ITEM 3 KEY INFORMATION
A.
Selected Financial Information
The following selected consolidated financial data (in Canadian dollars) for the
years ended June 30, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 2000, are derived from the
audited consolidated financial statements for the periods indicated and should
be read in conjunction therewith.
Selected Financial Data
For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30th
Canadian GAAP: 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
Cash $ - $125,303 $949,636 $894,185 $7,592,015
Total Assets 23,722,853 23,727,865 27,430,357 28,680,564 32,655,376
Current Liabilites 11,407,868 4,817,457 13,385,294 3,754,269 2,413,954
Long Term Debt 15,069,710 13,250,784 187,279 7,197,079 7,790,809
Asset Retirement Obligation - - - - 0
Future Income Tax - 154,000 2,006,000 2,988,000 2,350,000
Non-controlling Interest - 874,665 931,224 385,022 495,358
Share Capital 20,267,973 17,911,673 17,911,673 17,760,994 17,811,681
Equity Components of
Convertible Instruments 970,376 2,222,771 1,630,395 1,252,395 1,591,666
Additional paid in capital 2,089,183 484,330 484,330 484,330
Deficit (26,082,257) (15,987,815) (9,105,838) (5,141,525) 201,908
Revenue 9,182,133 11,614,789 14,365,155 16,171,148 22,606,384
Administrative Expenses 3,060,270 3,417,767 3,439,432 3,770,023 3,615,688
Loss (Income) For the Period (10,094,442) (6,881,977) (3,813,634) (5,343,433) 2,500,449
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per
Share ($0.48) ($0.40) ($0.22) ($0.31) $0.16
Fully Diluted Earnings (Loss)
Per Share ($0.48) ($0.40) ($0.22) ($0.31) $0.16
United States GAAP:
Total Assets $19,463,195 $17,123,294 $22,149,658 $22,672,949 $27,785,938
Future Income Tax - 85,000 2,058,000 2,934,000 2,478,000
Long Term Debt 14,752,374 13,546,972 189,588 7,353,365 8,616,119
Asset Retirement Obligation 2,351,488 - - -
Share Capital 20,682,764 18,326,464 18,326,464 18,175,785 18,226,472
Additional Paid In Capital 1,156,254 803,796 803,796 803,796 803,796
Other comprehensive income (216,404) (730,332) 359,113 (436,387) 62,762
Deficit (30,988,485) (19,726,063) (12,976,084) (9,911,879) (4,815,165)
Revenue 9,182,133 11,614,789 14,365,155 16,171,148 22,606,384
Administrative Expenses 3,060,270 3,417,767 3,439,432 3,770,023 3,615,688
Loss (Income) For the Period (11,262,422) (6,749,979) (2,913,526) (5,096,714) 2,450,579
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per
Share ($0.54) ($0.39) ($0.17) ($0.30) $0.15
Fully Diluted Earnings
(Loss) Per Share ($0.54) ($0.39) ($0.17) ($0.30) $0.14
Neither Trivalence nor its predecessors have declared or paid dividends on its
common shares during the last five fiscal periods. Any future decision to
declare dividends on Trivalence common shares will be made by the Board of
Directors depending upon the financial requirements of Trivalence to finance
growth, the financial condition of Trivalence and other factors, which the Board
of Directors of Trivalence may consider appropriate in the circumstances.
Trivalence anticipates that future earnings will be retained for the
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development of its business and does not anticipate the payment of dividends to
shareholders for the foreseeable future.
Exchange Rates
The Company's accounts are maintained in Canadian dollars. In this Annual
Report all dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars except where
otherwise indicated. The Company's business activities are carried out in
Guinea and South Africa and are conducted in United States dollars.
The rate of exchange means the noon buying rate in New York City for cable
transfers in Canadian dollars as certified for customs purposed by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York. The average rate means the average of the exchange
rates on the last date of each month during a year.
YEAR
2004 2003 2002 2001
High 1.3970 1.5747 1.5801 1.6021
Low 1.1775 1.2924 1.5768 1.4936
Average for Period 1.3017 1.3959 1.5703 1.5484
End of Period 1.2034 1.2924 1.5776 1.5926
MONTH Jun-04 Jul-04 Aug-04 Sep-04 Oct-04 Nov-04 Dec-04
High 1.3772 1.3353 1.3323 1.3071 1.2726 1.2263 1.2401
Low 1.3407 1.3082 1.2964 1.2648 1.2194 1.1775 1.1856
The exchange rate on January 7, 2005 was 1.2341
B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness
This item is not applicable.
C.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
This item is not applicable.
D.
Risk Factors
(i)
Exploration and Development Risks
The Aredor Alluvial diamond mine in Guinea does not possess any proven or
probable reserves. Present and future alluvial mining activities are based on
indicated and inferred resources. The Company's Palmietgat mine in South Africa
is exploiting resources from three diamondiferous kimberlite pipes.
Mineral exploration and development involves a high degree of risk and few
properties, which are explored, are ultimately developed into producing mines.
There is no assurance that the Company's mineral exploration and development
activities will result in any discoveries of commercial bodies of ore. The
long-term profitability of the Company's operations will be in part directly
related to the cost and success of its exploration and development programs,
which may be affected by a number of factors.
(ii)
Operating Hazards and Risks
Mineral exploration involves operating hazards and risks; even a combination of
experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome.
Operations in which the Company has a direct or indirect
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interest will be subject to all the hazards and risks normally incidental to
exploration, development and production of mineral resources including, but not
limited to, unusual or unexpected formations, cave-ins, pollution, equipment
breakdown, rugged terrain, wildlife hazards and harsh weather conditions, all of
which could result in work stoppages, damage to property, and possible
environmental damage. The Company has insurance covering its operations
however, the nature of the risks associated with the Company's activities is
such that liabilities might exceed policy limits, the liabilities and hazards
might not be insurable against, or the Company might not elect to insure itself
against such liabilities due to high premium costs or other reasons, in which
event the Company could incur significant costs that could have a materially
adverse effect upon its financial condition. Of the above operating hazards and
risks, the Company has from time to time experienced work stoppages due to
equipment break-down and periodic flooding at Aredor, Guinea during the rainy
season which generally occurs between June and October.
(iii)
Inadequate Working Capital and Lack of Cash Flow
The Company may be required to raise further funds in the future for working
capital purposes and for capital requirements. There is no assurance that the
Company will be able to obtain the funds required to continue operations on the
Aredor Concession and to continue its exploration and development of the
Concession. Working capital deficiencies for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003
and 2002 were $6,925,362, $310,932 and $6,560,380 respectively. Even if the
results of exploration are encouraging, the Company may not have sufficient
funds to conduct the further exploration that may be necessary to determine
whether or not a commercially mineable deposit exists on any property and may
not realize a return on its investment. The Company may generate additional
working capital through equity offerings, borrowings, sale or the joint venture
development of its properties and/or a combination thereof; there is no
assurance that any such funds will be available for operations. Failure to
obtain such additional capital, if needed, would have a material adverse effect
on the Company's operations.
(iv)
Going Concern Qualification to Financial Statements
The Company's financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
Canadian generally accepted accounting principles applicable to a going concern
which assume that the Company will realize its assets and discharge its
liabilities in the normal course of business. Realization values may be
substantially different from carrying values as shown in the financial
statements should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Negative cash flow from operating activities is likely to continue until the
Company is able to finance the purchase of additional heavy equipment in order
to operate its plants at rated capacities. Negative cash flow from operations
excluding changes in operating assets and liabilities was CAN $6,365,147 for the
year ended June 30, 2004. The Company has not paid interest due under the terms
of debentures securing convertible notes payable. The non-payment of interest
would constitute an event of default; however, the Company has obtained a waiver
until August 15, 2005. Principal and interest due under the convertible notes
payable at June 30, 2004 is in the amount of $14,752,374. The Company's ability
to continue as a going concern is dependent upon obtaining debt or equity
financing for capital expenditures and general working capital. The Company's
consolidated financial statements do not reflect adjustments in the carrying
value of the assets and liabilities, income statement items, and balance sheet
classifications that would be necessary if the going concern assumption were not
appropriate.
(v)
Title to Assets
The Aredor Concession derives from a Presidential Decree dated May 8, 1996
granting the "La Convention D'Exploitation Miniere" (the "Mining Agreement");
however, there is no guarantee that title to the Concession will not be
challenged or impugned. In Guinea, all land belongs to the state. No other
entity, aboriginal or otherwise has the right to contest a mining agreement
granted by the state. Subsequent to June 30, 2004 and in accordance with Article
26 of Aredor Mining Agreement dated March 28, 1996, the Company applied for and
received confirmation from the Minister of Mines and Geology, Government of
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Guinea, of a 15-year extension of the Agreement from March 27, 2006 to March 27,
2021.
In South Africa the mineral rights are to the farm Palmietgat 34 JR, Northern
Province. During the past year, there have been numerous reforms to the mineral
legislation in South Africa. In October 2002, the South African Government
enacted its Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (the "Act") that
deals with the State's policy towards the future of ownership of mineral rights
and the procedures for conducting mining transactions in South Africa. The Act
emphasizes that the Government does not accept the existing ownership of mineral
rights in South Africa, and the long-term objective is for all mineral rights to
vest in the State. The Act will come into operation on a date still to be
finalized by the President of South Africa.
A further, primary objective of the Act is the pursuance of the Government's
policy on furthering Black Economic Empowerment ("BEE") within South Africa's
mineral industry, by encouraging mineral exploration and mining companies to
enter into partnerships with BEE companies. The Act also provides for the
implementation of social responsibility objectives by mining and exploration
companies. Applicants for prospective permits and mining licenses are required
to provide details of these criteria.
In addition to the Act, the South African Government's recently approved Broad
Based Socio-Economic Empowerment Charter within the mining sector embodies the
Government's policy of facilitating the transfer of ownership in the South
African mining industry to Historically Disadvantaged South Africans ("HDSA's")
within the next 10 years. It also aspires to achieve employment equity of at
least 40% participation by HDSA's in management within five years, and 10%
participation by women.
It has also been agreed between the Government and the mining industry that
mining companies will achieve the desired 26% BEE status (15% in five years and
the full 26% in ten years) in a transparent manner, at fair market value and at
no risk to the mining companies. Stakeholders will meet after five years to
review the progress made towards achieving the transition of ownership of mining
assets to HDSA's. Measurement of success in achieving BEE status could be based
upon market share of South African mining production owned and controlled by
HDSA's.
In March 2003, the Government released its proposed Mineral and Petroleum
Royalty Bill (the "Bill") outlining the State's policies with regard to the
payment of royalties by mining companies. The Bill proposes that diamond
producers pay a Royalty of 8% from the sale of diamonds. The Bill has yet to be
implemented. The impact of these policy changes on the Company and its
operations in South Africa are indeterminate at this time.
(vi)
Expiry of Palmietgat license
The Company's mining permit expired in October, 2004. Management is currently in
the process of reviewing the Company's mining permit and applying for the
conversion of its existing mining rights under the new Act. There is currently
no indication that the mining permit will not be renewed and the mining rights
will not be converted.
(vii)
Competition and Agreements with Other Parties
The mineral resources industry is intensely competitive and the Company competes
with many companies that have greater financial resources and technical
facilities. Significant competition exists for the limited number of mineral
acquisition opportunities. As a result of this competition, the Company may be
unable to acquire additional diamond properties and/or other mineral resource
projects on terms it considers acceptable.
(viii)
Fluctuating Mineral Prices
The diamond mining industry in general is intensely competitive and there is no
assurance that, even if commercial quantities of mineral resources are
developed, a profitable market will exist for the sale of minerals. Factors
beyond the control of the Company may affect the marketability of any minerals
discovered; significant price movements over short periods of time may be
affected by numerous factors
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beyond the control of the Company, including international economic and
political trends, expectations of inflation, currency exchange fluctuations
(specifically, the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies), interest rates and
global or regional consumption patterns, speculative activities and increased
production due to improved mining and production methods. The effect of these
factors on the price of diamonds and therefore the economic viability of any of
the Company's exploration projects cannot accurately be predicted.
(ix)
Potential Equity Dilution from Shares Reserved for Future Issuance
The Company had reserved as of June 30, 2004 29,191,442 Common Shares for
issuance upon the exercise of warrants, options and conversion of debt. Such
Common Shares, if exercised, would represent a potential equity dilution of
approximately 124% based upon the number of outstanding Issued Shares at June
30, 2004 of 23,375,984. The issuance of these shares has already received
Exchange approval. Furthermore, the Company may enter into commitments in the
future, which would require the issuance of additional Common Shares and may
grant additional stock options and/or issue additional warrants. At June 30
2004, the Company had 47,432,574 authorized but unissued and unreserved Common
Shares. Issuance of such additional shares may be subject to Exchange
regulatory approvals and compliance with applicable securities legislation.
Unless a prospectus is filed and receipted by the British Columbia Securities
Commission pertaining to an issuance of shares, the Company must rely upon an
exemption to the prospectus filing requirements under the Securities Act
(British Columbia) prior to issuing shares, or any securities for that matter.
(x)
Diamond Marketing
Until recently diamond marketing throughout the world was largely controlled by
the Central Selling Organization (CSO), which acted as a producer selling
co-operative. The Diamond Trading Company (DTC) has replaced the CSO and the
Company expects the result will be a greater variability of diamond prices. The
Company markets its own production independently of the CSO.
(xi)
Repatriation of Funds from Foreign Operations
Repatriation of funds (including the remittance of payments in respect of
capital) from the Company's or its subsidiaries' foreign operations may be
curtailed or restricted pursuant to foreign exchange controls, export controls
and other government laws or regulations in countries in which the Company and
its subsidiaries conduct operations, which may be imposed in the future. The
Mining Agreement specifically permits the export of the Company's rough diamond
production upon the payment of a 10% mining tax on the fair market value of the
stones as determined by the Guinea Bureau of National Expertise. The mining tax
on cut diamonds is 2% and the mining tax on gold is 5%. There are no export
controls currently in place in Guinea except for the mining taxes noted above.
(xii)
Environmental and Other Regulatory Requirements
The Company is in compliance with all applicable environmental rules and
regulations. However, amendments to current laws, regulations and permits
governing operations and activities of mining companies, or more stringent
interpretation, implementation or enforcement thereof, could have a material
adverse impact on the Company and cause increases in capital expenditures or
production costs, or decreases in levels of production at producing properties,
or require abandonment or delay in development of new mining properties.
Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements
may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by
regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed,
and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation
of additional equipment, or remedial actions. Parties engaged in mining
operations may be required to compensate those
10
suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities and may have civil
or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violation of applicable laws or
regulations.
Environmental regulations in Guinea and South Africa require mining companies to
take necessary measures to prevent pollution to the environment, to treat waste,
emissions, and effluents, and to preserve the national heritage of forests and
water resources. To date, the Company has not been subject to any fines or
penalties for violations of relevant government regulations.
(xiii)
Illicit Mining
Illicit mining on the Aredor Concession, Guinea has been an ongoing problem.
Mining equipment and diamonds are openly traded on local markets. The mining
operation and the plant were temporarily shut down in 1991 because of political
unrest and hostilities during attempts by the previous owner to oust the illicit
miners prior to the acquisition of the Concession by the Company. Presently,
there is some illegal mining activity on the Concession.
(xiv)
Political and Economic Instability
Guinea was granted independence from France in 1958. It was a republic until
1984 when a military coup overthrew the government. Elections were held in 1993
at which time the current President of the country was elected President for a
five-year term. The President is the same general who ruled the country from
1984 until the elections in 1993. In December 1998, the current President was
reelected for a second term of seven years in a general multi-party election.
The political stability of Guinea is not certain and any disturbance in the
present political climate could affect the Concession in ways not predictable by
the Company. The risks, include, but are not limited to, terrorism, military
repression, and extreme fluctuations in currency exchange rates and high rates
of inflation. Changes in resource development or investment policies or shifts
in political attitude in Guinea may adversely affect the Company's business.
Operations may be affected in varying degrees by government regulations with
respect to restrictions on production, exchange controls, export controls,
income taxes, expropriation of property, maintenance of claims, environmental
legislation, land use, land claims of local people, water use and mine safety.
The effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted. During the previous
political regime, the Guinean State carried out several expropriations in the
industrial sector of which only that of Mobil Oil Corporation was significant.
The Guinean State for the expropriation indemnified Mobil Oil Corporation.
Currently, the Guinean government encourages free enterprise and foreign
investment. Under the present government, there have been no expropriations in
the industrial sector.
(xv)
Uncertainty of Technology
The Company uses, in part, mobile prospecting rotary pan plants to ensure that
gravel-tramming distances are not excessive. Rotary pan plant operators have
stated that the kimberlite material could create clay problems and the alluvial
terrace material could have concentration problems caused by the laterite. A
magnetic separator could be used to remove some of the magnetic component in the
terrance concentrates. Flat alluvial material could have sedimentary screening
problems. There is also concern on the part of Aredor geologists about water
problems in the actual mining of the alluvial flat material. Processing of the
alluvial material is subject to clay problems in the rotary pan plant. There
may be concentration problems caused by laterite in the alluvial terrace
material. There may be screening problems in the flat alluvial material. There
is, accordingly, a risk of poor recovery with respect to utilizing pan plant
technology.
(xvi)
Management & Key Employees
The Company is dependent on a relatively small number of key employees, the loss
of any of who could have an adverse effect on the Company.
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(xvii)
Conflict of Interest
The Trivalence Directors serve as Directors of other public companies and to the
extent that such other companies may participate in ventures in which the
Company may participate, the Directors of the Company will have a conflict of
interest in negotiating and concluding terms respecting the extent of such
participation. From time to time several companies may participate in the
acquisition, exploration and development of natural resource properties thereby
allowing for their participation in larger programs, permitting involvement in a
greater number of programs and reducing financial exposure in respect of any
program. It may also occur that a particular company will assign all or a
portion of its interest in a particular program to another of these companies
due to the financial position of the company making the assignment. In
accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia, the Directors of
the Company are required to act honestly, in good faith and in the best
interests of the Company.
ITEM 4
INFORMATION ON TRIVALENCE
A.
History and Development of Trivalence
Trivalence commenced operations in 1987; and, until 1991 it acquired and
abandoned a series of natural resource properties. In 1991 it changed its
business focus from natural resource exploration and development to the
production and marketing of recorded music; in connection therewith, its name
changed to Maximusic North American Corporation. During the period from
September 1991 to December 1993 Trivalence was unsuccessful in developing
product or revenue from the production of recorded music and thereafter ceased
operations. Trivalence was designated an inactive company by the Vancouver
Stock Exchange (the Exchange) according to Exchange Policy 11 on December 7,
1993. In 1994, Trivalence effected a change in management and completed a
reorganization under the Exchange Policy 11. On September 30, 1996, the Exchange
removed the designation of Inactive status.
B.
Business Overview
The Company is presently engaged in the location, acquisition, exploration and,
if warranted, development, of natural resource properties. The Company has an
interest in three properties located in Africa.
(i)
Aredor Alluvial Mine - Guinea, West Africa The Company commenced production at
Aredor for reporting purposes on October 1, 1997. From May 1996 until September
30, 1997, the Company was primarily occupied with the development of the Aredor
alluvial diamond mine. The Company, through Aredor FCMC S.A., owns 85% of the
Aredor alluvial diamond mine. The government of the Republic of Guinea owns the
remaining 15%. In 2001 the Company signed a joint venture with Rio Tinto Mining
Exploration & Ltd. of England to explore for economic kimberlite at the Aredor
mine. After working for over two years and spending US $6.0 million Rio Tinto
concluded that the economic potential of the kimberlite's identified reserves
did not meet their internal targets and as a consequence Rio Tinto withdrew from
the joint venture in March 2003. The Company plans to continue exploring the
most prospective Aredor kimberlites.
(ii)
Palmietgat -Kimberlite Mine South Africa In 1999, the Company acquired a 50%
interest in the Palmietgat Kimberlite Project. In 2001, the Company exercised
its option to purchase the remaining 50% from the joint venture partner. Over 3
million tonnes of kimberlite has been identified and the mine commenced
commercial production in April 1, 2001.
(iii)
Kokong - Botswana In 1999, the Company acquired five (5) prospecting licenses
covering an area of 3,745 square kilometres in Botswana; the licence area is
referred to as the Kokong
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Project. The licensed area hosted known kimberlites, 14 of which have yielded
diamonds but not in sufficient quantities or of sufficient quality to be
economical. In 2002, the Company signed a joint venture agreement with a
subsidiary of Rio Tinto Mining to explore for economic kimberlites on the Kokong
property. Rio Tinto is the operator.
The Company presently employs approximately 459 Guineans, in addition to
approximately 38 expatriate employees at Aredor and about 20 employees at the
Palmietgat project. The Vancouver head office has 14 employees. Contract work
is minimal.
Until December 2001, the Company sold most of its diamonds by international
tender in Conakry, the capital of the Republic of Guinea. The sales were
supervised by the Bureau of National Expertise and took place approximately
every two months. Buyers included representatives from firms in Europe, North
America, and the Middle East, among others. Sales are denominated in US
dollars. Terms of sale were cash before delivery of the diamond parcel
purchased. Since January, 2003 the Company has sold its diamonds in Antwerp,
Belgium, on the same terms. Diamonds produced from the Palmietgat Mine, South
Africa are sold through the Johannesburg Diamond Exchange through which both
domestic and foreign buyers bid. De Beers has a first right of refusal.
There have not been any bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceedings, trading
suspensions or cease trade orders made against the Company by any regulatory
authority.
The Company's no par value common shares, (the Common Shares) are listed for
trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol TMI and under the symbol
TMIGF on the OTC Bulletin Board in the United States.
The Company's activities for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004 are set forth
in MINERAL PROPERTIES.
C.
Organizational Structure
Trivalence Mining Corporation, a British Columbia, Canada corporation was
incorporated on September 18, 1984 under the Company Act by registration of its
Memorandum and Articles under the name Pink Jade Ventures Inc.
On January 28, 1987 the Company changed its name to Bullion Range Exploration
Corp. On August 9, 1991 the name was changed to Maximusic North America
Corporation. On September 18, 1991 the name was changed to Maximusic North
American Corporation. On March 1, 1995 the name was changed to Trivalence
Mining Corporation.
The executive office and records office is located at #502 - 815 Hornby Street,
Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 2E6.
Trivalence carries on its business through wholly-owned and indirectly owned
subsidiaries as follows.
1.
Trivalence wholly owns First City Mining Company Limited, (First City) a private
Alberta company incorporated on December 14, 1995 pursuant to the laws of the
Province of Alberta under which it is presently governed. First City was granted
the Aredor Diamond Mine Concession (the "Concession") by the Republic of Guinea
(Guinea) on March 28, 1996.
2.
First City wholly owns Pioneer Mining Company N.V. (Pioneer), which was
incorporated on May 2, 1996 pursuant to the laws of the Dutch Antilles under
which it is presently governed. Pioneer owns 84.98% of the issued shares of
Aredor FCMC S.A. (Aredor) and 100% of the Kokong Kimberlite Licenses in
Botswana.
13
3.
Aredor was incorporated on May 28, 1996, pursuant to the laws of Guinea under
which it is presently governed to hold the Concession which it received by
assignment from First City and to be the operating company to develop the
Concession. To comply with the laws of Guinea, a director of Aredor, Lutfur
Rahman Khan owns one share of Aredor, which represents .02% of the shares, which
is held in trust for the Company. Lutfur Rahman Khan is also a director of
Trivalence Mining Corporation.
4.
Trivalence Mining's Palmietgat Project of South Africa is held through its
wholly-owned subsidiaries Anglo-Canadian Mining Corporation and Fraser Mining
Corporation which holds a 100% interest in North American Mining Corporation
(PTY) Ltd. which hold 100% of Palmietgat Project. Anglo-Canadian Mining
Corporation was incorporated on May 12, 1999, pursuant to the laws of British
Virgin Islands under which it is presently governed. Fraser Mining Corporation
was incorporated on May 12, 1999, pursuant to the laws of British Virgin Islands
under which it presently governed.
14
Intercorporate Relationship:
[[Image Removed]]
D.
Property, Plant & Equipment
The Company has interest in three mineral properties located in Africa.
AREDOR DIAMOND MINE, GUINEA (Concession)
Location, Access
The Concession is located 700 km. east of the capital city of Conakry, Guinea.
Access is by road or by aircraft.
Air: There is a gravel (laterite) airstrip called Gbenko Airfield (1200 metres
long) at Aredor. It was previously serviced by three different carriers but,
now that radio communications are not available, it is serviced occasionally by
Guinea Inter Air. The Gbenko airstrip has fuel tanks (not in use) and a small
hanger. It would be suitable for air resupply directly to the camp and for the
transport of product. The capital of Guinea, Conakry, has an international
airport, serviced by Air France, Brussels Air (Belgium), Air Afrique and other
carriers.
15
Road: The distance from Conakry to Aredor by road is approximately 725 km and
takes about 14 hours by 4 X 4 vehicle. The first 525-km from Conakry is paved,
but the last 200 km has a laterite surface and is subject to damage during the
Guinea rainy season. The road is passable for light dry season use without
major work. For sustained use, the road requires grade, ditching, crowning and
culverts. The northern route, which is the 200 km road from Aredor to Kankan
would be impassable by heavy transport because of the very rough road
conditions.
Property Geology
Within the Aredor lease area, there are four types of diamondiferous deposits:
1)
Alluvial flat deposits
2)
Alluvial terrace deposits
3)
Insitu weathered kimberlite material, and
4)
Primary kimberlite material
Alluvial flat and terrace deposits are the primary focus for mining and
exploration plus exploration on the prospective diamondiferous kimberlites.
Mining Agreement
First City negotiated and signed the Aredor Concession Agreement with the
Ministry of Mines of Guinea on March 28, 1996, which included the Aredor
alluvial diamond mine covering the 1,212 square km - Aredor Concession. The
Mining Agreement defines and grants an exploitation permit for a term of ten
years, which will be automatically renewed if requested for three successive
five-year terms. Subsequently the Company applied for and received confirmation
from the Minister of Mines and Geology, Government of Guinea, for the 15 year
mining extension from March 26, 2006 to March 27, 2021.
In May 1996 First City relinquished 100 square kilometres located at the
perimeter of the Concession to allow mining to local residents in an effort to
control illegal mining on the Concession. An additional 100 square kilometres
was to have been relinquished by March 28, 1997. Because of ongoing
negotiations between local authorities and the Company, the retrocession of the
second 100 square kilometers was finalized in April 1999. The illicit mining is
one of the reasons the previous owner shut down operations.
The rights granted are limited to gold and diamonds. The terms of the Mining
Agreement provide for Guinea to retain a 15% interest at no cost and, without
further payment and in addition, by law, residents of Guinea have an option to
acquire a 10% interest at the fair market value of the share as determined by
the directors of Aredor. The option to acquire 10% of Aredor is exercisable for
a 30-day period after the outset of Phase III development of the mine. The
Mining Agreement therefore grants the company an 85% interest in the Concession,
which may be reduced to a 75% in the event the 10% option is exercised.
The financial obligations of the Mining Agreement are:
1.
A severance fee of US$1,500,000 payable to Guinea before revenue can be received
by Aredor from production. One half, US$750,000, was paid at the formal signing
of the Concession Agreement on March 28, 1996. The balance of US$750,000 was
paid after the first sale of production in Phase I.
2.
US$6,000,000 according to an engineering and economic appraisal report dated
February 1996 to achieve commencement of commercial production upon completion
of a Test Phase which was estimated to be about 7 months after start up.
US$1,000,000 was to be spent during the Test Phase and US$5,000,000 was to be
spent during Phases I, II and III. There are no requirements as to how the
US$6,000,000 is to be spent.
3.
During the first four years of the Mining Agreement, Aredor must invest
US$1,600,000 in an initial regional geological exploration program in addition
to the $6,000,000 budget for the mining program.
16
4.
Taxes: Fixed fees and surface royalties of a nominal amount not expected to
exceed US$5,000, a 10% Mining Tax on the sales value of rough diamonds and 2% of
cut diamonds and 5% for gold. Commencing January 1999 a 35% tax on business
profits is payable. There is also an extraordinary profit tax of 50% payable
when the net taxable income/investment ratio exceeds normal break-even point
generally accepted by the international mining industry for minerals recognized
in the mining industry. To determine the break-even point all costs and
expenses shall be multiplied by a factor of 15. The portion of such amount not
reinvested is taxed at a rate of 50% after deduction of the business tax of 35%.
Other fees and taxes payable during the test period were: a sum equal to 6% of
the salaries paid within and outside Guinea, a contribution for employee
training equal to 1.5% of salaries, the effective tax rate on vehicles (except
field vehicles and machinery), employee source deductions, a withholding
deduction at source as a discharge of all other income taxes at a rate of 10% of
fees and benefits to non residents of Guinea.
5.
Lease costs of US$100,000 per month to be paid from the date of the sale of the
first commercial production corresponding to the processing of 1,600 m3/day by a
fourteen-foot moving pan. The lease costs were funded from production revenues.
However the equipment rental amount has been renegotiated. Effective June 1,
1998 to May 31, 2001, the Company was obligated under the terms of the Aredor
concession agreement to pay US$30,000 per month for the rental of equipment and
other assets situated on the concession at the date of the acquisition by the
Company. Thereafter the Company was obligated to pay US$40,000 per month during
the tenancy of the concession. At June 30, 2004 the Company had withheld 40
months rent (US $1,600,000 which amount is included in the Company's June 30,
2004 Accounts Payable pending resolution of the terms of a subsequent agreement
with the Guinea Ministry of Mines which the Company believes will offset this
liability).
6.
Mine Development in three phases as follows:
(i)
First Phase ("Phase I"): The Company must put into operation a first mobile pan
plant for production and the auxiliary equipment with a maximum processing
capacity of 1,600m3/day within 6 months of the commissioning of the prospecting
mobile wash plant.
(ii)
Second Phase ("Phase II"): This phase commences at the end of the Phase I during
which the Company shall have processed approximately 330,000m3 of ore
(corresponding to a period of approximately 6 to 8 months) with the first mobile
pan plant for production. The Company shall commission during this phase a
second mobile pan plant for production and auxiliary equipment with a maximum
processing capacity of at least 1,600m3/day.
(iii)
Third Phase ("Phase III"): This phase commences at the end of the second phase
during which the Company shall have processed approximately 990,000m3 of ore
(corresponding to a period of approximately 14 to 16 months from the beginning
of Phase I) with the first and second mobile pan plants for production. The
Company must commission during this phase a third mobile pan plant and auxiliary
equipment with a processing capacity of at least 1,600m3/day.
The Concession Agreement has additional requirements:
(a)
A minimum investment during the term of the Mining Agreement of US$8,000,000
which except for the initial capitalization of Aredor in the amount of US$50,000
may be in the form of debt or equity. This will include the severance fee of
US$1,500,000, a budget for geological exploration of US$1,600,000, the budget
for the mining operations of US $6,000,000 and incorporation expenses of Aredor.
The Company has expended sufficient sums to satisfy this obligation.
17
(b)
First City is required to submit to the Guinean Ministry of Mines and Geology
for approval the annual plans and budgets, any material amendments to the plans
and budgets, any supplementary work to the annual plans, and monthly reports.
(c)
Analysis of core samples must be done in Guinea unless, if justified, analysis
is necessary at facilities outside Guinea including large samples intended for
metallurgical studies. The analysis results must be communicated to the
Ministry of Mines and Geology.
(d)
The sale of diamonds exceeding US$500,000 must be done through a tender process
with not less than 3 parties.
Ownership of Concession
The Company's interest in the Concession is held indirectly through its
ownership of First City. First City wholly owns Pioneer. Pioneer owns
effectively 85% of the shares of Aredor the operating Guinea company. Pursuant
to Guinea law a director must be a shareholder. Mr. Lutfur Khan is a director
of Aredor and Trivalence has been issued one share, which represents .02% of the
issued shares of Aredor. Mr. Khan holds the one share in trust for the Company.
As a result, Aredor is owned by:
Pioneer
84.98%
Lutfur Rahman Khan in trust for the Company
.02%
Republic of Guinea
15.00%
Pursuant to resolutions of the first shareholders' meeting of Aredor, it was
resolved that during the term of the Mining Agreement, Trivalence would bring
the capitalization of Aredor up to US$8,000,000.
Exploration and Development History of the Concession Prior to the Company
Diamond production by the French company, Soquinex, started in 1934 and
continued in conjunction with another company, Beyla, until 1960. A national
company, EGED was then formed by the Ghanian government to exploit the diamonds
in the Soquinex and Beyla concession, but experienced difficulties during the
1960's. A Soquinex washing facility is located on the Aredor lease near the town
of Soniferea. The Russians were then allowed to mine diamonds and they reopened
the Soquinex plant, which ran until 1973.
Only July 7, 1981, Aredor Guinea S.A. was established to develop diamond
deposits explored for and defined by Simonius Vischer (I.D.C.) Ltd. in eastern
Guinea.
From 1983 to March 1994 Aredor Guinea S.A. produced 1,253,754 carats of diamonds
for a total value of US$377,831,300 (US$ 301.36/ct). The average grade mined
during this time period was 7.58 carats per hundred tonne (cpht). Large high
quality diamonds were also recovered with three of the largest diamonds worth a
total of US$26,759,000. The Aredor mine closed in 1994 for the following
economic reasons:
1.
The dense media (DMS) diamond recovery plant was very expensive to operate and
maintain.
2.
Once most of the diamondiferous deposits within 10 kms of the plant had been
processed, the remaining diamondiferous deposits were uneconomical to truck to
the stationary diamond recovery plant.
3.
The infrastructure costs continued to rise while revenues decreased.
18
In addition, there were significant social responsibilities for the workforce
and municipalities in the lease area. Efforts to control illicit mining consumed
significant security resources, were unsuccessful and prompted an uprising.
Testing Phase
Trivalence's subsidiary in Guinea started its operations (the Test Phase) in May
1996. The objective of the Test Phase, which lasted until September 30th 1997,
was to verify that pan plants could be used efficiently at the Aredor site, and
that the diamonds recovered corresponded to the grade reported by the previous
operator.
The test was able to demonstrate that gravel from the flats and from the
terraces could be processed with the pan plants, and that the clay content of
the gravel is the main stumbling block in this type of processing. Other
materials (kimberlite and old tailings) were processed satisfactorily, but had
relatively low grades. It also showed that the diamondiferous deposit grade was
relatively reliable and that the overall mining costs were such that deposit
blocks classified as marginal by the then previous operator could be considered
as mineable using the present methodology.
Starting in September 1997, a 14' pan plant was dedicated to the processing of
tailings from the previous operation. The objective was to process this material
for a period of 6 to 8 months to assess the economics of this processing.
Between September 1997 and September 1998, the 14-foot tailings plant processed
192,000 tonnes of tailings and produced 1,522 carats for an average grade of
.003 carats/tonne which was not economic except for the fact that included in
the diamonds recovered was a 70.1 carat diamond that sold for US$2,765,000 in
November 1997. In addition, a 32.25-carat boart was recovered that had no
economic value.
Operations
AREDOR MINES
During the year ended June 30, 2004, the Company refurbished and redesigned a
120-150 TPH DMS plant at the Aredor mine. This plant was brought into production
in March, 2004 at 60-70 tonnes per hour, and has since been processing at some
100 plus tonnes per hour.
A central component of the Aredor mine plan in 2004 was the moving of the
14'/120 TPH pan plant from an area known as Wouloro where the alluvial beds
providing pay gravels were depleted in Quarter 1, 2004 to a new area known as
Bougban approximately 10 km. away. The civil engineering work at the new
Bougban site commenced in October 2003 and was completed in April 2004. The
removal, transportation and re-installation of the plant's components, including
various upgrades and design modifications geared to improving efficiency, were
all successfully executed on schedule from March to mid May, 2004, and the plant
began phase-in production during the week of May 17, 2004. However, the plant
was temporarily shut down in mid July 2004, as gravel from the initial block
being processed was not generating the anticipated diamond output. Due to the
rainy season it was not practical or economic to process gravel from the
adjacent blocks. Management plans to re-commission this plant during quarter
one, 2005 after pad preparation is complete on the adjacent blocks along with
the completion of a block infill-sampling program to be undertaken during
quarter 1, 2005.
The Company's bid to the Guinean Receiver to purchase certain used mining
equipment, from a company in Guinea that went into liquidation, on an 'as is
where is basis' was accepted for consideration of US$750,000 before Guinea
transfer taxes, transportation costs and other incidental costs. The equipment
acquired includes two Manitowoc 4600 draglines, excavators, front-end loaders,
bulldozers, dump trucks, generators, light vehicles, parts and ancillary
equipment. The two 4600 draglines will add to and complement the Company's four
existing draglines and the additional equipment will further round out and
strengthen the mining/transport equipment sets required to support the planned
increase in plant production in accordance with the future mining/production
plan.
19
Revenues decreased due to lower diamond production (23,105 carats) as the 14ft
plant was being moved for the better part of five months and the DMS plant was
not in commercial production until March 2004. In addition, the grade was low,
the quality was average and the overall size of the diamonds produced was small,
resulting in overall lower diamond prices for the diamonds sold in the fiscal
year. During the fiscal year, the Company had 468.74 carats cut & polished on an
experimental basis and the Company sold them for $1.161 million. The amount is
included in the revenue from the Aredor mine.
Revenue from diamond sales generated by the Aredor mine for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2004 was $7.222 million compared with $7.352 million in 2003. The
Company sold 22,846 carats (US$236 per carat) in 2004 compared with 23,358
carats (US$213 per carat) in 2003. Reduction in revenue and carats sold was due
to lower diamond production. The lower production was caused by the move of the
Company's 14ft plant to a different location causing a loss of production for
five months. The refurbished DMS plant did not reach the maximum processing
capacity during the fiscal period. The overall quality and size of the diamonds
produced was also lower compared to the previous years. The overall price per
carat impact was offset by the fact that the Company had 468.74 carats cut and
polished, which increased revenue by $1.161 million. Without the cut and
polished diamonds revenue, the per carat price for diamonds sold from Aredor
mine averaged US$197 compared to the US$236 mentioned above.
The production cost of diamonds produced for the year ended June 30, 2004 was
CAN $10.020 million compared to CAN $10.937 million for the year ending June 30,
2003. The decrease in production cost in 2004 compared to 2003 was due to lower
fuel consumption and parts expenses.
Review of Mining and Exploration Assets in Guinea, South Africa and Botswana (by
SRK Consulting of UK)
In August 2003, the Company hired SRK Consulting to produce a report covering
its exploration and mining assets. These comprise the Company's two operating
diamond mines namely; the Aredor alluvial diamond mine in Guinea and the
Palmietgat kimberlite mine in South Africa; and the exploration potential within
the Aredor and the Kokong kimberlite licences in Botswana.
SRK is an international group comprised of over 500 professional staff offering
expertise in a wide range of engineering and scientific disciplines. The SRK
Group's independence is ensured by the fact that it holds no equity in any
project and that its ownership rests solely with its staff. SRK has offices in
the UK, Canada, North and South America, South Africa and Australia.
The Aredor Mining Agreement provides that proceeding from one phase to the next
will occur only if the technical and financial results are satisfactory to
Aredor. If they are not, Aredor can at its option surrender the Mining
Agreement.
Aredor Mine Resources
The following information is summarized from the SRK Consulting Report titled
Review of the Aredor Alluvial Diamond Mine, Guinea at November 2003.
SRK Audited Mineral Resources for Aredor
Area Grade Content Value Value
Classification (m2) (ct/m2) (ct) (US$/ct) (US$) millions
millions
Indicated 1.92 0.10 187,000 375 70
Inferred 4.25 0.18 756,000 158 120
20
As per SRK "In addition, the potential exists to promote lower grade and higher
cost blocks into the Mineral Resource following the predicted reduction in unit
operating costs once the rebuilt DMS is in operation."
There is also the potential for the discovery of further gravel resources on
untested tributary banks in the vicinity of known mineralisation and also
further away to the north of the concession. Finally, TMC plans to continue
exploring the weathered kimberlite occurrences which have been found and
delineated during the Rio Tinto exploration program."
The complete SRK report is available on www.sedar.com
PALMIETGAT KIMBERLITE PROJECT - SOUTH AFRICA
The Company has a 100% interest in a kimberlite project in South Africa. The
property is located 70 kilometers North of Pretoria in proximity to roads and
power lines. The property hosts six kimberlite pipes and several kimberlite
dikes, all of which are known to be diamondiferous. At present, three of the
pipes (K14 East, K14 West and the K15) with an aggregate surface area of 1.6
hectares may have an economic grade. The resource down to 110 meters is approx.
3.5 million tonnes at an estimated 44 CPHT. De Beers who carried out three
drill programs explored the property in detail. In 1979, 501 percussion holes
(7,175 meters) delineated the surface extent and outlines of the different
kimberlite bodies. In 1980, 16 diamond drill holes (2,249 meters) determined
the morphology and vertical extent of the pipes at depth. In 1994, thirteen
large diameter percussion holes (1,149 meters) were drilled down to 110 meters
and sampled the 3 best pipes. A total of 4,131 tonnes of samples were recovered
from shafts and tunnels. The size of the parcels of diamonds recovered were
considered too small to provide valuation figures, but are indicative of the
diamond values of these pipes.
South Africa is currently the world's fifth largest producer of natural
diamonds. The largest Pipe in South Africa is the Premier Pipe, which covers an
area of 54 hectares. South Africa also has an established diamond cutting
industry.
The Company signed an agreement dated May 8, 1999 with a South African diamond
miner (the "partner") to form a joint venture ("JV") as to 50% each, to acquire
from De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd., the mineral rights to two contiguous
areas, (the "property"), construct a mine and commercially operate the property
located in the Northern province of South Africa. In 2001, Company exercised its
option to acquire the remaining 50% from the joint venture partner for $US150,
000 cash and 728,571 shares of the Company for a deemed value of US$947,142 and
the settlement of $335,452 due from the former joint venture partner.
The mineral rights are defined as: (1) diamonds, rubies and sapphires from area
1 consisting of 1041 hectares and (2) precious stones from area 2 consisting of
1041 hectares.
Production of diamonds produced in 2004 at the Palmietgat mine were
significantly lower (17,863 carats) than in 2003 (45,516 carats). The decrease
was due to the following factors: i) removal of overburden material from the two
kimberlite pipes resulting in a four-month loss of fresh kimberlite material to
process; ii) installation of two new crushers for crushing the oversize
material, which took two months during which time there was no production; iii)
of the material processed during the year, more than 50% was from the oversize
stockpiles which had a lower grade compared to the fresh kimberlite. However,
this material needed to be processed as it was becoming difficult for the heavy
equipment to move around the plant; iv) the overall grade from the fresh
kimberlite material was lower compared to previous years.
Recent changes in South African legislation with respect to mineral rights may
impact the Company's ability to continue to operate the property. The new
legislation states that all mineral rights will revert to the government and
entities will have to apply for the conversion of their old mining rights to new
prospective and new mining rights. Furthermore, the Company's two-year mining
permit expired in October 2004. The directors are currently in the process of
renewing the mining permit and applying for the conversion of the
21
existing mining rights under the new Act. There is no indication that the mining
permit will not be renewed and the mining rights will not be converted.
Diamond sales from the Palmietgat Mine for the year ended June 30, 2004 was $
1.988 million compared to $4.291 Million in 2003. The Company sold 17,863 carats
(US$76.80) in 2004, compared with 45,516 carats (US$54.37 per carat) in 2003.
The significant decrease was caused by the following factors: i) removal of the
overburden material from the two kimberlite pipes resulting in a four-month loss
of fresh kimberlite material to process; ii) installation of two new crushers to
crush the oversize material, which took two months during which time there was
no production; iii) of the material processed during the year, more than 50% was
from the oversized stockpiles which had a lower grade compared to the fresh
kimberlite. However, this material needed to be processed as it was becoming
difficult for the heavy equipment to move around the plant and iv) the overall
grade from the fresh kimberlites material was lower compared to the previous
years
The Company is currently conducting feasibility to mine beyond the thirty meters
depth. Early indications are that the Company will continue to mine beyond
thirty meters depth. Company 's management feels that recent increase in average
price/carat is due to mining in better kimberlite at deeper pit levels.
For further details, please see SRK technical resource report.
Exploration
Exploration - Aredor - Kimberlite
In the fiscal year eight holes were drilled on kimberlite pipe K14 at an average
depth of 11m for a total of 88m. Only three holes intersected kimberlite. The
conclusion was that K14 does not extend more than a few meters at surface
further than the boundaries drawn by RTZ in 2002. Six trenches were excavated
and three composite bulk samples were sent to the DMS plant for treatment.
Samples of 182m3, 96m3 and 112m3 were treated. The first two produced grades
around 0.02cts/m3 but the third produced a grade of 0.5cts/m3. Taken together
with RTZ's results, the Company's exploration staff thinks that there may be a
high-grade zone that is contained within an area that extends from the main K14
pipe. Since year-end, the Company has drilled 31 auger holes at an average depth
of 22.5m for a total depth of 697.5m within this extension area. Drilling shows
that the southern end of the kimberlite does extends westward for another 100m.
A 1,500m3 bulk sample has subsequently been taken from this higher-grade
extension zone in K14 to test for diamond size and and results are pending. A
further 12 auger holes are planned to see if the pipe extends to the west.
KOKONG KIMBERLITE PROJECT, BOTSWANA
The Company's five prospecting licenses initially totaling 3,745 square
kilometers are in the Kokong area, Kgalagadi district, Botswana. The Kokong
kimberlite fields are located 300 kilometers west of the city of Gaborone and 75
kilometers south of the city of Kang. Achaean Rocks of the Kaapvaal Craton
underlie the area covered by the prospecting licenses, which is home to the
Jwaneng Diamond Mine. The property hosts 34 known kimberlite occurrences, 14 of
which are known to be diamondiferous. The Company acquired the ground based on
these known kimberlites and high indicator mineral counts occurring within the
licensed boundaries.
The Company received a report from MPH Consulting Botswana (Pty) Limited (MPH)
detailing the results of a 22,000 kilometer line airborne magnetic survey
covering the Kokong licenses. The airborne survey was successful in identifying
29 of the known 34 kimberlites occurring on the property. In addition to the
known kimberlites, MPH reported that "the processing of the survey data has
allowed us to establish the magnetic character of the diamond bearing
kimberlites and to compare these signatures with all other known kimberlites and
targets and thereby arrive at concise exploration recommendations targeted only
on the
22
anomalies of this magnetic caliber. Over 150 met this threshold. The viable
targets have been screened according to several criteria, including geophysical
signature, quality, proximity to known diamondiferous kimberlites, surface
geochemical results of past explorers, inferred depth of the Kalahari coverage
and structural setting to arrive at a breakdown as follows; first priority
targets of 109 and second priority targets numbering 52".
In February, 2002 the Company signed an earn-in Joint Venture ('JV') agreement
with Tinto Botswana Exploration PTY Limited ('Rio Tinto') a subsidiary of Rio
Tinto Mining and Exploration, London, UK. Under the terms of the JV Agreement,
Rio Tinto could earn an initial 65% participating interest by making a total of
US$3.5 million in work expenditures before September 21, 2005. Rio Tinto can
then earn an additional 10% interest by completing a pre-feasibility study,
initiating a feasibility study and incurring a further US$ 5.0 million in work
expenditures by September 21, 2008. Having met the expenditure obligations
necessary to earn the initial 65% participating interest, Rio Tinto formally
notified the Company by letter dated March 30, 2004 that they have elected to
earn the additional 10% participating interest (which will bring Rio Tinto's
total participating interest to 75%) by incurring the additional expenditure of
US $ 5.0 million by September 21, 2008. Rio Tinto is the project operator.
Rio Tinto is continuing with an aggressive exploration program involving
airborne and ground geophysics, sampling and drilling. Rio Tinto recently flew
a VTEM survey and they report that preliminary data highlights some promising
anomalies. The expected advantage of the VTEM survey (aside from the ability to
locate completely non-mag kimberlites) is that it is a blanket survey rather
than a limited grid. Rio Tinto reported in October 2004 that two of the VTEM
anomalies in the preliminary data were drilled and one hole intersected a new
kimberlite of which results are pending.
Rio Tinto has reported that its work program has been focused on sterilizing
areas as some 50% of the license area were due for relinquishment in September,
2004. In this regard, Rio Tinto reported that 19 of the best magnetic anomalies
in the portion of the license area considered marginal were surveyed with TEM;
only one target was generated and was proved negative after drill testing. All
the data for the marginal areas was re-assessed and, as there was no
encouragement to carry out any further work, 1,473 km2 of the license area has
been dropped.
The areas retained have been prioritized by Rio Tinto based on kimberlite
frequency and diamond potential as suggested by indicator chemistry. Rio Tinto
advise that the work plan for Quarter Four, 2004 (October/December) will consist
of a further seven scout drill holes to test the VTEM/magnetic targets. Rio
Tinto also advised, in their Third Quarter, 2004 report, that to date, 31
confirmed kimberlite occurrences have been discovered by Rio Tinto since the
inception of the Kokong Joint Venture, bringing the total number of known
kimberlite occurrences at Kokong to 68, although none are, as yet, sufficiently
diamondiferous. Rio Tinto's total expenditures on the Kokong project as at June
30, 2004 is over US$4.0 million.
23
ITEM
5
OPERATING, FIANANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
1.0
INTRODUCTION
The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and the
Company's financial position should be read in conjunction with the June 30,
2004 consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
2.0
OVERVIEW
For the year ended June 30, 2004, diamond production was from the Aredor, Guinea
and Palmietgat, South Africa diamond mines. The Company recorded a net loss of
$ 10.094 million or $0.48 per share basic and diluted.
Year ended Year ended Year ended June
Selected Annual Financial Information June 30, 2004 June 30, 2003 30, 2002
Total Revenues 9,182,133 11,614,789 14,365,155
Net Income (Loss) (10,094,442) (6,881,977) (3,813,634)
Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) per share (0.48) (0.40) (0.22)
Working Capital (deficiency) (6,925,362) (310,932) (6,560,380)
Total Assets 23,722,853 23,727,865 27,430,357
Bridge loans 5,026,054 - -
Convertible loans and debentures
(including current portion of long term debt) 14,752,374 13,250,784 10,087,140
AREDOR ALLUVIAL DIAMOND MINE
Revenue from diamond sales generated by the Aredor mine for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2004 was $7.222 million compared with $7.352 million in 2003. The
Company sold 22,846 carats (US$236 per carat) in 2004 compared with 23,358
carats (US$213 per carat) in 2003. Reduction in revenue and carats sold was due
to lower diamond production. The lower production was caused by the move of the
Company's 14ft plant to a different location causing a loss of production for
five months. The refurbished DMS plant did not reach the maximum processing
capacity during the fiscal period. The overall quality and size of the diamonds
produced was also lower compared to the previous years. The overall price per
carat impact was offset by the fact that the Company had 468.74 carats cut and
polished, which increased revenue by $1.161 million. Without the cut and
polished diamonds revenue, the per carat price for diamonds sold from Aredor
mine averaged US$197 versus the US$236 mentioned above.
The production cost of diamonds produced for the year ended June 30, 2004 was
$10.020 million compared to $10.937 million for the year ending June 30, 2003.
The decrease in production cost in 2004 compared to 2003 was due to lower fuel
consumption and parts expenses.
PALMIETGAT DIAMOND MINE
Diamond sales from the Palmietgat Mine for the year ended June 30, 2004 was $
1.988 million compared to $4.291 million in 2003. The Company sold 17,863 carats
(US$76.80) in 2004, compared with 45,516 carats (US$54.37 per carat) in 2003.
The significant decrease was caused by the following factors: i) removal of the
overburden material from the two kimberlite pipes resulting in a four-month loss
of fresh kimberlite material to process; ii) installation of two new crushers to
crush the oversize material, which took two months during which time there was
no production; iii) of the material processed during the year, more than 50% was
from
24
the oversized stockpiles which had a lower grade compared to the fresh
kimberlite. However, this material needed to be processed as it was becoming
difficult for the heavy equipment to move around the plant and iv) the overall
grade from the fresh kimberlites material was lower compared to the previous
years
The production cost of diamonds sold in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 was
$2.040 million compared to $2.261 million in June 30, 2003. The decrease in
production was caused by the lower consumption of fuel and parts due to the
shutdown of the plant during the installation of the two new crushers.
Selling, General and Administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal year 2004 were slightly
lower at CAN $3.060 illion compared to fiscal year 2003 at $3.418 million. The
decline is due to reduction in salaries and wages ($0.790 million in 2004
compared with $1.079 million in 2003), and slight decreases in investor's
relation fees, management fees and office and other expenses.
Interest Expense
Interest costs aggregated $1.749 million during fiscal year 2004, a 13% increase
over $1.549 million in 2003. The increase was due to the accrual on the
outstanding convertible notes as well as new short-term borrowings during the
year. Under the terms of the debentures, interest is payable monthly in
arrears. On March 1, 2003, the interest rate for all outstanding debentures,
except for the 2003 Series debentures A1 and A2, was reduced from 11% to 8% per
annum. Interest for the 2003 Series debentures, A1 and A2, is 11% per annum. The
Company has obtained a waiver of non-payment of interest from the Lender through
August 15, 2005 for all debentures. Because the terms of the debentures have
been extended for a period of more than 12 months from June 30, 2004, all debt
secured by the debentures has been classified as a long-term obligation. At June
30, 2004 accrued interest amounting to $3.377 million was included in the
convertible notes payable.
Depletion and depreciation
Depletion and depreciation expense for fiscal year 2004 was $3.035 million
compared to $2.481 million in 2003.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate was 1% in 2004 compared to a statutory tax rate of
36.6%. The effective tax rate was 19% in 2003 compared to statutory tax rate of
40%. In 2004 the Company took a valuation allowance of $7.565 million compared
to $4.114 million in 2003 to reduce income tax assets to the amount that the
management considers is likely to be recoverable in the future years. The
Company recorded a net tax recovery of $0.107 million on pre-operating tax loss
of $11.076 million compared to $1.840 million on pre-operating tax loss of
$9.689 million in 2003. The future income tax provision for the year ended June
30, 2004 was nil compared to $0.154 million in 2003 due to future taxes on
income earned in Guinea.
Share Capital
At November 15, 2004, the Company had a total of 23,375,984 common shares
outstanding and 6,680,000 warrants outstanding, each warrant entitling the
holder to acquire one common share. Also, the Company had 1,067,000 stock
options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price per share of $0.73.
25
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
Cash from operations
For the year ended June 30, 2004, the net cash flow from operations was negative
$4.631 million compared to last fiscal year 2003 of negative $2.376 million. For
the past three fiscal years, the decline in cash flows is mainly due to the
reduced levels of diamond sales revenue from the Aredor mine because of lower
diamond production and the lower price of diamonds sold due to quality and size.
Cash on hand is not sufficient to pay the current outstanding liabilities and
to meet general working capital requirements.
Financing activities
During the year, the Company successfully closed a private placement of
6,080,000 units at a price of $0.50 per unit for gross proceeds of $3,040,000.
Each unit consisted of one common share and one share purchase warrant. Each
whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share until November
28, 2005 at a price of $0.75 per share. Additional funds of $5.026 million were
acquired through bridge loans from companies with a common director. The net
proceeds from the private placement and the bridge loans were used to purchase
additional heavy equipment at the Aredor mine and for general working capital
purposes. Subsequent to June 30, 2004 the Company borrowed CAN $2,847,112 from
companies with a common director. The loans are due on demand, are unsecured,
and bear interest at rates varying from 4.5% to 8%.
Debenture and obligations
The Company has several outstanding debentures, with a total outstanding amount
on June 30, 2004 of $14.752 million including accrued interest of $3.377
million. The debentures are secured by a fixed and floating charge on the
Company's assets. Because the terms of the debentures have been extended for a
period of more than 12 months from June 30, 2004, the debentures have been
classified a long-term obligation. The Company arranged for the extension of the
maturity of all outstanding debentures from August 31, 2004 or January 1, 2004
to August 15, 2005.
No new debentures were issued during the year ended June 30, 2004, compared to
June 30, 2003 when the Company issued the Series 2003-A1& A2 debentures with the
principal amounts of $850,000 and 1,450,000, respectively. The original
maturity date was January 1, 2004, bearing an interest rate of 11% per annum.
The loan amount from the company with a common director is convertible into
units of the Company at a conversion price of $0.30 per unit until January 1,
2004, $0.35 per unit until January 1, 2006, $0.40 per unit until January 1,
2007, and $0.45 per unit until January 1, 2008. Each unit consists of a common
share and a warrant exercisable until the earlier of the expiry date of the loan
or two years from the date of issue of the warrants and exercisable at the
conversion price in the first year and 115% of the conversion price in the
second year. These debentures are secured by a fixed and floating charge on the
Company's assets and rank equally with the Series 1999-A3 debentures. At June
30, 2003, $0.592 million of the face value of the debentures was classified as
an equity component. As at June 30, 2004, accrued interest is included in the
outstanding balance for $0.382 million (2003: $0.104 million). Interest is also
payable on August 15, 2005.
º Bridge Loans
As at June 30, 2004, the Company's bridge loan balance was $5.026 million. The
loans bear interest at rates varying from 4.5% to 11% per annum, are unsecured,
and are repayable on demand. Bridge loans borrowed and repaid during the year
were $2.913 million (2003 - $0.310 million).
26
º Capital Lease
At June 30, 2004, obligations under capital lease, including the current
portion, were $0.678 million compared to $0.147 Million a year ago.
Investing activities
Sales of fixed assets during the current fiscal year amounted to $0.122 million.
Expenditures in the purchasing of capital assets in the current fiscal year
totalled to $3.687 million ($0.524 million in 2003) to achieve targeted
production of the plants operating at the Aredor mine. The Company purchased
three trucks and two loaders from Bell South Africa under a two-year and a
three-year lease contract. The Company also purchased certain used mining
equipment, from a company in Guinea that went into liquidation, for US$750,000
before transportation costs and taxes. In 2003, the Company purchased major
components for its four draglines at the Aredor mine to improve the availability
of the machines. There were no cash investments in mineral properties in fiscal
years 2004, 2003 and 2002.
Cash & Cash Equivalents and Resources
At the end of fiscal year 2004, the cash and cash equivalents was negative
$0.138 million compared to positive $0.125 million a year ago. Negative cash
flows will likely continue until the Company is able to run its plant operations
at or near maximum rated capacity. The Company has not paid interest due under
the terms of convertible debentures securing notes payable and has obtained
waivers until August 15, 2005.
(b) Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The company has the following contractual obligations and Commercial
commitments.
Contractual obligations Total Less than 1 1-3 years
year
Long term debts 14,752,374 - 14,752,374
Capital Lease obligation 677,799 360,463 317,336
Operating Leases - -
Total Contractual Cash Obligations 15,430,173 360,463 15,069,710
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Related Party Transactions
Related party transactions included management fees paid to directors or
shareholders of the Company (as agreed between the parties and approved by the
Board of Directors) in the amount of $0.406 million in fiscal year 2004 compared
to $0.433 million in fiscal year 2003. Compensation excluded in the management
fees paid to directors and officers' amounted to $0.162 million in fiscal year
ended June 30, 2004 and $0.450 million in 2003. The Company borrowed and repaid
from companies with common directors a total of $2.913 million in fiscal year
2004 compared to $0.310 million in 2003.
Critical Accounting Policies
The Company's accounting policies are set out in Note 2 of the accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements. There are two policies that, due to the
mining business, are more significant to the financial results of the Company.
These policies relate to the capitalizing of mineral exploration expenditures
and the use of estimates.
27
Under Canadian GAAP, the Company deferred all costs relating to the acquisition
and exploration of its mineral properties. Any revenues received from such
properties are credited against the costs of the property. When commercial
production commences on any of the Company's properties, any previously
capitalized costs would be charged to operations using a unit-of-production
method. The Company regularly reviews differed exploration costs to assess
their recoverability and when the carrying value of a property exceeds the
estimated net recoverable amount, provision is made for impairment in value.
Under U.S. GAAP, the Company expensed all costs relating to the exploration of
its mineral properties prior to the establishment of proven and probable
reserves. After that point, these costs are capitalized as development costs.
When commercial production commences on any of the Company's properties, any
previously capitalized costs would be amortized to operations using a
unit-of-production method.
The Company's Financial Statements are based on the selection and application of
significant accounting policies, some of which require management to make
estimates and assumptions. Estimates are based on historical experience and on
our future expectations that are believed to be reasonable; the combination of
these factors forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of
assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual
results are likely to differ from our current estimates and those differences
may be material. We believe that the following are some of the more critical
judgment areas in the application of our accounting policies that currently
affect our financial condition and results of operations.
OUTLOOK
A) AREDOR
At the Aredor alluvial mine, the Company plans, subject to funding to have the
DMS plant and 14ft plant producing at their maximum capacities by spring of
2005. Management's view is that with the recent acquisition of additional
equipment the Company now has enough heavy equipment to carry out its plans to
process material from the two main plants. However, management estimates US$0.7
million will be required to further repair and upgrade some of its existing
equipment and some of the newly acquired equipment in order to achieve maximum
production from these two plants. Management feels once it has achieved its
target of maximizing production from the two plants it will achieve positive
cash flows. The Company plans to carry out an alluvial exploration program to
ensure that it is processing gravel from the best possible blocks. The Company
will also continue its kimberlite exploration program. The Company needs to
raise approximately US$4.0 million through equity or debt financing to pay the
existing liabilities, to carry out the planned capital expenditures, and for
general working capital. The Company's ability to raise these funds will
determine if the mining and exploration plans for the next year can be
completed.
B) PALMIETGAT
At the Palmietgat mine, the Company will continue to operate two shifts a day.
It is estimated that by early 2005 all pipes at the property will reach depths
of 30 meters. In order to process fresh kimberlite the Company will need to
spend approx. US$0.5 million to increase the pit size of the pipes, especially
K15, the best pipe in quality, grade, and size which has already reached the
depth of 30 meters.
C) Kokong
The Company's kimberlite exploration program will be continued under the
financial and technical control of Tinto Botswana Exploration Pty Limited, a
subsidiary of Rio Tinto Mining & Exploration Ltd. of the U.K.
28
ITEM 6
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A.
Directors and Senior Management
The following table sets forth the name, business experience, functions and
areas of experience in Trivalence and principal business activities performed
outside of Trivalence (including, in the case of directors of Trivalence, other
principal directorships) of each director, member of senior management and
employees upon whose work Trivalence is dependent:
Name, Municipality Number of
of Residence and Director since Principal Business Activities and Common Shares
Present Office Principal Directorships and Percentage
Held of Class Held
Lutfur Rahman Khan Since President of Larnite Corporation 7,241,377(1)(2)
Chairman of the 1994 (Pvt) Ltd. since 1989; Chairman of
Board and Chief State Petroleum Corp. from Nov. 1991
Executive Officer to May 1994 and from Dec. 1995 to
Oct. 1998; Chairman of Arakis Energy
Richmond, BC Corp. from Dec. 1995 to Oct. 1998;
Chairman - Director of International
Sovereign Energy Corp. from Sept.
1996.
Dr. Waseem Rahman Since Businessman, as an investor in oil, 2,525,258(3)
President 1996 gas and mining sectors since 1994;
Richmond BC Director of International Sovereign
Energy Corp. Sept. 1997 to June 2003;
Director of Falcon Oil and Gas since
December 1999.
Mahmood Arshad Since 2000 President of CISL, a private Nil(4)
Director investment company. Mr. Mahmood has
Calgary, AB twenty years business experience in
accounting, finance and construction.
Afzal Mahmood Since Director of Falcon Oil and Gas from 550,000
Director 2004 1999 to 2002; Director of
Richmond, BC International Sovereign Energy Corp.
since June 2003; President of Akvon
Holdings, a private company.
Timothy S. Hoar Since Partner in the law firm ProVenture 200,000(5)
Director 1997 Law, Barristers & Solicitors since
Calgary, AB Oct. 1, 1998; prior thereto, partner
in the law firm Hoar, Lee & Boers
since Aug. 1994; Director of Arakis
Energy Corp. from July 1997 to 1998.
Omair Choudhry Since Mr. Choudhry has a Master's degree in 7,500
Chief Financial 1999 Business Administration. Mr. Choudhry
Officer, Corporate has several years of experience in
Secretary finance, accounting, and human
Surrey, BC resources, in oil & gas and mining
industry. Mr. Choudhry is
responsible for all accounting, human
resources, procurement and insurance
functions in the Company.
|
29
(1)
As at October 28, 2004.
(2)
Of which 3,045,902 shares are beneficially owned by Pacwest Resources Ltd.,
1,106,978 shares are beneficially owned by Larnite Corporation (Pvt) Ltd.,
Larnite Capital Corporation beneficially owns 1,629,132 shares and Mr. Khan
beneficially owns 1,449,365 shares. Mr. Khan also holds options to purchase
180,000 shares of the Company at $0.40 per share expiring April 24, 2007.
(3)
Dr. Rahman also holds options to purchase 40,000 shares of the Company at $0.40
per share expiring April 24, 2007 and 70,000 shares at $0.70, expiring on
November 18, 2008.
(4)
Mahmood holds options to purchase 30,000 shares of the Company at $1.30 per
share expiring February 8, 2006 and 15,000 shares at $0.70, expiring on November
18, 2008.
(5)
Mr Timothy Hoar holds options to purchase 35,000 shares of the Company at $0.70
per share expiring on November 18, 2008.
Directors are elected annually at Trivalence's annual meeting of shareholders
and hold office until the earlier of their resignation or removal from office at
a subsequent annual meeting of shareholders. The Board of Directors may fill
vacancies created by departing directors between annual shareholders meetings.
Directors representing in number up to one-third the size of the board elected
at the most recent shareholders meeting may be appointed by the Board of
Directors between shareholders meetings.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of Trivalence consists of Mahmood Arshad, Timothy Hoar and
Dr. Waseem Rahman. There have been no changes to the membership of this
committee since the most recently completed year-end. The general function of
the audit committee is to review the overall audit plan and to review the
results of the external audit with Trivalence's auditors.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee of the Company consists of Lutfur Rahman Khan, Waseem
Rahman, and Timothy Hoar.
B.
Compensation
The following table sets forth the amount of compensation that was paid and
benefits that were granted in the financial year ended June 30, 2004 to each of
the individuals listed in Item 6(A) above.
Name Compensation Benefits
Lutfur Rahman Khan $133,275 $7,535
Timothy Hoar $0 $0
Dr. Waseem Rahman $72,000 $4,152
Mahmood Arshad $0 $0
Omair Choudhry $78,000 $8,653
Afzal Mahmood $0 $0
The Company has in place a stock option plan (the "Plan"), under which
non-transferable options to purchase common shares (the "Option") may be granted
to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company or an affiliate
of the Company. The Plan contains early termination provisions for certain
situations. In addition, the Plan contains provisions stating that the option
period may not extend past five years and the number of common shares issuable
on exercise of outstanding stock options may not exceed 10% of the issued and
outstanding common shares.
30
The following table sets forth the number of options to purchase common shares
of Trivalence granted as at November 30, 2004, the purchase price and the
expiration date of options granted to each of the individuals listed in Item
6(A) above.
Number of Options to
Name Purchase Common Shares Purchase Price Expiry Date
Lutfur Rahman Khan 180,000 $ 0.40 April 24, 07
Timothy Hoar 35,000 $ 0.70 Nov 18, 08
Waseem Rahman 40,000 $ 0.40 April 24, 07
70,000 $ 0.70 Nov 18, 08
Mahmood Arshad 30,000 $ 1.30 February 08, 06
15,000 $ 0.70 Nov 18, 08
Omair Choudhry 20,000 $ 1.70 March 17, 05
15,000 $ 0.40 April 24, 07
50,000 $ 0.70 Nov 18, 08
C.
Board Practices
Directors are elected annually at Trivalence's annual meeting of shareholders
and hold office until the earlier of their resignation or removal from office at
a subsequent annual meeting of shareholders. The Board of Directors may fill
vacancies created by departing directors between annual shareholders meetings.
Directors representing in number up to one-third the size of the board elected
at the most recent shareholders meeting may be appointed by the Board of
Directors between shareholders meetings.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of Trivalence consists of Mahmood Arshad, Timothy Hoar and
Dr. Waseem Rahman. There have been no changes to the membership of this
committee since the most recently completed year-end. The general function of
the audit committee is to review the overall audit plan and to review the
results of the external audit with Trivalence's auditors.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee of the Company consists of Lutfur Rahman Khan, Waseem
Rahman, and Timothy Hoar.
Compensation Policy
Not Applicable
D.
Employees
The following table sets out the number of employees and consultants with
contracts at the end of each of the past three financial years, including their
main category of activity and geographic location. Trivalence's employees are
employed in Canada, Guinea and South Africa.
31
Employees - Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2003
Canada: 2004 2003 2002
Operations 3 5 3
Procurement 4 4 4
Accounting 4 5 5
Administration 3 5 8
14 19 20
Guinea:
Nationals - Mining 128 138 136
Maintenance 148 204 178
Security 120 143 160
Administration 13 85 111
Expatriates - Mining 9 11 16
Maintenance 10 14 12
Security 19 19 16
497 614 629
South Africa:
Nationals - Operations 20 15 -
TOTAL 517 664 576
E.
Share Ownership
See Item 6(A)-Directors and Senior Management above for disclosure regarding
share ownership of Trivalence's directors and executive officers.
32
ITEM 7
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A.
Major Shareholders
To the knowledge of Trivalence there are no persons or entities who beneficially
hold, directly or indirectly or exercise control or direction over, more than 5%
of the voting rights attached to the issued and outstanding common shares of
Trivalence except as set forth below as of October 28, 2003:
Name
Number of Securities Owned Percentage of Class
Lutfur R. Khan
7,241,377 (1)(2)
30.98%
Dr. Waseem Rahman
2,525,258
10.80%
CDS &Co.
13,022,368(3)
55.71%
Notes:
(1) Does not include 180,000 stock option.
(2) Of which 3,045,902 shares are beneficially owned by PacWest resources Ltd.,
1,106,978 shares are beneficially owned by Larnite Corporation (Pvt) Ltd.,
1,629,132 shares are beneficially owned by Larnite Capital Corporation and
1,449,365 shares are beneficially owned by Lutfur Rahman Khan.
(3) The beneficial ownership of these shares is not known
The major shareholders of Trivalence do not have different voting rights than
other shareholders.
As of October 28, 2004, 10 holders having an address of record within the United
States of America owned 513,647 common shares, representing 2.197% of
Trivalence's 23,375,984 outstanding common shares.
On November 26, 2003 the Company closed a private placement of 6,080,000 units
at a price of 50 cents (Canadian) per unit for gross proceeds of $3,040,000.
Each unit consists of one common share and one share purchase warrant. Each
whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share until November
28, 2005 at a price of 75 cents (Canadian) per share.
As of November 30, 2004 the Company has 23,375,984 common shares outstanding.
B.
Related Party Transactions
As at October 28, 2004, Pacwest was the beneficial owner of 13.03% of the
Company's issued shares. Larnite Corporation (Pvt) Ltd owns Pacwest as to
30.25%, which was the beneficial owner of 4.74% issued shares of the Company as
at October 28, 2004. Larnite Capital Corporation beneficial owner of 6.97%
issued shares of the Company as at October 28, 2004 is controlled by Lutfur
Rahman Khan, the President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of the
Company. Lutfur Rahman Khan and Timothy Hoar, a director and shareholder of the
Company, are also directors of Pacwest.
Lutfur Rahman Khan and Dr. Waseem Rahman are directors of Larnite Capital
Corporation and Lutfur Rahman Khan is also a director of Larnite Corporation
(Pvt) Ltd.
Pacwest requested that the Company place before the Annual general Meeting in
November 2001 a resolution authorising and approving the conversion of any
convertible debentures by Pacwest and the exercise of share purchase warrants
issuable on such conversion notwithstanding that such conversion would result in
Pacwest together with Larnite Corporation and Lutfur Rahman Khan then holding
fifty percent (50%) or more of the Company's issued shares. The resolution was
passed in the shareholders meeting. The Company has issued convertible
debentures from time to time to Pacwest Resources Ltd. ("Pacwest") to secure
loans made to the Company by Pacwest. These debentures may be converted at the
option of Pacwest into shares and, in all cases but one, share purchase warrants
of the Company.
33
The following table provides information as to the currently outstanding
convertible debentures issued to Pacwest, the amount convertible into securities
of the Company, the conversion price in effect as at the date hereof and the
number of securities issuable to Pacwest based on the conversion prices
currently in effect:
Amount Convertible Present Conversion Securities Presently
Debenture into Securities Price(1) Issuable
on Conversion(1)(2)
2001 Series A No. 1 $1,100,000 $0.90 Shares - 1,222,222
Warrants - 1,222,222
2001 Series A No. 2 $1,100,000 $0.60 Shares - 1,833,333
Warrants -1,833,333
The aforecited table exclude 4 series of debentures where the conversion into
shares of the Company expired as at April 1, 2003, namely:
a.
1999 Series A no. 3 with convertible securities of $4,225,000/$2.15 per share
with 1,965,116 issuable shares and 1,965,116 issuable warrants,
b.
1999 Series B with convertible securities of $1,250,000/$2.15 per share with
581,395 issuable shares,
c.
2000 Series A no. 1 with convertible securities of $1,100,000/$2.15 per share
with 511,628 issuable shares.
d.
2000 Series A no. 2 with $300,000/$2.20 per share with issuable 136,364 shares
and issuable 136,364 warrants.
The following table provides information as to the currently outstanding
convertible debentures issued to Larnite Capital Corporation, the amount
convertible into securities of the Company, the conversion price in effect as at
the date hereof and the number of securities issuable to Larnite Capital
Corporation based on the conversion prices currently in effect:
Amount Convertible Present Conversion Securities Presently
Debenture into Securities Price(1) Issuable
on Conversion(1)(2)
2003 Series A No. 1 $850,000 $0.30 Shares - 2,833,333
Warrants - 2,833,333
The following table provides information as to the currently outstanding
convertible debentures issued to Larnite Corporation (Pvt.) Ltd, the amount
convertible into securities of the Company, the conversion price in effect as at
the date hereof and the number of securities issuable to Larnite Corporation
(Pvt.) Ltd based on the conversion prices currently in effect:
34
Amount Convertible Present Conversion Securities Presently
Debenture into Securities Price(1) Issuable
on Conversion(1)(2)
2003 Series A No. 2 $1,450,000 $0.30 Shares - 4,833,333
Warrants - 4,833,333
1.
If the repayment date of any debenture is extended beyond an anniversary date of
the debenture, the conversion price under such debenture increases. As the
conversion price increases, the number of securities issuable to Pacwest on
conversion decreases.
2.
Each warrant issued upon conversion would entitle Pacwest, Larnite Capital
Corporation and Larnite Corporation (Pvt.) Ltd to purchase one share of the
Company at an exercise price at least equal to and in some cases greater than
the conversion price.
At June 30, 2004, accounts receivable of $ 797 was due from companies with
common directors.
During the year ended June 30, 2004 $2,913,396 was borrowed from and repaid to
companies with a common director.
C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
This item is not applicable.
ITEM 8
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
Incorporated herein are the audited consolidated balance sheets as at June 30,
2004, and 2003 and the consolidated statements of operations and deficit and the
consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended June 30, 2004 and
2003.
Other than as described herein, Trivalence is not involved in any legal or
arbitration proceedings, which may have, or have had in the recent past,
significant effects on Trivalence's financial position or profitability. The
Company is defending two claims with respect to its operations in South Africa.
The total amount of the claims is approximately $150,000. Management believes
there is no merit to these claims and no provision for this amount has been made
in the financial statements.
Trivalence is not aware of any material proceeding in which any director, any
member of senior management or any of Trivalence's affiliates is a party adverse
to Trivalence or has a material interest adverse to Trivalence.
No dividends have been paid on any common shares of Trivalence. Trivalence
intends to retain its earnings for use in the business and does not expect to
pay dividends on its common shares in the foreseeable future.
B.
Significant Changes
During the year ended June 20, 2004, the Company adopted two significant
accounting changes, as disclosed in the Consolidated Financial Report attached
to this report, those being with respect to Asset Retirement Obligations [see
Note 21(f) ], and Stock-based Compensation [see Notes 3 and 21(d) ].
35
ITEM 9
THE OFFER AND LISTING
A.
Offer and Listing Details
This item is not applicable.
B.
Plan of Distribution
This item is not applicable.
C.
Markets
The Company's Common Stock is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the
symbol TMI, and on the OTCBB under the symbol TMIGF in the United States. The
following table sets forth the high and low market prices of the common shares
on the TSXV, (its predecessor, The CDNX Venture Exchange) and OTCBB for the
periods indicated.
Fiscal Period High (CAD$) Low (CAD$)
TSX
Years Ended:
June 30, 2001
1.75
0.90
June 30, 2002
0.95
0.26
June 30, 2003
0.49
0.49
June 30, 2004
1.05
0.50
2004/2005
1st Quarter
0.90
0.55
2003/2004
First Quarter
0.70
0.50
Second Quarter
1.05
0.60
Third Quarter
0.85
0.70
Fourth Quarter
1.00
0.60
2002/2003
First Quarter
0.50
0.30
Second Quarter
0.45
0.25
Third Quarter
0.65
0.41
Fourth Quarter
1.15
0.60
Month Ended
October 31, 2004
0.70
0.55
September 30, 2004
0.75
0.55
August 31, 2004
0.85
0.70
July 30, 2004
0.90
0.66
36
Fiscal Period High (US$) Low (US$)
OTCBB
Years Ended:
June 30, 2001
1.25
0.62
June 30, 2002
0.66
0.17
June 30, 2003
0.30
0.30
June 30, 2004
0.73
0.30
2004/2005
First Quarter
0.69
0.69
2003/2004
First Quarter
0.50
0.30
Second Quarter
0.73
0.36
Third Quarter
0.69
0.36
Fourth Quarter
0.65
0.37
2002/2003
First Quarter
0.35
0.16
Second Quarter
0.24
0.15
Third Quarter
0.48
0.22
Fourth Quarter
0.65
0.38
Month Ended
October 31, 2004
0.47
0.46
September 30, 2004
0.69
0.69
August 31, 2004
0.69
0.69
July 31, 2004
0.69
0.69
D.
Selling Shareholders
This item is not applicable.
E.
Dilution
This item is not applicable.
F.
Expenses of the Issue
This item is not applicable.
37
ITEM 10
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A.
Share Capital
This item is not applicable.
B.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
1.
Trivalence Mining Corporation, a British Columbia, Canada corporation (the
Registrant or Trivalence) was incorporated on September 18, 1984 under the
British Columbia "Company Act" (the Company Act) by registration of its
Memorandum and Articles under the name Pink Jade Ventures Inc. On January 28,
1987 the Registrant changed its name to Bullion Range Exploration Corp. On
August 9, 1991 the name was changed to Maximusic North America Corporation. On
September 18, 1991 the name was changed to Maximusic North American Corporation.
On March 1, 1995 the name was changed to Trivalence Mining Corporation. The
Registrant's Memorandum and Articles do not provide for any specific objects or
purposes or place any limitations on the Registrant's objects or purposes or
place any limitations on the Registrant's objects or purposes.
2.
Set forth below is a summary of provisions contained in the Registrant's
Articles with respect to:
(a)
Director's power to vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which the
director is materially interested:
A director who is in any way directly or indirectly interested in an existing or
proposed contract or transaction. Subject to the provisions of the company Act,
this prohibition does not apply to (1) any contract or transaction or
transaction relating to a loan to the Registrant which has been guaranteed by
the director or a corporation or firm in which the director has an interest;
(ii) any contract or transaction made or to be made which or for the benefit of
a holding corporation or a subsidiary corporation of which the director is a
director; (iii) any contract by the director to subscribe for or underwrite
shares or debentures to be issued by the Registrant or a subsidiary of the
Registrant; (iv) any contract, arrangement or transaction in which the director
is interested if all the other directors are also interested; (v) determining
the remuneration of the directors; (vi) purchasing and maintaining insurance to
cover directors against liability incurred by them as directors; or (vii) the
indemnification of any director by the Registrant.
(b)
Directors' power, in the absence of an independent quorum, to vote compensation
to themselves or any members of their body:
There is no restriction in the Registrant's articles with respect to the power
of the directors to vote compensation to themselves or any members of their
body.
(c)
Borrowing powers exercisable by the directors and how much such borrowing can be
varied:
The directors have the power from time to time on behalf of the Registrant to
(i) borrow money in such manner and amount, on such security, from such sources
and upon such terms and conditions as they think fit; (ii) issue bonds,
debentures and other debt obligations either outright or as security for any
liability or obligation or the Registrant or any other person; and (iii)
mortgage, charge and give other security over the property and assets of the
Registrant, both present and future. The directors from time to time upon such
terms and conditions may vary any borrowing approved by the directors, as they
think fit.
(d)
Retirement or non-retirement of directors under an age limit requirement:
The directors are not required to retire upon reaching a specific age.
(e)
Number of shares, if any, required for director's qualification:
38
None
3.
All Common Shares of the Registrant rank equally as to dividends, voting rights,
rights to share in profits, participation in any surplus in the event of
liquidation and in all other respects. Each share carries one vote at meetings
of the shareholders of the Registrant. There are no indentures or agreements
limiting the payment of dividends and there are no conversion rights, redemption
rights, special liquidation rights, pre-emptive rights or subscription rights
attached to the Common Shares. The shares presently issued are not subject to
any calls or assessments.
4.
The rights of the Common Shares may not be modified other than by special
resolution, being a resolution approved by ¾ of the Common Shares voting on such
modification. Because a quorum for a general meeting of shareholders can exist
with two persons present holding or representing not less than 5% of the Common
Shares entitled to be voted, the rights of the holders of Common Shares may be
modified by the votes of less than a majority of the Issued Common shares of the
Registrant.
Under the Company Act, where a special resolution to modify the rights of the
holders of Common Shares has been passed, the holders of not less than 10% of
the Common Shares who are entitled to vote and did vote against the special
resolution (in person or by proxy), may apply to the Supreme Court of British
Columbia to set aside the resolution.
Shareholders may apply to the Supreme Court of British Columbia for various
remedies on the grounds that the affairs of the Registrant are being conducted
or the powers of the directors are being exercised in a manner oppressive to one
or more of the shareholders or that some act of the Registrant has been done or
is threatened or that some resolution of shareholders has been passed or is
proposed that is unfairly prejudicial to one or more shareholders. That Court
may, with a view to bringing it to an end or to remedying the matters complained
of, make an interim of final order if it considers appropriate, including the
following:
a.
direct or prohibit any act or cancel or vary any transaction or resolution;
b.
regulate the conduct of the Registrant's affairs in the future;
c.
provide for the purchase of the Common Shares of any member of the Registrant by
another member of the Registrant, or by the Registrant;
d.
in the case of a purchase by the Registrant, reduce the Registrant's capital or
otherwise;
e.
appoint a receiver or receiver manager;
f.
order that the Registrant by wound up;
g.
authorize or direct that proceedings be commenced in the name of the Registrant
against any party on the terms the Court directs;
h.
require the Registrant to produce financial statements;
i.
order the Registrant to compensate an aggrieved person; and
j.
direct rectification of any record of the Registrant.
There are no restrictions on the purchase or redemption of Common Shares by the
Registrant while there are any arrears in the payment of dividends or sinking
fund installments.
5.
Subject to any extensions permitted pursuant to the company Act, an annual
general meeting is to be held once in every calendar year at such time (not
being more than 13 months after the holding of the last annual