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Volta Metals Ltd. — Interim / Quarterly Report 2024
May 15, 2024
47702_rns_2024-05-15_f1b2cb8c-24c4-44bd-b933-8d5e097920b4.pdf
Interim / Quarterly Report
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VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.)
Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
VOLTA METALS LTD.
Notice of Disclosure of Non-auditor Review of the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
Pursuant to National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations , part 4, subsection 4.3(3)(a) issued by the Canadian Securities Administrators, if an auditor has not performed a review of the interim financial statements, they must be accompanied by a notice indicating that the interim financial statements have not been reviewed by an auditor.
The accompanying unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements of Volta Metals Ltd. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) for the interim periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and are the responsibility of management.
The independent auditors, Davidson & Company LLP, have not performed a review of these unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
May 15, 2024
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
As at,
| VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars) As at, |
|
|---|---|
| Note | March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 |
| ASSETS Current Cash and cash equivalents Receivables 4 Prepaid expenses |
$ $ 375,160 296,644 32,035 176,992 11,928 28,524 |
| Exploration and evaluation assets 5 Equipment 6 |
419,123 502,160 675,572 675,572 55,728 59,139 |
| Total assets | 1,150,423 1,236,871 |
| LIABILITIES Current Accounts payable and accruedliabilities 9 |
175,601 114,005 |
| Total liabilities | 175,601 114,005 |
| SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Share capital 7(b) Equity reserves 7(c)(d) Accumulated deficit |
3,854,001 3,854,001 192,219 164,573 (3,071,398) (2,895,708) |
| Total shareholders’ equity | 974,822 1,122,866 |
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | 1,150,423 1,236,871 |
Nature of operations and going concern (Note 1) Subsequent event (Note 13)
Approved and authorized for issue on behalf of the Board of Directors:
/s/ Kerem Usenmez /s/ Murray Hinz Director Director
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
3
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss
(Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
| Note | Three months ended March 31, 2024 2023 |
|---|---|
| Expenses Depreciation 6 Directors’ fees 9 Exploration and evaluation 5 General and administrative Insurance Management fees 9 Marketing and investor relations Professional fees Share-based compensation 7(d) Transferagent andfilingfees |
$ $ 3,411 - 32,726 - (68,511) 30,533 1,352 3,221 4,797 - 60,000 45,000 34,373 221 76,681 186,459 27,646 - 5,118 - |
| Other items Interest expense 9 Interest income |
177,593 265,434 - (2,733) 1,903 - |
| Loss and comprehensive loss for theperiod | (175,690) (268,167) |
| Loss per share: Basic and diluted |
- (0.02) |
| Weighted average number of common shares: Basic and diluted |
41,913,112 12,200,000 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
4
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
| Three months ended March 31, Note 2024 2023 |
Three months ended March 31, Note 2024 2023 |
|---|---|
| $ Operating activities: Loss and comprehensive loss for the period (175,690) Items not affecting cash: Depreciation 3,411 Share-based compensation 27,646 Accrued interest expense - Changes in non-cash working capital: Receivables 144,957 Prepaid expenses 16,596 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 61,596 |
$ (268,167) - - 2,733 (26,715) - 143,023 |
| Cash provided by (used in) operating activities 78,516 |
(149,126) |
| Financing activities: Proceeds from loan payable 3 - |
150,000 |
| Cash provided by financing activities - |
150,000 |
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents 78,516 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 296,644 |
874 16,478 |
| Cash and cash equivalents, end ofperiod 375,160 |
17,352 |
| Cash and cash equivalents consist of: Cash 375,160 Cash equivalents - |
16,478 - |
| 375,160 | 16,478 |
| Supplemental cash flow information: Income taxes paid - Interest paid - Exploration and evaluation assets in accounts payable - |
- - 8,367 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
5
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
| Number of shares Share capital Equity reserves |
Accumulated deficit Total shareholders’ equity (deficiency) |
|---|---|
| # $ $ Balance, December 31, 2022 12,200,000 122,000 - Loss and comprehensive loss for the period - - - |
$ $ (16,243) 105,757 (268,167) (268,167) |
| Balance, March 31, 2023 12,200,000 122,000 - Common shares issued for reverse takeover 14,875,235 1,487,524 13,301 Share restructuring in connection with reverse takeover (7,224,840) - - Common shares issued in private placement 17,500,000 1,750,000 - Flow-through common shares issued in private placement 1,100,000 220,000 - Flow-through premium liability - (110,000) - Share issuance costs - (33,957) - Common shares issued under property option agreement: Crescent Lake Project 140,000 14,000 - Falcon West Project 2,431,655 286,331 - Root River Project 167,866 13,429 - Swole Lake Project 200,000 40,000 - Wakeman Project 200,000 32,000 - White Lights Project 323,196 32,674 - Issuance of warrants under exploration agreement - - 7,611 Share-based compensation - - 143,661 Loss and comprehensive loss for the period - - - |
(284,410) (162,410) - 1,500,825 - - - 1,750,000 - 220,000 - (110,000) - (33,957) - 14,000 - 286,331 - 13,429 - 40,000 - 32,000 - 32,674 - 7,611 - 143,661 (2,611,298) (2,611,298) |
| Balance, December 31, 2023 41,913,112 3,854,001 164,573 |
(2,895,708) 1,122,866 |
| Number of shares Share capital Equity reserves |
Accumulated deficit Total shareholders’ equity |
| # $ $ Balance, December 31, 2023 41,913,112 3,854,001 164,573 Share-based compensation - - 27,646 Loss and comprehensive loss for the period - - - |
$ $ (2,895,708) 1,122,866 - 27,646 (175,690) (175,690) |
| Balance, March 31, 2024 41,913,112 3,854,001 192,219 |
(3,071,398) 974,822 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
6
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
1. NATURE OF BUSINESS AND GOING CONCERN
Volta Metals Ltd. (the “Company” or “Volta”) (previously known as Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) was incorporated under the laws of British Columbia on April 3, 2018. The Company’s head office and principal address is 130 King St West, Suite 3680, Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1B1. The Company is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) under the ticker symbol “VLTA” (previously “CBOX.X”) and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “D0W”.
The Company’s principal business activities include the acquisition and exploration of mineral property assets. The Company is considered to be in the exploration stage with respect to its interests in exploration and evaluation assets. The recoverability of the amounts comprising exploration and evaluation assets is dependent upon the confirmation of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to successfully complete their exploration and development, and future profitable production.
On May 30, 2023, the Company completed a reverse takeover transaction whereby Volta (then known as Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) and LiCAN Exploration Inc. (“LiCAN”) entered into a transaction whereby Volta acquired all of the outstanding shares of LiCAN (Notes 1(a) and 3).
On January 1, 2024, LiCAN amalgamated with Volta Metals Ltd.
a) Reverse takeover transaction (“RTO Transaction”)
LiCAN was a privately held mineral exploration company incorporated on April 19, 2022, in the province of Ontario pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). LiCAN had a portfolio of lithium exploration properties under option in northwestern Ontario.
On March 27, 2023, LiCAN entered into a definitive agreement with Volta whereby Volta would acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of LiCAN in exchange for common shares of Volta (the “RTO Transaction”). As consideration for the LiCAN shares, Volta issued shares to LiCAN shareholders on the basis of approximately 0.41 Volta shares for each LiCAN share. Pursuant to the RTO Transaction, Volta issued an aggregate of 4,975,160 Volta shares to LiCAN shareholders. In connection with the completion of the RTO Transaction, all of the directors, except one, and all of the officers of Volta, resigned. The RTO Transaction constituted a reverse takeover acquisition for accounting purposes whereby LiCAN acquired Volta. For accounting purposes, LiCAN (the legal subsidiary) is treated as the accounting acquirer, and Volta (the legal parent) is treated as the accounting acquiree in these consolidated financial statements, which are presented as the continuation of the financial statements of LiCAN. The comparative figures are those of LiCAN prior to the reverse takeover acquisition. Volta’s results of operations are included from the transaction date, May 30, 2023.
Effective May 30, 2023, the RTO Transaction closed whereby Volta issued 4,975,160 common shares to LiCAN’s shareholders (Note 3). In connection with the completion of the RTO Transaction, Volta cancelled 2,808,546 stock options and 509,704 warrants, resulting in 299,078 stock options and 150,000 warrants remaining.
Concurrent with the RTO Transaction, the Company completed a consolidation of its common shares on a ten-for-one basis. All share and per share amounts have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the consolidation. Any references to common shares are on a post-consolidation basis. The number of warrants and stock options and their exercise prices have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the effects of the consolidation. In addition, in connection with the RTO Transaction, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement of 17,500,000 common shares at a price of $0.10 per share for gross proceeds of $1,750,000. On the completion of the RTO Transaction, Cashbox Ventures Ltd. changed its name to Volta Metals Ltd.
b) Going concern
The Company’s principal business activities include the acquisition and exploration of mineral property assets. The Company is in the exploration stage with respect to its interests in exploration and evaluation assets. The recoverability of the amounts comprising exploration and evaluation assets is dependent upon the confirmation of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to successfully complete their exploration and development, and future profitable production.
These unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (the “financial statements”) have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes that the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. As at March 31, 2024, the Company had not yet achieved profitable operations and had accumulated losses of $3,071,398 (December 31, 2023 - $2,895,708) since inception and expects to incur further losses in the development of its business. The continuing operations of the Company are dependent upon obtaining the necessary financing to meet the Company’s commitments as they become due and its ability to finance future exploration and development of potential business acquisitions, economically recoverable reserves, securing and maintaining title and beneficial interest in the properties, and upon future profitable production. Failure to continue as a going concern would require that assets and liabilities be recorded at their liquidation values, which may differ materially from their carrying values. These financial statements do not include adjustments that would be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
7
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
2. BASIS OF PREPARATION AND MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) Statement of compliance and basis of measurement
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), including International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 34 – Interim Financial Reporting. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. The accounting policies and methods of application adopted are consistent with those disclosed in Note 3 of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.
The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for certain financial instruments that have been measured at fair value, as disclosed in Note 3 of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.
These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorized for issue on May 15, 2024.
b) Critical accounting estimates and judgments
The preparation of financial statements requires management to exercise significant judgments in applying the Company’s accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual future outcomes could differ from present estimates and assumptions, which may require material adjustments to the Company’s financial statements. Revisions to accounting estimates are accounted for prospectively.
Significant judgments exercised by management in applying the Company’s accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the financial statements are as follows:
i. Going concern presentation
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes that the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. Management assesses the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern at each reporting date using all quantitative and qualitative information available. This assessment, by its nature, relies on estimates and assumptions of future cash flows and other events (Note 1(b)). Subsequent changes could materially impact the validity of the assessment.
ii. Acquisition accounting
The Company accounted for the RTO Transaction as a reverse takeover transaction. Significant judgement was required to determine that the application of this accounting treatment was appropriate for the RTO Transaction. The primary determination that Volta was not considered a business under IFRS 3 Business Combinations was that Volta did not have inputs and substantive processes that can collectively contribute to the creation of outputs prior to the RTO Transaction.
iii. Control
At the time of the transaction, the legal parent assesses whether it has control over the acquiree. Control exists when the Company has power over an entity, when the Company is exposed or has rights to variable returns from the entity, and when the Company has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Where control exists, the Company consolidates the results of the acquired entity. In assessing the RTO Transaction, it was determined that control resides with LiCAN as the former board of directors became the majority board of directors of the combined entity, and the management of LiCAN continued control of Volta.
iv. Review of asset carrying values and impairment assessment
Significant assumptions about the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty could have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of the Company’s assets and liabilities. In accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, the Company’s exploration and evaluation assets are evaluated every reporting period to determine whether there are any indications of impairment. If any such indication exists, which is often judgmental, a formal estimate of the recoverable amount is performed, and an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating group of assets is measured at the higher of fair value less costs to sell, and value in use.
8
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
2. BASIS OF PREPARATION AND MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
b) Critical accounting estimates and judgments (continued)
The evaluation of asset carrying values for indications of impairment includes consideration of both external and internal sources of information, including such factors as market and economic conditions, metal prices and forecasts, future plans for the Company’s mineral properties and mineral resources and/or reserve estimates.
The determination of fair value less costs to sell and value in use requires management to make estimates and assumptions about expected production, sales volumes, commodity prices, discount rates, mineral resources, operating costs, taxes, and future capital expenditures. The estimates and assumptions are subject to risk and uncertainty; hence, there is the possibility that changes in circumstances will alter these projections, which may impact the recoverable amount of the assets. In such circumstances, some or all of the carrying value of the assets may be further impaired or the impairment charge reversed with the impact recorded in profit or loss.
- v. Valuation of the consideration shares issued pursuant to the RTO Transaction
The fair value of the consideration shares was estimated based on the financing completed concurrently to the RTO Transaction. Changes in the assumptions used to determine the fair value of the common shares can materially affect the fair value estimate.
vi. Share-based payments
Share-based payments are subject to fair value estimates using the Black-Scholes model. The Black-Scholes model uses significant assumptions such as volatility, interest rates, and expected life.
There are no new accounting pronouncements that would have a material effect on the financial statements.
3. REVERSE TAKEOVER TRANSACTION
Upon the closing of the RTO Transaction on May 30, 2023, as outlined in Note 1(a), the following occurred:
-
Volta issued 4,975,160 common shares to LiCAN’s shareholders for a total fair value of $1,487,524.
-
Volta cancelled 2,808,546 stock options and 509,704 warrants, which resulted in 299,078 stock options and 150,000 warrants remaining.
-
Transaction costs of $490,886 were incurred, which was allocated as part of the consideration.
-
Volta completed a concurrent financing prior to the RTO Transaction whereby the Company issued 17,500,000 common shares of the Company for gross proceeds of $1,750,000 (Note 7(b)).
As a result of the RTO Transaction, LiCAN obtained control of the Company and is considered to have acquired the Company. The RTO Transaction constituted a reverse acquisition (“RTO”) whereby LiCAN (the legal acquiree) assumed control of Volta (the legal acquirer) through the issuance of common shares and establishment of LiCAN’s board of directors and management in order to assume the public listing of Volta.
These financial statements reflect the assets, liabilities, and operations of LiCAN since its incorporation and of the Company from April 19, 2022. Volta’s results of operations are included from the transaction date, May 30, 2023.
Volta did not qualify as a business according to the definition in IFRS 3 Business Combinations as the significant inputs, processes, and outputs, that together constitute a business, did not exist in the Company at the time of acquisition. As a result, the RTO Transaction was considered to be within the scope of IFRS 2 Share-based Payments, where LiCAN was deemed to have issued shares in exchange for the Company’s net assets and public listing. Accordingly, no goodwill or intangible assets were recorded with respect to the RTO Transaction, and the excess of consideration paid by LiCAN over net assets of Volta that were acquired has been recognized as a listing expense.
Net proceeds received by the Company on the concurrent closing of the financing was $1,550,000, as $200,000 in subscription receipts were used to settle $75,000 in accounts payable related to the RTO Transaction, settle the principal outstanding on two LiCAN shareholder loans totalling $75,000, and $50,000 as part of a $100,000 change of control payment (with an additional $50,000 paid in cash). Financing fees of $18,000 were also paid and recorded as share issue costs.
For accounting purposes, LiCAN (the legal subsidiary) has been treated as the accounting parent, and the Company (the legal parent) as the accounting subsidiary. The RTO Transaction was measured at the fair value of the equity instruments deemed to have been issued by LiCAN to acquire a 100% ownership interest in the Company. The fair value of the consideration paid by LiCAN, net of transaction costs, less the fair value of the net assets of the Company acquired by LiCAN, constitutes the listing expense and has been recorded in the statement of loss and comprehensive loss.
9
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
3. REVERSE TAKEOVER TRANSACTION (continued)
A summary of the Company’s fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as well as the consideration paid as at the RTO date, is as follows:
| May 30, 2023 | |
|---|---|
| $ | |
| Consideration paid: | |
| Common shares (14,875,235 shares at $0.10 per share) | 1,487,524 |
| Fair value of replacement warrants (Note 7(c)) | 1,066 |
| Fair value of replacement stock options (Note 7(d)) | 12,235 |
| Transaction costs | 490,886 |
| 1,991,711 | |
| Fair value of net assets acquired: | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 522,935 |
| Receivables | 57,587 |
| Loan receivable(1) | 250,000 |
| Accounts payable and accruals | (117,354) |
| 713,168 | |
| Listing expense | 1,278,543 |
(1) Upon completion of the RTO Transaction, the loan receivable was classified as an intercompany loan and eliminated on consolidation.
The RTO Transaction was measured at the fair value of the shares that LiCAN would have had to issue to the shareholders of Volta, being 14,875,235 common shares, to give the shareholders of the Company the same percentage equity interest in the combined entity that resulted from the RTO Transaction had it taken the legal form if LiCAN acquired the Company.
4 RECEIVABLES
The Company’s receivables arise from goods and services tax (“GST”) receivables due from the Canadian taxation authority.
| March 31, | December 31, | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| $ | $ | |
| GST receivable | 32,035 | 176,992 |
| 32,035 | 176,992 |
5. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS AND EXPENSES
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company did not incur any acquisition costs related to exploration and evaluation assets.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company incurred the following acquisition costs that were capitalized to exploration and evaluation assets:
| Crescent | Eau | Falcon | Junior | Kim | Root | Store | White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake | Claire | West | Lake | Lake | **River ** | Lake | Wakeman | Lights | **Total ** | |
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |
| Balance, | ||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | 14,000 | 900 | 58,367 | - | 15,000 | 54,300 | 15,000 | - | 20,000 | 177,567 |
| Cash option | ||||||||||
| payments | 15,000 | - | 100,000 | 10,000 | - | 5,000 | - | 10,000 | 35,000 | 175,000 |
| Common shares | 14,000 | - | 286,331 | 40,000 | - | 13,429 | - | 32,000 | 32,674 | 418,434 |
| Other | - | - | - | 7,300 | - | - | - | - | - | 7,300 |
| Impairment | - | - | - | - | (15,000) | (72,729) | (15,000) | - | - | (102,729) |
| Balance, | ||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| and March 31, 2024 | 43,000 | 900 | 444,698 | 57,300 | - | - | - | 42,000 | 87,674 | 675,572 |
10
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
5. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS AND EXPENSES (continued)
A summary of the Company’s exploration and evaluation expenses is as follows:
| Three | months ended | |
|---|---|---|
| March 31, | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| $ | $ | |
| Crescent Lake | 4,473 | - |
| Eau Claire | - | 250 |
| Falcon West | (79,509) | 22,593 |
| Kim Lake | - | 500 |
| Root River | - | 500 |
| White Lights | 2,275 | - |
| Other explorationprojects | 4,250 | 6,690 |
| (68,511) | 30,533 |
a) Crescent Lake Project
On November 30, 2022, the Company entered into an option agreement (the “Crescent Lake Option Agreement”), under which the Company has the exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in the Crescent Lake Project in northwestern Ontario, Canada (the “Crescent Lake Project”).
Pursuant to the terms of the Crescent Lake Option Agreement, on December 1, 2022, the Company made an initial cash payment of $14,000. On November 24, 2023, as per the option agreement, the Company made a second cash payment of $15,000 and issued 140,000 common shares with a fair value of $0.10 per share for a value of $14,000 (Note 7(b)).
To exercise the option in full, the Company must make an additional $51,000 in cash payments over a two-year period. A summary of the obligations the Company must meet to exercise the Crescent Lake Option Agreement in full is as follows:
| Cash | Share | |
|---|---|---|
| Due date (on or before) | payments | Issuance |
| $ | $ | |
| December 5, 2022 (completed) | 14,000 | - |
| November 30, 2023 (completed, refer to Note 7(b)) | 15,000 | 14,000 |
| November 30, 2024 | 21,000 | - |
| November 30, 2025 | 30,000 | - |
| 80,000 | 14,000 |
The Crescent Lake vendors retained a 1.5% net smelter return royalty (“NSR”) over the project. The Company has the right at any time to repurchase 0.5% of the NSR for $600,000 in cash.
A summary of the Company’s exploration and evaluation expenses on the Crescent Lake Project is as follows:
| Three | months ended | |
|---|---|---|
| March 31, | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| $ | $ | |
| Community engagement | 233 | - |
| Geological consulting | 4,240 | - |
| 4,473 | - |
b) Eau Claire Project
The Company has a 100% interest in various unpatented mining claims in northwestern Ontario, Canada, and is known as the “Eau Claire Project.” In October 2022, the Company incurred $900 in staking costs to secure the project. The Company did not make any expenditures on the Eau Claire Project during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
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VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
5. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS AND EXPENSES (continued)
c) Falcon West Project
On November 25, 2022, the Company entered into an option agreement (the “Falcon West Option Agreement”), under which the Company has the exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in the Falcon West project in northwestern Ontario, Canada (the “Falcon West Project”).
To acquire a 100% interest in the Falcon West Project, the Company, over three years, must: (i) pay a total of $420,000 in cash payments to the optionor; (ii) issue common shares having an aggregate value at the time of issuance equal to $1,090,000 to the optionor; and (iii) incur an aggregate minimum of $1,300,000 in exploration expenditures on the project.
In November 2022, the Company made an initial cash payment of $50,000, and in June 2023, issued 431,655 common shares at a fair value of $0.20 per share for a value of $86,331 (Note 7(b)). In November 2023, the Company made a cash payment of $100,000 and issued 2,000,000 common shares with a fair value of $0.10 per share for a value of $200,000 (Note 7(b)).
A summary of the obligations the Company must meet to exercise the Falcon West Option Agreement in full is as follows:
| Exploration | Cash | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Due date (on or before) | expenditures | payments | issuance |
| $ | $ | $ | |
| November 30, 2022 (completed) | - | 50,000 | - |
| June 5, 2023 (completed, refer to Note 7(b)) | - | - | 90,000 |
| November 25, 2023 (completed, refer to Note 7(b)) | 250,000 | 100,000 | 200,000 |
| November 25, 2024 | 300,000 | 120,000 | 300,000 |
| November 25, 2025 | 750,000 | 150,000 | 500,000 |
| 1,300,000 | 420,000 | 1,090,000 |
The Company incurred $8,367 in legal expenses acquiring the Falcon West Project, which was capitalized as an acquisition cost to exploration and evaluation assets.
The Falcon West vendor retained a 1.5% NSR over the project. The Company has the right at any time to repurchase 1% of the NSR for $1,000,000 in cash.
A summary of the Company’s exploration and evaluation expenses on the Falcon West Project is as follows:
| Three months ended, March 31, 2024 2023 |
Three months ended, March 31, 2024 2023 |
|---|---|
| $ Assay and lab analysis 11,823 Community engagement 5,342 Fieldwork - Geological consulting 36,434 Permitting - Property maintenance 28,897 Cost recovery (162,005) |
$ - - 199 19,594 2,800 - - |
| (79,509) | 22,593 |
12
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
5. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS AND EXPENSES (continued)
d) Junior Lake Project
In April 2023, the Company incurred $7,300 in staking costs to acquire a 100% interest in various unpatented mining claims in northwestern Ontario, Canada (the “Junior Lake Project”). On May 14, 2023, the Company entered into an option agreement (the “Swole Lake Option Agreement”), under which the Company has the exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in various unpatented mining claims known as the “Swole Lake Project” (also known as the “Laumaune Property”). Since the Swole Lake Project is contiguous to the Junior Lake Project, they are considered one project.
On May 16, 2023, pursuant to the Swole Lake Option Agreement, the Company made a cash payment of $10,000. Following the completion of the RTO Transaction, 200,000 common shares of the Company were issued at a fair value of $40,000 to complete the earn-in on the Swole Lake Project (Note 7(b)).
The Swole Lake vendor retained a 1.5% NSR. The Company has the right at any time to repurchase 0.5% of the NSR for $1,000,000 in cash.
The Company did not make any expenditures on the Junior Lake Project during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
e) Kim Lake Project
On October 14, 2022, the Company entered into an option agreement (the “Kim Lake Option Agreement”), under which the Company had the exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in the Kim Lake project in northwestern Ontario, Canada (the “Kim Lake Project”).
On October 30, 2022, pursuant to the Kim Lake Option Agreement, the Company made an initial cash payment of $15,000. To exercise the option in full, the Company was required to make an additional $77,000 in payments over a two-year period, including a $21,000 payment due in October 2023. The Company decided to drop its option on the Kim Lake Project, and this payment was not made. The initial $15,000 payment made on the signing of the option agreement capitalized to exploration and evaluation assets was written off.
A summary of the Company’s exploration and evaluation expenses on the Kim Lake Project is as follows:
| Three | months ended, | |
|---|---|---|
| March 31, | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| $ | $ | |
| Geologicalconsulting | - | 500 |
| - | 500 |
f) Root River Project
On November 14, 2022, the Company entered into an option agreement (the “Root River Option Agreement”), under which the Company had the exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in the Root River project in northwestern Ontario, Canada (the “Root River Project”).
In November 2022, pursuant to the terms of the Root River Option Agreement, the Company made an initial cash payment of $35,000. In July 2023, the Company, upon listing on the CSE, issued 167,866 common shares at a fair value of $13,429 as part of the option agreement to earn a 100% interest in the Root River Project (Note 7(b)). As part of the acquisition, the Company reimbursed the Root River vendor $9,100 for claims staking.
On July 17, 2023, the Root River Option Agreement was amended, increasing the cash payment by $5,000, which was paid immediately, and increasing the amount payable in common shares by $5,000, which was added to the common share issuance to be completed by November 23, 2023.
To exercise the option in full, the Company was required to make an additional $225,000 in cash payments and issue $110,000 in common shares over two years. However, in October 2023, the Company decided to drop its option on the Root River Project, and the carrying value of the property of $62,529 was written off.
On November 10, 2022, the Company entered into an option agreement (the “Otatakan Option Agreement”), under which the Company had the exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in the Otatakan project, which is contiguous to the Root River Project and was considered one project.
13
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
5. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS AND EXPENSES (continued)
f) Root River Project (continued)
Upon signing the Otatakan Option Agreement, the Company made an initial cash payment of $10,200. To exercise the option in full, the Company was required to make an additional $20,400 in payments by November 10, 2024. However, in October 2023, the Company decided to drop its option on the Otatakan project along with the Root River Project, and the carrying value of the property of $10,200 was written off.
A summary of the Company’s exploration and evaluation expenses on the Root River Project (including Otatakan) is as follows:
| Three | months ended, | |
|---|---|---|
| March 31, | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| $ | $ | |
| Geological consulting | - | 500 |
| - | 500 |
g) Store Lake Project
On October 14, 2022, the Company entered into an option agreement (the “Store Lake Option Agreement”), under which the Company had the exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in the Store Lake project in northwestern Ontario, Canada (the “Store Lake Project”).
On October 30, 2022, pursuant to the terms of the Store Lake Option Agreement, the Company made an initial cash payment of $15,000. To exercise the option in full, the Company was required to make $77,000 in additional cash payments over two years, including a $21,000 payment due in October 2023. The Company decided to drop its option on the Store Lake Project, and this payment was not made. The initial $15,000 payment made on the signing of the option agreement capitalized to exploration and evaluation assets was written-off.
The Company did not make any expenditures on the Store Lake Project during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
h) Wakeman Project
On July 6, 2023, the Company entered into an option agreement (the “Wakeman Option Agreement”), under which the Company has the exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in the Wakeman Project in northwestern Ontario, Canada (the “Wakeman Project”).
On July 6, 2023, pursuant to the terms of the Wakeman Option Agreement, the Company made initial cash payments totalling $10,000. In September 2023, as per the option agreement, the Company issued 200,000 common shares at a fair value of $32,000 (Note 7(b)).
To exercise the option in full, the Company must make an additional $60,000 in cash payments over three years. A summary of the obligations the Company must meet to exercise the Wakeman Option Agreement in full is as follows:
| Cash | ||
|---|---|---|
| Due | date (on or before) | payments |
| $ | ||
| July | 6, 2023 (completed) | 10,000 |
| July | 6, 2024 | 12,000 |
| July | 6, 2025 | 18,000 |
| July | 6, 2026 | 30,000 |
| 70,000 |
The Wakeman vendors retained a 1.5% NSR over the project. The Company has the right at any time to repurchase 0.5% of the NSR for $500,000 in cash.
The Company did not make any expenditures on the Wakeman Project during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
14
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
5. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS AND EXPENSES (continued)
i) White Lights Project
On November 14, 2022, the Company entered into an option agreement (the “White Lights Option Agreement”), under which the Company has the exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in the White Lights project in northwestern Ontario, Canada (the “White Lights Project”).
On November 18, 2022, pursuant to the terms of the White Lights Option Agreement, the Company made an initial cash payment of $20,000. In July 2023, the Company, upon listing on the CSE, issued 95,923 common shares at a fair value of $7,674 as part of the option agreement to earn a 100% interest in the White Lights Project (Note 7(b)).
On July 17, 2023, the White Lights Option Agreement was amended, increasing the cash payments by $5,000, which was paid immediately, and increasing the amount payable in common shares by $5,000, which was added to the common share issuance completed on November 14, 2023.
On November 30, 2023, as per the amended agreement, the Company made a cash payment of $30,000 and issued 227,273 common shares with a fair value of $25,000 (Note 7(b)). To exercise the option in full, the Company must make an additional $125,000 in cash payments and issue $40,000 in common shares over two years.
A summary of the obligations the Company must meet to exercise the White Lights Option Agreement in full is as follows:
| Cash | Share | |
|---|---|---|
| Due date (on or before) | payments | issuance |
| $ | $ | |
| November 19, 2022 (completed) | 20,000 | - |
| Upon listing on the CSE (completed, refer to Note 7(b)) | - | 20,000 |
| July 17, 2023 (completed) | 5,000 | - |
| November 14, 2023 (completed, refer to Note 7(b)) | 30,000 | 25,000 |
| November 14, 2024 | 50,000 | 20,000 |
| November 14,2025 | 75,000 | 20,000 |
| 180,000 | 85,000 |
The White Lights vendor retained a 1.5% NSR over the project. On February 14, 2023, the agreement was amended to allow the Company the right at any time to repurchase 1.0% of the NSR for $1,000,000 in cash.
A summary of the Company’s exploration and evaluation expenses on the White Lights Project is as follows:
| A summary of the Company’s exploration and evaluation expenses on the White Lights Project is as follows: | A summary of the Company’s exploration and evaluation expenses on the White Lights Project is as follows: |
|---|---|
| Three months ended, March 31, 2024 2023 |
|
| $ Geologicalconsulting 2,275 |
$ - |
| 2,275 | - |
i) Other Exploration Projects
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company had additional exploration and evaluation expenses of $4,250 relating to due diligence work on projects for which the Company does not have title or an option agreement (three months ended March 31, 2023 - $6,690).
15
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
6. EQUIPMENT
A summary of the Company’s equipment is as follows:
| Exploration | |
|---|---|
| equipment | |
| $ | |
| Cost | |
| Balance, December 31, 2022 | - |
| Additions | 68,237 |
| Balance,December31,2023 | 68,237 |
| Additions | - |
| Balance,March 31,2024 | 68,237 |
| Accumulated depreciation | |
| Balance, December 31, 2022 | - |
| Depreciation | 9,098 |
| Balance, December 31, 2023 | 9,098 |
| Depreciation | 3,411 |
| Balance,March 31,2024 | 12,509 |
| Carrying amount | |
| Balance, December 31, 2023 | 59,139 |
| Balance,March 31,2024 | 55,728 |
7. SHARE CAPITAL
a) Authorized
Unlimited number of common shares without par value.
b) Issued and outstanding
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company did not issue any common shares.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company completed the following transactions:
-
On March 2, 2023, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement of 17,500,000 subscription receipts in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.10 per subscription receipt for gross proceeds of $1,750,000. Upon the closing of the RTO Transaction, each subscription receipt resulted in the issuance of one common share of the Company. Share issuance costs of $18,000 were recognized in connection with the private placement.
-
On May 30, 2023, pursuant to the closing of the RTO Transaction, the Company issued 4,975,160 common shares of the Company to the shareholders of LiCAN for a total fair value of $1,487,524 (Note 3).
-
On June 13, 2023, the Company issued 431,655 common shares at a fair value of $86,331 as part of the option agreement on the Falcon West Project (Note 5).
-
On June 13, 2023, the Company issued 200,000 common shares at a fair value of $40,000 as part of the option agreement on the Swole Lake Project (Note 5).
-
On July 25, 2023, the Company issued 167,866 common shares at a fair value of $0.20 per share for a total value of $13,429 as part of the option agreement on the Root River Project (Note 5).
-
On July 25, 2023, the Company issued 95,923 common shares at a fair value of $7,674 as part of the option agreement on the White Lights Project (Note 5).
-
On September 25, 2023, the Company issued 200,000 common shares at a fair value of $32,000 as part of the option agreement on the Wakeman Project (Note 5).
-
On November 3, 2023, the Company completed a private placement, issuing 1,100,000 flow-through common shares at a price of $0.20 per share for gross proceeds of $220,000. Commissions, legal fees, and other expenses in the amount of $15,957 were paid in connection with the flow-through private placement. The Company recognized a $110,000 flowthrough premium liability from this issuance.
-
On November 24, 2023, the Company issued 140,000 common shares at a fair value of $14,000 as part of the option agreement on the Crescent Lake Project (Note 5).
16
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
7. SHARE CAPITAL (continued)
b) Issued and outstanding (continued)
-
On November 14, 2023, the Company issued 227,273 common shares at a fair value of $25,000 as part of the option agreement on the White Lights Project (Note 5).
-
On November 24, 2023, the Company issued 2,000,000 common shares at a fair value of $200,000 as part of the option agreement on the Falcon West Project (Note 5).
Subsequent to March 31, 2024, the Company announced a proposed non-brokered private placement to raise proceeds of up to $300,000 on a flow-through basis (the “Flow-Through Private Placement”) together with up to $200,000 on a non-flow-through basis (the “Private Placement”).
The Flow-Through Private Placement will be comprised of units of the Company (a “FT Unit”), at a subscription price of $0.06 per FT Unit and will be comprised of one common share of the Company that will qualify as a "flow-through share" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) and one-half common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a “Warrant”), with each Warrant entitling the holder to purchase a common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.10 per common share, for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Flow-Through Private Placement.
The Private Placement will be comprised of units of the Company (each, a “PP Unit”), at a subscription price of $0.05 per PP Unit. Each PP Unit will be comprised of one common share and one-half Warrant.
c) Warrants
The following is a summary of the Company’s warrant activity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023:
| December 31, 2023: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2024 Number of stock options Weighted average exercise price |
December 31, 2023 | ||
| Number of stock options |
Weighted average exercise price |
||
| Outstanding, beginning Replacement warrants(1) Issued |
# $ 250,000 0.40 - - - - |
# - 150,000 100,000 |
$ - 0.60 0.10 |
| Outstanding,ending | 250,000 0.40 |
250,000 | 0.40 |
(1) On May 30, 2023, as part of the closing of the RTO Transaction, the Company issued 150,000 replacement warrants (Note 3).
A summary of the Company’s assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the outstanding warrants is as follows:
| RTO Transaction replacement warrants |
Exploration agreement warrants |
|---|---|
| Expiry date October 24, 2024 Number of warrants 150,000 Share price $0.10 Exercise price $0.60 Expected life 1.33 years Expected volatility 100.00% Risk-free rate 4.33% Dividend yield 0.00% Grant date fair value $1,066 |
November 28, 2028 100,000 $0.10 $0.10 5.00 years 100.00% 3.88% 0.00% $7,611 |
The exploration agreement warrants were issued to the Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek First Nation for the exploration programs on the Company’s Falcon West, Crescent Lake, and Junior Lake properties.
As at March 31, 2024, the Company had 250,000 warrants outstanding with an average exercise price of $0.40 and an average remaining life of 2.20 years.
17
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
7. SHARE CAPITAL (continued)
d) Stock options
The Company adopted a stock option plan, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, whereby directors may, from time to time, authorize the issuance of options to directors, officers, employees, and consultants of the Company, enabling them to acquire up to 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. The options can be granted for a maximum term of 10 years at an exercise price not less than the market price of the common shares on the grant date and are subject to vesting provisions as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company.
The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023:
| March 31, 2024 Number of stock options Weighted average exercise price |
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of stock options |
Weighted average exercise price |
||
| Outstanding, beginning Replacement stock options(1) Granted Forfeited/expired |
# $ 2,948,928 0.37 - - - - (99,900) 0.20 |
# - 299,078 2,950,000 (300,150) |
$ - 1.90 0.20 0.20 |
| Outstanding,ending | 2,849,028 0.38 |
2,948,928 | 0.37 |
| Exercisable,ending | 1,164,861 0.63 |
1,136,667 | 0.60 |
(1) On May 30, 2023, as part of the closing of the RTO Transaction (Note 3), the Company issued 299,078 replacement stock options.
On May 30, 2023, as part of the closing of the RTO Transaction, the Company issued 299,078 replacement stock options. The replacement stock options have exercise prices ranging from $0.30 to $2.50 per stock option. The terms ranged from 5.42 to 9 years, and, as at the RTO Transaction date, 282,411 of the stock options had vested. The fair value of the stock options was determined to be $13,568 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of the vested stock options of $12,235 was included as part of the consideration paid for the RTO Transaction (Note 3), and the fair value of $1,333 of the unvested portion of the stock options is being amortized over the vesting terms of the options as it represents future share-based compensation.
The Company did not issue any stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company recognized share-based compensation of $27,646 (three months ended March 31, 2023 - $nil).
A summary of the Company’s outstanding stock options as at March 31, 2024 is as follows:
| Date of expiry Weighted average exercise price Stock options outstanding |
Stock options exercisable Weighted average remaining life |
|---|---|
| $ # September 22, 2028 0.20 300,000 June 26, 2028 0.20 2,249,950 November 26, 2028 1.80 98,078 January 16, 2030 2.50 150,000 April 28, 2032 0.30 25,000 May 31, 2032 0.30 26,000 |
# years 99,900 4.48 782,550 4.24 98,078 4.66 150,000 5.80 8,333 8.08 26,000 8.17 |
| 0.38 2,849,028 |
1,164,861 4.43 |
18
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
7. SHARE CAPITAL (continued)
e) Escrowed shares
On May 30, 2023, in connection with the Company’s RTO Transaction, an escrow agreement (the “Escrow Agreement”) between management and the Company’s Board of Directors was completed, resulting in 4,352,120 common shares (the “Escrowed Shares”) being deposited in escrow. Pursuant to the Escrow Agreement, 10% of the Escrowed Shares were released from escrow on the Escrow Agreement date (the “Initial Release”), and an additional 15% will be released every six months thereafter, for a period of 36 months following the Initial Release. These Escrowed Shares may not be transferred, assigned, or otherwise dealt without the consent of the regulatory authorities. As at March 31, 2024, a total of 1,088,030 Escrowed Shares have been released from escrow. As at March 31, 2024, the remaining balance of Escrowed Shares was 3,264,090 and are to be released as follows:
| Number of common | |
|---|---|
| Date of release | shares in escrow |
| # | |
| May 30, 2024 | 652,818 |
| November 30, 2024 | 652,818 |
| May 30, 2025 | 652,818 |
| November 30, 2025 | 652,818 |
| May30,2026 | 652,818 |
| Total | 3,264,090 |
8. FLOW-THROUGH PREMIUM LIABILITY
| 8. FLOW-THROUGH PREMIUM LIABILITY |
|
|---|---|
| Flow-through liability |
|
| Balance, December 31, 2022 Liability recorded on flow-through proceeds Settlement of flow-through premium liability |
$ - 110,000 (110,000) |
| Balance,December 31,2023 and March 31,2024 | - |
On November 2, 2023, the Company raised $220,000 through the issuance of 1,100,000 flow-through shares. A flow-through premium liability of $110,000 was recognized from the issuance. The required qualifying flow-through expenditures were incurred before December 31, 2023, and a settlement of the flow-through premium liability for $110,000 was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2023.
19
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Key management personnel include those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing, and controlling the activities of the Company as a whole. The Company has determined that key management personnel consist of the Board of Directors and corporate officers. The aggregate amount paid or accrued to key management personnel or companies under their control was as follows:
| Three | months ended | |
|---|---|---|
| March 31, | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| $ | $ | |
| Management and directors’ fees | ||
| Chief executive officer | 45,000 | 30,000 |
| Chief financial officer | 15,000 | - |
| Former chief financial officer | - | 15,000 |
| Non-executive directors’fees | 32,726 | - |
| 92,726 | 45,000 | |
| Share-based compensation | ||
| Chief executive officer | 7,388 | - |
| Chief financial officer | 5,723 | - |
| Non-executive directors | 13,300 | - |
| 26,411 | - | |
| 119,137 | 45,000 |
As at March 31, 2024, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities is $10,239 owing to directors and officers (December 31, 2023 - $1,405).
The Company is party to management contracts with the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. These contracts contain minimum commitments equal to up to twelve months of management fees in the case of termination without cause. In the event of a change in control, these contracts contain minimum commitments, which are equal to up to twelve months of management fees for the Chief Financial Officer and up to 24 months for the Chief Executive Officer.
On November 18, 2022, the Company entered into two loan agreements with related parties who were directors and shareholders of the Company for aggregate proceeds of $75,000 at an interest rate of 10% per annum and a maturity date of June 30, 2023. The loans were unsecured and could be repaid at any time prior to the maturity date without penalty or interest. On March 2, 2023, the Company settled the principal balance of $75,000 through the issuance of 750,000 subscription receipts at $0.10 per subscription receipt for a fair value of $75,000. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company recorded interest expense of $nil (three months ended March 31, 2023 - $2,733) on the loans.
10. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Company’s capital structure consists of all components of shareholders’ equity. The Company’s objective when managing capital is to maintain adequate levels of funding to support current operations comprising the acquisition and development of its exploration and evaluation assets. The Company obtains funding primarily through issuing common stock. Future financings are dependent on market conditions, and there can be no assurance the Company will be able to raise funds in the future.
There were no changes to the Company’s approach to capital management during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.
11. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company operates in one reportable segment, being the acquisition and exploration of exploration properties. All of the Company’s non-current assets are located in Canada.
20
VOLTA METALS LTD. (formerly Cashbox Ventures Ltd.) Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian dollars)
12. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities and are classified and measured at amortized cost. The carrying value of these financial instruments approximate the fair value due to the relatively short-term maturity of these instruments.
Financial instruments measured at fair value are classified into one of three levels in the fair value hierarchy according to the relative reliability of the inputs used to estimate the fair values. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:
Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 – inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.
The Company is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument-related risks. The type of risk exposure and the way in which such exposure is managed is provided as follows:
a) Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the Company by failing to discharge an obligation. Credit risk for the Company is associated with its cash and cash equivalents. The Company has minimal exposure to credit risk on its cash and cash equivalents as the Company’s cash is held with major Canadian financial institutions.
b) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with its financial liabilities. The Company’s objective in managing liquidity risk is to maintain sufficient readily available reserves in order to meet its liquidity requirements at any point in time. The Company achieves this by maintaining sufficient cash and seeking equity financing when needed. The liquidity risk is associated with accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
c) Market risk
Market risk is the risk of loss that may arise from changes in market factors such as interest rates, other price risk, and foreign exchange rates. The Company holds its cash and cash equivalents in bank accounts that earn variable interest rates. Due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments, fluctuations in market interest rates do not have a significant impact on the estimated fair value of the Company’s cash balance as at March 31, 2024. The Company does not have any financial assets subject to changes in exchange rates, so it does not expect exchange rates to have a material impact on the Company .
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Subsequent to March 31, 2024, the Company announced a proposed non-brokered private placement to raise proceeds of up to $300,000 on a flow-through basis together with up to $200,000 on a non-flow-through basis.
The Flow-Through Private Placement will be comprised of units of the Company at a subscription price of $0.06 per FT Unit and will be comprised of one common share of the Company that will qualify as a "flow-through share" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) and one-half common share purchase warrant of the Company, with each Warrant entitling the holder to purchase a common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.10 per common share, for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Flow-Through Private Placement.
The Private Placement will be comprised of units of the Company at a subscription price of $0.05 per PP Unit. Each PP Unit will be comprised of one common share and one-half Warrant.
The proceeds from the Flow-Through Private Placement will be used to follow up on exploration targets identified from recently announced drill results, geophysical surveys, and geochemical analyses and will qualify as “flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures”, as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada), and will be incurred before December 31, 2025 and renounced to the subscribers of the Flow-Through Private Placement with an effective date of no later than December 31, 2024. The proceeds from the Private Placement are expected to be utilized for general corporate and working capital purposes for the Company.
21