Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis provide information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our condensed consolidated results of operations and financial condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2022 contained in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward looking statements and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of the 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated and/or supplemented in subsequent filings with the SEC, including this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we”, “us”, “our”, “TMC” and “the Company” are intended to mean the business and operations of TMC the metals company Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, present the financial position and results of operations of TMC the metals company Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Overview
We are a deep-sea minerals exploration company focused on the collection, processing and refining of polymetallic nodules found on the seafloor in international waters of the Clarion Clipperton Zone (“CCZ”), about 1,300 nautical miles (1,500 miles or 2,400 kilometers) south-west of San Diego, California. The CCZ is a geological submarine fracture zone of abyssal plains and other formations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with a length of around 7,240 km (4,500 miles) that spans approximately 4,500,000 square kilometers (1,700,000 square miles). Polymetallic nodules are discrete rocks that sit unattached to the seafloor, occur in significant quantities in the CCZ and have high concentrations of nickel, manganese, cobalt and copper in a single rock.
These four metals contained in the polymetallic nodules are critical for the transition to low-carbon energy. Our resource definition work to date shows that nodules in our contract areas represent the world’s largest undeveloped resource of critical battery metals. If we are able to collect polymetallic nodules from the seafloor on a commercial scale, we plan to use such nodules to produce three types of metal products: (i) feedstock for battery cathode precursors (nickel and cobalt sulfates, or intermediary nickel-copper-cobalt matte or nickel-copper-cobalt alloy) for electric vehicles (“EV”) and renewable energy storage markets, (ii) copper cathode for EV wiring, clean energy transmission and other applications, and (iii) manganese silicate for manganese alloy production required for steel production. Our mission is to build a carefully managed, shared stock of metal (a “metal commons”) that can be used, recovered and reused for generations to come. Significant quantities of newly mined metal are required because existing metal stocks are insufficient to meet rapidly rising demand.
Exploration and exploitation of seabed minerals in international waters is regulated by the International Seabed Authority, an intergovernmental organization established pursuant to the 1994 Agreement Relating to the Implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (“UNCLOS”). The ISA grants contracts to sovereign states or to private contractors who are sponsored by a sovereign state. The ISA requires that a contractor obtain and maintain sponsorship by a host nation that is a member of the ISA and signatory to UNCLOS, and that such nation maintains effective supervision and regulatory control over such sponsored contractor. The ISA has issued a total of 19 polymetallic nodule exploration contracts covering approximately 1.28 million km 2 , or 0.4% of the global seafloor, 17 of which are in the CCZ. We hold exclusive exploration and commercial rights to three of the 17 polymetallic nodule contract areas in the CCZ through our subsidiaries Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (“NORI”) and Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (“TOML”), sponsored by the Republic of Nauru (“Nauru”) and the Kingdom of Tonga (“Tonga”), respectively, and exclusive commercial rights through our subsidiary, DeepGreen Engineering Pte. Ltd.’s (“DGE”), arrangement with Marawa Research and Exploration Limited (“Marawa”), a company owned and sponsored by the Republic of Kiribati (“Kiribati”).
We are still in the exploration phase and have not yet obtained any exploitation contracts from the ISA to commence commercial scale polymetallic nodule collection in the CCZ nor do we have the applicable environmental and other permits required to build and operate commercial-scale polymetallic nodule processing and refining plants on land.
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We have key strategic alliances with (i) Allseas Group S.A. (“Allseas”), a leading global offshore contractor, which has developed and successfully tested the pilot nodule collection system in the NORI Area D, completed in the fourth quarter of 2022, with experience from this testing program informing the design of upgrades and modifications of the pilot system for conversion into the initial smaller scale commercial production system which is expected to serve as the basis for the design of a full -scale commercial production system, and (ii) Glencore International AG (“Glencore”) which holds offtake rights to 50% of nickel and copper production from the NORI area processed through a TMC owned and operated production facility. In addition, we have worked with engineering firm Hatch Ltd. and consultants Kingston Process Metallurgy Inc. to develop a near-zero solid waste flowsheet. The primary processing stages of the flowsheet from nodule to NiCuCo matte intermediate were tested as part of our pilot plant program at FLSmidth & Co A/S’s and Xpert Process Solutions’ (“XPS”, a Glencore company) facilities. The matte refining stages are being tested at SGS Lakefield. The near-zero solid waste flowsheet is expected to serve as the basis for our onshore processing facilities. In November 2022, we entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding (“MoU”) with Pacific Metals Co Ltd (PAMCO) of Japan, to evaluate the toll treatment of an initial quantity of 1.3 million tonnes of wet polymetallic nodules per year at PAMCO’s Hachinohe smelting facility starting in 2025. Subject to entering into a binding arrangement with PAMCO, the toll treatment is intended to take place on a dedicated rotary kiln-electric arc furnace (“RKEF”) processing line and produce two products: nickel-copper-cobalt alloy — an intermediate product used as feedstock to produce Li-ion battery cathodes — and a manganese silicate product used to make silico-manganese alloy, a critical input into steel manufacturing. PAMCO’s Hachinohe facility is located on the coast in northern Japan and is equipped with suitable port and processing infrastructure required to receive and process polymetallic nodules and to ship products to customers.
We are currently focused on preparing to submit our application to the ISA for our first exploitation contract for the NORI Area D contract area following the July 2024 meetings of the ISA’s twenty-ninth session. Assuming a one-year review process, we expect to be in production in the fourth quarter of 2025 if the application is approved. To reach our objective and initiate commercial production, we are: (i) defining our resource and project economics, (ii) developing a commercial offshore nodule collection system, (iii) assessing the ESG impacts of offshore nodule collection, and (iv) developing onshore technology to process collected polymetallic nodules into a manganese silicate product, and an intermediate nickel-copper-cobalt matte or nickel-copper-cobalt alloy product and/or end-products like nickel and cobalt sulfates, and copper cathode.
Developments after the Second Quarter 2023
Below are some of the major developments that occurred up to the date of filing of this second quarter 2023 Report on Form 10-Q:
Estimated Timeline to Finalization of Application to the ISA for an Exploitation Contract for NORI Area D:
In July 2023, the ISA Council announced reaching a consensus decision agreeing on a roadmap towards adopting final rules, regulations, and procedures (RRPs, also known as the Mining Code) to allow for the exploitation of seafloor resources. The ISA intends to adopt the Mining Code during its thirtieth session in 2025, or earlier if ready.
NORI intends to submit an application to the ISA for an exploitation contract for NORI Area D following the conclusion of the July 2024 meeting of the ISA’s twenty-ninth session. Assuming a one-year review process, we expect to be in production in the fourth quarter of 2025, if the application is approved. After consideration of feedback received from the ISA’s Legal and Technical Commission (LTC) following the pilot nodule collection tests, we plan to further add to our growing body of environmental data by conducting a post-collection test monitoring campaign this year in NORI Area D and use the findings thereof as part of the initial application. This campaign was originally planned to be part of NORI’s Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) that will be submitted to the ISA following the initial application. We believe the findings of this campaign will strengthen the quality of the required Environmental Impact Statement and EMMP by providing additional information on the environmental regeneration of the collection test area. Based on observations during the 2022 post-collection test monitoring campaign as well as information shared by other contractors, we expect that the findings of this additional campaign will further enhance the quality of the application.
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TMC Announces Registered Direct Offering for $26.9 million:
On August 14, 2023, we announced that we entered into a securities purchase agreement for a registered direct offering of 13,461,540 of our common shares and Class A warrants to purchase 6,730,770 common shares for expected gross proceeds to us of $26.9 million and expected net proceeds to us of $25.9 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by us. In addition, certain investors may purchase up to an aggregate of 5,500,000 additional common shares and accompanying Class A warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,750,000 additional common shares upon notice to the Company on or before September 15, 2023, if the closing price of the common shares on the trading day before such investor’s notice is $3.00 or less for an aggregate of up to an additional $11 million.
Extension of Credit Facility with Allseas Affiliate:
On July 31, 2023, the Company entered into the Amendment to the Unsecured Credit Facility with Argentum Credit Virtuti GCV (the “Lender”), the parent of Allseas Investments S.A. and an affiliate of Allseas, to extend the credit facility to November 30, 2024 (as amended, the “Credit Facility”). Under the Credit Facility, we may borrow from the Lender up to $25,000,000 in the aggregate through November 30, 2024.
Developments with our Allseas Partnership:
In the fourth quarter of 2022, we successfully tested the pilot nodule collection system in NORI Area D. As a result of lifting to the production vessel, Hidden Gem , of more than 3,000 tonnes of wet nodules during these tests, Allseas and NORI believe that they can upgrade the pilot nodule collection system, including the Hidden Gem , into the first production system, which we refer to as the Project Zero Offshore System.
In August 2023, we announced that Allseas and NORI are now executing on a plan designed to increase the maximum production capacity of the Project Zero Offshore System from the previous estimate of 1.3 million wet tonnes per annum to an estimated 3.0 million wet tonnes per annum in stepped increments based on Allseas’ estimates – a potential increase of 130%. The upgrades are expected to include the addition of a second 15-meter collector vehicle, the use of a wider diameter riser pipe from the seafloor to the surface, implementation of a larger compressor spread and improvements to the system designed to further mitigate its environmental impacts. Capacity is expected to be increased over time as production and experience milestones are met, which we believe will help manage operational risk, minimize up-front capital expenditure requirements and allow for staged increases in capacity as environmental review thresholds are met. Most of these capacity improvements are expected to occur after NORI’s application for an exploitation contract over NORI Area D is ready for submission to the ISA.
In furtherance of our non-binding term sheet entered into in March 2022 with Allseas, we continue our discussions with Allseas regarding these upgrades and the development of the Project Zero Offshore System and anticipate reaching a definitive agreement with Allseas before the end of 2023. The definitive agreement is expected to include further detail on pre-production system development and post-production costs. There can be no assurances, however, that we will enter into a definitive agreement(s) with Allseas in a particular time period, or at all, or on terms similar to those currently expected, or that if such definitive agreement(s) is entered into that the Project Zero Offshore System will be successfully developed or operated.
In addition, on August 1, 2023, we entered into an Exclusive Vessel Use Agreement with Allseas pursuant to which Allseas will give exclusive use of the Hidden Gem to us in support of the development of the Project Zero Offshore System until the system is completed or December 31, 2026, whichever is earlier. In consideration of the exclusivity term, we will issue 4.15 million common shares to Allseas. We expect that the definitive agreement with Allseas discussed above will extend the exclusive use of the Hidden Gem .
NORI Publishes Biodiversity Data:
In July 2023, NORI published the first wave of its research data collected from the NORI Area D exploration area to UNESCO’s Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS). With this publication, NORI is now the single largest contributor of biological occurrence data to the OBIS ISA-node, increasing biodiversity records available for the CCZ by about 150%.
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Industry Update
ISA Developments:
As we previously disclosed, the ISA did not provisionally adopt and approve the final rules, regulations and procedures (“RRPs” or the “Mining Code”) for the exploitation of seafloor resources by the July 9, 2023 deadline. At its July 2023 session, the ISA released a road map to continue the elaboration of the Mining Code with a view to its adoption during the thirtieth session of the ISA in 2025, with the potential for earlier adoption during the twenty-ninth session of the ISA in 2024 if the Mining Code is ready for adoption. The road map includes three scheduled ISA Council meetings through July 2024 to progress the Mining Code. There can be no assurances, however, that the Mining Code will be adopted within these timelines, or at all.
Consistent with Nauru’s rights, as the sponsoring state of NORI, under UNCLOS and the 1994 agreement relating to the implementation of Part XI of UNCLOS, NORI reserves its right to submit a plan of work for exploitation, in the absence of the adoption of the final Mining Code pursuant to Section 1, Paragraph 15(c) of the Annex to the 1994 agreement relating to the implementation of Part XI of UNCLOS, the possibility of which was recognized in ISA Council decisions ISBA/28/C/24 and ISBA/28/C/25. There can be no assurances, however, that the ISA will provisionally approve our plan of work or that such provisional approval would lead to the issuance of an exploitation contract by the ISA.
Assuming submission of an application for a plan of work for exploitation following the July 2024 meeting of the ISA and the ISA’s timely review and approval thereof, the Company expects its first production of nodules from NORI Area D to be in the fourth quarter of 2025. There can be no assurances, however, if the ISA will approve an application, or the plan of work included therein, and/or issue an exploitation contract.
The Business Combination
On September 9, 2021, we completed the Business Combination with SOAC. The transaction resulted in the combined company being renamed “TMC the metals company Inc.” and the combined company’s common shares and public warrants to purchase common shares (the “Public Warrants”) commenced trading on Nasdaq on September 10, 2021, under the symbols “TMC” and “TMCWW,” respectively. As a result of the Business Combination, we received gross proceeds of approximately $137.6 million.
Exploration Contracts
We currently hold exclusive exploration rights to certain polymetallic nodule areas in the CCZ through our subsidiaries NORI and TOML, sponsored by the Republic of Nauru and Kingdom of Tonga, respectively, and exclusive commercial rights through our subsidiary’s (DGE) arrangement with Marawa, a company owned and sponsored by the Republic of Kiribati.
NORI Exploration Contract
NORI, our wholly-owned subsidiary, was granted a polymetallic nodule exploration contract in the CCZ by the ISA on July 22, 2011 under the sponsorship of Nauru. This Exploration Contract provides NORI with exclusive rights to explore for polymetallic nodules in an area covering 74,830 km 2 in the CCZ (“NORI Area”) for an initial term of 15 years (renewable for successive five-year periods) subject to complying with the exploration contract terms and provides NORI with the priority right to apply for an exploitation contract to collect polymetallic nodules in the same area.
TOML Exploration Contract
TOML, our wholly owned subsidiary, was granted an exploration contract on January 11, 2012 by the ISA and sponsored by Tonga pursuant to the TOML Exploration Contract. The TOML Exploration Contract provides TOML with exclusive rights to explore for polymetallic nodules in an area covering 74,713 km 2 in the CCZ (“TOML Area”) for an initial term of 15 years (renewable for successive five-year periods) subject to complying with the exploration contract terms and a priority right to apply for an exploitation contract to collect polymetallic nodules in the same area.
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Marawa Agreements
Marawa, an entity owned and sponsored by Kiribati, was granted the Marawa Exploration Contract on May 30, 2012. DGE, our wholly owned subsidiary, entered into agreements with Marawa and Kiribati which provide DGE with exclusive exploration and exploitation (if awarded) rights to an area covering 74,990 km 2 in the CCZ (the “Marawa Contract Area”). The exploration contract between Marawa and the ISA was signed on January 19, 2015. To date, limited offshore marine resource definition activities in the Marawa Contract Area have occurred. We expect to collaborate with Marawa to assess the viability of any potential project in the Marawa Contract Area, although the timing of such assessment is uncertain. Marawa has delayed certain of its efforts in the Marawa Contract Area while it determines how it will move forward with additional assessment work.
Key Trends, Opportunities and Uncertainties
We are currently a pre-revenue company and we do not anticipate earning revenues until such time as NORI receives an exploitation contract from the ISA and we are able to successfully collect and process polymetallic nodules into saleable products on a commercial scale. We believe that our performance and future success pose risks and challenges, including those related to: finalization of ISA regulations to allow for commercial exploitation, approval of an application for the ISA exploitation contract, development of environmental regulations associated with our business and development of our technologies to collect and process polymetallic nodules. These risks, as well as other risks, are discussed in the section entitled “ Risk Factors ” in Item 1A of Part I of the 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as further updated and/or supplemented in subsequent filings with the SEC, including under Item 1A of Part II of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Impact of Global Inflation
In 2022, the global inflation rate rose sharply and higher inflation is continuing in 2023. Marine fuel prices and vessel day rates were higher year-over-year and have increased our exploration expenses beyond what we had originally expected. Additionally, we are experiencing higher offshore labor costs through our contractors.
As a pre-revenue company, persistent inflation may affect our ultimate cash requirements prior to our ability to begin commercial production.
Impact of Climate Change
We are committed to adopting the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures recommendations. In our inaugural Impact Report published in May 2022, we provided climate-related disclosure and shared how we believe our mission is aligned with supporting the global energy transition and contributing to a circular metals economy. We recognize that climate change may have a meaningful impact on our financial performance over time, and we have begun the process of consolidating key risks and corresponding action plans to mitigate the negative impact of climate change on our operations.
Our climate related transition risks and opportunities are likely to be driven by changes in regulation, public policy, and technology, as disclosed in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Basis of Presentation
We currently conduct our business through one operating segment. As a pre-revenue company with no commercial operations, our activities to date have been limited. Our historical results are reported under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and in U.S. dollars. All share and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the impact of the Business Combination.
Components of Results of Operations
We are an exploration-stage company with no revenue to date and a net loss of approximately $14.1 million for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to a net loss of $12.4 million and $33.5 million in the same periods of 2022, respectively. We have an accumulated deficit of approximately $489.2 million from inception through June 30, 2023.
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Our historical results may not be indicative of our future results for reasons that may be difficult to anticipate. Accordingly, the drivers of our future financial results, as well as the components of such results, may not be comparable to our historical or projected results of operations.
Revenue
To date, we have not generated any revenue. We expect to generate revenue once NORI receives an exploitation contract from the ISA, anticipated within one year from our expected submission to the ISA, following the July 2024 meeting of the ISA. The application for an exploitation contract will include a plan of work for exploitation for NORI Area D, with first revenue anticipated once we are able to successfully collect and process polymetallic nodules into saleable products on a commercial scale. Any revenue from initial production is difficult to predict.
Exploration and Evaluation Expenses
We expense all costs relating to exploration and development of mineral claims. Such exploration and development costs include, but are not limited to, ISA contract management, geological, geochemical and geophysical studies, environmental baseline studies, process development and payments to Allseas for the Pilot Mining Test System (“PMTS”). Our exploration expenses are impacted by the amount of exploration work conducted during each period. The acquisition cost of ISA polymetallic nodule exploration contracts will be charged to operations as amortization expense on a unit-of-production method based on proven and probable reserves should commercial production commence in the future.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses consist primarily of compensation for employees, consultants and directors, including wages and salaries, share-based compensation, consulting fees, investor relations expenses, expenses related to advertising and marketing functions, insurance costs, office and sundry expenses, professional fees (including legal, audit and tax fees), travel expenses and transfer and filing fees.
Share-based compensation costs from the issuance of stock options and restricted share units (“RSUs”) is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the related service period. Share-based compensation costs are charged to exploration expenses and general and administrative expenses depending on the function fulfilled by the holder of the award. In instances where an award is issued for financing related services, the costs are included within equity as part of the financing costs. We recognize forfeiture of any awards as they occur.
Interest Income/Expense
Interest income consists primarily of interest income earned on our cash and cash equivalents. The Credit Facility with Allseas remains undrawn as at June 30, 2023.
Foreign Exchange Loss
The foreign exchange income or loss for the periods reported primarily relates to our cash held in Canadian dollars and to the settlement of costs incurred in foreign currencies, depending on either the strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar.
Change in Fa ir V alue of W arrants L iability
The change in fair value of warrants liability primarily consists of the change in the fair value of the 9,500,000 warrants issued to Sustainable Opportunities Holdings LLC concurrently with SOAC’s initial public offering (the “Private Warrants”). For accounting purposes, the Company was considered to have issued the Private Warrants as part of the Business Combination, and we are required to re-measure the fair value of our Private Warrants at the end of each reporting period.
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Results of Operations
The following is a discussion of our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022. Our accounting policies are described in Note 3 “Significant Accounting Policies” in our financial statements filed as part of the 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Comparison of the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022
For the Three Months Ended
For the Six Months Ended
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except as noted)
June 30,
June 30,
2023
2022
% Change
2023
2022
% Change
Exploration and evaluation expenses
$
8,098
$
10,241
(21)
%
$
15,267
$
17,678
(14)
%
General and administrative expenses
5,131
8,087
(37)
%
11,345
16,557
(31)
%
Equity-accounted investment loss
137
-
N/A
356
—
N/A
Gain on disposition of asset
-
-
N/A
(13,750)
—
N/A
Change in fair value of warrants liability
787
(5,730)
114
%
1,331
(542)
346
%
Foreign exchange loss (gain)
23
(22)
205
%
52
—
N/A
Interest income
(319)
(192)
66
%
(773)
(192)
303
%
Fees and interest on credit facility
250
—
N/A
277
—
N/A
Net Loss for the period
$
14,107
$
12,384
14
%
$
14,105
$
33,501
(58)
%
Three Months ended June 30, 2023 compared to Three Months ended June 30, 2022
We reported a net loss of approximately $14.1 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared to a net loss of $12.4 million in the same period of 2022. The following explains the major reasons for the net loss reported in the second quarters of both 2023 and 2022.
Exploration and Evaluation Expenses
Exploration and evaluation expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2023 were $8.1 million, compared to $10.2 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease of $2.1 million was primarily due to a reduction in share-based compensation of $1.5 million in the second quarter of 2023, as the cost of the long-term incentive plan (LTIP) options with specific market capitalization vesting conditions was fully amortized in 2022 in addition to the decrease in the amortization cost of short-term incentive plan (STIP) sign-up options granted in 2021, a reduction of $1.4 million on the PMTS and $1.9 million on environmental studies, as the collector test was completed in November 2022 and reduced exploration activities in 2023. This was offset by $0.4 million spent in the 2023 period on prefeasibility studies ($nil in 2022) and an increase in mining, technological and process development of $1.9 million due to engineering work which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2022.
General and Administrative Expenses
G&A expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2023 were $5.1 million, compared to $8.1 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease of $3.0 million in G&A expenses was mainly the result of lower share-based compensation in the 2023 period as the cost of the LTIP options with specific market capitalization vesting conditions was fully amortized in 2022 in addition to the decrease in the amortization cost of STIP sign-up options granted in 2021 and a decrease in insurance costs incurred during the second quarter of 2023. This decrease was partially offset by higher G&A expenses in the second quarter of 2023, reflecting an increase in personnel, travel and other expenses.
Change in Fair Value of Warrants Liability
The change in fair value of our Private Warrants liability during the second quarter of 2023 resulted in a charge of $0.8 million, reflecting an increase of 67% in the price of our Public Warrants in the second quarter of 2023. This compares to a credit of $5.7 million in the comparative quarter of 2022, reflecting a decrease of 67% in the price of our Public Warrants in this period. The warrants liability was initially recorded as part of the Business Combination.
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Six Months ended June 30, 2023 compared to Six Months ended June 30, 2022
We reported a net loss of $14.1 million in the first half of 2023, compared to a net loss of $33.5 million in the same period of 2022. The following explains the major reasons for the reduction in the net loss in the first half of 2023.
Exploration and Evaluation Expenses
Exploration and evaluation expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2023 were $15.3 million, compared to $17.7 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease of $2.4 million was primarily due to a reduction in share-based compensation of $3.4 million in the first half of 2023, as the cost of the LTIP options with specific market capitalization vesting conditions was fully amortized in 2022 in addition to the decrease in the amortization cost of STIP sign-up options granted in 2021, a reduction of $2.8 million on the PMTS and $0.6 million on environmental studies, as the collector test was completed in November 2022 and reduced exploration activities in 2023. This was offset by an increase in mining, technological and process development of $2.7 million due to engineering work which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2022, spending in the first half of 2023 of $0.8 million on prefeasibility studies ($nil in 2022) and an increase in sponsorship and training activities in 2023 of $0.8 million.
General and Administrative Expenses
G&A expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2023 were $11.3 million, compared to $16.6 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease of $5.3 million in G&A expenses in the first half of 2023 was mainly the result of lower share-based compensation in the 2023 period as the cost of the LTIP options with specific market capitalization vesting conditions was fully amortized in 2022 in addition to the decrease in the amortization cost of STIP sign-up options granted in 2021 and a decrease in insurance costs incurred during the first half of 2023. This decrease was partially offset by higher G&A expenses in the first half of 2023, reflecting an increase in personnel, travel and other expenses.
Gain on Disposition of Asset
In the first half of 2023, we reported a gain of $13.75 million on NORI’s contribution in February 2023 of a 2% gross overriding royalty on the NORI project area to Low Carbon Royalties, reflecting the excess of the consideration received from Low Carbon Royalties of $14 million and NORI’s exploration contract carrying value.
Change in F air V alue of W arrants Liability
The change in fair value of our Private Warrants liability during the first half of 2023 resulted in a charge of $1.3 million. The charge was primarily due to an increase of 150% in the price of our Public Warrants in the first half of 2023. This compares to a credit of $0.5 million in the first half of 2022, reflecting an decrease of 28% in the price of our Public Warrants in this period.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Prior to closing of the Business Combination, our primary sources of capital have been private placements of DeepGreen common shares and DeepGreen preferred shares and the issuance of convertible debentures completed in February 2021, which were automatically converted into DeepGreen common shares immediately prior to the completion of the Business Combination, which were converted into common shares as part of the Business Combination. In addition, on September 9, 2021, we completed the Business Combination with SOAC, and as a result we received gross cash proceeds of approximately $137.6 million (approximately $104.5 million net of transaction fees). On August 12, 2022, we completed a private placement raising gross cash proceeds of $30.4 million (approximately $30 million net of transaction fees). As of June 30, 2023, we had cash on hand of $20.0 million.
We received lower than expected cash proceeds upon closing of the Business Combination resulting from higher-than-expected redemptions of SOAC’s Class A ordinary shares and the default by certain private placement investors in their funding obligations in connection with the closing of the Business Combination. As a result, we revised our work plan to focus on activities necessary to submit an application to the ISA for an exploitation contract, which will include a plan of work for exploitation, for the NORI Area D following the July 2024 meeting of the ISA and stopped and/or deferred work and expenses associated with other activities.
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In light of the significant deficit in expected funding following the closing of the Business Combination in September 2021, we adopted what we call a “ capital-light ” strategy whereby we removed any allocation of funds to capital expenditures that were not deemed necessary to support the submission of an application for an exploitation contract for the NORI Area D, and by negotiating the settlement of program expenditures with our equity whenever possible.
We have yet to generate any revenue from our business operations. We are an exploration-stage company and the recovery of our investment in mineral exploration contracts and attainment of profitable operations is dependent upon many factors including, among other things, the development of a commercial production system for collecting polymetallic nodules from the seafloor as well as the development of our processing technology for the metallurgical treatment of such nodules, the establishment of mineable reserves, the demonstration of commercial and technical feasibility of seafloor polymetallic nodule collection and processing systems, metal prices, and securing ISA provisional approvals and/or exploitation contracts. While we have obtained financing in the past, there is no assurance that such financing will continue to be available on favorable terms, in sufficient amounts, or at all.
We expect to incur significant expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future, particularly as we advance towards our application to the ISA for an exploitation contract and preparation for potential commercialization. Based on our cash balance, including the expected net proceeds from the registered direct offering in August 2023, and availability of borrowing under our Credit Facility with an affiliate of Allseas, when compared with our forecasted cash expenditures, we believe we will have sufficient funds to meet our obligations that become due within the next twelve months. Our estimates used in reaching this conclusion are based on information available as at the date of filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates and resulting variances may result in our need for additional funding in an amount greater or earlier than expected, due to changes in business conditions or other developments, including, but not limited to, deferral of approvals, capital and operating cost escalation, currently unrecognized technical and development challenges, our ability to pay certain vendors or suppliers in our common shares or changes in external business environment.
In addition, we will, however, need and are seeking additional financing to fund our continued operations over time. These financings could include additional public or private equity, debt financings, equity-linked financings or other sources of financing, including through non-dilutive asset, royalty or project-based and/or asset-based financings. If these financing or other financing sources are not available, or if the terms of financing are less desirable than we expect, or if in insufficient amounts, we may be forced to delay our exploration and/or exploitation activities or further scale back our operations, which could have a material adverse impact on our business and financial prospects.
We estimate that we will require approximately $34 to $44 million of cash in addition to $20 million cash on hand as of June 30, 2023 and the $25.9 million of expected net proceeds from our recently announced registered direct offering assuming no exercise of the Class A warrants issued in the offering and excluding up to $11 million of the securities that may be purchased upon notice to us on or before September 15, 2023 (but not including potential drawdown on the Credit Facility) to submit a high-quality application for an exploitation contract for NORI Area D following the July 2024 meeting of the ISA. This estimate includes, among other things, the expected costs of:
● the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), including the post-collection test monitoring campaign described above;
● pre-feasibility studies;
● layup costs for the Hidden Gem ;
● non-recurring engineering and project management on the Project Zero Offshore System;
● regulatory and legal, and
● payroll and other general corporate matters.
This estimate is exclusive of costs expected to be spent subsequent to the submission of the application for an exploitation contract, on more detailed feasibility estimates and to progress the Project Zero Offshore System development as described above. We expect to refine our expected cash needs to prepare for potential commercialization following the time we submit our application to the ISA for an exploitation contract and after we finalize our planned definitive agreement with Allseas discussed above.
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On September 16, 2022, we filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC, which the SEC declared effective on October 14, 2022, to sell up to $100 million of securities, before any fees or expenses of the offering, which includes the $30 million that may be sold under the At-the-Market Equity Distribution Agreement and the securities issuable in the recently announced registered direct offering discussed below. Securities that may be sold include common shares, preferred shares, debt securities, warrants and units. Any such offering, if it does occur, may happen in one or more transactions. Specific terms of any securities to be sold will be described in supplemental filings with the SEC.
On December 22, 2022, we entered into an At-the-Market Equity Distribution Agreement with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated and Wedbush Securities Inc., as sales agents, allowing us, from time to time, to issue and sell common shares with an aggregate offering price of up to $30 million. The offer and sales of the shares are made under our effective “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on September 16, 2022, which the SEC declared effective on October 14, 2022. As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, no sales of common shares have been made under this offering.
On March 22, 2023, we entered into the Credit Facility with Argentum Credit Virtuti GCV (the “Lender”), the parent of Allseas Investments S.A. and an affiliate of Allseas, which was amended on July 31, 2023 to extend the maturity date, pursuant to which, we may borrow from the Lender up to $25 million in the aggregate, from time to time, subject to certain conditions. All amounts drawn under the Credit Facility will bear interest at the 6-month Secured Overnight Funding Rate (“SOFR”), 180-day average plus 4.0% per annum payable in cash semi-annually (or plus 5% if paid-in-kind at maturity, our election) on the first business day of each of June and January. We will pay an underutilization fee equal to 4.0% per annum payable semi-annually for any amounts that remain undrawn under the Credit Facility. We have the right to pre-pay the entire amount outstanding under the Credit Facility at any time, before the Credit Facility’s maturity of November 30, 2024. The Credit Facility also contains customary events of default. As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, no amounts have been drawn under this Credit Facility.
On August 14, 2023, we entered into a securities purchase agreement for a registered direct offering of 13,461,540 of our common shares and Class A warrants to purchase 6,730,770 common shares for expected gross proceeds to us of $26.9 million and expected net proceeds to us of $25.9 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by us. In addition, certain investors may purchase up to an aggregate of 5,500,000 additional common shares and accompanying Class A warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,750,000 additional common shares upon notice to us on or before September 15, 2023, if the closing price of the common shares on the trading day before such investor’s notice is $3.00 or less for an aggregate of up to an additional $11 million. The purchase price for each common share and Class A warrant to purchase 0.5 common shares is $2.00. The exercise price of the Class A warrants is $3.00, subject to adjustment as provided in the warrant agreement.
We may receive up to approximately $281.8 million in aggregate gross proceeds from cash exercises of the Public Warrants and the Private Warrants, based on the per share exercise price of such warrants. However, the exercise price for the outstanding Public Warrants and Private Warrants is $11.50 per common share and there can be no assurance that such warrants will be in the money prior to their expiration, and as such, such warrants may expire worthless. Based on the current trading price of our common shares we do not expect to receive any proceeds from the exercise of the Public Warrants and Private Warrants unless there is a significant increase in the price of our common shares. In certain circumstances, the Public Warrants and Private Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis and the proceeds from the exercise of such warrants will decrease. Furthermore, even if the warrants will be in the money, the holders of the warrants are not obligated to exercise their warrants, and we cannot predict whether holders of the warrants will choose to exercise all or any of their warrants.
On July 26, 2023, the Allseas Warrant was exercised resulting in our issuance of 11.6 million common shares to Allseas in return for the payment of the exercise price of $115.8 thousand. The Allseas Warrant vested and became exercisable upon the successful completion of the PMTS in November 2022.
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Cash Flows Summary
Comparison of the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022
Presented below is a summary of our operating, investing and financing cash flows:
For the Three Months Ended
For the Six Months Ended
(thousands)
June 30,
June 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Net cash (used in) operating activities
$
(8,385)
$
(22,594)
$
(31,857)
$
(38,123)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
$
(75)
$
(242)
$
4,925
$
(452)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
$
79
$
68
$
79
$
(10)
Decrease in cash
$
(8,381)
$
(22,768)
$
(26,853)
$
(38,585)
Six Months ended June 30, 2023 compared to Six Months ended June 30, 2022
Cash flows used in Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $31.9 million, attributable to a loss of $14.1 million in the period, a net change in net operating assets and liabilities of $10.2 million and non-cash adjustments of $7.6 million. Non-cash adjustments primarily consisted of a $13.75 million gain on disposition of assets, partially offset by $4.3 million of expenses settled with share-based payments and $1.3 million related to the increase in the fair value of the Private Warrants, mainly as a result of the increase in the price of our Public Warrants during the first half of 2023. The change in our net operating assets and liabilities was primarily due to a $11.3 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the first half of 2023 due to the timing of supplier payments and an increase in receivables and prepayments of $1.1 million.
Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30,2022 was $38.1 million, attributable to a loss of $33.5 million in the period, a decrease in net operating assets and liabilities of $17.0 million (of which $16.0 million was due to a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities) and non-cash adjustments of $12.4 million, primarily from the settlement of expenses with share-based payments.
Cash flows provided by (used in) Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $4.9 million, primarily reflecting the cash received of $5 million on closing of our investment in Low Carbon Royalties. In the comparative first half of 2022, cash used in investing activities was $0.5 million for the purchase of equipment.
Cash flows used in Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $0.1 million, compared to nil in the first half of 2022.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
NORI Exploration Contract
As part of the NORI Exploration Contract with the ISA, NORI submitted a periodic review report to the ISA in 2021, covering the 2017-2021 period. The periodic review report, which included a proposed work plan and estimated budget for 2022 to 2026, has been reviewed by and agreed with the ISA, and we are implementing the next five-year plan. NORI has estimated its work plan for 2023 to be approximately $25 million, which may be settled in cash or equity. The cost of the estimated work plan for 2024 onwards is contingent on the ISA’s approval of the NORI Area D exploitation application. Should the approval of NORI’s exploitation application for NORI Area D be delayed or rejected, NORI intends to revise its estimated future work plan in respect of its NORI Area. Work plans are reviewed annually by us, agreed with the ISA and may be subject to change depending on our progress to date.
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TOML Exploration Contract
As part of the TOML Exploration Contract, TOML submitted a periodic review report to the ISA in 2021, covering the 2017-2021 period. The periodic review report included a summary of work completed over the five-year period and a program of activities and estimated budget for the next five-year period. On December 23, 2022, the ISA accepted TOML’s proposed program of activities for the 2022-2026 five-year period, which included an estimated five-year expenditure of up to $44 million. The five-year estimated expenditure is indicative and subject to change, TOML will review the program regularly and TOML will inform the ISA of any changes through its annual reports.
Marawa Option Agreement and Services Agreement
As part of DGE’s Marawa Option Agreement and Services Agreement with Marawa with respect to the Marawa Area, Marawa committed to spend a defined amount of funds on exploration activities on an annual basis. The commitment for fiscal 2023 and 2024 is Australian dollar (“AUD”) $3 million and AUD $2 million, respectively. Such commitment is negotiated with the ISA for a five-year plan and is subject to regular periodic reviews. To date, limited offshore marine resource definition activities in the Marawa Contract Area have occurred. We expect to collaborate with Marawa to assess the viability of any potential project in the Marawa Contract Area, although the timing of such assessment is unclear. Marawa has delayed certain of its efforts in the Marawa Contract Area while it determines how it will move forward with additional assessment work.
Regulatory Obligations Relating to Exploration Contracts
Each of TOML and NORI require sponsorship from their host sponsoring nations, Tonga and Nauru, respectively. Each company has been registered and incorporated within the applicable host nation’s jurisdiction. The ISA requires that a contractor must obtain and maintain sponsorship by a host nation that is a member of the ISA and such state must maintain effective supervision and regulatory control over such sponsored contractor. Each of TOML and NORI is subject to the registration and incorporation requirements of these nations. In the event the sponsorship is otherwise terminated, such subsidiary will be required to obtain new sponsorship from another state that is a member of the ISA. Failure to obtain such new sponsorship would have a material impact on the operations of such subsidiary and us.
Sponsorship Agreements
On July 5, 2017, Nauru, the Nauru Seabed Minerals Authority and NORI entered into the NORI Sponsorship Agreement formalizing certain obligations of the parties in relation to NORI’s exploration and potential exploitation of the NORI Area. Upon reaching the minimum recovery level within the exploitation contract area, NORI will pay Nauru a seabed mineral recovery payment based on the polymetallic nodules recovered from the exploitation contract area. In addition, NORI will pay an administration fee each year to Nauru for such administration and sponsorship, which is subject to review and increase in the event NORI is granted an ISA exploitation contract. NORI has begun discussions with the Government of Nauru to renegotiate the existing sponsorship agreement and has also committed to ensuring NORI pays corporate income tax within Nauru.
On March 8, 2008, Tonga and TOML entered into the TOML Sponsorship Agreement formalizing certain obligations of the parties in relation to TOML’s exploration and potential exploitation of the TOML Area. Upon reaching the minimum recovery level within the exploitation contract area, TOML has agreed to pay Tonga a seabed mineral recovery payment based on the polymetallic nodules recovered from the exploitation contract area. In addition, TOML has agreed to pay the reasonable direct costs incurred by Tonga to administer the obligations of Tonga to the ISA. On September 23, 2021, Tonga updated the TOML Sponsorship Agreement harmonizing the terms of its engagement with TOML with those held by NORI with Nauru. TOML expects to renegotiate the existing sponsorship agreement with Tonga prior to entering into operations in the TOML Area and has committed to paying corporate income tax within Tonga.
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Allseas Agreements
On March 29, 2019, we entered into a strategic alliance with Allseas to develop a system to collect, lift and transport nodules from the seafloor to shore and agreed to enter into a nodule collection and shipping agreement whereby Allseas would provide commercial services for the collection of the first 200 million metric tonnes of polymetallic nodules on a cost plus 50% profit basis. In furtherance of this agreement, on July 8, 2019, we entered into a Pilot Mining Test Agreement with Allseas (“PMTA”), which was amended on five occasions through February 2023, to develop and deploy a PMTS, successful completion of which is a prerequisite for our application for an exploitation contract with the ISA. Under the PMTA, Allseas agreed to cover the development cost of the project in exchange for a payment from us upon successful completion of the pilot trial of the PMTS in NORI Area D.
On March 16, 2022, NORI and Allseas entered into a non-binding term sheet for the development and operation of a commercial nodule collection system. The pilot nodule collection system developed and tested by Allseas is expected to be upgraded to a commercial system with an expanded targeted production capacity of an estimated 3.0 million tonnes of wet nodules per year, to be delivered in stepped increments, with expected production readiness in the fourth quarter of 2025. NORI and Allseas intend to equally finance all costs related to developing and getting the first commercial system into production. Once in production, NORI is expected to pay Allseas a nodule collection and transshipment fee and, as Allseas scales up production to an estimated 3.0 million wet tonnes of nodules per year, it is expected that unit costs will be reduced. Following the successful completion of the NORI Area D pilot collection system trials in November 2022 and subsequent analysis of pilot data, the parties are reviewing Project Zero System production targets, system design and cost estimates and intend to enter into a binding Heads of Terms by the end of 2023. The parties expect to further detail their relationship in three separate definitive agreements for engineering, conversion/build and commercial operations phase, respectively. Subject to the necessary regulatory approvals, Allseas and NORI also intend to investigate acquiring a second production vessel similar to the Hidden Gem , another Samsung 10000, with the potential for an additional production rate of three million tonnes of wet nodules per year and lower associated per tonne production cost. There can be no assurances, however, that we will enter into definitive agreements with Allseas contemplated by the non-binding term sheet in a particular time period, or at all, or on terms similar to those set forth in the non-binding term sheet, or that if such definitive agreements are entered into by us that the proposed commercial systems and second production vessel will be successfully developed or operated in a particular time period, or at all.
Through June 30, 2023, we have made the following payments to Allseas under the PMTA: (a) $10 million in cash in February 2020, (b) $10 million through the issuance of 3.2 million common shares valued at $3.11 per share in February 2020, (c) issued Allseas a warrant to purchase 11.6 million common shares at a nominal exercise price per share in March 2021, (d) $10 million in cash in October 2021, following the closing of the Business Combination and meeting certain progress targets on the PMTS and (e) on February 23, 2023 issued 10.85 million common shares to Allseas, as described below. On July 26, 2023, Allseas exercised its warrant and received 11.6 million TMC common shares for the payment of the exercise price of $115.8 thousand.
On November 11, 2022, the board of directors approved the successful completion and testing of the PMTS in the NORI Area D and payment of the third milestone amounting to $10 million and additional costs owed to Allseas under the PMTA by issuing 10.85 million common shares to Allseas priced at $1.00 per share on February 23, 2023.
Offtake Agreement
On May 25, 2012, DGE and Glencore International AG (“Glencore”) entered into a copper offtake agreement and a nickel offtake agreement. DGE has agreed to deliver to Glencore 50% of the annual quantity of copper and nickel produced by a DGE-owned facility from nodules derived from the NORI Area at London Metal Exchange referenced market pricing with allowances for product quality and delivery location. Either party may terminate the agreement upon a material breach or insolvency of the other party. Glencore may also terminate the agreement by giving twelve months’ notice.
Credit Facility
As described above, on March 22, 2023 we entered into the Credit Facility with Argentum Credit Virtuti GCV, an affiliate of Allseas, under which we may borrow up to $25 million pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Credit Facility, which was amended on July 31, 2023 to extend the maturity date to November 30, 2024.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are not party to any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates
Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our condensed consolidated interim financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements requires us 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 these statements, as well as expenses incurred during the reporting periods. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about items that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Except as described in Note 5 to our condensed consolidated interim financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, there have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates as compared to the critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Emerging Growth Company Status
Section 102(b)(1) of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (“JOBS”) Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can choose not to take advantage of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies, and any such election to not take advantage of the extended transition period is irrevocable.
We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act and have elected to take advantage of the benefits of the extended transition period for new or revised financial accounting standards. Following the closing of the Business Combination, we expect to remain an emerging growth company at least through the end of the 2023 fiscal year and we expect to continue to take advantage of the benefits of the extended transition period at least through to the end of the 2023 fiscal year, although we may decide to early adopt such new or revised accounting standards to the extent permitted by such standards. This may make it difficult or impossible to compare our financial results with the financial results of another public company that is either not an emerging growth company or is an emerging growth company that has chosen not to take advantage of the extended transition period exemptions because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.
Cautionary Statements Regarding the NORI Initial Assessment and TOML Mineral Resource Statement
We have estimated the size and quality of our resource in the NORI and TOML Areas, as described below, in our SEC Regulation S-K (subpart 1300) compliant Technical Report Summary - Initial Assessment, of the NORI Property, Clarion-Clipperton Zone, Pacific Ocean dated March 17, 2021 ( “ NORI Initial Assessment ” ) and Technical Report Summary - TOML Mineral Resource, Clarion-Clipperton Zone, Pacific Ocean dated March 26, 2021 ( “ TOML Mineral Resource Statement ” ), respectively, prepared by AMC Consultants Ltd. ( “ AMC ” ). We plan to continue to estimate our resources in the NORI and TOML Areas and develop the project economics. The initial assessment included in the NORI Initial Assessment Report is a conceptual study of the potential viability of mineral resources in NORI Area D. This initial assessment indicates that development of the mineral resource in NORI Area D is potentially technically and economically viable; however, due to the preliminary nature of project planning and design, and the untested nature of the specific seafloor production systems at a commercial scale, economic viability has not yet been demonstrated.
The NORI Initial Assessment and TOML Mineral Resource Statement do not include the conversion of mineral resources to mineral reserves.
As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or in the applicable report summary, the terms “ mineral resource, ” “ measured mineral resource, ” “ indicated mineral resource ” and “ inferred mineral resource ” , as applicable, are defined and used in accordance with the SEC Mining Rules.
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You are specifically cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into mineral reserves, as defined by the SEC. You are also cautioned that mineral resources do not have demonstrated economic value. Information concerning our mineral properties in the NORI and TOML Technical Report Summaries and in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes information that has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the SEC Mining Rules forth in subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K. Under SEC standards, mineralization, such as mineral resources, may not be classified as a “ reserve ” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization would be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time of the reserve determination. Inferred mineral resources have a high degree of uncertainty as to their existence and to whether they can be economically or legally commercialized. Under the SEC Mining Rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of an economic analysis. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. A significant amount of exploration must be completed in order to determine whether an inferred mineral resource may be upgraded to a higher category. Therefore, you are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, that it can be economically or legally commercialized, or that it will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Approximately 97% of the NORI Area D resource is categorized as measured or indicated.
Likewise, you are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be upgraded to mineral reserves.
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.