UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q/A
(Amendment No. 1)
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December
31, 2022
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 000-55710
NioCorp
Developments Ltd.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in
its Charter)
British Columbia, Canada
98-1262185
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
7000 South Yosemite Street ,
Suite 115 Centennial , CO
(Address of Principal Executive
Offices)
80112
(Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: ( 855 ) 264-6267
Securities registered pursuant to Section
12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
(1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405
of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth
company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting
company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large Accelerated Filer
☐
Accelerated Filer
☐
Non-Accelerated Filer
☒
Smaller Reporting Company
☒
Emerging Growth Company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate
by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial
accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐
No ☒
As of February 13, 2023, the registrant
had 28,246,620 Common Shares outstanding.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
NioCorp Developments Ltd. (“NioCorp”
or the “Company”) filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2022 with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 13, 2023 (the “Original Form 10-Q”). This Amendment
No. 1 on Form 10-Q/A (this “Amendment” or “Form 10-Q/A”) is being filed to restate (the “Restatement”)
certain information in the Company’s previously issued condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three
and six months ended December 31, 2022 (the “Affected Periods”).
Background of Restatement
On May 19, 2023, the Audit Committee of
the Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”) of the Company, in consultation with the Company’s management,
concluded that the Company’s previously issued condensed consolidated financial statements with respect to the Affected Periods
contained errors related to the accounting for the Waiver and Consent Agreement, dated September 25, 2022 (the “Lind Consent”),
between the Company and Lind Global Asset Management III, LLC, and its evaluation under Accounting Standards Codification Topic
450 – Contingencies (“ASC 450”) instead of under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 470 – Debt (“ASC
470”), which requires an evaluation of the contract amendment under ASC 470 debt modification guidance. As a result of this
error, the Audit Committee determined that the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the Affected Periods
should not be relied upon and should be restated by adjusting deferred transaction costs, convertible debt, and warrant liability
recognized in the Affected Periods. Any previously issued or filed reports, press releases, earnings releases and investor presentations
or other communications describing the Company’s previously issued condensed consolidated financial statements and other
related financial information covering the Affected Periods should no longer be relied upon.
The identification of the need for the
restatement arose during the Company’s quarterly close for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. Pursuant to these procedures,
the Audit Committee, in consultation with the Company’s management, assessed the Company’s accounting policies, as
well as the presentation and accounting for modifications of debt agreements, and concluded that the Company should have evaluated
the Lind Consent as a contract amendment under ASC 470 debt modification guidance.
This correction affects the Company’s
condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and also impacts the Company’s condensed consolidated
balance sheet, condensed consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity, and certain notes to the condensed consolidated
financial statements, as well as management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included
in the Original Form 10-Q. This correction does not impact the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows besides offsetting
adjustments
between net loss, accretion of convertible
debt, and loss on debt extinguishment within the cash flows from operating activities section.
See Note 3 to the condensed consolidated
financial statements in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” for more information regarding this correction and the
background of the Restatement.
Internal Control Considerations
The Company’s management has concluded
that the Company had material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting during the Affected Periods relating
to the error described above. For a discussion of management’s considerations of the Company’s disclosures controls
and procedures, internal control over financial reporting, and material weaknesses identified, refer to Part I, Item 4, “Controls
and Procedures.”
Items Amended in this Amendment
This Amendment sets forth the Original
Form 10-Q, as modified and superseded where necessary to reflect the Restatement and the related internal control considerations.
Accordingly, the following items included in the Original Form 10-Q have been amended, as appropriate, to reflect the Restatement
and the related internal control considerations:
●
Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements”;
●
Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”;
●
Part I, Item 4, “Controls and Procedures”;
●
Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors”; and
●
Part II, Item 6, “Exhibits.”
On March 17, 2023, the Company effected
a reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of its common shares, without par value (“Common Shares”),
on the basis of one (1) post-Reverse Stock Split Common Share for every ten (10) pre-Reverse Stock Split Common Shares issued and
outstanding, with any fractional shares resulting from the Reverse Stock Split rounded down to the nearest whole share. All references
to share and per share amounts (excluding authorized shares), as well as option and warrant amounts and exercise prices, in this
Amendment, including the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, have also been restated to give retroactive
effect to the Reverse Stock Split.
Additionally, in accordance with Rule 12b-15
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Company is including with this Amendment currently dated certifications
from its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. These certifications are filed or furnished, as applicable, as Exhibits
31.1, 31.2, 32.1 and 32.2.
Except as described above, this Amendment
does not amend, update or change any other disclosures in the Original Form 10-Q. In addition, the information contained in this
Amendment does not reflect events occurring after the Original Form 10-Q was filed and does not modify or update the disclosures
therein, except to reflect the effects of the Restatement and the restatement of share and per share amounts (excluding authorized
shares), as well as option and warrant amounts and exercise prices, to give retroactive effect to the Reverse Stock Split, as discussed
above. This Amendment should be read in conjunction with the Company’s other filings with the SEC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
26
ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
37
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
37
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
39
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
39
ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
42
ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
42
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
42
ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
42
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
43
SIGNATURES
44
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Contents
Page
Condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022 (unaudited)
2
Condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (unaudited)
3
Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (unaudited)
4
Condensed consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for the three and six months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (unaudited)
5
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
6 – 25
1
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except share data) (unaudited)
As of
Note
December 31,
2022
June 30,
2022
As restated (a)
ASSETS
Current
Cash
$
424
$
5,280
Prepaid expenses and other
112
402
Total current assets
536
5,682
Non-current
Deferred transaction costs
6
4,138
-
Deposits
35
35
Investment in equity securities
9
10
Right-of-use assets
58
94
Land and buildings, net
5
840
850
Mineral interests
16,085
16,085
Total assets
$
21,701
$
22,756
LIABILITIES
Current
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
7
$
4,520
$
817
Related party loan
10
2,000
2,000
Convertible debt
8
541
2,169
Operating lease liability
12
66
82
Total current liabilities
7,127
5,068
Warrant liability
1,305
-
Operating lease liability
12
-
23
Total liabilities
8,432
5,091
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common shares, unlimited shares authorized;
shares outstanding: 28,242,065 at December 31, 2022 and 27,667,060 at June 30, 2022 (b)
9
130,995
129,055
Accumulated deficit
( 116,703
)
( 110,397
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
( 1,023
)
( 993
)
Total shareholders’ equity
13,269
17,665
Total liabilities and equity
$
21,701
$
22,756
(a) Amounts are restated. See
Note 3 for more information.
(b) Amounts of shares outstanding are restated to give retroactive
effect to the Reverse Stock Split (as defined below). See Note 2d for more information.
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive
Loss
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except share and per share data) (unaudited)
(a)
(a)
For the three months ended
December 31,
For the six months ended
December 31,
Note
2022
2021
2022
2021
As restated (a)
As restated (a)
Operating expenses
Employee related costs
$
291
$
1,232
$
584
$
1,551
Professional fees
262
424
426
514
Exploration expenditures
11
1,317
491
2,605
1,112
Other operating expenses
331
881
668
1,107
Total operating expenses
2,201
3,028
4,283
4,284
Change in fair value of warrant liability
341
-
84
-
Loss on debt extinguishment
-
-
1,622
-
Foreign
exchange (gain) loss
( 64
)
( 61
)
109
164
Interest
(income) expense
( 38
)
1,022
220
1,627
Gain on sale of assets
5
( 13
)
-
( 13
)
-
Other loss on equity securities
2
3
1
5
Loss before income taxes
2,429
3,992
6,306
6,080
Income tax benefit
-
-
-
-
Net loss
$
2,429
$
3,992
$
6,306
$
6,080
Other comprehensive loss:
Net loss
$
2,429
$
3,992
$
6,306
$
6,080
Other comprehensive loss (gain):
Reporting currency translation
25
14
30
( 110
)
Total comprehensive loss
$
2,454
$
4,006
$
6,336
$
5,970
Loss per common share, basic and diluted (b)
$
0.09
$
0.15
$
0.23
$
0.23
Weighted average common shares outstanding (b)
28,056,263
26,139,224
27,924,447
25,973,432
(a) Amounts are restated. See
Note 3 for more information.
(b) Amounts are restated to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split. See Note 2d for more information.
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars) (unaudited)
For the six months ended
December 31,
2022
2021
As restated (a)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss for the period
$
( 6,306
)
$
( 6,080
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operations:
Unrealized loss on equity securities
1
5
Accretion of convertible debt
121
1,524
Loss on debt extinguishment
1,622
-
Gain on sale of assets
( 13
)
-
Change in fair value of warrant liability
84
-
Noncash lease expense
( 4
)
( 3
)
Depreciation
1
1
Foreign exchange loss
151
225
Share-based compensation
-
1,568
Total
( 4,343
)
( 2,760
)
Change in working capital items:
Prepaid expenses and other
289
( 255
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
( 70
)
57
Net cash used in operating activities
( 4,124
)
( 2,958
)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of land and buildings
-
( 16
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
21
-
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
21
( 16
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of common shares
11
963
Share issuance costs
( 21
)
-
Payments of deferred transaction costs
( 537
)
Related party debt repayments
-
( 318
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
( 547
)
645
Exchange rate effect on cash and cash equivalents
( 206
)
( 122
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents during period
( 4,856
)
( 2,451
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
5,280
7,317
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
424
$
4,866
Supplemental cash flow information:
Amounts paid for interest
$
-
$
40
Amounts paid for income taxes
-
-
Non-cash financing transactions:
Conversions of debt for common shares
$
1,950
$
4,522
Deferred transaction costs, accrued but not paid
3,800
-
(a) Amounts are restated. See Note 3 for more information.
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’
Equity
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
For the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Common
Shares Outstanding (b)
Common Shares
Accumulated Deficit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total
Balance, September 30, 2021
25,911,836
$
115,896
$
( 101,598
)
$
( 1,035
)
$
13,263
Exercise of options
73,691
299
-
-
299
Debt conversions
417,170
3,172
-
-
3,172
Share-based compensation
-
1,568
-
-
1,568
Reporting currency translation
-
-
-
( 14
)
( 14
)
Loss for the period
-
-
( 3,992
)
-
( 3,992
)
Balance, December 31, 2021
26,402,697
$
120,935
$
( 105,590
)
$
( 1,049
)
$
14,296
Balance, September 30, 2022, as restated
(a)
27,939,322
$
130,684
$
( 114,274
)
$
( 998
)
$
15,412
Exercise of options
260,581
11
-
-
11
Debt conversions
42,160
300
-
-
300
Reporting currency translation
-
-
-
( 25
)
( 25
)
Loss for the period, as restated (a)
-
-
( 2,429
)
-
( 2,429
)
Balance, December 31, 2022, as restated
(a)
28,242,063
$
130,995
$
( 116,703
)
$
( 1,023
)
$
13,269
(a)
Amounts are restated. See Note 3 for more information.
(b) Amounts are restated to give retroactive effect to the Reverse Stock Split. See Note 2d for more information.
For the six months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Common
Shares Outstanding (b)
Common Shares
Accumulated
Deficit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total
Balance, June 30, 2021
25,637,993
$
113,882
$
( 99,510
)
$
( 1,159
)
$
13,213
Exercise of warrants
87,175
543
-
-
543
Exercise of options
101,961
420
-
-
420
Debt conversions
575,568
4,522
-
-
4,522
Share-based compensation
-
1,568
-
-
1,568
Reporting currency translation
-
-
-
110
110
Loss for the period
-
-
( 6,080
)
-
( 6,080
)
Balance, December 31, 2021
26,402,697
$
120,935
$
( 105,590
)
$
( 1,049
)
$
14,296
Balance, June 30, 2022
27,667,060
$
129,055
$
( 110,397
)
$
( 993
)
$
17,665
Exercise of options
260,581
11
-
-
11
Debt conversions
314,422
1,950
-
-
1,950
Share issuance costs
-
( 21
)
-
-
( 21
)
Reporting currency translation
-
-
-
( 30
)
( 30
)
Loss for the period, as restated (a)
-
-
( 6,306
)
-
( 6,306
)
Balance, December 31, 2022, as restated
(a)
28,242,063
$
130,995
$
( 116,703
)
$
( 1,023
)
$
13,269
(a) Amounts are restated. See Note 3 for more information.
(b) Amounts are restated to give retroactive effect to the Reverse Stock Split. See Note 2d for more information.
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
1.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
NioCorp Developments Ltd. (“NioCorp”
or the “Company”) was incorporated on February 27, 1987, under the laws of the Province of British Columbia and currently
operates in one reportable operating segment consisting of exploration and development of mineral deposits in North America, specifically,
the Elk Creek Niobium/Scandium/Titanium property (the “Elk Creek Project”) located in southeastern Nebraska.
These interim condensed consolidated
financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis that contemplates the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities
at their carrying values in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. These financial statements do not reflect
any adjustments that may be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
The Company currently earns
no operating revenues and will require additional capital in order to advance the Elk Creek Project to construction and commercial
operation. As further discussed in Note 4, these matters raised substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a
going concern, and the Company is dependent upon the generation of profits from mineral properties, obtaining additional financing
and maintaining continued support from its shareholders and creditors.
2. BASIS OF PREPARATION
a)
Basis of Preparation and Consolidation
The accompanying unaudited interim
condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the
United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries
with all significant intercompany transactions eliminated. The accounting policies followed in preparing these interim condensed
consolidated financial statements are those used by the Company as set out in the audited consolidated financial statements for
the year ended June 30, 2022. Certain transactions include reference to Canadian dollars (“C$”) where applicable.
In the opinion of management,
all adjustments considered necessary (including reclassifications and normal recurring adjustments) for a fair statement of the
financial position, results of operations, and cash flows at December 31, 2022, and for all periods presented, have been included
in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in
the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to appropriate
SEC rules and regulations. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited
consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2022. The interim results are not necessarily indicative of results
for the full year ending June 30, 2023, or future operating periods.
b)
Recent Accounting Standards
Issued and Adopted
In August 2020, the Financial
Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-06, Debt -
Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity
(Subtopic 815-40) (“ASU 2020-06”), which simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments. ASU 2020-06 removes
certain accounting models which separate the embedded conversion features from the host contract for convertible instruments.
Either a modified retrospective method of transition or a fully retrospective method of transition is permissible for the adoption
of this standard. ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within
those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 on July 1, 2022, with no material effect on the Company’s current financial
position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.
6
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
Issued and Not Effective
From time to time, new accounting
pronouncements are issued by the FASB that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed,
management believes that the impact of recently issued standards did not or will not have a material impact on the Company’s
consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
c)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated
financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements,
and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. The Company regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions related
to the deferred income tax asset valuations, convertible debt valuations, and share-based compensation. The Company bases its estimates
and assumptions on current facts, historical experience, and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the
circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the other sources. The actual results experienced
by the Company may differ materially and adversely from the Company’s estimates. To the extent there are material differences
between estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected.
d)
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share
On March 17, 2023, the Company
effected a reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of its common shares, without par value (“Common Shares”),
on the basis of one (1) post-Reverse Stock Split Common Share for every ten (10) pre-Reverse Stock Split Common Shares issued and
outstanding, with any fractional shares resulting from the Reverse Stock Split rounded down to the nearest whole share. All references
to share and per share amounts (excluding authorized shares), as well as Option and Warrant (each as defined below) amounts and
exercise prices, in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have also been restated to give retroactive
effect to the Reverse Stock Split.
Basic net loss per share is computed
by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of the Company’s Common Shares outstanding during the period. Diluted
net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of Common Share equivalents outstanding
for the period determined using the treasury stock method or the if-converted method, as applicable. For purposes of this calculation,
options to purchase Common Shares (“Options”) and warrants to purchase Common Shares (“Warrants”) are considered
to be Common Share equivalents and are only included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share when their effect is dilutive.
The following shares underlying Options, Warrants, and outstanding convertible debt were antidilutive due to a net loss
in the periods presented and, therefore, were excluded from the dilutive securities computation for the three- and six-month periods
ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, as indicated below.
Schedule of excluded from the dilutive securities
For the three and six months ended December 31,
2022
2021
Excluded potentially dilutive securities (1) :
Options
996,000
1,831,500
Warrants
1,801,625
1,347,011
Convertible debt
81,600
780,400
Total potential dilutive securities
2,879,225
3,958,911
(1)
The number of shares is based on the maximum number of shares issuable on exercise or conversion of the related securities as of the period end. Such amounts have not been adjusted for the treasury stock method or weighted average outstanding calculations as required if the securities were dilutive.
7
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
3. RESTATEMENT
On February 16, 2021, the Company entered into a Convertible Security Funding Agreement (as amended by
Amendment #1 to the Convertible Security Funding Agreement dated December 2, 2021, the “CSFA”) with Lind Global Asset
Management III, LLC (“Lind”), pursuant to which the Company issued a convertible security to Lind (the “Lind
III Convertible Security”). Pursuant to the CSFA, Lind had certain consent and participation rights applicable in connection
with the Transaction (as defined below) and the proposed financing transactions with Yorkville Advisors Global, LP, each as described
in Note 13. On September 25, 2022, the Company and Lind entered into a Waiver and Consent Agreement (the “Lind Consent”),
which included the following principal terms: (i) the consent of Lind to the Transaction and the proposed financing transactions
with Yorkville Advisors Global, LP, including all actions taken by NioCorp as set out in the Business Combination Agreement to
permit the completion of the Transaction; (ii) the consent of Lind to NioCorp’s expected cross-listing to The Nasdaq Stock
Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) and the consolidation of the Common Shares in order to meet the minimum listing requirements
thereof; (iii) the waiver of Lind of its participation right for up to 15% of the total offering in the proposed standby equity
purchase agreement between NioCorp and Yorkville Advisors Global, LP; and (iv) the waiver of Lind of certain restrictive covenants
in the CSFA.
As consideration for entering
into the Lind Consent, Lind received, amongst other things: (i) the right to receive a payment of $ 500 , which would be reduced
to $ 200 if the Transaction has not been consummated on or before April 30, 2023 (collectively, the “Consent Payment”);
(ii) an extension of its existing participation rights under the CSFA in future financings of NioCorp for a further two-year period,
subject to certain exceptions as well as an extension of such participation rights beyond the additional two-year period if Yorkville
Advisors Global, LP or any affiliate is a party to any such applicable transaction; and (iii) the right to receive additional Warrants
(the “Contingent Consent Warrants”) if on the date that is 18 months following consummation of the Transaction, the
closing trading price of the Common Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) or such other stock exchange on
which such shares may then be listed, is less than C$10.00, subject to adjustments. The number
of Contingent Consent Warrants to be issued, if any, is based on the Canadian dollar equivalent (based on the then current Canadian
to US dollar exchange rate as reported by Bloomberg, LP) of $5,000 divided by the five-day volume weighted average price of the
Common Shares on the date of issuance. Further, the number of Contingent Consent Warrants issued will be proportionately adjusted
based on the percentage of Warrants currently held by Lind that are exercised, if any, prior to the issuance of any Contingent
Consent Warrants. The Lind Consent was signed as an amendment to the existing CSFA.
The
Company originally accounted for both the Consent Payment and Contingent Consent Warrants as contingencies under Accounting Standards
Codification (“ASC”) Topic 450: Contingencies.
The identification of the need
for the restatement arose during the Company’s quarterly close for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. Pursuant to these procedures,
the Audit Committee, in consultation with the Company’s management, determined that the Lind Consent should have been evaluated
under ASC 470 – Debt (“ASC 470”), which requires an evaluation of the contract amendment under ASC 470 debt modification
guidance.
The Company performed a comparison
of the discounted cash flows of the Lind III Convertible Security pursuant to the original CSFA and pursuant to the CSFA as amended
by the Lind Consent and determined that a debt extinguishment loss of $201 had occurred. Further, ASC 470 requires that the minimum
estimated Consent Payment of $200 also be included in the calculation of the gain or loss on debt extinguishment. The Company
8
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
also evaluated the Contingent
Consent Warrant feature included in the Lind Consent and determined that the Contingent Consent Warrants meet the criteria to
be considered separate, freestanding instruments, should be accounted for as a liability under ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities
from Equity (“ASC 480”), and should be booked at fair value on the date of the Lind Consent, with subsequent changes
in valuation recorded as a non-operating gain or loss in the statement of operations.
The following table summarizes
the components of the initial loss on debt extinguishment:
Amount
Minimum
Consent Payment at inception
$ 200
Loss on debt extinguishment
201
Initial fair value of Contingent Consent Warrants
1,221
Initial loss on debt extinguishment
$ 1,622
Changes
in the fair value of the Contingent Consent Warrants are presented below:
Amount
Initial valuation, September 25, 2022
$ 1,221
Change in valuation
( 257 )
Valuation at September 30, 2022
964
Change in valuation
341
Valuation at December 31, 2022
$ 1,305
The
Contingent Consent Warrants are classified as a Level 3 financial instrument and were valued utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation
pricing model, which calculates multiple potential outcomes for future share prices based on historic volatility of the Common
Shares to determine the probability of issuance at 18 months following the applicable valuation date and to determine the value
of the Contingent Consent Warrants. The following table discloses the primary inputs into the Monte Carlo model at each valuation
date, and the probability of issuance calculated by the model.
The following table discloses the primary inputs into the Monte Carlo model at each valuation date, and the probability of issuance calculated
by the model
Key Valuation Input
September 25, 2022
September 30, 2022
December
31, 2022
Share price on valuation date
$ 7.82
$ 10.40
$ 7.40
Volatility
62.4 %
63.4 %
63.5 %
Risk free rate
3.93 %
4.04 %
3.98 %
Probability of issuance
59.4 %
45.5 %
62.5 %
The loss on debt extinguishment
is presented as a non-operating expense in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive
loss. This change in accounting also resulted in a decrease in the amount of accretion to be recognized over the remaining life
of the Lind III Convertible Security. Accretion expenses are disclosed as a part of interest expense, which is not included as
a component of operating costs.
This
correction to the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss also impacts the Company’s
condensed consolidated balance sheet, condensed consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity, and certain notes to the
condensed consolidated financial statements three months ended September 30, 2022 and for the three and six months ended December 31, 2022 as illustrated in the tables
below. This correction does not impact the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows besides offsetting adjustments between
net loss, accretion of convertible debt, and loss on debt extinguishment within the cash flows from operating activities section.
9
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)
As of September 30, 2022
As Previously Reported
Restatement Impacts
Restated
Deferred transaction costs
$ 2,809
$ ( 200 )
$ 2,609
Total assets
23,246
( 200 )
23,046
Convertible debt
755
159
914
Total current liabilities
6,511
159
6,670
Warrant liability
-
964
964
Total liabilities
6,511
1,123
7,634
Accumulated deficit
( 112,951 )
( 1,323 )
( 114,274 )
Total shareholders’ equity
16,735
( 1,323 )
15,412
Total liabilities and equity
23,246
( 200 )
23,046
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed
Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September
30, 2022
As Previously Reported
Restatement Impacts
Restated
Interest expense
$ 300
$ ( 42 )
$ 258
Loss on debt extinguishment
-
1,622
1,622
Change in fair value of warrant liability
-
( 257 )
( 257 )
Loss before income taxes
2,554
1,323
3,877
Net loss
2,554
1,323
3,877
Total comprehensive loss
2,559
1,323
3,882
Loss per share
$ 0.09
$ 0.05
$ 0.14
Weighted average shares outstanding
27,792,631
-
27,792,631
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September
30, 2022
As Previously Reported
Restatement Impacts
Restated
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss for the period
$ (2,554 )
$ ( 1,323 )
$ ( 3,877 )
Accretion of convertible debt
236
( 42 )
194
Loss on debt extinguishment
-
1,622
1,622
Change in fair value of warrant liability
-
( 257 )
( 257 )
10
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited)
As of September 30, 2022
Common
Shares
Accumulated
Deficit
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total
As Previously Reported
Balance, June 30, 2022
$ 129,055
$ ( 110,397 )
$ ( 993 )
$ 17,665
Debt conversions
1,650
-
-
1,650
Share issuance costs
( 21 )
-
-
( 21 )
Reporting currency translation
-
-
( 5 )
( 5 )
Loss for the period
-
( 2,554 )
-
( 2,554 )
Balance, September 30, 2022
$ 130,684
$ ( 112,951 )
$ ( 998 )
$ 16,735
Restatement Impacts
Balance, June 30, 2022
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Loss for the period
-
( 1,323 )
-
( 1,323 )
Balance, September 30, 2022
$ -
$ ( 1,323 )
$ -
$ ( 1,323 )
As Adjusted
Balance, June 30, 2022
$ 129,055
$ ( 110,397 )
$ ( 993 )
$ 17,665
Debt conversions
1,650
-
-
1,650
Share issuance costs
( 21 )
-
-
( 21 )
Reporting currency translation
-
-
( 5 )
( 5 )
Loss for the period, as restated
-
( 3,877 )
-
( 3,877 )
Balance, September 30, 2022, as restated
$ 130,684
$ ( 114,274 )
$ ( 998 )
$ 15,412
11
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)
As of December 31,
2022
As Previously Reported
Restatement Impacts
Restated
Deferred transaction costs
$ 4,338
$ ( 200 )
$ 4,138
Total assets
21,901
( 200 )
21,701
Convertible debt
502
39
541
Total current liabilities
7,088
39
7,127
Warrant liability
-
1,305
1,305
Total liabilities
7,088
1,344
8,432
Accumulated deficit
( 115,159 )
( 1,544 )
( 116,703 )
Total shareholders’ equity
14,813
( 1,544 )
13,269
Total liabilities and equity
21,901
( 200 )
21,701
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (unaudited)
For the Three Months
Ended December 31, 2022
Restatement Impacts to
the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (unaudited)
As Previously Reported
Restatement Impacts
Restated
Interest expense (income)
$ 82
$ ( 120 )
$ ( 38 )
Change in fair value of warrant liability
-
341
341
Loss before income taxes
2,208
221
2,429
Net loss
2,208
221
2,429
Total comprehensive loss
2,233
221
2,454
Loss
per share
$ 0.08
$ 0.01
$ 0.09
Weighted
average shares outstanding
28,056,263
-
28,056,263
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (unaudited)
For the Six Months
Ended December 31, 2022
As Previously Reported
Restatement Impacts
Restated
Interest expense
$ 382
$( 162 )
$ 220
Loss on debt extinguishment
-
1,662
1,662
Change in fair value of warrant liability
-
84
84
Loss before income taxes
4,762
1,544
6,306
Net loss
4,762
1,544
6,306
Total comprehensive loss
4,792
1,544
6,336
Loss per share
$ 0.17
$ 0.06
$ 0.23
Weighted average shares outstanding
27,924,447
-
27,924,447
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited)
For the Six
Months Ended December 31, 2022
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited)
As Previously Reported
Restatement Impacts
Restated
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss for the period
$ ( 4,762 )
$ ( 1,544 )
$ (6,306 )
Accretion of convertible debt
283
( 162 )
121
Loss on debt extinguishment
-
1,622
1,622
Change in financial instrument fair value
-
84
84
12
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (unaudited)
For the Three Months
Ended December 31, 2022
Common
Shares
Accumulated
Deficit
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total
As Previously Reported
Balance, September 30, 2022
$ 130,684
$ ( 112,951 )
$ ( 998 )
$ 16,735
Exercise of options
11
-
11
Debt conversions
300
-
-
300
Reporting currency translation
-
-
( 25 )
( 25 )
Loss for the period
-
( 2,208 )
-
( 2,208 )
Balance, December 31, 2022
$ 130,995
$ ( 115,159 )
$ ( 1,023 )
$ 14,813
Restatement Impacts
Balance, September 30, 2022
$ -
$ ( 1,323 )
$ -
$ ( 1,323 )
Loss for the period
-
( 221 )
-
( 221 )
Balance, December 31, 2022
$ -
$ ( 1,544 )
$ -
$ ( 1,544 )
As Adjusted
Balance, September 30, 2022
$ 130,684
$ ( 114,274 )
$ ( 998 )
$ 15,412
Exercise of options
11
-
11
Debt conversions
300
-
-
300
Reporting currency translation
-
-
( 25 )
( 25 )
Loss for the period, as restated
-
( 2,429 )
-
( 2,429 )
Balance, December 31, 2022, as restated
$ 130,995
$ ( 116,703 )
$ ( 1,023 )
$ 13,269
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders'
Equity (unaudited)
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (unaudited)
For the Six Months
Ended December 31, 2022
Common
Shares
Accumulated
Deficit
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total
As Previously Reported
Balance, June 30, 2022
$ 129,055
$ ( 110,397 )
$ ( 993 )
$ 17,665
Exercise of warrants
11
-
-
11
Debt conversions
1,950
-
-
1,950
Share issuance costs
( 21 )
-
-
( 21 )
Reporting currency translation
-
-
( 30 )
( 30 )
Loss for the period
-
( 4,762 )
-
( 4,762 )
Balance, December 31, 2022
$ 130,995
$ ( 115,159 )
$ ( 1,023 )
$ 14,813
Restatement Impacts
Balance, June 30, 2022
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Loss for the period
-
( 1,544 )
-
( 1,544 )
Balance, December 31, 2022
$ -
$ ( 1,544 )
$ -
$ ( 1,544 )
As Adjusted
Balance, June 30, 2022
$ 129,055
$ ( 110,397 )
$ ( 993 )
$ 17,665
Exercise of warrants
11
-
-
11
Debt conversions
1,950
-
-
1,950
Share issuance costs
( 21 )
-
-
( 21 )
Reporting currency translation
-
-
( 30 )
( 30 )
Loss for the period, as restated
-
( 6,306 )
-
( 6,306 )
Balance, December 31, 2022, as restated
$ 130,995
$ ( 116,703 )
$ ( 1,023 )
$ 13,269
As previously reported, the
Company restated its consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, and consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive
income, equity and cash flows for the years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021. In addition, the restatement impacted the first,
second and third quarters of our fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. The summarized restatement impacts for the comparable interim
period in fiscal year 2022 are presented below. The restatement corrects errors related to the accounting for the unamortized
deferred financing costs and debt discounts upon extinguishments of debt related to debt conversions.
13
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021
As Previously Reported
Restatement Impacts
Restated
Interest expense
$ 488
$ 534
$ 1,022
Loss before income taxes
3,458
534
3,992
Net loss
3,458
534
3,992
Reporting currency translation
15
( 1 )
14
Total comprehensive loss
3,473
533
4,006
Loss per share
$ 0.13
$ 0.02
$ 0.15
Weighted average shares
outstanding
26,139,224
-
26,139,224
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021
As Previously Reported
Restatement Impacts
Restated
September 30, 2021 opening balance adjustments:
Deficit
$ ( 101,036 )
$ ( 562 )
$ ( 101,598 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
( 1,034 )
( 1 )
( 1,035 )
Total Shareholders’ equity
13,826
( 563 )
13,263
Activity adjustments:
Loss for the period
( 3,458 )
( 534 )
( 3,992 )
Reporting currency translation
( 15 )
1
( 14 )
December 31, 2021 ending balance adjustments:
Deficit
( 104,494 )
( 1,096 )
( 105,590 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
( 1,049 )
-
( 1,049 )
Total equity
15,392
( 1,096 )
14,296
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2021
As Previously Reported
Restatement Impacts
Restated
Foreign exchange loss
$ 149
$ 15
$ 164
Interest expense
980
647
1,627
Loss before income taxes
5,418
662
6,080
Net loss
5,418
662
6,080
Reporting currency translation
( 94 )
( 16 )
( 110 )
Total comprehensive loss
5,324
646
5,970
Loss per share
$ 0.21
$ 0.02
$ 0.23
Weighted average shares outstanding
25,973,432
-
25,973,432
14
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2021
As Previously Reported
Restatement Impacts
Restated
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Total loss for the period
$ ( 5,418 )
$ ( 662 )
$ ( 6,080 )
Accretion of convertible debt
877
647
1,524
Foreign exchange loss
210
15
225
Restatement Impacts to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2021
As Previously Reported
Restatement Impacts
Restated
June 30, 2021 opening balance adjustments:
Deficit
$ ( 99,076 )
$ ( 434 )
$ ( 99,510 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
( 1,143 )
( 16 )
( 1,159 )
Total Shareholders’ equity
13,663
( 450 )
13,213
Activity adjustments:
Loss for the period
( 5,418 )
( 662 )
( 6,080 )
Reporting currency translation
94
16
110
December 31, 2021 ending balance adjustments:
Deficit
( 104,494 )
( 1,096 )
( 105,590 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
( 1,049 )
-
( 1,049 )
Total equity
15,392
( 1,096 )
14,296
4. GOING CONCERN ISSUES
The Company incurred a loss
of $ 6,306 for the six months ended December 31, 2022 (2021 - $ 6,080 ) and had a working capital deficit of $ 6,591 and an accumulated
deficit of $ 116,703 as of December 31, 2022. As a development stage issuer, the Company has not yet commenced its mining operations
and accordingly does not generate any revenue. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had cash of $ 424 which is not sufficient to
fund normal operations for the next twelve months without deferring payment on certain liabilities or raising additional funds.
In addition, the Company will be required to raise additional funds for construction and commencement of operations. These factors
raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company’s ability
to continue operations and fund its expenditures, which have averaged approximately $ 1,400 per quarter over the preceding three-year
period, is dependent on management’s ability to secure additional financing. Management is actively pursuing additional sources
of financing, and while it has been successful in doing so in the past, there can be no assurance it will be able to do so in the
future. Other than the proposed business combination and potential financing packages discussed in Notes 14 and 15, the Company
did not have any further funding commitments or arrangements for additional financing as of December 31, 2022. These interim condensed
consolidated financial statements do not give effect to any adjustments required to realize the Company’s assets and discharge
its liabilities in other than the normal course of business and at amounts different from those reflected in the accompanying financial
statements.
Since
March 2020, several measures have been implemented in the United States, Canada, and the rest of the world in response to the increased
impact from the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic and subsequent
15
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
COVID-19 variants. In addition, recent worldwide events have created
general global economic uncertainty as well as uncertainty in capital markets, supply chain disruptions, increased interest rates,
and the potential for geographic recessions. We believe this could have an adverse impact on our ability to obtain financing, development
plans, results of operations, financial position, and cash flows during the current fiscal year. The full extent to which these
events and our precautionary measures may continue to impact our business will depend on future developments, which continue to
be highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time.
5.
LAND AND BUILDINGS, NET
In October 2022, the Company
entered into an agreement with the State of Nebraska (the “State”) to sell a strip of Company-owned land totaling approximately
1.27 acres located adjacent to State Highway 50 in connection with highway improvements to be completed by the State, for $ 21 ,
inclusive of estimated fence replacement costs. The Company recorded a gain of $ 13 associated with this sale.
6.
DEFERRED TRANSACTION COSTS
The Company has deferred third-party
costs, including legal fees, other professional and consulting fees, and due diligence fees, incurred in connection with the proposed
transaction discussed in Note 14. These costs are deferred until closing, at which time a portion of the directly attributable
costs will be recorded against convertible debt to be entered into in connection with the proposed transaction, with the remainder
treated as a reduction to the value of Common Shares issued.
7. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED
LIABILITIES
Schedule of account payable and accrued liabilities
As of
Note
December 31,
2022
June 30,
2022
Accounts payable, trade
$
3,431
$
115
Accounts payable accruals
739
654
Consent accrual
14
200
-
Interest payable to related party
10
102
-
Other accruals
48
48
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
4,520
$
817
8. CONVERTIBLE DEBT
Changes in the Lind III Convertible
Security are as follows:
Lind III Convertible Security
(Restated)
Balance, June 30, 2022
$
2,169
Accretion expense
121
Fair value increase due to debt extinguishment
201
Conversions
( 1,950
)
Balance, December 31, 2022
$
541
Based on the Company’s
closing Common Share price of C$ 10.00 as of December 31, 2022, conversion of the remaining Lind III Convertible Security undiscounted
face value of $ 515 (including accrued interest) would require the issuance of approximately 81,600 Common Shares. For each C$ 0.10 change in the fair value of one Common Share, the total Common Shares the Company would be obligated to issue would change by approximately 800 shares.
16
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
9.
COMMON SHARES
a)
Stock Options
Schedule of stock option
Number of Options
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balance, June 30, 2022
1,446,400
C$
8.30
Granted
-
-
Exercised
( 260,582
)
4.90
Cancelled/expired
( 189,818
)
5.00
Balance, December 31, 2022
996,000
C$
9.80
The
following table summarizes information about Options outstanding at December 31, 2022:
Schedule of information about stock options outstanding
Exercise Price
Expiry Date
Number Outstanding
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Number Exercisable
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
C$
8.40
September 18, 2023
105,000
C$
168
105,000
C$
168
C$
5.40
November 15, 2023
208,500
959
208,500
959
C$
7.50
December 14, 2023
182,500
456
182,500
456
C$
7.50
December 16, 2023
52,500
131
52,500
131
C$
13.60
December 17, 2024
397,500
-
397,500
-
C$
11.00
May 30, 2025
50,000
-
50,000
-
996,000
C$
1,714
996,000
C$
1,714
The aggregate intrinsic value
in the preceding table represents the total intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing Common Share price of C$ 10.00
as of December 31, 2022, that would have been received by the Option holders had all Option holders exercised their Options as
of that date. As of December 31, 2022, there was $ 0 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation
arrangements granted under the Option plans.
b)
Warrants
Schedule of warrant transactions
Number of Warrants
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balance, June 30, 2022
1,851,624
C$
11.60
Granted
-
-
Exercised
-
-
Cancelled/expired
( 50,000
)
8.00
Balance, December 31, 2022
1,801,624
C$
11.70
At December 31, 2022, the Company
had outstanding exercisable Warrants, as follows:
Schedule of outstanding exercisable warrants
Number
Exercise Price
Expiry Date
441,211
C$
16.30
May 10, 2023
504,613
C$
11.00
June 30, 2024
855,800
C$
9.70
February 19, 2025
1,801,624
17
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
AND BALANCES
Borrowings under the non-revolving
credit facility agreement (the “Smith Credit Facility”) with Mark Smith, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Executive
Chairman of NioCorp, bear interest at a rate of 10 % and drawdowns from the Smith Credit Facility are subject to a 2.5 % establishment
fee. Amounts outstanding under the Smith Credit Facility are secured by all of the Company’s assets pursuant to a general
security agreement. The Smith Credit Facility contains financial and non-financial covenants customary for a facility of its size
and nature. The maturity date for the Smith Credit Facility is June 30, 2023.
As of December 31, 2022, the
principal amount outstanding under the Smith Credit Facility was $ 2,000 and accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of December
31, 2022, include accrued interest of $ 102 payable under the Smith Credit Facility.
11. EXPLORATION EXPENDITURES
Schedule of exploration expenditures
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
For the Six Months Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2022
2021
Technical studies and engineering
$
28
$
84
$
137
$
134
Field management and other
207
157
393
281
Metallurgical development
1,080
150
2,073
586
Geologists and field staff
2
100
2
111
Total
$
1,317
$
491
$
2,605
$
1,112
12. LEASES
The
Company incurred lease costs as follows:
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
For the Six Months Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2022
2021
Operating Lease Cost:
Fixed rent expense
$
23
$
23
$
44
$
43
Variable rent expense
3
2
6
5
Short-term lease cost
3
2
5
9
Sublease income
( 12
)
( 10
)
( 18
)
( 15
)
Net lease cost – other operating expense
$
17
$
17
$
37
$
42
The maturities of lease liabilities
are as follows at December 31, 2022:
Future Lease Maturities
Total remaining lease payments
$
70
Less portion of payments representing interest
( 4
)
Present value of lease payments – current lease liability
$
66
18
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
13.
FAIR VALUE MEASURMENTS
The Company measures the fair
value of financial assets and liabilities based on U.S. GAAP guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring
fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
The Company classifies financial
assets and liabilities as held-for-trading, available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, loans and receivables, or other financial liabilities
depending on their nature. Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized at fair value on their initial recognition.
Financial assets and liabilities
classified as held-for-trading are measured at fair value, with gains and losses recognized in net income. Financial assets classified
as held-to-maturity, loans and receivables, and financial liabilities other than those classified as held-for-trading are measured
at amortized cost, using the effective interest method of amortization. Financial assets classified as available-for-sale, including
investments in equity securities, are measured at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses being recognized in income.
Financial instruments including
receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and related party loans are carried at amortized cost, which management
believes approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
The following tables present
information about the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2022, and
June 30, 2022, respectively, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques the Company utilized to determine
such fair value. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for
identical instruments. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable, such as quoted prices,
interest rates, and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the financial instrument
and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the instrument.
Schedule of fair values determined by level 3 inputs are unobservable data
As of December 31, 2022
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
424
$
424
$
-
$
-
Investment in equity securities
9
9
-
-
Total
$
433
$
433
$
-
$
-
Liabilities:
Warrant liability
$
1,305
$
-
$
-
$
1,305
As of June 30, 2022
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
5,280
$
5,280
$
-
$
-
Investment in equity securities
10
10
-
-
Total
$
5,290
$
5,290
$
-
$
-
The Lind III Convertible
Security discussed in Note 8 was initially recorded at fair value, which represented a nonrecurring fair value measurement using
a Level 3 input. At December 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022, the estimated fair value of this instrument approximated carrying value
given that the instrument was adjusted to fair value on September 25, 2022 and has a short remaining life until maturity.
19
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
14.
PROPOSED TRANSACTION
On September 25, 2022, the Company,
GX Acquisition Corp. II, a Delaware corporation (“GXII”), and Big Red Merger Sub Ltd (“Merger Sub”), a
Delaware corporation incorporated in September 2022, and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a business
combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”). Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, as the
result of a series of transactions, GXII will become a subsidiary of the Company (as successor by merger to the Company’s
subsidiary, Elk Creek Resources Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ECRC”)), with the pre-combination public shareholders
of GXII receiving Common Shares based on a fixed exchange ratio of 1.11829212 (the “Exchange Ratio”) Common Shares
for each GXII Class A common share held and not redeemed, and the GXII founders receiving shares in GXII (as successor by merger
to ECRC) based on the Exchange Ratio. Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, after closing of the Transaction (as defined
below) (the “Transaction Closing”), the GXII founders will have the right to exchange such shares for Common Shares
on a one-for-one basis under certain conditions. Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, the Company will also assume the
obligations under the issued and outstanding GXII warrants, which will be converted into Warrants following the Transaction Closing.
The Business Combination Agreement contemplates that the Company will undertake a reverse stock split of the Common Shares at the
time of the Transaction Closing in connection with an expected cross-listing to the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”).
In addition, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, post-closing, the Company’s Board of Directors will include
two directors from pre-combination GXII. The transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement and the ancillary
agreements thereto are referred to collectively as the “Transaction.”
As currently structured, the
Business Combination Agreement is expected to be accounted for as a recapitalization in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Under this method
of accounting, GXII will be treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the transaction
is treated as the equivalent of NioCorp issuing Common Shares for the net assets of GXII, accompanied by a recapitalization. The
net assets of GXII will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded.
The proposed Transaction is
expected to close in the first calendar quarter of 2023, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain customary closing conditions
contained in the Business Combination Agreement, including, among other things, (i) obtaining required approvals of the Transaction
and related matters by the respective shareholders of NioCorp and GXII, (ii) the effectiveness of the registration statement on
Form S-4 that the Company originally filed on November 7, 2022, and amended on December 22, 2022, January 17, 2023, January 31,
2023, and February 6, 2023, and was declared effective by the SEC on February 8, 2023, (iii) receipt of approval for listing on
Nasdaq of the Common Shares to be issued in connection with the Transaction, (iv) receipt of approval for listing on Nasdaq of
the Warrants to be issued in exchange for the GXII warrants that NioCorp has agreed to assume, (v) receipt of approval from the
TSX with respect to the issuance and listing of the Common Shares issuable in connection with the Transaction, (vi) that NioCorp
and its subsidiaries (including GXII, as successor by merger to ECRC) will have at least $ 5.000001 million of net tangible assets
upon the consummation of the Transaction, after giving effect to any redemptions by GXII public stockholders and after payment
of underwriters’ fees or commissions, (vii) that, at the Transaction Closing, NioCorp and its subsidiaries (including GXII,
as successor by merger to ECRC) will have received cash in an amount equal to or greater than $ 15 .0 million, subject to certain
adjustments, and (viii) the absence of any injunctions enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Business Combination Agreement.
The proposed additional financings contemplated by the LOIs will also be subject to the approval of the TSX and the Company’s
shareholders.
In addition, in connection with
the entry into the Business Combination Agreement, the Company announced the signing of non-binding letters of intent for two separate
financing packages with Yorkville Advisors Global, LP. As discussed in Note 15, on January 26, 2023, the Company entered into definitive
agreements with respect to these financings.
20
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
15.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Yorkville Financings
On January 26, 2023, NioCorp
entered into definitive agreements with respect to two previously announced financings with YA II PN, Ltd., an investment fund
managed by Yorkville Advisors Global, LP (together with YA II PN, Ltd., “Yorkville”). The financings contemplated by
the definitive agreements include (i) up to $ 16 .0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured convertible debentures of NioCorp
(the “Convertible Debentures”) convertible into Common Shares and Common Share purchase warrants (the “Financing
Warrants”) entitling the holders thereof to purchase additional Common Shares (the “Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing”);
and (ii) a standby equity purchase facility pursuant to which NioCorp will have the right, but not the obligation, subject to the
conditions set out therein, to sell Common Shares to Yorkville with a maximum aggregate value of up to $ 65 .0 million over a period
of up to 36 months (the “Yorkville Equity Facility Financing” and, together with the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing,
the “Yorkville Financings”).
The Yorkville Financings are
expected to become effective on the date of the Transaction Closing, as previously announced on September 26, 2022.
NioCorp intends to use the proceeds
from the Yorkville Financings to advance its efforts to launch construction of the Elk Creek Project and move it to commercial
operation, and to satisfy the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Transaction, if required.
Completion of the Yorkville
Financings is subject to certain conditions, including the completion of the Transaction Closing, the receipt of the approval of
the TSX, and the approval of NioCorp’s shareholders in accordance with the rules of the TSX.
Yorkville Convertible Debt
Financing
On January 26, 2023, NioCorp
entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement”), by and between
NioCorp and Yorkville. Pursuant to the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement, Yorkville, and any investor that exercises
its contractual right previously granted by NioCorp to participate in the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing (collectively with
Yorkville, the “Investors”), will advance an initial total amount of $9.6 million to NioCorp in consideration of the
issuance by NioCorp to the Investors of $10.0 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Debentures at the time of the Transaction
Closing (the “First Debenture Closing”), and an additional total amount of $5.76 million to NioCorp in consideration
of the issuance by NioCorp to the Investors of $6.0 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Debentures on a date to be
determined at the election of NioCorp, but which may not be prior to the later to occur of (i) the date of filing of the Convertible
Debt Financing Registration Statement (as defined below) and (ii) the date of the Transaction Closing (together with the First
Debenture Closing, the “Debenture Closings”) .
Each Convertible Debenture issued
under the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing will be an unsecured obligation of NioCorp, will have an 18 -month term from the
First Debenture Closing, which may be extended for one six-month period in certain circumstances at the option of NioCorp, and
will incur a simple interest rate obligation of 5.0 % per annum (which will increase to 15.0 % per annum upon the occurrence of an
event of default). The outstanding principal amount of, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on, and premium, if any, on the Convertible
Debentures must be paid by NioCorp in cash when the same becomes due and payable under the terms of the Convertible Debentures
at their stated maturity, upon their redemption or otherwise.
Subject to certain limitations
contained within the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement and the Convertible Debentures, including those as described
below, holders of the Convertible Debentures will be entitled to convert the principal amount of, and accrued and unpaid interest,
if any, on each Convertible Debenture, in whole or in part, from time to time over their term, into a number of Common Shares equal
to the quotient of the principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, being converted divided by the
21
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
Conversion Price.
The “Conversion Price” means, as of any Conversion Date (as defined below) or other date of determination, the greater
of (i) 90% of the average of the daily U.S. dollar volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the Common Shares on the
principal U.S. market for the Common Shares as reported by Bloomberg Financial Markets during the five consecutive trading days
immediately preceding the date on which the holder exercises its conversion right in accordance with the requirements of the Yorkville
Convertible Debt Financing Agreement (the “Conversion Date”) or other date of determination, unless NioCorp consents
to conversion at a lower price, and (ii) the five-day VWAP of the Common Shares on the TSX (or on the principal U.S. market if
the majority of the trading volume and value of the Common Shares occurred on the Nasdaq during the relevant period) for the five
consecutive trading days immediately prior to the Conversion Date or other date of determination less the maximum applicable discount
allowed by the TSX. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time it shall be a condition to listing or continued listing of the
Common Shares on the Nasdaq or such other principal U.S. market for the Common Shares that the Conversion Price be not less than
a minimum price (the “Floor Price”), then NioCorp and the holders will negotiate in good faith to amend the Convertible
Debentures to provide that the Conversion Price shall not be less than a Floor Price that satisfies such condition. Any Floor Price
will be subject to adjustment to give effect to any stock dividend, stock split or recapitalization.
The terms of the Convertible
Debentures restrict the number of Convertible Debentures that may be converted during each calendar month by an Investor at a Conversion
Price below a fixed price equal to the quotient of (i) ten dollars divided by (ii) 1.11829212 (being the number of Common Shares
that will be exchanged for each share of GXII at the Transaction Closing), subject to adjustment to give effect to any stock dividend,
stock split or recapitalization. The Convertible Debentures will be subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments.
Pursuant to the terms of the
Convertible Debentures, following certain trigger events, and until a subsequent cure event, NioCorp will be required to redeem
$1.125 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Debentures (the “Triggered Principal Amount”) each month by
making cash payments to the Investors, on a pro rata basis, in an amount equal to the Triggered Principal Amount, plus accrued
and unpaid interest thereon, if any, plus a redemption premium of 7% of the Triggered Principal Amount. Such monthly prepayments
under the terms of the Convertible Debentures are triggered (i) at the time when NioCorp has issued 95% of the total amount of
Common Shares pursuant to the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing that it may issue under applicable TSX and Nasdaq rules or (ii)
when NioCorp has delayed or suspended the effectiveness or use of the Convertible Debt Financing Registration Statement for more
than 20 consecutive calendar days, and such monthly prepayment obligations will continue until, with respect to (i) above, shareholder
approval is obtained or, with respect to (ii) above, the Investors may once again resell Common Shares under the Convertible Debt
Financing Registration Statement, respectively.
The Convertible Debentures may
also be redeemed at NioCorp’s option at any time and from time to time over their term at a redemption price equal to 110 %
of the principal amount being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
The Convertible Debentures contain
events of default customary for instruments of their type (with customary grace periods, as applicable) and provide that, upon
the occurrence of an event of default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to NioCorp, all outstanding
Convertible Debentures will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other type of event of
default occurs and is continuing, then any holder may declare all of its Convertible Debentures to be due and payable immediately.
In conjunction with each Debenture
Closing, NioCorp will issue to the Investors Financing Warrants to purchase a number of Common Shares as is equal to the quotient
of the principal amount of Convertible Debentures issued in such Debenture Closing divided by the “Exercise Price”,
which is equal to the greater of: (a) the quotient of ten dollars divided by 1.11829212; or (b) the average of the daily VWAPs
of the Common Shares on the principal U.S. market for the Common Shares during regular trading hours as reported by Bloomberg Financial
Markets during the five consecutive trading days ending on the trading day immediately prior to such Debenture Closing, in each
case subject to any adjustment to give effect to any stock dividend, stock split or recapitalization.
22
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands of
U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
The Financing Warrants will
be exercisable, in whole or in part, but not in increments of less than $ 50 aggregate Exercise Price (unless the remaining aggregate
Exercise Price is less than $ 50 ), beginning on the earlier of (a) six months following the issuance of the applicable Financing
Warrants or (b) the effective date of the initial Convertible Debt Financing Registration Statement and may be exercised at any time prior to their expiration. Holders of the Financing Warrants may exercise their Financing Warrants,
at their election, by paying the Exercise Price in cash or on a cashless exercise basis. On each of the first 12 monthly anniversaries
of the later of (a) the date that is six months following the issuance of the applicable Financing Warrants and
(b) the effective date of the initial Convertible Debt Financing Registration Statement, 1/12th of the Financing Warrants will expire.
The Financing Warrants will
have customary anti-dilution adjustments to be determined in accordance with the requirements of the applicable stock exchanges,
including the TSX.
The terms of the Convertible
Debentures and the Financing Warrants restrict the conversion of Convertible Debentures or exercise of Financing Warrants by an
Investor if such a conversion or exercise would cause the Investor to exceed certain beneficial ownership thresholds in NioCorp
or such a conversion or exercise would cause the aggregate number of Common Shares issued pursuant to the Yorkville Convertible
Debt Financing to exceed the thresholds for issuance of Common Shares under the rules of the TSX and Nasdaq, unless prior shareholder
approval is obtained.
The Yorkville Convertible Debt
Financing Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, conditions and indemnification obligations by each party. The
representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement were made only for purposes
of the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement and as of specific dates, were solely for the benefit of the parties to such
agreement and are subject to certain important limitations.
The Yorkville Convertible Debt
Financing Agreement also contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit NioCorp’s ability to use the proceeds
from the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing to repay related party debt or to enter into any variable rate transaction other
than with Yorkville, subject to certain exceptions.
The Yorkville Convertible Debt
Financing Agreement will terminate automatically if the Business Combination Agreement is terminated. Also, the Investors will
have the right to terminate the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement if the First Debenture Closing does not occur on
or prior to March 22, 2023. NioCorp will have the right to terminate the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement at any
time prior to the First Debenture Closing, provided that it will be required to pay a cash termination fee of $ 1.6 million to the
Investors, on a pro rata basis.
On January 26, 2023, in connection
with the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement, NioCorp and Yorkville also entered into a registration rights agreement
(the “Convertible Debt Financing Registration Rights Agreement”) pursuant to which NioCorp has agreed to file with
the SEC a registration statement (the “Convertible Debt Financing Registration Statement”) registering the resale by
the Investors of the Common Shares issuable upon the conversion of the Convertible Debentures and the exercise of the Financing
Warrants under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), as soon as practicable but no later than 21 calendar
days following the Transaction Closing, and to use its reasonable best efforts to have the Convertible Debt Financing Registration
Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but in no event later than the 45th calendar day
following the filing date thereof. NioCorp further agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Convertible Debt Financing
Registration Statement to remain continuously effective for a period that will terminate upon the first date on which all of the
Common Shares issuable upon the conversion of the Convertible Debentures and the exercise of the Financing Warrants may be sold
without restriction,
including volume and manner-of-sale restrictions, pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or have been sold by
Investors. NioCorp also granted to the Investors certain demand rights for underwritten shelf takedowns and piggyback
registration rights with respect to the Common Shares issuable upon the conversion of the Convertible Debentures and the
exercise of the Financing Warrants.
23
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands
of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
Yorkville
Equity Facility Financing
On
January 26, 2023, NioCorp entered into a Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, (the “Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement”),
by and between NioCorp and Yorkville. Pursuant to the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement, NioCorp will have the right,
but not the obligation, to sell Common Shares to Yorkville with a maximum aggregate value of up to $ 65 .0 million (the “Commitment
Amount”) for a period commencing at the Transaction Closing and ending on the earliest of (i) the first day of the month
next following the 36-month anniversary of the Transaction Closing, (ii) the date on which Yorkville shall have made payment of
the full Commitment Amount and (iii) the date that the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement otherwise terminates in accordance
with its terms (the "Commitment Period"), and will issue to Yorkville $ 0.65 million aggregate principal amount of Common
Shares for no additional consideration. Additionally, NioCorp will pay to Yorkville an aggregate fee of $ 1.5 million in cash (the
“Cash Fee”), including $0.5 million on the date of the Transaction Closing and the remainder in installments over
a 12-month period following the date of the Transaction Closing, provided that, NioCorp will have the right to prepay without
penalty all or part of the Cash Fee at any time. Each right to sell Common Shares under the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing
Agreement is referred to as an “Advance.”
Subject
to certain limitations, including those as described below, and adjustments contained within the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing
Agreement, NioCorp will have the option to sell Common Shares to Yorkville at a purchase price equal to (a) 97% of the VWAP of
the Common Shares on the principal U.S. market for the Common Shares during the applicable pricing period, which is a period during
a single trading day defined based on when NioCorp submits written notice (an “Advance Notice”) to Yorkville exercising
its right to an Advance (“Purchase Price Option #1”); or (b) 97% of the average of the daily VWAPs of the Common Shares
on the principal U.S. market for the Common Shares during a pricing period of three consecutive trading days commencing on the
trading day an Advance Notice is received by Yorkville, if it is received by 9:30 a.m., New York City time, or the immediately
following trading day if it is received after 9:30 a.m., New York City time (“Purchase Price Option #2”). Purchase
Price Option # 2 will be used whenever any Convertible Debentures issued to Yorkville pursuant to the Yorkville Convertible Debt
Financing Agreement are outstanding, unless waived by Yorkville.
The
Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement limits the number of Common Shares that may be issued to Yorkville in each Advance
to the greater of (a) 500,000 Common Shares and (b) the number of Common Shares equal to 100% of the average daily volume traded
of the Common Shares on the Nasdaq during the five trading days prior to an Advance , provided that, if any Convertible Debentures
are outstanding when an Advance Notice is delivered, then the maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued will be computed
in accordance with (b) only (the “Maximum Advance Amount”). Notwithstanding this, NioCorp and Yorkville may agree
to an issuance of a number of Common Shares in excess of the Maximum Advance Amount in any given Advance. Further, for as long
as the Convertible Debentures issued to Yorkville are outstanding, the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement provides
for certain limitations on the amount of Advances that NioCorp may request, including that NioCorp shall not effect more than
two Advances in any month. The Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement also restricts the sale of Common Shares to Yorkville
if such a sale would cause Yorkville to exceed certain beneficial ownership thresholds in NioCorp or such issuance would cause
the aggregate number of Common Shares issued pursuant to the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing to exceed the thresholds for
issuance of Common Shares under the rules of the TSX and Nasdaq, unless prior shareholder approval is obtained.
Subject
to certain other conditions, NioCorp may deliver an Advance Notice only after the completion of the preceding Advance and only
so long as the Equity Facility Financing Registration Statement (as defined below) is effective and Yorkville is permitted to
utilize the prospectus thereunder to resell all of the Common Shares issuable pursuant to such Advance Notice. Pursuant to the
Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement, NioCorp must prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement registering
the resale in the United States of the Common Shares issuable pursuant to the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement (the
“Equity Facility Financing Registration Statement”). Pursuant to the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement,
NioCorp in its sole discretion may choose when to file the Equity Facility Financing Registration Statement. Once effective, NioCorp
has agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the Equity Facility Financing Registration
Statement at all times until the earliest to occur of (i) receipt of notice
24
NioCorp Developments Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
(expressed in thousands
of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)
that Yorkville has completed resales of the full Commitment
Amount pursuant to the Equity Facility Financing Registration Statement, (ii) the 180th day following the latest closing of an
Advance that has occurred and (iii) the 180th day following the termination of the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement
in accordance with its terms.
The
Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, conditions and indemnification obligations
by each party. The representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement were
made only for purposes of the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement and as of specific dates, were solely for the benefit
of the parties to such agreement and are subject to certain important limitations.
The
Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement will terminate automatically following the expiration of the Commitment Period.
In addition, the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement will terminate automatically if the Business Combination Agreement
is terminated. Also, NioCorp will have the right to terminate the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement effective upon
five trading days' prior written notice to Yorkville, as long as there are no outstanding unsettled Advances and provided that
it will be required to pay all amounts owed to Yorkville thereunder, including, without limitation, any unpaid portion of the
Cash Fee. The parties may also terminate the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement by mutual written consent.
The
Convertible Debentures, the Financing Warrants, the Common Shares issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Debentures and upon
exercise of the Financing Warrants, the Common Shares issuable pursuant to an Advance and the $0.65 million worth of Common Shares
issuable to Yorkville for no additional consideration will not be qualified for distribution by prospectus in any jurisdiction
of Canada, and may not be offered for sale, sold, assigned or transferred in any jurisdiction of Canada except pursuant to a prospectus
or exemption from the prospectus requirement under applicable securities laws in Canada. Yorkville will not be permitted to offer
or sell any such securities directly or indirectly to any person whom, to Yorkville's knowledge, is resident or located in a jurisdiction
of Canada or acquiring such Common Shares for the benefit of another person resident or located in a jurisdiction of Canada, or
on any marketplace in Canada.
25
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The
following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements
as of and for the three and six months ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). This discussion and analysis
contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual
results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements and information as a result of many factors,
including, but not limited to, those set forth elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. See “Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements” below.
All
currency amounts are stated in thousands of U.S. dollars unless noted otherwise.
As
used in this report, unless the context otherwise indicates, references to “we,” “our,” the “Company,”
“NioCorp,” and “us” refer to NioCorp Developments Ltd. and its subsidiaries, collectively.
Restatement
of Previously Issued Financial Statements
This
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations has been amended and restated to give
effect to the restatement of our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and six
months ended December 31, 2022, as more fully described in Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements entitled
“Restatement.” For further detail regarding the Restatement, see “Explanatory Note” and Item 4, “Controls
and Procedures.”
Note
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the exhibits attached hereto contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and “forward-looking information” within the meaning
of applicable Canadian securities legislation (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Such forward-looking statements
concern our anticipated results and developments in the operations of the Company in future periods, planned exploration activities,
the adequacy of the Company’s financial resources, and other events or conditions that may occur in the future.
Forward-looking
statements have been based upon our current business and operating plans, as approved by the Company’s Board of Directors,
and may include statements regarding our cash and other funding requirements and timing and sources thereof; results of feasibility
studies; the accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates and assumptions on which they are based; the results of economic
assessments and exploration activities; and current market conditions and project development plans, and the Transaction (as defined
below). The material assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information included in this
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include: our expectations of mineral prices; our forecasts and expected cash flows; our projected
capital and operating costs; accuracy of mineral resource estimates and resource modeling and feasibility study results; expectations
regarding mining and metallurgical recoveries; timing and reliability of sampling and assay data; anticipated political and social
conditions; expected national and local government policies, including legal reforms; successful advancement of the Company’s
required permitting processes; and the ability to successfully raise additional capital; NioCorp and GX Acquisition Corp. II,
a Delaware corporation (“GXII”), being able to receive all required regulatory, third-party and shareholder approvals
for the proposed Transaction; the amount of redemptions by GXII public stockholders; the consummation of the convertible debenture
transaction and the standby equity purchase facility contemplated by the definitive agreements with YA II PN, Ltd., an investment
fund managed by Yorkville Advisors Global, LP (together with YA II PN, Ltd., “Yorkville”); and other current estimates
and assumptions regarding the proposed Transaction and its benefits.
Forward-looking
statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,”
“intends,” “estimates,” “potential,” “possible,” and similar expressions, or statements
that events, conditions, or results “will,” “may,” “could,” or “should” (or the
negative and grammatical variations of any of these terms) occur or be achieved. Any statements that express or involve discussions
with respect to predictions,
26
expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, or future events or performance
(often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect,” “is expected,”
“anticipates” or “does not anticipate,” “plans,” “estimates,” or “intends,”
or stating that certain actions, events, or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “might,”
or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.
Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain
known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievements
to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements, including, among others, risks related to the following:
Risks
Related to Our Business:
●
risks related to our ability to operate as a
going concern;
●
risks related to our requirement of significant
additional capital;
●
risks related to our limited operating history;
●
risks related to our history of losses;
●
risks related to the restatement of our consolidated
financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 and the interim periods ended September 30,
2021, December 31, 2021 and March 31, 2022 and the impact of such restatement on our future financial statements and other
financial measures;
●
risks related to the material weakness in our
internal control over financial reporting, our efforts to remediate such material weakness and the timing of remediation;
●
risks related to cost increases for our exploration
and, if warranted, development projects;
●
risks related to a disruption in, or failure
of, our information technology systems, including those related to cybersecurity;
●
risks related to equipment and supply shortages;
●
risks related to current and future offtake
agreements, joint ventures, and partnerships;
●
risks related to our ability to attract qualified
management;
●
risks related to the effects of the COVID-19
pandemic or other global health crises on our business plans, financial condition and liquidity; and
●
risks related to the ability to enforce judgment
against certain of our directors.
Risks
Related to Mining and Exploration:
●
risks related to estimates of mineral resources
and reserves;
●
risks related to mineral exploration and production
activities;
●
risks related to our lack of mineral production
from our properties;
●
risks related to the results of our metallurgical
testing;
●
risks related to the price volatility of commodities;
●
risks related to the establishment of a reserve
and resource for Rare Earth Elements (“REEs” or “Rare Earths”) and the development of a viable recovery
process for REEs;
●
risks related to the estimation of mineral resources
and mineral reserves;
●
risks related to changes in mineral resource
and reserve estimates;
●
risks related to competition in the mining industry;
●
risks related to the management of the water
balance at the Elk Creek Niobium/Scandium/Titanium development stage property (the “Elk Creek Project”) located
in southeastern Nebraska;
●
risks related to claims on the title to our
properties;
●
risks related to potential future litigation;
and
●
risks related to our lack of insurance covering
all our operations.
Risks
Related to Government Regulations:
●
risks related to our ability to obtain or renew
permits and licenses for production;
●
risks related to government and environmental
regulations that may increase our costs of doing business or restrict our operations;
●
risks related to changes in federal and/or state
laws that may significantly affect the mining industry;
27
●
risks related to the impacts of climate change,
as well as actions taken or required by governments related to strengthening resilience in the face of potential impacts from
climate change; and
●
risks related to land reclamation requirements.
Risks
Related to Our Debt:
●
risks related to covenants contained in agreements
with our secured creditors that may affect our assets; and
●
risks related to the extent to which our level
of indebtedness may impair our ability to obtain additional financing.
Risks
Related to Our Common Shares:
●
risks related to qualifying as a “passive
foreign investment company” under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); and
●
risks related to our Common Shares, including
price volatility, lack of dividend payments, dilution, and penny stock rules.
Risks
Related to the Proposed Transaction
●
risks related to the amount of any redemptions
by GXII public stockholders being greater than expected, which may reduce the cash in trust available to NioCorp upon the
consummation of the Transaction;
●
risks related to the occurrence of any event,
change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement (as defined below)
and/or payment of the termination fees;
●
risks related to the outcome of any legal proceedings
that may be instituted against NioCorp or GXII following announcement of the Business Combination Agreement and the Transaction;
●
risks related to the inability to complete the
Transaction due to, among other things, the failure to obtain NioCorp shareholder approval or GXII stockholder approval or
the failure to consummate the Yorkville Financings;
●
risks related to the inability to complete the
Yorkville Financings due to, among other things, the failure to obtain shareholder approval or regulatory approval;
●
the risk that the announcement and consummation
of the Transaction disrupts NioCorp’s current plans;
●
risks relating to the ability to recognize the
anticipated benefits of the Transaction;
●
risks relating to unexpected costs related to
the Transaction; and
●
the risks that the consummation of the Transaction
is substantially delayed or does not occur, including prior to the date on which GXII is required to liquidate under the terms
of its charter documents.
New
Risks in this Form 10-Q/A:
●
risks related to the restatement of our consolidated
financial statements as of and for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and the three and six months ended December 31,
2022 and the impact of such restatement on our future financial statements and other financial measures; and
●
risks related to the additional material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 identified by management subsequent to the filing of the Original Form 10-Q, our efforts to remediate such material weaknesses and the timing of remediation.
Should
one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may
vary materially from those described herein. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual
achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking
statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including without limitation those discussed under the
heading “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, as well as other
factors described elsewhere in this report and the Company’s other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”).
28
The
Company’s forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based on the beliefs, expectations,
and opinions of management as of the date of this report. The Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking
statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations, or opinions should change, except as required by law.
For the reasons set forth above, investors should not attribute undue certainty to, or place undue reliance on, forward-looking
statements.
Qualified
Person
All
technical and scientific information that forms the basis for the Elk Creek Project disclosure included in this Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q has been reviewed and approved by Scott Honan, M.Sc., SME-RM, NioCorp’s Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Honan
is a “Qualified Person” as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for
Mineral Projects and subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K.
Company
Overview
NioCorp
is developing the Elk Creek Project, located in southeast Nebraska. The Elk Creek Project is an advanced Niobium (“Nb”),
Scandium (“Sc”) and Titanium (“Ti”) development stage property. The Company is evaluating the potential
to produce several Rare Earth byproducts from the Elk Creek Project. Niobium is used to produce various superalloys that are extensively
used in high performance aircraft and jet turbines. It also is used in High-Strength, Low-Alloy (“HSLA”) steel, a
stronger steel used in automobiles, bridges, structural systems, buildings, pipelines, and other applications that generally increases
strength and/or reduces weight, which can result in environmental benefits, including reduced fuel consumption and material usage
and fewer air emissions. Scandium can be combined with aluminum to make high-performance alloys with increased strength and improved
corrosion resistance. Scandium also is a critical component of advanced solid oxide fuel cells, an environmentally preferred technology
for high-reliability, distributed electricity generation. Titanium is a component of various superalloys and other applications
that are used for aerospace applications, weapons systems, protective armor, medical implants, and many others. It also is used
in pigments for paper, paint, and plastics. Rare Earths are critical to electrification and decarbonization initiatives and can
be used to manufacture the strongest permanent magnets commercially available.
Our
primary business strategy is to advance our Elk Creek Project to commercial production. We are focused on obtaining additional
funds to carry out our near-term planned work programs associated with securing the project financing necessary to complete mine
development and construction of the Elk Creek Project.
Recent
Corporate Events
Proposed
Transaction
On
September 25, 2022, the Company, GXII, and Merger Sub, entered into the Business Combination Agreement. Pursuant to the Business
Combination Agreement, as the result of a series of transactions, GXII will become a subsidiary of the Company (as successor by
merger to the Company’s subsidiary, ECRC), with the pre-combination public shareholders of GXII receiving Common Shares
based on the Exchange Ratio of 1.11829212 Common Shares for each GXII Class A common share held and not redeemed, and the GXII
founders receiving shares in GXII (as successor by merger to ECRC) based on the Exchange Ratio. Pursuant to the Business Combination
Agreement, after the Transaction Closing, the GXII founders will have the right to exchange such shares for Common Shares on a
one-for-one basis under certain conditions. Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, the Company will also assume the obligations
under the issued and outstanding GXII warrants, which will be converted into Warrants following the Transaction Closing. The Business
Combination Agreement contemplates that the Company will undertake a reverse stock split of the Common Shares at the time of the
Transaction Closing in connection with an expected cross-listing to Nasdaq. In addition, pursuant to the Business Combination
Agreement, post-closing, the Company’s Board of Directors will include two directors from pre-combination GXII. The transactions
contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement and the ancillary agreements thereto are referred to collectively as the “Transaction.”
The
business combination pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement will be accounted for as a recapitalization in accordance
with U.S. GAAP. Under this method of accounting, GXII will be treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting
purposes. Accordingly, the transaction is treated as the equivalent of NioCorp issuing Common
29
Shares for the net assets of GXII,
accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of GXII will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible
assets recorded.
The
proposed Transaction is expected to close in the first calendar quarter of 2023, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain
customary closing conditions contained in the Business Combination Agreement, including, among other things, (i) obtaining required
approvals of the Transaction and related matters by the respective shareholders of NioCorp and GXII, (ii) the effectiveness of
the registration statement on Form S-4 that the Company originally filed on November 7, 2022, and amended on December 22, 2022,
January 17, 2023, January 31, 2023, and February 6, 2023, and was declared effective by the SEC on February 8, 2023, (iii) receipt
of approval for listing on Nasdaq of the Common Shares to be issued in connection with the Transaction, (iv) receipt of approval
for listing on Nasdaq of the Warrants to be issued in exchange for the GXII warrants that NioCorp has agreed to assume, (v) receipt
of approval from the TSX with respect to the issuance and listing of the Common Shares issuable in connection with the Transaction,
(vi) that NioCorp and its subsidiaries (including GXII, as successor by merger to ECRC) will have at least $5.000001 million of
net tangible assets upon the consummation of the Transaction, after giving effect to any redemptions by GXII public stockholders
and after payment of underwriters’ fees or commissions, (vii) that, at the Transaction Closing, NioCorp and its subsidiaries
(including GXII, as successor by merger to ECRC) will have received cash in an amount equal to or greater than $15.0 million,
subject to certain adjustments, and (viii) the absence of any injunctions enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Business
Combination Agreement. The proposed additional financings contemplated by the LOIs will also be subject to the approval of the
TSX and the Company’s shareholders.
In
addition, in connection with the entry into the Business Combination Agreement, the Company announced the signing of non-binding
letters of intent for two separate financing packages with Yorkville. As discussed below, on January 26, 2023, the Company entered
into definitive agreements with respect to these financings.
Final
proceeds will depend upon redemption rates of current GXII shareholders at the consummation of the proposed Transaction. In connection
with the Transaction Closing, a significant number of GXII shareholders may exercise their redemption rights. See Part II, Item
1A, “Risk Factors—If the Transaction is consummated, the combined company may not realize all or any of the anticipated
benefits expected as a result of the Transaction.”
Yorkville
Financings
As
further discussed in Note 15 to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and
six months ended December 31, 2022, included elsewhere in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, on January 26, 2023, NioCorp entered
into definitive agreements with respect to two previously announced financings with Yorkville. The financings contemplated by
the definitive agreements include (i) up to $16.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured convertible debentures of NioCorp
(the “Convertible Debentures”) convertible into Common Shares and Common Share purchase warrants (the “Financing
Warrants”) entitling the holders thereof to purchase additional Common Shares (the “Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing”);
and (ii) a standby equity purchase facility pursuant to which NioCorp will have the right, but not the obligation, subject to
the conditions set out therein, to sell Common Shares to Yorkville with a maximum aggregate value of up to $65.0 million over
a period of up to 36 months (the “Yorkville Equity Facility Financing” and, together with the Yorkville Convertible
Debt Financing, the “Yorkville Financings”).
The
Yorkville Financings are expected to become effective on the date of the Transaction Closing.
NioCorp
intends to use the proceeds from the Yorkville Financings to advance its efforts to launch construction of the Elk Creek Project
and move it to commercial operation, and to satisfy the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Transaction, if required.
Completion
of the Yorkville Financings is subject to certain conditions, including the completion of the Transaction Closing, the receipt
of the approval of the TSX, and the approval of NioCorp’s shareholders in accordance with the rules of the TSX.
30
Elk
Creek Project Update
On
October 25, 2022, the Company announced that its demonstration-scale processing plant (the “demonstration plant”),
operated in Quebec, Canada, by L3 Process Innovation (“L3”), had completed demonstrating its planned process for removing
calcium and magnesium from ore obtained from the Elk Creek Project. This positive result is a key milestone in NioCorp’s
proposed optimization of its process flow sheet for the Elk Creek Project, which was designed by L3 and NioCorp.
Removing
carbonate minerals in this fashion is expected to reduce the size of the follow-on planned production steps and make them more
efficient. Characterization of the calcium and magnesium carbonate from the completed demonstration plant production runs has
demonstrated very low levels of impurities, and an overall 99% purity of the mixed calcium-magnesium carbonate.
On
January 4, 2023, the Company announced that the demonstration plant has succeeded in obtaining a Rare Earth dissolution rate of
86-95% from ore from the Elk Creek Project site through hydrochloric acid leaching and has achieved a loading rate of Rare Earths
as high as 99% in the follow-on solvent extraction recovery step. These relatively high rates, which were expected, point to potentially
strong rates of overall recovery of separated Rare Earth oxides, subject to additional demonstration testing over the coming weeks.
Additional
solvent extraction steps will be deployed to establish the ultimate recovery rates of potential Rare Earth products. The demonstration
plant has further established that the Rare Earths recovered in the initial solvent extraction step are accompanied by only two
impurities of note: iron and a very small amount of nickel. Given the success of this initial separation step, L3 and NioCorp
expect that losses in the additional solvent extraction steps would be low.
On
February 6, 2023, the Company announced that overall recoveries for praseodymium oxide, neodymium oxide, terbium oxide, and dysprosium
oxide are likely to be greater than 92% and meet commercial purity specifications for magnetic rare earth oxides. These results
are in line with bench- and pilot-scale testing of L3’s rare earth recovery system, as well as hydrometallurgical performance
models that have been run on the rare earth recovery process upon which the demonstration plant is based.
NioCorp
is currently focused on demonstrating its ability to recover three high-purity Rare Earth products: (1) neodymium-praseodymium
(“NdPr”) oxide, which is the principal component of neodymium-iron-boron (“NdFeB”) permanent Rare Earth
magnets, (2) Dy oxide, and (3) Tb oxide. Both Dy and Tb oxides are critical to the type of powerful NdFeB magnets used in the
traction motors of electric vehicles. The Demonstration Plant is also expected to deliver updated metallurgical recoveries for
niobium, scandium and titanium and expects to complete operations in the first calendar quarter of 2023.
Other
Activities
Our
long-term financing efforts continued during the quarter ended December 31, 2022, including the proposed Transaction, discussed
above. As funds become available through the Company’s fundraising efforts, we expect to undertake the following activities:
●
Continuation
of the Company’s efforts to secure federal, state, and local permits;
●
Continued evaluation
of the potential to produce Rare Earth products;
●
Negotiation and
completion of offtake agreements for the remaining uncommitted production from the project;
●
Negotiation and
completion of engineering, procurement, and construction agreements;
●
Completion of the
final detailed engineering for the underground portion of the Elk Creek Project;
●
Initiation and completion
of the final detailed engineering for surface project facilities;
●
Construction of
natural gas and electrical infrastructure under existing agreements to serve the Elk Creek Project site;
●
Completion of water
supply agreements and related infrastructure to deliver fresh water to the project site;
●
Initiation of revised
mine groundwater investigation and control activities;
●
Land clearing operations
intended to prepare property owned by ECRC for the commencement of project construction;
●
Initiation of efforts
to satisfy conditions of Johnson County’s Special Use Permit, including road upgrades and the provision of additional
law enforcement during the construction period;
●
Initiation of long-lead
equipment procurement activities; and
●
Completion of the
operations of the demonstration plant to address process recommendations contained in the NI 43-101 technical report for the
Elk Creek Project filed on SEDAR on May 29, 2019 and to quantify REE metallurgical performance.
31
Financial
and Operating Results
The
Company has no revenues from mining operations. Operating expenses incurred related primarily to performing exploration activities,
as well as the activities necessary to support corporate and shareholder duties, and are detailed in the following table.
For the
Three Months Ended December 31,
For the
Six Months Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2022
2021
Operating
expenses
(As
restated) 1
(As
restated) 1
Employee-related costs
$
291
$
1,232
$
584
$
1,551
Professional fees
262
424
426
514
Exploration expenditures
1,317
491
2,605
1,112
Other operating expenses
331
881
668
1,107
Total operating expenses
2,201
3,028
4,283
4,284
Change in fair value of warrant liability
341
-
84
-
Loss on debt extinguishment
-
-
1,622
-
Foreign exchange (gain) loss
(64
)
(61
)
109
164
Interest (income) expense
(38
)
1,022
220
1,627
Gain on sale of assets
(13
)
-
(13
)
-
Other loss on equity securities
2
3
1
5
Income tax benefit
-
-
-
-
Net loss
$
2,429
$
3,992
$
6,306
$
6,080
1 See
Note 3, “Restatement,” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
for a discussion regarding the impacts of the Restatement.
Six-month
period ended December 31, 2022 compared to the six-month period ended December 31, 2021
Significant
items affecting operating expenses are noted below:
Employee-related
costs decreased in 2022 as compared to 2021, primarily due to the timing of employee stock option grants. These costs decreased
in 2022 as compared to 2021 due to stock options to purchase Common Shares (“Options”) issued in 2021, which were
fully vested and expensed on the grant date.
Exploration
expenditures increased in 2022 as compared to 2021, primarily due to the timing of demonstration plant development, start-up,
and operational costs incurred in 2022, as well as costs related to the completion and filing of the Technical Report Summary
based on the Company’s 2022 Feasibility Study for the Elk Creek Project, which was filed with the SEC on September 6, 2022.
Other
operating expenses include investor relations, general office expenditures, equity offering and proxy expenditures, board-related
expenditures, and other miscellaneous costs. These costs decreased in 2022 as compared to 2021, primarily due to director Options
issued in 2021, which were fully vested and expensed on the grant date. This reduction in costs associated with director Options
was partially offset by increased financial advisory fees and investor relations fees associated with our ongoing financing efforts.
Other
significant items impacting the change in the Company’s net loss are noted below :
Change
in fair value of warrant liability for 2022 represents the decrease in the liability associated with the warrants that may
be issued to Lind if on the date that is 18 months following consummation of the Transaction, the closing
32
trading price of the Common Shares on the TSX or such other stock exchange on which such shares may then
be listed, is less than C$10.00, subject to adjustments, pursuant to the Waiver and Consent Agreement, dated September 25, 2022
(the “Lind Consent”), between the Company and Lind, as discussed in Note 3.
Loss on debt extinguishment
for 2022 represents the loss incurred under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 470, Debt, related
to the convertible security (the “Lind III Convertible Security”) issued to Lind Global Asset Management III, LLC (“Lind”)
pursuant to the Convertible Security Funding Agreement, dated February 26, 2021, as amended by Amendment #1 to the Convertible
Security Funding Agreement, dated December 2, 2021, between the Company and Lind, as discussed in Note 3 to the interim condensed
consolidated financial statements.
Foreign
exchange loss is primarily due to changes in the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar and reflects the timing of foreign
currency transactions, primarily U.S. dollar-based related party loans, and subsequent changes in exchange rates. The decline
in foreign exchange loss during 2022 as compared 2021 is due to a declining U.S. dollar-based debt balance, partially offset by
increased foreign exchange rates in 2022.
Interest (income) expense
decreased in 2022 as compared to 2021 due to the impacts of conversions on the outstanding balance of the Lind III Convertible
Security.
Three-month
period ended December 31, 2022 compared to the three-month period ended December 31, 2021
Overall,
the decrease in net loss for the three-month period ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the same period in 2021, is primarily
the result of the same factors underlying the six-month changes in expense categories as discussed above.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
We
have no revenue generating operations from which we can internally generate funds. To date, our ongoing operations have been financed
by the sale of our equity securities by way of private placements, convertible securities issuances, the exercise of incentive
Options and Warrants, and related party loans.
As
of December 31, 2022, the Company had cash of $0.4 million and a working capital deficit of $6.6 million, compared to cash of
$5.3 million and working capital surplus of $0.6 million on June 30, 2022.
We
expect that the Company will operate at a loss for the foreseeable future. The Company’s current planned cash needs are
approximately $13.5 million until June 30, 2023. In addition to outstanding accounts payable and short-term liabilities, our average
monthly planned expenditures are approximately $1,165 per month where approximately $405 is for corporate overhead and estimated
costs related to securing financing necessary for advancement of the Elk Creek Project. Approximately $760 per month is planned
for expenditures relating to the advancement of Elk Creek Project by NioCorp’s wholly owned subsidiary, ECRC. The Company’s
ability to continue operations and fund our current work plan is dependent on management’s ability to secure additional
financing.
The
Company anticipates that it does not have sufficient cash to continue to fund basic operations for the next twelve months, and
additional funds totaling $13.5 million to $15.5 million are likely to be necessary to continue advancing the project in the areas
of financing, permitting, and detailed engineering. Management is actively pursuing such additional sources of debt and equity
financing, and while it has been successful in doing so in the past, there can be no assurance it will be able to do so in the
future.
Elk
Creek property lease commitments are $12 until June 30, 2023. To maintain our currently held properties and fund our currently
anticipated general and administrative costs and planned exploration and development activities at the Elk Creek Project for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, the Company will likely require additional financing during the current fiscal year. Should
such financing not be available in that timeframe, we will be required to reduce our activities and will not be able to carry
out all our presently planned activities at the Elk Creek Project.
On
September 25, 2022, the Company, GXII and Merger Sub entered into the Business Combination Agreement. The NioCorp Board of Directors
considered a number of factors as generally supporting its decision to enter into the Business Combination Agreement, including,
but not limited to, the following material factors:
●
Anticipated
Acceleration of Financing Efforts . The Transaction has the potential to (1) provide NioCorp with up to $285.0 million in net
cash proceeds at the consummation of the Transaction, depending upon the amount of redemptions by GXII public stockholders, and
up to an additional $81.0 million over the next three years
(as further discussed below), depending on the consummation of other additional financing
arrangements that NioCorp and GXII intend to pursue prior to and following the expected
closing of the Transaction and (2) significantly accelerate NioCorp’s efforts to
obtain the required Elk Creek Project financing by increasing
33
exposure to institutional
investors looking to make strategic investments in critical minerals plays that are crucial
to the world’s clean energy transition;
●
Non-Binding Yorkville
Term Sheets. The signing of non-binding LOIs for two separate financing packages with Yorkville. The financings contemplated
by the LOIs include $16.0 million in convertible debentures that are expected to be funded at the closing of the Transaction,
and subject to certain limitations can be repaid by NioCorp in either cash or Common Shares, and a standby equity purchase
facility pursuant to which NioCorp will have the ability to require Yorkville, subject to the conditions set out in the definitive
agreements, to purchase up to $65.0 million of Common Shares;
●
Anticipated Benefits
of Nasdaq Listing . A listing on Nasdaq, which is an established national exchange in the United States, would provide
broader access to capital and financing alternatives and would otherwise enhance NioCorp’s public profile; and
●
Minimum Cash
Condition . The consummation of the Transaction is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain closing conditions
contained in the Business Combination Agreement, including, among other things, that, at the closing, NioCorp and its subsidiaries
(including GXII, as successor by merger to ECRC) will have received cash in an amount equal to or greater than $15.0 million,
subject to certain adjustments.
The
NioCorp Board of Directors also considered a variety of uncertainties and risks and other potentially negative factors concerning
the Transaction, including, but not limited to, the following:
●
Risks of Failure to Complete
the Transaction . The risks that:
○
the
Transaction may not be completed despite the parties’ efforts, including the possibility that the conditions to the
parties’ obligations to complete the Transaction (which include certain conditions that are not within the control of
the parties to the Business Combination Agreement) may not be satisfied or that completion of the Transaction may be unduly
delayed, and any resulting adverse impacts on NioCorp, its business and the trading price of Common Shares;
○
the circumstances
under which the Business Combination Agreement could be terminated and the impact of such termination, including the requirement
that NioCorp must pay GXII (1) a Base Termination Fee of $15.0 million if it terminates the Business Combination Agreement
in order to enter into an agreement providing for a Superior Proposal (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement),
for a change of recommendation of the NioCorp Board, or a material breach of certain of NioCorp’s covenants relating
to soliciting acquisition proposals or (2) an Intentional Breach Termination Fee of $25.0 million if GXII terminates the Business
Combination Agreement as a result of a willful and material breach by NioCorp or as a result of NioCorp’s failure to
consummate the closing of the Transaction within five business days after all the conditions to closing have been satisfied;
○
if GXII is entitled
to the Base Termination Fee or the Intentional Breach Termination Fee upon termination of the Business Combination Agreement,
NioCorp is also required to pay all documented and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses paid or payable by GXII and its sponsor
in connection with the Business Combination Agreement and the Transaction, not to exceed $5.0 million; and
○
the substantial
costs to be incurred in connection with the Transaction, including those incurred regardless of whether the Transaction are
completed;
●
Risks Relating to the Benefits
of the Transaction. The risks of:
○
not
realizing all the anticipated benefits expected as a result of the Transaction, including the anticipated acceleration of
its financing efforts and the benefits of the expected Nasdaq listing, and that general economic and market conditions outside
the control of the parties to the Business Combination Agreement could deteriorate, any of which could result in NioCorp being
unable to achieve the financing necessary to advance, complete construction and commence operation of the Elk Creek Project;
and
○
the
substantial costs to be incurred in connection with the Transaction, including those incurred regardless of whether the anticipated
benefits of the Transaction are realized;
●
Restrictions
on the Conduct of Business . The Business Combination Agreement places certain restrictions on the
conduct of the NioCorp business prior to the consummation of the Transaction and other alternatives
reasonably available to NioCorp if it did not pursue the Transaction, including continuing to pursue
alternative financing arrangements.
34
Except
for the Yorkville Financings discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations” under the heading “ Recent Corporate Events ,” we currently have no further funding commitments
or arrangements for additional financing at this time, other than the potential exercise of Options and Warrants, and there is
no assurance that we will be able to obtain any such additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all. The Yorkville Convertible
Debt Financing Agreement also contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit NioCorp’s ability to use the proceeds
from the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing to repay related party debt or to enter into any variable rate transaction, including
issuances of equity or debt securities that are convertible into Common Shares at variable rates and any equity line of credit,
ATM agreement or other continuous offering of Common Shares, other than with Yorkville, subject to certain exceptions. Notwithstanding
the restrictions set forth in the Business Combination Agreement and the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement, there
is significant uncertainty that we would be able to secure any additional financing in the current equity or debt markets. The
quantity of funds to be raised and the terms of any proposed equity or debt financing that may be undertaken will be negotiated
by management as opportunities to raise funds arise. In addition to the proposed Transaction and Yorkville Financings, and subject
to receipt of the consent of GXII as may be required pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, management may pursue funding
sources of both debt and equity financing, including but not limited to the issuance of equity securities in the form of Common
Shares, Warrants, subscription receipts, or any combination thereof in units of the Company pursuant to private placements to
accredited investors or pursuant to public offerings in the form of underwritten/brokered offerings, registered direct offerings,
or other forms of equity financing and public or private issuances of debt securities including secured and unsecured convertible
debt instruments or secured debt project financing. Management does not currently know the terms pursuant to which such financings
may be completed in the future, but any such financings will be negotiated at arm’s length. Future financings involving
the issuance of equity securities or derivatives thereof will likely be completed at a discount to the then-current market price
of the Company’s securities and will likely be dilutive to current shareholders. In addition, we could raise funds through
the sale of interests in our mineral properties, although current market conditions and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and
other recent worldwide events have substantially reduced the number of potential buyers/acquirers of any such interests. However,
we cannot provide any assurances that we will be able to be successful in raising such funds.
Based
on the conditions described within, management has concluded and the audit opinion and notes that accompany our financial statements
for the year ended June 30, 2022, disclose that substantial doubt exists as to our ability to continue in business. The financial
statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a going
concern. We are a development stage issuer and we have incurred losses since our inception. We may not have sufficient cash to
fund normal operations and meet debt obligations for the next twelve months without deferring payment on certain current liabilities
and raising additional funds. The COVID-19 pandemic and other recent worldwide events have created general global economic uncertainty
as well as uncertainty in capital markets, supply chain disruptions, increased interest rates, and the potential for geographic
recessions. During fiscal year 2022 and continuing into fiscal year 2023, these events continued to create uncertainty with respect
to overall project funding and timelines. We believe that the going concern uncertainty cannot be alleviated with confidence until
the Company has entered into a business climate where funding of its planned ongoing operating activities is secured. Therefore,
these factors raise substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
We
have no exposure to any asset-backed commercial paper. Other than cash held by our subsidiaries for their immediate operating
needs in Colorado and Nebraska, all of our cash reserves are on deposit with major U.S. and Canadian chartered banks. We do not
believe that the credit, liquidity, or market risks with respect thereto have increased as a result of the current market conditions.
However, in order to achieve greater security for the preservation of our capital, we have, of necessity, been required to accept
lower rates of interest, which has also lowered our potential interest income.
Operating
Activities
During
the six months ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s operating activities consumed $4.1 million of cash (2021: $3.0 million).
The cash used in operating activities for the six months ended December 31, 2022, reflects the Company’s funding of losses
of $6.3 million, partially offset by the loss on debt extinguishment, accretion of convertible debt, and other non-cash transactions.
Overall, operational outflows during the six months ended December 31, 2022, increased from the corresponding period of 2021 due
to an increase in exploration-related
35
spending at the Elk Creek Project. Going forward, the Company’s working capital requirements
are expected to increase substantially in connection with the development of the Elk Creek Project.
Financing
Activities
Financing
outflows were $0.5 million during the six months ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $0.6 million of inflows during the corresponding
period in 2021, with 2022 outflows reflecting the timing of vendor payments related to deferred Transaction costs incurred during
the period and 2021 inflows primarily reflecting the timing of warrant and option exercises, partially offset by a partial repayment
under the related party loan with our President, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Executive Chairman, Mark Smith.
Cash
Flow Considerations
The
Company has historically relied upon debt and equity financings to finance its activities. Subject to the restrictions set forth
in the Business Combination Agreement and the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement, the Company may pursue additional
debt and/or equity financing in the medium term; however, there can be no assurance the Company will be able to obtain any required
financing in the future on acceptable terms.
The
Company has limited financial resources compared to its proposed expenditures, no source of operating income, and no assurance
that additional funding will be available to it for current or future projects, although the Company has been successful in the
past in financing its activities through the sale of equity securities.
The
ability of the Company to arrange additional financing in the future will depend, in part, on the prevailing capital market conditions,
including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the timing and availability of funding, and its success in developing the Elk
Creek Project. Any quoted market for the Common Shares may be subject to market trends generally, notwithstanding any potential
success of the Company in creating revenue, cash flows, or earnings, and any depression of the trading price of the Common Shares
could impact its ability to obtain equity financing on acceptable terms.
Historically,
the Company has used net proceeds from issuances of Common Shares to provide sufficient funds to meet its near-term exploration
and development plans and other contractual obligations when due. However, development and construction of the Elk Creek Project
will require substantial additional capital resources. This includes near-term funding and, ultimately, funding for Elk Creek
Project construction and other costs. See “ Liquidity and Capital Resources ” above for the Company’s discussion
of arrangements related to possible future financings.
Critical
Accounting Estimates
Except as noted below, there have been
no material changes in our critical accounting estimates discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations” under the heading “Critical Accounting Estimates and Recent Accounting Pronouncements”
as of June 30, 2022, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022.
Warrants
We apply relevant accounting guidance
for warrants to purchase our stock based on the nature of the relationship with the counterparty. For warrants issued to investors
or lenders in exchange for cash or other financial assets, we follow guidance issued within ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities
from Equity, and ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, (“ASC 815”) to assist in the determination of whether the
warrants should be classified as liabilities or equity. The fair value of warrants is estimated using Black Scholes modeling or
Monte Carlo modeling, depending on the settlement features embedded in the warrant. Inputs under both models include inputs such
as NioCorp’s Common Share price, the risk-free interest rate, the expected term, the volatility, and the dividend rate.
Warrants that are determined to require liability classifications are measured at fair value upon issuance and are subsequently
remeasured to their then fair value at each subsequent reporting period with changes in fair value recorded in current earnings.
Warrants that are determined to require equity classifications are measured at fair value upon issuance and are not subsequently
remeasured unless they are required to be reclassified.
Certain
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
NioCorp
believes that it qualified as a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) as defined under Section
1297 of the Code, in recent years, including its taxable years ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021. However, based on the current
composition of its income and assets, as well as current business plans and financial expectations, NioCorp does not currently
expect to be treated as a PFIC for its taxable year or foreseeable future taxable years. However, this conclusion is a factual
determination that must be made annually at the close of each taxable year and, thus, is subject to change. In addition, it is
possible notwithstanding NioCorp’s conclusion that the IRS could assert, and that a court could sustain, a determination
that NioCorp is a PFIC. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that NioCorp (or any of its subsidiaries) will not be treated as
a PFIC for any taxable year. Current and prospective U.S. shareholders should consult their tax advisors as to the tax consequences
of PFIC classification and the U.S. federal tax treatment of PFICs. Additional information on this matter is included in the “Risk
Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, under the
heading “Risks Related to the Common Shares.
36
Other
The
Company has one class of shares, being Common Shares. A summary of outstanding shares, Options, Warrants, and convertible debt
option as of February 13, 2023, is set out below, on a fully-diluted basis.
Common
Shares Outstanding
(fully
diluted)
Common Shares
28,246,620
Options 1
983,500
Warrants 1
1,801,625
Convertible Debt 2
63,770
1 Each
exercisable into one Common Share.
2 Represents
Common Shares issuable on conversion of aggregate outstanding principal amounts of $0.515
million of convertible debt as of February 13, 2023, assuming a market price per Common
Share of $9.20 on that date.
ITEM
3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest
rate risk
The
Company’s exposure to changes in market interest rates, relates primarily to the Company’s earned interest income
on cash deposits and short-term investments. The Company maintains a balance between the liquidity of cash assets and the interest
rate return thereon. The carrying amount of financial assets, net of any provisions for losses, represents the Company’s
maximum exposure to credit risk.
Foreign
currency exchange risk
The
Company incurs expenditures in both U.S. dollars and Canadian dollars. Canadian dollar expenditures are primarily related to certain
Common Share-related costs and corporate professional services. As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may impact the costs
of our operating activities. To reduce this risk, we maintain sufficient cash balances in Canadian dollars to fund expected near-term
expenditures.
Commodity
price risk
The
Company is exposed to commodity price risk related to the elements associated with the Elk Creek Project. A significant decrease
in the global demand for these elements may have a material adverse effect on our business. The Elk Creek Project is not in production,
and the Company does not currently hold any commodity derivative positions.
ITEM
4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure
Controls and Procedures (Restated)
At the end of the period covered by this
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and
with the participation of our management, including the CEO and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness
of the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the
Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO concluded at the time that the Original Form 10-Q was filed that,
as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to
the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting relating to the Company’s controls over accounting for
non-routine transactions described below.
37
Subsequent to that evaluation, the Company
identified an additional error, requiring the restatement of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as
of and for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and the three and six months ended December 31, 2022, which was partially
caused by the same material weakness in internal control over financial reporting that management had concluded existed as of December
31, 2022 at the time the Original Form 10-Q was filed. In addition, subsequent to the evaluation of the effectiveness of the design
and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures conducted at the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, management
concluded that two other material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting existed as of December 31, 2022, as described
below. As a result, the CEO and CFO have reaffirmed their conclusion that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly
Report, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the material weaknesses in internal control over financial
reporting described below.
The
Company’s disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that: (i) information required to be disclosed
by us in reports that we file or submit to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within
the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms and (ii) material information required to be disclosed in our reports
filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and the CFO, as appropriate, to
allow for accurate and timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management
does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all error and all fraud. The effectiveness of our or
any system of disclosure controls and procedures, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that
the objectives of the system will be met and is subject to certain limitations, including the exercise of judgment in designing,
implementing, and evaluating controls and procedures and the assumptions used in identifying the likelihood of future events.
Material
Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financing Reporting Existing as of December 31, 2022
A
material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there
is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be
prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Our management concluded that the previously
disclosed material weakness relating to the Company’s controls over the accounting for non-routine transactions continued
to exist as of December 31, 2022. Specifically, such controls were not adequately designed to ensure the consideration of all related
relevant accounting guidance when such transactions were recorded. As disclosed in the Company’s Amendment No. 1 on Form
10-K/A to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022 and its Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-Q/A to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022, and in the Original Form 10-Q, this material weakness resulted in the restatement
of the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 and the interim
periods ended September 30, 2021, December 31, 2021 and March 31, 2022.
The Company identified an additional error
during the quarter ended March 31, 2023 relating to the accounting treatment of the Lind Consent. The error required the restatement
of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and
the three and six months ended December 31, 2022, as discussed in Note 3. The Company determined that the error was partially caused
by the same material weakness that existed as of June 30, 2022 and that was determined to exist as of both September 30, 2022 and
December 31, 2022 at the time the Original Form 10-Q was filed. Therefore, the material weakness discussed above continued to exist
as of December 31, 2022.
In addition to the material weakness discussed
above, our management concluded that two other material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting existed as of December
31, 2022. A cumulative listing of our material weaknesses is disclosed below:
●
Control Environment: Management did not design and maintain an effective control environment based on the criteria established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations Integrated Framework (2013) (“COSO Framework”). Specifically, the Company does not have sufficient personnel with the appropriate levels of knowledge, experience, and training in accounting and internal controls over financial reporting commensurate with the complexity of the Company’s business. This material weakness contributed to additional material weaknesses related to the Company’s control activities as further described below.
●
Control Activities: Management did not design and maintain effective controls, including management review controls, related to non-routine transactions. Specifically, management did not have policies and procedures for the reconsideration of existing agreements when infrequent transactions occur.
●
Monitoring Activities: Management did not design and maintain effective monitoring controls to support timely evaluation of remediation of identified internal control deficiencies.
Additionally, these material weaknesses
could result in a misstatement of account balances or disclosures that would result in a material misstatement to the annual or
interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or timely detected.
Remediation Plan for the Material Weaknesses
To address our material weaknesses
that were determined to exist as of December 31, 2022, we are currently devising a detailed plan to address each individual
material weakness identified, as well as the overall monitoring process, including the following:
●
In order to remediate the material weakness relating to the Company’s control environment, we plan
to develop and implement controls to ensure work performed by Company personnel and other experts is reviewed by individuals with
the appropriate level of U.S. GAAP knowledge and experience. This may include separating the performance and review of certain
close procedures among current accounting personnel and/or engaging third-party accounting consultants with the requisite U.S.
GAAP knowledge and experience to perform work under the control and oversight of Company personnel. In addition, we plan to enhance
the design of our controls over the consideration of all related relevant accounting guidance for the initial recording and subsequent
measurements of non-routine transactions.
38
●
In order to remediate the material weakness relating to the Company’s controls activities, we are in the process of designing and implementing controls over the consideration of all related relevant accounting guidance for the initial recording and subsequent measurements of non-routine transactions.
●
In order to remediate the material weakness relating to the Company’s controls over monitoring activities, we plan to design and implement controls to manage and monitor our progress towards the remediation of internal control deficiencies and material weaknesses, including oversight by, and periodic reporting to, the Audit Committee.
The
process of designing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting is a continuous effort that requires
management to anticipate and react to changes in our business, economic and regulatory environments and to expend significant
resources. As we continue to evaluate our internal control over financial reporting, we may take additional actions to remediate
the material weaknesses or modify the remediation actions described above.
While
we continue to devote significant time and attention to these remediation efforts, the material weaknesses will not be considered
remediated until management completes the design and implementation of the actions described above and the controls operate for
a sufficient period of time, and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are effective.
Changes
in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Other than as discussed above, there have
been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended December 31, 2022,
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting.
PART II
— OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM
1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We
know of no material, active, or pending legal proceedings against the Company, nor are we involved as a plaintiff in any material
proceeding or pending litigation. There are no proceedings in which any of our directors, officers, or affiliates, or any registered
or beneficial shareholder, is an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to our interest.
ITEM
1A. RISK FACTORS
You
should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in the Company’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, which could materially affect the Company’s business, financial
condition or future results.
The
information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including without limitation, the risk factors presented below, updates
and should be read in conjunction with, the risk factors and information disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K/A for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022.
Failure
to consummate the Transaction could negatively impact the price of our Common Shares and have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
The
consummation of the Transaction is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain customary closing conditions contained in
the Business Combination Agreement, including, among other things, (i) obtaining required approvals of the Transaction and related
matters by the respective shareholders of NioCorp and GXII, (ii) the effectiveness of the registration statement on Form S-4 that
the Company originally filed on November 7, 2022, and amended on December 22, 2022, January 17, 2023, January 31, 2023, and February
6, 2023, and was declared effective by the SEC on February 8, 2023, (iii) receipt of approval for listing on Nasdaq of the Common
Shares to be issued in connection with the Transaction, (iv) receipt of approval for listing on Nasdaq of the Warrants assumed
from GXII, (v) receipt of approval from the TSX with respect to the issuance and listing of the Common Shares issuable in connection
with the Transaction, (vi) that NioCorp and its subsidiaries (including GXII, as successor by merger to ECRC) will have at least
$5.000001 million of net tangible assets upon the consummation of the Transaction, after giving effect to any redemptions by GXII
public stockholders and after payment of underwriters’ fees or commissions, (vii) that, at closing, NioCorp and its subsidiaries
(including GXII, as successor by merger to ECRC) will have received cash in an amount equal to or greater than $15.0 million,
subject to certain adjustments, and (viii) the absence of any injunctions enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Business
Combination Agreement.
Many
of the conditions to completion of the Transaction pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement are not within NioCorp’s
or GXII’s control, and we cannot predict with any certainty when these conditions will be satisfied, if at all. Although
NioCorp and GXII are working to complete the Transaction, satisfying the conditions to and completion of the Transaction may take
longer, and could cost more, than we expect. For example, the requirements for obtaining the required stock exchange clearances
and approvals could delay the completion of the Transaction for a period of time or prevent it from occurring. Any delay in completing
the Transaction within the expected timeframe may adversely affect the benefits that we expect to achieve from the Transaction.
If any of these conditions are not satisfied or waived, it is possible that the Business Combination Agreement may be terminated
and the Transaction may not be completed.
If
the Transaction is not completed for any reason, including as a result of NioCorp’s shareholders or GXII’s stockholders
failing to approve the applicable proposals or the Business Combination Agreement is otherwise terminated, our ongoing business
may be materially adversely affected and, without realizing any of the benefits of having completed the Transaction, we would
be subject to a number of risks, including the following:
●
we
may experience negative reactions from the financial markets, including negative impacts on the price of our Common Shares;
39
●
we
will still be required to pay certain significant costs relating to the Transaction, such as legal, accounting, financial
advisor and printing fees;
●
we
may be required to pay a termination fee and reimburse GXII for certain of its expenses under the terms of the Business Combination
Agreement;
●
the
Business Combination Agreement places certain restrictions on the conduct of the our business until the earlier of the termination
of the Business Combination Agreement and the closing date of the Transaction, which restrictions may have delayed or prevented
the us from undertaking business opportunities that, absent the Business Combination Agreement, may have been pursued;
●
matters
relating to the Transaction require substantial commitments of time and resources by management, which could have resulted
in the distraction of management from ongoing business operations and pursuing other opportunities that could have been beneficial
to us; and
●
litigation
related to any failure to complete the Transaction or related to any enforcement proceeding commenced against us to perform
our obligations under the Business Combination Agreement.
If
the Transaction is not completed, any of the risks described above may materialize and they may have a material adverse effect
on our results of operations, cash flows, financial position and the price of our Common Shares.
If
the Transaction is consummated, the combined company may not realize all or any of the anticipated benefits expected as a result
of the Transaction.
The
success of the Transaction, if consummated, will depend, in part, on the combined company’s ability to realize the anticipated
benefits expected from the Transaction. In particular, a significant number of GXII shareholders may exercise their redemption
rights in connection with the closing of the Transaction. In addition, the Business Combination Agreement does not make the consummation
of the Transaction conditional on the entry into definitive documentation and consummation of the financing transactions contemplated
by the LOIs with Yorkville, and there is no assurance that such financing transactions will be consummated. As a result, even
if the minimum cash and net tangible asset conditions to closing set forth in the Business Combination Agreement are satisfied
and the Transaction is consummated, after giving effect to (i) payments made to GXII stockholders who properly exercise their
redemption rights and (ii) payments for potential taxes and certain expenses incurred by NioCorp and GXII in connection with the
Transaction, to the extent not otherwise paid prior to the closing, the combined company may have less net cash proceeds available
for general corporate purposes than anticipated. In addition, the listing of the Common Shares on Nasdaq may not provide the anticipated
benefits of broader access to capital and financing alternatives or otherwise enhance NioCorp’s public profile. If the combined
company is not successful in realizing these anticipated benefits, including the anticipated benefits of listing the Common Shares
on the Nasdaq and the anticipated acceleration of financing efforts to advance, complete construction and commence operation of
the Elk Creek Project, such consequences may adversely affect the combined company’s results of operations, cash flows,
financial position and the price of our Common Shares.
The
Yorkville Financings are subject to satisfaction or waiver of several conditions.
Completion
of the Yorkville Financings are subject to the satisfaction of a number of conditions precedent, certain of which are outside
of NioCorp’s control, including, but not limited to, the approval by our shareholders of the issuance of the Common Shares
in connection with the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing, approval by our shareholders of the issuance of Common Shares in
connection with the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing, and other customary conditions. A substantial delay in obtaining satisfactory
approvals and/or the imposition of unfavorable terms or conditions in the approvals to be obtained could result in the termination
of the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement or the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement. There can be no certainty,
nor can NioCorp provide any assurance, that these conditions will be satisfied or, if satisfied, when they will be satisfied.
If the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing or the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing are not completed: (i) certain costs related
to the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement and the Yorkville Convertible Debt Facility Agreement, such as legal, accounting
and financial advisory fees, must be paid by NioCorp even if the Yorkville Financings are not completed; (ii) NioCorp may not
be successful in finding another financing opportunity that is of equal or greater
40
benefit to NioCorp; and (iii) the time and
attention of NioCorp’s management will have been diverted away from the conduct of NioCorp’s business.
We
may not be able to consummate the Yorkville Financings in a timely manner or at all, which could have a material adverse effect
on the Company. Even if the Yorkville Financings are consummated, we face significant related risks, and we may not recognize
the full value of the Yorkville Financings.
Completion
of the Yorkville Financings is subject to the satisfaction of a number of conditions precedent, certain of which are outside of
NioCorp’s control, including, but not limited to, the approval by our shareholders of the issuances of the Common Shares
in connection with the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing and upon the conversion of the Convertible Debentures and the exercise
of the Financing Warrants. A failure in obtaining necessary approvals and/or a failure to satisfy other conditions precedent could
result in the termination of the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement and the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement.
There can be no certainty, nor can NioCorp provide any assurance, that these conditions will be satisfied or, if satisfied, when
they will be satisfied. If the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing or the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing are not completed:
(i) certain costs related to the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement and the Yorkville Convertible Debt Facility Agreement,
such as legal, accounting and financial advisory fees, must be paid by NioCorp even if the Yorkville Financings are not completed;
(ii) NioCorp may not be successful in finding another financing opportunity that is of equal or greater benefit to NioCorp; (iii)
the time and attention of NioCorp’s management will have been diverted away from the conduct of NioCorp’s business;
and (iv) we may not be able to complete the proposed Transactions, each of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Even
if the Yorkville Financings are consummated, we may not recognize or the full value of the Yorkville Financings. Specifically,
our ability to sell shares to Yorkville pursuant to the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement is subject to certain restrictions
and limitations, which may prevent us from selling the full Commitment Amount prior to the expiration of the Commitment Period.
As a result, there can be no assurance that NioCorp will receive all or even a significant portion of the proceeds that it expects
to receive in connection with the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing. Further, holders of the Financing Warrants will have the
ability to exercise them on a cashless basis. Accordingly, we may not receive any proceeds from the exercise of the Financing
Warrants.
If
the Yorkville Financings are consummated, we will incur significant additional debt upon the issuance of the Convertible Debentures.
Notwithstanding whether we are able to recognize the full value of the Yorkville Financings, we will become obligated to repay
or issue Common Shares upon settlement of the full $16.0 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Debentures that we
have agreed to issue pursuant to the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement. Such significant additional debt could adversely
affect our business, which may prevent us from fulfilling our obligations with respect to our existing debt or obtaining future
financing.
Further,
the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement restricts us from pursuing certain variable rate financing transactions, which
could impair our ability to obtain additional financing on terms that are favorable, or at all. Our inability to obtain additional
financing on terms that are favorable, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of
operations and prospects.
Last,
if the Yorkville Financings are consummated, a significant number of Common Shares would become potentially issuable under the
Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement and upon the conversion of the Convertible Debentures and the exercise of the Financing
Warrants. Additionally, the lower the market or trading price of our Common Shares in the future, the greater the number of Common
Shares potentially issuable under the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement and upon the conversion of the Convertible
Debentures and the exercise of the Financing Warrants, would become. Factors both within and beyond our control could cause the
market or trading price of our Common Shares to decline, even significantly, in the future. As a result, existing shareholders
will have their positions significantly diluted by the potential increase in additional outstanding Common Shares due to the issuance
of Common Shares under the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement and upon the conversion of the Convertible Debentures
and the exercise of the Financing Warrants. If the Yorkville Financings are completed, and subject to the terms of the Yorkville
Equity Facility Financing Agreement and the Yorkville Convertible Debt Financing Agreement, as applicable, the potential issuances
of Common Shares thereunder, the sale of Common Shares in the public market from time to time, and any disclosures to be made
by us relating thereto, could depress the market price for the Common Shares.
41
New
Risk Factors in this Form 10-Q/A
The Company recently determined additional material weaknesses
in its internal control over financial reporting existed as of December 31, 2022. If not remediated, the Company’s failure
to establish and maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting could result
in material misstatements in its financial statements and a failure to meet its reporting and financial obligations, each of which
could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and the trading price of the Common Shares.
Our management has determined that additional material weaknesses
in its internal control over financial reporting existed as of December 31, 2022. Specifically, these additional material weaknesses
relate to management’s control over the design and maintenance of an effective control environment and its monitoring controls
over the timely remediation of identified internal control weaknesses. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of
deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement
of a company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
As discussed in Item Part I, Item 4, “Controls and Procedures,”
of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company’s management has assessed the effectiveness of its disclosure controls
and procedures and concluded that they were not effective as of December 31, 2022.
The Company is committed to remediating its material weaknesses
as promptly as possible. Management is in the process of implementing its remediation plan. However, there can be no assurance
as to when the material weaknesses will be remediated or that additional material weaknesses will not arise in the future. If the
Company is unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, its ability to record, process and report financial
information timely and accurately could be adversely affected, which could subject the Company to litigation or investigations,
require management resources, increase costs, negatively affect investor confidence and adversely impact the trading price of the
Common Shares.
We
may face litigation and other risks as a result of the Restatement and the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial
reporting.
We previously identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting that resulted
in the restatement of our consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 and the
interim periods ended September 30, 2021, December 31, 2021 and March 31, 2022. Subsequent to the filing of the Original Form 10-Q,
we identified an additional error, requiring the restatement of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements
as of and for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and the three and six months ended December 31, 2022, which was partially
caused by the same material weakness in internal control over financial reporting. In addition, subsequent to the filing of the
Original Form 10-Q, management concluded that two additional material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting existed
as of December 31, 2022. As a result of such material weaknesses, the Restatement and other matters raised or that may in the future
be raised by the SEC or the Canadian securities regulators, we face potential for litigation or other disputes, which may include,
among others, claims invoking the federal and state securities laws, contractual claims or other claims arising from the Restatement
and the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements. As
of the date of this Form 10-Q/A, we have no knowledge of any such litigation or dispute. However, we can provide no assurance that
such litigation or dispute will not arise in the future. Any such litigation or dispute, whether successful or not, could adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
ITEM
2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The
following Common Shares were issued pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, in connection with the voluntary conversion
of a portion of the amount outstanding under the Lind III Convertible Security and based upon representations and warranties of
Lind in connection therewith.
Date
Conversion
Amount (000)
Shares
Issued
Conversion
Price/Share
November
22, 2022
$300
42,160
C$9.569
ITEM
3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM
4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Pursuant
to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act, issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal
or other mine in the United States are required to disclose specified information about mine health and safety in their periodic
reports. These reporting requirements are based on the safety and health requirements applicable to mines under the Federal Mine
Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”) which is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine
Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”). During the three-month period ended December 31, 2022, the Company and
its subsidiaries and their properties or operations were not subject to regulation by MSHA under the Mine Act and thus no disclosure
is required under Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act.
ITEM
5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
42
ITEM
6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit
No.
Title
3.1(1)
Notice of Articles dated April 5, 2016
3.2(1)
Articles, as amended, effective as of January 27, 2015
4.1(2)
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2023, by and between NioCorp Developments Ltd. and each of the investors listed on the Schedule of Buyers attached thereto
4.2(2)
Form of Convertible Debentures (included in Exhibit 4.1)
4.3(2)
Form of Warrants (included in Exhibit 4.1)
4.4(2)
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2023, by and between NioCorp Developments Ltd. and YA II PN, Ltd.
10.1(2)
Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2023, by and between NioCorp Developments Ltd. and YA II PN, Ltd.
31.1
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
Certification
of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002
32.2
Certification
of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002
101.INS(3)
Inline
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH(3)
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension- Schema
101.CAL(3)
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Calculations
101.DEF(3)
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Definitions
101.LAB(3)
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Labels
101.PRE(3)
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Presentations
104
Cover
Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
(1)
Previously filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Draft Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 377-01354) submitted to the
SEC on July 26, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.
(2)
Previously
filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on January 27,
2023, and incorporated herein by reference.
(3)
Submitted
Electronically Herewith. Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following formatted in inline XBRL (Extensible Business
Reporting Language): (i) the Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022,
(ii) the Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Three and Six Months
ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, (iii) the Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months
ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, (iv) the Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for
the Three and Six Months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and (v) the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements.
43
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements 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.
NIOCORP
DEVELOPMENTS LTD.
(Registrant)
By:
/s/
Mark A. Smith
Mark A. Smith
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Executive Chairman
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: June 7, 2023
By:
/s/ Neal
Shah
Neal Shah
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Date: June 7, 2023
44
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.