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Benz Mining Corp. — Management Reports 2021
Jul 30, 2021
47017_rns_2021-07-29_f1f2e35b-957d-4e44-b012-137ffb97a120.pdf
Management Reports
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FORM 51-102F1
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MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 2021
The following management’s discussion and analysis of financial conditions and results of operations (the “MD&A”) has been prepared by management and provides a review of the activities, results of operations, and financial condition of Benz Mining Corp. (the “Company” or “Benz”). This discussion dated July 29, 2021, complements and supplements the Company’s audited financial statements and associated notes for the years ended April 30, 2021, and 2020. Please also refer to the cautionary statement of forwardlooking information at the end of this document.
All financial information in this MD&A is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and reported in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. Additional information about the Company is available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
1. COMPANY OVERVIEW AND OVERALL PERFORMANCE
Benz is an exploration and development stage company existing under the Canada Business Corporations Act . It was incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia on November 9, 2011. The Company’s common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “BZ”, the Frankfurt Exchange under the trading symbol “1VU”, and commenced trading on the Australian Securities Exchange under the trading symbol “BZN” on December 23, 2020.
On August 7, 2019, the Company entered into an option agreement with Eastmain Resources Inc. (“the Vendor”) to acquire a 100% interest in the former producing Eastmain Gold project located in James Bay District, Quebec for $5,000,000. In April 2020, Benz entered into an amending agreement (the "Amending Agreement") in connection with the Eastmain Mine project pursuant to which it acquired a further option to earn a 100% interest in the Ruby Hill West and Ruby Hill East properties, located west of the Eastmain gold mine project.
Pursuant to the Option and Amendment Agreements, the Company retains the right and option to earn a 75% interest in the Project and Ruby Hill properties by issuing the following cash and common shares payments to the Vendor (the "Option Payments"):
| Option Payments | Option Payments | |
|---|---|---|
| Payable in Cash | Payable in Cash or | |
| Shares | ||
| Option Agreement Effective date – October 23, 2019 (paid) | $75,000 | - |
| Amending Agreement approval date by TSX-V Exchange – May | $75,000 | - |
| 21, 2020 (paid) | ||
| On or before the 1stAnniversary of the Effective Date (paid) | $150,000 | $100,000 |
| On or before the 2ndAnniversary of the Effective Date | $150,000 | $110,000 |
| On or before the 3rdAnniversary of the Effective Date | $200,000 | $110,000 |
| On or before the 4thAnniversary of the Effective Date | $1,250,000 | $475,000 |
| Total Price* | $1,900,000 | $795,000 |
- Total in cash and shares is $2,695,000.
In addition to the Option Payments, the Company issued to the vendor 3,000,000 common shares, with a value of $255,000 on grant date. Per the terms of the Amending Agreement, in May 2020, Benz issued a
2 | P a g e
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
further 2,000,000 common shares and 4,000,000 share purchase warrants, with a value of $360,000 and $539,078, respectively. Each warrant enabling the holder to purchase one common share of Benz at a price of $0.12 until April 27, 2023.
The Project property expenditure schedule, as defined in the Option Agreement and updated in the Amending Agreement totals $3,500,000 as follows:
| nding Agreement totals $3,500,000 as follows: | |
|---|---|
| Cash Spend | |
| On or before the 1stAnniversary of the Effective Date | $0 |
| On or before the 2ndAnniversary of the Effective Date | $1,000,000 |
| On or before the 3rdAnniversary of the Effective Date | $1,500,000 |
| On or before the 4thAnniversary of the Effective Date | $1,000,000 |
| Total Property Expenditure | $3,500,000 |
If and when the Company has made the Option Payments, issued shares and warrants and incurred expenditures as described above, the Company will be deemed to have exercised the options and a 75% right, title and interest to the Project and Ruby Hill properties. The Company has the right to accelerate expenditures at any time.
Following the exercise of the options, the Company will be obligated to make the following additional payments to the Vendor on the occurrence of the following events:
-
$1,000,000 within five (5) business days of the closing of project financing to place the Property or any part thereof into commercial production in accordance with a feasibility study completed by the Optionee within 24 months of the exercise of the Option. With this payment, Benz will have acquired 100% of Eastmain Resources recorded and/or leasehold interest in the Project. If Benz fails to make this milestone payment, Eastmain Resources will have the right to buy back Company's 75% interest in the Project for $3,500,000, of which up to $1,225,000 may be paid in common shares of Eastmain Resources; and
-
$1,500,000 within five (5) business days of the Commencement of Commercial Production.
The Company may, at its election, pay up to 25% of this payment in common shares of the Company. The number of common shares required to be issued will be determined by the share equivalent of such payment on the date of issuance.
The Vendor would retain a 2% Net Smelter Return royalty in respect of the Project. The Company may, at any time, purchase one half of the NSR Royalty, thereby reducing the NSR Royalty to a 1% net smelter returns royalty, for $1,500,000.
Benz will have the right to earn an additional 25% interest in the Ruby Hill West and Ruby Hill East properties by paying an additional $100,000 to the Vendor by October 23, 2025, which can be paid in shares at the election of the Vendor based on the prevailing VWAP of the Company's shares up to a maximum of 500,000 shares.
Following the acquisition of a 100% interest in the Ruby Hill West and Ruby Hill East properties the Vendor will retain a 1% net smelter return royalty, of which one half may be purchased for $500,000 thereby reducing it to a 0.5% net smelter returns royalty. The net smelter returns royalty is also offset by any preexisting royalties which may reduce the royalty burden.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
2. OPERATIONS
Eastmain Project
The Eastmain Gold project located approximately 750 km northeast of Montreal, and 316 km northeast of Chibougamau, comprises 152 contiguous mining claims each with an area of approximately 52.7 ha covering a total of 8,014.36 ha plus one industrial lease permit owned by Eastmain Mines Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Vendor.
The Project is road accessible via the Route 167 extension, a permanent all-season road, and is serviced by an existing camp, all season gravel roads, and an airstrip. The Project benefits from access to Chibougamau (population of 7,541) that serves as the main centre of communications and supplies for the area.
The Company has filed the NI 43-101 Technical Report titled "Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate on the Eastmain Mine Property, James Bay District, Quebec", prepared by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. ("P&E"). The Mineral Resource Estimate reported tonnes and contained gold ounces, stating Indicated Mineral Resource of 899kt at a grade of 8.19 g/t gold, 8 g/t silver and 0.13% copper (236.5 koz contained gold), and Inferred Mineral Resources of 579 kt at a grade of 7.48 g/t gold, 8.2 g/t silver and 0.16% copper (139.3 koz contained gold). The resource estimate is based on a gold price of US$1,288 and a US$0.77 exchange rate.
Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resource Estimates do not account for mineability, selectivity, mining loss and dilution. Inferred Mineral Resources are normally considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. There is also no certainty that Indicated Mineral Resources will be converted into Mineral Reserves, once economic considerations are applied; or that Inferred Mineral Resources will be converted to Measured and Indicated classifications through further drilling, or into Mineral Reserves, once economic considerations are applied.
The Technical Report, completed for Benz on September 3, 2019, and amended on October 21, 2019, is available on SEDAR under the Company's profile.
Eastmain Drilling Program
Following the completion of the initial Fixed loop Time domain electromagnetic (FLEM) survey in August 2020, Benz commenced an initial 6,000m diamond drill program to test some of the better EM conductors around the existing mineralization as well as some regional targets. This program was completed in December 2020 with 12 holes drilled for 7,110m.
The 12-hole program was a scout drill program to confirm whether targeting electromagnetic (EM) conductors could lead to new discoveries that could potentially increases the scale of the Project from its existing 376,000oz indicated and inferred gold resource at 7.9g/t Au. Drilling targeted a widespread combination of modelled plates from this FLEM survey and down hole (DHEM) conducted in historic and recently drilled holes.
The campaign returned multiple high grade (>8.0g/t Au intervals) confirming:
- the presence of newly discovered high-grade mineralization under overburden through the use of electromagnetics with best intercept in this area returning 5.0m at 8.3g/t Au from 529.8m including 3.0mat 13.7g/t Au from 531.8m (EM20-132)
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
-
Multiple high-grade zones are present down plunge from known mineralization at A and D Zones (D Zone not in the current resource)
-
A deeper parallel mineralized high-grade horizon was identified in hole EM20-141 returning two distinct sets of high-grade assays: 5.3m at 3.0g/t Au from 417.5 including 1.0m at 8.8g/t Au from 420.0m and 7.2m at 4.6g/t Au from 561.3m including 3.8mat 8.5g/t Au from 564.7m.
Benz identified the potential to target gold mineralization at Eastmain via EM. This technique is not commonly used to directly target gold mineralization, however, the high pyrrhotite content of the mineralization at Eastmain enables the team to directly target mineralization by using a combination of ground and DHEM surveys (techniques that have been successfully used by ASX listed explorer Bellevue Gold Limited at its namesake gold project) in combination with the historical database.
To date, EM surveys have led to three new greenfield discoveries and two brownfield discoveries:
1. Nisto Trend
The Nisto Trend is a sub-parallel mineralized trend approximately 150-200m deeper than the existing mine trend identified in the D Zone. This horizon was discovered below Zone A lens located approximately 2km from D Zone, the mineralization has been intersected by holes EM21-143 and 151 at about 200m deeper than the mine horizon. Both holes hit sulphide rich mineralization (pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite) as veins and stringers in an altered ultramafic at the contact with a conglomerate. DHEM showed strong in-hole and off-hole conductors at EM21-143 and strong off-hole conductors at EM21-151. The strength of the in-hole EM response in hole EM21-143 masked the potential extent of mineralization and needs further drilling to determine its strike extent.
2. Kotak Trend
The Kotak Trend is a second new trend 800m due east of the Eastmain mine characterized with quartz, carbonate, sulphide veins in a strongly altered carbonate, quartz and tourmaline zone with an intersect of 5.0m at 8.3g/t gold from 529.8m including 3.0m at 13.7g/t gold from 531.8m.
3. Continuous mineralization at NW Zone
FLEM AND DHEM conductors pointed to an undrilled area located between historical drillholes approximately 600m along strike of the current resource. 2021 drilling found continuity of mineralization between drillholes. 4 shallow holes were drilled in the area. EM21-146 encountered a pyrrhotitesphalerite-pyrite rich stringer zone, with visible gold associated with pyrrhotite sphalerite and quartz veins. EM21-145 encountered a similar stringer zone, but no visible gold was observed. EM21-147 and 148 tested DHEM plates for up-dip potential and hit the margins of this system with quartz-sulphide stringers intersected.
4. Resource Extensions Down Dip
Down plunge extensions of the known mineralization at A Zone (in current resource) and D Zone (not in current resource) have been identified. Drilling in 2021 targets the down plunge extensions to B and C Zones using DHEM modelled conductive plates resulting from Benz's surveying of historical holes in this area.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
5. Mine Trend Extensions
A new mineralized zone 1.8km along strike of the known resource on the Mine Trend with 5.4m at 3.2g/t gold from 139.6m including 1.4m at 7.2g/t gold from 139.6m including 1.0m at 4.3g/t gold from 143.0m (EM20-142).
All drillholes are systematically surveyed by DHEM, refining the location of strongly mineralized shoots within the system.
Heterogeneity Test - Coarse Gold Mineralization Influence
Benz has approached world class specialist consultants to work with Dr Marat Abzalov on designing and implementing a heterogeneity test. The test will identify the repartition of various gold grain sizes in the system and the consequences of the presence of coarse nuggety gold on assay results. The study will use newly drilled core as well as historical drill core from the Eastmain Project.
Results of the study will include:
-
characterization of gold grains fractions and repartition
-
effect of comminution on coarse gold grains
-
optimization of assay method to be used for future analysis
-
potential improvements in the controls on grade repartition within the existing resource
The results will assist Benz in identifying the optimal assay technique to most accurately identify gold grade as well as quantifying the influence of coarse gold on the mineralization and its effect on the existing resource model.
Coarse Gold Treatment - PhotonAssays - Screen Fire Assays
For the duration of the drill program, mineralized samples submitted to the Actlab Laboratory in Ste Germaine-Boule, Quebec, will be analysed by metal sieves (also known as screen fire assays) in order to offset as much as possible, the effect of nuggety gold on the assay values.
Pending the results of the heterogeneity study, the Company is of the view that screen fire assays will provide the most accurate assay methodology currently available to it.
Benz has sent all the course crush laboratory rejects (crushed half core unused for analysis) from its 2020 drilling campaign to Australia for assay using PhotonAssayTM. Photon is a high energy X-Ray fluorescence assay method. This technology has been proven to excel at processing samples with nuggetty gold and is being extensively used by major gold companies in Australia. Minanalytical, the commercial laboratory used by Benz currently has limited capacity due to the increasing popularity of the method. Benz’ 8.5t of samples represent approximately 16,000 individual analysis.
The technology is not yet available commercially in Canada and, until so, Benz will ship rejects on a regular basis to duplicate fire and screen fire assays results with this method.
Surface EM generating additional targets
Loops G and H have been recently surveyed with FLEM. Those loops extend the EM surveys along strike from the three mineralized trends all the way to the Project's south-eastern boundary, approximately 3km from existing identified mineralization.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Second drill rig at Eastmain
The second drill rig started drilling in March after delays mostly due to rig and driller availability pressure from increased winter drilling activities in the province of Quebec over the first quarter of 2021.
Extensive conductors at Placer Lake coincident with 8.3g/t gold surface rock sample
FLEM survey of Loop F identified several conductors in the Placer Lake area. The prospect is located 2.5km from the Eastmain Mine on a parallel litho-structural trend. The location of the newly defined conductors coincides with airborne VTEM anomalies identified from the survey flown in 2005.
Several FLEM plates were modelled and are recognised in three main areas within this grid. There are only 2 historical holes drilled in the central area, however, these holes did not test the FLEM plates. High grade gold has been identified in the area with rock chips up to 8.3g/t gold above the conductors. The other FLEM anomalies further west and east have not been drilled. The modelled EM plates are shallow and show a steeper dip to the NE compared to the FLEM conductors found in the southern part of the Eastmain project.
Several historical drill holes have intersected high grade gold mineralisation within Loop F. For example, at the Meg Prospect, historical drilling has identified high grade gold mineralisation including 1.0m at 80.6g/t gold and 1.0m at 17.3g/t gold. Interestingly, this mineralisation was not identified in the recent FLEM program and represents another style of mineralisation present at Eastmain.
Ongoing work programs including mapping, soil surveys and surface sampling will continue until the end of the summer season. Drilling at Placer Lake will take place later this year as part of the fully funded 50,000m drill program planned and budgeted for 2021.
3. SELECTED ANNUAL INFORMATION
| 3. SELECTED ANNUAL INFORMATION | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
| Net loss | $ (9,459,119) | $ (1,303,850) | $ (641,693) |
| Basic and diluted lossper share | (0.11) | (0.05) | (0.02) |
| Total assets | 15,100,124 | 2,709,140 | 1,264,007 |
| Total liabilities | 4,527,646 | 243,785 | 34,904 |
For the year ended April 30, 2021, the Company had a net loss of $9,459,119 compared to a net loss of $1,303,850 in the prior year. The increase in net loss from the prior year primarily resulted from increased exploration and evaluation costs of $7,573,430 consisting of the Eastmain drilling program, and an increase in share-based payments of $1,807,775. Exploration and evaluation costs for the Eastmain project consisted of the following:
| project consisted of the following: | ||
|---|---|---|
| April 30, 2021 | Apr. 30, 2020 | |
| Mel Project (relinquished in 2020) | - | 134,020 |
| Eastmain: Geology | 720,003 | - |
| Eastmain: Location/camp services | 1,946,624 | 43,517 |
| Eastmain: Drilling | 3,442,244 | - |
| Eastmain: Geochemical analysis | 263,059 | - |
| Eastmain: Health & safety | 249,502 | - |
| Eastmain: Geophysics | 951,998 | - |
| Total exploration and evaluation costs | 7,573,430 | 177,537 |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
For the year ended April 30, 2021, the Company had total assets of $15,100,124 compared to total assets of $2,709,140 in the prior year. The increase in net assets from the prior year primarily resulted from financing activities as discussed further below.
4. REVIEW OF FINANCIAL RESULTS
Summary of Quarterly Results
| Apr. 30, | Apr. 30, | Jan. 31, | Oct. 31, | Jul. 31, | Apr. 30, | Jan. 31, | Oct. 31, | Jul. 31, | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | 2020 | 2020 | 2019 | 2019 | ||
| Interest Income | $ 8,712 | $ 8,000 | $ 4,105 | $ 2,023 | $ 548 | $ 1,044 | $ 1,786 | $ 2,127 | |
| Net loss | (2,133,865) | (2,317,373) | (3,882,950) | (1,124,931) | (487,068) | (393,606) | (311,073) | (112,103) | |
| Basic and diluted lossper share |
(0.02) | (0.02) | (0.05) | (0.02) | (0.02) | (0.01) | (0.01) | 0.00 |
Quarter ended April 30, 2021, compared with the quarter ended April 30, 2020.
During the quarter ended April 30, 2021, the Company had a net loss of $2,133,865 compared to a net loss of $487,068 for the quarter ended April 30, 2020. The difference between these two quarters is primarily due to the following:
-
Increase in exploration and evaluation costs of $3,069,140 related to the Eastmain drilling program
-
Increase in management & consulting fees of $352,748
-
Decrease in share-based payments of $347,836
5. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
A summary of the Company’s working capital balances is as follows:
| April 30, 2021 | Apr. 30, 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | 13,144,767 | 2,350,371 |
| Sales taxes recoverable | 376,697 | 23,619 |
| Prepaid expenses and deposits | 22,757 | 5,150 |
| Trade and other payables | (1,168,547) | (243,785) |
| Flow-through sharepremium liability | (3,359,099) | - |
| Working Capital | 9,016,575 | 2,135,355 |
The changes in working capital are primarily due to operating activities, as discussed in the previous section, and investing and financing activities as detailed below.
Cash Used in Investing Activities
Year ended April 30, 2021
Benz made cash payments of $225,000 pursuant to the terms of the Eastmain amended option agreement.
Year ended April 30, 2020
Benz made a cash payment of $75,000 pursuant to the terms of the Eastmain amended option agreement.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
Cash from Financing Activities
Year ended April 30, 2021
In June 2020, the Company closed a non-brokered flow-through private placement of 12,000,000 flow through units at a price of $0.30 per unit, for gross proceeds of $3,600,000. Each unit consists of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one non-flow through common share at a price of $0.17 per share until June 1, 2023. The Company incurred share issuance costs of $181,633 in the form of finders’ fees and professional fees in addition to issuing compensation units valued at $427,720.
In October 2020, the Company closed a non-brokered flow-through private placement of 14,857,142 flow through units at a price of $0.875 and 400,000 hard dollar units at $0.55 per unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of $13.2 million. Each flow-through unit and hard dollar unit consists of one common share of the Company and one-half common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one non-flow through common share at a price of $1.00 per share until October 29, 2022. The Company incurred share issuance costs of $457,417 in the form of finders’ fees and professional fees.
In December 2020, the Company issued 4,000,000 common shares pursuant to a prospectus offering lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission in relation to its dual listing on the Australian Securities Exchange. In exchange for the common shares, the Company received $1,929,000 and incurred share issuance costs of $91,166 in the form of finders’ fees and professional fees.
During the end ended April 30, 2021, the Company issued 3,550,500 shares on the exercise of options for $609,378.
During the end ended April 30, 2021, the Company issued 4,791,819 shares on the exercise of warrants for $607,746.
Year ended April 30, 2020
In April 2020, the Company issued 125,000 shares on the exercise of options for $12,500. The fair value of these options totaling $11,339 was transferred to share capital from reserves.
In April 2020, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement financing through the issuance of 27,773,024 units at the price of $0.076 per unit, for total cash proceeds of $2,110,750. Each unit was comprised of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant, with each warrant being exercisable into one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.12 per share until April 27, 2025. The Company incurred share issuance costs of $188,375 in the form of finders’ fees and professional fees in addition to issuing compensation units valued at $368,915.
6. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements other than those discussed above.
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Key management personnel include the members of the Board of Directors and officers of the Company, who have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing, and controlling the activities of the Company. The remuneration of directors and officers for years ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 was as follows:
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
| April 30, 2021 | April 30, 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Salaries, bonuses, fees and benefits | ||
| Management fees to the officers and directors of the | ||
| Company | $ 988,184 | $ 283,349 |
| Share-based payments | ||
| Officers and directors of the Company | 1,838,283 | 177,605 |
| $2,826,467 | $460,954 |
8. PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS
As is typical of the mining industry, the Company is continually reviewing potential merger, acquisition, investment and joint venture transactions and opportunities that could enhance shareholder value.
9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents and trade and other payables. Unless otherwise noted, it is management’s opinion that the Company is not exposed to significant interest, currency, or credit risks arising from these financial instruments. The fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying value, unless otherwise noted.
10. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES
Additional Disclosure for Venture Issuers without Significant Revenue
Detail regarding material items within general and administrative expenses has been provided throughout this document.
Outstanding Shares
Authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares without par value and an unlimited number of preferred shares without par value.
As at the date of this MD&A, the Company had the following issued and outstanding common shares and unexercised stock options, warrants and agent compensation options:
| Shares and Potential Shares | |
|---|---|
| Common shares outstanding | 99,238,756 |
| Stock options (weighted average exercise price $0.41) | 7,457,213 |
| Warrants (weighted average exercise price $0.28) | 46,309,776 |
| Compensation units(weighted average exerciseprice$0.11) | 7,111,304 |
| Total common shares andpotential common shares | 160,117,049 |
As at April 30, 2021, an amount of 222,857 common shares are held in escrow subject to an escrow agreement with Tusk Exploration Ltd. These shares continue to be held due to unmet contractual obligations.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Any system of internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
designed, has inherent limitations and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Judgements and Estimates
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.
The critical judgments that the Company’s management has made in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies that has the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the Company’s financial statements are the impairment of exploration and evaluation assets, the valuation of share-based payments and the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities.
For a summary of significant accounting judgements and estimates, please refer to Note 2 of the audited annual financial statements for the year ended April 30, 2021. Management believes it has made estimates that best reflect the facts and circumstances, however, actual results may differ from estimates.
Management Changes
In July 2020, Carlos Escribano and Ron Hall resigned as directors of the Company. Further, Miloje Vicentijevic resigned from his role as Director, President and CEO of the Company. Carlos Escribano continues as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
In September 2020, Evan Cranston and Peter Williams were appointed as directors of the Company. Mr. Cranston was also appointed Chairman, replacing Nick Tintor who will remain as a non-executive director. The Benz management team was further strengthened with the additions of Xavier Braud as Head of Corporate Development (Australia), Danielle Giovenazzo as Vice President Exploration, and Paul Fowler as Head of Corporate Development (Canada). Mr. Braud will also act as Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
11. RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
Our business, operating, and financial condition could be harmed due to any of the following risks. The risks described below are not the only ones facing our Company. Additional risks not presently known, or that Benz currently deems immaterial, may also impair our business operations. If any such risks actually occur, the financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations of the Company as well as the ability of the Company to implement its growth plans could be materially adversely affected.
The following is a description of certain risks and uncertainties that may affect the business of the Company.
Limited Operating History
Benz is a relatively new company with limited operating history and no history of business or mining operations, revenue generation, or production history. Benz was incorporated on November 9, 2011 and has yet to generate a profit from its activities. The Company is subject to all the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business enterprise, including the risk that it will not achieve its
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
growth objective. The Company anticipates that it may take several years to achieve positive cash flow from operations.
Exploration, Development, and Operating Risks
The exploration for and development of minerals involves significant risks, which even a combination of careful evaluation, experience, and knowledge may not eliminate. Few properties, which are explored, are ultimately developed into producing mines. There can be no guarantee that the estimates of quantities and qualities of minerals disclosed will be economically recoverable. With all mining operations there is uncertainty and, therefore, risk associated with operating parameters and costs resulting from the scaling up of extraction methods tested in pilot conditions. Mineral exploration is speculative in nature, and there can be no assurance that any minerals discovered will be discovered in sufficient quantities to warrant commercial exploitation. The Company's operations will be subject to all of the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development, and production of minerals. These include unusual and unexpected geological formations, rock falls, seismic activity, flooding, and other conditions involved in the extraction of material, any of which could result in damage to, or destruction of, mines and other producing facilities, damage to life or property, environmental damage, and possible legal liability. Although precautions to minimize risk will be taken, operations are subject to hazards that may result in environmental pollution and consequent liability that could have a material adverse impact on the business, operations, and financial performance of the Company.
Substantial Capital Requirements and Liquidity
Substantial additional funds will be required and there can be no assurances given that the Company will be able to raise the necessary funds. To meet such funding requirements, the Company may undertake additional equity financing, which would be dilutive to shareholders. There is no assurance that additional financing will be available on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all. If the Company is unable to obtain additional financing as needed, it may be required to discontinue operations.
Competition
There is competition within the mining industry for the discovery and acquisition of properties considered to have commercial potential. The Company will compete with other mining companies, many of which have greater financial, technical, and other resources than the Company, for, among other things, the acquisition of minerals claims, leases, and other mineral interests as well as for the recruitment and retention of qualified employees and other personnel.
Reliance on Management and Dependence on Key Personnel
The success of the Company is currently largely dependent upon the performance of its directors and officers, and the ability to attract and retain its key personnel. The loss of the services of these persons may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and prospects. Benz will compete with numerous other companies for the recruitment and retention of qualified employees and contractors. There is no assurance that the Company can maintain the service of its directors and officers or other qualified personnel required to operate its business. Failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on the Company and its prospects.
Fluctuating Mineral Prices and Marketability of Minerals
The market price of any mineral is volatile and affected by many factors beyond the Company's control, including but not limited to: international supply and demand, consumer product demand levels, international economic trends, commodity prices, operations costs, variations in mineral grade, fluctuations in the market price of minerals, currency exchange rate fluctuations, the level of interest rates, the rate of inflation, global or regional political events, and international events as well as a range
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
of other market forces. Depending on the price of certain minerals, the Company may determine that it is impractical to continue its mineral exploration or development operations, if any. Sustained downward movements in mineral market prices could render less economic, or uneconomic, some or all of the mineral extraction and/or exploration activities to be undertaken by the Company. The marketability of minerals is affected by factors such as government regulation of mineral prices, royalties, allowable production, and the importation and exportation of minerals, the effect of which cannot be accurately predicted. There is no assurance that a profitable market will exist for the sale of minerals found, if any, on the Company’s properties.
No Mineral Reserves or Mineral Resources
Mineral resources are estimates of the size and grade of deposits based on limited sampling and on certain assumptions and parameters. No assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or realized. Prolonged declines in the market price of silver, copper, lead or zinc may render mineral resources containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomic and could materially reduce any estimate of resources. Should such declines occur, the Company could be required to take a material write-down of its investment in mining properties or the development of new projects, resulting in increased net losses.
Environmental Risks
All phases of the mining business present environmental risks and hazards, and are subject to environmental regulation pursuant to a variety of international conventions, local laws, and regulations. Environmental legislation provides for, among other things, restrictions and prohibitions on spills, releases or emissions of various substances produced in association with mining operations. The legislation also requires that operations be operated, maintained, abandoned, and reclaimed to the satisfaction of applicable regulatory authorities. Compliance with such legislation can require significant expenditures and a breach may result in the imposition of fines and penalties, some of which may be material. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner expected to result in stricter standards and enforcement, larger fines and liability, and potentially increased capital expenditures and operating costs.
Governmental Regulations and Processing Licenses and Permits
The activities of the Company are subject to government approvals, various laws governing prospecting, development, land resumptions, production taxes, labour standards, and occupational health, mine safety, toxic substances, and other matters. Although the Company believes that its activities are currently carried out in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations, no assurance can be given that new rules and regulations will not be enacted, or that existing rules and regulations will not be applied in a manner, which could limit or curtail production or development. Amendments to current laws and regulations governing operations and activities of exploration and mining, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on the business, operations, and financial performance of the Company. Further, the mining licenses and permits issued in respect of its projects may be subject to conditions which, if not satisfied, may lead to the revocation of such licenses. In the event of revocation, the value of the Company's investments in such projects may decline.
Conflicts of Interest
Certain directors and officers of the Company will be engaged in, and will continue to engage in, other business activities on their own behalf and on behalf of other companies (including mineral resource companies) and, as a result of these and other activities, such directors and officers of the Company may become subject to conflicts of interest. The Business Corporations Act of British Columbia (“BCBCA”) provides that in the event that a director has a material interest in a contract or proposed contract or
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
agreement that is material to the issuer, the director shall disclose his interest in such contract or agreement, and shall refrain from voting on any matter in respect of such contract or agreement, subject to and in accordance with the BCBCA. To the extent that conflicts of interest arise, such conflicts will be resolved in accordance with the provisions of the BCBCA.
Markets for Securities
There can be no assurance that an active trading market in the Company’s shares will be established and sustained. The market price for the Company’s shares could be subject to wide fluctuations. Factors such as commodity prices, government regulation, interest rates, share price movements of the Company's peer companies and competitors, as well as overall market movements, may have a significant impact on the market price of the securities of Company. The stock market has from time to time experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations, particularly in the mining sector.
Uninsurable Risks
Exploration, development, and production operations on mineral properties involve numerous risks, including unexpected or unusual geological operating conditions, rock bursts, cave-ins, fires, floods, earthquakes, and other environmental occurrences. It is not always possible to obtain insurance against all such risks, and the Company may decide not to insure against certain risks as a result of high premiums or other reasons. Should such liabilities arise, they could have an adverse impact on the Company's results of operations and financial condition, and could cause a decline in the value of the Company’s shares. The Company does not intend to maintain insurance against environmental risks.
Risks Relating to Infectious Diseases or Outbreaks of Viruses
Global markets have been adversely impacted by emerging infectious diseases and/or the threat of outbreaks of viruses, other contagions or epidemic diseases, including the novel COVID-19. A significant outbreak could result in a widespread crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn which could adversely affect the Company’s business and the market price of the Common Shares. Many industries, including the mining industry, have been impacted by these market conditions. If increased levels of volatility continue or in the event of a rapid destabilization of global economic conditions, it may result in a material adverse effect on commodity prices, availability of credit, investor confidence, and general financial market liquidity, all of which may adversely affect the Company’s business and the market price of the Company’s securities. In addition, there may not be an adequate response to emerging infectious diseases. There are potentially significant economic and social impacts, including labour shortages and shutdowns, delays and disruption in supply chains, social unrest, government or regulatory actions or inactions, including permanent changes in taxation or policies, decreased demand, declines in the price of commodities, delays in permitting or approvals, governmental disruptions or other unknown but potentially significant impacts. At this time, the Company cannot accurately predict what effects these conditions will have on its operations or financial results, including due to uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread, the duration of the outbreak, and the length of restrictions or responses that have been or may be imposed by the governments. Given the global nature of the Company’s operations, the Company may not be able to accurately predict which operations will be impacted. Any outbreak or threat of an outbreak of a contagions or epidemic disease could have a material adverse effect on the Company, its business and operational results.
12. APPROVAL
The Board of Directors of the Company has approved the disclosure contained in this MD&A.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)
13. FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
This MD&A is based on a review of the Company’s operations, financial position, and plans for the future based on facts and circumstances as of July 29, 2021. Certain statements contained in this MD&A constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to our future outlook and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the future financial position, business strategy, budgets, litigation, projected costs, capital expenditures, financial results, taxes, plans, and objectives of or involving the Company. Particularly, statements regarding our future operating results and economic performance are forwardlooking statements. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue”, or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking information is subject to certain factors, including risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from what we currently expect. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the risk that the Company’s option agreements with Eastmain Resources may not be completed or fulfilled for any reason whatsoever and the potential development of the Eastmain project to a producing mine may not occur as planned or at all and the Company may not meet all requirements to maintain its listing on the TSX Venture Exchange. Forward-looking information contained in this MD&A is based on our current estimates, expectations, and projections, which we believe are reasonable as of the current date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information, except as required by law.
14. COMPETENT PERSON’S STATEMENT
The information in this report that relates to Exploration Results is based on and fairly represents information and supporting information compiled by Mr Xavier Braud, who is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG membership ID:6963). Mr Braud is a consultant to the Company and has sufficient experience in the style of mineralization and type of deposits under consideration and qualifies as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the “Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” ( JORC Code ). Mr Braud holds securities in Benz Mining Corp and consents to the inclusion of all technical statements based on his information in the form and context in which they appear.
The information in this announcement that relates to the Inferred Mineral Resource was first reported under the JORC Code by the Company in its prospectus released to the ASX on 21 December 2020. The information in this announcement that relates to exploration results was first reported to the ASX on 13 January, 11 February 2021 and 4 March 2021. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcements and confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the Resource estimate continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person’s findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcements.