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AXMIN Inc. — Audit Report / Information 2019
Jun 10, 2020
43073_rns_2020-06-10_75ac1d3c-2eaf-4ca3-a8dd-a09853dba6a7.pdf
Audit Report / Information
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AXMIN Inc. Consolidated Financial Statements Years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
( Expressed in United States dollars)
Independent Auditor's Report
To the Shareholders of Axmin Inc.:
Opinion
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Axmin Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company"), which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and the consolidated statements of income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audits of the consolidated financial statements in Canada, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Material Uncertainty Related to Going Concern
We draw attention to Note 1 in the consolidated financial statements, which indicates that the Company had working capital of $761,352 and accumulated deficit of $158,679,471 and expects to incur further loses in the development of its business. As stated in Note 1, these events or conditions, along with other matters as set forth in Note 1, indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.
Other Information
Management is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audits or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. We obtained Management’s Discussion and Analysis prior to the date of this auditor’s report. If, based on the work we have performed on this other information, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Company’s financial reporting process.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:
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Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
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Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control.
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Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.
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Conclude on the appropriateness of management's use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern.
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Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
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Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Company to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audits and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audits.
We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.
The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor's report is Jenny Lee.
Vancouver, British Columbia
June 9, 2020
Chartered Professional Accountants
AXMIN INC. – CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2019
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(Expressed in United States dollars)
| As at | As at | |
|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2019 | December31,2018 | |
| Assets | $ | $ |
| Current assets | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,281,755 | 1,059,425 |
| Receivables_(note 5)_ | 5,515 | 276,247 |
| Prepaid expenses | 15,182 | 44,933 |
| 1,302,452 | 1,380,605 | |
| Long term assets | ||
| Deposits_(note 8)_ | 6,160 | - |
| Right- of-use assets_(note 8)_ | 216,802 | - |
| Equipment_(note 7)_ | 45,737 | - |
| Total Assets | 1,571,151 | 1,380,605 |
| Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | ||
| Current liabilities | ||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 232,528 | 260,358 |
| Amounts due to related parties_(note 10)_ | 266,724 | 184,424 |
| Leaseliability (note 8) | 41,848 | - |
| 541,100 | 444,782 | |
| Lease liability (note 8) | 90,490 | - |
| Total Liabilities | 631,590 | 444,782 |
| Shareholders’ Equity(note 9) | ||
| Share capital | 140,098,443 | 140,088,634 |
| Warrants reserve | 7,868,733 | 7,868,733 |
| Stock options reserve | 9,920,935 | 8,974,207 |
| Deficit | (158,679,471) | (157,669,225) |
| Accumulated othercomprehensiveincome | 1,730,921 | 1,673,474 |
| Total Shareholders’ Equity | 939,561 | 935,823 |
| Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | 1,571,151 | 1,380,605 |
(Nature of operations and going concern – Note 1)
(Commitments and contingencies – Note 6 and 11)
(Subsequent events – Note 16)
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
“Lucy Yan”
Lucy Yan, CEO, CFO and Director
2
AXMIN INC. – CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2019
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Expressed in United States dollars except share and per share data)
| For the years ended December 31, | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| $ | $ | |
| Revenue | ||
| Royaltyincome (note 6) | 563,028 | 1,482,775 |
| Expenses | ||
| Consulting fees | 104,763 | 116,829 |
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets_(note 8)_ | 17,304 | - |
| Depreciation of equipment_(note 7)_ | 10,788 | - |
| Director fee | 75,369 | 77,178 |
| General admin expenses | 22,937 | 21,801 |
| IR expenses | 29,891 | 31,599 |
| Lease liability accretion expense_(note 8)_ | 12,709 | - |
| Professional fees | 27,573 | 34,775 |
| Project costs | 90,629 | 64,036 |
| Rental expenses | 26,819 | 25,287 |
| Salaries and wages | 115,362 | 66,844 |
| Share-based compensation (note 9 and 10) | 949,467 | 71,671 |
| Travel expenses | 22,780 | 51,534 |
| 1,506,391 | 561,554 | |
| Loss(Income)from continuingoperations | (943,363) | 921,221 |
| Other income (expenses) | ||
| Write off of accrual liabilities | - | 27,977 |
| Gain on debt settlement (note 9) | - | 215,855 |
| Foreign exchange gain (loss) | (73,151) | 46,944 |
| Interestincome | 6,268 | 1,506 |
| (66,883) | 292,282 | |
| Net (loss) income | (1,010,246) | 1,213,503 |
| Other comprehensive income | ||
| Items that will be reclassified subsequently to (loss) income | ||
| Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes_(note 6b)_ | - | 323,103 |
| Foreigncurrency translation | 57,447 | (44,407) |
| Other comprehensive income | 57,447 | 278,696 |
| Total Comprehensive(Loss) Income | (952,799) | 1,492,199 |
| Net (loss) income per common share (basic and diluted) | (0.007) | 0.009 |
| Weighted average number of common shares (basic) | 134,285,669 | 131,321,984 |
| Weighted average number of common shares (diluted) | 134,285,669 | 137,001,792 |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
3
AXMIN INC. – CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2019
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
(Expressed in United States Dollars except share data)
| For the years ended December 31, 2019 Number Amount($) Share Capital Authorized:Unlimited common shares Issued:Common shares Balance, beginning of year 134,237,381 140,088,634 Shares issued duringtheyear_(note 9) 375,000 9,809 Balance, end ofyear 134,612,381 140,098,443 Warrants Reserve Balance, beginning and end ofyear 7,868,733 Stock Options Reserve Balance, beginning of year 8,974,207 Share-based compensation(note 9)_ 949,467 Fair value of options exercised (2,739) Balance, end ofyear 9,920,935 Deficit Balance, beginning of year (157,669,225) Net (loss)incomeforthe year (1,010,246) Balance, end ofyear (158,679,471) Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax Balance, beginning of year 1,673,474 Othercomprehensiveincome 57,447 Balance, end ofyear 1,730,921 Shareholders’ Equity, end of year 939,561 |
2018 Number Amount ($) |
|---|---|
| 130,497,381 139,494,998 3,740,000 593,636 |
|
| 134,237,381 140,088,634 |
|
| 7,868,733 | |
| 8,908,683 71,671 (6,147) |
|
| 8,974,207 | |
| (158,882,728) 1,213,503 |
|
| (157,669,225) | |
| 1,394,778 278,696 |
|
| 1,673,474 | |
| 935,823 |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
4
AXMIN INC. – CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2019
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
| For the years ended December 31, | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| $ | $ | |
| Operating Activities | ||
| Net income (loss) | (1,010,246) | 1,213,503 |
| Write off of accrued liabilities | - | (27,977) |
| Fair value of options exercised | (2,739) | (6,147) |
| Gain on loan settlement | - | (215,855) |
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets (note 8) | 17,304 | - |
| Depreciation of equipment (note 7) | 10,788 | - |
| Lease liability accretion expense (note 8) | 12,709 | - |
| Foreign exchange gain | 59,616 | (46,944) |
| Share-based compensation(note 9) | 949,467 | 71,671 |
| 36,899 | 988,251 | |
| Changes in non-cash working capital | ||
| Receivables | 270,486 | 333,162 |
| Prepaid expenses | 485 | (31,980) |
| Deposit | 6,146 | - |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (23,859) | (1,351,694) |
| Amounts due to relatedparties | 78,539 | (5,928) |
| Net cash (outflow) from operating activities | 368,696 | (68,189) |
| Investing Activities | ||
| Acquisition of equipment (note 7) | (39,535) | - |
| Net cash (outflow) from investing activities | (39,535) | - |
| Financing Activities | ||
| Interest received | 8,146 | 874 |
| Proceeds from share issuance | - | 9,491 |
| Lease payments on principal portion (note 8) | (101,572) | - |
| Leasepayments on interestportion(note 8) | (12,709) | - |
| Net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activities | (106,135) | 10,365 |
| Effect of exchange rate changes | (696) | 1,918 |
| Change in cash and cash equivalent during the year | 222,330 | (55,906) |
| Cash and cash equivalent, beginning ofyear | 1,059,425 | 1,115,331 |
| Cash and cash equivalent, end ofyear | 1,281,755 | 1,059,425 |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
5
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
1. Nature of operations and going concern
AXMIN Inc. (“AXMIN” or the “Company”) is incorporated under the Canada Business Company Act and is an international mineral exploration company with an exploration portfolio in central and West Africa. A major portion of the Company’s exploration and development costs relate to its Passendro gold project (the “Project” or “Passendro”) situated on a portion of the Bambari property in the Central African Republic (“CAR”). The Company holds its interest in this property through its wholly owned CAR registered subsidiaries, Aurafrique SARL (“Aurafrique”), which holds prospecting and exploration permits for the property, and SOMIO Toungou SA, which holds the mining permit for the Passendro project. The corporate office is located in Vancouver at 1111 Alberni Street, Suite 2209, Vancouver, BC, V6E 4V2, Canada.
The Company is in the development stage. Aside from the properties that comprise of the Passendro project, it has not yet determined whether other properties in its exploration portfolio contain resources that are economically recoverable. The recoverability of the amounts shown for mineral properties costs is dependent upon the ability of the Company to secure adequate financing to meet the capital required to successfully complete the exploration and development of the project, the political risk relating to obtaining all necessary permits and maintaining the licences in good standing, the future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition of such properties and its ability to continue as a going concern. In addition, the Company’s properties may be subject to sovereign risk, including political and economic uncertainty, changes in existing government regulations to mining which may not uphold the Company’s 25-year Mining Permit and the associated contractual agreements, as well as currency fluctuations and local inflation. These risks may adversely affect the investment in the properties and may result in the impairment or loss of all or part of the Company’s investment. The Company determined the Passendro project is impaired in its entirety in 2013.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared using International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) applicable to a “going concern”, which assumes that the Company will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations. As at December 31, 2019, the Company had working capital of $761,352 (December 31, 2018 - $935,823) and accumulated deficit of $158,679,471 (December 31, 2018 - $157,669,225) and expects to incur further loses in the development of its business. The Company did not have sufficient cash to fund the development of the Passendro Project and its other properties. The Company will require additional financing or other sources of funding, which if not raised, would result in the curtailment of activities. As a result, there is a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and accordingly use accounting principles applicable to a going concern.
To date, the Company has raised funds principally through the Gora royalty income, the issuance of shares and sale of assets. In the foreseeable future, the Company will likely remain dependent on the issuance of shares, and the availability of project financing. Management expects that it will be able to fund its immediate cash requirements and will require additional funding to allow the Company to continue future exploration and development activities. However, there can be no assurances that the Company’s financing activities will be successful or that sufficient funds can be raised in a timely manner or on terms satisfactory to the Company.
These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts, or to the amounts or classification of liabilities, that might be necessary and material should the Company not be able to continue as a going concern.
2. Basis of preparation
Statement of compliance
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and effective for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except certain financial instruments that are measured at revalued amounts or fair value at the end of each reporting period, as explained in the accounting policies below. The Company’s accounting policies have been applied consistently in preparing these consolidated financial statements except the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases and IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments effective from January 1, 2019.
These consolidated financial statements of the Company were authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors on June 9, 2020 .
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AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
3. Summary of significant accounting policies
New accounting standard adopted
IFRS 16 Leases:
On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted IFRS 16 – Leases (“IFRS 16”) which replaced IAS 17 – Leases and IFRIC 4 – Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease. IFRS 16 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. IFRS 16 eliminates the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases for a lessee. Instead, all leases are treated in a similar way to finance leases applied in IAS 17. IFRS 16 does not require a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for short-term leases (i.e. leases of 12 months or less), leases with certain variable lease payments and leases of low-value assets.
The Company applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective method. Under this method, financial information will not be restated and will continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company will recognize lease liabilities related to its lease commitments for its office leases. The lease liabilities will be measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the Company’s estimated incremental borrowing rate, resulting in no adjustment to the opening balance of deficit. The associated right-of-use assets will be measured at the lease liabilities amount. The Company has implemented the following accounting policies permitted under the new standard:
Lease liability, right of use assets
At inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Corporation assesses whether the contract involves the use of an identified asset, whether the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset during the term of the arrangement exists, and if the Company has the right to direct the use of the asset. At inception or on reassessment of a contract that contains a lease component, the Company allocates the consideration in the contract to each lease component on the basis of their relative standalone prices.
As a lessee, the Company recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the commencement date of a lease. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which is comprised of the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any decommissioning and restoration costs, less any lease incentives received.
The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the lease term, or the end of the useful life of the asset. In addition, the right-of-use asset may be reduced due to impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability.
A lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted by the interest rate implicit in the lease, or if that rate cannot be readily determined, the incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are comprised of:
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fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments, less any lease incentives receivable;
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variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the commencement date;
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amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee;
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exercise prices of purchase options if the Company is reasonably certain to exercise that option; and
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payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the lessee exercising an option to terminate the lease.
The lease liability is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, or if there is a change in the estimate or assessment of the expected amount payable under a residual value guarantee, purchase, extension or termination option. Variable lease payments not included in the initial measurement of the lease liability are charged directly to profit or loss.
The Company has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less. The lease payments associated with these leases are charged directly to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term. As of the initial adoption date of January 1, 2019, the Company does not have any leases that are required to be recognized as assets and liabilities.
7
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
3. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
New accounting standard adopted (continued)
IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments
In June 2017, the IFRS Interpretation Committee issued IFRIC 23, which clarifies how the recognition and measurement requirements of IAS 12 Income Taxes are applied where there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. IFRIC 23 becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and is to be applied retrospectively with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard did not have material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries.
Control is achieved when the Company has (i) power over the investee; (ii) is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and (iii) has the ability to use its power to affects it returns. The Company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of three elements of control previously mentioned.
Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Company obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Company loses control of the subsidiary. Specifically, income and expenses of a subsidiary acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income from the date the Company gains control until the date when the Company ceases control of the subsidiary.
All Intra-group assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions between members of the Company are eliminated in full on consolidation.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, as follows:
| AXMIN Limited (BVI) | 100% owned |
|---|---|
| Aurafrique SARL (CAR) | 100% owned |
| SOMIO Toungou SA (CAR) | 100% owned |
| AXMIN RCA SARL (CAR) - inactive | 100% owned |
| ToPex Limited (BVI) - inactive | 100% owned |
The Company does not have interests in any associated companies or in any joint arrangements with either joint control or significant influence.
The Company is a party to a joint arrangement without joint control or significant influence through its joint venture agreement with Sabodala Mining Company SARL (“SMC”), in Senegal. Although the Company has actual and potential royalty interests in the project, the Company has no power to direct relevant operational and financing activities such as operating policies, capital decisions, key management, appointments or project management, and thus has no joint control or significant influence. The joint venture agreement and royalty interests are described in note 5(b).
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated statements of financial position comprise cash at banks and highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash or have maturity dates at the date of purchase of three months or less.
Foreign currency translation
The Company’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar and that of all of its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. The Company’s consolidated financial statements are reported in US dollars, which is the Company’s presentation currency. The US dollar was selected as presentation currency in order to facilitate understanding by international users of these consolidated financial statements.
8
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
3. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
Foreign currency translation (continued)
Transactions in currencies other than an entity’s functional currency are initially recorded at the exchange rate as at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the closing rate as at the date of the consolidated statement of financial position. All differences are recorded in net earnings or loss. Non-monetary items are translated using the historical exchange rates as at the dates of the initial transactions.
In translating the financial results of the parent company from its functional currency of Canadian dollars to the presentation currency of US dollars, the Company uses the following method: assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect as at the date of the consolidated statement of financial position; revenues and expenses are translated at the rate effective at the time of the transaction or the average rate for the year; and shareholders’ equity is translated at the rate effective at the time of the transaction. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from the translation to the US dollar presentation currency are included in other comprehensive income.
Mineral properties
Exploration and evaluation assets
Exploration and evaluation costs, including the cost of acquiring licenses, are expensed as exploration costs in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss until the determination of the technical feasibility, commercial viability and the reasonable assurance of obtaining the exploitation license of the Project. Exploration costs include costs directly related to exploration and evaluation activities in the area of interest. The technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource is considered to be determinable when economically recoverable reserves are determined to exist, the rights of tenure are current and it is considered probable that the costs will be recouped through successful development and exploitation of the area, or alternatively by sale of the property. This determination is normally evidenced by the completion of a technical feasibility study.
Once the technical feasibility study is completed and there is reasonable assurance that the mining permit is obtained, subsequent exploration and development expenses are capitalized in mineral properties. Upon reaching commercial production, these capitalized costs will be transferred from development properties to producing properties on the consolidated statement of financial position and will be amortized using the unit-of-production method over the estimated period of economically recoverable reserves.
Development costs
Expenditure on the pre-construction work such as early on-site infrastructural upgrades is capitalized in mineral properties.
Carried interest and farm-in arrangements
The Company recognizes its expenditures under a farm-in or carried interest arrangement for exploration and evaluation assets in respect of its interest and that retained by the other party, as and when the costs are incurred. Such expenditures are recognized in the same way as the Company’s directly incurred exploration and evaluation expenditures.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost can be measured reliably.
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment used for exploration and development is capitalized to mineral properties. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method based on an estimated useful life of 5 years for vehicles, 10 years for equipment and 25 years for building. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective lease.
9
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
3. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
Impairment of assets
The Company assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. If any indication exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required, the Company estimates the asset’s recoverable amount. An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or cash generating unit’s fair value less costs to sell and its value-in-use. Individual assets are grouped for impairment assessment purposes at the lowest level at which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets. Where the carrying amount of an asset or cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. In assessing value-in-use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.
The Company bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecast calculations that include commodity pricing, availability of financing, and various other factors, which are prepared separately for each of the Company’s cash generating units to which the individual assets are allocated. When the determination of fair value based on cash flow projections are deemed difficult or impossible, management utilizes other methods such as cost per oz compared to peers, cost per oz of net exploration kilometre and recent market transactions. Impairment losses are recognized in the consolidated statement of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
For assets excluding goodwill, an assessment is made at each reporting date as to whether there is any indication that previously recognized impairment losses may no longer exist or may have decreased. If such indication exists, the Company estimates the asset’s or cash generating unit’s recoverable amount. A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the assumptions used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. The reversal is limited so that the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed its recoverable amount, nor exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognized in the consolidated statement of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
Cash generating units with goodwill are tested for impairment annually (as at December 31) and when circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. Impairment is determined for goodwill by assessing the recoverable amount of each cash generating unit (or group of cash generating units) to which the goodwill relates. Where the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit is less than its carrying amount an impairment loss is recognized. Impairment losses relating to goodwill cannot be reversed in future periods.
Share based payments
The Company grants stock options to directors, officers and employees of the Company under its incentive stock option plan.
The fair value of the instruments granted is measured using Black-Scholes option pricing model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the instruments are granted and are expensed over their vesting period. In estimating fair value, management is required to make certain assumptions and estimates regarding such items as the life of options, volatility and forfeiture rates. Changes in the assumptions used to estimate fair value could result in materially different results.
The fair value of the awards is adjusted by the estimate of the number of awards that are expected to vest as a result of non-market conditions and is recognized over the vesting period using an accelerated method of amortization. At each reporting period date, the Company revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the nonmarket vesting conditions including the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, with corresponding adjustments to equity.
Share-based compensation relating to share options is charged to the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
Warrants
The warrants are valued based on allocating the proceeds of the issuance between the common share and the common share purchase warrant components by fair valuing each component separately and determining the proceeds to be allocated based on a pro-rata basis. The fair value of warrants is calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and is recognized as warrants.
10
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
3. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
Warrants (continued)
Warrants whose exercise price is denominated in Canadian currency are fair valued and carried in the Shareholders’ Equity section of the consolidated statements of financial position. Warrants that are denominated in a currency other than the Company’s functional currency are fair valued and classified as derivatives in the current liabilities section of the consolidated statements of financial position.
Earnings (loss) per share
Earnings (loss) per common share has been calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares issued and outstanding during the year. Diluted per share amounts are calculated using the treasury stock method whereby proceeds deemed to be received on the exercise of options and warrants in the per share calculation are assumed to be used to acquire common shares at the average market price during the year.
Income taxes
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity, in which case it is recognized in equity.
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
Deferred tax is recognized using the liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognized on the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination. In addition, deferred tax is not recognized for taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset, and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity, or on different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax assets and liabilities will be realized simultaneously.
A deferred tax asset is recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
Financial instruments
The Company applies IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, which sets out the accounting standards for the classification and measurement of financial instruments.
Classification and measurement
The Company classifies its financial assets in the following categories: at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”), at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”) or at amortized cost. The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition.
Equity instruments that are held for trading (including all equity derivative instruments) are classified as FVTPL. For other equity instruments, the Company can make an irrevocable election (on an instrument by-instrument basis) on the day of acquisition to designate them as at FVTOCI.
Financial assets at FVTPL
Financial assets carried at FVTPL are initially recorded at fair value and transaction costs are expensed in the income statement. Realized and unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of the financial asset held at FVTPL are included in the income statement in the period in which they arise. Derivatives are also categorized as FVTPL unless they are designated as hedges.
11
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
3. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
Financial instruments (continued)
Financial assets at FVTOCI
Investments in equity instruments at FVTOCI are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs. Subsequently they are measured at fair value, with gains and losses arising from changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income. There is no subsequent reclassification of fair value gains and losses to profit or loss following the derecognition of the investment.
Financial assets at amortized cost
Financial assets at amortized cost are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently carried at amortized cost less any impairment. They are classified as current assets or non-current assets based on their maturity date.
Financial assets are derecognized when they mature or are sold, and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. Gains and losses on derecognition of financial assets classified as FVTPL or amortized cost is recognized in the income statement. Gains or losses on financial assets classified as FVTOCI remain within accumulated other comprehensive income.
The financial assets are derecognized when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows in a transaction in which substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred or in which the Company neither transfers nor retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership and it does not retain control of the financial asset.
Impairment of financial assets
The Company recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit losses on financial assets that are measured at amortized cost. At each reporting date, the Company measures the loss allowance for the financial asset at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses if the credit risk on the financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition. If at the reporting date, the financial asset has not increased significantly since initial recognition, the Company measures the loss allowance for the financial asset at an amount equal to twelve month expected credit losses. The Company shall recognize in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss, as an impairment gain or loss, the amount of expected credit losses (or reversal) that is required to adjust the loss allowance at the reporting date to the amount that is required to be recognized.
Financial liabilities
All financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value plus or minus transactions costs that are directly attributable to issuing the financial liability. Financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost, unless they are required to be measured at FVTPL.
The Company initially recognizes financial liabilities on the trade date at which the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial liabilities are derecognized when their contractual obligations are discharged, cancelled or have expired. Any adjustment to the amortized cost of the financial liability arising from a modification or exchange is recognized in profit or loss at the date of the modification or exchange.
The classification of the Company’s financial instruments is as follows:
| **Classification ** | |
|---|---|
| Financial Assets | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | Amortized cost |
| Receivables exclude refundable taxes | Amortized cost |
| Financial Liabilities | |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | Amortized cost |
| Amounts due to related parties | Amortized cost |
| Leaseliability | Amortized cost |
12
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
3. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
Recent accounting pronouncements not yet effective
The following are accounting standards anticipated to be effective January 1, 2020 or later:
Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8: Definition of Material
In October 2018, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors to align the definition of ‘material’ across the standards and to clarify certain aspects of the definition. The new definition states that, ’Information is material if omitting, misstating or obscuring it could reasonably be expected to influence decisions that the primary users of general purpose financial statements make on the basis of those financial statements, which provide financial information about a specific reporting entity.’ The amendments to the definition of material are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
4. Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions
Significant judgements that the Company’s management has made in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies, apart from those involving estimations, that have the most significant effects on the amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are as follows:
- (a) Going concern
The Company has determined it will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations, thus it has the ability to continue as a going concern.
- (b) Functional currency
The functional currency for each of the Company’s subsidiaries is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. The determination of the Company's functional currency requires analyzing facts that are considered primary factors, and if the result is not conclusive, the secondary factors. The analysis requires the Company to apply significant judgment since primary and secondary factors may be mixed.
In determining its functional currency the Company analyzed both the primary and secondary factors, including the currency of the Company's operating costs in both Canada and Africa, and sources of equity financing. The Company has determined the functional currency of the parent is the Canadian dollar and the functional currencies of the wholly owned subsidiaries are US dollars.
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses and other income during the reporting periods. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances, having regard to prior experiences.
Significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to:
(a) Deferred income taxes;
(b) Share based compensation valuation assumptions; and
- (c) The inputs used in the IFRS 16 lease accounting.
While management believes that these estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual results may differ from the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements.
13
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
4. Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions (continued)
(a) Deferred taxes
In assessing the probability of realizing income tax assets recognized, management makes estimates related to expectations of future taxable income, applicable tax opportunities, expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences and the likelihood that tax positions taken will be sustained upon examination by applicable tax authorities. In making its assessments, management gives additional weight to positive and negative evidence that can be objectively verified. Estimates of future taxable income are based on forecasted cash flows from operations and the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. Forecasted cash flows from operations are based on life of mine projections internally developed and reviewed by management. Weight is attached to tax planning opportunities that are within the Company’s control, and are feasible and implementable without significant obstacles. The likelihood that tax positions taken will be sustained upon examination by applicable tax authorities is assessed based on individual facts and circumstances of the relevant tax position evaluated in light of all available evidence. Where applicable tax laws and regulations are either unclear or subject to ongoing varying interpretations, it is reasonably possible that changes in these estimates can occur that materially affect the amounts of income tax assets recognized. At the end of each reporting period, the Company reassesses unrecognized and recognized deferred tax assets.
Tax regulation are very complex and changing regularly. As a result, the Company is required to make judgments about the tax applications and probability of certain tax exposure. Also, all tax returns are subject to further government’s reviews, with the potential reassessment. All those facts can impact income tax provisions and operation results.
(b) Share based compensation valuation assumptions
Note 9 outlines the significant assumptions with respect to share-based payment expense which include an estimate of the volatility of the Company’s shares, the expected life of the options, and the number of options expected to vest which are subject to measurement uncertainty.
(c) The inputs used in the IFRS 16 lease accounting
The significant judgments, estimates, and assumptions made by management applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements, specifically as they relate to IFRS 16 Leases, primarily included evaluating the appropriate discount rate to use to discount the lease liability for each lease, as well as determining the lease term, when the lease contained an extension option, and assessing if the Company was reasonably certain that it would exercise the extension option. Significant judgments, estimates, and assumptions over both factors would affect the present value of the lease liabilities upon adoption of the new accounting standard, as well as the associated value of the right-of-use assets.
5. Receivables
The Company’s receivables arise from royalty receivable related to Senegal Project (Note 6), goods and services tax and harmonized sales taxes receivable from government taxation authorities as follows:
| December31 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Interest receivable | - | 1,838 |
| Royalty income receivable | - | 268,094 |
| Refundable taxes | 5,515 | 6,315 |
| 5,515 | 276,247 |
6. Exploration and evaluation assets
a) Mineral properties
Central African Republic
AXMIN holds a 100% interest in the Bambari properties which consist of a 25-year Mining Licence (355 sq km), granted in August 2010 and two Exploration Licences, Bambari 1 and 2 (1,240 sq km), also granted in August 2010. The Bambari properties had been the subject of substantial exploration by AXMIN since the discovery of the Passendro project. The Passendro project is situated in the centre of the Mining Licence which is ring-fenced by the two Bambari Exploration Licences.
14
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
6. Exploration and evaluation assets (continued)
a) Mineral properties (continued)
On October 15, 2013, the Government of the CAR signed the Decree No. 13.412, stating that the duration of the validity of the Bambari 1 and 2 Exploration Licences held by Aurafrique SARL, a wholly owned CAR registered subsidiary of the Company, were extended for a period of one year from August 7, 2013 to August 6, 2014.
On October 15, 2013, the Government of the CAR granted SOMIO Toungou SA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, a one-year extension of the exemption from starting the development and pre-production work at the Passendro Gold Project. The period of the extension of the exemption is valid from January 11, 2014 to January 10, 2015.
On October 18, 2013, the Government has certified that the Mining Licence held by SOMIO Toungou, which was originally granted to the Company on August 5, 2010, remains valid for a period of twenty-five years from the date of the grant.
On November 28, 2016, the Minister of Mines, Energy and Hydraulics of the CAR issued Ministerial Order No 245/16/MMEH/DIRCAB/DGMD, giving an Exemption Certificate of one (1) year to start the development and preproduction work at the Passendro Gold Project to SOMIO Toungou SA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
The period of the Exemption is valid within a duration of one (1) year starting from November 28, 2016 to November 27, 2017. On March 26, 2018, the Minister of Mining and Geology issued an executive order No 031/18/MMG/DIRCAB/DGM to grant SOMIO Toungou an extension period of exemption from the development work and productions of the Passendro gold mine for one (1) year, running from March 22, 2018 to March 21, 2019.
Also on November 28, 2016, the Minister of Mines, Energy and Hydraulics of the CAR issued the Ministerial Order No 246/16/MMEH/DIRCAB/DGMD, giving an Exemption Certificate of one (1) year for exploration and research of the primary layer of gold and others related to substances of Licenses of BAMBARI 1 and 2 to Aurafrique SARL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The period of the Exemption is valid within duration of one year from November 28, 2016 to November 27, 2017. In 2016, the Company incurred $1,000,000 for the extension of the licenses of BAMBARI 1 and 2, which is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2017. On March 26, 2018, the Minister of Mining and Geology issued an executive order No 032/18/MMG/DIRCAB/DGM to grant Aurafrique SARL an extension period of exemption from exploration and research for one (1) year, running from March 22, 2018 to March 21, 2019.
As of December 31, 2019, management is unable to determine when the Minister of Mining and Geology will approve the renewal applications submitted for the Exemption Certificates and there is no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining the renewal of the Exemption Certificates. Please refer to Note 16 for further updates.
Force Majeure
In 2012, AXMIN announced that it officially notified the Minister of Mines and Minister of Defence of the Central African Republic, as per its 2006 Mining Convention, of the existence of Force Majeure factors arising from the widely reported rebel activity in the country at that time.
AXMIN’s operating camp based in close proximity to Ndassima Village which was temporarily occupied on December 21, 2012 by rebels apparently en route to the major town of Bambari. In April 2013, AXMIN has received confirmed reports that all facilities, tools, equipment and vehicles on site were stolen or destroyed by the rebels or by the locals.
As a result of this rebel activity, camp operations in CAR have been suspended and the Company has been limiting its activities to administrative office activity in Bangui only.
Force Majeure
On October 15, 2013, the Government of the CAR (“Government”) officially acknowledged the considerable monetary losses the Company sustained, which was estimated to be approximately US$38 million, at its operations in the capital city of Bangui and at its Ndassima camp located 60 km north of the town of Bambari. In response to those losses, the Government has consented to a compensation of 50 percent of all taxes, rights and taxations, but did not specify the applicable time period. Given the uncertainty of the Government compensation, the Company has not accrued any compensation.
15
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
6. Exploration and evaluation assets (continued)
a) Mineral properties (continued)
Impairment charges on mineral properties
Impairment in the amount of $37,346,576 was recognized as at December 31, 2013 on the Bambari properties to reflect the decrease in their recoverable value as the result of the current political turmoil in CAR. The new government of the CAR might adopt different policies respecting foreign development and ownership of mineral resources. Any such changes in policy may result in changes in laws affecting mining policies, ownership of mineral assets and might extend to expropriation of mineral assets. The recoverable amount of the Company’s Bambari properties is $nil based on management’s estimate of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell (“FVLCD”).
As at December 31, 2019, there has been no significant change in the assumptions used to determine the FVLCD since the impairment loss was recognized in 2013.
b) Other exploration, evaluation and development costs disposed or expensed
Mali – discontinued operation
On March 31, 2010, AXMIN and Avion Gold Corporation (“Avion”) (AVR-TSX) entered into an agreement for the sale of AXMIN’s Kofi Gold Project and other ancillary permits in Mali. The total sales proceeds for the nine permits consist of C$500,000 cash and 4,500,000 common shares of Avion. As of December 31, 2017, eight of the nine permits met the conditions for closing. The consideration for the eight permits represents 95% of the total sale proceeds.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company reassessed the accrued tax liability related to its capital gain generated from the the sale of AXMIN’s Kofi Gold Project and other ancillary permits in Mali from 2010. Based on the laws and regulations in Mali and management’s best estimate, it is not probable that the reversal of the liability would be challenged by the tax authorities in the future. Therefore, the accrued tax liability of $323,103 has been reversed during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Senegal
In July 2011, through its wholly-owned subsidiary SMC, Teranga Gold Company (“Teranga”) earned 80% interest in Sounkounkou, Heremokono and Sabodala NW exploration licences (the “Senegal Project”) located in the Birimian belt of eastern Senegal, by spending $6 million on exploration. AXMIN has retained a 20% interest in the Project.
On February 28, 2012, as a result of Teranga advancing the Gora deposit towards development, AXMIN and its joint venture partner SMC had agreed to amend the original 2008 joint venture agreement to more adequately represent AXMIN’s interest in the exploration potential of the Senegal licences. The amended joint venture and royalty agreement (the “Agreement”) supersedes and replaces the original joint venture agreement. As per the Agreement,
AXMIN had a free-carried interest of $2.5 million, with respect to the Target Areas work costs starting from October 1, 2011, after which both parties are to jointly fund Target Area work costs on a pro-rata basis. As of December 31, 2016, the free-carried interest balance is $nil.
The Agreement also stipulates that AXMIN can make an election to convert its 20% interest in Target Area into a Royalty interest (a “Royalty Election”). If a Royalty Election is made, then SMC must pay to AXMIN a Royalty interest of 1.5% of Net Smelter Returns (“1.5% NSR”) from the sale or disposition of Minerals produced in the specified Target Area. SMC will solely fund all finance work costs for each of the Royalty Target Areas (being Target Areas have been made Royalty Election on). As of February 28, 2012, AXMIN elected to take a 1.5% NSR Royalty Interest in the Gora Deposit, located on the Sounkounkou permit.
c) Other exploration, evaluation and development costs disposed or expensed
Senegal
On June 18, 2015, in addition to its royalty interest of 1.5% NSR in the Gora Target Area, AXMIN has elected to convert its 20% interests in another 15 Target Areas into a 1.5% NSR Royalty interest from each Target Area under the Agreement. On January 12, 2016, AXMIN elected to convert its 20% interest in one new Target area into a 1.5% NSR. On January 12, 2016, after this Royalty Election, AXMIN holds a 1.5% NSR on 17 Royalty Target Areas in total and maintains 20% interests of Remainder Areas within the Senegal Project.
16
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
6. Exploration and evaluation assets (continued)
c) Other exploration, evaluation and development costs disposed or expensed (continued)
The Gora Deposit began production in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Royalty income in the amount of $563,028 has been recognized in the year ended December 31, 2019. (December 31, 2018 - $1,482,775). As of June 2019, the Company’s royalty rights have been completed and royalty payments to the Company have ceased.
7. Equipment
| Vehicle | Furniture | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $ | $ | $ |
| Balance at January 1, 2019 and 2018 | - | - | - |
| Additions | 51,457 | 4,955 | 56,412 |
| Foreign exchange impact | 127 | 12 | 139 |
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | **51,584 ** | **4,967 ** | **56,551 ** |
| Accumulated Depreciation | |||
| Balance at January 1, 2019 and 2018 | - | - | |
| Depreciation | 10,293 | 495 | 10,788 |
| Foreign exchange impact | 24 | 2 | 26 |
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | 10,317 | 497 | 10,814 |
| Carrying Value | |||
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | 41,267 | 4,470 | 45,737 |
| Balance at December 31, 2018 | - | - | - |
8. Leases – right-of-use assets and lease liabilities
The Company’s operating lease obligations at December 31, 2018 is $26,389 which is lease that’s considered to be short-term, and as such, the lease obligations recognized on initial application of IFRS 16 on January 1, 2019 is $nil.
Lease contracts that are classified as short-term are not counted under lease obligations. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company expensed $39,510 related to leases that are classified as short-term. These expenses have been included in rental expenses and project costs in the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
The Company leases office in Central African Republic. The lease period for the office space is from July 1, 2019 to March 31, 2026. The Company’s right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis, over the lease term. The office location is Docteur Cureau Street in Gangui, Central African Republic. The Company has paid $6,160 rent deposit for the lease.
Right-of-use assets
A summary of the changes in the right-of-use assets for the year ended December 31, 2019 is as follow:
| $ | |
|---|---|
| Cost | |
| Balance at January 1, 2019 | - |
| Additions | 235,405 |
| Depreciation | (17,304) |
| Foreignexchange difference | (1,299) |
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | **216,802 ** |
Lease liabilities
On July 1, 2019, the Company entered into lease agreement which resulted in the lease liability of $235,405 (undiscounted value of $303,221, discount rate used is 15%). This liability represents the monthly lease payment from July 1, 2019 to March 31, 2026, the end of the lease term.
17
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
8. Leases – right-of-use assets and lease liabilities (continued)
A summary of changes in lease liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2019 is as follows:
| $ | |
|---|---|
| Cost | |
| Balance at January 1, 2019 | - |
| Additions | 235,405 |
| Lease payments on principal portion | (101,572) |
| Lease payments on interest portion | (12,709) |
| Lease liability accretion expense | 12,709 |
| Foreign exchange difference | (1,495) |
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | 132,338 |
| Current portion | 41,848 |
| **Long termportion ** | 90,490 |
The following is a schedule of the Company’s future lease payments under lease obligations:
| $ | |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 55,785 |
| 2021 | 21,561 |
| 2022 | 25,668 |
| 2023 | 25,668 |
| 2024 | 25,668 |
| 2025 | 25,668 |
| 2026 | 7,033 |
| Totalundiscountedlease payments | 187,051 |
| Less: imputed interest | (54,713) |
| Total carry value of lease obligations | 132,338 |
9. Share capital
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares with one vote per share and no par value per share. Share capital outstanding at December 31, 2019 was 134,612,381 (December 31, 2018: 134,237,381 common shares).
On October 12, 2018, the Company has issued 3.46 million shares at a price of C$0.30 per share total C$1,038,000 (equivalent 800,000) with a combination of a cash payment of US$1.2 million to settle an US$ 2 million account payable. This account payable was for a consultancy agreement (the "Consulting Agreement") to assist AXMIN with securing its ownership of licenses in the Central African Republic on November 15, 2013. Under this Consulting Agreement the consultant was entitled to remuneration upon the successful completion of its services. The total outstanding payments due under this Consulting Agreement amount to US$2 million and were duly recorded in the Company’s accounts payable. The Company has benefited from the renewal of its respective licenses and permits and is in good standing with the Government of the Central African Republic. The fair value of the common shares was $584,145, resulting in a gain on debt settlement of $215,855.
The shares issued pursuant to the above-referenced Settlement Agreement will be subject to transfer restrictions under a two (2) year lock-up agreement, during which time the shares may not be sold. The transfer restrictions under the lock-up agreement will expire two (2) years plus one day from the date of grant.
On October 19, 2018, 280,000 stock options were exercised, 100,000 were exercised at a price of C$0.025 and 180,000 were exercised at a price of C$0.05 for gross proceeds of C$11,500 (equivalent $8,776).
On November 14, 2019, 375,000 stock options were exercised at a price of C$0.025 for gross proceeds of C$9,375 (equivalent $7,070). The fair value of these stock options is $2,739 which has been reclassified from stock option reserve to share capital.
Warrants
There were no common share purchase warrants outstanding, issued or exercised during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
18
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
9. Share capital (continued)
Stock Options
A summary of the changes in options is presented below:
| Weighted Average Exercise Price – | ||
|---|---|---|
| Number of options | C$(dollars) | |
| Balance at December 31, 2017 | 8,240,000 | 0.04 |
| Options exercised on October 19, 2018 | (280,000) | 0.04 |
| Options cancelled on November 15,2018 | (60,000) | 0.05 |
| Balance at December 31, 2018 | 7,900,000 | **0.04 ** |
| Options granted on July 2, 2019 | 3,750,000 | 0.60 |
| Options exercised on November 14, 2019 | (375,000) | 0.025 |
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | 11,275,000 | 0.23 |
The Incentive Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) authorizes the Directors to grant options to purchase shares of the Company to directors, officers, employees and consultants. All options granted to directors, officers and employees vest over 18 months from the date of grant and expire five years from the date of issuance. The Plan allows for the maximum number of common shares issuable under the Plan to equal 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company at any point in time.
On July 2, 2019, the Company granted 3,750,000 stock options to directors, officers and advisors at an exercise price of $0.60 and expiring five years from the date of issue.
500,000 of the options were vested immediately, the remaining 3,250,000 were vested equally over an 18 month period from the date of the grant (25% on the date of grant and 25% on each of the 6 (six) month, 12 (twelve) month and 18 (eighteen) month from the date of grant) and are exercisable in accordance with the terms of the Company’s Stock Option Plan. Share-based compensation expense amounted to $949,467 for the year ended December 31, 2019 (2018 - $71,671).
Fair values of share options were calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
| Risk free interest rate Expected share market volatility Expected life of share options (years) Dividend yield |
2019 2018 |
|---|---|
| 1.32% 1.80% 224% 229% 5 5 0% 0% |
As at December 31, 2019, common share stock options held by directors, officers and employees and activity are as follows:
| Exercise prices - C$ (dollars) 0.025 0.05 0.60 |
Outstanding Number of options Exercise price - C$ (dollars) Remaining contractual life in years |
Exercisable |
|---|---|---|
| Number of options Exercise price - C$ (dollars) |
||
| 2,625,000 0.025 0.72 4,900,000 0.05 2.73 3,750,000 0.60 4.51 11,275,000 0.23 2.85 |
2,625,000 0.025 4,900,000 0.05 1,312,500 0.60 |
|
| 8,837,500 0.12 |
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AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
10. Related party transactions and balances
Related party balances
| ated party balances | ||
|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |
| $ | $ | |
| Director (a) | 5,644 | 9,163 |
| CEO (b) | 261,080 | 175,261 |
| Total due to relatedparties | 266,724 | 184,424 |
-
(a) Balances consist of director fees, expense reimbursement and expected receivable from option exercise from the current director.
-
(b) Balance consists of consulting fees due to the current CEO.
-
(c) As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s significant shareholder, Dickson Resources Limited (“Dickson”), held 45,000,000 common shares (December 31, 2018 – 45,000,000) representing approximately 33% of AXMIN’s issued and outstanding common shares on a non-dilutive basis.
-
(d) As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s other significant shareholder, Shanghai Shenglin Trading Co., Ltd., held 20,000,000 common shares (2018–20,000,000 common shares) representing approximately 15% of AXMIN’s issued and outstanding common shares on a non-dilutive basis.
-
(e) As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s other significant shareholder, AOG Participations BV (“AOG”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Addax and Oryx Group Limited, held 15,001,938 common shares (December 31, 2018 - 15,001,938 common shares) representing approximately 11% of AXMIN’s issued and outstanding common shares on a non-dilutive basis.
Related party transactions
Compensation of key management personnel
The Company has identified its directors and senior officers as its key management personnel. The remuneration of directors and senior officers during the years were as follows:
| remuneration of directors and senior officers during | the years were as follows: | |
|---|---|---|
| 2019.. | 2018.. | |
| $.. | $.. | |
| Share-based payments | 464,059 | 71,671 |
| Consulting fees | 75,369 | 113,645 |
| Director fees | 75,370 | 77,178 |
| 614,798 | 262,494 |
These transactions were entered into in the normal course of operations and were recorded at the exchange amount established and agreed to between the related parties.
11. Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business activities, the Company is subject to various claims, including those related to income and other taxes of its foreign subsidiaries. Management believes that adequate provisions are recorded in the accounts where required and where estimable. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will not incur additional expenses.
In July 2019, AXMIN received through SMC, a tax notification from the Senegalese tax authorities. The Senegalese tax authorities considers that AXMIN, as a result of the royalties paid to it by SMC, is required to declare and pay corporate income tax in Senegal. In 2020, AXMIN obtained a tax opinion from the Senegal office of a major global accounting firm that the royalties received by AXMIN cannot be taken as revenues from the exploitation or concession of exploitation of mineral deposits located in Senegal, and therefore, AXMIN concludes that it is not liable for any taxes claimed by the Senegalese tax authorities.
20
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
12. Segmented information
The Company has one reportable operating segment: mineral exploration and development. There were no exploration activities in CAR due to the force majeure mentioned in Note 5a.
The Company's comprehensive income (loss) by geographic locations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
| Net Income (loss) | Year ended December 31, 2019 | Year ended December 31, 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $ (837,582) | $1,312,123 |
| Central African Republic | (172,664) | (98,620) |
| Total | $(1,010,246) | $1,213,503 |
The Company’s non-current assets by geographic locations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
| Non-Current Assets | Year ended December 31, 2019 | Year ended December 31, 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $ - | $ - |
| Central African Republic | 268,699 | - |
| Total | $ 268,699 | $- |
13. Capital management
The Company manages its cash and cash equivalents, common shares, stock options, and warrants as capital. The policy of the board of directors of the Company is to maintain a strong capital base so as to sustain future development of the business and maintain investor, creditor and market confidence. To meet these objectives the Company monitors its financial position on an ongoing basis.
As at December 31, 2019, the Company’s capital primarily consisted of cash and cash equivalents in the amount of $1,281,755 and receivables in the amount of $5,515. The Company’s primary objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company’s ability to meet its immediate cash requirements, and to perform exploration and development on its properties as well as maintain market confidence.
As at December 31, 2019, the Company had working capital of $761,352, but it did not have sufficient cash to fund the development of its properties. The Company will require additional financing or other sources of funding, which if not raised, would result in the curtailment of activities. Management reviews its capital management approach on an ongoing basis and believes that this approach is appropriate given the Company’s size. The Company is not subject to other externally imposed capital requirements.
14. Financial instruments and risk management
(a) Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if the counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations.
The Company minimizes its exposure to credit risk by keeping the majority of its cash and cash equivalents as cash on deposit with a major Canadian chartered bank and Ecobank in Central African Republic. Management expects the credit risk to be minimal.
(b) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its obligations associated with financial liabilities. The Company’s objective is to maintain sufficient liquid resources to meet operational requirements. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $1,281,755 (December 31, 2018: $1,059,425), and the Company have sufficient cash on hand to discharge its current liabilities. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had working capital of $761,352 (December 31, 2018 - $935,823 working capital).
(c) Market risk
Market risk consists of foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, and commodity price risk. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable limits while maximizing returns. The Company is not subject to any commodity price risk at this time.
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AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
14. Financial instruments and risk management (continued)
- (i) Foreign currency risk
The functional currency of the Company is the Canadian dollar and the functional currency of its subsidiaries is the United States dollar. The Company’s operations expose it to significant fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Company’s main source of funds are denominated in the Canadian dollar and the Company has monetary assets and liabilities denominated in the Canadian dollar, UK pound sterling, United States dollar and the CFA franc. A significant change in the currency exchange rates between the US dollar and foreign currencies could have an effect on the Company’s total comprehensive loss.
The Company maintains certain of its cash and cash equivalents in the US dollar, and CFA franc and is thus susceptible to market volatility as cash balances are revalued to the functional currency of the Company. The total amount of cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currency at December 31, 2019 is $1,189,388 in USD and 46,321,733 in CFA franc, .income will increase or decrease by 62,169 given a 5% increase or decrease in the US dollar to Canadian dollar and US dollar to CFA franc respectively
- (i) Interest rate risk
The Company has no short-term investments or loans that has variable interest rate, and therefore not subject to interest rate risk fluctuation.
Fair value of financial instruments
The Company uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments which are measured at fair value by valuation technique:
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., as derived from prices); and
Level 3 – Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
Financial instruments of the Company carried on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are all carried at amortized cost. There are no significant differences between the carrying value of these financial instruments carried at amortized cost and their estimated fair values as at December 31, 2019 and 2018 due to the short term nature of the instruments.
15. Income taxes
The following table reconciles the expected income tax expense (recovery) at the Canadian statutory income tax rates to the amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:
| 2019 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
| Net income (loss) before tax from continuing operations | $ (1,010,246) | $ 1,213,503 |
| Statutorytax rate | 27% | 27% |
| Expected income tax (recovery) | (272,766) | 327,646 |
| Non-deductible items | 260,333 | 21,348 |
| Change in estimates | 30,232 | 12,556 |
| Foreign tax rate difference | (4,309) | (1,413) |
| Losses expired | 8,403 | - |
| Effect on foreign exchange | (196,098) | 371,205 |
| Change in deferred tax assets not recognized | 174,205 | (731,342) |
| Totaltaxexpense | $ - | $ - |
The statutory tax rate remains the same at 27%.
Deferred taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their corresponding values for tax purposes.
Deferred tax asset (liabilities) at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are comprised of the following:
22
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
15. Income taxes (continued)
| 2019 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
| Non capital loss carry forward | $ 65,431 | $ - |
| Right-of-use assets | (65,431) | - |
| $ - | $ - |
The Company offsets tax assets and liabilities if and only if it has a legally enforceable right to set off the current tax assets and current tax liabilities or deferred tax assets and liabilities and they relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
The unrecognized deductible temporary differences at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are comprised of the following:
| 2019 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax loss carry-forwards – Canada | $ 14,594,401 | $ 14,080,810 |
| Tax loss carry-forwards – Foreign Jurisdictions | 229,808 | 218,988 |
| Capital lease liability – Foreign Jurisdictions | 132,337 | - |
| Exploration and development – Canada | 163,941 | 188,548 |
| Exploration and development – Foreign Jurisdictions | 101,774,677 | 101,774,677 |
| Property plant and equipment – Canada | 51,681 | 55,971 |
| Unrecognized deductible temporarydifference | $ 116,946,845 | $ 116,318,994 |
The Company has non-capital loss carryforwards of approximately $14,594,401 (2018: $14,080,810) which may be carried forward to apply against future income for Canadian income tax purposes, subject to the final determination by taxation authorities, expiring in the following years:
| Expiry date | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| 2028 | $ | 1,184,408 |
| 2029 | 1,982,040 | |
| 2030 | 1,458,720 | |
| 2031 | 2,117,995 | |
| 2032 | 2,575,785 | |
| 2033 | 3,245,642 | |
| 2034 | 784,763 | |
| 2035 | 650,616 | |
| 2036 | 572,151 | |
| 2037 | 22,281 | |
| $14,594,401 |
The Company has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $229,808 (2018 - $218,988) expiring in 2022, which may be carried forward to apply against future income for Central African Republic tax purposes, subject to the final determination by taxation authorities.
16. Subsequent events
On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) announced a global health emergency because of a new strain of coronavirus originating from Wuhan, China (the “COVID-19 outbreak”) and the risks to the international community as the virus spreads globally beyond its point of origin. In March 2020, the WHO classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic, based on the rapid increase in exposure globally. The full impact of the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve as of the date of this report. As such, it is uncertain as to the full magnitude that the pandemic will have on the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, and future results of operations. Management is actively monitoring the global situation on its financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, and workforce. Given the daily evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak and the global responses to curb its spread, the Company is not able to estimate the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on its results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity at this time.
On February 13, 2020, 1,950,000 stock options were exercised by a director, 750,000 options exercised at a price of $0.025, and 1,200,000 shares exercised at a price of $0.05.
23
AXMIN INC. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (All amounts expressed in United States dollars, except otherwise stated and per share basis)
16. Subsequent events (continued)
Throughout 2019, the Company continued to work closely with the Minister of Mining and Geology and other senior officials of the Central African Republic. In December 2019, a site visit of the Passendro property was held at the invitation of the Minister of Mining and Geology with the Company’s management, the staff from the Company’s local subsidiaries, and local government officials. During the site visit, Company committed to provide funding to assist the local government in purchasing school supplies and repairing infrastructure. Due to the effect of COVID-19 in 2020, a final amount has not been agreed upon.
On January 20, 2020, the Company announced that it signed a Letter of Intent for the development of its Passendro Gold Asset in the Central African Republic (CAR) with AU Metals Limited (AU Metals) a subsidiary of the AU Group Limited, to work together on the results of site survey to define a scoping study based on the situation on site, the results and implications of illegal mining activity and the past exploration and geological analysis performed by the company. The Company is working with AU Metals, as well as other industrial and financial parties, to define what equity capital and debt facility will be required to implement the project in the CAR.
In January 2020, the Company learned informally that the exploration and mining permits held by Aurafrique and Somio Toungou have been withdrawn. The Company has not, at the time of this report, received formal notice of any withdrawal. Later in January 2020, the Company was advised by the Minister of Mining and Geology of the Central African Republic to submit a formal request for legal review of the status of the Company’s assets in the CAR. As a result, the Company engaged the local law firm, Cabinet Mboligoumba & Associes, to file the request for legal review with the Conseil d’Etat of the CAR. It should be noted that the entire balance of property, plant and equipment related to the Passendro Gold Asset were written off in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2013 as a result of force majeure conditions in the CAR.
In March 2020, the Company received an invitation by the office of the President of the Central African Republic. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on international travel, the meeting has been delayed.
On April 7, 2020, the Counseil d’Etat ruled that while the government of the CAR does not have the authority to withdraw the Aurafrique and Somio Toungou permits, the Conseil d’Etat did not have the jurisdiction to overturn the withdrawal of the permits.
On April 23, 2020, Cabinet Mboli-Goumba & Associes filed another proceeding before the Conseil d’Etat claiming the invalidity of the contested permits deemed granted to one or more companies while this proceeding were on-going. The Company has not received a ruling on this proceeding. The Company is continuing ongoing discussion with CAR government officials to reach a satisfactory resolution of this matter.
As of the writing of this report, AXMIN continues to maintain operations in the Central African Republic, including its office, country manager, supporting staff and continues to be in contact with the local authorities.
Also see Note 11.
24