

The acquisition of Barbrook has had the following twofold positive impact on EGI:

 

•         The planned underground mining operations at Lily Mine, as reported in the BFS (March 2008), required the construction of a new processing plant on site.  The existing processing plant at Barbrook, once refurbished, will substitute for a new plant.  The purchase price of Barbrook was less than half the budgeted cost for the proposed new plant.  The plant, complete with a large slimes dam, is located less than half the distance from Lily Mine (6 km) than its current operating Makonjwaan plant facility (17 km).

 

•         Barbrook contains substantial mineralized assets and a well developed underground infrastructure including some 50 km of development and readily accessible areas for mining.  Extensions to the processing plant will be required to treat the metallurgically complicated ore bodies once mining commences at Barbrook. This is currently being investigated.  It is planned to geologically model and re-evaluate Barbrook by commencing exploration and primary development with the objective of bringing Barbrook Mine successfully into initial production in 2010.

 

Currently and based on the due diligence that we completed to date, we believe that the Barbrook Mines Limited holds title to a Mining Authorization covering an estimated 2,286 hectares which hosts a consolidation of numerous small mines and claims in the historically renowned Barberton gold mining district of South Africa.  Mining at Barbrook commenced in the 1880’s.  In 1996 exploration significantly improved the definition of estimated main ore zones.  Treatment of refractory ores commenced in July 1996 and continued until July 1997.  A total of 166,400 tons of sulphide ore was treated at an average rate of +/-14,000 tons per month.  311 kg of gold was produced at a recovered grade of 1.87g/t.  Both the head grade and metallurgical recovery achieved over this period (~40%) were below target and the mine was put on care and maintenance pending a re-evaluation of the mining method and metallurgical process.

 

 

 27


 

                Historic Production – Barbrook Mine

Period

Tonnage Treated

T

Gold Produced

Kg

Gold Produced

Oz

Recovered Grade

g/t

Oct ’89 – Jan ‘91

220,630

500

16,075

2.31

Nov ’93 – Jan ‘95

490,533

645

20,740

1.31

Feb ’95 – May ‘95

81,130

131

4,210

1.62

Jul ’96 – Jul ‘97

166,397

311

10,000

1.87

2006

74,904

224

7,200

4.64

Total Production

1,033,594

1,711

58,225

1.66

Note: Information taken from Venmyn (Pty) Ltd Technical Statement January 2007

 

Based on the information we have available and provided that current trends continue, we believe that the Barbrook Mine looks promising.  Various metallurgical test work took place between 1997-2007 which showed that improvements to gold recoveries are achievable.  A complete re-evaluation was done in 2002.  At that date, this lead to an estimate of Proven and Probable Ore Reserves amounting to 176,000 tons at an insitu grade of an estimated 6.0 g/t gold.  All quoted Resource and Reserve estimates will be re-evaluated by EGI’s competent staff in time as additional information becomes available

 

Barbrook has a well established surface infrastructure (plant, workshops, laboratory, tailings dam, etc) and extensive underground development (>50 km).  Access to the mine is via two adits, respectively on 7 and 10 Levels, separated by 150 meters.  No development exists and very little exploration has been completed below 10 Level, which is at surface river elevation.  All ancillary utilities are operational.

 

If we are successful in obtaining sufficient financing on reasonable terms and assuming that our current assessments and estimates are not later reduced, we intend to further implement our plans for the operation of the Barbrook Mine. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in these efforts.

               

Prospects for the Future:

 

Exploration

 

Other Properties

 

Geological exploration has continued with positive results on the Worcester project area where continued diamond drilling has successfully identified the continuation of the mineralized zone well below the old workings.  A further 4,180 meters of exploration diamond drilling was completed during 2008, bringing the total amount of core recovered since 2006 to 9,385 meters. The additional drilling was successful in confirming the down-dip extension of the Worcester mineralized zone below the old mine workings.  It is envisaged that this project will proceed to pre-feasibility status during early 2009.

 

The Bonanza project area and other target locations are still under investigation and proposals for further exploration are being considered.  The outcome of these exploration programs is expected to result in the further delineation of new ore bodies which can be developed for mining in the medium term future.  To the extent that it is possible and if we are successful, our goal is to produce an additional 20,000 oz/annum from a second operation.  While we currently believe that this goal is feasible, we cannot assure that we will achieve this goal or the related objectives.

 

We anticipate that the acquisition of Barbrook may also add to the exploration focus in 2009 but we have not made any specific determinations with respect to the extent of the amount of exploration that may be completed in 2009 or the precise time frame for this exploration.

 

28


 

 

Requirement for Additional Capital

 

Based on our current estimates and subject to later evaluations that are to be completed by management, we anticipate that our capital requirements can be grouped into three areas:

 

  • Development of the Lily underground mine and new processing plant;
  • Exploration of the company’s minerals rights including extensions to Lily and the Worcester project area; and
  • Partial financing of acquisitions.

 

The development of the underground mine at Lily is of primary importance and the capital expenditure is currently estimated at $25 Million.  Breakdown of this estimate is as follows: 

 

                                                                                                                                            

 

 

US$ million

Repayment of bridging loan (incl. interest) arranged to acquire

 

 

       100% of the shares in Barbrook Mines

 

$10

Development of underground mine at the Lily Mine

 

12

Refurbish and expand Barbrook plant

 

3

 

 

$25

 

Our current estimates and projections suggest that this may be sufficient to allow us to develop the underground workings and the mine infrastructure at the Lily Mine site as well as the refurbishment of the Barbrook plant to be used for processing the Lily ore.  We may change or revise our estimates as we obtain additional information and as studies of the mine are completed.  In the event that the amount needed is increased, we may re-evaluate our plans and delay or re-schedule capital expenditures for this property and other properties consistent with circumstances and priorities at that time.

Currently, we anticipate that ongoing exploration will continue at the Worcester Mine and the other target locations within our mineral rights.  In most cases we have had encouraging results so far.  But we anticipate that we will likely need to make an estimated $4 Million in additional capital expenditures to achieve the exploration objectives that we have set for the next 12 months.  That estimate may change or increase if further evaluations show that additional expenditures may be needed to fully complete these explorations.

 

If circumstances allow and if we are successful in obtaining additional necessary capital, we anticipate that we may develop Barbrook underground by expanding Barbrook plant for production of a planned 28,000 oz pa starting in 2010.  Currently, and subject to further confirmation, we estimate that capital expenditures for Barbrook are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                           

 

 

US$ million

 

 

 

Pre-production capital program to develop underground workings

 

 

       commencing 2009

 

$6

Barbrook plant expansion to accommodate Barbrook ore – 2009/10

 

9

Construction of BIOX plant to treat refractory ore - 2010

 

10

 

 

$25

 

The BIOX Process is a pretreatment process for refractory gold ores or concentrates, using naturally occurring bacteria to break down the sulphide matrix and liberate the gold for subsequent cyanidation.  This is an alternative to the conventional processes of roasting and pressure oxidation and offers advantages that typically include reduced capital cost, simplicity of operation, robustness and environmental friendliness.

 

29

 


If circumstances and opportunities allow, we may make at least one other acquisition in 2009 and will require funds in order to secure such acquisition or to provide initial support for the acquired operation.  An amount of $10 Million has been estimated for this purpose and this estimate may be changed as we complete further reviews in light of new additional information.

Accordingly and to the extent that we are able, we seek to raise additional capital of $25 million for our Lily Mine underground development in the second quarter of 2009 and $4 million for our ongoing exploration program and objectives.  Our current capital raising strategy also calls for us to seek an additional $25 million in new capital for developing underground mining operations at Barbrook Mine.  While we have had discussions with several potential providers of capital, we are not in a position to estimate the form or terms of any such financing arrangement and we cannot give you any assurance that we will successfully complete any financing arrangements or, if we do, that the additional new capital obtained in any financing arrangement can be raised on terms that are reasonable in light of our current circumstances.

 

But, overall and if favorable conditions allow and if we can achieve our current objectives, our goal is to complete financing arrangements for the Lily Mine and our exploration program in the second quarter of 2009.  For this we seek to raise $29 million.  Accordingly, as an interim step and as part of our capital raising strategy, in 2008 we completed:

a Convertible bond facility in March 2008 which raised US$4 million, and 

b.     Bridging loan facility in May 2008 of approximately US$10 million.

 

These interim financings were necessary to implement our plans prior to the main fund raising in the second quarter of 2009.  Given the uncertainties of the marketplace and the challenges that we face, there can be no assurance that our efforts to raise additional new capital will be successful or if we are successful, that we can raise additional capital on terms that are reasonable in light of our current circumstances.

 

We are obligated to repay Investec the US $10 million bridging loan facility on or before May 29, 2009.  In the event that we are not successful in repaying this loan or re-negotiating the terms of the loan, we may face the loss of our subsidiary and thus our principal business and assets. While we are hopeful that we will be successful in these efforts, we cannot assure you that we will achieve our objectives.  In that event, any investor who acquires our Common Stock can stand to lose all or substantially all of their investment.

 

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

A summary of our comparative operations, which arise only from mining operations at the Lily Mine for the three months period ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 were as follows:

 

 

 

Three months period

ended March 31,

 

2009

 

2008

Ore Tons Milled

35,921

 

38,365

Yield – grams per ton

1.83

 

2.02

Gold Sold – oz

2,033

 

2,378

Gold price - $/oz

$903

 

$916

 

 

 

 

Total Income*

$1,913

 

$2,185

Cost of Production*

($1,486)

 

($1,589)

Exploration Costs*

Nil

 

Nil

Operating Income (Loss)*

$427

 

$596

Operating Expenses, net*

($1,183)

 

($493)

Minority Interest*

($26)

 

($16)

Net Income (Loss) *

($782)

 

$87

* Expressed in Thousands

 

30


 

Comparative Results of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

Revenues:   For the 2009 period covering three months of commercial production from January 1, 2009 to March 31, 2009 (“First-Quarter 2009”), we recorded revenues of approximately $1,913,000 from sales of gold versus revenues of approximately $2,185,000 for the three month period from January 1, 2008 to March 31, 2008 (the “First-Quarter 2008”), which amounted to a decrease of approximately 12%.  The principal factors affecting this decrease in revenue were as follows:

 

•         Ore tons milled in the First-Quarter 2009 was lower than that of First-Quarter 2008 at 35,921 tons, yield had dropped by approximately 9% resulting in lower gold production.  Accordingly, 2,033 oz. of gold was sold in First-Quarter 2009 as compared with 2,378 oz. of gold sold in First-Quarter 2008, a drop of approximately 15%.  This was primarily due to change in the nature of production in that First-Quarter 2008 was totally from open pit operations whereas First-Quarter 2009 was the first output obtained from underground mining activity.  

 

•         In 2008 sales averaged $916 per ounce of gold, our 2009 sales averaged $903 per ounce of gold; a decrease in the price of gold of approximately 1%.  However, this decrease in the price of gold may or may not be a trend and if it is a trend, we do not know if it will continue.  We are not able to project gold prices and to the extent that gold prices fall in the future, our operations, revenues, profitability, and cash flow will be adversely and significantly impacted for such period of time as lower price levels in the marketplace are maintained. 

 

Cost of Production:   Ore tons milled in the First-Quarter 2009 was lower than that of First-Quarter 2008 at 35,921 tons.  During the First-Quarter 2009, we produced and sold 2,033 oz. of gold at a cost of $1,486,000, whereas, during the First-Quarter 2008, we produced and sold 2,378 oz. of gold at a cost of $1,589,000.  Accordingly, per ounce cost of production for the First-Quarter 2009 was $731 whereas per ounce cost of production for First-Quarter 2008 was $668; an increase in the per ounce production of gold of 9%.

 

Principal factor affecting this increase in cost of production were the change over from open pit production to underground production and that the First-Quarter 2009 was the first production from underground mining activities.

 

Operating Expenses for the First-Quarter 2009:  Our operating expenses increased to $1,183,000 in the First-Quarter 2009 from $493,000 in the First-Quarter 2008; an increase of approximately 240%. A major factor affecting this was an increase in interest charges of $630,000 on the Company’s loan commitments.     

 

Changes in Exchange Rates:  Changes in exchange rates had a significant impact on the comparability of our results for the First -Quarter 2009 versus the First -Quarter 2008.  The average rates of exchange for the interim periods ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 were SAR 9.4283 to $1 and SAR 7.4990 to $1, respectively – approximately 26% weakening of the South African Rand against the US Dollar.  Had the exchange rate remained the same during the First -Quarter 2009 as that of First -Quarter 2008, the results of our operations arising from South African Rand transactions would have been approximately $98,000 higher.

 

Changes in exchange rates had a significant impact on the comparability of our balance sheets as of March 31, 2009 versus March 31, 2008.  The rates of exchange as at March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 were SAR 9.3378 to $1 and SAR 8.1363 to $1, respectively – approximately 15% weakening of the South African Rand against the US Dollar.  Had the exchange rate remained the same in 2009 as that of 2008, our total South African Rand based net assets would have been approximately $1,500,000 higher.  This variation in the main relates to:

 

•         o ur property, plant and mine development costs which would have been approximately $4,100,000 higher;

•         amount receivable from Lomshiyo would have been $660,000 higher; and

•         our liabilities which would have been 3,400,000 higher.

 

Restructuring:   On March 28, 2008 and through our subsidiary, EGSA, we entered into a Convertible Loan Agreement.  The agreement involves EGSA receiving $3,981,932 (32,000,000 SA Rands) of proceeds.  The loan principal can convert into 6.9% of the total issued and outstanding shares of ordinary capital after the conversion of the loan by EGSA.  If EGSA has been unable to list its ordinary shares with the JSE within twelve months of the agreement date, then the lender can demand repayment of principal and accrued interest or conversion of the debt into the corresponding ordinary shares of EGSA.  Accordingly, the loan balance outstanding at March 31, 2009 includes $529,536 of accrued interest.

 

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On May 27, 2008, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary EGSA obtained R80 million ($8,567,145 as of December 31, 2008) six month bridging loan facility (“facility”) from Investec Bank Ltd. (“Investec”) for the acquisition of Barbrook Mines Ltd.  On October 30, 2008, this facility was renegotiated and the Company received a commitment letter agreement from Investec.  Under the terms of this agreement, Investec has agreed to extend the maturity date of the Company’s existing bridging loan (the “Existing Loan”) from the original maturity date of November 28, 2008 to May 29, 2009 (the “Loan Extension”).

 

As consideration for the Loan Extension, the Company agreed to the following:

 

•         To grant Investec 820,000 Common Stock Purchase Warrants for the purchase of 820,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an exercise price equal to the lower of $3.75 per share and the price at which the Company raises equity capital in its next offering;

•         To increase the interest rate on the Existing Loan from Jibar plus 3% to Jibar plus 4%;

•         To confirm that the Company has sufficient working capital for the period through the last date of the Loan Extension;

•         To subordinate all shareholder loans to the Existing Loan;

•         To prohibit the payment of any interest and principal on all shareholder loans;

•         To prohibit further indebtedness without the prior written approval of Investec; and

•         To provide Investec on or before the 5th calendar day of each month, monthly management accounts and an update on the Company’s financing strategy and provide Investec with an opportunity to review the strategy with Investec, upon Investec’s request.

 

The loan balance outstanding at March 31, 2009 includes $$1,145,343 of accrued interest.

 

In the event that we breach our obligations to Investec Bank Ltd., we could lose our wholly owned subsidiary and all of our assets and business.

 

On August 25, 2008, the Company obtained a Swiss Francs 2,200,000 ($2,061,650 as of March 31, 2009) six month loan from a shareholder, Kestrel SA (“Kestrel”), for purposes of working capital requirements.  Interest on the loan is 15% p.a. calculated on the outstanding balance and compounded monthly in arrears.  In addition, on August 22, 2008, the Company entered into a Common Stock Purchase Warrant Agreement with Kestrel whereby Kestrel is entitled to purchase up to Fifty Thousand (50,000) shares of Common Stock (par value $0.001 per share) from the Company upon payment to the Company of Five Dollars ($5.00) per share.  Warrants may be purchased at any time on or after August 20, 2008 but all rights to purchase the Shares and to exercise this Warrant shall expire on August 21, 2011 after which it shall become void and all rights hereunder shall thereupon cease.  The repayment of the loan was extended to June 30, 2009.

 

The loan balance outstanding at March 31, 2009 includes $105,985 of accrued interest.

 

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On October 28, 2008, the Company engaged IBK Capital Corporation of Toronto ("IBK") where IBK has agreed to undertake its best efforts to assist the Company in raising up to $10 million in the next three months.  In the event that market conditions allow and if IBK is successful, IBK will be paid a commission on the funds raised and will receive common stock purchase warrants.  In this event, the net proceeds will be used to fund expenditures on the development of the Lily project and for general and corporate working capital purposes.  As of the end of March 2009, IBK was not successful and their appointment was terminated as of April 1, 2009. 

 

On December 23, 2008, the Company retained Collins Stewart LLC of New York (“Collins”) to act as its exclusive placement agent with respect to a best efforts private placement transaction of up to $15,000,000 of Company securities.  In the event that market conditions allow and if Collins is successful, Collins will be paid at closing for the sale of Securities a U.S. dollar cash fee equal to 6.5% of the proceeds raised and 3.0% of the common stock equivalents underlying the Securities issued in the form of common stock warrants with an exercise price equal to the purchase price of the Securities.

 

With funds raised and positive cash flow from its ongoing production activities, the Company believes that it will be able to repay the existing Investec bridging loan.  While the Company has not received any commitment from the broker-dealer with respect to raising these additional funds and there can be no assurance that the efforts of Collins will be successful, the Company remains optimistic that if market conditions allow, it may be able to complete one or more of these planned financial transactions on reasonable terms.

 

On April 14, 2009, the Company received a proposal from AIMS Asset Management Sdn Bhd (“AIMS”) offering the Company the following facilities:

 

  1. AIMS to purchase the Investec loan in full either by funding EGSA to settle the loan or by directly buying the loan from Investec;
  2. The period of the loan assigned to AIMS to be extended for 2 months to end July 2009;
  3. EGSA to be owned by a listed holding company on Australian Stock Exchange; and
  4. Upon satisfaction of imminent listing but prior to listing, AIMS undertakes to convert this loan together with the existing convertible loan into a direct 40% stake in EGSA.              
 

This proposal was considered by the Board of Directors of EGI upon receipt and a resolution was passed approving it.

 

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On April 30, 2009 and subject to our satisfactions of certain conditions, we entered into the Restated Convertible Loan and Option Agreement (the “Restated Agreement”) with Asian Investment Management Services, Limited (“AIMS”).  The Restated Agreement provides that AIMS will; (A)  provide technical and corporate assistance to our subsidiary, EGSA, in connection with EGSA’s strategies and objectives; (B) make available additional funds as an “Additional Loan" no later than May 29, 2009 in an amount not to exceed 93,000,000 (South African Rand) to EGSA so as to allow EGSA to pay all amounts due Investec Bank Limited under the Investec Loan and for EGSA to cancel the security given by or on behalf of EGSA to Investec Bank including, but not limited to, the Borrower’s Cession and the Guarantee (as set forth in the Form 8-K that we filed on April 23, 2008);  (C) convert the Additional Loan and the existing convertible loan of March 31, 2008 in the amount of 32,000,000 (South African Rand) that EGSA received from AIMS and the Phoenix Gold Fund (as amended on March 27, 2009) (the “Original Loan”), both consolidated and totaling 125,000,000 (South African Rand) into 40% of the outstanding common shares of either EGSA or such other entity as the parties agree for purposes of the planned listing of the common stock of the Company and its subsidiaries (or such other entity as we and AIMS may determine by subsequent agreement) pursuant to the Listing Commitment (in that event, we agreed to grant AIMS an option to purchase an additional 10% of the issued share capital of EGSA which shall be exercisable at any time after the date at which all of the conditions set forth above  have been satisfied by us or waived by AIMS but no later than the date at which the common stock of EGSA) (or such other entity as we and AIMS may determine by subsequent agreement), is listed on an acceptable stock exchange (such as the London AIM, the Australian Stock Exchange or such other stock exchange to which AIMS gives its consent). The Restated Agreement also grants AIMS a right of first refusal which provides that the Company shall not obtain any additional funding from any other source (other than Collins Stewart, LLC) unless the Company has first offered AIMS the opportunity to provide such additional funding on no less favorable terms and conditions and AIMS has, after thirty days from the date of receipt of notice, declined to exercise its right of first refusal.

 

 

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Our operations and our securities are subject to a number of substantial risks, including those described below.  If any of these or other risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and operating results, as well as the trading price or value of its securities could be materially adversely affected.  No attempt has been made to rank these risks in the order of their likelihood or potential harm.  In addition to those general risks enumerated elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, any purchaser of our common stock should also consider the following risk factors:

 

Risks Related to the Company’s Operations

 

We require additional funding which may not be available.  If we are unable to obtain necessary financing on acceptable terms, we may have to curtail our current or planned operations :   We require additional funding to implement our business plan.  We terminated our open pit operations at our Lily Mine in December 2008 and commenced production at Lily underground effective January 2009.  Additional capital will be required in order to ramp up full underground.  We also will require still additional funding to explore our other properties. We may seek to obtain such funding for these activities through equity or debt financing, joint ventures or from other sources.  There can be no assurances that we will be able to raise adequate funds on acceptable terms from these or other sources (in light of our current circumstances), which may hinder us from continuing or expanding our operations.

 

Operational hazards and responsibilities could adversely affect our operations:   Our current operational activities are subject to a number of risks and hazards which include but not limited to the following:

 

•         environmental hazards;

•         industrial accidents;

•         labor disputes;

•         unusual or unexpected geological or operating conditions;

•         changes in regulatory environment;

•         natural phenomena such as severe weather conditions, floods, earthquakes; and

•         other hazards.

 

These occurrences could result in significant damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties or production equipment, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in mining, monetary losses and possible legal liability.  The occurrence of these operational hazards could adversely affect our mining operations by limiting production or the closure of the mines themselves.

 

We are not insured against any losses or liabilities that could arise from our operations either because insurance is unavailable or because the premium cost is excessive.  The payment of such liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and, depending on the extent of such liability, could result in the total loss of our assets and operations :   Exploration for gold involves hazards, which could result in us incurring substantial losses and liabilities to third parties for pollution, accidents and other hazards.  We have public liability insurance of $1,500,000, but if we incur uninsured losses or liabilities, the funds available for the implementation of its business plan will be reduced and our assets may be jeopardized.  The payment of such liabilities may have a material adverse effect on our financial position and, depending on the extent of such liability, could result in the total loss of our assets and operations.

 

The Bank Feasibility Study (“BFS”) contain estimates and assumptions regarding the feasibility of our mining operations which may later prove to be inaccurate as additional information becomes available:   While we believe that the BFS was conducted in a responsible fashion and the estimates, assumptions, and methodology of the BFS follows standards that are consistent with industry practice, the amount of Reserves, Proven Reserves, and other projections may be later significantly reduced as we obtain additional information.  The extent of any reduction in these estimates and their magnitude can not be known at this time.  We are aware that estimates in the mining industry can be subject to dramatic changes.  For these reasons, we can not assure you that we will not later discover that our estimates need to be significantly reduced as we complete further work on our mining properties.

 

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Our ability to discover a viable and economic mineral reserve on our properties is subject to numerous factors, most of which are beyond our control and are not predictable.  If we are unable to discover such reserves, it most likely will not be able to establish a profitable commercial mining operation on these properties:   Exploration for gold is speculative in nature, involves significant financial risks and is frequently unsuccessful.  Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into commercially producing mines.  Our long-term profitability will be, in part, directly related to the cost and success of exploration programs.  Our gold exploration programs entail risks relating to the following:

 

•         location of economic ore bodies;

•         development of appropriate metallurgical process;

•         receipt of necessary government approvals; and

•         construction of mining and processing facilities at sites chosen for mining.

 

The commercial viability of a mineral deposit is dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the following:

 

•         price of gold;

•         exchange rates;

•         particular attributes of the deposit (i.e. size, grade and proximity to infrastructure);

•         financing costs;

•         taxation;

•         royalties;

•         land tenure;

•         land use;

•         water use;

•         availability and cost of power source;

•         importing and exporting gold; and

•         environmental protection.

 

The effect of these factors and their magnitude cannot be accurately predicted and any one of which could adversely affect our ability to operate.  Further, we have little or no control over these variables.

 

Our ability to become and remain profitable, should we become profitable, will be dependent on our ability to locate, explore, develop and mine additional properties.  There is intense competition for the acquisition of gold properties.  If we are unable to accomplish this, we most likely will not be able to be profitable on a long-term basis:   Gold properties eventually become depleted or uneconomical to continue mining.  As a result, our long-term success is dependent in large part on its ability to acquire, discover, develop and mine new properties.  The acquisition of gold properties and their exploration and development are subject to intense competition.  There are many larger companies with greater financial resources, larger staff, more experience and more equipment for exploration and development that may be in a better position than us to compete for such mineral properties.  If we are unable to locate, develop and economically mine new properties, we most likely will not be able to be profitable on a long-term basis.  Further, given the competition that we face from these larger companies, we cannot assure you that we can achieve or sustain profitability or if we do, that we can sustain it.

 

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Our property interests are located in South Africa.  The risk of doing business in a foreign country could adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition:  We face risks normally associated with any conduct of business in foreign countries, including various levels of political and economic risk.  The occurrence of one or more of these events could have a material adverse impact on our current and future operations which, in turn, could have a material adverse impact on its future cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition.  These risks include the following:

 

•         prevalence of various diseases at the mining sites;

•         security concerns;

•         adverse weather such as rainy season;

•         labor disputes;

•         uncertain or unpredictable political and economic environments;

•         war and civil disturbances;

•         changes in laws or policies;

•         mining policies;

•         monetary policies;

•         unlinking of rates of exchange to world market prices;

•         environmental regulations;

•         labor relations;

•         return of capital;

•         taxation;

•         delays in obtaining or the inability to obtain necessary governmental permits;

•         governmental seizure of land or mining claims;

•         limitations on ownership;

•         institution of laws requiring repatriation of earnings;

•         increased financial costs;

•         import and export regulations; and

•         establishment of foreign exchange regulations.

 

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Any such changes may affect our current mining operations and ability to undertake exploration activities in respect of present and future properties in the manner currently contemplated, as well as our ability to explore and eventually develop and operate those properties in which we have an interest or in respect of which we have obtained exploration rights to date.  Certain changes could result in the confiscation of property by nationalization or expropriation without fair compensation.  We do not carry any insurance for any of these risks and we have no plans to acquire any such insurance in the future.

 

There are uncertainties as to title matters in the mining industry.  Any defects in such title may cause us to forfeit its rights in mineral properties and could jeopardize its business operations:   If the title to or our rights of ownership in our properties, prospects and/or claims are challenged or impugned by third parties, or the properties, prospects and/or claims in which we have an interest are subject to prior transfers or claims, such title defects could cause us to loose our rights in such properties.  If we lose our rights in and to any of our mineral properties, our business operations could be jeopardized.  We may not have the financial resources to protect and assert our legal claims in such properties.

 

In the event that we breach our obligations to Investec, we may lose our wholly-owned subsidiary EGSA and thereby lose all of our assets:   While we believe that the financing arrangement with Investec was prudent and appropriate, we have incurred a risk that we are unable to repay Investec the U.S. $10 million bridging loan on or before May 29, 2009 or in the event that we breach our obligations to Investec, Investec has the right to our wholly owned subsidiary, EGSA, and in that event we could lose all of our assets and business.  As a result and in that event, any person who acquires our Common Stock would lose all or substantially all of their investment.

Our current and planned operations require permits and licenses from various governmental authorities.  If we are unable to obtain and maintain such requisite permits, licenses and approvals, our business operations and ability to become profitable may be adversely affected:   Such permits and licenses are subject to change in regulations and in various operating circumstances.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain or maintain in force all necessary permits and licenses that may be required to conduct exploration or commence construction or operation of mining facilities at properties to be explored or to maintain continued operations at economically justifiable costs.  Further, certain of our mineral rights and interests are subject to government approvals.  In all such cases such approvals are, as a practical matter, subject to the discretion of the South African government or governmental officials.  No assurance can be given that we will be successful in obtaining any or all of such approvals.  Our inability to obtain and maintain the requisite permits, licenses and approvals could materially and adversely affect our operations and ability to become profitable.

 

Gold prices can fluctuate on a material and frequent basis due to numerous factors beyond the Company’s control.  Our ability to generate profits from operations could be materially and adversely affected by such fluctuating prices:   The profitability of our current and future gold mining operations is significantly affected by changes in the market price of gold.  Between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008, the “fixed price” for gold on the London Exchange has fluctuated between $608.40 and $1,011.25 per ounce.  Gold prices fluctuate on a daily basis and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including:

 

•         level of interest rate;

•         rate of inflation;

•         central bank sales; and

•         world supply of gold.

 

Each of these factors can cause significant fluctuations in gold prices. Such external factors are in turn influenced by changes in international investment patterns and monetary systems and political developments.  The price of gold has historically fluctuated widely and, depending on the price of gold, revenues from mining operations may not be sufficient to offset the costs of such operations.  We have no means of controlling or influencing any of these factors and there is no likelihood that we will achieve any such control or influence in the future.

 

Gold is sold in South Africa in South African Rands.  If applicable currency exchange rates fluctuate our revenues and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected:   All of the gold that we produce is required to be sold to The Rand Refinery Ltd. which is a South African corporation and the world’s largest gold refinery.  Such sales are paid for with South African Rands.  We also incur a significant amount of our expenses which are payable in South African Rands.  As a result of the required utilization of the South African Rand, our financial performance is affected by fluctuations in the value of the South African Rand to the U.S. Dollar.  At the present time, we have no plan or policy to utilize forward contracts or currency options to minimize this exposure, and even if these measures are implemented there can be no assurance that such arrangements will be available, be cost effective or be able to fully offset such future currency risks.

 

Dependence upon Key Executives and Employees:   Our success depends to a great extent upon the continued successful performance of key executives and employees in general and specifically Mr. Michael McChesney.  Mr. McChesney is presently employed by us as our President and Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. McChesney also serves as one of our directors.  If Mr. McChesney and certain other present key executives and employees are unable to perform their duties for any reason, our ability to operate in South Africa will be materially adversely effected.  We do not have a key man life insurance policy on the life of Mr. McChesney or any other key executives and employees and we have no present plans to acquire any such policies.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures :   We conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures.  The term “disclosure controls and procedures”, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures also include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded as of March 31, 2009, that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to a reasonable assurance level of achieving such objectives.  However, it should be noted that the design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting :   Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act.  Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  The internal controls for the Company are provided by executive management’s review and approval of all transactions.  Our internal control over financial reporting also includes those policies and procedures that:

 

(1)     pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

 

(2)     provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with the authorization of our management; and

 

(3)     provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009.  In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.  Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of our internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of these controls.

 

Based on this assessment, management has concluded that as of March 31, 2009, our internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:   There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the first quarter ended March 31, 2009, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

The Company’s recently acquired subsidiary, Barbrook Mines, was subject to several claims brought against it by creditors during 2006 and 2007 fiscal years.  These claims, which had been accrued for at 2007 year end, were in the main settled and the matters finalized.  In the matter with Sentinel Corporate Solutions (Pty) Limited, Sentinel has issued summons against Barbrook for R1,108,061 (approximately US$116,000) in respect of amounts payable, which are accrued for, in respect of a labor contract.  Barbrook has instituted an action against Sentinel for R7,456,465 (approximately US$783,000) in respect of damages incurred when the labor force set fire to the Barbrook administration building.  Both matters with Sentinel are presently still being defended and are not yet finalized.

 

Other than the matter discussed above, we are not a party to any pending legal proceedings, and no such proceedings are known to be threatened or contemplated.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

 

Our operations and our securities are subject to a number of substantial risks, including those described below.  If any of these or other risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and operating results, as well as the trading price or value of its securities could be materially adversely affected.  No attempt has been made to rank these risks in the order of their likelihood or potential harm.  In addition to those general risks enumerated elsewhere in the document, any purchaser of our common stock should also consider the following risk factors:

 

Lack of Diversification:  Our business, assets, and operations are concentrated in South Africa and the mining of gold.  As a result, we are not diversified and to that extent we face continuing challenges to achieve stable revenues, profits, and cash flow while also remaining exposed to the risks associated with this concentration.

 

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Qualified Opinion Letter from Accountants:  Our accountants, Mendoza Berger & Co., issued a qualified opinion letter in connection with their audit of our financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2008.  Their qualification, termed a “going concern” qualification, primarily reflected their assessment of the extent of our short-term debt and our obligations to Investec Bank Limited (“Investec”) for the repayment of the bridging loan due for payment on May 29, 2009.  While we anticipated that the “going concern” qualification would be issued (which is common for smaller companies), we have entered into an agreement with Asian Investment Management Services Limited (“AIMS”) (as set forth in our Form 8-K which we filed on May 5, 2009) that provides funds to repay Investec and some additional working capital.  To that extent and if AIMS provides the additional capital set forth in the agreement, we will avoid a default on our obligations to Investec.  However, the terms of the agreement with AIMS requires that we undertake efforts to re-domicile the Company, seek a listing for our Common Stock on an acceptable stock exchange, and fulfill certain other conditions as set forth in our agreement with AIMS.  In all of these matters, we believe that we have prudently addressed the financial needs of the Company, we cannot assure you with certainty that we will obtain the anticipated funds or that we will avoid further financial difficulties in the future.

 

Impact of Agreement with AIMS:   As of May 13, 2009, we satisfied certain conditions set forth in the Restated Convertible Loan and Option Agreement (the “Restated Agreement”) that we entered into with Asian Investment Management Services Limited (“AIMS”). (A copy of the Restated Agreement with AIMS was filed in our Form 8-K on May 5, 2009.)  The Restated Agreement provides that AIMS could acquire approximately 46% of our outstanding Common Stock.  In that event, our existing stockholders will incur significant dilution with respect to their percentage ownership of the Company resulting from the conversion of the convertible loan that we issued to AIMS and from the exercise of an option acquired by AIMS in accordance with that agreement.  While we believe that the Restated Agreement provided us with the capital needed to meet our obligations to Investec and at a reasonable cost (given current financial market conditions), our obligations to AIMS will significantly impact the control and direction of the Company and will likely reduce and limit the ability of our existing stockholders to influence our corporate affairs.

 

Small Company, Limited Resources & Need for Additional Capital:   We are a small company with limited financial resources relative to the many competitors in our industry.  In the event of any unexpected problems or difficulties in our business and operations, we may not have the ability to obtain sufficient additional capital on terms that are reasonable in light of our current circumstances and market conditions.  Further, we currently estimate that we will need to raise $15,000,000 in additional capital.  We have not received any assurances that this additional capital can be obtained or if it is obtained, that can be obtained on reasonable terms and in a timely fashion to allow us to execute our plans. 

 

Limited Trading Market for Common Stock:  Our common stock is presently traded in the over-the-counter Bulletin Board and is quoted on the “OTCBB Market”.  Our stock trades on a limited and sporadic basis and we cannot assure you that a continuous liquid trading market will develop or, if it does develop, that it will be sustained for any continuous period.

 

Share Capital:  We have a significant number of shares authorized but unissued.  These shares may be issued without stockholder approval.  Significant issuances of stock would further dilute the percentage ownership of our current stockholders and could likely have an adverse impact on the market price of the common stock.   As of May 12, 2009, we have an aggregate of 150,020,785 shares of Common Stock and 20,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock authorized.  All of such shares of common stock and such shares of preferred stock may be issued without any action or approval by our stockholders.  Further and under the provisions of our Articles of Incorporation, our Board of Directors has the ability, without obtaining stockholder consent, to issue one or more series of preferred stock each with such dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other rights associated with our common stock. Additionally, we may in the future issue debt securities, secured or unsecured, which may have limitations or restrictions on the payment of dividends and which will have priority in the event of liquidation or dissolution.  As a result, an investor who purchases our common stock may hold legal claims to our assets that will be subordinate to the claims asserted by superior holders.  Finally, any such shares issued would further dilute the percentage ownership of our current stockholders and would likely have an adverse impact on the market price of the common stock.

Lack of Profits and Negative Cash Flow:   During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we recorded a net loss of $781,822 compared to a net income of $87,249 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and negative cash flow for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  While we believe that if we can successfully implement our business plan and if market and competitive conditions allow, we may achieve profitability and positive cash flow, we can not assure you that we will achieve profitability and positive cash flow or if we do achieve these goals, that we can sustain profitability and positive cash flow in the future.

 

Extension of Loan & Covenants Granted to Investec:   On October 30, 2008, we entered into an extension of the $10,000,000 bridging loan with Investec Bank Limited.  Under the terms of the loan, we are obligated to pay interest to Investec and repay all principal due to Investec on May 29, 2009.  Further, and in addition to other provisions, we granted Investec 820,000 common stock purchase warrants and agreed to provide Investec with monthly management reports.  In the event that we are not able to repay the full amount of the $10,000,000 loan from Investec on or before the May 29, 2009, then, absent an extension of the loan or some other re-negotiation of the loan, we could stand to lose our principal subsidiary with current business.  While we believe that the agreement extending the existing bridging loan serves our long-term interests, and we believe that we will be successful in repaying the loan on or before the May 29, 2009 date, we can not assure you that we will be successful in repaying the loan as required.  In the event that we are not successful, any holder of the Company’s Common Stock could stand to lose all or substantially all of their investment.

 

Lack of Dividends:   Our board of directors determines whether to pay dividends on the Company’s issued and outstanding shares. The declaration of dividends will depend upon our future earnings (if any), our capital requirements, our financial condition and other relevant factors.  Our board of directors does not intend to declare any dividends on our Common Stock for the foreseeable future.  We anticipate that we will retain any earnings to finance the growth of our business and for general corporate purposes.

 

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Competition & Lack of Diversification:   Gold properties eventually become depleted or uneconomical to continue mining.  As a result, our long-term success is dependent on our ability to acquire, discover, develop and mine new properties.  The acquisition of gold properties and their exploration and development are subject to intense competition.  Companies with greater financial resources, larger staffs, more experience and more equipment for exploration and development may be in a better position than us to compete for such mineral properties.  If we are unable to locate, develop and economically mine new properties, it most likely will not be able to be profitable on a long-term basis.  In addition, all of our assets and operations are concentrated in the mining business described in this Form 10-K and we have no current plans to diversify into any other business activity. 

 

Reliance Upon Estimates & Matter of Estimated Reserves:   Our business and the plans described in this Form 10-Q rely, in large measure, upon estimates that we received from others (including those in the Bankable Feasibility Study) used in combination with our own assessments.  While we continue to evaluate the geological information that we use, we cannot assure you that the estimates recited in this Form 10-Q are accurate or that we will not later revise and lower our estimated reserves which may adversely impact our financial performance.  Estimates used in the mining industry can change dramatically and all of our estimates may be revised or reduced on the basis of later received information and estimates.

 

Limited Trading and Limited History for our Common Stock:   Our common stock trades on a limited and sporadic basis and, as a result, there is only limited liquidity in our common stock.  Further, our common stock has had only a limited trading history on the Bulletin Board Market.  As a result and given the limited trading market for our common stock, the price of our common stock may be far more volatile and unpredictable than the prices of common stocks and other securities that have a long and established trading history.

 

Possible Rule 144 Stock Sales:   Many of the shares of our outstanding Common Stock are "restricted securities" and may be sold only in compliance with Rule 144 adopted under the Securities Act of 1933 or other applicable exemptions from registration.  As revised effective February 15, 2008, Rule 144 generally now requires that a holder of our restricted Common Stock hold these “restricted securities” for at least six months from the date at which they were acquired before undertaking any public re-sale of the restricted Common Stock pursuant to Rule 144.  And if the holder is an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144(a)(1) or was an “affiliate” in the immediately preceding 90 day period), then the holder must also satisfy certain other requirements of Rule 144.  As a result of the revision to Rule 144 that became effective February 15, 2008 (including but not limited to the shorter holding period under Rule 144(d)), potential and actual sales of our Common Stock by our present shareholders may have a depressive effect on the price of our Common Stock in the marketplace.

 

Government, Environmental, and Legal Risks:   Our operations are subject to South African and local laws and regulations regarding environmental matters, the abstraction of water, and the discharge of mining wastes and materials.  Any changes in these laws could affect our operations and economics.  Environmental laws and regulations change frequently, and the implementation of new, or the modification of existing, laws or regulations could harm us.  While we believe we do not currently have any material environmental obligations, exploration activities may give rise in the future to significant liabilities on our part to the government and third parties and may require us to incur substantial costs of remediation.

 

Operational Hazards and Responsibilities:   Our operational activities are subject to a number of risks and hazards which include but not limited to the following:

 

•         environmental hazards;

•         industrial accidents;

•         labor disputes;

•         unusual or unexpected geological or operating conditions;

•         changes in regulatory environment;

•         natural phenomena such as severe weather conditions, floods, earthquakes; and

•         other hazards.

 

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These occurrences could result in significant damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties or production equipment, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in mining, monetary losses and possible legal liability.  The occurrence of these operational hazards could adversely affect our mining operations by limiting production or the closure of the mines themselves.

 

Limited Insurance Coverage:  We are not insured against any losses or liabilities that could arise from its operations either because insurance is unavailable or because the premium cost is excessive.  The payment of such liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and, depending on the extent of such liability, could result in the total loss of its assets and operations.  Exploration for gold involves hazards, which could result in us incurring substantial losses and liabilities to third parties for pollution, accidents and other hazards.  We have public liability insurance of $1,500,000 but, if we incur uninsured losses or liabilities, the funds available for the implementation of our business plan will be reduced and our assets may be jeopardized.  The payment of such liabilities may have a material adverse effect on our financial position and, depending on the extent of such liability, could result in the total loss of its assets and operations.

 

The Bankable Feasibility Study (“BFS”):  The BFS contains estimates and assumptions regarding the feasibility of our mining operations which may later prove to be inaccurate as additional information becomes available.  While we believe that the BFS was conducted in a responsible fashion and the estimates, assumptions, and methodology of the BFS follows standards that are consistent with industry practice, the amount of Reserves, Proven Reserves, and other projections may be later significantly reduced as we obtain additional information.  The extent of any reduction in these estimates and their magnitude can not be known at this time.  We are aware that estimates in the mining industry can be subject to dramatic changes.  For these reasons, we can not assure you that we will not later discover that our estimates need to be significantly reduced as we complete further work on our mining properties.

 

Commercial Viability and Reserves:  Our ability to discover a viable and economic mineral reserve on its properties is subject to numerous factors, most of which are beyond our control and are not predictable.  If we are unable to discover such reserves, we most likely will not be able to establish a profitable commercial mining operation on these properties.  Exploration for gold is speculative in nature, involves significant financial risks and is frequently unsuccessful.  Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into commercially producing mines.  Our long-term profitability will be, in part, directly related to the cost and success of exploration programs.  Our gold exploration programs entail risks relating to the following:

 

•         location of economic ore bodies;

•         development of appropriate metallurgical process;

•         receipt of necessary government approvals; and

•         construction of mining and processing facilities at sites chosen for mining.

 

The commercial viability of a mineral deposit is dependent on a number of factors including the following:

 

•         the price of gold;

•         exchange rates;

•         the particular attributes of the deposit (i.e. size, grade and the proximity to infrastructure);

•         financing costs;

•         taxation;

•         royalties;

•         land tenure;

•         land use;

•         water use;

•         availability and cost of power source;

•         importing and exporting gold; and

•         environmental protection.

 

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The effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted and any one of which could adversely affect our ability to operate.  Further, we have little or no control over these variables and the magnitude of any one risk or any group of risks and the extent to which they may adversely impact us can not be predicted with any accuracy.

.

Profitability:  We anticipate that our ability to achieve and sustain profitability and positive cash flow will likely be dependent primarily on our ability to locate, explore, develop and mine additional, commercially viable properties.  There is intense competition for the acquisition of gold properties.  If we are unable to accomplish this, it most likely will not be able to be profitable on a long-term basis.  Gold properties eventually become depleted or uneconomical to continue mining.  As a result, our long-term success is dependent on its ability to acquire, discover, develop and mine new properties.  The acquisition of gold properties and their exploration and development are subject to intense competition.  Companies with greater financial resources, larger staffs, more experience and more equipment for exploration and development may be in a better position than us to compete for such mineral properties.  If we are unable to locate, develop and economically mine new properties, we most likely will not be able to achieve profitability, positive cash flow, or both on a long-term basis.

 

Foreign Country Location:  All of our property interests and all of our operations are concentrated in South Africa.  The risk of doing business in a foreign country could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.  We face risks normally associated with any conduct of business in foreign countries, including various levels of political and economic risk.  The occurrence of one or more of these events could have a material adverse impact on our current and future operations which, in turn, could have a material adverse impact on our future cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition.  These risks include the following:

 

•         prevalence of various diseases at the mining sites;

•         security concerns;

•         adverse weather such as rainy season;

•         labor disputes;

•         uncertain or unpredictable political and economic environments;

•         war and civil disturbances;

•         changes in laws or policies;

•         mining policies;

•         monetary policies;

•         unlinking of rates of exchange to world market prices;

•         environmental regulations;

•         labor relations;

•         return of capital;

•         taxation;

•         delays in obtaining or the inability to obtain necessary governmental permits;

•         governmental seizure of land or mining claims, limitations on ownership;

•         institution of laws requiring repatriation of earnings;

•         increased financial costs;

•         import and export regulations; and

•         establishment of foreign exchange regulations.

 

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Any such changes may affect our current mining operations and ability to undertake exploration activities in respect of present and future properties in the manner currently contemplated, as well as its ability to explore and eventually develop and operate those properties in which we have an interest or in respect of which we have obtained exploration rights to date. Certain changes could result in the confiscation of property by nationalization or expropriation without fair compensation.  We have no plans to diversify our operations or business to any other country and we do not anticipate that we will diversify our operations or business outside of South Africa at any time in the foreseeable future.

 

Uncertainties as to Title Matters in the Mining Industry:   While we believe that we hold legal title and rights of ownership to conduct our existing mining operations, any defects in such title may cause us to forfeit our rights in mineral properties and could jeopardize our business operations.  If the title to or our rights of ownership in our properties, prospects and/or claims are challenged or impugned by third parties, or the properties, prospects and/or claims in which we have an interest are subject to prior transfers or claims, such title defects could cause us to loose our rights in such properties.  If we lose our rights in and to any of our mineral properties, we could incur substantial and protracted losses.  In the event that our rights are challenged, we may not have the financial resources to protect and assert our legal claims in such properties.

 

Governmental Permits and Licenses:  Our current and planned operations require permits and licenses from various governmental authorities. If we are unable to obtain and maintain such requisite permits, licenses and approvals, our business operations and ability to become profitable may be adversely affected.  Such permits and licenses are subject to change in regulations and in various operating circumstances.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain or maintain in force all necessary permits and licenses that may be required to conduct exploration or commence construction or operation of mining facilities at properties to be explored or to maintain continued operations at economically justifiable costs.  Further, certain of our mineral rights and interests are subject to government approvals.  In all such cases such approvals are, as a practical matter, subject to the discretion of the South African government or governmental officials.  No assurance can be given that we will be successful in maintaining or obtaining any or all of such approvals.  Our inability to obtain and maintain the requisite permits, licenses and approvals could materially and adversely affect our operations and ability to become profitable.  In the event of any adverse governmental action against our Company or the permits, licenses, and approvals that we currently hold, we may incur protracted and significant losses which could result in the total loss of the value of our Common Stock. For these and other reasons, a purchaser of our Common Stock must be prepared to accept the total loss of their investment.

 

Price of Gold:  The revenues that we generate are determined by the quantity of gold we produce and the price of gold.   Gold prices can fluctuate on a material and frequent basis due to numerous factors beyond our control.  Our ability to generate profits from operations could be materially and adversely affected by such fluctuating prices.  Accordingly, the profitability of the Company’s current and future gold mining operations is significantly affected by changes in the market price of gold.  Between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008, the “fixed price” for gold on the London Exchange has fluctuated between $712.50 and $1,023.50 per ounce.  Gold prices fluctuate on a daily basis and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including:

 

•         level of interest rates;

•         rate of inflation;

•         central bank sales; and

•         world supply of gold.

 

Each of these factors can cause significant fluctuations in gold prices.  Such external factors are, in turn, influenced by changes in international investment patterns and monetary systems and political developments. The price of gold has historically fluctuated widely and, depending on the price of gold, revenues from mining operations may not be sufficient to offset the costs of such operations. In that event and if gold prices were to decline to levels that do not allow us to recover our costs, we may incur significant and protracted losses and we may cease operations.  In that event, a holder of our Common Stock would likely lose all or substantially all of their investment.

 

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Foreign Currency:  We sell gold in South Africa in South African Rands.  If applicable currency exchange rates fluctuate, our revenues and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.  We exclusively sell our gold to The Rand Refinery Ltd. which is a South African corporation and the world’s largest gold refinery.  Such sales are paid for with South African Rands.  We also incur a significant amount of its expenses which are payable in South African Rands.  As a result of the required utilization of the South African Rand, our financial performance is affected by fluctuations in the value of the South African Rand to the U.S. Dollar.  At the present time, we have no plan or policy to utilize forward contracts or currency options to minimize this exposure, and even if these measures are implemented there can be no assurance that such arrangements will be available, be cost effective or be able to fully offset such future currency risks.

 

Dependence upon Key Executives and Employees:   Our success depends to a great extent upon the continued successful performance of key executives and employees in general and specifically Mr. Michael McChesney.  Mr. McChesney is presently employed by us as our President and Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. McChesney also serves as one of our directors.  If Mr. McChesney and certain other present key executives and employees are unable to perform their duties for any reason, our ability to operate in South Africa will be materially adversely effected.  We do not have a key man life insurance policy on the life of Mr. McChesney or any other key executives and employees and we have no plans to acquire any key man life insurance in the future.

 

Enforcement of Civil Liabilities:  Substantially all our assets are located outside of the United States, and certain of our directors and officers are resident outside of the United States.  As a result, it may be difficult or impossible to enforce judgments granted by a court in the United States against our assets or our directors and officers residing outside of the United States.

 

Internal Controls: Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financials reports and effectively prevent fraud.  If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our operating results could be harmed.  We have in the past discovered, and may in the future discover, areas of our internal controls that need improvement.  Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, or lack of resources to properly implement internal controls, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations.  Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock.

 

Sarbanes Oxley:   The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was enacted in the United States in response to public concerns regarding corporate accountability in connection with recent accounting scandals.  The stated goals of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are to increase corporate responsibility, to provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies, and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures pursuant to the securities laws.  The Sarbanes-Oxley Act generally applies to all companies that file or are required to file periodic reports with the SEC, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  As a public company, we are required to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.  The enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has resulted in a series of rules and regulations by the SEC that increase responsibilities and liabilities of directors and executive officers.  The perceived increased personal risk associated with these recent changes may deter qualified individuals from accepting these roles.  As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers.  Sarbanes Oxley 404 compliance is a costly and time-consuming process and there can be no assurance that we will continue to be compliant.  We have limited internal and external resources to devote to maintaining SOX 404 compliance and there can be no assurance that we can maintain compliance.  We continue to evaluate and monitor developments with respect to these rules, and we cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

On March 28, 2008, our subsidiary, EGSA, entered into a Convertible Loan Agreement which was completed without the use of an underwriter.  The transaction and the agreements were completed directly without any intermediary.

 

Through our subsidiary, EGSA, we received net proceeds of $3,361,697 (32,000,000 SA Rands) (based on current exchange rates).

 

In entering into the transaction with the Lender, we received assurances that:

 

(1) the Lender had received information, business and financial documents, and other disclosures regarding the Company, EGSA, and management equivalent to that found in a registration statement;

 

(2) the Lender had a full and unrestricted opportunity to ask questions of the Company’s and EGSA’s officers and directors and to receive answers to all such questions;

 

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(3)  the Lender is an Accredited Investor who is experienced and sophisticated in investment transactions made with small public companies;

 

(4) the Lender understood that it acquired the Convertible Loan (and subsequently, any shares of EGSA’s common stock thereby) as “restricted securities,” for investment purposes only and not with a view toward their resale; and

 

(5)  the transaction with the Lender was not the product of any general solicitation or advertising but was the result of a pre-existing business relationship.

 

On this basis, we relied upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

All of the proceeds were and are to be used by EGSA to increase its working capital and for capital expenditures.

 

The loan principal can convert into 6.9% of the total issued and outstanding shares of ordinary capital (of EGSA) after the conversion of the loan by EGSA.  If EGSA is able to list its shares with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Limited (JSE) within six months of the agreement date then no interest is due and payable. If EGSA is not able to list its ordinary shares with the JSE within six months of the agreement date then interest will accrue at the South African Prime Rate.  If EGSA list its ordinary shares with JSE after six months but before twelve months of the agreement date, then interest will accrue and be paid on a monthly basis until conversion or repayment of the loan.  If EGSA has been unable to list its ordinary shares with JSE within twelve months of the agreement date, then the lender can demand repayment of principal and accrued interest or conversion of the debt into the corresponding shares of ordinary shares of EGSA.

 

On October 30, 2008, we received a commitment letter agreement from Investec Bank Limited (“Investec”).  Under the terms of the agreement, Investec has agreed to extend the maturity date of our existing bridging loan (the “Existing Loan”) from the original maturity date of November 28, 2008 to May 29, 2009 (the “Loan Extension”).

 

As consideration for the Loan Extension, the Company agreed to the following:

 

(1)                 To grant Investec 820,000 Common Stock Purchase Warrants for the purchase of 820,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an exercise price equal to the lower of $3.75 per share and the price at which the Company raises equity capital in its next offering;

 

(2)                 To increase the interest rate on the Existing Loan from Jibar plus 3% to Jibar plus 4%;

 

(3)                 To confirm that the Company has sufficient working capital for the period through the last date of the Loan Extension;

 

(4)                 To subordinate all shareholder loans to the Existing Loan;

 

(5)                 To prohibit the payment of any interest and principal on all shareholder loans;

 

(6)                 To prohibit further indebtedness without the prior written approval of Investec; and

 

(7)                 To provide Investec on or before the 5 th calendar day of each month, monthly management accounts and an update on the Company’s financing strategy and provide Investec with an opportunity to review the strategy with Investec, upon Investec’s request.

 

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We did not use an underwriter or pay any fees or commissions to any third party in connection with the Loan Extension.  All of the Warrants granted to Investec were granted pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to the representations and assurances that the Company received from Investec and the due diligence conducted by Investec.  The Warrants were issued to Investec with a restricted securities legend and Investec agreed that it was acquiring the Warrants for investment purposes only.

 

On February 16, 2009, 554,228 shares of restricted common stock at $3.00 per share and 554,228 Common Stock Purchase Warrants in the form of a unit security at $3.00 per unit were issued for cash for a total offering of $1,662,684 less offering costs of $29,134 totaling $1,633,550. The share certificates were issued on May 7, 2009.

 

On April 30, 2009, we entered into the Restated Convertible Loan and Option Agreement (the “Restated Agreement”) with Asian Investment Management Services Limited (“AIMS”).  Under the terms of the Restated Agreement, AIMS agreed to provide funds to allow us to pay our outstanding commitments that we have to Investec Bank Limited (“Investec”) and we also granted AIMS an option to purchase shares of our Common Stock.

 

In entering into the Restated Agreement with AIMS, we received assurances that:

 

(1) AIMS had received copies of our 2006, 2007, and 2008 Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, our audited financial statements for each of those years together with other information, business and financial documents, and other disclosures equivalent to that found in a registration statement;

 

(2) AIMS had a full and unrestricted opportunity to ask questions of the Company’s officers and directors and to receive answers to all such questions;

 

(3)  AIMS had full and unrestricted access to our corporate books and records;

 

(4) AIMS is an Accredited Investor who is experienced and sophisticated in investment transactions made with small public companies;

 

(5) AIMS understood that the securities acquired by AIMS pursuant to the Restated Agreement are “restricted securities” acquired by it for investment purposes only and not with a view toward any resale; and

 

(6)  the transaction with AIMS as recited in the Restated Agreement was not the product of any general solicitation or advertising but was the result of a pre-existing business relationship.

 

On this basis, we relied upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

The proceeds we received under the Restated Agreement are to be used to repay the outstanding balance of the bridging loan that we have with Investec that is due for payment no later than May 29, 2009.

 

 

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Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

None

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

On May 13, 2009, a majority of our stockholders executed an Action by a Majority of the Holders of our Common Stock by Written Consent in lieu of a Meeting (the “Written Consent”).

 

By the terms of the Written Consent, the holders of a majority of our outstanding Common Stock approved the Restated Convertible Loan and Option Agreement (the “Restated Agreement”) with Asian Investment Management Services Limited (“AIMS”).  The Restated Agreement and its terms and conditions are set forth in our Form 8-K that we filed on May 5, 2009.

 

We intend to file Schedule 14C with the Commission in the near future and to meet the requirements set forth in Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules adopted by the Commission there under in connection stockholder actions arising out of this Written Action.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

Regulation

S-B Number                                              Exhibit

 

31.1                                Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer

 

31.2                                Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer

 

32.1                                                Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Chief Executive Officer

 

32.2                                                Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes -Oxley Act of 2002 of Chief Financial Officer

 

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SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
                                                                                                EASTERN GOLDFIELDS, INC.
 
 
 
Date:  May 20, 2009                                                                  BY:/s/ Michael Mcchesney
                                                                                        MICHAEL MCCHESNEY
                                                                                        Chief Executive Officer

 

Date:  May 20, 2009                                                                  BY:/s/ Tamer Muftizade
                                                                                        TAMER MUFTIZADE

                                                                                                        Chief Financial Officer

 
 
 
 

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