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Rupert Resources Ltd. — Management Reports 2024
Jul 11, 2024
43496_rns_2024-07-11_c53f438c-c57c-49cb-a9d4-fa6538116dcc.pdf
Management Reports
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Rupert Resources Limited
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 2024
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
................................................................................................................................................................ 1 Background ............................................................................................................................................. 1 Technical Information .............................................................................................................................. 1 Company Overview and Discussion of Operations ................................................................................ 1 Other developments during the three months ended May 31, 2024 ...................................................... 5 Status, Plans and Expenditures .............................................................................................................. 6 Achievement of plans and milestones in the three months ended May 31, 2024 .................................. 7 Summary of Financial and Operating Performance ................................................................................ 8 Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates ........................................................................................... 17 Management’s Report on Internal Controls and Procedures ................................................................ 19 Management’s Responsibility for Financial Information ....................................................................... 20 Approval ................................................................................................................................................ 20 Additional Information ........................................................................................................................... 20 Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information ............................................................................. 20
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
Background
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“ MD&A ”) of the financial position and results of operations is prepared as at July 11, 2024 and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Rupert Resources Ltd. (the “ Company ” or “ Rupert ”) as at May 31, 2024, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“ IFRS ”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“ IASB ”) and International Accounting Standards and covering the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Unless otherwise noted, all currency figures in the MD&A are presented in Canadian Dollars.
Rupert is a publicly listed company, the ordinary shares (the “ Ordinary Shares ”) of which have been listed since December 12, 2022 on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the symbol “RUP”, having graduated from the TSX Venture Exchange (“ TSX-V ”). The Company’s Ordinary Shares had been listed for trading on the TSX-V since prior to February 28, 1998. To the knowledge of directors and officers of Rupert, the Company’s outstanding Common Shares are widely held. These holdings can change at any time at the discretion of the owner(s).
This MD&A contains forward-looking information, such as statements regarding the Company’s future plans and objectives that are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and those set forth in “ Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information ” and “ Risks and Uncertainties ” in this document. The Company cannot assure investors that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. The results for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future periods. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information.
Technical Information
The technical information about the Company’s mineral properties contained in this MD&A, other than information summarized or extracted from the Technical Reports (as defined below), has been prepared under the supervision of Mr. Craig Hartshorne, a Chartered Geologist at the Geological Society of London, who is a “qualified person” within the meaning of NI 43-101. Mr. Hartshorne has reviewed the contents of this MD&A and has consented to the inclusion in this MD&A of all technical statements, other than information summarized or extracted from the Ikkari PEA (see “ Company Overview and Discussion of Operations: Company Overview ”), in the form and context in which they appear and confirms that such information fairly represents the underlying data and study results.
Company Overview and Discussion of Operations
Company Overview
Rupert is a company incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia and is focused on making and advancing discoveries of scale and quality with high margin and low environmental impact potential. The Company has two projects located in Finland and two projects located in Ontario and British Columbia respectively.
The Company’s core focus is the 100%-held Rupert Lapland Project Area including, in particular, the Ikkari discovery (“ Ikkari ”), and the Pahtavaara mine and mill ( “Pahtavaara Mine ” or “ Pahtavaara ”), both located within a wider 726km[2] regional licence holding in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt (“ CLGB ”) of Northern Finland (together: the “ Rupert Lapland Project Area ”). No licence holdings are situated on Natura 2000 reservations.
In June 2023, amendments of the Finnish Mining Act of 2011 came into force. Exploration licences continue to be valid for up to 15 years but shall require majority landowner consent after the 10[th] anniversary, while the maximum duration of reservations is reduced to 1 year, previously 2. Should landowner consent not be forthcoming for extension of exploration licences beyond 10 years, the holder may apply to the Government for support. Following their expiry, reservations can subsequently be applied for as exploration licences. Each are awarded by the Finnish Safety and Chemical Agency (“ Tukes ”) and confer upon the holder exclusive rights of prospecting and exploration for minerals, while mining licences also confer rights of exploitation, and the establishment of facilities for collection and
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
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processing of minerals found in the area granted. Per the June 2023 amendments, municipalities also now have an increased role with the requirement that mining operations be allowed for in a detailed land use plan.
The Company’s interests in Finland represent its core focus and comprise the following:
Ikkari
Ikkari is a gold discovery made by the Company in 2020 pursuant to its on-going grassroots exploration activities across the Rupert Lapland Project Area. The maiden NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate (“MRE”) was announced by the Company in September 2021. Further to this, the company conducted additional drilling activities in and around Ikkari, as well as progressing with technical / economic studies and environmental and permitting matters (see: “ Discussion of Operations: Rupert Lapland Project Area ”, “ Status, Plans and Expenditures ” and “ Achievement of Plans and Milestones in the three months ended May 31, 2024 ”).
In November 2022 the Company announced the completion of a NI 43-101-compliant Preliminary Economic Assessment (“ PEA ”) - see the technical report entitled “Preliminary Economic Assessment Ikkari and Pahtavaara - Finland” with an effective date of March 10, 2023 prepared by Tetra Tech Limited Ltd. (the “ Ikkari PEA ”).
The Ikkari PEA contemplates a phased mine plan in order to optimize cashflows in the earlier years of activity, with an open-pit operation at Ikkari in the first 11 years, transitioning to Ikkari underground (years 10-23) and Pahtavaara-derived concentrate (years 11-24). The after-tax Net Present Value (“ NPV ”) (5% discount rate) is US$1.6 billion, with an unlevered internal rate of return (“ IRR ”) of 46% and payback within 2 years, assuming a gold (“ Au ”) price of US$1,650 per Troy ounce (“ oz ”). Over the 22-year life of mine (“ LOM ”), the PEA demonstrates recovered gold of 4.25 million ounces (“ Moz Au ”), with average annual production of 200,000 Troy ounces (“ ozs ”) Au. Open pit operation is expected to support average annual production of 220,000 ozs Au.
In November 2023 the Company announced the completion of an updated MRE - see the technical report entitled “Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Ikkari Project – Finland” with an effective date of December 12, 2023 prepared by WSP (the “ Updated Ikkari MRE ”), which along with the Ikkari PEA is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company’s website (www.rupertresources.com).
The MRE for Ikkari, as disclosed in the Updated Ikkari MRE, includes 58 million tonnes (“ Mt ”) at 2.18 grams per tonne gold (“ g/t Au ”) in the Indicated category for 4.09 million ounces (“ Moz ”) Au. The Consolidated Resource Statement for the Rupert Lapland Project Area is set out in further detail on the following page. The Updated Ikkari MRE technical report should be referred to for further information:
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
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Consolidated Resource Statement for Rupert Lapland Project Area
| Classification Indicated |
Target Area | Mining Method Cut-off Tonnage (Mt) Grade Au (g/t) Au (g/t) |
Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kg Ounces |
|||
| Ikkari | Open Pit 0.4 37,308 000 2.21 |
82,400 2,649 000 |
|
| Underground 0.9 21,122 000 2.12 |
44,700 1,437 000 |
||
| Total 58,430 000 2.18 |
127,100 4,087 000 |
||
| Pahtavaara | Open Pit 0.5 900,000 2.20 |
1,900 60,000 |
|
| Underground 1.5 1,000,000 3.70 |
3,700 120,000 |
||
| Total 1,900,000 3.00 |
5,600 180,000 |
||
| Total | 60,331,000 2.20 |
132,700 4,267,000 |
|
| Inferred | Ikkari | Open Pit 0.4 1,271 000 0.81 |
1,000 33,000 |
| Underground 0.9 2,305 000 1.39 |
3,200 103,000 |
||
| Total 3,576 000 1.18 |
4,200 136,000 |
||
| Pahtavaara | Open Pit 0.5 3,700,000 1.60 |
5,900 190,000 |
|
| Underground 1.5 2,200,000 3.10 |
6,800 220,000 |
||
| Total 5,900,000 2.10 |
13,000 410,000 |
||
| Heinä Central | Open Pit 0.5 2,200,000 1.70 |
3,800 120,000 |
|
| Underground 1.2 400,000 2.10 |
900 30,000 |
||
| Total 2,700,000 1.80 |
4,700 150,000 |
||
| Total | 12,176,000 1.78 |
21,600 696,000 |
|
The Mineral Resource Estimates for the Ikkari, Pahtavaara and Heinä Central deposits, have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and following the requirements of Form 43-101F1. The methodology used to determine the Mineral Resource Estimate is consistent with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves Best Practices Guidelines (November 2019) and was classified following CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves (May 2014). Readers are cautioned that Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves, and do not demonstrate economic viability. There is no certainty that all, or any part, of this Mineral Resource will be converted into Mineral Reserve. Inferred Mineral Resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. Ounces are reported as troy ounces, and grade as grams per tonne (g/t). Tonnes and ounces are rounded to the nearest 1,000 with kilograms rounded to the nearest 100, numbers may be affected by rounding.
The QP for the Ikkari Mineral Resource estimate is Mr. Brian Thomas, P.Geo., an independent QP, as defined under NI43-101 and an employee of WSP Canada Inc. based in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. The effective date of this Mineral Resource estimate is October 24, 2023. The Mineral Resource Estimate for Ikkari was interpolated using the Ordinary Kriging (OK). Cut-off grade defined by Gold Price, $1700/oz, Metallurgical Recovery 95%, Open Pit Mining Costs $2.9/t, Underground Mining Cost $29/t, Processing Cost $11.30/t, G&A, Rehabilitation & Closure $4.8/t, Royalty 0.75%. Open pit resources constrained within a Whittle Optimized open pit shell using the above assumptions with a 26m offset to the property boundary enforced. UG resources constrained within the estimation domains to meet the RPEEE criteria for UG mining.
The Pahtavaara and Heinä Central Mineral Resource Estimates were prepared by Brian Wolfe, Principal Consultant, International Resource Solutions Pty Ltd., an independent QP under NI 43-101. The effective date of the Pahtavaara and Heinä Central Mineral Resource Estimates was November 28, 2022. The Mineral Resource Estimate for Pahtavaara was interpolated using the Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK). Cut-off grade defined by Gold Price, $1650/oz, Metallurgical Recovery 89%, Open Pit Mining Costs $2.6/t, Underground Mining Cost $49.6/t, Processing Cost $10.20/t, Other $1.0/t, G&A incl Royalties & Refining $4.1/t. Open pit resources constrained within a designed Open Pit shell using the above assumptions. UG resources reported as those outside of the designed Open Pit. The Mineral Resource Estimate for Heinä Central was interpolated using the Ordinary Kriging (OK). Cut-off grade defined by Gold Price, $1650/oz, Metallurgical Recovery 78%, Open Pit Mining Costs $2.5/t, Underground Mining Cost $30/t, Processing Cost $10/t, Other $3.2/t, G&A incl Royalties & Refining $1.7/t. No copper credit included. Open pit resource constrained within Whittle optimized shell and as an UG resource outside
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
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Gold Centre Property, Ontario
The Company holds an interest in a mining lease consisting of mineral claims located in the Balmer Township, Red Lake Mining Division of Ontario, adjacent to Evolution Mining’s Red Lake mine. The mining lease encompassing the Gold Centre property is valid until 2036.
Discussion of Operations
During the three months ended May 31, 2024 and up to the date of this document, Rupert’s operational activities have been focussed on the Rupert Lapland Project Area and Ikkari in particular.
Rupert Lapland Project Area
Regional Exploration Program, including Ikkari
The regional exploration program at the Rupert Lapland Project Area is designed to identify and evaluate the mineral potential contained in Rupert’s land package in the CLGB.
Since July 2020 the Company has been engaged in a diamond drill program to further evaluate discoveries made within the Rupert Lapland Project Area, including Ikkari, as well as continuing to generate new targets through base of till (“ BoT ”) sampling, which continues across the Rupert Lapland Project Area and specifically over geophysical anomalies of interest.
Ikkari Preliminary Economic Assessment and Related Studies
Following publication in September 2021 of a maiden MRE for Ikkari, and further to on-going regional diamond and BoT drilling and sampling programs, in November 2022 the Company completed and announced the results of the Ikkari PEA, with the relevant NI 43-101-compliant technical report filed on Sedar in March 2023. The MRE was further updated in November 2023 with the relevant NI 43-101compliant technical report filed on Sedar in December 2023. (see: “ Company Overview – Ikkari” ).
The Ikkari PEA and the Updated Ikkari MRE have served inter alia as the basis for the Pre-feasibility Study (“ Ikkari PFS ”) that was initiated during the twelve months ended February 29, 2024 and is expected to be completed in the fourth calendar quarter of 2024.
Ikkari Project Drilling
The 2023/24 drill program was completed during the second calendar quarter of 2024, comprising some 42,767 metres (“ m ”) of drilling, with 24,060m allocated to drilling within the Ikkari project footprint.
During the 2023/24 winter drilling season, which commenced during July 2023, additional Ikkari drill programmes have principally tested extensions to the mineralisation, including at depth, and provided further geotechnical, hydrogeological and metallurgical datapoints which will eventually feed into a Feasibility Study for Ikkari, which is expected to follow on from successful completion of the Ikkari PFS in calendar 2024.
Continuing Exploration
On-going exploration is a further key focus. Following an update to the structural model for the Ikkari deposit, exploration is focussed on the interpreted continuation of prospective structures both at Ikkari and further to the north at Heinä South. New targets within the Rupert Lapland Project Area are being generated and tested through BoT sampling, geophysical programs and scout diamond drilling as appropriate, with the 2023/24 field season now completed.
Heinä South, 1km NW of Ikkari, has been a focus for exploration drilling with positive initial results from the winter drilling program followed-up to define a mineralised trend of greater thickness and continuity than previously encountered at Heinä South. In total 21 holes for 4984m have defined mineralisation over a strike length of 250m to a depth of 200m from surface. Mineralisation remains open in all directions and work continues to assess the controls on higher-grade mineralisation immediately north of the main, thicker mineralised trend on the southern margin.
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
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Advancing Permitting and Environmental Work
Permitting, specifically progression of the Environmental Impact Assessment (“ EIA ”) Programme and Land Use Planning is also a key focus of the Company. The EIA Programme was initially presented to the respective authorities on November 30, 2022 and formally started the environmental permitting process, with the aim of securing an environmental permit and thereafter a mining licence for Ikkari, in addition to those already held at Pahtavaara. The Company formally filed an EIA Programme with authorities during the second calendar quarter of 2023 and plans to file EIA report documents during the first half of calendar 2025.
As part of this process the Company continues with numerous baseline environmental assessments, as well as on-going engagement across all stakeholder groups. The Ikkari PFS is drawing from these processes as appropriate.
Pahtavaara Mine
The Ikkari PEA has identified the opportunity to develop Pahtavaara later in the life of the Ikkari operation as a satellite mine to a new central processing facility at Ikkari. This would allow Pahtavaara to benefit from cost synergies and shared infrastructure (see “ Description of Business ”). In the meantime, the Company is placing Pahtavaara under long term care and maintenance, while maintaining the relevant operational permits.
An environmental bond of €640,000 and a further mining bond of € 210,000 are in place to ensure that
the closure plan is implemented.
Following submission of a revised long term closure plan for the Pahtavaara Mine in late 2019 and further updates to this in 2021, the Company in March 2023 received notice from the Regional State Administrative Authority (“ PSAVI ”) that it is seeking to increase the environmental bond for Pahtavaara to EUR14.2 million (approximately $21 million). PSAVI has assumed a requirement to source moraine material from outside of the current mining permit area and place this over all existing waste structures to a thickness of up to 80cm.
The Company’s proposed closure plan considered three options varying from a low CO[2] emission design through to the use of 30cm of moraine cover sourced from the mine site and similar to the historic closure permit. The company has been conducting trials to show the efficacy of direct seeding of the tailings facility, which makes up 74% of the area of total waste structures at Pahtavaara, and has a permit granted to continue these trials until the end of 2024. Results to-date have demonstrated the potential for this to be suitable low impact long-term closure solution. The Company has filed an appeal and will continue to liaise with the relevant authorities to arrive at the optimal long-term solution to plan for mine closure in line with industry best practice. An updated closure plan proposal will be submitted in 2025, following further work. The Company’s announcement of March 21, 2023 refers.
The Group anticipates that the environmental bond will be increased by a further amount and has provided for this accordingly in its financial statements for the year ended February 29, 2024.
During the three months ended May 31, 2024, the Company spent $11,00-,629 (three months ended May 31, 2023 - $7,915,058) on general exploration costs and purchase of property, plant and equipment (see “ Analysis of Exploration and Evaluation Assets ”).
Other developments during the three months ended May 31, 2024
On March 11, 2024 the company provided confirmation that it was in preliminary discussions with B2Gold Corporation (“ B2Gold ”) regarding the potential purchase of B2Gold’s 70% interest in a joint venture between B2Gold and Aurion Resources that has rights in respect of properties located near the Company’s Ikkari project.
On April 3, 2024 the Company announced the retirement from the Board of Mr. George Ogilvie, who had been a Non-Executive Director since June 2020.
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
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Further results from the 2023/2024 winter drilling campaign in the Rupert Lapland Project Area were announced on each of March 3 and May 1, 2024.
On May 31, 2024, the Company granted 1,121,117 stock options at a price of $4.09 per share to a certain officers, directors and employees of the Company, expiring on May 30, 2029. The options vest 1/3 on each of May 30, 2025, May 30, 2026 and May 30, 2027.
On May 31, 2024, the Company granted 295,079 PSUs to a certain officers and employees of the Company. The PSUs vest based on the level of achievement of certain corporate performance objectives.
During the three months ended May 31, 2024, 480,000 stock options were exercised at a price of $0.87 to $3.20 per share for total proceeds of $1,244,750.
During the three months ended May 31, 2024, the Company settled 8,591 PSUs. 5,283 of the PSUs were exercised into common shares and 3,308 PSUs were settled through a cash payment of $16,044.
Other Events after the Reporting Period
On July 8, 2024, the Company announced it has been unable to reach acceptable terms to acquire 100% of the Fingold joint venture to consolidate further exploration licences near to the Ikkari Project. Fingold is a joint venture held 70% by B2Gold and 30% by Aurion Resources. The Company had made a number of non-binding proposals based on its understanding of underlying value and taking into consideration the best interests of all stakeholders in the project and all shareholders.
The Company furthermore provides confirmation that it has terminated discussions with both parties holding the Fingold joint venture.
Status, Plans and Expenditures
As at the date hereof, the Company’s mineral properties are at the exploration and development stage. The Company’s core focus for approximately the following twelve months remains to further advance its assets within the Rupert Lapland Project Area, in particular Ikkari, including the following:
-
1) Project Studies . Further to the completion of the Updated Ikkari MRE during the fourth calendar quarter of 2023 and the Ikkari PEA in November 2022, the Company is currently progressing the Ikkari PFS.
-
2) I kkari follow-up exploration. Continued in-fill and step out diamond drilling at Ikkari aimed at furthering the Company’s understanding of Ikkari and extending the mineralised system.
-
3) Continuing exploration in the Rupert Lapland Project Area. Continued exploration activities at other previously identified targets elsewhere in the Rupert Lapland Project Area, including Heinä South, Ikkari North, and Heinä Central, with the aim to demonstrate the potential scale of the discoveries and define potentially new economic mineralisation in the area.
-
4) Generative exploration. Identify further gold anomalies using geophysics, geochemical analysis of base of till samples and geological mapping and sampling elsewhere within the Rupert Lapland Project Area, including but not limited to, at Kuusajärvi and Area 51. These are being followed up using diamond drilling as appropriate to define potential.
-
5) Permitting and Environmental . An EIA process is underway at Ikkari, with the aim of securing an environmental permit for Ikkari in addition to that already held at Pahtavaara. Permitting, specifically the progression of the EIA Programme and Land Use Planning is also a key focus of the Company. The Company filed an EIA programme with authorities during the second calendar quarter of 2023 and is progressing with the EIA Report documentation.
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
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6) Geological Studies . Further to the exploration programmes outlined in 1) to 4) above, the Company utilises a small number of external consultants to undertake structural and geophysical interpretations to enhance its exploration.
The combined cost for the above for the 12 months to end - May 2025, together with General and Administration costs, is approximately $35 million with circa 30,000 metres of diamond drilling planned for the 2024/25 season.
See “ Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information ” and “ Risks and Uncertainties ”.
During the three months ended May 31, 2024 the Company spent approximately $11 million at the Rupert Lapland Project Area (three months ended May 31, 2023: $8 million). (See “Analysis of Exploration and Evaluation Assets”).
Additional financing will be required to fund operating expenses through further exploration and development activities. (See " Liquidity and Capital Resources ").
There have been no actual or anticipated changes which would adversely affect the financial condition or performance of the Company, nor industry or economic factors that would affect the Company’s performance.
Costs incurred by the Company up to May 31, 2024 on the Rupert Lapland Project Area amounted to $138 million on a cumulative basis.
Achievement of plans and milestones in the three months ended May 31, 2024
The key plans and milestones of the Company for the three months ended May 31, 2024 were as follows:
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The EIA program was submitted in April 2023 and feedback was received in August 2023. This then enabled preparation of the EIA Report to be initiated.
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To continue to progress the Ikkari PFS, further to completion in November 2022 of the Ikkari PEA
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To continue to undertake regional exploration to demonstrate the potential for other gold and base metal occurrences within the Rupert Lapland Project Area
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Advance with the longer-term care and maintenance program for Pahtavaara mine
The development of Ikkari during the three months ended May 31, 2024 and up to the date of this document was consistent with these plans. In particular the Company:
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The EIA Report continues to progress.
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The Ikkari PFS has been initiated and continues to progress
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A dismantling program for Pahtavaara underground mine (only) was presented to the authorities in May 2023 and is now complete
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Completed successful drilling programs for the 2023/24 winter drilling program in the Rupert Lapland Project Area which continue to demonstrate previously unidentified mineralisation, as well as project-related drilling at Ikkari.
For further discussion of the above, see “ Discussion of Operations ”, “ Other developments during the three months ended May 31, 2024 ” and “Other Events after the Reporting Period” .
Risks and Uncertainties
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
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In common with other companies operating in natural resources exploration, the Company is subject to ongoing risk factors and uncertainties, including, among others, title risks, commodity prices, liquidity and financing risks, exchange rate risks, permitting risks, operating and environmental hazards encountered in the exploration, development and mining business and changing laws and public policies, as well as the risks disclosed elsewhere in this MD&A. Risk management is the responsibility of the Company's management team, with guidance from the Audit Committee under policies approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors also provides regular guidance on overall risk management.
Summary of Financial and Operating Performance
Summary of Overall Financial Performance
The Company reports in Canadian dollars. The functional currency of the Company assets in Finland is the Euro. The presentational currency of the Company is Canadian Dollars. The financial statements of the Company for the three months ended May 31, 2024 are prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.
| Three months | Three months | |
|---|---|---|
| ended | ended | |
| May 31, | May 31, | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| $ | $ | |
| Net loss | (1,739,028) | (2,617,431) |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 26,686,221 | 59,170,431 |
| Exploration assets | 138,352,658 | 104,896,966 |
| Net assets | 160,109,691 | 159,307,076 |
The net loss for the Company of $(1,739,028) for the three months ended May 31, 2024 (three months ended May 31, 2023: $(2,617,431)) was after the following principal items:
-
General and Administrative (“ G&A ”) costs of $(1,841,563) for the three months ended May 31, 2024 (three months ended May 31, 2023: $(1,096,190)). See “ Results from Operations”.
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Share-based payments of $(293,005) for the three months ended May 31, 2024 (three months ended May 31, 2023: $(730,992)).
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Gain on redemption of treasury bills of $198,309 for the three months ended May 31, 2024 (three months ended May 31, 2023: $nil).
-
Unrealized loss on marketable securities of $(83,669) for the three months ended May 31, 2024 (three months ended May 31, 2023: unrealized loss of $(867,392)).
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Accretion and interest income of $73,906 for the three months ended May 31, 2024 (three months ended May 31, 2023: Accretion and interest income of $324,935).
-
Foreign exchange gain of $278,138 for the three months ended May 31, 2024 (three months ended May 31, 2023: foreign exchange loss of $(199,773)).
Further analysis of total comprehensive income/(loss) is contained in the section “Results from Operations”.
The cash levels of the Company as at May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023 vary due to the timing and quantum of financing by the Company (see “ Outstanding Share Data ”), as well as the level of expenditures by the Company on exploration and administrative activities (see “ Results from Operations ” and “Analysis of Exploration and Evaluation Assets” ).
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
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The movement in exploration assets between May 31, 2023 and May 31, 2024 is a function of exploration expenditure during the period, together with foreign exchange movements and any asset sales, impairments or revaluations during the period. (See “Analysis of Exploration and Evaluation Assets”).
Comparison of Financial Condition
The financial condition of the Company is primarily measured by the reserves of cash and cash equivalents, and the level of net assets. As of May 31, 2024 the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $26,686,221 (February 29, 2024: $36,829,838). As of May 31, 2024, the Company had net assets of $160,109,691 (February 29, 2024: $159,307,076). The net assets of the Company have decreased slightly over the three months ended May 31, 2024 primarily due to the general and administrative expenses and expenditure on exploration and evaluation assets. Net assets are also impacted by the operating performance of the Company (see “Summary of Financial and Operating Performance - Results from Operations ”).
Summary of Cash Flows
| Summary of Cash Flows | ||
|---|---|---|
| Three months | Three months | |
| ended | ended | |
| May 31, | May 31, | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| $ | $ | |
| Net cash absorbed in operating activities | (373,614) | (3,652,607) |
| Net cash absorbed in investing activities | (10,980,867) | (7,931,135) |
| Net cash flow generated from financing activities | 1,210,864 | 254,881 |
| Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (10,143,617) | (11,328,861) |
The net cash flows used in operating activities for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023 are driven by activities in the management and development of the Rupert Lapland Project Area. The change between May 31, 2023 and May 31, 2024 is primarily attributed to spend on corporate and administrative costs, together with variations arising from fluctuations in amounts payables and accrued liabilities.
Cash used in investing activities increased to $(10,980,867) in the three months ended May 31, 2024 as compared to $(7,931,135) in the three months ended May 31, 2023. The higher spend in the three months ended May 31, 2024 as compared to the prior period was driven by higher expenditure on exploration activities.
Cash flows from financing activities in the three months ended May 31, 2024 arose primarily from the exercise of share options (see “ Outstanding share data”).
Quarterly Financial Information
The Company reports in Canadian Dollars. The functional currency of Pahtavaara is the Euro. The financial statements for the Company were prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.
| Quarter Ended |
May 31, 2024 ($) |
February 29, 2024 ($) |
November 30, 2023 ($) |
August 31, 2023 ($) |
May 31, 2023 ($) |
February 28, 2023 ($) |
November 30, 2022 ($) |
August 31, 2022 ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Loss from continuing operations(1) |
(1,739,028) | (684,643) | (1,338,538) | (3,310,860) | (2,617,431) | (6,568,828) | (1,436,691) | (3,054,631) |
| Total comprehensiv |
(745,826) | (1,618,822) | (308,922) | (1,547,544) | (2,306,952) | (4,099,956) | 3,744,713 | (5,173,267) |
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
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| Quarter Ended |
May 31, 2024 ($) |
February 29, 2024 ($) |
November 30, 2023 ($) |
August 31, 2023 ($) |
May 31, 2023 ($) |
February 28, 2023 ($) |
November 30, 2022 ($) |
August 31, 2022 ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| e loss attributable to owners of the parent(2) |
||||||||
| Loss from continuing operations per share(3) |
(0.01) | (0.00) | (0.01) | (0.02) | (0.01) | (0.03) | (0.01) | (0.02) |
| Total comprehensiv e loss per share(3) |
(0.00) | (0.01) | (0.00) | (0.01) | (0.01) | (0.02) | 0.02 | (0.03) |
Notes
-
(1) Disclosed as “Net loss for the period”
-
(2) Disclosed as “Net loss and Comprehensive loss for the period”
-
(3) Basic and diluted
Quarter on quarter variations in loss from continuing operations are driven by movements in general and administration costs, including non-cash share-based payments. Total comprehensive income attributable to owners of the parent additionally reflects currency translation differences arising on translation of foreign operations.
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
- 11 -
Results from Operations
| 3 months | 3 months | |
|---|---|---|
| ended | ended | |
| May 31, | May 31, | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| $ | $ | |
| Analysis of Operating Loss: | ||
| General and Administration Costs | ||
| Salaries and benefits | (668,626) | (388,830) |
| Overheads, maintenance and other costs | (413,519) | (369,593) |
| Professional fees | (163,141) | (76,060) |
| Shareholder communications | (34,953) | (48,646) |
| Transfer agent and exchange fees | (16,506) | (20,581) |
| Travel and vehicle operating costs | (143,239) | (107,222) |
| Consulting | (567) | (16,146) |
| Investigation of prospective property interests | (335,832) | - |
| Regulatory fees | (65,180) | (69,112) |
| Total General and administrative costs | (1,841,563) | (1,096,190) |
| Share-based payments (non-cash) | (293,005) | (730,992) |
| Depreciation | (71,682) | (48,019) |
| Loss before other items | (2,206,250) | (1,875,201) |
| Gain on redemption of treasury bills | 198,309 | - |
| Unrealized loss on marketable securities | (83,669) | (867,392) |
| Foreign exchange gain (loss) | 278,138 | (199,773) |
| Accretion and interest income | 73,906 | 324,935 |
| Other income | 538 | - |
| Net loss before income taxes | (1,739,028) | (2,617,431) |
| Deferred income tax recovery | - | - |
| Net loss for the period | (1,739,028) | (2,617,431) |
| Currency translation differences | 993,202 | 310,479 |
| Net loss and Comprehensive loss for the period | (745,826) | (2,306,952) |
Rupert’s net loss for the three months ended May 31, 2024 totaled $(1,739,028), with basic and diluted loss per share of $(0.01). This compares with a net loss of $(2,617,431) with basic and diluted loss per share of $(0.01) for the three months ended May 31, 2023. No revenue was recorded in either period.
The net loss decreased by $878,403 due to the following:
General and administrative expenses increased to $(1,841,563), which was $(745,373) higher than the comparable period primarily due to increases in investigation of prospective property interests of $(335,832), salaries and benefits of $(279,796) (due to an increase in accruals versus the prior year), and professional fees of $(87,081).
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
- 12 -
Share-based payments decreased by $437,987 to $(293,005) for the three months ended May 31, 2024. Share-based payments will vary from period to period depending upon the number of options and PSUs granted and vested during a period and the fair value of the options and PSUs calculated as at the grant date.
Foreign exchange gain increased by $(477,911) to $278,138 for the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Unrealized loss on marketable securities decreased by $783,723 to $(83,669) for the three months ended May 31, 2024.
For analysis regarding how these expenditures related to relevant milestones for Ikkari and anticipated timing and costs to advance Ikkari to further stages, see “ Status, Plans and Expenditures” and “ Achievement of Plans and Milestones in the three months ended March 31, 2024”. For analysis of net movement in exploration and evaluation assets and explanation of the Company’s exploration activities in 2023/24, see “Analysis of Exploration and Evaluation Assets.”
Analysis of Exploration and Evaluation Assets
| Rupert Lapland | |
|---|---|
| Project Area | |
| ($) | |
| Net Book Value | |
| As at March 1, 2023 | 96,628,131 |
| Additions | 7,872,796 |
| Exchange rate movements | 396,039 |
| As at May 31, 2023 | 104,896,966 |
| As at March 1, 2024 | 129,856,715 |
| Additions | 7,432,401 |
| Exchange rate movements | 1,063,542 |
| As at May 31, 2024 | 138,352,658 |
Exploration Costs within exploration and evaluation assets comprise all costs directly attributable to the exploration of a project area and which are capitalised to that project. The accounting policies of the Company specify that exploration costs are to be denominated in the functional currency of the country in which the asset is located. Pahtavaara is located in Finland and is thus denominated in Euros.
Exploration costs capitalised in the three months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023 of $7,432,401 and $7,872,796 respectively at the Rupert Lapland Project Area included the continuation of a programmes primarily focused on Ikkari, (see: “ Discussion of Operations: Rupert Lapland Project Area”).
Further analysis of the expenditure on exploration and evaluation assets during the three months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023 is set out below:
| Rupert Lapland | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended |
|---|---|---|
| Project Area | May 31, 2024 | May 31, 2023 |
| $ | $ | |
| Licenses andpermits and staking | 307,178 | 418,538 |
| ARO decrease | (833,606) | Nil |
| Assays | 800,482 | 1,549,591 |
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
- 13 -
| Consulting | 212,702 | 534,086 |
|---|---|---|
| Geophysics | 98,613 | 189,991 |
| Drillingincl. fuel | 3,715,026 | 3,620,754 |
| Equipment rental and software | Nil | 21,320 |
| Pre-feasibilitystudy | 584,428 | Nil |
| Transportation | 22,443 | 99,662 |
| Travel | Nil | 133,662 |
| Utilities | 56,619 | 39,030 |
| Salaries | 1,449,506 | 978,888 |
| Software | 112,273 | Nil |
| Environmental | 906,737 | 98,335 |
| Equipment | Nil | 188,939 |
| Total | 7,432,401 | 7,872,796 |
Outstanding Share Data
| Period to May 31, | Period to May 31, |
Period to May 31, |
Period to May 31, |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | |
| (000’s) | ($) | (000’s) | ($) | |
| Issued and fully | ||||
| paid | ||||
| Ordinary Shares | ||||
| At March 1 | 203,889,423 | 228,950,501 | 202,142,348 | 225,288,990 |
| Share options | ||||
| exercised | 480,000(2) | 1,809,854(2) | 400,000(2) | 588,200(2) |
| Shares issued on | ||||
| vesting of PSUs | 5,283(1) | 25,623(1) | 15,525(1) | 65,205(1) |
| At end-February | 204,374,706 | 230,785,978 | 202,557,873 | 225,942,395 |
Notes
-
(1) During the three months ended May 31, 2024, the Company settled 8,591 (three months ended May 31, 2023 – 27,361) performance share units ("PSUs"). 5,283 (three months ended May 31, 2023 - 15,525) of the PSUs were exercised into common shares and $25,623 (three months ended May 31, 2023 - $65,205) was reclassified from contributed surplus to share capital. 3,308 (three months ended May 31, 2023 - 11,836) PSUs were settled through a cash payment of $16,044 (three months ended May 31, 2023 - $75,296).
-
(2) During the three months ended May 31, 2024, 480,000 (three months ended May 31, 2023 - 400,000) stock options were exercised at a price of $0.87 to $3.20 (three months ended May 31, 2023 - $0.87) per share for total proceeds of $1,244,750 (three months ended May 31, 2023 - $348,000). The options exercised had a grant date fair value of $565,105 (three months ended May 31, 2023 - $240,200) initially recognized in contributed surplus which was transferred to share capital upon exercise of the options.
Stock Options, Warrants and Performance Share Units in the Company
The total options outstanding as at the date hereof amount to 5,934,598 with a weighted average exercise price of $3.45, and which will be fully vested by May 30, 2027. The Company also issues Performance Share Units to certain members of the management. The total performance share units outstanding as at the date hereof amount to 423,225, which will be fully vested by March 1, 2026.
The Company recognises as an expense the cost of warrants and/or stock-based compensation based upon the estimated fair value of new stock options or warrants granted. The fair value of each stock
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
- 14 -
option or warrant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and is expensed over the vesting period.
There were no warrants outstanding as at the date hereof.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
There are no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Instruments
The Company is not in commercial production on any of its properties and accordingly it does not generate cash from operations and finances its activities by raising capital through issue of equity and convertible debentures.
As at May 31, 2024, the Company had cash at bank and cash equivalents of $26,686,221 (as at February 29, 2024: $36,829,838) and current liabilities of $5,516,985 (February 29, 2024 - $7,562,812). The Company does not enter into lease arrangements or debt facilities to cover working capital requirements.
The Company endeavours to hold all cash and cash equivalents in interest bearing accounts. The Company has not invested in any short-term commercial paper, asset-backed securities or other financial instruments. There are no known or expected trends or fluctuations in the Company’s capital resources and which would have a material impact on the capital resources of the Company. The Company mitigates risks associated with its cash holdings by reviewing the credit ratings of banks with which it places those holdings. Cash holdings kept in Finland are limited to cover short term needs only.
In management’s view the Company will secure sufficient financial resources to fund currently planned exploration programmes and ongoing operating expenditures over at least the next 12 months. The plans for the Company in the fiscal year 2024/25 and into fiscal year 2025/26 are to continue with exploration and development activities in the Rupert Lapland Project Area. (see “ Status, Plans and Expenditures ”).
Expenditure plans are reviewed and adjusted on a regular basis as appropriate and in line with the financial resources of the Company. Financial commitments are not given to third parties where they, would result in undue risk to the financial solvency of the Company going forwards. Payments will be required to maintain the Company’s concessions in Finland in good standing and the Company ensures that it holds sufficient financial reserves to meet those payments. The Company only commits to future payments and exploration programmes once it already has the required financial resources to do so. The Company’s liquidity and operating results may be adversely affected if its access to the capital market is hindered, whether as a result of a downturn in stock market conditions generally or matters specific to the Company.
There are no legal or practical restrictions on the repatriation out of Finland of capital and profits.
As of the date of this document, the Company expects that it will need to raise additional working capital to meet its contractual obligations and carry out its planned activities for the 12 months from the date of this document and is confident that it will be able to do so on reasonable commercial terms. It will continue to be dependent on raising equity capital as required until and unless it reaches the production stage and generates cash flow from operations. To date the Company has been successful in raising funding from investors and believes that it will continue to be able to attract financial capital as it progressively de-risks and advances Ikkari.
Management reviews its capital management approach on an ongoing basis and believes that this approach, given the relative size of the Company, is appropriate.
In order to diversify its cash reserve holdings, the Company has acquired certain Canadian and European sovereign treasury bills. There were no other changes in the Company's approach to capital management during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
- 15 -
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
- 16 -
Contractual Obligations
| $ | Payments Due by Period | Payments Due by Period | Payments Due by Period | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total ($) |
Less than 1 year ($) |
1 – 3 years ($) |
4 – 5 years ($) |
Greater than 5 years ($) |
|
| Asset retirement obligation(1) |
10,596,570 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 10,596,570 |
| Lease liability(2) | 35,880 | 35,880 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Notes
- (1) On August 30, 2016, as part of the acquisition of the Pahtavaara Gold Mine, the Company recognized obligations for future site restoration. The amounts and timing of the closure plans will vary depending on a number of factors including alternative mine plans and applicable regulations. The total undiscounted currently contracted amount required to settle obligations related to Pahtavaara was EURO 850,000, for which the Company purchased environmental bonds to the same value and disclosed as part of restricted cash on the balance sheet of the Company.
Under the current mine closure plan for Pahtavaara, buildings and underground mine devices (transformers, electric centers, cables etc.) will be removed. Access to the underground mine will be closed.
Following submission of a revised long term closure plan for the Pahtavaara Mine in late 2019 and further updates to this in 2021, the Company received notice in March 2023 from the Regional State Administrative Authority (“PSAVI”) that it is seeking to increase the environmental bond for Pahtavaara beyond the amount provided for on the Company’s balance sheet of $10.6 million as of May 31, 2024. The bond provision requested by PSAVI of EUR14.2 million assumes the requirement to source moraine material from outside of the current mining permit area and place this over all existing waste structures to a thickness of up to 80cm.
The Company’s proposed closure plan considered three options varying from a low CO2 emission design through to the use of 30cm of moraine cover sourced from the mine site and similar to the historic closure permit. The Company is in the third year of trials to show the efficacy of direct seeding of the tailings facility, which makes up 74% of the area of total waste structures at Pahtavaara, and has a permit granted to continue these trials until the end of 2024. Results to-date have demonstrated the potential for this to be suitable low impact long-term closure solution. Furthermore, a new extensive mine waste characterisation test-work program commenced in Q3 2022. The Company has filed a formal appeal and will continue to liaise with the relevant authorities to arrive at the optimal long-term solution to plan for mine closure in line with industry best practice and an updated closure plan proposal will be submitted in 2025 following further work.
- (2) The lease liability consist of a lease of office space with a three-year term under a lease agreement. The undiscounted contractual balance of the lease liability is $35,880.
The cost of maintaining the concession areas of the Company over the 12 months through to end-May 2025 by payment of taxes is expected to total approximately $1.9 million and has been included in the expenditure plans of the Company.
The Company is not in arrears nor believes that it will be at risk of default with its suppliers and regarding its lease payments. It has no plans to pay dividends until it has commenced commercial production. There are no capital expenditure commitments and no sources of funding that the Company has arranged but not yet used.
Transactions with Related Parties
Remuneration and benefits of key management personnel and directors of the Company were as follows:
| Salaries and benefits(1) | Three Months Ended May 31, 2024 $ |
Three Months Ended May 31, 2023 $ |
|---|---|---|
| James Withall, CEO(3) | 276,477 | 256,433 |
| JeffreyKaroly, CFO(4) | 161,735 | 137,462 |
| Gunnar Nilsson, Non-Executive Chairman(2) | 23,500 | 18,500 |
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
- 17 -
| Michael Sutton,Director(5)(6) | Nil | 9,500 |
|---|---|---|
| Susan Milton,Director(5,6) | Nil | 9,500 |
| George Ogilvie, Director(5,6) | Nil | 9,500 |
| Michael Ouellette, Director(5) | 21,500 | 9,500 |
| Andre Lauzon, Director(5,6) | 9,500 | Nil |
| William Washington, Director(5,6) | 15,500 | Nil |
| Riikka Aaltonen,Director(5,6) | 9,500 | Nil |
| Total | 517,712 | 450,395 |
| Share-based Payments – Fair Value of Stock Options and Performance Share Units Granted |
Three Months Ended May 31, 2024 $ |
Three Months Ended May 31, 2023 $ |
|---|---|---|
| James Withall,CEO | (10,576) | 105,826 |
| JeffreyKaroly,CFO | 20,783 | 140,782 |
| Gunnar Nilsson,Non-Executive Chairman | 26,767 | 22,009 |
| Michael Sutton,Director | Nil | 17,560 |
| Susan Milton,Director | 19,103 | 17,560 |
| George Ogilvie,Director | 19,103 | 17,560 |
| Michael Ouellette,Director | 19,103 | 17,560 |
| Andre Lauzon,Director | 60,618 | Nil |
| William Washington,Director | 68,711 | Nil |
| Riikka Aaltonen,Director | 58,419 | Nil |
| Total | 282,031 | 376,558 |
(1) With the exception of the Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors do not have employment or service contracts with the Company.
(2) The Non-Executive Chairman received a fee of $5,833 per month effective March 1, 2023. During the three months ended May 31, 2024, $23,500 (three months ended May 31, 2023 - $18,500) was expensed as salaries, which included ad hoc committee fees as appropriate.
(3) The Chief Executive Officer of the Company received a base salary of GBP 20,833 per month from March 1, 2023, increased to GBP 21,354 from Marc 1, 2024.
(4) The Chief Financial Officer of the Company received a base salary of $26,250 from March 1, 2023, increased to GBP 26,906 from March 1, 2024.
(5) Effective March 1, 2023, the Company paid the Non-Executive Directors fees of $9,500 per quarter, increased to $9,500 per quarter from March 1, 2023, together with additional ad hoc committee fees as appropriate.
(6) Mr. Sutton, Ms. Milton and Mr. Ogilvie retired from the Board on September 15, 2023, January 16, 2024 and April 3, 2024 respectively. Mr. Lauzon, Mr. Washington and Ms. Aaltonen were appointed to the Board on October 23, 2023, December 7, 2023 and January 15, 2024 respectively.
On May 31, 2024, the amount of $675,538 (February 29, 2024 - $380,766) was included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities as remuneration due to the Board of Directors, Non-Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company’s accounting policies are described in detail in Note 2 of the Company’s February 29, 2024 annual consolidated financial statements. The Company considers the following judgments and estimates to be most critical in understanding its financial results:
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
- 18 -
Significant accounting judgments and sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and the valuation of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenditures during the period reported. Management uses its best estimates for these purposes, based on assumptions that it believes reflect the most probable set of economic conditions and planned courses of action. While actual results could differ materially from these estimates, no specific sources of estimation uncertainty have been identified by management that are believed to have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment within the next financial year to the carrying amount of the Company’s assets and liabilities as recorded as at May 31, 2024.
Significant items subject to such estimates include:
Valuation of Exploration and Evaluation Assets
Exploration expenditure comprises all costs which are directly attributable to the exploration of a project area. Licence costs are those incurred acquiring mineral rights and include the entry premiums paid to gain access to areas of interest. Mineral Resource costs are those paid to third parties to acquire interests in existing projects.
In accordance with IFRS 6, the Company capitalises as exploration costs within Exploration and Evaluation assets all exploration and evaluation costs, including field exploration and analysis costs relating to specific properties until those properties are brought into production, at which time they will be amortised on a unit-of-production basis or until the properties are abandoned, sold or considered to be impaired in value, at which time an appropriate charge is made.
Exploration and Evaluation assets are reviewed for impairment to determine if a write down of their carrying amount is required. Each exploration project is subject to an annual review by either a consultant or senior company geologist to determine if the exploration results returned to date warrant further exploration expenditure and have the potential to result in an economic discovery. This review takes into consideration long-term metal prices, anticipated resource volumes and grades, permitting and infrastructure. In the event that a project does not represent an economic exploration target and results indicate there is no additional upside, a decision will be made to discontinue exploration. The Directors of the Company have reviewed the estimated value of each project prepared by management and consider them to be reasonable.
Management has made various estimations regarding the fair value of Exploration and Evaluation assets acquired in the absence of NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource data available at acquisition. The fair value of exploration assets acquired has been estimated based on a number of valuation techniques.
Where acquisitions represent transactions between knowledgeable and willing parties on an arm’s length basis, the exploration assets acquired have been valued on the basis of the consideration transferred. Where acquisitions are not deemed to represent arm’s length transactions, management compare them to similar transactions that are on an arm’s length basis taking into account key factors such as certainty over the level of defined resource, processing technology and location infrastructure in order to arrive at a fair valuation.
See “ Results from operations ” and “ Analysis of Exploration Assets ” for further information regarding the valuation of and movements in Exploration and Evaluation assets during the reporting period.
Foreign currencies
The foreign currency movements included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company arose from the relative movements in the Canadian Dollar in relation to the Euro. The Company has adopted accounting treatment of foreign operations upon consolidation following “International Accounting Standard 21 – The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates ” as regards application of exchange rates at balance sheet dates and/or exchange rates at the date of transaction as appropriate, in relation to monetary and non-monetary assets and liabilities.
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
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Exploration costs, disclosed as part of Exploration and Evaluation assets, are denominated in the functional currency of the country in which the asset is located. The Rupert Lapland Project including Ikkari is located in Finland and is thus denominated in Euros. All resulting unrealised exchange differences arising from variations in the exchange rate between the Euro and the Canadian Dollar are recognised in the profit and loss in “other comprehensive gain (loss)” and accumulated in equity – see “ Results from operations. ”
Asset Retirement Obligations
Mining, processing, development and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. The Company recognizes a liability for its rehabilitation obligations in the period when a legal and/or constructive obligation is identified. The liability is measured at the present value of the estimated costs required to rehabilitate operating locations. The nature of these restoration and rehabilitation activities includes: i) dismantling and removing structures; ii) rehabilitating mines and tailing dams; iii) dismantling operating facilities; iv) closure of plant and waste sites; and v) restoration, reclamation and re-vegetation of affected areas.
Significant estimates and assumptions are made by management in determining the nature and costs associated with the rehabilitation liability. The estimates and assumptions required include estimates of the timing, extent and costs of rehabilitation activities, technology changes, regulatory changes, and changes in the discount and inflation rates. These uncertainties may result in future expenditures being different from the amounts currently provided.
Changes in the underlying assumptions used to estimate the rehabilitation liability as well as changes to environmental laws and regulations could cause material changes in the expected cost and expected future settlement value.
Management’s Report on Internal Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures (“ DCP ”) have been designed to provide reasonable assurance that all material information related to the Company is identified and communicated on a timely basis. Management of the Company, under supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for the design and operation of disclosure controls and procedures and has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s DCP and has concluded that they were effective as at May 31, 2024.
Internal control over financial reporting
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting (“ ICFR ”) is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. However, due to inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements or fraud.
As at May 31, 2024, an evaluation was carried out, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, of the design and operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, with reference to the Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) developed by COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission). Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer concluded that the internal controls over financial reporting were effective as at May 31, 2024.
NI 52-109 also requires Canadian public companies to disclose in their MD&A any change in ICFR that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, ICFR. No material changes were made to the ICFR in the three months ended May 31, 2024. Only reasonable, rather than absolute, assurance that misstatements are prevented or detected on a timely basis by ICFR can be provided due to the inherent limitations of the ICFR system. Such limitations also apply to the effectiveness of ICFR as it is also possible that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in compliance with policies and procedures.
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
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Management’s Responsibility for Financial Information
The Company's financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management, and have been approved by the Board of Directors. The financial statements were prepared by the Company's management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. The financial statements include certain amounts based on the use of estimates and assumptions. Management has established these amounts in a reasonable manner, in order to ensure that the financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects.
Approval
The Board of the Company has approved the disclosure contained in this MD&A.
Additional Information
Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form, is available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca or on the Company’s website at www.rupertresources.com.
Proposed Transactions
Beyond what may be contemplated in this document, there are no decisions that have been taken by the Board of Directors of the Company with respect to any transaction.
Reliance on Professional Advisors and Service Providers
The Company relies on a number of professional advisors and service providers, including external auditors, legal counsel and its accounting service providers. These professionals are subject to their respective professional and/or regulatory requirements and they may not comply with all regulatory requirements or may fail to perform to their respective professional standards. They may not comply with their obligations to the Company or perform their services in a timely or acceptable manner. The failure of such professionals to comply with their respective regulatory requirements or professional standards could affect the Company in ways that are not predictable, including ways that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements contained in this MD&A constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “objectives”, “strategies”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “predict”, “potential”, “targeting”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe” and similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in its document should not be unduly relied upon.
In particular, this MD&A contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the following:
-
Mineral Resource estimates;
-
targeting additional Mineral Resources and expansion of deposits;
-
the Company’s expectations, strategies and plans and costings thereof for the Rupert Lapland Project Area, including the Company’s planned exploration and development activities;
-
the results of future exploration and drilling and estimated completion dates for certain milestones;
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
-
21 -
-
successfully adding or upgrading Mineral Resources and successfully developing new deposits;
-
the timing, receipt and maintenance of approvals, licences and permits from the Finnish government and from any other applicable government, regulator or administrative body;
-
production and processing estimates;
-
future financial or operating performance and condition of the Company and its business, operations and properties; and
-
any other statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future plans, intentions, levels of activity, results, performance or achievements.
The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements or information as a result of the risk factors set forth below and elsewhere in this MD&A:
-
mineral exploration, development and operating risks;
-
estimation of mineralisation, mineral resources and mineral reserves;
-
environmental, health and safety regulations of the resource industry;
-
competitive conditions;
-
permitting and licencing risks;
-
operational risks;
-
negative cash flow;
-
liquidity and financing risks and risks arising from use of financial instruments;
-
funding risk;
-
material contract risks;
-
exploration costs;
-
uninsurable risks;
-
conflicts of interest;
-
exercise of statutory rights and remedies;
-
government policy changes;
-
ownership risks;
-
artisanal miners and community relations;
-
difficulty in enforcement of judgments;
-
the Company’s staggered board of directors;
-
market conditions;
-
stress in the global economy;
-
current global financial condition;
-
exchange rate and currency risks;
-
commodity prices;
-
reliance on key personnel;
-
dilution risk;
-
payment of dividends; and
-
other factors discussed under “Risks and Uncertainties” .
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
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Statements relating to “Mineral Reserves” or “Mineral Resources” are deemed to be forward-looking statements or information, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the mineral reserves and mineral resources described can be profitably produced in the future. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists of factors are not exhaustive. The forwardlooking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this document are based upon assumptions which the Company believes to be reasonable, the Company cannot assure holders of Ordinary Shares that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. With respect to forwardlooking statements contained in this document, the Company has made assumptions regarding: future commodity prices and royalty regimes; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of capital expenditures; future currency exchange and interest rates; the impact of increasing competition; general conditions in economic and financial markets; availability of drilling and related equipment; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; the receipt of required permits; royalty rates; future tax rates; future operating costs; availability of future sources of funding; ability to obtain financing and assumptions underlying estimates related to adjusted funds from operations. The Company has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information provided in this document in order to provide holders of Ordinary Shares with a more complete perspective on the Company’s future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive therefrom. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.
CIM Definition Standards
The Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves for the Company’s properties (including as used in the Technical Report) have been estimated in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014 (the “ CIM Definition Standards ”).
The following definitions are reproduced from the CIM Definition Standards:
“ Mineral Resource ” means a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological characteristics of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling.
“ Inferred Mineral Resource ” means that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource (as defined herein) and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
“ Indicated Mineral Resource ” means that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors (as defined herein) as described below in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation. An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured Mineral Resource (as defined herein) and may only be converted to a Probable Mineral Reserve (as defined herein).
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024
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“ Measured Mineral Resource ” means that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the application of Modifying Factors to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is derived from detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to confirm geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation. A Measured Mineral Resource has a higher level of confidence than that applying to either an Indicated Mineral Resource or an Inferred Mineral Resource. It may be converted to a Proven Mineral Reserve (as defined herein) or to a Probable Mineral Reserve.
“ Mineral Reserve ” means the economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined or extracted and is defined by studies at pre-feasibility or feasibility level as appropriate that include application of Modifying Factors. Such studies demonstrate that, at the time of reporting, extraction could reasonably be justified. The reference point at which Mineral Reserves are defined, usually the point where the ore is delivered to the processing plant, must be stated. It is important that, in all situations where the reference point is different, such as for a saleable product, a clarifying statement is included to ensure that the reader is fully informed as to what is being reported. The public disclosure of a Mineral Reserve must be demonstrated by a pre-feasibility study or feasibility study.
“ Probable Mineral Reserve ” means the economically mineable part of an Indicated, and in some circumstances, a Measured Mineral Resource. The confidence in the Modifying Factors applying to a Probable Mineral Reserve is lower than that applying to a Proven Mineral Reserve.
“ Proven Mineral Reserve ” means the economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource. A Proven Mineral Reserve implies a high degree of confidence in the Modifying Factors.
For the purposes of the CIM Definition Standards, “ Modifying Factors ” are considerations used to convert Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves. These include, but are not restricted to, mining, processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors.
Rupert Resources Management Discussion and Analysis May 31, 2024