UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020

 

OR

 

[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from              to

 

 

 

Commission file number: 001-08266

 

 

U.S. GOLD CORP

 

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Nevada   22-1831409

(State of other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

     
1910 East Idaho Street, Suite 102-Box 604    
Elko, NV   89801
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(800) 557-4550

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

 

 

 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

 

Title of Each Class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value   USAU   NASDAQ Capital Market

 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. [X]

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [  ]

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes [X] No [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer [  ]   Accelerated filer [  ]
Non-accelerated filer [X]  

Smaller reporting company [X]

Emerging Growth Company [  ]

 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [  ]

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. [  ]

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

 

 

As of October 31, 2019, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting shares of common stock of the registrant issued and outstanding on such date, excluding shares held by affiliates of the registrant as a group, was $17,082,567. This figure is based on the closing sale price of $7.96 per share of the Registrant’s common stock on October 31, 2019.

 

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of July 13, 2020: 2,919,867

 

 

 

   

 

 

U.S. GOLD CORP

INDEX

 

      Page
Part I      
       
  Item 1. Business 4
  Item 1A. Risk Factors 29
  Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 43
  Item 2. Properties 43
  Item 3. Legal Proceedings 44
  Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 44
       
Part II      
       
  Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 45
  Item 6. Selected Financial Data 45
  Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 45
  Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 51
  Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 52
  Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 53
  Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 53
  Item 9B. Other Information 54
       
Part III      
       
  Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance 55
  Item 11. Executive Compensation 62
  Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 65
  Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence 66
  Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 67
       
Part IV      
       
  Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 68
       
Signatures   71

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Some information contained in or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements concern our anticipated results and developments in our operations in future periods, planned exploration and development of our properties, plans related to our business and other matters that may occur in the future. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. These statements include, but are not limited to, comments regarding:

 

  our plans to conduct geologic surveys and determine the scope of our drilling program during our fiscal year ended April 30, 2021,
  the impact of COVID-19 on our business and exploration activities,
  our ability to maintain compliance with the NASDAQ Capital Market’s (the “NASDAQ”) listing standards,
  the conclusions of additional exploration programs and related studies,
  expectations and the timing and budget for exploration and future exploration of our properties,
  our planned expenditures during our fiscal year ended April 30, 2021 and future periods,
  our estimates of the cost of future permitting changes and additional bonding requirements,
  future exploration plans and expectations related to our properties,
  our ability to fund our business with our current cash reserves based on our currently planned activities,
  our expected cash needs and the availability and plans with respect to future financing,
  statements concerning our financial condition,
  our anticipation of future environmental and regulatory impacts,
  our business and operating strategies, and
  statements related to operating and legal risks.

 

We use the words “anticipate,” “continue,” “likely,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “project,” “should,” “believe” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Statements that contain these words discuss our future expectations and plans, or state other forward-looking information. Although we believe the expectations and assumptions reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that these expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct. Our actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors described in the Risk Factors in Item 1A of this Annual Report.

 

Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known to us. Consequently, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in or anticipated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences in results and outcomes include, without limitation, those specifically addressed under the heading “Risk Factors” below, as well as those discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should not unduly rely on any of our forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except as required by law, we are not obligated to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us and persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this section and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Descriptions of agreements or other documents contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are intended as summaries and are not necessarily complete. Please refer to the agreements or other documents filed or incorporated herein by reference as exhibits. Please see the exhibit index at the end of this report for a complete list of those exhibits.

 

We are required to comply with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Industry Guide 7 under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), with respect to disclosures related to our mineral properties. The terms “mineralized material”, “mineralization” or similar terms as used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K do not indicate “reserves” by SEC Industry Guide 7 standards. We cannot be certain that any part of mineralized material or mineralization will ever be confirmed or converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant “reserves”. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the mineralized material will ever be confirmed or converted into reserves or that mineralized material can be economically or legally extracted.

 

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PART I

 

Item 1. BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

U.S. Gold Corp., formerly known as Dataram Corporation (the “Company”), was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada and was originally incorporated in the State of New Jersey in 1967. Effective June 26, 2017, the Company changed its legal name to U.S. Gold Corp. from Dataram Corporation. On May 23, 2017, the Company merged with Gold King Corp. (“Gold King”), in a transaction treated as a reverse acquisition and recapitalization, and the business of Gold King became the business of the Company. We are a gold and precious metals exploration company pursuing exploration opportunities primarily in Nevada and Wyoming.

 

We are an exploration company that owns certain mining leases and other mineral rights comprising the Copper King Project in Wyoming and the Keystone, Gold Bar North and Maggie Creek Projects in Nevada. None of our properties contain any proven and probable reserves under SEC Industry Guide 7, and all of our activities on all of our properties are exploratory in nature.

 

Effective as of 5:00 pm Eastern Time on March 19, 2020, the Company filed an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a ratio of one share for ten shares. All share and per share information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split.

 

Recent Developments

 

COVID-19 Developments

 

In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China and has reached multiple other countries, resulting in government-imposed quarantines, travel restrictions and other public health safety measures in China and other countries. On March 12, 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant financial market volatility and uncertainty in recent months. A continuation or worsening of the levels of market disruption and volatility seen in the recent past could have an adverse effect on the Company’s ability to access capital, on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition, and on the market price of its common stock.

 

The Company, or its people, investors, contractors or stakeholders, has been prevented from free cross-border travel or normal attendance to activities in conducting its business at trade shows, presentations, meetings or other activities meant to promote or execute its business strategy and transactions. The Company has been prevented from receiving goods or services from contractors. Decisions beyond the Company’s control, such as canceled events, restricted travel, barriers to entry or other factors have affected or may affect its ability to accomplish drilling programs, technical analysis of completed exploration actions, equity raising activities, and other needs that would normally be accomplished without such limitations. Furthermore, the Company’s exploration activities rely heavily on outside contracts. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions in travel and accessing our exploration properties with contractors. There can be no assurance travel and property access will resume in the near future.

 

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has made and continues to make indeterminable adverse effects on general commercial activity and the world economy, and the Company’s business and results of operations could be adversely affected to the extent that COVID-19 or any other epidemic harms the global economy generally.

 

The Company does not yet know the full extent of potential delays or impact on its business, its relationship with its business partners, or the global economy as a whole. However, any one or a combination of these events could have an adverse effect on the Company’s other business operations.

 

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Corporate Organization Chart

 

The name, place of incorporation, continuance or organization and percent of equity securities that we own or control as of July 13, 2020 for each of our subsidiaries is set out below.

 

 

Corporate Address

 

The current address, telephone number of our offices are:

 

U.S. Gold Corp.

1910 E. Idaho Street, Suite 102-Box 604

Elko, NV 89801

(800) 557-4550

 

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We make available, free of charge, on or through our website, at https://www.usgoldcorp.gold, our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and other information. Our website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be, and are not, incorporated into this annual report on Form 10-K. The SEC maintains an Internet website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

 

Employees

 

As of April 30, 2020, we had 3 full-time employees and no part-time employees. In addition, we use consultants with specific skills to assist with various aspects of our project evaluation, due diligence, corporate governance and property management.

 

OUR MINERAL PROPERTIES AND PROJECTS

 

Copper King Project, Wyoming

 

The Copper King Project (the “Copper King Project”) consists of certain mining leases and other mineral rights comprising the Copper King gold and copper exploration project located in the Silver Crown Mining District of southeast Wyoming.

 

Location and Access

 

The Copper King Project is located in southeastern Wyoming, approximately 32km west of the city of Cheyenne, on the southeastern margin of the Laramie Range. The property covers about five square kilometers that include the S½ Section 25, NE¼ Section 35, and all of Section 36, T.14N., R.70W., Sixth Principal Meridian. Access to within 1.5km of the property is provided by paved and maintained gravel roads. An easement agreement providing access for exploration and other minimal impact activities has been negotiated with Ferguson Ranch Inc. on the S½ Section 25, T14N, R70W, and the W½ Section 30, T14N, R69W. The fee for this easement is $10,000 per year, renewable each year prior to July 11.

 

The Copper King property covers 453 contiguous hectares (approximately five square kilometers) that include the S½ of Section 25, NE¼ Section 35, and all of Section 36, T.14N., R.70W. The project is entirely located on land owned and administered by the State of Wyoming. There are no federal lands within or adjoining the Copper King land position. Curt Gowdy State Park lies northwest of the property, partially within Section 26. The state park’s southeastern boundary is approximately 300m northwest of the property and approximately 900m northwest of the mineralized area. The Copper King property position consists of two State of Wyoming Metallic and Non-metallic Rocks and Minerals Mining Leases.

 

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Figure 1 – Copper King Project Location and Boundaries

 

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Rights to the Copper King Project

 

Our rights to the Copper King Project arise under two State of Wyoming mineral leases:

 

1) State of Wyoming Mining Lease No. 0-40828

 

Township 14 North, Range 70 West, 6th P.M., Laramie County, Wyoming:

 

Section 36: All

 

2) State of Wyoming Mining Lease No. 0-40858

 

Township 14 North, Range 70 West, 6th P.M., Laramie County, Wyoming:

 

Section 25: S/2

Section 35: NE/4

 

Ownership of the mineral rights remains in the possession of the State of Wyoming as conveyed to the State by the United States, evidenced by 1942 patents for Section 36, and 1989 Order confirming title to Section 25 and 35. The State of Wyoming issued Mineral Leases for the mineral rights to Wyoming Gold Mining Company, Inc. (“Wyoming Gold”) in 2013 and 2014.

 

Lease 0-40828 was renewed by Wyoming Gold in February 2013 for a second ten-year term and Lease 0-40858 was renewed by Wyoming Gold for its second ten-year term in February 2014. Each lease requires an annual payment of $2.00 per acre. These leases were assigned to us on June 23, 2014.

 

The following production royalties must be paid to the State of Wyoming, although once the project is in operation, the Board of Land Commissioners has the authority to reduce the royalty payable to the State:

 

FOB Mine Value per Ton  Percentage Royalty 
$00.00 to $50.00   5%
$50.01 to $100.00   7%
$100.01 to $150.00   9%
$150.01 and up   10%

 

History of Prior Operations and Exploration on the Copper King Project

 

Limited exploration and mining were conducted on the Copper King property in the late 1880s and early 1900s. Approximately 300 tons of material was reported to have been produced from a now inaccessible 160-foot-deep shaft with two levels of cross-cuts. A few small adits and prospect pits with no significant production are scattered throughout the property.

 

Since 1938, at least nine historic (pre-Strathmore Minerals Corp.) drilling campaigns by at least seven companies plus the U.S. Bureau of Mines have been conducted at Copper King. The current project database contains 91 drill holes totaling 37,500 feet that were drilled before Wyoming Gold acquired the property. All but six of the drill holes are within the current resource area. Other work conducted at Copper King by previous companies has included ground and aeromagnetic surveys as well as induced polarization surveys along with geochemical sampling, geologic mapping, and a number of metallurgical studies.

 

Wyoming Gold conducted an exploration drill program in 2007 and 2008. Thirty-five diamond core drill holes were completed for a total of 25,500 feet. The exploration permit, 360DN, has been terminated and the bond released. The focus of that work was to confirm and potentially expand the mineralized body outlined in the previous drill campaigns, increase the geologic and geochemical database leading to the creation of the current geologic model and mineralization estimate, and to provide material for further metallurgical testing. The Copper King historic assay database for some 120 holes contains 8,357 gold assays and 8,225 copper assays. At least 10 different organizations or individuals conducted metallurgical studies on the gold-copper mineralization at the request of prior operators between 1973 and 2009. It was concluded that the process with the highest potential to yield good extractions of gold and copper would likely be flotation, followed by cyanidation of the flotation tailings. Core is stored in two public storage facilities; one is AAA in Cheyenne, Wyoming and the other is Absaroka in Dubois, Wyoming.

 

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Geological Summary of the Copper King Project

 

The Copper King Project is underlain by Proterozoic rocks that make up the southern end of the Precambrian core of the Laramie Range. Metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks of amphibolite-grade metamorphism are intruded by the 1.4-billion-year-old Sherman Granite and related felsic rocks. Within the project area, foliated granodiorite is intruded by aplitic quartz monzonite dikes, thin mafic dikes and younger pegmatite dikes. Shear zones with cataclastic foliation striking N60°E to N60°W are found in the southern part of the Silver Crown district, including at Copper King. The granodiorite typically shows potassium enrichment, particularly near contacts with quartz monzonite. Copper and gold mineralization occur primarily in unfoliated to mylonitic granodiorite. The mineralization is associated with a N60°W-trending shear zone and disseminated and stockwork gold-copper deposits in the intrusive rocks. Some authors have categorized it as a Proterozoic porphyry gold-copper deposit. Hydrothermal alteration is overprinted on retrograde greenschist alteration and includes a central zone of silicification, followed outward by a narrow potassic zone, surrounded by propylitic alteration. Higher-grade mineralization occurs within a central core of thin quartz veining and stockwork mineralization that is surrounded by a zone of lower-grade disseminated mineralization. Disseminated sulfides and native copper with stockwork malachite and chrysocolla are present at the surface, and chalcopyrite, pyrite, minor bornite, primary chalcocite, pyrrhotite, and native copper are present at depth. Gold occurs as free gold.

 

The Copper King exploration property contains oxide, mixed oxide-sulfide, and sulfide rock types. At the stated cutoff grade 0.015oz AuEq/ton, approximately 80% of the resource is sulfide material with the remaining 20% split evenly between the oxide and mixed rock types. There is consistent distribution of gold and copper, albeit generally low-grade, throughout this potential open-pit type deposit.

 

U.S Gold Corp. Copper King Exploration Activities

 

In 2017, we performed two geophysical surveys at Copper King. A district-wide ground magnetic survey was completed in June 2017 and an induced polarization study was completed in October 2017. In addition, a complete compilation of the historic drilling database was done. The compilation was critical to verifying the northwest extension target. After the detailed geophysical studies were completed and interpreted, we developed exploration drill targets. The exploration drill program was completed in the fall of 2017.

 

Preliminary Economic Assessment – Copper King Property, WY

 

A Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) for the historic Copper King deposit was updated by Mine Development Associates (MDA) and reported January 11, 2018. This PEA was prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) – CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the “CIM Definition Standards”), which differ from SEC Industry Guide 7. This PEA is preliminary in nature and should not be considered to be a pre-feasibility or feasibility study, as the economic and technical viability of the Copper King Project have not been demonstrated at this time. Therefore, there can be no certainty that the estimates contained in the PEA will be realized. None of our properties contain any proven and probable reserves under SEC Industry Guide 7, and all of our activities on all of our properties are exploratory in nature.

 

2017 Drill Results – Copper King Property, WY

 

On January 30, 2018, we announced the results of our 2017 exploration drill program at Copper King. Hole CK17-01rc was a western step out hole from the historic deposit. The hole encountered mineralization of gold, copper, silver and zinc. Permitting and bonding for drilling at Copper King through a “Notification of Intent to Explore for Noncoal Minerals” was approved by the State of Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Assay results and interval thicknesses obtained in CK17-01rc were similar in value and character to assay intervals encountered in the Copper King deposit “main zone.” Assay results and characteristics of mineralization in this hole indicated the presence of a heretofore previously undiscovered zone of significant mineralization on the Copper King project.

 

2018 Drill Results – Copper King Property, WY

 

In October 2018, we announced the results of our 2018 eight-hole reverse circulation exploration drill program at Copper King. The eight holes indicated that the Copper King mineralization extended to the west, at least 200 meters, and maintains the historically measured and reported widths and depth to the deposit.

 

Drill Hole Analysis at Copper King Property, WY

 

On February 21, 2019, we announced that Datamine of Denver, CO, completed a comprehensive drill hole analysis of our Copper King gold-copper-silver-zinc deposit. Datamine included all of the historic drilling database and the step-out drill programs conducted by us in 2017 and 2018.

 

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The Datamine study was designed to:

 

  Organize the entire drill hole database for three-dimensional modeling purposes to include all the potential economic metals, not just gold and copper as previously modeled;
  Provide detailed statistical analyses for informative and strategic interpretations;
  Provide wireframe, closed, shapes and grade shells for the deposit; and
  Provide indications, if any, for locations of additional discovery.

 

The Datamine updated exploration model that indicates that the deposit potentially remains open to the southwest and also to the southeast and appears to have a curved configuration as opposed to a more confined, previous west-northwestward tabular configuration. The Datamine exploration model also illustrates various isoshells for gold, copper, silver and zinc.

 

We plan to use this new digital exploration model to assist with a future potential exploration drilling program that we believe could provide an opportunity to discover additional prospective ore extensions. We also plan to further explore for and characterize the high-grade target zones of mineralization within the deposit. We have reviewed the conclusions from the Datamine exploration model and have developed additional exploration programs based upon the results. We are also re-examining all existing regional exploration data for the purpose of identifying additional new target opportunities in the vicinity of Copper King.

 

For fiscal 2020, the majority of our efforts focused on advancing the Copper King project further towards an eventual production decision. This work of advancement will continue in our fiscal 2021. Multiple outside contractors are being consulted with for additional metallurgical, environmental, baseline and hydrological studies.

 

On March 24, 2020 U.S. Gold Corp. announced that it had internally updated the economics of the Copper King deposit to reflect the recent rise in gold prices. Mine Development Associates’ (MDA) Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), dated December 5, 2017 which was based upon $1275 gold and $2.80 copper prices.

 

Gold prices have risen substantially since the Copper King PEA was published. U.S. Gold Corp. used $1600 gold and $2.80 copper for its internally updated economic calculation, which was completed in early March 2020. Highlights of the updated internal calculations show:

 

Investment Highlights based on the PEA

 

Cautionary Statement: The preparation of a PEA of necessity involves estimates of many variables, such as precious metal and commodity prices, extraction and production costs, discount rates, inflation rates, assay rates, and many others. By their very nature, the results of a PEA are inherently estimations themselves. Due to the number of estimates involved, and the resulting estimations of the PEA, we cannot assure that the numbers presented below would represent actual results.

 

At $1,600 per ounce of gold and $2.80 per pound of copper, based on preliminary data, Copper King is projected to generate Pre-Tax Cash Flow of $510.54 million
   
The Net Present Value (NPV), based on preliminary data, at a 5% discount rate, is projected to be $321.6 million
   
The Pre-Tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) based on preliminary data, is projected to be 52%
   
At $1,600 per ounce of gold, Copper King deposit economics are 80% gold and 20% copper

 

Copper King Quality Control Procedures for Drilling, Sampling and Assaying

 

The Copper King PEA outlines the drilling procedures; sample preparation, analysis and security; and data verification for historic drilling at Copper King. MDA concludes that “data verification procedures support the geological interpretations and confirm the database quality. Therefore, the Copper King database is adequate for estimating a potential mineral resource.” We continue to apply industry standard practices for drilling and sampling at Copper King.

 

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Specifically, drilling carried out in 2017 and 2018 by AK Drilling of Butte, Montana using a reverse circulation (“RC”) drill rig, followed industry standards. RC cuttings were run through a rotary splitter on the drill as drilling advanced, which is industry standard, and a representative sample collected from the discharge point of the splitter. Chip samples were bagged and labeled by the drillers and then shipped to Bureau Veritas Mineral Laboratories (“BV Labs”) in Sparks, NV for analysis. BV Labs crushed, split and pulverized 250g of rock to 200 mesh and fire assayed the samples. Assay certificates were received, analyzed, summarized and reported by our geologic team. As standard practice, certified blanks and standards were inserted into the sample stream at the lab on regular intervals, by us and BV Labs. As assay results were received the analyzed assay values for given blanks or standards were visually compared to the expected assay values, and if they fell within the expected range of deviation as provided by the blank-standard provider, they were considered “passed” and the assay results can be relied upon. If the analyzed results did not fall within the expected range of deviation, the blank or standard was considered “failed” and BV Labs was asked to re-run the blank or standard for gold fire-assay, along with the preceding two drill hole samples and the two proceeding the failed blank or standard. When re-run assay results were received, they were compared with the original results and deemed acceptable or not. All results to date have met our acceptability using the above-mentioned protocols.

 

Keystone Project, Cortez Trend, Nevada

 

Location

 

The Keystone Project consists of 650 unpatented lode mining claims situated in Eureka County, Nevada. The claims making up the Keystone Project are situated in Eureka County, Nevada in Sections 2-4 and 9-11, Township 23 North, Range 48 East, and Sections 22-28, and 33-36 Township 24 North, all Range 48 East of the Mount Diablo Meridian.

 

 

Figure 2 – Location of Keystone Project and Major Gold Trends in Nevada

 

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Figure 3 – Keystone Project Claim Boundaries

 

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The Keystone Project is accessible via dirt roads. Navigation through the interior of the project is by off-road vehicle.

 

Title and Ownership for Keystone Project

 

The Keystone Project consists of unpatented mining claims located on federal land administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”). An annual maintenance fee of $165.00 per claim per year must be paid to the Nevada BLM by September 1 of each year, and failure to make the payment on time renders the claims void.

 

In addition, the State of Nevada requires the claimant to file an Affidavit and Notice of Intent to Hold in the appropriate county by November 1 of each year. However, the failure to timely record an Affidavit does not affect a forfeiture of the claims, as does the failure to pay the federal claim maintenance fees by September 1. Instead, in the event of a conflict with a junior locator, the senior claimant must prove his intent to maintain the claims. This can generally be accomplished by producing a receipt showing payment of the federal claim maintenance fees to the BLM.

 

The federal claim maintenance fees are prospective and are paid for the ensuing assessment year. For example, payments made in August 2019 relate to the 2019-2020 assessment year running from September 1, 2019 to September 1, 2020. By comparison, the Nevada filings are retrospective, describing the assessment year just ended or about to end.

 

Congress has extended the claim maintenance requirements indefinitely. It will therefore be necessary for us to perform the following acts in order to maintain the claims in 2019-2020 and each year thereafter: (1) on or before September 1 of each year, we must pay a maintenance fee of $165.00 per claim to the Nevada BLM, and (2) on or before November 1 of each year we must record an Affidavit and Notice of Intent to Hold in Eureka County.

 

We acquired the mining claims comprising the Keystone Project on May 27, 2016 from Nevada Gold Ventures, LLC and Americas Gold Exploration, Inc. (“Americas Gold”). Some of the Keystone claims are subject to pre-existing net smelter royalty (“NSR”) obligations. In addition, Nevada Gold Ventures, LLC retained additional NSR rights of 0.5% with regard to certain claims and 3.5% with regard to certain other claims. The unpatented mining claims comprising the Keystone Project, with applicable NSR obligations, are as follows:

 

  1. Acquired 100% from Americas Gold; subject to a one percent (1%) NSR held by Wolfpack Gold Nevada Corp.; a two percent (2.0%) NSR with respect to precious metals and one percent (1.0%) NSR with respect to all other metals and minerals held by Orion Royalty Company, LLC; and a one-half percent (0.5%) NSR to Nevada Gold Ventures, LLC.

 

27 unpatented lode mining claims situated in Eureka County, Nevada, in Sections 33 and 34, Township 24 North, Range 48 East, and Sections 3, 4, 9, and 10, Township 23 North, Range 48 East, Mount Diablo Base Line and Meridian.

 

  2. Acquired 100% from Americas Gold; subject to a three and one-half percent (3.5%) NSR to Nevada Gold Ventures, LLC

 

13 unpatented lode mining claims situated in Eureka County, Nevada, in Sections 27, 28 and 35, Township 24 North, Range 48 East, and Sections 2 and 3, Township 23 North, Range 48 East, Mount Diablo Base Line and Meridian.

 

  3. Acquired 100% from Nevada Gold Ventures, LLC; subject to a three and one-half percent (3.5%) NSR to Nevada Gold Ventures, LLC

 

28 unpatented lode mining claims situated in Eureka County, Nevada, in Sections 2 & 11, Township 23 North, Range 48 East, Mount Diablo Base Line and Meridian.

 

  4. Acquired 50% from Nevada Gold Ventures, LLC, 50% from Americas Gold, subject to a three and one-half percent (3.5%) NSR to Nevada Gold Ventures, LLC

 

216 unpatented lode mining claims, alphabetically ordered, situated in Eureka County, Nevada, in Sections 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 33, 34, 35 & 36, Township 24 North, Range 48 East, Mount Diablo Base Line and Meridian.

 

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Under the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, we may buy down 1% of the NSR owed to Nevada Gold Ventures LLC at any time through the fifth anniversary of the closing date for $2,000,000. In addition, we may buy down an additional 1% of the NSR owed to Nevada Gold Ventures, LLC anytime through the eighth anniversary of the closing date for $5,000,000. At April 30, 2020, we have not bought down any portion of the NSR. The decision to make a buy down payment would be driven by our progress in identifying an economic mineral resource, coupled with financial factors, such as available cash or an expressed interest by larger producing companies to enter into joint ventures or development arrangements. We are not in a position to make such a buy down payment at this time.

 

History of Prior Operations and Exploration on the Keystone Project

 

No comprehensive, modern-era, model-driven exploration has ever been conducted on the Keystone Project. Newmont drilled 6 holes in the old base metal and silver Keystone mine area in 1967 and encountered low grade (+/- 0.02 opt) gold intercepts. Chevron staked the property in 1981-1983 and drilled 27 shallow drill holes, continued by an agreement with USMX that drilled an additional 19 shallow holes; significant amounts of low grade and anomalous gold were intersected, but results were considered uneconomic, and the project was dropped. In 1988 and 1989, Phelps Dodge acquired a southern portion of the district and drilled 6 holes, one of which contained gold mineralization in its total depth, and was subsequently deepened in 1990 resulting in over 200’ of low-grade gold mineralization. About this time Coral Resources acquired a northern portion of the property and drilled 21 shallow holes to follow-up previous drill intercepts. 1995-1997, Golden Glacier, a junior company, acquired the north end of the district, and Uranerz a portion of the southern area; 6 holes were drilled in the north and only 2 holes in the south, respectively. The entire district was dropped by all parties.

 

In 2004, with the discovery of Cortez Hills and escalating gold prices, Nevada Pacific Gold, Great American Minerals (Don McDowell), and Tone Resources (Dave Mathewson) competed in claim staking the entire district. Subsequently, Don McDowell, founder of Great American Minerals approached Placer Dome (prior to Barrick acquisition) who discovered Pipeline and Cortez Hills, and who correctly recognized the Keystone district potential. Placer Dome entered into separate joint venture agreements with Nevada Pacific and Great American. The following year Barrick Gold bought Placer Dome and dropped all Placer Dome’s Nevada exploration projects and joint ventures, including Keystone. In 2006, Nevada Pacific and Tone were purchased by McEwen Mining. McEwen Mining, drilled 35 holes mostly near the north end of the district; targeting the range front pediment and the historic Keystone Mine. McEwen Mining dropped their Keystone claims and quit claimed them to Dave Mathewson and NV Gold Ventures. NV Gold Ventures and American Gold staked their own additional claims in the district. This expanded group of claims was acquired in the original Keystone Purchase Agreement. We have staked additional claims in the district, such as Potato Canyon, since acquiring the project.

 

Geological Potential of the Keystone Project

 

To date, a technical report has not been prepared on the Keystone Project. Keystone is positioned on the prolific Cortez gold trend, one of the world’s leading gold producing regions. The Keystone Project is centered on a granitic intrusion that warped the local Paleozoic stratigraphy into a dome, allowing for exposure of highly favorable Devonian, Carboniferous (Mississippian-Pennsylvania) and Permo-Triassic rocks including key likely host rocks for mineralization, the silty carbonate strata of the Horse Creek Formation and the Wenban limestone, as well as possible sandy clastic units of the Diamond Peak Formation. The Horse Canyon and Wenban rocks are the primary host rocks at the nearby Cortez Hills Mine and Gold Rush deposit currently operated by Barrick Gold.

 

Keystone Exploration Activities for the twelve months ended April 30, 2020

 

We engage in exploration activities throughout each fiscal period to advance our mineral properties.

 

Keystone Plan of Operations (POO) Approval and Fall 2018 Drill program

 

On September 7, 2018 the U.S. Federal Government’s Department of the Interior, BLM approved the previously filed Environmental Assessment (EA) and Plan of Operations (POO) for our Keystone Project on Nevada’s Cortez Gold Trend. The POO was subject to additional oversight and approval from the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (NDEP), which was received at the end of October 2018. Exploration related disturbance and reclamation bonding is possible in multiple phases of up to 50 acres each up to a total of 200 acres. On October 10, 2018, we received a letter from the BLM giving notice to proceed with our previously filed 2018 exploration plan. In September 2018, we advanced an additional reclamation bond payment of $319,553 for the first 50-acre disturbance. Total reclamation bond balance on the Keystone project total $355,347. After receiving all final permits and sign offs for road work, drill pad and surface disturbance, in November 2018, we commenced our Autumn 2018 drilling program at Keystone.

 

Master of Science Thesis – Keystone Property, NV

 

Gabriel E. Aliaga (“Gabriel”) is a Geology major at the University of Nevada, Reno, studying under Dr. Michael W. Ressel. Over the past two years, Gabriel worked on the Keystone project under a sponsorship by us. Gabriel worked directly with Dave Mathewson, our former Vice President of Exploration, and Tom Chapin, Senior Consulting Geologist.

 

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Gabriel completed his Master of Science Thesis in Geology (“Master Thesis”) entitled, “Igneous Geology of the Keystone Window, Simpson Park Mountains, Eureka County, Nevada: Age, Distribution Composition and Relationship to Carline-style Gold Mineralization”, dated December 2018.

 

Gabriel’s Master Thesis focused on the geology of the Keystone project. Before his work there was relatively little quality historical information data generated in the Keystone district. Gabriel’s work increased our overall understanding of the geology and opportunity of the Keystone district and resulted in important understandings of the district geology and age dating of the intrusives and associated hydrothermal gold systems at Keystone. It also provided some valuable timing information and mineral association characterization ranging from skarn mineralization to the broad, pervasive, epithermal-style mineralization.

 

We believe we are exploring a complex early Tertiary gold system comparable in size and character to many of the known large gold systems. The multiple and clustered intrusives and extrusives at Keystone range in composition from intermediate to very siliceous. All of the dates from numerous samples of these intrusive and extrusive rock units are early Tertiary (Eocene) in age and range from about 36 to 34.5Ma (million years ago). Age dating of illite alteration of andesite dikes at Keystone, believed to be associated with a major gold-epithermal event, provided dates of 35.71+/- 0.12Ma, and 35.54+/- 0.06Ma. These Keystone dates compare very closely with reported mineralization-related age dates from the major Cortez Hills gold deposit to the north, ranging from 35.70 +/-0.14 to 35.31 +/-0.37Ma (Arbonies, DG, Creel, KD, and Jackson, ML, 2010, Geological Society of Nevada Symposium Volume p.457).

 

In addition, Keystone has an important and large aeromagnetic expression of about 25sq km; this geophysical anomaly is comparable in size to those of the central and south Carlin and Battle Mountain District aeromagnetic expressions. Our geologists believe the hydrothermal gold system at Keystone is roughly comparable in size to those within the Twin Creeks, Battle Mountain, Carlin Trend, and Cortez Districts.

 

On July 8, 2019, U.S. Gold Corp. announced that two new technical updates for the Keystone Project have been uploaded to their website. An updated Keystone Technical Presentation analysis is a follow up to the previous December 2017 Keystone Technical Presentation.

 

In addition, U.S. Gold Corp. announced it received an updated report from Thomas Chapin. Tom has been U.S. Gold Corp.’s Senior Consulting Geologist and has worked diligently over the last 3 years mapping the entire Keystone district.

 

2019 Drill Program at Keystone Property, NV

 

On June 6, 2019, we announced the commencement of the 2019 drilling program at the Keystone Project. The program was designed to test several drill targets in areas previously inaccessible with a drill because of permitting limitations and follow up on encouraging results from late 2018 drilling. Identification and qualification of these targets has been in progress since the onset of the exploration program almost 4 years ago. This targeting effort has included iterative detailed gravity surveys, detailed geological mapping and associated prospecting, rock sampling and detailed gridded soil surveys, in addition to prior scout hole drilling. 2016-2018 scout-type drill holes, comprised of 34 individual holes drilled from 15 total drill sites, have importantly added to the knowledge of, and geological understandings of the permissive lithologies and favorable stratigraphy of the project. Scout drilling encountered thick sections of permissive host rocks, including Comus, Horse Canyon, Wenban, and Roberts Mountains Formations (similar host rock packages to the sizeable deposits at the north of the Cortez Trend), hosting anomalous to multiple gram gold intervals associated with very anomalous and thick intervals of pathfinder metals. The 2019 drilling program provided a first test to some of the most compelling targets on the Keystone project.

 

On November 12, 2019, U.S. Gold Corp. announced results of its 2019 drilling program and receipt of all the drill-hole assay results from the 20 square mile Keystone project, in Nevada’s Cortez Trend. This program was comprised of six reverse circulation target assessment holes, and one core hole to follow up on the encouraging results from last year in hole Key18-09rc. The seven holes comprise a total of 13,177 feet (4,016 m), testing specific drill targets within four target areas, including the Sophia, Tip Top, Sophia South and Nina Skarn target areas (see the map below).

 

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Five of the seven holes intersected significant gold assays, highlighted by Key19-05rc, the first ever drill-hole test of the Nina Skarn target, a +700m long coincident gold-bismuth-tellurium rock and soil anomaly defined by surface sampling in 2018. Key19-05rc encountered two thick intervals of strong, mostly oxide gold mineralization: 67.06m of 0.194 gpt from 12.2m and 76.2m of 0.224 gpt from 150.9m (see the photo below).

 

 

Of note, anomalous gold mineralization is present throughout the entire thickness of skarn altered Upper and Lower Plate rocks drilled, from surface to 414.5m. Cyanide solubility assays were run on selected intervals and demonstrate as much as 90% of the contained gold is cyanide soluble within one hour, suggesting this style of mineralization is amenable to cyanide extraction. Detailed intercepts for Key19-05rc are given below in Table 1. The entire assay sequence of the hole, including visual metallurgical and cyanide soluble characteristics, is attached below to better illustrate grade continuity (see link below: Figure 4: Key19-05rc Gold Assays and Metallurgical Characteristics), along with a cross section of the drill-hole (see link below: Figure 5: Key19-05rc Cross-section). True thicknesses are unknown at this time.

 

The potential to expand upon mineralization encountered in Key19-05rc along the +700m Nina Skarn anomaly is good, with overall additional potential for 2km strike-length along the Walti stock contact. To the north of Nina Skarn, near the old Keystone mine, rock chip samples of skarn with +27 gpt Au assays are present, and to the south of Key19-05rc, 6m of 1.13 gpt Au was encountered last year in Key18-09rc, hosted in Comus skarn. See the attached figure below, which illustrates these points and surface Au-Bi-Te anomalies relative to Key19-05rc (Figure 6. Gold Skarn Potential Areas of Keystone).

 

Key19-05rc  From (m)  To (m)  Length (m)  Au intercept (gpt)
   12.2  77.7  67.06  0.194
Including  12.2  19.8  9.14  0.333
and  36.6  65.5  30.48  0.273
   150.9  225.6  76.2  0.224
including  150.9  175.3  25.91  0.167
and  182.9  207.3  25.91  0.408
including  187.5  198.1  12.2  0.706

 

Table 1. Key19-05rc Gold Intercepts

 

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Figure 4. Key19-05rc Gold Assays and Metallurgical Characteristics

 

 

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Figure 5. Key19-05rc Cross Section

 

 

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Figure 6. Gold Skarn Potential Areas of Keystone

 

 

Nearly all of the holes drilled in Phase One encountered moderate to thick intervals of anomalous gold with moderate to locally very strongly associated pathfinder metals, within both Carlin-style and skarn style mineralization. Essentially all significant gold intercepts are hosted in one or more of several previously defined prospective Upper Plate and Lower Plate host rock environments, where favorable structures are also present. These host areas include: Lower Valmy-Comus units, along the Roberts Mountains Thrust (Upper Plate-Lower Plate contact), Devonian Horse Canyon-Wenban contact, and Wenban Unit 5. Holes that intersected significant gold assay intervals greater than 0.300 gpt are provided in Table 2 below, along with visual metallurgical characteristics.

 

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Table of Intercepts for 2019 Keystone Core-RC drilling Au >0.300 gpt
Hole No. From ft To ft From m To m Length ft Length m Au opt Ag opt Au gpt Ag gpt Notes
Key19-01c 1317 1321.9 401.4 402.9 4.9 1.5 0.062 - 2.112 - oxide
Key19-02rc 305 315 93.0 96.0 10 3.0 0.015 - 0.530 - mixed
  355 360 108.2 109.7 5 1.5 0.012 - 0.397 - mixed
  735 740 224.0 225.6 5 1.5 0.016 - 0.538 - oxide
  1775 1780 541.0 542.5 5 1.5 0.010 - 0.327 - sulfide
Key19-03rc 300 305 91.4 93.0 5 1.5 0.041 - 1.411 - oxide
within 300 315 91.4 96.0 15 4.6 0.028 - 0.954 - oxide
  825 830 251.5 253.0 5 1.5 0.017 - 0.576 - sulfide
Key19-05rc 40 45 12.2 13.7 5 1.5 0.040 - 1.361 - oxide
  120 125 36.6 38.1 5 1.5 0.011 - 0.392 - oxide
  135 140 41.1 42.7 5 1.5 0.010 - 0.336 - oxide
  155 175 47.2 53.3 20 6.1 0.013 - 0.456 - oxide
  195 205 59.4 62.5 10 3.0 0.012 - 0.412 - sulfide
  565 570 172.2 173.7 5 1.5 0.009 - 0.316 - oxide
  615 655 187.5 199.6 40 12.2 0.021 - 0.706 - oxide
  730 735 222.5 224.0 5 1.5 0.023 - 0.773 - oxide
  1090 1095 332.2 333.8 5 1.5 0.023 - 0.780 - oxide
  1200 1205 365.8 367.3 5 1.5 0.010 - 0.347 - oxide
Key19-06rc 1395 1400 425.2 426.7 5 1.5 0.010 - 0.327 - sulfide
  1410 1415 429.8 431.3 5 1.5 0.009 - 0.304 - sulfide
  1420 1425 432.8 434.3 5 1.5 0.009 - 0.312 - sulfide

 

Table 2. Keystone 2019 Phase One Significant Gold Intercepts

 

U.S. Gold Corp. continues to analyze the 2019 Keystone drilling results in context with all of the prior drilling, geophysical surveys, mapping and geochemistry. 2020 Keystone exploration plans are being developed.

 

Quality Control Procedures for Keystone

 

We apply industry standard practice to quality control of drilling, sampling and assaying. Drilling at Keystone was carried out in 2019 by Envirotech Drilling LLC of Winnemucca, NV using a reverse circulation drill rig. RC cuttings were run through a rotary splitter on the drill as drilling advanced, which is industry standard, and a representative sample collected from the discharge point of the splitter. Chip samples were bagged and labeled by the drillers and then picked up from the site by a Bureau Veritas Minerals Laboratories Technician and taken to their Elko prep facility. Samples were prepped in Elko and then the pulps were shipped by BV to their lab in Sparks, NV for analysis. BV Labs crushed, split and pulverized 250g of rock to 200 mesh and fire assayed the samples. Assay certificates were received, analyzed, summarized and reported by our geologic team. As standard practice, certified blanks and standards were inserted into the sample stream at the lab on regular intervals, by us and BV. As assay results were received the analyzed assay values for given blanks or standards were visually compared to the expected assay values, and if they fell within the expected range of deviation as provided by the blank-standard provider, they were considered “passed” and the assay results can be relied upon. If the analyzed results did not fall within the expected range of deviation, the blank or standard was considered “failed” and BV was asked to re-run the blank or standard for gold fire-assay, along with the preceding two drill hole samples and the two proceeding the failed blank or standard. When re-run assay results were received, they were compared with the original results and deemed acceptable or not. All results to date have met our acceptability using the above-mentioned protocols.

 

Gold Bar North Project, Cortez Trend, Nevada

 

In August 2017, we closed on a transaction under a purchase and sale agreement executed in June 2017 with Nevada Gold Ventures LLC, pursuant to which we purchased all right, title and interest in the Gold Bar North Property, a gold exploration project located in Eureka County, Nevada. The purchase price for the Gold Bar North Property was: (a) cash payment in the amount of $20,479 which was paid in August 2017 and (b) 1,500 shares of our common stock which were issued in August 2017. Gold Bar North consists of 49 unpatented lode mining claims situated in Eureka County, Nevada. We do not consider the Gold Bar North Property as a material property and are currently focusing the majority of our limited resources on exploration activities at the Copper King, Keystone and Maggie Creek properties.

 

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Figure 7 – Gold Bar North Project Claim Boundaries

 

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Maggie Creek Project, Nevada

 

On September 10, 2019, the Company, 2637262 Ontario Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Providence of Ontario (“NumberCo”) and all of the shareholders of the NumberCo (the “NumberCo Shareholders”), entered into the Share Exchange Agreement, dated September 10, 2019 (the “Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Company agreed to issue to the NumberCo Shareholders 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding shares of NumberCo, with NumberCo becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (see Note 1).

 

NumberCo owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of Orevada Metals Inc. (“Orevada”), a corporation under the laws of the state of Nevada. At the time of acquisition, the Company acquired from NumberCo cash of $159,063, and assumed liabilities consisting of accounts payable totaling $125,670. As a result, the Company acquired Orevada’s right to an option agreement dated in February 2019 (the “Option Agreement”). The Option Agreement grants Orevada the exclusive right and option to earn-in and acquire up to 50% undivided interest in a property called Maggie Creek, located in Eureka County, Nevada by completing a $4.5 million in exploration and development expenditures (“Initial Earn-in”) and payment to Renaissance Exploration, Inc. (“Renaissance”), the grantor, of $250,000. Orevada may elect within 60 days after making the $250,000 payment, to increase its interest by an additional 20% (total interest of 70%) by producing a feasibility study by the end of the ninth year of the Option Agreement. One of the directors of the Company, Mr. Tim Janke, is also a director of Renaissance, a company which is not under common control.

 

 

Figure 8 – Location of Maggie Creek Project and Major Gold Trends in Nevada

 

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History of Prior Operations and Exploration on the Maggie Creek Project

 

The Maggie Creek claims have been subjected to multiple exploration programs between 1974 and 2000, including geologic mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, and much shallow drilling. Parties who worked on the project include: USGS-Radtke, Campbell Trust, Amselco, Freeport, Western States, Getty Oil, Cordex, USMX, Fischer Watt, Barrick, Newmont and Teck. Of the 241 holes drilled historically, only 22 are deeper than 1,000 feet. Since 2000, Timberline Resources, Renaissance Gold and Orevada Metals held the property, completed limited data review and compilation, but completed no drilling or field work.

 

Figure 9 – Maggie Creek Project Claim Boundaries

 

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Geological Potential of the Maggie Creek Project

 

Maggie Creek is located along the eastern side of the Carlin gold belt, directly northeast of Newmont Mining’s Gold Quarry mine. Mineralized northeast trending faults from Gold Quarry project onto the Maggie Creek claims, at surface and below the post-mineral Carlin Formation. The Gold Quarry mine is localized at the intersection of the northeast faults (Chukar-Alunite-Gold Quarry fault zone) with the west-northwest trending Good Hope fault. Good Hope parallel, gold bearing west-northwest trending faults have been mapped on the Maggie Creek claims (Cress fault), some of which contain gold bearing, altered felsic dikes which have been poorly mapped to date. Northeast and west-northwest fault zone intersection zones in the Maggie Creek claims are most prospective for ore deposition.

 

Favorable Roberts Mountains Formation carbonate rocks exposed at surface consist of thrust slices. At drillable depth, below the thrusts, in-place Lower Plate Rodeo Creek, Popovich, Roberts Mountains and Hanson Creek rocks are present. Detailed structural mapping where exposures allow will help define targets within these deeper units. Much of the gold encountered in drilling to date is likely an expression of system at depth.

 

U.S Gold Corp. Maggie Creek Exploration Activities

 

To date, we have completed limited work on the Maggie Creek project. Work has included historic data review and compilation, historic data field and paper verification, initial drill hole targeting and field visits. A detailed gravity survey was completed in late April 2020, which supports some historic geologic mapping. Historic drill collar location and surface mapping-sampling activities are ongoing. Surface mapping activities are focused on identifying gold bearing structural zones, dikes and their intersection zones.

 

Quality Control Procedures for Maggie Creek

 

We have not completed any exploration activities to date on the Maggie Creek project that require a QA/QC program, such as drilling. However, such activities will likely occur in the future and will utilize similar QA/QC procedures detailed in the Keystone project section.

 

Competition

 

We do not compete directly with anyone for the exploration or removal of minerals from our property as we hold all interest and rights to the claims. Readily available commodities markets exist in the U.S. and around the world for the sale of minerals. Therefore, we will likely be able to sell minerals that we are able to recover. We will be subject to competition and unforeseen limited sources of supplies in the industry in the event spot shortages arise for supplies such as explosives or large equipment tires, and certain equipment such as bulldozers and excavators and services, such as contract drilling that we will need to conduct exploration. If we are unsuccessful in securing the products, equipment and services we need, we may have to suspend our exploration plans until we are able to secure them.

 

Compliance with Government Regulation

 

We will be required to comply with all regulations, rules and directives of governmental authorities and agencies applicable to the exploration of minerals in the United States generally. We will also be subject to the regulations of the BLM with respect to mining claims on federal lands.

 

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Future exploration drilling on any of our properties that consist of BLM land will require us to either file a Notice of Intent (NOI) or a Plan of Operations with the BLM, depending upon the amount of new surface disturbance that is planned. A Notice of Intent is required for planned surface activities that anticipate less than 5.0 acres of surface disturbance, and usually can be obtained within a 30 to 60-day time period.

 

Environmental Permitting Requirements

 

Various levels of governmental controls and regulations address, among other things, the environmental impact of mineral mining and exploration operations and establish requirements for reclamation of mineral mining and exploration properties after exploration operations have ceased. With respect to the regulation of mineral mining and exploration, legislation and regulations in various jurisdictions establish performance standards, air and water quality emission limits and other design or operational requirements for various aspects of the operations, including health and safety standards. Legislation and regulations also establish requirements for reclamation and rehabilitation of mining properties following the cessation of operations and may require that some former mining properties be managed for long periods of time after mining activities have ceased.

 

Our activities are subject to various levels of federal and state laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment, including requirements for closure and reclamation of mineral exploration properties. Some of the laws and regulations include the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and related state laws in Nevada. Additionally, much of our property is subject to the federal General Mining Law of 1872, which regulates how mining claims on federal lands are located and maintained.

 

The State of Nevada, where we focus our mineral exploration efforts, requires mining projects to obtain a Nevada State Reclamation Permit pursuant to the Mined Land Reclamation Act (the “Nevada MLR Act”), which establishes reclamation and financial assurance requirements for all mining operations in the state. New and expanding facilities are required to provide a reclamation plan and financial assurance to ensure that the reclamation plan is implemented upon completion of operations. The Nevada MLR Act also requires reclamation plans and permits for exploration projects that will result in more than five acres of surface disturbance on private lands.

 

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

We will require significant additional capital to fund our business plan.

 

We will be required to expend significant funds to determine if any proven and probable mineral reserves might exist at our properties, to continue exploration and if warranted, develop our existing exploration properties and to identify and acquire additional properties to diversify our properties portfolio. We have spent and will be required to continue to expend significant amounts of capital for drilling, geological and geochemical analysis, assaying and feasibility studies with regard to the results of our exploration. We may not benefit from some of these investments if we are unable to identify any commercially exploitable mineralized material.

 

Our ability to obtain necessary funding for these purposes, in turn, depends upon a number of factors, including the status of the national and worldwide economy and the price of gold. Capital markets worldwide have been adversely affected by substantial losses by financial institutions, caused by investments in asset-backed securities. We may not be successful in obtaining the required financing or, if we can obtain such financing, such financing may not be on terms that are favorable to us. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration operations and the possible partial or total loss of our potential interest in our properties.

 

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We have a limited operating history on which to base an evaluation of our business and prospects.

 

Since our inception we have had no revenue from operations. We have no history of producing metals from any of our exploration properties. Our properties are exploration stage properties. Advancing properties from the exploration stage requires significant capital and time, and successful commercial production from a property, if any, will be subject to completing feasibility studies, permitting and construction of the potential mine, processing plants, roads, and other related works and infrastructure. As a result, we are subject to all of the risks associated with developing and establishing new mining operations and business enterprises including:

 

  completion of feasibility studies to verify potential reserves and commercial viability, including the ability to find sufficient gold mineral reserves to support a commercial mining operation;
  the timing and cost, which can be considerable, of further exploration, preparing feasibility studies, permitting and construction of infrastructure, mining and processing facilities;
  the availability and costs of drill equipment, exploration personnel, skilled labor and mining and processing equipment, if required;
  the availability and cost of appropriate smelting and/or refining arrangements, if required;
  compliance with environmental and other governmental approval and permit requirements;
  the availability of funds to finance exploration activities, as warranted;
  potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, environmental groups, local groups or local inhabitants which may delay or prevent exploration activities;
  potential increases in exploration, construction and operating costs due to changes in the cost of fuel, power, materials and supplies; and
  potential shortages of mineral processing, construction and other facilities related supplies.

 

The costs, timing and complexities of exploration activities may be increased by the location of our properties and demand by other mineral exploration and mining companies. It is common in exploration programs to experience unexpected problems and delays during drill programs and, if ever commenced, development, construction and mine start-up. Accordingly, our activities may not ever result in profitable mining operations and we may not succeed in establishing mining operations or profitably producing metals at any of our properties.

 

We have a history of losses and expect to continue to incur losses in the future.

 

We have incurred losses since inception, have negative cash flow from operating activities and expect to continue to incur losses in the future. We incurred the following losses from continuing operations during each of the following periods of approximately:

 

  $5,249,000 for the year ended April 30, 2020; and
     
  $8,047,000 for the year ended April 30, 2019.

 

We expect to continue to incur losses unless and until such time as one of our properties enters into commercial production and generate sufficient revenues to fund continuing operations. We recognize that if we are unable to generate significant revenues from future potential mining operations and dispositions of our properties, we will not be able to earn profits or continue operations. At this early stage of our operation, we also expect to face the risks, uncertainties, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies at the start up stage of their business development. We cannot be sure that we will be successful in addressing these risks and uncertainties and our failure to do so could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition.

 

We have sustained significant operating losses and need to obtain additional financing to continue the activities we undertake to make a substantial discovery or enter into production. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Exploring for gold is an inherently speculative business.

 

Natural resource exploration and exploring for gold in particular is a business that by its nature is very speculative. There is a strong possibility that we will not discover gold or any other resources which can be mined or extracted at a profit. Although the Copper King Project has a known historical gold deposit, the deposit may not be of the quality or size necessary for us to make a profit from actually mining it. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Unusual or unexpected geological formations, geological formation pressures, fires, power outages, labor disruptions, flooding, explosions, cave-ins, landslides and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labor are just some of the many risks involved in mineral exploration programs and the subsequent expansion of potential gold deposits.

 

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Our directors and executive officers lack significant experience or technical training in exploring for precious and base metal deposits and in developing mines.

 

Most of our directors and executive officers lack significant experience or technical training in exploring for precious and base metal deposits and in developing mines. Accordingly, although our Project Geologist has significant experience with early stage gold and base metal exploration, our management may not be fully aware of many of the other specific requirements related to working within this industry. Their decisions and choices may not take into account standard engineering or managerial approaches that mineral exploration companies commonly use. Consequently, our future exploration operations, potential earnings, and ultimate financial success could suffer irreparable harm due to some of our management’s lack of experience in the mining industry.

 

We will need to obtain additional financing to fund our Copper King, Keystone, Gold Bar North and Maggie Creek exploration programs.

 

We do not have sufficient capital to fund our future exploration programs for the Copper King Project, the Keystone Project, the Gold Bar North Project or the Maggie Creek Project as they are currently planned or to fund the acquisition and exploration of new properties. We will require additional funding to continue our planned future exploration programs. Management estimates that we will require up to $3,500,000 in order to fund our Fiscal Year 2021 combined planned exploration programs. Our inability to raise additional funds on a timely basis could prevent us from achieving our business objectives and could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and the value of our securities.

 

We do not know if our properties contain any gold or other minerals that can be mined at a profit.

 

Although the properties on which we have the right to explore for gold are known to have historic deposits of gold, there can be no assurance such deposits can be mined at a profit. Whether a gold deposit can be mined at a profit depends upon many factors. Some but not all of these factors include: the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; operating costs and capital expenditures required to start mining a deposit; the availability and cost of financing; the price of gold, which is highly volatile and cyclical; and government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection.

 

All our projects are in the exploration stage.

 

Copper King does not have any mineral reserve estimation in accordance with SEC Industry Guide 7. There are currently no estimates of gold mineralization at the Keystone Property, Gold Bar North Property or Maggie Creek Property available in historical data obtained during the property purchases. There is no assurance that we can establish the existence of any mineral reserves on Copper King, Keystone or Maggie Creek in commercially exploitable quantities. Until we can do so, we cannot earn any revenues from the properties and if we do not do so we will lose all of the funds that we expend on exploration. If we do not discover any mineral reserves in a commercially exploitable quantity, the exploration component of our business could fail.

 

We have not established that our Copper King, Keystone Property, Gold Bar North Property or Maggie Creek Property contains any mineral reserve according to recognized reserve guidelines, nor can there be any assurance that we will be able to do so. A mineral reserve is defined by the SEC in its Industry Guide 7 as that part of a mineral deposit, which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. The probability of an individual prospect ever having a “reserve” that meets the requirements of the SEC’s Industry Guide 7 is extremely remote; in all probability our mineral properties do not contain any “reserves” and any funds that we spend on exploration could be lost. Even if we do eventually discover a mineral reserve on our properties, there can be no assurance that they can be developed into producing mines and extract those minerals. Mineral exploration involves a high degree of risk and few mineral properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines.

 

The commercial viability of an established mineral deposit will depend on a number of factors including, by way of example, the size, grade and other attributes of the mineral deposit, the proximity of the mineral deposit to infrastructure such as a smelter, roads and a point for shipping, government regulation and market prices. Most of these factors will be beyond our control, and any of them could increase costs and make extraction of any identified mineral deposit unprofitable.

 

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We do not have proven or probable reserves, and there is no assurance that the quantities of precious metals we might produce in the future will be sufficient to recover our investment and operating costs.

 

We do not have proven or probable reserves. Substantial expenditures are required to acquire existing gold properties with established reserves or to establish proven or probable reserves through drilling, analysis and engineering. Any sums expended for additional drilling, analysis and engineering may not establish proven or probable reserves on our properties. We drill in connection with our mineral exploration and not with the purpose of establishing proven and probable reserves. There is a great degree of uncertainty attributable to the calculation of any mineralized material, particularly where there has not been significant drilling, mining and processing. Until the mineralized material located on our properties is actually mined and processed, the quantity and quality of the mineralized material must be considered as an estimate only. In addition, the estimated value of such mineralized material (regardless of the quantity) will vary depending on metal prices. Any material change in the estimated value of mineralized material may negatively affect the economic viability of our properties. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will achieve the same recoveries of metals contained in the mineralized material as in small-scale laboratory tests or that we will be able to duplicate such results in larger scale tests under on-site conditions or during potential production. There can be no assurance that our exploration activities will result in the discovery of sufficient quantities of mineralized material to recover our investment and operating costs.

 

We have no history of producing metals from our current mineral properties and there can be no assurance that we will successfully establish mining operations or profitably produce precious metals.

 

We have no history of producing metals from our current exploration properties. We do not produce gold and do not currently generate operating earnings. While we seek to advance our projects and properties through exploration, such efforts will be subject to all of the risks associated with establishing new future potential mining operations and business enterprises, including:

 

  the timing and cost, which are considerable, of the construction of mining and processing facilities;
  the ability to find sufficient gold reserves to support a profitable mining operation;
  the availability and costs of skilled labor and mining equipment;
  compliance with environmental and other governmental approval and permit requirements;
  the availability of funds to finance exploration activities;
  potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, environmental groups, local groups or local inhabitants that may delay or prevent exploration activities; and
  potential increases in construction and operating costs due to changes in the cost of labor, fuel, power, materials and supplies.

 

It is common in new mining operations to experience unexpected problems and delays during exploration activities. In addition, our management will need to be expanded. This could result in delays in the commencement of potential mineral production and increased costs of production. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that our activities will result in any profitable mining operations or that we will ever successfully establish mining operations.

 

Estimates of mineral resources are subject to evaluation uncertainties that could result in project failure.

 

Our exploration and future potential mining operations, if any, are and would be faced with risks associated with being able to accurately predict the quantity and quality of mineral resources/reserves within the earth using statistical sampling techniques. Estimates of mineral resource/reserve on our properties would be made using samples obtained from appropriately placed trenches, test pits and underground workings and intelligently designed drilling. There is an inherent variability of assays between check and duplicate samples taken adjacent to each other and between sampling points that cannot be reasonably eliminated. Additionally, there also may be unknown geologic details that have not been identified or correctly appreciated at the current level of accumulated knowledge about our properties. This could result in uncertainties that cannot be reasonably eliminated from the process of estimating potential mineral resources/reserves. If these estimates were to prove to be unreliable, we could implement an exploitation plan that may not lead to any commercially viable operations in the future.

 

Any material changes in mineral resource/reserve estimates and grades of mineralization will affect the economic viability of placing a property into production and a property’s return on capital.

 

As we have not completed feasibility studies on our Copper King, Keystone, Gold Bar North and Maggie Creek Properties and have not commenced actual production. Future potential mineral resource estimates may require adjustments or downward revisions. In addition, the grade ultimately mined, if any, may differ from that indicated by our preliminary economic assessment and drill results. Minerals recovered in small scale tests may not be duplicated in large scale tests under on-site conditions or in production scale.

 

Extended declines in market prices for gold or copper may render portions of our potential mineralization uneconomic and result in reduced reported mineralization or adversely affect any future potential commercial viability determinations we may reach. Any material reductions in estimates of mineralization, or of our ability to extract this mineralization, could have a material adverse effect on our share price and the value of our Properties.

 

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We may not be able to obtain all required permits and licenses to place any of our properties into future potential production.

 

Our current and future operations, including additional exploration activities, require permits from governmental authorities and such operations are and will be governed by laws and regulations governing prospecting, exploration, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, mine safety and other matters. Companies engaged in mineral property exploration generally experience increased costs, and delays in exploration and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits. We cannot predict if all permits which we may require for continued exploration, will be obtainable on reasonable terms, if at all. Costs related to applying for and obtaining permits and licenses may be prohibitive and could delay our planned exploration activities. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing exploration operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions.

 

Parties engaged in exploration operations may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the exploration activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations. Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of exploration companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on our operations and cause increases in capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of exploration activities at our properties or require abandonment or delays in future activities.

 

We are subject to significant governmental regulations, which affect our operations and costs of conducting our business.

 

Our current and future operations are and will be governed by laws and regulations, including:

 

  laws and regulations governing mineral concession acquisition, prospecting, and exploration;
  laws and regulations related to exports, taxes and fees;
  labor standards and regulations related to occupational health and mine safety; and
  environmental standards and regulations related to waste disposal, toxic substances, land use and environmental protection.

 

Companies engaged in exploration activities often experience increased costs and delays in exploration and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits may result in enforcement actions, including the forfeiture of mineral claims or other mineral tenures, orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities requiring operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment or costly remedial actions. We may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of our mineral exploration activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of such laws, regulations and permits. Existing and possible future laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of exploration companies, or more stringent implementation, could have a material adverse impact on our business and cause increases in capital expenditures or require abandonment or delays in exploration.

 

Our business is subject to extensive environmental regulations that may make exploring, or related activities prohibitively expensive, and which may change at any time.

 

All of our operations are subject to extensive environmental regulations that can substantially delay exploration and make exploration expensive or prohibit it altogether. We may be subject to potential liabilities associated with the pollution of the environment and the disposal of waste products that may occur as the result of exploring and other related activities on our properties. We may have to pay to remedy environmental pollution, which may reduce the amount of money that we have available to use for exploration, or other activities, and adversely affect our financial position. If we are unable to fully remedy an environmental problem, we might be required to suspend exploration operations or to enter into interim compliance measures pending the completion of the required remedy. We have not purchased insurance for potential environmental risks (including potential liability for pollution or other hazards associated with the disposal of waste products from our exploration activities) and such insurance may not be available to us on reasonable terms or at a reasonable price. All of our exploration will be subject to regulation under one or more local, state and federal environmental impact analyses and public review processes. It is possible that future changes in applicable laws, regulations and permits or changes in their enforcement or regulatory interpretation could have significant impact on some portion of our business, which may require our business to be economically re-evaluated from time to time. These risks include, but are not limited to, the risk that regulatory authorities may increase bonding requirements beyond our financial capability. Inasmuch as posting of bonding in accordance with regulatory determinations is a condition to the right to operate under specific federal and state exploration operating permits, increases in bonding requirements could prevent operations even if we are in full compliance with all substantive environmental laws.

 

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Regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change could result in increased operating costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

A number of governments or governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to various climate change interest groups and the potential impact of climate change. Legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose significant costs on us, our venture partners and our suppliers, including costs related to increased energy requirements, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations. Any adopted future climate change regulations could also negatively impact our ability to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. Given the emotion, political significance and uncertainty around the impact of climate change and how it should be dealt with, we cannot predict how legislation and regulation will affect our financial condition, operating performance and ability to compete. Furthermore, even without such regulation, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about potential impacts on climate change by us or other companies in our industry could harm our reputation. The potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain and would be particular to the geographic circumstances in areas in which we operate. These may include changes in rainfall and storm patterns and intensities, water shortages, changing sea levels and changing temperatures. These impacts may adversely impact the cost, production and financial performance of our operations.

 

We may be denied the government licenses and permits which we need to explore on our properties. In the event that we discover commercially exploitable deposits, we may be denied the additional government licenses and permits which we will need to mine our properties.

 

Exploration activities usually require the granting of permits from various governmental agencies. For example, exploration drilling on unpatented mineral claims requires a permit to be obtained from the United States BLM, which may take several months or longer to grant the requested permit. Depending on the size, location and scope of the exploration program, additional permits may also be required before exploration activities can be undertaken. Prehistoric or Native American graveyards, threatened or endangered species, archeological sites or the possibility thereof, difficult access, excessive dust and important nearby water resources may all result in the need for additional permits before exploration activities can commence. As with all permitting processes, there is the risk that unexpected delays and excessive costs may be experienced in obtaining required permits. The needed permits may not be granted at all. Delays in or our inability to obtain necessary permits will result in unanticipated costs, which may result in serious adverse effects upon our business.

 

The values of our properties are subject to volatility in the price of gold and any other deposits we may seek or locate.

 

Our ability to obtain additional and continuing funding, and our profitability in the event we commence future mining operations or sell the rights to mine, will be significantly affected by changes in the market price of gold. Gold prices fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors, all of which are beyond our control. Some of these factors include the sale or purchase of gold by central banks and financial institutions; interest rates; currency exchange rates; inflation or deflation; fluctuation in the value of the United States dollar and other currencies; speculation; global and regional supply and demand, including investment, industrial and jewelry demand; and the political and economic conditions of major gold or other mineral producing countries throughout the world, such as Russia and South Africa. The price of gold or other minerals have fluctuated widely in recent years, and a decline in the price of gold could cause a significant decrease in the value of our properties, limit our ability to raise money, and render continued exploration activities of our properties impracticable. If that happens, then we could lose our rights to our properties and be compelled to sell some or all of these rights. Additionally, the future progression of our properties beyond the exploration stage is heavily dependent upon the level of gold prices remaining sufficiently high to make the continuation of our properties economically viable. You may lose your investment if the price of gold decreases. The greater the decrease in the price of gold, the more likely it is that you will lose money.

 

Our property titles may be challenged, and we are not insured against any challenges, impairments or defects to our mineral claims or property titles.

 

Our unpatented Keystone claims were created and maintained in accordance with the federal General Mining Law of 1872. Unpatented claims are unique U.S. property interests and are generally considered to be subject to greater title risk than other real property interests because the validity of unpatented claims is often uncertain. This uncertainty arises, in part, out of the complex federal and state laws and regulations under the General Mining Law. We have obtained a title report on our Keystone claims but cannot be certain that all defects or conflicts with our title to those claims have been identified. Further, we have not obtained title insurance regarding our purchase and ownership of the Keystone claims. Defending any challenges to our property titles may be costly and may divert funds that could otherwise be used for exploration activities and other purposes. In addition, unpatented claims are always subject to possible challenges by third parties or contests by the federal government, which, if successful, may prevent us from exploiting our discovery of commercially extractable gold. Challenges to our title may increase its costs of operation or limit our ability to explore on certain portions of our properties. We are not insured against challenges, impairments or defects to our property titles, nor do we intend to carry extensive title insurance in the future.

 

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The value of our properties and any other projects we may seek or locate is subject to volatility in the price of gold.

 

Our ability to obtain additional and continuing funding, and our profitability if and when we potentially commence future mining or sell our rights to mine, will be significantly affected by changes in the market price of gold and other mineral deposits. Gold and other minerals prices fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors, all of which are beyond our control. The price of gold may be influenced by:

 

  fluctuation in the supply of, demand and market price for gold;
  mining activities of our competitors;
  sale or purchase of gold by central banks and for investment purposes by individuals and financial institutions;
  interest rates;
  currency exchange rates;
  inflation or deflation;
  fluctuation in the value of the United States dollar and other currencies;
  global and regional supply and demand, including investment, industrial and jewelry demand; and
  political and economic conditions of major gold or other mineral-producing countries.

 

The price of gold and other minerals have fluctuated widely in recent years, and a decline in the price of gold or other minerals could cause a significant decrease in the value of our property, limit our ability to raise money, and render continued exploration of our property impracticable. If that happens, then we could lose our rights to our property or be compelled to sell some or all of these rights. Additionally, the future progression of our properties beyond the exploration stage is heavily dependent upon gold prices remaining sufficiently high to make the continuation of our property economically viable.

 

Possible amendments to the General Mining Law and other regulations could make it more difficult or impossible for us to execute our business plan.

 

In recent years, the U.S. Congress has considered a number of proposed amendments to the General Mining Law, as well as legislation that would make comprehensive changes to the law. Although no such comprehensive legislation has been adopted to date, there can be no assurance that such legislation will not be adopted in the future. If adopted, such legislation, if it includes concepts that have been part of previous legislative proposals, could, among other things, (i) limit on the number of millsites that a claimant may use, (ii) impose time limits on the effectiveness of plans of operation that may not coincide with mine life, (iii) impose more stringent environmental compliance and reclamation requirements on activities on unpatented mining claims and millsites, (iv) establish a mechanism that would allow states, localities and Native American tribes to petition for the withdrawal of identified tracts of federal land from the operation of the General Mining Law, (v) allow for administrative determinations that mining would not be allowed in situations where undue degradation of the federal lands in question could not be prevented, (vi) impose royalties on gold and other mineral production from unpatented mining claims or impose fees on production from patented mining claims, and (vii) impose a fee on the amount of material displaced at a mine. Further, such legislation, if enacted, could have an adverse impact on earnings from our exploration operations, could reduce future estimates of any reserves we may establish and could curtail our future exploration activity on our unpatented claims.

 

Our ability to conduct exploration, and related activities may also be impacted by administrative actions taken by federal agencies.

 

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Our activities are subject to environmental laws and regulations that may increase our costs of doing business and restrict our operations.

 

All phases of our operations are subject to environmental regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which may require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. These laws address emissions into the air, discharges into water, management of waste, management of hazardous substances, protection of natural resources, antiquities and endangered species and reclamation of lands disturbed by mining operations. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations and future changes in these laws and regulations may require significant capital outlays and may cause material changes or delays in our operations and future activities. It is possible that future changes in these laws or regulations could have a significant adverse impact on our properties or some portion of our business, causing us to re-evaluate those activities at that time.

 

CERCLA: In 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) announced that it would develop financial assurance requirements under CERCLA Section 108(b) for the hard rock mining industry. On January 29, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued an order requiring that if the EPA intended to prepare such regulations, it had to do so by December 1, 2016. The EPA did comply with that order by issuing draft proposed regulations on December 1, 2016. The EPA subsequently issued its proposed rule on January 11, 2017. Under the proposed rule, owners and operators of facilities subject to the rule have been required, among other things, to (i) notify the EPA that they are subject to the rule; (ii) calculate a level of financial responsibility for their facility using a formula provided in the rule; (iii) obtain a financial responsibility instrument, or qualify to self-assure, for the amount of financial responsibility; (iv) demonstrate that they had obtained such evidence of financial responsibility; and (v) update and maintain financial responsibility until the EPA released the owner or operator from the CERCLA Section 108(b) regulations. As drafted, those additional financial assurance obligations could have been in addition to the reclamation bonds and other financial assurances we have and would be required to have in place under current federal and state laws. If such requirements had been retained in the final rule, they could have required significant additional expenditures on financial assurance, which could have had a material adverse effect on our future business operations.

 

However, after an extended public comment period, the EPA decided on December 1, 2017 not to adopt the proposed rule, and not to impose additional financial assurance obligations on the hard rock mining industry. It is possible that one or more non-governmental organizations will file lawsuits challenging that decision.

 

Clean Air Act: The Clean Air Act, as amended, restricts the emission of air pollutants from many sources, including mining and processing activities. Our mining operations may produce air emissions, including fugitive dust and other air pollutants from stationary equipment, storage facilities and the use of mobile sources such as trucks and heavy construction equipment, which are subject to review, monitoring and/or control requirements under the Clean Air Act and state air quality laws. New facilities may be required to obtain permits before work can begin, and existing facilities may be required to incur capital costs in order to remain in compliance. In addition, permitting rules may impose limitations on our production levels or result in additional capital expenditures in order to comply with the rules.

 

NEPA: The National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) requires federal agencies to integrate environmental considerations into their decision-making processes by evaluating the environmental impacts of their proposed actions, including issuance of permits to mining facilities, and assessing alternatives to those actions. If a proposed action could significantly affect the environment, the agency must prepare a detailed statement known as an EIS. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), other federal agencies, and any interested third parties will review and comment on the scoping of the EIS and the adequacy of and findings set forth in the draft and final EIS. This process can cause delays in issuance of required permits or result in changes to a project to mitigate its potential environmental impacts, which can in turn impact the economic feasibility of a proposed project.

 

CWA: The Clean Water Act (“CWA”), and comparable state statutes, impose restrictions and controls on the discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States. The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by the EPA or an analogous state agency. The CWA regulates storm water mining facilities and requires a storm water discharge permit for certain activities. Such a permit requires the regulated facility to monitor and sample storm water run-off from its operations. The CWA and regulations implemented thereunder also prohibit discharges of dredged and fill material in wetlands and other waters of the United States unless authorized by an appropriately issued permit. The CWA and comparable state statutes provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized discharges of pollutants and impose liability on parties responsible for those discharges for the costs of cleaning up any environmental damage caused by the release and for natural resource damages resulting from the release.

 

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SDWA: The Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”) and the Underground Injection Control (“UIC”) program promulgated thereunder, regulate the drilling and operation of subsurface injection wells. The EPA directly administers the UIC program in some states and in others the responsibility for the program has been delegated to the state. The program requires that a permit be obtained before drilling a disposal or injection well. Violation of these regulations and/or contamination of groundwater by mining related activities may result in fines, penalties, and remediation costs, among other sanctions and liabilities under the SWDA and state laws. In addition, third party claims may be filed by landowners and other parties claiming damages for alternative water supplies, property damages, and bodily injury.

 

Nevada Laws: At the state level, mining operations in Nevada are also regulated by the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection. Nevada state law requires mine operators to hold Nevada Water Pollution Control Permits, which dictate operating controls and closure and post-closure requirements directed at protecting surface and ground water. In addition, operators are required to hold Nevada Reclamation Permits. These permits mandate concurrent and post-mining reclamation of mines and require the posting of reclamation bonds sufficient to guarantee the cost of mine reclamation. We have set up a provision for our reclamation bond at the Pan Mine. Compliance with this and other federal and state regulations could result in delays in beginning or expanding operations, incurring additional costs for investigation or cleanup of hazardous substances, payment of penalties for non-compliance or discharge of pollutants, and post-mining closure, reclamation and bonding, all of which could have an adverse impact on our financial performance and results of operations.

 

Other Nevada regulations govern operating and design standards for the construction and operation of any source of air contamination and landfill operations. Any changes to these laws and regulations could have an adverse impact on our financial performance and results of operations by, for example, requiring changes to operating constraints, technical criteria, fees or surety requirements.

 

Market forces or unforeseen developments may prevent us from obtaining the supplies and equipment necessary to explore for gold and other minerals.

 

Gold exploration, and mineral exploration in general, is a very competitive business. Competitive demands for contractors and unforeseen shortages of supplies and/or equipment could result in the disruption of our planned exploration activities. Current demand for exploration drilling services, equipment and supplies is robust and could result in suitable equipment and skilled manpower being unavailable at scheduled times for our exploration program. Fuel prices are extremely volatile as well. We will attempt to locate suitable equipment, materials, manpower and fuel if sufficient funds are available. If we cannot find the equipment and supplies needed for our various exploration programs, we may have to suspend some or all of them until equipment, supplies, funds and/or skilled manpower become available. Any such disruption in our activities may adversely affect our exploration activities and financial condition.

 

We may not be able to maintain the infrastructure necessary to conduct exploration activities.

 

Our exploration activities depend upon adequate infrastructure. Reliable roads, bridges, power sources and water supply are important factors which affect capital and operating costs. Unusual or infrequent weather phenomena, sabotage, government or other interference in the maintenance or provision of such infrastructure could adversely affect our exploration activities and financial condition.

 

We compete against larger and more experienced companies.

 

The mining industry is intensely competitive. Many large mining companies are primarily producers of precious or base metals and may become interested in the types of deposits and exploration projects on which we are focused, which include gold, silver and other precious metals deposits or polymetallic deposits containing significant quantities of base metals, including copper. Many of these companies have greater financial resources, experience and technical capabilities than we do. We may encounter increasing competition from other mining companies in our efforts to acquire mineral properties and hire experienced mining professionals. Increased competition in our business could adversely affect our ability to attract necessary capital funding or acquire suitable mining properties or prospects for mineral exploration in the future.

 

We rely on contractors to conduct a significant portion of our exploration operations.

 

A significant portion of our exploration operations are currently conducted in whole or in part by contractors. As a result, our exploration operations are subject to a number of risks, some of which are outside our control, including:

 

negotiating agreements with contractors on acceptable terms;
the inability to replace a contractor and its operating equipment in the event that either party terminates the agreement;
reduced control over those aspects of operations which are the responsibility of the contractor;
failure of a contractor to perform under its agreement;
interruption of exploration operations or increased costs in the event that a contractor ceases its business due to insolvency or other unforeseen events;
failure of a contractor to comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, to the extent it is responsible for such compliance; and
problems of a contractor with managing its workforce, labor unrest or other employment issues.

 

In addition, we may incur liability to third parties as a result of the actions of our contractors. The occurrence of one or more of these risks could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

 

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Our exploration activities may be adversely affected by the local climate or seismic events, which could prevent us from gaining access to our property year-round.

 

Earthquakes, heavy rains, snowstorms, and floods could result in serious damage to or the destruction of facilities, equipment or means of access to our property, or may otherwise prevent us from conducting exploration activities on our property. There may be short periods of time when the unpaved portion of the access road is impassible in the event of extreme weather conditions or unusually muddy conditions. During these periods, it may be difficult or impossible for us to access our property, make repairs, or otherwise conduct exploration activities on them.

 

We may be unable to secure surface access or to purchase required surface rights.

 

Although we acquire the rights to some or all of the minerals in the ground subject to the mineral tenures that it acquires, or has a right to acquire, in most cases it does not thereby acquire any rights to, or ownership of, the surface to the areas covered by such mineral tenures. In such cases, applicable mining laws usually provide for rights of access to the surface for the purpose of carrying on exploration activities, however, the enforcement of such rights through the courts can be costly and time consuming. It is necessary to negotiate surface access or to purchase the surface rights if long-term access is required. There can be no guarantee that, despite having the right at law to access the surface and carry on exploration activities, we will be able to negotiate satisfactory agreements with any such existing landowners/occupiers for such access or purchase of such surface rights, and therefore we may be unable to carry out planned exploration activities. In addition, in circumstances where such access is denied, or no agreement can be reached, we may need to rely on the assistance of local officials or the courts in such jurisdiction the outcomes of which cannot be predicted with any certainty. Our inability to secure surface access or purchase required surface rights could materially and adversely affect our timing, cost or overall ability to develop any potential mineral deposits we may locate.

 

Joint ventures and other partnerships may expose us to risks.

 

We may enter into future joint ventures or partnership arrangements with other parties in relation to the exploration, of a certain portion of the Copper King, Keystone, Gold Bar North and Maggie Creek Properties in which we have an interest. Joint ventures can often require unanimous approval of the parties to the joint venture or their representatives for certain fundamental decisions such as an increase or reduction of registered capital, merger, division, dissolution, amendments of consenting documents, and the pledge of joint venture assets, which means that each joint venture party may have a veto right with respect to such decisions which could lead to a deadlock in the operations of the joint venture. Further, we may be unable to exert control over strategic decisions made in respect of such properties. Any failure of such other companies to meet their obligations to us or to third parties, or any disputes with respect to the parties’ respective rights and obligations, could have a material adverse effect on the joint ventures or their properties and therefore could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial performance, cash flows and the price of the Common Shares.

 

Our rights in certain mineral properties require us to perform contractual work commitments to retain our interest in those properties.

 

Pursuant to the Option Agreement, we have an exclusive right and option to earn-in and acquire up to 50% undivided interest in Maggie Creek, subject to work commitment expenditures which require us to perform exploration and development expenditures of $4.5 million plus make a payment of $250,000 to Renaissance. We may elect within 60 days after making the $250,000 payment, to increase our interest by an additional 20% by producing a feasibility study by the end of the ninth year of the Option Agreement. There is no assurance that we may achieve the work commitment expenditure and the payment of $250,000 to Renaissance. If we do not meet the contractual work commitments and payment, we could lose the option and our rights to the property. Furthermore, we may not elect to increase our interest within 60 days after the $250,000 payment or we may fail to produce a feasibility study by the ninth year of the Option Agreement.

 

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We may pursue acquisitions, divestitures, business combinations or other transactions with other companies, involving our properties or new properties, which could harm our operating results, may disrupt our business and could result in unanticipated accounting charges.

 

Acquisitions of other companies or new properties, divestitures, business combinations or other transactions with other companies may create additional, material risks for our business that could cause our results to differ materially and adversely from our expected or projected results. Such risk factors include the effects of possible disruption to the exploration activities and mine planning, loss of value associated with our properties, mismanagement of project development, additional risk and liability, indemnification obligations, sales of assets at unfavorable prices, failure to sell non-core assets at all, poor execution of the plans for such transactions, permit requirements, debt incurred or capital stock issued to enter into such transactions, the impact of any such transactions on our financial results, negative stakeholder reaction to any such transaction and our ability to successfully integrate an acquired company’s operations with our operations. If the purchase price of any acquired businesses exceeds the current fair values of the net tangible assets of such acquired businesses, we would be required to record material amounts of goodwill or other intangible assets, which could result in significant impairment and amortization expense in future periods. These charges, in addition to the results of operations of such acquired businesses and potential restructuring costs associated with an acquisition, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We cannot forecast the number, timing or size of future transactions, or the effect that any such transactions might have on our operating or financial results. Furthermore, potential transactions, whether or not consummated, will divert our management’s attention and may require considerable cash outlays at the expense of our existing operations. In addition, to complete future transactions, we may issue equity securities, incur debt, assume contingent liabilities or have amortization expenses and write-downs of acquired assets, which could adversely affect our profitability.

 

We may experience difficulty attracting and retaining qualified management to meet the needs of our anticipated growth, and the failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

 

We are dependent on a relatively small number of key employees, including our President and Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Operating Officer and our Project Geologist. The loss of any officer could have an adverse effect on us. We have no life insurance on any individual, and we may be unable to hire a suitable replacement for them on favorable terms, should that become necessary.

 

We may have exposure to greater than anticipated tax liabilities.

 

Our future income taxes could be adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in jurisdictions that have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated in jurisdictions that have higher statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets or liabilities, or changes in tax laws, regulations, or accounting principles, as well as certain discrete items. We are subject to review or audit by tax authorities. As a result, we may in the future receive assessments in multiple jurisdictions on various tax-related assertions. Any adverse outcome of such a review or audit could have a negative effect on our operating results and financial condition. In addition, the determination of our provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities requires significant judgment, and there could be situations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, the ultimate tax outcome may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and may materially affect our financial results in the period or periods for which such determination is made.

 

Our activities may be adversely affected by unforeseeable and unquantifiable health risks, such as Coronavirus, whether those effects are local, nationwide or global. Matters outside our control may prevent us from executing on our exploration programs, limit travel of Company representatives, adversely affect the health and welfare of Company personnel or prevent important vendors and contractors from performing normal and contracted activities.

 

In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China and has reached multiple other countries, resulting in government-imposed quarantines, travel restrictions and other public health safety measures in China and other countries. On March 12, 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic.

 

The risks to the Company related to contagious disease, or policies implemented by governments to protect against the spread of a disease, are unforeseeable and unquantifiable by us. We, or our people, investors, contractors or stakeholders, may be prevented from free cross-border travel or normal attendance to activities in conducting Company business at trade shows, presentations, meetings or other activities meant to promote or execute our business strategy and transactions. We may be prevented from receiving goods or services from contractors. Decisions beyond our control, such as canceled events, restricted travel, barriers to entry or other factors may affect our ability to accomplish drilling programs, technical analysis of completed exploration actions, equity raising activities, and other needs that would normally be accomplished without such limitations.

 

We use a variety of outsourced contractors to execute our exploration programs. Drilling contractors need to be able to access our projects and insure social distancing recommended safety standards. Although all of our projects are located in remote areas and sparsely populated, there can be no assurances that contractors will be able to safely execute their programs until the COVID-19 pandemic fully passes. There is still uncertainty and lack of clarity with regards to travel restrictions and future State openings in Wyoming and Nevada. We continue to monitor the overall situation closely, with safety of our employees and contractors our top priority. There are no assurances that any exploration activities can take place in 2020.

 

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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought tremendous uncertainty to the global financial markets. As an exploration company with no revenues, we are reliant on constantly raising additional capital to fund our operations. A continuation or worsening of the levels of market disruption and volatility seen in the recent past could have an adverse effect on our ability to access capital, on our business, results of operations and financial condition, and on the market price of our common stock. There are no assurances we will be able to raise additional capital on favorable terms in the foreseeable future.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic can cause potential disruptions with several of our outsourced consultants and professionals which we reply on to execute our business. Our outsourced accountants, financial advisors, auditors, legal counsel, employees and Board have all experienced disruptions due to travel restrictions. This has the potential to cause delays to current and future financial filings. The Company has taken steps to mitigate the potential risks to suppliers and employees posed by the spread of COVID-19. The Company has implemented work from home policies where appropriate. The Company will continue to monitor developments affecting both their workforce and contractors, and will take additional precautions that management determines are necessary in order to mitigate the impacts.

 

In addition, the economic disruptions caused by COVID-19 could also adversely impact the impairment risks for certain long-lived assets and equity method investments. We evaluated these impairment considerations and determined that no such impairments occurred as of April 30, 2020.

 

As of April 30, 2020, our net working capital is approximately $3.0 million. To the extent that future access to the capital markets or the cost of funding is adversely affected by COVID-19, we may need to consider alternative sources of funding for operations and working capital, which may adversely impact future results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

 

In April 2020, President Trump signed into law legislation referred to as the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” (the “CARES Act”). The CARES Act includes tax relief provisions such as: (a) an Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Credit Refund, (b) a 5-year net operating losses (NOL) carryback from years 2018-2020 and (c) delayed payment of employer payroll taxes. As of April 30, 2020, U.S. Gold has approximately $24.2 million in NOL’s, which may not be carried back to prior years to generate tax refunds, since no tax has been paid in those years by the Company. Consequently, the CARES Act legislation did not have an impact on our income tax accounts.

 

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock

 

If we fail to establish and maintain an effective system of internal control, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately or to prevent fraud. Any inability to report and file our financial results accurately and timely could harm our reputation and adversely impact the trading price of our common stock and our ability to file registration statements pursuant to registration rights agreements and other commitments.

 

Effective internal control is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, we may not be able to manage our business as effectively as we would if an effective control environment existed, and our business and reputation with investors may be harmed. As a result of our small size, any current internal control deficiencies may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operation and access to capital. As of April 30, 2020, management has concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective.

 

Public company compliance may make it more difficult to attract and retain officers and directors.

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and rules implemented by the SEC have required changes in corporate governance practices of public companies. As a public company, we expect these rules and regulations to further increase our compliance costs and to make certain activities more time consuming and costly. As a public company, we also expect that these rules and regulations may make it more difficult and expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers, and to maintain insurance at reasonable rates, or at all.

 

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Our stock price may be volatile.

 

The market price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:

 

  results of our operations and exploration efforts;
  fluctuation in the supply of, demand and market price for gold;
  our ability to obtain working capital financing;
  additions or departures of key personnel;
  limited “public float” in the hands of a small number of persons whose sales or lack of sales could result in positive or negative pricing pressure on the market price for our common stock;
  our ability to execute our business plan;
  sales of our common stock and decline in demand for our common stock;
  regulatory developments;
  economic and other external factors;
  investor perception of our industry or our prospects; and
  period-to-period fluctuations in our financial results.

 

In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock. As a result, you may be unable to resell your shares of our common stock at a desired price.

 

Volatility in the price of our common stock may subject us to securities litigation.

 

As discussed above, the market for our common stock is characterized by significant price volatility when compared to seasoned issuers, and we expect that our share price will continue to be more volatile than a seasoned issuer for the indefinite future. In the past, plaintiffs have often initiated securities class action litigation against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. We may in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and liabilities and could divert management’s attention and resources.

 

There is currently a limited trading market for our common stock and we cannot ensure that one will ever develop or be sustained.

 

Although our common stock is currently quoted on NASDAQ, there is limited trading activity. We can give no assurance that an active market will develop, or if developed, that it will be sustained. If an investor acquires shares of our common stock, the investor may not be able to liquidate our shares should there be a need or desire to do so. Only a small percentage of our common stock is available to be traded and is held by a small number of holders and the price, if traded, may not reflect our actual or perceived value. There can be no assurance that there will be an active market for our shares of common stock either now or in the future. The market liquidity of our common stock is limited and may be dependent on the market perception of our business, among other things. We may, in the future, take certain steps, including utilizing investor awareness campaigns, press releases, road shows and conferences to increase awareness of our business and any steps that we might take to bring us to the awareness of investors may require we compensate consultants with cash and/or stock. There can be no assurance that there will be any awareness generated or the results of any efforts will result in any impact on our trading volume. Consequently, investors may not be able to liquidate their investment or liquidate it at a price that reflects the value of the business and trading may be at an inflated price relative to our performance due to, among other things, availability of sellers of our shares. If a market should develop, the price may be highly volatile. Because there may be a low price for our shares of common stock, many brokerage firms or clearing firms may not be willing to effect transactions in the securities or accept our shares for deposit in an account. Even if an investor finds a broker willing to effect a transaction in the shares of our common stock, the combination of brokerage commissions, transfer fees, taxes, if any, and any other selling costs may exceed the selling price. Further, many lending institutions will not permit the use of low-priced shares of common stock as collateral for any loans.

 

Sales, offers or availability for sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may cause the price of our common stock to decline.

 

Sales of substantial amounts of the common stock, or the availability of such securities for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for the common stock. A decline in the market prices of the common stock could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should we desire to do so. In addition, if our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market or upon the expiration of any statutory holding period, under Rule 144, or upon the exercise of outstanding options or warrants, it could create a circumstance commonly referred to as an “overhang” in anticipation of which the market price of our common stock could decline. The existence of an overhang, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, also could make it more difficult for us to raise additional financing through the sale of equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate.

 

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Our issuance of additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into common stock in exchange for services or to repay debt would dilute the proportionate ownership and voting rights of existing stockholders and could have a negative impact on the market price of our common stock.

 

Our board of directors may generally issue shares of common stock or securities convertible into common stock to pay for debt or services, without further approval by our stockholders, based upon such factors that our board of directors may deem relevant at that time. We have also issued securities as payment for services. It is likely that we will issue additional securities to pay for services and reduce debt in the future. We cannot give you any assurance that we will not issue additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into common stock under circumstances we may deem appropriate at the time.

 

Our articles of incorporation allow for our board to create new series of preferred stock without further approval by our stockholders, which could adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock.

 

Our board of directors has the authority to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of preferred stock. Our board of directors also has the authority to issue preferred stock without further stockholder approval. As a result, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that would grant to holders the preferred right to our assets upon liquidation, the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are distributed to the holders of our common stock and the right to the redemption of the shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of our common stock. In addition, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that has greater voting power than our common stock or that is convertible into our common stock, which could decrease the relative voting power of our common stock or result in dilution to our existing stockholders.

 

Anti-takeover provisions may impede the acquisition of our Company.

 

Certain provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes have anti-takeover effects and may inhibit a non-negotiated merger or other business combination. These provisions are intended to encourage any person interested in acquiring us to negotiate with, and to obtain the approval of, our board of directors in connection with such a transaction. However, certain of these provisions may discourage a future acquisition of us, including an acquisition in which the stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. As a result, stockholders who might desire to participate in such a transaction may not have the opportunity to do so.

 

Investor Relations activities, nominal “float” and supply and demand factors may affect the price of our stock

 

We expect to utilize various techniques such as non-deal road shows and investor relations campaigns in order to create investor awareness. These campaigns may include personal, video and telephone conferences with investors and prospective investors in which our business practices are described. We may provide compensation to investor relations firms and pay for newsletters, websites, mailings and email campaigns that are produced by third-parties based upon publicly-available information concerning us. We will not be responsible for the content of analyst reports and other writings and communications by investor relations firms not authored by us or from publicly available information. We do not intend to review or approve the content of such analysts’ reports or other materials based upon analysts’ own research or methods. Investor relations firms should generally disclose when they are compensated for their efforts, but whether such disclosure is made or complete is not under our control. In addition, investors in us may be willing, from time to time, to encourage investor awareness through similar activities. Investor awareness activities may also be suspended or discontinued which may impact the trading market our common stock.

 

The SEC and FINRA enforce various statutes and regulations intended to prevent manipulative or deceptive devices in connection with the purchase or sale of any security and carefully scrutinize trading patterns and company news and other communications for false or misleading information, particularly in cases where the hallmarks of “pump and dump” activities may exist, such as rapid share price increases or decreases. We, and our shareholders may be subjected to enhanced regulatory scrutiny due to the small number of holders who initially will own the registered shares of our common stock publicly available for resale, and the limited trading markets in which such shares may be offered or sold which have often been associated with improper activities concerning penny-stocks, such as the OTCQB Marketplace or pink sheets. Until such time as our restricted shares are registered or available for resale under Rule 144, there will continue to be a small percentage of shares held by a small number of holders, many of whom acquired such shares in privately negotiated purchase and sale transactions, that will constitute the entire available trading market. The Supreme Court has stated that manipulative action is a term of art connoting intentional or willful conduct designed to deceive or defraud investors by controlling or artificially affecting the price of securities. Often times, manipulation is associated by regulators with forces that upset the supply and demand factors that would normally determine trading prices. Since a small percentage of our outstanding common stock will initially be available for trading, held by a small number of individuals or entities, the supply of our common stock for sale will be extremely limited for an indeterminate amount of time, which could result in higher bids, asks or sales prices than would otherwise exist. Securities regulators have often cited thinly-traded markets, small numbers of holders, and awareness campaigns as components of their claims of price manipulation and other violations of law when combined with manipulative trading, such as wash sales, matched orders or other manipulative trading timed to coincide with false or touting press releases. There can be no assurance that our or third-parties’ activities, or the small number of potential sellers or small percentage of stock in the “float,” or determinations by purchasers or holders as to when or under what circumstances or at what prices they may be willing to buy or sell stock will not artificially impact (or would be claimed by regulators to have affected) the normal supply and demand factors that determine the price of the stock.

 

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The Company’s does not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

We have rarely declared or paid any dividends on our common stock. We anticipate that we will retain any future earnings to support operations and to finance the development of our business and do not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result, the success of an investment in our common stock will depend entirely upon any future appreciation in its value. There is no guarantee that our common stock will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which stockholders have purchased their shares.

 

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.

 

The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We have relatively little research coverage by securities and industry analysts. If no additional industry analysts commence coverage of the Company, the trading price for our common stock could be negatively impacted. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrades our common stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our common stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.

 

We may not meet the continued listing requirements of the NASDAQ, which could result in a delisting of our common stock.

 

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ. We have in the past, and may in the future, be unable to comply with certain of the listing standards that we are required to meet to maintain the listing of our common shares on the NASDAQ. For instance, on November 7, 2019, we received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of the NASDAQ Stock Market indicating that, based upon the closing bid price of our common stock for the 30 consecutive business day period between September 26, 2019, through November 6, 2019, we did not meet the minimum bid price of $1.00 per share required for continued listing on the NASDAQ pursuant to NASDAQ Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). On April 3, 2020, we received notice from the NASDAQ indicating that we have regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), and the matter is now closed.

 

If NASDAQ delists our common stock from trading on its exchange for failure to meet the listing standards, we and our stockholders could face significant material adverse consequences including:

 

  a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;
  a determination that our common stock is a “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules, possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our common stock;
  a limited amount of analyst coverage; and
  a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.

 

Delisting could also have other negative results, including the potential loss of confidence by employees, the loss of institutional investor interest and fewer business development opportunities.

 

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. PROPERTIES

 

Mining Properties

 

We own, lease, sublease or have certain other mining rights to the foregoing properties. For a complete description of each property owned, leased subleased or controlled by, including property in which we hold any or all mineral rights (the “Mining Properties”), see Item 1.

 

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Other Properties

 

In addition to the Mining Properties described in Item 1, we own, lease, sublease, or control certain other properties related to its business and operations as follows:

 

We lease a facility in Elko, NV on a month to month basis for $1,420 per month.

 

We have an easement agreement in Laramie County, WY for $10,000 per year. The term of the agreement is effective July 1, 2017 on an annual term, and renewable every year at our option.

 

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

None.

 

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act, issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the United States are required to disclose specified information about mine health and safety in their periodic reports. These reporting requirements are based on the safety and health requirements applicable to mines under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”) which is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”). During the twelve months period ended April 30, 2020, we and our properties or operations were not subject to regulation by MSHA under the Mine Act and thus no disclosure is required under Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Market Information

 

Our Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “USAU”.

 

Holders of Common Stock

 

On July 13, 2020, we had 414 registered holders of record of our common stock, which number does not reflect beneficial stockholders who hold their stock in nominee or “street” name through various brokerage firms. On July 10, 2020, the closing sales price of our common stock as reported on NASDAQ Capital Market was $7.35 per share.

 

Dividends and dividend policy

 

We do not anticipate paying dividends on shares of its common stock in the foreseeable future as the Board of Directors intends to retain future earnings for use in our business. Any future determination as of the payment of dividends on our common stock will depend upon our financial condition, results of operations and such other factors as the Board of Directors seems relevant.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

 

There were no sales of unregistered securities during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020 that were not previously reported on a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or a Current Report on Form 8-K. None of the transactions involved any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions.

 

Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

This Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and other parts of this Form 10-K contain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by words such as “future,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “can,” “may,” and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and our actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K under the heading “Risk Factors,” which are included herein. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. All information presented herein is based on our fiscal calendar. Unless otherwise stated, references to particular years or quarters refer to our fiscal years ended in April and the associated quarters of those fiscal years. We assume no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.

 

Overview

 

U.S. Gold Corp., formerly known as Dataram Corporation (the “Company”), was originally incorporated in the State of New Jersey in 1967 and was subsequently re-incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada in 2016. Effective June 26, 2017, the Company changed its legal name to U.S. Gold Corp. from Dataram Corporation. On May 23, 2017, the Company merged with Gold King Corp. (“Gold King”), in a transaction treated as a reverse acquisition and recapitalization, and the business of Gold King became the business of the Company. We are a gold and precious metals exploration company pursuing exploration and development properties. We own certain mining leases and other mineral rights comprising the Copper King Project in Wyoming and the Keystone, Gold Bar North and Maggie Creek Projects in Nevada. None of our properties contain proven and probable reserves under SEC Industry Guide 7, and all of our activities on all of our properties are exploratory in nature.

 

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On March 17, 2020, we filed a certificate of amendment to our Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of Nevada in order to effectuate a reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common stock per share on a one for ten basis, effective as of 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on March 19, 2020. All share and per share values of our common stock for all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are retroactively restated for the effect of the reverse stock splits.

 

Recent Developments

 

COVID-19 Developments

 

In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China and has reached multiple other countries, resulting in government-imposed quarantines, travel restrictions and other public health safety measures in China and other countries. On March 12, 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant financial market volatility and uncertainty in recent months. A continuation or worsening of the levels of market disruption and volatility seen in the recent past could have an adverse effect on the Company’s ability to access capital, on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition, and on the market price of its common stock.

 

The Company, or its people, investors, contractors or stakeholders, has been prevented from free cross-border travel or normal attendance to activities in conducting its business at trade shows, presentations, meetings or other activities meant to promote or execute its business strategy and transactions. The Company has been prevented from receiving goods or services from contractors. Decisions beyond the Company’s control, such as canceled events, restricted travel, barriers to entry or other factors have affected or may affect its ability to accomplish drilling programs, technical analysis of completed exploration actions, equity raising activities, and other needs that would normally be accomplished without such limitations. Furthermore, the Company’s exploration activities rely heavily on outside contracts. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions in travel and accessing our exploration properties with contractors. There can be no assurance travel and property access will resume in the near future.

 

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has made and continues to make indeterminable adverse effects on general commercial activity and the world economy, and the Company’s business and results of operations could be adversely affected to the extent that COVID-19 or any other epidemic harms the global economy generally.

 

The Company does not yet know the full extent of potential delays or impact on its business, its relationship with its business partners, or the global economy as a whole. However, any one or a combination of these events could have an adverse effect on the Company’s other business operations.

 

Summary of Activities for the Year ended April 30, 2020

 

During the year ended April 30, 2020, we focused primarily on enhancing our understanding of the Keystone Project deposit; planning and commencing an exploration drilling program on our Keystone Project; and completing equity financings. We also completed the acquisition of a significant mineral property in Nevada and commenced an internal analysis of this newly acquired Maggie Creek exploration project.

 

An overview of certain significant events follows:

 

Copper King Project

 

No drilling or geophysical surveys were engaged or completed at Copper King during the year ended April 30, 2020. However, our management and geologist made multiple visits to the project to advance the project from a regulatory and community relations standpoint.

 

Keystone Project

 

On July 8, 2019. We released two technical geological reports on our Keystone Project. The first report outlined our geological summary and 2019 exploration plans for our Keystone Project. The second report mapped out the entire land package of the Keystone Project and surrounding lands.
   
On July 30, 2019, we commenced our 2019 exploration drilling program on our Keystone Project on the Cortez Gold Trend in Nevada. We plan to drill nine reverse circulation holes and one core hole for a total of approximately 20,000 feet (6,400 meters). During the quarter ended October 31, 2019, we drilled six reverse circulation holes and one core hole for a total of 13,177 feet (4,016 meters). Hole KEY19-05rc was drilled in a previously undrilled target area called Nina Skarn. The hole intersected thick, continuous gold mineralization and will be the focus of future Keystone follow-up exploration efforts.

 

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On November 12, 2019, we announced the results of our 2019 Keystone exploration program, including the results of assays on hole KEY 19-05rc. Hole KEY19-05rc was drilled in a previously undrilled target area called Nina Skarn. The hole intersected thick, continuous gold mineralization and will be the focus of future Keystone follow-up exploration efforts.

 

Maggie Creek Project

 

On September 11, 2019, we announced the acquisition of Orevada Metals, Inc. (“Orevada”). Orevada is a wholly owned subsidiary of a Canadian corporation. Orevada has an option to earn up to a 70% interest in the Maggie Creek exploration project, located on the Carlin Trend, Nevada, close to Newmont’s Gold Quarry mine. A total of 241 historic drill holes have been drilled on the Maggie Creek property. Recent discoveries on the Carlin Trend have shown higher grade mineralization at greater depths and this will be the focus of our future Maggie Creek exploration efforts. Details of the Maggie Creek exploration project are included on our corporate website.
   
On November 21, 2019, we announced a new Maggie Creek section on our website with a link to a Maggie Creek presentation.

 

Sales of Preferred Units & Common Shares to raise a total of $4.3 million in cash

 

On June 20, 2019, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, dated June 19, 2019, by and among us and certain purchasers thereto, we sold 1,250 Series F Preferred units (a “Unit”), each Unit consisting of one (1) share of 0% Series F Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”) and 87 Class X Warrants. Each Unit was sold for its stated value of $2,000 (the “June Offering”). Each share of Preferred Stock, at the option of the holder at any time, was convertible into the number of shares of common stock of the Company (“Common Stock”) determined by dividing the $2,000 stated value per share of the Preferred Stock by a conversion price of $11.40 per share (initially approximately 219,375 shares of common stock), subject to adjustment. Each Class X Warrant was exercisable to acquire one share of our common stock and one Class Y Warrant at an exercise price of $1.14, for a period of six (6) months from the date of issuance. Class X Warrants expired on December 19, 2019. Class Y Warrant was exercisable to acquire one share of common stock at an exercise price of $11.40 per share, commencing six (6) months from the date of issuance (the “Initial Issuance Date”) and will expire on a date that is the five (5) year anniversary of the Initial Exercise Date. No Class X Warrant was exercised prior to its expiration, and, as such, no Class Y Warrants were issued. Concurrent with the June Offering, we issued to the purchasers in the June Offering 2,193,750 Class A Warrants in a private placement. Each Class A Warrant is exercisable to acquire one share of common stock at an exercise price of $11.40 per share, commencing six (6) months from the date of issuance and will expire on a date that is the five (5) year anniversary of the date of issuance. The net proceeds, after expenses of the June Offering, were approximately $2.4 million.

 

On April 1, 2020, we sold, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, dated March 29, 2020, by and among us and certain institutional investors, in a registered direct offering an aggregate of 357,142 shares of common stock, at an offering price of $5.60 per share, for net proceeds of approximately $1.89 million, after the deduction of offering expenses.

 

Shareholder Meeting, Appointment of Directors & Corporate Matters

 

On September 18, 2019, we held our annual meeting of stockholders. At that meeting, among other matters, shareholders approved a new Equity Incentive Plan, approved our new audit firm, and elected a new board member.

 

Effective September 18, 2019, our Board of Directors appointed Mr. Douglas Newby to the Board of Directors to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Davidson in July 2019. Mr. Newby brings a wealth of senior financial knowledge and experience to us, which includes experience with mining companies and financing mining operations. His biography follows in Part II of this Form 10-K.

 

On December 9, 2019, we announced the formation of a Strategic Advisory Board, which was formed for the purpose of introducing us to a wider audience in the mining industry, including mining investors.

 

47

 

 

Results of Operations

 

The Years Ended April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

Net Revenues

 

We are an exploration stage company with no operations, and we generated no revenues for the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Total operating expenses for the year ended April 30, 2020 as compared to the year ended April 30, 2019, were approximately $5.7 million and $7.6 million, respectively. The approximate $1.9 million decrease in operating expenses for the year ended April 30, 2020, as compared to April 30, 2019, is comprised principally of decreases in compensation expense of $880,000 and exploration costs of $1.3 million, offset by increases of approximately $180,000 in professional fees and general administrative expenses of approximately $90,000. The decrease in exploration expenses was planned as we conserved cash by reducing our field exploration activities. We expect our operating expenses for the year ending April 30, 2021 to be approximately $200,000 per month.

 

Pre-tax Loss from Operations

 

We reported pre-tax losses from operations of approximately $5.7 million and $7.6 million for the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

Benefit from Income Taxes

 

For the year ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, benefit (provision) from income taxes was $438,145 and $(435,345), respectively. During the year ended April 30, 2020, we recognized a tax benefit for our alternative minimum tax credit carryforward which became refundable under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 in the United States, of which we received $219,073 during the current year and expect to receive the remaining $219,072 during the year ended April 30, 2021. During the year ended April 30, 2019, we had established a valuation allowance of $438,145 to offset any previously recognized net deferred tax assets for which management believed it was more likely than not that the net deferred asset would not be realized. Consequently, we recognized $435,345 income tax expense during the year ended April 30, 2019.

 

Net Loss

 

As a result of the operating expense and other expense discussed above, we reported a net loss of approximately $5.2 million for the year ended April 30, 2020 as compared to a net loss of approximately $8.0 million for the year ended April 30, 2019.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The following table summarizes total current assets, liabilities and working capital at April 30, 2020 compared to April 30, 2019:

 

   April 30, 2020   April 30, 2019   Increase/ (Decrease) 
Current Assets  $3,181,747   $2,810,442   $371,305 
Current Liabilities  $157,840   $160,209   $2,369 
Working Capital  $3,023,907   $2,650,233   $373,674 

 

As of April 30, 2020, we had working capital of $3,023,907 as compared to working capital of $2,650,233 as of April 30, 2019, an increase of $373,674. During the year ended April 30, 2020, we received proceeds of approximately $4.3 million from the issuance of common stock, preferred stock and warrants. We used the proceeds primarily to fund operations during the fiscal year 2020 and to increase cash reserves.

 

We cannot be certain that additional funding will be available on acceptable terms, or at all. To the extent that we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, our stockholders may experience significant dilution. Any debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive covenants that impact our ability to conduct business. If unable to raise additional capital when required or on acceptable terms, we may [have to delay, scale back or discontinue the exploration activities or programs].

 

48

 

 

We are obligated to file annual, quarterly and current reports with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”) and the rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board have imposed various requirements on public companies, including requiring changes in corporate governance practices. We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities of ours more time-consuming and costly. We expect to spend between $150,000 and $200,000 in legal and accounting expenses annually to comply with our reporting obligations and Sarbanes-Oxley. These costs could affect profitability and our results of operations.

 

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared using the accrual method of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business.

 

At April 30, 2020, we had working capital of approximately $3 million. We had approximately $158,000 outstanding in current liabilities and a cash balance of approximately $2.7 million. For the fiscal years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, we incurred losses in the amounts of approximately $5.2 million and $8.0 million, respectively. We believe that our existing resources will be sufficient to fund our planned operations for 9 to 12 months. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including potential acquisitions, changes in exploration programs and related studies and other operating strategies. We continue to assess the impact of COVID-19, which may adversely affect our ability to obtain additional future capital.

 

The audit opinion and notes that accompany our consolidated financial statements for the year ended April 30, 2020 disclose a ‘going concern’ qualification to our ability to continue in business. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a going concern. We have incurred losses since our inception. We do not have sufficient cash to fund normal operations and meet all of our obligations for the next 12 months without deferring payment on certain current liabilities and/or raising additional funds. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period at least a year from when these financial statements are made available. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern. If the going concern basis were not appropriate for these financial statements, adjustments would be necessary in the carrying value of assets and liabilities, the reported expenses and the balance sheet classifications used.

 

Financing Transactions

 

Cash flows from financing activities continued to provide the primary source of our liquidity. We are anticipating raising additional capital but there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so or if the terms will be favorable. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets or the amounts of and classification of liabilities that might be necessary in the event we cannot continue in existence.

 

Management has determined that additional capital will be required in the form of equity or debt securities. There are no assurances that management will be able to raise capital on terms acceptable to us. If we are unable to obtain sufficient amounts of additional capital, we may be required to reduce the scope of our planned exploration activities, which could harm our business, financial condition and operating results. If we obtain additional funds by selling any of our equity securities or by issuing common stock to pay current or future obligations, the percentage ownership of our stockholders will be reduced, stockholders may experience additional dilution, or the equity securities may have rights preferences or privileges senior to the common stock. If adequate funds are not available to us when needed on satisfactory terms, we may be required to cease operating or otherwise modify our business strategy.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Our contractual obligations at April 30, 2020 are summarized as follows:

 

   Payments Due by Period 
       Less than   1 - 3   4 - 5   More Than 
Contractual Obligations  Total   1 Year   Years   Years   5 Years 
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations   -    -    -    -    - 
Capital Lease Obligations   -    -    -    -    - 
Operating Mineral Property Lease Obligations   7,680    2,240    4,480    960    - 
Purchase Obligations   -    -    -    -    - 
Other Long-Term Liabilities (If Any)   -    -    -    -    - 
Total   7,680    2,240    4,480    960    - 

 

Summary Cash flows for the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

   For the Year Ended   For the Year Ended 
   April 30, 2020   April 30, 2019 
         
Net cash used in operating activities  $(3,897,743)  $(5,668,894)
Net cash provided by investing activities  $159,063   $- 
Net cash provided by financing activities  $4,291,456   $219,796 

 

49

 

 

Cash Used in Operating Activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities totaled approximately $3.9 million and $5.7 million for the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net loss for the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019 totaled approximately $5.2 million and $8.0 million. The adjustments for the non-cash items decreased from the year ended April 30, 2019 to April 30, 2020 due primarily to the reduction in stock-based compensation of approximately $1.0 million and a reduction of the deferred tax reserve of approximately $435,000. Net changes in operating assets and liabilities are primarily due to a cash tax refund receivable of approximately $219,000 and a reduction in prepaid expenses of approximately $240,000, which were partially offset by approximately $101,000 of decreases in current liabilities during the year ended April 30, 2020.

 

Cash Provided by Investing Activities

 

Net cash provided by investing activities totaled approximately $159,000 and $0 for the year ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily due to the net proceeds received from the share exchange agreement.

 

Cash Provided by Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities totaled approximately $4.3 million and $220,000, net of issuance costs, for the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, from the issuance of common stock for cash under the ATM agreement. During the year ended April 30, 2020, cash provided by financing activities consisted of net proceeds of approximately $2.4 million from the issuance of preferred stock and warrants and approximately $1.9 million from the issuance of common stock. During the year ended April 30, 2019, cash provided by financing activities consisted $220,000 from the issuance of common stock for cash under the ATM agreement.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have, and do not have any present plans to implement, any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

Refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

Management believes the following critical accounting policies affect the significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the financial statements.

 

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet, and revenues and expenses for the period then ended. Actual results may differ significantly from those estimates. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to valuation of mineral rights, goodwill, stock-based compensation, the assumptions used to fair value of common stock issued and options granted, asset retirement obligation, and the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Share-based compensation is accounted for based on the requirements of ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”) which requires recognition in the financial statements of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments over the period the employee or director is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively, the vesting period). ASC 718 also requires measurement of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Pursuant to ASC 505, “Equity – Equity Based Payments to Non-Employees” (“ASC 505-50”), for share-based payments to consultants and other third-parties, compensation expense is determined at the measurement date which is the grant date. Until the measurement date is reached, the total amount of compensation expense remains uncertain.

 

50

 

 

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, “Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting”, which expands the scope of Topic 718 to include all share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. ASU 2018-07 specifies that Topic 718 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which the grantor acquires goods and services to be used or consumed in its own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. ASU 2018-07 also clarifies that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide (1) financing to the issuer or (2) awards granted in conjunction with selling goods or services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under ASC 606. ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted, but no earlier than adoption of ASC 606. We chose to early adopt ASU 2018-07 in July 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

Mineral Rights

 

Costs of lease, exploration, carrying and retaining unproven mineral lease properties are expensed as incurred. We expense all mineral exploration costs as incurred as we are still in the exploration stage. If we identify proven and probable reserves in our investigation of our properties and upon development of a plan for operating a mine, we would enter the development stage and capitalize future costs until production is established.

 

When a property reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs are amortized on a units-of-production basis over the proven and probable reserves following the commencement of production. We assess the carrying costs of the capitalized mineral properties for impairment under ASC 360-10, “Impairment of long-lived assets”, and evaluates its carrying value under ASC 930-360, “Extractive Activities - Mining”, annually. An impairment is recognized when the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the mineral properties. Impairment losses, if any, are measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the mineral properties over its estimated fair value.

 

ASC 930-805, “Extractive Activities-Mining: Business Combinations” (“ASC 930-805”), states that mineral rights consist of the legal right to explore, extract, and retain at least a portion of the benefits from mineral deposits. Mining assets include mineral rights. Acquired mineral rights are considered tangible assets under ASC 930-805. ASC 930-805 requires that mineral rights be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. As a result, the direct costs to acquire mineral rights are initially capitalized as tangible assets. Mineral rights include costs associated with acquiring patented and unpatented mining claims.

 

Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not applicable.

 

51

 

 

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

U.S. GOLD CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

APRIL 30, 2020

 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements Page
Consolidated Financial Statements:  
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Marcum, LLP) F-1
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (KBL LLP) F-2
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 2020 and 2019 F-3
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations – Years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019 F-4
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity - Years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019 F-5
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019 F-6
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019 F-7

 

 52 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and

Board of Directors of

U.S. Gold Corp.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of U.S. Gold Corp. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of April 30, 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year in the period ended April 30, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of April 30, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year in the period ended April 30, 2020 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Explanatory Paragraph – Going Concern

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As more fully described in Note 3, the Company has a significant working capital deficiency, has incurred significant losses and needs to raise additional funds to meet its obligations and sustain its operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 3. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Retrospective Adjustments

 

As part of our audit of the 2020 financial statements, we also audited the adjustments to the 2019 financial statements to retroactively apply the effects of the reverse stock splits that occurred subsequent to the year ended April 30, 2019 as described in Notes 1. In our opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to U.S. Gold Corp.’s 2019 financial statements other than with respect to the adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2019 financial statements as whole.

 

/s/ Marcum llp

 

Marcum llp

 

We served as the Company’s auditor from 2016 through 2018 and subsequently reappointed as the Company’s auditor in 2019.

 

New York, NY

July 13, 2020

 

 F-1 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of April 30, 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of April 30, 2019, and the results of its consolidated operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal controls over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Going Concern Consideration

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has sustained significant operating losses and needs to obtain additional financing to continue the services they provide. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 3. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Reverse Stock Split

 

We were not engaged to audit, review or apply any procedures to the adjustments to retrospectively apply the change in accounting related to the reverse stock splits described in Note 1 on Form 10-K, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance about whether such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. Those adjustments were audited by other auditors.

 

/s/ KBL, LLP  

 

We served as the Company’s auditor for fiscal year 2019.

 

KBL, LLP

New York, NY

July 26, 2019

 

 F-2 

 

 

U.S. GOLD CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

   April 30,   April 30, 
   2020   2019 
         
ASSETS          
CURRENT ASSETS:          
Cash  $2,749,957   $2,197,181 
Income tax receivable   219,072    - 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   212,718    613,261 
           
Total current assets   3,181,747    2,810,442 
           
NON - CURRENT ASSETS:          
Property, net   133,371    74,929 
Reclamation bond deposit   355,556    339,447 
Mineral rights   6,163,559    4,176,952 
           
Total non - current assets   6,652,486    4,591,328 
           
Total assets  $9,834,233   $7,401,770 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY          
           
CURRENT LIABILITIES:          
Accounts payable  $154,381   $112,303 
Accounts payable  - related parties   3,459    42,539 
Accrued liabilities   -    5,367 
           
Total current liabilities   157,840    160,209 
           
LONG- TERM LIABILITIES          
Asset retirement obligation   168,392    88,746 
           
Total liabilities   326,232    248,955 
           
Commitments and Contingencies          
           
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY :          
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 authorized          
Convertible Series F Preferred stock ($0.001 Par Value; 1,250 Shares Authorized; none issued and outstanding as of April 30, 2020 and 2019; liquidation preference of $0   -    - 
Convertible Series G Preferred stock ($0.001 Par Value; 127 Shares Authorized; 57 and none issued and outstanding as of April 30, 2020 and 2019; liquidation preference of $114,000)   -    - 
Common stock ($0.001 Par Value; 200,000,000 Shares Authorized; 2,903,393 and 1,986,063 shares issued and outstanding as of April 30, 2020 and 2019)   2,903    1,986 
Additional paid-in capital   41,093,050    33,425,931 
Accumulated deficit   (31,587,952)   (26,275,102)
           
Total stockholders' equity   9,508,001    7,152,815 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $9,834,233   $7,401,770 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 F-3 

 

 

U.S. GOLD CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

   For the Year   For the Year 
   Ended   Ended 
   April 30, 2020   April 30, 2019 
         
Net revenues  $-   $- 
           
Operating expenses:          
Compensation and related taxes - general and administrative   1,366,168    2,246,202 
Exploration costs   1,278,372    2,584,417 
Professional and consulting fees   2,381,513    2,204,359 
General and administrative expenses   

661,442

    576,227 
           
Total operating expenses   5,687,495    7,611,205 
           
Loss before benefit (provision) for income taxes   (5,687,495)   (7,611,205)
           
Benefit (provision) for income taxes   438,145    (435,345)
           
Net loss   (5,249,350)   (8,046,550)
           
Deemed dividend related to beneficial conversion feature of preferred stock   (2,086,212)   - 
           
Net loss applicable to U.S. Gold Corp. common shareholders  $(7,335,562)  $(8,046,550)
           
Net Loss per common share, basic and diluted  $(3.17)  $(4.36)
           
Weighted average common shares          
outstanding - basic and diluted   2,316,610    1,847,156 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 F-4 

 

 

U.S. GOLD CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED APRIL 30, 2020 AND 2019

 

   Preferred Stock - Series F   Preferred Stock - Series G   Common Stock   Additional        Total 
   $0.001 Par Value   $0.001 Par Value   $0.001 Par Value   Paid-in   Accumulated   Stockholders’ 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Capital   Deficit   Equity 
                                     
Balance, April 30, 2018   -   $-    -   $-    1,759,057   $1,759   $30,927,054   $(18,228,552)  $12,700,261 
                                              
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of offering cost   -    -    -    -    29,007    29    219,767    -    219,796 
                                              
Issuance of common stock for salaries   -    -    -    -    56,976    57    567,443    -    567,500 
                                              
Issuance of common stock for exploration expenses   -    -    -    -    19,916    20    183,206    -    183,226 
                                              
Issuance of common stock for services   -    -    -    -    120,187    120    1,187,880    -    1,188,000 
                                              
Issuance of common stock for accrued services   -    -    -    -    920    1    12,499    -    12,500 
                                              
Stock options granted for services   -    -    -    -    -    -    328,082    -    328,082 
                                              
Net loss   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (8,046,550)   (8,046,550)
                                              
Balance, April 30, 2019   -    -    -    -    1,986,063   $1,986   $33,425,931   $(26,275,102)  $7,152,815 
                                              
Issuance of preferred stock and warrants for cash, net of offering cost   1,250    1              -    -    2,401,201    -    2,401,202 
                                              
Issuance of preferred stock in connection with the Exchange Agreement   (127)   -    127    -    -    -    -    -    - 
                                              
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of offering cost   -    -    -    -    357,142    357    1,889,898    -    1,890,255 
                                              
Issuance of common stock to private placement agent related to sale of common stock   -    -    -    -    25,281    25    (25)   -    - 
                                              
Conversion of preferred stock into common stock   (1,123)   (1)   (70)   -    222,018    222    (221)   -    - 
                                              
Issuance of common stock in connection with the share exchange agreement   -    -    -    -    200,000    200    2,019,800    -    2,020,000 
                                              
Issuance of common stock for services   -    -    -    -    78,153    78    572,525    -    572,603 
                                              
Issuance of common stock for accrued services   -    -    -    -    2,862    3    26,900    -    26,903 
                                              
Stock options granted for services   -    -    -    -    -    -    196,046    -    196,046 
                                              
Stock-based compensation in connection with restricted common stock award grants and restricted common stock unit grants   -    -    -    -    32,454    33    497,495    -    497,528 
                                              
Fractional difference due to the reverse stock split   -    -    -    -    (580)   (1)    -    -    (1) 
                                              
Net loss   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (5,249,350)   (5,249,350)
                                              
Balance, April 30, 2020   -   $-    57   $-    2,903,393   $2,903  $

41,029,550

  $(31,524,452)  $9,508,001 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 F-5 

 

 

U.S. GOLD CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

   For the Year   For the Year 
   Ended   Ended 
   April 30, 2020   April 30, 2019 
         
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:          
Net loss  $(5,249,350)  $(8,046,550)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:          
Depreciation   10,730    6,956 
Accretion   10,474    6,861 
Stock based compensation   1,266,177    2,275,337 
Amortization of prepaid stock based expenses   160,377    45,253 
Deferred income taxes   -    435,345 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Income tax receivable   (219,072)   - 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   240,166    (40,715)
Reclamation bond deposit   (16,109)   (246,519)
Accounts payable   (83,592)   (132,139)
Accounts payable - related parties   (12,177)   40,108 
Accrued liabilities   (5,367)   (12,831)
           
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES   (3,897,743)   (5,668,894)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:          
Net proceeds received in connection with the share exchange agreement   159,063    - 
           
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES   159,063    - 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
Issuance of preferred stock and warrants, net of issuance cost   2,401,201    - 
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs   1,890,255    219,796 
           
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES   4,291,456    219,796 
           
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH   552,776    (5,449,098)
           
CASH - beginning of year   2,197,181    7,646,279 
           
CASH - end of year  $2,749,957   $2,197,181 
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:          
Cash paid for:          
Interest  $-   $- 
Income taxes  $-   $- 
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
           
Increase in asset retirement obligation  $-   $81,885 
Issuance of common stock for accrued services  $26,903   $12,500 
Deemed dividends - Series F and G preferred stock  $2,086,212   $- 
Issuance of common stock in connection with the share exchange agreement  $2,020,000   $- 
Assumption of liabilities in connection with the share exchange agreement  $125,670   $- 
Increase in mineral properties in connection with the share exchange agreement  $1,986,607   $- 
Issuance of common stock for prepaid services  $-   $160,377 
Increase in asset retirement cost and obligation  $69,172   $- 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 F-6 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Organization

 

U.S. Gold Corp., formerly known as Dataram Corporation (the “Company”), was originally incorporated in the State of New Jersey in 1967 and was subsequently re-incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada in 2016. Effective June 26, 2017, the Company changed its name to U.S. Gold Corp. from Dataram Corporation.

 

On June 13, 2016, Gold King Corp. (“Gold King”), a private Nevada corporation, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with the Company, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Dataram Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Acquisition Sub”), and all of the principal shareholders of Gold King (the “Gold King Shareholders”). Upon closing of the transactions contemplated under the Merger Agreement (the “Merger”), Gold King merged with and into Acquisition Sub with Gold King as the surviving corporation and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Merger was treated as a reverse acquisition and recapitalization, and the business of Gold King became the business of the Company. The financial statements are those of Gold King (the accounting acquirer) prior to the merger and include the activity of the Company (the legal acquirer) from the date of the Merger. Gold King is a gold and precious metals exploration company pursuing exploration and development opportunities primarily in Nevada and Wyoming. The Company has a wholly owned subsidiary, U.S. Gold Acquisition Corporation, formerly Dataram Acquisition Sub, Inc. (“U.S. Gold Acquisition”), a Nevada corporation which was formed in April 2016.

 

On May 23, 2017, the Company closed the Merger with Gold King. The Merger constituted a change of control and the majority of the Board of Directors changed with the consummation of the Merger. The Company issued shares of common stock to Gold King which represented approximately 90% of the combined company.

 

On September 10, 2019, the Company, 2637262 Ontario Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Providence of Ontario (“NumberCo”), and all of the shareholders of NumberCo (the “NumberCo Shareholders”), entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Company agreed to issue to the NumberCo Shareholders 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding shares of NumberCo, with NumberCo becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (see Note 4).

 

On March 17, 2020, the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) approved a 1-for-10 reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”), and on March 18, 2020, the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada a Certificate of Amendment to its Articles of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split. The Reverse Stock Split became effective as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 19, 2020, and the Company’s common stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis when the market opened on March 20, 2020. Accordingly, all common share and per share data are retrospectively restated to give effect of the split for all periods presented herein.

 

None of the Company’s properties contain proven and probable reserves and all of the Company’s activities are exploratory in nature.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to the “Company” refer to U.S. Gold Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), the instructions to Form 10-K, and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for financial information, which includes the consolidated financial statements and presents the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries as of April 30, 2020. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. It is management’s opinion that all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) have been made, which are necessary for a fair financial statement presentation.

 

 F-7 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents. The Company places its cash with high credit quality financial institutions. At April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company does not have any cash equivalents. The Company’s accounts at these institutions are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000. At April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company had bank balances exceeding the FDIC insurance limit on interest bearing accounts. To reduce its risk associated with the failure of such financial institutions, the Company evaluates at least annually the rating of the financial institutions in which it holds deposits.

 

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet, and revenues and expenses for the period then ended. Actual results may differ significantly from those estimates. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, valuation of mineral rights, stock-based compensation, the fair value of common and preferred stock, valuation of warrants, asset retirement obligations and the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company has adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. ASC 820 establishes a common definition for fair value to be applied in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires the use of fair value measurements, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about such fair value measurements.

 

ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, ASC 820 requires the use of valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

 

These inputs are prioritized below:

 

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the use of the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

 

The Company analyzes all financial instruments with features of both liabilities and equity under the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s (“FASB”) accounting standard for such instruments. Under this standard, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

At April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company had no financial instruments or liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis.

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets of $212,718 and $613,261 at April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, consist primarily of costs paid for future services which will occur within a year. Prepaid expenses principally include prepayments in cash and equity instruments for consulting, public relations, and business advisory services, insurance premiums, mining claim fees and mineral lease fees which are being amortized over the terms of their respective agreements.

 

Property

 

Property is carried at cost. The cost of repairs and maintenance is expensed as incurred; major replacements and improvements are capitalized. When assets are retired or disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gains or losses are included in income in the year of disposition. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets, generally ten years.

 

 F-8 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable, or at least annually. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. The amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s estimated fair value and its book value. The Company did not recognize any impairment during the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019.

 

Mineral Rights

 

Costs of leasing, exploring, carrying and retaining unproven mineral lease properties are expensed as incurred. The Company expenses all mineral exploration costs as incurred as it is still in the exploration stage. If the Company identifies proven and probable reserves in its investigation of its properties and upon development of a plan for operating a mine, it would enter the development stage and capitalize future costs until production is established.

 

When a property reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs will be amortized on a units-of-production basis over the proven and probable reserves following the commencement of production. The Company assesses the carrying costs of the capitalized mineral properties for impairment under ASC 360-10, “Impairment of Long-Lived Assets”, and evaluates its carrying value under ASC 930-360, “Extractive Activities—Mining”, annually. An impairment is recognized when the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the mineral properties. Impairment losses, if any, are measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the mineral properties over its estimated fair value.

 

To date, the Company has not established the commercial feasibility of any exploration prospects; therefore, all exploration costs are being expensed.

 

ASC 930-805, “Extractive Activities—Mining: Business Combinations” (“ASC 930-805”), states that mineral rights consist of the legal right to explore, extract, and retain at least a portion of the benefits from mineral deposits. Mining assets include mineral rights.

 

Acquired mineral rights are considered tangible assets under ASC 930-805. ASC 930-805 requires that mineral rights be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. As a result, the direct costs to acquire mineral rights are initially capitalized as tangible assets. Mineral rights include costs associated with acquiring patented and unpatented mining claims.

 

ASC 930-805 provides that in measuring the fair value of mineral assets, an acquirer should take into account both:

 

● The value beyond proven and probable reserves (“VBPP”) to the extent that a market participant would include VBPP in determining the fair value of the assets.

 

● The effects of anticipated fluctuations in the future market price of minerals in a manner that is consistent with the expectations of market participants.

 

Leases to explore for or use of natural resources are outside the scope of ASU 2016-02, “Leases”.

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets

 

In accordance with ASC 350-30-65, the Company assesses the impairment of identifiable intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors the Company considers to be important which could trigger an impairment review include the following:

 

  1. Significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;
  2. Significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business; and
  3. Significant negative industry or economic trends.

 

When the Company determines that the carrying value of intangibles may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment and the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from projected undiscounted cash flows, the Company records an impairment charge. The Company measures any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in the current business model. Significant management judgment is required in determining whether an indicator of impairment exists and in projecting cash flows.

 

 F-9 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

Share-based compensation is accounted for based on the requirements of ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation’ (“ASC 718”), which requires recognition in the financial statements of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments over the period the employee or director is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively, the vesting period). ASC 718 also requires measurement of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Pursuant to ASC 505, “Equity—Equity Based Payments to Non-Employees” (“ASC 505-50”), for share-based payments to consultants and other third parties, compensation expense is determined at the measurement date, which is the grant date. Until the measurement date is reached, the total amount of compensation expense remains uncertain.

 

ASU 2018-07 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which the grantor acquires goods and services to be used or consumed in its own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. ASU 2018-07 also clarifies that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide (1) financing to the issuer or (2) awards granted in conjunction with selling goods or services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under ASC 606. ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted, but no earlier than adoption of ASC 606. The Company chose to early adopt ASU 2018-07 in July 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

Accounting for Warrants

 

Warrants are accounted for in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance provided in ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”) as either derivative liabilities or as equity instruments, depending on the specific terms of the agreements. The Company classifies as equity any contracts that (i) require physical settlement or net-share settlement or (ii) give the Company a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in its own shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement). The Company classifies as assets or liabilities any contracts that (i) require net-cash settlement (including a requirement to net-cash settle the contract if an event occurs and if that event is outside the control of the Company) or (ii) give the counterparty a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement). Instruments that are classified as liabilities are recorded at fair value at each reporting period, with any change in fair value recognized as a component of change in fair value of derivative liabilities in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

The Company assessed the classification of its outstanding common stock purchase warrants as of the date of issuance and determined that such instruments met the criteria for equity classification under the guidance in ASU 2017-11 “Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): (Part I) Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Feature”. The Company has no outstanding warrants that contain a “down round” feature under Topic 815 of ASU 2017-11.

 

Convertible Preferred Stock

 

The Company accounts for its convertible preferred stock under the provisions of ASC 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” (“ASC 480”), which sets forth the standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. ASC 480 requires an issuer to classify a financial instrument that is within the scope of ASC 480 as a liability if such financial instrument embodies an unconditional obligation to redeem the instrument at a specified date and/or upon an event certain to occur. During the periods ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s outstanding convertible preferred shares were accounted for as equity, with no liability recorded.

 

Convertible Instruments

 

The Company bifurcates conversion options from their host instruments and accounts for them as free standing derivative financial instruments according to certain criteria. The criteria includes circumstances in which (a) the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative instrument are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract, (b) the hybrid instrument that embodies both the embedded derivative instrument and the host contract is not re-measured at fair value under otherwise applicable generally accepted accounting principles with changes in fair value reported in earnings as they occur and (c) a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative instrument would be considered a derivative instrument. An exception to this rule when the host instrument is deemed to be conventional as that term is described under applicable U.S. GAAP.

 

 F-10 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

When the Company has determined that the embedded conversion options should not be bifurcated from their host instruments, the Company records, when necessary, a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”) related to the issuance of convertible debt and equity instruments that have conversion features at fixed rates that are in-the-money when issued, and the fair value of warrants issued in connection with those instruments. The BCF for the convertible instruments is recognized and measured by allocating a portion of the proceeds to warrants, based on their relative fair value, and as a reduction to the carrying amount of the convertible instrument equal to the intrinsic value of the conversion feature. The discounts recorded in connection with the BCF and warrant valuation are recognized (a) for convertible debt as interest expense over the term of the debt, using the effective interest method or (b) for convertible preferred stock as dividends at the time the stock first becomes convertible.

 

The incremental fair value of the Company’s outstanding Series F Convertible Preferred shares during the year ended April 30, 2020, $2,022,712, was accounted for as a deemed dividend to holders of the Series F Convertible Preferred shares for fiscal year 2020 and increased the net loss applicable to common shareholders.

 

In connection with the April Offering, on March 29, 2020, we entered into an exchange agreement with holders of shares of our 0% Series F Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) pursuant to which 127 shares of our Series F Preferred Stock exchanged for 127 shares of the Series G Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series G Preferred Stock”). The Series G Preferred Stock had substantially the same terms as that of the Series F Preferred Stock except the conversion price of the Series G Preferred Stock is $5.60 per share. As of June 3, 2020, all Series G Preferred Stock had converted and there are no shares of Series G Preferred Stock outstanding.

 

Remediation and Asset Retirement Obligation

 

Asset retirement obligations (“ARO”), consisting primarily of estimated reclamation costs at the Company’s Copper King and Keystone properties, are recognized in the period incurred and when a reasonable estimate can be made, and recorded as liabilities at fair value. Such obligations, which are initially estimated based on discounted cash flow estimates, are accreted to full value over time through charges to accretion expense. Corresponding asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the asset’s remaining useful life. AROs are periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the estimated present value resulting from revisions to the estimated timing or amount of reclamation and closure costs. The Company reviews and evaluates its AROs annually or more frequently at interim periods if deemed necessary.

 

Foreign Currency Transactions

 

The reporting and functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date with any transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency included in the results of operations as incurred. Transaction gains or losses have not had, and are not expected to have, a material effect on the results of operations of the Company, and are included in General and administrative expenses.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the provision of ASC 740-10, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASC 740-10”), which requires, among other things, an asset and liability approach to calculating deferred income taxes. The asset and liability approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets for which management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred asset will not be realized.

 

The Company follows the provision of ASC 740-10, “Accounting for Uncertain Income Tax Positions” (“ASC 740-10”). When tax returns are filed, there may be uncertainty about the merits of positions taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. In accordance with the guidance of ASC 740-10, the benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions.

 

 F-11 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

Tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefit associated with tax positions taken that exceed the amount measured as described above should be reflected as a liability for uncertain tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. The Company believes its tax positions are all more likely than not to be upheld upon examination. As such, the Company has not recorded a liability for uncertain tax benefits.

 

The Company has adopted ASC 740-10-25, “Definition of Settlement”, which provides guidance on how an entity should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits and provides that a tax position can be effectively settled upon the completion and examination by a taxing authority without being legally extinguished. For tax positions considered effectively settled, an entity would recognize the full amount of tax benefit, even if the tax position is not considered more likely than not to be sustained based solely on the basis of its technical merits and the statute of limitations remains open. The federal and state income tax returns of the Company are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities, generally for three years after they are filed.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by FASB that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements upon adoption. The Company does not discuss recent pronouncements that are not anticipated to have an effect on or are unrelated to its financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.

 

NOTE 3 — GOING CONCERN

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As of April 30, 2020, the Company had cash of approximately $2.7 million, working capital of approximately $3.0 million, and an accumulated deficit of approximately $31.6 million. The Company had a net loss and cash used in operating activities of approximately $5.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively, during the year ended April 30, 2020. As a result of the utilization of cash in its operating activities, and the development of its assets, the Company has incurred losses since it commenced operations. The Company’s primary source of operating funds since inception has been equity financings. As of April 30, 2020, the Company had sufficient cash to fund its operations for approximately 9 to 12 months and expects that it will be required to raise additional funds to fund its operations thereafter. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for the twelve months following the issuance of these financial statements.

 

On June 20, 2019, the Company sold 1,250 Series F Preferred units for an aggregate purchase price of $2,500,000, or $2,000 per unit. Each unit consisted of one (1) share of 0% Series F Preferred Stock and 87 Class X Warrants on a registered basis and 175 Class A Warrants on an unregistered basis (see Note 8).

 

On April 1, 2020, the Company sold 357,142 units of common shares and warrants for an aggregate purchase price of $2,000,000 (see Note 8), which the Company believes may not be indicative of the Company’s ability to raise additional funds for operations, due to a further downturn in equity markets for companies in its industry. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to raise additional capital or if the terms will be favorable.

 

The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of asset amounts or the classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

 F-12 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

NOTE 4 — MINERAL RIGHTS

 

Copper King Project

 

The Company owns the Copper King gold and copper development project (the “Copper King Project”), which is comprised of two State of Wyoming Metallic and Non-metallic Rocks and Minerals Mining Leases covering an area of approximately 1.8 square miles located in the Silver Crown Mining District of southeast Wyoming.

 

On July 2, 2014, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement whereby the Company acquired certain mining leases and other mineral rights comprising the Copper King Project. The purchase price consisted of (a) cash payment in the amount of $1.5 million and (b) closing shares calculated at 50% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock and valued at $1.5 million. In accordance with ASC 360-10, “Property, Plant, and Equipment”, assets are recognized based on their cost to the acquiring entity, which generally includes the transaction costs of the asset acquisition. Accordingly, the Company recorded a total cost of the acquired mineral properties of $3,091,738 at the date of purchase, which included the purchase price ($3,000,000) and related transaction costs.

 

Keystone Project

 

The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, U.S. Gold Acquisition Corporation (“USGAC”), a Nevada corporation, acquired the mining claims comprising the Keystone Project on May 27, 2016 from Nevada Gold Ventures, LLC (“Nevada Gold”) and Americas Gold Exploration, Inc. under the terms of a purchase and sale agreement. At the time of purchase, the Keystone Project consisted of 284 unpatented lode mining claims situated in Eureka County, Nevada. The purchase price for the Keystone Project consisted of the following: (a) cash payment in the amount of $250,000, (b) 46,250 shares of the Company’s common stock and (c) an aggregate of 23,145 five-year options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $36.00 per share.

 

The Company valued the shares of common stock at the fair value of $555,000 or $12.00 per share of common stock based on the contemporaneous sale of its preferred stock in a private placement at $1.00 per common share. The options were valued at $184,968. The options vested over a period of two years whereby 1/24 of the options vested and became exercisable each month for the 24 months following the closing of the acquisition. The options are non-forfeitable and are not subject to obligations or service requirements.

 

Accordingly, at the date of acquisition, the Company recorded a total cost of the acquired mineral properties of $1,028,885 which includes the purchase price ($989,968) and related transaction cost ($38,917). Some of the Keystone Project claims are subject to pre-existing net smelter royalty (“NSR”) obligations. In addition, under the terms of the purchase and sale agreement, Nevada Gold retained additional NSR rights of 0.5% with regard to certain claims and 3.5% with regard to certain other claims. Under the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Company may buy down one percent (1%) of the royalty from Nevada Gold at any time through the fifth anniversary of the closing date for $2,000,000. In addition, the Company may buy down an additional one percent (1%) of the royalty anytime through the eighth anniversary of the closing date for $5,000,000.

 

Gold Bar North Project

 

In August 2017, the Company closed on a transaction under a purchase and sale agreement executed in June 2017 with Nevada Gold and USGAC, pursuant to which Nevada Gold sold and USGAC purchased all rights, title and interest in the Gold Bar North Property, a gold development project located in Eureka County, Nevada. The purchase price for the Gold Bar North Property was: (a) cash payment in the amount of $20,479, which was paid in August 2017, and (b) 1,500 shares of common stock of the Company, which were issued in August 2017, valued at $35,850.

 

Maggie Creek Project

 

On September 10, 2019, the Company, NumberCo and the NumberCo Shareholders, entered into the Share Exchange Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, the Company agreed to issue to the NumberCo Shareholders 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding shares of NumberCo, with NumberCo becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (see Note 1).

 

 F-13 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

NumberCo owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of Orevada Metals Inc. (“Orevada”), a corporation under the laws of the state of Nevada. At the time of acquisition, the Company acquired from NumberCo cash of $159,063, and assumed liabilities consisting of accounts payable totaling $125,670. As a result, the Company acquired Orevada’s right to an option agreement dated in February 2019 (the “Option Agreement”). The Option Agreement grants Orevada the exclusive right and option to earn-in and acquire up to 50% undivided interest in a property called Maggie Creek, located in Eureka County, Nevada by completing a $4.5 million in exploration and development expenditures (“Initial Earn-in”) and payment to Renaissance Exploration, Inc. (“Renaissance”), the grantor, of $250,000. Orevada may elect within 60 days after making the $250,000 payment, to increase its interest by an additional 20% (total interest of 70%) by producing a feasibility study by the end of the ninth year of the Option Agreement. One of the directors of the Company, Mr. Tim Janke, is also a director of Renaissance, a company which is not under common control. No Earn-in expenditures have yet been invested toward the Option Agreement.

 

Pursuant to ASU 2017-01 and ASC 805, each titled “Business Combinations”, the Company analyzed the Share Exchange Agreement to determine if the Company acquired a business or assets. Based on this analysis, it was determined that the Company acquired assets, primarily consisting of cash and the right to an Option Agreement. The Company excluded the cash received in the determination of the gross assets and concluded that the right to the Option Agreement represents substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired. If substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets, the asset is not considered a business.

 

The monetary value of the 200,000 shares issued to the NumberCo Shareholders is deemed by the Company to be $2,020,000. In accordance with ASC 805-50-30 “Business Combinations”, the Company determined that if the consideration paid is not in the form of cash, the measurement may be based on either (i) the cost which is measured based on the fair value of the consideration given or (ii) the fair value of the assets (or net assets) acquired, whichever is more clearly evident and thus more reliably measurable.

 

The 200,000 shares issued to the NumberCo Shareholders were valued at $2,020,000, or $10.10 per share, the fair value of the Company’s common stock based on the quoted trading price on the date of the Share Exchange Agreement (see Note 8). No goodwill was recorded as the Share Exchange Agreement was accounted for as an asset purchase.

 

The relative fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on management’s estimates of the fair values on September 10, 2019, the date of the Share Exchange Agreement. Based upon the purchase price allocation, the following table summarizes the estimated relative fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

Cash  $159,063 
Mineral property – Maggie Creek   1,986,607 
Total assets acquired at fair value   2,145,670 
Total Liabilities assumed at fair value   (125,670)
Total purchase consideration  $2,020,000 

 

As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, the Company has not established any proven or probable reserves on its mineral properties and has incurred only acquisition costs and exploration costs.

 

As of the dates presented, mineral properties consisted of the following:

 

   April 30, 2020   April 30, 2019 
Copper King Project  $3,091,738   $3,091,738 
Keystone Project   1,028,885    1,028,885 
Gold Bar North Project   56,329    56,329 
Maggie Creek Project   1,986,607    - 
Total  $6,163,559   $4,176,952 

 

 F-14 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

NOTE 5 — PROPERTY

 

Property consisted of the following:

 

   April 30, 2020   April 30, 2019 
Site costs  $151,057   $81,885 
Less: accumulated depreciation   (17,686)   (6,956)
Total  $133,371   $74,929 

 

For the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, depreciation expense amounted to $10,730 and $6,956, respectively.

 

NOTE 6 — ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

 

In conjunction with various permit approvals permitting the Company to undergo exploration activities at the Copper King Project and Keystone Project, the Company has recorded an ARO based upon the reclamation plans submitted in connection with the various permits. The following table summarizes activity in the Company’s ARO for the periods presented:

 

   April 30, 2020   April 30, 2019 
         
Balance, beginning of period  $88,746   $- 
Addition and changes in estimates   69,172    81,885 
Accretion expense   10,474    6,861 
Balance, end of period  $168,392   $88,746 

 

For the year ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, accretion expense amounted to $10,474 and $6,861, respectively.

 

NOTE 7 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

On April 16, 2019, the Company entered into a one-year consulting agreement with a director of the Company for providing services related to investor and strategic introduction to potential industry partners. In consideration for the services, the consultant shall be paid $3,750 per month in cash, and shares of the Company’s common stock with a value of $45,000. In April 2019, the Company issued 4,592 shares of the Company’s common stock, valued at $45,000 at the market price on the dates of grant, in connection with this consulting agreement. The Company paid consulting fees to such director for a total of $90,000 in cash and shares during the year ended April 30, 2020.

 

One director provided consulting services to the Company and was paid total consulting fees in the amount of $0 and $12,500 during the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

Accounts payable to related parties as of April 30, 2020 and 2019 was $3,459 and $42,539, respectively, and was reflected as accounts payable – related party in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The related party to which accounts were payable as of April 30, 2020 was the Chief Financial Officer, who was owed a total of $3,459 (includes $2,700 payable in shares of common stock). The related parties to which accounts were payable as of April 30, 2019 were the former Vice President-Head of Exploration, who was owed $12,500 payable in shares of common stock and the Chief Financial Officer, who was owed a total of $30,039 (includes $14,403 payable in shares of common stock). The amounts payable in shares of common stock to these two related parties were fully vested at the date of issuance.

 

On September 10, 2019, the Company acquired from Orevada its right to an option agreement dated in February 2019 (see Note 4). One of the board of directors of the Company, Mr. Tim Janke, is also a director of Renaissance.

 

 F-15 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

NOTE 8 — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

As of April 30, 2020, authorized capital stock consisted of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which 1,300,000 shares are designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, 400,000 shares are designated as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, 45,002 shares are designated as Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, 7,402 shares are designated as Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, 2,500 shares are designated as Series E Convertible Preferred Stock, 1,250 shares are designated as Series F Preferred Stock and 127 shares are designated as Series G Preferred Stock. The Company’s Board has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon the preferred stock. As of July 13, 2020, there were 2,919,867 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, and no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

 

The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders and there are no cumulative rights. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably any dividends that may be declared from time to time by the Board out of funds legally available for that purpose. The Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future but intends to retain its capital resources for reinvestment in its business. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to prior distribution rights of preferred stock then outstanding. The common stock has no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. The outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable, and any shares of common stock to be issued upon an offering will be fully paid and nonassessable upon issuance. To the extent that additional shares of our common stock may be issued in the future, the relative interests of the then existing stockholders may be diluted.

 

Series F Convertible Preferred Stock

 

On June 20, 2019, the Company sold, under the terms of a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) dated June 19, 2019, 1,250 Series F Preferred units for an aggregate purchase price of $2,500,000, or $2,000 per unit. Each unit consisted of one (1) share of 0% Series F Preferred Stock and 87 Class X Warrants on a registered basis and 175 Class A Warrants on an unregistered basis. The Series F Preferred Stock contains no redemption feature. The Company sold a total of 1,250 shares of Series F Preferred Stock, 219,375 Class A Warrants and 109,750 Class X Warrants under the Purchase Agreement. Each share of Series F Preferred Stock, at the option of the holder at any time, was convertible into the number of shares of common stock of the Company determined by dividing the $2,000 (the stated value per share of the Series F Preferred Stock) by a conversion price of $11.40 per share (approximately 219,375 shares of common stock), subject to adjustment. Each Class X Warrant was exercisable to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock and one Class Y Warrant at an exercise price of $11.40, for a period of six (6) months from the date of issuance. Class X Warrants expired on December 19, 2019. Each Class Y Warrant was exercisable to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $11.40 per share, commencing six (6) months from the date of issuance (the “Initial Exercise Date”) and would have expired on a date that is the five (5) year anniversary of the Initial Exercise Date. No Class X Warrant was exercised prior to its expiration and, as such, no Class Y Warrants were issued. Each Class A Warrant is exercisable to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $11.40 per share, commencing six (6) months from the date of issuance and will expire on a date that is the five (5) year anniversary of the date of issuance. The Company incurred $98,799 in offering costs for this placement.

 

The fair value of the Series F Preferred Stock and warrants if converted on the date of issuance was greater than the value allocated to the Series F Preferred Stock and warrants. As a result, the Company recorded a BCF of approximately $2.0 million that the Company recognized as deemed dividend to the preferred stockholders and accordingly, an adjustment to net loss to arrive at net loss available to common stockholders and a corresponding increase in additional paid in capital upon issuance of the Series F Preferred Stock and warrants. The Company accounted for the deemed dividend resulting from the issuance of Series F Preferred Stock and warrants using the relative fair value method (see Note 2).

 

The Purchase Agreement includes customary representations, warranties and covenants by the Company and provides for indemnification of the purchasers against certain liabilities, including liabilities incurred as a result of or relating to any breach of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements made by the Company in the Purchase Agreement. The Company assessed the classification of these warrants and determined that such instruments met the criteria for equity classification under the guidance in ASC 815.

 

During the three months ended July 31, 2019, the Company issued an aggregate of 108,070 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for the conversion of 616 shares of the Company’s Series F Preferred Stock.

 

During the three months ended October 31, 2019, the Company issued an aggregate of 63,860 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for the conversion of 364 shares of the Company’s Series F Preferred Stock.

 

 F-16 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

During the three months ended April 30, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 25,088 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for the conversion of 143 shares of the Company’s Series F Preferred Stock. After the conversion of these shares, there remained 127 shares of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding, which were exchanged for Series G Convertible Preferred Stock, as discussed below.

 

Series G Convertible Preferred Stock

 

On March 29, 2020, concurrent with the issuance of shares of common stock and warrants for cash, the Company entered into an exchange agreement with holders of shares of the Series F Preferred Stock pursuant to which the remaining 127 shares of the Company’s Series F Preferred Stock were exchanged for 127 shares of the Series G Preferred Stock at a stated value of $2,000 per share, the same as the Series F Convertible Preferred Stock. The Series G Preferred Stock had substantially the same terms as that of the Series F Preferred Stock except the conversion price of the Series G Preferred Stock was $5.60 per share, for a total of 45,357 common shares.

 

During April 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 25,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for the conversion of 70 shares of Series G Preferred Stock.

 

As a result of the exchange, the Company recorded approximately $64,000 of deemed dividend to the preferred stockholders and accordingly, an adjustment to net loss to arrive at net loss available to common stockholders and a corresponding increase in additional paid in capital upon issuance of the Series G Preferred Stock. The Company accounted for the deemed dividend resulting from the exchange of Series F Preferred Stock into Series G Preferred Stock in accordance with ASC 470-50 and ASC 260-10-S99-2.

 

Common Stock Issued for Cash

 

On November 2, 2018, the Company entered into an ATM Agreement with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (“Wainwright”) as sales manager. Under the terms of the ATM Agreement, the Company was entitled to sell, at its sole discretion and from time to time as it may choose, common stock of the Company through Wainwright, with such sales having an aggregate gross sales value of up to $1,000,000. Subject to the terms and conditions of the ATM Agreement, Wainwright used its commercially reasonable efforts to sell the shares of common stock from time to time, based upon the Company’s instructions. The Company has provided Wainwright with customary indemnification rights, and Wainwright was entitled to a commission at a fixed commission rate equal to 3.0% of the gross proceeds per share sold. The ATM program has expired.

 

For the year ended April 30, 2019, the Company has sold 29,006 shares of common stock and raised net proceeds of $219,796, net of issuance costs including legal cost related to the sale of shares of common stock of $79,031, through the ATM Agreement at prices per share averaging $10.30.

 

On April 1, 2020, the Company, issued 357,142 shares of common stock of the Company at a price of $5.60 per share, for gross proceeds of approximately $2.0 million before the deduction of placement agent fees and offering expenses. In relation to this offering, the Company entered into the advisory agreement, dated March 29, 2020 (the “Advisory Agreement”), with Palladium Capital Advisors (“Palladium”) pursuant to which a fixed fee of $135,000 in shares of common stock would be issued, to be valued at the closing price on the date of issuance. On March 30, 2020, pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Company issued 25,281 shares of its common stock to Palladium, based on the closing price as of March 30, 2020 of $5.34.

 

Common Stock Issued for Accrued Services

 

On May 6, 2019, the Company paid an accrued service liability to its former Chief Geologist in the amount of $12,500 by issuing 1,068 shares of common stock at a price of $11.70 per share of common stock based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant. In connection with this issuance, the Company reduced accrued salaries by $12,500 during the year ended April 30, 2020.

 

On November 26, 2019, the Company paid an accrued service liability to its Chief Financial Officer in the amount of $14,403 and stock-based accounting fees of $3,881 by issuing 2,276 shares of restricted common stock at a price of $8.00 per share of common stock based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant. In connection with this issuance, the Company reduced accrued expenses by $14,403 and recorded stock-based accounting fees of $3,881 during the year ended April 30, 2020. The restricted common shares issued to this officer were fully vested at the date of issuance.

 

 F-17 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

On February 1, 2020, the Company paid stock-based accounting fees to its Chief Financial Officer in the amount of $5,158 by issuing 639 shares of restricted common stock at a price of $8.10 per share of common stock based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant. In connection with this issuance, the Company recorded stock-based accounting fees of $5,158 during the year ended April 30, 2020. The restricted common shares issued to this officer were fully vested at the date of issuance.

 

Common Stock Issued for Salaries

 

Between May 2019 and June 2019, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,153 shares of common stock to satisfy a stock payable to its former Chief Geologist for services rendered between May 2019 and June 2019. The shares were valued at $25,000 using a share price ranging from $10.30 to $13.30 on the dates of grant.

 

Common Stock Issued, Restricted Stock Awards, and RSUs Granted for Services

 

On September 18, 2019, the Compensation Committee of the Board awarded Edward Karr, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, President and Director, 20,000 performance-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”), David Rector, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, 7,500 performance-based RSUs and an employee of the Company 5,000 performance-based RSUs pursuant to respective restricted stock unit award agreements. The RSUs will vest upon the earlier to occur of (i) a Change in Control (as defined in the 2020 Plan), or (ii) a material discovery of a mineral deposit, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board in its sole discretion. The total 32,500 RSUs had a fair value of $334,750 or $10.30 per share based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant and will be expensed upon the occurrence of the vesting term.

 

Additionally, on September 18, 2019, the Compensation Committee of the Board awarded five directors of the Company an aggregate of 25,000 shares of restricted stock pursuant to respective restricted stock award agreements. The shares of restricted stock vested immediately on the date of grant. The total 25,000 shares of restricted stock had a fair value of $257,500 or $10.30 per share based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant, which was expensed immediately.

 

On November 26, 2019, the Company issued 2,100 shares of restricted common stock to a consultant for investor relations-related services rendered. The 2,100 shares of common stock had a fair value of $18,297, or $8.70 per share, based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant, which was fully vested and expensed immediately.

 

On November 26, 2019, the Company issued 3,703 shares of restricted stock to a consultant for services to be rendered. The shares vest over a six-month period. The 3,703 shares of restricted stock had a fair value of $29,848, or $8.10 per share, based on quoted trading price on the date of grant and will be expensed over the vesting period.

 

On January 14, 2020, the Compensation Committee of the Board awarded an aggregate of 47,777 restricted common shares to Edward Karr, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, and David Rector, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer as 2019 Executive Bonus Awards. The total 47,777 restricted common shares stock had a fair value of $396,520, or $8.30 per share, based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant, which was fully vested and expensed immediately.

 

On January 6, 2020, the Compensation Committee of the Board awarded four directors of the Company an aggregate of 1,875 shares of restricted stock pursuant to respective restricted stock award agreements. The shares of restricted stock vested immediately on the date of grant. The total 1,875 shares of restricted stock had a fair value of $17,438, or $9.30 per share, based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant, which was fully vested and expensed immediately.

 

On April 9, 2020, the Company issued 25,000 shares of restricted common stock to a consultant for investor relations-related services rendered. The 25,000 shares of common stock had a fair value of $123,750, or $4.95 per share, based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant, which was fully vested and expensed immediately.

 

On April 30, 2020, the Compensation Committee of the Board awarded four directors of the Company an aggregate of 1,875 shares of restricted stock pursuant to respective restricted stock award agreements. The shares of restricted stock vested immediately on the date of grant. The total 1,875 shares of restricted stock had a fair value of $9,581, or $5.11 per share, based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant, which was fully vested and expensed immediately. These shares were issued on May 5, 2020, subsequent to the close of the fiscal year 2020.

 

A total of $497,528 and $880,623 was expensed for the year ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. A balance of $339,725 remains to be expensed over future vesting periods.

 

 F-18 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

Common Stock Issued Pursuant to Share Exchange Agreement

 

On September 10, 2019, the Company, NumberCo and the NumberCo Shareholders, entered into the Share Exchange Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, the Company agreed to issue to the NumberCo Shareholders 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding shares of NumberCo, with NumberCo becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The 200,000 shares issued to the NumberCo Shareholders were valued at $2,020,000, or $10.10 per share, the fair value of the Company’s common stock based on the quoted trading price on the date of the Share Exchange Agreement (see Note 4).

 

Equity Incentive Plan

 

In August 2017, the Board approved the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) including the reservation of 165,000 shares of common stock thereunder.

 

On August 6, 2019, the Board approved and adopted, subject to stockholder approval, the U.S. Gold Corp. 2020 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”). The 2020 Plan reserves 330,710 shares for future issuance to officers, directors, employees and contractors as directed from time to time by the Compensation Committee of the Board. The Board directed that the 2020 Plan be submitted to the Company’s stockholders for their approval at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the “Annual Meeting”), which was held on September 18, 2019. The 2020 Plan was approved by a vote of stockholders at the Annual Meeting. With the approval and effectivity of the 2020 Plan, no further grants will be made under the 2017 Plan.

 

Stock options issued for services

 

On November 26, 2019, the Company granted 5,000 options to purchase the Company’s common stock to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. The options have a term of 10 years from the date of grant and are exercisable at an exercise price of $8.10. The options vest over 24 months at 208 options per month.

 

The Company used the Black-Scholes model to determine the fair value of stock options granted during the year ended April 30, 2020. In applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model to options granted, the Company used the following assumptions:

 

   For the
Year Ended
April 30, 2020
 
Risk free interest rate   1.74%
Dividend yield   0.00%
Expected volatility   72%
Contractual term (in years)   10.0 
Forfeiture rate   0.00%

 

 F-19 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity during the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

   Number of
Options
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
(Years)
 
Balance at April 30, 2018   153,146    17.90    3.43 
Granted            
Exercised            
Forfeited   (7,500)   14.80     
Cancelled            
Balance at April 30, 2019   145,646   $18.00    2.29 
Granted   5,000    8.10    10.00 
Exercised            
Forfeited   (50,646)   24.44     
Cancelled            
Balance at April 30, 2020   100,000    14.31    2.87 
                
Options exercisable at end of period   76,041   $14.55      
Options expected to vest   23,959   $13.54      
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period       $0.62      

 

At April 30, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable was $0 for each year.

 

Stock-based compensation for stock options recorded in the consolidated statements of operations totaled $196,046 and $328,082 for the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. A balance of $214,050 remains to be expensed over future vesting periods.

 

Stock Warrants

 

In relation to the issuance of the shares of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock in June 2019, the Company issued 219,375 Class A Warrants and 109,750 Class X Warrants. The fair value of the warrants was $2,022,712, as measured on the date of the issuance with a Black-Scholes pricing model using the assumptions noted in the following table:

 

   Class A Warrants Issued During the Year Ended
April 30, 2020
 
Expected volatility   46% - 74 %
Stock price on date of grant  $11.40  
Exercise price  $11.40  
Expected dividends   -  
Expected term (in years)   0.5 – 5  
Risk-free rate   1.77% - 2.11 %
Expected forfeiture rate   0 %

 

Each Class A Warrant is exercisable to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $11.40 per share, commencing six (6) months from the date of issuance and will expire on a date that is the five (5) year anniversary of the date of issuance. Each Class X Warrant was exercisable to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock and one Class Y Warrant at an exercise price of $11.40, for a period of six (6) months from the date of issuance. Class X Warrants expired on December 19, 2019. Each Class Y Warrant was exercisable to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $11.40 per share, commencing on the Initial Exercise Date and would have expired on a date that is the five (5) year anniversary of the Initial Exercise Date. No Class X Warrant was exercised prior to its expiration, and, as such, no Class Y Warrants were issued.

 

 F-20 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

Concurrent with the April 1, 2020 issuance of shares of common stock, the Company issued 357,142 warrants. The warrants are exercisable six months following the initial exercise date and terminate five years following issuance. The warrants have an exercise price of $7.00 per share and each warrant is exercisable to purchase one share of common stock. Generally, a holder of a warrant will not have the right to exercise any portion of its warrants if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (or 9.99% at the election of the holder prior to the date of issuance) of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”).

 

The fair value of the warrants was $1,613,765, as measured on the date of the issuance with a Black-Scholes pricing model using the assumptions noted in the following table:

 

   Common Warrants Issued During the Year Ended
April 30, 2020
 
Expected volatility   133.0%
Stock price on date of grant  $5.34 
Exercise price  $7.00 
Expected dividends   - 
Expected term (in years)   5.00 
Risk-free rate   0.39%
Expected forfeiture rate   0%

 

The fair value of the warrant would be credited to Additional paid-in capital, and also represents a deemed dividend to those shareholders, which would be charged to Additional paid-in capital, therefore with no effect on that account.

 

A summary of the Company’s outstanding warrants to purchase shares of common stock as of April 30, 2020 and changes during the year then ended are presented below, restated to post-split:

 

   Number of Warrants   Weighted Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted Average Remaining Contractual
Life
(Years)
 
Warrants with no Class designation:               
Balance at April 30, 2018   170,236   $31.11    1.25 
Granted            
Exercised            
Forfeited            
Canceled            
Balance at April 30, 2019   170,236   $31.11    1.25 
Granted   357,142    7.00    4.92 
Exercised            
Forfeited            
Canceled            
Balance at April 30, 2020   

527,378

         3.73 
Class A Warrants:               
Balance at April 30, 2019            
Granted   219,375    11.40    4.22 
Exercised            
Forfeited            
Canceled            
Balance at April 30, 2020   219,375    11.40    4.22 
                
Class X Warrants:               
Balance at April 30, 2019            
Granted   109,750    11.40    0.50 
Exercised            
Forfeited, with no financial effect   (109,750)   11.40     
Canceled            
Balance at April 30, 2020   -    -    - 
Class Y Warrants:               
Balance at April 30, 2019            
Granted            
Exercised            
Forfeited            
Canceled            
Balance at April 30, 2020            
Total Warrants Outstanding at April 30, 2020   746,753   $7.41    3.88 
 Warrants exercisable at end of period   746,753   $7.78      
Weighted average fair value of warrants granted during the period       $4.21      

 

As of April 30, 2020, the aggregate intrinsic value of warrants outstanding and exercisable was $0.

 

 F-21 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

NOTE 9 — NET LOSS PER SHARE

 

Net loss per share of common stock is calculated in accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share”. Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholder, by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The following were excluded from the computation of diluted shares outstanding as they would have had an anti-dilutive impact on the Company’s net loss. In periods where the Company has a net loss, all dilutive securities are excluded.

 

  

Year Ended

April 30, 2020

  

Year Ended

April 30, 2019

 
Common stock equivalents:          
Preferred stock   20,357    - 
Restricted stock units   33,117    51,200 
Stock options   100,000    145,646 
Stock warrants   746,753    170,236 
Total   900,227    367,082 

 

NOTE 10 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Mining Leases

 

The Copper King property position consists of two State of Wyoming Metallic and Non-metallic Rocks and Minerals Mining Leases. These leases were assigned to the Company in July 2014 through the acquisition of the Copper King Project. Leases to explore for or use of natural resources are outside the scope of ASU 2016-02 “Leases”. There are no lease contracts for office space or other Company expenses which qualify for treatment as capital assets under ASU 2016-02.

 

The Company’s rights to the Copper King Project arise under two State of Wyoming mineral leases; 1) State of Wyoming Mining Lease No. 0-40828, consisting of 640 acres, and 2) State of Wyoming Mining Lease No. 0-40858 consisting of 480 acres.

 

Lease 0-40828 was renewed in February 2013 for a second ten-year term and Lease 0-40858 was renewed for its second ten-year term in February 2014. Each lease requires an annual payment of $2.00 per acre. In connection with the Wyoming Mining Leases, the following production royalties must be paid to the State of Wyoming, although once the project is in operation, the Board of Land Commissioners has the authority to reduce the royalty payable to the State of Wyoming:

 

FOB Mine Value per Ton  Percentage Royalty 
$00.00 to $50.00   5%
$50.01 to $100.00   7%
$100.01 to $150.00   9%
$150.01 and up   10%

 

The future minimum lease payments at April 30, 2020 under these mining leases are as follows, each payment to be made in the fourth quarter of the respective fiscal years. The Fiscal 2020 payment was made during the quarter ended January 31, 2020:

 

Fiscal 2021  $2,240 
Fiscal 2022   2,240 
Fiscal 2023   2,240 
Fiscal 2024   960 
   $7,680 

 

The Company may renew each lease for a third ten-year term, which will require one annual payment of $3.00 per acre for the first year and $4.00 per acre for each year thereafter.

 

 F-22 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

Orevada option:

 

Pursuant to the acquisition of NumberCo on September 10, 2019, the Company acquired from Orevada its right to the Option Agreement. The option agreement grants Orevada the exclusive right and option to earn-in and acquire up to 50% undivided interest in a property called Maggie Creek, located in Eureka County, Nevada by completing the Initial Earn-in over a seven-year period:

 

First agreement year  $100,000 
Second agreement year   200,000 
Third agreement year   500,000 
Fourth agreement year   700,000 
Fifth agreement year   1,000,000 
Sixth agreement year   1,000,000 
Seventh agreement year   1,000,000 
   $4,500,000 

 

The Initial Earn-in is vested by paying $250,000 to Renaissance Exploration, Inc. at the end of the Initial Earn-in period.

 

NOTE 11 — INCOME TAX

 

The components of income tax provision (benefit) are as follows:

 

   Year Ended April 30, 
   2020   2019 
Current          
Federal  $(438,145)  $- 
State and local   -    - 
Total current   (438,145)   - 
           
Deferred          
Federal  $-   $435,345 
State and local   -    - 
Total deferred   -    435,345 
Total income tax provision (benefit)  $(438,145)  $435,345 

 

 F-23 

 

 

U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2020 and 2019

 

The Company has a net operating loss carryforward for federal tax purposes totaling approximately $24.2 million at April 30, 2020. Approximately $13.2 million expires through the year 2038, with approximately $11.0 million net operating losses incurred in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 that do not expire and can be utilized to offset up to 80% of future taxable income under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act described below. The Company has approximately $3.0 million of various state net operating loss carryforwards that expire through the year 2038; however, the Company’s business is currently conducted in states with no income tax, so these carryforwards may never be used.

 

The deferred tax assets are summarized as follows:

 

   April 30, 2020   April 30, 2019 
Net operating loss carryover  $5,083,000   $3,777,000 
Stock-based compensation   2,019,000    1,753,000 
Capitalized exploration costs   340,000    341,000 
Accrued remediation costs   7,000    3,000 
Alternative minimum tax credit carryover   -    438,000 
Subtotal   7,449,000    6,312,000 
Less: valuation allowance   (7,449,000)   (6,312,000)
Net deferred tax asset  $-   $- 

 

On December 22, 2017, the United States enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) resulting in significant modifications to existing law. The Company completed the accounting for the effects of the Act during the fiscal year April 30, 2019. The Company recognized an income tax benefit of 438,145 for the year ended April 30, 2020 as a result of the changes to tax laws and tax rates under the Act. The Act modified the application of alternative minimum tax credits previously being carried forward, to allow for refunds of the credits. The Company had been carrying forward a total of $438,000 in alternative minimum tax credits. As a result of the change, the Company received a federal tax refund during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020 and will receive another refund of like amount in the year ending April 30, 2021.

 

As of April 30, 2020, the Company had deferred tax assets arising principally from the net operating loss carryforward for income tax purposes multiplied by an expected blended federal and state tax rate of 21.0%. Due to the physical presence (nexus) of the Company in the states of Wyoming and Nevada, the Company no longer has significant income or loss apportioned to any taxable state. Any minor apportionment that may occur to any taxable state will be immaterial to current and future operations of the company. Therefore, the effective state tax rate used in the calculation of deferred tax is 0%. As management of the Company cannot determine that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance equal to 100% of the net deferred tax asset has been established at April 30, 2020.

 

The differences between the provision (benefit) for federal income taxes and federal income taxes computed using the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21% were as follows:

 

   Year Ended April 30, 
   2020       2019     
Federal income tax provision (benefit) based on statutory rate  $(1,194,000)   21.0%  $(1,598.000)   21.0%
State income tax provision (benefit), net of federal taxes   -    -%   -    -%
Change in effective state tax rate   -    -%   340,000    (4.5)%
Change in prior year estimate   (381,000)   6.7%   (971,000    12.8%
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance   1,137,000    (20.0)%   2,664,000    (35.0)%
Total tax provision (benefit) on income (loss)  $(438,000)   7.7%  $435,000    (5.7)%

 

The Company has assessed its tax positions and has determined that it has not taken a position that would give rise to an unrecognized tax liability being reported. In the event that the Company is assessed penalties and/or interest, penalties will be charged to other operating expense and interest will be charged to interest expense.

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. For both federal and state income tax purposes, the Company’s fiscal 2017 through 2020 tax years remain open for examination by the tax authorities under the normal three-year statute of limitations.

 

NOTE 12 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On June 2, 2020, 57 shares of Series G Convertible Preferred shares were converted to 20,357 common shares.

 

 F-24 

 

 

Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

During the fiscal years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, there were (i) no disagreements related to accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, and (ii) there were no “reportable events” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

 

Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of April 30, 2020. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including our principal executive and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective, at the reasonable assurance level, in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”). Our internal control system was designed to, in general, provide reasonable assurance to our management and board regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements, but because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of April 30, 2020. The framework used by management in making that assessment was the criteria set forth in the document entitled “2013 Internal Control - Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, (“COSO”). Based on that assessment, management concluded that, during the period covered by this report, such internal controls and procedures were not effective as of April 30, 2020 and that material weaknesses in ICFR existed as more fully described below.

 

 53 

 

 

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, within the meaning of Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) Audit Standard No. 5, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Management has identified the following material weaknesses which have caused management to conclude that as of April 30, 2020 our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective at the reasonable assurance level:

 

As of April 30, 2020, management has not completed an effective assessment of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting based on the COSO framework. Management has concluded that, during the period covered by this report, our internal controls and procedures were not effective to detect the inappropriate application of U.S. GAAP. Management identified the following material weaknesses set forth below in our internal control over financial reporting.

 

1. We did not perform an effective risk assessment or monitor internal controls over financial reporting.
   
2. We do not have written documentation of our internal control policies and procedures. Written documentation of key internal controls over financial reporting is a requirement of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act which is applicable to us for the year ended April 30, 2020. Management evaluated the impact of our failure to have written documentation of our internal controls and procedures on our assessment of our disclosure controls and procedures and has concluded that the control deficiency that resulted represented a material weakness.
   
3. In the absence of written documentation and procedures, we perform specific review functions in preparing financial reports and disclosures to assure fair presentation of our financial reports.

 

Notwithstanding the assessment that our ICFR was not effective and that there are material weaknesses as identified herein, we believe that our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods covered thereby in all material respects.

 

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm as we are a smaller reporting company and are not required to provide the report.

 

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

During the year ended April 30, 2020, management determined that a delay of its program for compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was necessary to conserve cash in our current financial condition. There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting; however, management has determined that for the sake of transparency and conservancy, it cannot state that internal controls over financial reporting are effective at this time.

 

As required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act, our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer conducted an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter ended April 30, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that there were no such changes during the quarter ended April 30, 2020.

 

Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None

 

 54 

 

 

PART III

 

Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The following persons are our directors and executive officers and hold the offices set forth opposite their names.

 

Name   Age   Principal Occupation   Officer/
Director Since
 
Edward M. Karr   50   Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of U.S. Gold Corp.   2015  
Timothy M. Janke   67   Director of U.S. Gold Corp.   2016  
John N. Braca   61   Director of U.S. Gold Corp.   2017  
Andrew Kaplan   52   Director of U.S. Gold Corp.   2017  
Ryan K. Zinke   57   Director of U.S. Gold Corp.   2019  
Douglas Newby   60   Director of U.S. Gold Corp.   2019  
David Rector   72   Chief Operating Officer, Secretary of U.S. Gold Corp.   2016  
Ted Sharp   63   Chief Financial Officer - Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of U.S. Gold Corp.   2018  

 

Edward M. Karr has been serving as a Director since June 2015, and has been the President and Chief Executive Officer, and a Director of Gold King Corp. since April 2016. Mr. Karr became our President and Chief Executive Officer on May 23, 2017 and remains a member of the Board. Mr. Karr is an international entrepreneur and founder of several investment management companies based in Geneva, Switzerland. Mr. Karr was a Director and former Chair of the Audit Committee of Levon Resources, until its merger with Discovery Metals, Inc. Mr. Karr previously served on the boards of Pershing Gold Corp., PolarityTE, Inc. (formerly Majesco Entertainment Company) and Spherix Incorporated. Mr. Karr is a board member and past President of the American International Club of Geneva and Chairman of Republican’s Overseas Switzerland. Mr. Karr has more than 25 years of capital markets experience as an executive manager, financial analyst, money manager and investor. In 2004, Futures Magazine named Mr. Karr as one of the world’s Top Traders. He is a frequent contributor to the financial press. Mr. Karr previously worked for Prudential Securities in the United States. Before his entry into the financial services arena, Mr. Karr was affiliated with the United States Antarctic Program and spent thirteen consecutive months working in the Antarctic, receiving the Antarctic Service Medal for winter over contributions of courage, sacrifice and devotion. Mr. Karr studied at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Lansdowne College in London, England and received a B.S. in Economics/Finance with Honours (magna cum laude) from Southern New Hampshire University. Mr. Karr is qualified to serve on our Board because of his global operating and executive management experience; deep knowledge of capital markets; experience in public company accounting, finance, and audit matters as well as his experience in a range of board and committee functions as a member of various boards.

 

Timothy M. Janke has been serving as a member of the board of directors of Gold King Corp. since April 2016 and became a director in May 2017. In addition, he has been serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Pershing Gold Corp. since August 2014. Since November 2010, Mr. Janke has been the president of his own consulting business providing mine operating and evaluation services to several mining companies. Beginning in July 2012, he provided consulting services at the Relief Canyon Project advising the company on mine start-up plans and related activities. From June 2010 to August 2014, Mr. Janke served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Gold, Inc. and its predecessor Auex Ventures, Inc. He was General Manager-Projects for Goldcorp Inc. and its predecessor Glamis Gold, Inc. from July 2009 to May 2010, Vice President and General Manager of the Marigold Mine from February 2006 to June 2009, and its Manager of Technical Services from September 2004 to January 2006. Since August 2011, Mr. Janke has served as a director for Renaissance Gold. He is a past Director of both the Nevada Mining Association, and Silverado Area Council Boy Scouts. He has a B.S. in Mining Engineering from the Mackay School of Mines. Mr. Janke is qualified to serve on our Board because of his more than 40 years of engineering and operational experience in the mining industry, and broad range of expertise in mining operations throughout the USA, Canada and Australia.

 

John N. Braca has been serving as a member of our Board since May 2017 and was appointed Chairman in September 2018. In addition, he is a financial executive and business partner with a strong track record in portfolio management, venture capital fundraising, as well as financial and operational management. He has served as a director and board observer for life science, technology and development companies over the course of his career. Mr. Braca has also served as an active member of both Audit and Compensation Committees for both public and private companies and has led several of the public companies as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. John N. Braca has been a director of Sevion Therapeutics since October 2003. Since April 2013, Mr. Braca has been the President and sole proprietor of JNB Consulting, which provides strategic business development counsel to biotechnology companies. From August 2010 through April 2013, Mr. Braca had been the executive director controller for Iroko Pharmaceuticals, a privately-held global pharmaceutical company based in Philadelphia. From April 2006 through July 2010, Mr. Braca was the managing director of Fountainhead Venture Group, a healthcare information technology venture fund based in the Philadelphia area, and has been working with both investors and developing companies to establish exit and business development opportunities. From May 2005 through March 2006, Mr. Braca was also consultant and advisor to GlaxoSmithKline management in their research operations. From 1997 to April 2005, Mr. Braca was a general partner and director of business investments for S.R. One, Limited, or S.R. One, the venture capital subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline. In addition, from January 2000 to July 2003, Mr. Braca was a general partner of Euclid SR Partners Corporation, an independent venture capital partnership. Prior to joining S.R. One, Mr. Braca held various finance and operating positions of increasing responsibility within several subsidiaries and business units of GlaxoSmithKline. Mr. Braca is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of Pennsylvania and is affiliated with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Braca received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Villanova University and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University. Mr. Braca is qualified to serve on the Board because of his deep knowledge of financial and operational issues; extensive experience in operational and executive management, deep governance acumen, and strong knowledge of early stage and public companies.

 

55

 

 

The Honorable Ryan Zinke has been serving as a member of our Board since April 2019. He was born and raised in Montana and attended the University of Oregon where he was awarded All-PAC 10 honors, the Sahlstrom Award and the prestigious Emerald Cup Award for academic, leadership and athletic achievement. He then attended US Navy Officers Candidate School and completed Navy SEAL Training in 1985 and was assigned to SEAL Team ONE. Highlights of Commander Zinke’s twenty-three-year career in Special Operations includes two tours of duty at SEAL Team SIX, Acting Commander of Special Forces in Iraq, Task Force Commander in Bosnia and Kosovo, and served as the “Dean” of Special Warfare training. He was awarded the Bronze Star for combat in Iraq and is credited with conducting 360 combat missions and the capture or kill of 72 terrorists. He retired from active duty in 2008 and was elected as a Montana State Senator and later twice elected as Montana’s sole member of the US House of Representatives. He served on the House Armed Services and Natural Resources committees. In 2016, Congressman Zinke was nominated by President Donald J. Trump and later confirmed by the US Senate to serve as the 52nd US Secretary of the Interior. As Secretary, he was a champion of restoring the voice of state and local communities in land and wildlife management decisions, established and protected wildlife corridors, budgeted for the largest investment in our Nation’s history for National Parks, increased public access for recreation and traditional use, and was the principle architect of the American Energy “Dominance” policy. After 31 years of public service, President Trump accepted his resignation in 2019. The Honorable Ryan Zinke is the author of American Commander and serves on numerous boards. He holds an MBA in Finance, an MS in Global Leadership, and a BS in Geology. He is married to the former Lolita Hand of Santa Barbara, has three children and two grandchildren.

 

Andrew Kaplan has been serving as a member of our Board since November 2017. In addition, he is a founder of A to B Capital Management and manages the A to B Capital Special Situations Fund, LP which was launched on January 1, 2009. The fund invests in the small cap sector through private, pre-public and publicly traded companies. In addition, he has been a Vice President of Barry Kaplan Associates for the past 22 years, a leading financial public relations firm for both public and private companies in the US, Canada and abroad. Prior to working at BKA, he had six years’ experience working at major investment banks involved in deal structure, mergers and acquisitions and trading. Mr. Kaplan is a member of the Board of Directors for Coral Gold Resources, Ltd. and a former member of the Board of PolarityTE, Inc. and Naked Brand Group. He holds a BSBA from the University of Hartford in Finance and Insurance. Mr. Kaplan is qualified to serve as a director due to his extensive business and management expertise and his extensive knowledge of capital markets.

 

Douglas Newby has been serving on our Board from September 2019 to the present. Mr. Newby has a 35-year career in financial analysis, corporate finance and corporate management specializing in the international mining industry. He has served as Chief Financial Officer of USA Rare Earth, LLC from October 2019 to the present. From June 2017 to October 2019 has was primarily focused on his role as President of Proteus Capital Corp., a corporate advisory firm that he has owned since he formed it in 2001. From November 2005 to June 2017 he served as Chief Financial Officer of PolyMet Mining Corp., a Canadian company developing a large copper-nickel project in Minnesota, and as a member of the board of directors of PolyMet Mining, Inc. Mr. Newby was actively involved in all aspects of the company’s development, including developing a strategy for a complex environmental review process that was successfully completed during his tenure, resulting in state and federal permits being issued. Mr. Newby also managed financial reporting, internal controls, and raising more than $300 million in equity and debt and establishing and maintaining a strategic relationship with Glencore plc. Prior to joining PolyMet in 2005, Mr. Newby was Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Western Goldfields Inc., where he arranged finance for and negotiated the acquisition of the Mesquite gold mine from Newmont Mining in November 2003. Western Goldfields subsequently formed a core part of the formation of New Gold Inc. He started his career as an institutional investment analyst and corporate finance specialist in London and New York. He has a B.Sc.(honors) degree in mathematics from Kings College London. Mr. Newby is qualified to serve on our Board because of his more than 35 years of evaluation, financing and executive management of mines and mining companies around the world.

 

56

 

 

David Rector is our Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary and has been with us since April 2016. Since 1985, Mr. Rector has been the Principal of The David Stephen Group, which provides enterprise consulting services to emerging and developing companies in a variety of industries. In addition, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Sevion Therapeutics, Inc. from January 2015 to December 2017, and a director since February 2002. Mr. Rector served as a director and member of the compensation and audit committee of the Dallas Gold and Silver Exchange Companies Inc. (formerly Superior Galleries, Inc.) from May 2004 to September 2015. From November 2012 through January 2014, Mr. Rector has served as the CEO and President of Valor Gold. From February 2012 through January 2013, Mr. Rector has served as the VP Finance & Administration of Pershing Gold Corp. From May 2011 through February 2012, Mr. Rector served as the President of Sagebrush Gold, Ltd. From October 2007 through February 2013, Mr. Rector has served as President and CEO of Standard Drilling, Inc. From May 2004 through December 2006, Mr. Rector had served in senior management positions with Nanoscience Technologies, Inc., a development stage company engaged in the development of DNA Nanotechnology. From 1983 until 1985, Mr. Rector served as President and General Manager of Sunset Designs, Inc., a domestic and international manufacturer and marketer of consumer product craft kits, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reckitt & Coleman N.A. From 1980 until 1983, Mr. Rector served as the Director of Marketing of Sunset Designs. From 1971 until 1980, Mr. Rector served in progressive roles in the financial and product marketing departments of Crown Zellerbach Corporation, a multi-billion-dollar pulp and paper industry corporation. Mr. Rector received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Finance from Murray State University in 1969.

 

Ted Sharp has been our Chief Financial Officer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer since December 2018. Mr. Sharp is a Certified Public Accountant and has Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting from Boise State University. Since 2003, he has been President of Sharp Executive Associates, Inc., a privately-held accounting firm providing Chief Financial Officer services to clients. Concurrent with his position with us, Mr. Sharp serves part-time as Chief Financial Officer of Goldrich Mining Company, from February 2006 through the present; from September 2018 through the present, serves part-time as Chief Financial Officer of Timberline Resources Corporation; from July 2012 through the present, as principal and serves part-time as Chief Executive and Financial Officer of US Calcium LLC, a privately-held natural resource company. From May 2011 through January 2012, Mr. Sharp served part-time as Chief Financial Officer of Gryphon Gold Corporation, a natural resource company trading on the FINRA OTCBB, and from September 2008 through November 2010, Mr. Sharp served part-time as Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer of Texada Ventures, Inc, a natural resource exploration company formerly trading on the FINRA OTCBB. From November of 2006 to June 2009, Mr. Sharp served part-time as Chief Financial Officer of Commodore Applied Technologies, Inc., an environmental solutions company formerly trading on the FINRA OTCBB. Prior to 2003, he worked for 14 years in positions of Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director of European Operations and Corporate Controller for Key Technology, Inc., a publicly-traded manufacturer of capital goods. Mr. Sharp has more than 30 years of experience in treasury management, internal financial controls, SEC reporting and Corporate Governance.

 

Family Relationships

 

There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.

 

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

 

No director, executive officer or control person has been involved in any legal proceeding listed in Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K in the past 10 years.

 

Corporate Governance

 

General

 

We believe that good corporate governance is important to ensure that we are managed for the long-term benefit of our stockholders. This section describes key corporate governance practices that we have adopted.

 

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Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and shareholders who own more than 10% of our stock to file forms with the SEC to report their ownership of our stock and any changes in ownership. We assist our directors and executive officers by identifying reportable transactions of which it is aware and preparing and filing their forms on their behalf. All persons required to file forms with the SEC must also send copies of the forms to us. We have reviewed all forms provided to us. Based on that review and on written information given to use by our executive officers and directors, we believe that all Section 16(a) filings during the past fiscal year were filed on a timely basis and that all directors, executive officers and 10% beneficial owners have fully complied with such requirements during the past fiscal year except for four late filings related to six transactions involving David Mathewson, our former Vice-President and Head of Exploration.

 

Independence of Directors

 

Our Board is currently comprised of six members, five of whom are independent directors. Mr. Karr is not an independent director. Officers are appointed and serve at the discretion of our board of directors.

 

The Board, upon recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, unanimously determined that each of our five non-employee directors is “independent,” as such term is defined in the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules (“Stock Market Rules”).

 

The definition of “independent director” included in the Stock Market Rules includes a series of objective tests, such as that the director is not an employee of the Company, has not engaged in various types of specified business dealings with the Company, and does not have an affiliation with an organization that has had specified business dealings with the Company. Consistent with the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles, the Board’s determination of independence is made in accordance with the Stock Market Rules, as the Board has not adopted supplemental independence standards. As required by the Stock Market Rules, the Board also has made a subjective determination with respect to each director that such director has no material relationship with the Company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company), even if the director otherwise satisfies the objective independence tests included in the definition of an “independent director” included in the Stock Market Rules.

 

In determining that each individual who served as a member of the Board is independent, the Board considered that, in the ordinary course of business, transactions may occur between the Company and entities with which some of our directors are affiliated. The Board unanimously determined that the relationships discussed below were not material. No unusual discounts or terms were extended.

 

Board Leadership Structure

 

The Board believes that our shareholders are best served if the Board retains the flexibility to adapt its leadership structure to applicable facts and circumstances, which necessarily change over time. Accordingly, our Corporate Governance Principles provide that the Board may combine or separate the roles of the CEO and chairman, as it deems advisable and in the best interests of us and our shareholders.

 

The independent directors have concluded that the most effective leadership structure for us at the present time is for Mr. Karr to serve as our CEO. and Mr. Braca as Chairman. The Board made this determination in light of Mr. Karr and Mr. Braca’s experience, which allow them to bring to the Board a broad and uniquely well-informed perspective on our business, as well as insight into the trends and opportunities that can affect our future. In adopting the structure, the Board also concluded that the strong independent membership of the Board and its standing committees ensures robust and effective communication between the directors and members of management, and that the overall leadership structure is effective in providing the Board with a well-informed and current view of our business that enhances its ability to address strategic considerations, as well as focus on the opportunities and risks that are of greatest importance to us and our shareholders. The Board believes this structure has served us well since September 2018.

 

Under our Corporate Governance Principles, the Board has the flexibility to modify or continue the leadership structure, as it deems appropriate. As part of its ongoing evaluation of the most effective leadership structure for us, in September 2018, the independent directors decided to separate the roles of CEO and Chairman, and also appoint a lead director. The independent directors believe that having a lead director enhances the Board’s independent oversight of management by further providing for strong independent leadership; independent discussion among directors; and independent evaluation of, and communication with, our senior management. Mr. Braca currently serves as Chairman of the Board lead director and has since September 2018. The independent directors unanimously approved Mr. Braca to be Chairman and lead director based on his experience knowledge of governance practices, strategic considerations, and our business interests.

 

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Specific duties of the lead director include:

 

  presiding at meetings of the independent directors;
  serving as a liaison between the chairman and the independent directors;
  consulting on meeting agendas;
  working with management to assure that meeting materials are fulfilling the needs of directors;
  consulting on the meeting calendar and schedules to assure there is sufficient time to discuss all agenda items;
  calling meetings of the independent directors, including at the request of such directors;
  presiding at Board meetings when the chairman is not present;
  working with the independent directors to respond to shareholder inquiries involving the Board; and
  performing such other duties as the Board may from time to time delegate.

 

Director Attendance at Board, Committee, and Other Meetings

 

Directors are expected to attend Board meetings and meetings of the committees on which they serve, with the understanding that on occasion a director may be unable to attend a meeting. The Board does not have a policy on director attendance at our annual meeting.

 

The non-management directors (who also constitute all of the independent directors) meet in executive sessions in connection with regularly scheduled Board meetings and at such other times as the non-management directors deem appropriate. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020, these sessions were led by the lead director.

 

During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020, the Board held 7 regular and special meetings, the non-management directors did not hold regular and special executive sessions, the Audit Committee held 4 regular and special meetings, the Compensation Committee held 3 regular and special meetings, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held 2 regular and special meetings. With the exception of one director absent from one meeting, each director attended 100% of the regular and special meetings of the Board and of the committees on which he or she served that were held during his or her term of office.

 

Board Role in Risk Oversight

 

Our Board plays an active role in our risk oversight. The Board does not have a formal risk management committee but administers this oversight function through various standing committees of the Board, which are described below. The Audit Committee periodically reviews overall enterprise risk management, in addition to maintaining responsibility for oversight of financial reporting-related risks, including those related to our accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices. The Audit Committee also reviews reports and considers any material allegations regarding potential violations of our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (the “Code of Ethics” or the “Code”). The Compensation Committee oversees risks arising from our compensation policies and programs. This Committee has responsibility for evaluating and approving our executive compensation and benefit plans, policies and programs. The Nominating Committee oversees corporate governance risks and oversees and advises the Board with respect to our policies and practices regarding significant issues of corporate responsibility.

 

The Board of Directors has a process for shareholders to communicate with directors. Shareholders should write to the President at our mailing address and specifically request that a copy of the letter be distributed to a particular Board member or to all Board members. Where no such specific request is made, the letter will be distributed to Board members if material, in the judgment of the President, to matters on the Board’s agenda.

 

Committees of the Board

 

Our Board has three standing committees: Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance. Each of the committees is solely comprised of and chaired by independent directors, each of whom the Board has affirmatively determined is independent pursuant to the Stock Market Rules. Each of the committees operates pursuant to its charter. The committee Charters are reviewed annually by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. If appropriate, and in consultation with the chairs of the other committees, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee proposes revisions to the charters. The responsibilities of each committee are described in more detail below. The charters for the three committees are available on our website at www.usgoldcorp.gold by following the link to “Investor Relations” and then to “Corporate Governance.”

 

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Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee, among other things, is responsible for:

 

  appointing; approving the compensation of; overseeing the work of; and assessing the independence, qualifications, and performance of the independent auditor;
  reviewing the internal audit function, including its independence, plans, and budget;
  approving, in advance, audit and any permissible non-audit services performed by our independent auditor;
  reviewing our internal controls with the independent auditor, the internal auditor, and management;
  reviewing the adequacy of our accounting and financial controls as reported by the independent auditor, the internal auditor, and management;
  overseeing our financial compliance system; and
  overseeing our major risk exposures regarding our accounting and financial reporting policies, the activities of our internal audit function, and information technology.

 

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed our audited financial statements for the year ended April 30, 2020 with our management and has discussed with Marcum, the matters required to be discussed by the statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T.

 

The Board has affirmatively determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the additional independence criteria applicable to audit committee members under SEC rules and the Stock Market Rules. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter setting forth the authority and responsibilities of the Audit Committee. The Board has affirmatively determined that John Braca meets the qualifications of an Audit Committee financial expert. Our Audit Committee currently consists of the following members: Douglas Newby, John Braca and Andrew Kaplan. Mr. Newby serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Company is in compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(2)(A), which requires at least 3 independent directors serve on the Audit Committee.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee was formed in October 2014. Among other things, it is responsible for:

 

  reviewing and making recommendations to the Board with respect to the compensation of our officers and directors, including the CEO;
  overseeing and administering our executive compensation plans, including equity-based awards;
  negotiating and overseeing employment agreements with officers and directors; and
  overseeing how our compensation policies and practices may affect our risk management practices and/or risk-taking incentives.

 

The Board has adopted a written charter setting forth the authority and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee. Our Compensation Committee currently consists of the following members: John Braca, Ryan Zinke and Andrew Kaplan. Mr. Kaplan serves as Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Board has affirmatively determined that each member of the Compensation Committee meets the additional independence criteria applicable to compensation committee members under SEC rules and the Stock Market Rules.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, among other things, is responsible for:

 

  reviewing and assessing the development of the executive officers, and considering and making recommendations to the Board regarding promotion and succession issues;
  evaluating and reporting to the Board on the performance and effectiveness of the directors, committees, and the Board as a whole;
  working with the Board to determine the appropriate and desirable mix of characteristics, skills, expertise, and experience, including diversity considerations, for the full Board and each committee;
  annually presenting to the Board a list of individuals recommended to be nominated for election to the Board;
  reviewing, evaluating, and recommending changes to our Corporate Governance Principles and committee Charters;
  recommending to the Board individuals to be elected to fill vacancies and newly created directorships;
  overseeing our compliance program, including the Code of Ethics; and
  overseeing and evaluating how our corporate governance and legal and regulatory compliance policies and practices, including leadership, structure, and succession planning, may affect our major risk exposures.

 

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The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter setting forth the authority and responsibilities of the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee currently consists of the following members: John Braca, Andrew Kaplan and Ryan Zinke. Mr. Kaplan serves as Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Andrew Kaplan served as chairman of the Compensation Committee for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020.

 

Consideration of Director Nominees

 

As specified in our Corporate Governance Principles, we seek directors with the highest standards of ethics and integrity, sound business judgment, and the willingness to make a strong commitment to us and our success. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee works with the Board on an annual basis to determine the appropriate and desirable mix of characteristics, skills, expertise, and experience for the full Board and each committee, taking into account both existing directors and all nominees for election as directors, as well as any diversity considerations and the membership criteria reflected in the Corporate Governance Principles. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board, which do not have a formal diversity policy, consider diversity in a broad sense when evaluating board composition and nominations; and they seek to include directors with a diversity of experience, professions, viewpoints, skills, and backgrounds that will enable them to make significant contributions to the Board and us, both as individuals and as part of a group of directors. The Board evaluates each individual in the context of the full Board, with the objective of recommending a group that can best contribute to the success of the business and represent shareholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment. In determining whether to recommend a director for re-election, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also considers the director’s attendance at meetings and participation in and contributions to the activities of the Board and its committees.

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider director candidates recommended by shareholders, and its process for considering such recommendations is no different than its process for screening and evaluating candidates suggested by directors, management, or third parties.

 

Corporate Governance Matters

 

We are committed to maintaining strong corporate governance practices that benefit the long-term interests of our shareholders by providing for effective oversight and management of our company. Our governance policies, including our Corporate Governance Principles, Code of Ethics, and Committee Charters can be found on our website at www.usgoldcorp.gold by following the link to “Investors” and then to “Corporate Governance” and then to “Governance Documents.”

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee regularly reviews our Corporate Governance Principles, Code of Ethics, and Committee Charters to ensure that they take into account our developments, changes in regulations and listing requirements, and the continuing evolution of best practices in the area of corporate governance.

 

The Board conducts an annual self-evaluation in order to assess whether the directors, the committees, and the Board are functioning effectively.

 

Code of Ethics

 

Our Code of Ethics which was amended and restated as of November 2018, applies to our employees, directors, officers, contractors, consultants, and persons performing similar functions (“Covered Persons”). This includes our CEO and Chairman, our CFO, and our controller/treasurer. We require that they avoid conflicts of interest, comply with applicable laws, protect our assets, and conduct business in an ethical and responsible manner and in accordance with the Code. The Code prohibits employees from taking unfair advantage of our business partners, competitors, and employees through manipulation, concealment, misuse of confidential or privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other practice of unfair dealing or improper use of information. The Code requires employees to comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations wherever in the world we conduct business. This includes applicable laws on privacy and data protection, anti-corruption and anti-bribery, and trade sanctions. Our Code was initially amended and restated in 2014 (and subsequently amended and restated in 2015, 2017 and 2018) to better reflect our expanding global operations and diverse employee base, enhance its clarity and general readability, and to make other stylistic changes to more closely align the Code with our overall brand. The Code is incorporated herein by reference to this Annual Report as Exhibit 14.1. In addition, the Code is publicly available and can be found on our website at www.usgoldcorp.gold by following the link to “Investors” and then to “Corporate Governance” and may be reviewed by accessing our public filings at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. A copy of our Code of Ethics is available without charge, to any person desiring a copy of the Code of Ethics, by written request to us at our principal offices at 1910 E. Idaho Street, Suite 102-Box 604, Elko, NV 89801.

 

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If we make substantive amendments to the Code, or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the Code to our CEO and Chairman, CFO, controller/treasurer, and any of our other officers, financial professionals, and persons performing similar functions, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website or in a report filed with the SEC on Form 8-K.

 

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The following table summarizes all compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to our former or current executive officers for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019.

 

Name and
principal
position (1)
  Year   Salary
($)(1)
   Bonus
($)(2)
   Stock
Awards
($)(4)
   Option
awards
($)(4)
   Non-equity
incentive plan
compensation
($)
   Change in
pension
value and
nonqualified
deferred
compensation earnings
($)
   All other
compensation
($)
   Total
($)
 
Edward M. Karr
Chief Executive Officer (PEO)
   2020   $250,000   $-   $428,500   $-   $-   $-   $-   $678,500 
    2019   $250,000   $-   $250,000   $118,613   $-   $-   $-   $618,613 
David Rector
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
   2020   $180,000   $-   $251,270   $-   $-   $-   $-   $431,270 
    2019   $180,000   $-   $180,000   $59,306   $-   $-   $-   $419,306 

Ted Sharp(5)

Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

   2020   $-   $-   $-   $30,865   $-   $-   $50,405   $81,270 
    2019   $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $43,867   $43,867 

 

Notes:

 

(1) All executives have employment agreements with U.S. Gold Corp.

(2) The annual bonus for the executives is determined by the Board of Director’s Compensation Committee and subject to annual review and renegotiation. The current bonus targets for each executive as a percentage of base salary are as follows:

 

  a. President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO): 100%
  b. Chief Operating Officer (COO): 100%

 

(3) Ted Sharp was appointed as Chief Financial Officer on January 1, 2019.

(4) In accordance with SEC rules, this column reflects the aggregate fair value of the stock awards or option awards, as applicable, granted during the respective fiscal year computed as of their respective grant dates in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 for share-based compensation transactions. The assumptions made in the valuation of the share-based payments are contained in Note 2 to our financial statements included in this Annual Report.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Year-End

 

The following table shows grants of stock options and grants of unvested stock awards outstanding on the last day of the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020, to each of the then executive officers and directors named in the Summary Compensation Table.

 

          Option Awards   Stock Awards     
Name  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable (#)
   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(#)
   Option
Exercise
Price ($)
  

Option

Expiration
Date

  
Number of
Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested (#)
  

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That

Have Not
Vested
($)

 
                         
Andrew Kaplan   5,000    -    14.70    12/21/2022    -    - 
Edward Karr(1)   37,500    12,500    14.70    12/21/2022    20,000    206,000 
David Rector(1)   18,750    6,250    14.70    12/21/2022    7,500    77,250 
Douglas Newby   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Ted Sharp   1,041    3,959    8.10    11/26/2029   -    - 
Timothy M. Janke   5,000    -    14.70    12/21/2022    -    - 
Ryan Zinke   -    -    -    -    -    - 
John N. Braca   5,000    -    14.70    12/21/2022    -    - 

 

(1) Unvested option shares vest on December 21, 2021, unvested shares of common stock vest on the first to occur of the following: (i) a change in control or (ii) a material discovery of a mineral deposit by the Company.

 

The following table represents stock options that have been exercised and restricted stock awards that have vested as of April 30, 2020.

 

    Option Awards     Stock Awards  
Name   Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)
    Value
Realized on
Exercise ($)
    Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Vesting
(#)(a)
    Value
Realized on
Vesting ($)
 
Edward Karr              -                 -       20,000       198,000  
David Rector     -       -       10,000       99,000  
Timothy M. Janke     -       -       7,950       79,492  
Douglas Newby     -       -       6,200       60,146  
John N. Braca     -       -       8,700       84,896  
Ted Sharp     -       -       -       -  
Andrew Kaplan     -       -       9,600       97.975  
Ryan Zinke     -       -       5,000       51,500  

 

Employment and Separation Agreements

 

We have current and active employment and/or separation agreements with executive officers as noted below.

 

On October 1, 2018, we entered into an employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer, Edward Karr. The initial term of the Agreement is for two years ending on April 30, 2020, with automatic renewals for successive one-year terms unless terminated by written notice at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the term. Mr. Karr receives a base salary of $250,000 per year. The agreement provides for a bonus in an amount up to the amount of the base salary, to be awarded in the discretion of the board of directors and to be paid in cash, stock, or a combination thereof in the discretion of the board. The agreement contains a change of control provision of one year’s salary plus bonus. Mr. Karr was issued 20,000 restricted stock units and 12,500 options to purchase shares of common stock vested during the year ended April 30, 2020. He was issued 40,000 restricted stock units and 12,500 options to purchase shares of common stock vested during the year ended April 30, 2019.

 

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On October 1, 2018, we entered into an employment agreement with our Chief Operating Officer, and former Chief Financial Officer, David Rector (“COO”). The initial term of the agreement is for one year, with automatic renewals for successive one-year terms unless terminated by written notice at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the term. Mr. Rector receives a base salary of $15,000 per month. The agreement provides for a bonus in an amount up to the amount of the base salary, to be awarded in the discretion of the board of directors and to be paid in cash, stock, or a combination thereof in the discretion of the board. The agreement contains a change of control provision of one year’s salary plus bonus. Mr. Rector was issued 7,500 restricted stock units during the year ended April 30, 2020. He was issued 20,000 restricted stock units and 6,250 options to purchase shares of common stock vested during the year ended April 30, 2019.

 

Effective on November 30, 2018, we entered into a consulting agreement in connection with the appointment of our Chief Financial Officer, Ted Sharp. The agreement is with Sharp Executive Associates, Inc., where Ted Sharp serves as the President. In connection with this agreement between us and Sharp Executive Associates, Inc., Mr. Sharp acts as our Principal Financial and Accounting Officer. This Agreement may be terminated upon thirty-day notice by either party. Mr. Sharp’s firm was paid $50,405 and $43,867 in consulting fees for the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. He was also issued options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock during the year ended April 30, 2020.

 

Director Compensation

 

The following table shows the total compensation paid or accrued during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020 to each of our directors, current and former.

 

Name  Fees
Earned or
Paid in
Cash ($)
  

Stock
Awards

($) (1)

   Option
Awards
($) (2)
   All Other
Compensation
($)
   Total ($) 
Edward M. Karr  $-   $-   $              -   $-   $- 
Timothy M. Janke  $24,000   $54,742   $-   $-   $78,742 
John N. Braca  $24,000   $60,146   $-   $-   $84,146 
Douglas Newby  $12,844   $60,146   $-   $-   $72,990 
Andrew Kaplan  $24,000   $57,985   $-   $-   $81,985 
Ryan Zinke (3)  $23,143   $51,500   $-   $45,000   $119,643 

 

* Share ownership and option awards for each director are disclosed below in Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

 

  (1) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value for stock awards granted by us in fiscal year 2020 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended April 30, 2020 for details as to the assumptions used to determine the fair value of the stock awards.

 

  (2) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value for options granted by us in fiscal year 2020 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended April 30, 2020 for details as to the assumptions used to determine the fair value of the option awards.

 

  (3) Concurrent with the appointment of Mr. Zinke to our Board, we retained Mr. Zinke as a consultant, pursuant to such arrangement Mr. Zinke will provide certain consulting services under the terms of the consulting agreement. Effective April 16, 2019, the consulting agreement was expanded, to which Mr. Zinke will provide certain consulting services to us, including investor relations and governmental relations services. We agreed to pay for Mr. Zinke’s services at a rate of $90,000 per year, with $45,000 per year or $3,750 per month payable in cash and $45,000 payable in our common stock. We may terminate the agreement at any time. Mr. Zinke also will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses provided that no such expenses will result in aggregate payments from us to Mr. Zinke in excess of $120,000 during any 12-month period.

 

Director Compensation Policy

 

We pay members of our Board $6,000 per quarter and compensate the Board through the issuance of stock option awards and restricted stock.

 

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Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth certain information, as of July 13, 2020, the number of and percent of our common stock beneficially owned by: (1) all directors and nominees, naming them; (2) our executive officers; (3) our directors and executive officers as a group; and (4) persons or groups known by us to own beneficially 5% or more of our voting securities. Except as otherwise indicated, each of the shareholders listed below has sole voting and investment power over the shares beneficially owned and addresses are c/o U.S. Gold Corp., 1910 E., Idaho Street, Suite 102-Box 604, Elko, NV 89801.

 

  

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership (1,2,3)

 
Name of Beneficial Owner  Number   Percent 
John N. Braca(4)   16,315    * 
           
Timothy M. Janke(5)   17,648    * 
           
Edward M. Karr(6)   185,566    6.3%
           
Andrew Kaplan(7)   18,350    * 
           
Douglas Newby   6,200    * 
           
David Rector(8)   97,918    3.3%
           
Ted Sharp(9)   4,372    * 
           
Ryan K. Zinke   9,592    * 
           
Directors and Executive Officers as a group (8 persons)   355,961    11.9%
           
5% or Greater Shareholders   -    - 

 

* Less than 1%.

 

  (1) The number of shares has been adjusted to reflect the reverse 1-for-10 reverse stock split effective March 17, 2020.
  (2) On July 13, 2020, 2,919,867 shares of Common Stock and Common Stock equivalents were outstanding.
  (3) Beneficial ownership includes all stock options and restricted awards held by a shareholder that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of July 13, 2020.
  (4) Includes options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $14.70 per share.
  (5) Includes options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $14.70 per share.
  (6) Includes options to purchase 37,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $14.70 per share. Does not include options to purchase 12,500 shares of common stock that are not exercisable within 60 days of the date of this report.
  (7) Includes options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $14.70 per share.
  (8) Includes options to purchase 18,750 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $14.70 per share. Does not include options to purchase 6,250 shares of common stock that are not exercisable within 60 days of the date of this report.
  (9) Includes options to purchase 1,456 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $8.10 per share. Does not include options to purchase 3,544 shares of common stock that are not exercisable within 60 days of the date of this report.

 

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EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

 

In August 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) including the reservation of 165,000 shares of common stock thereunder.

 

On August 6, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company approved and adopted, subject to stockholder approval, the U.S. Gold Corp. 2020 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”). The 2020 Plan reserves 330,710 shares for future issuance to officers, directors, employees and contractors as directed from time to time by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Board directed that the 2020 Plan be submitted to the Company’s stockholders for their approval at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the “Annual Meeting”), which was held on September 18, 2019. The 2020 Plan was approved by a vote of stockholders at the Annual Meeting. With the approval and effectivity of the 2020 Plan, no further grants will be made under the 2017 Plan.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information (as of April 30, 2020)

 

Plan Category  (a)
Number of Securities to
be Issued Upon Exercise
of Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
   (b)
Weighted-average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
  

(c)
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities

Reflected in Column (a)

 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders   100,000    14.31    230,710 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders   -    -    - 
Total   100,000    14.31    230,710 

 

In addition to our 2020 Plan, we may grant options or issue equity under employment and consulting agreements, subject to the requirements of NASDAQ. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020, there were no options granted.

 

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The Audit Committee has responsibility for reviewing and, if appropriate, for approving any related party transactions that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to applicable SEC rules.

 

Described below are any transactions during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020 and 2019 and any currently proposed transactions to which we were a party in which:

 

  The amounts involved exceeded or will exceed the lower of either $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years; and
     
  A director, executive officer, holder of more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock, or any member of such person’s immediate family had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

 

Apart from any transactions disclosed herein, no such transaction was entered into with any director or executive officer during the last two fiscal years. Such transactions were entered into and will be entered into only if found to be in our best interest and approved in accordance with our Code of Ethics, which are available on our website.

 

For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020, we entered into the following transactions.

 

Employment agreements with our corporate officers, Mr. Karr, our Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Rector, our Chief Operating Officer, whose annual compensations are $250,000 and $180,000, respectively, with bonuses paid in the discretion of the Board, as described in Employment and Separation Agreements above.

 

An engagement letter with Sharp Executive Associates, Inc., a consulting firm owned by Mr. Sharp, our Chief Financial Officer. Through Sharp Executive Associates, Inc, Mr. Sharp is compensated by the hour for time expended in his service as an officer of the Company. Mr. Sharp may also receive stock or option awards commensurate with his service as an executive officer. Mr. Sharp receives 10% of his fees in the form of shares of the Company’s common stock, valued at market prices on the date of issuance. His compensation for our fiscal years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019 in cash and stock was $50,405 and $43,867, respectively. In addition, Mr. Sharp received 5,000 options during the year ended April 30, 2020 with a fair value of $30,865.

 

Accounts payable to related parties as of April 30, 2020 and 2019 was $3,459 and $42,539, respectively, and was reflected as accounts payable – related party in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The related party to which accounts were payable as of April 30, 2020 was the Chief Financial Officer, who was owed a total of $3,459 (includes $2,700 payable in shares of common stock). The related parties to which accounts were payable as of April 30, 2019 were the former Vice President-Head of Exploration, who was owed $12,500 payable in shares of common stock and the Chief Financial Officer, who was owed a total of $30,039 (includes $14,403 payable in shares of common stock). The amounts payable in shares of common stock to these two related parties were fully vested at the date of issuance.

 

One director provided consulting services to us and was paid total consulting fees in the amount of $0 and $12,500 during the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

On April 16, 2019, we entered into a one-year consulting agreement with Ryan Zinke, a director, to provide services related to investor and strategic introductions to potential industry partners and assistance with governmental relations. In consideration for the services, the consultant shall be paid $3,750 per month in cash, for a total of $45,000, and shares of our common stock with a value of $45,000. In April 2019, we issued 4,592 shares of our common stock in connection with this consulting agreement. We paid a total of $90,000 in cash and shares for consulting fees to Mr. Zinke during the year ended April 30, 2020.

 

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Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed to us for the last two fiscal years by our independent accounting firm KBL and Marcum:

 

   2020   2019 
Audit Fees (1)  $97,490   $103,694 
Audit Related Fees (2)   -    12,013 
Tax Fees (3)   -    - 
Other Fees (4)   -    - 
Total fees  $97,490   $115,707 

 

  (1) Audit Fees: Audit fees paid to KBL and Marcum and for professional services associated with the annual audit, the reviews of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, statutory and subsidiary audits required in certain locations, consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards, and regulatory filings.
  (2) Audit Related Fees: For assurance and related services that were reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements and not reported under “Audit Fees”.
  (3) Tax Fees: Consist of fees billed for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. These services include preparation of federal and state income tax returns.
  (4) Other Fees: Consist of fees for product and services other than the services reported above.

 

Audit Committee Pre-approval Policies and Procedures

 

Our Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in overseeing and monitoring the integrity of our financial reporting process, its compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and the quality of its internal and external audit processes. The role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set forth in a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, which is available on our website at www.usgoldcorp.gold. The Audit Committee is responsible for selecting, retaining and determining the compensation of our independent public accountant, approving the services they will perform, and reviewing the performance of the independent public accountant. The Audit Committee reviews with management and our independent public accountant our annual financial statements on Form 10-K and our quarterly financial statements on Forms 10-Q. The Audit Committee reviews and reassesses the charter annually and recommends any changes to the Board of Directors for approval. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing our overall financial reporting process. In fulfilling its responsibilities for the financial statements for fiscal year 2020, the Audit Committee took the following actions:

 

 

reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020 with management and Marcum, our independent public accountant;
     
 

discussed with Marcum the matters required to be discussed in accordance with the rules set forth by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), relating to the conduct of the audit; and
     
 

received written disclosures and the letter from Marcum regarding its independence as required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding Marcum communications with the Audit Committee and the Audit Committee further discussed with Marcum its independence. The Audit Committee also considered the status of pending litigation, taxation matters and other areas of oversight relating to the financial reporting and audit process that the Audit Committee determined appropriate.

 

Our Audit Committee approved all services that our independent accountants provided to us in the past two fiscal years.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

2.1 Articles of Merger as filed with the Nevada Secretary of State on May 23, 2017. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266, on May 26, 2017.
   
3.1 Articles of Incorporation filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada. Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266, on January 8, 2016.
   
3.2 Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated July 6, 2016. Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266, on July 8, 2016.
   
3.3 Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series A Preferred Stock. Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266, on January 8, 2016.
   
3.4 Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of 0% Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266, on January 21, 2016.
   
3.5 Certificate of Designation of Rights, Powers, Preferences, Privileges and Restrictions of 0% Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266, on August 5, 2016.
   
3.6 Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Company’s 0% Series C Convertible Preferred Stock. Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266 on May 26, 2017.
   
3.7 Amended and Restated Bylaws. Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266, on February 23, 2016.
   
3.8 Certificate of Designations, Rights, Powers, Preferences, Privileges and Restrictions of the Company’s 0% Series F Convertible Preferred Stock. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266 on June 20, 2019.
   
3.9 Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation of U.S. Gold Corp. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266 on March 19, 2020.
   
3.10 Certificate of Designation of 0% Series G Convertible Preferred Stock. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-8266, on March 30, 2020.
   
3.11 Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated May 2, 2017. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 333-239062 on June 9, 2020.
   
4.1 Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant. Incorporated by reference from Exhibits to a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266, filed on May 12, 2011.

 

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4.2 Form of Class X Warrant Certificate. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266 on June 20, 2019.
   
4.3 Form of Class Y Warrant Certificate. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266 on June 20, 2019.
   
4.4 Form of Class A Warrant Certificate. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266 on June 20, 2019.
   
4.5 Form of Common Warrant. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266 on March 30, 2020.
   
4.6* Description of Securities

 

10.1 2014 Equity Incentive Plan.(1) Incorporated by reference from Exhibits to a Definitive Proxy Statement for an Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on November 10, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266, on October 21, 2014.
   
10.2 2017 Equity Incentive Plan.(1) Incorporated by reference from Appendix A to a Definitive Proxy Statement for an Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on July 31, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266, on July 12, 2017.
   
10.3 Employment Agreement dated October 1, 2018 by and between Edward M. Karr and U.S. Gold Corp.(1) Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-8266, on November 2, 2018.
   
10.4 Employment Agreement dated October 1, 2018 by and between David Rector and U.S. Gold Corp.(1) Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-8266, on November 2, 2018.
   
10.5 Consulting Agreement with Sharp Executive Associates, Inc. dated November 30, 2018.(1) Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.01 to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-8266, on December 31, 2018.
   
10.6 Consulting Agreement dated April 12, 2019 by and between Ryan K. Zinke and U.S. Gold Corp.(1) Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-8266, on April 16, 2019.
   
10.7 Securities Purchase Agreement dated June 19, 2019. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-8266, on June 20, 2019.
   
10.8 Share Exchange Agreement with 2637262 Ontario Inc. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-8266, on September 11, 2019.
   
10.9 Form of Common Warrant. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-8266, on March 30, 2020
   
10.10 Securities Purchase Agreement. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-8266, on March 30, 2020.
   
10.11 Exchange Agreement for Series F Preferred Convertible shares for Series G Preferred Convertible shares. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-8266, on March 30, 2020.
   
10.12 U.S. Gold Corp 2020 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2019.

 

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10.13 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated as of September 18, 2019, by and between Edward Karr and U.S. Gold Corp. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2019.
   
10.14 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated as of September 18, 2019, by and between David Rector and U.S. Gold Corp. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2019.
   
10.15 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the U.S. Gold Corp. 2020 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266, on December 16, 2019.
   
10.16 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the U.S. Gold Corp. 2020 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.6 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266, on December 16, 2019.
   
10.17 Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement under the U.S. Gold Corp. 2020 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.7 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 001-08266, on December 16, 2019.
   
10.18* Keystone Purchase and Sale Agreement, As Amended and Restated between Nevada Gold Ventures, LLC; Americas Gold Exploration, Inc.; U.S. Gold Corp.; and U.S. Gold Acquisition Corporation, dated May 25, 2016.
   
14.1* Code of Ethics as adopted, amended and restated by the Corporation on November 1, 2018.
   
21.1 List of Subsidiaries. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 21.1 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC file number 333-239146 on June 12, 2020.
   
23.1* KBL, LLP consent
   
23.2* Marcum LLP consent
   
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Edward Karr
   
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Ted Sharp
   
32.1 Section 1350 Certification of Edward Karr (Furnished not Filed)
   
32.2 Section 1350 Certification of Ted Sharp (Furnished not Filed)

 

101.INS XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
   
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Link base Document
   
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Link base Document
   
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Link base Document
   
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Link base Document

 

* Furnished herewith

(1) Management Contract or Compensatory Plan or Arrangement

# Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. U.S. Gold Corp. hereby undertakes to furnish supplemental copies of any of the omitted schedules and exhibits upon request by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  U.S. GOLD CORP.
     
Date: July 13, 2020 By: /s/ EDWARD M. KARR
    Edward M. Karr
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)
     
Date: July 13, 2020 By: /s/ TED SHARP
    Ted Sharp
    Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Date: July 13, 2020 By: /s/ Edward M. Karr
    Edward M. Karr, Director and Chairman

 

Date: July 13, 2020 By: /s/ John N, Braca
    John N Braca, Director

 

Date: July 13, 2020 By: /s/ Timothy M. Janke
    Timothy M. Janke, Director

 

Date: July 13, 2020 By: /s/ Andrew Kaplan
    Andrew Kaplan, Director

 

Date: July 13, 2020 By: /s/ Douglas Newby
    Douglas Newby, Director

 

Date: July 13, 2020 By: /s/ Ryan K. Zinke
    Ryan K. Zinke, Director

 

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Exhibit 4.6

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

 

The following description is intended as a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our articles of incorporation, as amended, any certificates of designation for our preferred stock, and our amended and restated bylaws, as currently in effect, copies of which are filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are incorporated by reference herein.

 

Authorized Capital Stock

 

As of April 30, 2020, our authorized capital stock consisted of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which 1,300,000 shares are designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, 400,000 shares are designated as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, 45,001.8 shares are designated as Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, 7,402 shares are designated as Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, 2,500 shares are designated as Series E Convertible Preferred Stock, 1,250 shares are designated as Series F Preferred Stock and 127 shares are designated as Series G Preferred Stock. Our board of directors (the “Board”) has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon the preferred stock. As of April 30, 2020, there were 2,903,393 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding, and 57 shares of preferred stock outstanding.

 

Common Stock

 

The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders and there are no cumulative rights. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably any dividends that may be declared from time to time by the Board out of funds legally available for that purpose. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future but intend to retain our capital resources for reinvestment in our business. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to prior distribution rights of preferred stock then outstanding. The common stock has no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock.

 

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Equity Stock Transfer. Its address is 237 West 37th Street, Suite 601, New York, New York 10018. Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol “USAU.”

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Board is authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further vote or action by the stockholders, to issue from time to time shares of preferred stock in one or more series. Each such series of preferred stock shall have such number of shares, designations, preferences, voting powers, qualifications, and special or relative rights or privileges as shall be determined by the Board, which may include, among others, dividend rights, voting rights, liquidation preferences, conversion rights and preemptive rights. Issuance of preferred stock by our Board may result in such shares having dividend and/or liquidation preferences senior to the rights of the holders of our common stock and could dilute the voting rights of the holders of our common stock.

 

Prior to the issuance of shares of each series of preferred stock, the Board is required by the Nevada Revised Statutes and our articles of incorporation to adopt resolutions and file a certificate of designation with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada. The certificate of designation fixes for each class or series the designations, powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions, including, but not limited to, some or all of the following:

 

  the number of shares constituting that series and the distinctive designation of that series, which number may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares then outstanding) from time to time by action of the Board;

 

 

 

 

  the dividend rate and the manner and frequency of payment of dividends on the shares of that series, whether dividends will be cumulative, and, if so, from which date;
     
  whether that series will have voting rights, in addition to any voting rights provided by law, and, if so, the terms of such voting rights;
     
  whether that series will have conversion privileges, and, if so, the terms and conditions of such conversion, including provision for adjustment of the conversion rate in such events as the Board may determine;
     
  whether or not the shares of that series will be redeemable, and, if so, the terms and conditions of such redemption;
     
  whether that series will have a sinking fund for the redemption or purchase of shares of that series, and, if so, the terms and amount of such sinking fund;
     
  whether or not the shares of the series will have priority over or be on a parity with or be junior to the shares of any other series or class in any respect;
     
  the rights of the shares of that series in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, and the relative rights or priority, if any, of payment of shares of that series; and
     
  any other relative rights, preferences and limitations of that series.

 

Once designated by the Board, each series of preferred stock may have specific financial and other terms.

 

Nevada Anti-Takeover Law, Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Nevada State Law

 

We may be, or in the future we may become, subject to Nevada’s control share laws. A corporation is subject to Nevada’s control share law if it has more than 200 stockholders, at least 100 of whom are stockholders of record and residents of Nevada, and if the corporation does business in Nevada, including through an affiliated corporation. This control share law may have the effect of discouraging corporate takeovers. As of April 30, 2020, we have less than 100 stockholders of record who are residents of Nevada.

 

The control share law focuses on the acquisition of a “controlling interest,” which means the ownership of outstanding voting shares that would be sufficient, but for the operation of the control share law, to enable the acquiring person to exercise the following proportions of the voting power of the corporation in the election of directors: (1) one-fifth or more but less than one-third; (2) one-third or more but less than a majority; or (3) a majority or more. The ability to exercise this voting power may be direct or indirect, as well as individual or in association with others.

 

The effect of the control share law is that an acquiring person, and those acting in association with that person, will obtain only such voting rights in the control shares as are conferred by a resolution of the stockholders of the corporation, approved at a special or annual meeting of stockholders. The control share law contemplates that voting rights will be considered only once by the other stockholders. Thus, there is no authority to take away voting rights from the control shares of an acquiring person once those rights have been approved. If the stockholders do not grant voting rights to the control shares acquired by an acquiring person, those shares do not become permanent non-voting shares. The acquiring person is free to sell the shares to others. If the buyer or buyers of those shares themselves do not acquire a controlling interest, the shares are not governed by the control share law.

 

If control shares are accorded full voting rights and the acquiring person has acquired control shares with a majority or more of the voting power, a stockholder of record, other than the acquiring person, who did not vote in favor of approval of voting rights, is entitled to demand fair value for such stockholder’s shares.

 

 

 

 

In addition to the control share law, Nevada has a business combination law, which prohibits certain business combinations between Nevada publicly traded corporations and “interested stockholders” for two years after the interested stockholder first becomes an interested stockholder, unless the corporation’s board of directors approves the combination in advance. For purposes of Nevada law, an interested stockholder is any person who is: (a) the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation, or (b) an affiliate or associate of the corporation and at any time within the previous two years was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of the then-outstanding shares of the corporation. The definition of “business combination” contained in the statute is sufficiently broad to cover virtually any kind of transaction that would allow a potential acquirer to use the corporation’s assets to finance the acquisition or otherwise to benefit its own interests rather than the interests of the corporation and its other stockholders.

 

The effect of Nevada’s business combination law is to potentially discourage parties interested in taking control of the Company from doing so if it cannot obtain the approval of our board of directors.

 

Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

Provisions of our articles of incorporation, as amended, and amended and restated bylaws may delay or discourage transactions involving an actual or potential change in our control or change in our management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares, or transactions that our stockholders might otherwise deem to be in their best interests. Therefore, these provisions could adversely affect the price of our common stock. Among other things, our articles of incorporation and bylaws:

 

  permit our Board to issue up to 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, without further action by the stockholders, with any rights, preferences and privileges as our Board may designate, including the right to approve an acquisition or other change in control;
     
  provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by a resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board;
     
  provide that all vacancies, including newly created directorships, may, except as otherwise required by law, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum;
     
  do not provide for cumulative voting rights (therefore allowing the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors to elect all of the directors standing for election, if they should so choose);
     
  provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by (i) the Chairman of the Board, (ii) the Chief Executive Officer or (iii) a resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board;
     
  provide that stockholders may alter, amend or repeal any section of our bylaws by an affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds (66 2/3%) of the outstanding voting power, voting together as a single class; and
     
  provide advance notice provisions with which a stockholder who wishes to nominate a director or propose other business to be considered at a stockholder meeting must comply.

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 14.1

 

U.S. GOLD CORP.

 

CODE OF ETHICS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT

 

Adopted August 1, 2017

 

The business of U.S. Gold Corp. (the “Company”) shall be conducted with honesty and integrity and in accordance with the highest ethical and legal standards. This Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (the “Code”) has been adopted by the Company pursuant to Item 406 of Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Commission in order to provide written standards and guidance to the Company’s directors, officers and employees (collectively, “Covered Persons”) to promote:

 

Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;

 

Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;

 

Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission and in other public communications made by the Company;

 

The prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and

 

Accountability for adherence to the Code.

 

This Code is the sole code of ethics adopted by the Company for the purposes of the Item 406 of Regulation S-K.

 

1. Honest and Ethical Conduct.

 

The Company is committed to compliance with the highest ethical standards in pursuing its business interests and expects Covered Persons to observe those standards. Stated generally, some of the ethical standards to which the Company is committed, and for which all Covered Persons are individually accountable, are as follows:

 

Conducting the Company’s business in compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations.

 

Dealing ethically in transactions with contractors, suppliers, customers, employees and others.

 

Avoiding situations where personal interests are, or appear to be, in conflict with the Company’s interests.

 

Responsibly using and protecting the Company’s assets, including property, equipment, facilities, funds and information.

 

Maintaining confidentiality of nonpublic information and not acting on such information for personal gain. Some of these ethical standards are discussed in more detail below.

 

 
 

 

2. Compliance with Law.

 

The Company and all Covered Persons should respect and comply with all of the applicable laws, rules and regulations of the United States and the other countries and state, local and other jurisdictions in which the Company conducts its business or in which the Company’s stock is traded. The Company is subject to legal requirements that are both numerous and complex. All Covered Persons should understand those laws that apply to them in the performance of their jobs and take steps to ensure that the parts of the Company’s operations with which they are involved are conducted in conformity with those laws. The failure of Covered Persons to adhere to the letter and the spirit of the law could result in both personal and corporate civil or criminal liability. Each Covered Person is personally responsible for complying with the law. In addition, each Covered Person is charged with the responsibility of reporting to the Compliance Officer (as defined in Section 8) any behavior or conduct related to the Company’s business or affairs that could reasonably constitute a criminal offense. If a Covered Person has questions or any concerns about whether his or her conduct or the conduct of others may result in personal or criminal liability, the Covered Person should seek specific guidance and advice from the Compliance Officer or from counsel, which may include the Company’s counsel.

 

These laws include:

 

Prohibition on insider trading. U.S. Federal securities laws prohibit persons with access to or knowledge of material, non-public information about the Company from buying, selling, or otherwise trading in the Company’s securities. In addition, the Company has adopted a Corporate Policy and Procedure on Insider Trading, which prohibits trading in the Company’s securities at certain times and under certain circumstances.

 

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act generally prohibits payments or gifts to foreign officials, political parties, or candidates for the purpose of influencing their decision, the decisions of foreign government, or gaining any improper advantage.

 

Environmental compliance. The Company’s operations are subject to many laws and regulations regarding protection of the environment. This Code does not summarize all laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company and its employees, officers and directors. Please consult the Compliance Officer, the Company’s counsel or the various guidelines that the Company has prepared on specific laws, rules and regulations for additional information. If you believe that directions from a manager or supervisor may violate applicable law, you should consult with the manager or supervisor, the Compliance Officer or legal counsel.

 

3. Conflicts of Interest.

 

Conflicts of interest are prohibited as a matter of Company policy, except under guidelines approved by the Company’s board of directors. A “conflict of interest” exists when a person’s private interest interferes or conflicts, or appears to interfere or conflict, with the interests of the Company or the person’s duties to the Company. Conflicts of interest may also arise when a person, or members of his or her family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position in the Company or takes an action or has a personal interest that may adversely influence his or her objectivity or the exercise of sound, ethical business judgment. For example, a conflict of interest could exist if a Covered Person:

 

Accepts a gift, service, payment or other benefit of more than nominal value from a competitor, supplier, or customer of the Company, or any entity or organization with which the Company does business or seeks to do business; provided normal course of business gatherings sponsored by customers or suppliers are permissible;

 

 
 

 

Lends to, borrows from, or has a material interest (equity or otherwise) in a competitor, supplier, or customer of the Company, or any entity or organization with which the Company does business or seeks to do business;

 

Accepts compensation (in any form) for services performed for the Company from any source other than the Company;

 

Serves as a director, officer, partner, consultant, or in any other significant role, in any competitor, supplier, or customer of the Company, or any entity or organization with which the Company does business or seeks to do business;

 

Acts as a broker, finder or other intermediary for the benefit of a third party in transactions involving the Company or its interests;

 

Knowingly competes with the Company; or

 

Conducts significant outside business activity that precludes the Covered Person from devoting appropriate time and attention to his or her responsibilities with the Company.

 

Covered Persons are also prohibited from (a) taking for themselves personally opportunities that properly belong to the Company or are discovered through the use of corporate property, information or position; (b) using corporate property, information or position for personal gain; and (c) competing with the Company. Covered Persons owe a duty to the Company to advance its legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises.

 

Conflicts of interest may not always be clear-cut, so if you have a question, you should consult with the Compliance Officer. The Board shall have the authority to evaluate and waive any conflict or apparent conflict of interest in the manner set forth in Section 9 below.

 

4. Confidentiality.

 

Covered Persons must maintain the confidentiality of confidential information entrusted to them by the Company, except when disclosure is expressly authorized by the Compliance Officer or is legally mandated. Whenever feasible, Covered Persons should consult the Compliance Officer or the Company’s counsel if they believe they have a legal obligation to disclose confidential information. Confidential information includes all non-public information that might be of use to existing or potential new shareholders or competitors of the Company, or harmful to the Company if disclosed.

 

5. Fair Dealing.

 

Each Covered Person should endeavor to deal fairly with the Company’s employees, officers, directors, customers, suppliers and competitors. No employee should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any other unfair dealing practice.

 

 
 

 

6. Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets.

 

All Covered Persons should protect the Company’s assets and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Company’s profitability. All Company assets should be used only for legitimate business purposes.

 

7. Public Reporting.

 

As a public company, it is of critical importance that the Company’s public disclosures, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, be accurate and timely. A Covered Person may be called upon to provide necessary information to assure that the Company’s public disclosures are complete, fair and understandable. The Company expects Covered Persons to take this responsibility very seriously and to provide prompt, accurate answers to inquiries related to the Company’s public disclosure requirements.

 

All of the Company’s books, records, accounts and financial statements must be maintained in reasonable detail, must appropriately reflect the Company’s transactions and must conform both to applicable legal requirements and to the Company’s system of internal controls.

 

In addition, each Covered Person must promptly bring to the attention of his or her supervisor or the Compliance Officer any information that the Covered Person may have concerning (i) significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting that could adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data or (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management, directors, or other Covered Persons.

 

8. Compliance with this Code.

 

Covered Persons are expected to comply with all of the provisions of this Code. Each Covered Person has an obligation to promptly notify the Compliance Officer in writing of any situation that may involve violation of this Code. The Company will not allow retaliation for reports of potential violations that are made in good faith.

 

Any suspected violation of this Code shall be promptly reported to Tony Lougee, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. He may be reached as follows:

 

U.S. Gold Corp., 1910 E. Idaho Street, Suite 102-Box 604, Elko, NV 89801 Phone: 609-799-0071 x2431 Email: tlougee@dataram.com

 

If the Board receives information regarding an alleged violation of this Code, then the Board shall either directly or through the services of others under its supervision, which may include directors, members of management and outside counsel and advisors:

 

evaluate such information as to gravity and credibility;

 

if necessary, initiate an informal inquiry or a formal investigation with respect thereto;

 

if appropriate, prepare a written report of the results of such inquiry or investigation, including recommendations as to the disposition of such matter;

 

if appropriate, make the results of such inquiry or investigation available to the public (including disciplinary action); and

 

if appropriate, recommend changes to this Code that the Board deems necessary or desirable to prevent similar violations of this Code.

 

 
 

 

The Board shall enforce this Code through appropriate disciplinary actions. It shall determine whether violations of this Code have occurred and, if so, shall determine the disciplinary actions to be taken against any Covered Person who has violated the Code. The disciplinary actions available to the Board include counseling, oral or written reprimands, warnings, probations or suspensions (with or without pay), demotions, reductions in salary, terminations of employment, and restitution.

 

Reports of alleged violations should be factual, rather than speculative or conclusory, and should contain as much specific detail as possible to allow for proper assessment. The report should clearly set forth all the information the employee knows about the alleged violation. The report or complaint describing an alleged violation or concern should be candid and should set forth all of the information that the employee knows regarding the allegation or concern. In addition, the report or complaint should contain sufficient corroborating information to support the commencement of an investigation. The Company may, in its reasonable discretion, determine not to commence an investigation if a report or complaint contains only unspecified or broad allegations of wrongdoing without appropriate factual support.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, the jurisdiction of the Board shall include, in addition to the Covered Person that violated this Code, any other employee involved in the wrongdoing such as (i) persons who fail to use reasonable care to detect a material violation and (ii) persons who withhold material information about a suspected violation of this Code when requested to divulge such information.

 

Situations that may involve a violation of this Code may not always be clear. Covered Persons are encouraged to discuss questions or concerns about violations of laws, rules or regulations with the Compliance Officer.

 

9. Amendment and Waiver.

 

This Code may only be amended by the Board, and any waiver or implicit waiver of this Code must be approved by the Board. All amendments or waivers of the Code for a director or executive officer shall be disclosed in the manner prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any national securities exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.1

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Consent

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 333-217860) of our report dated July 26, 2019 with respect to our audit of the consolidated financial statements of U.S. Gold Corp. as of April 30, 2019 and for the year then ended, which report is included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of U.S. Gold Corp. for the year ended April 30, 2019.

 

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated July 26, 2019, relating to our audit of the consolidated financial statements of U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries for the year ended April 30, 2019, included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended April 30, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in U.S. Gold Corp’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on June 12, 2020. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

 

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated July 26, 2019, relating to our audit of the consolidated financial statements of U.S. Gold Corp and Subsidiaries for the year ended April 30, 2019, included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended April 30, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in U.S. Gold Corp’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 and related prospectus filed on June 9, 2020. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

 

We were not engaged to audit, review or apply any procedures to the adjustments to retrospectively apply the change in accounting related to the reverse stock splits described in Note 1 on Form 10-K, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance about whether such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. Those adjustments were audited by other auditors.

 

/s/ KBL LLP

 

KBL LLP

New York, NY

July 13, 2020

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.2

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Consent

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of U.S. Gold Corp. on Form S-1 (File No. 333-239146) and Forms S-3 (File No. 333-217860 and File No. 333-239062) of our report dated July 13, 2020, which includes an explanatory paragraph as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, and our audit of adjustments to retrospectively apply the reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock, which occurred subsequent to the year ended April 30, 2019, to the 2019 financial statements which were audited by other auditors, with respect to our audit of the consolidated financial statements of U.S Gold Corp. as of April 30, 2020 and for the year then ended which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of U.S. Gold Corp. for the year ended April 30, 2020.

 

/s/ Marcum llp

 

Marcum llp

New York, NY

July 13, 2020

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

I, Edward M. Karr, certify that:

 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of U.S. Gold Corp (the “registrant”);
   
1) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by the report;
   
2) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
3) The small business issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
     
  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
     
  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
     
  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

4) I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
     
  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involved management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

  By: /s/ Edward M. Karr
    Edward M. Karr
    Chief Executive Officer
    July 13, 2020

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

I, Ted Sharp, certify that:

 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of U.S. Gold Corp (the “registrant”);

 

1) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by the report;
   
2) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
3) The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
     
  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
     
  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
     
  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

4) I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the small business issuer’s auditors and the audit committee of the small business issuer’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
     
  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involved management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

  By: /s/ Ted Sharp
    Ted Sharp
    Principal Financial and Accounting Officer
    July 13, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of U.S. Gold Corp. (the “Company”), as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Edward M. Karr , the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Sec. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2) The information contained in such Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Dated: July 13, 2020 By: /s/ Edward M. Karr
    Edward M. Karr
    Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of U.S. Gold Corp (the “Company”), as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Ted Sharp, the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Sec. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Dated: July 13, 2020 By: /s/ Ted Sharp
    Ted Sharp
    Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

 

 

 

v3.20.2
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Jul. 13, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Cover [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name U.S. GOLD CORP.    
Entity Central Index Key 0000027093    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Apr. 30, 2020    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --04-30    
Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity a Voluntary Filer No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business Flag true    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 17,082,567
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   2,919,867  
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020    
v3.20.2
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
CURRENT ASSETS:    
Cash $ 2,749,957 $ 2,197,181
Income tax receivable 219,072
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 212,718 613,261
Total current assets 3,181,747 2,810,442
NON - CURRENT ASSETS:    
Property, net 133,371 74,929
Reclamation bond deposit 355,556 339,447
Mineral rights 6,163,559 4,176,952
Total non - current assets 6,652,486 4,591,328
Total assets 9,834,233 7,401,770
CURRENT LIABILITIES:    
Accounts payable 154,381 112,303
Accounts payable - related parties 3,459 42,539
Accrued liabilities 5,367
Total current liabilities 157,840 160,209
LONG- TERM LIABILITIES    
Asset retirement obligation 168,392 88,746
Total liabilities 326,232 248,955
Commitments and Contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY :    
Common stock ($0.001 Par Value; 200,000,000 Shares Authorized; 2,903,393 and 1,986,063 shares issued and outstanding as of April 30, 2020 and 2019) 2,903 1,986
Additional paid-in capital 41,093,050 33,425,931
Accumulated deficit (31,587,952) (26,275,102)
Total stockholders' equity 9,508,001 7,152,815
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 9,834,233 7,401,770
Convertible Series F Preferred Stock [Member]    
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY :    
Preferred stock value
Convertible Series G Preferred Stock [Member]    
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY :    
Preferred stock value
v3.20.2
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Preferred stock, par value $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized 50,000,000 50,000,000
Common stock, par value $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized 200,000,000 200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued 2,903,393 1,986,063
Common stock, shares outstanding 2,903,393 1,986,063
Convertible Series F Preferred Stock [Member]    
Preferred stock, par value $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized 1,250 1,250
Preferred stock, shares issued
Preferred stock, shares outstanding
Preferred stock, liquidation preference $ 0 $ 0
Convertible Series G Preferred Stock [Member]    
Preferred stock, par value $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized 127 127
Preferred stock, shares issued 57
Preferred stock, shares outstanding 57
Preferred stock, liquidation preference $ 114,000 $ 114,000
v3.20.2
Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]    
Net revenues
Operating expenses:    
Compensation and related taxes - general and administrative 1,366,168 2,246,202
Exploration costs 1,278,372 2,584,417
Professional and consulting fees 2,381,513 2,204,359
General and administrative expenses 661,442 576,227
Total operating expenses 5,687,495 7,611,205
Loss before benefit (provision) for income taxes (5,687,495) (7,611,205)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes 438,145 (435,345)
Net loss (5,249,350) (8,046,550)
Deemed dividend related to beneficial conversion feature of preferred stock (2,086,212)
Net loss applicable to U.S. Gold Corp. common shareholders $ (7,335,562) $ (8,046,550)
Net Loss per common share, basic and diluted $ (3.17) $ (4.36)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted 2,316,610 1,847,156
v3.20.2
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($)
Preferred Stock - Series F [Member]
Preferred Stock - Series G [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Accumulated Deficit [Member]
Total
Balance at Apr. 30, 2018 $ 1,759 $ 30,927,054 $ (18,228,552) $ 12,700,261
Balance, shares at Apr. 30, 2018 1,759,057      
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of offering cost $ 29 219,767 219,796
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of offering cost, shares 29,007      
Issuance of common stock for salaries $ 57 567,443 567,500
Issuance of common stock for salaries, shares 56,976      
Issuance of common stock for exploration expenses $ 20 183,206 183,226
Issuance of common stock for exploration expenses, shares 19,916      
Issuance of common stock for services $ 120 1,187,880 1,188,000
Issuance of common stock for services, shares 120,187      
Issuance of common stock for accrued services $ 1 12,499 12,500
Issuance of common stock for accrued services, shares 920      
Stock options granted for services 328,082 328,082
Stock-based compensation in connection with restricted common stock award grants and restricted common stock unit grants           880,623
Net loss (8,046,550) (8,046,550)
Balance at Apr. 30, 2019 $ 1,986 33,425,931 (26,275,102) 7,152,815
Balance, shares at Apr. 30, 2019 1,986,063      
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of offering cost $ 357 1,889,898 1,890,255
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of offering cost, shares 357,142      
Issuance of common stock for services $ 78 572,525 572,603
Issuance of common stock for services, shares 78,153      
Issuance of common stock for accrued services $ 3 26,900 26,903
Issuance of common stock for accrued services, shares 2,862      
Stock options granted for services 196,046 196,046
Issuance of preferred stock and warrants for cash, net of offering cost $ 1 2,401,201 2,401,202
Issuance of preferred stock and warrants for cash, net of offering cost, shares 1,250      
Issuance of preferred stock in connection with the Exchange Agreement
Issuance of preferred stock in connection with the Exchange Agreement, shares (127) 127        
Issuance of common stock to private placement agent related to sale of common stock $ 25 (25)
Issuance of common stock to private placement agent related to sale of common stock, shares 25,281      
Conversion of preferred stock into common stock $ (1) $ 222 (221)
Conversion of preferred stock into common stock, shares (1,123) (70) 222,018      
Issuance of common stock in connection with the share exchange agreement $ 200 2,019,800 2,020,000
Issuance of common stock in connection with the share exchange agreement, shares 200,000      
Stock-based compensation in connection with restricted common stock award grants and restricted common stock unit grants $ 33 497,495 497,528
Stock-based compensation in connection with restricted common stock award grants and restricted common stock unit grants, shares 32,454      
Fractional difference due to the reverse stock split $ (1) (1)
Fractional difference due to the reverse stock split, shares (580)      
Net loss (5,249,350) (5,249,350)
Balance at Apr. 30, 2020 $ 2,903 $ 41,029,550 $ (31,524,452) $ 9,508,001
Balance, shares at Apr. 30, 2020 57 2,903,393      
v3.20.2
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:    
Net loss $ (5,249,350) $ (8,046,550)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:    
Depreciation 10,730 6,956
Accretion 10,474 6,861
Stock based compensation 1,266,177 2,275,337
Amortization of prepaid stock based expenses 160,377 45,253
Deferred income taxes 435,345
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Income tax receivable (219,072)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 240,166 (40,715)
Reclamation bond deposit (16,109) (246,519)
Accounts payable (83,592) (132,139)
Accounts payable - related parties (12,177) 40,108
Accrued liabilities (5,367) (12,831)
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES (3,897,743) (5,668,894)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:    
Net proceeds received in connection with the share exchange agreement 159,063
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES 159,063
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:    
Issuance of preferred stock and warrants, net of issuance cost 2,401,201
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs 1,890,255 219,796
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 4,291,456 219,796
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 552,776 (5,449,098)
CASH - beginning of year 2,197,181 7,646,279
CASH - end of year 2,749,957 2,197,181
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:    
Interest
Income taxes
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:    
Increase in asset retirement obligation 81,885
Issuance of common stock for accrued services 26,903 12,500
Deemed dividends - Series F and G preferred stock 2,086,212
Issuance of common stock in connection with the share exchange agreement 2,020,000
Assumption of liabilities in connection with the share exchange agreement 125,670
Increase in mineral properties in connection with the share exchange agreement 1,986,607
Issuance of common stock for prepaid services 160,377
Increase in asset retirement cost and obligation $ 69,172
v3.20.2
Organization and Description of Business
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Organization and Description of Business

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Organization

 

U.S. Gold Corp., formerly known as Dataram Corporation (the “Company”), was originally incorporated in the State of New Jersey in 1967 and was subsequently re-incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada in 2016. Effective June 26, 2017, the Company changed its name to U.S. Gold Corp. from Dataram Corporation.

 

On June 13, 2016, Gold King Corp. (“Gold King”), a private Nevada corporation, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with the Company, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Dataram Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Acquisition Sub”), and all of the principal shareholders of Gold King (the “Gold King Shareholders”). Upon closing of the transactions contemplated under the Merger Agreement (the “Merger”), Gold King merged with and into Acquisition Sub with Gold King as the surviving corporation and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Merger was treated as a reverse acquisition and recapitalization, and the business of Gold King became the business of the Company. The financial statements are those of Gold King (the accounting acquirer) prior to the merger and include the activity of the Company (the legal acquirer) from the date of the Merger. Gold King is a gold and precious metals exploration company pursuing exploration and development opportunities primarily in Nevada and Wyoming. The Company has a wholly owned subsidiary, U.S. Gold Acquisition Corporation, formerly Dataram Acquisition Sub, Inc. (“U.S. Gold Acquisition”), a Nevada corporation which was formed in April 2016.

 

On May 23, 2017, the Company closed the Merger with Gold King. The Merger constituted a change of control and the majority of the Board of Directors changed with the consummation of the Merger. The Company issued shares of common stock to Gold King which represented approximately 90% of the combined company.

 

On September 10, 2019, the Company, 2637262 Ontario Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Providence of Ontario (“NumberCo”), and all of the shareholders of NumberCo (the “NumberCo Shareholders”), entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Company agreed to issue to the NumberCo Shareholders 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding shares of NumberCo, with NumberCo becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (see Note 4).

 

On March 17, 2020, the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) approved a 1-for-10 reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”), and on March 18, 2020, the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada a Certificate of Amendment to its Articles of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split. The Reverse Stock Split became effective as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 19, 2020, and the Company’s common stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis when the market opened on March 20, 2020. Accordingly, all common share and per share data are retrospectively restated to give effect of the split for all periods presented herein.

 

None of the Company’s properties contain proven and probable reserves and all of the Company’s activities are exploratory in nature.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to the “Company” refer to U.S. Gold Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

v3.20.2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), the instructions to Form 10-K, and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for financial information, which includes the consolidated financial statements and presents the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries as of April 30, 2020. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. It is management’s opinion that all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) have been made, which are necessary for a fair financial statement presentation.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents. The Company places its cash with high credit quality financial institutions. At April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company does not have any cash equivalents. The Company’s accounts at these institutions are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000. At April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company had bank balances exceeding the FDIC insurance limit on interest bearing accounts. To reduce its risk associated with the failure of such financial institutions, the Company evaluates at least annually the rating of the financial institutions in which it holds deposits.

 

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet, and revenues and expenses for the period then ended. Actual results may differ significantly from those estimates. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, valuation of mineral rights, stock-based compensation, the fair value of common and preferred stock, valuation of warrants, asset retirement obligations and the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company has adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. ASC 820 establishes a common definition for fair value to be applied in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires the use of fair value measurements, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about such fair value measurements.

 

ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, ASC 820 requires the use of valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

 

These inputs are prioritized below:

 

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the use of the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

 

The Company analyzes all financial instruments with features of both liabilities and equity under the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s (“FASB”) accounting standard for such instruments. Under this standard, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

At April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company had no financial instruments or liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis.

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets of $212,718 and $613,261 at April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, consist primarily of costs paid for future services which will occur within a year. Prepaid expenses principally include prepayments in cash and equity instruments for consulting, public relations, and business advisory services, insurance premiums, mining claim fees and mineral lease fees which are being amortized over the terms of their respective agreements.

 

Property

 

Property is carried at cost. The cost of repairs and maintenance is expensed as incurred; major replacements and improvements are capitalized. When assets are retired or disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gains or losses are included in income in the year of disposition. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets, generally ten years.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable, or at least annually. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. The amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s estimated fair value and its book value. The Company did not recognize any impairment during the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019.

 

Mineral Rights

 

Costs of leasing, exploring, carrying and retaining unproven mineral lease properties are expensed as incurred. The Company expenses all mineral exploration costs as incurred as it is still in the exploration stage. If the Company identifies proven and probable reserves in its investigation of its properties and upon development of a plan for operating a mine, it would enter the development stage and capitalize future costs until production is established.

 

When a property reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs will be amortized on a units-of-production basis over the proven and probable reserves following the commencement of production. The Company assesses the carrying costs of the capitalized mineral properties for impairment under ASC 360-10, “Impairment of Long-Lived Assets”, and evaluates its carrying value under ASC 930-360, “Extractive Activities—Mining”, annually. An impairment is recognized when the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the mineral properties. Impairment losses, if any, are measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the mineral properties over its estimated fair value.

 

To date, the Company has not established the commercial feasibility of any exploration prospects; therefore, all exploration costs are being expensed.

 

ASC 930-805, “Extractive Activities—Mining: Business Combinations” (“ASC 930-805”), states that mineral rights consist of the legal right to explore, extract, and retain at least a portion of the benefits from mineral deposits. Mining assets include mineral rights.

 

Acquired mineral rights are considered tangible assets under ASC 930-805. ASC 930-805 requires that mineral rights be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. As a result, the direct costs to acquire mineral rights are initially capitalized as tangible assets. Mineral rights include costs associated with acquiring patented and unpatented mining claims.

 

ASC 930-805 provides that in measuring the fair value of mineral assets, an acquirer should take into account both:

 

● The value beyond proven and probable reserves (“VBPP”) to the extent that a market participant would include VBPP in determining the fair value of the assets.

 

● The effects of anticipated fluctuations in the future market price of minerals in a manner that is consistent with the expectations of market participants.

 

Leases to explore for or use of natural resources are outside the scope of ASU 2016-02, “Leases”.

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets

 

In accordance with ASC 350-30-65, the Company assesses the impairment of identifiable intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors the Company considers to be important which could trigger an impairment review include the following:

 

  1. Significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;
  2. Significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business; and
  3. Significant negative industry or economic trends.

 

When the Company determines that the carrying value of intangibles may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment and the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from projected undiscounted cash flows, the Company records an impairment charge. The Company measures any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in the current business model. Significant management judgment is required in determining whether an indicator of impairment exists and in projecting cash flows.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

Share-based compensation is accounted for based on the requirements of ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation’ (“ASC 718”), which requires recognition in the financial statements of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments over the period the employee or director is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively, the vesting period). ASC 718 also requires measurement of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Pursuant to ASC 505, “Equity—Equity Based Payments to Non-Employees” (“ASC 505-50”), for share-based payments to consultants and other third parties, compensation expense is determined at the measurement date, which is the grant date. Until the measurement date is reached, the total amount of compensation expense remains uncertain.

 

ASU 2018-07 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which the grantor acquires goods and services to be used or consumed in its own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. ASU 2018-07 also clarifies that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide (1) financing to the issuer or (2) awards granted in conjunction with selling goods or services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under ASC 606. ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted, but no earlier than adoption of ASC 606. The Company chose to early adopt ASU 2018-07 in July 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

Accounting for Warrants

 

Warrants are accounted for in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance provided in ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”) as either derivative liabilities or as equity instruments, depending on the specific terms of the agreements. The Company classifies as equity any contracts that (i) require physical settlement or net-share settlement or (ii) give the Company a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in its own shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement). The Company classifies as assets or liabilities any contracts that (i) require net-cash settlement (including a requirement to net-cash settle the contract if an event occurs and if that event is outside the control of the Company) or (ii) give the counterparty a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement). Instruments that are classified as liabilities are recorded at fair value at each reporting period, with any change in fair value recognized as a component of change in fair value of derivative liabilities in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

The Company assessed the classification of its outstanding common stock purchase warrants as of the date of issuance and determined that such instruments met the criteria for equity classification under the guidance in ASU 2017-11 “Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): (Part I) Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Feature”. The Company has no outstanding warrants that contain a “down round” feature under Topic 815 of ASU 2017-11.

 

Convertible Preferred Stock

 

The Company accounts for its convertible preferred stock under the provisions of ASC 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” (“ASC 480”), which sets forth the standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. ASC 480 requires an issuer to classify a financial instrument that is within the scope of ASC 480 as a liability if such financial instrument embodies an unconditional obligation to redeem the instrument at a specified date and/or upon an event certain to occur. During the periods ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s outstanding convertible preferred shares were accounted for as equity, with no liability recorded.

 

Convertible Instruments

 

The Company bifurcates conversion options from their host instruments and accounts for them as free standing derivative financial instruments according to certain criteria. The criteria includes circumstances in which (a) the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative instrument are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract, (b) the hybrid instrument that embodies both the embedded derivative instrument and the host contract is not re-measured at fair value under otherwise applicable generally accepted accounting principles with changes in fair value reported in earnings as they occur and (c) a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative instrument would be considered a derivative instrument. An exception to this rule when the host instrument is deemed to be conventional as that term is described under applicable U.S. GAAP.

  

When the Company has determined that the embedded conversion options should not be bifurcated from their host instruments, the Company records, when necessary, a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”) related to the issuance of convertible debt and equity instruments that have conversion features at fixed rates that are in-the-money when issued, and the fair value of warrants issued in connection with those instruments. The BCF for the convertible instruments is recognized and measured by allocating a portion of the proceeds to warrants, based on their relative fair value, and as a reduction to the carrying amount of the convertible instrument equal to the intrinsic value of the conversion feature. The discounts recorded in connection with the BCF and warrant valuation are recognized (a) for convertible debt as interest expense over the term of the debt, using the effective interest method or (b) for convertible preferred stock as dividends at the time the stock first becomes convertible.

 

The incremental fair value of the Company’s outstanding Series F Convertible Preferred shares during the year ended April 30, 2020, $2,022,712, was accounted for as a deemed dividend to holders of the Series F Convertible Preferred shares for fiscal year 2020 and increased the net loss applicable to common shareholders.

 

In connection with the April Offering, on March 29, 2020, we entered into an exchange agreement with holders of shares of our 0% Series F Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) pursuant to which 127 shares of our Series F Preferred Stock exchanged for 127 shares of the Series G Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series G Preferred Stock”). The Series G Preferred Stock had substantially the same terms as that of the Series F Preferred Stock except the conversion price of the Series G Preferred Stock is $5.60 per share. As of June 3, 2020, all Series G Preferred Stock had converted and there are no shares of Series G Preferred Stock outstanding.

 

Remediation and Asset Retirement Obligation

 

Asset retirement obligations (“ARO”), consisting primarily of estimated reclamation costs at the Company’s Copper King and Keystone properties, are recognized in the period incurred and when a reasonable estimate can be made, and recorded as liabilities at fair value. Such obligations, which are initially estimated based on discounted cash flow estimates, are accreted to full value over time through charges to accretion expense. Corresponding asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the asset’s remaining useful life. AROs are periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the estimated present value resulting from revisions to the estimated timing or amount of reclamation and closure costs. The Company reviews and evaluates its AROs annually or more frequently at interim periods if deemed necessary.

 

Foreign Currency Transactions

 

The reporting and functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date with any transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency included in the results of operations as incurred. Transaction gains or losses have not had, and are not expected to have, a material effect on the results of operations of the Company, and are included in General and administrative expenses.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the provision of ASC 740-10, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASC 740-10”), which requires, among other things, an asset and liability approach to calculating deferred income taxes. The asset and liability approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets for which management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred asset will not be realized.

 

The Company follows the provision of ASC 740-10, “Accounting for Uncertain Income Tax Positions” (“ASC 740-10”). When tax returns are filed, there may be uncertainty about the merits of positions taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. In accordance with the guidance of ASC 740-10, the benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions.

 

Tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefit associated with tax positions taken that exceed the amount measured as described above should be reflected as a liability for uncertain tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. The Company believes its tax positions are all more likely than not to be upheld upon examination. As such, the Company has not recorded a liability for uncertain tax benefits.

 

The Company has adopted ASC 740-10-25, “Definition of Settlement”, which provides guidance on how an entity should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits and provides that a tax position can be effectively settled upon the completion and examination by a taxing authority without being legally extinguished. For tax positions considered effectively settled, an entity would recognize the full amount of tax benefit, even if the tax position is not considered more likely than not to be sustained based solely on the basis of its technical merits and the statute of limitations remains open. The federal and state income tax returns of the Company are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities, generally for three years after they are filed.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by FASB that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements upon adoption. The Company does not discuss recent pronouncements that are not anticipated to have an effect on or are unrelated to its financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.

v3.20.2
Going Concern
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Going Concern

NOTE 3 — GOING CONCERN

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As of April 30, 2020, the Company had cash of approximately $2.7 million, working capital of approximately $3.0 million, and an accumulated deficit of approximately $31.6 million. The Company had a net loss and cash used in operating activities of approximately $5.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively, during the year ended April 30, 2020. As a result of the utilization of cash in its operating activities, and the development of its assets, the Company has incurred losses since it commenced operations. The Company’s primary source of operating funds since inception has been equity financings. As of April 30, 2020, the Company had sufficient cash to fund its operations for approximately 9 to 12 months and expects that it will be required to raise additional funds to fund its operations thereafter. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for the twelve months following the issuance of these financial statements.

 

On June 20, 2019, the Company sold 1,250 Series F Preferred units for an aggregate purchase price of $2,500,000, or $2,000 per unit. Each unit consisted of one (1) share of 0% Series F Preferred Stock and 87 Class X Warrants on a registered basis and 175 Class A Warrants on an unregistered basis (see Note 8).

 

On April 1, 2020, the Company sold 357,142 units of common shares and warrants for an aggregate purchase price of $2,000,000 (see Note 8), which the Company believes may not be indicative of the Company’s ability to raise additional funds for operations, due to a further downturn in equity markets for companies in its industry. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to raise additional capital or if the terms will be favorable.

 

The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of asset amounts or the classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

v3.20.2
Mineral Rights
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Extractive Industries [Abstract]  
Mineral Rights

NOTE 4 — MINERAL RIGHTS

 

Copper King Project

 

The Company owns the Copper King gold and copper development project (the “Copper King Project”), which is comprised of two State of Wyoming Metallic and Non-metallic Rocks and Minerals Mining Leases covering an area of approximately 1.8 square miles located in the Silver Crown Mining District of southeast Wyoming.

 

On July 2, 2014, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement whereby the Company acquired certain mining leases and other mineral rights comprising the Copper King Project. The purchase price consisted of (a) cash payment in the amount of $1.5 million and (b) closing shares calculated at 50% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock and valued at $1.5 million. In accordance with ASC 360-10, “Property, Plant, and Equipment”, assets are recognized based on their cost to the acquiring entity, which generally includes the transaction costs of the asset acquisition. Accordingly, the Company recorded a total cost of the acquired mineral properties of $3,091,738 at the date of purchase, which included the purchase price ($3,000,000) and related transaction costs.

 

Keystone Project

 

The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, U.S. Gold Acquisition Corporation (“USGAC”), a Nevada corporation, acquired the mining claims comprising the Keystone Project on May 27, 2016 from Nevada Gold Ventures, LLC (“Nevada Gold”) and Americas Gold Exploration, Inc. under the terms of a purchase and sale agreement. At the time of purchase, the Keystone Project consisted of 284 unpatented lode mining claims situated in Eureka County, Nevada. The purchase price for the Keystone Project consisted of the following: (a) cash payment in the amount of $250,000, (b) 46,250 shares of the Company’s common stock and (c) an aggregate of 23,145 five-year options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $36.00 per share.

 

The Company valued the shares of common stock at the fair value of $555,000 or $12.00 per share of common stock based on the contemporaneous sale of its preferred stock in a private placement at $1.00 per common share. The options were valued at $184,968. The options vested over a period of two years whereby 1/24 of the options vested and became exercisable each month for the 24 months following the closing of the acquisition. The options are non-forfeitable and are not subject to obligations or service requirements.

 

Accordingly, at the date of acquisition, the Company recorded a total cost of the acquired mineral properties of $1,028,885 which includes the purchase price ($989,968) and related transaction cost ($38,917). Some of the Keystone Project claims are subject to pre-existing net smelter royalty (“NSR”) obligations. In addition, under the terms of the purchase and sale agreement, Nevada Gold retained additional NSR rights of 0.5% with regard to certain claims and 3.5% with regard to certain other claims. Under the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Company may buy down one percent (1%) of the royalty from Nevada Gold at any time through the fifth anniversary of the closing date for $2,000,000. In addition, the Company may buy down an additional one percent (1%) of the royalty anytime through the eighth anniversary of the closing date for $5,000,000.

 

Gold Bar North Project

 

In August 2017, the Company closed on a transaction under a purchase and sale agreement executed in June 2017 with Nevada Gold and USGAC, pursuant to which Nevada Gold sold and USGAC purchased all rights, title and interest in the Gold Bar North Property, a gold development project located in Eureka County, Nevada. The purchase price for the Gold Bar North Property was: (a) cash payment in the amount of $20,479, which was paid in August 2017, and (b) 1,500 shares of common stock of the Company, which were issued in August 2017, valued at $35,850.

 

Maggie Creek Project

 

On September 10, 2019, the Company, NumberCo and the NumberCo Shareholders, entered into the Share Exchange Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, the Company agreed to issue to the NumberCo Shareholders 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding shares of NumberCo, with NumberCo becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (see Note 1).

 

NumberCo owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of Orevada Metals Inc. (“Orevada”), a corporation under the laws of the state of Nevada. At the time of acquisition, the Company acquired from NumberCo cash of $159,063, and assumed liabilities consisting of accounts payable totaling $125,670. As a result, the Company acquired Orevada’s right to an option agreement dated in February 2019 (the “Option Agreement”). The Option Agreement grants Orevada the exclusive right and option to earn-in and acquire up to 50% undivided interest in a property called Maggie Creek, located in Eureka County, Nevada by completing a $4.5 million in exploration and development expenditures (“Initial Earn-in”) and payment to Renaissance Exploration, Inc. (“Renaissance”), the grantor, of $250,000. Orevada may elect within 60 days after making the $250,000 payment, to increase its interest by an additional 20% (total interest of 70%) by producing a feasibility study by the end of the ninth year of the Option Agreement. One of the directors of the Company, Mr. Tim Janke, is also a director of Renaissance, a company which is not under common control. No Earn-in expenditures have yet been invested toward the Option Agreement.

 

Pursuant to ASU 2017-01 and ASC 805, each titled “Business Combinations”, the Company analyzed the Share Exchange Agreement to determine if the Company acquired a business or assets. Based on this analysis, it was determined that the Company acquired assets, primarily consisting of cash and the right to an Option Agreement. The Company excluded the cash received in the determination of the gross assets and concluded that the right to the Option Agreement represents substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired. If substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets, the asset is not considered a business.

 

The monetary value of the 200,000 shares issued to the NumberCo Shareholders is deemed by the Company to be $2,020,000. In accordance with ASC 805-50-30 “Business Combinations”, the Company determined that if the consideration paid is not in the form of cash, the measurement may be based on either (i) the cost which is measured based on the fair value of the consideration given or (ii) the fair value of the assets (or net assets) acquired, whichever is more clearly evident and thus more reliably measurable.

 

The 200,000 shares issued to the NumberCo Shareholders were valued at $2,020,000, or $10.10 per share, the fair value of the Company’s common stock based on the quoted trading price on the date of the Share Exchange Agreement (see Note 8). No goodwill was recorded as the Share Exchange Agreement was accounted for as an asset purchase.

 

The relative fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on management’s estimates of the fair values on September 10, 2019, the date of the Share Exchange Agreement. Based upon the purchase price allocation, the following table summarizes the estimated relative fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

Cash   $ 159,063  
Mineral property – Maggie Creek     1,986,607  
Total assets acquired at fair value     2,145,670  
Total Liabilities assumed at fair value     (125,670 )
Total purchase consideration   $ 2,020,000  

 

As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, the Company has not established any proven or probable reserves on its mineral properties and has incurred only acquisition costs and exploration costs.

 

As of the dates presented, mineral properties consisted of the following:

 

    April 30, 2020     April 30, 2019  
Copper King Project   $ 3,091,738     $ 3,091,738  
Keystone Project     1,028,885       1,028,885  
Gold Bar North Project     56,329       56,329  
Maggie Creek Project     1,986,607       -  
Total   $ 6,163,559     $ 4,176,952  
v3.20.2
Property
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property

NOTE 5 — PROPERTY

 

Property consisted of the following:

 

    April 30, 2020     April 30, 2019  
Site costs   $ 151,057     $ 81,885  
Less: accumulated depreciation     (17,686 )     (6,956 )
Total   $ 133,371     $ 74,929  

 

For the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, depreciation expense amounted to $10,730 and $6,956, respectively.

v3.20.2
Asset Retirement Obligation
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]  
Asset Retirement Obligation

NOTE 6 — ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

 

In conjunction with various permit approvals permitting the Company to undergo exploration activities at the Copper King Project and Keystone Project, the Company has recorded an ARO based upon the reclamation plans submitted in connection with the various permits. The following table summarizes activity in the Company’s ARO for the periods presented:

 

    April 30, 2020     April 30, 2019  
             
Balance, beginning of period   $ 88,746     $ -  
Addition and changes in estimates     69,172       81,885  
Accretion expense     10,474       6,861  
Balance, end of period   $ 168,392     $ 88,746  

 

For the year ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, accretion expense amounted to $10,474 and $6,861, respectively.

v3.20.2
Related Party Transactions
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related Party Transactions

NOTE 7 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

On April 16, 2019, the Company entered into a one-year consulting agreement with a director of the Company for providing services related to investor and strategic introduction to potential industry partners. In consideration for the services, the consultant shall be paid $3,750 per month in cash, and shares of the Company’s common stock with a value of $45,000. In April 2019, the Company issued 4,592 shares of the Company’s common stock, valued at $45,000 at the market price on the dates of grant, in connection with this consulting agreement. The Company paid consulting fees to such director for a total of $90,000 in cash and shares during the year ended April 30, 2020.

 

One director provided consulting services to the Company and was paid total consulting fees in the amount of $0 and $12,500 during the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

Accounts payable to related parties as of April 30, 2020 and 2019 was $3,459 and $42,539, respectively, and was reflected as accounts payable – related party in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The related party to which accounts were payable as of April 30, 2020 was the Chief Financial Officer, who was owed a total of $3,459 (includes $2,700 payable in shares of common stock). The related parties to which accounts were payable as of April 30, 2019 were the former Vice President-Head of Exploration, who was owed $12,500 payable in shares of common stock and the Chief Financial Officer, who was owed a total of $30,039 (includes $14,403 payable in shares of common stock). The amounts payable in shares of common stock to these two related parties were fully vested at the date of issuance.

 

On September 10, 2019, the Company acquired from Orevada its right to an option agreement dated in February 2019 (see Note 4). One of the board of directors of the Company, Mr. Tim Janke, is also a director of Renaissance.

v3.20.2
Stockholders' Equity
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]  
Stockholders' Equity

NOTE 8 — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

As of April 30, 2020, authorized capital stock consisted of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which 1,300,000 shares are designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, 400,000 shares are designated as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, 45,002 shares are designated as Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, 7,402 shares are designated as Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, 2,500 shares are designated as Series E Convertible Preferred Stock, 1,250 shares are designated as Series F Preferred Stock and 127 shares are designated as Series G Preferred Stock. The Company’s Board has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon the preferred stock. As of July 13, 2020, there were 2,919,867 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, and no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

 

The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders and there are no cumulative rights. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably any dividends that may be declared from time to time by the Board out of funds legally available for that purpose. The Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future but intends to retain its capital resources for reinvestment in its business. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to prior distribution rights of preferred stock then outstanding. The common stock has no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. The outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable, and any shares of common stock to be issued upon an offering will be fully paid and nonassessable upon issuance. To the extent that additional shares of our common stock may be issued in the future, the relative interests of the then existing stockholders may be diluted.

 

Series F Convertible Preferred Stock

 

On June 20, 2019, the Company sold, under the terms of a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) dated June 19, 2019, 1,250 Series F Preferred units for an aggregate purchase price of $2,500,000, or $2,000 per unit. Each unit consisted of one (1) share of 0% Series F Preferred Stock and 87 Class X Warrants on a registered basis and 175 Class A Warrants on an unregistered basis. The Series F Preferred Stock contains no redemption feature. The Company sold a total of 1,250 shares of Series F Preferred Stock, 219,375 Class A Warrants and 109,750 Class X Warrants under the Purchase Agreement. Each share of Series F Preferred Stock, at the option of the holder at any time, was convertible into the number of shares of common stock of the Company determined by dividing the $2,000 (the stated value per share of the Series F Preferred Stock) by a conversion price of $11.40 per share (approximately 219,375 shares of common stock), subject to adjustment. Each Class X Warrant was exercisable to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock and one Class Y Warrant at an exercise price of $11.40, for a period of six (6) months from the date of issuance. Class X Warrants expired on December 19, 2019. Each Class Y Warrant was exercisable to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $11.40 per share, commencing six (6) months from the date of issuance (the “Initial Exercise Date”) and would have expired on a date that is the five (5) year anniversary of the Initial Exercise Date. No Class X Warrant was exercised prior to its expiration and, as such, no Class Y Warrants were issued. Each Class A Warrant is exercisable to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $11.40 per share, commencing six (6) months from the date of issuance and will expire on a date that is the five (5) year anniversary of the date of issuance. The Company incurred $98,799 in offering costs for this placement.

 

The fair value of the Series F Preferred Stock and warrants if converted on the date of issuance was greater than the value allocated to the Series F Preferred Stock and warrants. As a result, the Company recorded a BCF of approximately $2.0 million that the Company recognized as deemed dividend to the preferred stockholders and accordingly, an adjustment to net loss to arrive at net loss available to common stockholders and a corresponding increase in additional paid in capital upon issuance of the Series F Preferred Stock and warrants. The Company accounted for the deemed dividend resulting from the issuance of Series F Preferred Stock and warrants using the relative fair value method (see Note 2).

 

The Purchase Agreement includes customary representations, warranties and covenants by the Company and provides for indemnification of the purchasers against certain liabilities, including liabilities incurred as a result of or relating to any breach of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements made by the Company in the Purchase Agreement. The Company assessed the classification of these warrants and determined that such instruments met the criteria for equity classification under the guidance in ASC 815.

 

During the three months ended July 31, 2019, the Company issued an aggregate of 108,070 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for the conversion of 616 shares of the Company’s Series F Preferred Stock.

 

During the three months ended October 31, 2019, the Company issued an aggregate of 63,860 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for the conversion of 364 shares of the Company’s Series F Preferred Stock.

 

During the three months ended April 30, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 25,088 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for the conversion of 143 shares of the Company’s Series F Preferred Stock. After the conversion of these shares, there remained 127 shares of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding, which were exchanged for Series G Convertible Preferred Stock, as discussed below.

 

Series G Convertible Preferred Stock

 

On March 29, 2020, concurrent with the issuance of shares of common stock and warrants for cash, the Company entered into an exchange agreement with holders of shares of the Series F Preferred Stock pursuant to which the remaining 127 shares of the Company’s Series F Preferred Stock were exchanged for 127 shares of the Series G Preferred Stock at a stated value of $2,000 per share, the same as the Series F Convertible Preferred Stock. The Series G Preferred Stock had substantially the same terms as that of the Series F Preferred Stock except the conversion price of the Series G Preferred Stock was $5.60 per share, for a total of 45,357 common shares.

 

During April 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 25,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for the conversion of 70 shares of Series G Preferred Stock.

 

As a result of the exchange, the Company recorded approximately $64,000 of deemed dividend to the preferred stockholders and accordingly, an adjustment to net loss to arrive at net loss available to common stockholders and a corresponding increase in additional paid in capital upon issuance of the Series G Preferred Stock. The Company accounted for the deemed dividend resulting from the exchange of Series F Preferred Stock into Series G Preferred Stock in accordance with ASC 470-50 and ASC 260-10-S99-2.

 

Common Stock Issued for Cash

 

On November 2, 2018, the Company entered into an ATM Agreement with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (“Wainwright”) as sales manager. Under the terms of the ATM Agreement, the Company was entitled to sell, at its sole discretion and from time to time as it may choose, common stock of the Company through Wainwright, with such sales having an aggregate gross sales value of up to $1,000,000. Subject to the terms and conditions of the ATM Agreement, Wainwright used its commercially reasonable efforts to sell the shares of common stock from time to time, based upon the Company’s instructions. The Company has provided Wainwright with customary indemnification rights, and Wainwright was entitled to a commission at a fixed commission rate equal to 3.0% of the gross proceeds per share sold. The ATM program has expired.

 

For the year ended April 30, 2019, the Company has sold 29,006 shares of common stock and raised net proceeds of $219,796, net of issuance costs including legal cost related to the sale of shares of common stock of $79,031, through the ATM Agreement at prices per share averaging $10.30.

 

On April 1, 2020, the Company, issued 357,142 shares of common stock of the Company at a price of $5.60 per share, for gross proceeds of approximately $2.0 million before the deduction of placement agent fees and offering expenses. In relation to this offering, the Company entered into the advisory agreement, dated March 29, 2020 (the “Advisory Agreement”), with Palladium Capital Advisors (“Palladium”) pursuant to which a fixed fee of $135,000 in shares of common stock would be issued, to be valued at the closing price on the date of issuance. On March 30, 2020, pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Company issued 25,281 shares of its common stock to Palladium, based on the closing price as of March 30, 2020 of $5.34.

 

Common Stock Issued for Accrued Services

 

On May 6, 2019, the Company paid an accrued service liability to its former Chief Geologist in the amount of $12,500 by issuing 1,068 shares of common stock at a price of $11.70 per share of common stock based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant. In connection with this issuance, the Company reduced accrued salaries by $12,500 during the year ended April 30, 2020.

 

On November 26, 2019, the Company paid an accrued service liability to its Chief Financial Officer in the amount of $14,403 and stock-based accounting fees of $3,881 by issuing 2,276 shares of restricted common stock at a price of $8.00 per share of common stock based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant. In connection with this issuance, the Company reduced accrued expenses by $14,403 and recorded stock-based accounting fees of $3,881 during the year ended April 30, 2020. The restricted common shares issued to this officer were fully vested at the date of issuance.

 

On February 1, 2020, the Company paid stock-based accounting fees to its Chief Financial Officer in the amount of $5,158 by issuing 639 shares of restricted common stock at a price of $8.10 per share of common stock based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant. In connection with this issuance, the Company recorded stock-based accounting fees of $5,158 during the year ended April 30, 2020. The restricted common shares issued to this officer were fully vested at the date of issuance.

 

Common Stock Issued for Salaries

 

Between May 2019 and June 2019, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,153 shares of common stock to satisfy a stock payable to its former Chief Geologist for services rendered between May 2019 and June 2019. The shares were valued at $25,000 using a share price ranging from $10.30 to $13.30 on the dates of grant.

 

Common Stock Issued, Restricted Stock Awards, and RSUs Granted for Services

 

On September 18, 2019, the Compensation Committee of the Board awarded Edward Karr, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, President and Director, 20,000 performance-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”), David Rector, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, 7,500 performance-based RSUs and an employee of the Company 5,000 performance-based RSUs pursuant to respective restricted stock unit award agreements. The RSUs will vest upon the earlier to occur of (i) a Change in Control (as defined in the 2020 Plan), or (ii) a material discovery of a mineral deposit, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board in its sole discretion. The total 32,500 RSUs had a fair value of $334,750 or $10.30 per share based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant and will be expensed upon the occurrence of the vesting term.

 

Additionally, on September 18, 2019, the Compensation Committee of the Board awarded five directors of the Company an aggregate of 25,000 shares of restricted stock pursuant to respective restricted stock award agreements. The shares of restricted stock vested immediately on the date of grant. The total 25,000 shares of restricted stock had a fair value of $257,500 or $10.30 per share based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant, which was expensed immediately.

 

On November 26, 2019, the Company issued 2,100 shares of restricted common stock to a consultant for investor relations-related services renderedThe 2,100 shares of common stock had a fair value of $18,297, or $8.70 per share, based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant, which was fully vested and expensed immediately.

 

On November 26, 2019, the Company issued 3,703 shares of restricted stock to a consultant for services to be rendered. The shares vest over a six-month period. The 3,703 shares of restricted stock had a fair value of $29,848, or $8.10 per share, based on quoted trading price on the date of grant and will be expensed over the vesting period.

 

On January 14, 2020, the Compensation Committee of the Board awarded an aggregate of 47,777 restricted common shares to Edward Karr, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, and David Rector, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer as 2019 Executive Bonus Awards. The total 47,777 restricted common shares stock had a fair value of $396,520, or $8.30 per share, based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant, which was fully vested and expensed immediately.

 

On January 6, 2020, the Compensation Committee of the Board awarded four directors of the Company an aggregate of 1,875 shares of restricted stock pursuant to respective restricted stock award agreements. The shares of restricted stock vested immediately on the date of grant. The total 1,875 shares of restricted stock had a fair value of $17,438, or $9.30 per share, based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant, which was fully vested and expensed immediately.

 

On April 9, 2020, the Company issued 25,000 shares of restricted common stock to a consultant for investor relations-related services renderedThe 25,000 shares of common stock had a fair value of $123,750, or $4.95 per share, based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant, which was fully vested and expensed immediately.

 

On April 30, 2020, the Compensation Committee of the Board awarded four directors of the Company an aggregate of 1,875 shares of restricted stock pursuant to respective restricted stock award agreements. The shares of restricted stock vested immediately on the date of grant. The total 1,875 shares of restricted stock had a fair value of $9,581, or $5.11 per share, based on the quoted trading price on the date of grant, which was fully vested and expensed immediately. These shares were issued on May 5, 2020, subsequent to the close of the fiscal year 2020.

 

A total of $497,528 and $880,623 was expensed for the year ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. A balance of $339,725 remains to be expensed over future vesting periods.

 

Common Stock Issued Pursuant to Share Exchange Agreement

 

On September 10, 2019, the Company, NumberCo and the NumberCo Shareholders, entered into the Share Exchange Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, the Company agreed to issue to the NumberCo Shareholders 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding shares of NumberCo, with NumberCo becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The 200,000 shares issued to the NumberCo Shareholders were valued at $2,020,000, or $10.10 per share, the fair value of the Company’s common stock based on the quoted trading price on the date of the Share Exchange Agreement (see Note 4).

 

Equity Incentive Plan

 

In August 2017, the Board approved the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) including the reservation of 165,000 shares of common stock thereunder.

 

On August 6, 2019, the Board approved and adopted, subject to stockholder approval, the U.S. Gold Corp. 2020 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”). The 2020 Plan reserves 330,710 shares for future issuance to officers, directors, employees and contractors as directed from time to time by the Compensation Committee of the Board. The Board directed that the 2020 Plan be submitted to the Company’s stockholders for their approval at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the “Annual Meeting”), which was held on September 18, 2019. The 2020 Plan was approved by a vote of stockholders at the Annual Meeting. With the approval and effectivity of the 2020 Plan, no further grants will be made under the 2017 Plan.

 

Stock options issued for services

 

On November 26, 2019, the Company granted 5,000 options to purchase the Company’s common stock to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. The options have a term of 10 years from the date of grant and are exercisable at an exercise price of $8.10. The options vest over 24 months at 208 options per month.

 

The Company used the Black-Scholes model to determine the fair value of stock options granted during the year ended April 30, 2020. In applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model to options granted, the Company used the following assumptions:

 

    For the
Year Ended
April 30, 2020
 
Risk free interest rate     1.74 %
Dividend yield     0.00 %
Expected volatility     72 %
Contractual term (in years)     10.0  
Forfeiture rate     0.00 %

 

The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity during the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

    Number of
Options
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
    Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
(Years)
 
Balance at April 30, 2018     153,146       17.90       3.43  
Granted                  
Exercised                  
Forfeited     (7,500 )     14.80        
Cancelled                  
Balance at April 30, 2019     145,646     $ 18.00       2.29  
Granted     5,000       8.10       10.00  
Exercised                  
Forfeited     (50,646 )     24.44        
Cancelled                  
Balance at April 30, 2020     100,000       14.31       2.87  
                         
Options exercisable at end of period     76,041     $ 14.55          
Options expected to vest     23,959     $ 13.54          
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period           $ 0.62          

 

At April 30, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable was $0 for each year.

 

Stock-based compensation for stock options recorded in the consolidated statements of operations totaled $196,046 and $328,082 for the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. A balance of $214,050 remains to be expensed over future vesting periods.

 

Stock Warrants

 

In relation to the issuance of the shares of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock in June 2019, the Company issued 219,375 Class A Warrants and 109,750 Class X Warrants. The fair value of the warrants was $2,022,712, as measured on the date of the issuance with a Black-Scholes pricing model using the assumptions noted in the following table:

 

    Class A Warrants Issued During the Year Ended
April 30, 2020
 
Expected volatility     46% - 74 %
Stock price on date of grant   $ 11.40  
Exercise price   $ 11.40  
Expected dividends     -  
Expected term (in years)     0.5 – 5  
Risk-free rate     1.77% - 2.11 %
Expected forfeiture rate     0 %

 

Each Class A Warrant is exercisable to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $11.40 per share, commencing six (6) months from the date of issuance and will expire on a date that is the five (5) year anniversary of the date of issuance. Each Class X Warrant was exercisable to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock and one Class Y Warrant at an exercise price of $11.40, for a period of six (6) months from the date of issuance. Class X Warrants expired on December 19, 2019. Each Class Y Warrant was exercisable to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $11.40 per share, commencing on the Initial Exercise Date and would have expired on a date that is the five (5) year anniversary of the Initial Exercise Date. No Class X Warrant was exercised prior to its expiration, and, as such, no Class Y Warrants were issued.

 

Concurrent with the April 1, 2020 issuance of shares of common stock, the Company issued 357,142 warrants. The warrants are exercisable six months following the initial exercise date and terminate five years following issuance. The warrants have an exercise price of $7.00 per share and each warrant is exercisable to purchase one share of common stock. Generally, a holder of a warrant will not have the right to exercise any portion of its warrants if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (or 9.99% at the election of the holder prior to the date of issuance) of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”).

 

The fair value of the warrants was $1,613,765, as measured on the date of the issuance with a Black-Scholes pricing model using the assumptions noted in the following table:

 

    Common Warrants Issued During the Year Ended
April 30, 2020
 
Expected volatility     133.0 %
Stock price on date of grant   $ 5.34  
Exercise price   $ 7.00  
Expected dividends     -  
Expected term (in years)     5.00  
Risk-free rate     0.39 %
Expected forfeiture rate     0 %

 

The fair value of the warrant would be credited to Additional paid-in capital, and also represents a deemed dividend to those shareholders, which would be charged to Additional paid-in capital, therefore with no effect on that account.

 

A summary of the Company’s outstanding warrants to purchase shares of common stock as of April 30, 2020 and changes during the year then ended are presented below, restated to post-split:

 

    Number of Warrants     Weighted Average
Exercise
Price
    Weighted Average Remaining Contractual
Life
(Years)
 
Warrants with no Class designation:                        
Balance at April 30, 2018     170,236     $ 31.11       1.25  
Granted                  
Exercised                  
Forfeited                  
Canceled                  
Balance at April 30, 2019     170,236     $ 31.11       1.25  
Granted     357,142       7.00       4.92  
Exercised                  
Forfeited                  
Canceled                  
Balance at April 30, 2020     527,378               3.73  
Class A Warrants:                        
Balance at April 30, 2019                  
Granted     219,375       11.40       4.22  
Exercised                  
Forfeited                  
Canceled                  
Balance at April 30, 2020     219,375       11.40       4.22  
                         
Class X Warrants:                        
Balance at April 30, 2019                  
Granted     109,750       11.40       0.50  
Exercised                  
Forfeited, with no financial effect     (109,750 )     11.40        
Canceled                  
Balance at April 30, 2020     -       -       -  
Class Y Warrants:                        
Balance at April 30, 2019                  
Granted                  
Exercised                  
Forfeited                  
Canceled                  
Balance at April 30, 2020                  
Total Warrants Outstanding at April 30, 2020     746,753     $ 7.41       3.88  
 Warrants exercisable at end of period     746,753     $ 7.78          
Weighted average fair value of warrants granted during the period           $ 4.21          

 

As of April 30, 2020, the aggregate intrinsic value of warrants outstanding and exercisable was $0.

v3.20.2
Net Loss Per Share
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Net Loss Per Share

NOTE 9 — NET LOSS PER SHARE

 

Net loss per share of common stock is calculated in accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share”. Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholder, by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The following were excluded from the computation of diluted shares outstanding as they would have had an anti-dilutive impact on the Company’s net loss. In periods where the Company has a net loss, all dilutive securities are excluded.

 

   

Year Ended

April 30, 2020

   

Year Ended

April 30, 2019

 
Common stock equivalents:                
Preferred stock     20,357       -  
Restricted stock units     33,117       51,200  
Stock options     100,000       145,646  
Stock warrants     746,753       170,236  
Total     900,227       367,082  
v3.20.2
Commitments and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies

NOTE 10 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Mining Leases

 

The Copper King property position consists of two State of Wyoming Metallic and Non-metallic Rocks and Minerals Mining Leases. These leases were assigned to the Company in July 2014 through the acquisition of the Copper King Project. Leases to explore for or use of natural resources are outside the scope of ASU 2016-02 “Leases”. There are no lease contracts for office space or other Company expenses which qualify for treatment as capital assets under ASU 2016-02.

 

The Company’s rights to the Copper King Project arise under two State of Wyoming mineral leases; 1) State of Wyoming Mining Lease No. 0-40828, consisting of 640 acres, and 2) State of Wyoming Mining Lease No. 0-40858 consisting of 480 acres.

 

Lease 0-40828 was renewed in February 2013 for a second ten-year term and Lease 0-40858 was renewed for its second ten-year term in February 2014. Each lease requires an annual payment of $2.00 per acre. In connection with the Wyoming Mining Leases, the following production royalties must be paid to the State of Wyoming, although once the project is in operation, the Board of Land Commissioners has the authority to reduce the royalty payable to the State of Wyoming:

 

FOB Mine Value per Ton   Percentage Royalty  
$00.00 to $50.00     5 %
$50.01 to $100.00     7 %
$100.01 to $150.00     9 %
$150.01 and up     10 %

 

The future minimum lease payments at April 30, 2020 under these mining leases are as follows, each payment to be made in the fourth quarter of the respective fiscal years. The Fiscal 2020 payment was made during the quarter ended January 31, 2020:

 

Fiscal 2021   $ 2,240  
Fiscal 2022     2,240  
Fiscal 2023     2,240  
Fiscal 2024     960  
    $ 7,680  

 

The Company may renew each lease for a third ten-year term, which will require one annual payment of $3.00 per acre for the first year and $4.00 per acre for each year thereafter.

 

Orevada option:

 

Pursuant to the acquisition of NumberCo on September 10, 2019, the Company acquired from Orevada its right to the Option Agreement. The option agreement grants Orevada the exclusive right and option to earn-in and acquire up to 50% undivided interest in a property called Maggie Creek, located in Eureka County, Nevada by completing the Initial Earn-in over a seven-year period:

 

First agreement year   $ 100,000  
Second agreement year     200,000  
Third agreement year     500,000  
Fourth agreement year     700,000  
Fifth agreement year     1,000,000  
Sixth agreement year     1,000,000  
Seventh agreement year     1,000,000  
    $ 4,500,000  

 

The Initial Earn-in is vested by paying $250,000 to Renaissance Exploration, Inc. at the end of the Initial Earn-in period.

v3.20.2
Income Tax
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Tax

NOTE 11 — INCOME TAX

 

The components of income tax provision (benefit) are as follows:

 

    Year Ended April 30,  
    2020     2019  
Current                
Federal   $ (438,145 )   $ -  
State and local     -       -  
Total current     (438,145 )     -  
                 
Deferred                
Federal   $ -     $ 435,345  
State and local     -       -  
Total deferred     -       435,345  
Total income tax provision (benefit)   $ (438,145 )   $ 435,345  

 

The Company has a net operating loss carryforward for federal tax purposes totaling approximately $24.2 million at April 30, 2020. Approximately $13.2 million expires through the year 2038, with approximately $11.0 million net operating losses incurred in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 that do not expire and can be utilized to offset up to 80% of future taxable income under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act described below. The Company has approximately $3.0 million of various state net operating loss carryforwards that expire through the year 2038; however, the Company’s business is currently conducted in states with no income tax, so these carryforwards may never be used.

 

The deferred tax assets are summarized as follows:

 

    April 30, 2020     April 30, 2019  
Net operating loss carryover   $ 5,083,000     $ 3,777,000  
Stock-based compensation     2,019,000       1,753,000  
Capitalized exploration costs     340,000       341,000  
Accrued remediation costs     7,000       3,000  
Alternative minimum tax credit carryover     -       438,000  
Subtotal     7,449,000       6,312,000  
Less: valuation allowance     (7,449,000 )     (6,312,000 )
Net deferred tax asset   $ -     $ -  

 

On December 22, 2017, the United States enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) resulting in significant modifications to existing law. The Company completed the accounting for the effects of the Act during the fiscal year April 30, 2019. The Company recognized an income tax benefit of 438,145 for the year ended April 30, 2020 as a result of the changes to tax laws and tax rates under the Act. The Act modified the application of alternative minimum tax credits previously being carried forward, to allow for refunds of the credits. The Company had been carrying forward a total of $438,000 in alternative minimum tax credits. As a result of the change, the Company received a federal tax refund during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020 and will receive another refund of like amount in the year ending April 30, 2021.

 

As of April 30, 2020, the Company had deferred tax assets arising principally from the net operating loss carryforward for income tax purposes multiplied by an expected blended federal and state tax rate of 21.0%. Due to the physical presence (nexus) of the Company in the states of Wyoming and Nevada, the Company no longer has significant income or loss apportioned to any taxable state. Any minor apportionment that may occur to any taxable state will be immaterial to current and future operations of the company. Therefore, the effective state tax rate used in the calculation of deferred tax is 0%. As management of the Company cannot determine that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance equal to 100% of the net deferred tax asset has been established at April 30, 2020.

 

The differences between the provision (benefit) for federal income taxes and federal income taxes computed using the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21% were as follows:

 

    Year Ended April 30,  
    2020           2019        
Federal income tax provision (benefit) based on statutory rate   $ (1,194,000 )     21.0 %   $ (1,598.000 )     21.0 %
State income tax provision (benefit), net of federal taxes     -       - %     -       - %
Change in effective state tax rate     -       - %     340,000       (4.5 )%
Change in prior year estimate     (381,000 )     6.7 %     (971,000       12.8 %
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance     1,137,000       (20.0 )%     2,664,000       (35.0 )%
Total tax provision (benefit) on income (loss)   $ (438,000 )     7.7 %   $ 435,000       (5.7 )%

 

The Company has assessed its tax positions and has determined that it has not taken a position that would give rise to an unrecognized tax liability being reported. In the event that the Company is assessed penalties and/or interest, penalties will be charged to other operating expense and interest will be charged to interest expense.

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. For both federal and state income tax purposes, the Company’s fiscal 2017 through 2020 tax years remain open for examination by the tax authorities under the normal three-year statute of limitations.

v3.20.2
Subsequent Events
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Events

NOTE 12 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On June 2, 2020, 57 shares of Series G Convertible Preferred shares were converted to 20,357 common shares.

v3.20.2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), the instructions to Form 10-K, and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for financial information, which includes the consolidated financial statements and presents the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries as of April 30, 2020. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. It is management’s opinion that all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) have been made, which are necessary for a fair financial statement presentation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents. The Company places its cash with high credit quality financial institutions. At April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company does not have any cash equivalents. The Company’s accounts at these institutions are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000. At April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company had bank balances exceeding the FDIC insurance limit on interest bearing accounts. To reduce its risk associated with the failure of such financial institutions, the Company evaluates at least annually the rating of the financial institutions in which it holds deposits.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet, and revenues and expenses for the period then ended. Actual results may differ significantly from those estimates. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, valuation of mineral rights, stock-based compensation, the fair value of common and preferred stock, valuation of warrants, asset retirement obligations and the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company has adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. ASC 820 establishes a common definition for fair value to be applied in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires the use of fair value measurements, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about such fair value measurements.

 

ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, ASC 820 requires the use of valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

 

These inputs are prioritized below:

 

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the use of the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

 

The Company analyzes all financial instruments with features of both liabilities and equity under the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s (“FASB”) accounting standard for such instruments. Under this standard, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

At April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company had no financial instruments or liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets of $212,718 and $613,261 at April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, consist primarily of costs paid for future services which will occur within a year. Prepaid expenses principally include prepayments in cash and equity instruments for consulting, public relations, and business advisory services, insurance premiums, mining claim fees and mineral lease fees which are being amortized over the terms of their respective agreements.

Property

Property

 

Property is carried at cost. The cost of repairs and maintenance is expensed as incurred; major replacements and improvements are capitalized. When assets are retired or disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gains or losses are included in income in the year of disposition. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets, generally ten years.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable, or at least annually. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. The amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s estimated fair value and its book value. The Company did not recognize any impairment during the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019.

Mineral Rights

Mineral Rights

 

Costs of leasing, exploring, carrying and retaining unproven mineral lease properties are expensed as incurred. The Company expenses all mineral exploration costs as incurred as it is still in the exploration stage. If the Company identifies proven and probable reserves in its investigation of its properties and upon development of a plan for operating a mine, it would enter the development stage and capitalize future costs until production is established.

 

When a property reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs will be amortized on a units-of-production basis over the proven and probable reserves following the commencement of production. The Company assesses the carrying costs of the capitalized mineral properties for impairment under ASC 360-10, “Impairment of Long-Lived Assets”, and evaluates its carrying value under ASC 930-360, “Extractive Activities—Mining”, annually. An impairment is recognized when the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the mineral properties. Impairment losses, if any, are measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the mineral properties over its estimated fair value.

 

To date, the Company has not established the commercial feasibility of any exploration prospects; therefore, all exploration costs are being expensed.

 

ASC 930-805, “Extractive Activities—Mining: Business Combinations” (“ASC 930-805”), states that mineral rights consist of the legal right to explore, extract, and retain at least a portion of the benefits from mineral deposits. Mining assets include mineral rights.

 

Acquired mineral rights are considered tangible assets under ASC 930-805. ASC 930-805 requires that mineral rights be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. As a result, the direct costs to acquire mineral rights are initially capitalized as tangible assets. Mineral rights include costs associated with acquiring patented and unpatented mining claims.

 

ASC 930-805 provides that in measuring the fair value of mineral assets, an acquirer should take into account both:

 

● The value beyond proven and probable reserves (“VBPP”) to the extent that a market participant would include VBPP in determining the fair value of the assets.

 

● The effects of anticipated fluctuations in the future market price of minerals in a manner that is consistent with the expectations of market participants.

 

Leases to explore for or use of natural resources are outside the scope of ASU 2016-02, “Leases”.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets

 

In accordance with ASC 350-30-65, the Company assesses the impairment of identifiable intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors the Company considers to be important which could trigger an impairment review include the following:

 

  1. Significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;
  2. Significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business; and
  3. Significant negative industry or economic trends.

 

When the Company determines that the carrying value of intangibles may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment and the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from projected undiscounted cash flows, the Company records an impairment charge. The Company measures any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in the current business model. Significant management judgment is required in determining whether an indicator of impairment exists and in projecting cash flows.

Share-based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

 

Share-based compensation is accounted for based on the requirements of ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation’ (“ASC 718”), which requires recognition in the financial statements of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments over the period the employee or director is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively, the vesting period). ASC 718 also requires measurement of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Pursuant to ASC 505, “Equity—Equity Based Payments to Non-Employees” (“ASC 505-50”), for share-based payments to consultants and other third parties, compensation expense is determined at the measurement date, which is the grant date. Until the measurement date is reached, the total amount of compensation expense remains uncertain.

 

ASU 2018-07 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which the grantor acquires goods and services to be used or consumed in its own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. ASU 2018-07 also clarifies that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide (1) financing to the issuer or (2) awards granted in conjunction with selling goods or services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under ASC 606. ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted, but no earlier than adoption of ASC 606. The Company chose to early adopt ASU 2018-07 in July 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Accounting for Warrants

Accounting for Warrants

 

Warrants are accounted for in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance provided in ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”) as either derivative liabilities or as equity instruments, depending on the specific terms of the agreements. The Company classifies as equity any contracts that (i) require physical settlement or net-share settlement or (ii) give the Company a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in its own shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement). The Company classifies as assets or liabilities any contracts that (i) require net-cash settlement (including a requirement to net-cash settle the contract if an event occurs and if that event is outside the control of the Company) or (ii) give the counterparty a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement). Instruments that are classified as liabilities are recorded at fair value at each reporting period, with any change in fair value recognized as a component of change in fair value of derivative liabilities in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

The Company assessed the classification of its outstanding common stock purchase warrants as of the date of issuance and determined that such instruments met the criteria for equity classification under the guidance in ASU 2017-11 “Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): (Part I) Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Feature”. The Company has no outstanding warrants that contain a “down round” feature under Topic 815 of ASU 2017-11.

Convertible Preferred Stock

Convertible Preferred Stock

 

The Company accounts for its convertible preferred stock under the provisions of ASC 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” (“ASC 480”), which sets forth the standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. ASC 480 requires an issuer to classify a financial instrument that is within the scope of ASC 480 as a liability if such financial instrument embodies an unconditional obligation to redeem the instrument at a specified date and/or upon an event certain to occur. During the periods ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s outstanding convertible preferred shares were accounted for as equity, with no liability recorded.

Convertible Instruments

Convertible Instruments

 

The Company bifurcates conversion options from their host instruments and accounts for them as free standing derivative financial instruments according to certain criteria. The criteria includes circumstances in which (a) the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative instrument are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract, (b) the hybrid instrument that embodies both the embedded derivative instrument and the host contract is not re-measured at fair value under otherwise applicable generally accepted accounting principles with changes in fair value reported in earnings as they occur and (c) a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative instrument would be considered a derivative instrument. An exception to this rule when the host instrument is deemed to be conventional as that term is described under applicable U.S. GAAP.

  

When the Company has determined that the embedded conversion options should not be bifurcated from their host instruments, the Company records, when necessary, a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”) related to the issuance of convertible debt and equity instruments that have conversion features at fixed rates that are in-the-money when issued, and the fair value of warrants issued in connection with those instruments. The BCF for the convertible instruments is recognized and measured by allocating a portion of the proceeds to warrants, based on their relative fair value, and as a reduction to the carrying amount of the convertible instrument equal to the intrinsic value of the conversion feature. The discounts recorded in connection with the BCF and warrant valuation are recognized (a) for convertible debt as interest expense over the term of the debt, using the effective interest method or (b) for convertible preferred stock as dividends at the time the stock first becomes convertible.

 

The incremental fair value of the Company’s outstanding Series F Convertible Preferred shares during the year ended April 30, 2020, $2,022,712, was accounted for as a deemed dividend to holders of the Series F Convertible Preferred shares for fiscal year 2020 and increased the net loss applicable to common shareholders.

 

In connection with the April Offering, on March 29, 2020, we entered into an exchange agreement with holders of shares of our 0% Series F Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) pursuant to which 127 shares of our Series F Preferred Stock exchanged for 127 shares of the Series G Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series G Preferred Stock”). The Series G Preferred Stock had substantially the same terms as that of the Series F Preferred Stock except the conversion price of the Series G Preferred Stock is $5.60 per share. As of June 3, 2020, all Series G Preferred Stock had converted and there are no shares of Series G Preferred Stock outstanding.

Redemption and Asset Retirement Obligation

Remediation and Asset Retirement Obligation

 

Asset retirement obligations (“ARO”), consisting primarily of estimated reclamation costs at the Company’s Copper King and Keystone properties, are recognized in the period incurred and when a reasonable estimate can be made, and recorded as liabilities at fair value. Such obligations, which are initially estimated based on discounted cash flow estimates, are accreted to full value over time through charges to accretion expense. Corresponding asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the asset’s remaining useful life. AROs are periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the estimated present value resulting from revisions to the estimated timing or amount of reclamation and closure costs. The Company reviews and evaluates its AROs annually or more frequently at interim periods if deemed necessary.

Foreign Currency Transactions

Foreign Currency Transactions

 

The reporting and functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date with any transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency included in the results of operations as incurred. Transaction gains or losses have not had, and are not expected to have, a material effect on the results of operations of the Company, and are included in General and administrative expenses.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the provision of ASC 740-10, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASC 740-10”), which requires, among other things, an asset and liability approach to calculating deferred income taxes. The asset and liability approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets for which management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred asset will not be realized.

 

The Company follows the provision of ASC 740-10, “Accounting for Uncertain Income Tax Positions” (“ASC 740-10”). When tax returns are filed, there may be uncertainty about the merits of positions taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. In accordance with the guidance of ASC 740-10, the benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions.

 

Tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefit associated with tax positions taken that exceed the amount measured as described above should be reflected as a liability for uncertain tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. The Company believes its tax positions are all more likely than not to be upheld upon examination. As such, the Company has not recorded a liability for uncertain tax benefits.

 

The Company has adopted ASC 740-10-25, “Definition of Settlement”, which provides guidance on how an entity should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits and provides that a tax position can be effectively settled upon the completion and examination by a taxing authority without being legally extinguished. For tax positions considered effectively settled, an entity would recognize the full amount of tax benefit, even if the tax position is not considered more likely than not to be sustained based solely on the basis of its technical merits and the statute of limitations remains open. The federal and state income tax returns of the Company are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities, generally for three years after they are filed.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by FASB that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements upon adoption. The Company does not discuss recent pronouncements that are not anticipated to have an effect on or are unrelated to its financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.

v3.20.2
Mineral Rights (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Extractive Industries [Abstract]  
Schedule of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

. Based upon the purchase price allocation, the following table summarizes the estimated relative fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

Cash   $ 159,063  
Mineral property – Maggie Creek     1,986,607  
Total assets acquired at fair value     2,145,670  
Total Liabilities assumed at fair value     (125,670 )
Total purchase consideration   $ 2,020,000  
Schedule of Mineral Properties

As of the dates presented, mineral properties consisted of the following:

 

    April 30, 2020     April 30, 2019  
Copper King Project   $ 3,091,738     $ 3,091,738  
Keystone Project     1,028,885       1,028,885  
Gold Bar North Project     56,329       56,329  
Maggie Creek Project     1,986,607       -  
Total   $ 6,163,559     $ 4,176,952  
v3.20.2
Property (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Schedule of Property and Equipment

Property consisted of the following:

 

    April 30, 2020     April 30, 2019  
Site costs   $ 151,057     $ 81,885  
Less: accumulated depreciation     (17,686 )     (6,956 )
Total   $ 133,371     $ 74,929  

 

v3.20.2
Asset Retirement Obligation (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligation

The following table summarizes activity in the Company’s ARO for the periods presented:

 

    April 30, 2020     April 30, 2019  
             
Balance, beginning of period   $ 88,746     $ -  
Addition and changes in estimates     69,172       81,885  
Accretion expense     10,474       6,861  
Balance, end of period   $ 168,392     $ 88,746  
v3.20.2
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Schedule of Weighted-average Black-Scholes Assumptions

In applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model to options granted, the Company used the following assumptions:

 

    For the
Year Ended
April 30, 2020
 
Risk free interest rate     1.74 %
Dividend yield     0.00 %
Expected volatility     72 %
Contractual term (in years)     10.0  
Forfeiture rate     0.00 %
Schedule of Stock Option Activity

The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity during the years ended April 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

    Number of
Options
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
    Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
(Years)
 
Balance at April 30, 2018     153,146       17.90       3.43  
Granted                  
Exercised                  
Forfeited     (7,500 )     14.80        
Cancelled                  
Balance at April 30, 2019     145,646     $ 18.00       2.29  
Granted     5,000       8.10       10.00  
Exercised                  
Forfeited     (50,646 )     24.44        
Cancelled                  
Balance at April 30, 2020     100,000       14.31       2.87  
                         
Options exercisable at end of period     76,041     $ 14.55          
Options expected to vest     23,959     $ 13.54          
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period           $ 0.62          
Schedule of Stock Warrant Activity

A summary of the Company’s outstanding warrants to purchase shares of common stock as of April 30, 2020 and changes during the year then ended are presented below, restated to post-split:

 

    Number of Warrants     Weighted Average
Exercise
Price
    Weighted Average Remaining Contractual
Life
(Years)
 
Warrants with no Class designation:                        
Balance at April 30, 2018     170,236     $ 31.11       1.25  
Granted                  
Exercised                  
Forfeited                  
Canceled                  
Balance at April 30, 2019     170,236     $ 31.11       1.25  
Granted     357,142       7.00       4.92  
Exercised                  
Forfeited                  
Canceled                  
Balance at April 30, 2020     527,378               3.73  
Class A Warrants:                        
Balance at April 30, 2019                  
Granted     219,375       11.40       4.22  
Exercised                  
Forfeited                  
Canceled                  
Balance at April 30, 2020     219,375       11.40       4.22  
                         
Class X Warrants:                        
Balance at April 30, 2019                  
Granted     109,750       11.40       0.50  
Exercised                  
Forfeited, with no financial effect     (109,750 )     11.40        
Canceled                  
Balance at April 30, 2020     -       -       -  
Class Y Warrants:                        
Balance at April 30, 2019                  
Granted                  
Exercised                  
Forfeited                  
Canceled                  
Balance at April 30, 2020                  
Total Warrants Outstanding at April 30, 2020     746,753     $ 7.41       3.88  
 Warrants exercisable at end of period     746,753     $ 7.78          
Weighted average fair value of warrants granted during the period           $ 4.21          
Class A Warrants [Member]  
Schedule of Fair Value of Assumptions
    Class A Warrants Issued During the Year Ended
April 30, 2020
 
Expected volatility     46% - 74 %
Stock price on date of grant   $ 11.40  
Exercise price   $ 11.40  
Expected dividends     -  
Expected term (in years)     0.5 – 5  
Risk-free rate     1.77% - 2.11 %
Expected forfeiture rate     0 %
Common Warrants [Member]  
Schedule of Fair Value of Assumptions
    Common Warrants Issued During the Year Ended
April 30, 2020
 
Expected volatility     133.0 %
Stock price on date of grant   $ 5.34  
Exercise price   $ 7.00  
Expected dividends     -  
Expected term (in years)     5.00  
Risk-free rate     0.39 %
Expected forfeiture rate     0 %
v3.20.2
Net Loss Per Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share

The following were excluded from the computation of diluted shares outstanding as they would have had an anti-dilutive impact on the Company’s net loss. In periods where the Company has a net loss, all dilutive securities are excluded.

 

   

Year Ended

April 30, 2020

   

Year Ended

April 30, 2019

 
Common stock equivalents:                
Preferred stock     20,357       -  
Restricted stock units     33,117       51,200  
Stock options     100,000       145,646  
Stock warrants     746,753       170,236  
Total     900,227       367,082  
v3.20.2
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Royalty Payable

In connection with the Wyoming Mining Leases, the following production royalties must be paid to the State of Wyoming, although once the project is in operation, the Board of Land Commissioners has the authority to reduce the royalty payable to the State of Wyoming:

 

FOB Mine Value per Ton   Percentage Royalty  
$00.00 to $50.00     5 %
$50.01 to $100.00     7 %
$100.01 to $150.00     9 %
$150.01 and up     10 %
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments

The Fiscal 2020 payment was made during the quarter ended January 31, 2020:

 

Fiscal 2021   $ 2,240  
Fiscal 2022     2,240  
Fiscal 2023     2,240  
Fiscal 2024     960  
    $ 7,680  
Schedule of Right and Option to Earn-in and Acquire Undivided Interest

The option agreement grants Orevada the exclusive right and option to earn-in and acquire up to 50% undivided interest in a property called Maggie Creek, located in Eureka County, Nevada by completing the Initial Earn-in over a seven-year period:

 

First agreement year   $ 100,000  
Second agreement year     200,000  
Third agreement year     500,000  
Fourth agreement year     700,000  
Fifth agreement year     1,000,000  
Sixth agreement year     1,000,000  
Seventh agreement year     1,000,000  
    $ 4,500,000  
v3.20.2
Income Tax (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Provision (Benefit)

The components of income tax provision (benefit) are as follows:

 

    Year Ended April 30,  
    2020     2019  
Current                
Federal   $ (438,145 )   $ -  
State and local     -       -  
Total current     (438,145 )     -  
                 
Deferred                
Federal   $ -     $ 435,345  
State and local     -       -  
Total deferred     -       435,345  
Total income tax provision (benefit)   $ (438,145 )   $ 435,345  
Schedule of Net Deferred Tax Asset

The deferred tax assets are summarized as follows:

 

    April 30, 2020     April 30, 2019  
Net operating loss carryover   $ 5,083,000     $ 3,777,000  
Stock-based compensation     2,019,000       1,753,000  
Capitalized exploration costs     340,000       341,000  
Accrued remediation costs     7,000       3,000  
Alternative minimum tax credit carryover     -       438,000  
Subtotal     7,449,000       6,312,000  
Less: valuation allowance     (7,449,000 )     (6,312,000 )
Net deferred tax asset   $ -     $ -  
Schedule of Effective Tax Rate

The differences between the provision (benefit) for federal income taxes and federal income taxes computed using the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21% were as follows:

 

    Year Ended April 30,  
    2020           2019        
Federal income tax provision (benefit) based on statutory rate   $ (1,194,000 )     21.0 %   $ (1,598.000 )     21.0 %
State income tax provision (benefit), net of federal taxes     -       - %     -       - %
Change in effective state tax rate     -       - %     340,000       (4.5 )%
Change in prior year estimate     (381,000 )     6.7 %     (971,000       12.8 %
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance     1,137,000       (20.0 )%     2,664,000       (35.0 )%
Total tax provision (benefit) on income (loss)   $ (438,000 )     7.7 %   $ 435,000       (5.7 )%
v3.20.2
Organization and Description of Business (Details Narrative) - shares
Mar. 17, 2020
Sep. 10, 2019
May 23, 2017
Equity ownership interest rate percent     90.00%
Board of Directors [Member]      
Reverse stock split description 1-for-10 reverse stock split of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock (the "Reverse Stock Split"),    
Share Exchange Agreement [Member]      
Number of shares issued for common stock   200,000  
v3.20.2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2020
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Cash equivalents  
Fdic insurance amount   250,000  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   $ 212,718 613,261
Estimated useful life   10 years  
Impairment of goodwill  
Income tax examination description   Tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority.  
Series F Convertible Preferred Shares [Member]      
Preferred stock, deemed dividend   $ 2,022,712  
Series F Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]      
Conversion percentage 0.00%    
Number of conversion shares 127    
Series G Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]      
Number of conversion shares 127    
Conversion price per share $ 5.60    
v3.20.2
Going Concern (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 02, 2020
Jun. 20, 2019
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Cash     $ 2,749,957 $ 2,197,181
Working capital     3,000,000  
Accumulated deficit     (31,587,952) (26,275,102)
Net loss     (5,249,350) (8,046,550)
Cash used in operating activities     $ (3,897,743) $ (5,668,894)
Sale of stock description   Each unit consisted of one (1) share of 0% Series F Preferred Stock and 87 Class X Warrants on a registered basis and 175 Class A Warrants on an unregistered basis    
Common Shares and Warrants [Member]        
Number of shares sold 357,142      
Number of shares sold, value $ 2,000,000      
Series F Preferred Stock [Member]        
Number of shares sold   1,250    
Number of shares sold, value   $ 2,500,000    
Share sold price per share   $ 2,000    
v3.20.2
Mineral Rights (Details Narrative)
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 10, 2019
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
May 27, 2016
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Jul. 02, 2014
USD ($)
Aug. 31, 2017
USD ($)
shares
Apr. 30, 2020
USD ($)
mi²
$ / shares
Apr. 30, 2019
USD ($)
$ / shares
Aggregate options term         10 years  
Common stock value per share | $ / shares         $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Royalty revenue        
Number of value issued for common stock         $ 1,890,255 $ 219,796
Purchase and Sale Agreement [Member] | Gold Bar North Project [Member]            
Payments to acquire mineral properties       $ 20,479    
Number of common shares issued for acquisitions | shares       1,500    
Common shares fair value       $ 35,850    
Share Exchange Agreement [Member]            
Number of shares issued for common stock | shares 200,000          
Share Exchange Agreement [Member] | NumberCo [Member]            
Number of shares issued for common stock | shares 200,000          
Copper King Project [Member]            
Area of land | mi²         1.8  
Copper King Project [Member] | Asset Purchase Agreement [Member]            
Payments to acquire mineral properties     $ 1,500,000   $ 3,091,738  
Percentage of issued and outstanding shares     50.00%      
Common stock outstanding value     $ 1,500,000      
Purchase price and related transaction costs         3,000,000  
Keystone Project [Member] | Purchase and Sale Agreement [Member]            
Payments to acquire mineral properties   $ 250,000     989,968  
Purchase price and related transaction costs         38,917  
Number of common shares issued for acquisitions | shares   46,250        
Number of options to purchase shares of common stock | shares   23,145        
Aggregate options term   5 years        
Option exercise price per share | $ / shares   $ 36.00        
Common shares fair value         $ 555,000  
Common stock value per share | $ / shares         $ 12.00  
Sale of stock price per share | $ / shares         $ 1.00  
Grant of stock options for the acquisition of mineral rights         $ 184,968  
Mineral properties cost         $ 1,028,885  
Royalty rights description         Under the terms of the purchase and sale agreement, Nevada Gold retained additional NSR rights of 0.5% with regard to certain claims and 3.5% with regard to certain other claims. Under the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Company may buy down one percent (1%) of the royalty from Nevada Gold at any time through the fifth anniversary of the closing date for $2,000,000. In addition, the Company may buy down an additional one percent (1%) of the royalty anytime through the eighth anniversary of the closing date for $5,000,000.  
Royalty percentage         1.00%  
Keystone Project [Member] | Purchase and Sale Agreement [Member] | Eight Anniversary of Closing Date [Member]            
Royalty percentage         1.00%  
Keystone Project [Member] | Purchase and Sale Agreement [Member] | Royalty [Member] | Fifth Anniversary [Member]            
Royalty revenue         $ 2,000,000  
Keystone Project [Member] | Purchase and Sale Agreement [Member] | Royalty [Member] | Eight Anniversary of Closing Date [Member]            
Royalty revenue         $ 5,000,000  
Maggie Creek Project [Member] | NumberCo [Member]            
Sale of stock price per share | $ / shares $ 10.10          
Number of shares issued for common stock | shares 200,000          
Number of value issued for common stock $ 2,020,000          
Maggie Creek Project [Member] | Share Exchange Agreement [Member] | NumberCo [Member]            
Payment to acquire business gross 159,063          
Assumed liabilities for accounts payable $ 125,670          
Business acquisition percentage 50.00%          
Exploration and development expenditures $ 4,500,000          
Maggie Creek Project [Member] | Share Exchange Agreement [Member] | Renaissance [Member] | NumberCo [Member]            
Payments to grantor $ 250,000          
Payments to grantor term 60 days          
Percentage to increase additional interest 20.00%          
Percentage for overall interest 70.00%          
v3.20.2
Mineral Rights - Schedule of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details)
Sep. 10, 2019
USD ($)
Extractive Industries [Abstract]  
Cash $ 159,063
Mineral property - Maggie Creek 1,986,607
Total assets acquired at fair value 2,145,670
Total Liabilities assumed at fair value (125,670)
Total purchase consideration $ 2,020,000
v3.20.2
Mineral Rights - Schedule of Mineral Properties (Details) - USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Total $ 6,163,559 $ 4,176,952
Copper King Project [Member]    
Total 3,091,738 3,091,738
Keystone Project [Member]    
Total 1,028,885 1,028,885
Gold Bar North Project [Member]    
Total 56,329 56,329
Maggie Creek Project [Member]    
Total $ 1,986,607
v3.20.2
Property (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]    
Depreciation expense $ 10,730 $ 6,956
v3.20.2
Property - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Less: accumulated depreciation $ (17,686) $ (6,956)
Total 133,371 74,929
Site Costs [Member]    
Property gross $ 151,057 $ 81,885
v3.20.2
Asset Retirement Obligation (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]    
Accretion expense $ 10,474 $ 6,861
v3.20.2
Asset Retirement Obligation - Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligation (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]    
Balance, beginning of period $ 88,746
Addition and changes in estimates 69,172 81,885
Accretion expense 10,474 6,861
Balance, end of period $ 168,392 $ 88,746
v3.20.2
Related Party Transactions (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Feb. 02, 2020
Nov. 26, 2019
Apr. 16, 2019
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Shares issued for services, value       $ 572,603 $ 1,188,000
Consulting fees       2,381,513 2,204,359
Accounts payable to related party       3,459 42,539
Directors [Member]          
Consulting fees       90,000  
Chief Financial Officer [Member]          
Shares issued for services, value $ 5,158 $ 14,403   14,403  
Shares issued for services 639 2,276      
Accounts payable to related party       3,459 30,039
Accounts payable in shares of common stock       2,700 14,403
Vice President-Head of Exploration [Member]          
Accounts payable in shares of common stock         12,500
Consulting Agreement [Member]          
Payment due to related parties     $ 3,750    
Shares issued for services, value     $ 45,000   $ 45,000
Shares issued for services         4,592
Consulting Services [Member] | One Directors [Member]          
Consulting fees       $ 0 $ 12,500
v3.20.2
Stockholders' Equity (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
2 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Apr. 09, 2020
Apr. 02, 2020
Mar. 30, 2020
Mar. 29, 2020
Feb. 02, 2020
Jan. 14, 2020
Jan. 06, 2020
Nov. 26, 2019
Sep. 18, 2019
Sep. 10, 2019
Jun. 20, 2019
Jun. 19, 2019
Nov. 02, 2018
May 06, 2018
Jun. 30, 2019
Apr. 30, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2019
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Jul. 13, 2020
May 06, 2019
Aug. 31, 2017
Aug. 06, 2017
Common stock, shares authorized                               200,000,000     200,000,000 200,000,000        
Common stock, par value                               $ 0.001     $ 0.001 $ 0.001        
Preferred stock, shares designated                               50,000,000     50,000,000 50,000,000        
Preferred stock, par value                               $ 0.001     $ 0.001 $ 0.001        
Common stock, shares issued                               2,903,393     2,903,393 1,986,063        
Common stock, shares outstanding                               2,903,393     2,903,393 1,986,063        
Sale of stock description                     Each unit consisted of one (1) share of 0% Series F Preferred Stock and 87 Class X Warrants on a registered basis and 175 Class A Warrants on an unregistered basis                          
Warrants to purchase up preferred stock   357,142                                            
Warrant right exercise price   $ 7.00                                            
Deemed dividend related to beneficial conversion feature                     $ 2,000,000               $ (2,086,212)        
Shares issued price per share               $ 8.70 $ 10.30                              
Shares issued for services, value                                     572,603 1,188,000        
Number of performance based restricted stock               2,100 32,500                              
Number of performance based restricted stock, value               $ 18,297 $ 334,750                   497,528 880,623        
Fair value of shares over vesting period                                     339,725          
Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                     1,890,255 219,796        
Stock-based compensation for stock options                                     $ 196,046 $ 328,082        
Warrant exercise price, description                                     Each Class A Warrant is exercisable to acquire one share of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $11.40 per share, commencing six (6) months from the date of issuance and will expire on a date that is the five (5) year anniversary of the date of issuance. Each Class X Warrant was exercisable to acquire one share of the Company's common stock and one Class Y Warrant at an exercise price of $11.40, for a period of six (6) months from the date of issuance. Class X Warrants expired on December 19, 2019. Each Class Y Warrant was exercisable to acquire one share of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $11.40 per share, commencing on the Initial Exercise Date and would have expired on a date that is the five (5) year anniversary of the Initial Exercise Date. No Class X Warrant was exercised prior to its expiration, and, as such, no Class Y Warrants were issued.          
Fair value of warrant                                     $ 2,022,712          
Warrants, description                                     Generally, a holder of a warrant will not have the right to exercise any portion of its warrants if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (or 9.99% at the election of the holder prior to the date of issuance) of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise (the "Beneficial Ownership Limitation").          
Warrants outstanding, intrinsic value                               $ 0     $ 0          
Warrants exercisable, intrinsic value                               0     $ 0          
2017 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]                                                
Common stock reservation of shares                                             165,000  
2020 Incentive Plan [Member]                                                
Common stock reservation of shares                                               330,710
Chief Geologist [Member]                                                
Shares issued price per share                                           $ 11.70    
Shares issued for services, value                           $ 12,500 $ 25,000                  
Shares issued for services                           1,068 2,153                  
Reduction in accrued salaries                           $ 12,500                    
Chief Financial Officer [Member]                                                
Shares issued price per share         $ 8.10     $ 8.00                                
Shares issued for services, value         $ 5,158     $ 14,403                     $ 14,403          
Shares issued for services         639     2,276                                
Share based compensation         $ 5,158     $ 3,881                     $ 3,881          
Vesting period description               The options vest over 24 months at 208 options per month.                                
Vesting period               10 years                                
Number of options, vested               5,000                                
Exercise price               $ 8.10                                
Edward Karr [Member]                                                
Number of performance based restricted stock                 20,000                              
David Rector [Member]                                                
Number of performance based restricted stock                 7,500                              
Employee [Member]                                                
Number of performance based restricted stock                 5,000                              
Board of Director [Member]                                                
Shares issued price per share           $ 8.30 $ 9.30   $ 10.30                              
Number of performance based restricted stock           47,777 1,875   25,000                              
Number of performance based restricted stock, value           $ 396,520 $ 17,438   $ 257,500                              
Consultant [Member]                                                
Shares issued price per share               $ 8.10                                
Vesting period               6 months                                
Number of performance based restricted stock               3,703                                
Number of performance based restricted stock, value               $ 29,848                                
Investors [Member]                                                
Shares issued price per share $ 4.95                                              
Number of performance based restricted stock 25,000                                              
Number of performance based restricted stock, value $ 123,750                                              
Board of Directors [Member]                                                
Shares issued price per share                               $ 5.11     $ 5.11          
Number of performance based restricted stock                                     1,875          
Number of performance based restricted stock, value                                     $ 9,581          
Remaining balance of unvested stock options                               214,050     214,050          
Common Stock [Member]                                                
Common stock issue shares                                     357,142 29,007        
Shares issued for services, value                                     $ 78 $ 120        
Shares issued for services                                     78,153 120,187        
Number of performance based restricted stock                                     32,454          
Number of performance based restricted stock, value                                     $ 33          
Class A Warrants [Member]                                                
Warrants to purchase up preferred stock                             219,375                  
Warrant right exercise price                               $ 11.40     $ 11.40          
Warrant right exercise period                               5 years     5 years          
Exercise price                               $ 11.40     $ 11.40          
Class X Warrants [Member]                                                
Warrants to purchase up preferred stock                             109,750                  
Class Y Warrants [Member]                                                
Warrant right exercise price                               $ 11.40     $ 11.40          
Warrant right exercise period                               5 years     5 years          
Common Warrants [Member]                                                
Fair value of warrant                                     $ 1,613,765          
Class Y Warrant and Class X Warrant [Member]                                                
Sale of stock description                     Each Class X Warrant was exercisable to acquire one share of the Company's common stock and one Class Y Warrant at an exercise price of $11.40, for a period of six (6) months from the date of issuance. Class X Warrants expired on December 19, 2019. Each Class Y Warrant was exercisable to acquire one share of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $11.40 per share, commencing six (6) months from the date of issuance (the "Initial Exercise Date") and would have expired on a date that is the five (5) year anniversary of the Initial Exercise Date. No Class X Warrant was exercised prior to its expiration and, as such, no Class Y Warrants were issued. Each Class A Warrant is exercisable to acquire one share of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $11.40 per share, commencing six (6) months from the date of issuance and will expire on a date that is the five (5) year anniversary of the date of issuance.                          
Class Y Warrant [Member]                                                
Warrant right expired date                     Dec. 19, 2019                          
Warrant right exercise price                     $ 11.40                          
Warrant right exercise period                     6 months                          
Class A Warrant [Member]                                                
Warrant right exercise period                     5 years                          
Offering costs                     $ 98,799                          
Class A Warrant [Member] | Common Stock [Member]                                                
Warrant right exercise price                     $ 11.40                          
ATM Agreement [Member]                                                
Number of shares sold                                       29,006        
Gross sales                         $ 1,000,000                      
Commission rate                         3.00%                      
Net proceeds from sales of preferred stock                                       $ 219,796        
Proceeds from sale of common stock                                       $ 79,031        
Shares issued price per share                                       $ 10.30        
Advisory Agreement [Member] | Palladium Capital Advisors [Member]                                                
Common stock issue shares   357,142 25,281                                          
Gross sales   $ 2,000,000                                            
Shares issued price per share   $ 5.60 $ 5.34                                          
Common stock fixed fee       $ 135,000                                        
Employment Agreement [Member] | Chief Geologist [Member] | Minimum [Member]                                                
Shares issued price per share                             $ 10.30                  
Employment Agreement [Member] | Chief Geologist [Member] | Maximum [Member]                                                
Shares issued price per share                             $ 13.30                  
Share Exchange Agreement [Member]                                                
Common stock issue shares                   200,000                            
Share Exchange Agreement [Member] | Number Co [Member]                                                
Common stock issue shares                   200,000                            
Shares issued price per share                   $ 10.10                            
Proceeds from issuance of common stock                   $ 2,020,000                            
Subsequent Event [Member]                                                
Common stock, shares issued                                         2,919,867      
Common stock, shares outstanding                                         2,919,867      
Preferred stock, shares outstanding                                         0      
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]                                                
Preferred stock, shares designated                               1,300,000     1,300,000          
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]                                                
Preferred stock, shares designated                               400,000     400,000          
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]                                                
Preferred stock, shares designated                               45,002     45,002          
Series D Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]                                                
Preferred stock, shares designated                               7,402     7,402          
Series E Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]                                                
Preferred stock, shares designated                               2,500     2,500          
Series E Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] | Securities Purchase Agreement [Member]                                                
Number of shares sold                       1,250                        
Shares issued price per share                       $ 2,500,000                        
Shares issued price per unit                       $ 2,000                        
Sale of stock description                       Each unit consisted of one (1) share of 0% Series F Preferred Stock and 87 Class X Warrants on a registered basis and 175 Class A Warrants on an unregistered basis. The Series F Preferred Stock contains no redemption feature.                        
Series F Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]                                                
Preferred stock, shares designated                               1,250     1,250          
Series G Preferred Stock [Member]                                                
Preferred stock, shares designated                               127     127          
Series F Preferred Stock [Member]                                                
Number of shares sold                     1,250                          
Shares issued price per unit                     $ 2,000                          
Preferred stock, stated value                     2,000                          
Preferred stock, conversion price per share                     $ 11.40                          
Common stock issue shares                               25,088 63,860 108,070            
Shares issued upon conversion of preferred stock                               143 364 616 143          
Convertible preferred stock shares reserved for future issuance                               127     127          
Proceeds from sale of common stock                     $ 2,500,000                          
Series F Preferred Stock [Member] | Class A Warrants [Member]                                                
Number of shares sold                     1,250                          
Warrants to purchase up preferred stock                     219,375                          
Series F Preferred Stock [Member] | Class X Warrants [Member]                                                
Warrants to purchase up preferred stock                     109,750                          
Common Stock [Member]                                                
Warrants to purchase up preferred stock                     219,375                          
Series G Preferred Stock [Member]                                                
Deemed dividend related to beneficial conversion feature                                     $ 64,000          
Series G Preferred Stock [Member] | Common Stock [Member]                                                
Common stock, shares authorized                               25,000     25,000          
Shares issued upon conversion of preferred stock                               70     70          
Series G Preferred Stock [Member] | Exchange Agreement [Member]                                                
Preferred stock, stated value       $ 2,000                                        
Preferred stock, conversion price per share       $ 5.60                                        
Common stock issue shares       45,357                                        
Convertible preferred stock shares reserved for future issuance       127                                        
v3.20.2
Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Weighted-average Black-Scholes Assumptions (Details)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]  
Risk free interest rate 1.74%
Dividend yield 0.00%
Expected volatility 72.00%
Contractual term (in years) 10 years
Forfeiture rate 0.00%
v3.20.2
Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Stock Option Activity (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Equity [Abstract]    
Number of Options Outstanding, Beginning of Period 145,646 153,146
Number of Options, Granted 5,000
Number of Options, Exercised
Number of Options, Forfeited (50,646) (7,500)
Number of Options, Cancelled
Number of Options Outstanding, End of Period 100,000 145,646
Number of Options exercisable at end of period 76,041  
Number of Options expected to vest 23,959  
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Beginning of Period $ 18.00 $ 17.90
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted 8.10
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited 24.44 14.80
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, End of Period 14.31 $ 18.00
Weighted Average Exercise Price Options exercisable at end of period 14.55  
Weighted Average Exercise Price Options expected to vest 13.54  
Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period $ 0.62  
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Beginning of Period 2 years 3 months 15 days 3 years 5 months 5 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years, Granted 10 years 0 years
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Ending of Period 2 years 10 months 14 days 2 years 3 months 15 days
v3.20.2
Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Fair Value of Assumptions (Details)
Apr. 30, 2020
$ / shares
Apr. 02, 2020
$ / shares
Warrants, exercise price   $ 7.00
Class A Warrants [Member]    
Warrants, exercise price $ 11.40  
Warrant term 5 years  
Class A Warrants [Member] | Expected Volatility [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Warrants and rights outstanding, measurement input 46  
Class A Warrants [Member] | Expected Volatility [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Warrants and rights outstanding, measurement input 74  
Class A Warrants [Member] | Stock Price on Date of Grant [Member]    
Warrants, exercise price $ 11.40  
Class A Warrants [Member] | Exercise Price [Member]    
Warrants, exercise price $ 11.40  
Class A Warrants [Member] | Expected Dividends [Member]    
Warrants and rights outstanding, measurement input 0.00  
Class A Warrants [Member] | Expected Term (in years) [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Warrant term 6 months  
Class A Warrants [Member] | Expected Term (in years) [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Warrant term 5 years  
Class A Warrants [Member] | Risk-free Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Warrants and rights outstanding, measurement input 1.77  
Class A Warrants [Member] | Risk-free Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Warrants and rights outstanding, measurement input 2.11  
Class A Warrants [Member] | Expected Forfeiture Rate [Member]    
Warrants and rights outstanding, measurement input 0.00  
Common Warrants [Member] | Expected Volatility [Member]    
Warrants and rights outstanding, measurement input 133.0  
Common Warrants [Member] | Stock Price on Date of Grant [Member]    
Warrants, exercise price $ 5.34  
Common Warrants [Member] | Exercise Price [Member]    
Warrants, exercise price $ 7.00  
Common Warrants [Member] | Expected Dividends [Member]    
Warrants and rights outstanding, measurement input 0.00  
Common Warrants [Member] | Expected Term (in years) [Member]    
Warrant term 5 years  
Common Warrants [Member] | Risk-free Rate [Member]    
Warrants and rights outstanding, measurement input 0.39  
Common Warrants [Member] | Expected Forfeiture Rate [Member]    
Warrants and rights outstanding, measurement input 0.00  
v3.20.2
Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Stock Warrant Activity (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Number of Warrants Outstanding, End of Period 746,753  
Warrants exercisable at end of period 746,753  
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Warrants Outstanding, End of Period $ 7.41  
Weighted Average Exercise Price, exercisable at end of period 7.78  
Weighted average fair value of warrants granted during the period $ 4.21  
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years, End of Period 3 years 10 months 17 days  
Warrants [Member]    
Number of Warrants Outstanding, Beginning of Period 170,236 170,236
Number of Warrants, Granted 357,142
Number of Warrants, Exercised
Number of Warrants, Forfeited, with no financial effect
Number of Warrants, Cancelled
Number of Warrants Outstanding, End of Period 527,378 170,236
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Warrants Outstanding, Beginning of Period $ 31.11 $ 31.11
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted 7.00
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited, with no financial effect
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled/Expired
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Warrants Outstanding, End of Period $ 31.11
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years, Beginning of Period 1 year 2 months 30 days 1 year 2 months 30 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years, Granted 4 years 11 months 1 day  
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years, End of Period 3 years 8 months 23 days 1 year 2 months 30 days
Class A Warrants [Member]    
Number of Warrants Outstanding, Beginning of Period  
Number of Warrants, Granted 219,375  
Number of Warrants, Exercised  
Number of Warrants, Forfeited, with no financial effect  
Number of Warrants, Cancelled  
Number of Warrants Outstanding, End of Period 219,375
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Warrants Outstanding, Beginning of Period  
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted 11.40  
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised  
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited, with no financial effect  
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled/Expired  
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Warrants Outstanding, End of Period $ 11.40
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years, Beginning of Period 0 years  
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years, Granted 4 years 2 months 19 days  
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years, End of Period 4 years 2 months 19 days  
Class X Warrants [Member]    
Number of Warrants Outstanding, Beginning of Period  
Number of Warrants, Granted 109,750  
Number of Warrants, Exercised  
Number of Warrants, Forfeited, with no financial effect (109,750)  
Number of Warrants, Cancelled  
Number of Warrants Outstanding, End of Period
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Warrants Outstanding, Beginning of Period  
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted 11.40  
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised  
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited, with no financial effect 11.40  
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled/Expired  
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Warrants Outstanding, End of Period
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years, Granted 6 months  
Class Y Warrants [Member]    
Number of Warrants Outstanding, Beginning of Period  
Number of Warrants, Granted  
Number of Warrants, Exercised  
Number of Warrants, Forfeited, with no financial effect  
Number of Warrants, Cancelled  
Number of Warrants Outstanding, End of Period
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Warrants Outstanding, Beginning of Period  
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted  
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised  
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited, with no financial effect  
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled/Expired  
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Warrants Outstanding, End of Period
v3.20.2
Net Loss Per Share - Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Total 900,227 367,082
Preferred Stock [Member]    
Total 20,357
Restricted Stock Units [Member]    
Total 33,117 51,200
Stock Options [Member]    
Total 100,000 145,646
Stock Warrants [Member]    
Total 746,753 170,236
v3.20.2
Commitments and Contingencies (Details Narrative)
12 Months Ended
Sep. 10, 2019
Apr. 30, 2020
USD ($)
a
$ / T
Renaissance Exploration Inc [Member]    
Payment to initial earn in amount | $   $ 250,000
NumberCo [Member]    
Undivided interest Percentage 0.50  
State of Wyoming Mining Lease One [Member]    
Area of land | a   640
Lease renewed date   Feb. 28, 2013
Lease term   10 years
Lease annual payment per acre   2.00
Lease annual payment per acre third ten year term   3.00
Lease annual payment per acre thereafter   4.00
State of Wyoming Mining Lease Two [Member]    
Area of land | a   480
Lease renewed date   Feb. 28, 2014
Lease term   10 years
Lease annual payment per acre   2.00
Lease annual payment per acre third ten year term   3.00
Lease annual payment per acre thereafter   4.00
v3.20.2
Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Royalty Payable (Details)
Apr. 30, 2020
$ / T
FOB Mine Value Per Ton Range One [Member]  
Percentage Royalty 5.00%
FOB Mine Value Per Ton Range One [Member] | Minimum [Member]  
FOB Mine Value per Ton 0.00
FOB Mine Value Per Ton Range One [Member] | Maximum [Member]  
FOB Mine Value per Ton 50.00
FOB Mine Value Per Ton Range Two [Member]  
Percentage Royalty 7.00%
FOB Mine Value Per Ton Range Two [Member] | Minimum [Member]  
FOB Mine Value per Ton 50.01
FOB Mine Value Per Ton Range Two [Member] | Maximum [Member]  
FOB Mine Value per Ton 100.00
FOB Mine Value Per Ton Range Three [Member]  
Percentage Royalty 9.00%
FOB Mine Value Per Ton Range Three [Member] | Minimum [Member]  
FOB Mine Value per Ton 100.01
FOB Mine Value Per Ton Range Three [Member] | Maximum [Member]  
FOB Mine Value per Ton 150.00
FOB Mine Value Per Ton Range Four [Member]  
FOB Mine Value per Ton 150.01
Percentage Royalty 10.00%
v3.20.2
Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details)
Apr. 30, 2020
USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Fiscal 2021 $ 2,240
Fiscal 2022 2,240
Fiscal 2023 2,240
Fiscal 2024 and thereafter 960
Total $ 7,680
v3.20.2
Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Right and Option to Earn-in and Acquire Undivided Interest (Details)
Sep. 10, 2019
USD ($)
Initial earn in amount $ 4,500,000
First Agreement Year [Member]  
Initial earn in amount 100,000
Second Agreement Year [Member]  
Initial earn in amount 200,000
Third Agreement Year [Member]  
Initial earn in amount 500,000
Fourth Agreement Year [Member]  
Initial earn in amount 700,000
Fifth Agreement Year [Member]  
Initial earn in amount 1,000,000
Sixth Agreement Year [Member]  
Initial earn in amount 1,000,000
Seventh Agreement Year [Member]  
Initial earn in amount $ 1,000,000
v3.20.2
Income Tax (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Net operating loss carryforwards $ 11,000,000  
Future taxable income offset percentage 80.00%  
Income tax benefit $ (438,145) $ 435,345
Alternative minimum tax credits $ 438,000  
State income tax expense (benefit), net of federal taxes 0.00% 0.00%
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, percentage 100.00%  
Expires through the Year 2038 [Member]    
Net operating loss carryforwards $ 13,200,000  
Federal [Member]    
Net operating loss carryforwards 24,200,000  
State [Member]    
Net operating loss carryforwards $ 3,000,000  
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration date State net operating loss carryforwards that expire through the year 2038  
v3.20.2
Income Tax - Schedule of Components of Income Tax Provision (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Current: Federal $ (438,145)
Current: State and local
Total current (438,145)
Deferred: Federal 435,345
Deferred: State and local
Total deferred 435,345
Total income tax provision (benefit) $ (438,145) $ 435,345
v3.20.2
Income Tax - Schedule of Net Deferred Tax Asset (Details) - USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Net operating loss carryover $ 5,083,000 $ 3,777,000
Stock-based compensation 2,019,000 1,753,000
Capitalized exploration costs 340,000 341,000
Accrued remediation costs 7,000 3,000
Alternative minimum tax credit carryover 438,000
Subtotal 7,449,000 6,312,000
Less: valuation allowance (7,449,000) (6,312,000)
Net deferred tax asset
v3.20.2
Income Tax - Schedule of Effective Tax Rate (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Federal income tax provision (benefit) based on statutory rate, amount $ (1,194,000) $ (1,598,000)
State income tax provision (benefit), net of federal taxes, amount
Change in effective state tax rate, amount 340,000
Change in prior year estimate, amount (381,000) (971,000)
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance, amount 1,137,000 2,664,000
Total taxes on income (loss), amount $ (438,000) $ 435,000
Federal income tax expense (benefit) based on statutory rate 21.00% 21.00%
State income tax expense (benefit), net of federal taxes 0.00% 0.00%
Change in effective state tax rate 0.00% (4.50%)
Change in prior year estimate 6.70% 12.80%
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance (20.00%) (35.00%)
Total tax provision (benefit) on income (loss) 7.70% (5.70%)
v3.20.2
Subsequent Events (Details Narrative) - Subsequent Event [Member] - Common Stock [Member]
Jun. 02, 2020
shares
Number of shares converted during period, shares 20,357
Shares conversion, description 57 shares of Series G Convertible Preferred shares were converted to 20,357 common shares