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Prospectus Supplement to Prospectus dated July 5, 2017 |
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) Registration No. 333-218979 |
6,514,625 Common Shares underlying Warrants
VISTA GOLD CORP.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus relate to: (i) up to 6,514,625 common shares (which we refer to herein as “Warrant Shares”) of Vista Gold Corp. (which we refer to herein as “Vista,” the “Company,” “we,” or “us”) issuable from time to time upon the exercise of 6,514,625 whole common share purchase warrants (which we refer to herein as the ”Warrants”), including 333,375 broker warrants issued to underwriters, issued by us on August 8, 2016 as part of the Unit Offering (defined below); and (ii) such indeterminate number of additional Warrant Shares that may be issuable by reason of the anti-dilution provisions contained in the Warrant Indenture (as defined below) governing the Warrants.
On August 3, 2016, we filed a prospectus supplement (which we refer to herein as the ”Unit Supplement”) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (which we refer to herein as the ”SEC”) relating to the offering (which we refer to herein as the ”Unit Offering”) by us to the public in Canada and the United States of units (which we refer to herein as the “Units”) each consisting of one common share of the Company (which we refer to herein as a “Unit Share”) and one-half of one Warrant, each whole Warrant exercisable to purchase one Warrant Share at a price of $1.92 per Warrant Share, subject to adjustment and early termination, for a period of 36 months following the closing of the Unit Offering. The Units were sold at a negotiated price of $1.40 per Unit. The Units were not issued or certificated. The Unit Shares and Warrants immediately separated and were issued separately. The Unit Offering was completed on August 8, 2016. The exercise price of the Warrants was determined by negotiation between us and the underwriters for the Unit Offering.
The common shares of the Company (the “Common Shares”) are traded on the NYSE American (which we refer to as “NYSE American”) and on the Toronto Stock Exchange (which we refer to as the “TSX”) under the symbol “VGZ”. On August 15, 2017, the last reported sale price of the Common Shares on the NYSE American was $0.74 per Common Share and on the TSX was C$0.95 per Common Share.
Investing in the Warrant Shares involves a high degree of risk. Before buying any Warrant Shares, you should read the discussion of material risks of investing in our Warrant Shares in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page S-9 of this prospectus supplement and on page 4 of the accompanying base prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein.
Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus supplement is August 15, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
BASE PROSPECTUS
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering of Warrant Shares and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. The second part is the accompanying base prospectus, which gives more general information about securities we may offer from time to time, some of which may not be applicable to this offering. To the extent there is a conflict between information contained in this prospectus supplement and information contained in the accompanying base prospectus or any document incorporated by reference herein or therein or the information in each free writing prospectus, if any, the information in this prospectus supplement shall control and you should rely on the information contained in this prospectus supplement. However, if any statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date—for example, a document incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus—the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement.
This prospectus supplement relates to a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the SEC utilizing a shelf registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, offer and sell any of the securities or any combination of the securities described in the accompanying base prospectus in one or more offerings. You should read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein and each free writing prospectus, if any.
You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and each free writing prospectus, if any, related to this offering. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with additional or different information. If anyone provides you with additional or different information, you should not rely on it. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, any free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and each free writing prospectus, if any, is accurate only as of the respective dates of such documents regardless of the time of delivery of such documents or of any sale of securities hereunder. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. It is important for you to read and consider all information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, in making your investment decision. You should also read and consider the information in the documents to which we have referred you under the captions “Where To Find Additional Information” and “Documents Incorporated by Reference” in this prospectus supplement and under the sections entitled, “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Documents Incorporated by Reference” in the accompanying base prospectus, and any additional information you may need to make your investment decision.
We are offering to sell the Warrant Shares only in jurisdictions where such offers and sales are permitted. The distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and the offering of the Warrant Shares in certain jurisdictions or to certain persons within such jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus must inform themselves about and observe any restrictions relating to the offering of the Warrant Shares and the distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus outside the United States. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offer or solicitation.
The industry and market data and other statistical information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, any free writing prospectus related to the offering and in the documents we incorporate by reference herein or therein are based on management’s own estimates, independent publications, government publications, reports by market research firms or other published independent sources, and, in each case, are believed by management to be reasonable estimates. Although we believe these sources are reliable, we have not independently verified the information.
Unless stated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus to “the Company,” “Vista,” “we,” “us” or “our” includes Vista Gold Corp. and each of our subsidiaries through which we conduct our business.
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated herein and therein by reference contain “forward-looking-statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information under Canadian securities laws that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated herein and therein by reference, our other filings with the SEC and Canadian securities commissions and in press releases and public statements by our officers or representatives that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, such things as those listed below:
| · | our belief that selective screening and rejecting sub-economic material could improve gold recoveries and lower process operating costs at Mt Todd; |
| · | our expectation that we will complete additional feasibility level metallurgical studies by the end of the third quarter of 2017; |
| · | our expectation that we will update the July 2014 Preliminary Feasibility Study integrating possible flow sheet changes following completion of the additional metallurgical studies; |
| · | our expectation that we will complete the first draft of the mine management plan by the end of the third quarter of 2017; |
| · | our plans and available funding to continue to identify and study potential Mt Todd optimizations, project improvements and efficiencies; |
| · | the feasibility of Mt Todd; |
| · | our belief that our existing working capital, coupled with potential future sources of non-dilutive financing will be sufficient to cover our fixed costs (those cash expenditures necessary to ensure that we preserve our property rights and meet all of our safety, regulatory and environmental responsibilities) and project activities for several years |
| · | our expectation that we will be able to fund Mt Todd to the point of a development decision; |
| · | the potential monetization of our non-core assets, including our mill equipment which is for sale, the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold project, and our Midas Gold Shares; |
| · | our expectation that R&D grants from the Australian Government will not be a material source of near term funding;; |
| · | our ability to provide sufficient additional information required to complete the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 authorization; |
| · | estimates of future operating and financial performance; |
| · | potential funding requirements and sources of capital, including near-term sources of additional cash; |
| · | our expectation that the Company will continue to incur losses and will not pay dividends for the foreseeable future; |
| · | the timing, performance and results of feasibility studies; |
| · | our potential entry into agreements to find, lease, purchase, option or sell mineral interests; |
| · | plans for evaluation and advancement of Mt Todd; |
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| · | our expectation of Mt Todd’s impact, including environmental and economic impacts; |
| · | plans and estimates concerning potential project exploration and development, including the use of high pressure grinding roll crushers and access to a water supply, as well as the ability to obtain all required permits; |
| · | our belief that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable mining, health, safety and environmental statutes and regulations in all of the jurisdictions in which we operate; |
| · | our belief that we maintain reasonable amounts of insurance; |
| · | estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources; |
| · | our intention to seek partners to advance the Guadalupe de los Reyes project; |
| · | our intention to improve the value of our gold projects; |
| · | potential changes in regulations or taxation initiatives; and |
| · | our expectation that we will continue to be a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”). |
Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information have been based upon our current business and operating plans, as approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”); our cash and other funding requirements and timing and sources thereof; results of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, mineral resource and reserve estimates, preliminary economic assessments and exploration activities; advancements of the Company’s required permitting processes; current market conditions and project development plans. The words “estimate,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “will,” “may” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These factors include risks such as:
| · | our ability to raise additional capital or raise funds from the sale of non-core assets on favorable terms, if at all; |
| · | pre-feasibility and feasibility study results and preliminary assessment results and the accuracy of estimates and assumptions on which they are based; |
| · | resource and reserve estimate results, the accuracy of such estimates and the accuracy of sampling and subsequent assays and geologic interpretations on which they are based; |
| · | technical and operational feasibility and the economic viability of deposits; |
| · | our ability to obtain, renew or maintain the necessary authorizations and permits for Mt Todd, including its development plans and operating activities; |
| · | the timing and results of a feasibility study on Mt Todd; |
| · | delays in commencement of construction at Mt Todd; |
| · | increased costs that affect our operations or our financial condition; |
| · | our reliance on third parties to fulfill their obligations under agreements with us; |
| · | whether projects not managed by us will comply with our standards or meet our objectives; |
| · | a shortage of skilled labor, equipment and supplies; |
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| · | whether our acquisition, exploration and development activities, as well as the realization of the market value of our assets, will be commercially successful and whether any transactions we enter into will maximize the realization of the market value of our assets; |
| · | the lack of cash dividend payments by us; |
| · | the success of future joint ventures, partnerships and other arrangements relating to our properties; |
| · | industry consolidation which could result in the acquisition of a control position in the Company for less than fair value; |
| · | perception of potential environmental impact of Mt Todd; |
| · | known and unknown environmental and reclamation liabilities, including reclamation requirements at Mt Todd; |
| · | our history of losses from operations; |
| · | future water supply issues at Mt Todd; |
| · | litigation or other legal claims; |
| · | environmental lawsuits; |
| · | lack of adequate insurance to cover potential liabilities; |
| · | our ability to attract, retain and hire key personnel; |
| · | fluctuations in the price of gold; |
| · | volatility in our stock price; |
| · | inherent hazards of mining exploration, development and operating activities; |
| · | the accuracy of calculations of mineral reserves, mineral resources and mineralized material fluctuations therein based on metal prices, and inherent vulnerability of the ore and recoverability of metal in the mining process; |
| · | changes in environmental regulations to which our exploration and development operations are subject; |
| · | changes in climate change regulations could result in increased operating costs; |
| · | intense competition in the mining industry; |
| · | potential challenges to the title to our mineral properties; |
| · | evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations; |
| · | tax initiatives on domestic and international levels; |
| · | fluctuation in foreign currency values; |
| · | potential review of our Australian R&D grants; and |
| · | our likely status as a PFIC for U.S. federal tax purposes. |
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For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, please see “Risk Factors” below in this prospectus supplement and on page 4 of the accompanying base prospectus. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that these statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in the statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. We qualify all forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
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The following is a summary of the material features of the offering. It should be read together with the more detailed information and financial data and statements contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, any free writing prospectus filed by us, if any, and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, including the information under “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-9 of this prospectus supplement and page 4 of the accompanying base prospectus.
Overview of the Company
Vista Gold Corp. and its subsidiaries are engaged in the gold mining industry. We are focused on the evaluation, acquisition, exploration and advancement of gold exploration and potential development projects, which may lead to gold production or value adding strategic transactions such as earn-in right agreements, option agreements, leases to third parties, joint venture arrangements with other mining companies, or outright sales of assets for cash and/or other consideration. We look for opportunities to improve the value of our gold projects through exploration drilling and/or technical studies focused on optimizing previous engineering work. We do not currently generate cash flows from mining operations.
The Company’s flagship asset is its 100% owned Mt Todd gold project (“Mt Todd”) in the Northern Territory (“NT”) Australia, where we are seeking approval of our final environmental authorization and evaluating potential material process improvements in anticipation of commencing an update of our July 2014 Preliminary Feasibility Study (“PFS”).
Ultimately, a development decision at Mt Todd will depend on several factors, principally a sustainable acceptable gold price, a favorable outlook for the AUD:USD exchange rate, completion of a positive feasibility study and the availability of financing. With 60%-70% of the project capital and operating costs denominated in Australian dollars, the current AUD:USD exchange rate has a material favorable impact on the project economics, substantially mitigating the effects of the lower current USD gold price.
As one of the largest undeveloped gold projects in Australia, we believe Mt Todd is a highly strategic gold project with several potential paths to production. Our strong working capital position provides us flexibility and the assurance that we can continue to fund further optimization studies at Mt Todd, and to select a development strategy that we believe will have the best potential to maximize value for our shareholders.
Vista Gold Corp. was originally incorporated on November 28, 1983 under the name “Granges Exploration Ltd.” It amalgamated with Pecos Resources Ltd. during June 1985 and continued as Granges Exploration Ltd. In June 1989, Granges Exploration Ltd. changed its name to Granges Inc. Granges Inc. amalgamated with Hycroft Resources & Development Corporation during May 1995 and continued as Granges Inc. Effective November 1996, Da Capo Resources Ltd. and Granges, Inc. amalgamated under the name “Vista Gold Corp.” and, effective December 1997, Vista Gold continued from British Columbia to the Yukon Territory, Canada under the Business Corporations Act (Yukon Territory). On June 11, 2013, Vista Gold continued from the Yukon Territory, Canada to the Province of British Columbia, Canada under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). The current addresses, telephone and facsimile numbers of our offices are:
| Executive Office | Registered and Records Office | |
| Suite 5 - 7961 Shaffer Parkway | 1200 Waterfront Centre – 200 Burrard Street | |
| Littleton, Colorado, USA 80127 | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V7X 1T2 | |
| Telephone: (720) 981-1185 | Telephone: (604) 687-5744 | |
| Facsimile: (720) 981-1186 | Facsimile: (604) 687-1415 |
Recent Developments
Mt Todd Gold Project
In late 2016, we completed preliminary process area optimization studies that indicated that selectively screening and rejecting sub-economic, coarse crusher product prior to grinding could be expected to produce higher gold recoveries and lower process area operating costs. These results warranted additional metallurgical test work. Accordingly, in December 2016, we initiated a drill program to generate approximately 20 tonnes of PQ (3.75 inch diameter) core from the Batman deposit, which was completed in January 2017. The core comprised four 5-tonne bulk samples of ore representing different parts of the deposit. The samples were crushed and screened at 5/8" (16 mm) at an HPGR test facility. Crushing was completed in late June 2017 and approximately 18% of each HPGR-crushed sample was retained as plus 5/8" material (“coarse fraction”). The coarse fraction was then subjected to two-step automated sorting tests designed to separate the gold-bearing sulfide minerals and quartz veining from non-gold bearing waste material which were completed in early July 2017.
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Following the sorting tests, the fine fraction from the HPGR crushing test (minus 5/8" material) together with the sorted coarse fraction were shipped to a laboratory where grind-size and leach recovery optimization and tailings characterization studies will be completed. The results of these tests are expected to provide the design criteria to grind the ore finer for enhanced leaching and gold recovery.
Sorting the non-gold bearing waste material from the gold bearing material, after the HPGR and prior to the grinding circuit, would enable us to reduce the overall material going to the grinding and leaching circuits, improve the grinding circuit head-grade and reduce operating costs. We believe these design changes can be implemented without materially changing the project’s capital requirements.
The Company expects to be able to announce the final results of the test work in September 2017. Based on the results of the crushing and sorting tests, we have commenced the studies needed to update our previously published PFS. The PFS update is expected to include design changes incorporating an automated sorting circuit, two-stage grinding, current gold price and current foreign exchange rates.
We also plan to complete a first draft of the MMP by the end of the third quarter of 2017. The MMP is essentially the plan of operations, and is one of the final remaining major permits.
In May 2017, the Company executed an extension of its Mt Todd agreement with the Northern Territory of Australia. The agreement extends through December 31, 2023 and includes the option for an additional 3-year extension. Under the ongoing terms of the agreement, the Company holds the exclusive right to develop the Mt Todd gold project and commits to the appropriate care and management of the site. Vista Gold, at its sole option, may elect to proceed with the development of the project by giving notice to the NT Government, which in turn will result in the transfer of NT-owned assets at Mt Todd and all pre-existing environmental liability for the Mt Todd project from the NT to the Company. Prior to providing notice of its intention to mine, the Company retains no environmental liability for the condition of the site prior to its involvement in 2006.
Corporate
In 2016, the Company received a total of $1,295 Research & Development (“R&D”) Tax Incentive refunds, net of costs to prepare and file. These amounts were paid under the Australian Government’s R&D Tax Incentive Program, a program designed to encourage industry to engage in R&D activities that benefit Australia; and relate to costs we incurred during the 2014 and 2015 fiscal years for qualifying R&D programs. This R&D Tax Incentive program is a self-assessment process, and as such, the Australian Government has the right to review the qualifying programs and expenditures for a period of four years.
During August 2016, we closed a public offering of 12,362,500 units (the “Units”), which included 1,612,500 Units issued pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, for net proceeds of approximately $15,883 (the “2016 Offering”). Each Unit consisted of one common share in the capital of the Company (“Common Share”) and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each full warrant, a “2016 Warrant”). A total of 6,514,625 2016 Warrants were issued, including 333,375 broker warrants issued to the underwriters. Each 2016 Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $1.92 per Common Share (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances) and is exercisable for a period of 36 months from the closing of the 2016 Offering.
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The Offering
The following is a brief summary of certain terms of this offering and is not intended to be complete. It does not contain all of the information that will be important to a holder of Warrant Shares. For a more complete description of our Common Shares, see the section entitled “Description of Securities Distributed – Warrant Shares” in this prospectus supplement.
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Issuer: |
Vista Gold Corp. |
| Offering: | Up to 6,514,625 Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of 6,514,625 whole Warrants. |
| Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase a Warrant Share at a price of $1.92 per Warrant Share at any time following August 8, 2016 until 4:30 p.m. (Toronto Time) on August 8, 2019. The Warrants were issued pursuant to a warrant indenture entered into between us and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as warrant agent. See section entitled “Description of Securities Distributed - Warrants” in this prospectus supplement. | |
| Use of Proceeds: | Proceeds from the exercise of the Warrants, if any, will be used for working capital requirements and/or for other general corporate purposes. See the section entitled “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus supplement. |
| Risk Factors: | Investing in the Warrant Shares involves risks that are described in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page S-9 of this prospectus supplement and on page 4 of the accompanying base prospectus and, to the extent applicable, the “Risk Factors” sections of our annual report on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and any amendments thereto, as filed with the SEC. |
| Tax Considerations: | Purchasing the Warrant Shares by exercising the Warrants may have tax consequences in the United States and Canada. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may not describe these consequences fully. Investors should read the tax discussion in this prospectus supplement under the section entitled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.” |
| Listing Symbol: | Our Common Shares are listed for trading on the NYSE American and the TSX, in each case under the symbol “VGZ.” |
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Investing in the Warrant Shares involves a high degree of risk. Prospective investors should carefully consider the following risks, as well as the other information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, any free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein before investing in the Warrant Shares. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business could be harmed. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones faced by us. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those of which we are currently unaware or that are currently deemed immaterial, may also adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows, prospects and the price of our Common Shares.
The following is a short description of the risks and uncertainties which are more fully described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” on page 4 of the accompanying base prospectus. Investors should read the full description of the the following risks as described in the accompanying base prospectus before making any investment decision.
| · | We cannot be assured that our Mt Todd gold project is feasible or that a feasibility study will accurately forecast operating results. |
| · | Our Mt Todd gold project requires substantial capital investment and we may be unable to raise sufficient capital on favorable terms or at all. |
| · | If we decide to construct the mine at our Mt Todd gold project, we will be assuming certain reclamation obligations resulting in a material financial obligation. |
| · | We may not be able to get the required permits to begin construction at our Mt Todd gold project in a timely manner or at all. |
| · | There may be other delays in the construction of our Mt Todd gold project. |
| · | Increased costs could impede our ability to become profitable. |
| · | We cannot be assured that we will have an adequate water supply at our Mt Todd gold project. |
| · | We could be subject to litigation or other legal claims. |
| · | We rely on third parties to fulfil their obligations under agreements. |
| · | Our exploration and development operations are subject to evolving environmental regulations. |
| · | We could be subject to environmental lawsuits. |
| · | We may have material undisclosed environmental liabilities of which we are not aware. |
| · | There may be challenges to our title to mineral properties. |
| · | A substantial or extended decline in gold prices would have a material adverse effect on the value of our assets, on our ability to raise capital and could result in lower than estimated economic returns. |
| · | Industry consolidation could result in the acquisition of a control position in the Company for less than fair value. |
| · | We have a history of losses, and we do not expect to generate earnings from operations or pay dividends in the near term. |
| · | We may be unable to raise additional capital on favorable terms, if at all. |
| · | We cannot be certain that any of our exploration and development activities or any acquisition activities will be commercially successful. |
| · | Our business is subject to evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations that have increased both our compliance costs and the risk of noncompliance. |
| · | We face intense competition in the mining industry. |
| · | The occurrence of events for which we are not insured may affect our cash flow and overall profitability. |
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| · | Our stock price may be volatile and your investment in our common stock could suffer a decline in value. |
| · | Currency fluctuations may adversely affect our costs. |
| · | Our R&D Grants are subject to review. |
| · | The Company is likely a “passive foreign investment company,” which will likely have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S. shareholders. |
| · | Calculations of mineral reserves and mineral resources are estimates only and subject to uncertainty. |
| · | Feasibility and other studies are estimates only and subject to uncertainty. |
| · | Mining companies are increasingly required to consider and provide benefits to the communities and countries in which they operate, and are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. |
| · | Mining exploration, development and operating activities are inherently hazardous. |
| · | Regulations and pending legislation involving climate change could result in increased operating costs. |
| · | Pending initiatives involving taxation could result in increased tax and operating costs. |
From time to time, when Warrants are exercised, we will receive proceeds equal to the aggregate exercise price of such Warrants. Assuming that all of the Warrants are exercised prior to the expiry time and that no adjustment based on the anti-dilution provisions contained in the indenture governing the Warrants has taken place, the gross proceeds to us will be approximately $12.5 million. The net proceeds from the exercise of Warrants are currently intended to be used for working capital requirements and/or for other general corporate purposes.
The actual amount that we spend in connection with each of the intended uses of proceeds will depend on a number of factors, including those described in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page S-9 of this prospectus supplement and page 4 of the accompanying base prospectus and, to the extent applicable, the “Risk Factors” sections in our annual report on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and any amendments thereto, as filed with the SEC and the Canadian securities authorities.
Depending on opportunities, economic conditions and the results of the activities described above we may use a portion of the proceeds allocated above to invest in property acquisitions or complete other corporate activities designed to achieve our corporate goals. Estimated costs and the scope of activities cannot be determined at this time.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our Common Shares. We intend to retain our earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business and do not expect to pay cash dividends or to make any other distributions in the near future. Our board of directors will review this policy from time to time having regard to our financing requirements, financial condition and other factors considered to be relevant.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES DISTRIBUTED
Warrant Shares
The Warrant Shares will have all of the characteristics, rights and restrictions of our Common Shares. We are authorized to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares, without par value, of which 99,308,804 are issued and outstanding as at the date of this prospectus supplement. Holders of Common Shares are entitled to one vote per common share at all meetings of shareholders, to receive dividends as and when declared by our directors and to receive a pro rata share of our assets available for distribution to the shareholders in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company. There are no pre-emptive, conversion or redemption rights attached to the Common Shares.
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Warrants
The Warrants were created and issued pursuant to, and governed by, the terms of the warrant indenture (the “Warrant Indenture”) between us and Computershare Trust Company of Canada (the “Warrant Agent”), dated as of August 8, 2016. The following summary of certain provisions of the Warrant Indenture does not purport to be complete and is subject in its entirety to the detailed provisions of the Warrant Indenture. Reference is made to the Warrant Indenture for the full text of the attributes of the Warrants, which we filed with the SEC on a Form 8-K dated August 8, 2016. We have appointed the principal transfer offices of the Warrant Agent in Vancouver, British Columbia as the location at which Warrants may be surrendered for exercise or transfer.
Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Warrant Share at a price of $1.92. The exercise price and the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise are both subject to adjustment in certain circumstances as more fully described below. The Warrants are exercisable at any time prior to 4:30 p.m. (Toronto Time) on August 8, 2019, after which time the Warrants will expire and become null and void. The exercise price for the Warrants is payable in United States dollars. The Warrant Indenture provides that, subject to compliance with applicable securities legislation and approval of applicable regulatory authorities, we will be entitled to purchase in the market, by private contract or otherwise, all or any of the Warrants then outstanding, and any Warrants so purchased will be cancelled.
The Warrant Indenture provides for adjustment in the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants and/or the exercise price per Warrant Share upon the occurrence of certain events, including: (i) the issuance of our Common Shares or securities exchangeable for or convertible into our Common Shares to all or substantially all of the holders of our Common Shares as a stock dividend or other distribution (other than a distribution of our Common Shares upon the exercise of Warrants); (ii) the subdivision, redivision or change of our Common Shares into a greater number of shares; (iii) the reduction, combination or consolidation of our Common Shares into a lesser number of shares; (iv) the issuance to all or substantially all of the holders of our Common Shares of rights, options or warrants under which such holders are entitled, during a period expiring not more than 45 days after the record date for such issuance, to subscribe for or purchase our Common Shares, or securities exchangeable for or convertible into our Common Shares; and (v) the issuance or distribution to all or substantially all of the holders of the Common Shares or shares of any class other than our Common Shares, rights, options or warrants to acquire our Common Shares or securities exchangeable or convertible into our Common Shares, of evidences of indebtedness, or any property or other assets.
We provide certain buy-in rights to a holder if we fail to deliver the Warrant Shares by three trading days after the later of delivery to the Company of the notice of exercise or the aggregate exercise price (or notice of a cashless exercise). The buy-in rights apply if after the trading day after the date on which the holder satisfies all of the requirements for exercise, the holder purchases (in an open market transaction or otherwise) Common Shares to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the holder of the Warrant Shares that the holder anticipated receiving from the Company upon exercise of the Warrant. In this event, we will:
| (i) | pay in cash to the holder the amount equal to the excess (if any) of the buy-in price over the product of (A) such number of Warrant Shares, times (B) the price at which the sell order giving rise to holder’s purchase obligation was executed; and |
| (ii) | at the election of holder, either (A) reinstate the portion of the Warrant as to such number of Warrant Shares, or (B) deliver to the holder a certificate or certificates representing such number of Warrant Shares. |
The Warrant Indenture provides for adjustment in the class and/or number of securities issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants and/or exercise price in the event of the following additional events: (1) reclassifications of our Common Shares or a capital reorganization of the Company (other than as described in clauses (i) to (iii) above; (2) consolidations, amalgamations, arrangements or mergers of the Company with or into another entity; or (3) the transfer of the undertaking or assets of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to another corporation or other entity.
No adjustment in the exercise price or the number of Warrant Shares purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrants will be required to be made unless the cumulative effect of such adjustment or adjustments would change the exercise price by at least 1% or the number of Warrant Shares purchasable upon exercise by at least one one-hundredth of a Warrant Share. Furthermore, no adjustment will be made in the right to acquire our Common Shares attached to the Warrants if an issue of our Common Shares is being made in connection with a share incentive plan for the benefit of directors, officers, employees, consultants or our other service providers, or the satisfaction of existing instruments issued as of the date of the Warrant Indenture.
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We also covenant in the Warrant Indenture that, during the period in which the Warrants are exercisable, we will give notice to holders of Warrants of certain stated events, including events that would result in an adjustment to the exercise price for the Warrants or the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, at least 14 days prior to the record date or effective date, as the case may be, of such event.
No fractional Warrant Shares will be issued or otherwise provided pursuant to the Warrant Indenture. The Warrants may only be exercised in a sufficient number to acquire whole numbers of our Common Shares and no cash or other consideration will be paid in lieu of fractional shares. Holders of Warrants will not have any voting or pre-emptive rights, redemption or any other rights which holders of our Common Shares have.
The Warrant Indenture also provides that we will use our reasonable best efforts to maintain the registration statement or another registration statement relating to the Warrant Shares effective until the earlier of the expiration date of the Warrants and the date on which no Warrants remain outstanding (provided, however, that nothing shall prevent our amalgamation, arrangement, merger or sale, including any take-over bid, and any associated delisting or deregistration or ceasing to be a reporting issuer, provided that, so long as the Warrants are still outstanding and represent a right to acquire securities of the acquiring company, the acquiring company shall assume our obligations under the Warrant Indenture). If no such registration statement is effective, no person holding Warrants will be permitted to exercise Warrants, unless an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) and applicable state securities laws is available. During any such period, any person holding Warrants may give notice of his/her desire to exercise the Warrants, at which time we will permit the cashless exercise of the Warrants and issue such number of Warrant Shares calculated pursuant to the provisions of the Warrant Indenture, provided that such Warrant Shares shall not be subject to any transfer restrictions in the United States or Canada. If no such registration statement is effective, we will notify the Warrant Agent in accordance with the provisions of the Warrant Indenture.
From time to time we, along with the Warrant Agent, without the consent of the holders of Warrants, may amend or supplement the Warrant Indenture for certain purposes, including curing defects or inconsistencies or making any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder of Warrants. Any amendment, modification, arrangement or supplement to the Warrant Indenture that adversely affects the interests of the holders of the Warrants may only be made by “extraordinary resolution”, which is defined in the Warrant Indenture as a resolution either: (1) passed at a meeting of the holders of Warrants at which there are holders of Warrants present in person or represented by proxy holding at least 20% of the aggregate number of Common Shares that could be acquired and passed by the affirmative vote of holders of Warrants representing not less than 66⅔% of the aggregate number of our Common Shares that could be acquired at the meeting and voted on the poll upon such resolution; or (2) adopted by an instrument in writing signed by the holders of Warrants representing not less than 66⅔% of the aggregate number of our Common Shares that could be acquired.
Underwriters’ Warrants
We have issued Warrants to the underwriters in the Unit Offering. Each such Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share at $1.92 at any time on or before August 8, 2019. Such Warrants have the same terms as the Warrants, and the Warrant Shares are identical to those Common Shares issued pursuant to the Unit Offering.
The material terms and provisions of the Warrants are summarized herein, which summary is subject to and qualified in its entirety by the form of Warrant and the Warrant Indenture, which we filed with the SEC on a Form 8-K on August 8, 2016.
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This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus relate to up to 6,514,625 Warrant Shares issuable from time to time upon the exercise of 6,514,625 Warrants, including 333,375 broker warrants issued to underwriters, issued by us on August 8, 2016 as part of the Unit Offering; and (ii) such indeterminate number of additional Warrant Shares that may be issuable by reason of the anti-dilution provisions contained in the Warrant Indenture (as defined below) governing the Warrants.
On August 8, 2016, we filed the Unit Supplement with the SEC relating to the offering by us to the public in Canada and the United States of Units, each Unit consisting of one Unit Share and one-half of a Warrant. In connection with the Unit Offering, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement dated August 2, 2016 with the underwriters for the Unit Offering, pursuant to which we agreed to sell and the underwriters agreed to purchase 10,750,000 Units, at a price of $1.40 per Unit. The Unit Offering was completed on August 8, 2016.
The Warrants were created and issued pursuant to, and governed by, the terms of the Warrant Indenture. Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Warrant Share at a price of $1.92. The exercise price and the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise are both subject to adjustment in certain circumstances as more fully described below. The Warrants are exercisable at any time prior to 4:30 p.m. (Toronto Time) on August 8, 2019, after which time the Warrants will expire and become null and void. The exercise price for the Warrants is payable in United States dollars. The exercise price of the Warrants was determined by negotiation between us and underwriters for the Unit Offering.
On June 26, 2017, we filed the accompanying base prospectus with the SEC as part of a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-218979), as amended (the “Registration Statement”), with the SEC relating to the offering by us from time to time of up to $100,000,000 of Common Shares, warrants, subscription receipts or units comprising any combination of the foregoing securities. The Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC on July 5, 2017.
Pursuant to the Warrant Indenture we agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to maintain the registration statement or another registration statement relating to the Warrant Shares effective until the earlier of the expiration date of the Warrants and the date on which no Warrants remain outstanding (provided, however, that nothing shall prevent our amalgamation, arrangement, merger or sale, including any take-over bid, and any associated delisting or deregistration or ceasing to be a reporting issuer, provided that, so long as the Warrants are still outstanding and represent a right to acquire securities of the acquiring company, the acquiring company shall assume our obligations under the Warrant Indenture). The registration statement on Form S-3 (333-196527) pursuant to which the initial Unit Supplement was filed expires on August 15, 2017. This prospectus supplement continues the registration of the Warrants Shares under our registration statement of Form S-3 (333-218979) pursuant to our obligations under the Warrant Indenture.
The Warrant Shares to which this prospectus supplement relates will be sold directly by the Company to holders of Warrants on the exercise of such Warrants. No underwriters, dealers or agents will be involved in these sales. No underwriter, dealer or agent has been involved in the preparation of, or has performed any review of, this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus.
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following is a general summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Warrant Shares received upon exercise of the Warrants.
This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential U.S. federal income tax considerations that may apply to a U.S. Holder as a result of the acquisition of Warrant Shares pursuant to this prospectus supplement. In addition, this summary does not take into account the individual facts and circumstances of any particular U.S. Holder that may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such U.S. Holder. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or U.S. federal income tax advice with respect to any particular U.S. Holder. In addition, except as specifically set forth below, this summary does not discuss applicable tax reporting requirements. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Warrant Shares.
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No ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has been requested, or will be obtained, regarding the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders as discussed in this summary. This summary is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS is not precluded from taking a position that is different from, and contrary to, the positions taken in this summary. In addition, because the authorities on which this summary is based are subject to various interpretations, the IRS and the U.S. courts could disagree with one or more of the positions taken in this summary.
Scope of this Summary
Authorities
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary, or proposed) promulgated under the Code, published rulings of the IRS, published administrative positions of the IRS, U.S. court decisions and the United States-Canada tax convention (“U.S. Treaty”), that are in effect and available as of the date of this document. Any of the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied on a retroactive basis or prospective basis which could affect the U.S. federal income tax considerations described in this summary. This summary does not discuss the potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation that, if enacted, could be applied on a retroactive or prospective basis.
U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of Warrant Shares acquired pursuant to this prospectus supplement that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
| · | a citizen or individual resident of the United States; |
| · | a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
| · | an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or |
| · | a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and the control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. |
U.S. Holders Subject to Special U.S. Federal Income Tax Rules Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including U.S. Holders that: (a) are tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts; (b) are financial institutions, underwriters, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, or regulated investment companies; (c) are brokers or dealers in securities or currencies or U.S. Holders that are traders in securities that elect to apply a mark-to-market accounting method; (d) have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar; (e) own Warrant Shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, conversion transaction, constructive sale, or other arrangement involving more than one position; (f) acquired Warrant Shares in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services; (g) hold Warrant Shares other than as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment purposes); (h) are partnerships and other pass-through entities (and investors in such partnerships and entities); or (i) own, have owned or will own (directly, indirectly, or by attribution) 10% or more of the total combined voting power of our outstanding shares. This summary also does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders who are (a) U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the U.S., (b) persons that have been, are, or will be a resident or deemed to be a resident in Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada); (c) persons that use or hold, will use or hold, or that are or will be deemed to use or hold Warrant Shares in connection with carrying on a business in Canada; (d) persons whose Warrant Shares constitute “taxable Canadian property” under the Income Tax Act (Canada); or (e) persons that have a permanent establishment in Canada for the purposes of the U.S. Treaty. U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including U.S. Holders described immediately above, should consult their own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Warrant Shares.
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If an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds Warrant Shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such entity or arrangement and the owners of such entity or arrangement generally will depend on the activities of such entity or arrangement and the status of such owners. This summary does not address the tax consequences to any such entity or arrangement or owner. Owners of entities or arrangements that are classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Warrant Shares.
Tax Consequences Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Warrant Shares. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Warrant Shares.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
The following sections generally describe the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Warrant Shares if we are considered a PFIC at any time during a U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Warrant Shares.
We believe that we were classified as a PFIC for the tax year ended December 31, 2016, and, based on current business plans and financial expectations, we believe that we may be a PFIC for the current and future taxable years. No opinion of legal counsel or ruling from the IRS concerning our status as a PFIC has been obtained or is currently planned to be requested. The determination of whether any corporation was, or will be, a PFIC for a tax year requires the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which are subject to differing interpretations. Whether any corporation will be a PFIC for any tax year depends on the assets and income of such corporation over the course of such tax year and, as a result, our PFIC status for the current year and future years cannot be predicted with certainty as of the date of this document. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge any PFIC determination made by us (or by one of our subsidiaries). Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding our status as a PFIC and the PFIC status of each of our non-U.S. subsidiaries.
We generally will be a PFIC for any tax year in which (a) 75% or more of our gross income for such tax year is passive income (the “PFIC income test”) or (b) 50% or more of the value of our assets either produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income, based on the quarterly average of the fair market value of such assets (the “PFIC asset test”). “Gross income” generally includes sales revenues less the cost of goods sold, plus income from investments and from incidental or outside operations or sources, and “passive income” generally includes, for example, dividends, interest, certain rents and royalties, certain gains from the sale of stock and securities, and certain gains from commodities transactions. Active business gains arising from the sale of commodities generally are excluded from passive income if substantially all of a foreign corporation’s commodities are stock in trade or inventory, depreciable property used in a trade or business, or supplies regularly used or consumed in the ordinary course of its trade or business, and certain other requirements are satisfied.
For purposes of the PFIC income test and PFIC asset test described above, if we own, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the total value of the outstanding shares of another corporation, it will be treated as if we (a) held a proportionate share of the assets of such other corporation and (b) received directly a proportionate share of the income of such other corporation.
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Under certain attribution rules, if we are a PFIC, U.S. Holders will be deemed to own their proportionate share of any subsidiary that is also a PFIC (a “Subsidiary PFIC”), and will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax, as discussed in the section below titled “Default PFIC Rules Under Section 1291 of the Code,” on their proportionate share of any (i) distribution on the shares of a Subsidiary PFIC and (ii) disposition or deemed disposition of shares of a Subsidiary PFIC, in each case, as if such U.S. Holders directly held the shares of such Subsidiary PFIC. In addition, U.S. Holders may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any indirect gain realized on the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC on the sale or disposition of Warrant Shares. Accordingly, U.S. Holders should be aware that they could be subject to tax under the PFIC rules even if no distributions are received and no redemptions or other dispositions of Warrant Shares are made.
Default PFIC Rules Under Section 1291 of the Code
If we are a PFIC, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder of the ownership and disposition of Warrant Shares will depend on whether such U.S. Holder makes a “qualified electing fund” or “QEF” election (a “QEF Election”) or makes a mark-to-market election under Section 1296 of the Code (a “Mark-to-Market Election”) with respect to Warrant Shares. A U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF Election or a Mark-to-Market Election (a “Non-Electing U.S. Holder”) will be taxable as described below. Under proposed Treasury Regulations that are prospectively effective until finalized, if a U.S. holder has an option, warrant, or other right to acquire stock of a PFIC (such as the Warrants), such option, warrant or right is considered to a PFIC stock subject to the default rules of Section 1291 of the Code. Under the proposed Treasury Regulations, a U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Warrant Shares began on the date the U.S. Holder acquired the warrant. This will impact the availability of the QEF Election and Mark-to-Market Election with respect to the Warrant Shares.
A Non-Electing U.S. Holder will be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code with respect to (a) any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Warrant Shares and (b) any excess distribution received on the Warrant Shares. A distribution generally will be an “excess distribution” to the extent that such distribution (together with all other distributions received in the current tax year) exceeds 125% of the average distributions received during the three preceding tax years (or during a U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Warrant Shares, if shorter).
Under Section 1291 of the Code, any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Warrant Shares of a PFIC (including an indirect disposition of shares of a Subsidiary PFIC), and any excess distribution received on such Warrant Shares (or a distribution by a Subsidiary PFIC to its shareholder that is deemed to be received by a U.S. Holder in respect of the U.S. Holder’s Warrant Shares) must be ratably allocated to each day in a Non-Electing U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Warrant Shares. The amount of any such gain or excess distribution allocated to the tax year of disposition or distribution of the excess distribution and to years before the entity became a PFIC, if any, would be taxed as ordinary income (and not eligible for certain preferential tax rates, as discussed below). The amounts allocated to any other tax year would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the highest tax rate applicable to ordinary income in each such year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the tax liability for each such year, calculated as if such tax liability had been due in each such year. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder that is not a corporation must treat any such interest paid as “personal interest,” which is not deductible.
If we are a PFIC for any tax year during which a Non-Electing U.S. Holder holds Warrant Shares, we will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such Non-Electing U.S. Holder, regardless of whether we cease to be a PFIC in one or more subsequent tax years. If we cease to be a PFIC, a Non-Electing U.S. Holder may terminate this deemed PFIC status with respect to Warrant Shares by electing to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code as discussed above) as if such Warrant Shares were sold on the last day of the last tax year for which we are a PFIC.
In any year in which we are classified as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of Warrant Shares will be required to file an annual report with the IRS containing such information as Treasury Regulations and/or other IRS guidance may require. It is unclear whether U.S. Holders will be required to file an annual report with the IRS with respect to their interests in Warrants. In addition to penalties, a failure to satisfy such reporting requirements may result in an extension of the time period during which the IRS can assess a tax. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of filing such information returns under these rules, including the requirement to file an IRS Form 8621 annually.
QEF Election
As discussed above, under proposed Treasury Regulations, if a U.S. holder has an option, warrant or other right to acquire stock of a PFIC (such as the Warrants), such option, warrant or right is considered to be PFIC stock subject to the default rules of Section 1291 of the Code. However, a U.S. Holder of an option, warrant or other right to acquire stock of a PFIC may not make a QEF Election that will apply to the option, warrant or other right to acquire PFIC stock.
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Consequently, under the proposed Treasury Regulations, if a U.S. Holder of Warrant Shares makes a QEF Election, such election generally will not be treated as a timely QEF Election with respect to Warrant Shares and the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above will continue to apply with respect to such U.S. Holder’s Warrant Shares. However, a U.S. Holder of Warrant Shares should be eligible to make a timely QEF Election if such U.S. Holder elects in the tax year in which such Warrant Shares are received to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above) as if such Warrant Shares were sold for fair market value on the date such U.S. Holder acquired them by exercising the corresponding Warrant. In addition, gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition (other than by exercise) of the Warrants by a U.S. Holder will be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the application of the PFIC rules to the Warrant Shares.
U.S. Holders should be aware that there can be no assurances that we will satisfy the record keeping requirements that apply to a QEF, or that we will supply U.S. Holders with a PFIC Annual Information Statement or other information that such U.S. Holders are required to report under the QEF rules, in the event that we are a PFIC. Thus, U.S. Holders may not be able to make a QEF Election with respect to their Warrant Shares. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a QEF Election.
Mark-to-Market Election
A U.S. Holder may make a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to Warrant Shares only if the Warrant Shares are marketable stock. The Warrant Shares generally will be “marketable stock” if the Warrant Shares are regularly traded on (a) a national securities exchange that is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, (b) the national market system established pursuant to Section 11A of the U.S. Exchange Act or (c) a foreign securities exchange that is regulated or supervised by a governmental authority of the country in which the market is located, provided that (i) such foreign exchange has trading volume, listing, financial disclosure, and other requirements and the laws of the country in which such foreign exchange is located, together with the rules of such foreign exchange, ensure that such requirements are actually enforced and (ii) the rules of such foreign exchange ensure active trading of listed stocks. If such stock is traded on such a qualified exchange or other market, such stock generally will be considered “regularly traded” for any calendar year during which such stock is traded, other than in de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. Provided that the Warrant Shares are “regularly traded” as described in the preceding sentence, the Warrant Shares are expected to be marketable stock. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the marketable stock rules.
Any Mark-to-Market Election made by a U.S. Holder for the Warrant Shares will also apply to such U.S. Holder’s Warrant Shares. As a result, if a Mark-to-Market Election has been made by a U.S. Holder with respect to Warrant Shares, any Warrant Shares received will automatically be marked-to-market in the year of exercise of the Warrant. Because, under the proposed Treasury Regulations, a U.S. Holder’s holding period for Warrant Shares includes the period during which such U.S. Holder held the Warrants, a U.S. Holder will be treated as making a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to its Warrant Shares after the exercise of the Warrant unless the Warrant Shares are acquired in the same tax year as the year in which the U.S. Holder acquired its Units. Consequently, the default rules under Section 1291 described above generally will apply to the mark-to-market gain realized in the tax year in which Warrant Shares are received. However, the general mark-to-market rules will apply to subsequent tax years.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to its Warrant Shares generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above with respect to such Warrant Shares. However, if a U.S. Holder does not make a Mark-to-Market Election and such U.S. Holder has not made a timely QEF Election, the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above will apply to certain dispositions of, and distributions on, the Warrant Shares.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will include in ordinary income, for each tax year in which the we are a PFIC, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the fair market value of the Warrant Shares, as of the close of such tax year over (b) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Offered Shares and any Warrant Shares. A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will recognize an ordinary loss in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Warrant Shares, over (ii) the fair market value of such Warrant Shares (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the Mark-to-Market Election for prior tax years).
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A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election generally also will adjust such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Warrant Shares to reflect the amount included in gross income or allowed as a loss because of such Mark-to-Market Election. In addition, upon a sale or other taxable disposition of Warrant Shares in any taxable year in which we are a PFIC, any gain from the sale or other taxable disposition would be treated as ordinary income and any loss from such sale or other taxable disposition would be treated first as ordinary loss (to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains previously included in income) and thereafter as capital loss.
A U.S. Holder makes a Mark-to-Market Election by attaching a completed IRS Form 8621 to a timely filed U.S. federal income tax return. A timely Mark-to-Market Election applies to the tax year in which such Mark-to-Market Election is made and to each subsequent tax year, unless the Warrant Shares cease to be “marketable stock” or the IRS consents to revocation of such election. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a Mark-to-Market Election.
Although a U.S. Holder may be eligible to make a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to the Warrant Shares, no such election may be made with respect to the stock of any Subsidiary PFIC that a U.S. Holder is treated as owning because such stock is not marketable. Hence, the Mark-to-Market Election will not be effective to eliminate the interest charge and other income inclusion rules described above with respect to deemed dispositions of Subsidiary PFIC stock or distributions from a Subsidiary PFIC to its shareholder.
The PFIC rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the PFIC rules (including the applicability and advisability of a QEF Election and Mark-to-Market Election) and how the PFIC rules may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Warrants and Warrant Shares.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Exercise of Warrants
The following discussion is subject in its entirety to the rules described above under the heading "Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules."
Exercise of Warrants
A U.S. Holder will not recognize gain or loss on the exercise of a Warrant and related receipt of a Warrant Share (unless, and to the extent that, cash is received in lieu of the issuance of a fractional Warrant Share). A U.S. Holder’s initial tax basis in the Warrant Share received on the exercise of a Warrant will be equal to the sum of (a) such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such Warrant plus (b) the exercise price paid by such U.S. Holder on the exercise of such Warrant. If, as anticipated, we are a PFIC, a U.S. Holder's holding period for the Warrant Share received on the exercise of a Warrant should begin on the date on which such U.S. Holder acquired its Warrants. If we are not a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder at the time the U.S. Holder exercises its Warrants, the holding period for the Warrant Shares received by the U.S. Holder will begin on the date following the date of exercise and will not include the period during which the U.S. Holder held its Warrants.
In certain limited circumstances, a U.S. Holder may be permitted to undertake a cashless exercise of Warrants into Warrant Shares. The U.S. federal income tax treatment of a cashless exercise of Warrants into Warrant Shares is unclear, and the tax consequences of a cashless exercise could differ from the consequences upon the exercise of a Warrant described in the preceding paragraph. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of a cashless exercise of Warrants.
Expiration of Warrants Without Exercise
Upon the lapse or expiration of a Warrant, a U.S. Holder will recognize a loss in an amount equal to such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Warrant. Any such loss generally will be a capital loss and will be long-term capital loss if the Warrants are held for more than one year. Deductions for capital losses are subject to complex limitations under the Code.
| S-18 |
Certain Adjustments to the Warrants
Under Section 305 of the Code, an adjustment to the number of Warrant Shares that will be issued on the exercise of the Warrants, or an adjustment to the exercise price of the Warrants, may be treated as a constructive distribution to a U.S. Holder of the Warrants if, and to the extent that, such adjustment has the effect of increasing such U.S. Holder’s proportionate interest in our “earnings and profits” or our assets, depending on the circumstances of such adjustment (for example, if such adjustment is to compensate for a distribution of cash or other property to the shareholders). Adjustments to the exercise price of Warrants made pursuant to a bona fide reasonable adjustment formula that has the effect of preventing dilution of the interest of the holders of the Warrants should generally not be considered to result in a constructive distribution. Any such constructive distribution would be taxable whether or not there is an actual distribution of cash or other property. (See more detailed discussion of the rules applicable to distributions made by us at “U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Acquisition, Ownership, and Disposition of Warrant Shares – Distributions on Warrant Shares” below).
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Acquisition, Ownership, and Disposition of Warrant Shares
The following discussion is subject in its entirety to the rules described above under the heading “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”
Distributions on Warrant Shares
A U.S. Holder that receives a distribution, including a constructive distribution, with respect to Warrant Shares will be required to include the amount of such distribution in gross income as a dividend (without reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distribution) to the extent of our current or accumulated “earnings and profits”, as computed for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A dividend generally will be taxed to a U.S. Holder at ordinary income tax rates. To the extent that a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated “earnings and profits,” such distribution will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Warrant Shares and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of such Warrant Shares (see “Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Warrant Shares” below). However, we may not maintain the calculations of earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles, and each U.S. Holder may be required to assume that any distribution by us with respect to the Warrant Shares will constitute a dividend. Dividends received on Warrant Shares generally will not be eligible for the “dividends received deduction.” Subject to applicable limitations and provided we are eligible for the benefits of the U.S. Treaty or the Warrant Shares are readily tradable on a United States securities market, dividends paid by us to non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individuals, generally will be eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains for dividends, provided certain holding period and other conditions are satisfied, including that we are not classified as a PFIC in the tax year of distribution or in the preceding tax year. As discussed above, under the heading “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules,” we believe that we were classified as a PFIC for the tax year ended December 31, 2016, and, based on current business plans and financial expectations, we believe that we may be a PFIC for the current and future taxable years.
The dividend rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the application of such rules.
Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Warrant Shares
Upon the sale or other taxable disposition of Warrant Shares, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between (a) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received and (b) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such Warrant Shares sold or otherwise disposed of. Gain or loss recognized on such sale or other disposition generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale or other disposition, the Warrant Shares have been held for more than one year.
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed above, preferential tax rates may apply to long-term capital gain of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust. There are no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gain of a U.S. Holder that is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses are subject to significant limitations under the Code.
| S-19 |
Additional Tax Considerations
Receipt of Foreign Currency
The amount of any distribution paid to a U.S. Holder in foreign currency or on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Warrants or Warrant Shares generally will be equal to the U.S. dollar value of such foreign currency based on the exchange rate applicable on the date of receipt (regardless of whether such foreign currency is converted into U.S. dollars at that time). If the foreign currency received is not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder will have a tax basis in the foreign currency equal to its U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any U.S. Holder who receives payment in foreign currency and engages in a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the foreign currency may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss that would be treated as ordinary income or loss, and generally will be U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit purposes. Different rules apply to U.S. Holders who use the accrual method of tax accounting. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own U.S. tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of receiving, owning, and disposing of foreign currency.
Foreign Tax Credit
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed above, a U.S. Holder that pays (whether directly or through withholding) Canadian income tax with respect to dividends paid on the Warrant Shares (or with respect to any deemed dividend on the Warrants) generally will be entitled, at the election of such U.S. Holder, to receive either a deduction or a credit for such Canadian income tax paid. Generally, a credit will reduce a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis, whereas a deduction will reduce a U.S. Holder’s income subject to U.S. federal income tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and applies to all foreign taxes paid (whether directly or through withholding) by a U.S. Holder during a year.
Complex limitations apply to the foreign tax credit, including the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability that such U.S. Holder’s “foreign source” taxable income bears to such U.S. Holder’s worldwide taxable income. In applying this limitation, a U.S. Holder’s various items of income and deduction must be classified, under complex rules, as either “foreign source” or “U.S. source.” Generally, dividends paid by a foreign corporation (including constructive dividends) should be treated as foreign source for this purpose, and gains recognized on the sale of stock of a foreign corporation by a U.S. Holder should be treated as U.S. source for this purpose, except as otherwise provided in an applicable income tax treaty, and if an election is properly made under the Code. However, the amount of a distribution with respect to the Warrant Shares or Warrants that is treated as a “dividend” may be lower for U.S. federal income tax purposes than it is for Canadian federal income tax purposes, resulting in a reduced foreign tax credit allowance to a U.S. Holder. In addition, this limitation is calculated separately with respect to specific categories of income. The foreign tax credit rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the foreign tax credit rules.
Additional Tax on Passive Income
Certain U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates or trusts (other than trusts that are exempt from tax) will be subject to a 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which includes dividends on the Warrant Shares, and net gains from the disposition of the Warrant Shares. Further, excess distributions treated as dividends, gains treated as excess distributions, and mark-to-market inclusions and deductions under the PFIC rules discussed above are all included in the calculation of net investment income.
U.S. Holders that are individuals or estates or trusts subject to this tax should consult their own tax advisors regarding the applicability of this tax to any of their income or gains in respect of the Warrant Shares.
Information Reporting; Backup Withholding Tax
Under U.S. federal income tax law certain categories of U.S. Holders must file information returns with respect to their investment in, or involvement in, a foreign corporation. For example, U.S. return disclosure obligations (and related penalties) are imposed on U.S. Holders that hold certain specified foreign financial assets in excess of certain threshold amounts. The definition of specified foreign financial assets includes not only financial accounts maintained in foreign financial institutions, but also, unless held in accounts maintained by a financial institution, any stock or security issued by a non-U.S. person. U. S. Holders may be subject to these reporting requirements unless their Warrants, and Warrant Shares are held in an account at certain financial institutions. Penalties for failure to file certain of these information returns are substantial. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of filing information returns, including the requirement to file IRS Form 8938.
| S-20 |
Payments made within the United States, or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman, of dividends on, and proceeds arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of the Warrants and Warrant Shares generally may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding tax, at the rate of 28%, if a U.S. Holder (a) fails to furnish its correct U.S. taxpayer identification number (generally on Form W-9), (b) furnishes an incorrect U.S. taxpayer identification number, (c) is notified by the IRS that such U.S. Holder has previously failed to properly report items subject to backup withholding tax, or (d) fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that it has furnished its correct U.S. taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified such U.S. Holder that it is subject to backup withholding tax. However, certain exempt persons, such as U.S. Holders that are corporations, generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding tax rules. Any amounts withheld under the U.S. backup withholding tax rules will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or will be refunded, if such U.S. Holder furnishes required information to the IRS in a timely manner.
The discussion of reporting requirements set forth above is not intended to constitute a complete description of all reporting requirements that may apply to a U.S. Holder. A failure to satisfy certain reporting requirements may result in an extension of the time period during which the IRS can assess a tax, and under certain circumstances, such an extension may apply to assessments of amounts unrelated to any unsatisfied reporting requirement. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the information reporting and backup withholding rules.
THE ABOVE SUMMARY IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF ALL TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO U.S. HOLDERS WITH RESPECT TO THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP, AND DISPOSITION OF WARRANT SHARES. U.S. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM IN THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
This prospectus supplement is deemed, as of the date hereof, to be incorporated by reference into the accompanying base prospectus solely for the purpose of offering the Warrant Shares. Other documents are also incorporated, or are deemed to be incorporated, by reference into the accompanying base prospectus, and reference should be made to the accompanying base prospectus for full particulars thereof.
The following documents which have been filed by us with the SEC, are also specifically incorporated by reference into, and form an integral part of the accompanying base prospectus, as supplemented by this prospectus supplement (excluding, unless otherwise provided therein or herein, information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K):
| (a) | the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company, for the year ended December 31, 2016, which report contains the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto as at December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, together with the auditors’ report thereon and the related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, as filed with the SEC on February 22, 2017; |
| (b) | the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, dated March 17, 2017, in connection with the Company’s April 27, 2017 annual general meeting of shareholders, including the information specifically incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, as filed with the SEC on March 17, 2017; |
| (c) | the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, which report contains the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto as at March 31, 2017 and for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 and the related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, as filed with the SEC on April 28, 2017; |
| S-21 |
| (d) | the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, which report contains the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto as at June 30, 2017 and for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 and the related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, as filed with the SEC on August 4, 2017 |
| (e) | the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on May 3, 2017; |
| (f) | the description of the Company’s common stock contained in its registration statement on Form 8-A filed on January 4, 1988, including any amendment or report filed for purposes of updating such description; and |
| (g) | all other documents filed by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (excluding, unless otherwise provided therein or herein, information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 on any Current Report on Form 8-K), after the date of this prospectus supplement but before the end of the offering of the securities made by this prospectus supplement. |
You may obtain copies of any of these documents by contacting us at the address and telephone number indicated below or by contacting the SEC as described below. You may request a copy of these documents, and any exhibits that have specifically been incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus supplement, at no cost, by writing or telephoning to:
Vista Gold Corp.
7961 Shaffer Parkway, Suite 5
Littleton, Colorado 80127
Attention: John F. Engele, Chief Financial Officer
Any statement contained in the accompanying base prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein or therein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purposes of this prospectus supplement to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus supplement, any free writing prospectus (unless otherwise specifically indicated therein) or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement modifies or supersedes that statement. The modifying or superseding statement need not state that it has modified or superseded a prior statement or include any other information set forth in the document that it modifies or supersedes. The making of a modifying or superseding statement is not to be deemed an admission for any purposes that the modified or superseded statement, when made, constituted a misrepresentation, an untrue statement of material fact or an omission to state a material fact that is required to be stated or is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances in which it was made. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not constitute a part of this prospectus supplement, except as so modified or superseded.
You should rely only on the information provided or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and any free writing prospectus. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, any free writing prospectus or any document incorporated herein or therein, is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of the applicable document.
AUDITORS, TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The auditors of the Company are EKS&H LLLP, (“EKS&H”), of Denver, Colorado, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Shares is Computershare Investor Services Inc. at the principal offices in Vancouver and Toronto.
| S-22 |
Information relating to the Company’s mineral properties in this Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein has been derived from reports, statements or opinions prepared or certified by Tetra Tech, Inc., Rex Bryan, Thomas Dyer, Jackie Blumberg, Deepak Malhotra, Benjamin Johnson, Nick Michael, David Richers, Keith Thompson, Lachlan Walker, Anthony Clark, and John Rozelle, and this information has been included in reliance on such companies and persons’ expertise. Each of Rex Bryan, Thomas Dyer, Jackie Blumberg, Deepak Malhotra, Benjamin Johnson, Nick Michael, David Richers, Keith Thompson, Lachlan Walker, Anthony Clark, and John Rozelle is a qualified person as such term is defined NI 43-101.
None of Tetra Tech, Inc., Rex Bryan, Thomas Dyer, Jackie Blumberg, Deepak Malhotra, Benjamin Johnson, Nick Michael, David Richers, Keith Thompson, Lachlan Walker, Anthony Clark, and John Rozelle, each being companies and persons who have prepared or certified the preparation of reports, statements or opinions relating to the Company’s mineral properties, or any director, officer, employee or partner thereof, as applicable, received or has received a direct or indirect interest in the property of the Company or of any associate or affiliate of the Company. As at the date hereof, the aforementioned persons, companies and persons at the companies specified above who participated in the preparation of such reports, statements or opinions, as a group, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, less than 1% of the Company’s outstanding Common Shares.
The current auditors of the Company are EKS&H, of Denver, Colorado. EKS&H, Denver, report that they are independent of the Company in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia and in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. EKS&H is registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as at December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 have been audited by EKS&H, Denver, and are incorporated by reference herein in reliance on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
Certain legal matters related to the Securities offered by this prospectus supplement will be passed upon on the Company’s behalf by Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, with respect to matters of Canadian law, and Dorsey & Whitney LLP, with respect to matters of United States law.
WHERE TO FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.
This Prospectus is part of a registration statement and, as permitted by SEC rules, does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this Prospectus to any of our contracts or other documents, the reference may not be complete and, for a copy of the contract or document, you should refer to the exhibits that are part of the registration statement. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public reference rooms and their copy charges. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference rooms at:
100 F Street, N.E.
Room 1580
Washington, D.C. 20549
| S-23 |
VISTA GOLD CORP.
|
$100,000,000 Common Shares Warrants Subscription Receipts Units |
Vista Gold Corp. (the “Company”) may offer and sell, from time to time, up to $100,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of common shares in the capital of the Company, without par value (which we refer to herein as “Common Shares”), warrants to purchase Common Shares (which we refer to herein as “Warrants”), subscription receipts for Common Shares, Warrants or any combination thereof (which we refer to herein as “Subscription Receipts”), or any combination thereof (which we refer to herein as “Units”) (collectively, the Common Shares, Warrants, Subscription Receipts, and Units are referred to herein as the “Securities”) in one or more transactions under this base prospectus (which we refer to herein as the “Prospectus”). This Prospectus also covers (i) Common Shares that may be issued upon exercise of warrants and (ii) such indeterminate amount of securities as may be issued in exchange for, or upon conversion of, as the case may be, the securities registered hereunder, including, in each case, an indeterminate number of Common Shares that may be issued pursuant to anti-dilution or adjustment provisions in Warrants or Subscription Receipts issuable hereunder.
This Prospectus provides you with a general description of the Securities that the Company may offer. Each time the Company offers Securities, it will provide you with a prospectus supplement (which we refer to herein as the “Prospectus Supplement”) that describes specific information about the particular Securities being offered and may add, update or change information contained in this Prospectus. You should read both this Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement, together with any additional information which is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. This Prospectus may not be used to offer or sell securities without the Prospectus Supplement which includes a description of the method and terms of that offering.
The Company may sell the Securities on a continuous or delayed basis to or through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers. The Prospectus Supplement, which the Company will provide to you each time it offers Securities, will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the sale of the Securities, and any applicable fee, commission or discount arrangements with them. For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this Prospectus.
The Common Shares are traded on the NYSE MKT (which we refer to as “NYSE MKT”) and on the Toronto Stock Exchange (which we refer to as the “TSX”) under the symbol “VGZ”. On July 5, 2017, the last reported sale price of the Common Shares on the NYSE MKT was $0.87 per Common Share and on the TSX was C$1.10 per Common Share. There is currently no market through which the Securities, other than the Common Shares, may be sold and purchasers may not be able to resell the Securities purchased under this Prospectus. This may affect the pricing of the Securities, other than the Common Shares, in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices, the liquidity of these Securities and the extent of issuer regulation. See “Risk Factors”.
Investing in the Securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors” on page 4.
These Securities have not been approved or disapproved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or any state securities commission nor has the SEC or any state securities commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
| THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JULY 5, 2017 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Prospectus is a part of a registration statement that the Company filed with the SEC utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, the Company may sell any combination of the Securities described in this Prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of initial aggregate offering price of $100,000,000. This Prospectus provides you with a general description of the Securities that we may offer. The specific terms of the Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered will be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement and may include, where applicable: (i) in the case of Common Shares, the number of Common Shares offered, the offering price and any other specific terms of the offering; (ii) in the case of Warrants, the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares purchasable upon exercise of the Warrants, any procedures that will result in the adjustment of those numbers, the exercise price, dates and periods of exercise, and the currency or the currency unit in which the exercise price must be paid and any other specific terms; (iii) in the case of Subscription Receipts, the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares or Warrants receivable upon satisfaction of certain release conditions, any procedures that will result in the adjustment of those numbers, any additional payments to be made to holders of Subscription Receipts upon satisfaction of the release conditions, the terms of the release conditions, terms governing the escrow of all or a portion of the gross proceeds from the sale of the Subscription Receipts, terms for the refund of all or a portion of the purchase price for Subscription Receipts in the event the release conditions are not met and any other specific terms; and (iv) in the case of Units, the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares, Warrants, or Subscription Receipts comprising the Units. A Prospectus Supplement may include specific variable terms pertaining to the Securities that are not within the alternatives and parameters set forth in this Prospectus.
In connection with any offering of the Securities (unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement), the underwriters or agents may over-allot or effect transactions which stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities offered at a higher level than that which might exist in the open market. Such transactions, if commenced, may be interrupted or discontinued at any time. See “Plan of Distribution”.
Please carefully read both this Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement together with the documents incorporated herein by reference under “Documents Incorporated by Reference” and the additional information described below under “Where You Can Find More Information”.
Owning securities may subject you to tax consequences both in Canada and the United States. This Prospectus or any applicable Prospectus Supplement may not describe these tax consequences fully. You should read the tax discussion in any Prospectus Supplement with respect to a particular offering and consult your own tax advisor with respect to your own particular circumstances.
References in this Prospectus to “$” are to United States dollars. Canadian dollars are indicated by the symbol “C$”.
You should rely only on the information contained in this Prospectus. The Company has not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this Prospectus. The distribution or possession of this Prospectus in or from certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these Securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these Securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted or where the person making the offer or sale is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is not permitted to make such offer or sale. The information contained in this Prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this Prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this Prospectus or of any sale of the Securities. The Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
In this Prospectus and in any Prospectus Supplement, unless the context otherwise requires, references to “Vista”, “Vista Gold” and the “Company” refer to Vista Gold Corp., either alone or together with its subsidiaries.
| i |
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS REGARDING ESTIMATES OF MEASURED, INDICATED AND INFERRED RESOURCES AND PROVEN AND PROBABLE RESERVES
The terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral reserve” and “probable mineral reserve” are Canadian mining terms defined in 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”). These definitions differ from the definitions in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Industry Guide 7 (“SEC Industry Guide 7”) under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a “final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average metal price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves, and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.
In addition, the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a mineral deposit in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. “Inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic, technical and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all, or any part, of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically, technically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.
Accordingly, information contained in this Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain descriptions of our mineral deposits that may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
The term “mineralized material” as used in this annual report on Form 10-K, although permissible under SEC Industry Guide 7, does not indicate “reserves” by SEC Industry Guide 7 standards. We cannot be certain that any part of the mineralized material 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.
References to C$ refer to Canadian currency, A$ to Australian currency and $ to United States currency. All dollars amounts are expressed in thousands of dollars except references to per ounce and per share amounts.
| To Convert Imperial Measurement Units | To Metric Measurement Units | Multiply by | ||||
| Acres | Hectares | 0.4047 | ||||
| Feet | Meters | 0.3048 | ||||
| Miles | Kilometers | 1.6093 | ||||
| Tons (short) | Tonnes | 0.9071 | ||||
| Gallons | Liters | 3.785 | ||||
| Ounces (troy) | Grams | 31.103 | ||||
| Ounces (troy) per ton (short) | Grams per tonne | 34.286 | ||||
| ii |
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Prospectus, including all exhibits hereto and any documents that are incorporated by reference as set forth under “Documents Incorporated by Reference”, contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information under Canadian securities laws that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Prospectus, our other filings with the SEC and Canadian securities commissions and in press releases and public statements by our officers or representatives that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, such things as those listed below:
| · | our belief that selective screening and rejecting sub-economic material could improve gold recoveries and lower process operating costs at Mt Todd; |
| · | our expectation that we will complete additional feasibility level metallurgical studies by the end of the third quarter of 2017; |
| · | our expectation that we will update the July 2014 Preliminary Feasibility Study integrating possible flow sheet changes following completion of the additional metallurgical studies; |
| · | our expectation that we will complete the first draft of the mine management plan by the end of the third quarter of 2017; |
| · | our plans and available funding to continue to identify and study potential Mt Todd optimizations, project improvements and efficiencies; |
| · | the feasibility of Mt Todd; |
| · | our ability to sustain fixed costs (those cash expenditures necessary to ensure that we preserve our property rights and meet all of our safety, regulatory and environmental responsibilities) at $1,400 to $1,600 per quarter for several years; |
| · | our expectation that we will be able to fund Mt Todd to the point of a development decision; |
| · | the potential monetization of our non-core assets, including our mill equipment which is for sale, the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold project, and our Midas Gold Shares; |
| · | our expectation that 2017 R&D grants from the Government of Australia, if any, will not be material; |
| · | our ability to provide sufficient additional information required to complete the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 authorization; |
| · | estimates of future operating and financial performance; |
| · | potential funding requirements and sources of capital, including near-term sources of additional cash; |
| · | our expectation that the Company will continue to incur losses and will not pay dividends for the foreseeable future; |
| · | the timing, performance and results of feasibility studies; |
| · | our potential entry into agreements to find, lease, purchase, option or sell mineral interests; |
| · | plans for evaluation and advancement of Mt Todd; |
| · | our expectation of Mt Todd’s impact, including environmental and economic impacts; |
| · | plans and estimates concerning potential project exploration and development, including the use of high pressure grinding roll crushers and access to a water supply, as well as the ability to obtain all required permits; |
| · | our belief that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable mining, health, safety and environmental statutes and regulations in all of the jurisdictions in which we operate; |
| · | our belief that we maintain reasonable amounts of insurance; |
| · | estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources; |
| · | our intention to seek partners to advance the Guadalupe de los Reyes project; |
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| · | our intention to improve the value of our gold projects; |
| · | potential changes in regulations or taxation initiatives; and |
| · | our expectation that we will continue to be a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”). |
Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information have been based upon our current business and operating plans, as approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”); our cash and other funding requirements and timing and sources thereof; results of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, mineral resource and reserve estimates, preliminary economic assessments and exploration activities; advancements of the Company’s required permitting processes; current market conditions and project development plans. The words “estimate,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “will,” “may” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These factors include risks such as:
| · | our ability to raise additional capital or raise funds from the sale of non-core assets on favorable terms, if at all; |
| · | pre-feasibility and feasibility study results and preliminary assessment results and the accuracy of estimates and assumptions on which they are based; |
| · | resource and reserve estimate results, the accuracy of such estimates and the accuracy of sampling and subsequent assays and geologic interpretations on which they are based; |
| · | technical and operational feasibility and the economic viability of deposits; |
| · | our ability to obtain, renew or maintain the necessary authorizations and permits for Mt Todd, including its development plans and operating activities; |
| · | the timing and results of a feasibility study on Mt Todd; |
| · | delays in commencement of construction at Mt Todd; |
| · | increased costs that affect our operations or our financial condition; |
| · | our reliance on third parties to fulfill their obligations under agreements with us; |
| · | whether projects not managed by us will comply with our standards or meet our objectives; |
| · | a shortage of skilled labor, equipment and supplies; |
| · | whether our acquisition, exploration and development activities, as well as the realization of the market value of our assets, will be commercially successful and whether any transactions we enter into will maximize the realization of the market value of our assets; |
| · | the lack of cash dividend payments by us; |
| · | the success of future joint ventures, partnerships and other arrangements relating to our properties; |
| · | industry consolidation which could result in the acquisition of a control position in the Company for less than fair value; |
| · | perception of potential environmental impact of Mt Todd; |
| · | known and unknown environmental and reclamation liabilities, including reclamation requirements at Mt Todd; |
| · | our history of losses from operations; |
| · | future water supply issues at Mt Todd; |
| · | litigation or other legal claims; |
| · | environmental lawsuits; |
| · | lack of adequate insurance to cover potential liabilities; |
| · | our ability to attract, retain and hire key personnel; |
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| · | fluctuations in the price of gold; |
| · | volatility in our stock price; |
| · | inherent hazards of mining exploration, development and operating activities; |
| · | the accuracy of calculations of mineral reserves, mineral resources and mineralized material fluctuations therein based on metal prices, and inherent vulnerability of the ore and recoverability of metal in the mining process; |
| · | changes in environmental regulations to which our exploration and development operations are subject; |
| · | changes in climate change regulations could result in increased operating costs; |
| · | intense competition in the mining industry; |
| · | potential challenges to the title to our mineral properties; |
| · | evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations; |
| · | tax initiatives on domestic and international levels; |
| · | fluctuation in foreign currency values; |
| · | potential review of our Australian R&D grants; and |
| · | our likely status as a PFIC for U.S. federal tax purposes. |
For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, please see “Risk Factors” below in this Prospectus. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that these statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in the statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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Overview of the Company
Vista Gold Corp. and its subsidiaries are engaged in the gold mining industry. We are focused on the evaluation, acquisition, exploration and advancement of gold exploration and potential development projects, which may lead to gold production or value adding strategic transactions such as earn-in right agreements, option agreements, leases to third parties, joint venture arrangements with other mining companies, or outright sales of assets for cash and/or other consideration. We look for opportunities to improve the value of our gold projects through exploration drilling and/or technical studies focused on optimizing previous engineering work. We do not currently generate cash flows from mining operations.
The Company’s flagship asset is its 100% owned Mt Todd gold project (“Mt Todd”) in the Northern Territory (“NT”) Australia, where we are seeking approval of our final environmental authorization and evaluating potential material process improvements in anticipation of commencing an update of our July 2014 Preliminary Feasibility Study (“PFS”).
Ultimately, a development decision at Mt Todd will depend on several factors, principally a sustainable acceptable gold price, a favorable outlook for the AUD:USD exchange rate, completion of a positive feasibility study and the availability of financing. With 60%-70% of the project capital and operating costs denominated in Australian dollars, the current AUD:USD exchange rate has a material favorable impact on the project economics, substantially mitigating the effects of the lower current USD gold price.
As one of the largest undeveloped gold projects in Australia, we believe Mt Todd is a highly strategic gold project with several potential paths to production. Our strong working capital position provides us flexibility and the assurance that we can continue to fund further optimization studies at Mt Todd, and to select a development strategy that we believe will have the best potential to maximize value for our shareholders.
Vista Gold Corp. was originally incorporated on November 28, 1983 under the name “Granges Exploration Ltd.” It amalgamated with Pecos Resources Ltd. during June 1985 and continued as Granges Exploration Ltd. In June 1989, Granges Exploration Ltd. changed its name to Granges Inc. Granges Inc. amalgamated with Hycroft Resources & Development Corporation during May 1995 and continued as Granges Inc. Effective November 1996, Da Capo Resources Ltd. and Granges, Inc. amalgamated under the name “Vista Gold Corp.” and, effective December 1997, Vista Gold continued from British Columbia to the Yukon Territory, Canada under the Business Corporations Act (Yukon Territory). On June 11, 2013, Vista Gold continued from the Yukon Territory, Canada to the Province of British Columbia, Canada under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). The current addresses, telephone and facsimile numbers of our offices are:
| Executive Office | Registered and Records Office | |
| Suite 5 - 7961 Shaffer Parkway | 1200 Waterfront Centre – 200 Burrard Street | |
| Littleton, Colorado, USA 80127 | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V7X 1T2 | |
| Telephone: (720) 981-1185 | Telephone: (604) 687-5744 | |
| Facsimile: (720) 981-1186 | Facsimile: (604) 687-1415 |
Recent Developments
Mt Todd Gold Project
In late 2016, we completed preliminary Mt Todd process area optimization studies that indicated that selective screening, rejecting sub-economic, coarse crusher product prior to grinding and two-stage grinding, could be expected to produce higher gold recoveries and lower process area operating costs.
Corporate
In 2016, the Company received a total of $1,295 Research & Development (“R&D”) Tax Incentive refunds, net of costs to prepare and file. These amounts were paid under the Australian Government’s R&D Tax Incentive Program, a program designed to encourage industry to engage in R&D activities that benefit Australia; and relate to costs we incurred during the 2014 and 2015 fiscal years for qualifying R&D programs. This R&D Tax Incentive program is a self-assessment process, and as such, the Australian Government has the right to review the qualifying programs and expenditures for a period of four years.
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During August 2016, we closed a public offering of 12,362,500 units (the “Units”), which included 1,612,500 Units issued pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, for net proceeds of approximately $15,883 (the “2016 Offering”). Each Unit consisted of one common share in the capital of the Company (“Common Share”) and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each full warrant, a “2016 Warrant”). A total of 6,514,625 2016 Warrants were issued, including 333,375 broker warrants issued to the underwriters. Each 2016 Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $1.92 per Common Share (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances) and is exercisable for a period of 36 months from the closing of the 2016 Offering.
The Securities Offered under this Prospectus
The Company may offer the Common Shares, Warrants, Subscription Receipts or Units with a total value of up to $100,000,000 from time to time under this Prospectus, together with any applicable Prospectus Supplement, at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of offering. This Prospectus provides you with a general description of the Securities the Company may offer. Each time the Company offers Securities, it will provide a Prospectus Supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices and other important terms of the Securities, including, to the extent applicable:
| · | designation or classification; |
| · | aggregate offering price; |
| · | original issue discount, if any; |
| · | rates and times of payment of dividends, if any; |
| · | redemption, conversion or exchange terms, if any; |
| · | conversion or exchange prices, if any, and, if applicable, any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the conversion or exchange prices and in the securities or other property receivable upon conversion or exchange; |
| · | restrictive covenants, if any; |
| · | voting or other rights, if any; and |
| · | important United States and Canadian federal income tax considerations. |
A Prospectus Supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this Prospectus or in documents the Company has incorporated by reference. However, no Prospectus Supplement will offer a security that is not described in this Prospectus.
The Company may sell the Securities on a continuous or delayed basis to or through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers. The Prospectus Supplement, which the Company will provide each time it offers Securities, will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the sale of the Securities, and any applicable fee, commission or discount arrangements with them.
Common Shares
The Company may offer Common Shares. The Company may issue Common Shares independently or together with Warrants or Subscription Receipts, and the Common Shares may be attached to or separate from such securities. Holders of Common Shares are entitled to one vote per Common Share on all matters that require shareholder approval. Holders of Common Shares are entitled to dividends when and if declared by the Board. The Common Shares are described in greater detail in this Prospectus under “Description of Common Shares”.
Warrants
The Company may offer Warrants for the purchase of Common Shares, in one or more series, from time to time. The Company may issue Warrants independently or together with Common Shares or Subscription Receipts, and the Warrants may be attached to or separate from such securities. Warrants to be issued under this Prospectus may or may not be listed on the TSX or on any other securities exchange. The Prospectus Supplement regarding any Warrant to be issued under this Prospectus will provide disclosure regarding whether the Warrants to be issued under such Prospectus Supplement will be listed or are listed on a securities exchange and will be filed in Canada on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR”) and in the United States with the SEC.
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The Warrants will be evidenced by warrant certificates and may be issued under one or more warrant indentures, which are contracts between the Company and a warrant trustee for the holders of the Warrants. In this Prospectus, the Company has summarized certain general features of the Warrants under “Description of Warrants.” The Company urges you, however, to read any Prospectus Supplement related to the series of Warrants being offered, as well as the complete warrant indentures and warrant certificates that contain the terms of the Warrants. Specific warrant indentures will contain additional important terms and provisions and will be filed in the United States on Form 8-K with the SEC and will be filed in Canada on SEDAR.
Subscription Receipts
The Company may issue Subscription Receipts, which will entitle holders to receive upon satisfaction of certain release conditions and for no additional consideration, Common Shares, Warrants or any combination thereof. Subscription Receipts will be issued pursuant to one or more subscription receipt agreements, each to be entered into between the Company and an escrow agent, which will establish the terms and conditions of the Subscription Receipts. Each escrow agent will be a financial institution organized under the laws of Canada or a province thereof and authorized to carry on business as a trustee. A copy of the form of subscription receipt agreement will be filed in the United States on Form 8-K with the SEC and will be filed in Canada on SEDAR.
In the Prospectus, the Company has summarized certain general features of the Subscription Receipts under “Description of Subscription Receipts”. The Company urges you, however, to read any Prospectus Supplement related to Subscription Receipts being offered, as well as the complete subscription receipt agreement.
Units
The Company may offer Units consisting of Common Shares, Warrants and/or Subscription Receipts to purchase any of such securities in one or more series. This Prospectus contains a summary of certain general features of the Units under “Description of Units.” The Company urges you, however, to read any Prospectus Supplement related to the series of Units being offered. The Company may evidence each series of units by unit certificates that the Company will issue under a separate unit agreement with a unit agent. The Company will file in the United States on Form 8-K with the SEC and will file in Canada on SEDAR the unit agreements that describe the terms of the series of Units the Company is offering before the issuance of the related series of Units.
THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO OFFER OR SELL ANY SECURITIES UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
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Investing in the Securities involves a high degree of risk. Prospective investors in a particular offering of Securities should carefully consider the following risks as well as the other information contained in this Prospectus, any applicable Prospectus Supplement, and the documents incorporated by reference herein before investing in the Securities. If any of the following risks actually occurs, the Company’s business could be materially harmed. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones the Company faces. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those of which the Company is currently unaware or that the Company deems immaterial, may also adversely affect the Company’s business.
Operating Risks
We cannot be assured that Mt Todd is feasible or that a feasibility study will accurately forecast operating results.
Mt Todd is our principal asset. Our future profitability depends largely on the economic feasibility of the project. Before arranging financing for Mt Todd, we will have to complete a feasibility study. There can be no assurance that the results of the feasibility study will be positive or that such study will be completed when expected. If the Mt Todd feasibility study is favorable, and if the project can be financed, there is no assurance that actual production rates, revenues, capital and operating costs at Mt Todd will not vary unfavorably from the estimates and assumptions included in the feasibility study.
Mt Todd requires substantial capital investment and we may be unable to raise sufficient capital on favorable terms or at all.
The construction and operation of Mt Todd will require significant capital. Our ability to raise sufficient capital will depend on several factors, including a favorable feasibility study, acquisition of the requisite permits, macroeconomic conditions, and future gold prices. Uncontrollable factors such as lower gold prices, unanticipated operating or permitting challenges, perception of environmental impact, illiquidity in the debt markets or equity markets, could impede our ability to finance Mt Todd on acceptable terms, if at all.
If we decide to construct the mine at Mt Todd, we will be assuming certain reclamation obligations resulting in a material financial obligation.
The Mt Todd site was not reclaimed when the original mine closed. Although we are not currently responsible for the reclamation of these historical disturbances, we will accept full responsibility for them if and when we make a decision to finance and construct the mine and we provide 30 days’ notice to NT Government of our intention to take over and assume the management, operation and rehabilitation of Mt Todd. At that time, we will be required to provide a bond in a form and amount satisfactory to the NT Government (in whose jurisdiction Mt Todd is located) that would cover the prospective expense of the reclamation of the property. In addition, the regulatory authorities may increase reclamation and bonding requirements from time to time. The satisfaction of these bonding requirements and continuing or future reclamation obligations will require a significant amount of capital.
We may not be able to get the required permits to begin construction at Mt Todd in a timely manner or at all.
Any delay in acquiring the requisite permits, or failure to receive required governmental approvals could delay or prevent the start of construction of Mt Todd. If we are unable to acquire permits to mine the property, then the project cannot be developed and operated; in addition the property will have no reserves under SEC Industry Guide 7 and NI 43-101, which would result in an impairment of the carrying value of the project.
There may be other delays in the construction of Mt Todd.
Delays in commencement of construction could result from factors such as availability and performance of engineering and construction contractors, suppliers and consultants; availability of required equipment; and availability of capital. Any delay in the performance of any one or more of the contractors, suppliers, consultants or other persons on which we depend, or lack of availability of required equipment, or delay or failure to receive required governmental approvals, or financing could delay or prevent commencement of construction at Mt Todd. There can be no assurance of whether or when construction at Mt Todd will start or that the necessary personnel, equipment or supplies will be available to the Company if and when construction is started.
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Increased costs could impede our ability to become profitable.
Costs at any particular mining location frequently are subject to variation due to a number of factors, such as changing ore grade, changing metallurgy, and revisions to mine plans in response to the physical shape and location of the ore body. In addition, costs are affected by the price of commodities, fuel, electricity, operating supplies and labor. These costs are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make future production at Mt Todd less profitable or uneconomic. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
We cannot be assured that we will have an adequate water supply at Mt Todd.
Water at Mt Todd is expected to be provided from a fresh water reservoir which is fed by seasonal rains. Insufficient rainfall, or drought-like conditions in the area feeding the reservoir could limit or extinguish this water supply, and sufficient water resources may not be available leading to operations stopping until the water supply is replenished.
We could be subject to litigation or other legal claims.
Our assets or our business activities may be subject to disputes that may result in litigation or other legal claims. We may be required to respond to or defend against these claims which will divert resources away from our principal business. There can be no assurance that our defense of such claims would be successful, and we may be required to make material settlements. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and cash flows, results of operations, and corporate reputation.
We rely on third parties to fulfill their obligations under agreements.
Our business strategy includes entering into agreements with third-parties (“Partners”) which may earn the right to obtain a majority interest in certain of our projects, in part by managing the respective project. Whether or not we hold a majority interest in a respective project, our Partner(s) may: (i) have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with or opposed to ours; (ii) exercise veto rights to block actions that we believe to be in the best interests of the project; (iii) take action contrary to our policies or objectives; or (iv) as a result of financial or other difficulties, be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations under the respective joint venture, option, earn-in right or other agreement(s), such as contributing capital for the expansion or maintenance of projects. Any one or a combination of these could result in liabilities for us and/or could adversely affect the value of the related project(s) and, by association, damage our reputation and consequently our ability to acquire or advance other projects and/or attract future Partners.
Our exploration and development interests are subject to evolving environmental regulations.
Our property and royalty interests are subject to environmental regulation. Environmental legislation is becoming more restrictive in some countries or jurisdictions in a manner that will 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. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not adversely affect our interests. Currently, our property and royalty interests are subject to government environmental regulations in Australia, Indonesia, Mexico and the U.S.
We could be subject to environmental lawsuits.
Neighboring landowners and other third parties could file claims based on environmental statutes and common law for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances or other waste material into the environment on or around our properties. There can be no assurance that our defense of such claims would be successful. This could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, financial condition, results of operation, and corporate reputation.
We may have material undisclosed environmental liabilities of which we are not aware
Vista has been engaged in gold exploration since 1983. Since inception the Company has been involved in a large number of exploration projects in many different jurisdictions. There may be environmental liabilities associated with disturbances at any of these projects for which the Company may be identified as a probable responsible party, regardless of its level of involvement in creating the related disturbance. We may not be aware of such claims against the Company until regulators provide notice thereof. Consequently, we may have material undisclosed environmental responsibilities which could negatively affect our results of operations, cash flows and corporate reputation.
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There may be challenges to our title to mineral properties.
There may be challenges to our title to our mineral properties. If there are title defects with respect to any of our properties, we may be required to compensate other persons or perhaps reduce our interest in the affected property. Also, in any such case, the investigation and resolution of title issues could divert Company resources from our core strategies.
Financial and Business Risks
A substantial or extended decline in gold prices would have a material adverse effect on the value of our assets, on our ability to raise capital and could result in lower than estimated economic returns.
The value of our assets, our ability to raise capital and our future economic returns are substantially dependent on the price of gold. The gold price fluctuates on a daily basis and is affected by numerous factors beyond our control. Factors tending to influence gold prices include:
| · | gold sales or leasing by governments and central banks or changes in their monetary policy, including gold inventory management and reallocation of reserves; |
| · | speculative short positions taken by significant investors or traders in gold; |
| · | the relative strength of the U.S. dollar; |
| · | expectations of the future rate of inflation; |
| · | interest rates; |
| · | changes to economic activity in the United States, China, India and other industrialized or developing countries; |
| · | geopolitical conflicts; |
| · | changes in jewelry, investment or industrial demand; |
| · | changes in supply from production, disinvestment and scrap; and |
| · | forward sales by producers in hedging or similar transactions. |
A substantial or extended decline in the gold price could:
| · | negatively impact our ability to raise capital on favorable terms, or at all; |
| · | jeopardize the development of Mt Todd; |
| · | reduce our existing estimated mineral resources and reserves by removing ores from these estimates that could not be economically processed at the lower gold price; |
| · | reduce the potential for future revenues from gold projects in which we have an interest; |
| · | reduce funds available to operate our business; and |
| · | reduce the market value of our assets, including our investment in Midas Gold Shares. |
Industry consolidation could result in the acquisition of a control position in the Company for less than fair value.
Consolidation within the industry is a growing trend. As a result of the broad market and industry factors including the price of gold, we believe the current market value of our common stock does not reflect the fair value of the Company’s assets. These conditions could result in the acquisition of a control position, or attempted acquisition of a control position in the Company at what we believe to be less than fair value. This could result in substantial costs to us and divert our management’s attention and resources. A completed acquisition could result in realized losses of shareholder value.
We have a history of losses, and we do not expect to generate earnings from operations or pay dividends in the near term.
We are an exploration stage enterprise. As such, we devote our efforts to exploration, analysis and, if warranted, development of our projects. We do not currently produce gold and do not currently generate operating earnings from gold production. We finance our business activities principally by issuing equity and/or debt, and selling non-core assets.
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We have incurred losses in all periods since 1998, except for the year ended December 31, 2011, during which we recorded non-cash net gains, and the year ended December 31, 2015 during which we recorded gains related to R&D Refunds. We expect to continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future. We have no history of paying cash dividends and we do not expect to be able to pay cash dividends or to make any similar distribution in the foreseeable future.
We may be unable to raise additional capital on favorable terms, if at all.
Our exploration and, if warranted, development activities and the construction and start-up of any mining operation require substantial amounts of capital. In order to develop Mt Todd, and/or to acquire attractive gold projects, we will have to raise additional funds from the sale of non-core assets and / or external sources. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in selling non-core assets or that additional financing will be available at all or on acceptable terms. If we cannot raise sufficient additional financing, we may have to substantially reduce or cease operations.
Our exploration and development activities or any acquisition activities may not be commercially successful.
Substantial expenditures are required to acquire gold properties, to establish mineral reserves through drilling and analysis, to develop metallurgical processes to extract metal from the ore and to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. We cannot be assured that any mineral reserves or mineral resources acquired, established or discovered will be in sufficient quantities to justify commercial operations or that the funds invested in them will ever be recovered.
Our business is subject to evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations that have increased both our compliance costs and the risk of noncompliance.
We are subject to changing rules and regulations promulgated by a number of governmental and self-regulated organizations, including the British Columbia Securities Commission, the SEC, the TSX, the NYSE MKT, and the Financial Accounting Standards Board. These rules and regulations continue to evolve in scope and complexity and many new requirements have been created in response to laws enacted by the United States Congress, making compliance increasingly more difficult and uncertain, which could have an adverse effect on reputation and our stock price.
We face intense competition in the mining industry.
The mining industry is intensely competitive in all of its phases. Some of our competitors are much larger, established mining companies with greater financial and technical resources than ours. We compete with other mining companies for attractive mining claims, for capital, for equipment and supplies, for outside services and for qualified managerial and technical employees. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital, we will be unable to execute exploration and development programs or such programs may be reduced in scope. Competition for equipment and supplies could result in shortage of necessary supplies and/or increased costs. Competition for outside services could result in increased costs, reduced quality of service and/or delays in completing services. If we cannot successfully retain or attract qualified employees, our ability to advance the development of Mt Todd, to attract necessary financing, to meet all of our environmental and regulatory responsibilities, or to take opportunities to improve our business, could be negatively affected. This could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and corporate reputation.
The occurrence of events for which we are not insured may affect our cash flow and overall profitability.
We maintain insurance policies that mitigate certain risks related to our operations. This insurance is maintained in amounts that we believe to be reasonable based on the circumstances surrounding each identified risk. However, we may elect not to have insurance for certain risks because of the high premiums associated with insuring those risks or for various other reasons; in other cases, insurance may not be available for certain risks. We do not insure against political risk. Occurrence of events for which we are not insured could result in significant losses that could materially adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to fund our business.
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Our stock price may be volatile and your investment in our common stock could suffer a decline in value.
Broad market and industry factors may adversely affect the price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. Factors that could cause fluctuation in the price of our common stock may include, among other things:
| · | changes in financial estimates by us or by any securities analysts who might cover our stock; |
| · | stock market price and volume fluctuations of other publicly traded companies and, in particular, those that are in the mining industry; |
| · | speculation about our business in the press or the investment community; |
| · | conditions or trends in our industry or the economy generally; |
| · | changes in the prices of gold; |
| · | announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships or divestitures; |
| · | additions or departures of key personnel; and |
| · | sales of our common stock, including sales by our directors, officers or significant stockholders. |
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in their stock price. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs to us and divert our management’s attention and resources.
Currency fluctuations may adversely affect our costs.
We have material property interests in Australia. Most costs in Australia are incurred in the local currency. The appreciation of the Australian dollar against the U.S. dollar effectively increases our cost of doing business in Australia. This could have the effect of increasing the amount of capital required to continue to explore and develop Mt Todd, and/or reducing the pace at which it is developed.
Our Australian Research and development (“R&D”) grants are subject to review
The Australian R&D tax incentive program, under which we have received certain grants related to qualifying R&D programs and expenditures, is a self-assessment process, and as such, the Australian Government has the right to review our qualifying programs and related expenditures for a period of four years. If such a review were to occur, and as a result of the review and failure of a related appeal a qualified program and related expenditures were disqualified, some or all of the respective R&D grant could be recalled with penalties and interest.
The Company is likely a “passive foreign investment company,” which will likely have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S. shareholders.
U.S. shareholders of our common shares should be aware that the Company believes it was classified as a PFIC during the taxable year ended December 31, 2016, and based on current business plans and financial projections, management believes there is a significant likelihood that the Company will be a PFIC during the current taxable year. If the Company is a PFIC for any year during a U.S. shareholder’s holding period, then such U.S. shareholder generally will be required to treat any gain realized upon a disposition of Common Shares, or any so-called “excess distribution” received on their Common Shares, as ordinary income, and to pay an interest charge on a portion of such gain or distributions, unless the shareholder makes a timely and effective “qualified electing fund” (“QEF Election”) or a “mark-to-market” election with respect to the Common Shares. A U.S. shareholder who makes a QEF Election generally must report on a current basis its share of the net capital gain and ordinary earnings for any year in which the Company is PFIC, whether or not the Company distributes any amounts to its shareholders. U.S. shareholders should be aware that there can be no assurance that the Company will satisfy record keeping requirements that apply to a QEF Election, or that the Company will supply U.S. shareholders with information that such U.S. shareholders require to report under the QEF Election rules, in event that the Company is a PFIC and a U.S. shareholder wishes to make a QEF Election. Thus, U.S. shareholders may not be able to make a QEF Election with respect to their Common Shares. A U.S. shareholder who makes the mark-to-market election generally must include as ordinary income each year the excess of the fair market value of the Common Shares over the taxpayer’s basis therein. This paragraph is qualified in its entirety by the discussion below in “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities - “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.” Each U.S. shareholder should consult his or her own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences of the PFIC rules and the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
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Industry Risks
Calculations of mineral reserves and mineral resources are estimates only and subject to uncertainty.
The estimating of mineral reserves and mineral resources is an imprecise process and the accuracy of such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, the assumptions used and judgments made in interpreting engineering and geological information and estimating future capital and operating costs. There is significant uncertainty in any reserve or resource estimate, and the economic results of mining an ore deposit may differ materially from the estimates.
Feasibility studies are estimates only and subject to uncertainty.
Feasibility studies are used to determine the economic viability of an ore deposit, as are pre-feasibility studies and preliminary economic assessments. Feasibility studies are the most detailed studies and reflect a higher level of confidence in the estimated production rates, and capital and operating costs. Generally accepted levels of confidence are plus or minus 15% for feasibility studies, plus or minus 25-30% for pre-feasibility studies and plus or minus 35-40% for preliminary economic assessments. These levels reflect the levels of confidence that exist at the time the study is completed. Subsequent changes to metal prices, foreign exchange rates (if applicable), reclamation requirements, operating and capital costs may differ materially from these estimates.
Mining companies are increasingly required to consider and provide benefits to the communities and countries in which they operate, and are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety laws and regulations.
As a result of public concern about the real or perceived detrimental effects of economic globalization and global climate impacts, businesses in general and the mining industry in particular, face increasing public scrutiny of their activities. These businesses are under pressure to demonstrate that as they seek to generate satisfactory returns on investment to shareholders, other stakeholders, including employees, governments, indigenous peoples, communities surrounding operations and the countries in which they operate, benefit and will continue to benefit from their commercial activities. The potential consequences of these pressures include reputational damage, legal suits, increased costs, increased social investment obligations, difficulty in acquiring permits, and increased taxes and royalties payable to governments and communities.
Mining exploration, development and operating activities are inherently hazardous.
Mineral exploration involves many risks that even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. Operations in which we have direct or indirect interests will be subject to all the hazards and risks normally incidental to exploration, development and production of gold and other metals, any of which could result in work stoppages, damage to property, physical harm and possible environmental damage. The nature of these risks is such that liabilities might exceed any liability insurance policy limits. It is also possible that the liabilities and hazards might not be insurable, or, we could elect not to be insured against such liabilities due to high premium costs or other reasons, in which event, we could incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
Regulations and pending legislation involving climate change could result in increased operating costs.
Gold production is energy intensive, resulting in a significant carbon footprint. A number of governments and/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. This type of legislation and possible future legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose significant costs related to increased energy requirements, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations.
Pending initiatives involving taxation could result in increased tax and operating costs.
There is growing attention from the media and the public on perceived international tax avoidance techniques which could result in escalating rates of poverty, inequality and unemployment in host countries. Initiatives like the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project being led by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development aim to reform the system of international taxation to minimize international tax avoidance techniques. This initiative and possible future initiatives could result in increased tax expense and related compliance costs for future international mining operations.
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows the Company to “incorporate by reference” information it files with the SEC. This means that the Company can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Any information the Company references in this manner is considered part of this Prospectus. Information the Company files with the SEC after the date of this Prospectus will automatically update and, to the extent inconsistent, supersede the information contained in this Prospectus.
The following documents which have been filed by the Company with securities commissions or similar authorities in Canada and with the SEC, are specifically incorporated by reference into, and form an integral part of, this Prospectus.
| (a) | the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company, for the year ended December 31, 2016, which report contains the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto as at December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, together with the auditors’ report thereon and the related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, as filed with the SEC on February 22, 2017; |
| (b) | the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, dated March 17, 2017, in connection with the Company’s April 27, 2017 annual general meeting of shareholders, including the information specifically incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, as filed with the SEC on March 17, 2017; |
| (c) | the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, which report contains the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto as at March 31, 2017 and for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 and the related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, as filed with the SEC on April 28, 2017; |
| (d) | the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on May 3, 2017; |
| (e) | the description of the Company’s common stock contained in its registration statement on Form 8-A filed on January 4, 1988, including any amendment or report filed for purposes of updating such description; and |
| (f) | all other documents filed by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (excluding, unless otherwise provided therein or herein, information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 on any Current Report on Form 8-K), after the date of this Prospectus but before the end of the offering of the securities made by this Prospectus. |
We also hereby specifically incorporate by reference all filings filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of the initial registration statement on Form S-3 to which this Prospectus relates and prior to effectiveness of such registration statement.
You may obtain copies of any of these documents by contacting us at the address and telephone number indicated below or by contacting the SEC as described below. You may request a copy of these documents, and any exhibits that have specifically been incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus supplement, at no cost, by writing or telephoning to:
Vista Gold Corp.
7961 Shaffer Parkway, Suite 5
Littleton, Colorado 80127
Attention: John F. Engele, Chief Financial Officer
(720) 981-1185
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Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities will be used by the Company for development of existing or acquired mineral properties and may also be used for acquisitions, working capital requirements, to repay indebtedness outstanding from time to time or for other general corporate purposes. The Company may, from time to time, issue Common Shares or other securities otherwise than through the offering of Securities pursuant to this Prospectus.
MARKET FOR COMMON SHARES AND WARRANTS
The common shares of Vista Gold are listed on the NYSE MKT. The following table sets out the reported high and low sale prices on the NYSE MKT for the periods indicated as reported by the exchange.
| NYSE MKT | ||||||||
| High | Low | |||||||
| 2015 | ||||||||
| 1st quarter | $ | 0.45 | $ | 0.28 | ||||
| 2nd quarter | 0.40 | 0.30 | ||||||
| 3rd quarter | 0.33 | 0.24 | ||||||
| 4th quarter | 0.37 | 0.26 | ||||||
| 2016 | ||||||||
| 1st quarter | 0.60 | 0.27 | ||||||
| 2nd quarter | 2.09 | 0.44 | ||||||
| 3rd quarter | 2.05 | 0.87 | ||||||
| 4th quarter | 1.14 | 0.80 | ||||||
| 2017 | ||||||||
| 1st quarter | 1.24 | 0.90 | ||||||
| 2nd quarter (through July 5, 2017) | 1.11 | 0.81 | ||||||
On July 5, 2017, the last reported sale price of the common shares of Vista Gold on the NYSE MKT was $0.87, there were 98,196,308 Common Shares issued and outstanding, and we had approximately 290 registered shareholders of record.
Dividends
We have never paid cash dividends. The declaration and payment of future dividends, if any, will be determined by our Board and will depend on our earnings, financial condition, future cash requirements and other relevant factors.
Exchange Controls
There are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Canada that restrict the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls, or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of the securities of Vista, other than Canadian withholding tax. See “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Residents” below.
Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Residents
The following summarizes certain Canadian federal income tax consequences generally applicable under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations enacted thereunder (collectively, the “Canadian Tax Act”) and the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980) (the “Convention”) to the holding and disposition of Common Shares.
Comment is restricted to holders of Common Shares each of whom, at all material times for the purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and the Convention, (i) is resident solely in the United States, (ii) is entitled to the benefits of the Convention, (iii) holds all Common Shares as capital property, (iii) holds no Common Shares that are “taxable Canadian property” (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act) of the holder, (iv) deals at arm’s length with and is not affiliated with Vista Gold, (v) does not and is not deemed to use or hold any Common Shares in a business carried on in Canada, and (vi) is not an insurer that carries on business in Canada and elsewhere (each such holder, a “U.S. Resident Holder”).
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Certain U.S.-resident entities that are fiscally transparent for United States federal income tax purposes (including limited liability companies) may not in all circumstances be regarded by the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”) as entitled to the benefits of the Convention. Members of or holders of an interest in such an entity that holds Common Shares should consult their own tax advisers regarding the extent, if any, to which the CRA will extend the benefits of the Convention to the entity in respect of its Common Shares.
Generally, a holder’s Common Shares will be considered to be capital property of the holder provided that the holder is not a trader or dealer in securities, did not acquire, hold or dispose of the Common Shares in one or more transactions considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of trade (i.e. speculation), and does not hold the Common Shares as inventory in the course of carrying on a business.
Generally, a holder’s Common Shares will not constitute “taxable Canadian property” of the holder at a particular time at which the Common Shares are listed on a “designated stock exchange” (which currently includes the TSX) unless both of the following conditions are true:
| (i) | the holder or any one or more persons with whom the holder does not deal at arm’s length owned, alone or in any combination, 25% or more of the issued shares of any class of the capital stock of Vista Gold at any time in the 60 months preceding the particular time; and |
| (ii) | more than 50% of the fair market value of the Common Shares was derived directly or indirectly from, or from any combination of, real or immovable property situated in Canada, “Canadian resource properties” (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act), “timber resource properties” (as so defined), or options or interests therein, at any time in the 60 months preceding the particular time. |
This summary is based on the current provisions of the Canadian Tax Act and the Convention in effect on the date hereof, all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act and Convention publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) on or before the date hereof, and the current published administrative and assessing policies of the CRA. It is assumed that all such amendments will be enacted as currently proposed, and that there will be no other material change to any applicable law or administrative or assessing practice, although no assurance can be given in these respects. Except as otherwise expressly provided, this summary does not take into account any provincial, territorial or foreign tax considerations, which may differ materially from those set out herein.
This summary is of a general nature only, is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax considerations, and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice to any particular U.S. Resident Holder. U.S. Resident Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisers for advice with respect to their particular circumstances. The discussion below is qualified accordingly.
A U.S. Resident Holder who disposes or is deemed to dispose of one or more Common Shares generally should not thereby incur any liability for Canadian federal income tax in respect of any capital gain arising as a consequence of the disposition.
A U.S. Resident Holder to whom Vista Gold pays or is deemed to pay a dividend on the holder’s Common Shares will be subject to Canadian withholding tax, and Vista Gold will be required to withhold the tax from the dividend and remit it to the CRA for the holder’s account. The rate of withholding tax under the Canadian Tax Act is 25% of the gross amount of the dividend, but should generally be reduced under the Convention to 15% (or, if the U.S. Resident Holder owns at least 10% of the voting stock of Vista Gold, 5%) of the gross amount of the dividend.
Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Residents
There may be material tax consequences to U.S. Residents in relation to an acquisition or disposition of Common Shares or other securities of the Company. U.S. Residents should consult their own legal, accounting and tax advisors regarding such tax consequences under United States, state, local or foreign tax law regarding the acquisition or disposition of our Common Shares or other securities, in particular, the tax consequences of the Company likely being a “passive foreign investment company” (commonly known as a “PFIC”) within the meaning of Section 1297 of the United States Internal Revenue Code. See Risk Factors - The Company is likely a “passive foreign investment company”, above, which will likely have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S. shareholders” above.
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Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
None.
CERTAIN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe certain Canadian federal income tax consequences to investors described therein of acquiring Securities including, in the case of investors who are not residents of Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada), whether payment of any amount in respect of a security will be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding tax.
The applicable Prospectus Supplement will also describe certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Securities by an initial investor who is a U.S. person (within the meaning of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code), if applicable, including, to the extent applicable, any such consequences relating to Securities payable in a currency other than the U.S. dollar, issued at an original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes or containing early redemption provisions or other special terms.
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares, without par value, of which 98,196,308 are issued and outstanding as at the date of this Prospectus. There are 6,514,625 Warrants to acquire 6,514,625 Common Shares, which expire on August 8, 2019. The Warrants were issued on August 8, 2016 and each Warrant can be exercised to acquire one Common Share at a purchase price $1.92 until the expiry of the Warrant.
Under our Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) and our Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”), we may grant options and/or RSUs or restricted stock awards to our directors, officers, employees and consultants. The combined maximum number of our Common Shares that may be reserved for issuance under the Plan and the LTIP is a variable number equal to 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. Options and RSUs under the Plan and LTIP, respectively, are granted from time to time at the discretion of the Board, with vesting periods and other terms as determined by the Board. There are options outstanding to purchase up to 1,544,500 Common Shares at prices ranging from $0.36 to $3.14. There are 2,411,387 restricted stock units outstanding. Upon the vesting conditions being met a holder of restricted stock units is entitled to receive one Common Share for each restricted stock unit held.
The Company may issue Common Shares independently or together with Warrants or Subscription Receipts, and the Common Shares may be attached to or separately from such securities.
Holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive notice of and to attend any meetings of shareholders of the Company and at any meetings of shareholders to one vote for each Common Share held, to receive dividends as and when declared by the directors of the Company and to receive a pro rata share of the assets of the Company available for distribution to the shareholders in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company. There are no pre-emptive, conversion or redemption rights attached to the Common Shares.
The following description, together with the additional information the Company may include in any applicable Prospectus Supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the Warrants that the Company may offer under this Prospectus, which will consist of Warrants to purchase Common Shares and may be issued in one or more series. Warrants may be offered independently or together with Common Shares or Subscription Receipts offered by any Prospectus Supplement, and may be attached to or separate from those Securities. While the terms the Company has summarized below will apply generally to any Warrants that it may offer under this Prospectus, the Company will describe the particular terms of any series of Warrants that it may offer in more detail in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The terms of any Warrants offered under a Prospectus Supplement may differ from the terms described below.
General
Warrants will be issued under and governed by the terms of one or more warrant indentures (each a “Warrant Indenture”) between the Company and a warrant trustee (the “Warrant Trustee”) that the Company will name in the relevant Prospectus Supplement. Each Warrant Trustee will be a financial institution organized under the laws of Canada or any province thereof and authorized to carry on business as a trustee.
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This summary of some of the provisions of the Warrants is not complete. The statements made in this Prospectus relating to any Warrant Indenture and Warrants to be issued under this Prospectus are summaries of certain anticipated provisions thereof and do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the applicable Warrant Indenture. Prospective investors should refer to the Warrant Indenture relating to the specific Warrants being offered for the complete terms of the Warrants. The Company urges you to read the applicable Prospectus Supplement related to the applicable Warrants that the Company sells under this Prospectus, as well as the complete Warrant Indenture and Warrant Certificate. In the United States, the Company will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that the Company files with the SEC, any Warrant Indenture describing the terms and conditions of Warrants the Company is offering before the issuance of such Warrants. In Canada, the Company will file on SEDAR a copy of any Warrant Indenture after the Company has entered into it.
Warrants
The particular terms of each issue of Warrants will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. This description will include, where applicable:
| · | the designation and aggregate number of Warrants; |
| · | the price at which the Warrants will be offered; |
| · | the currency or currencies in which the Warrants will be offered; |
| · | the date on which the right to exercise the Warrants will commence and the date on which the right will expire; |
| · | the number of Common Shares that may be purchased upon exercise of each Warrant and the price at which and currency or currencies in which the Common Shares may be purchased upon exercise of each Warrant; |
| · | the designation and terms of any Securities with which the Warrants will be offered, if any, and the number of the Warrants that will be offered with each Security; |
| · | the date or dates, if any, on or after which the Warrants and the other Securities with which the Warrants will be offered will be transferable separately; |
| · | whether the Warrants will be subject to redemption and, if so, the terms of such redemption provisions; |
| · | whether the Company will issue the Warrants as global securities and, if so, the identity of the depositary of the global securities; |
| · | whether the Warrants will be listed on any exchange; |
| · | material United States and Canadian federal income tax consequences of owning the Warrants; and |
| · | any other material terms or conditions of the Warrants. |
Rights of Holders Prior to Exercise
Prior to the exercise of their Warrants, holders of Warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.
Exercise of Warrants
Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the Common Shares that the Company specifies in the applicable Prospectus Supplement at the exercise price that the Company describes therein. Unless the Company otherwise specifies in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, holders of the Warrants may exercise the Warrants at any time up to the specified time on the expiration date that the Company sets forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.
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Holders of the Warrants may exercise the Warrants by delivering the Warrant Certificate representing the Warrants to be exercised together with specified information, and paying the required amount to the Warrant Trustee in immediately available funds, as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The Company will set forth on the Warrant Certificate and in the applicable Prospectus Supplement the information that the holder of the Warrant will be required to deliver to the Warrant Trustee.
Upon receipt of the required payment and the Warrant Certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the Warrant Trustee or any other office indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will issue and deliver the Common Shares purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of the Warrants represented by the Warrant Certificate are exercised, then the Company will issue a new Warrant Certificate for the remaining amount of Warrants. If the Company so indicates in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, holders of the Warrants may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for Warrants.
Anti-Dilution
The Warrant Indenture will specify that upon the subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or other material change of the Common Shares or any other reorganization, amalgamation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, the Warrants will thereafter evidence the right of the holder to receive the securities, property or cash deliverable in exchange for, or on the conversion of, or in respect of, the Common Shares to which the holder of a Common Share would have been entitled immediately after such event. Similarly, any distribution to all or substantially all of the holders of Common Shares of rights, options, warrants, evidences of indebtedness or assets will result in an adjustment in the number of Common Shares to be issued to holders of Warrants.
Global Securities
The Company may issue Warrants in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities, which will be registered in the name of and be deposited with a depositary, or its nominee, each of which will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The global securities may be in temporary or permanent form. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global security. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the exchange, registration and transfer rights relating to any global security.
Modifications
The Warrant Indenture will provide for modifications and alterations to the Warrants issued thereunder by way of a resolution of holders of Warrants at a meeting of such holders or a consent in writing from such holders. The number of holders of Warrants required to pass such a resolution or execute such a written consent will be specified in the Warrant Indenture.
The Company may amend any Warrant Indenture and the Warrants, without the consent of the holders of the Warrants, to cure any ambiguity, to cure, correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision, or in any other manner that will not materially and adversely affect the interests of holders of outstanding Warrants.
DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RECEIPTS
The Company may issue Subscription Receipts, which will entitle holders to receive upon satisfaction of certain release conditions and for no additional consideration, Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof. Subscription Receipts will be issued pursuant to one or more subscription receipt agreements (each, a “Subscription Receipt Agreement”), each to be entered into between the Company and an escrow agent (the “Escrow Agent”), which will establish the terms and conditions of the Subscription Receipts. Each Escrow Agent will be a financial institution organized under the laws of Canada or a province thereof and authorized to carry on business as a trustee. In the United States, the Company will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that the Company files with the SEC, any Subscription Receipt Agreement describing the terms and conditions of Subscription Receipts the Company is offering before the issuance of such Subscription Receipts. In Canada, the Company will file on SEDAR a copy of any Subscription Receipt Agreement after the Company has entered into it.
The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of Subscription Receipts and is not intended to be complete. The statements made in this Prospectus relating to any Subscription Receipt Agreement and Subscription Receipts to be issued thereunder are summaries of certain anticipated provisions thereof and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the applicable Subscription Receipt Agreement and the Prospectus Supplement describing such Subscription Receipt Agreement. The Company urges you to read the applicable Prospectus Supplement related to the particular Subscription Receipts that the Company sells under this Prospectus, as well as the complete Subscription Receipt Agreement.
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The Prospectus Supplement relating to any Subscription Receipts the Company offers will describe the Subscription Receipts and include specific terms relating to their offering. All such terms will comply with the requirements of the TSX and NSYE MKT relating to Subscription Receipts. If underwriters or agents are used in the sale of Subscription Receipts, one or more of such underwriters or agents may also be parties to the Subscription Receipt Agreement governing the Subscription Receipts sold to or through such underwriters or agents.
General
The Prospectus Supplement and the Subscription Receipt Agreement for any Subscription Receipts the Company offers will describe the specific terms of the Subscription Receipts and may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
| · | the designation and aggregate number of Subscription Receipts offered; |
| · | the price at which the Subscription Receipts will be offered; |
| · | the currency or currencies in which the Subscription Receipts will be offered; |
| · | the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares, Warrants or combination thereof to be received by holders of Subscription Receipts upon satisfaction of the release conditions, and the procedures that will result in the adjustment of those numbers; |
| · | the conditions (the “Release Conditions”) that must be met in order for holders of Subscription Receipts to receive for no additional consideration Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof; |
| · | the procedures for the issuance and delivery of Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof to holders of Subscription Receipts upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions; |
| · | whether any payments will be made to holders of Subscription Receipts upon delivery of the Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions (e.g., an amount equal to dividends declared on Common Shares by the Company to holders of record during the period from the date of issuance of the Subscription Receipts to the date of issuance of any Common Shares pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement); |
| · | the terms and conditions under which the Escrow Agent will hold all or a portion of the gross proceeds from the sale of Subscription Receipts, together with interest and income earned thereon (collectively, the “Escrowed Funds”), pending satisfaction of the Release Conditions; |
| · | the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Escrow Agent will hold Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof pending satisfaction of the Release Conditions; |
| · | the terms and conditions under which the Escrow Agent will release all or a portion of the Escrowed Funds to the Company upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions; |
| · | if the Subscription Receipts are sold to or through underwriters or agents, the terms and conditions under which the Escrow Agent will release a portion of the Escrowed Funds to such underwriters or agents in payment of all or a portion of their fees or commission in connection with the sale of the Subscription Receipts; |
| · | procedures for the refund by the Escrow Agent to holders of Subscription Receipts of all or a portion of the subscription price for their Subscription Receipts, plus any pro rata entitlement to interest earned or income generated on such amount, if the Release Conditions are not satisfied; |
| · | any contractual right of rescission to be granted to initial purchasers of Subscription Receipts in the event this Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement under which Subscription Receipts are issued or any amendment hereto or thereto contains a misrepresentation; |
| · | any entitlement of the Company to purchase the Subscription Receipts in the open market by private agreement or otherwise; |
| · | whether the Company will issue the Subscription Receipts as global securities and, if so, the identity of the depositary for the global securities; |
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| · | whether the Company will issue the Subscription Receipts as bearer securities, registered securities or both; |
| · | provisions as to modification, amendment or variation of the Subscription Receipt Agreement or any rights or terms attaching to the Subscription Receipts; |
| · | the identity of the Escrow Agent; |
| · | whether the Subscription Receipts will be listed on any exchange; |
| · | material United States and Canadian federal tax consequences of owning the Subscription Receipts; and |
| · | any other terms of the Subscription Receipts. |
The holders of Subscription Receipts will not be shareholders of the Company. Holders of Subscription Receipts are entitled only to receive Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof on exchange of their Subscription Receipts, plus any cash payments provided for under the Subscription Receipt Agreement, if the Release Conditions are satisfied. If the Release Conditions are not satisfied, the holders of Subscription Receipts shall be entitled to a refund of all or a portion of the subscription price therefor and all or a portion of the pro rata share of interest earned or income generated thereon, as provided in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.
Escrow
The Escrowed Funds will be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent, and such Escrowed Funds will be released to the Company (and, if the Subscription Receipts are sold to or through underwriters or agents, a portion of the Escrowed Funds may be released to such underwriters or agents in payment of all or a portion of their fees in connection with the sale of the Subscription Receipts) at the time and under the terms specified by the Subscription Receipt Agreement. If the Release Conditions are not satisfied, holders of Subscription Receipts will receive a refund of all or a portion of the subscription price for their Subscription Receipts plus their pro rata entitlement to interest earned or income generated on such amount, in accordance with the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement. Common Shares or Warrants may be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent, and will be released to the holders of Subscription Receipts following satisfaction of the Release Conditions at the time and under the terms specified in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.
Anti-Dilution
The Subscription Receipt Agreement will specify that upon the subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or other material change of the Common Shares or Warrants or any other reorganization, amalgamation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, the Subscription Receipts will thereafter evidence the right of the holder to receive the securities, property or cash deliverable in exchange for, or on the conversion of, or in respect of, the Common Shares or Warrants to which the holder of a Common Share or Warrant would have been entitled immediately after such event. Similarly, any distribution to all or substantially all of the holders of Common Shares of rights, options, warrants, evidences of indebtedness or assets will result in an adjustment in the number of Common Shares to be issued to holders of Subscription Receipts whose Subscription Receipts entitle the holders thereof to receive Common Shares. Alternatively, such securities, evidences of indebtedness or assets may, at the option of the Company, be issued to the Escrow Agent and delivered to holders of Subscription Receipts on exercise thereof. The Subscription Receipt Agreement will also provide that if other actions of the Company affect the Common Shares or Warrants, which, in the reasonable opinion of the directors of the Company, would materially affect the rights of the holders of Subscription Receipts and/or the rights attached to the Subscription Receipts, the number of Common Shares or Warrants which are to be received pursuant to the Subscription Receipts shall be adjusted in such manner, if any, and at such time as the directors of the Company may in their discretion reasonably determine to be equitable to the holders of Subscription Receipts in such circumstances.
Rescission
The Subscription Receipt Agreement will also provide that any misrepresentation in this Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement under which the Subscription Receipts are offered, or any amendment thereto, will entitle each initial purchaser of Subscription Receipts to a contractual right of rescission following the issuance of the Common Shares or Warrants to such purchaser entitling such purchaser to receive the amount paid for the Subscription Receipts upon surrender of the Common Shares or Warrants, provided that such remedy for rescission is exercised in the time stipulated in the Subscription Receipt Agreement. This right of rescission does not extend to holders of Subscription Receipts who acquire such Subscription Receipts from an initial purchaser, on the open market or otherwise, or to initial purchasers who acquire Subscription Receipts in the United States.
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Global Securities
The Company may issue Subscription Receipts in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities, which will be registered in the name of and be deposited with a depositary, or its nominee, each of which will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The global securities may be in temporary or permanent form. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global security. The applicable Prospectus Supplement also will describe the exchange, registration and transfer rights relating to any global security.
Modifications
The Subscription Receipt Agreement will provide for modifications and alterations to the Subscription Receipts issued thereunder by way of a resolution of holders of Subscription Receipts at a meeting of such holders or a consent in writing from such holders. The number of holders of Subscriptions Receipts required to pass such a resolution or execute such a written consent will be specified in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.
The Company may amend the Subscription Receipt Agreement, without the consent of the holders of the Subscription Receipts, to cure any ambiguity, to cure, correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision, or in any other manner that will not materially and adversely affect the interests of holders of outstanding Subscription Receipts.
The following description, together with the additional information the Company may include in any applicable Prospectus Supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the Units that the Company may offer under this Prospectus. While the terms the Company has summarized below will apply generally to any Units that the Company may offer under this Prospectus, the Company will describe the particular terms of any series of Units in more detail in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The terms of any Units offered under a Prospectus Supplement may differ from the terms described below.
The Company will enter into a form of unit agreement (“Unit Agreement”) between the Company and a unit agent (“Unit Agent”) that describes the terms and conditions of the series of Units the Company is offering, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of the related series of Units. In the United States, the Company will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that the Company files with the SEC and in Canada, will file on SEDAR, the form of Unit Agreement that describes the terms and conditions of the series of Units the Company is offering, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of the related series of Units.
The following summary of material terms and provisions of the Units are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Unit Agreement and any supplemental agreements applicable to a particular series of Units. The Company urges you to read the applicable Prospectus Supplements related to the particular series of Units that the Company sells under this Prospectus, as well as the complete Unit Agreement and any supplemental agreements that contain the terms of the Units.
General
The Company may issue units comprising two or more of Common Shares, Warrants and Subscription Receipts in any combination. Each Unit will be issued so that the holder of the Unit is also the holder of each security included in the Unit. Thus, the holder of a Unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The Unit Agreement under which a Unit is issued may provide that the Securities included in the Unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.
The Company will describe in the applicable Prospectus Supplement the terms of the series of Units, including:
| · | the designation and terms of the Units and of the securities comprising the Units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately; |
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| · | any provisions of the governing Unit Agreement that differ from those described below; and |
| · | any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the Units or of the securities comprising the Units. |
The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under “Description of Common Shares”, “Description of Warrants” and “Description of Subscription Receipts” will apply to each Unit and to any Common Share, Warrant or Subscription Receipt included in each Unit, respectively.
Issuance in Series
The Company may issue Units in such amounts and in numerous distinct series as the Company determines.
Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Units
Each Unit Agent will act solely as the Company’s agent under the applicable Unit Agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any Unit. A single bank or trust company may act as Unit Agent for more than one series of Units. A Unit Agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by the Company under the applicable Unit Agreement or Unit, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon the Company. Any holder of a Unit may, without the consent of the related Unit Agent or the holder of any other Unit, enforce by appropriate legal action its rights as holder under any security included in the Unit.
The Company, the Unit Agents and any of their agents may treat the registered holder of any Unit Certificate as an absolute owner of the Units evidenced by that certificate for any purpose and as the person entitled to exercise the rights attaching to the Units so requested, despite any notice to the contrary.
General
The Company may offer and sell the Securities on a continuous or delayed basis, separately or together: (a) to one or more underwriters or dealers; (b) through one or more agents; or (c) directly to one or more other purchasers. The Securities offered pursuant to any Prospectus Supplement may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions at: (i) a fixed price or prices, which may be changed from time to time; (ii) market prices prevailing at the time of sale; (iii) prices related to such prevailing market prices; or (iv) other negotiated prices. The Company may only offer and sell the Securities pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement during the 36-month period that this Prospectus, including any amendments hereto, remains effective. The Prospectus Supplement for any of the Securities being offered thereby will set forth the terms of the offering of such Securities, including the type of Security being offered, the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, the purchase price of such Securities, the proceeds to the Company from such sale, any underwriting commissions or discounts and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers. Only underwriters so named in the Prospectus Supplement are deemed to be underwriters in connection with the Securities offered thereby.
By Underwriters
If underwriters are used in the sale, the Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Unless otherwise set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto, the obligations of underwriters to purchase the Securities will be subject to certain conditions, but the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the Securities offered by the Prospectus Supplement if any of such Securities are purchased. The Company may agree to pay the underwriters a fee or commission for various services relating to the offering of any Securities. Any such fee or commission will be paid out of the proceeds of the offering or the general corporate funds of the Company.
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By Dealers
If dealers are used, and if so specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will sell such Securities to the dealers as principals. The dealers may then resell such Securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealers at the time of resale. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
By Agents
The Securities may also be sold through agents designated by the Company. Any agent involved will be named, and any fees or commissions payable by the Company to such agent will be set forth, in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Any such fees or commissions will be paid out of the proceeds of the offering or the general corporate funds of the Company. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
Direct Sales
Securities may also be sold directly by the Company at such prices and upon such terms as agreed to by the Company and the purchaser. In this case, no underwriters, dealers or agents would be involved in the offering.
General Information
Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the Securities offered by this Prospectus may be deemed underwriters under the U.S. Securities Act, and any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any profit on their resale of the securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the U.S. Securities Act.
With respect to the sale of Securities under this Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement, the maximum commission or discount to be received by any member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. or independent broker or dealer will not be greater than eight percent (8%).
Underwriters, dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of Securities may be entitled under agreements to be entered into with the Company to indemnification by the Company against certain liabilities, including liabilities under Canadian provincial and territorial and United States securities legislation, or to contribution with respect to payments which such underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make in respect thereof. Such underwriters, dealers or agents may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for, the Company in the ordinary course of business.
The Company may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this Prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable Prospectus Supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third parties may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third parties in such sale transactions will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
One or more firms, referred to as “remarketing firms,” may also offer or sell the Securities, if the Prospectus Supplement so indicates, in connection with a remarketing arrangement upon their purchase. Remarketing firms will act as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. These remarketing firms will offer or sell the Securities in accordance with the terms of the Securities. The Prospectus Supplement will identify any remarketing firm and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and will describe the remarketing firm’s compensation. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the Securities they remarket.
In connection with any offering of Securities (unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement), underwriters may over-allot or effect transactions which stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities offered at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. Such transactions may be commenced, interrupted or discontinued at any time.
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AUDITORS, TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The auditors of the Company are EKS&H LLLP, (“EKS&H”), of Denver, Colorado, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Shares is Computershare Investor Services Inc. at the principal offices in Vancouver and Toronto.
Information relating to the Company’s mineral properties in this Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein has been derived from reports, statements or opinions prepared or certified by Tetra Tech, Inc., Rex Bryan, Thomas Dyer, Jackie Blumberg, Deepak Malhotra, Benjamin Johnson, Nick Michael, David Richers, Keith Thompson, Lachlan Walker, Anthony Clark, and John Rozelle, and this information has been included in reliance on such companies and persons’ expertise. Each of Rex Bryan, Thomas Dyer, Jackie Blumberg, Deepak Malhotra, Benjamin Johnson, Nick Michael, David Richers, Keith Thompson, Lachlan Walker, Anthony Clark, and John Rozelle is a qualified person as such term is defined NI 43-101.
None of Tetra Tech, Inc., Rex Bryan, Thomas Dyer, Jackie Blumberg, Deepak Malhotra, Benjamin Johnson, Nick Michael, David Richers, Keith Thompson, Lachlan Walker, Anthony Clark, and John Rozelle, each being companies and persons who have prepared or certified the preparation of reports, statements or opinions relating to the Company’s mineral properties, or any director, officer, employee or partner thereof, as applicable, received or has received a direct or indirect interest in the property of the Company or of any associate or affiliate of the Company. As at the date hereof, the aforementioned persons, companies and persons at the companies specified above who participated in the preparation of such reports, statements or opinions, as a group, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, less than 1% of the Company’s outstanding Common Shares.
The current auditors of the Company are EKS&H, of Denver, Colorado. EKS&H, Denver, report that they are independent of the Company in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia and in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. EKS&H is registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as at December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 have been audited by EKS&H, Denver, and are incorporated by reference herein in reliance on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
Certain legal matters related to the Securities offered by this Prospectus will be passed upon on the Company’s behalf by Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, with respect to matters of Canadian law, and Dorsey & Whitney LLP, with respect to matters of United States law.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
The Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.
This Prospectus is part of a registration statement and, as permitted by SEC rules, does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this Prospectus to any of our contracts or other documents, the reference may not be complete and, for a copy of the contract or document, you should refer to the exhibits that are part of the registration statement. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public reference rooms and their copy charges. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference rooms at:
100 F Street, N.E.
Room 1580
Washington, D.C. 20549
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PROSPECTUS
VISTA GOLD CORP.
$100,000,000 Common Shares Warrants Subscription Receipts Units |
July 5, 2017