UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 20-F

 

[  ]REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
OR
  
[X]ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20182020
  
OR
  
[  ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
OR
  
[  ]SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission file number: 000-14740

 

North American Nickel Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Province of British Columbia, Canada
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
1055 West Hastings666 Burrard Street, Suite 2500, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6E 2E9V6C 2X8
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
None None

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act. Common Shares, no par value

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.None

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common shares as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:

 

787,928,500109,899,307 inclusive of the conversion of the outstanding Series 1 Convertible Preferred Shares

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer.

[  ] Yes [X] No

 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

[  ] Yes [X] No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

[X] Yes [  ] No

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer [  ]Accelerated filer [  ]Non-accelerated filer [X]Emerging growth company [  ]

 

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

 

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

 

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

[X] Item 17 [  ] Item 18

 

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

[  ] Yes [X] No

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all references herein are expressed in Canadian dollars and United States currency is stated as “U.S. $             .”

 

THIS SUBMISSION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONJUNCTION WITH PREVIOUSLY FILED FORMS 20-F AND 6-K. THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO ATTACHED ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THIS SUBMISSION.

 

 

 

 
 

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

 

Not required

 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

 

Not required

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

 

A. Selected financial data.

 

The following financial data summarizes selected financial data for our company prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 2016, 2015 and 2014.2016. The information presented below for the five year period ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 2016, 2015 and 20142016 is derived from our financial statements which were examined by our independent auditors. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with our audited annual financial statements and related notes thereto included in this annual report, and with the information appearing under the heading “Item 5 — Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”. AlAll financial information is expressed in Canadian dollars and Danish Krones (“DKK”), except amounts in the table that are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars and in thousands of Danish Krones (“DKK”), except per share amountsDKK, and except as otherwise indicated.

 

North American Nickel Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated on September 23, 1983. The Company changed its name from Widescope Resources Inc. to North American Nickel Inc. effective April 19, 2010. The Company’s principal business activity is the exploration of natural resource properties.

Effective October 4, 2019, the Company completed a share consolidation of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares whereby for every ten (10) pre-consolidation common shares issued and outstanding, one (1) post-consolidation common share exists without par value.

All references to share capital, warrants, options and weighted average number of shares outstanding have been adjusted in this discussion, in the consolidated financial statements and retrospectively to reflect the Company’s 10-for-1 share consolidation as if it occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented.

North American Nickel Inc.

 

Selected Financial Data in accordance with IFRS for the years 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 2016, 2015 and 2014.2016.

 

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

 

 Years Ended December 31  Years Ended December 31 
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014  2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 
Net operating revenues $0 0 0 0 0  $0   0   0   0   0 
                               
Loss from operations $0 0 0 0 0  $0   0   0   0   0 
                               
Net loss $(3,022) (2,879)(2,877)(2,389)(3,741) $(2,741)  (28,859)  (3,022)  (2,879)  (2,877)
Comprehensive loss $(3,022)(2,879)(2,877)(2,389)(3,741) $(2,741)  (28,859)  (3,022)  (2,879)  (2,877)
                               
Loss per share from operations $(0.00)(0.01)(0.01)(0.01)(0.02) $(0.03)  (0.36)  (0.04)  (0.06)  (0.11)
                               
Share capital $88,538 74,189 62,906 51,165 43,268  $90,218   89,597   88,538   74,189   62,906 
Common shares issued 787,928,500 554,598,167 368,581,886 207,629,506 169,964,679   109,833,648   88,690,791   78,792,860   55,459,527   36,858,189 
Weighted average shares outstanding 718,248,135 465,929,638 269,778,932 188,384,506 157,986,561   96,521,169   79,152,786   71,824,814   46,592,964   26,977,893 
                               
Total assets $67,500 53,697 41,882 32,729 27,050  $39,644   40,039   67,500   53,697   41,882 
                               
Net assets (liabilities) $66,944 52,728 41,700 32,480 26,753 
Net assets $39,015   39,431   66,944   52,728   41,700 
                               
Cash dividends declared per common share $0 0 0 0 0  $0   0   0   0   0 
Exchange rates (CAD$ to U.S.$) period average $1.2957 1.2980 1.2785 1.2785 1.1046  $0.7454   0.7536   0.7718   0.7704   0.7822 

 

Exchange rates (CAD$ to U.S.$) for most recent six months Period High  Period Low 
October 2018 $0.7805   0.7617 
November 2018 $0.7639   0.7515 
December 2018 $0.7576   0.7271 
January 2019 $0.7608   0.7335 
February 2019 $0.7639   0.7512 
March 2019 $0.7596   0.7438 
Exchange rate (CAD$ to U.S.$) April 24, 2019 $0.7446   0.7400 
Exchange rates (CAD$ to U.S.$) for most recent six months Period High  Period Low 
November 2020 $0.7713   0.7543 
December 2020 $0.7863   0.7721 
January 2021 $0.7920   0.7804 
February 2021 $0.7981   0.7796 
March 2021 $0.8029   0.7894 
April 2021 $0.7984   0.7926 

 

B.Not required

 

C.Not required

 

D.Risk factors.

 

The business of the Company entails significant risks, and an investment in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. An investment in the securities of the Company should only be undertaken by persons who have sufficient financial resources to enable them to assume such risks. The following is a general description of all material risks, which can adversely affect the business and in turn the financial results, ultimately affecting the value of an investment the Company.

 

The Company has no viable commercial business.

 

Having no viable business it is difficult to determine a price for the common shares. That price must therefore be dependent on the value that each individual buyer and seller place on the future prospects of the company, rather than any objective measurement. This is a very risk position for shareholders, as the majority perception may turn negative and price decline severely.

 

The Company has limited funds.

 

Funds are the fuel needed to drive the company. Should current funds be consumed, and the company not be able to attract more capital, prospects for shareholders would become extremely negative, and shareholder losses will inevitably occur.

There is no assurance that the Company can access additional capital.

 

The company will need to demonstrate performance in order to attract additional capital. As the mineral exploration business has a high element of chance associated with it, it is possible that none of the current properties will have any value. The capital markets could perceive this to be a demonstration of poor performance,and be unwilling to provide additional funds. Should this happen, shareholders will incur significant losses.

 

There is no assurance that the transactions disclosed herein will be successful in its quest to find a commercially viable quantity of mineral resources.

 

Unless the Company is able to secure other more viable projects, providing better future prospects, buyer interest for common shares will decline severely, resulting in lower prices and significant shareholder losses.

 

There is no assurance that other prospective mineral properties or other assets can be acquired, and if acquired that the necessary additional capital can be attracted.

 

Either of these is possible. Either occurring will have the same inevitable outcome. Demand for the common shares will decline severely, resulting in a drop in trading price, and significant shareholder losses.

 

The Company has a history of operating losses and may have operating losses and a negative cash flow in the future.

 

This will mean that additional shares will need to be sold to fund operations. Without a concurrent improvement in future prospects, this will result in supply of stock exceeding demand, and much lower prices. This will cause shareholders to lose money.

 

The Company’s auditors have indicated that U.S. reporting standards would require them to raise a concern about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Additional capital will need to be raised. This could result in the perception of lowered future prospects, lower demand for the Company’s common share, lower stock prices, and shareholder losses.

 

There can be no assurance that a liquid market will develop for the Company’s shares and therefore no assurance that shareholders will be able to sell their shares.

 

Lack of liquidity that prevents shareholders from selling, or limits their abilities to sell, will all too likely lead to significant losses for shareholders.

 

Management has little expertise in mining, which may ultimately cause shareholders to lose money.

 

Management may waste the Company’s limited capital on worthless properties, or it may do the wrong things with properties that could have value. Either way, the outcome will be the same. Money will have been wasted without any corresponding creation of value. This will cause shareholders to lose patience and lose interest. This could lead to significantly increased selling of shares, driving down the price, and leading to losses for investors.

 

The Company’s common stock is thinly traded so it is more susceptible to extreme rises or declines in price, and you may not be able to sell your shares at or above the price paid.

 

You may have difficulty reselling shares of our common stock, either at or above the price paid, or even at fair market value. The stock market often experiences significant price and volume changes that are not related to the operating performance of individual companies, and because our common stock is thinly traded it is particularly susceptible to such changes. These broad market changes may cause the market price of our common shares to decline, regardless of how well the company performs. This may be exaggerated by the fact that the shares trade on the over-the-counter bulletin board (“OTCBB”), which is owned and operated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). Trading on the OTCBB is often extremely sporadic, and subject to manipulation by market-makers, and short sellers. This may cause you to lose money as you may have difficulty selling the shares that you own.

 

The Company’s common stock is subject to the “penny stock” regulations, which are likely to make it more difficult to sell.

 

A “penny stock” is generally a stock trading under $5.00 per share, and not registered on a national securities exchange or quoted on the NASDAQ national market. The SEC has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. These rules, intended to protect investors, generally have the result of reducing trading in such stocks, restricting the pool of potential investors, and making it more difficult for investors to sell their shares once acquired. Since our common shares are subject to the “penny stock” rules, you may find it more difficult to sell your shares.

 

As a foreign issuer, the Company is exempt from certain informational requirements of the Exchange Act to which domestic issuers are subject.

 

As a foreign issuer we are not required to comply with all of the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. As a result, there may be less information concerning our company publicly available than if we were a domestic United States issuer. In addition, our officers, directors, and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short profit provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and the rules promulgated thereunder. Therefore, our shareholders may not know on a timely basis when our officers, directors, and principal shareholders purchase or sell shares of our common stock.

 

As a Canadian company with most assets and key personnel located outside the United States, you may have difficulty in acquiring United States jurisdiction, or enforcing a United States judgment against us, our key personnel, or assets.

 

As a Canadian company many of our assets and key personnel, including directors and officers, reside outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to effect service of process within the United States upon us or any of our key personnel or to enforce against us or any of our key personnel judgments obtained in United States’ courts, including judgments relating to United States federal securities laws. Canadian courts may not permit you to bring an original action in Canada, or recognize or enforce judgments of United States courts obtained against us predicated upon the civil liability provisions of federal securities laws of the United States, or of any state thereof. Furthermore, because many of our assets are located in Canada, it would be extremely difficult to access these assets to satisfy any award entered against us in a United States court. Accordingly, you may have more difficulty in protecting your interests in the face of actions taken by our management, members of our board of directors, or our controlling shareholders than you would otherwise as shareholders of a United States public company.

 

The Company does not intend to pay any common stock dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

We have never declared or paid a dividend on our common stock, and, because we have very limited resources, we do not anticipate declaring or paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. It is unlikely that the holders of our common shares will have an opportunity to profit from anything other than potential appreciation in the value of our common shares. If you require dividend income, you should not rely in an investment in our common shares to provide it.

Future issuances of common stock may depress stock prices and dilute your interest.

 

We may issue additional shares of our common stock in future financings, or grant stock options to our employees, officers, directors, and consultants under our stock incentive plan. Any such issuances could have the effect of depressing the market price of our common stock, and, in any case, would dilute the percentage ownership interests in our company of our shareholders. In addition, we could issue securities having rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our common shares. This could depress the value of our common shares.

 

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

A. History and development of the Company.

 

North American Nickel Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, by filing of Memorandum and Articles of Association on September 20, 1983, under the name Rainbow Resources Ltd. The company’s name was changed to Widescope Resources Ltd. on May 1, 1984, and to Gemini Technology Inc. on September 17, 1985. In conjunction with a reverse split of its common shares on a five-old for one-new basis, the Company adopted the name International Gemini Technology Inc., effective September 23, 1993. The Company’s name was changed to Widescope Resources Inc., effective July 12, 2006. Effective April 19, 2010, the Company’s shareholders approved a special resolution to reorganize the Company’s capital structure by consolidating in a reverse stock split the existing common shares on the basis of every 2 old shares being equal to 1 new share and concurrently increasing the authorized capital of the Company from 100,000,000 common shares without par value to an unlimited number of common shares without par value. Also effective this date, the Company’s name was changed to North American Nickel Inc. to reflect its new focus. On October 2, 2019, the Board of Directors and management completed a consolidation of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares on the basis of ten pre-consolidation shares for one post-consolidation share. All references to common shares, stock options, warrants and weighted average number of shares outstanding in this discussion and the accompanying consolidated financial statements retroactively reflect the share consolidation unless otherwise noted.

 

In April 2010, the Company initiated a series of actions to realign its focus into the field of nickel exploration in the prolific nickel belts around Sudbury, Ontario and Thompson, Manitoba. Concurrently, the directors of the Company appointed new senior management to oversee the daily operations of the Company.

 

On May 3, 2011, the Company’s listing application was conditionally accepted by the TSX-V Venture Exchange. On May 30, 2011, the common shares of the Company began trading under the symbol “NAN”.

 

On August 15, 2011, the Company was granted an exploration license by the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum of Greenland for exclusive exploration rights over an area totalling 4,841 square kilometres located near Sulussugut, Greenland.

 

On March 4, 2012, the Company was granted an additional exploration license by the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum of Greenland for exclusive exploration rights over an area covering a total of 142 square kilometres license and located near Ininngui, Greenland.

 

On January 19, 2015, the Company signed an exclusivity agreement with Minelco AS (“Minelco”) to acquire the deep water Seqi Port (the “Port”). A report was prepared summarizing environmental due diligence and preliminary assessment of reindeer by Golder Associates — INUPLAN in and around the Port and upon further review, the decided to not pursue the Seqi Port assignment.

 

On July 13, 2017, the Company announced that it has finalized the details for the acquisition of a watershed (“0.6H”) prospecting licence that overlaps the eastern boundary of its 100% owned Maniitsoq nickel sulphide project in southwest Greenland.

 

On March 1, 2018, the Company announced that it had received the final Hydropower Feasibility Assessment Study within watershed 06.H located on the eastern flank of the Company’s 100% owned Maniitsoq nickel sulphide project in Southwest Greenland.

 

On May 4, 2018, the Company acquired new properties, Ikertoq, mineral licence No. 2018/31 and Carbonatite, mineral licence No. 2018/21 located on the Company’s 100% owned Maniitsoq nickel sulphide project in Southwest Greenland. The Ikertoq licences was relinquished as at December 31, 2018.

 

On September 18, 2018, the Company has completed its 2018 exploration and drilling program with a total of 14,287.6 metres of drilling at the Company’s 100% owned Maniitsoq nickel-copper-cobalt-PGM project in Southwest Greenland.

On May 15, 2019, the Company acquired 100% ownership of property near the southern extent of the Lingman Lake Greenstone Belt in northwest Ontario, and in the Quetico region near Thunder Bay Ontario. The acquisition of these properties are part of the company’s strategy to develop a pipeline of new nickel projects.

On September 25, 2019, the Company entered into earn in agreement with International Explorers and Prospectors Inc. whereby the Company may acquire a 100% interest in the Loveland Nickel Property located 30 km northwest of Timmins.

On July 9, 2020, the Company announced its ownership position in a private company, Premium Nickel Resources (“PNR”) to have direct exposure to Ni-Cu-Co opportunities in the South African region. PNR has recently awarded exclusivity to acquire the assets, currently in liquidation, formerly operated by BCL in Botswana.

B. Business overview

 

North American Nickel is an international mineral exploration and resource development company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”) as at May 3, 2011 trading under the symbol NAN. The Company has been focusingis focused on the exploration and development of a diversified portfolio of nickel-copper-cobalt-precious metals sulphide projects that should be economically feasible assuming conservative long-term commodity prices. Since 2011 the Company has continued the advancement of its camp scale Mannitsoq propertyManiitsoq Project in south-westernSouthwest Greenland since it was grantedand the first exploration license on August 15, 2011. Post Creek Property in Sudbury, Ontario.

The Maniitsoq property consists of four exploration licenses, No. 2011/54 (the “Sulussugut License”) and No. 2012/28 (the “Ininngui License”) comprising 2,689 and 296 square kilometres,kilometre “(km2)”, respectively and the recently acquired Carbonatite propertylicense No. 2018/21 (63 km2) and therecently acquired 2020/05 license. The Ikertoq propertylicense No. 2018/31 (33 km2). was relinquished during fiscal 2018. The Maniitsoq property is centred on the 75 kilometre by 15 kilometre Greenland Norite Belt which hosts numerous high-grade nickel-copper sulphide occurrences associated with mafic and ultramafic intrusions.

 

In 2016,early 2018, NAN initiated a strategy to assemble a diversified portfolio of highly prospective nickel-copper-cobalt projects that were located in countries with the Rule-of-Law and that should demonstrate sustainable economics assuming conservative long-term commodity prices. As a result of this work, NAN has acquired three new projects in Ontario which include: the Lingman Nickel Project, covering a portion of the Archean aged Lingman Lake Greenstone Belt and the Quetico Nickel Project which is known to host intrusions with Ni-Cu-Co-PGM mineralization related to a late 2690 Ma Archean magmatic event and the 1110-1090 Ma Proterozoic Mid-continent Rift. On September 25, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement to earn a 100% interest in the Loveland Nickel property in the Timmins area of Ontario and subsequently completed ana 4-hole program for 1,086 metres of diamond drilling, with borehole electromagnetic (BHEM) surveys on the project. Based on the result of the exploration program, comprising 9,596 metresthe management elected not to proceed with further exploration on the property and terminated the agreement.

On July 9, 2020, the Company announced its ownership position in a private company, Premium Nickel Resources (“PNR”) to have direct exposure to Ni-Cu-Co opportunities in the South African region. PNR has submitted an Indicative Offer to acquire the assets, currently in liquidation, formerly operated by BCL in Botswana on June 30, 2020 and was selected as the preferred bidder on February 16, 2021. Subsequently on March 24, PNR signed an Exclusivity Memorandum of drilling in 30 drill holesUnderstanding (“MOU”) with the Liquidator which will govern a six-month exclusivity period to complete additional engineering work and two drill hole extensions, borehole electromagnetic surveys, 13 line-kilometresrelated purchase agreements on the assets. NAN provides technical and management support to PNR through a Services Agreement and a Consulting Agreement. The CEO, CFO and the chair of surface electromagnetic surveying, 53 line-kilometreNAN’s Board were appointed to be the CEO, CFO and the Chair of surface induced polarization (IP) surveyingPNR. NAN currently owns 9.94% of PNR upon a further investment of $100,400 on March 23, 2021 and ground follow-uphas a 5-year Warrant to purchase an additional 15% of VTEM, geological and remote sensing targets.PNR for USD$10 million.

 

The company filed a National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Maniitsoq property on March 30, 2016 and on April 11, 2016, reported the resultshas raised aggregate gross proceed of QEMSCAN mineralogical analyses from drill core announcing the potential for high nickel recoveries from Maniitsoq mineralization, similar to results from previous studies.

The primary exploration objective in 2017 was step-out drilling at three key locations, the Imiak Hill Complex (IHC), Fossilik and P-013SE, to advance one or more areas to the delineation drilling stage for 2018. Approximately 8,800 metres of diamond drilling were completed for 2017.

The 2018 exploration and drilling program at its Maniitsoq project was completed in September with a total 14,287 metres of drilling, representing an increase of 5,520 metres from the previous program in 2017. The drilling was focused on testing the geochemical strategy within several of the main Maniitsoq intrusions and has confirmed the presences of the melanorite$20,707,628 through non-brokered private placement as well as re-affirmed the significance of the high magnesium oxide (MgO) control on NiS mineralization.

As of December 31, 2018, the Company has spent $55,732 and $5,121 on exploration costs for the Sulussugut License and Ininngui License, respectively.

Effective May 4, 2018, the Company was granted an new exploration license (the “Carbonatite License”) by the BMP of Greenland for exclusive exploration rights of an area located near Maniitsoq in West Greenland. The Company paid a license fee of $7 (DKK 31) upon granting of the Carbonatite License. The Carbonatite License is valid for 5 years until December 31, 2022, with December 31, 2018 being the first year. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has spent $1,362 on exploration costs for the Carbonatite License.

The Ikertoq License was granted in May 2018 for exclusive exploration rights of an area located near Kangeriussaq in West Greenland. As of December 31, 2018, the license was relinquished due to no further plans to carry exploration work.

On January 4, 2016, the Company made and entered into a 10 year Metallic Minerals Lease with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for an area covering approximately 320 acres. Under the terms of the lease, an annual rental fee will be required at a rate of US $3.00 per acre per lease for years 1-5 and US $6.00 per acre per lease year for the years 6-10. A minimum royalty of US $10 per acre is due for the eleventh year of the lease and increases by $US 5 per acre through to the twentieth year. For the twentieth year of the lease and thereafter for the life of the lease, the minimum royalty is US $55 per acre per year.

On April 28, 2016 the Company issued to Sentient Executive GP IV Limited 952,380flow-thought common shares for a fee on the advance of the loan. The shares were booked at a fair value of $95.equity financing during 2018 -2020.

On April 22, 2016, the Company entered into a term loan with Sentient Executive GP IV Limited (“Sentient”) and received an advance of $4,500. The loan is due on April 30, 2017 and has been made on an interest free basis. Sentient is to be paid 952,380 common shares, which is the equivalent value of 2.2% of the principal amount of the loan, as a fee for advancing the loan. The fee was booked at a fair value of $95. The loan is subject to early pre-payment in the event that, during the term of the loan, the Company completes a private placement of gross proceeds of $2,000 or more. On July 21, 2016, the Company closed its market offering of units of the Company for total gross proceeds of $6,950 and on September 12, 2016, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $5,050 which being the maximum offering amount raised, Sentient was repaid the full loan of $4.5 million.

On July 21, 2016 the Company issued 92,668,908 units at a price of $0.075 per unit in a market offering for gross proceeds of $6,950. The Company reported $458 in issuance costs against the raised funds.

On July 21, 2016 the Company issued 1,203,695 warrants at a price of $0.075 per unit for an agent fee to Paradigm as per the Company’s amended and restated short form prospectus.

On September 12, 2016 the Company closed a non-brokered private placement and issued 67,331,093 units at a price of $0.075 per unit for gross proceeds of $5,050.

On August 15, 2017 the Company closed a non-brokered private placement and issued 40,982,448 units at a price of $0.075 per unit for gross proceeds of $3,074.

On June 8, 2017 the Company closed a brokered placement through a prospectus and issued 145,030,833 units at a price of $0.075 per unit for gross proceeds of $10,877. The Company also issued 1,965,093 warrants at a price of $0.075 per unit for an agent fee to Paradigm as per the Company’s prospectus.

On April 19, 2018 the Company closed a non-brokered private placement and issued 233,333,333 units at a price of $0.075 per unit for gross proceeds of $17,500.

C. Organizational structure.

 

The Company is part of no other group. During the year ended June 30, 2006 Outback Capital Inc. dba Pinefalls Gold (“PFG”) a private Alberta corporation became a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company. PFG was incorporated under the Alberta Business Corporations Act on February 6, 2001. Effective May 31, 2010, the Company completed an agreement with an arm’s length entity that resulted in it divesting of its interest in Outback Capital Inc. In June 2015 the Company incorporated North American Nickel (US) Inc. to hold a mineral lease in Michigan, which was granted in January 2016.2016 and written-off during the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

C. D. Property, plants and equipment.

 

The Company has a large land package in southwest Greenland, collectively known at the Maniitsoq property. In addition, the Company has two properties, Post Creek and Halcyon, in Sudbury nickel district of Ontario and a small property, Section 35, in the Mid-Continental Rift setting of Michigan.Ontario. A figure showing the locations of all of the company’s properties is displayed below.

 

 

Maniitsoq

 

The Greenland properties currently being explored for nickel-copper-copper-PGM sulphides by North American Nickel are exploration properties without mineral resources or reserves. The Maniitsoq project is centered 100 kilometres north of Nuuk, the capital of Greenland which is a safe, stable, mining-friendly jurisdiction. The centre of the project is located at 65 degrees 18 minutes north and 51 degrees 43 minutes west and has an artic climate. It is accessible year-round either by helicopter or by boat from Nuuk or Maniitsoq, the latter located on the coast approximately 15 kilometres to the west. The deepwater coastline adjacent to Maniitsoq is typical of Greenland’s southwest coast which is free of pack ice with a year-round shipping season. The optimum shipping conditions are due to the Irminger current, a tributary of the warming Gulf Stream flowing continuously past the south west coastline of Greenland. There is no infrastructure on the property; however, the Seqi deepwater pier and a quantified watershed for hydropower are located peripheral to the project. A location map for the property is given below.

https:||www.sec.gov|Archives|edgar|data|795800|000110465918026729|g122121bci002.jpg

 

The Maniitsoq property consists of four exploration licences, No. 2011/54 (2,689 km2), No. 2012/28 (296 km2), No. 2018/21 (63 km2) and No 2018/31 (33 km2). The property is centered on the 75 kilometre by 15 kilometre Greenland Norite Belt which hosts numerous high-grade nickel-copper sulphide occurrences associated with mafic and ultramafic intrusions. The Ikertoq license (2018/31) was later relinquished and the costs were expensed as at December 31, 2018. The property is subject to a 2.5% NSR. The Company can reduce the NSR to 1% by paying $2,000,000 on or before 60 days from the decision to commence commercial production. A new prospecting licence, No. 2020/05, for West Greenland was awarded by the Greenland government on March 18, 2020.

Between 1995 and 2011, various companies carried out exploration over portions of the project area. The most extensive work was carried out by Kryolitselskabet Øresund A/S Company (KØ) who explored the project area from 1959 to 1973. KØ discovered a number of surface and near surface nickel-copper sulphide occurrences and this work was instrumental in proving the nickel prospectivity of the Greenland Norite Belt.

 

The Company acquired the Maniitsoq project because it has potential for the discovery of significant magmatic sulfide discovery in a camp-scale belt. The company believed that modern, time-domain, helicopter-borne electromagnetic (EM) systems would be more effective at detecting nickel sulphide deposits in the rugged terrain of Maniitsoq than previous, older airborne fixed wing geophysical surveys available to previous explorers. In addition, modern, time domain surface and borehole EM systems could be used to target mineralization in the sub-surface.

 

Effective August 15, 2011,During the FY 2020, the Greenland Mineral Licence & Safety Authority (MLSA) granted the Company two distinct one year period license extensions for all three exploration licences, and reduced exploration obligations to zero for both 2020 and 2021.

Sulussugut Licence (No. 2011/54)was granted an exploration license, No. 2011/54(the “Sulussugut License”), by the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum (“BMP”) of Greenland for exclusive exploration rights of an area located near Sulussugut, Greenland. The Company paid a license fee of $6 (Danish Krones (“DKK”) 31) upon granting of the Sulussugut License. The Sulussugut License wason August 15, 2011 and valid for 5 years until December 31, 2015 with December 31, 2011 being the first year providing the Company meets the terms of the license,licence, which includes that specified eligible exploration expenditures must be made. The application for another 5 yearthe second 5-year term on the Sulussugut LicenseLicence was submitted to the Greenland Mineral Licence & Safety Authority (MLSA)MLSA which was effective on April 11, 2016, with2016. The granting of two one-year period extensions and a further extension provided on January 2, 2021 provides for the renewal period ending December 31, 2018 being the eighth year.

The Greenland MLSA for the years 2018 has adjusted the minimum required exploration expenditures to zero. The accumulated exploration credits held at the end of 2017, DKK 246,507 (approximately $48,513) can be carried forward until 2020 DKK 85,094, until 2019 DKK 61,109 and until 2018 DKK 59,150. There will be an annual licence fee on the Sulussugut License for year 7 and forward of approximately DKK 41. Details of required work expenditures and accrued work credits are tabulated and given below.

Sulussugut License — 2011/54 (All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of DKK)

Exploration Commitment 2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018 
Fixed amount  310   313   317      650   659 
4841 km2 of DKK 1.460 per km2                        
4841 km2 of DKK 1.490 per km2                        
3336 km2 of DKK 7.760 per km2  25,887                     
2689 km2 of DKK 7.830 per km2      21,055               
2689 km2 of DKK 7.940 per km2          21,351            
2689 km2 of DKK 16.260 per km2                  43,723   44,369 
                         
Exploration obligation  26,197   21,368   21,668      44,374    
Approved exploration expenditures  37,349   55,509   59,150   61,109   85,094   79,604 
Exploration obligation  (26,198)  (21,368)  (21,668)         
Credit from previous year  17,530   28,681   62,822   100,304   161,413   246,507 
                         
Total CreditDDK  28,681   62,822   100,304   161,413   246,507   326,111 
                         
Average Annual Rate DDK to CAD  0.1834   0.1968   0.1901   0.1969   0.1968   0.2053 

The accumulated exploration credits held at the end of 2018, DKK 326,111 (approximately $66,951) can be carried forward as follows:

Carry forward period:2022.

 

a)   DKK 246,507Ininngui Licence (No. 2012/28) from 2017 until December 31, 2021

b)   DKK 79,604    from 2018 until December 31, 2021

On the first 5 year license, the Company completed the exploration requirements of an estimated minimum of DKK 83,809 (approximately $15,808) between the years ended December 31, 2011 to 2015 by incurring $26,115,831 onis contiguous with the Sulussugut License.

In 2018, thereLicence and was no exploration commitment. The Company completed approved expenditures for 2018 DKK 79,604, for 2017, DKK 85,094 (approximately, $16,342 and $16,746, respectively). With a credit from 2015 of DKK 59,150 (approximately $11,250) and credit from 2016 of DKK 61,109 (approximately $12,032), and a commitment of $nil left the Company with excess credits of DKK 326,111 (approximately $66,951). The Sulussugut License area was not reduced in 2017 and 2018.

Effective March 4, 2012, the Company was granted an additional exploration license, No. 2012/28 (the “Ininngui License”), by the BMP of Greenland for exclusive exploration rights over an area covering a total of 142 square kilometres near Ininngui, Greenland.on March 4, 2012. The Ininngui License is contiguous with the Sulussugut License. The Company paid a license fee of DKK 32 upon granting of the Ininngui License. The Ininngui LicenseLicence was valid for 5 years until December 31, 2016, with December 31, 2012 being the first year.June 30, 2017. The application for another 5 yearthe second 5-year term on the Ininngui LicenseLicence was submitted to the Greenland Mineral Licence & Safety Authority (MLSA)MLSA which was effective March 3, 2017, with14, 2017. The granting of two one-year period extensions and a further extension provided on January 2, 2021 provides for the renewal period ending December 31, 2023.

Carbonatite Licence (No.2018/21) was granted by the BMP of Greenland on March 4, 2018 beingfor exclusive exploration rights of an area located near Maniitsoq in West Greenland. The Company paid a licence fee of $6,523 (DKK 31,000) upon granting of the seventh year.Carbonatite Licence. The Carbonatite Licence is valid for 5 years. The granting of two one-year period extensions and a further extension provided on January 2, 2021 provides for the renewal period ending December 31, 2024.

 

Details of required work expenditures and accrued work credits for the above three licenses are tabulated and given below.

Ininngui License - 2012/28(All amountsbelow in table are expressed in thousands of DKK)

Exploration Commitment 2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018 
Fixed amount  155   313   318   323      659 
142 km2 of DKK 1.490 per km2                        
265 km2 of DKK 1.550 per km2  411                     
265 km2 of DKK 7.830 per km2      2,075                 
296 km2 of DKK 7.940 per km2          2,350             
296 km2 of DKK 8.080 per km2              2,392         
296 km2 of DKK 8.080 per km2                     4,884 
                         
Exploration obligation  566   2,388   2,668   2,715       
Total Credits Available                        
Approved exploration expenditures  2,966   5,470   6,276   6,790   9,367   10,465 
Exploration obligation  (576)  (2,388)  (2,668)  (2,715)      
Credit from previous year  2,512   4,902   7,984   11,592   15,667   25,044 
                         
Total Credit DDK  4,902   7,984   11,592   15,667   25,044   35,509 
                         
Average Annual Rate DDK to CAD  0.1834   0.1968   0.1901   0.1969   0.1968   0.2053 

Carry forward period:

a)   DKK 25,044    from 2017 until December 31, 2021

b)   DKK 10,465    from 2018 until December 31, 2021

On the first 5 year license, the Company completed the exploration requirements of an estimated minimum of DKK 8,697 (approximately $1,635) between the years ended December 31, 2012 to 2016 by incurring $2,722 on the Ininngui License.Table 1.

 

The Greenland MLSA, for the year 2017 and 2018in two distinct initiatives, hasadjusted the minimum required exploration expenditurecommitment for the above three licenses to zero. The Company has fulfilledDKK 0 for the minimum exploration requirementsyears 2020 and the Ininngui License area was not reduced in 20172021 and 2018.adjusted the license expiry dates and the banked credits carry forward period by one year.

 

For both licenses,all licences, future required minimum eligible exploration expenses will be adjusted each year on the basis of the change to the Danish Consumer Price Index.

 

For both licenses,all licences, at the expiration of the second licence period (years 6-10), the Company may apply for a new 3-year licence for years 11 to 13. Thereafter, the Company may apply 3 times for additional 3-year licenseslicences for a total of 9 additional years. The Company will be required to pay additional licenselicence fees and will be obligated to incur minimum eligible exploration expenses for such years.

The three licences, 2011/54, 2012/28 and 2018/31 have sufficient accrued work credits to keep the property in good standing until December 2023.

Table 1: Exploration commitment and credits at the end of 2020 (All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of DKK)

   Sulussugut Licence 2011/54  Ininngui Licence 2012/28  Carbonatite Licence 2018/21 
Area   2689 km2   296 km2   63 km2 
Valid until   December 31, 2021   December 31, 2022   December 31, 2023 
Annual licence feeDKK  41   41   31 
Total credit available
              
Credit from previous years   283,080   30,282   10,497 
Approved exploration expenditures (2020)   865   143   48 
Exploration obligation (2020)   -  -  -
              
Total CreditDKK  283,945   30,425   10,545 
Carry Forward Period:             
From 2017 until December 31, 2021   201,752   19,534   - 
From 2018 until December 31, 2022   79,604   10,465   9,563 
From 2019 until December 31, 2023   1,724   283   934 
From 2020 until December 31, 2024   865   143   48 
TotalDKK  283,945   30,425   10,545 
              
Average Annual Rate DKK to CAD   0.2070   0.2070   0.2070 
Accumulated exploration credits in CAD (,000)  $58,777  $6,298  $2,183 

West Greenland Prospecting Licence – 2020/05 A new prospecting licence, No. 2020/05, for West Greenland was awarded by the Greenland government on March 18, 2020. The Prospecting Licence is in effect until December 31, 2024.

 

The Company may terminate the licenses at any time; however any unfulfilled obligations according to the licenses will remain in force, regardless of the termination.

DuringThe Company undertook numerous exploration activities and completed various mineralogical studies during the period 2011from 2012 to 2018, the Company has carried out extensive exploration2019, including 52,895.16 metres of drilling programsin 189 holes and 13,497 line-km of SkyTEM and VTEM surveys. A National Instrument 43-101 was completed on the Maniitsoq property to search for Ni-Cu-Co-PGM sulphide deposits. Cumulative exploration expenditures totaled C$62.2 million as of December 31, 2018.

A NI 43-101 compliant Technical Report and updated 43-101 compliant Technical Report, both completed by J. F. Ravenelle and L. Weiershäuser, were completed in March 2016 and updated in March 2017, respectively. Both reports were filed2017. QEMSCAN mineralogical analyses on SEDAR.drill core samples documenting favourable liberation and recovery characteristics for Maniitsoq mineralization was reported in April 2016.

NAN has progressively implemented new exploration methodologies and tools in an effort to refine targeting at the property and borehole scales. These include the introduction of helicopter-borne electromagnetic and magnetic surveys, modern surface-based electromagnetic, induced polarization, and gravity surveys, application of Worldview-3 satellite imagery, implementation and consistent use of borehole electromagnetic methods, collection of oriented drill core, optical televiewer data and downhole physical properties; structural studies, geochemical studies and 3D modelling. The compilation and integration of data has resulted in a vast improvement in the understanding of the geology of the GNB and it resulted in the discovery of surface and sub-surface nickel-copper sulphide occurrences and the expansion of mineral zones comprising the Mikissoq, Spotty Hill, Imiak Hill, Fossilik, P-008, P-013, and P-053, four of which remain open in one or more directions. In addition, nickel sulphide mineralization has been intersected at a number of other locations throughout the Greenland Norite Belt, including at the P-004, P-013, P-030, P-032, P-053, and Pingo targets (figure 1). Exploration continues to extend known zones of mineralization and provides a framework for future discoveries.

In 2019, the Company had planned to return to Maniitsoq and other regional target areas to continue our systematic exploration program. Unfortunately, the Company was not successful in completing a treasury financing within the lead-time required for the logistical planning in Greenland. The initial 2019 work program for Maniitsoq project had been postponed to the 2020 summer season subsequent to a successful financing capable of supporting an integrated exploration program. However, the 2020 summer program was further delayed due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions. Management is re-assessing the possibility of carrying out the program in 2021.

Hydropower assessment of watershed 06.H was continued with the emplacement of devices to measure the seasonal variability of water levels in Lake Taserssuatsiaq and to provide a framework for further surveys over the next 3-5 years.

 

In 2017, the Company implemented an $11.1M exploration program consisting of 8,767 metres of diamond drilling in 23 holes, two regional and four detailed induced polarisation (IP) surveys covering 13km2, surface and borehole electromagnetic (EM) surveys, borehole gyro, optical televiewer and physical properties surveys, a comprehensive review of geochemistry and petrology of the noritic intrusions, a surface geology sampling and mapping program, and 3D modeling of the mineral zones.

Based on field mapping, prospecting and re-examination of exploration results, the high-MgO parts of the larger Norite Province Intrusions with proximal zones of mineralization (e.g. P-004, P-058, Imiak Hill Complex occurrences) were identified as a possible source for the high nickel grade and tenor mineralization. The larger melanorite bdomains have the capacity to host more extensive zones of breccia and semi-massive sulphide mineralization in association with disseminated sulphides. Although the intrusions are extensively modified by deformation and metamorphism, the contacts and keels of the larger bodies provided focus to next phase of exploration work.

Exploration work in 2018 focussed on targeting the outer contacts and keels of differentiated intrusions containing significant amounts of melanorite. Work was prioritized intrusions at Fossilik, the Imiak Hill Complex, P-030, P-032, P-008 and Pingo which are believed to have good potential to host economic accumulations of Ni-Cu-Co-PGM sulphide mineralization.

The exploration program commenced in June and was completed in September 2018 with 14,288 m of drilling that targeted the roots of large intrusions with thick intervals of melanorite. The total meterage is an increase of 5,520 m from the 2017 program and surpassed the initial planned program of 12,500m.

A small but important intrusion comprising melanorite at the P-008 target south of Fossilik was identified. Two holes (MQ-18-162, MQ-18-163) were drilled to test the surface EM target and both intersected significant sulphide mineralization. A third hole, MQ-18-167, followed-up on holes MQ-18-162 and MQ-18-163 and indicate that the zone is more extensive at depth and extends into the footwall at the north wall of the intrusion. A BHEM survey has identified further targets at depth that were tested with DDH MQ-18-177. This hole deviated and was drilled outside of the plunge of the mineralization. Selected Drill and assay results are summarised in Table below.

Carbonatite

 

Summary of drill and assay results, MQ-18-167.

TargetDrill HoleLocationIntercept
P-008MQ-18-167Fossilik7.50m @ 1.26% nickel, 0.24% copper,
0.05% Co and 0.47 g/t Pt+Pd+Au
including
5.10m @ 1.68% nickel, 0.29% copper,
0.06% cobalt and 0.63 g/t Pt+Pd+Au

Melanorite is the host for the majority of the highest-grade nickel mineralization comprising heavily disseminated, net-textured, breccia and massive sulphide mineralization. Targeting of these holes was accomplished using optimized deep-penetrating surface electromagnetic methods including borehole EM surveys to target the melanorite and keel zones of prioritized intrusions at Fossilik, P-030-31-32, P-008, Pingo and in the footprint of the Imiak Hill Complex. The extensive program of work has generated the data and samples required to add significant value to the Maniitsoq database and provides a basis to refine future exploration strategies.

New Mineral License – Carbonatite and Ikertoq(Greenland Mineral Exploration Licenses 2018/21and 2018/31)

On May 4, 2018 the Company was awarded an exploration licenselicence (2018/21; “Carbonatite”) over a highly prospective block of ground to the west of the Fossilik Intrusion in an area which has very limited nickel exploration and contains the Qeqertassaq carbonatite complex. The Company paid a license fee of $7 (DKK 31) upon granting of the Carbonatite License. The Carbonatite License is valid for 5 years until December 31, 2022, with December 31, 2018 being the first year.

 

Details of required work expenditures and accrued work credits are tabulated and given below.

Carbonatite License 2018/21(All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of DKK)

Exploration Commitment 2017  2018 
Fixed amount  -   165 
63 km2of DKK 1.650 per km2      104 
         
Exploration obligation  -   269 
         
Approved exploration expenditures  -   10,099 
Exploration obligation      - 
Credit from previous year  -   - 
         
Total Credit DKK  -   9,830 
         
Average Annual Rate DKK to CAD      0.2053 

Carry forward period:

a)   DKK 9,830     from 2018 until December 31, 2021

The Company may terminate the licenses at any time; however, any unfulfilled obligations according to the licenses will remain in force, regardless of the termination.

The work program forin 2018 has consisted of compilation, field work, surface sampling for geochemistry, surface EM work in areas with possible norite-associated mineralization modified by the carbonatite complex and drilling to evaluate the potential for strategic metals (Nb, Ta,(niobium, tantalum, and rare earth elements) in areas outside of the focus areas of historic drilling.

 

Compilation work and re-interpretation of historic data for the 15 km2 Qeqertassaq Carbonatite Complex, part of the Greenland Norite Belt, was commenced on September 10. The purpose was to identify norite-hosted nickel sulphide targets and focus exploration on the potential for rare and strategic metals. Ground EM surveys were undertaken over targets identified from a 1995 GEOTEM airborne survey. Two drill holes for a total of 553 m were drilled to test resultant conductive responses for potential nickel targets intersected stringers of barren pyrrhotite within a carbonate-magnetite host rock in association with a thick interval of magnetite. A surface rock sampling and drilling program was initiated to assess the strategic metal potential for pyrochlore-hosted tantalum (Ta) and niobium (Nb). A total of 284 rock samples were collected from a zone of elevated Ta and Nb correlated with historic airborne radiometric and magnetic anomalies at the margin of the Qeqertassaq Carbonatite Complex. Four holes were also drilled for a total of 1,305 m to assess this zone. Assay results are pending. A report on the strategic metal potential of the Qeqertassaq carbonatite was commissioned, and emphasis was placed on understanding the upside potential of the light rare earth element vein system, the Nbniobium mineralization, and the potential for Tatantalum mineralization is association with soeviite series rocks.

A second new exploration license (2018/31; “Ikertoq”) was awarded to the Company on May 4, 2018 in an area approximately 110 km northFigure 1. Location of the Maniitsoq project. This area was intermittently explored by Kryolitselskabet Øresund (“KO”), Greenland Gold Resources and Northern Shield Resources. As of December 31, 2018, the license was relinquished due to no further plans to carry exploration work.Mineralized targets.

 

Sudbury nickel properties:

 

The Sudbury properties currently being explored by North American Nickel are exploration properties without mineral resources or reserves. All properties can be readily accessed by paved and/or all-weather gravel roads and have access to water and diesel-power for exploration purposes. Sudbury is considered a world class nickel district. Multiple Ni-Cu-PGM deposits and past and currently producing mines are associated with the Sudbury Igneous Complex. Global nickel resources have been estimated at 1648 million tonnes at a grade of 1.20% nickel. The Sudbury properties have unique geologic characteristics of the Sudbury Basin. Quart Diorite and Sudbury Breccia, two lithologies that commonly host Sudbury nickel-copper-PGM (platinum group metal) mineralization, have been identified on the Post Creek property. The Sudbury properties are strategically located near the Whistle Offset Dyke structure hosting the past-producing Podolsky Cu-Ni-PGM mine owned by KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. (KGHM). A location map for the properties is given below.

 

 

Post Creek: The Company entered into an option agreement in April 2010, subsequently amended in March 2013, to acquire rights to Post Creek Property located within the Sudbury Mining District of Ontario. On August 1, 2015, the company has completed the required consideration and acquired 100% interest in the property. the Company is obligated to pay advances on the NSR of $10$10,000 per annum, which will be deducted from any payments to be made under the NSR.

 

The property is located 35 kilometres east of Sudbury in Norman, Parkin, Alymer and Rathburn townships and consists of 39 unpatented mining claims in two separate blocks, covering a total area of 912 hectares held by the Company. The center of the property occurs at UTM coordinates 513000mE, 5184500mN (WGS84, UTM Zone 17N). The Post Creek property lies adjacent to the Whistle Offset Dyke Structure which hosts the past—producing Whistle Offset and Podolsky Cu-Ni-PGM mines. Post Creek lies along an interpreted northeast extension of the Whistle Offset Dyke trend. Offset Dykes and Footwall deposits account for a significant portion of all ore mined in the Sudbury nickel district and, as such, represent favorable exploration targets. Key lithologies are Quartz Diorite related to Offset Dykes and Sudbury Breccia associated with Footwall deposits.rocks of the Sudbury Igneous Complex which both represent potential controls on mineralization.

 

Previous operators completed geological, geophysical and Mobile Metal Ion soil geochemical surveys. Highlights of this work included:

 

 A drill intersection returning 0.48% copper, 0.08% nickel, 0.054 grams/tonne palladium, 0.034 grams/tonne platinum and 0.020 grams/tonne gold over a core length of 0.66 metres; and
 A grab sample from broken outcrop which returned 0.83% nickel, 0.74% copper, 0.07% cobalt, 2.24 grams/tonne Pt and 1.05 grams/tonne Pd.

 

A NI 43-101 compliant Technical Report was completed by Dr. Walter Peredery, formerly of INCO, in 2011 and subsequently accepted by the Securities Commission.

 

During the period 2011 to 2017,2016, the Company carried out exploration programs comprising ground geophysics (magnetics and electromagnetics), diamond drilling (1,533 metres in 7 drillholes), borehole electromagnetic surveys, georeferencing of selected claim posts, prospecting, trenching, geological mapping, sampling and petrographic studies. This work has identified new occurrences of Quartz Diorite (dyke and Sudbury Breccia, both of which are geologically significant lithologies known to host ore deposits associated with the Sudbury structure. Ground traverses, trenching and mapping carried out in 2016 outlined a Sudbury Breccia belt of at least 300 metres by 300 metres in size which lies along the same trend at the Whistle Offset Dyke located on KGHM property to the southwest. These findings support the potential for the Post Creek property to host both Footwall and Offset Dyke type deposits.

 

In 2017, the Company initiated support for a two-year MITAC project whereby an M.Sc. student carried out field and laboratory study aimed at understanding the mineral resource potential of the Post Creek Property. The field mapping gram expanded the area of Sudbury Breccia.

A two-hole drill program was completed in 2018 and reported in 2019 with the objectives of assessing magnetic and electromagnetic anomalies within a corridor of breccias and quartz diorite extending radially away from the Whistle Offset and to provide a platform for downhole geophysics. Both drill holes encountered a thick sequence of mafic volcanic rocks howeverrocks; quartz diorite, partially melted country rocks or Footwall-stylefootwall-style mineralization were not encountered. DDH PC-18-021PC-18-21 did intersect a thick interval of volcanogenic massive sulphide-type sphalerite mineralization including:

7.50mincluding 7.50 m @ 3.55% zinc and 0.82ppm silver including

3.70m @ 4.66% zinc and 0.58ppm silver and
0.8m @ 10.96% zinc and 3.05ppm silver

0.82 ppm silver. Multiple BHEM anomalies were detected both north and south of the zinc mineralization and are potential drill targets.targets for volcanogenic massive sulfide mineralization.

 

Hole PC-18-022 testedIn 2020, prospecting work to the possible strike extensionimmediate north and west of the Whistledrilling completed on the CJ Offset in a broad corridoridentified quartz diorite boulders and an outcrop of grey gabbro with 0.17% Ni, 0.55% Cu, and 0.26g/t Au+Pt+Pd. Sampling completed on Cu-Au mineralization within the area of Sudbury Brecciabreccia returned up to 1.975% Cu and was collared0.873 ppm Au in an area of anomalous copper values in outcrop within a well-defined ground magnetic anomaly. A thick sequence of mafic volcanic rocks overprinted with locally developed shear and breccia zones were intersected. One of the shear zones hosted vein-type chalcopyrite mineralization. A strongly magnetic, highly altered ultramafic unit is responsible for the observed magnetic anomaly.

two different samples, but no significant Ni, Pt, or Pd.

Location of the Post Creek VTEM magneticProject and electromagnetic (EM) anomalies, 2018 drill holes and significant assay results.the Sudbury Breccia Zone

 

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Halcyon: The property is located 35 Km NNE of Sudbury in the Parkin and Alymer townships and consists of 53 unpatented mining claims covering an area of approximately 864 hectares. Halcyon is adjacent to the Post Creek property and is located approximately 2 kilometers north of the Whistle Offset Dyke structure and the past-producing Podolsky mine of KGHM. Previous operators on the property defined numerous conductive zones based on induced polarization (IP) surveys with coincident anomalous soil geochemistry. Base and precious metal mineralization have been found in multiple locations on the property but follow-up work was never done. The former producing Milnet Mine (nickel-copper-cobalt-platinum) is situated 1 kilometre north of the property.

 

During the period 2011 to 2017,2016, the Company carried out a small amount of exploration including ground geophysics (magnetics and electromagnetics), diamond drilling (301 metres in 1 drillhole)drill hole), a borehole electromagnetic survey, georeferencing of selected claim posts, prospecting, geological mapping, sampling and petrographic studies. The single hole located on the southeast corner of the property was drilled with the purpose of providing geological information and to provide a platform for bore holeborehole pulse EM (“BHPEM”). No anomalies were detected although quartz diorite breccia and partial melt material with 2-3% disseminated pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite was intersected over short core lengths. The property is strategically located adjacent to the Company’s Post Creek property, located immediately to the south, where new occurrences of both Quartz Dioritequartz diorite and Sudbury Breccia have been identified. This program was carried out concurrently with similar work on the Post Creek Property. Assay, whole rock and thin section samples were collected for analysis and study. Results have been received and compiled.

Work in 2019 and 2020 consisted of compilation and target generation.

 

As at the date of this MD&A, the company holds 100% interest in Halcyon Property and is obligated to pay advances on the NSR of $8$8,000 per annum, which will be deducted from any payments to be made under the NSR.

 

Quetico:During FY 2018, the Company acquired 757809 claims known as Quetico located within the Sudbury Mining District of Ontario. The Company incurred total acquisition and exploration related costs of $64.$64,256. Cells were acquired to assess (i) the Quetico Sub-province corridor, which hosts intrusions with Ni-Cu-Co-PGM mineralization related to a late 2690 Ma Archean magmatic event, and (ii). the Neoproterozoic (1100 Ma MCR) magmatic event and related intrusions. Three clusters of claims cells, labeled Quetico South, East and West cover magnetic features interpreted to represent small differentiated intrusions. The review of government geological and geophysical data, and historic assessment file data was completed in 2019 and recommendations for additional exploration work were prepared. An application has been lodged with the Mining Lands Administration of the Ontario Government to extend the tenure of the claim blocks due to impact from COVID-19 on implementation of exploration work. A one-year exclusion was granted on September 1, 2020.

A short program of prospecting and outcrop sampling was completed in June 2020 to search for mineralization related to early mid-continent rift peridotite intrusions and Archean pyroxenites. Targets comprising, magnetic responses, prospective geology and geochemical anomalies, were examined on all three clusters of claim cells.

Exploration was focussed on the East block where previous work identified mafic rocks with geochemical signatures similar to those that host the Current Lake deposit, located 10 km to the east (Figure 6). The Current Lake and Escape Lake deposits a total indicated resource of 16.285 million tonnes at 3.5 g/t PdEq and an inferred resource of 9.852 million tonnes at 2.1 g/t PdEq (2021 update to NI 43-101 Technical Report, Clean Air Metals Inc.).

Sampling in the East block adjacent to Clean Air Metals’ Current Lake Property identified outcropping peridotite and gabbroic rocks with trace sulphide. The geochemical signature of the peridotite is similar to the differentiated Disraeli, Hele and Seagull intrusions based on a comparison with historic assessment report and government data. There is no known electromagnetic (EM) survey coverage in the area and accordingly the next phase of exploration will include airborne or surface EM survey work. These surveys will be designed to detect conductive responses of potential nickel sulphide mineralization associated with the ultramafic intrusions.

On the West block, a total of eight magnetic anomalies were investigated. Six anomalies remain unexplained and weakly mineralized magnetic pyroxenite was identified at two locations (Figure 7). A weakly mineralized pyroxenite sample associated with a strong magnetic anomaly has an elevated Au+Pt+Pd content. The configuration of the magnetic anomaly suggests the potential for a 3 km2 ultramafic intrusion and a related feeder-dyke to the west. These intrusions may be separated from a larger intrusion to the east by a keel structure which is a classic target for magmatic sulphide exploration. Future exploration will focus on this intrusion and others that were not prospected in 2020.

17

Quetico Property Location Map

 

US Nickel Property

 

Section 35Lingman Lake Property: : on January 4, 2016, the Company made and entered into a 10 year Metallic Minerals Lease (the “Lease”) with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for an area covering approximately 320 acres. The terms of the Lease require an annual rental fee at a rate of US $3.00 per acre for years 1-5 and at a rate of US $6.00 per acre for years 6-10. The Company shall pay a minimum royalty at a ratedigitally staked 188 claim cells known as Lingman Lake on April 15, 2019. The property occurs about 65 km South East of US $10.00 per acre for the 11th year onwards, with an increaseRed Sucker Lake First Nation and about 35 km southwest of an additional US $5.00 per acre per year up to a maximum of US $55.00 per acre per year. A production royalty of between 2% - 2.5% is payable from production of minerals and/or mineral products from an established mining operation area. The Company paid the first year rental fee and the required reclamation deposit of $14 (US $10). The Department of Natural Resources shall annually review the level of the reclamation deposit and shall require the amount to be increased or decreased to reflect changes in the cost of future reclamation of the leased premises.

The Section 35 property is strategically located 6 kilometresSachigo Lake First Nation, approximately 650 km northwest of the Lundin Mining Corporation’s Eagle Ni-Cu-PGM mine.Thunder Bay. The property was acquired due to its position overLingman Nickel Project, covers a portion of the North Sill whichArchean age Lingman Lake Greenstone Belt that includes tholeiitic-komatiitic rocks and sulphide facies iron formation. Historic field work has identified ultramafic rocks with elevated nickel and copper in grab samples and untested VTEM anomalies.

Work commitments of $75,200 are due prior to April 15, 2021. An application for a one year exclusion has been submitted to ENDM and is an ultramafic intrusion interpretedcurrently pending approval. The application was submitted under COVID-19 guidelines and is expected to be approved.

Loveland (Enid Creek) Nickel Property: The Loveland Nickel Property is located 30 km northwest of Timmins and has year-round access. The property is underlain by a mineralized differentiated mafic-ultramafic complex that is host to the historic Enid Creek showing. Analyses of a similar agehistoric drill sample by the Ministry of Northern Development and geochemical signatureMines in Ontario returned 2.13% Ni, 0.19% Cu, 0.32 ppm Pt and 2.06 ppm Pd. A VTEMMAX survey completed in 2017 identified several new and untested conductors. One of the targets extends for 950 m in strike length and is located to the southeast along strike from the known mineralization. The exploration target is high grade nickel mineralization located in a depression or embayment structure at the base of the intrusion.

On September 25, 2019, the Company entered into earn in agreement with International Explorers and Prospectors Inc. whereby the Company may acquire a 100% interest in the Loveland Nickel. Consideration for the acquisition is $1,525,000 in cash, 300,000 common shares and $4,500,000 in work commitments over a 5-year period. The TSX Venture Exchange approved the transaction for filing on October 24, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2019, 300,000 common shares were issued as a purchase consideration with a value of $60,000.

A 4-hole drill program with downhole BHEM survey work was completed and reported in April 2020. The exploration tested a series of conductors identified from a VTEMMAX survey completed in 2017. No significant lateral or depth extension of mineralization was encountered. The conductive plates associated with the interpreted lateral extent of the contact of the differentiated intrusion hostingwas explained by pyrrhotite stringers in the Eagle Mine.country rocks. DDH LN25-20-002, drilled to test the down-dip extent of historic mineralization, intersected gabbroic rocks of the Enid Creek Gabbro Complex (ECGC), and narrow intervals of mineralization with up to 0.18% Cu, 0.13% Ni, and 0.23g/t Pd over 0.7m. A subsequent borehole EM survey indicated that the center of conductivity is located up-dip towards the known historic mineralization.

On June 1, 2020, the Company announced it has elected not to proceed with further exploration at Loveland and has terminated the agreement. Accordingly, all acquisition and exploration costs incurred for a total of $437,897 were written off as of December 31, 2020.

Project Pipeline: Due to long term nickel market forecasts indicating a supply deficit developing, the Company believes that it is a good time to acquire nickel exploration and development projects that could be developed assuming conservative long-term nickel prices. The Company maintains a nickel project generation activity focusing on high prospectivity projects in countries with the Rule of Law and reasonable development economics.

In the context of rising nickel prices and positive developments in the electric vehicle market, the Company will look to enhance shareholder value by aggressively expanding its nickel sulphide project pipeline. The Company’s staff are proceeding with compilation work on prospective geological environments related to North American Archean craton margins where structural space controls the development of mafic-ultramafic intrusions. The objective of this work is to identify underexplored or unexplored open system intrusions where large zones of high-grade sulphide mineralization are controlled within the footprints of very small intrusions. For the past year, the Company has not yet carried out any exploration onbeen evaluating opportunities in Africa, including a direct investment in Premium Nickel Resources (PNR), a private Canadian company who has recently awarded exclusivity to acquire the property.assets, currently in liquidation, formerly operated by BCL in Botswana. In addition, the development of a Moroccan-based subsidiary company is proceeding and will provide an opportunity to assess nickel sulphide potential throughout the country.

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included herein (see also “Selected Financial Data”). The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).

 

Overview

 

North American Nickel is an international mineral exploration and resource development company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”) as at May 3, 2011 trading under the symbol NAN. The Company’s principal assetbusiness activity is its Maniitsoq Property, in southwestern Greenland, a district scale land position. The Company is focussing its resources onthe exploration and resource development of mineral properties in Greenland, Morocco and Canada, as well as in Botswana through its Maniitsoq nickel-copper-cobalt-precious metal sulphide project (“Ni-Co-Co-PM”) but it also has an active program of project generationparticipation in North America and exploration projects at Post Creek and Halcyon in the footwall of the Sudbury Igneous Complex.Premium Nickel Resources.

 

A. Operating Results

 

The Company is an exploration and development stage entity and has not yet achieved profitable operations. The Company has shown losses for the past several years. These losses result largely from having no revenue and significant exploration and administrative expenses related to operations.

 

The Company will continuecontinues in the exploration business and focusing on the development of its camp scale Maniitsoq Project in south-western Greenland and the Post Creek Property in Sudbury, Ontario. In addition, the company looks to enhance shareholder value by aggressively expanding its nickel sulphide project pipeline including the development of a Moroccan-based subsidiary company as well as a direct investment in PNR, a private Canadian company who has recently awarded exclusivity to acquire the assets, currently in liquidation, formerly operated by BCL in Botswana.

 

Net loss forof $2,740,720 in FY 20182020 was $3,022, higherlower by $143$26,118,391 compared to a loss of $2,879$28,859,111 in FY 2017.2019. The higher loss in FY 20182019 was mainly driven by impairment of exploration and evaluation assets, higher general and administrative expenses and higher property investigation costs of $216 induring FY 2018 compared to $nil in FY 2017 and higher foreign exchange loss in FY 2018 of $209 compared to $7 in FY 2017. The higher costs in FY 2018 were offset by lower administrative costs and higher interest income in FY 2018.2019.

 

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Since the Company is organized in Canada, the Company’s December 31, 20182020 financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS”).

 

At the end of FY 2020, the Company had a negative working capital of $207,775 (FY 2019 - $746,049) and reported accumulated deficit of $53,299,078 (FY 2019 - $54,340,875). The Company will require additional funds to continue its planned operations and meet its obligations.

As at December 31, 2018,2020, the Company had accumulated losses totaling $29,343$308,151 in available cash (December 31, 2019— $1,097,856). There are no sources of operating cash flows. Given the Company’s current financial position and a workingthe ongoing exploration and evaluation expenditures, the Company will need to raise additional capital through the issuance of $2,416. The continuationequity or other available financing alternatives to continue funding its operating, exploration and evaluation activities, and eventual development of the mineral properties. Although the Company has been successful in its past fund-raising activities, there is dependent uponno assurance as to the continued financial supportsuccess of shareholdersfuture fundraising efforts or as well as obtaining additional financing forto the current and subsequent resource projects.sufficiency of funds raised in the future.

 

As noted, these conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustment that might arise from uncertainty. The auditors’ report includes an explanatory paragraph disclosing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

As at DecemberOn August 13, 2020 and August 31, 20182020, respectively, the Company hadcompleted a non-brokered private placement equity financing consisting of an aggregate of 21,142,857 units of the Company at a price of $0.07 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,480,000.

To date, during 2021 year, the Company has received additional cash inflow of $339, short-term investments$665,135 from exercised warrants. On April 21, 2021. the Company closed a private placement consisting of $2,500.an aggregate of 8,290,665 units of the Company (“Units”) at a price of $0.24 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,989,760.

 

C. Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.

 

Not applicable

D. Trend information

 

The major trends impacting the company and its industry are lack of access to capital, caused by the severe global financial contraction, and the corresponding contraction of demand for most commodities. However, the long-term nickel market forecasts indicating a supply deficit developing due to positive developments in the electric vehicle market as well as supply constrains by a protracted low level of investment in mine expansion, exploration and development of new nickel mine. The Company believes that it is a good time to acquire nickel exploration and development projects that could be developed assuming conservative long-term nickel prices.

 

Impact of Inflation

 

The Company believes that inflation had minimal effect on costs related to its exploration activities in the 12 months ending December 31, 2018.2020.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Not applicable to the Company.

 

E. Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

Not applicable

 

F. Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations

 

Not applicable

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Basis of preparation and accounting policies

 

The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”).

 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basisunder the historical cost convention, modified by the revaluation of any financial assets and are based on historical costs, modifiedfinancial liabilities where applicable. The financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted, which, is the Company’s functional currency.

Significant estimates and assumptions

The preparation of financial statements in accordanceconformity with IFRS requires the Companyuse of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to make estimatesexercise judgment in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. These areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and assumptions concerning the future. The Company’s management reviews these estimates and underlying assumptions on an ongoing basis, based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Revisions to estimates are adjusted for prospectivelysignificant to the consolidated financial statements, are disclosed in the period in which the estimates are revised.Note 3 of audited financial statements.

 

Estimates and assumptions where there is significant risk of material adjustments to assets and liabilities in future accounting periods includeEffective October 4, 2019, the useful lives of equipment, the recoverabilityCompany completed a share consolidation of the carrying valueCompany’s issued and outstanding common shares whereby for every ten (10) pre-consolidation common shares issued and outstanding, one (1) post-consolidation common share exists without par value.

All references to share capital, warrants, options and weighted average number of explorationshares outstanding have been adjusted in these financial statements and evaluation assets, fair value measurements for financial instruments,retrospectively to reflect the recoverability and measurementCompany’s 10-for-1 share consolidation as if it occurred at the beginning of deferred tax assets and provisions for restoration and environmental obligations.the earliest period presented.

 

Significant judgmentsBasic of consolidation

 

The preparation ofThese financial statements in accordance with IFRS requiresinclude the financial statements of the Company to make judgments, apart from those involving estimates,and its wholly-owned subsidiary, North American Nickel (US) Inc. which was incorporated in applying accounting policies. The most significant judgments in applying the Company’s financial statements include:State of Delaware on May 22, 2015.

 

Consolidation is required when the assessment ofCompany is exposed, or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the Company’sinvestee and has the ability to continue as a going concernaffect those returns through its power over the investee. All intercompany transactions, balances, income and whether thereexpenses are events or conditions that may give rise to significant uncertainty;eliminated upon consolidation.

 

●    the classification / allocation of expenditures as exploration and evaluation expenditures or operating expenses;

●    the classification of financial instruments; and

●    the determination of the functional currency of the Company.

21

 

Foreign currency translation

 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency monetary items are translated at the period-end exchange rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost continue to be carried at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary items measured at fair value are reported at the exchange rate at the date when fair values were determined.

 

Exchange differences arising on the translation of monetary items or on settlement of monetary items are recognized in profit or loss in the statement of comprehensive income in the period in which they arise, except where deferred in equity as a qualifying cash flow or net investment hedge.

 

Exchange differences arising on the translation of non-monetary items are recognized in other comprehensive income in the statement of comprehensive income to the extent that gains and losses arising on those non-monetary items are also recognized in other comprehensive income. Where the non-monetary gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss, the exchange component is also recognized in profit or loss.

 

Exploration and evaluation assets

 

Exploration and evaluation assets include the costs of acquiring licenses, costs associated with exploration and evaluation activity, and the fair value (at acquisition date) of exploration and evaluation assets acquired in a business combination. Exploration and evaluation expenditures are initially capitalized. Costs incurred before the Company has obtained the legal rights to explore an area are recognized in profit or loss.

 

Government tax credits received are recorded as a reduction to the cumulative costs incurred and capitalized on the related property.

 

Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment if (i) sufficient data exists to determine technical feasibility and commercial viability, and (ii) facts, events and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.

Once the technical feasibility and commercial viability of the extraction of mineral resources in an area of interest are demonstrable, exploration and evaluation assets attributable to that area of interest are first tested for impairment and then reclassified to mining property and development assets within equipment.

 

Recoverability of the carrying amount of any exploration and evaluation assets is dependent on successful development and commercial exploitation, or alternatively, sale of the respective areas of interest.

 

The Company may occasionally enter into farm-out arrangements, whereby it will transfer part of the interest, as consideration, for an agreement by the farmee to meet certain exploration and evaluation expenditures which would have otherwise been undertaken by the Company. The Company does not record any expenditures made by the farmee on its behalf. Any cash consideration received from the agreement is credited against the costs previously capitalized to the mineral interest given up by the Company, with any excess consideration accounted for in profit.

 

When a project is deemed to no longer have commercially viable prospects to the Company, exploration and evaluation expenditures in respect of that project are deemed to be impaired. As a result, those exploration and evaluation expenditure costs, in excess of estimated recoveries, are written off to the statement of comprehensive loss/income.

 

Restoration and environmental obligations

 

The Company recognizes liabilities for statutory, contractual, constructive or legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-term assets, when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation of the assets. The net present value of future restoration cost estimates is capitalized to exploration and evaluation assets along with a corresponding increase in the restoration provision in the period incurred. Discount rates using a pre-tax rate that reflect the time value of money are used to calculate the net present value. The restoration asset will be depreciated on the same basis as other mining assets.

 

These changes are recorded directly to mining assets with a corresponding entry to the restoration provision. The Company’s estimates are reviewed annually for changes in regulatory requirements, discount rates, effects of inflation and changes in estimates.

 

Changes in the net present value, excluding changes in the Company’s estimates of reclamation costs, are charged to profit and loss for the period.

 

The net present value of restoration costs arising from subsequent site damage that is incurred on an ongoing basis during production are charged to profit or loss in the period incurred.

 

The costs of restoration projects included in the provision are recorded against the provision as incurred. The costs to prevent and control environmental impacts at specific properties are capitalized in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy for exploration and evaluation assets.

 

Impairment of assets

 

Impairment tests on intangible assets with indefinite useful economic lives are undertaken annually at the financial year-end. Other non-financial assets, including exploration and evaluation assets are subject to impairment tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Where the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell, the asset is written down accordingly.

 

Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the impairment test is carried out on the asset’s cash-generating unit, which is the lowest group of assets in which the asset belongs for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets.

 

An impairment loss is charged to the profit or loss, except to the extent they reverse gains previously recognized in other comprehensive loss/income.

 

Financial instruments

 

The Company classifies its financial instruments in the following categories: at fair value through profit and loss (“FVTPL”), at fair value through other comprehensive income (loss) (“FVTOCI”), or loss, loans and receivables, held-to-maturity investments, available-for-sale and financial liabilities.at amortized cost. The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial instruments were acquired. ManagementCompany determines the classification of its financial instrumentsassets at initial recognition.

Financial The classification of debt instruments is driven by the Company’s business model for managing the financial assets and their contractual cash flow characteristics. Equity instruments that are classified at fair value through profit or loss when they are either held for trading for the purpose of short-term profit taking, derivatives not held for hedging purposes, or when they are designated as such to avoid an accounting mismatch or to enable performance evaluation where a group of financial assets is managed by key management personnel on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy. Such assets are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in carrying value being included in profit or loss.

The Company has classified cash, short-term investments and receivables as loans and receivables. Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and are subsequently measured at amortized cost. They are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the end of the reporting period. These are classified as non-current assets.

Held-to-maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets that have fixed maturities and fixed or determinable payments, and it isFVTPL. For other equity instruments, on the Company’s intentionday of acquisition the Company can make an irrevocable election (on an instrument-by-instrument basis) to hold these investments to maturity. They are subsequently measureddesignate them as at amortized cost. Held-to-maturity investments are included in non-current assets, except for those which are expected to mature within 12 months after the end of the reporting period.

Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available-for-sale or are not suitable to be classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables or held-to-maturity investments and are subsequently measured at fair value. These are included in current assets. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income, except for impairment losses and foreign exchange gains and losses.

The Company has classified its trade payable as other financial liabilities. Subsequent to initial recognition, trade payable andFVTOCI. Financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost, usingunless they are required to be measured at FVTPL (such as instruments held for trading or derivatives) or the Company has opted to measure them at FVTPL.

The following table shows the classification of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities:

Financial asset/liability

Classification
CashFVTPL
Other receivableAmortized cost
Trade payablesAmortized cost

Measurement

Financial assets and liabilities at amortized cost

Financial assets and liabilities at amortized cost are initially recognized at fair value plus or minus transaction costs, respectively, and subsequently carried at amortized cost less any impairment.

Financial assets and liabilities at FVTPL

Financial assets and liabilities carried at FVTPL are initially recorded at fair value and transaction costs are expensed in profit or loss. Realized and unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities held at FVTPL are included in the statements of comprehensive loss in the period in which they arise.

Impairment of financial assets at amortized cost

An ‘expected credit loss’ impairment model applies which requires a loss allowance to be recognized based on expected credit losses. The estimated present value of future cash flows associated with the asset is determined and an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between this amount and the carrying amount as follows: the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to estimated present value of the future cash flows associated with the asset, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate, method.either directly or through the use of an allowance account and the resulting loss is recognized in profit or loss for the period.

 

Regular purchases and salesIn a subsequent period, if the amount of the impairment loss related to financial assets aremeasured at amortized cost decreases, the previously recognized onimpairment loss is reversed through profit or loss to the trade-date —extent that the carrying amount of the investment at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortized cost would have been had the impairment not been recognized.

Derecognition

Financial assets

The Company derecognizes financial assets only when the contractual rights to cash flows from the financial assets expire, or when it transfers the financial assets and substantially all of the associated risks and rewards of ownership to another entity. Gains and losses on whichderecognition are generally recognized in the group commits to purchasestatements of comprehensive loss.

Financial liabilities are derecognized when, and only when, the asset.Company’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognized and the consideration paid and payable is recognized in the Statement of Comprehensive Loss.

 

Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or have been transferred and the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.

At each reporting date, the Company assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial instrument has been impaired. In the case of available-for-sale financial instruments, a significant and prolonged decline in the value of the instrument is considered to determine whether an impairment has arisen.

 

Loss per share

 

The Company uses the treasury stock method to compute the dilutive effect of options, warrants and similar instruments. Under this method the dilutive effect on loss per common share is recognized on the use of the proceeds that could be obtained upon exercise of options, warrants and similar instruments. It assumes that the proceeds would be used to purchase common shares at the average market price during the period.

 

Basic loss per common share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and does not include outstanding options and warrants. Dilutive loss per common share is not presented differently from basic loss per share as the conversion of outstanding stock options and warrants into common shares would be anti-dilutive.

 

Income taxes

 

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Current tax and deferred tax are recognized in net income except to the extent that it arises in a business combination, or from items recognized directly in equity or other comprehensive loss/income.

 

Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current period are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted, at the reporting date, in the countries where the Company operates and generates taxable income.

 

Current income tax relating to items recognized directly in other comprehensive income or equity is recognized in other comprehensive income or equity and not in profit or loss. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in the tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate.

 

Deferred income tax is provided using the asset and liability method of temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.

 

The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and recognized only to the extent that it is probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilized.

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

 

Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset, only if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred income taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.

 

Flow-through shares

Any premium received by the Company on the issuance of flow-through shares is initially recorded as a liability (“flow-through tax liability”). Upon renouncement by the Company of the tax benefits associated with the related expenditures, a flow-through share premium liability is recognized and the liability will be reversed as eligible expenditures are made. If such expenditures are capitalized, a deferred tax liability is recognized. To the extent that suitable deferred tax assets are available, the Company will reduce the deferred tax liability.

Share-based payments

 

Where equity-settled share options are awarded to employees, the fair value of the options at the date of grant is recognized over the vesting period. Performance vesting conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of equity instruments expected to vest at each reporting date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognized over the vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest. Non-vesting conditions and market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of the options granted. As long as all other vesting conditions are satisfied, a charge is made irrespective of whether these non-vesting and market vesting conditions are satisfied. The cumulative expense is not adjusted for failure to achieve a market vesting condition or where a non-vesting condition is not satisfied.

 

Where the terms and conditions of options are modified, the increase in the fair value of the options, measured immediately before and after the modification, is also recognized over the remaining vesting period.

 

Where equity instruments are granted to non-employees, they are recorded at the fair value of the goods or services received. Amounts related to the issuance of shares are recorded as a reduction of share capital.

 

When the value of goods and services received in exchange for the share-based payment cannot be reliably estimated, the fair value is measured by use of a valuation model. The expected life used in the model is adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

 

All equity-settled share-based payments are reflected in share-based payments reserve, until exercised. Upon exercise shares are issued from treasury and the amount reflected in share-based payments reserve is credited to share capital along with any consideration paid.

 

Share capital

 

The Company’s common shares, preferred shares, share warrants and flow-through shares are classified as equity instruments.

 

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction from the proceeds.

 

Proceeds received on the issuance of units, consisting of common shares and warrants are allocated to share capital.

 

Future Accounting ChangesFlow-through shares

Resource expenditure deductions for income tax purposes related to exploratory activities funded by flow-through share arrangements are renounced to investors in accordance with income tax legislation. Pursuant to the terms of the flow-through share agreements, these shares transfer the tax deductibility of qualifying resource expenditures to investors. On issuance, the Company bifurcates the flow-through share into a flow-through share premium, equal to the estimated premium, if any, investors pay for the flow-through feature, which is recognized as a liability and share capital. Upon expenses being incurred, the Company derecognizes the liability and recognizes a deferred tax liability for the amount of tax reduction renounced to the shareholders. The premium is recognized as other income and the related deferred tax is recognized as a tax provision.

Proceeds received from the issuance of flow-through shares are restricted to be used only for Canadian resource property exploration expenditures within a two-year period. The portion of the proceeds received but not yet expended at the end of the period is disclosed separately as flow-through share proceeds, if any.

 

The Company may also be subject to a Part XII.6 tax on flow-through proceeds renounced under the look-back Rule, in accordance with Government of Canada flow-through regulations. When applicable, this tax is accrued as a financing expense until qualifying expenditures are incurred.

Equipment

Equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of a significant replaced part is derecognized. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of comprehensive income during the financial period in which they are incurred. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognized in profit or loss.

Depreciation and amortization are calculated on a straight-line method to charge the cost, less residual value, of the assets to their residual values over their estimated useful lives. The depreciation and amortization rate applicable to each category of equipment is as follows:

EquipmentDepreciation rate
Exploration equipment20%
Computer software50%
Computer equipment55%

Equity investment

Investments in entities over which the Company has a significant influence, but not early adopted these revisedcontrol, are accounted for by the equity method, whereby the original cost of the investment is adjusted for the Company’s proportionate share of the investee’s income or loss. When the Company’s equity investee issues its own shares to outside interest, a dilution gain or loss arises as a result of the difference between the Company’s proportionate share of the proceeds and the carrying value of the underlying equity. When net accumulated losses from an equity accounted investment exceed its carrying amount, the investment balance is reduced to zero and additional losses are not provided for unless the Company is committed to provide financial support to the investee.

Accounting standards and is currently assessing the impact that these standards will have on its financial statements.amendments issued but not yet effective:

 

OtherCertain accounting standards or amendments to existing accounting standards that have been issued but have future effective dates are either not applicable or are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

New standard IFRS

IAS 16 “Leases”- “Property, Plant and Equipment”

 

IFRS 16 replaces current guidance in IAS 17. Under IAS 17, lessees were required to make a distinction between afinance lease (on the balance sheet) and an operating lease (off balance sheet). IFRS 16 now requires lessees to recognize a lease liability reflecting future lease payments and a “right-of-use asset” for virtually all lease contracts. The IASB has includedissued an optional exemptionamendment to IAS 16, Property, Plant and Equipment to prohibit the deducting from property, plant and equipment amounts received from selling items produced while preparing an asset for certain short-term leasesits intended use. Instead, sales proceeds and leasesits related costs must be recognized in profit or loss. The amendment will require companies to distinguish between costs associated with producing and selling items before the item of low value assets, however this exemption can only be applied by lessees.property, plant and equipment is available for use and costs associated with making the item of property, plant and equipment available for its intended use. The standard applies to annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with earlier application permitted. The adoption of this standard will not result in any impact to the Company’s financial statements.

IFRIC 23 – “Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments”

In June 2017, the IFRS Interpretations Committee of the IASB issued IFRIC 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (IFRIC 23). The interpretation provides guidance on the accounting for current and deferred tax liabilities and assets in circumstances in which thereamendment is uncertainty over income tax treatments. The Interpretation is applicableeffective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. Earlier application is permitted. The Interpretation requires: (a) an entity to contemplate whether uncertain tax treatments should be considered separately, or together as a group, based on which approach provides better predictions of the resolution; (b) an entity to determine if it is probable that the tax authorities will accept the uncertain tax treatment; and (c) if it is not probable that the uncertain tax treatment will be accepted, measure the tax uncertainty based on the most likely amount or expected value, depending on whichever method better predicts the resolution of the uncertainty.

The adoption of these standards and interpretations is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s future results and financial position.

Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards

On March 29, 2018 the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) issued a revised version of its Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting (the Framework), that underpins IFRS Standards. The IASB also issued Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards (the Amendments) to update references in IFRS Standards to previous versions of the Conceptual Framework. Both documents are effective from January 1, 20202022, with earlier application permitted.

Some Standards include references to the 1989 and 2010 versions of the Framework. The IASB has published a separate document which contains consequential amendments to affected Standards so that they refer to the new Framework, with the exception of IFRS 3 Business Combinations which continues to refer to both the 1989 and 2010 Frameworks. The Company doesamendment is not intend to adopt the Amendments in its financial statements before the annual period beginning on January 1, 2020. The extent of the impact of the change has not yet been determined.currently applicable.

 

IAS 1 - Presentation– “Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8 - Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and ErrorsStatements”

In October 2018, the

The IASB issued amendmentsan amendment to International Accounting Standard (“IAS”)IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. The amendments are to clarify one of the definitionrequirements under the standard for classifying a liability as non-current in nature, specifically the requirement for an entity to have the right to defer settlement of ‘material’the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period. The amendment includes: (i) specifying that an entity’s right to defer settlement must exist at the end of the reporting period; (ii) clarifying that classification is unaffected by management’s intentions or expectations about whether the entity will exercise its right to defer settlement; (iii) clarifying how lending conditions affect classification; and (iv) clarifying requirements for classifying liabilities an entity will or may settle by issuing its own equity instruments. An assessment will be performed prior to align the definition used in the Conceptual Framework and the standards themselves. The amendments are effective date of January 2020. The Company is evaluating1, 2023 to determine the impact ofto the adoption of these amendments.Company’s financial statements.

 

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

It should be noted that the management discussed below is primarily involved with the Company’s current activities. As the Company concludes an acquisition or merger, or embarks on any other type of project, additional personnel with differing areas of expertise will be utilized. Directors are elected annually by a majority vote of the shareholders and hold office until the next general meeting of the shareholders. Officers are appointed by, and serve at the discretion of, the board of directors. The names, place of residence, positions within the Company and the principal occupations of the directors and senior officers of the Company are set out below.

 

A. Directors and senior management.

 

Name, Municipality of Residence

Principal Occupation and Position

and Position with the CorporationCompany

 Age During the Past Five Years
     

Douglas E. Ford

West Vancouver,

B.C. Director

 5557 Director of North American Nickel Inc. since September 10, 1992; General Manager of Dockside Capital, a private merchant banking and venture capital firm, from 1987 to present.
     
Keith Morrison
Burlington, On

Gilbert Clark

Le Rouret, France

Director Chief Executive Officer

(resigned on January 7, 2021)

 5951 Director of Era ResourcesNorth American Nickel Inc. 2011-2017, Non-Executive Chairman of Security Devices International Inc. 2014-2017, Non-Executive Chairman of Osgood Mountain Gold Ltd. August 2016 — 2017, Non-Executive chairman of ZEN Graphene Solution Ltd. 2018-2018.
since May 2012, Mark Fedikow
Winnipeg, MB
President
66President of Mount Morgan Resources Ltd. 2001 — present
Director and VP of Exploration Services for VMS Ventures Inc. 2008 — April 2015, Director and VP of Exploration IMetal Resources Inc. 2004-Present.

Janet Huang
NingDe, China

Director

41Head of Internal Audit for Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) 2018-Present Investment Manager of CATL, 2016-2018
Gilbert Clark
Le Rouret, France
Director
49Managing Director 2003 - 2014 of European Mining Services, Private Mining Consultancy, Consultant Geologist with The Sentient Group 2010 - 2013, Senior Investment Advisor and Director of Sentient Asset Management Canada September 2013-2016, Director of North American Nickel May 2012 - Present, Private Mining & Mining Finance Consultant January 2017 — Present.
     

John Sabine

Toronto, On
ON

Director, Chairman

(resigned on June 17, 2020)

 7375 Chairman of North American Nickel Inc. since November 2014, Counsel to Bennett Jones LLP 2013-Present,2013-2020, Counsel to Dentons LLP 2001-2013, Director of Lipari Energy Inc. 2011-2013, Uranium One Inc. 2013-2015, Algold Resources 2013-Present,2013-2020, and Seabridge Gold Inc. 2014-Present, Chairman, North American Nickel Inc. 2014-Present.,
     

Christopher Messina

New York, NY

Director

 4749 Director of North American Nickel Inc. since October 2015, Advisor to a number of technology companies in the big data analytics, artificial intelligence, shipping, commodities and cyber security industries.
     

Janet Huang

NingDe, China

Director

43Director of North American Nickel Inc. since April 2019, Head of Internal Audit for Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) 2018-Present, Investment Manager of CATL, 2016-2018

Charles Riopel

Montreal, QC

Director, Chairman

54Director of North American Nickel Inc. since Jun 2019, founder and managing partner at Latitude 45, a mining private equity fund; board member of Premium Nickel Resources, North American Nickel, Aligo Innovation, Meridian Mining SA, Women in Mining Canada and the Foundation of Greater Montreal.

John Hick

Toronto, ON

Director

71Director of North American Nickel Inc. since February 2021, Independent corporate director of a number of publicly listed and private companies.

Mark Fedikow

Winnipeg, MB

President

68President of North American Nickel Inc. since August 2010, President of Mount Morgan Resources Ltd. 2001 — present Director and VP of Exploration Services for VMS Ventures Inc. 2008 — April 2015, Director and VP of Exploration IMetal Resources Inc. 2004-Present.

Keith Morrison

Burlington, ON

Director, Chief Executive Officer

61Director and CEO of North American Nickel Inc. since December 2014, Director of Era Resources Inc. 2011-2017, Non-Executive Chairman of Security Devices International Inc. 2014-2017, Non-Executive Chairman of Osgood Mountain Gold Ltd. August 2016 — 2017, Non-Executive chairman of ZEN Graphene Solution Ltd. 2018

Sarah-Wenjia Zhu

Montreal, QC

Chief Financial Officer

 4446 CFO since May 22, 2018,of North American Nickel Inc.,Inc since May 2018, formerly an investment manager at The Sentient Group 2009-2017; Equity analyst/associate at PE fund and bank 2007-2009; Deloitte China 1998-2003

B. Compensation.

 

Management compensation is determined by the board of directors based on competitive prices for services provided. During the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, directors and officers, including private companies controlled by directors and officers, as a group, paid or accrued a total of $747$5,000 in consulting fees, paid or accrued a total of $477,718 in management fees, paid or accrued a total of $181$182,250 in salaries. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions” for more detail on fees paid to members of management or to entities owned by them.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, the Company paid $131$120,750 in compensation to Directors for acting as Directors. The Company does not have any pension or retirement plans, nor does the Company compensate its directors and officers by way of any material bonus or profit sharing plans. Directors,

The Company adopted a Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), providing the authority to grant options to directors, officers, employees and other key personnelconsultants enabling them to acquire up to 10% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company. Under the Plan, the exercise price of each option equals the market price or a discounted price of the Company’s stock as calculated on the date of grant. The options can be granted for a maximum term of 10 years.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company may be compensated by waygranted an aggregate total of 7,850,000 stock options.options to employees, directors and consultants with a maximum term of 5 years. All options vest immediately and are exercisable as to 6,650,000 options at $0.16 per share and 1,200,000 options at $0.09 per share. The Company calculates the fair value of all stock options using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. The fair value of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2020 amounted to $969,391 and was recorded as a share-based payment expense.

 

C. Board practices.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of theCompany Act (BC), the Company’s directors are elected annually at the regularly schedules annual general meeting of shareholders. Each elected director is elected for a one-year term unless he resigns prior to the expiry of his term.

 

The Company has no arrangements in place for provision of benefits to its directors or upon their termination.

 

The Board has five committees in place:

 

Audit Committee is made-upmade up of Douglas Ford (Chair), Christopher Messina and Gilbert Clark.Charles Riopel. The Audit Committee is an operating committee of the board of directors responsible for the oversight of financial reporting and disclosure. On May 2, 2006, the Company’s board of directors adopted a new charter for the Audit Committee.

 

Compensation Committee is made up of Christopher Messina (Chair), Douglas Ford and Gilbert Clark.John Hick. In addition to making recommendations to the Board of the Company as to appropriate salary and other compensation for senior executives and directors of the Company, the compensation committee determinesmakes recommendations to the Board of the Company as to the level of stock option compensation and stock warrants granted within the corporation.Company.

Safety Committee is made up of Keith Morrison (Chair), Doug Ford, Gilbert Clark. The purpose of the Safety Committee is to help prevent injury and illness on the job; increase awareness of health and safety issues among workers, supervisors, and managers; and develop strategies to make the work environment safe and healthy.

 

Technical Oversight Committee is made up of Gilbert Clark (Chair)Keith Morrison and Mark Fedikow.Charles Riopel. The Technical Oversight Committee provides general oversight and support to the Geological team and identifies technical issues and tasks necessary to support the activities of the Company.

 

CSR committeeCorporate Governance Committee is made up of John Hick (Chair), Douglas Ford and Janet Huang. The Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to the Board of the Company as to the rules and procedures for making decisions in corporate affairs and establishing a complete Handbook for the Company.

Compliance/Disclosure Committee is made up of Charles Riopel (Chair) and Keith MorrisonMorrison. The purpose of the Compliance Committee is to oversee the Company’s implementation of programs, policies and Mark Fedikow.procedures that are designed to respond to the various compliance and regulatory risks facing the Company. The CSR committee is appointedCompliance Committee meets as required to promote a culture that emphasizes and sets high standards foroversee the dissemination of all corporate social responsibility and reviews corporate performance against those standards.material.

 

D. Employees.

 

The Company began termination and working notice severance to all employees from December 2019 and migrated the employees who were willing to continue with the Company to contractors.

Effective at December 31, 20182020, the Company had sevenno salaried employees.

 

E. Share ownership.

 

A total of ten percent (10%) of the common shares of the Company, outstanding from time to time, are reserved for the issuance of stock options pursuant to the Company’s Incentive Stock Option Plan. During the year 6,425,0002020, the Company granted an aggregate total of 7,850,000 stock options were granted to directors, consultants and employees. Other information on ownership is contained in the table below.

 

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.

 

A. Major shareholders.

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of the Company’s shares at December 31, 2018as of the date of this report by (i) each person who is known to own beneficially more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock, (ii) each of the Company’s directors and executive officers and (iii) all current directors and executive officers as a group. The table does not reflect common shares held of record by depositories but does include currently exercisable options and warrants which are included in the calculation of percentage of class ownership for each individual holder. As of December 31, 2018,the day of this report, there were 787,928,500116,111,867 common shares issued and outstanding, 590,93165,659 preferred shares outstanding, 25,945,5007,925,625 exercisable options, 257,972,83619,437,523 warrants which fully diluted is 1,072,437,767.143,540,674.

Name of Beneficial Owner Amount of Shares  Percent 
Principal Holders        
Sentient Group GP IV  369,809,820   46.93%
Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd. (CATL)  200,000,000   25.38%
Officers and Directors        
Douglas Ford  557,600(1)    
Keith Morrison  1,033,333     
Mark Fedikow  2,517,666(2)    
Gilbert Clark  170,046     
John Sabine  1,043,942     
Christopher Messina  260,000     
Sarah-Wenjia Zhu  40,000     
All Officers and Directors as a Group (8 persons)  5,622,587   0.71%

Name of Beneficial Owner Number of Shares (post-consolidation)  Percent 
Principal Holders        
Sentient Group GP IV  36,980,982   29.73%
Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd. (CATL)  22,944,444   18.44%
Officers and Directors        
Douglas Ford  662,250(1)    
Keith Morrison  1,494,017(2)    
Mark Fedikow  1,865,714(3)    
Gilbert Clark  133,605     
John Sabine  630,453     
Christopher Messina  128,143     
Sarah-Wenjia Zhu  752,623     
Charles Riopel  181,443     
All Officers and Directors as a Group (8 persons)  5,848,248   5.00%

(1)Includes 42,200 shares held through B.W.N. Oil Technologies Inc., 544,000 shares held through Dockside Capital Group Inc.
(2)includes 840,826 shares held through Lacnikdon Ltd.
(3)Includes 191,000 shares held through Lee River Resources Ltd

 

Effective October 4, 2019, the Company completed a share consolidation of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares whereby for every ten (10) pre-consolidation common shares issued and outstanding, one (1) Includes 422,000 shares held through B.W.N. Oil Technologies Inc., 135,600 shares held through Dockside Capital Group Inc.

(2) Includes 1,910,000 shares held through Lee River Resources Ltd.post-consolidation common share exists without par value.

 

During 2018,All references to share capital, warrants, options and weighted average number of shares outstanding have been adjusted retrospectively to reflect the Company’s 10-for-1 share consolidation as if it occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented.

On August 13 and August 31, 2020, the Company closed aits announced non-brokered private placement equity financingin two tranches issuing a total of 233,333,333 units21,142,857 Units at a price of $0.075$0.07 per unit and raisedfor aggregate gross proceeds of $17,500.$1,480,000. Each Unit consisted of one common share in the capital of the Company and one transferable common share purchase warrant (“Warrant”) of the Company. Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one common share of the Company within twenty-four (24) months following its issuance date, at a price of $0.09. The warrants are subject to an acceleration clause such that if the closing market price of the common Shares on the TSX-V is greater than $0.12 per Common Share for a period of 10 consecutive trading days at any time after the four-month anniversary of the closing of the Placement, the Company may, at its option, accelerate the warrant expiry date to within 30 days. To December 31, 2020, the Company’s common shares have met the criterion for acceleration. The Company, incurred totalhowever, has not accelerated the warrant expiry date.

Subsequent to FY 2020, to date, 6,278,219 warrants have been exercised, totaling in $665,135 proceeds to the Company.

On April 20, 2021, the Company closed the previously announced and oversubscribed non brokered private placement consisting of an aggregate of 8,290,665 units of the Company (the “Units”) at a price of $0.24 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,989,759.60 Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company and one half transferable common share purchase warrant (“Warrant”) of the Company. Each full Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the date that is twenty-four (24) months following its issuance costsdate, at a price of $579,$0.35. The warrants are subject to an acceleration clause that if the closing market price of which $250the common shares on the TSX-V is recorded in trade payablesgreater than the $0.60 per common share for a period of 10 consecutive trading days at December 31, 2018.any time after the four-month anniversary of the closing of the placement, the Company may, at its option, accelerate the warrant expiry date to within 30 days.

 

B. Related party transactions.

 

Related party transactions were in the normal course of business and have been recorded at the exchange amount which is the fair value agreed to between the parties. Amounts due to related parties are unsecured, non-interest bearing and without specific terms of repayment.

 

Related party balances - The following amounts due to related parties are included in trade payables and accrued liabilities

 

  December 31,  December 31,  December 31, 
  2018  2017  2016 
Directors and officers of the Company $1  $42  $2 
Companies controlled by directors of the Company         
  $1  $42  $2 

(All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  December 31,  December 31,  December 31, 
  2020  2019  2018 
Directors and officers of the Company $  21  $  38  $    1 
Related company  7   131    
  $28  $169  $1 

 

These amounts are unsecured, non-interest bearing and have no fixed terms of repayment.

 

The following amount due from related party and advancement represent other receivable included in current assets as well as investment in Premium Nickel Resource Inc. (“Premium Nickel”) a private company incorporated in Ontario in which certain directors and officers of the Company also hold offices and minority investments.

(All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  December 31,  December 31,  December 31, 
  2020  2019  2018 
Due from related party $   55  $   95  $   — 
Advance  50   24    
Investment  48       
Total  153   119    

Related party transactions —

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, the Company recorded $174 (2017$171,952 (2019 - $244)$370,127), (2016(2018 - $347)$174,224) in fees charged by a legal firm in which the Company’s former chairman is a consultant.

 

(a) Investment in Premium Nickel

On September 30, 2019, the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Premium Nickel Resources Inc. (“Premium Nickel”). Pursuant to the MOU, the Company and Premium Nickel set forth their interests in negotiating and acquiring the business and assets of BCL Limited, a private company with operations in Botswana that is currently in liquidation.

Concurrent with the MOU, the Company initially subscribed for 2,400,000 common shares of Premium Nickel at $0.01, for a total investment of $24,000. The Company’s initial investment included a provision that gives the Company the right to nominate two directors to the board of directors of Premium Nickel. The Company’s initial investment also included Premium Nickel issuing the Company a non-transferable share purchase warrant (the “Warrant”), which entitles the Company to purchase common shares of Premium Nickel, for up to 15% of the capital of Premium Nickel upon payment of US $10 million prior to the fifth anniversary of the date of issue. At December 31, 2019, the Company’s investment was recorded as an advance, as the Company had not yet been issued the common share certificate nor the Warrant. The initial investment common share certificate and Warrant were issued during the year ended December 31, 2020.

To December 31, 2020, the Company subscribed for a further 4,657,711 common shares of Premium Nickel, for a further investment of $154,164. The common shares underlying the investment are restricted (“Restricted”) from being traded before such date that is 4 months after the later of (a) the date of issuance and (b) the date at which Premium Nickel becomes a reporting issuer in any province or territory. To December 31, 2020 and subsequently, the underlying common shares are Restricted. To December 31, 2020, the Company’s total investment constitutes a 11.01% holding (December 31, 2019 – 9.64%) in Premium Nickel.

As December 31, 2020, the Company had representatives on the board of Premium Nickel and there were material transactions between the two companies. By sharing its managerial personnel, North American Nickel had direct operating involvement in Premium Nickel, including participating in the policy making process and providing essential technical support. Accordingly, the Company determined that it has significant influence in Premium Nickel and has used equity accounting of the investment. Premium Nickel’s financial information at December 31, 2020 was net assets of $32,445, which was comprised primarily of cash, and a total comprehensive loss of $1,227,998 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Details of the Company’s investment at December 31, 2020 is as follows:

Investment
Balance, December 31, 2018 and 2019-
Reallocation of advance24
Investment154
Share of loss of Premium Nickel(130)
Total48

On January 1, 2020, the Company entered into a Management and Technical Services Agreement (“the Services Agreement”) with Premium Nickel whereby the Company will provide certain technical, corporate, administrative and clerical, office and other services to Premium Nickel during the due diligence stage of the contemplated arrangement. The Company will charge Premium Nickel for expenses incurred and has the right to charge a 2% administrative fee on third party expenses. The Company will invoice Premium Nickel on a monthly basis and payment shall be made by Premium Nickel no later than 15 days after receipt of such invoice. The term of the Service Agreement is for an initial period of 3 years and can be renewed for an additional 1 year period. The Service Agreement can be terminated within 30 days notice, for non-performance, by the Company giving 6 months notice or Premium Nickel within 90 days provided the Company no longer owns at least 10% of the outstanding common shares of Premium Nickel. If Premium Nickel defaults on making payments, the outstanding balance shall be treated as a loan to Premium Nickel, to be evidenced by a promissory note. The promissory note will be payable upon demand and bear interest at a rate equal to the then current lending rate plus 1%, calculated from the date of default. Subsequent payment by Premium Nickel will be first applied to accrued interest and then principle of the invoice. During the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, pursuant to the Services Agreement, the Company charged Premium Nickel $647,164 (December 31, 2019 - $95,415) for services and charged $8,495 in administrative fees, received $701,305 (December 31, 2019 – $Nil) and recorded $Nil (2017$54,619 in due from Premium Nickel (December 31, 2019 - $95,415). During the year ended December 31, 2020, $33,735 (December 31, 2019 - $Nil) (2016 - $16)of the Company’s additional investment was offset from previously outstanding amounts due from Premium Nickel. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the Company received the $54,619 in rent and utilities expense to VMS Ventures Inc. a company that was a significant shareholder and related through common directors, which was included in general and administrative expense.full from Premium Nickel.

 

(a) At December 31, 2020, $50,000 has been classified as an advance as Premium Nickel has not yet issued the common share certificate. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the Company paid an additional $50,400 and was issued the common share certificate representing its additional investment.

(b) Key Management Compensation

Key management personnel are defined as members of the Board of Directors and senior officers.

 

Key management compensation was:

(All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  December 31, 2018  December 31, 2017  December 31, 2016 
Geological consulting fees — expensed  104   35   6 
Geological consulting fees — capitalized  18   178   44 
Management fees — expensed  747   749   756 
Salaries - expensed  181   128   103 
Share-based payments  192   358   186 
Total  1,242   1,448   1,095 

  December 31, 2020  December 31, 2019  December 31, 2018 
Geological consulting fees — expensed  5   136   104 
Geological consulting fees — capitalized  -   -   18 
Management fees — expensed  478   747   747 
Salaries - expensed  182   185   181 
Share-based payments  756   -   192 
Total  1,421   1,068   1,242 

 

(ca)) Transactions with Sentient

As of December 31, 2020, Sentient Executive GP IV Limited (“Sentient”) beneficially owns 36,980,982 common shares on a post-consolidation basis constituting approximately 33.66% (2019 – 41.7%) of the currently issued and outstanding common shares.

 

On April 19, 2018, Sentient subscribed for 13,333,3331,333,333 units on a post-consolidation basis of the private placement for a total purchase price of $1,000.$1,000,000. As of December 31, 2018, Sentient beneficially owns, or exercises control or direction over 369,809,82036,980,982 common shares constituting approximately 46.93% of the currently issued and outstanding shares of the Company.Company on a post-consolidation basis.

 

On August 15, 2017, Sentient subscribed for a total of 38,666,6663,866,666 units on a post-consolidation basis under the private placement equity financing transaction described in Note 9 for a total net proceeds of $2,900.$2,900,000. As part of the subscription, Sentient was granted 19,333,3331,933,333 common share purchase warrants exercisable at $0.12$1.20 on a post-consolidation basis until August 15, 2019.

 

On June 8, 2017, Sentient acquired 94,666,6669,466,666 units on a post-consolidation basis in the equity financing as described in Note 109 for net proceeds of $7,100.$7,100,000. As part of the Offering, Sentient was granted 47,333,3334,733,333 common share purchase warrants exercisable at $0.12$1.20 on a post-consolidation basis until June 8, 2019.

 

As of December 31, 2017, Sentient beneficially owns 356,476,48735,647,649 common shares constituting approximately 64.27% of the currently issued and outstanding Common Shares.Shares on a post-consolidation basis.

 

(b)d) Transaction with CATL

 

As of December 31, 2020, Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (“CATL”) beneficially owns 22,944,444 common shares, constituting approximately 20.89% of the currently issued and outstanding shares of the Company. CATL has pre-emptive rights and the right to nominate one director to the board of directors of the Company.

On December 18, 2019, CATL subscribed for 200,000,000a total of 2,944,444 units under a bought deal private placement financing transaction for a total net proceeds of $530,000. As part of the subscription, CATL was granted 1,472,222 common share purchase warrants exercisable at $0.25 until December 18, 2021. As of December 31, 2019, CATL beneficially owns 22,944,444 common shares constituting approximately 25.87% of the currently issued and outstanding shares of the Company.

On March 29, 2018, CATL subscribed for 20,000,000 (post-consolidation) units of the private placement for a total purchase price of $15,000. At December 31, 2018, CATL beneficially owns, or exercises control or direction over approximately 25.38% of the currently issued and outstanding shares of the Company. As per the subscription agreement, CATL has pre-emptive rights and the right to nominate one director to the board of directors of the Company.

C. Interests of experts and counsel

 

Not required.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

 

See Item 17 and our financial statements and accompanying notes beginning on page F-1.

 

B. Significant Changes

 

The Company is not aware of any significant change since December 31, 20182020 that is not otherwise reported in this filing.

 

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

 

Effective December 21, 2006 our common shares became quoted on the United States OTC Bulletin Board, under the symbol “WSCRF”. On May 30, 2011 the common shares of the Company began trading under the symbol “NAN” on the TSX-V Venture Exchange. The table below sets forth the high and low prices expressed in Canadian dollars on the TSX-V and in United States dollars on the OTC in the United States for the Company’s common shares for the past five years, for each quarter for the last two fiscal years, and for the last six months. Note this trading data does not take into effect the 2-old10-old for 1-new reverse split effected on April 20, 2010.October 4, 2019.

 

  High  Low  High  Low 
  (Canadian Dollars)  (United States Dollars) 
             
Last Five Fiscal Years                
2018  0.085   0.030   0.075   0.020 
2017  0.095   0.065   0.076   0.043 
2016  0.145   0.065   0.11   0.05 
2015  0.28   0.08   0.23   0.06 
2014  0.23   0.22   0.209   0.209 
                 
2018                
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2018  0.055   0.030   0.040   0.020 
Third Quarter ended September 30, 2018  0.075   0.050   0.061   0.038 
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2018  0.085   0.060   0.065   0.043 
First Quarter ended March 31, 2018  0.085   0.070   0.075   0.055 
                 
2017                
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2017  0.095   0.065   0.076   0.050 
Third Quarter ended September 30, 2017  0.085   0.065   0.071   0.050 
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2017  0.085   0.065   0.066   0.043 
First Quarter ended March 31, 2017  0.095   0.075   0.071   0.054 
                 
Last Six Months                
March 2019  0.025   0.020   0.025   0.013 
February 2019  0.045   0.025   0.033   0.020 
January 2019  0.045   0.030   0.037   0.020 
December 2018  0.050   0.030   0.036   0.020 
November 2018  0.050   0.045   0.040   0.031 
October 2018  0.055   0.045   0.040   0.037 
  High  Low  High  Low 
   (Canadian Dollars)   (United States Dollars) 
                 
Last Five Fiscal Years                
2020  0.30   0.06   0.332   0.045 
2019  0.40   0.10   0.372   0.023 
2018  0.085   0.030   0.075   0.020 
2017  0.095   0.065   0.076   0.043 
2016  0.145   0.065   0.11   0.05 
                 
2020                
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2020  0.235   0.15   0.199   0.111 
Third Quarter ended September 30, 2020  0.30   0.08   0.332   0.052 
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2020  0.10   0.07   0.072   0.045 
First Quarter ended March 31, 2020  0.215   0.06   0.158   0.05 
                 
2019                
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2019  0.225   0.10   0.165   0.023 
Third Quarter ended September 30, 2019  0.35   0.15   0.285   0.10 
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2019  0.25   0.15   0.188   0.06 
First Quarter ended March 31, 2019  0.40   0.20   0.372   0.13 
                 
Last Six Months                
April 2021  0.29   0.23   0.232   0.195 
March 2021  0.36   0.23   0.287   0.182 
February 2021  0.35   0.22   0.266   0.168 
January 2021  0.39   0.14   0.30   0.113 
December 2020  0.225   0.15   0.176   0.117 
November 2020  0.23   0.165   0.188   0.122 

The closing price of the Company’s common shares as reported by the TSX-V on December 31, 20182020 was C$0.03.0.155. The closing price of the Company’s common shares as reported by the OTCbb on December 31, 20182020 was US$0.02.0.12.

 

The Company’s common shares are issued in registered form. Computershare Investor Services Inc. is the registrar and transfer agent for the Company’s common shares.

 

The Company has no outstanding securities not listed on a marketplace other than incentive stock options and warrants. Since the beginning of the most recently completed financial year, stock options to purchase an aggregate 6,425,000 common shares were granted. The following table outlines the detail of each grant:

Number of Options  Exercise Price  Grant Date
     (CDN $)   
         
 5,725,000  $0.12  February 28, 2018
 500,000  $0.12  May 1, 2018
 200,000  $0.12  May 4, 2018

 

Since the beginning of the most recently completed financial year, warrants issued to purchase an aggregate 116,666,66421,731,011 common shares were issued. The following table outlines the detail of each issuance:

 

Number of Warrants  Exercise Price  Grant Date
     (CDN $)   
         
 116,666,664  $0.12  April 19, 2018
Number of Warrants Exercise Price Grant Date
  (CDN $)  
      
16,045,231 $0.09 August 13, 2020
5,685,780  0.09 August 31, 2020
21,731,011     

The warrants are subject to an acceleration clause such that if the volume-weighted average trading price of the Company’s common shares on the TSX-V exceeds $0.12 per common share for a period of 10 consecutive trading days at any date before the expiration date of such warrants, the Company may, at its option, accelerate the warrant expiry date to within 30 days. To December 31, 2020, the Company’s common shares have met the criterion for acceleration. The Company, however, has not accelerated the warrant expiry date.

Since the beginning of the most recently completed financial year, Options issued to purchase an aggregate 7,850,000 common shares were issued. The following table outlines the detail of each issuance:

Number of Options Exercise Price Grant Date
   (CDN $)  
      
6,650,000 $0.16 February 24, 2020
1,200,000  0.09 August 19, 2020
7,850,000     

 

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

A. Share capital

 

Not required

 

B. Memorandum and articles of association

 

1.The Company was incorporated as Rainbow Resources Ltd. September 20, 1983 under certificate of incorporation no. 268952 in the Province of British Columbia Canada. The name was changed to Widescope Resources Ltd. May 1 1984, to Gemini Technology Inc. September 13 1985, to International Gemini Technology Inc. September 23 1993, and to Widescope Resources Inc., effective July 12, 2006. The name was subsequently changed to North American Nickel Inc., effective April 19, 2010. No objects and purposes are described.
  
2.If a director has a material interest in a matter subject to a vote, he must declare it and abstain from voting, or have his vote not counted, except for certain specific exclusions which include setting director compensation. There are no restrictions on directors issuing debt however shareholder approval may be required in connection with convertible debt or other debt driven requirements to issue shares. There is no retirement age or share ownership requirement for directors.
  
3.Dividends are declared by directors and subject to any special rights, paid to all holders of shares in a class according to the number of shares held. Voting rights are one vote per share. Directors stand for election every year at the annual meeting. Shareholders have no rights to share directly in the company’s profits. Subject to prior claims of creditors and preferred shareholders, common shareholders participate in any surplus in the event of liquidation according to the number of shares held. The Company may redeem shares by directors’ resolution in compliance with applicable law unless the company is insolvent or may become insolvent by doing so. It must make its offer pro rata to every member who holds a class, subject to applicable stock exchange rules or company act provisions. The directors have wide discretion. Shareholders have no liability for further capital calls. No discriminatory provisions, against an existing or prospective shareholder of a substantial number of shares, are imposed by the articles.
4.Rights of holders of any class of shares can only be changed with their consent, and in accordance with the company act. Consent must be in writing by the holders or by a three fourths majority of a vote of the holders, and by the consent of the British Columbia Securities Commission.
  
5.A notice convening an annual general or special meeting must specify the place, date, hour, and in the case of a special meeting, the general nature of the special business, and must be given in accordance with the company act. There are no special conditions outlining rights of admission.
  
6.There are no limitations on rights to own securities.
  
7.There are no provisions to delay, defer, or prevent a change in control.
  
8.Nothing in the articles requires ownership disclosure.
  
9.Not applicable.
  
10.Not applicable.

 

C. Material contracts

 

On December 23, 2009, the Company executed a letter of intent whereby the Company has an option to acquire the mineral claim known as the Post Creek Property located within the Sudbury Mining District of Ontario. The Company paid a non-refundable deposit of $8.$8,000. On April 5, 2010, the Company entered into an option agreement to acquire rights to Post Creek Property. On March 12, 2013, the Post Creek Property Option Agreement was amended, in order to acquire 100% working interests in the property, subject to certain net smelter return royalties (“NSR”) and advance royalty payments the Company agreed to the following amended consideration, which has been met, cash payments totalling $138totaling $138,000 and the issuance of 1,000,000 common shares. The Company has exercised its option on Post Creek and as of August 1, 2015, the Company is obligated to pay advances on the NSR of $10$10,000 per annum, which will be deducted from any payments to be made under the NSR

 

On April 5, 2010, the Company entered into an option agreement to acquire rights to Halcyon Property. On March 12, 2013, the Halcyon Property Option Agreement was amended. In order to acquire up to a 100% working interest in the property, subject to certain net smelter return royalties (“NSR”) and advance royalty payments the Company agreed to the following amended consideration, which has been met, cash payments totalling $120$120,000 and the issuance of 700,000 common shares. Further, commencing on the amended date of August 1, 2015, if the Company exercises its option, the Company will be obligated to pay advances on the NSR of $8$8,000 per annum, which will be deducted from any payments to be made under the NSR.

 

On August 15, 2011, the Company was granted an exploration license (the “Sulussugut License”) by the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum (“BMP”) of Greenland for exclusive exploration rights of an area located near Sulussugut, Greenland. The Company paid a license fee of $5,742 (Danish Krones (“DKK”) 31)31,400) upon granting of the Sulussugut License. The Sulussugut License was valid for 5 years until December 31, 2015, with December 31, 2011 being the first year providing the Company meets the terms of the license, which includes that specified eligible exploration expenditures must be made. The application for another 5-year term on the Sulussugut License was submitted to the Greenland Mineral Licence & Safety Authority (MLSA) which was effective on April 11, 2016, with December 31, 20182019 being the eighthninth year.

 

On March 4, 2012, the Company was granted an additional exploration license (the “Ininngui License”) by the BMP of Greenland for exclusive exploration rights over an area covering a total of 142 square kilometres. The license is located near Ininngui, Greenland. The Company paid a license fee of DKK 3232,200 upon granting of the Ininngui License. The Ininngui License is valid for 5 years until December 31, 2016, with December 31, 2012 being the first year. The Ininngui License is contiguous with the Sulussugut License.The application for another 5-year term on the Ininngui License was submitted to the Greenland Mineral Licence & Safety Authority (MLSA), which was effective March 14, 2017, with December 31, 20182019 being the seventheighth year.

 

In conjunction with the granting of the Sulussugut License, on August 12, 2011, the Company entered into an arm’s length Intellectual Property and Data Acquisition Agreement (the “IP Acquisition Agreement”) with Hunter Minerals Pty Limited (“Hunter”) and Spar Resources Pty Limited (“Spar”). Pursuant to the IP Acquisition Agreement, Hunter and Spar agreed to sell the IP Rights to the Company in consideration for the Company paying $300 in cash ($150 to each of Hunter and Spar which is paid) and the issuing of 12,960,000 share purchase warrants, 6,480,000 to each of Hunter and Spar exercisable for a period of five years expiring on August 30, 2016. The warrants were exercisable at the following prices, 4,750,000 of the warrants are at a price of $0.50 per share, 4,750,000 of the warrants are at a price of $0.70 per share and 3,460,000 of the warrants are at a price of $1.00 per share. The warrants were subject to an accelerated exercise provision in the event the Company relinquished its interests in the Maniitsoq Licenses or any other mineral titles held within a defined area of interest without receiving consideration for such relinquishment. The granted warrants were recorded at a fair value of $1,813 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. As of August 30, 2016 the warrants expired unexercised and the Company has reversed the fair value of $1,813 to deficit. Granting to each of Hunter and Spar or their designates was granted to a 1.25% net smelter returns royalty, subject to rights of NAN to reduce both royalties to a 0.5% net smelter returns royalty upon payment to each of Hunter and Spar (or their designates) of $1,000 on or before the 60th day following a decision to commence commercial production on the mineral properties. On August 30, 2011

Effective May 4, 2018, the Company issued 200,000was granted an exploration license (the “Carbonatite License”) by the BMP of Greenland for exclusive exploration rights of an area located near Maniitsoq in West Greenland. The Company paid a license fee of $6,523 (DKK 31,000) upon granting of the Carbonatite License. The Carbonatite License is valid for 5 years until December 31, 2022, with December 31, 2019 being the second year.

On September 25, 2019, the Company entered into earn in agreement with International Explorers and Prospectors Inc. whereby the Company may acquire a 100% interest in the Loveland Nickel property. Consideration for the acquisition is $1,525,000 in cash, 300,000 post-consolidation common shares at $0.14 per shareand $4,500,000 in work commitments over a 5-year period. The TSX Venture Exchange approved the transaction for filing on October 24, 2019. The 300,000 common shares were issued subsequent to the quarter as a purchase consideration with a value of $28 as a finder’s fee$60,000. Based on the results of the exploration program completed in April 2020, the management elected not to proceed with further exploration on the property and terminated the agreement.

On February 18, 2020, the Company was granted new prospective license No. 2020/05, by the BMP of Greenland project.for a period of 5 years ending December 31, 2024.

 

On January 4, 2016,1, 2020, the Company made and entered into a 10 year Metallic Minerals LeaseManagement and Technical Services Agreement (“the Services Agreement”) with Premium Nickel whereby the Michigan DepartmentCompany will provide certain technical, corporate, administrative and clerical, office and other services to Premium Nickel during the due diligence stage of Natural Resourcesthe contemplated arrangement. The Company will charge Premium Nickel for expenses incurred and has the right to charge a 2% administrative fee on third party expenses. The Company will invoice Premium Nickel on a monthly basis and payment shall be made by Premium Nickel no later than 15 days after receipt of such invoice. The term of the Service Agreement is for an area covering approximately 320 acres. Underinitial period of 3 years and can be renewed for an additional 1 year period. The Service Agreement can be terminated within 30 days notice, for non-performance, by the termsCompany giving 6 months notice or Premium Nickel within 90 days provided the Company no longer owns at least 10% of the lease, an annual rental feeoutstanding common shares of Premium Nickel. If Premium Nickel defaults on making payments, the outstanding balance shall be treated as a loan to Premium Nickel, to be evidenced by a promissory note. The promissory note will be requiredpayable upon demand and bear interest at a rate equal to the then current lending rate plus 1%, calculated from the date of US $3.00 per acre per lease for years 1-5default. Subsequent payment by Premium Nickel will be first applied to accrued interest and US $6.00 per acre per lease year for the years 6-10. A minimum royalty of US $10 per acre is due for the eleventh yearthen principle of the lease and increases by $US 5 per acre through to the twentieth year. For the twentieth year of the lease and thereafter for the life of the lease, the minimum royalty is US $55 per acre per year.

The Company paid the first-year rental fee and the required bond of US $10. The Department of Natural Resources shall annually review the level of the performance bond and shall require the amount of the bond to be increased or decreased to reflect changes in the cost of future reclamation of the leased premises.

invoice.

D. Exchange Controls

 

This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, legal advice to any prospective purchaser. Accordingly, prospective purchasers of the Company’s shares should consult with their own advisors with respect to their individual circumstances.

There are no laws or governmental decrees or regulations in Canada that restrict the export or import of capital, or which affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to holders of the Company’s securities who are not residents of Canada, other than withholding tax requirements. Reference is made to “Item 7. Taxation”.

 

There are no limitations imposed by the laws of Canada, the laws of Alberta or by the charter or other governing documents of the Company on the right of a non-resident to hold or vote common shares of the Company, other than as provided in the Investment Canada Act (the “Investment Act”) and the potential requirement for a Competition Act Review.

 

The following summarizes the principal features of the Investment Act and the Competition Act Review for a non-resident who proposes to acquire common shares. This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for independent advice from an investor’s own advisor. This summary does not anticipate statutory or regulatory amendments.

 

The Canadian Investment Act

 

The Canadian Investment Act generally prohibits implementation of a reviewable investment by an individual, government or agency thereof, corporation, partnership, trust or joint venture that is not a “Canadian” as defined in the Investment Act (a “non-Canadian”), unless, after review, the minister responsible for the Investment Act (the “Minister”) is satisfied that the investment is likely to be of a net benefit to Canada. Under the Investment Act, a United States citizen qualifies as a “World Trade Organization Investor.” Subject to the restrictions noted below, an investment in a Canadian business by a World Trade Organization Investor would be reviewable under the Investment Act only if it is an investment to acquire control of such Canadian business and the value of the assets of the Canadian business as shown on its financial statements is not less than a specified amount, which for 1999 was $184 million. An investment in the shares of a Canadian business by a non-Canadian other than a “World Trade Organization Investor” when the Company is not controlled by a World Trade Organization Investor, would be reviewable under the Investment Act if it is an investment to acquire control of the Canadian business and the value of the assets of the Canadian business as shown on its financial statements is $5 million or more, or if an order for review is made by the federal cabinet on the grounds that the investment relates to Canada’s cultural heritage or national identity.

 

The acquisition by a World Trade Organization Investor of control of a Canadian business in any of the following sectors is also subject to review if the value of the assets of the Canadian business exceeds $5 million (as shown on its financial statements): uranium, financial services (except insurance), transportation services and cultural businesses, which include broadcast media (publication, distribution or sale of books, magazines, periodicals, newspapers, music, film and video products and the exhibition of film and video products), television and radio services. As the Company’s business does not fall under any of the aforementioned categories, the acquisition of control of the Company, in excess of the $5 million threshold, by a World Trade Organization Investor would not be subject to such review.

 

A non-Canadian would acquire control of the Company for purposes of the Investment Act if the non-Canadian acquired a majority of the common shares.

 

The acquisition of less than a majority but one-third or more of the common shares would be presumed to be an acquisition of control of the Company unless it could be established that, on acquisition, the Company was not controlled in fact by the acquirer through the ownership of common shares. Notwithstanding the review provisions, any transaction involving the acquisition of control of a Canadian business or the establishment of a new business in Canada by a non-Canadian is a notifiable transaction and must be reported to Industry Canada by the non-Canadian making the investment either before or within thirty days after the investment.

 

Certain transactions relating to common shares are exempt from the Investment Act, including:

 

 an acquisition of common shares by a person in the ordinary course of that person’s business as a trader or dealer in securities;
   
 an acquisition of control of the Company in connection with the realization of security granted for a loan or other financial assistance and not for a purpose related to the provisions of the Investment Act; and
   
 an acquisition of control of the Company by reason of an amalgamation, merger, consolidation or corporate reorganization, following which the ultimate direct or indirect control in fact of the Company, through the ownership of common shares, remained unchanged.

 

Canadian Competition Act Review

 

Investments giving rise to the acquisition or establishment, directly or indirectly, by one or more persons of control over, or a significant interest in the whole or part of a business of a competitor, supplier, customer or other person are subject to substantive review by Canada’s Competition Law Authority, the Director of Investigation and Research (the “Director”). If or when the Director concludes that a merger, whether by purchase or lease of shares or assets, by amalgamation or by combination, or otherwise, prevents or lessens, or is likely to prevent or lessen competition substantially, he may apply as may be necessary to eliminate the substantial lessening or prevention of competition. Such substantive merger review power applies to all mergers, whether or not they meet limits for pre-notification under the Competition Act.

 

In addition to substantive merger review, the Competition Act provides for a pre-notification regime respecting mergers of a certain size. The regime applies in respect of share acquisitions, asset acquisitions, amalgamations and combinations. For ease of reference, this filing refers specifically to share acquisition, although the pre-notification regime applies, with the appropriate modification, to other types of acquisition of control as well.

 

In order for a share acquisition transaction to be pre-notifiable, the parties to the transaction (being the person or persons who proposed to acquire shares, and the corporation the shares of which are to be acquired), together with their affiliates (being all firms with a 50% or more voting shares linkage up and down the chain) must have:

 

(i)aggregate gross assets in Canada that exceed $400 million in value, as shown on their audited financial statements for the most recently completed fiscal year (which must be within the last fifteen (15) months); or
  
(ii)aggregate gross revenue from sales in, from or into Canada that exceed $400 million for the most recently completed fiscal year shown on the said financial statements; and
  
(iii)the party being acquired or corporations controlled by that party must have gross assets in Canada, or gross revenues from sales in or from Canada, exceeding $35 million as shown on the said financial statements. Acquisition of shares carrying up to 20% of the votes of a publicly-traded corporation, or 35% of the votes in a private corporation, will not be subject to pre-notification, regardless of the above thresholds. However, exceeding the 20% or the 35% threshold, and again exceeding the 50% threshold, gives rise to an obligation of notification if the size threshold is met.

If a transaction is pre-notifiable, a filing must be made with the Director containing the prescribed information with respect to the parties, and a waiting period (either seven or twenty-one days, depending on whether a long or short form filing is chosen) must expire prior to closing.

 

As an alternative to pre-notification, the Director may grant an Advance Ruling Certificate, which exempts the transaction from pre-notification. Advance Ruling Certificates are granted where the Director concludes, based on the information provided to him, that he would not have sufficient grounds on which to apply to the Competition Tribunal to challenge the Merger.

 

E. Taxation

 

This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, legal or tax advice to any prospective purchaser or holder of the Company’s shares and no representation with respect to the Canadian federal income tax consequences to any such prospective purchaser is made. Accordingly, prospective purchasers of the Company’s shares should consult with their own tax advisors with respect to their individual circumstances.

 

The following summary describes the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable to a holder of the Company’s shares who, for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Canadian Tax Act”) and the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention, 1980 (the “Convention”) and at all relevant times is resident in the United States and not resident in Canada, deals at arm’s length with the Company, holds the Company’s shares as capital property, and does not use or hold and is not deemed to use or hold the Company’s shares in or in the course of carrying on business in Canada (a “United States Holder”).

 

This following summary is based upon the current provisions of the Canadian Income Tax Act, the regulations thereunder, all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act and the regulations announced by the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof and the Company’s understanding of the published administrative practices of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (formerly Revenue Canada, Customs, Excise and Taxation). This summary does not take into account or anticipate any other changes in the governing law, whether by judicial, governmental or legislative decision or action, nor does it take into account the tax legislation or considerations of any province, territory or non-Canadian jurisdiction (including the United States), which legislation or considerations may differ significantly from those described herein.

 

Disposition of the Company’s Shares

 

In general, a United States shareholder will not be subject to Canadian income tax on capital gains arising on the disposition of the Company’s shares, unless such shares are “taxable Canadian property” within the meaning of the Canadian Income Tax Act and no relief is afforded under any applicable tax treaty. The shares of the Company would be taxable Canadian property of a non-resident if at any time during the five-year period immediately preceding a disposition by the non-resident of such shares, not less than 25% of the issued shares of any class or series of all classes of shares of the Company belonged to the non-resident, to persons with whom the non-resident did not deal at arm’s length, or to the non-resident and persons with whom the non-resident did not deal at arm’s length for purposes of the Canadian Income Tax Act. For this purpose, issued shares include options to acquire such shares (including conversion rights) held by such persons. Under the Convention, a capital gain realized by a resident of the United States will not be subject to Canadian tax unless the value of the shares of the Company is derived principally from real estate (as defined in the Convention) situated in Canada.

 

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

 

Not required

 

G. Statement by Experts

 

Not required

 

H. Documents on display

 

All documents referenced in this Form 20-F may be viewed at the offices of the Company during business hours 1055 West Hastings,666 Burrard Street, Suite 2500, Vancouver BC V6E 2E9, Canada,V6C 2X8, Telephone 604-770-4334.

 

I. Subsidiary Information

 

In June 2015 the Company incorporated North American Nickel (US) Inc. to hold a mineral lease in Michigan, which was granted in January 2016.

 

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not required

 

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Not required

 

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

 

Not applicable

 

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Not applicable

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of December 31, 2017. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded as of December 31, 2017 that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

(1)pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of a company’s assets,
  
(2)provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that a company’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of a company’s management and directors, and
  
(3)provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of a company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

 

However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the company.

 

Management has used the framework set forth in the report entitled Internal Control—Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, known as COSO, to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.

 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.

 

Our management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only our management’s report in this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report on Form 20-F that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 16.

ITEM 16.

 

A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

Mr. Douglas Ford. Mr. Ford has over thirty-years’ experience as a venture capitalist and merchant banker. In his business background he has operated in senior operations roles and as a Chief Financial Officer of several publicly traded companies and private enterprises. In such roles, he has been responsible for all financial aspects of the entities including, internal financial controls, governance, compliance and financial reporting. He currently is CFO and Secretary of two companies listed on Canadian stock exchanges.”

 

Mr. Messina serves on the Audit Committee as a financial expert. Mr. Messina has worked in the capital markets as an investment banker, asset manager and entrepreneur in financial technology for 22+ years. He has an MBA in finance and strategy from the Australian Graduate School of Management, and over the years has worked on data services involved in corporate governance ratings, derivatives and fixed income markets and has extensive knowledge of valuation norms and accepted pricing conventions for a range of assets from the most liquid to the most illiquid.

 

Mr. ClarkCharles Riopel also serves on the Audit Committee. He is an accomplished senior-level executive with 20+ years domestic/international investment experience in mining. He has more than 18managed over the year’s both private and public investment funds. Mr. Riopel is the founder and managing partner at Latitude 45, a private equity fund specialized in mining. Over the past 5 years, of industry experience; principally in mining and international resource developments. Since 2010 Mr. ClarkRiopel has been involved ina member and/or chaired Audit Committees at several public and private equity investments and appraisals primarily in the mining and energy sectors internationally.companies as well as charitable foundations.

 

B. Code of Ethics

 

The Company has adopted a code of ethics applicable to its directors, principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting procedures, and persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Company’s Code of Ethics will be made available to anyone who requests it in writing from the Company’s head office.

C. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

 

(a) Audit Fees

Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton LaBonte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants (“DMCL”) billed the Corporation $33$45,549 in the year ended December 31, 20182020 ($3035,427 in the year ended December 31, 20172019 and $26$33,150 in the year ended December 31, 2016)2018)

 

(b) Audit Related Fees

 

DMCL billed $ nil for audit related services in the year ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016.2018.

 

(c) Tax Fees

 

DMCL billed the Company $1$6,900 for the tax year 2018, $12020, $1,350 for the tax year 20172019 and $1$1250 for the tax year 2016.2018.

 

(d) All Other Fees

 

DMCL billed the Corporation $ nil for services in the year ended December 31, 2018, $15 for services in the year ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and $15 for services in the year ended December 31, 2016.2018.

 

(e) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

To ensure continuing auditor objectivity and to safeguard the independence of our auditors, our audit committee has determined a framework for the type and authorization of non-audit services which our auditors may provide. The audit committee has adopted policies for the pre-approval of specific services that may be provided by our auditors. The dual objectives of these policies are to ensure that we benefit in a cost effective manner from the cumulative knowledge and experience of our auditors, while also ensuring that the auditors maintain the necessary degree of independence and objectivity.

 

Our audit committee approved the engagement of Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton LaBonte LLP to render audit and non-audit services before they were engaged by us.

 

D. Exemption From the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

 

Not Applicable

 

E Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

Not Applicable

 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The financial statements and notes thereto as required by Item 17 are attached hereto and found immediately after the text of this Registration Statement. The auditors’ report of Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton LaBonte LLP, independent registered public accountants, on the audited financial statements and notes thereto is included immediately preceding the audited financial statements.

 

Independent Auditors’ Report.

Statements of financial position as at December 31, 20182020 and 2017.2019.

Statements of comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016.2018.

Statement of changes in shareholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020 2019 and 2016.2018.

Statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 201731,2020, 2019 and 2016.2018.

Notes to the financial statements.

 

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Not applicable. See “Item 17. Financial Statements” above.

 

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

 

12.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to s.302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

12.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to s.302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

13.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to s.906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

13.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to s.906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

19.1 Management Discussion & Analysis as of April 26, 2019.23, 2021.

SIGNATURES

 

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

 NORTH AMERICAN NICKEL INC
   
Date: May 03, 2019April 30, 2021By:/s/ Keith Morrison
 Name:Keith Morrison
 Title:CEO as duly authorized signatory

 

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 20182020

(In accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

INDEX

 

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Reporting

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Financial Statements

● Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

● Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

● Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

● Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

● Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 31
 

 

 

Management responsibility for financial reporting

 

The consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, of North American Nickel Inc., and its subsidiary have been prepared by management in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Management acknowledges responsibility for the preparation and presentation of the consolidated financial statements, including responsibility for significant accounting judgments and estimates and the choice of accounting principles and methods that are appropriate to the Company’s circumstances.

 

Management, in discharging these responsibilities, maintains a system of internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance that its assets are safeguarded, only valid and authorized transactions are executed and accurate, timely and comprehensive financial information is prepared. However, any system of internal controls over financial reporting, no matter how well designed and implemented, has inherent limitations and may not prevent or detect all misstatements.

 

The Board of Directors, principally through the Audit and Risk Committee, is responsible for reviewing and approving the consolidated financial statements together with other financial information of the Company and for ensuring that management fulfils its financial reporting responsibilities.

 

The consolidated financial statements have been audited by Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton LaBonte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants, who were appointed by the shareholders to examine the consolidated financial statements and provide an independent auditor’s opinion thereon. The auditor’s report outlines the scope of their examination and their opinion on the consolidated financial statements. Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton LaBonte LLP has full and free access to the Board of Directors.

 

“signed”

“signed”

/s/Keith Morrison/s/Sarah Zhu

PresidentPresident and Chief Executive Officer

“signed”

Sarah Zhu

Chief Financial Officer

  
April 26, 201923, 2021

 

40 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

 32 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the shareholders and the board of directors of North American Nickel Inc.

 

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of North American Nickel Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, changes in equity and cash flows, for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as atof December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended, December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

 

Going Concern

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has not generated revenues since inception, has incurred losses in developing its business, and further losses are anticipated. The Company requires additional funds to meet its obligations and the costs of its operations. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in this regard are described in Note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertaintyuncertainty.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

/s/Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and (that): (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

41 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Critical Audit MatterHow the Matter was Addressed in the Audit
Valuation of exploration and evaluation assetsThe matter was addressed as follows -

Refer to Note 6 – Exploration and Evaluation Assets

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the valuation of the exploration and evaluation asset is a critical audit matter is due to the high degree of judgment management made to assess whether indicators of impairment exist on the Company’s exploration and evaluation assets, specifically, related to the Company’s ability and intention to continue to explore the exploration and evaluation assets. As a result, a high degree of auditor effort was involved when performing procedures to evaluate whether management appropriately identified impairment indicators.

● 

Obtained an understanding of key controls associated with evaluating exploration and evaluation assets for indicators of impairment.

Assessed management’s conclusions and internal and external factors that may be considered indicators of impairment and compared these to management’s assessment of impairment.

Assessed the Company’s right to perform exploration activities on its exploration and evaluation assets, including that the rights are in good standing.

Evaluated the Company’s ability and intent of significant exploration activity on its exploration and evaluation assets.

Evaluated the associated disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. 

DALE MATHESON CARR-HILTON LABONTE LLP

CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2005.

2005

Vancouver, Canada

April 26, 201923, 2021

 

33

42 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 20182020

  

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

 

 Notes  December 31, 2018  December 31, 2017  Notes December 31, 2020  December 31, 2019 
ASSETS                     
CURRENT ASSETS                     
Cash and cash equivalents     339   398 
Short-term investments 4   2,500   2,500 
Cash    308   1,098 
Receivables and other current assets 5   133   242  4  59   161 
Due from related party 9  55   95 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS     2,972   3,140     422   1,354 
                     
NON-CURRENT ASSETS                     
Property, plant and equipment 6   35   49 
Equipment 5  21   28 
Exploration and evaluation assets 7   64,479   50,494  6  39,103   38,633 
Reclamation of deposit 7   14   14 
Advance 9  50   24 
Investment 9,10  48   - 
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS     64,528   50,557     39,222   38,685 
TOTAL ASSETS     67,500   53,697     39,644   40,039 
                     
LIABILITIES                     
CURRENT LIABILITIES           
Trade payables and accrued liabilities 8, 11   556   969  7, 10  362   519 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES     556   969 
Flow-through share premium 8  -   89 
Provision for restoration obligation 6, 12  267   - 
TOTAL LIABILITIES     556   969     629   608 
                     
EQUITY                     
Share capital – preferred 10   591   591 
Share capital - preferred 8  591   591 
Share capital – common 10   87,947   73,598  8  89,627   89,006 
Reserve 10   7,749   5,089  8  2,096   4,175 
Deficit     (29,343)  (26,550)    (53,299)  (54,341)
TOTAL EQUITY     66,944   52,728     39,015   39,431 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY     67,500   53,697     39,644   40,039 

 

Nature of Operations (Note 1)

Commitments (Note 6 and 11)

Subsequent Events (Note 18)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Approved by the Board of Directors on April 26, 201923, 2021

 

“signed”“signed”
  
/s/Keith Morrison/s/Doug Ford

Keith Morrison

Director

Doug Ford

Audit Committee Chair

 

34

43 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 20182020

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except loss per share)dollars)

 

 Year Ended
December 31,
 Year Ended December 31, Year Ended
December 31,
 
 Notes  2018  2017  2016  Notes Year ended
December 31, 2020
 Year ended
December 31, 2019
 Year ended
December 31, 2018
 
                   
EXPENSES                       
              
General and administrative expenses 11, 18   (2,340)  (2,375)  (2,021) 9, 10, 17  (1,238)  (2,145)  (2,340)
Property investigation     (216)  -   (15)    (47)  (214)  (216)
Amortization 6   (14)  (25)  (42) 5  (7)  (12)  (14)
Share-based payments 10   (317)  (504)  (309) 8  (969)  -   (317)
     (2,887)  (2,904)  (2,387)    (2,261)  (2,371)  (2,887)
OTHER ITEMS                             
Interest income     74   32   28     -   26   74 
Finance fee 9   -   -   (95)
Interest on capital contribution loan 9   -   -   (265)
Reversal of flow-through share premium 8  89   -   - 
Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets 6  (438)  (26,510)  - 
Foreign exchange loss     (209)  (7)  (158)    (1)  (4)  (209)
Equity loss on investment  9  (130)  -   - 
     (135)  25   (490)    (480)  (26,488)  (135)
                             
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS FOR THE YEAR     (3,022)  (2,879)  (2,877)    (2,741)  (28,859)  (3,022)
                             
Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding     718,248,135   465,929,638   269,778,932     96,521,169   79,152,786   71,824,814 
                             
Basic and diluted loss per share     (0.00)  (0.01)  (0.01)    (0.03)  (0.36)  (0.04)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

35

44 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 20182020

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  Notes 

Number of

Shares

  

Share

Capital

  

Preferred

Stock

  Reserve  Deficit  

Total

Equity

 
                     
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2017    55,459,527   73,598   591   5,089   (26,550)  52,728 
Net and comprehensive loss    -   -   -   -   (3,022)  (3,022)
Share capital issued through private placement 8  23,333,333   17,500   -   -   -   17,500 
Share issue costs 8  -   (579)  -   -   -   (579)
Value allocated to warrants 8  -   (2,572)  -   2,572   -   - 
Expired warrants 8  -   -   -   (48)  48   - 
Forfeited/expired options 8  -   -   -   (181)  181   - 
Share-based payments 8  -   -   -   317   -   317 
BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2018    78,792,860   87,947   591   7,749   (29,343)  66,944 
                           
Net and comprehensive loss    -   -   -   -   (28,859)  (28,859)
Share capital issued through private placement 8  9,597,931   1,728   -   -   -   1,728 
Share issue costs 8  -   (344)  -   -   -   (344)
Flow-through share premium 8  -   (89)              (89)
Share capital issued as earn-in 8  300,000   51               51 
Value allocated to warrants 8  -   (287)  -   287   -   - 
Expired warrants 8  -   -   -   (2,080)  2,080   - 
Forfeited/expired options 8  -   -   -   (1,781)  1,781   - 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2019    88,690,791   89,006   591   4,175   (54,341)  39,431 
                           
Net and comprehensive loss    -   -   -   -   (2,741)  (2,741)
Share capital issued through private placement 8  21,142,857   1,480   -   -   -   1,480 
Share issue costs 8  -   (124)  -   -   -   (124)
Value allocated to warrants 8  -   (735)  -   735   -   - 
Expired warrants 8  -   -   -   (2,572)  2,572   - 
Share-based payments 8  -   -   -   969   -   969 
Forfeited/expired options 8  -   -   -   (1,211)  1,211   - 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2020    109,833,648   89,627   591   2,096   (53,299)  39,015 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

45 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated)dollars)

 

  Year ended December 31, 2020  Year ended December 31, 2019  Year ended December 31, 2018 
          
OPERATING ACTIVITIES            
Loss for the year  (2,741)  (28,859)  (3,022)
Items not affecting cash:            
Amortization  7   12   14 
Share-based payments  969   -   317 
Interest income  -   (26)  (74)
Reversal of flow-through share premium  (89)  -   - 
Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets  438   26,510   - 
Equity loss on investment  130   -   - 
Changes in working capital  (46)  11   21 
Other:            
Interest received  -   36   80 
Net cash used in operating activities  (1,332)  (2,316)  (2,664)
             
INVESTING ACTIVITIES            
Expenditures on exploration and evaluation assets  (635)  (780)  (14,566)
Short-term investments  -   2,500   - 
Investment  (121)  -   - 
Advance  (50)  (24)  - 
Purchase of equipment  -   (5)  - 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  (806)  1,691   (14,566)
             
FINANCING ACTIVITIES            
Proceeds from issuance of common shares  1,472   1,728   17,500 
Share issuance costs  (124)  (344)  (329)
Net cash provided by financing activities  1,348   1,384   17,171 
             
Change in cash for the year  (790)  759   (59)
Cash, beginning of the year  1,098   339   398 
Cash, end of the year  308   1,098   339 

 

  Notes  

Number

Shares

  

Share

Capital

  

Preferred

Stock

  Reserve  Deficit  

Total

Equity

 
          $   $   $   $   $ 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2015     207,629,506   50,574   591   5,135   (23,820)  32,480 
Net and comprehensive loss     -   -   -   -   (2,877)  (2,877)
Share capital issued through private placement 10   160,000,000   12,000   -   -   -   12,000 
Shares issued for fee on loan 9   952,380   95   -   -   -   95 
Share-based payments 10   -   -   -   309   -   309 
Forfeited/expired options 10   -   -   -   (912)  912   - 
Expired warrants 10   -   -   -   (1,813)  1,813   - 
Capital contribution interest on loan 9   -   -   -   265   -   265 
Capital contribution reallocation on loan settlement 9   -   265   -   (265)  -   - 
Share issue costs 10   -   (619)  -   48   -   (571)
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016     368,581,886   62,315   591   2,767   (23,972)  41,701 
                            
Net and comprehensive loss     -   -   -   -   (2,879)  (2,879)
Share capital issued through private prospectus 10   145,030,833   10,877   -   -   -   10,877 
Share capital issued through private placement 10   40,982,448   3,074   -   -   -   3,074 
Value allocated to warrants issued 10   -   (2,080)      2,080   -   - 
Forfeited/expired options 10   -   -   -   (283)  283   - 
Expired warrants 10   -   -   -   (18)  18   - 
Share-based payments 10   -   -   -   504   -   504 
Share issue costs 10   -   (588)  -   39   -   (549)
                            
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2017     554,595,167   73,598   591   5,089   (26,550)  52,728 
                            
Net and comprehensive loss     -   -   -   -   (3,022)  (3,022)
Share capital issued through private placement 10   233,333,333   17,500   -   -   -   17,500 
Value allocated to warrants issued 10   -   (2,572)  -   2,572   -   - 
Forfeited/expired stock options 10   -   -   -   (181)  181   - 
Expired warrants 10   -   -   -   (48)  48   - 
Share-based payments 10   -   -   -   317   -   317 
Share issue costs 10   -   (579)  -   -   -   (579)
                            
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2018     787,928,500   87,947   591   7,749   (29,343)  66,944 

Supplemental cash flow information (Note 10)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

36

46 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)2020

  Year Ended  Year Ended  Year Ended 
  Notes  December 31, 2018  December 31, 2017  December 31, 2016 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES               
Loss for the year     (3,022)  (2,879)  (2,877)
Items not affecting cash:               
Amortization     14   25   42 
Share-based payments     317   504   309 
Interest income     (74)  (16)  (28)
Changes in working capital 12   21   (95)  (52)
Other:               
Interest received     80   32   30 
Finance fee     -   -   95 
Interest expense on loan     -   -   265 
Net cash used in operating activities     (2,664)  (2,429)  (2,216)
                
INVESTING ACTIVITIES               
Expenditures on exploration and evaluation assets     (14,566)  (11,385)  (8,604)
Prior year payables for exploration and evaluation assets     -   -   (87)
Reclamation deposit     -   -   (14)
Short-term investments     -   200   (400)
Purchase of equipment     -   (20)  (3)
Net cash used in investing activities     (14,566)  (11,205)  (9,108)
                
FINANCING ACTIVITIES               
Proceeds from issuance of common shares 10   17,500   13,951   12,000 
Direct financing costs     (329)  (549)  (571)
Net cash provided by financing activities     17,171   13,402   11,429 
                
Change in cash equivalents for the year     (59)  (232)  105 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year     398   630   525 
Cash and cash equivalents, at the end of the year     339   398   630 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

  37 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

 

1. NATURE AND CONTINUANCE OF OPERATIONS

 

North American Nickel Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated on September 23, 1983, under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada. The headprimary mailing office and principal address is located at 3400 – 100 King Street West, PO Box 130, Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1A4 and the records office of the Company is located at 666 Burrard Street, Suite 2200, 1055 West Hastings Street,2500, Vancouver British Columbia, Canada, V7P 3P1.BC V6C 2X8. The Company’s common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”) under the symbol “NAN”.

 

The Company’s principal business activity is the exploration and development of mineral properties in Greenland and Canada, and United States.as well as in Botswana through its participation in Premium Nickel Resources. The Company has not yet determined whether any of these properties contain ore reserves that are economically recoverable. The recoverability of carrying amounts shown for exploration and evaluation assets is dependent upon a number of factors including environmental risk, legal and political risk, the existence of economically recoverable mineral reserves, confirmation of the Company’s interests in the underlying mineral claims, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing to complete exploration and development, and to attain sufficient net cash flow from future profitable production or disposition proceeds.

 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the assumption that the Company will continue as a going concern, meaning it will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize assets and discharge liabilities in the ordinary course of operations. The ability of the Company to continue operations as a going concern is ultimately dependent upon achieving profitable operations.operations and its ability to raise additional capital. To date, the Company has not generated profitable operations from its resource activities and will need to invest additional funds in carrying out its planned exploration, development and operational activities. These uncertainties cast substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

The exploration and evaluation properties in which the Company currently has an interest are in the exploration stage. As such, the Company is dependent on external financing to fund its activities. In order to carry out the planned exploration and cover administrative costs, the Company will use its existing working capital and raise additional amounts as needed. Although the Company has been successful in its past fundraising activities, there is no assurance as to the success of future fundraising efforts or as to the sufficiency of funds raised in the future. The Company will continue to assess new properties and seek to acquire interests in additional properties if there is sufficient geologic or economic potential and if adequate financial resources are available to do so.

 

The coronavirus COVID-19 declared as a global pandemic in March 2020 continued throughout the 2020 year and to date. This contagious disease outbreak, which continues to spread, and any related adverse public health developments, has adversely affected workforces, economies, and financial markets globally, potentially leading to an economic downturn. The Company is closely monitoring the impact of the pandemic on all aspects of its business but anticipates that COVID-19 may impact the Company’s ability to conduct fieldwork on projects.

The consolidated financial statements were approved and authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors of the Company on April 26, 2019.23, 2021. The discussion in notes to the financial statements is stated in Canadian dollars except amounts in tables are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars.

 

2. BASIS OF PREPARATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) Statement of Compliance

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).

47 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

 

(b) Basis of Preparation

 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified by the revaluation of any financial assets and financial liabilities where applicable. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. These areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements, are disclosed in Note 3.

 

38 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Effective October 4, 2019, the Company completed a share consolidation of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares whereby for every ten (10) pre-consolidation common shares issued and outstanding, one (1) post-consolidation common share exists without par value.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

All references to share capital, warrants, options and weighted average number of shares outstanding have been adjusted in these financial statements and retrospectively to reflect the Company’s 10-for-1 share consolidation as if it occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented.

 

(c) Basis of consolidation

 

These consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, North American Nickel (US) Inc. which was incorporated in the State of Delaware on May 22, 2015.

Consolidation is required when the Company is exposed, or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. All intercompany transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated upon consolidation.

 

(d) Foreign currency translation

 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency monetary items are translated at the period-end exchange rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost continue to be carried at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary items measured at fair value are reported at the exchange rate at the date when fair values were determined.

 

Exchange differences arising on the translation of monetary items or on settlement of monetary items are recognized in profit or loss in the statement of comprehensive loss in the period in which they arise, except where deferred in equity as a qualifying cash flow or net investment hedge.

 

Exchange differences arising on the translation of non-monetary items are recognized in other comprehensive income in the statement of comprehensive loss to the extent that gains and losses arising on those non-monetary items are also recognized in other comprehensive income. Where the non-monetary gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss, the exchange component is also recognized in profit or loss.

(e) Exploration and evaluation assets

Exploration and evaluation assets include the costs of acquiring licenses, costs associated with exploration and evaluation activity, and the fair value (at acquisition date) of exploration and evaluation assets acquired in a business combination. Exploration and evaluation expenditures are initially capitalized. Costs incurred before the Company has obtained the legal rights to explore an area are recognized in profit or loss.

 

Government tax credits received are generally recorded as a reduction to the cumulative costs incurred and capitalized on the related property.

 

Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment if (i) sufficient data exists to determine technical feasibility and commercial viability, and (ii) facts, events and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.

 

Once the technical feasibility and commercial viability of the extraction of mineral resources in an area of interest are demonstrable, exploration and evaluation assets attributable to that area of interest are first tested for impairment and then reclassified to mining property and development assets within equipment.

 

48 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

Recoverability of the carrying amount of any exploration and evaluation assets is dependent on successful development and commercial exploitation, or alternatively, sale of the respective areas of interest.

 

The Company may occasionally enter into farm-out arrangements, whereby it will transfer part of an interest, as consideration, for an agreement by the farmee to meet certain exploration and evaluation expenditures which would have otherwise been undertaken by the Company. The Company does not record any expenditures made by the farmee on its behalf. Any cash consideration received from the agreement is credited against the costs previously capitalized to the mineral interest given up by the Company, with any excess consideration accounted for in profit.

 

When a project is deemed to no longer have commercially viable prospects to the Company, exploration and evaluation expenditures in respect of that project are deemed to be impaired. As a result, those exploration and evaluation expenditure costs, in excess of estimated recoveries, are written off to the statement of comprehensive loss/income.

39 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

 

(f) Restoration and environmental obligations

 

The Company recognizes liabilities for statutory, contractual, constructive or legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-term assets, when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation of the assets. The net present value of future restoration cost estimates arising from the decommissioning of plant and other site preparation work is capitalized to exploration and evaluation assets along with a corresponding increase in the restoration provision in the period incurred. Discount rates using a pre-tax rate that reflect the time value of money are used to calculate the net present value. The restoration asset will be depreciated on the same basis as other mining assets.

 

The Company’s estimates of restoration costs could change as a result of changes in regulatory requirements, discount rates and assumptions regarding the amount and timing of the future expenditures. These changes are recorded directly to exploration and evaluation assets with a corresponding entry to the restoration provision. The Company’s estimates are reviewed annually for changes in regulatory requirements, discount rates, effects of inflation and changes in estimates.

 

Changes in the net present value, excluding changes in the Company’s estimates of reclamation costs, are charged to profit and loss for the period.

 

The costs of restoration projects included in the provision are recorded against the provision as incurred. The costs to prevent and control environmental impacts at specific properties are capitalized in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy for exploration and evaluation assets.

(g) Impairment of assets

Impairment tests on intangible assets with indefinite useful economic lives are undertaken annually at the financial year-end. Other non-financial assets, including exploration and evaluation assets, are subject to impairment tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Where the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell, the asset is written down accordingly.

 

Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the impairment test is carried out on the asset’s cash-generating unit, which is the lowest group of assets in which the asset belongs and for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets.

 

An impairment loss is charged to the profit or loss, except to the extent the loss reverses gains previously recognized in other comprehensive loss/income.

49 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

 

(h) Financial instruments

The Company adopted all of the requirements ofIn accordance with IFRS 9,Financial Instruments(“IFRS 9”) on a retroactive basis in accordance with the transitional provisions. IFRS 9 replaces IAS 39Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement(“IAS 39”). The standard promulgates a revised model for recognition and measurement of financial instruments and a single, forward-looking “expected loss” impairment model. The adoption of IFRS 9 did not result in any change in the carrying values of any of the Company’s financial assets on the transition date; therefore, comparative figures have not been restated.

40 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

The following is the Company’s new accounting policy for financial instruments under IFRS 9:is as follows:

 

Classification

The Company classifies its financial instruments in the following categories: at fair value through profit and loss (“FVTPL”), at fair value through other comprehensive income (loss) (“FVTOCI”), or at amortized cost. The Company determines the classification of financial assets at initial recognition. The classification of debt instruments is driven by the Company’s business model for managing the financial assets and their contractual cash flow characteristics. Equity instruments that are held for trading are classified as FVTPL. For other equity instruments, on the day of acquisition the Company can make an irrevocable election (on an instrument-by-instrument basis) to designate them as at FVTOCI. Financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost, unless they are required to be measured at FVTPL (such as instruments held for trading or derivatives) or the Company has opted to measure them at FVTPL.

 

The Company completed a detailed assessment of its financial assets and liabilities as at January 1, 2018. The following table shows the original classification under IAS 39of the Company’s financial assets and the new classification under IFRS 9:liabilities:

 

Financial asset/

liability

 

Original classification IAS 39

New classification IFRS 9Classification

Cash and cash equivalentsFVTPL FVTPL
Other receivable Amortized costAmortized cost
Trade payablesAmortized cost Amortized cost

 

Measurement

 

Financial assets and liabilities at amortized cost

Financial assets and liabilities at amortized cost are initially recognized at fair value plus or minus transaction costs, respectively, and subsequently carried at amortized cost less any impairment.

 

Financial assets and liabilities at FVTPL

Financial assets and liabilities carried at FVTPL are initially recorded at fair value and transaction costs are expensed in profit or loss. Realized and unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities held at FVTPL are included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss in the period in which they arise.

 

Impairment of financial assets at amortized cost

An ‘expected credit loss’ impairment model applies which requires a loss allowance to be recognized based on expected credit losses. The estimated present value of future cash flows associated with the asset is determined and an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between this amount and the carrying amount as follows: the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to estimated present value of the future cash flows associated with the asset, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate, either directly or through the use of an allowance account and the resulting loss is recognized in profit or loss for the period.

 

In a subsequent period, if the amount of the impairment loss related to financial assets measured at amortized cost decreases, the previously recognized impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss to the extent that the carrying amount of the investment at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortized cost would have been had the impairment not been recognized.

 

Derecognition

Financial assets

The Company derecognizes financial assets only when the contractual rights to cash flows from the financial assets expire, or when it transfers the financial assets and substantially all of the associated risks and rewards of ownership to another entity. Gains and losses on derecognition are generally recognized in the statements of comprehensive loss.

 

Investments are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or the Company has transferred the financial asset and the transfer qualifies for derecognition.

50 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognized when, and only when, the Company’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognized and the consideration paid and payable is recognized in the Statement of Comprehensive Loss.

(i) Loss per share

The Company uses the treasury stock method to compute the dilutive effect of options, warrants and similar instruments. Under this method, the dilutive effect on loss per common share is recognized on the use of the proceeds that could be obtained upon exercise of options, warrants and similar instruments. It assumes that the proceeds would be used to purchase common shares at the average market price during the period.

41 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

 

Basic loss per common share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and does not include outstanding options and warrants. Dilutive loss per common share is not presented differently from basic loss per share as the conversion of outstanding stock options and warrants into common shares would be anti-dilutive.

 

(j) Income taxes

 

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Current tax and deferred tax are recognized in net income except to the extent that it arises in a business combination, or from items recognized directly in equity or other comprehensive loss/income.

 

Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current period are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted, at the reporting date, in the countries where the Company operates and generates taxable income.

 

Current income tax relating to items recognized directly in other comprehensive income or equity is recognized in other comprehensive income or equity and not in profit or loss. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in the tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate.

 

Deferred income tax is provided using the asset and liability method of temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.

 

The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and recognized only to the extent that it is probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilized.

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

 

Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset, only if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred income taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.

Flow-through shares

 

Any premium received by the Company on the issuance of flow-through shares is initially recorded as a liability (“flow-through tax liability”). Upon renouncement by the Company of the tax benefits associated with the related expenditures, a flow-through share premium liability is recognized and the liability will be reversed as eligible expenditures are made. If such expenditures are capitalized, a deferred tax liability is recognized. To the extent that suitable deferred tax assets are available, the Company will reduce the deferred tax liability.

51 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

(k) Share-based payments

 

Where equity-settled share options are awarded to employees, the fair value of the options at the date of grant is recognized over the vesting period. Performance vesting conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of equity instruments expected to vest at each reporting date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognized over the vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest. Non-vesting conditions and market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of the options granted. As long as all other vesting conditions are satisfied, a charge is made irrespective of whether these non-vesting and market vesting conditions are satisfied. The cumulative expense is not adjusted for failure to achieve a market vesting condition or where a non-vesting condition is not satisfied.

 

Where the terms and conditions of options are modified, the increase in the fair value of the options, measured immediately before and after the modification, is also recognized over the remaining vesting period.

 

Where equity instruments are granted to non-employees, they are recorded at the fair value of the goods or services received. Amounts related to the issuance of shares are recorded as a reduction of share capital.

 

42 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

When the value of goods and services received in exchange for the share-based payment cannot be reliably estimated, the fair value is measured by use of a valuation model. The expected life used in the model is adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

 

All equity-settled share-based payments are reflected in share-based payments reserve, until exercised. Upon exercise shares are issued from treasury and the amount reflected in share-based payments reserve is credited to share capital along with any consideration paid.

 

(l) Share capital

 

The Company’s common shares, preferred shares and share warrants shares are classified as equity instruments.

 

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction from the proceeds.

 

Proceeds received on the issuance of units, consisting of common shares and warrants are allocated to share capital.

(m) Flow-through shares

Resource expenditure deductions for income tax purposes related to exploratory activities funded by flow-through share arrangements are renounced to investors in accordance with income tax legislation. Pursuant to the terms of the flow-through share agreements, these shares transfer the tax deductibility of qualifying resource expenditures to investors. On issuance, the Company bifurcates the flow-through share into a flow-through share premium, equal to the estimated premium, if any, investors pay for the flow-through feature, which is recognized as a liability and share capital. Upon expenses being incurred, the Company derecognizes the liability and recognizes a deferred tax liability for the amount of tax reduction renounced to the shareholders. The premium is recognized as other income and the related deferred tax is recognized as a tax provision.

Proceeds received from the issuance of flow-through shares are restricted to be used only for Canadian resource property exploration expenditures within a two-year period. The portion of the proceeds received but not yet expended at the end of the period is disclosed separately as flow- through share proceeds, if any.

The Company may also be subject to a Part XII.6 tax on flow-through proceeds renounced under the look-back Rule, in accordance with Government of Canada flow-through regulations. When applicable, this tax is accrued as a financing expense until qualifying expenditures are incurred.

(n) Equipment

(m) Equipment

Equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

52 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

 

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of a significant replaced part is derecognized. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of income and comprehensive income during the financial period in which they are incurred. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognized in profit or loss.

 

Depreciation and amortization are calculated on a straight-line method to charge the cost, less residual value, of the assets to their residual values over their estimated useful lives. The depreciation and amortization rate applicable to each category of equipment is as follows:

 

Equipment Depreciation rate 
Exploration equipment  20%
Computer software  50%
Computer equipment  55%

Standards, Interpretations and Amendments Not Yet Effective:(o) Equity investment

 

IFRS 16 - “Leases”Investments in entities over which the Company has a significant influence, but not control, are accounted for by the equity method, whereby the original cost of the investment is adjusted for the Company’s proportionate share of the investee’s income or loss. When the Company’s equity investee issues its own shares to outside interest, a dilution gain or loss arises as a result of the difference between the Company’s proportionate share of the proceeds and the carrying value of the underlying equity. When net accumulated losses from an equity accounted investment exceed its carrying amount, the investment balance is reduced to zero and additional losses are not provided for unless the Company is committed to provide financial support to the investee.

 

IFRS 16 replaces current guidance in IAS 17. Under IAS 17, lessees were required(p) Accounting standards and amendments issued but not yet effective

Certain accounting standards or amendments to makeexisting accounting standards that have been issued but have future effective dates are either not applicable or are not expected to have a distinction between a finance lease (on the balance sheet) and an operating lease (off balance sheet). IFRS 16 now requires lessees to recognize a lease liability reflecting future lease payments and a “right-of-use asset” for virtually all lease contracts. The IASB has included an optional exemption for certain short-term leases and leases of low value assets, however this exemption can only be applied by lessees. The standard applies to annual periods beginningsignificant impact on or after January 1, 2019, with earlier application permitted. The adoption of this standard will not result in any impact to the Company’s financial statements.

 

43 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

IAS 16 - “Property, Plant and Equipment”

 

IFRIC 23 – “Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments”

In June 2017, the IFRS Interpretations Committee of theThe IASB issued IFRIC 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (IFRIC 23).an amendment to IAS 16, Property, Plant and Equipment to prohibit the deducting from property, plant and equipment amounts received from selling items produced while preparing an asset for its intended use. Instead, sales proceeds and its related costs must be recognized in profit or loss. The interpretation provides guidance onamendment will require companies to distinguish between costs associated with producing and selling items before the accountingitem of property, plant and equipment is available for currentuse and deferred tax liabilitiescosts associated with making the item of property, plant and assets in circumstances in which thereequipment available for its intended use. The amendment is uncertainty over income tax treatments. The Interpretation is applicableeffective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. Earlier application is permitted. The Interpretation requires: (a) an entity to contemplate whether uncertain tax treatments should be considered separately, or together as a group, based on which approach provides better predictions of the resolution; (b) an entity to determine if it is probable that the tax authorities will accept the uncertain tax treatment; and (c) if it is not probable that the uncertain tax treatment will be accepted, measure the tax uncertainty based on the most likely amount or expected value, depending on whichever method better predicts the resolution of the uncertainty.

The adoption of these standards and interpretations is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s future results and financial position.

Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards

On March 29, 2018 the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) issued a revised version of its Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting (the Framework), that underpins IFRS Standards. The IASB also issued Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards (the Amendments) to update references in IFRS Standards to previous versions of the Conceptual Framework. Both documents are effective from January 1, 20202022, with earlier application permitted.

Some Standards include references to the 1989 and 2010 versions of the Framework. The IASB has published a separate document which contains consequential amendments to affected Standards so that they refer to the new Framework, with the exception of IFRS 3 Business Combinations which continues to refer to both the 1989 and 2010 Frameworks. The Company doesamendment is not intend to adopt the Amendments in its financial statements before the annual period beginning on January 1, 2020. The extent of the impact of the change has not yet been determined.currently applicable.

 

IAS 1 - Presentation– “Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8 - Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and ErrorsStatements”

 

In October 2018, theThe IASB issued amendmentsan amendment to International Accounting Standard (“IAS”)IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. The amendments are to clarify one of the definitionrequirements under the standard for classifying a liability as non-current in nature, specifically the requirement for an entity to have the right to defer settlement of ‘material’the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period. The amendment includes: (i) specifying that an entity’s right to defer settlement must exist at the end of the reporting period; (ii) clarifying that classification is unaffected by management’s intentions or expectations about whether the entity will exercise its right to defer settlement; (iii) clarifying how lending conditions affect classification; and (iv) clarifying requirements for classifying liabilities an entity will or may settle by issuing its own equity instruments. An assessment will be performed prior to align the definition used in the Conceptual Framework and the standards themselves. The amendments are effective date of January 1, 2020. The Company is evaluating2023 to determine the impact ofto the adoption of these amendments.Company’s financial statements.

53 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that can affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities revenues and expenses and the accompanying disclosures. Estimates and assumptions are continuously evaluated and are based on management’s historical experience and on other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, different judgments, estimates and assumptions could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets or liabilities affected in future periods.

 

The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are:

 

(a) Recoverability of Exploration and Evaluation Assets

 

The ultimate recoverability of the exploration and evaluation assets of $64,479$39,103,319 carrying value at December 31, 2018,2020, is dependent upon the Company’s ability to obtain the necessary financing and permits to complete the development and commence profitable production at the Manniitsoq Project,its projects, or alternatively, upon the Company’s ability to dispose of its interestinterests therein on an advantageous basis. A review of the indicators of potential impairment is carried out at least at each period end.

44 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

 

Management undertakes a periodic review of these assets to determine whether any indication of impairment exists. Where an indicator of impairment exists, a formal estimate of the recoverable amount of the assets is made. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value of the assets is higher than the recoverable amount and when mineral license tenements are relinquished or have lapsed. In undertaking this review, management of the Company is required to make significant estimates of, among other things, discount rates, commodity prices, availability of financing, future operating and capital costs and all aspects of project advancement. These estimates are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which may ultimately have an effect on the expected recoverability of the carrying values of the assets. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded an impairment of its Greenland exploration and evaluation asset of $Nil (December 31, 2019 - $26,499,159).

 

(b) Restoration Provisions

Management’s best estimates regarding the restoration provisions are based on the current economic environment. Changes in estimates of contamination, restoration standards and restoration activities result in changes to provisions from period to period. Actual restoration provisions will ultimately depend on future market prices for future restoration obligations. Management has determined that the Company does not have any significanthas restoration obligations as at December 31, 2018.2020 of $267,000 (December 31, 2019 - $Nil) related to its Greenland exploration and evaluation asset.

(c) Valuation of Share-Based Compensation

 

The Company estimates the fair value of convertible securities such as warrants and options using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model which requires significant estimation around assumptions and inputs such as expected term to maturity, expected volatility and expected forfeiture rates. The accounting policies in Note 2(k) and Note 108 of the financial statements contain further details of significant assumptions applied to these areas of estimation.

 

(d) Going Concern

 

Financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis unless management either intends to liquidate the Company or to cease trading, or has no realistic alternative to do so. Assessment of the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern requires the consideration of all available information about the future, which is at least, but not limited to, twelve months from the end of the reporting period. This information includes estimates of future cash flows and other factors, the outcome of which is uncertain. When management is aware, in making its assessment, of material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast substantial doubt upon the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern those uncertainties are disclosed.

 

4. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

54 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

 

Short-term investments are comprised of a highly liquid Canadian dollar denominated guaranteed investment certificate with an initial term

Notes to maturity greater than ninety days, but not more than one year, that is readily convertible to a contracted amount of cash. The counter-party is a Canadian financial institution. Duringthe Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018, the instrument was yielding an annual interest rate range of 1.55% (December 31, 2017 - 1.10%).2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

 

5.(e) Equity investment

Management determines its ability to exercise significant influence over an investee by looking at its percentage interest and other qualitative factors including but not limited to its voting rights, representation on the board of directors, participation in policymaking processes, material transactions between the Company and the investee, interchange of managerial personnel, provision of essential technical information and operating involvement.

At December 31, 2020, the Company’s percentage holding in its private investee was less than 20%, with significant influence over the private investee and has used the equity method of accounting for this investment.

4. RECEIVABLES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

 

A summary of the receivables and other current assets as of December 31, 20182020 is detailed in the table below:

 

  

December 31,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Sales taxes receivable  75   143 
Interest receivable  10   16 
Other current assets  48   83 
   133   242 

(All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

Other current assets is comprised of prepaid expenses.

45 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

  

December 31,

2020

  

December 31,

2019

 
Sales taxes receivable  23   62 
Other current assets (prepaid expenses and amounts receivable)  36   99 
   59   161 

 

6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND5. EQUIPMENT

 

The table below sets out costs and accumulated depreciation as at December 31, 20182020 and 2017:2019:

 

  Exploration Equipment  Computer Equipment  Computer Software  Total 
Cost            
Balance – December 31, 2016  47   10   136   193 
Additions  20   -   -   20 
Balance – December 31, 2017 and 2018  67   10   136   213 
                 
Accumulated Depreciation            
Balance – December 31, 2016  32   7   100   139 
Depreciation  6   1   18   25 
Balance – December 31, 2017  38   8   118   164 
Depreciation  5   1   8   14 
Balance – December 31, 2018  43   9   126   178 
                 
Carrying Amount                
As at December 31, 2016  15   3   36   54 
As at December 31, 2017  29   2   18   49 
As at December 31, 2018  24   1   10   35 

  

Exploration Equipment

  

Computer Equipment

  

Computer Software

  

Total

 
Cost                
Balance – December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020  67   15   136   218 
                 
Accumulated Amortization                
Balance – December 31, 2018  43   9   126   178 
Amortization  5   3   4   12 
Balance – December 31, 2019  48   12   130   190 
Amortization  4   1   2   7 
Balance – December 31, 2020  52   13   132   197 
                 
Carrying Amount                
As at December 31, 2019  19   3   6   28 
As at December 31, 2020  15   2   4   21 

 

46

55 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 20182020

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

7.Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

6. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS

 

  Canada  US  Greenland    
  Post Creek Property  Halcyon Property  Quetico Claims  Section 35 Property  Maniitsoq Property  Total 
Acquisition                  
Balance,December31, 2017  278   214   -   6   36   534 
Acquisition costs – cash  10   8   42   2   6   68 
Balance, December 31, 2018  288   222   42   8   42   602 
                          
Exploration                        
Balance, December 31, 2017  1,138   187   -   -   48,635   49,960 
Administration  2   2   1   -   486   491 
Camp operations  -   -   -   -   2,943   2,943 
Corporate social responsibility  1   1   -   -   58   60 
Drilling expenses  219   -   -   -   4,270   4,489 
Environment, health and safety  -   -   -   -   135   135 
Geology  40   17   20   -   662   739 
Geophysics  29   -   1   -   824   854 
Infrastructure  -   -   -   -   31   31 
Helicopter charter aircraft  -   -   -   -   4,138   4,138 
Property maintenance  2   2   -   -   18   22 
Technical studies  -   -   -   -   15   15 
   293   22   22   -   13,580   13,917 
Balance, December 31, 2018  1,431   209   22   -   62,215   63,877 
Total, December 31, 2018  1,719   431   64   8   62,257   64,479 

(All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

 

  Canada  US  Greenland    
  

Post Creek

Property

  

Halcyon

Property

  Section 35 Property  

Maniitsoq

Property

  

 

Total

 
Acquisition               
Balance, December 31, 2016  268   206   3   20   497 
Acquisition costs – cash  10   8   3   16   37 
Balance, December 31, 2017  278   214   6   36   534 
                     
Exploration                    
Balance, December 31, 2016  1,085   173   -   36,587   37,845 
Administration  2   -   -   516   518 
Corporate social responsibility  -   -   -   37   37 
Drilling expenses  -   -   -   3,337   3,337 
Environment, health and safety  -   -   -   99   99 
Camp operations  -   -   -   3,004   3,004 
Helicopter charter aircraft  -   -   -   3,058   3,058 
Geology  48   14   -   691   753 
Geophysics  2   -   -   1,014   1,016 
Infrastructure  -   -   -   255   255 
Property maintenance  -   -   -   7   7 
Technical studies  1   -   -   30   31 
   53   14   -   12,048   12,115 
Balance, December 31,2017  1,138   187   -   48,635   49,960 
Total, December 31, 2017  1,416   401   6   48,671   50,494 
  Canada  US  Greenland    
  Post Creek Property  

Halcyon

Property

  

Quetico

Claims

  Loveland Nickel (Enid Creek)  Lingman Lake  

Section 35

Property

  

Maniitsoq

Property

  Total 
Acquisition                        
Balance, December 31, 2018  288   222   42   -   -   8   42   602 
Acquisition costs  10   8   -   83   14   3   -   118 
Balance, December 31, 2019  298   230   42   83   14   11   42   720 
Acquisition costs – cash  10   8   -   -   -   -   4   22 
Impairment  -   -   -   (83)  -   -   -   (83)
Balance, December 31, 2020  308   238   42   -   14   11   46   659 
                                 
Exploration                                
Balance, December 31, 2018  1,431   209   22   -   -   -   62,215   63,877 
Administration  1   1   -   -   -   -   12   14 
Corporate social
responsibility
  2   1   -   -   -   -   -   3 
Property maintenance  7   7   -   -   -   -   17   31 
Drilling  32   -   12   15   5   -   197   261 
Environmental, health
and safety
  -   -   -   -   -   -   8   8 
Geology  24   14   1   15   6   -   140   200 
Geophysics  1   1   4   3   2   -   28   39 
Helicopter charter aircraft (recovery)  -   -   -   -   -   -   (21)  (21)
Infrastructure  -   -   -   -   -   -   11   11 
Impairment  -   -   -   -   -   (11)  (26,499)  (26,510)
   67   24   17   33   13   (11)  (26,107)  (25,964)
Balance, December 31, 2019  1,498   233   39   33   13   (11)  36,108   37,913 
Administration  2   1   -   -   -   -   9   12 
Drilling  -   -   5   167   -   -   43   215 
Geology  21   13   69   83   -   -   56   242 
Geophysics  2   -   28   72   -   -   3   105 
Helicopter charter aircraft  -   -   -   -   -   -   8   8 
Property maintenance  6   5   1   -   -   -   25   37 
Camp site cleanup  -   -   -   -   -   -   267   267 
Impairment  -   -   -   (355)  -   -   -   (355)
   31   19   103   (33)  -   -   411   531 
Balance, December 31, 2020  1,529   252   142   -   13   -   36,519   38,445 
                                 
Total, December 31, 2019  1,796   463   81   116   27   -   36,150   38,633 
Total, December 31, 2020  1,837   490   184   -   27   -   36,565   39,103 

 

47

56 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 20182020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

The following is a description of the Company’s exploration and evaluation assets and the related spending commitments:

 

Post Creek

 

On December 23, 2009 and as last amended on March 12, 2013, the Company executed a letter of intent wherebycompleted the Company has an optionrequired consideration and acquired the rights to acquire a mineral claim known as the Post Creek Property located within the Sudbury Mining District of Ontario.

 

On April 5, 2010 and as amended on March 12, 2013, the Company entered into an option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Post Creek Property, subject to certain net smelter return royalties (“NSR”) and advance royalty payments. To December 31, 2015, the Company has completed the required consideration and acquired its interest in the Post Creek Property. Commencing August 1, 2015, the Company is obligated to pay advances on net smelter return royalties (“NSR”) of $10,000 per annum. The Company paid the NSR of $10 per annum, totalling $10required $10,000 during the year ended December 31, 20182020 (December 31, 20172019 - $10), the$10,000). The total of whichthe advances will be deducted from any payments to be made under the NSR.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, the Company incurred exploration expenditures totalling $293$31,004 (December 31, 20172019 - $53)$66,877) on the Post Creek Property.

 

Halcyon

 

On April 5, 2010 and as amended on March 12, 2013,December 31, 2015, the Company entered into ancompleted the required consideration of the option agreement to acquireand acquired rights to a mineral claim known as the Halcyon Property located within the Sudbury Mining District of Ontario, subject to certain NSR and advance royalty payments. To December 31, 2015, the Company has completed the required consideration and acquired its interest in the Halcyon Property.

Commencing August 1, 2015, the Company is obligated to pay advances on the NSR of $8$8,000 per annum, totalling $8annum. The Company paid the required $8,000 during the year ended December 31, 2018,2020 (December 31, 20172019 - $8), the$8,000). The total of whichthe advances will be deducted from any payments to be made under the NSR arrangement.NSR.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, the Company incurred $22$27,317 (December 31, 20172019 - $14)$23,367) in explorationacquisition and license relatedexploration expenditures on the Halcyon Property.

 

Quetico

 

On April 26, 2018,, the Company acquired the right to certain mineral claims known as Quetico located within the Sudbury Mining District of Ontario. During the year ended December 2018, theThe Company incurred total acquisition and exploration related costs of $64 (December$64,256 during the year ended December 31, 2017 - $nil).2018.

 

The Company had no minimum required exploration commitment for the yearyears ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 as it is not required to file any geoscience assessment work between the initial recording of a mining claim and the first anniversary date of the mining claim.claim and claim anniversary dates were adjusted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, the Company applied for a one year exclusion under a COVID-19 relief program offered by the Ontario Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, thus adjusting the claim anniversary dates to April and May of 2021. The COVID-19 relief program was offered again commencing in 2021, and the Company has applied an additional one year exclusion.

 

By the second anniversary of the recording of a claim and by each anniversary thereafter, a minimum of $400 worth of exploration activity per claim unit must be reported to the Provincial Recording Office. The companyCompany could maintain mining claims by filing an Application to Distribute Banked Assessment Work Credits form before any due date. Payments in place of reporting assessment work may also be used to meet yearly assessment work requirements, provided the payments are not used for the first unit of assessment work and consecutively thereafter. Payments cannot be banked to be carried forward for future use. The total annual work requirement for Quetico project after April 26, 20202021 is $324$324,000 should the Company maintain the current size of the claims.

Work reports for 2020 expenditures have been filed but have not yet been approved.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, the Company spent a total of $2incurred $102,715 (December 31, 20172019 - $3)$18,175) in exploration and license related expenditures on the Section 35Quetico Property.

 

57 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

Loveland Nickel (Enid Creek) Property

On September 25, 2019, the Company entered into earn in agreement to acquire a 100% interest, subject to a 1% NSR, in certain claims known as the Loveland Nickel (Enid Creek) Property located in Timmins, Ontario. Consideration included acquisition costs of $1,525,000 in cash and the issuance of 300,000 common shares. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company paid $25,000 and issued 300,000 common shares at a fair value of $51,000. Exploration expenditures of $4,500,000 were to be incurred over a period ending September 25, 2024.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company incurred an aggregate exploration and acquisition expenditures of $437,897. Based on the results of the exploration program completed in April 2020, the management elected not to proceed with further exploration on the property and terminated the agreement. Accordingly, all acquisition and exploration related costs were impaired as at December 31, 2020, totalling $437,897.

Lingman Lake Property

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company staked certain mineral claims known as Lingman Lake located northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The Company incurred total acquisition and related costs of $Nil (December 31, 2019 - $27,376) during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Section 35 Property

 

On January 4, 2016, the Company entered into a 10 year10-year Metallic Minerals Lease (the “Lease”) with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for an area comprised of a number ofcovering approximately 320 acres. The terms of the Lease require anrequired annual rental feefees.

At the end of the fiscal year 2019, management of the Company made a decision to relinquish the mineral lease. As a result, all cumulative exploration related costs of $11,393 were written-off as at a rate of US $3.00 per acre for years 1-5 and at a rate of US $6.00 per acre for years 6-10.December 31, 2019. The Company shall payapplied and received approval for a minimum royalty atrefund of a rate of US $10.00 per acre for the 11th year onwards, with an increase of an additional US $5.00 per acre per year up to a maximum of US $55.00 per acre per year. A production royalty of between 2% - 2.5% is payable from production of minerals and/or mineral products from an established mining operation area. The Company paid the first year rental fee and the required$13,016 (US $10,000) reclamation deposit of $14 (US $10). Theheld by the Department of Natural Resources shall annually review the level of thein Michigan. The reclamation deposit and shall requirewas received during the amount to be increased or decreased to reflect changes in the cost of future reclamation of the leased premises.year ended December 31, 2020.

 

Maniitsoq

 

The Company has been granted certain exploration licenses, by the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum (“BMP”) of Greenland for exclusive exploration rights of an area comprising the Maniitsoq Property, located near Ininngui, Greenland. The Maniitsoq Property is subject to a 2.5% NSR. The Company can reduce the NSR to 1% by paying $2,000$2,000,000 on or before 60 days from the decision to commence commercial production.

 

At the expiration of the first license period, the Company may apply for a second license period (years 6-10), and the Company may apply for a further 3-year license for years 11 to 13. Thereafter, the Company may apply for additional 3-year licenses for years 14 to 16, 17 to 19 and 20 to 22. The Company will be required to pay additional license fees and will be obligated to incur minimum eligible exploration expenses for such years.

 

48 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

The Company may terminate the licenses at any time;time, however any unfulfilled obligations according to the licenses will remain in force, regardless of the termination.

 

Future required minimum exploration expenditures will be adjusted each year on the basis of the change to the Danish Consumer Price Index.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, the Company spent anin aggregate of $13,586 (December 31, 2017 - $12,064)$148,007 in explorationacquisition and license relatedexploration expenditures on the Maniitsoq Property, which is comprised of the Sulussugut, Ininngui, Carbonatite and Carbonatite2020/05 Licenses.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company has recorded a $267,000 provision for camp site cleanup and restoration obligations. The cost accrued is based on the current best estimate of restoration activities that will be required on the Maniitsoq Property. The Company’s provision for future cleanup is based on the level of known disturbance at the reporting date and known requirements. It is not currently possible to estimate the impact on operating results, if any, and the actual amount of any economic outflow related to this obligation is dependent upon future events and cannot be reliably measured. The Company is expected to fulfil the obligation during the next 12 months.

58 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

IFRS 6 requires management to assess the exploration and evaluation assets for impairment. Accordingly, at December 31, 2019, management believed that facts and circumstances existed to suggest that the carrying amount of the Maniitsoq Property exceeded its recoverable amount. As a result, management determined the Maniitsoq Property should be impaired by $26,499,159 and its recoverable amount was $36,149,667 at the end of December 31, 2019. No facts or circumstances existed at December 31, 2020 to suggest further impairment on the Maniitsoq property. The valuation was based on historical drilling results and management’s future exploration plans on the Maniitsoq Property. The Company intends to plan and budget for further exploration on the Maniitsoq Property in the future.

Further details on the licenses comprising the Maniitsoq Property and related expenditures are outlined below.below:

 

Sulussugut License (2011/54)

 

(All references to amounts in Danish Kroners, “DKK” are in thousands of DKK))

 

Effective August 15, 2011, the Company was granted an exploration license (the “Sulussugut License”) by the BMP of Greenland for exclusive exploration rights of an area located near Sulussugut, Greenland. The Company paid a license fee of $6$5,742 (DKK 31)31,400) upon granting of the Sulussugut License. The application for another 5 year5-year term on the Sulussugut License was submitted to the Greenland Mineral LicenceLicense & Safety Authority which was effective on April 11, 2016, with December 31, 2017 being the seventh year. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company paid a license fee of $8$7,982 (DKK 40)40,400) which providesprovided for renewal of the Sulussugut License until 2020.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company received one year period license extension, which provides for renewal period until 2021.

 

To December 31, 2015, under the terms of a preliminary license, the Company completed the exploration requirements of an estimated minimum of DKK 83,80983,809,340 (approximately $15,808)$15,808,386) between the years ended December 31, 2011 to 2015 by incurring $26,116$26,115,831 on the Sulussugut License. The accumulated exploration credits held at the end to December 31, 2015, of DKK 100,304 can be carried forward until 2019. Under the terms of the second license period, thethere was no required minimum exploration expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2017 was DKK 44,374 (approximately $8,955).2019. As of December 31, 2018,2020, the Company has spent $55,732$56,262,968 on exploration costs for the Sulussugut License.

 

The Company had no minimum required exploration commitment for the year ended December 31, 2020 and available credits of DKK 283,945,553 (approximately $58,776,729) at the end of December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company had approved exploration expenditures of DKK 865,100 (approximately $179,076). The credits available for each year may be carried forward for 3 years plus 1 year extension and expire between December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2024. The Company has no exploration commitment for 2021 year.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company spent a total of $117,756 (December 31, 2019 - $228,925) in exploration and license related expenditures on the Sulussugut License.

To December 31, 2018,2020 and 2019, the Company has completed all obligations with respect to required reduction of the area of the license.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company had approved exploration expenditures of DKK 79,604 (approximately $16,342) which results in the total carried credits for the Sulussugut License at DKK 326,111 (approximately $66,951).

The Company had no minimum required exploration for the year ended December 31, 2018.During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company spent a total of $10,795 (December 31, 2017 - $11,079) in exploration and license related expenditures on the Sulussugut License.

 

Ininngui License (2012/28)

 

Effective March 4, 2012, the Company was granted an exploration license (the “Ininngui License”) by the BMP of Greenland for exclusive exploration rights of an area located near Ininngui, Greenland. The Company paid a license fee of $6$5,755 (DKK 32)32,200) upon granting of the Ininngui License. The Ininngui License was valid for an initial 5 years until December 31, 2016, with December 31, 2012 being the first year. The license was extended for a further 5 years, until December 31, 2021, with December 31, 2017 being the first year. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company received one year period license extension, which provides for renewal period until 2022.

The Ininngui License is contiguous with the Sulussugut License.

 

To December 31, 2018, the Company’s expenditures exceeded the minimum requirement and the Company has a total cumulative credit of DKK 35,509 (approximately $7,290). The credits may be carried forward until December 31, 2021.

The Company had no minimum required exploration for the year ended December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has spent $5,121 on exploration costs for the Ininngui License.

49

59 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 20182020

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

Should the Company not incur the minimum exploration expenditures on the license in any one year from years 2-5, the Company may pay 50% of the difference in cash to BMP as full compensation for that year. This procedure may not be used for more than 2 consecutive calendar years and as at December 31, 2018,2020, the Company has not used the procedure for the license.

 

The Company had no minimum required exploration commitment for the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has spent $5,199,578 on exploration costs for the Ininngui License and exceeded the minimum requirement with a total cumulative surplus credits of DKK 30,424,551 (approximately $6,297,882). The credits available for each year may be carried forward 3 year plus 1 year extension and expire between December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2024. The Company has no exploration commitment for 2021 year.

During the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, the Company spent a total of $1,423 (December 31, 2017 - $985)$19,424 in exploration and license related expenditures on the Ininngui License.(December 31, 2019 - $37,537).

Carbonatite License (2018/21)

 

Effective May 4, 2018, the Company was granted an exploration license (the “Carbonatite License”) by the BMP of Greenland for exclusive exploration rights of an area located near Maniitsoq in West Greenland. The Company paid a license fee of $7$6,523 (DKK 31)31,000) upon granting of the Carbonatite License. The Carbonatite License is valid for 5 years until December 31, 2022, with December 31, 20182020 being the firstthird year. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company received one year period license extension, which provides for renewal period until 2023.

The Company has no minimum required exploration obligation for the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2018,2020, the Company has spent $1,362$1,504,317 on exploration costs for the Carbonatite License.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company spent a total of $1,369 in exploration and license related expenditures (December 31, 2017 - $Nil) for the Carbonatite License.

The Company had a minimum required exploration obligation of DKK 269 (approximately $55) for the year ended December 31, 2018. To December 31, 2018,2020, the Company’s expenditures exceeded the minimum requirement and the Company has a total surplus credit of DKK 9,840 (Approximately $2,018)10,544,473 (approximately $2,182,706). The credit available from each year may be carried forward until3 years plus 1 year extension and expire between December 31, 2021.2022 to December 31, 2024. The Company has no exploration commitment for 2021 year.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company spent a total of $6,527 in exploration and license related expenditures (December 31, 2019 - $123,981).

Ikertoq License

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company was granted an exploration license, (the “Ikertoq License”) by the BMP of Greenland and spent total of $132,679 in exploration and license related expenditures. The license was later relinquished and the costs were expensed as at December 31, 2018.

 

8.West Greenland Prospecting License (2020/05)

On February 18, 2020, the Company was granted new prospective license No. 2020/05, by the BMP of Greenland for a period of 5 years ending December 31, 2024. The Company paid a granting fee of $4,301 (DKK 21,900). There were no exploration related costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2020.

7. TRADE PAYABLES AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

  

December 31,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Trade payables  477   813 
Amounts due to related parties (Note 11)  1   42 
Accrued liabilities  78   114 
   556   969 

9. LOAN PAYABLE(All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

 

On April 22, 2016, the Company issued a term note to Sentient Executive GP IV Limited (“Sentient”) and received a loan of $4,500 (the “Loan”). The Loan was due on April 30, 2017 and was made on an interest free basis. Sentient is a significant shareholder of the Company.

 

 

December 31,

2020

  

December 31,

2019

 
Trade payables  290   310 
Amounts due to related parties (Note 10)  28   169 
Accrued liabilities  44   40 
   362   519 

 

The Company discounted the Loan at an interest rate of 15% per annum, being the estimated market rate. Accordingly, upon issuance, the Company recorded an amount of $265 to reserves, which was to be amortized as interest expense over the term of the Loan.

Under the terms of the Loan, Sentient had the right, at its option, to require early pre-payment in the event that, during the term of the Loan, the Company successfully completed an issuance of common shares to third parties for gross proceeds of not less than $2,000. In the event the maximum offering amount is raised, being $12,000, Sentient was required to be repaid the full loan of $4,500. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company closed private placements (Note 10), which triggered full repayment of the Loan. The Company repaid the Loan and, accordingly, the full amount of $265 was reallocated to share capital on settlement and recorded on the statement of comprehensive loss as interest expense.

The Company also issued Sentient 952,380 common shares, at a fair value of $95, as a finance fee for advancing the Loan.

50

60 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 20182020

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 20182020

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)dollars)

10.8. SHARE CAPITAL, WARRANTS AND OPTIONS

 

The authorized capital of the Company comprises an unlimited number of common shares without par value and 100,000,000 Series 1 convertible preferred shares without par value.

 

a) Common shares issued and outstanding

 

Effective October 4, 2019, the Company completed a share consolidation of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares whereby for every ten (10) pre-consolidation common shares issued and outstanding, one (1) post-consolidation common share exists without par value. All references to share capital, warrants, options and weighted average number of shares outstanding have been adjusted retrospectively to reflect the Company’s 10-for-1 share consolidation as if it occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented. As at December 31, 2020, the Company has 109,833,648 common shares issued and outstanding, (December 31, 2019 – 88,690,791) (December 31, 2018 – 78,792,860).

2020

On August 13, 2020, the Company closed the first tranche of its non-brokered private placement equity financing consisting of 15,481,077 units of the Company at a price of $0.07 per unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,083,675. On August 31, 2020, the Company closed the second and final tranche of its non-brokered private placement equity financing consisting of 5,661,780 units of the Company at a price of $0.07 per unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of $396,325. Each unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company and one transferable common share purchase warrant of the Company. Each warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.09 for a period of 24 months from its date of issuance. The warrants are subject to an acceleration clause such that if the closing market price of the common shares on the TSX-V is greater than $0.12 per common share for a period of 10 consecutive trading days at any time after the four-month anniversary of the closing of the placement, the Company may, at its option, accelerate the warrant expiry date to within 30 days.

In connection with the non-brokered private financing, the Company incurred total share issuance costs of $124,222. The Company issued and aggregate of 588,154 common share purchase warrants. Each warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.09 for a period of 24 months from its date of issuance.

The Company allocated a $716,055 fair value to the warrants issued in conjunction with the private placement and $18,547 to agent’s warrants. The fair value of warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following assumptions; expected life of 2 years, expected dividend yield of 0%, a risk-free interest rate of 0.28% to 0.31% range and an expected volatility of 158% to 158.53% range.

2019

On October 24, 2019 the TSXV approved the filing of the earn in agreement for the Loveland Nickel Property. As a result, on December 9, 2019, the Company issued 300,000 common shares at fair value of $51,000 (note 6).

On December 18, 2019, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement equity financing of 7,373,265 units at a price of $0.18 and 2,224,666 flow-through common shares at a price of $0.18 and raised aggregate gross proceeds of $1,727,628. Each unit issued consisted of one common share in the capital of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.25 for a period of 24 months from its date of issuance. All Securities issued pursuant to this offering were subject to a hold period which expired on April 19, 2020. The Company incurred total share issuance costs of $343,639. The Company allocated a $265,217 fair value to the warrants issued in conjunction with the private placement and $21,445 to 298,099 agent’s warrants. The fair value of warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following assumptions; expected life of 2 years, expected dividend yield of 0%, a risk-free interest rate of 1.73% and an expected volatility of 147.26%.

On issuance, the Company bifurcated the flow-through shares into i) a flow-through share premium of $88,987 that investors paid for the flow-through feature, which is recognized as a liability and; ii) share capital of $311,453. To December 31, 2020, the Company expended $400,440 (December 31, 2019 – $Nil) in eligible exploration expenditures and, accordingly, the flow-through liability was reduced to $Nil.

61 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

2018

 

On April 19, 2018, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement equity financing of 233,333,33323,333,333 units at a price of $0.075$0.75 per unit and raised aggregate gross proceeds of $17,500.$17,500,000. Each unit consists of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company. Each warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.12$1.20 for a period of 24 months from its date of issuance. The Company incurred total share issuance costs of $579,$578,800, of which $250 is$250,000 was recorded in trade payables at December 31, 2018. The Company allocated a $2,572$2,571,514 fair value to the warrants issued in conjunction with the private placement. The fair value of warrants was determined on a pro-rata basis using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following assumptions; expected life of 2 years, expected dividend yield of 0%, a risk-free interest rate of 1.91% and an expected volatility of 94.26%.

 

Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (“CATL”) subscribed for 200,000,000 units of the aforementioned private placement for a total purchase price of $15,000. At December 31, 2018, CATL beneficially owns, or exercises control or direction over approximately 25.38% of the currently issued and outstanding shares of the Company. As per the subscription agreement, CATL has pre-emptive rights and the right to nominate one director to the board of directors of the Company.

Sentient subscribed for 13,333,333 units of the aforementioned private placement for a total purchase price of $1,000. At December 31, 2018, Sentient beneficially owns, or exercises control or direction over 369,809,820 common shares constituting approximately 46.93% of the currently issued and outstanding shares of the Company.

As at December 31, 2018, the Company has 787,928,500 common shares issued and outstanding, (December 31, 2017 – 554,595,167).

2017

On June 8, 2017, the Company closed a brokered placement, through a prospectus, of units for total gross proceeds of $10,877. The Company issued 145,030,833 units at a price of $0.075 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share at an exercise price of $0.12 until June 8, 2019. The Company paid share issuance costs of $533 and also issued 1,965,093 agent’s warrants, exercisable at $0.075 per warrant until June 8, 2019. The Company allocated a $1,500 fair value to the warrants issued in conjunction with the private placement and $61 to agent’s warrants. The fair value of warrants was determined on a pro-rata basis using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following assumptions; expected life of 2 years, expected dividend yield of 0%, a risk-free interest rate of 0.71% and an expected volatility of 98.60%. The Company also granted the agent an overallotment option for a period of 30 days, which expired unexercised. The fair value of overallotment option of $39 was recorded as a share issuance cost and was determined on a pro-rata basis using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following assumptions; expected life of 30 days, expected dividend yield of 0%, a risk-free interest rate of 0.71% and an expected volatility of 66.6%.

51 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

On August 15, 2017, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement of units for total proceeds of $3,074. The Company issued 40,982,448 units at a price of $0.075 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one common share at an exercise price of $0.12 until August 15, 2019. The Company allocated a $519 fair value to the warrants issued from the private placement. Direct financing costs totalled $16 resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $3,058. The fair value of warrants was determined on a pro-rata basis using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following assumptions; expected life of 2 years, expected dividend yield of 0%, a risk-free interest rate of 1.23% and an expected volatility of 98.64%.

2016

On April 28, 2016, the Company issued 952,380 common shares at a fair value of $95 as a finance fee.

On July 21, 2016, the Company closed a private placement of 92,668,907 units at a price of $0.075 per unit for gross proceeds of $6,950. Each unit consists of one common share of the Company and one half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the purchaser to purchase an additional common share at a price of $0.12 per share until July 21, 2018. Share issuance costs of $571 were incurred in connection with the private placement. The Company also issued 1,203,695 agent’s warrants, exercisable at $0.075 per warrant until July 21, 2018. The Company allocated a fair value of $48 to the agent’s warrants using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following assumptions: expected life of 2 years, expected dividend yield of 0%, a risk-free interest rate of 0.57% and an expected volatility of 91.06%. The Company also granted the agent an overallotment option, which expired unexercised.

On September 12, 2016, the Company closed a private placement and issued 67,331,093 units at a price of $0.075 per unit for gross proceeds of $5,050. Each unit consists of one common share of the Company and one half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the purchaser to purchase an additional common share at a price of $0.12 per share until September 12, 2018.

b) Preferred shares issued and outstanding

 

As at December 31, 2018,2020, December 31, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, there are 590,931 series 1 preferred shares outstanding.

 

The rights and restrictions of the preferred shares are as follows:

 

 i)dividends shall be paid at the discretion of the directors;
 ii)the holders of the preferred shares are not entitled to vote except at meetings of the holders of the preferred shares, where they are entitled to one vote for each preferred share held;
 iii)the shares are convertible at any time after 6 months from the date of issuance, upon the holder serving the Company with 10 days written notice; and
 iv)the number of the common shares to be received on conversion of the preferred shares is to be determined by dividing the conversion value of the share, $1 per share, by $0.90.$9.00.

52 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

 

c) Warrants

 

A summary of common share purchase warrants activity during the years ended December 31, 2018,2020, December 31, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018 is as follows:

 

 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  December 31, 2020  December 31, 2019  December 31, 2018 
 Number Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) Number Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) Number Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price ($)  Number Outstanding  

Weighted Average Exercise Price

($)

  Number Outstanding  

Weighted Average Exercise Price

($)

  Number Outstanding  

Weighted Average Exercise Price

($)

 
Outstanding, beginning of year  176,175,413   0.12   95,982,036   0.15   27,738,344   0.49   15,651,397   0.96   25,797,283   1.20   17,617,541   1.20 
Issued  116,666,664   0.12   94,971,721   0.12   81,203,692   0.12   21,731,011   0.09   3,984,731   0.25   11,666,666   1.20 
Cancelled / Expired  (34,869,241)  0.12   (14,778,344)  0.30   (12,960,000)  0.71 
Cancelled / expired  (11,666,666)  1.20   (14,130,617)  1.20   (3,486,924)  1.20 
Outstanding, end of year  257,972,836   0.12   176,175,413   0.12   95,982,036   0.15   25,715,742   0.11   15,651,397   0.96   25,797,283   1.20 

 

62 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

At December 31, 2018,2020, the Company had outstanding common share purchase warrants exercisable to acquire common shares of the Company as follows:

 

Warrants Outstanding  Expiry Date 

Exercise

Price ($)

  

Weighted Average

remaining contractual life

(years)

 72,515,414  June 8, 2019  0.12  0.12
 1,965,083  June 8, 2019  0.075  0.00
 46,334,451  July 21, 20191,2  0.12  0.10
 20,491,224  August 15, 2019  0.12  0.05
 116,666,664  April 19, 2020  0.12  0.59
 257,972,836        0.86
Warrants Outstanding  Expiry Date Exercise Price ($)  Weighted Average remaining contractual life (years) 
 3,984,731  December 18, 2021  0.25   0.15 
 16,045,231 1  August 13, 2022  0.09   1.01 
 5,685,780 1  August 31, 2022  0.09   0.37 
 25,715,742         1.53 

1The warrants are subject to an acceleration clause such that if the volume-weighted average trading price of the Company’s common shares on the TSX-V exceeds $0.18$0.12 per common share for a period of 10 consecutive trading days at any date before the expiration date of such warrants, the Company may, at its option, accelerate the warrant expiry date to within 30 days. To December 31, 2018,2020, the Company’s common shares have not met the criterion for acceleration.

2On September 1, 2018, The Company, however, has not accelerated the TSXV approved an extension of the term of the warrants from July 21, 2018 to July 21, 2019. All other terms, including the exercise price, remain the same.warrant expiry date.

 

d) Stock options

 

The Company adopted a Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), providing the authority to grant options to directors, officers, employees and consultants enabling them to acquire up to 10% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company. Under the Plan, the exercise price of each option equals the market price or a discounted price of the Company’s stock as calculated on the date of grant. The options can be granted for a maximum term of 10 years.

 

53 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

A summary of option activity under the Plan during the years ended December 31, 2018,2020, December 31, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018 is as follows:

 

 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  December 31, 2020  December 31, 2019  December 31, 2018 
 Number Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Number Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Number Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price  Number Outstanding  Weighted Average Exercise Price ($)  Number Outstanding  Weighted Average Exercise Price ($)  Number Outstanding  Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) 
Outstanding, beginning of year  20,720,500   0.23   12,823,000   0.30   9,872,500   0.37   2,130,550   1.51   2,594,550   1.80   2,072,050   2.30 
Issued  6,425,000   0.12   9,137,500   0.12   6,058,000   0.21   7,850,000   0.15   -   -   642,500   1.20 
Cancelled / Expired  (1,200,000)  0.18   (1,240,000)  0.24   (3,107,500)  0.34 
Cancelled / expired  (2,001,825)  1.51   (464,000)  4.23   (120,000)  1.80 
Outstanding, end of year  25,945,500   0.18   20,720,500   0.23   12,823,000   0.30   7,978,725   0.17   2,130,550   1.51   2,594,550   1.80 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company granted an aggregate total of 7,850,000 stock options to employees, directors and consultants with a maximum term of 5 years. All options vest immediately and are exercisable as to 6,650,000 options at $0.16 per share and 1,200,000 options at $0.09 per share. The Company calculates the fair value of all stock options using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. The fair value of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2020 amounted to $969,391 and was recorded as a share-based payment expense.

There were no incentive stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company granted 6,425,000642,500 incentive stock options to employees, directors and consultants with a maximum term of 5 years. All stock options vest immediately and are exercisable at $0.12$1.20 per common share. The Company calculates the fair value of all stock options using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. The fair value of optionoptions granted during the year ended December 31, 2018 amounted to $317$317,332 and was recorded as a share-based payments expense.

 

63 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

During

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company granted 9,137,500 incentive stock options to employees, directors and consultants with a maximum term of 5 years. All stock options vest immediately and are exercisable at $0.12 per common share. The Company calculates the fair value of all stock options using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. The fair value of this grant amounted to $504 and was recorded as a share-based payments expense.2020

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company granted 6,058,000 incentive stock options to employees, directors and consultants with a maximum term of 5 years. The granting of these options resulted(Expressed in a share-based payments expense of $278.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a further $31 in stock-based compensation for previously issued stock options that vested during the year.Canadian dollars)

 

The fair value of stock options granted and vested during the years ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 20172020, 2019 and December 31, 20162018 was calculated using the following assumptions:

 

  

December 31,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

  

December 31,

2016

 
Expected dividend yield  0%  0%  0%
Expected share price volatility  96.9% - 101%  66.6% - 100.6%  111% - 113%
Risk free interest rate  2.04% – 2.17%  1.17% – 1.80%  0.68% - 0.79%
Expected life of options  5 years   5 years   5 years

54 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

  December 31, 2020  

December 31,

2019

  

December 31,

2018

 
Expected dividend yield  0%  -   0%
Expected share price volatility  121.5% - 125%  -   96.9% - 101%
Risk free interest rate  0.39% - 1.21%  -   2.04% - 2.17%
Expected life of options  5 years   -   5 years 

 

Details of options outstanding as at December 31, 20182020 are as follows:

 

Options

Outstanding

  

Options

Exercisable

  

Expiry

Date

 

Exercise

Price ($)

  

Weighted average

remaining contractual life

(years)

 2,440,000   2,440,000  Jul 9, 2019  0.62  0.05
 200,000   200,000  Aug 27, 2019  0.37  0.01
 100,000   100,000  Sep 26, 2019  0.26  0.00
 350,000   350,000  Nov 5, 2019  0.21  0.01
 1,000,000   1,000,000  Dec 19, 2019  0.22  0.04
 900,000   900,000  Feb 3, 2020  0.275  0.04
 450,000   450,000  Oct 5, 2020  0.20  0.03
 5,443,000   5,443,000  Jan 28, 2021  0.21  0.44
 7,637,500   7,637,500  Feb 21, 2022  0.12  0.93
 1,000,000   1,000,000  Dec 20, 2022  0.12  0.15
 5,725,000   5,725,000  Feb 28, 2023  0.12  0.92
 500,000   500,000  May 1, 2023  0.12  0.08
 200,000   200,000  May 4, 2023  0.12  0.03
 25,945,500   25,945,500        2.73

Options

Outstanding

  

Options

Exercisable

  

Expiry

Date

 

Exercise

Price ($)

  Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) 
 53,100   53,100  January 28, 2021*  2.10   0.00 
 40,625   40,625  February 21, 2022  1.20   0.01 
 35,000   35,000  February 28, 2023  1.20   0.01 
 6,650,000   6,650,000  February 24, 2025  0.16   3.46 
 1,200,000   1,200,000  August 19, 2025  0.09   0.70 
 7,978,725   7,978,725         4.18 

*Subsequently expired, unexercised.

 

e) Reserve

 

The reserve records items recognized as stock-based compensation expense and other share-based payments until such time that the stock options or warrants are exercised, at which time the corresponding amount will be transferred to share capital. Amounts recorded for forfeited or expired unexercised options and warrants are transferred to deficit. During the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company recorded $317 of share-based payments (December 31, 2017 - $504) (December 31, 2016 - $309) to the reserve. During the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, the Company transferred $229$3,782,706 (December 31, 20172019 - $301)$3,860,656) (December 31, 20162018 - $2,725)$229,381) to deficit for expired options and warrants.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016,2020, the Company recorded $969,391 of share-based payments to reserves. There were no share-based payments during the year ended December 31, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded $317,332 of share-based payments to reserves.

9. INVESTMENT IN PREMIUM NICKEL RESOURCES INC.

On September 30, 2019, the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Premium Nickel Resources Inc. (“Premium Nickel”). Pursuant to the MOU, the Company and Premium Nickel set forth their interests in negotiating and acquiring the business and assets of BCL Limited, a private company with operations in Botswana that is currently in liquidation.

Concurrent with the MOU, the Company initially recorded an amountsubscribed for 2,400,000 common shares of $265Premium Nickel at $0.01, for a total investment of $24,000. The Company’s initial investment included a provision that gives the Company the right to nominate two directors to the reserve,board of directors of Premium Nickel. The Company’s initial investment also included Premium Nickel issuing the Company a non-transferable share purchase warrant (the “Warrant”), which entitles the Company to purchase common shares of Premium Nickel, for up to 15% of the capital of Premium Nickel upon payment of US $10 million prior to the fifth anniversary of the date of issue. At December 31, 2019, the Company’s investment was recorded as an advance, as the Company had not yet been issued the common share certificate nor the Warrant. The initial investment common share certificate and Warrant were issued during the year ended December 31, 2020.

64 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

To December 31, 2020, the Company subscribed for a further 4,657,711 common shares of Premium Nickel, for a further investment of $154,164. The common shares underlying the investment are restricted (“Restricted”) from being traded before such date that is 4 months after the later of (a) the date of issuance and (b) the date at which Premium Nickel becomes a reporting issuer in any province or territory. To December 31, 2020 and subsequently, the underlying common shares are Restricted. To December 31, 2020, the Company’s total investment constitutes a 11.01% holding (December 31, 2019 – 9.64%) in Premium Nickel.

As December 31, 2020, the Company had representation on the board, participate in the policy-making process, material transactions between the Company and Premium Nickel, interchange of managerial personnel, provision of essential technical information and operating involvement. Accordingly, the Company determined that it has significant influence in Premium Nickel and has used equity accounting of the investment. Premium Nickel’s financial information at December 31, 2020 was net assets of $32,445 which was amortizedcomprised primarily of cash, and a total comprehensive loss of $1,227,998 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Details of the Company’s investment at December 31, 2020 is as interest expense overfollows:

Investment
Balance, December 31, 2018 and 2019-
Reallocation of advance24
Investment154
Share of loss of Premium Nickel(130)
Total48

On January 1, 2020, the Company entered into a Management and Technical Services Agreement (“the Services Agreement”) with Premium Nickel whereby the Company will provide certain technical, corporate, administrative and clerical, office and other services to Premium Nickel during the due diligence stage of the contemplated arrangement. The Company will charge Premium Nickel for expenses incurred and has the right to charge a 2% administrative fee on third party expenses. The Company will invoice Premium Nickel on a monthly basis and payment shall be made by Premium Nickel no later than 15 days after receipt of such invoice. The term of the LoanService Agreement is for an initial period of 3 years and reallocatedcan be renewed for an additional 1 year period. The Service Agreement can be terminated within 30 days notice, for non-performance, by the Company giving 6 months notice or Premium Nickel within 90 days provided the Company no longer owns at least 10% of the outstanding common shares of Premium Nickel. If Premium Nickel defaults on making payments, the outstanding balance shall be treated as a loan to Premium Nickel, to be evidenced by a promissory note. The promissory note will be payable upon demand and bear interest at a rate equal to the then current lending rate plus 1%, calculated from the date of default. Subsequent payment by Premium Nickel will be first applied to accrued interest and then principle of the invoice. During the year ended December 31, 2020, pursuant to the Services Agreement, the Company charged Premium Nickel $647,164 (December 31, 2019 - $95,415) for services and charged $8,495 in administrative fees, received $701,305 (December 31, 2019 – $Nil) and recorded $54,619 in due from Premium Nickel (December 31, 2019 - $95,415). During the year ended December 31, 2020, $33,735 (December 31, 2019 - $Nil) of the Company’s additional investment was offset from previously outstanding amounts due from Premium Nickel. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the Company received the $54,619 in full from Premium Nickel.

At December 31, 2020, $50,000 has been classified as an advance as Premium Nickel has not yet issued the common share capital upon settlement.certificate. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the Company paid an additional $50,400 and was issued the common share certificate representing its additional investment (Note 18).

65 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

 

11.10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The following amounts due to related parties are included in trade payables and accrued liabilities (Note 8)7):

  

December 31,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Directors and officers of the Company  1   42 
         
Total  1   42 

(All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  

December 31,

2020

  

December 31,

2019

 
Directors and officers of the Company  21   38 
Related company  7   131 
Total  28   169 

 

These amounts are unsecured, non-interest bearing and have no fixed terms of repayment.

 

The following amount due from related party and advance represent as well as investment in Premium Nickel a private company incorporated in Ontario, in which certain directors and officers of the Company also hold offices and minority investments.

(All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  

December 31,

2020

  

December 31,

2019

 
Due from related party  55   95 
Advance  50   24 
Investment  48   - 
         
Total  153   119 

(a) Related party transactions

 

20182020

Sentient Executive GP IV Limited (“Sentient”) and Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (“CATL”) have historically subscribed to private placements of the Company.

As of December 31, 2020, Sentient beneficially owns 36,980,982 common shares, constituting approximately 33.66% of the currently issued and outstanding common shares of the Company.

As of December 31, 2020, CATL beneficially owns 22,944,444 common shares, constituting approximately 20.89% of the currently issued and outstanding shares of the Company. CATL has pre-emptive rights and the right to nominate one director to the board of directors of the Company.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded $171,952 (2019 - $370,127), (2018 - $174,224) in fees charged by a legal firm in which the Company’s former chairman is a consultant.

2019

 

As of December 31, 2018,2019, Sentient beneficially owns 369,809,82036,980,982 common shares, constituting approximately 46.93%41.70% of the currently issued and outstanding common shares.shares of the Company.

On December 18, 2019, CATL subscribed for a total of 2,944,444 units under a bought deal private placement financing transaction described in Note 10(a).9 for a total net proceeds of $530,000. As part of the subscription, CATL was granted 1,472,222 common share purchase warrants exercisable at $0.25 until December 18, 2021. As of December 31, 2019, CATL beneficially owns 22,944,444 common shares, constituting approximately 25.87% of the currently issued and outstanding shares of the Company. CATL has pre-emptive rights and the right to nominate one director to the board of directors of the Company.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded $370,127 (2018 - $174,224), (2017 - $244,285) in fees charged by a legal firm in which the Company’s former chairman is a consultant.

 

55

66 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 20182020

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 20182020

(Expressed in thousandsCanadian dollars)

2018

As of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)December 31, 2018, Sentient beneficially owns 36,980,982 common shares, constituting approximately 46.93% of the currently issued and outstanding common shares of the Company.

 

As of December 31, 2018, CATL beneficially owns or exercises control or direction over19,997,628 common shares, constituting approximately 25.38% of the currently issued and outstanding shares of the Company. CATL has pre-emptive rights and the right to nominate one director to the board of directors of the Company. Note 10(a).

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded $174 (2017 - $244), (2016 - $347) in fees charged by a legal firm in which the Company’s chairman is a consultant.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded $Nil (2017 - $Nil) (2016 - $16) in rent and utilities expense to VMS Ventures Inc. a company that was previously a significant shareholder through common directors, which was included in general and administrative expense.

2017

On August 15, 2017, Sentient subscribed for a total of 38,666,666 units under the private placement equity financing transaction described in Note 10 for a total net proceeds of $2,900. As part of the subscription, Sentient was granted 19,333,333 common share purchase warrants exercisable at $0.12 until August 15, 2019.

On June 8, 2017, Sentient acquired 94,666,666 units in the equity financing as described in Note 10 for net proceeds of $7,100. As part of the Offering, Sentient was granted 47,333,333 common share purchase warrants exercisable at $0.12 until June 8, 2019.

2016

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company issued 952,380 common shares to Sentient for a fee for advancing the loan of $4,500 at a fair value of $95. The Company discounted the loan with the interest not being charged by Sentient using an interest rate of 15% per annum and an amount of $265 was booked to capital contribution reserve. Note 9.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, Sentient acquired 120,428,939 common shares. The common shares were acquired as to 952,380 common shares at a fair value of $95 as a finance fee and 119,476,559 common shares as part of the private placements at a price of $8,960.

 

(b) Key management personnel are defined as members of the Board of Directors and senior officers.

 

Key management compensation was:

 

  

December 31,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

  

December 31,

2016

 
Geological consulting fees – expensed  104   35   6 
Geological consulting fees – capitalized  18   178   44 
Management fees – expensed  747   749   756 
Salaries - expensed  181   128   103 
Share-based payments  192   358   186 
Total  1,242   1,448   1,095 

(All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  December 31, 2020  December 31, 2019  December 31, 2018 
Geological consulting fees – expensed  5   136   104 
Geological consulting fees – capitalized  -   -   18 
Management fees – expensed  478   747   747 
Salaries - expensed  182   185   181 
Share-based payments  756   -   192 
Total  1,421   1,068   1,242 

11. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Changes in working capital for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

(All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  December 31, 2020  December 31, 2019  December 31, 2018 
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivables  102   (126)  84 
Decrease in prepaid expenses  7   3   19 
Increase (decrease) in trade payables and accrued liabilities  (155)  134   (82)
Total changes in working capital  (46)  11   21 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company:

i)transferred $3,782,706 from reserve to deficit;
ii)recorded $6,506 as the net change for accrued exploration and evaluation expenditures;
iii)recorded $267,000 as a provision for restoration obligation;
iv)reclassed $24,000 from advance to investment;
v)offset $33,735 from due to related party to investment; and
vi)offset $7,500 in trade payables to proceeds from issuance of common stock.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company:

i)transferred $3,860,656 from reserve to deficit;
ii)recorded $171,444 as the net change for accrued exploration and evaluation expenditures;
iii)paid $51,000 as non-cash consideration for exploration and evaluation expenditures; and
iv)recorded $88,987 of flow-through share premium liability.

 

56

67 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 20182020

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 20182020

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)dollars)

12. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Changes in working capital for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

  

December 31,

2018

  December 31, 2017  

December 31,

2016

 
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivables and current assets  84   (162)  36 
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses  19   46   (73)
(Decrease) increase in trade payables and accrued liabilities  (82)  21   (15)
Total changes in working capital  21   (95)  (52)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company:

 

 i)transferred $229$229,381 from reserve to deficit;
 ii)recorded $250$250,000 of share issuance costs in trade payables; and
 iii)recorded $186$186,304 in accrued exploration and evaluation expenditures.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company:

i)transferred $301 from reserve to deficit;
ii)recorded $39 in fair value of options to share issuance costs;
iii)recorded $61 in fair value of agent’s warrants to share issuance costs; and
iv)recorded $767 in accrued exploration and evaluation expenditures.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company:

i)recorded $265 to reserves, which was subsequently reallocated to share capital and amortized as interest expense over the term of the Loan;
ii)transferred $2,725 from reserve to deficit;
iii)recorded $48 in fair value of agent’s warrants to share issuance costs; and
iv)recorded $34 in accrued exploration and evaluation expenditures.

13.12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company has certain commitments to meet the minimum expenditures requirements on its mineral exploration assets itand evaluation assets. Further, the Company has interest in.a site restoration obligation with respect to its Greenland exploration and evaluation asset.

 

Effective July 1, 2014, the Company had changes to management and entered into the following agreements for services with directors of the Company and a company in which a director has an interest:

 

 i)Directors’ fees: $2$2,000 stipend per month for independent directors and $3$3,000 stipend per month for the chairman of the board, and $2.5$2,500 for committee chairman.chairmen.
   
 ii)Management fees: $31$30,951 per month effective June 2018.2018 up to December 31, 2019 and $19,106 per month effective January 1, 2020.
   
  Effectively on June 1, 2018, the Company has changed the terms with Keith Morrison, the CEO, from direct employment to contracted consultant and entered into a service agreement with his company.

 

Each of the agreements shall be continuous and may only be terminated by mutual agreement of the parties, subject to the provisions that in the event there is a change of effective control of the Company, the party shall have the right to terminate the agreement, within sixty days from the date of such change of effective control, upon written notice to the Company. Within thirty days from the date of delivery of such notice, the Company shall forward to the party the amount of money due and owing to the party hereunder to the extent accrued to the effective date of termination.

 

57 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

14.13. RISK MANAGEMENT

 

The Company’s exposure to market risk includes, but is not limited to, the following risks:

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Interest rate risk is the risk that the future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The short term investments are held at highly-rated financial institutions and earn guaranteed fixed interest rate and thus areCompany is not subject to significant changes in interest payments.rate.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

 

Currency risk is risk that the fair value of future cash flows will fluctuate because of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, the value of cash and cash equivalents and other financial assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies can fluctuate with changes in currency exchange rates.

 

The Company operates in Canada and Greenland and undertakes transactions denominated in foreign currencies such as United States dollar, Euros and Danish Krones, and consequently is exposed to exchange rate risks. Exchange risks are managed by matching levels of foreign currency balances and related obligations and by maintaining operating cash accounts in non-Canadian dollar currencies. The rate published by the Bank of Canada at the close of business on December 31, 20182020 was 1.36301.2732 USD to CAD, 1.55981.5608 EUR to CAD and 0.20890.2099 DKK to CAD.

 

The Company’s Canadian dollar equivalent of financial assets and liabilities that are denominated in Danish Krones consist of accounts payable of $9 (2017$7,349 (2019 - $571)$27,879 credit) and $79$1,798 in USD currency (2017(2019 - $56)$3,858).

 

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the other party by failing to discharge an obligation. The credit risk is primarily associated with liquid financial assets. The Company limits exposure to credit risk on liquid financial assets by holding cash and cash equivalents and short term investments at highly-rated financial institutions.

 

68 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

Price Risk

 

The Company is exposed to price risk with respect to commodity prices. Commodity price risk is defined as the potential adverse impact on earnings and economic value due to commodity price movements and volatilities. To mitigate price risk, the Company closely monitors commodity prices of precious metals and the stock market to determine the appropriate course of action to be taken by the Company.

 

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. The Company manages the liquidity risk inherent in these financial obligations by regularly monitoring actual cash flows to annual budget which forecast cash needs and expected cash availability to meet future obligations.

 

The Company will defer discretionary expenditures, as required, in order to manage and conserve cash required for current liabilities.

 

58 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

The following table shows the Company’s contractual obligations as at December 31, 2018:2020:

(All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

 

As at December 31, 2018 

Less than

1 year

  1 - 2 years  2 - 5 years  Total 
Trade and accrued liabilities  556   -   -   556 
   556   -   -   556 
As at December 31, 2020 

Less than

1 year

  1 - 2 years  2 - 5 years  Total 
Trade payables and accrued liabilities  362   -   -   362 
   362   -   -   362 

 

Capital Risk Management

The Company manages its capital to ensure that it will be able to continue as a going concern, so that adequate funds are available or are scheduled to be raised to carry out the Company’s exploration program and to meet its ongoing administrative and operating costs and obligations. This is achieved by the Board of Directors’ review and ultimate approval of budgets that are achievable within existing resources, and the timely matching and release of the next stage of expenditures with the resources made available from capital raisings and debt funding from related or other parties. In doing so, the Company may issue new shares, restructure or issue new debt.

 

The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements imposed by a regulator or a lending institution.

 

In the management of capital, the Company includes the components of equity, loans and borrowings, other current liabilities, net of cash and cash equivalents.cash.

  As at December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Equity  66,944   52,728 
Current liabilities  556   969 
   67,500   53,697 
Cash and cash equivalents  (339)  (398)
Short term investments  (2,500)  (2,500)
   64,661   50,799 

 

15.(All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  As at December 31, 
  2020  2019  2018 
Equity  39,015   39,431   66,944 
Current liabilities  629   608   556 
   39,644   40,039   67,500 
Cash  (308)  (1,098)  (339)
Short-term investments  -   -   (2,500)
   39,336   38,941   64,661 

69 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

14. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy establishes six levels to classify the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure the fair value.

 

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

 

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly

 

Level 3 – Inputs that are not based on observable market data

 

Cash is measured using level 1 inputs and Investment is measured using level 3 inputs.

16.15. SEGMENTED INFORMATION

 

The Company operates in one reportable operating segment being that of the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties in threetwo geographic segments being Canada and Greenland and United States (Note(note 7). The Company’s geographic segments are as follows:

 

59 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(ExpressedAll amounts in table are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)dollars)

 

 

December 31,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

  

December 31,

2020

  

December 31,

2019

 
Equipment                
Canada  11   19   6   9 
Greenland  24   30   15   19 
Total  35   49   21   28 

 

 

December 31,

2018

  December 31, 2017  

December 31,

2020

  

December 31,

2019

 
Exploration and evaluation assets                
Canada  2,214   1,817   2,538   2,483 
Greenland  62,257   48,671   36,565   36,150 
United States  8   6 
Total  64,479   50,494   39,103   38,633 

 

17.16. INCOME TAXES

 

A reconciliation of the expected income tax recovery to the actual income tax recovery is as follows:

 

  

Year ended December 31,

2018

  

Year ended December 31,

2017

 
Net loss $(3,022) $(2,879)
Statutory tax rate  27%  26.0%
Expected income tax recovery at the statutory tax rate  (816)  (749)
Permanent differences and other  62  (2)
Effect of change in tax rates  (132)    
Change in valuation allowance  886   751 
Net deferred Income tax recovery $-  $- 

(All amounts in tables are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  Year ended December 31, 2020  Year ended December 31, 2019 
Net loss $(2,741) $(28,859)
Statutory tax rate  27%  27%
Expected income tax recovery at the statutory tax rate  (740)  (7,792)
Permanent differences and other  222   7,063 
Change in valuation allowance  518   729 
Net deferred income tax recovery $-  $- 

70 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

 

The significant components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

 

December 31,

2018

 

December 31,

2017

  

Year ended December 31,

2020

 

Year ended December 31,

2019

 
Exploration and evaluation assets $65 $18  $7,198  $7,058 
Loss carry-forwards  3,823   3,048   4,878   4,433 
Share issuance costs  293   237   175   279 
Cumulative eligible capital  34   32   34   34 
Investment  35   - 
Equipment  98   93   102   100 
  4,313   3,428   12,422   11,904 
Valuation allowance  (4,313)  (3,428)  (12,422)  (11,904)
Net deferred tax asset $-  $-  $-  $- 

 

The tax pools relating to these deductible temporary differences expire as follows:

 

  Canadian
non-capital
losses
  Canadian
net-capital losses
  Canadian resource pools  

Canadian

share issue costs

 
2030 $696  $-  $-  $- 
2031  517   -   -   - 
2032  645   -   -   - 
2033  847   -   -   - 
2034  1,484   -   -   - 
2035  2,141   -   -   - 
2036  2,213   -   -   - 
2037  2,637             
2038  2,923             
No expiry  -   57   50,575   912 
  $14,103  $57  $50,575  $912 

60 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2018

  Canadian
non-capital losses
  Canadian
net-capital losses
  Canadian resource pools  Canadian share issue costs 
2021 $-  $-  $-  $319 
2022  -   -   -   209 
2023  -   -   -   93 
2024  -   -   -   25 
2030  696   -   -   - 
2031  517   -   -   - 
2032  645   -   -   - 
2033  847   -   -   - 
2034  1,484   -   -   - 
2035  2,141   -   -   - 
2036  2,213   -   -   - 
2037  2,637   -   -   - 
2038  2,656   -   -   - 
2039  2,583   -   -   - 
2040  1,592   -   -   - 
No expiry  -   57   65,775     
  $16,462  $57  $65,775   646 

 

17.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

18. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENESSEXPENSES

 

Details of the general and administrative expenses by nature are presented in the following table:

(All amounts in table are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  December 31, 2018  December 31, 2017  December 31, 2016 
Consulting fees  373   343   218 
Professional fees  142   129   128 
Management fees  733   715   756 
Investor relations  187   239   221 
Filing fees  79   106   77 
Salaries and benefits  474   439   290 
General office expenses  352   404   331 
Total  2,340   2,375   2,021 

 

  December 31, 2020  December 31, 2019  December 31, 2018 
Consulting fees  194   286   373 
Filing fees  43   94   79 
General office expenses  74   220   352 
Investor relations  54   32   187 
Management fees  467   745   733 
Professional fees  158   182   142 
Salaries and benefits  248   586   474 
Total  1,238   2,145   2,340 

61

71 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 20182020

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On January 7, 2021, the Company announced that it has received notification from the Greenland government that surplus assessment credits from exploration conducted on the Company’s exclusive mineral exploration licenses located on the southwest coast of Greenland have been extended by one year. Mineral licenses that received one credit extension include exploration license 2011/54, exploration license 2012/28 and exploration license 2018/21.

On January 14, 2021, the Company invested a further $50,400 towards the acquisition of common shares of Premium Nickel. A share certificate for 251,000 common shares was issued to the Company on March 23, 2021, representing the Company’s $100,400 investment, of which $50,000 was recorded in advances at December 31, 2020 (Note 9).

On February 26, 2021, the Company granted incentive stock options to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company to purchase up to 3,185,000 common shares in the capital of the Company pursuant to the Company’s Plan. All of the options are exercisable for a period of 5 years at an exercise price of $0.32 per share.

Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the Company received $665,135 in proceeds from the exercise of warrants.

On April 20, the Company closed the previously announced and oversubscribed non-brokered private placement consisting of an aggregate of 8,290,665 units of the Company (the “Units”) at a price of $0.24 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,989,759.60. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company and one half transferable common share purchase warrant (“Warrant”) of the Company. Each full Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share of the Company within twenty-four (24) months following its issuance date, at a price of $0.35. The warrants are subject to an acceleration clause such that if the closing market price of the common shares on the TSX-V is greater than $0.60 per common share for a period of 10 consecutive trading days at any time after the four-month anniversary of the closing of the placement, the Company may, at its option, accelerate the warrant expiry date to within 30 days.

In connection with the Placement, the Company has paid eligible finders (the “Finders”): (i) cash commission equal to 6% of the gross proceeds raised from subscribers introduced to the Company by such Finders, being an aggregate of $57,189.62, and (ii) a number of common share purchase warrants (the “Finder Warrants”) equal to 6% of the Units attributable to the Finders under the Placement, being an aggregate of 238,289 Finder Warrants. Each Finder Warrant entitles the Finder to acquire one Common Share of the Company at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the date that is twenty-four (24) months following its issuance date, at an exercise price of $0.35.

72 | North American Nickel / YEAR END 2020