Comstock Inc. 10-K

ITEM 9A CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer participated in and supervised the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Exchange Act and SEC’s rules, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at December 31, 2021. There have been no changes in the company’s internal control over financial reporting during the most recently completed fiscal period that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. MANAGEMENT'S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting, which 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 in the United States of America. Because of its inherent limitations, any system of internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, may not prevent or detect misstatements due to the possibility that a control can be circumvented or overridden or that misstatements due to error or fraud may occur that are not detected. Also, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time. Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2021, using criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and concluded that we have maintained effective internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2021, based on these criteria. ITEM 9B OTHER INFORMATION Not applicable. 56 PART III ITEM 10 DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Set forth below is information concerning the age, principal occupation, employment and directorships held during the past five years and positions with the Company of each director and executive officer, and the year that they first became a director of the Company. Also set forth below is a brief discussion of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led to the conclusion that such director should serve as a director of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors reviews at least annually the skills and characteristics for the election of new and continuation of existing directors, including diversity. Name Age Position Leo M. Drozdoff 56 Director Walter A. “Del” Marting Jr. 75 Director Judd B. Merrill 51 Director William J. Nance 78 Director Corrado De Gasperis 56 Director, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Kevin E. Kreisler 49 President, Chief Financial Officer William J. McCarthy 42 Chief Operating Officer David J. Winsness 54 Chief Technology Officer Rahul Bobbili 46 Chief Engineering Officer Directors Corrado De Gasperis, Director, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr. De Gasperis brings over 35 years of industrial manufacturing, financial, governance, operational and project management experience in the metals, mining, and recycling industries. Mr. De Gasperis has served as Comstock’s chief executive officer since 2010 and executive chairman since 2015. He is also a director and president of each of the Company’s wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries, and Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund, Inc., a strategic investee of Comstock since July 2019. From 2006 to 2009, Mr. De Gasperis served as the chief executive officer of Barzel Industries Inc. (“Barzel”) and its predecessors. Barzel operated a network of 15 steel-based manufacturing, processing and distribution facilities in the United States and Canada that offered a wide range of metal solutions to various industries, from construction and industrial manufacturing to transportation and mining. Mr. De Gasperis resigned from Barzel in September 2009, after Barzel agreed to sell substantially all of its assets in a planned transaction that was consummated in a sale pursuant to Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code following a multiple party bidding process with suitors focused on both in-court and out-of-court transactions. Barzel and substantially all of its U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries were purchased for $65.0 million in cash. From 1998 to 2006, Mr. De Gasperis held roles of increasing responsibility at GrafTech International Ltd. (“GrafTech”), a global manufacturer of graphite and carbon cathodes and electrodes. From 2001 to 2006, he served as the Chief Financial Officer, in addition to his duties as vice president and chief information officer and a leader of its transformation and recapitalization. From 1998 to 2000, he served as the controller of GrafTech. From 1987 to 1998, Mr. De Gasperis was a Certified Public Accountant with KPMG LLP, an international provider of financial advisory and assurance services. As a Senior Assurance Manager in the Manufacturing, Retail and Distribution Practice, he served clients such as General Electric Company and Union Carbide Corporation. KPMG announced his admittance, as a Partner, effective July 1, 1998. Mr. De Gasperis is also a director and the chairman of the of the Board of Directors of LiNiCo Corporation and the chairman of the member committee of Quantum Generative Materials, LLC. He is also a director of ROK-On Building Systems, a manufacturer of low-carbon, renewable building materials and a strategic investee of Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund Inc and he is also a founding member and the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Comstock Foundation for History and Culture, a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). Mr. DeGasperis previously served as a director and as chairman of the Virginia City Tourism Commission. He also has served as a director of GBS Gold International Inc., where he was chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee and the Compensation 57 Committee and a member of the Nominations and Advisory Committees. Mr. De Gasperis holds a BBA from the Ancell School of Business at Western Connecticut State University, with honors. Leo M. Drozdoff, Director Mr. Drozdoff serves as the Chairman of the Compensation and Environmental Committees. Mr. Drozdoff has extensive experience in Nevada's mining industry, including engineering, legislation, environmental regulation, economic development, legislation and historical preservation. He joined the Company’s board of directors on February 12, 2018, and most recently served as the Director of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources from 2010 to 2016, and was a Cabinet member reporting to two Nevada Governors, where Mr. Drozdoff oversaw 900 state employees responsible for mining, environmental protection, water resources, forestry, state parks, state lands and the State Historic Preservation Office. Mr. Drozdoff also served as lead Administrator of Nevada’s Division of Environmental Protection from October 2004 to April 2010, and from 1998 to 2001 as Bureau Chief over Water Control and Mining Regulation from 1996 to 1998, two of the most critical Nevada mining regulatory bureaus. He also chaired the Nevada Public Employee Benefits Program Board, overseeing the benefits of more than 30,000 public employees, retirees and their families. Mr. Drozdoff graduated from Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and he holds an MBA degree with an emphasis in management from the University of Nevada, Reno. Walter A. “Del” Marting, Jr., Director Mr. Marting is the Founder and Managing Member of CereCare, LLC, D/B/A Brain Health Restoration, a firm focused on providing breakthrough rehabilitation treatment for individuals, including numerous veterans, suffering from brain disease, traumatic brain injury and related substance use disorders, most commonly alcoholism and opioid addictions. Mr. Marting is also an experienced mining executive, having started his mining career with Amax Inc., working there from 1975 to 1984. He held positions of increasing responsibility at Amax starting as a shift boss at Amax’s largest underground and open pit molybdenum mine, Climax Molybdenum, and later becoming head of worldwide strategic planning for all of Amax’s new properties. He was appointed Vice President of Finance and Administration for Amax Europe in 1982 and had responsibility for all of Amax’s treasury and financial operations at Amax’s European headquarters in Paris, France. He also consolidated and oversaw all of Amax’s metal trading for molybdenum, tungsten, copper, coal and iron ore in Paris. Amax eventually was acquired by Freeport-McMoRan, the largest molybdenum producer in the world. In 1984, Mr. Marting became the Chairman and CEO of Lucky Chance Mining Co., a Nevada-based junior gold mining firm that successfully reopened and restarted production at the famed 16-1 Mine in Allegheny, California. More recently, Mr. Marting served as a as a merchant banker with JFP Holdings, Inc., a US firm based in Beijing, China which has overseen a wide portfolio of cross-border merger and acquisition transactions. Mr. Marting graduated from Yale University in 1969, with a BA in English and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. Mr. Marting is also a Navy veteran, including service as a member of the US Navy SEAL Team Two. Mr. Marting joined the Company’s board of directors on April 6, 2018. Judd B. Merrill, Director Mr. Merrill is currently Chief Financial Officer of Aqua Metals, Inc. since November 2018. Aqua Metals is reinventing lead recycling with its patented and patent-pending AquaRefining™ technology. These systems reduce environmental impact and scale lead acid recycling production capacity to meet the growing demand for lead-driven innovations in batteries, solar, wind, and grid scale energy storage. Mr. Merrill has extensive mining industry experience. Prior to joining Aqua Metals, Mr. Merrill was the Director of Finance/Accounting at Klondex Mines Ltd., a Nevada based international mining company. Before its acquisition by Hecla, Klondex was a $500 million, publicly traded company listed on the New York and the Toronto Stock Exchanges. From 2011 to 2017, Mr. Merrill was employed by Comstock Mining Inc. with financials positions of increasing responsibility, including Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Merrill was instrumental in establishing financial processes and driving efficiencies, and managing and maintaining the Company’s liquidity and efficient access to the capital markets. He worked directly with bankers, lenders, investment funds and major shareholders related to the company’s capital management Mr. Merrill previously worked as a controller at Frontier Gold Inc. and as an assistant controller at Newmont Mining Corp., where he acquired and developed strong financial planning, cost management, treasury and cash management experience. Mr. Merrill began his career at Deloitte & Touche LLP and spent six years working in broad financial accounting, reporting, auditing, internal control, and corporate financial activities. Mr. Merrill holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Central Washington University and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Reno, and is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Merrill joined the Company’s board of directors on September 11, 2020. William J. Nance, Director 58 Mr. Nance serves as the Chairman of the Audit and Finance and Nominating and Governance Committees. He is the President and CEO of Century Plaza Printers, Inc., a company he founded in 1979 and has served as a consultant in the acquisition and disposition of commercial real estate. Mr. Nance is a Certified Public Accountant and, from 1970 to 1976, was with Kenneth Leventhal & Company where he specialized in the area of REITS, restructurings of real estate companies, mergers and acquisitions, and most phases of real estate development and financing. Mr. Nance has been a Director of InterGroup Corporation since 1984, and of Santa Fe Financial Corporation and Portsmouth Square, Inc. since May 1996. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University in Los Angeles. Mr. Nance has extensive management experience within a wide range of businesses and brings more than 35 years of public company director experience. Mr. Nance joined the Company’s board of directors on October 26, 2005. Kevin E. Kreisler, Director, President and Chief Financial Officer Mr. Kreisler joined Comstock as its president and chief financial officer in September 2021. He is also a director and chief financial officer of each of the Company’s wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries. Mr. Kreisler has a diverse background in agriproducts, renewable fuels, hazardous waste, and intellectual property development, with deep expertise in building and scaling commercial production processes and companies in regulated markets. Mr. Kreisler served from 2003 to 2021 as managing director for Viridis Asset Management LLC, a family-owned investment company focused on the development of early-stage companies and technologies, with a specialization in commercializing technology-driven profitability incentives that leverage existing infrastructure and consumption behaviors to produce globally-meaningful sustainability gains. In that capacity, Mr. Kreisler founded GreenShift Corporation in 2005 and served as its chairman and chief executive officer through 2021. GreenShift developed and commercialized patented technologies that integrated into the backend of corn ethanol plants to extract and recover a historically-overlooked natural resource – inedible crude corn oil, for use in the production of advanced carbon-neutral liquid fuels and other biomass-derived alternatives to fossil fuel derivatives. Today, upwards of 95% of the U.S. corn ethanol industry uses that technology to displace more than 20 million barrels of fossil fuel, trillions of cubic feet of natural gas, and tens of millions of metric tons of greenhouse gases every year. In total, those gains are globally-meaningful and have accumulated to industry-wide savings exceeding 250 million barrels of fossil fuel. From 1998 to 2004, Mr. Kreisler served as a director and officer of Veridium Corporation, which developed and commercialized an array of selective metals separation technologies, where he led the design, engineering, and construction of an advanced facility for the recycling and reuse of inorganic hazardous and industrial wastes from thousands of different waste streams from dozens of industrial processes. Mr. Kreisler is a graduate of Rutgers University College of Engineering (B.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1994), Rutgers University Graduate School of Management (M.B.A., 1995), and Rutgers University School of Law (J.D., 1997). Mr. Kreisler is admitted to practice law in New Jersey and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. William J. McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer Mr. McCarthy joined Comstock as its chief operating officer in July 2021. He is also the chief operating officer over each of the Company’s wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries. He brings over 20 years of experience to Comstock, focused on the development and implementation of systemic, scalable business strategies to drive profitability and revenue growth across a diverse range of industries. Previously, Mr. McCarthy was a co-founder and chief executive officer of Mana Corporation, a developer of biomass-based business strategies. From 2017 to 2020, Mr. McCarthy was the principal of Normandy Road Partners, a boutique advisory firm focused on empowering scalable growth in emerging industries. From 2005 to 2016, Mr. McCarthy held roles of increasing responsibility at SVP Global, a global investment firm focused on distressed debt, special situations and private equity opportunities, most recently as Director of Risk Management. From 2003 to 2005, Mr. McCarthy was an Associate with Resurgence Asset Management, a private equity manager. He began his career at the Principal Financial Group. Mr. McCarthy earned a B.A. in Economics from Tufts University. David J. Winsness, Chief Technology Officer Mr. Winsness joined Comstock as its chief technology officer in September 2021. He is also the chief technology officer of each of the Company’s wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries. Mr. Winsness has spent his professional career targeting the extraction and recovery of materials from byproduct streams and repurposing those recovered materials into high value markets. Mr. Winsness previously served as GreenShift’s chief technology officer from 2006 to 2018, where he invented, developed, and commercialized the largest innovation to occur in the corn ethanol industry: backend corn oil extraction. The technology efficiently extracts corn oil from byproduct streams so that it can be sold separately without consuming any additional power or corn. The technology has been adopted by more than 95% of the 209 U.S. corn ethanol plants, where it generates more than an estimated $3.2 billion annually in additional profit for the industry. Mr. Winsness subsequently served as chief executive officer of Plain Sight Innovations LLC and its predecessor, FLUX Carbon LLC, where he led the development of a technology portfolio for cellulosic fuels and other clean technologies, focusing on advanced carbon-neutral 59 fuels and alternatives to fossil fuels. Mr. Winsness attended Clemson University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Rahul Bobbili, Chief Engineering Officer Mr. Bobbili joined Comstock as its chief engineering officer in June 2021. He has nearly 20 years of experience in process design, patent licensing, equipment manufacturing, commissioning, project management, and start-up. From 2006 to 2021, Mr. Bobbili served as the chief executive officer of Renewable Process Solutions, Inc., a recently acquired wholly-owned subsidiary of Comstock. Mr. Bobbili invented multiple chemical processes in the renewable industry and built twenty-six biofuel refineries in the last fourteen years. Mr. Bobbili has managed multiple industrial-scale projects from construction phases, commissioning, and operations. Mr. Bobbili received a B.S. in Production Engineering from Osmania University, India, a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Old Dominion University, Virginia, and an Executive Finance certification from Stanford University, California. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE We are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors, which has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines to set forth certain corporate governance practices. The Corporate Governance Guidelines are available on our website at http://www.comstock.inc/investors/sec filings. The information contained on our website is not part of this annual report on Form 10-K. These guidelines cover such matters as purpose and powers, Board size and composition, director qualifications, meetings, procedures, management reporting to the Board, director orientation and continuing education programs, director and executive officer compensation, required director responsibilities, director access to officers, employees and others, and discretionary activities that our Board or the appropriate committee should periodically consider undertaking. Each committee is authorized to exercise all power of our Board with respect to matters within the scope of its charter. The Corporate Governance Guidelines require, among other things, that: - a majority of the directors shall be independent within the NYSE American listing standards; - a director shall advise our Nominating and Governance Committee (and receive written confirmation from counsel for the Company that there are no legal or regulatory impediments to such service) prior to accepting an invitation to serve on another public company board; - if a member of the Audit and Finance Committee simultaneously serves on an audit committee of more than three public companies, our Board must determine that such simultaneous service would not impair the ability of such member to effectively serve on the Audit and Finance Committee and make disclosure of such determination either in our Annual Report on Form 10-K or on or through our website; - our Board shall meet in regular sessions at least four times annually (including telephonic meetings); and, - our independent directors meet on a regular basis as often as necessary to fulfill their responsibilities, including at least annually in executive session without management present; and our Board shall be comprised of that number of directors (but not less than three nor more than nine) as shall be determined from time to time by the Board (with the Board's sense that five to seven directors is the right size for the Board, but that a slightly larger size may be justifiable in order to accommodate the availability of an outstanding candidate). Our Corporate Governance Guidelines and committee charters are not intended to, and do not, expand or increase the duties, liabilities or responsibilities of any director under any circumstance beyond those that a director would otherwise have under applicable laws, rules and regulations in the absence of such Corporate Governance Guidelines or committee charters. INDEPENDENCE OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Drozdoff, Marting, Merrill and Nance are “independent” directors within the listing standards of the NYSE American and the independence standards of our Corporate Governance Guidelines. Messrs. Drozdoff, Marting and Nance are also independent within the standards set forth in Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. Generally, in order for a director to be considered “independent” by the Board of Directors, he or she must (1) be free of any relationship that, applying the rules of the NYSE American, would preclude a finding of independence and (2) not have any relationship (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization) with us or any of our affiliates or any executive officer of us or any of our affiliates (exclusive of relationships based solely upon investment) that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. On an annual basis, each director and executive officer is obligated to disclose any transactions with our Company and any of its subsidiaries that a director or executive officer, or any 60 member of his or her immediate family, have a direct or indirect material interest. In evaluating the materiality of any such relationship, the Board of Directors takes into consideration whether disclosure of the relationship would be required by the proxy rules under the Exchange Act. If disclosure is required, the Board of Directors must make a determination that the relationship is not material as a prerequisite to finding that the director is independent. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS The Board of Directors meets on a regularly scheduled basis to review significant developments affecting us and to act on matters requiring Board of Directors’ approval, and may hold special meetings between scheduled meetings when appropriate. During 2021, the Board of Directors and its committees held 17 meetings of the Board of Directors that the directors then served. The directors attended 99% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of all committees that the director then served, and the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors. BOARD OF DIRECTORS LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND ROLE IN RISK OVERSIGHT The Company is led by Mr. De Gasperis, who has served as Executive Chairman of the Board since September 2015, and Chief Executive Officer since April 2010. The Board of Directors believes that the current Board leadership structure, in which the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are held by one person, is appropriate for the Company and its shareholders at this time. The current Board leadership structure is believed to be appropriate because it demonstrates to all of our shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders that the Company is under strong and focused leadership, who facilitates clear, aligned, transparent strategic planning, execution and communication with a single person setting the tone and having accepting full and primary responsibility for managing the Company’s operations ensuring the Company and its systems achieve our stated goals. The Board will continue to reexamine our corporate governance policies and leadership structure on an ongoing basis to ensure that they continue to meet the Company’s stated needs and supports and enables our goals. The Company will review these policies and may adopt a different approach in the future if circumstances warrant a change. The Board is responsible for overseeing strategic planning, organizational design and effectiveness, systemic risk management and progress of our critical projects, and receives frequent, periodic reports from management. Management and the Board are focused on a singular the vision, mission and goal of the Company, and delivering financial, natural and social impacts, that are all designed to enhancing shareholder value. , management and strategic planning and oversight of Company operations. We believe that our directors provide independent and effective oversight of the systemic risk management function process, especially through strategic and organization reviews and continuous dialogue between the Board and our management. BOARD DESIGNATION RIGHTS On September 7, 2021, Comstock entered into and closed under a Securities Exchange Agreement with the shareholders of Comstock Innovations Corporation (F/K/A Plain Sight Innovations Corporation) (“Comstock Innovations”), in order to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding equity of Comstock Innovations. In connection with the acquisition, the Company agreed to appoint a designee of one of the former shareholders of Triple Point Asset Management LLC (“TPAM”), to the Company’s board of directors for so long as TPAM continues to hold more than 4.9% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock. TPAM designated Kevin Kreisler, the Company’s current president and chief financial officer, for appointment to the Company’s board of directors in connection with the foregoing agreement. The nominating committee of the board of directors has nominated Mr. Kreisler and he will stand for election to the board of directors at the Company’s next annual general meeting on May 26, 2022. CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS The Code of Conduct and Ethics applies to all employees, including senior executives, and all directors. It is intended, at a minimum, to comply with the listing standards of the NYSE American, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the SEC rules adopted thereunder. Only our Board of Directors or the Audit and Finance Committee may waive the provisions of our Code of Conduct and Ethics for executive officers and directors. Our Code of Conduct and Ethics constitutes a code of ethics for purposes of Item 406 of Regulation S-K, and is posted on our website at www.comstockinc. BOARD COMMITTEES The Board has established four standing committees (the Audit and Finance Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Environmental and Sustainability Governance Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee), and periodically 61 establishes other committees, in each case so that certain important matters can be addressed in greater depth than may be possible in a meeting of the entire Board. Under the committee charters described below, members of the three standing committees must be independent directors within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE American. Further, members of the Audit and Finance Committee must be independent directors within the meaning of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, must satisfy the expertise requirements of the listing standards of the NYSE American and must include at least one "audit committee financial expert" within the meaning of SEC rules. Our Board has determined that the three standing committees currently consist of members who satisfy such requirements. AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE The Audit and Finance Committee assists our Board in discharging and performing its duties and responsibilities with respect to the financial affairs of the Company. Without limiting the scope of such activities, the Audit and Finance Committee has responsibility to, among other things: - select, retain, determine appropriate compensation of (and provide for payment of such compensation), evaluate and, as appropriate, terminate and replace the independent registered public accounting firm; - review and, as appropriate, approve, prior to commencement, all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm; - review regularly with management, the director of internal audits, where applicable, and the independent registered public accounting firm any audit problems or difficulties and management’s responses thereto; - resolve or direct the resolution of all material disagreements between management and the independent registered public accounting firm regarding accounting and financial reporting; - review with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, among other things, all reports delivered by the independent registered public accounting firm regarding critical accounting policies and practices used or to be used, alternative treatments of financial information available under generally accepted accounting principles and other material written communications between the independent registered public accounting firm and management; - review with management major issues regarding auditing, accounting, internal control and financial reporting principles, policies and practices and regulatory and accounting initiatives, and presentation of financial statements, and the adequacy of the internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies; - meet annually and separately with management and the independent registered public accounting firm; - review, prior to filing with the SEC, all annual and quarterly reports (and all interim reports on Form 8-K to be filed that contain financial disclosures of similar scope and magnitude as annual reports and quarterly reports); - assess at least annually the adequacy of codes of conduct, including codes relating to ethics, integrity, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, public disclosure and insider trading and, as appropriate, adopt changes thereto; - direct the establishment and maintenance of procedures for the receipt and retention of, and the treatment of, complaints received regarding accounting, internal control or auditing matters; and, - direct the establishment and maintenance of procedures for the confidential and anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. Members of the Audit and Finance Committee are Mr. Nance (Chairman), Mr. Drozdoff and Mr. Marting Jr. The Board has determined that each member of the Audit and Finance Committee meets the financial literacy requirements of the NYSE American and SEC, and that no members of Audit and Finance Committee violate the prohibition on serving as an Audit and Finance Committee member due to having participated in the preparation of our financial statements at any time during the past three years. Mr. Nance qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC, and therefore meets the NYSE American financial sophistication requirement for at least one Audit and Finance Committee member. The designation of Mr. Nance as an “audit committee financial expert” does not impose on him any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than those that are generally imposed on him as a member of our Audit and Finance Committee and the Board, and his designation as an “audit committee financial expert” pursuant to this SEC requirement does not affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of our Audit and Finance Committee or the Board. 62 COMPENSATION COMMITTEE The Compensation Committee assists our Board in discharging and performing its duties with respect to management compensation, succession planning, employee relations and employee benefits, plan administration and director compensation. Without limiting the scope of such activities, the Compensation Committee shall, among other things: - review and approve annually the goals and objectives relating to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, evaluate the performance of the Chief Executive Officer against such goals and objectives and annually determine the annual compensation of the Chief Executive Officer based on such evaluation; - review and approve, as appropriate, annually the compensation of the other executive officers and directors and review compensation of other members of senior management and other employees generally; - assess organizational systems and plans, relating to management development and succession planning; - administer compensation arrangements including stock-based compensation and other benefit and welfare policies, plans and programs; and, - review the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for inclusion in the annual proxy statements or annual report as the case may be. Members of the Compensation Committee are Mr. Drozdoff (Chairman) and Mr. Nance, each of whom satisfies the independence requirements of NYSE American and SEC rules and regulations. Each member of our Compensation Committee is a non-employee director, as defined pursuant to Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, and an outside director, as defined pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION No member of the Compensation Committee was at any time an officer or employee of the Company, nor is any member of the Compensation Committee related to any other member of the Compensation Committee, any other member of the Board of Directors or any executive officer of the Company. No executive officer of the Company served as a director or member of the compensation committee of another entity, one of which executive officers is a member of the Company’s Compensation Committee. THE NOMINATING AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE The Nominating and Governance Committee assists our Board in discharging and performing its duties and responsibilities with respect to nomination of directors, selection of committee members, assessment of performance of our Board and other corporate governance matters. Without limiting the scope of such activities, the Nominating and Governance Committee shall, among other things review candidates for nomination for election as directors submitted by directors, officers, employees and stockholders; and, review at least annually the current directors of our Board to determine whether such individuals are independent under the listing standards of the NYSE American and the SEC rules under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (and non-employee directors (as defined under Exchange Act Rule 16b-3) and outside directors (as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 162 (m))). Members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Mr. Nance (Chairman) and Mr. Marting Jr., each of whom satisfies the independence requirements of NYSE American and SEC rules and regulations. The charter of the Nominating and Governance Committee sets forth the minimum qualifications to serve as a director. As set forth in such charter, each director and nominee should have the following skills and characteristics: - high personal standards: integrity, honesty, and desire to make full disclosure of all present and future conflicts of interest; - the ability to make informed business judgments; - literacy in financial and business matters; - the ability to be an effective team member; - a commitment to active involvement and an ability to give priority to the Company; - no affiliations with competitors; - achieved high levels of accountability and success in his or her given fields; 63 - no geographic travel restrictions; - an ability and willingness to learn the Company’s business; - experience in the Company’s business or in professional fields (i.e. finance, accounting, law or banking) or in other industries or as a manager of international businesses so as to have the ability to bring new insight, experience or contacts and resources to the Company; - a willingness to make a personal substantive investment in the Company; - no direct affiliations with major suppliers or vendors; and, - previous public company board experience together with good references. Shareholders may communicate with the full Board of Directors (including shareholder nominations), a specified committee of the Board of Directors or a specified individual member of the Board of Directors in writing by mail addressed to Comstock Mining Inc., P.O. Box 1118, Virginia City, Nevada 89440, Attention: Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and his or her duly authorized agents are responsible for collecting and organizing shareholder communications. Absent a conflict of interest, the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for evaluating the materiality of each shareholder communication and determining whether further distribution is appropriate, and, if so, whether to (i) the full Board of Directors, (ii) one or more committee members, (iii) one or more Board members and/or (iv) other individuals or entities. Mr. De Gasperis was elected as a director of the Company in 2011, pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement. Mr. Kreisler was nominated as a director, pursuant to the terms of the acquisition and securities exchange agreement with Comstock Innovations on September 7, 2021, and stands for election at the Company’s next annual general meeting on May 26, 2022. ATTENDANCE AT ANNUAL MEETING We expect all directors to attend the annual general meeting of shareholders each year. All five directors attended the Company’s 2021 Annual Meeting. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS Our certificate of incorporation provides that we shall indemnify and hold harmless our directors and executive officers to the fullest extent permitted by, and in the manner permissible under the laws of the State of Nevada, any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to an action or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer, or served any other enterprise as director, officer or employee at our request. The board of directors, in its discretion, has the power on our behalf to indemnify any person, other than a director or officer, made a party to any action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he/she is or was one of our employees. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act, and is therefore, unenforceable. SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Officers, directors, and greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on the Company’s review of copies of such forms received by the Company, the Company believes that during the year ended December 31, 2021, all filing requirements applicable to all officers, directors, and greater than 10% beneficial stockholders were complied with. 64 ITEM 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The following table sets forth all compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid by the Company and its subsidiaries (or by third parties as compensation for services to the Company or its subsidiaries) to its executive officers, including the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer during 2021 and 2020. Name and Principal Position Year Salary Option Awards Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation All Other Compensation Total Corrado De Gasperis (1) 2021 $ 318,462 $ 147,729 $ 196,623 $ 16,818 $ 679,632 Chief Executive Officer 2020 288,000 10,032 110,000 25,663 433,695 Kevin E. Kreisler (2) 2021 $ 138,269 $ — $ — $ — $ 138,269 President, Chief Financial Officer 2020 — — — — — William J. McCarthy (3) 2021 $ 142,800 $ — $ — $ — $ 142,800 Chief Operating Officer 2020 — — — — — David J. Winsness (4) 2021 $ 137,221 $ — $ — $ — $ 137,221 Chief Technology Officer 2020 — — — — — Rahul Bobbili (5) 2021 $ 109,423 $ — $ — $ — $ 109,423 Chief Engineering Officer 2020 — — — — — (1) Mr. De Gasperis was hired as the chief executive officer and president of the Company effective April 21, 2010 and was appointed Executive Chairman in September 2015. Mr. De Gasperis has also periodically served as both the principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. Mr. De Gasperis’ salary was voluntarily reduced from $360,000 to $288,000 during 2016 in conjunction with the Company's efforts to reduce administrative expenses. Non-equity incentives represent the opportunity for Mr. De Gasperis to earn back amounts voluntarily reduced between 2016 and July of 2021. The July 2021, payments of $196,623 represent the conclusion of that program. All other reflects amounts paid for personal time off ("PTO") not taken. (2) Mr. Kreisler was hired to serve as the Company’s president and chief financial officer effective September 7, 2021, at which time he was additionally appointed as the Company’s principal financial officer. (3) Mr. McCarthy was hired to serve as the Company’s chief operating officer effective July 23, 2021. (4) Mr. Winsness was hired to serve as the Company’s chief technology officer effective September 7, 2021. (5) Mr. Bobbili was hired to serve as the Company’s chief engineering officer effective June 23, 2021. EMPLOYMENT, RETIREMENT AND SEVERANCE PLANS AND AGREEMENTS The Company has entered into employment agreements with its executive officers that provide for an annual salary, periodic bonuses, vacation, and participation in any employee plans made available to all Company employees. Employment Agreement with Corrado De Gasperis Mr. De Gasperis was hired to serve as our Chief Executive Officer and President effective April 21, 2010. In connection with his employment, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Mr. De Gasperis, which also provided for his election as a director upon closing of the recapitalization and the capital raise transactions in 2010 (“De Gasperis Employment Agreement”). The original term of the De Gasperis Employment Agreement ended on April 21, 2014, but is automatically extended for additional one-year periods unless notice of termination is provided. If a “change in control” of the Company (as defined in the agreement) occurs with less than three years remaining, then the term will be extended to three years beyond the date of the change in control. Under the agreement, Mr. De Gasperis is entitled to an annual base salary of $360,000, which Mr. De Gasperis voluntarily agreed to reduce to $288,000 until July 1, 2021, when the Board of Directors agreed to reinstate the full salary basis. Mr. De Gasperis is entitled to participate in each of our medical, pension or other employee benefit plans generally available to employees. Mr. De Gasperis is also entitled to participate in any of our incentive or compensation plans. The agreement also requires us to adopt a profit sharing plan whereby 10% of net cash profits before principal payments of indebtedness and investments in fixed assets will be set aside for semi-annual payments to employees, no less than 35% of which shall be payable to Mr. De Gasperis. The profit sharing plan has not yet been established. If the De Gasperis Employment Agreement is terminated without cause, or due to disability, or if Mr. De Gasperis resigns for good reason (each term as defined therein), subject to execution of a release in the Company’s favor, Mr. De Gasperis shall be entitled to (i) a lump sum payment of all accrued amounts due to him through the date of his termination, (ii) continued base salary for twelve months (or thirty-six months if the termination is during the three year period following a change in control), and (iii) continuation of health and life insurance benefits for the longer of the period during which base salary is payable following termination or 18 months (unless he is entitled to participate in the health plan of a new employer). If Mr. De Gasperis’ 65 employment is terminated due to his death, his estate is entitled to the benefits (other than continued life insurance coverage) outlined above. Upon a termination of Mr. De Gasperis' employment for cause or his resignation without good reason, he shall be entitled to a lump sum payment of all amounts due to him through the date of his termination. The De Gasperis Employment Agreement prohibits Mr. De Gasperis from competing with us during the term of his employment and for one year thereafter. Other Executive Officer Employment Agreements Effective September 7, 2021, the Company and Kevin E. Kreisler entered into an employment letter agreement, which shall be deemed binding with regard to the essential business and economic terms thereof, until such time as the Company and Mr. Kreisler execute and deliver more formal definitive agreements, which the parties intended to occur in connection with the approval of Company’s updated Company-wide Annual Profit Sharing Plan and Equity Compensation Plan, which shall be adopted no later than December 31, 2023 under the letter agreement. The letter agreement calls for a $250,000 base salary, subject to increase at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors, and an initial term of five years, subject to automatic renewal for consecutive one year terms until either party provides conforming notice of termination. The letter agreement additionally includes restrictive covenants protecting the Company’s confidential information and competitive interests, as well as terms providing for the automatic assignment to the Company of intellectual properties developed during the term of the agreement. The Company entered into substantially similar agreements with William J. McCarthy, the Company’s chief operating officer, David J. Winsness, the Company’s chief technology officer, and Rahul Bobbili, the Company’s chief engineering officer, on July 23, 2021, September 7, 2021, and June 23, 2021, respectively. EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION The following table sets forth information with respect to our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of stock options under our incentive stock option plans at December 31, 2021: (A) Number of Securities (B) Weighted Average (C) Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Exercise Price of Remaining Available for Outstanding Options, Outstanding Options, Future Issuance Under Warrants and Rights Warrants and Rights Equity Compensation Plans (1) 2011 Equity Compensation Plan (2) (4) 138,000 $0.56 -- 2020 Equity Compensation Plan (3) (4) 540,000 -- 1,260,000 (1) Excluding securities reflected in column (A) above. (2) There are 72,650 fully vested and exercisable options outstanding under the 2011 Plan. The options were granted in May 2020, and an exercise price of $0.56 and were valued at $0.20 fair value per option on the grant date. The options vested immediately and expire in May 2022. As of December 31, 2021, there are no remaining shares available for issuance under the 2011 plan. (3) There are 540,000 restricted shares granted and outstanding under the 2020 plan, which vest evenly on January 1st of each year over the three-year term, ending on January 1, 2024. The restricted shares were valued at $1.06 fair value on the grant date, and the compensation cost will be recognized on a straight line basis over the vesting term. As of December 31, 2021, there are 1,200,000 shares available for issuance under the 2020 plan. (4) The Company recognizes forfeitures under the 2011 and 2020 Plans as they occur. In 2011, the Company adopted its 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock that could be delivered pursuant to awards granted under the 2011 Plan was 1,200,000. The plan provided for the grant of various types of awards, including, but not limited to, restricted stock (including performance awards), restricted stock units, stock options, and other types of stock-based awards. On May 28, 2020, Comstock’s Board of Directors resolved to grant certain share-based compensation payable to non-executive board members, in lieu of cash, in consideration of certain past and current service to the Company and also resolved to grant certain share-based compensation to members of management, including the chief executive officer and other key employees of the Company, in consideration of service to the Company. These share-based payments were granted under the previously approved 2011 Equity Compensation Plan. The grant date for both the shares and the options is May 28, 2020. On May 28, 2020, Comstock’s Board of Directors resolved to grant certain share-based compensation payable to non-executive board members, in lieu of cash, in consideration of certain past and current service to the Company and also resolved to grant certain share-based compensation to members of management, including the chief executive officer and other key employees of the Company, in consideration of service to the Company. These share-based payments were granted under the previously approved 2011 Equity Compensation Plan. The grant date for both the shares and the options is May 28, 2020. 66 Non-executive board members were granted a total of 135,000 common shares for past services and 180,000 common shares for current services for a total of 315,000 common shares. The fair value of the common shares issued was $0.56 per share, based on the closing price of the Company's common shares on May 28, 2020. Compensation cost totaling $176,400 was recorded as a general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. Also in May 2020, employees were granted 138,800 fully vested options to acquire common shares with an exercise price equal to the closing price of our common stock on the date of the grant and expiring on the second anniversary of the grants. During 2021, 66,150 of the stock options have been repurchased and cancelled, in lieu of being exercised. At December 31, 2021, the remaining outstanding stock options totaled 72,650. In June 2021, 60,000 performance shares were granted to employees under the 2020 Plan. The performance shares which vest based on the market price of the Company's shares were valued using a path-dependent model with the following inputs: beginning stock price – $3.51; annual equity volatility – 93%; risk-free rate – 0.79%; number of iterations – 100,000, which resulted in an indicated fair value of $2.71 per share, with stock-based compensation recognized evenly over the derived term of 1.7years. In July 2021, a total of 25,000 performance shares were granted to employees under the 2020 Plan. The performance shares which vest based on the market price of the Company's shares were valued using a path-dependent model with the following inputs: beginning stock price – $3.17; annual equity volatility – 93%; risk-free rate – 71.00%; number of iterations – 100,000, resulting in an indicated fair value of $2.38 per share, with stock-based compensation recognized evenly over the derived term of 1.8 years. In August 2021, a total of 30,000 performance shares were granted to employees under the 2020 Plan. The performance shares which vest based on the market price of the Company's shares were valued using a path-dependent model with the following inputs: beginning stock price – $3.04; annual equity volatility – 95%; risk-free rate – 0.65%; number of iterations – 100,000, resulting in an indicated fair value of $2.26 per share, with stock-based compensation recognized evenly over the derived term of 1.8 years. In 2020, the Company adopted the Comstock Mining Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”). The maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be delivered pursuant to awards granted under the 2020 Plan is 1,800,000, including the 540,000 shares granted to non-executive directors and vesting in three equal increments of 180,000 shares each on January 1, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The plan provides for the grant of various types of awards, including, but not limited to, restricted stock (including performance awards), restricted stock units, stock options, and other types of stock-based awards. Stock-based awards will be based on the Company’s goal. The plan is designed to deliver per share value over the next three years, while positioning the Company for continued growth. On January 4, 2021, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company authorized grants totaling 1,055,000 performance share units to key employees of the Company. The executive chairman and chief executive officer of the Company was among the recipients, with a grant of 500,000 performance share units. Vesting of the awards is conditioned upon the achievement of strategic performance objectives of the Company over three years, as described in the 2020 Plan. See Note 16, Stock-Based Compensation, to the consolidated financial statements, above. DIRECTOR COMPENSATION In May 2020, independent directors were granted a total of 135,000 common shares for past services and 180,000 common shares for current services for a total of 315,000 common shares. The fair value of the common shares issued was $0.56 per share, based on the closing price of the Company's common shares on May 28, 2020. In December, 2020, directors were granted a total of 135,000 shares each of common stock, resulting in a total grant of 540,000 shares of common stock for future services, vesting in three equal increments of 45,000 shares for each director, or a total of 180,000 shares on each of January 1, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The fair value of the common shares issued was $1.06 per share, based on the closing price per share of the Company's common stock on December 30, 2020. Compensation cost totaling $572,400 will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period. Compensation cost totaling $190,800 was recorded as a general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021. The following table summarizes the directors’ compensation for 2021: 67 Name Fees Earned or Paid in Cash Stock Awards Total (1) Leo M. Drozdoff (2) $ 84,000 $ 47,700 $ 131,700 Walter A. Marting Jr. 24,000 47,700 71,700 Judd B. Merrill (3) 24,000 47,700 71,700 William J. Nance (4) 88,000 47,700 135,700 Total directors cash compensation $ 220,000 $ 190,800 $ 410,800 (1) No payment included interest. (2) Includes $30,000 in committee chair fees accrued for 2020 that was paid in 2021. (3) Mr. Merrill was elected to the Company's Board of Directors on September 11, 2020. (4) Includes $30,000 in committee chair fees accrued for 2020 that was paid in 2021. 68 ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT The following table sets forth, at March 28, 2022, information regarding the voting stock beneficially owned by any person who, to our knowledge, owned beneficially more than 5% of any class of voting stock as well as by the members of our Board of Directors and by all officers and directors as a group. Amount of Title of Beneficial Percentage Name and Address (1) Class Ownership of Class (2) Kevin E. Kreisler (3) Common 5,000,000 7.4 % David J. Winsness (4) Common 2,000,000 3.0 % William J. McCarthy Common 1,500,000 2.5 % Rahul Bobbili Common 1,000,000 1.5 % Corrado De Gasperis (5) Common 708,180 1.0 % Leo M. Drozdoff (6) Common 306,240 0.5 % William J. Nance (6) Common 232,000 0.3 % Walter A. Marting Jr. (6) Common 225,000 0.3 % Judd B. Merrill (6) Common 135,100 0.2 % All directors and officers as a group Common 11,106,520 16.7 % Michael Vogel (7) Common 3,500,000 5.2 % LINICO Corporation (8) Common 3,000,000 4.4 % Quantum Generative Materials LLC (9) Common 3,000,000 4.4 % (1) The address of each shareholder is c/o Comstock Mining, Inc., 117 American Flat Road, Virginia City, Nevada 89440. (2) Applicable percentage of ownership is based on 67,707,832 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 28, 2022, together with all applicable options and warrants for such stockholder. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and includes voting and investment power with respect to shares. Shares of our common stock subject to options, warrants or other convertible securities are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding such options, warrants or other convertible securities. Except as otherwise noted, the named beneficial owner has the sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock shown. (3) All shares listed for Mr. Kreisler are owned of record by Triple Point Asset Management LLC, an entity owned by Mr. Kreisler. (4) All shares listed for Mr. Winsness are owned of record by Global Catalytic Disruptor Fund LLC, an entity owned by Mr. Winsness. (5) Includes a grant of 500,000 unvested performance share units, a grant of 50,000 options to acquire shares of common stock and 58,180 shares owned directly. (6) Includes 135,000 unvested restricted shares for board compensation, with one-third of shares vesting on January 1, 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively. (7) On December 30, 2021, the Company acquired 3,129,081 LINICO common shares from its former chief executive officer and director by issuing 3,500,000 common shares of the Company to the former chief executive officer. The shares are restricted until September 30, 2022, and the Company retained both the voting rights and the right to purchase the shares from the former chief executive officer for the purchase price of $7,258,162. (8) On February 15, 2021, the Company acquired 6,250 shares of LINICO Series A Convertible Preferred Stock corresponding to 45.45% of LINICO’s issued and outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 3,000,000 shares of Company restricted common stock and $4.5 million in cash. The 3,000,000 shares are held by LINICO for funding the commercial developments in 2022. (9) On June 24, 2021, the Company invested in the equity of GenMat by committed cash and stock for the initial seed investment of 48.19%. The 3,000,000 shares are held by GenMat for funding the quantum technology developments in 2022 and 2023 ITEM 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE Parties, which can be entities or individuals, are considered to be related if either party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operational decisions. Entities and individuals are also considered to be related if they are subject to the common control or significant influence of another party. The Board of Directors has adopted a written related person transaction policy that governs the review, approval or ratification of covered related person transactions. The Audit and Finance Committee manages this policy. The policy generally provides that we may enter into a related person transaction only if: 69 - the Audit and Finance Committee approves or ratifies such transaction in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the policy and the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s length dealings with an unrelated third party; - the transaction is approved by the disinterested members of the Board of Directors; and, - the transaction involves compensation approved by our Compensation Committee. The following related party transactions occurred during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTS SEGMENT Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement On September 7, 2021, the Company entered into and closed under an Asset Purchase Agreement with Flux Photon Corporation (“FPC”), in order to acquire certain intellectual property and related photovoltaic and photocatalysis laboratory equipment (the “FPC Assets”). The purchase price payable for the FPC Assets is $18,000,000 payable in cash to FPC with 20% of the future monthly consolidated sales, less total variable costs, less operating expenses, maintenance, tax payments, and debt service payments of the Company and its now and hereafter-existing subsidiaries, until the purchase price of $18,000,000 has been fully paid. The Company assigned the FPC Assets to its wholly-owned Comstock IP Holdings subsidiary immediately after closing. On December 10, 2021, the Asset Purchase Agreement was amended to provide for the payment by the Company of a $350,000 down payment against the purchase price, corresponding to a balance payable of $17,650,000 at December 31, 2021. The acquired intellectual property includes advanced new approaches to carbon capture and utilization, atmospheric water harvesting, waste heat and energy recovery, and industrial photosynthesis. Kevin Kreisler, the Company’s president and chief financial officer, and David Winsness, the Company’s chief technology officer, are indirect beneficiaries of all payments made to FPC under the Asset Purchase Agreement. The Company additionally agreed to appoint Mr. Kreisler to the Company’s board of directors in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Comstock Innovations Corporation (F/K/A Plain Sight Innovations Corporation) (“Comstock Innovations”) on September 7, 2021 (see Note 2, Acquisitions and Investments ). Acquisition of Majority Equity Interest in LINICO Corporation During 2021, we executed and closed under a series of agreements under which we acquired 90% of the issued and outstanding equity of LINICO Corporation (“LINICO”), in exchange for aggregate consideration of $4,500,000 in cash and 6,500,000 shares of Company common stock. On February 15, 2021, Comstock, Aqua Metals Inc. (“AQMS”), and LINICO entered into a Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which (i) the Company purchased 6,250 shares of LINICO Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred”), corresponding to 45.45% of LINICO’s issued and outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 3,000,000 shares of Company restricted common stock (“Stock Consideration”) and $4.5 million in cash payments (“Cash Consideration” and, together with the Stock Consideration, the “Consideration”), subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified conditions; and (ii), AQMS purchased 1,500 LINICO Series A Preferred shares, corresponding to 10.91% of LINICO’s issued and outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 375,000shares of AQMS. The Company, AQMS, and LINICO additionally entered into warrant agreements in connection with the closing of the Stock Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Company has the right to purchase an additional 2,500 shares of LINICO Series A Preferred in exchange for $500,000, and AQMS has the right to purchase an additional 500 shares of LINICO Series A Preferred in exchange for $500,000. In the event that the cash proceeds from the Consideration are less than $6,250,000, the Company agreed to provide LINICO with additional shares or cash to make up the shortfall. However, if cash proceeds from the Consideration exceed $10,750,000, the excess must be returned to the Company, after the $4,500,000 differential above $6,250,000 is applied to exercise of the warrant of $2,500,000 and the additional deposit due under the AQMS Lease Agreement ($2,000,000) (see Note 2, Acquisitions and Investments, Note 15, Fair Value Measurements) . Similarly, if the cash proceeds from the sale of 75% of the AQMS shares is less than $1,500,000, AQMS is obligated to provide LINICO with additional cash to make up the shortfall. LINICO is obligated to hold the remaining 25% of AQMS shares for at least six months after the date of the Stock Purchase Agreement. After such date, the gross proceeds in excess of $2,000,000 from the sale of all AQMS shares must be returned to AQMS. On December 30, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire 3,129,081 LINICO common shares from its former chief executive officer and director. The former chief executive officer resigned from LINICO as a member of its board of 70 directors and in all other capacities, effective as of such date. In connection with the acquisition of such LINICO shares, the Company issued 3,500,000 common shares of the Company (“Comstock Shares”) to the former chief executive officer. If and to the extent that the sale of the LODE Shares results in net proceeds greater than $7,258,162, then the former chief executive officer is required to pay all of such excess proceeds to the Company. If and to the extent that the sale of the Comstock Shares results in net proceeds less than $7,258,162, then the Company is required to pay cash to the former chief executive officer equal to such shortfall. The Company retained the right to purchase the Comstock Shares from the former chief executive officer for the purchase price of $7,258,162, less the amount of cash proceeds received by the former chief executive officer from any previous sale of the Comstock Shares by the former chief executive officer, at any time during or prior to his sale of the Comstock Shares. At December 30, 2021, the remaining 10% of LINICO’s issued and outstanding equity was owned by Aqua Metals Inc. (“AQMS”). A member of the Company’s board of directors, is the chief financial officer of AQMS. Lease and Purchase Agreement for Battery Recycling Facility On February 15, 2021, LINICO and Aqua Metals Reno Inc. (the “Landlord”), a subsidiary of AQMS, entered into an industrial lease (the “AQMS Lease Agreement”), for the 136,750 square foot facility, land, and related improvements located at 2500 Peru Drive, McCarran, Nevada 89343 (the “Battery Recycling Facility”). The AQMS Lease Agreement commences April 1, 2021 and expires on March 31, 2023. During the lease term, LINICO has the option to purchase the land and facilities at a purchase price of $14,250,000 if the option is exercised and the sale is completed by October 1, 2022, and $15,250,000 if the option is exercised and the sale is completed after October 1, 2022 and prior to March 31, 2023. The purchase option is subject to LINICO’s payment of a nonrefundable deposit of $1,250,000 by October 15, 2021, and a second nonrefundable deposit of $2,000,000 by November 22, 2022, both of which will be applied towards the purchase price. The lease agreement is a triple-net lease pursuant to which LINICO will be responsible for all fixed costs, including maintenance, utilities, insurance, and property taxes. The lease agreement provides for LINICO’s monthly lease payments starting at $68,000 per month and increasing to $100,640 in the last six months of the lease. The lease agreement allows AQMS to retain the use of a portion of the facility for ongoing research and development activities, including operation of the lab and the use of office space. FLUX Photon Corporation On September 7, 2021, we purchased all of the intellectual property assets of PSI’s affiliate, FLUX Photon Corporation (“FPC”), in exchange for performance-based cash payments equal to 20% of our future consolidated Net Cash Flow (as defined in the related Asset Purchase Agreement) up to $18,000,000. The acquired FPC intellectual property includes new approaches to carbon capture and utilization, atmospheric water harvesting, waste heat and energy recovery, industrial photosynthesis for mass scale decarbonization, and the sustainable production of very large agricultural outputs for fractional inputs. On December 10, 2021, the Asset Purchase Agreement was amended to provide for the payment by the Company of a $350,000 down payment against the purchase price, corresponding to a future payment of $17,650,000 at December 31, 2021. The down payment was made in December 2021 in which Kevin Kreisler, the Company’s President and Chief Financial Officer received $300,000 with the remaining $50,000 being paid to David Winsness, the Company’s Chief Technology Officer. STRATEGIC AND OTHER INVESTMENTS SEGMENT Transactions Involving Northern Comstock LLC On October 20, 2010, the Company entered into an operating agreement (the “Operating Agreement”) to form Northern Comstock LLC (“Northern Comstock”) with John Winfield, the beneficial owner of 4.09% Comstock common shares, and an entity controlled by Mr. Winfield, DWC Resources, Inc. (“DWC”). As part of the Operating Agreement, the Company obtained the exclusive rights of production and exploration on certain property formerly owned by DWC in Storey County, Nevada (the “DWC Property”) and two parcels previously leased by Mr. John Winfield in Storey County, Nevada from the Sutro Tunnel Company (the “Sutro Property”) and Virginia City Ventures (the “VCV Property”). Pursuant to the terms of the Operating Agreement for Northern Comstock, DWC contributed the DWC Property to Northern Comstock and John Winfield contributed his rights under the Sutro and the VCV leases to Northern Comstock. The Company contributed 862.5 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock in each annual period from 2020 to 2013, and contributes its services in the area of mine exploration, development and production to Northern Comstock. The terms of the Operating Agreement provided that on each anniversary of the Operating Agreement, up to and including the thirty-ninth anniversary, the Company would make additional capital contributions in the amount of $862,500, in the form of Series A-1 Preferred Stock or cash (upon request of Northern Comstock, which request for cash can be denied by the Company in certain circumstances). As a result of the Company’s 2020 charter amendments, all of the Company’s outstanding shares of preferred were automatically converted into shares of Common Stock. 71 On August 27, 2020, the Company signed an Amendment to the Operating Agreement with Northern Comstock. The Amendment resulted in reduced capital contribution obligations of the Company from $31.1 million down to $9.8 million. The Operating Agreement requires that the Company make monthly cash capital contributions of $30,000 to Northern Comstock and annual capital contributions in the amount of $482,500 payable in shares of the Company's common stock or cash, at the Company's option, unless the Company has cash and cash equivalents in excess of $10,500,000 on the date of such payments, whereupon the Company would then be required to pay $482,500 in cash. The number of shares to be delivered is calculated by dividing the amount of the capital contribution by the volume-weighted average closing price of the Company’s common stock on its primary trading market for the previous 20 consecutive trading days prior to such capital contribution. The Operating Agreement also provides for a one-time acceleration of $812,500 of the capital contributions payable when the Company receives net cash proceeds from sources other than operations that exceed $6,250,000. The agreement includes an ongoing acceleration of the Company’s capital contribution obligations equal to 3% of NSR generated by the properties subject to the Northern Comstock joint venture. The Operating Agreement also provides that if the Company defaults in its obligation to make the scheduled capital contributions, then the remaining capital contribution obligations may be converted into the principal amount of a 6% per annum promissory note payable by the Company on the same schedule as the capital contributions, secured by a mortgage on the properties subject to the Northern Comstock joint venture. The Operating Agreement requires that these capital contributions commence in October 2020, and end in September 2027, unless prepaid by the Company. At December 31, 2021, the capital contribution obligations of the Company total $5.6 million. These capital contribution obligations are guaranteed and reimbursed by Tonogold. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we made cash and common stock payments for mineral rights under the Northern Comstock operating agreement of $1,535,000 and $772,500, respectively. Cash payments for year ended December 31, 2021 included a one-time accelerated payment of $812,500 as a result of the net proceeds of $15.0 million we received on March 4, 2021 from the Equity Purchase Agreements. Correspondingly, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we received $638,307 and $2,545,278 in reimbursements, respectively from Tonogold in connection with the foregoing payments. Transactions Involving Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund During 2018, the U.S. Treasury confirmed that all of Storey County, Nevada, and significant parts of Silver Springs, Nevada, had been certified as Qualified Opportunity Zones, including 258 acres of land in Silver Springs, NV, owned by the Company. Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund, Inc. (“SSOF”), a qualified opportunity zone fund, and its wholly-owned qualified opportunity zone business, Sierra Springs Enterprises, Inc. ("SSE"), were formed in July 2019 to capitalize on the opportunity zone designation and the recent explosive growth of high-tech industries in northern Nevada, in part by acquiring rights to thousands of acres of developable land in the zone. To that end, on September 26, 2019, SSE and the Company entered into an agreement (“Silver Springs Purchase Agreement”) to purchase Comstock’s Silver Springs Properties for $10,100,000, including strategic water rights (“Silver Springs Properties”), all within the immediate proximity of the Tahoe Reno Industrial (TRI) Center and its over 100 businesses, including high-tech companies such as Google, Panasonic, Switch, Tesla, Walmart, and LINICO. SSOF’s initial capitalization consisted of $1,785,000 in cash paid in exchange for 35,700,000 common shares, including $335,000 from the Company in exchange for 6,700,000 common shares, corresponding to 18.77% of SSOF’s originally issued and outstanding capital stock, just under the 20% maximum equity interest that the Company was permitted to own under applicable tax rules which prohibit Qualified Opportunity Zone businesses from acquiring property from related parties. The Company's CEO also personally invested $450,000 in exchange for 9,000,000 SSOF common shares. SSOF subsequently completed an additional $10,200,401 in equity financing in exchange for an additional 20,024,597 common shares, including an additional 157,667 SSOF common shares that were purchased by two of the Company’s directors for $75,000 in cash proceeds. As a result of the foregoing, at December 31, 2021, the Company and CEO owned 6,700,000 and 9,000,000 SSOF common shares, respectively, corresponding to 11.9% and 16.0% of SSOF’s fully-diluted issued and outstanding capital stock, respectively. Comstock’s $335,000 investment in SSOF is recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2021 and 2020 as a non-current asset. The investment is accounted for under the equity method at cost less impairment, because there is no ready market for the investment units. Management identified no events or changes in circumstances that might have had a significant adverse effect on the carrying value of the investment. Management concluded it was impractical to estimate fair value due to SSOF’s early stage of development and the absence of a public market for its stock. The Company additionally provided SSOF with a total of $4,935,000 in advances (“SSOF Advances”), including $3,285,000 and $1,650,000 provided during the years ended December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively, as well as $1,300,000 on January 3, 2022 that was fully repaid on January 26, 2022 (See Note 22, Subsequent Events ). SSOF was required 72 to use the corresponding proceeds to pay deposits and other payments on land and other facilities related to investments in qualified businesses in the opportunity zone. The SSOF Advances are non-interest-bearing and are expected to be repaid on or before the closing of the Company’s sale of the Silver Springs Properties to SSE. SSOF has assigned all assignable rights, title and interest in SSOF’s property purchases until such time as the SSOF Advances are repaid. SSOF is currently raising additional equity financing, including sufficient proceeds to fully pay the $4,935,000 in SSOF Advances and the $9,400,000 that SSE needs to close under its pending purchase agreement for Comstock’s Silver Springs Properties, after accounting for the release of $700,000 in previously paid deposits. The Company expects that transaction to be completed during 2022, thereby providing the Company with $14,335,000 estimated cash proceeds. The Company’s executive chairman and chief executive officer co-founded SSOF and SSE, and serves as the chief executive officer of SSOF and as an executive of SSE along with a diverse team of qualified financial, capital markets, real estate and operational professionals that together govern, lead and manage SSOF and SSE. The Company's chief executive officer has not received compensation of any kind from either SSOF or SSE. ITEM 14 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES The Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors is composed of three independent directors and operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. The Audit and Finance Committee approves the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm. Management is responsible for our disclosure controls, internal controls and the financial reporting process. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an independent audit of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and for issuing a report thereon. The Audit and Finance Committee’s primary responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes and to report thereon to the Board of Directors. In this context, the Audit and Finance Committee has met privately with management and Assure CPA, LLC (“Assure CPA”) (formerly known as DeCoria, Maichel & Teague, P.S.), our independent registered public accounting firm. Assure has had unrestricted access to the Audit and Finance Committee. The Audit and Finance Committee has discussed with Assure CPA the matters required to be discussed by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s Auditing Standard 1301 Communications with Audit Committees, including the scope of the auditor’s responsibilities and whether there are any significant accounting adjustments or any disagreements with management. The Audit and Finance Committee also has received the written disclosures and the letter from Assure CPA required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accounting firm's communications with the Audit and Finance Committee concerning independence and has discussed with Assure CPA that firm’s independence from the Company The Audit and Finance Committee has reviewed and discussed the Consolidated Financial Statements with management and Assure CPA. Based on this review and these discussions, the representation of management that the Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and the report of Assure CPA to the Audit and Finance Committee, the Audit and Finance Committee recommended that the Board of Directors include the audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC. The Audit and Finance Committee also reviews with management and the independent registered public accounting firm the results of the firm’s review of the unaudited financial statements that are included in our quarterly reports filed with the SEC on Form 10-Q. 73 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FEES The Company’s Audit and Finance Committee reviews the fees charged by our independent registered public accounting firm. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the years ended 2021 and 2020 was Assure CPA. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the fees set forth below were incurred in connection with services provided by those firms. 2021 2021 2020 2020 Assure CPA, LLC Deloitte & Touche LLP Assure CPA, LLC Deloitte & Touche LLP Audit Fees $214,222 $0 $18,704 $80,069 Audit Related Fees — — — 139,718 Tax Fees — — — 11,000 Other Fees 3,108 30,069 12,480 31,242 Total fees $217,330 $30,069 $31,184 $262,029 Audit Fees Audit fees represent fees and expenses for professional services rendered by the independent registered public accounting firms for the audit of the financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K and the reviews of the financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. This category also includes fees for audits provided in connection with statutory filings, or services that generally only the independent registered public accounting firm reasonably can provide to a client, including implementation of new financial and accounting reporting standards and audit consents. Other Fees Other fees and expenses include fees for professional services not deemed to be audit, audit related or tax fees, including fees related to assistance with review of Forms S-3 and S-8 and related consents, and expenses associated with all fee categories. AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL POLICY The charter of our Audit and Finance Committee provides that the duties and responsibilities of our Audit and Finance Committee include the pre-approval of all audits, audit-related, tax, and other services permitted by law or applicable SEC regulations (including fee and cost ranges) to be performed by our independent auditor. Any pre-approved services that will involve fees or costs exceeding pre-approved levels will also require specific pre-approval by the Audit and Finance Committee. Unless otherwise specified by the Audit and Finance Committee in pre-approving a service, the pre-approval will be effective for the 12-month period following pre-approval. The Audit and Finance Committee will not approve any non-audit services prohibited by applicable SEC regulations or any services in connection with a transaction initially recommended by the independent auditor, the purpose of which may be tax avoidance and the tax treatment of which may not be supported by the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations. To the extent deemed appropriate, the Audit and Finance Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to the Chairman of the Audit and Finance Committee or any one or more other members of the Audit and Finance Committee provided that any member of the Audit and Finance Committee who has exercised any such delegation must report any such pre-approval decision to the Audit and Finance Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Audit and Finance Committee will not delegate to management the pre-approval of services to be performed by the independent auditor. Our Audit and Finance Committee requires that our independent auditor, in conjunction with our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, be responsible for seeking pre-approval for providing services to us and that any request for pre-approval must inform the Audit and Finance Committee about each service to be provided and must provide detail as to the particular service to be provided. Our Audit and Finance Committee Chair and Audit and Finance Committee financial expert is William Nance. 74 PART IV ITEM 15 EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES The following consolidated financial statements and notes are filed as part of this annual report on Form 10K: Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Balance Sheets F- 3 Consolidated Statements of Operations F- 4 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity F- 5 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F- 7 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F- 10 FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES All schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto EXHIBITS The following are exhibits filed as part of the Company’s Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2021: Index to Exhibits 75 Exhibit Number Exhibit 3.1 Articles of Incorporation (previously filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2018 as exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 10-K (file number 001-35200/film number 18622935) and incorporated herein by reference) 3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws (previously filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on June 8, 2011 as exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 11901161) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.1# Comstock Mining Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2011 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (file number 11939736) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.2# Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 23, 2011 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (file number 111280520) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.3# Employment Agreement, dated as of April 21, 2010, between the Company and Corrado De Gasperis (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2010 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K (file number 10769447) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.4 Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of Northern Comstock LLC, dated as of October 19, 2010 (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 21, 2010 as exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 8-K (file number 101134166) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.5 First Amendment to the Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of Northern Comstock LLC, dated August 27, 2015 (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 27, 2015 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 151077115) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.6 Second Amendment to the Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of Northern Comstock LLC, dated September 28, 2015 (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 23, 2015 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q (file number 151173376) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.7# Amendment to Employment Agreement dated November 2, 2012 (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (file number 14707727) and incorporated by reference herein) 10.8# Amendment to No. 2 To Employment Agreement dated January 31, 2014 (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (file number 14707727) and incorporated by reference herein) 10.9 Stockholders Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2015, by and among Comstock Mining Inc., Northern Comstock LLC, DWC Resources Inc., The InterGroup Corporation, Santa Fe Financial Corporation, Portsmouth Square, Inc., and John V. Winfield (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 29, 2015 as exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 151011053) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.10 Drilling and Development Services for Common Stock Investment Agreement dated March 28, 2016 (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on filed on March 30, 2016 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 161536682) and incorporated by reference herein) 10.11 Forbearance Agreement, dated as of June 27, 2016, between the Company and Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 2016 as exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q (file number 001-35200/film number 161805513) and incorporated herein by reference) 76 10.12 Debenture, dated as of January 13, 2017, between Comstock Mining Inc. and GF Comstock 2 LP (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 17, 2017 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 17531561) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.13 Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2017, between Comstock Mining Inc. and GF Comstock 2 LP (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 17, 2017 as exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 17531561) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.14 Form of Deed of Trust (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 17, 2017 as exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 17531561) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.15 Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2019 between Comstock Mining Inc, and Tonogold Resources, Inc. (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 29, 2019 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 19549169) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.16 First Amendment to the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2019 between Comstock Mining Inc, and Tonogold Resources, Inc. (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 6, 2019 as exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 19799388) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.17 Second Amendment to the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated May 22, 2019 between Comstock Mining Inc, and Tonogold Resources, Inc. (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 28, 2019 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 19858341) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.18 Third Amendment to the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated June 21, 2019 between Comstock Mining Inc, and Tonogold Resources, Inc. (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 27, 2019 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 19922834) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.19 Fourth Amendment to the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as August 15, 2019, and restated September 20, 2019 between Comstock Mining Inc, and Tonogold Resources, Inc. (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2019 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 191031402) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.20 Amended and Restated Mineral Exploration and Mining Lease Agreement, dated as of September 16, 2019 between Comstock Mining Inc, and Tonogold Resources, Inc. (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 30, 2019 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 191315034) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.21 Fifth Amendment to the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated October 14, 2019 between Comstock Mining Inc, and Tonogold Resources, Inc. (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 17, 2019 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 191155617) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.22 Sixth Amendment to the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated November 17, 2019 between Comstock Mining Inc, and Tonogold Resources, Inc. (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 19, 2019 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 191229150) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.23 Lease Option Agreement, dated as of November 18, 2019 between Comstock Mining Inc, and Tonogold Resources, Inc. (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 19, 2019 as exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 191229016) and incorporated herein by reference) 77 10.24 Amended and Restated Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated March 20, 2020 between Comstock Mining Inc, and Tonogold Resources, Inc. (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2020 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 20743365) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.25# Form of Notice of Stock Grant (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 1, 2020 as exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 20934857) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.26# Form of Notice of Option Grant (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 1, 2020 as exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 20934857) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.27 Form of Promissory Note (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2020 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 201093936) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.28 Option Agreement, dated September 1, 2020 between Comstock Mining Inc., and Keith Serpa (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 8, 2020 as exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 201164288) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.29 Mineral Exploration and Mining Lease Agreement, dated September 1, 2020 between Comstock Northern Exploration, LLC, and Sutro Tunnel Company (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 8, 2020 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 201164288) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.30 Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated February 15, 2021 among Comstock Mining Inc., LINICO Corporation and Aqua Metals, Inc. (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 18, 2021 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 21647588 and incorporated herein by reference) 10.31 Amended and Restated Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated September 8, 2020 between Comstock Mining Inc, and Tonogold Resources, Inc. (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 14, 2020 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 201173522) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.32# Comstock Mining Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2020 as exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form S-8 (file number333-251791/film number 201422291) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.33# Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 4, 2021 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 21501895) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.34# Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2021 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 21503753) and incorporated herein by reference) 10.35 Common Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 1, 2021 (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2021 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 21705215 and incorporated herein by reference) 10.36 Letter Agreement, dated February 22, 2021 between Comstock Mining Inc. and Noble Capital Markets, Inc. (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2021 as exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 21705215 and incorporated herein by reference) 78 10.37 Common Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 2, 2021 (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2021 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 21705215 and incorporated herein by reference) 10.38 Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated June 24, 2021, between Quantum Generative Materials LLC and Comstock Mining Inc. (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2021 as exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 211053603) and incorporated herein by reference). 10.39 Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of Quantum Generative Materials LLC, dated June 24, 2021 (previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2021 as exhibit 10.02 to the Company’s Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 211053603) and incorporated herein by reference). 10.40 Securities Exchange Agreement, dated September 7, 2021 between Comstock Mining Inc., Plain Sight Innovations Corporation, Triple Point Asset Management LLC and Global Catalytic Disruptor Fund LLC (previously filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on September 9, 2021 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 21143134), and incorporated herein by reference). 10.41 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 7, 2021 between Comstock Mining Inc., and Flux Photon Corporation (previously filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on September 9, 2021 as exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 21143134), and incorporated herein by reference). 10.42 Securities Exchange Agreement, dated July 23, 2021 between Comstock Mining Inc. and MANA Corporation (previously filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on July 29, 2021 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 211124379), and incorporated herein by reference). 10.43 LP Biosciences LLC Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, dated July 23, 2021 (previously filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on July 29, 2021 as exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 211124379), and incorporated herein by reference). 10.44 Note Purchase Agreement, dated July 23, 2021 between Comstock Mining Inc. and LP Biosciences LLC (previously filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on July 29, 2021 as exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 211124379), and incorporated herein by reference). 10.45 Secured Promissory Note, dated July 23, 2021 between Comstock Mining Inc. and LP Biosciences LLC (previously filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on July 29, 2021 as exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 211124379), and incorporated herein by reference). 10.46 LPB Partnership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated July 23, 2021 between Comstock Mining Inc. and LP Nutrition LLC (previously filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on July 29, 2021 as exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 211124379), and incorporated herein by reference). 10.47 Amended and Restated Asset Purchase Agreement, dated December 10, 2021 between Comstock Mining Inc., and Flux Photon Corporation (previously filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on December 16, 2021 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 211495448 and incorporated herein by reference) . 10.48 Promissory Note, dated December 15, 2021 between Comstock Mining Inc. and GHF Inc. (previously filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on December 21, 2021 as exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file number 001-35200/film number 211509781 and incorporated herein by reference). 21* Subsidiaries 23* Consent of Assure CPA, LLC 79 24* Powers of Attorney (included on signature page) 31.1* Certification of Principal Executive Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 31.2* Certification of Principal Executive Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 32* Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 95* Mine Safety Disclosures 101* Interactive Data File (Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2020, furnished in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language)). Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2021 and 2020, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements * Filed herewith. # Management contract or compensatory plan. 80 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the date indicated.. COMSTOCK MINING INC. By: /s/ CORRADO DE GASPERIS CORRADO DE GASPERIS Executive Chairman Chief Executive Officer Principal Executive Principal Accounting Officer Date: March 28, 2022 By: /s/ KEVIN KREISLER KEVIN KREISLER President and Chief Financial Officer Principal Financial Officer Date: March 28, 2022 81 POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Corrado De Gasperis as his or her true and lawful agent, proxy and attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to (i) act on, sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all amendments to this Report together with all schedules and exhibits thereto, (ii) act on, sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all exhibits to this Report and any and all exhibits and schedules thereto, (iii) act on, sign and file any and all such certificates, notices, communications, reports, instruments, agreements and other documents as may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith and (iv) take any and all such actions which may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, granting unto such agent, proxy and attorney-in-fact, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, and hereby approving, ratifying and confirming all that such agent, proxy and attorney-in-fact, or any of his or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated In accordance with the Exchange Act, this Report has been signed below by the following persons, on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title Date /s/ CORRADO DE GASPERIS Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Principal Executive Officer, Principal Accounting Officer March 28, 2022 CORRADO DE GASPERIS /s/ KEVIN KREISLER President, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Financial Officer March 28, 2022 KEVIN KREISLER /s/ LEO M. DROZDOFF Director March 28, 2022 LEO M. DROZDOFF /s/ WALTER A. MARTING, JR. Director March 28, 2022 WALTER A. MARTING, JR. /s/ JUDD B. MERRILL Director March 28, 2022 JUDD B. MERRILL /s/ WILLIAM J. NANCE Director March 28, 2022 WILLIAM J. NANCE