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Copper Quest Exploration Inc. — Management Reports 2022
Apr 29, 2022
47745_rns_2022-04-28_c2259146-6aa6-479d-abb1-718bcd393083.pdf
Management Reports
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Interra Copper Corp. (Formerly IMC International Mining Corp.)
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
Dated: April 28, 2022
Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
The following discussion is management’s assessment and analysis of the results and financial condition of Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) (the “Company”) and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related notes contained therein. The financial data was prepared using accounting policies consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and, all figures are reported in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. The information provided in this document is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all matters and developments concerning the Company and, as such, is not a substitute for detailed investigation or analysis on any particular issue.
REPORT DATE
The effective date of this report is April 28, 2022 (the “Report Date”).
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements, which reflect our management’s expectations regarding our future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities including statements related to the development of existing and future property interests, availability of financing and projected costs and expenses. Forwardlooking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward- looking statements will occur, or, if they do occur, what benefits we will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current views and are based on certain assumptions and speak only as of the date of this report. These assumptions, which include management’s current expectations, estimates and assumptions about current mineral property interests, the global economic environment, the market price and demand for commodities and our ability to manage our property interests and operating costs, may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: (1) a downturn in general economic conditions, (2) a decreased demand or price of precious and base metals, (3) delays in the start of projects with respect to our property interests, (4) inability to locate and acquire additional property interests, (5) the uncertainty of government regulation and politics in the state of Arizona regarding mining and mineral exploration, (6) potential negative financial impact from regulatory investigations, claims, lawsuits and other legal proceedings and challenges, and (7) other factors beyond our control.
There is a significant risk that such forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future results. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Additional information about these and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties are set out in the previous section entitled “Risk Factors and Uncertainties”.
MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY
The accompanying audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) have been prepared by and are the responsibility of management.
QUALIFIED PERSON
The scientific and technical information contained in this MD&A has been reviewed and approved by the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, Christopher O. Naas, P. Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”).
INTERNAL CONTROLS
Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers of Canadian public companies, excluding venture issuers, are required to certify on the design and the effectiveness of their company's disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.
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Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The Company was incorporated in the province of British Columbia on August 30, 2018, under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) with the name IMC International Mining Corp. for the purposes of a plan of arrangement with Chemesis International Inc. (“Chemesis”), a publicly traded company. The Company subsequently changed its name on May 31, 2021, from IMC International Mining Corp. to Interra Copper Corp. The Company’s registered office is located at 2200 HSBC Building, 885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3E8.
On September 23, 2019, the common shares of the Company were approved for listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) and commenced trading on September 24, 2019, under the symbol “IMCX”. On March 3, 2020, the common shares of the Company were listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “3MX”. On February 26, 2021, the common shares of the Company were quoted on the OTCQB Marketplace under the symbol “IMIMF” in the United States.
The Company is a junior mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of natural resource properties in British Columbia, Canada.
The Company had previously focused on its acquisition of interests in Arizona, United States, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Canadian Mining of Arizona Inc. (“CMAI”), which was incorporated on April 17, 2007. The Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of CMAI and all of its assets as part of the plan of arrangement with Chemesis completed February 1, 2019 (the “Arrangement”). Under the terms of the Arrangement, the Company issued 6,493,242 common shares to Chemesis in exchange for Chemesis' 100% interest in CMAI.
The Company has since shifted its focus to its acquisition of interests in British Columbia, Canada, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Thane Minerals Inc. (“Thane”), which was incorporated on February 1, 2012. The Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Thane and all of its assets from the former shareholders of Thane on March 31, 2020. As consideration for the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding Thane common shares, the Company agreed to issue to the then shareholders of Thane (the “Vendors”) an aggregate of $2,500,000 of common shares in the capital of the Company at a fair market value of $0.475 per common share, representing 5,263,158 common shares, escrowed and released over a 36-month period. A total of 200,000 common shares were also issued at a fair market value of $0.475 to a finder as compensation in connection with the transaction. In addition to the foregoing, if through additional exploration programs, a resource calculation of at least 800,000,000 lbs of copper-equivalent is determined by a NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate to be indicated within the Cathedral Area, then the Company will issue an additional aggregate of $2,000,000 worth of common shares (or cash in lieu) to the Vendors.
The Company currently has one active mineral exploration property, which is the Thane Property located in north-central British Columbia held through Thane, the details of which are set out below. The Company’s principal objective is to explore and develop its properties and to identify other properties worthy of investment and exploration.
The Company has not yet determined whether its property interests contain reserves that are economically recoverable. The recoverability of amounts shown for resource properties and related deferred exploration expenditures are dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, confirmation of the Company’s interest in the underlying mineral claims, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing to complete the development of the resource property and upon future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition thereof.
The continuing operations of the Company are dependent upon its ability to develop a viable business and to attain profitable operations and generate funds therefrom. This indicates the existence of a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management intends to finance operating costs by the issuance of common shares. If the Company is unable to continue as a going concern, the net realizable value of its assets may be materially less than the amounts on its statement of financial position.
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Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights subsequent to December 31, 2021
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On April 20, 2022, the Company announced its intention to consolidate its issued and outstanding common shares (“Common Shares”) on the basis of one (1) post-consolidation Common Share for every nine (9) pre-consolidation Common Shares (the “Consolidation”). The Consolidation is expected to result in the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares being reduced from 75,495,903 pre-consolidation Common Shares to approximately 8,388,435 postconsolidation Common Shares, subject to any rounding differences.
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On February 21, 2022, 3,197,000 common share purchase warrants with the weighted average exercise price of $0.40 expired unexercised.
Highlights during the year ended December 31, 2021
The numbers below do not give effect of the announced intention to consolidate the Company’s common shares as described in Highlights subsequent to December 31, 2021.
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On October 29, 2021, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement issuing an aggregate of 925,000 flow-through units (“FT Unit”) at a price of $0.20 per unit and 110,000 non-flow-through units (“Units”) at a price of $0.15 per unit for gross proceeds of $201,500. Each FT Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company that qualifies as a “flow-through share” for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for 24 months from the date of issuance into a common share in the capital of the Company. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for 24 months from the date of issuance into a common share.
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On September 15, 2021, the Company completed and filed a NI 43-101 compliant technical report on its primary asset, the 206 km[2] Thane Property in north-central British Columbia.
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Effective September 1, 2021, the Company decided not to pursue further work on the Bullard Pass project in Arizona, in order to focus 100% efforts and company resources on the Thane Project. As a result, the Company expensed all costs incurred on the property as an impairment of exploration and evaluation assets of $317,596.
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On August 31, 2021, the Company completed its maiden diamond drilling program on the Thane Property. The program comprised a total of 2,774 metres in 12 holes.
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On August 11, 2021, Dave McMillan resigned as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim President of the Company and Jason Nickel, P. Eng., was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Nickel holds a degree in Applied Science in Mine Engineering from the University of British Columbia and a post graduate diploma in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University. Mr. Nickel brings 25 years of experience in Mine Operations, Engineering, Project Development and resource company management to the Company along with a decade of corporate and junior resource markets focus.
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On July 28, 2021, Gordon Neal was appointed a director of the Company. Mr. Neal is President of Neal & Company Consultants and has provided more than 30 years of capital markets and corporate governance advisory services to public and private companies.
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On July 6, 2021, and July 28, 2021, an aggregate of 2,400,000 stock options were granted to directors and officers of the Company. These stock options have an exercise price of $0.22, a five-year life, and vest over a period of 18 months with 25% vested upon the date of grant and 25% vest every six months thereafter until fully vested.
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On July 6, 2021, Oliver Foeste was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Jamie Lewin as Chief Financial Officer.
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Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
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On May 31, 2021, the Company changed its name to Interra Copper Corp. and announced a new marketing effort, including a new website, rebranding and the planned development of an advanced online footprint. The Company’s trading symbols will remain unchanged.
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On May 28, 2021, the Company closed the third and final tranche of a non-brokered private placement financing comprising 166,667 Units at $0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of $25,000. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for 24 months from the date of issuance into a common share.
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On May 25, 2021, the Company engaged CME Consultants Inc. to manage and supervise the 2021 exploration program for the Thane property with projected costs of $2,400,000, as agreed to the 2021 budget.
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On May 19, 2021, the Company closed the second tranche of the non-brokered private placement financing comprising 2,386,870 FT Units at a price of $0.20 per FT Unit and 5,176,366 Units at $0.15 per Unit for total gross proceeds of $1,253,829. Each FT Unit consists of one common share that qualifies as a ‘flow-through share’ for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for 24 months from the date of issuance into a common share. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for 24 months from the date of issuance into a common share.
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On May 19, 2021, the Company contracted Investing News Network, Stockhouse Publishing Ltd. and Cana Com Group to assist with its marketing program.
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On May 10, 2021, Faizaan Lalani resigned as a director of the Company and David McAdam and Jason Nickel were appointed directors of the Company.
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On April 18, 2021, a total of 1,500,000 common share purchase warrants expired unexercised.
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On April 16, 2021, the Company closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement financing comprising 6,486,870 FT Unit at a price of $0.20 per FT Unit, and 835,000 Units at $0.15 per Unit for total gross proceeds of $1,422,624. Each FT Unit consists of one common share that qualifies as a ‘flow-through share’ for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for 24 months from the date of issuance into a common share. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for 24 months from the date of issuance into a common share.
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On March 1, 2021, an aggregate of 400,000 stock options were granted to a consultant at an exercise price of $0.25. These stock options bear a three-year term (expiring March 1, 2024) and vest over a period of 18 months with 25% vested upon the date of grant and 25% every six months thereafter until fully vested.
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On March 1, 2021, the Company announced that its common shares were upgraded to the OTCQB Marketplace in the United States, where the common shares are quoted under the symbol “IMIMF”.
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On February 23, 2021, the Company announced it has commenced start up procedures for its upcoming 2021 work program at its Thane Property. See “Exploration Activity - Thane Property - North-Central British Columbia.”
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On February 1, 2021, the Company entered into a non-binding letter to intent to acquire a 100% interest in the Chuck Creek Property held by two directors of the Company. It is contemplated the Company acquire the Chuck Creek Property for a purchase price of $50,000 and a 1% net smelter return royalty. The proposed acquisition is subject to due diligence, negotiation of a definitive agreement and satisfaction or waiver of other conditions.
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On January 19, 2021, and January 27, 2021, the Company reported initial and additional results, respectively, from its 2020 exploration program undertaken at its Thane Property. See “Exploration Activity - Thane Property - North-Central British Columbia.”
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Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
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On January 13, 2021, the Company announced it had engaged Freeform Communications Inc. to provide investor relations and on-line marketing services. In connection with the engagement, Freeform Communications Inc. was granted an aggregate of 250,000 stock options at an exercise price of $0.25. These stock options bear a two-year term (expiring January 13, 2023) and vest over a period of 18 months with 25% vested upon the date of grant and 25% every six months thereafter until fully vested.
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On January 5, 2021, an aggregate of 2,100,000 stock options were granted. 600,000 went to Christopher Naas, COO and Director and the balance, 1,500,000 were to consultants at an exercise price of $0.25. These stock options bear a five-year term (expiring January 5, 2026) and vest over a period of 18 months with 25% vested upon the date of grant and 25% every six months thereafter until fully vested.
Highlights during the year ended December 31, 2020
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On December 17, 2020, the Company announced the appointment of Chris Naas, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43101, as a director and Chief Operating Officer of the Company.
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On November 9, 2020, an aggregate of 1,000,000 stock options were granted at an exercise price of $0.19. These stock options bear a five-year term (expiring November 9, 2025) and vest over a period of 18 months with 25% vested upon the date of grant and 25% every six months thereafter until fully vested.
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On November 9, 2020, Dave McMillan was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Brian Thurston as Chief Executive Officer.
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On September 22, 2020, Dave McMillan, rejoining the Company after having previously served as a director from August 2018 to December 2019, was appointed a director of the Company and Interim President.
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On September 9, 2020, the Company provided an overview of its completed 2020 summer exploration program on its Thane Property. See “Exploration Activity - Thane Property - North-Central British Columbia.”
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On August 10, 2020, Andreas Graetz resigned as a director of the Company.
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On July 22, 2020, the Company announced it had completed a non-brokered flow-through private placement offering issuing an aggregate of 3,333,334 flow-through units of the Company (“2020 FT Units”) at a price of $0.30 per 2020 FT Unit for gross proceeds of $1,000,000. Each 2020 FT Unit consisted of one common share that qualifies as a “flow-through share” for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $0.40 at any time prior to the date that is twenty-four (24) months following the date of issuance.
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On July 10, 2020, the Company announced it had begun mobilizing crews to begin fieldwork on its Thane Property. See “Exploration Activity - Thane Property - North-Central British Columbia.”
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On July 3, 2020, an aggregate of 4,150,000 options were granted to officers and directors of the Company at an exercise price of $0.30. These stock options bear a five-year term (expiring July 3, 2025) and vest over a period of 18 months with 25% vested upon the date of grant and 25% every six months thereafter until fully vested.
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On June 18, 2020, the Company held its Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders in Vancouver, British Columbia, at which Greg Hawkins, Brian Thurston, and Faizaan Lalani (incumbent directors of the Company) were elected to the board of directors (the “Board”), as well as new directors, Andreas Graetz and Samir Patel. Subsequent to the shareholders’ meeting, the Board re-appointed Brian Thurston as Chief Executive Officer, and appointed Jamie Lewin as Chief Financial Officer and Janet Francis as Corporate Secretary to form the management team of the Company.
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On June 15, 2020, the Company announced it had received an amendment to its previously filed Mineral Exploration Permit for its Thane Property located in north-central British Columbia. The amendment allows the Company to drill up to 40 holes within the Cathedral Area.
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Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
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On June 4, 2020, the Company released results from its continuing compilation of date from historical work on the CJL, Mat, and Lake Area of the Thane Property. See “Exploration Activity - Thane Property - North-Central British Columbia.”
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On May 26, 2020, the Company released results from its continuing compilation of date from historical work on the Gail and Cirque Areas of the Thane Property. See “Exploration Activity - Thane Property - North-Central British Columbia.”
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On May 19, 2020, the Company released results from its continuing compilation of data from historical work on the Cathedral Area on its Thane Property. See “Exploration Activity - Thane Property - North-Central British Columbia”.
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On May 13, 2020, the Company closed brokered private placement offerings of units and flow-through common shares as led by Gravitas Securities Inc. for total gross proceeds of $1,768,720. The private placement offerings consisted of:
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(a) 3,143,166 units, whereby each unit consisted of one common share and one common share purchase warrant of the Company exercisable at $0.60 for a period of two years from the date of issuance at a price of $0.48 per unit for gross proceeds of $1,508,720; and
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(b) 400,000 common shares issued on a flow-through basis at a price of $0.65 per flow-through common share for gross proceeds of $260,000; and
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(c) In addition to cash finders’ fees paid, the Company issued an aggregate of 177,158 common shares, 157,158 common share purchase warrants exercisable at a price of $0.60 into a common share for two years, 251,453 unit warrants exercisable into a unit at a price of $0.48 into a unit (one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.60 into a common share for two years) and 32,000 common share purchase warrants exercisable at $0.70 into common shares for two years were issued as compensation.
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On May 6, 2020, the Company provided an update on the previously announced analytical geochemical work program on the Thane Property. See “Exploration Activity - Thane Property - North-Central British Columbia.”
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On April 16, 2020, the Company entered into a draw-down equity financing facility agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) of up to $8,000,000 with Alumina Partners, LLC (“Alumina”) for the purpose of enabling the Company to continue its growth strategy through exploration and acquisition. The Investment Agreement provides for the purchase of up to $8,000,000 units of the Company units, whereby each unit shall consist of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, at discounts ranging between 15% to 25% of the market price of the common shares. Drawing from the facility throughout its 25-month term shall be at the mutual consent of the Company and Alumina. The exercise price of any common share purchase warrants issued will be at a 50% premium over the market price of the common shares with a 60-month term from the date of issuance. No upfront fees or interest associated with the use of the draw down facility are applicable. As of December 31, 2021, the draw-down facility has not been accessed.
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On April 15, 2020, the Company announced the appointment of Jeffrey Reeder, P. Geo., to its Advisory Board.
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On April 6, 2020, the Company announced it had engaged CME Consultants Inc. to conduct exploration and prospecting, specifically an analytical geochemical program, on the Thane Property, including the Cathedral Area.
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On March 31, 2020, Greg Hawkins was appointed to the Board as its Chairman.
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On March 31, 2020, the Company completed its acquisition of Thane. As consideration for the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding Thane common shares, the Company issued to the then shareholders of Thane (the “Vendors”) an aggregate of $2,500,000 of common shares in the capital of the Company at a fair market value of $0.475 per common share, representing 5,263,158 common shares, escrowed and released over a 36-month period. A total of 200,000 common shares were also issued at a fair market value of $0.475 to a finder as compensation in connection with the transaction. In addition to the foregoing, if through additional exploration programs, a resource calculation of at least 800,000,000 lbs of copper-equivalent is determined by a NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate to be indicated within the Cathedral Area, then the Company will issue an additional aggregate of $2,000,000 worth of common shares (or cash in lieu) to the Vendors.
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Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
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On March 3, 2020, the Company announced the listing of its common shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “3MX”.
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On February 24, 2020, the Company announced the appointment of David Charlton as Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
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On February 21, 2020, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement offering of 3,110,000 units at a price of $0.25 per unit for gross proceeds of $777,500. Each unit consisted of one common share in the capital of the Company and one common share purchase warrant exercisable to acquire one additional common share for two years at a price of $0.40 per common share.
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On February 13, 2020, the Company announced it had entered into a letter of intent to acquire 100% of Thane, which holds a 100% interest in the Thane Property, including the Cathedral Area (as described herein), in north-central British Columbia.
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On January 24, 2020, the Company announced Faizaan Lalani had joined its Board.
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On January 2, 2020, the Company split its issued and outstanding common shares on a 2:1 basis, pursuant to which each shareholder of record, as at the close of business on such date received one additional share for each share held.
EXPLORATION ACTIVITY
BULLARD PASS PROPERTY - ARIZONA, UNITED STATES
On September 1, 2021, Interra made the decision not to renew claims and submit annual fees to maintain the claims, so the project was dropped and Interra no longer has ownership of the claims. There were no assets or equipment, nor liabilities associated with the project. As a result, the Company expensed all costs incurred on the property as an impairment of exploration and evaluation assets of $317,596.
THANE PROPERTY - NORTH-CENTRAL BRITISH COLUMBIA
The Thane Property comprises 50,904 acres of contiguous claims located in the Quesnel Terrane of north-central British Columbia. The northern part of the Quesnel Terrane extends from south of the Mt. Milligan Mine northward to the Kemess Mine, with the Thane Property located midway between these two copper-gold porphyry deposits. This property includes several highly prospective mineralized areas identified to date, including the “Cathedral Area” and “Gail Area” on which the Company’s exploration is currently focused.
Simplified work program following acquisition of Thane
Following its acquisition of Thane on March 31, 2020, the Company received a geochemical sampling and data verification report from CME Consultants Inc. (“CME”) on its Thane Property. The Company requested the study to determine the quality of the results from samples previously collected by Thane on the Thane Property.
The object of the study was to undertake multi-element and gold analysis on rock samples collected by Thane that were not previously analyzed by an accredited geochemical laboratory, and to confirm the results of analytical work undertaken on previous work programs. The study involved the submission of 452 rock sample pulps, originally collected throughout the Thane Property, and 223 contour soil samples, originally collected from the Cathedral Area, but not previously analyzed. Samples were submitted to ALS Minerals of North Vancouver (“ALS”) for multi-element (ICP-MS) and gold analysis (fire assay).
The ALS assay results from both the rock and soil samples returned similar values to those returned from analysis by a portable X-Ray Fluorescence instrument (“pXRF”) originally used by Thane. Samples were originally analyzed by pXRF as a time and cost saving measure, to reduce the quantity of samples submitted to the laboratory for geochemical analysis. In previous years only samples returning greater than 1,000 ppm Cu by pXRF analysis were originally submitted by Thane to a laboratory for further analysis. Although the pXRF instrument is an efficient tool in determining copper values, the instrument is unable to obtain reliable gold values.
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Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
To verify the rock samples collected in 2012 that were submitted to an accredited geochemical laboratory, but did not include adequate quality control protocols, approximately 5% of those original samples (16 rock sample pulps) were submitted to ALS for check analysis. As a result of the ALS check analysis returning acceptable statistical results, the Company considered all of the results reported by ActLabs in 2012 acceptable for public disclosure. Rock sampling undertaken by Thane on the Thane Property in 2013, 2016, 2017, and 2019 included adequate quality control measures and the Company considered the results acceptable for public disclosure.
The results from the submission of contour soil samples returned four broad in-line copper anomalies (Areas A-D), with three anomalies located on the south-facing slope of the Cathedral Area, coincident with arsenic anomalies. Sample spacing was set at 25 metres but actual distance deviated approximately +/- 5m. The 360-metre long Area A anomaly, with a high copper value of 972 ppm Cu, is located along the possible strike extension of the gold-bearing structural features of the Pinnacle Showing. The 200-metre long Area C anomaly, with a high copper value of 628 ppm Cu, is located approximately 530 metres to the south-southwest of the 400-metre long Area B anomaly, with a high copper value of 941 ppm Cu. The 240-metre long Area D anomaly, with a high copper value of 1,455 ppm Cu, is located approximately 250 metres directly above the Area B anomaly. Background copper value from the 223 collected soil samples is 141 ppm Cu. For gold results, a total of nine soil samples returned greater than 0.1 ppm Au, including three spot gold highs (0.439, 1.045 and 5.0 ppm Au) located outside of the Area A-D copper anomalies.
In 2019, Thane completed 8.4 km’s of Induced Polarization (“IP”) geophysical surveying at the Cathedral Area. One of the survey lines straddles the soil contour line that returned the Area A and Area B copper anomalies.
The Company continued throughout 2020 to compile data from historical work from on the Thane Property. An extensive compilation and synthesis of available data from the Thane Property, which included 359 rock samples collected by CME, 1,098 rock samples collected by Thane, and soil sampling and Induced Polarization (“IP”) surveys completed by Thane, was undertaken.
Work on the Thane Property had identified six areas of significant gold ± copper ± silver mineralization. On May 19, 2020, results from the Company’s compilation work were released for the Cathedral Area as work continued at the time on the data compilation for the Gail, Cirque, CJL, Lake, and Mat Areas of the Thane Property.
2021 Exploration program
At the Thane Property, a 22-person exploration camp was setup in late June 2021 to facilitate the summer helicopter- supported exploration program. On July 5, 2021, the Company mobilized crews to the Thane Property to commence drill pad construction in preparation for a helicopter-supported diamond drill program. On July 19, 2021, Atlas Drilling Ltd. of Kamloops, BC, mobilized to the Thane Property and commenced drilling on July 20, 2021. A total of 2,783.24 metres of NQ core was drilled in 12 holes from 9 drill pads with the last hole completed on August 21, 2021.
Geological and soil sampling crews mobilized to the Thane Property on July 5, 2021. Geological mapping and rock sampling was undertaken at the Pinnacle and Gail areas. Soil sampling was undertaken in preparation of the IP surveys at both Pinnacle and Gail, while soil sampling only was undertaken at the Mat showing.
On September 3, 2021, Peter E. Walcott & Associates Ltd. (“Walcott”) mobilized to the Thane Property for seven days of induced polarization (IP) pole-dipole surveying at the Pinnacle and Gail showings. Approximately 5 line-km’s of grid was surveyed using an a-spacing of 25 metres. Earlier in the summer, Walcott completed an 8.3 km[2] helicopter airborne magnetic survey at the Cathedral Area with a line-spacing of 100 metres. The survey covered all primary showings of the area.
All core, rock and soil samples were submitted to ALS Canada Ltd. for sample preparation and analysis. A total of 2,398 core samples were analyzed for multi-element ICP by a four-acid digestion with a MS finish, while multi-element ICP by aqua regia digestion with a MS finish was undertaken on the 182 soil samples and 73 rock samples. All samples were analyzed for gold by geochemistry methods and all over-limits were assayed. Sample preparation was undertaken at ALS’s preparation facility in Kamloops, BC with analytical work undertaken at ALS’ North Vancouver office.
The Company is in the process of completing a technical report on the summer work program, which is in the process of being completed.
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Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
2020 Exploration Program
On July 10, 2020, the Company began mobilizing crews to begin fieldwork on its Thane Property, at which prior work had identified six areas of significant gold, copper, and silver mineralization, namely the Cathedral, Gail, Cirque, CJL, Lake, and Mat Areas. Although field work was to encompass all Areas to some degree, exploration efforts were to focus predominantly in the Cathedral Area and consist of ground geophysics, alteration mapping, along with rock, soil, and silt sampling, all with the purpose of delineating the best targets for drill testing.
Peter E. Walcott & Associates Limited, under the direction of CME, the operator of the 2020 exploration program, was contracted to complete a detailed induced polarization geophysical survey to expand upon and generate greater detail over the broad 600-metre-wide anomaly discovered at the Cathedral Area in 2019.
On September 9, 2020, the Company provided an update on its summer work program at its Thane Property. The program included ground geophysics, alteration mapping, along with rock, soil, and silt sampling. In total, the Company collected 194 rock samples, 467 soil samples, and three silt samples from the Cathedral Area, as well as 29 soil samples collected from the Cirque Area and 77 soil samples from the Mat Area. The main focus of the 2020 summer work program consisted of an Induced Polarization (“IP”) geophysical survey. In total, 11.6-line-km’s were surveyed at the Cathedral Area. A total of four lines totaling approximately 7.1-km’s with IP stations set at 100-metre spacings, and three lines totaling approximately 4.5 km’s were surveyed with IP stations set at 25-metre spacings. The IP crew then moved and completed a single 1.5-km line in the Cirque Area to complete the program.
A new showing within the Cathedral Area was discovered, which consisted of a 1.5-metre zone of magnetite breccia and veins on the hanging wall, and pyrite with lesser chalcopyrite in veins toward the footwall. The showing appears to have utilized a pre-existing joint which experienced significant dilation. Several rock samples were taken from this area and sent for assaying. Geological and alteration mapping was centered on the Cathedral Area to help define areas most promising for a drill program. Data will be used along with the geochemical results and the geophysical interpretation to target drill sights.
Subsequent to the 12 months ended December 31, 2020, the Company reported, on January 19, 2021, initial results from the 2020 exploration program undertaken on the Company’s Thane Property.
During the summer of 2020, exploration fieldwork completed an eight-week field program that included Induced Polarization (“IP”) surveying, petrographic studies, geological mapping, rock, soil and silt sampling with the objective of identifying prospective drill targets for the 2021 exploration season. The initial results reported were from the Cathedral Area, which comprises approximately 11 km[2] of the Thane Property.
Work at the Cathedral Area consisted of approximately 3.1 km[2] of geological mapping, collection of 100 rock samples in support of the geological mapping program, 11 line-km’s of IP surveying, collection of 507 soil samples along all IP lines and six samples submitted for petrographic study. The Showings within the main zone of the Cathedral Area have returned up 13.90% Cu and 6.85 g/t Au from the Cathedral Showing, 4.72% Cu and 1.33 g/t Au from the Cathedral South Showing, 11.10% Cu and 2.77 g/t Au from the Arc Showing and 3.13 % Cu and 0.32 g/t Au from the Gully Showing. Rock sampling undertaken during the 2020 work program was designed to support geological mapping, but significant results were returned.
Styles of mineralization at the Cathedral Area include stock work and disseminated porphyry-type and vein-hosted. Copper occurs as chalcopyrite and rare bornite. Late-stage quartz veins containing high-grade gold values define the Pinnacle showing, located approximately 740 metres to the north of the main zone of the Cathedral Area. These veins have returned up to 20.10 g/t Au and 3.29% Cu. Highly chargeable bodies of disseminated and fracture-controlled copper-gold mineralization appear proximal to and associated with an interpreted north-south trending moderately southeast dipping syenite. A tilted or off-set and possible hidden extension of a copper-gold alkalic porphyry system dominated by potassic, propylitic and sodic altered diorite, quartz monzonite/quartz monzodiorite intrusive phases is interpreted for the Cathedral Area.
Approximately 300 metres to the east of the syenite, in an area of cover, an IP anomaly that is approximately 500 metres wide by 1,000 metres long has the potential for a related blind porphyry system. This area contains a significant increase in chargeability and resistivity similar to increased features within the main showings of the Cathedral Area, which contained significant copper and gold mineralization. The chargeability extends to a minimum of 200 metres in depth and in areas where increased chargeability extends proximal to surface, anomalous copper-in-soil is observed.
10
Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
The 2020 program was successful in gaining an understanding of the controls on the copper-gold mineralization and identifying areas to be tested by diamond drilling. Determining controls on mineralization was assisted by the development of a geological model for the drill ready areas, which has been interpreted to be a tilted alkalic porphyry. Figures illustrating the 2020 results are presented below. The Company is planning an aggressive drilling program for 2021. A total of 6,150 metres of drilling has been identified to initially test the highly prospective targets identified during the 2020 work program. These targets have been identified from contingent geochemistry, geology and geophysics based on the following coincident criteria:
-
Surface outcrop and sub-crop grab sampling from 2013 to 2020 of the Cathedral Area that has averaged 0.37 % Cu, 0.23 g/t Au, 1.26 g/t Ag in 442 samples;
-
Time domain, pole-dipole IP resistivities of 1,000 background up to 2,500 ohm-m and chargeabilities of 5.14 background up to 24.45mV/V;
-
Soil sampling that has defined copper-gold-arsenic anomalies coincident with IP anomalies;
-
Previously unmapped geology that is characterized by Duckling Creek Syenite Complex, which hosts the Lorraine Deposit located 18 km’s to the south of the Cathedral Area; and
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Alkalic-porphyry related alteration and mineralization over an area of 4 km[2] .
The Company released additional results on January 27, 2020, from the Cirque Area, which comprises approximately 5 km[2] of the Thane Property. Work at the Cirque Area consisted of approximately 1.6 km[2] of geological mapping, collection of 74 rock samples in support of the geological mapping program, 1.5 line-km of IP surveying, collection of 29 soil samples along a single IP line and 8 samples submitted for petrographic study.
Sample 3103 was collected from a north-south trending fault zone and sample 3110 was collected from a north-south trending sulphide vein. The 77.80 g/t Au, returned from sample 3110, is the highest gold value returned to date from the Thane Property. This vein appears to have been sampled during the British Columbia Geological Survey mapping program of the Hogem Batholith in 2019. Sample GJ019-6-2 returned 8980 ppm Cu, 3330 ppb Au and 11.4 ppm Ag (Paper 2020-01, Geological Field Work 2019) and has been named the Ootes Showing.
The highest copper grade of the 2020 work program was returned from sample 2319 (8.70% Cu, 1.83g/t Au and 29.8g/t Ag), located at the original Cirque Showing. It is a pervasively silicified diorite with abundant sub-vertical northwest-southeast trending quartz-epidote-chalcopyrite-pyrite veins and fractures. Very little molybdenite is associated with this orientation of veining within the Cirque Area. To the east of the Cirque Showing, potentially deep seated, structurally controlled, north-south trending sub-vertical quartz-epidote-chalcopyrite-molybdenite veins are observed cutting the diorite, quartz monzodiorite and granodiorite. These veins are noticeably absent in the area of the Cirque Showing. They appear to post-date both potassic and albite porphyry related alteration as they are noted to cut these alteration types within the area. These veins return significant levels of molybdenum, with the highest value returned from sample 3312 of 5,320 ppm Mo. The single IP survey line was established with an a-spacing of 100 metres and was oriented in a north-easterly direction due to topographic constraints. The north-easterly direction was not optimal for picking up the narrow north-south trending structures discovered during the 2020 work program.
Adjacent to the Cirque Area, towards the east, is the Gail-Aten Area (“Gail”). Work by Thane on this 9 km[2] area returned significant copper and gold values in 2012. Of the 295 samples collected from this area, 140 returned greater than 0.1% Cu with 65 of these returning greater than 0.5% Cu. A total of 37 samples returned greater than 1% Cu with a maximum value of 7.69% Cu. A total of 40 samples returned greater than 0.1 g/t Au, with eight samples greater than 1.0 g/t Au.
Work to date at the Cirque and Gail has outlined a significant area of copper-gold-molybdenum mineralization that is consistent with the interpretation that the Thane Property may host multiple alkalic porphyry deposits. The Company followed up these results with geological mapping, rock and soil sampling and IP surveying at the Gail in 2021.
11
Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SELECTED ANNUALLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following selected financial information is derived from the Company’s annual financial statements:
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $ | $ | $ | |
| Net loss | (1,654,012) | (3,112,943) | (635,410) |
| Basic and diluted loss per share | (0.02) | (0.07) | (0.03) |
| Total assets | 6,524,768 | 4,977,342 | 747,494 |
| Current liabilities | 100,810 | 13,914 | 94,734 |
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company decreased its net loss by $1,458,931 primarily from significantly lower advertising and marketing expenses relative to 2020. In 2020, conversely, net loss increased by $2,477,533 as the Company transitioned from acquiring mineral property interests to actively exploring, as well as more actively marketing its assets to support fundraising as well as other general increases to operating and administration costs. In 2019, the Company had just begun its operating activities and was focused primarily on identifying and acquiring mineral property interests with relatively low overhead. The increase in total assets each year is primarily from the increase in spending on exploration and evaluation assets from the cash raised from private placements. As an exploration business, the Company has not realized any revenues to date.
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following is a summary of the Company’s financial results for the eight most recently completed quarters:
| Basic and diluted | Exploration |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted average | (income) loss per | expenditures |
||
| Three months ended | Net(income) loss | number of shares | share | balance |
| $ | # | $ | $ |
|
| December 31, 2021 | (93,388) | 75,169,653 | (0.00) | 5,817,265 |
| September 30, 2021 | 809,141 | 74,460,903 | 0.01 | 5,559,918 |
| June 30, 2021 | 252,289 | 68,994,802 | 0.00 | 4,009,338 |
| March 31, 2021 | 685,970 | 58,480,241 | 0.01 | 3,811,640 |
| December 31, 2020 | 807,718 | 54,408,369 | 0.01 | 3,804,195 |
| September 30, 2020 | 398,461 | 52,175,507 | 0.01 | 2,989,888 |
| June 30, 2020 | 1,297,420 | 44,399,422 | 0.03 | 2,398,594 |
| March 31,2020 | 609,344 | 28,567,584 | 0.02 | 275,397 |
During the quarter ended December 31, 2021, the Company continued its focus on reducing costs including decreases primarily in advertising and marketing, consulting, and non-cash share-based compensation expenses. In addition, the Company renounced $1,959,748 eligible exploration expenditures to investors, which lead to amortization of flow-through premium liability of $489,937. As a result, the Company had a net quarter income of $93,388.
The loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 was higher at $809,141 due primarily to a $317,596 impairment of exploration and evaluation assets in the quarter as the Company determined it would no longer pursue the Bullard Pass project in Arizona in order to focus 100% efforts and Company resources on the Thane Project.
The $807,718 net loss in the quarter ended December 31, 2020, related primarily to a large advertising and marketing expenses and non-cash share-based payments incurred in the period.
Over the last eight quarters, private placements, some warrant and option exercises resulted in 42,650,195 shares being issued, the loss per share remained relatively consistent at $0.00 to $0.01 per share, and the Company continued to focus on its exploration activities with a total of $5,817,265 spent on exploration activities over the last eight quarters, including the acquisition of the Thane Property.
12
Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
For the three months ended December 31, 2021 compared with the three months ended December 31, 2020
The Company’s net income for the three months ended December 31, 2021 was $93,388 compared to a loss of $807,718 in the same three month period in 2020. The income per share for the three months ended December 31, 2021 was $0.00 and the loss per share for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $0.01.
The primary reasons for the $901,106 decrease in net loss include a $566,936 decrease in non-cash share-based payments, a $69,703 decrease in advertising and marketing expenses, and a $489,937 amortization of flow-through premium liability offset by a $21,092 increase in investor relations fees, and $16,765 in general and administrative.
During the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company invested in marketing campaign strategy to increase market awareness of the business while the marketing campaign costs were reduced in 2021.
For the year ended December 31, 2021 compared with the year ended December 31, 2020
The Company’s net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $1,654,012 compared to a loss of $3,112,943 in 2020. The loss per share was $0.02 and $0.07 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The primary reasons for the $1,458,931 decrease in net loss include a $1,423,288 decrease in advertising and marketing expense and a $38,324 decrease in consulting fees, offset by a $68,473 increase in management fees, a $61,179 increase in investor relation expenses, $43,084 increase in non-cash share-based payment expense and $30,671 increase in general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2021. During the year 2020, the Company invested in marketing campaign strategy to increase market awareness of the business while the marketing campaign costs were reduced in 2021.
During the year 2020, the Company also incurred one-time legal fees relating to the acquisition of the Thane Property, which were subsequently re-allocated to Thane Property acquisition costs on closing and the impairment of exploration and evaluation assets of $317,596 on the Bullard Pass Property. Non-cash share-based payment expense of $750,993 during the year ended December 31, 2021 arose in great part from 5,150,000 stock option grants during the year, noting that the Company recognized $707,909 share-based payment expense for 5,150,000 stock options granted during the year 2020. In addition, the Company recorded the amortization of flow-through premium liability of $489,937 during the year.
LIQUIDITY
Working capital
As at December 31, 2021, the Company had a working capital of $581,693 (December 31, 2020 - $1,149,233), which included cash of $490,825 (December 31, 2020 - $907,658).
The Company’s financial condition is contingent upon its ability to obtain necessary financing to explore suitable properties.
Although the Company has been successful in the past in financing its activities through the sale of equity securities there can be no assurance that it will be able to obtain sufficient financing in the future to carry out exploration and development work on any acquired properties. The ability of the Company to arrange additional financing in the future will depend, in part, on the prevailing capital market conditions and exploration success.
CAPITAL RESOURCES
Share capital
The Company’s authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares without par value. As at December 31, 2021, the Company had 75,495,903 (December 31, 2020 - 58,209,130) common shares issued and outstanding.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company issued 6,288,033 shares pursuant to a private placement of Units, 9,798,740 shares pursuant to a private placement of FT Units, and 1,200,000 shares pursuant to the exercise of warrants.
13
Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
The below table summarizes the numbers of outstanding equity instruments as at the Report Date and the effect of the announced intention to consolidate the Company’s common shares as described in Highlights subsequent to December 31, 2021:
| Prospective post 9:1 share | ||
|---|---|---|
| Report Date | consolidation(b) | |
| # | # | |
| Number of common shares | 75,495,903 | 8,388,435 |
| Number of commons share purchase warrants | 24,937,703 | 2,770,857 |
| Number of options | 9,722,500 | 1,080,279 |
| Number of unitpurchase warrants(a) | 251,453 | 27,939 |
(a) Each unit purchase warrant comprises one common share and one common share purchase warrant.
(b) The numbers are prospective and subject to rounding differences.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company has no capital commitments in connection with its exploration property. The Company holds a 100% interest in the Thane Property through its wholly owned subsidiary and is not required to make any expenditure commitments on this property and has no contractual obligations on this property.
The Company will add and or drop claims based on geological merit and as financial resources allow. If additional funds are required, the Company plans to raise additional capital primarily through the private placement of its equity securities. Under such circumstances, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain the further funds required for the Company’s continued working capital requirements.
Operating activities
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company used $924,653 of net cash for operating activities primarily relating to the net loss of $1,654,012 for the year add amortization of flow-through premium liability of $489,937 less $750,993 of noncash share-based payments, $317,596 impairment of exploration and evaluation assets, and some normal course working capital adjustments. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company used $2,457,757 of net cash for operating activities primarily relating to the net loss of $3,112,943, share-based payments of $707,909 for the year and some normal course working capital adjustments.
Investing activities
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company used $2,345,666 of net cash for investing activities relating to the exploration and evaluation expenditures of $2,330,666 and reclamation bond of $15,000. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company used $757,056 of net cash for investing activities relating to exploration and evaluation expenditures of $943,030 and reclamation bond of $10,000, offset by $195,974. proceeds from a promissory note receivable.
Financing activities
During the year ended December 31, 2021 the following funds were raised:
- i) On October 29, 2021, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement issuing an aggregate of 925,000 FT Units at a price of $0.20 per FT Unit and 110,000 Units at a price of $0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of $201,500. Each FT Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company that qualifies as a “flow-through share” for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for 24 months from the date of issuance into a common share in the capital of the Company. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for 24 months from the date of issuance into a common share.
14
Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
-
ii) On May 28, 2021, the Company closed the third and final tranche of the non-brokered private placement financing comprising 166,667 Units at $0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of $25,000. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for 24 months from the date of issuance into a common share.
-
iii) On May 19, 2021, the Company closed the second tranche of the non-brokered private placement financing comprising 2,386,870 FT Units at a price of $0.20 per FT Unit and 5,176,366 Units at $0.15 per Unit for total gross proceeds of $1,253,829. Each FT Unit consists of one common share that qualifies as a ‘flow-through share’ for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for 24 months from the date of issuance into a common share. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for 24 months from the date of issuance into a common share.
-
iv) On April 16, 2021, the Company closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement financing comprising 6,486,870 FT Unit at a price of $0.20 per FT Unit, and 835,000 Units at $0.15 per Unit for total gross proceeds of $1,422,624. Each FT Unit consists of one common share that qualifies as a ‘flow-through share’ for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for 24 months from the date of issuance into a common share. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for 24 months from the date of issuance into a common share.
-
v) Pursuant to the FT Unit and Unit financings, the Company incurred $175,921 of share issuance costs including $66,454 fair value for 554,778 broker warrants exercisable at $0.20 with a two-year term, of which $116,449 of the fair value was allocated on a proportionate basis to share capital and $59,472 was allocated to warrant reserve.
-
vi) During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company issued 1,200,000 common shares on the exercise of 1,200,000 warrants for gross proceeds of $60,000.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements.
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
Key management personnel are the directors and officers of the Company. Management compensation transactions for the year ended December 31, 2021, and 2020 are summarized as follows:
| Years ended | December 31, | |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |
| $ | $ | |
| Director fees | 43,175 | 21,375 |
| General and administrative | 17,150 | - |
| Management fees | 245,612 | 176,139 |
| Share-based payments | 394,441 | 707,909 |
| 700,378 | 905,423 |
CEO - During the year ended December 31, 2021, $113,806 (2020 - $111,000) was paid to companies controlled by directors of the Company for CEO-related services, of which $41,806 was paid to the current CEO and $72,000 was paid to the former CEO prior to August.
COO - During the year ended December 31, 2021, $25,050 (2020 - $nil), was paid to an officer of the Company for COOrelated services.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, $2,3285,530 (2020 - $nil) was paid for exploration expenditures and $17,150 was paid for associated exploration expenses to a company controlled by an officer and director of the Company.
15
Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
CFO - During year ended December 31, 2021, $60,208 (2020 - $34,155), was paid to companies controlled by officers of the Company for CFO-related services provided, of which $47,048 was paid to the current CFO and $24,500 was paid to the former CFO prior to July.
Corporate Secretary - During the year ended December 31, 2021, $47,048 (2020 - $20,984), was paid to a company controlled by an officer of the Company for corporate secretarial-related services provided.
As at December 31, 2021, $83,270 (December 31, 2020 - $nil) was included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities for amounts due to a related party.
RISK FACTORS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The principal business of the Company is the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. Given the inherent risky nature of the exploration and mining business, the limited extent of the Company's assets and the present stage of development, investors should consider the following risk factors, among others:
Exploration stage company
The Company does not hold any known mineral reserves of any kind and does not generate any revenues from production. The Company’s success will depend largely upon its ability to locate commercially viable mineral reserves. Mineral exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks and frequently is non-economically viable. There is no assurance that exploration efforts will be successful. Success in establishing reserves is a result of a number of factors, including the quality and experience of management, the level of geological and technical expertise, and the quality of property available for exploration.
Once mineralization is discovered, it may take several years in the initial phases of drilling until production is possible, during which time the economic feasibility of production may change. Significant financial investment is required to establish proven and probable reserves through drilling and bulk sampling, to determine the optimal metallurgical process to extract the metals from the ore and, in the case of new properties, to construct mining and processing facilities. Because of these uncertainties, no assurance can be given that exploration programs will result in the establishment or expansion of resources or reserves.
Operating history and availability of financial resources
The Company does not have any history of generating operating revenue and is unlikely to generate any significant amount in the foreseeable future. Hence, it may not have sufficient financial resources to undertake by itself all of its planned mineral property acquisition and exploration activities. Operations will continue to be financed primarily through the issuance of securities. The Company will need to continue its dependence on the issuance of such securities for future financing, which may result in dilution to existing shareholders. Furthermore, the amount of additional funds required may not be available under favorable terms, if at all. Failure to obtain additional funding on a timely basis could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development and could cause the Company to forfeit its interests in some or all of its properties or to reduce or discontinue its operations.
Inflation and metal price risk
The ability of the Company to raise interim financing will be significantly affected by changes in the market price of the metals for which it explores. The mineral prices are volatile and are affected by numerous factors beyond the control of the Company. The level of interest rates, the rate of inflation, the world supplies of and demands for minerals and metals and the stability of exchange rates can all cause fluctuations in these prices. Such external economic factors are influenced by changes in international investment patterns and monetary systems and political developments. The prices have fluctuated significantly in recent years. Future significant price declines could cause investors to be unprepared to finance exploration and development.
Share price volatility and lack of active market
Worldwide securities markets continue to experience a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market prices of securities of many public companies have experienced significant fluctuations in price which have not necessarily been related to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies.
16
Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
It may be anticipated that any quoted market for the Company’s securities will be subject to such market trends and that the value of such securities may be affected accordingly. If an active market does not develop, the liquidity of the investment may be limited and the market price of such securities may decline below the subscription price.
Competition
The mineral resource industry is intensively competitive in all of its phases, and the Company competes with many other companies possessing much greater financial and technical resources. Competition is particularly intense with respect to the acquisition of desirable undeveloped properties. The principal competitive factors in the acquisition of prospective properties include the staff and data necessary to identify and investigate such properties, and the financial resources necessary to acquire and develop the projects. Competition could adversely affect the Company’s ability to acquire suitable prospects for exploration.
Public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic continues to have global impacts on workforces, economies, and financial markets. It is not possible for the Company to predict the duration or magnitude of any adverse effects that the pandemic may have on the Company’s business or ability to raise funds. As of the date of these interim financial statements, COVID-19 has had no impact on the Company’s ability to access and explore its current properties but may impact the Company’s ability to raise funding or explore its properties should travel restrictions related to COVID-19 be extended or expanded in scope.
Government regulations and environmental risks and hazards
The Company’s conduct is subject to various federal, provincial and state laws, and rules and regulations including environmental legislation in the countries where exploration takes place. The Company has adopted environmental practices designed to ensure that it continues to comply with environmental regulations currently applicable to it. All of the Company’s activities are in compliance in all material respects with applicable environmental legislation. Environmental hazards may exist on the Company’s properties, which may have been caused by previous or existing owners or operators of the properties. The Company is not aware of any existing environmental hazards related to any of its current property interests that may result in material liability to the Company. Environmental legislation is becoming increasingly stringent and costs and expenses of regulatory compliance are increasing. The impact of new and future environmental legislation on the Company’s operations may cause additional expenses and restrictions. If the restrictions adversely affect the scope of exploration and development on the resource property interests, the potential for production on the property may be diminished or negated.
Reliance on key personnel
The Company relies on a relatively small number of key directors, officers and senior personnel. Loss of any one of those persons could have an adverse effect on the Company. The Company does not currently maintain “key employee” insurance in respect of any of its senior management.
Licenses and permits
The operations of the Company require licenses and permits from various government authorities. The Company believes that it holds all necessary licenses and permits under applicable laws and regulations for work in progress and believes it is presently complying in all material respects with the terms of such licenses and permits. However, such licenses and permits are subject to change under various circumstances.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary licenses and permits that may be required to explore and develop its properties, commence construction or operation of mining facilities or to maintain continued operations that economically justify the cost.
17
Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
Title to property
Although the Company will exercise the usual due diligence with respect to title to any properties in which it will take an interest, there is no guarantee that title to the properties will not be challenged or impugned. The Company’s mineral property interests may be subject to prior unregistered agreements or transfers, aboriginal land claims, government expropriation and title may be affected by undetected defects. In addition, certain mining claims in which the Company has an interest are not recorded in the name of the Company and cannot be recorded until certain steps are taken by other parties.
Risk of legal claims
The Company may become involved in disputes with third parties or government authorities in the future that may result in litigation. The results of these legal claims cannot be predicted with certainty and defense and settlement costs of legal claims can be substantial, even with respect to claims that have no merit. If the Company is unable to resolve these disputes in the Company’s favor or if the cost of the resolution is substantial, such events may have a material adverse impact on the ability of the Company to carry out its business plan.
PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS
On February 1, 2021, the Company entered into a non-binding letter to intent to acquire a 100% interest in the Chuck Creek Property held by two directors of the Company. It is contemplated the Company acquire the Chuck Creek Property for a purchase price of $50,000 and a 1% net smelter return royalty. The proposed acquisition is subject to due diligence, negotiation of a definitive agreement and satisfaction or waiver of other conditions.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE
The Company has reviewed new and revised accounting pronouncements that have been issued but are not yet effective. The Company has not early adopted any of these standards and is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that these standards might have on its financial statements.
Accounting standard anticipated to be effective
Certain new standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards have been issued by the IASB or International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”) that are mandatory for accounting periods beginning after January 1, 2018, or later periods. New standards and updates, which are not applicable or are not consequential to the Company, have been excluded.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS
The Company’s financial instruments are exposed to certain financial risks which are discussed in detail in note 4m) of the Company’s financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
18
Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE FOR VENTURE ISSUERS WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT REVENUE
During the three months and years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred the following expenses:
| Three months ended | December 31, | Years ended December 31, | Years ended December 31, | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020(1) | 2021 | 2020 | |
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |
| Advertising and marketing | 117,296 | 186,999 | 472,126 | 1,895,414 |
| Consulting | 7,215 | 9,777 | 25,000 | 63,324 |
| Director fees | 11,907 | 13,247 | 43,175 | 21,375 |
| Filing fees | 7,065 | 5,187 | 56,524 | 61,054 |
| General and administrative | 19,362 | 2,606 | 61,757 | 31,086 |
| Investor relations | 31,641 | 10,549 | 100,021 | 38,842 |
| Management fees | 56,085 | 56,500 | 245,612 | 177,139 |
| Professional fees | 2,173 | (188,980) | 65,394 | 74,445 |
| Share-based payments | 140,973 | 707,909 | 750,993 | 707,909 |
| Travel | 180 | 44 | 3,081 | 6,030 |
| Total operating expenses | 393,897 | 803,838 | 1,823,683 | 3,076,618 |
(1) The results for the three months ended December 31, 2020 were presented to agree to the results from the year ended December 31, 2020 (as reported) less the nine months ended September 30, 2020 (as reported).
An analysis of material components of the Company’s operating expenses is disclosed in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, to which this MD&A relates. An analysis of the material components of the mineral property acquisition costs and mineral exploration costs are disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
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Interra Copper Corp. (formerly IMC International Mining Corp.) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
T. Greg Hawkins, Director and Chairman of the Board David McAdam, Director Gordon Neal, Director Samir Patel, Director Jason Nickel, Chief Executive Officer and Director Christopher O. Naas, Chief Operating Officer and Director Oliver Foeste, Chief Financial Officer Janet Francis, Corporate Secretary
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information about the Company is available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com.
BOARD APPROVAL
The Board of the Company has approved this MD&A.
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