SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 20-F
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
or
ü
ANNUALREPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2005
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
to
or
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number0-26636
ASIA PACIFIC RESOURCES LTD.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
New Brunswick, Canada
(Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
Unit 1 – 15782 Marine Drive, White Rock, British Columbia, Canada V4B 1E6
(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
Not Applicable
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Shares without par value
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the Company's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
598,878,796
1
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.
Yes X
No
Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 X
Item 18
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (ad defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
No
X
2
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 20-F
ASIA PACIFIC RESOURCES LTD.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
5
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
6
PART 1
ITEM 1
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS
9
ITEM 2
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
9
ITEM 3
KEY INFORMATION
9
A.
Selected Financial Data
9
B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness
10
C.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
10
D.
Risk Factors
10
ITEM 4
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
14
A.
History and Development of the Company
14
B.
Business Overview
16
C.
Organizational Structure
18
D.
Property Plant and Equipment
20
ITEM 5
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
32
A.
Results of Operations
32
B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
34
C.
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
35
D.
Trend Information
35
E.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
35
F.
Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations
35
G.
Safe harbor
38
ITEM 6
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
39
A.
Directors and Senior Management
39
B.
Compensation
40
C.
Board Practices
42
D.
Employees
45
E.
Share Ownership
45
ITEM 7
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
46
A.
Major Shareholders
46
B.
Related Party Transactions
46
C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
47
ITEM 8
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
47
A.
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
47
B.
Significant Changes
47
ITEM 9
THE OFFER AND LISTING
47
A.
Offer and Listing Details
47
B.
Plan of Distribution
47
C.
Markets
47
D.
Selling Shareholders
48
E.
Dilution
48
F.
Expenses of the Issue
48
ITEM 10
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
48
A.
Share Capital
48
B.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
48
C.
Material Contracts
48
3
D.
Canadian Exchange Controls
48
E.
Taxation
51
F.
Dividends and Paying Agents
59
G.
Statement by Experts
59
H.
Documents on Display
59
I.
Subsidiary Information
60
ITEM 11
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
60
ITEM 12
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
60
PART II
ITEM 13
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARS AND DELINQUENCIES
60
ITEM 14
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND
USE OF PROCEEDS
60
ITEM 15
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURE
60
ITEM 16
ITEM 16A
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
61
ITEM 16B
CODE OF ETHICS
64
ITEM 16C
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICE
65
ITEM 16D
EXEMPTION FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
65
ITEM 16E
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND \
AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
65
PART III
ITEM 17
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
65
ITEM 18
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
66
ITEM 19
EXHIBITS
66
SIGNATURES
67
EXHIBIT INDEX
68
SCHEDULE “A” CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
4
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Some of the statements contained in this Annual Report are forward-looking statements. They include statements about the Company’s expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives and assumptions about future events or performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “will likely result”, “are expected to”, “will continue”, “anticipate”, “believes”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “project”, “would” and “outlook”. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties beyond the Company’s control. Accordingly, the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those suggested by these forward-looking statements for various reasons discussed throughout this Annual Report, and particularly in th e section entitled “Risk Factors”. Some of the key factors that have, or may have, a direct bearing on the Company’s results of operations are:
(a)
the Company is subject to substantial risks associated with the business of exploration, development and production of potash and the marketing of potash;
(b)
the absence of commercial reserves, as defined for the purposes of U.S. Securities legislation, on its Property;
(c)
the Company does not currently have sufficient funds to comply with its financial commitments under its Special Prospecting Licenses and Concession Agreement in Thailand and will have to raise additional funds to meet this obligation;
(d)
The Company may not be granted the Prathanabats (Mining Licenses) by the Thai government;
(e)
the Company will need to raise debt and equity capital to have sufficient funds to construct a mine on its Property;
(f)
The Company has entered into a pre-acquisition agreement for a cash takeover which subject to certain terms and conditions will result in an offer to purchase not less than two-thirds of the common shares of the Company for a price of $0.1425 per share. There is no assurance that the Offer will be concluded successfully;
(g)
costs arising from environmental compliance;
(h)
changes in, or failure to comply with, government regulations, their interpretation or enforcement;
(i)
changes in political, social, business and economic conditions in Thailand;
(j)
variations in potash prices;
(k)
ability to market its potash;
(l)
the concentration of the Company’s operations and assets in Thailand;
(m)
the Company’s ability to manage future construction and operations in Thailand;
(n)
changes in business strategy or development plans;
(o)
continuing governmental and community support for the mining industry in Thailand;
(p)
changes in general economic and business conditions
The factors described above and the risk factors referred to in “Risk Factors” could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Certain terms used in this annual report including “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource”, have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and a great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an “indicated mineral resource” or “inferred mineral resource” will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. Therefore, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on w hich it is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Annual Report or to
5
reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of such factors. Further, the Company cannot assess the impact of each such factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
6
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Asia Pacific or the Company | Asia Pacific Resources Ltd. including, unless the context otherwise requires, the Company's subsidiaries |
APPC | Asia Pacific Potash Corporation, a company incorporated under the laws of Thailand that was granted the right to explore and develop the Udon Thani Potash Concession. The Company directly owns 47.5% of the common stock of APPC. |
Carnallite | a hydrated mineral chloride of potassium and magnesium, KMgCl3.6H2O. |
Carnallitite CIM | naturally occurring mixture of carnallite and halite. Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum |
EIA | Environmental Impact Assessment Report for APPC covering the Udon South potash mine and the Laem Chabang port was submitted to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment’s Office of Environmental Policy and Planning in October 1999, and final approval was given in February 2001. |
FOB | free on board. |
GPS | Global Positioning System. |
Halite Indicated Mineral Resource Inferred Mineral Resource | the mineral form of sodium chloride (rock salt). An ‘Indicated Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics, can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed. An ‘Inferred Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. |
JORC | The Australasian Code for reporting of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, prepared by the Joint Ore Reserves Committee of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australasian Institute of Geoscientists and Mineral Council of Australia. |
K2O | potassium oxide. |
KCl | potassium chloride. |
kg | kilogram. |
km | kilometre. |
km2 | square kilometres. |
LOM | life of mine. |
m | metre. |
Mg Measured Mineral Resource | magnesium. A ‘Measured Mineral Resource’ is that part of Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity. |
7
Metro
Mineral Resource | Metro Resources Company Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of the Yukon Territory, Canada on August 23, 1996 and continued into the Province of New Brunswick on May 9, 2002. Metro is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and owns 27.5% of the common stock of APPC.
A 'Mineral Resource' is a concentration or occurrence of natural, solid, inorganic or fossilized organic material in or on the Earth's crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects from economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge. The terms "Mineral Resource", "Measured Mineral Resource", "Indicated Mineral Resource", "Inferred Mineral Resource" used in this Report are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101.
|
MgCl2 | magnesium chloride. |
MSL | mean sea level. |
Mt | million tonne. |
Mt/a | million tonne per annum. |
NaCl NI 43-101
Ore | sodium chloride. National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. A rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators (an umbrella group of Canada’s provincial and territorial securities regulators) that governs public disclosure by mining and mineral exploration issuers. The rule establishes certain standards for all public disclosure of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. A natural aggregate of one or more minerals which, at a specified time and place, may be mined and sold at a profit, or from which some part may be profitably separated. |
Potash | various potassium salts, primarily potassium chloride, also known as muriate of potash (MOP). |
Prathanabat | means a license issued by Thai authorities for mining within the area specified therein. |
Property or Udon Thani Concession area Qualified Person | Asia Pacific, directly and indirectly, holds a 90% net interest and is responsible for 100% of the costs, in the Udon Thani Concession granted in June 1993 by the Government of Thailand to explore for, develop, produce and market potash minerals for commercial sale within an area adjoining the Town of Udon Thani in northeast Thailand (the “Udon Thani Concession” which includes two deposits or projects, the “Udon South Deposit” formerly referred to as “the Somboon Deposit” or “Somboon Project” and the “Udon North Deposit” formerly referred to as the “Udon Deposit”). Conforms to that definition under NI 43-101 for an individual (a) to be an engineer or geoscientist with at least five years experience in mineral exploration, mine development or operation or mineral project assessment, or any combination of these; (b) with experience relevant to the subject matter of the mineral project and the technical report and (c) is a member in good standing of a professional association that, among other things, is self-regulatory, has been given authority by statute, admits members based on their qualifications and experience, requires compliance with professional standards of competence and ethics and has disciplinary powers to suspend or expel a member. |
Special Atchayabat or “SPL” | means a permit issued by Thai authorities for exclusive prospecting in a special case within the area specified. |
Sylvite | the mineral form of potassium chloride. |
Sylvinite | naturally occurring mixture of sylvite and halite (sodium chloride) : the major ore from which potash is extracted. |
T | tonne. |
8
t/d | tonnes per day. | |||
t/h | tonnes per hour. | |||
t/a TSX | tonnes per annum. The Toronto Stock Exchange. | |||
Udon Thani | A modern city in the northeast of Thailand located 15 km from the Udon Thani Concession | |||
Wildemere | Wildemere Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Thailand. The Company holds 100% of the participating voting shares of Wildemere Limited which owns 15% of the common stock of APPC. | |||
Note to U.S. Investors. While the terms “mineral resource,” “measured mineral resource,” “indicated mineral resource,” and “inferred mineral resource” are recognized and required to be reported by Canadian regulations, they are not defined terms under standards in the United States. As such, information contained in this Report concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources under Canadian standards may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. “Indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and a great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an “indicated mineral resource” or “inferred mineral resource 148; will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.
Conversion into imperial equivalents is as follows:
To Convert | To Imperial Measurement Units | Multiply By |
Hectares | Acres | 2.471 |
Metres | Feet | 3.281 |
Kilometres | Miles | 0.621 |
Tonnes | Short tons | 1.102 |
Tonnes KCl | Tonnes K2O | 0.631 |
9
PART I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors.
This Form 20-F is being filed as an Annual Report under the Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable.
This Form 20-F is being filed as an Annual Report under the Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.
Item 3. Key Information.
A.
Selected Financial Data.
1.
The following financial information is stated in Canadian dollars under Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) is for the Company's last five completed fiscal year ends (“FYE”). The Company changed its year end from February 28 to December 31 effective for the ten month period from March 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002. U.S. GAAP differs in some respects from Canadian GAAP. A reconciliation of these differences has been provided in note 17 of the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company included with this Annual Report. Unless otherwise noted, all currency amounts in this Annual Report are stated in Canadian dollars.
Canadian GAAP | FYE2005 | FYE2004 | FYE 2003 | Ten months ended December 31, 2002 | FYE2002 |
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |
Interest and other income | 106,679 | 66,144 | 93,057 | 167,379 | 32,873 |
Net loss | (2,896,666) | (3,685,799) | (4,764,412) | (3,963,075) | (12,236,212) |
Loss per common share | (0.00) | (0.01) | (0.01) | (0.01) | (0.21) |
Total assets | 102,049,367 | 106,247,137 | 98,573,631 | 101,919,206 | 94,602,691 |
Net assets | 88,714,138 | 91,687,170 | 83,147,905 | 84,681,394 | 12,103,494 |
Share capital | 170,395,625 | 169,939,997 | 158,902,475 | 156,727,265 | 75,236,994 |
Deficit | (83,428,891) | (80,532,225) | (76,846,426) | (72,082,014) | (68,118,939) |
Common shares outstanding | 598,878,796 | 595,367,046 | 464,369,448 | 442,225,002 | 60,093,341 |
USGAAP(1) | FYE2005 | FYE2004 | FYE 2003 | Ten months endedDecember 31, 2002 | FYE2002 |
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |
Interest and other income | 106,679 | 66,144 | 93,057 | 167,379 | 32,873 |
Net loss | (3,336,597) | (6,732,458) | (6,768,975) | (6,121,458) | (13,120,473) |
Loss per common share | (0.01) | (0.01) | (0.02) | (0.02) | (0.22) |
Total assets | 77,732,812 | 82,480,021 | 75,975,740 | 81,450,555 | 76,292,423 |
Net assets |
10
(deficiency) | 63,176,671 | 66,589,634 | 59,147,262 | 62,685,314 | (7,734,203) |
Common shares outstanding | 598,878,796 | 595,367,046 | 464,369,448 | 442,225,002 | 60,093,341 |
(1)
As described in Note 17 (c) to the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company the US GAAP figures have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the change in functional currency of certain subsidiaries to the Canadian dollar.
The Company has not paid a dividend in the last five fiscal years.
Currency Exchange Rate
The following table sets out a history of exchange rates into United States currency from Canadian currency for the periods noted.
As at February 28, 2006 $1.00 U.S. was equal to $1.1366 Cdn.
The high and low exchange rates for each month during the previous six months:
Feb 2006 | Jan 2006 | Dec 2005 | Nov 2005 | Oct 2005 | Sept 2005 | |
High | 1.1614 | 1.1726 | 1.1734 | 1.1961 | 1.1887 | 1.1870 |
Low | 1.1352 | 1.1439 | 1.1507 | 1.1657 | 1.1697 | 1.1611 |
The average noon exchange rate for each of the previous five calendar years:
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 |
1.2116 | 1.3015 | 1.4014 | 1.5704 | 1.5484 |
All dollar amounts are stated in Canadian dollars except as expressly stated.
B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness.
This Form 20-F is being filed as an Annual Report under the Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.
C.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds.
This Form 20-F is being filed as an Annual Report under the Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.
D.
Risk Factors
An investment in the shares of the Company must be considered highly speculative due to the nature of the Company’s business and the current stage of exploration and development of its mineral resource properties. In particular the following risk factors apply. The order in which they appear does not necessarily reflect management’s opinion of their order of priority.
The Company is subject to substantial risks associated with the mining industry related to exploration and development of its Property.
The Company’s business is subject to risks normally encountered in the mining industry related to exploration and development. The profitability of its business and the market value of its securities will be related to its success in the development of and the placing into production of its Property. Mineral exploration and development involve significant risks and few exploration mineral properties that are
11
explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Substantial expenditures will be required to place the Property into commercial production.
The Company has no known commercial reserves, as defined for the purposes of U.S. Securities legislation, on its Property.
The Company has no known commercial reservesas defined for the purposes of U.S. Securities legislation on its Property.
The SEC does not recognize Canada’s Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (National Instrument 43-101) under which the Company has reported mineral resources, and such information is not generally permitted in SEC reports of U.S. companies filed with the SEC.
Until such time as the Prathanabats (mining license) and all other necessary permits are obtained and sales contracts sufficient to support a production decision are secured, the identified potash resource cannot be classified as a reserve under the SEC standard.
The Company does not currently have sufficient funds to comply with its financial commitments under its Special Prospecting Licenses and Concession Agreement in Thailand and will have to raise additional funds to meet this obligation.
In order to place the Property into commercial production, the Company must obtain a Prathanabats (Mining License), which requires a future payment of U.S.$5,000,000. As of December 31, 2005 the Company had $2.3 million in cash and the Company will have to raise additional funds to meet this and other obligations that will arise when a Prathanabat is obtained. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to raise such additional funds.
The Company may not be granted the Mining License from the Thai government
On May 29, 2003 the Company applied for a Mining License for the mining area covering the Company’s potash deposits described in the EIA (the “Application”). The Application is now under review as provided under Thailand’s revised mining law enacted on March 10, 2004. This process leads to approval, rejection or a request to modify and amend the Application. If the Application is not approved, the Company could lose the Property. There can be no assurance that the Application will be approved and that the Mining License will be obtained. The processing of this Application has been proceeding more slowly than the Company originally anticipated. It is the first application for a mining license for an underground mine in Thailand and the first application under the newly revised mining law. There is no precedent in Thailand for underground mining and so the public servants may be very cautious in taking action that will advance the approval.
The Company does not currently have sufficient funds to construct or operate a mine on its Property
The Company had $2.3 million cash as of December 31, 2005. Total capital cost for the initial stage is estimated at U.S. $308 million with the second stage at U.S. $221 million. It is anticipated , although there cannot be assurance , that the second stage could be financed from cash flow such that no additional equity financing would be necessary at that time. The Company will need to obtain financing from outside sources, as it does not have sufficient funds to construct or operate a mine on the Udon South deposit. The Company does not currently have any commitments from outside sources for the funding of any portion of the cost of placing the Udon South deposit into production. There can be no assurance that the Company or its subsidiary can raise such financing, or finalize a joint venture with industry partners, raise its proportionate share of costs in a joint venture with a partner or that these costs will not increase as a result of factors beyond its control.
Takeover offer for shares of the Company
On March 17, 2006 the Company entered into a pre-acquisition agreement for a cash takeover which subject to certain terms and conditions will result in an offer to purchase not less than two-thirds of the common shares of the Company for a price of $0.1425 per share. There is no assurance that the Offer will be concluded successfully.
12
Third party equity participation in the Udon South deposit will have a diluting effect on existing shareholders directly or on the Company’s holding in the project.
The Company expects that the implementation of the Udon South project will involve a commercial relationship with one or more other companies for the purposes of market development and project financing. The level of third party equity participation to finance the project relative to the level of debt financing potentially will have a diluting effect on existing shareholders directly or on the Company’s holding in the project.
Future currency exchange rates, costs and prices could have a materially adverse impact on the development of the Company’s Property.
The Company’s estimated costs and prices, including potash selling prices, contained in the 1998 Kilborn Feasibility Study for the Udon South deposit were based on 1998 currency exchange rates, costs and prices. The Company engaged international consultants including AMEC/Ausenco for processing, Steffen, Robertson and Kirsten (Australasia) Pty Ltd. (“SRK”) for resources and mining, Golders for geotechnical and JT Boyd for mining, to evaluate development alternatives, the results of which were announced in October 2002. Based on the technical, economic and market studies, the Company has concluded that there is an optimum initial rate of production balancing the various parameters including orderly market entry, technical start-up and commissioning issues. After taking into account the relatively fixed costs of underground access and the transportation infrastructure the optimum was found to be a staged development starting at one million tonnes potash per annum and subsequently scaling up to two million tonnes per annum.
Current values and exchange rates have been used rather than forecasting future trends. If future currency exchange rates, costs and prices change adversely from those used to calculate the estimated costs and prices, they could have a materially adverse impact on the feasibility of placing the Property into commercial production and on the Company’s financial condition.
The Company may not be able to market its potash or to receive an adequate return on invested capital.
If the Property is placed into commercial production, the marketability of the Company’s potash will be affected by numerous factors beyond control of the Company. These factors include market fluctuations, the proximity and capacity of markets to absorb production from the Property, performance of plant and equipment, government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of potash and environmental protection, and competition with large established potash mining companies with substantial capabilities and greater financial and technical resources than those of the Company. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted. Even if production is achieved, a combination of these factors may result in the Company not receiving any or an adequate return on invested capital. There can be no assurance that the growth in demand for potash in Asia (including China) will absorb the Company’s output in the future ..
Some of the Company’s competitors have greater financial, technical, and other resources than it does and it may not be able to compete successfully.
There are a number of large established potash mining companies with substantial capabilities and greater financial and technical resources than those of the Company with which the Company will have to compete to capture markets for its products. There is no established commodity exchange or forward market for potash and the Company will have to compete in terms of price, product quality and quantity, service and reliability with these established companies to capture its market share.
Environmental risks and compliance may create liabilities that could have a material, adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.
Mining operations generally involve a high degree of environmental risk. While certain of the Company’s senior executives have significant experience in mine construction and operation, the Company has not previously constructed or operated a mine and it does not have experience in managing environmental risks. Environmental risks, which include particulate emissions, waste management, mine subsidence, water usage and brine conversion and disposal, are risks against which the Company cannot insure or which the
13
Company may elect not to insure. The economic impact of managing environmental risks and remediation of any potential damage may have a material, adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.
Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions against the Company.
The Company is required to comply with the terms of the Concession Agreement, the Special Prospecting Licenses and Thai laws and regulations respecting various aspects of its proposed mine development and operations. If the Company fails to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements, this may result in enforcement actions against it including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or to be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment or remedial actions. The Company may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities and the Company may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed upon it for violation of applicable laws or regulations.
The Company has not received any revenues from operations to date and anticipates that it will continue to experience net losses until such time as profitable operations are achieved.
The Company has no earnings record and is unlikely to receive revenues from its operations unless it achieves commercial production. The Company may continue to experience net losses even if it does achieve commercial production. There is no guarantee that the Company will be able to find a market for potash when it begins commercial production.
Changes in political, social, business and economic conditions in Thailand could have a material effect on the business of the Company.
The Company’s operations and assets are concentrated in Thailand. Therefore, political, social, business and economic conditions in Thailand will have significant effect on the business of the Company. Thailand has been assessed as medium political risk by AON Political Risk, alongside South Africa and China. The country has a free-enterprise economy that welcomes foreign investment. Thailand reported 2004 gdp growth of 6.1%. Any changes to tax regimes, laws which affect the Property, exchange controls or political action could impair the value of the Company’s investment, and may adversely affect its financial position and the results of its operations. Thailand has little judicial or administrative experience with large mineral projects and, as a result, the Company does not know how Thailand may deal with mining issues that may arise.
As the Company’s Property is located in Thailand, actions by the Thai government and currency fluctuations could have an adverse effect on its business.
As the Company’s Property is located in Thailand, currency fluctuations, exchange controls, restriction on foreign investment, changes to laws which affect the Property, changes to tax regimes or political action could impair the value of the Company’s investment, and may adversely affect its financial position and the results of its operations. Thailand has little judicial or administrative experience with large mineral projects and, as a result, the Company does not know how Thailand may deal with mining issues that may arise.
The Company may be adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
The Company is susceptible to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, with regard to development of its Property in Thailand. The Company does not use derivative instruments in order to reduce its exposure to foreign exchange risk but it may be required by financing institutions or may elect to adopt such procedures in conjunction with financing the construction of the Property. The Company’s future capital expenditure and product revenue are largely expected to be denominated in U.S. dollars, while operating expenses are expected to be incurred in Thai baht or U.S. dollars. In the last five years, the Thai baht has traded in a relatively stable pattern averaging 41.87 baht per U.S.$1.00.
The average exchange rate for each of the previous five calendar years:
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 |
40.26 | 40.22 | 41.48 | 42.96 | 44.43 |
14
The Company’s primary listing is on the Toronto Stock Exchange. However, in the United States the Company’s common shares are subject to the SEC's penny stock rules which could decrease their liquidity.
The Company’s common shares have for the last several years traded at a price of less than U.S.$5.00 and, therefore, would be subject to the regulations on penny stocks. As such, the market liquidity for the Company’s common shares could be severely and adversely affected by limiting the ability of broker-dealers to sell the Company’s common shares and the ability of shareholders to sell their common shares at a time and price acceptable to them.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in “penny stocks”. Penny stocks generally are equity securities with a price of less than U.S.$5.00 (other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on the Nasdaq system, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system). The penny stock rule requires a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standard risk disclosure document that provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, and monthly account statement s showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer’s confirmation. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from such rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction.
Item 4. Information on the Company
4A
History and Development of the Company
The legal and commercial name of the Company is Asia Pacific Resources Ltd.
The Company was incorporated by Memorandum and Articles under theCompany Act of the Province of British Columbia on January 29, 1986. By Special Resolution passed by the Company's shareholders on January 7, 2002 and the consent of the Registrar of Companies for British Columbia issued February 14, 2002, the Company continued into the Province of New Brunswick on April 2, 2002 with an authorized capital of an unlimited number of common shares without par value (the "common shares"). As long as it continues to file its Annual Reports with the Director of Corporations for the Province of New Brunswick, unless voluntarily wound-up by its shareholders, the Company will continue in existence. The Company’s principal place of business in Canada is located at Unit 1 – 15782 Marine Drive, White Rock, British Columbia V4B 1E6 (telephone number: 604-536-2711).
The Company is an exploration stage enterprise. The Company holds a 90% direct and indirect beneficial interest in Asia Pacific Potash Corporation (“APPC”), a company incorporated in Thailand that holds the Udon Thani Potash Concession (the “Concession”) situated in North East Thailand. The Government of Thailand has a 10% carried interest. However, as the minority interest holder of APPC is not obligated to assume any portion of losses incurred by APPC, 100% of the operations of APPC are consolidated in the accounts of the Company.
The Company is a reporting issuer in all of the Canadian jurisdictions, a foreign private issuer to the Securities and Exchange Commission and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol APQ as the Frankfurt and Stuttgart Stock Exchanges, under the symbol APQ, and on the OTCBB under the Symbol APQCF.
APPC has identified two large potash deposits, Udon North and Udon South, on the Concession.
The Company’s activities are primarily directed at the exploration, development and financing of its potash deposits.
15
In May 2003 the Company submitted its application for a Mining License to develop and operate a potash mine on the Udon South deposit. That application is subject to review and subsequent approval by the Government of Thailand and a public review pursuant to Thailand’s Mining Law.
Since submitting the application, and in the past two years, the Company has stated that it was pursuing commercial discussions with parties in Asia for the development of the Udon South potash deposit. In particular the Company has sought interested parties with access to capital and to development resources that can expedite approval of the Mining License and subsequent construction of, and production from, this resource.
On March 17, 2006 the Company announced that it had entered into a pre-acquisition agreement with SRMT Holdings Limited (the “Offeror”), a New Brunswick corporation related to Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (“ITD”), a public company domiciled in the Kingdom of Thailand.
Pursuant to the pre-acquisition agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, the Offeror will make an offer to purchase (the “Offer”) not less than two-thirds of the common shares of the Company (including common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants) for a price of C$0.1425 per share. The offer price represents a 35.7% premium to the closing price on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the day before the pre-acquisition agreement was executed. The Offeror will also offer to purchase the warrants of the Company for a price of $0.0175 per warrant (being the difference between the offer price for the common shares and the exercise price of the warrants). The warrants currently will expire on May 26, 2006. However, the pre-acquisition agreement contemplates that the expiry date of the warrants can be extended in certain circumstances, subject to regulatory approval. The Offer will be made for common sh ares and warrants (collectively the “Sought Securities”) to all holders in Canada, the United States, the Cayman Islands and elsewhere in the Offeror’s discretion.
It has been increasingly apparent that obtaining a Mining License for this project in Thailand requires a degree of local knowledge and financial capability which a company like ITD possesses.
Upon successful completion of the Offer, the project will be controlled by a company associated with ITD. ITD has the resources and capability to take the project forward. For Asia Pacific this transaction will allow shareholders to immediately realise value at a premium to market price.
ITD is a pre-eminent Thai and international civil and infrastructure contractor that have over thirty years experience in the mining industry. They have set high standards for mining works and have been actively pursuing opportunities to participate in mining projects both within Thailand and the neighboring countries.
The obligation of the Offeror to make the Offer is subject to certain conditions precedent including the receipt by the Board of Directors of the Company of an opinion from an independent third party confirming that the Offer is fair from a financial point of view to the shareholders. Based upon that opinion, the advice of the Company’s outside Canadian counsel and other factors to be described in a directors’ circular to be sent to shareholders, the Board of Directors has unanimously determined that the Offer is fair to the holders of Sought Securities and has determined to recommend in the directors’ circular that holders of Sought Securities accept the Offer.
Other than as discussed herein, the Company is not aware of any trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that may result in the Company’s liquidity materially decreasing beyond current projected expenditures.
Pending the outcome of the Proposed Transaction the Company may continue its fund raising efforts to meet working capital requirements, its obligations on receipt of a Mining License and for subsequent construction of the Udon South mine.
Udon South Mining License
The process to receive a grant of a mining license is controlled by the Government of Thailand. The mining law contains certain specified steps including: a requirement that the Thailand Department of Primary Industries and Mining (the “DPIM”) complete a survey of the mine’s boundaries; a requirement that the Environment Department complete a review of the minor modifications and improvements to the approved Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) following completion of the survey; and, a requirement to establish a stakeholder research fund to provide stakeholders the means to become fully briefed for
16
participation in the subsequently required public hearing process. Following the public hearing is a recommendation to the Minister of Industry for the grant of a mining license with agreed conditions.
The DPIM survey of the proposed mine boundary was completed in 2004. Subsequently the DPIM required a survey of the proposed plant site. This was completed in March 2006.
The Environment Department of the Government is currently reviewing our proposed minor modifications and improvements to the project description contained in the EIA. The EIA was approved in 2001.
The stakeholder research and the public hearing have prescribed maximum durations. These periods can be shortened by the Government as part of the approval process. Once these prescribed activities commence and, if they each take their maximum duration, the mining license would take up to 200 days to be granted. The Company has not been notified when such activities will commence.
The Company has worked diligently with all levels of the provincial and central government to achieve the grant of a Mining License but progress is much slower than anticipated.
In January 2006 the Company announced the appointment of Mr. Praphant Asava-Aree as President and Chief Executive Officer of APPC.
The Board believed that the appointment of a Thai Chief Executive of APPC would expedite the review of the Company’s Mining License application through relevant government departments and assist the Company to continue to build the political support necessary to ensure a successful project.
See Item 5 – Operating and Financial Review and Prospects for important events that have occurred in the development of the Company’s business during the last full financial year ended December 31, 2005. Also see Item 5 for information on the Company’s principal capital expenditures and divestures during the past three financial years and current capital expenditures. Other than the ongoing cost of maintaining the Company and its current level of activity the principal capital expenditures will begin with the grant of the Udon South Mining License.
See Item 4D (Property, Plant and Equipment) below and Item 4 of the Company’s 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 for a description of the history of APPC’s acquisition of the Concession Agreement and the financing of APPC’s acquisition by Asia Pacific.
There has not been any indication of any public takeover offers by third parties in respect of the common shares or by the Company in respect of other company’s shares during the last or current financial year.
4B. Business Overview
The Company is a New Brunswick corporation, engaged through its subsidiaries, in the acquisition, exploration and, if warranted, development of mineral properties.
The Company’s principal property is a 90% beneficial interest in APPC, a company which holds two potash deposits, Udon South and Udon North, situated in Udon Thani in northeast Thailand. The Government of Thailand has a 10% carried interest. However, as the minority interest holder of APPC is not obligated to assume any portion of losses incurred by APPC, 100% of the operations of APPC are consolidated in the accounts of the Company. The Company will recoup the Government of Thailand’s 10% share of exploration, development and capital expenditures out of the Government’s share of dividends from the net profits of APPC, if any, once commercial production has commenced
17
The Company considers its business to consist of one operating segment, being the exploration and development of its potash concessions in Thailand and the majority of its operations and capital assets are located in Thailand. Capital assets consist of investment in potash concession, investment in land and property and equipment. The Company does not own any significant plant or equipment for its operations.
The recoverability of the carrying value of the Company’s interest in the potash concession is dependent on the ability of APPC to (i) obtain the necessary financing to fund APPC’s continued exploration and development activities and construction of mine facilities, (ii) secure the required licenses and approvals, and (iii) ultimately, the ability of APPC to attain profitable operations.
4C. Organizational Structure
The Company, directly and indirectly through Metro and Wildemere, holds a 90% beneficial interest, in the Udon Thani Concession properties, with a 10% carried equity interest in APPC being held by the Government of Thailand as follows:
The Company – Direct | 47.5% | (52.8% working interest) |
The Company through Metro | 27.5% | (30.6% working interest) |
The Company, through Wildemere | 15% | (16.6% working interest) |
Government of Thailand | 10% | Carried interest |
Metro Resources Company Limited
Metro Resources Company Limited (“Metro”) was incorporated under the laws of the Yukon Territory, Canada on August 23, 1996 and continued into the Province of New Brunswick on May 9, 2002. Metro is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and owns 27.5% of the common stock of APPC.
Wildemere Limited
Wildemere Limited ("Wildemere") was incorporated under the laws of Thailand to hold 15% of the common stock of APPC and meet Thai ownership rules. The Company holds 100% of the participating voting shares of Wildemere, representing 49.25% of Wildemere’s share capital and local Thai Directors hold non-participating preferred shares, representing 50.75% of the share capital.
18
Asia Pacific Potash Corporation
Asia Pacific Potash Corporation (“APPC”) is a company incorporated under the laws of Thailand and was granted the right to explore and develop the Udon Thani Potash Concession. The Company holds a 47.5% direct interest in the common stock of APPC.
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to the Company include the Company and its subsidiaries. The following chart illustrates the intercorporate relationships between the Company and its active subsidiaries and their jurisdictions of incorporation.
4D. Property, Plant and Equipment
The following is a description of the Company’s properties and the nature of the Company’s interests in such properties.
The Company’s primary asset is its 90% interest in APPC.
APPC holds the exploration concession covering the Udon potash deposits. The area has been extensively explored by drilling and seismic surveys and two adjacent potash deposits, known as Udon South and Udon North have been identified. In September 2002 APPC commissioned SRK Consulting (SRK) to undertake a review of the geology and resource estimates of the Udon South Deposit in parallel with a study of the options of mine access and mining methods.
The following disclosure represents information summarized or extracted from the following technical reports prepared pursuant to the provisions of NI 43-101 and filed on Sedar at www.sedar.com.
In September 2002, SRK prepared the Udon Potash Project, Udon South Area, Geology Modelling and Resource Estimation with reference to both the H.A. Simons Feasibility Study and the Kilborn Feasibility Study. SRK estimated a JORC and Canadian compliant inferred, indicated and measured resource.
In May 2002, APPC commissioned MRDI, a division of AMEC E&C Services Limited (“MRDI”), to provide a mineral resource estimate for the Udon North Deposit. This report entitled Technical Report for the Udon North Deposit, Udan Thani Concession was prepared to NI 43-101 standards (the “Udon North Report”).
Previous feasibility studies undertaken by H.A. Simons Ltd. in 1997 (the “H.A. Simons Feasibility Study”) and Kilborn Western Inc. (“KWI”) in 1998 (the “Kilborn Feasibility Study”) were used to provide SRK with data sources and points of reference. The H.A. Simons Feasibility Study was carried out by a team of
19
consultants that included H.A. Simons Ltd., Golders Associates Limited, TEAM Consulting Engineers Co. Ltd., Sandwell Inc., Micon International Limited and CRU International Ltd.
The Kilborn Feasibility Study was commissioned to conduct a review of the H.A. Simons Feasibility Study with the objective of identifying areas of potential cost reductions.
Property Description and Location
The Concession Agreement
The effective date of the Concession Agreement is June 4, 1993. The Concession Agreement provided that all exploration areas under Special Atchaybats, (special prospecting licenses) would expire on June 4, 2003, unless applications for Prathanabats (mining licenses) have been made. On May 29, 2003, the Company submitted the Application for four Prathanabats for the Udon South deposit as described in the existing Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”). The approval of the Mining License is following the structured process under Thai law that leads to the review and approval of the application. The Company has been previously advised by the Department of Primary Industries and Mining (DPIM) that the application could not be formally processed until the amendments to the Regulations under the Mining Law were passed. These regulations were passed on March 10, 2004 and the processing of the application commenced.
In the second quarter of 2005 the DPIM completed the survey of the mine boundaries. The DPIM then issued a new administrative requirement that the plant site boundary also be surveyed before the survey results could be posted upon the village community notice boards. The survey was completed in March 2006, after two years of effort. As yet the results have not been submitted to the local communities. Review by the local communities will precede the formal Public Hearing process.
The Environment Department of the Government is required to conduct a review of the minor modifications and improvements to the project description contained in the EIA, which was approved in 2001. This review cannot commence until completion of the aforementioned survey. The Department has also requested notification from the DPIM of an approved Mine Plan which details how the Company will mine and process the deposit.
The Prathanabats would grant to APPC the exclusive right to mine, process, dress, extract, remove, bag and store all potash on, within or beneath the mining area, and the right to build, maintain and operate a mine and related facilities. In support of the application for Prathanabats, the feasibility study for the Udon South Project has been filed and is further supported by the approved EIA on file. The terms of the Prathanabats will be for a period of up to 25 years, with possible extensions, with the exact term of the Prathanabats to be the time frame necessary to permit APPC to mine out any proven and probable reserves of the deposit as determined at the time of the application for the Prathanabats.
Upon the receipt of the Prathanabats, APPC will be required to pay to the Thai Government U.S.$5,000,000. In addition, the Government is entitled to a 7% royalty on the FOB mine price for potash mined, processed and removed from the mining area. In addition, APPC was required to contribute U.S.$225,000 in 1994 and, thereafter, U.S.$250,000 per year to the Thai Potash Scholarship Fund, to be used by the Thai Department of Mineral Resources for scholarships, staff training, equipment, and other research facilities in the field of potash and phosphates. The contribution is reduced to U.S.$200,000 per year upon commencement of commercial production. It is further reduced by payments made to the Government for surface rights.
If potash production in any year after the fifth year from the commencement of production (being the first period of 30 consecutive days in which the average daily production of potash is at least 70% of the designed capacity of the production facility):
(i)
exceeds the annual rated production capacity (subject to a 5% margin); or
(ii)
exceeds 2,100,000 tonnes of potash; or
(iii)
the capital expenditures of APPC do not exceed minimum capital expenditures (being U.S.$200 million in 1981 U.S. dollars for an annual capacity of 1,000,000 tonnes),
then the Government’s share of net cash flow in any calendar year will be adjusted as follows: If APPC’s internal rate of return is from 20% up to 30%, the Government’s share of net cash flow is 25%, if the
20
internal rate of return is from 30% up to 35%, the Government’s share of net cash flow is 30%, if the internal rate of return is 35% up to 40%, the Government’s share of net cash flow is 40%, and if the internal rate of return is 40% and over, the Government’s share of net cash flow is 50%. Any major expansion after the initial 5 year production period will be treated as a separate project with similar profit sharing calculations.
The Concession Agreement requires APPC to employ at least one Thai national as a geologist. Within 3 years of the start of commercial production, 100% of unskilled labour, 75% of skilled labour, 75% of clerical, 50% of technical and supervisory, and 50% of management and professional must be Thai nationals, increasing to 100% unskilled labour, skilled labour and clerical, and 85% technical and supervisory and management and professional by the eighth year.
The Concession Agreement and the November 29, 1994 Shareholders’ Agreement between the Company and Metro provide that the Board of Directors of APPC shall consist of up to ten Directors, one of whom is a representative of the Government of Thailand, six of whom represent the Company, and three of whom represent Metro. In June 1998, the Company acquired control of Metro. In January 1999, pursuant to a plan of arrangement, the Company acquired the remaining outstanding shares from minority shareholders of Metro and now owns and controls 100% of the outstanding shares of Metro.
Any dispute in respect to the Concession Agreement that cannot be resolved by the mutual agreement of APPC and the Ministry of Industry is to be submitted to the Minister of Industry for Thailand. If the Minister fails to make a decision on the matter within 60 days or if one of the parties is not satisfied with the decision of the Minister, the matter may be referred to arbitration. APPC and the Government of Thailand will each appoint their own arbitrator, and those arbitrators will appoint a third arbitrator, who shall not be a citizen, national or resident of Thailand or the United States, but shall be a native English-speaking person. Any arbitration would proceed in the English language according to the rules of the Thai Commercial Arbitration Rules, and the award of the arbitrators shall be final and binding upon the parties.
Board of Investment (“BOI”) Incentives
The BOI is the principal government agency responsible for providing incentives to stimulate investment in Thailand. The BOI is governed by the Investment Promotion Act and is empowered to grant a wide range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives and guarantees. The Udon South Project is located in Investment Zone 3, the most heavily promoted geographical region of Thailand. APPC expects to receive certain tax incentives including an exemption from income tax for 8 years from the start of production, with a reduction of 50% from the normal tax rate for a period of 5 years following the tax free period, deduction from taxable profit equal to the operating cost of transportation, electricity and water supply for a period of 10 years from the date on which income is first earned, and deduction of 25% of the capital cost of infrastructure from taxable profit once during the 10 years from the date on which income is first earned.
Crew Royalty
The Company's interest in the Udon South and Udon North Deposits is subject to a royalty of 1½% of 75% of the FOB minesite revenues received or payable to APPC from the sale of potash. The royalty is payable to three parties associated with former Directors of the Company.
Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
The Udon South Deposit and the larger, lower grade Udon North Deposit are located approximately 500 km north of Bangkok, approximately 15 km from the modern city of Udon Thani (population 350,000) in northeast Thailand. The most thoroughly explored area of the property is the Udon South Deposit. The Udon South Deposit covers an area of approximately 32 km2and the Udon North Deposit covers an area of approximately 60 km2.
The population of Udon Thani province is approximately 1.5 million people, with over 70% of the people living in rural settings outside of municipal areas. Agriculture is a key economic sector. There is little industrial development in Udon Thani and most factories are dedicated to serving the agricultural sector. Udon Thani is one of the poorest provinces in Thailand.
The land in the Udon South Project area is relatively flat and lies about 200 m above sea level. Above-ground facilities would cover approximately 2 km2of land. Most of this land in the proximity of the area designated for the construction of surface facilities has already been purchased from owners who have voluntarily sold at a premium over the market rate. Proposed underground mining activities would underlie
21
25 km2of land to the south of the above ground facilities. The proposed mine site is not located near any protected environmental areas.
Udon Thani has three seasons:
§
March – June
Summer (30° C to 38° C)
§
July – October
Rainy (27° C to 34° C)
§
November – February
Winter (15° C to 28° C)
Mean annual rainfall is 1439.7 mm, ranging from a high of 211-280 mm in the August rainy season to less than 81 mm in other months.
An existing railway line owned and operated by the State Railway of Thailand lies less than 1 km from the proposed mine site. The existing railway line is currently underutilized. Rail access to the site is on land owned by APPC. Road access is from a divided paved highway that is the main highway between Udon Thani and Bangkok.
History
The Udon Thani Concession was granted in 1984; however no exploration work was carried out until 1993. The Udon Thani Concession initially covered an area of 2,330 km2, was reduced to 1,726 km2 in 1996, to 850 km2in1998 and to192 km2in June 2001.
Drilling on the property began in 1993 in the area of the Udon South Deposit and the first drill holes were sunk on the Udon North Deposit in 1995. The Udon South Deposit was the subject of two Feasibility Studies: H.A. Simons Feasibility Study in 1997 and Kilborn Feasibility Study in 1998. The financial evaluation was completed by APPC for both of these studies. In 2001 Micon International Ltd. was contracted to ensure that the financial evaluation of the study was sound. Micon accepted the financial evaluation for the Udon South Deposit and published a NI 43-101 compliant Technical Report in February 2002.
Geological Setting and Stratigraphy
Udon South occurs within the Maha Sarakham formation that consists of a series of salt and clastic units overlying a clastic basement sequence. The upper most member, the Upper Clastic, is unconformably overlain by sandstone, siltstone and shales. From surface, the sequence is as follows;
Stratigraphy
Unit | Approx. Avg Thickness (m) |
Unconformable sandstone, siltstone & shale | Variable |
Upper Clastic | 140 |
Upper Salt | 15 |
Middle Clastic | 40 |
Middle Salt | 90 |
Lower Clastic | 40 |
Lower Salt | 400 |
The potash layer of commercial interest occurs in the top part of the Lower Salt as two distinct sylvinite beds known as Somboon and Udon, separated by a band of halite of variable thickness. (See stratigraphic column below.) The upper Somboon horizon has a distinctive red to orange colouration (due to iron oxidation) while the lower Udon horizon is clear to milky white in colour.
Taken in total, the sylvinite bed (including Somboon, Middle Halite and Udon) varies in thickness from less than one metre to greater than 12m with an average of 3.8m. The floor of the Udon sylvinite bed appears to undulate gently and there is no evidence in boreholes or from seismic line surveys of any major faulting. What little faulting that was observed in core appeared to be minor and well healed. Although having variable thickness and floor dip, the sylvinite layer is essentially continuous over the deposit with thin interbedded halite layers and claystone partings. The Roof Halite, which overlays the Somboon sylvinite,
22
also contains minor claystone and anhydrite partings that will have a localized influence on the stability of the roof beam in mine workings.
Significant potash mineralisation in the form of halite (NaCl), carnallite (KMgCl3·6H2O) and sylvite (KCl) is only reported in the uppermost sections of the Lower Salt member, where these minerals are present in individual layers of varying thickness but with a combined average of about 30m. The carnallite unit is the most abundant with an average thickness in excess of 21m.
Exploration and Drilling
Although the Udon Thani Concession was granted in October of 1984, no exploration work was carried out until 1993. During 1993, APPC completed Phase 1 of a three-phase exploration program in respect to the Udon Thani Concession. This phase included a 7-hole initial exploration program on approximately 1 km. centres, seismic surveys, and mapping and surveying programs.
The second phase of the exploration program commenced in early 1994 was completed by May 1995 and included the drilling of 46 additional diamond drill holes that delineated the mineralization boundary of the potash deposit in the initial discovery area now known as the Udon South Deposit. Completed work also included a series of 35 seismic lines totaling approximately 142 km. This geophysical approach was used to investigate the subsurface structures and provide drill targets. Completion of this program confirmed the presence of a high grade sylvinite deposit at an average depth of 300 m.
A nine hole widely spaced reconnaissance drilling program was completed to the north of the Udon South Deposit extending to the Udon North Deposit.
The third phase of the exploration program was completed in early 1996. Approximately 300 km of reflection seismic survey and a total of 95 drill holes were completed during this exploration phase in respect to the Udon South and Udon North Deposits which defined the gross sylvinite resource in these areas. A total of 65 boreholes were drilled to define the sylvinite resource boundary of the Udon South deposit.
On completion of the 1996/97 exploration/development program, a total of 160 diamond drill holes and approximately 500 km. of two-dimensional reflection seismic survey, together with a variety of in-fill geological and geotechnical, metallurgical and other programs, were completed. An additional 35 km of 2D-seismic survey was completed in 1999 over the Udon North Deposit for a total of approximately 535 km. During first quarter 2000, seven in-fill boreholes, strategically located over the Udon North Deposit were drilled to define resource boundary and continuity.
The only potassium minerals noted to date are sylvite and carnallite that occur as distinct layers. The contact of the two seams show very minor intermixing. Both seams, however, are intermixed with halite to produce the mineral assemblages known as “sylvinite” and “carnallitite”, respectively. The commercially important sylvinite zone always overlies the carnallitite zone, and contains only negligible magnesium.
Drilling and Downhole Analyses
Drilling was done on a contract basis by Aztec Drilling Co., a Thai firm with its head office in Bangkok.
An Ingersoll Rand rotary rig using a tricone bit was used to set intermediate casing to the Middle Salt horizon. The casing was then cemented in. No core was recovered, but chips were collected and retained for study.
The bore holes were cored from the casing bottom to below the sylvinite zone within the carnallitite horizon, with Longyear “38” and “44” truck mounted drills. “HQ” sized core 63.5 millimetre (“mm”) in diameter was recovered. Circulation was maintained with a saturated sodium chloride solution. Sporadic minor leaching of sylvite mineralization within the sylvinite zone was noted due to drilling fluids being under-saturated in potassium.
Core recovery was identified to be 100% in the sylvinite zone. Cases of core loss were noted in the underlying carnallitite, by the characteristic gamma ray signatures.
Upon hole completion, gamma ray logs were run in each hole, and the hole was sealed from bottom to top with normal Portland cement. During exploration of the Udon North Deposit, deviation and caliper logging was also conducted.
23
The gamma ray logs were presented by the contractor, Auslog, as strip logs. The various rock types that may be clearly differentiated on the gamma ray logs include rock salt (halite), anhydrite, clastics, sylvinite and carnallitite, but the various clastic and halite units are not distinguishable one from another. The major formation breaks outside the cored interval were identified from the gamma logs.
When any unusual situations arose, such as core losses, wash outs or fluid losses, density and caliper logs were run to cross check lithologies against the gamma log. Starting in 1996 with hole #103, all cored holes were also surveyed for direction with down hole continuous read deviation instruments.
Core Handling and Security
Core was boxed, with all salt formations sleeved in plastic, and taken from the drill site to a company core facility at Ban Nong Sung, in the Udon South property area. The potash core (sylvinite) was retained at the logging facility, and the remainder of the core was taken to the government core facility at Khon Kaen for storage. All cores were retained under secure locked-door conditions at the Nong Sung and Khon Kaen core storage facilities. Unauthorized personnel were provided access to core under direct supervision of APPC geological personnel only.
All cores retained for assaying were labeled, wrapped in cellophane and/or plastic containers and sealed in boxes for shipment. Upon acquiring special permission from the Department of Mineral Resources, Thailand (“DMR”) authorities, ore sample shipments were transported from the logging facility in Ban Nong Sung to Bangkok International Airport where the cores were weighed and registered for shipment to Pioneer Laboratories and/or other independent laboratories in Canada.
Core Logging
The core was logged by APPC’s geologists at APPC’s leased core storage facility. The major formation breaks outside of the cored interval were identified from the gamma logs and 2D-seismic profiles. The Lower Salt was visually logged in detail with depths tied to the footage blocks in the core boxes.
Core Sampling
After logging, the sample intervals were marked out by the geologist on geologic breaks or 50 cm intervals, whichever was less, in the sylvinite zone, and 1 metre intervals in the underlying carnallitite zone. This clay interbeds or seams were not sampled prior to hole 95-63.
The samples were taken as 1 cm square saw cuts, run longitudinally down the side of the core with a dado blade on a table saw. Earlier samples were cut with a normal saw blade, first 12 to 15 mm deep, later 25 to 30 mm deep before the use of the dado blade. The cut material provided fine to coarse grained chips which samples were split with a Jones riffle by the DMR technicians. One split was sent to the government lab for assay, the remainder was given to APPC for its assaying purposes. Check samples for due diligence purposes of Udon South core were acquired in 1996/97 by H.A. Simons and in 1998 by Kilborn by halving and quartering the core. All holes cored since hole #102 were sampled using both groove and quarter core techniques. APPC’s samples were shipped to Canada for original assay by Pioneer Laboratories in New Westminster, B.C. Three independent laboratories were also involved at different stages in check sampling and assaying programs including Saskatchewan Research Foundation, Chemex Labs Ltd. and Lakefield Research Ltd.
Surveying
Reconnaissance survey and hole layout was conducted by using a hand held Global Positioning System instrument (“GPS”). Roads were mapped by traverses with truck mounted GPS instruments.
On completion of holes within the Udon South property, an accurate transit survey was carried out by a local land surveyor. Most holes within the Udon North property were also surveyed with transit; however, due to distance, location of several holes and reconnaissance boreholes were surveyed with GPS only. In 2000 and 2002, for due diligence purposes, an independent company, GEOCON Ltd. was contracted to provide accurate horizontal locations with GPS of all exploration boreholes.
24
Assaying
Assaying was conducted by independent qualified Canadian laboratories using industry standard techniques. Samples received from the field were pulverized with a mortar and pestle and a 1 gram (“g”) portion taken for digestion and analysis. Prior to hole 94-33 digestion was by 50 millilitre (“ml”) of 50% nitric acid followed by dilution with water to 100 ml and ICP/ES finish. From hole 94-33 on digestion has been by 50 ml of 95° water followed by dilution to 100 ml of ICP/ES finish. The change to water digestion was to ensure that no water insoluble potassium or magnesium was being reported.
A quality assurance and quality control check sampling and assaying program was conducted by KWI in order to ensure that reported grades for K20, Mg and Ca were representative of Udon South mineralization as previously disclosed. A quarter of existing cores from selected sylvinite intervals were re-assayed by SRC laboratory in Saskatoon under the supervision of KWI.
The check assays, including assay comparisons with the DMR analysis, and mass balance calculations all indicated the average grades of K20 are consistent with recorded core sample analysis. The assay grades and thickness were consequently interpolated within the Udon South and Udon North geological model.
Udon South Deposit Mineralization
The Udon South Deposit has an irregular outline up to 10 km long (E-W) and 6 km wide (N-S), lying between about 300 and 400 m below surface. The mineralization varies in thickness up to 10 m and averages 3.4 m. The dip is generally less than 15%, trending downward from west to east, and flatter in the east. The potash is overlain by a halite cap of between 1 m and 7 m in thickness (typically 4 m) which will provide support for the weaker, overlying Lower Clastic unit. In many areas the potash is underlain by carnallitite which can decompose if exposed to moisture.
For a potash horizon to be economically mineable it should have continuity over significant distance. It is not practical to demonstrate the continuity of potash horizons by close spaced drilling because a column of mineralization is left unmined around each drill hole in order to avoid the potential risk of water inflow from imperfect capping of the holes at surface. Therefore, details of lithology and structure are determined by geophysical methods, especially seismic reflection surveys, in order to demonstrate that lateral continuity exists. In the Udon South Deposit, a thin claystone horizon and a zone of white borate mineralization in the Lower Salt potash horizon serve as marker beds that indicate ore continuity. The clay marker bed averages 0.1m thick, but is as thin as 0.01 m, and in fact may be present in some holes as a dirty band of salt, not easily recognized as the marker.
In order to determine continuity of the potash horizon two north-south and two east-west traverses were selected. The core from the Lower Salt unit was examined visually in each hole selected for the traverses in greater detail than for general logging, in order to identify the claystone and white borate marker horizons.
2002 Udon South Resource Report
In September 2002 the Company engaged Steffen, Robertson and Kirsten (Australasia) Pty Ltd. (“SRK”) to undertake a review of the geology and resource estimates of the Udon South Deposit in parallel with a study of the options of mine access and mining methods.
The Udon potash mineralisation, consisting of both Carnallitite and Sylvinite, is hosted in the uppermost 30m section of the Lower Salt member of the Maha Sarakham formation. The Udon South deposit is contained within a sub-basin bounded by structurally positive zones of the Lower Salt.
The economically significant potash mineralisation is formed by two types of Sylvinite ore, which are understood to have formed under different controls and different times, leading SRK to examine and establish resources for each type separately. This is the first time this had been done at Udon.
Key seismic traverses across the deposit were examined with assistance from Velseis Processing. It was noted that some sections of complex seismic response coincided with local social development (villages). The seismic profiles that were used by Frontier Geoscience to generate 3D surfaces for the major units were then used by SRK as the base for the geological models.
25
The review of the assay database demonstrated an incomplete record of mineralisation across the ore sequence zones. A correlation of gamma logs and assay data hole by hole was undertaken and used to produce a database of continuous assays with “in fill” gamma logs where assay data was unavailable. This was the first time this has been achieved at Udon. (see Figure 2).
Figure 2
Resource models were developed as 3-D seam models with variable height cells. The geological profile was modelled in Surpac using the 3-D block model system, using actual layer thickness values for each block to calculate true volumes and tonnages. Grade estimation was done by ordinary kriging of accumulation (grade x width) and width on 100m x 100m blocks. Although extreme values were investigated, upper cutting of grade was not performed. Geostatistical tests performed on the estimations showed the quality was not high, due to the block size and data spacing.
The top of the Lower Salt was used as the reference surface for the modelling of the ore layers using a geostatistical approach. The following elements were modelled; K, K2O, Mg, Na, Ca, H2O, Cl, SO4, insolubles and borates. Not all drill holes had analyses for all elements and H2O, Cl and SO4 were modelled as single average values from 3 holes only. Borates and insolubles were visually estimated from logs cross referenced to actual core.
The model contains a number of fields for the various qualities and also values for calculation of volumes and tonnages, layer thickness, true elevations of the base and top of the layer, all of which are required for production scheduling.
The method used for modelling of the layers at the top of the Lower Salt was the classical 2-D Service Variables method. The geological horizons were modeled independently. The estimation methodology consists of estimation into a gridded seam, by ordinary kriging, of accumulation (grade x width) and width. The grade was then calculated by dividing the estimated accumulation by the estimated width. The variography and thickness and grade estimation was done using Isatis software, a leader in the geostatistical field.
The thickness and positions for the units overlying the lower salt were calculated directly from the 3D surface grids estimated by Frontier Geoscience from the 2D seismic data.
The resource was classified into 3 categories based on the drill spacing, variations in thickness and grade, and the slope of the base of the ore. Figure 3 shows the categorization of the Udon South resource with individual Sylvinite block thickness.
26
Figure 3
Resources have been estimated in accordance with Australian JORC and Canadian NI 43-101 guidelines. A set of criteria was designed to outline the three resource categories as follows:
Inferred Resource - Within the general perimeter of 1000m spaced drill and seismic data but extending only 650m beyond the last drill hole and with sufficient variation in elevation, thickness and grade values making estimates possible but at a low level of confidence. Areas of rapid gradient change resulting in suspected disruption or loss of the Sylvinite horizon have been excluded.
Indicated Resource – Within the Inferred boundary, seismic 2D data at about 500m line spacing, drill spacing pattern of about 1000m with some variation in elevation, thickness and grade values making estimates possible at a moderate level of confidence.
Measured Resource – Within the Indicated boundary, with little variation in elevation, thickness and grade values making estimates possible at a high level of confidence.
Resource tonnages and grades as estimated by SRK are summarized in the table below.
Total resources of Udon South Project Area
Tonnes (M) | %K2O | Average Thickness (m) | |
Measured | 95 | 24.5 | 4.2 |
Indicated | 160 | 23.2 | 3.6 |
Total measured and indicated | 255 | ||
Inferred | 47 | 22.9 | 3.5 |
Note : Figures have been rounded to three significant numbers
SRK concluded that:
27
§
The current geological data-base is of sufficient quality and distribution to develop JORC compliant resource estimates for input to a full Feasibility Study. No further drilling is required.
§
Previous ‘seismic exclusion zones’ result from either a lack of data due to poor survey conditions and interference, or a complexity of seismic response due to lithological variations.
§
The absence of disruption to the basement reflector beneath areas of complex seismic response indicates that the complication is not a result of fault activity. Accordingly the practice of seismic exclusion has been discontinued except for an area of complex unresolved geometry on the south-west margin of the deposit.
§
The seismic surveys show no evidence of significant faulting within the primary resource area.
§
The complex geometry of the south-west Inferred resource area will only be resolved by underground trial mining/development.
SRK recommended that:
§
Detailed 3D seismic will be required on areas prior to actual development.
§
Reserves can be estimated from the resources using a production schedule and dilution and loss factors that are based on expected mine recovery and roof and floor pillar requirements. The resource model has been constructed with this next step (Phase 2) in mind.
28
Environmental Assessment
Regulatory approval of the Udon South Project by the Government of Thailand required the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) Report to present an environmental and socio-economic baseline study, including a survey of perceptions and attitudes about the project of the directly affected population, as well as impact assessment, mitigation plans, and monitoring systems. An EIA Report was prepared for APPC covering the Udon South potash mine and the Laem Chabang port.
Apart from noise levels during construction and increased traffic, the primary concerns are reported to be the potential for salinization of soils and contamination of surface or ground water from seepage or spillage of brine or pollutants such as lubricants or chemicals. Suitable mitigation and monitoring techniques will be applied and enforced.
The Udon South mine EIA was submitted to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment’s Office of Environmental Policy and Planning in October 1999, and final approval was given in February 2001. The Environment Department of the Government is currently reviewing proposed minor modifications and improvements to the project description contained in the EIA.
Development Plan
Development of the Udon South mine remains the Company’s first priority and the Company continues to work toward the grant of the mining license for Udon South in 2006.
The process to receive a grant of a mining license is specified in the new mining law and is controlled by the Government of Thailand. The mining law contains certain specified steps including: a requirement that the DPIM complete a survey of the mine’s boundaries; a requirement that the Environment Department complete a review of the supplementary improvements to the approved EIA; and, a requirement to establish a stakeholder research fund to provide stakeholders the means to become fully briefed for participation in the subsequently required public hearing process. Following the public hearing a recommendation will be made to the Minister of Industry for the grant of a mining license with agreed conditions.
In the second quarter of 2005 the Department of Primary Industries and Mining (DPIM) completed the survey of the mine boundaries. The DPIM then issued a new administrative requirement that the plant site boundary also be surveyed before the survey results could be posted upon the village community notice boards. The survey was completed in March 2006, after two years of effort. As yet the results have not been submitted to the local communities. Review by the local communities will precede the formal Public Hearing process.
The Environment Department of the Government is required to conduct a review of the minor modifications and improvements to the project description contained in the Environmental Impact Assessment, which was approved in 2001. This review cannot commence until completion of the aforementioned survey. The Department has also requested notification from the DPIM of an approved Mine Plan which details how the Company will mine and process the deposit.
The stakeholder research and the public hearing have prescribed maximum durations. These periods can be shortened by the Government as part of the approval process. Once these prescribed activities commence and if they each take their maximum duration, the mining license would take up to 200 days to be granted.
The Company continues to work closely with all levels of the provincial and central government to achieve a mining license, but progress has been much slower than anticipated.
The Company’s Udon South project is the only potash project that is fully drilled out and with technical work completed by international consultants and is ready for financing, construction and production.
Based on the technical, economic and market studies, the Company has concluded that there is an optimum initial rate of production balancing the various parameters including orderly market entry, technical start-up, and commissioning issues. After taking into account the relatively fixed costs of underground access and the transport infrastructure the optimum was found to be an initial production rate of 1 million tpa of potash, increasing to 2 million tpa with a plant expansion as market share grows.
29
Management believes the plan for a staged project requires much less initial capital than starting immediately at 2 million tpa, It is expected that project funding can be obtained on terms favourable to Company shareholders. The staged project is also easier to execute, particularly in the development of the underground mine, and significantly reduces the need for, and cost of, rail and port infrastructure. Commercial risks are also reduced. These changes improve the probability that the project will be implemented as planned.
Total capital cost for the initial stage is estimated at U.S.$308 million with the second stage estimated at U.S.$221 million ($2003). It is anticipated that the expansion to 2 million tonnes per annum can be financed from cash flow, such that no additional equity financing will be necessary.
The Company will incur costs in addition to the direct project costs which will reduce the rate of return to the Company by approximately 1.2% below that of the project. For example, the Company must fund the Thai Government’s 10% carried interest in APPC which holds the project interest. In addition, the Company must pay a private royalty to three parties associated with former Directors of the Company.
The design incorporates an improved underground tailings disposal system, and ensures that virtually no tailings will be stored on surface for extended periods, and that all tailings are safely stored underground during the mine’s operating life. This design will reduce the potential for surface subsidence, as mined out areas are filled with tailings. The change also minimizes possible ground water impacts, and addresses concerns brought up by local residents during the Company’s consultations.
On the basis of the studies carried out by SRK for resources and mining, Ausenco/AMEC for processing, Golders for geotechnical, and JT Boyd for mining, Company management is of the view that all field, laboratory and basic design work is now essentially complete and that technical work required for bank funding of the project, after the granting of the mining leases, will only comprise some final updating of cost input data before the project can proceed to design optimization and implementation.
The Company’s plans to develop the Udan South and Udon North Deposits has been suspended by its March 17, 2006 pre-acquisition agreement with SMRT Holdings Ltd., a New Brunswick corporation related to Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited, a public company domiciled in Thailand. This agreement is discussed as a subsequent event in the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005 and is filed as a material document onwww.sedar.com.
2002 Udon North Report
In May 2002, APPC commissioned MRDI, to provide a mineral resource estimate for the Udon North Deposit (the “Udon North Report”). The Udon North report was prepared to NI 43-101 standards.
The centre of the Udon North Deposit is located approximately 6 km adjacent and north of the Udon South Deposit. Information pertaining to location, accessibility, climate, and infrastructure and physiographic history of the property, its general geological setting, exploration and mineralization are substantially the same as that disclosed for the Udon South Deposit.
Two primary areas of potash (sylvinite) mineralization have been delineated over a total resource area of approximately 40 km2. A total of 104 reconnaissance and exploration boreholes and approximately 275 line-km of 2D-seismic surveying have delineated the majority of the resource boundary. The thickness of the Udon North sylvinite horizon is considerably greater than the Udon South Deposit with an average thickness of approximately 7.5 m.
Subsequent exploration work on the Udon North Deposit has included a 37 line-km in-fill 2D-seismic survey conducted in 1999; and a limited drilling program in 2000 that included 7 strategically-located boreholes, to improve upon the geological interpretation, prove local continuity of the sylvinite horizon and simultaneously increase the potential resource estimate.
With the issuance of the Special Atchyabats in June 2001, the Concession area, which includes the Udon North Deposit, was reduced to 192 km2. Consequently, the global estimated resource area of the Udon North Deposit that meets the minimum thickness and cut-off grade has been reduced as a result of certain land being excluded.
30
MRDI reported in the Udon North Report that it had reviewed pertinent geological data from the Udon North Deposit to obtain a sufficient level of understanding to assess the existing Mineral Resource statement.
MRDI concluded that:
§
The geology of the Udon North Deposit is reasonably understood. The drill core observed by MRDI confirmed the current geological model.
§
The database used to estimate the Mineral Resource for the Udon North Deposit consists of samples from 58 cored drill holes and gamma results from a few of the tri-coned drill holes. Samples were assayed for K and Mg. Data transfer to the resource database from original assays was verified from an initial 10% check of the database. The assay and survey tables passed with less than 1% error rate but the collar data required a complete audit. Further errors were found and corrected in the final master database used for the mineral resource estimation. Lithology data was received from APPC, audited, corrected and transferred into the master database.
§
The Udon North Deposit resource model was developed using industry-accepted methods. MRDI validated the model estimates and found them to reasonably estimate grade and tonnage.
§
The Udon North Deposit is estimated to contain mineral resources as shown in the following table.
Tonnes (M) | %K2O | %MgO Grade | Average Thickness (m) | |
Indicated Mineral Resources | 175 | 19.0 | 0.07 | 12.0 |
Inferred Mineral Resources | 490 | 16.5 | 0.07 | 12.0 |
Note : Figures have been rounded to three significant numbers
MRDI recommended that there is still some ambiguity remaining concerning the drill hole collar elevations. It recommended that APPC resolve this matter and have the elevation for the drill holes surveyed in a manner that will restore full confidence in the collar location data. The elevations for drill holes that have not been at least surveyed with a theodolite should be surveyed.
In December 2003, the Company received a notice from the Government of Thailand questioning the Company’s right, under the Concession Agreement, to renew seven exploration licenses covering the Udon North deposit. The Company appealed this notification, believing that it had a substantial basis for renewal of the exploration licenses.
On November 3, 2004, APPC reached a favorable resolution of tenure over the Udon North project. APPC applied for a Mining License over the majority of the land originally held under SPLs containing all of the areas where previous exploration by drilling and seismic work had identified potash resources. This Mining License application has been registered by the Government of Thailand and the Government has advised APPC that it now has first priority over these areas for potash mining. The Government has further advised that APPC’s actions have been in compliance with the terms of the Concession Agreement. Advisors retained to assist the Company in reaching this resolution were issued common shares and common share purchase warrants of the Company with a total fair value of $375,921 that is deferred as a cost of the concession.
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.
Reference is made to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Asia Pacific Resources Ltd. ("APQ" or the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2005 (“FYE 2005”) and the year ended December 31, 2004 (“FYE 2004’), upon which the following discussion is based. The Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in Canada. Differences from United States GAAP are recorded in Note 17 to the statements.
31
5A
Results of Operations
The Company incurred a net loss of $2.9 million or $0.00 per share for FYE 2005, $3.7 million or $0.01 per share for FYE 2004 and $4.8 million or $0.01 per share for FYE 2003. The FYE 2005 loss is a reduction of 21% from FYE 2004, and also down by 39% from FYE 2003.
Interest received was $106,679 in FYE 2005 up from $66,144 in FYE 2004 and up from $93,057 received in FYE 2003. The higher interest earned on cash balances in FYE 2005 reflects a higher average cash balance in FYE 2005 than in FYE 2004 and a slightly higher average interest rate. The Company began FYE 2004 with $0.4 million and ended with $7.1 million. The Company began FYE 2005 with $7.1 million and ended on December 31, 2005 with $2.3 million.
The Company paid bank charges in FYE 2005 of $8,016. In FYE 2004 the Company issued 311,602 common shares in payment of accrued interest of $31,160 in respect of the Olympus convertible loans and paid bank charges of $7,762. During FYE 2003 the Company incurred no interest costs but paid bank charges of $8,145.
The Company’s primary efforts in the past two years have been focused on progressing issues raised in the review of its application for a Mining License. The Company during this time has been in discussions with several potential partners to secure financing and assistance for development of the project. The Company has responded to due diligence enquires from a number of potential partners and financiers prior to entering into the pre-acquisition agreement on March 17, 2006 - See Item 11 – Proposed Transactions.
The Company has incurred additional accounting, legal, consulting and travel expenses in the process of responding to these due diligence inquiries. Accounting and legal expenses in FYE 2005 increased to $585,722 up from $392,176 in FYE 2004 and down from $680,959 in FYE 2003.
Consulting costs have increased to $1 million in FYE 2005 from $0.7 million in FYE 2004 and $0.8 million in FYE 2003. The Company retained additional consultants to assist in its efforts to secure a Mining License as well as financial advisory fees. In FYE 2003, $0.3 million was paid to an advisory firm retained to identify and develop international investor interest. This contract ended in 2003.
Promotion and travel costs for FYE 2005 were $0.7 million down from $1.1 million and $1.2 million incurred in FYE 2004 and FYE 2003 respectively. The expense category includes travel costs, an active public information program in N.E. Thailand and external relations costs relating to working with the government at all levels to process the Company’s Mining License application.
Salary expenses for FYE 2005 increased by 33% to $1.4 million from $1.1 million in FYE 2004 and from $1.3 million in FYE 2003. The increase reflects the annual salary increases for Thailand based staff on January 1, 2005, the impact of recruiting a replacement Vice President Operations in September 2004 on salary for the entire year, higher executive bonus payments in FYE 2005 and additional better qualified Thailand staff for community relations. The reduction in salary expenses in 2004 compared to 2003 was due to lower bonus payments to executives in 2004.
In accordance with the accounting policy described in Note 2(e) of the Consolidated Financial Statements the Company has recorded a recovery of stock compensation expense of $485,217 (FYE 2004 – recovery of ($127,895, FYE 2003 – expense of $1,055,713). As explained in Note 7(d) of the Consolidated Financial Statements the recovery of $485,217 is the product of netting a recovery of stock compensation expense of $543,929 against a stock compensation expense of $58,712 for options that vested in FYE 2005.
The net foreign exchange gain for FYE 2005 is $932,000 (FYE 2004 – loss of $43,139, FYE 2003 - $1,001,817). The future income tax liability recorded on the Company’s balance sheet is denominated in Thai baht but reported in Canadian dollars. At December 31, 2005 the future income tax liability was translated to $13,059,747 compared to $14,231,127 at December 31, 2004, and an unrealized gain of $1,171,380 was recorded accounting for the majority of the gain. The Canadian Dollar and Thai baht have both appreciated at a similar rate against the US dollar during 2005.
32
Summary of quarterly results and fourth quarter review
The financial results for each of the eight most recently completed quarters (unaudited) are summarized below:
3 months ended December 31, 2005 | 3 months ended September 30, 2005 | 3 months ended June 30, 2005 | 3 months ended March 31, 2005 | 3 months ended December 31, 2004 | 3 months ended September 30, 2004 | 3 months ended September 30, 2004 | 3 months ended March 31, 2004 | |
Total revenues | $21,388 | $25,492 | $30,351 | $29,448 | $33,113 | $23,233 | $8,953 | $845 |
Net profit (loss) | (1,637,673) | (229,995) | 137,839 | (1,166,837) | (2,496,441) | (133,823) | (254,190) | (801,345) |
Net profit (loss) per share | (0.00) | (0.00) | 0.00 | (0.00) | (0.00) | (0.00) | (0.00) | (0.00) |
In the three months ended December 31, 2005 the Company continued to incur general and administrative expenses consistent with the first nine months of the year. The fourth quarter reflects the accrual of the annual bonuses for staff and executives.
The Company is an exploration stage enterprise. At this time any issues of seasonality or market fluctuations do not impact it.
Foreign exchange movement impacts the Company’s quarterly performance. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities, including the monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries, are translated into Canadian dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are translated into Canadian dollars at the rate of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of the transactions. Exchange gains and losses on translation are included in the statement of loss.
Other than as discussed herein, the Company is not aware of any trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that may result in the Company’s liquidity materially decreasing beyond current projected expenditures.
5B
Liquidity and capital resources
At December 31 2005, the working capital of the Company was $2.0 million compared to $7.0 million at December 31, 2004. Olympus Capital Holdings Asia I, L.P., the Company’s largest shareholder has informed the Company that they stand ready to provide the Company with debt financing of up to US$3.0 million if needed.
In FYE 2005 the Company received cash proceeds of $399,351 pursuant to the exercise of common share purchase warrants.
Other than for administrative expenditures, the Company will continue to spend funds on the ongoing development of its potash project, responding to issues raised in the review of its application for a Mining License, and on costs relating to the proposed transaction described in Section 11.
Pending the outcome of the Offer announced on March 17, 2006, the Company may continue its fund raising efforts to meet working capital requirements, its obligations on receipt of a Mining License and for subsequent construction of the Udon South mine.
Cash flow from financing activity
33
In FYE 2005 the Company received cash proceeds of $399,351 pursuant to the exercise of common share purchase warrants Cash flows from financing activities were $12 million in FYE 2004 compared to $2.2 million in FYE 2003.
On May 27, 2004 the Company completed a private placement of 99,368,500 units, each consisting of one common share and one warrant, at a price of $0.10 per unit for net proceeds of $9,010,945 (gross proceeds of $9,936,850 less cash issue costs of $925,905). Proceeds of the issue are being used for the project’s development. If they are all exercised the warrants would bring $18.3 million of additional equity to the Company, a portion of which is intended to fund the payment to the Thai government of U.S.$5 million, upon receipt of a commercially acceptable mining license. In addition Olympus advanced the Company $2.8 million (U.S.$2.0 million) in convertible loans with an interest rate of 5% per annum for working capital purposes , which together with accrued interest was converted into 27,837,602 units. Each unit consisted of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.125 until the earlier of May 26, 2006 and 10 business days following the deemed receipt by the holder of notice from the Company of the issuance of a mining license by the Thai authorities in connection with the Company’s properties relating to the Udon Thani Potash Concession.
In connection with the private placement, the Company issued 9,936,850 broker warrants. Each broker warrant entitles the holder to purchase one broker unit at a price of $0.115 for each broker warrant exercised. Each broker unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant entitling the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.125 until May 26, 2006. A fair value of $1,266,034 was assigned to the Broker Units and is a non-cash cost included in issue costs of the private placement.
During 2004, the Company had deposited Baht 7,200,000 with a financial institution to secure a letter of guarantee to the Department of Mineral Resources of Thailand (DMR) in connection with the SPL’s. This deposit ($257,027 at December 31, 2003) was refunded during the FYE 2004 when the mining license application was submitted.
In FYE 2003 the Company conducted one private placement for net proceeds of $2.2 million. During FYE 2002 the Company conducted a rights issued for aggregate cash consideration of $14 million which was offset by $3 million costs related to the conversion of a debenture.
Cash flow to investing activity
Investing activities with respect to expenditures on the potash concession during FYE 2005 were $0.5 million. This significant reduction from prior years reflects that only site maintenance costs have been incurred by the Company while seeking the Mining License. The expenditures in FYE 2004 were $1.2 million of which $375,921 was a non-cash charge ascribed to the value of shares and warrants issued pursuant to a success fee in connection with the settlement of the Udon North dispute (see Consolidated Financial Statement Note 7(b)(iv)). The cash expenditures in FYE 2003 were $2.1 million. The FYE 2005 and FYE 2004 expenditures were related to securing tenure at the Udon North deposit as well as maintenance of the Udon South site.
Cash flows to investing activities were $0.7 million in FYE 2004 compared to $2.2 million in FYE 2003.
The costs relate to the ongoing exploration and development of the Company’s Udon Thani Concession area and the costs to secure a mining license. Most of the FYE 2003 expenditure was incurred in the first half of the year as the Company finalized its application for a Mining License for the development, construction and operation of a potash mine on the Udon South deposit. The work led to an update of the technical and economic review of the project which was announced in June 2003.
At this stage the Company is of the view that all field, laboratory and basic design work is essentially completed. Technical work required for bank debt financing following the grant of the Mining License is expected to include final updating of capital and operating costs data prior to project implementation.
34
Other than for administrative expenditures, the Company will continue to spend funds on the ongoing development of its potash project, in particular responding to issues raised in the review of its application for a Mining License.
The Company intends to continue its fund raising efforts to meet working capital requirements, its obligations on receipt of a Mining License and for subsequent construction of the Udon South mine.
5C
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
The Company does not conduct research and development, nor does it hold patents and licenses in its business.
5D
Trend Information
There is no widely published market information for potash sale prices into South China, which is expected to be the Company’s primary market. The Company has estimated the sales prices from a number of sources at an indicative delivered price (CFR) South China. Prices are estimated to have increased from US$163/tonne in May 2004 to in excess of US$200/tonne currently. Potash prices have improved significantly in the last 12 months as demand grows, particularly in Asia. The Company views these increases as part of a long-term trend. Total Asian demand is predicted to grow at between 5% and 6% per annum over the next few years, while figures published by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences predict that Chinese demand will more than double over the next decade.
Part of the increase in delivered prices into South East Asia results from a significant increase in shipping costs. The Company has a significant competitive advantage in that the Udon deposits lie at the heart of the Asian market. Therefore, the increase in the Company’s shipping costs will be much less than the increase for competing suppliers of potash.
Other than as discussed herein, the Company is not aware of any trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that may result in the Company’s liquidity materially decreasing over and above current projected expenditures.
5E
Off-balance sheet arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.
5F.
Disclosure of contractual obligations
The Company has the following contractual obligations for payments due:
a)
Lease Commitments
The Company has future minimum payments in respect of lease commitments for office space in Thailand due in 2006 of $60,826.
b)
Payment to Government of Thailand
Pursuant to the Concession Agreement dated November 29, 1994, a fee of US$5.0 million will become payable to the Government of Thailand on receipt of the Mining License for Udon South.
c)
Land purchases
In June and July 2005, the Company’s Thailand subsidiary, APPC, entered into 30 option agreements to purchase additional land within the Udon South mine site. The total land that can be acquired is approximately 0.56 sq. km.
The total purchase price is approximately $1.7 million. An initial deposit of $9,400 was paid on signing which would be deducted from the final purchase price. The options to purchase are
35
renewable every six months on demand by APPC. The eventual purchase of the land must be made by APPC within six months of the receipt of the Udon South Mining License. Each renewal of the purchase options requires a further deposit. In December 2005, the option agreements were extended to June 2006 after payment of a second deposit of $22,000.
Other Contingencies
In addition to the contractual commitments contingency payments include payments to be made under certain circumstances:
(a)
Crew royalty
During 1993, the Company acquired from Crew Capital Corporation, a private company related by certain former directors in common, a right to earn a 75% interest in APPC for $69,510, representing a reimbursement of development costs incurred to date, and a royalty payment equal to 1.5% of 75% of the total potash sales from the concession based on the FOB mine price. Effective December 1, 1994, the Company acquired control of APPC as it had incurred expenditures in satisfaction of the requirements for earning the 75% interest. Accordingly, at such time as commercial production commences, this royalty will be payable by the Company.
(b)
Success fee - Grant of mining license for Udon South
The Company retained specialist advisors from February 13, 2004 to December 2, 2004 to assist the Company to secure its rights over Udon North under the Concession Agreement and to procure the Mining License for Udon South (“USML”). On resolution of the Udon North matter these advisors were issued 2,408,163 units in full settlement of their fee for the services rendered.
On January 10, 2005 the Company entered into a new agreement with the specialist advisors to assist the Company to secure an Udon South Mining Lease. The new agreement included a series of milestone events and associated payments leading up to the issue of the USML. The milestones were not achieved. The agreement was terminated and the options granted at the initiation of the agreement were cancelled on June 17, 2005.
(c)
Contingency Fee - Chinese sourced financing of project or Company
On August 26, 2004, the Company retained Richina Financial Research Ltd. (“Richina”), as its financial advisor in the People’s Republic of China. This agreement was terminated on March 24, 2006. Richina was retained on an exclusive basis, for renewable three month periods, to facilitate one or more direct or indirect investments in the Company, or the Udon South project, by financial and strategic investors from an agreed list of investors. Richina was paid a monthly retainer of US$20,000 per month (reduced to US$10,000 from November 2005) plus pre-approved expenses. If the Company completes the transaction detailed in Note 16 before March 24, 2007, the Company will pay Richina a break fee of US$200,000. Richina are at arm’s length to the Company
(d)
Employment agreements
The Company has agreed with its employees, executives and directors that if they are terminated or asked to resign following a defined change of control transaction then the Company will be obligated to pay up to US$1.2 million in aggregate as termination payments. A Change of Control transaction is:
i.
a sale by Olympus Capital Holdings Asia I, L.P. (“Olympus”) to a third party after which sale Olympus shall own less than 20% of the Company’s common shares held by Olympus on October 1, 2005;
ii.
the sale of Company shares to any third party which results in such third party owning or having voting rights to 50% or more of the pro forma issued and outstanding shares of the Company;
36
iii.
the entering into any merger, plan of arrangement, amalgamation or other business combination which results in the Company’s shareholders having less than 50% of the capital stock in the resulting corporation;
iv.
the sale of 50% or more of the Company’s direct and indirect interests in and rights under the Concession Agreement dated October 4, 1984 between APPC and the Thai Government as amended; and
v.
the sale of existing or newly issued shares in APPC which results in the Company having 50% or less of the voting stock of APPC.
(e)
Success Fee – change of control
The Company has agreed with a number of executives, consultants and directors that on completion of a Change of Control transaction the Company will be obligated to pay up to US$640,000 in aggregate as a success fee.
(f)
Consulting services
On January 4, 2006 the Company retained Acumen Management Limited to provide consulting services, including providing the services of a senior executive to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company’s Thai subsidiary, Asia Pacific Potash Corporation.
Under the terms of this contract the Company will pay service fees of up to Baht 20 million (Cdn$568,000) during the first year of the contract. Baht 5 million (Cdn$142,000) was paid in January 2006. The balance of Baht 15 million (Cdn$426,000) is payable by the Company based upon the achievement of certain milestones.
In addition, in the event of termination of the consultant’s services by the Company without cause during the first year of the contract, or if terminated following a change of control event, then the Company shall make a one time payment of US$200,000. Where milestones have not been achieved and service fees remain unpaid at the time of termination such service fees shall no longer be payable.
(g)
Normal course of business
The Company is also party to certain other actions incurred in the normal course of business, none of which management expects to have a material impact on the results of operations or financial position.
Pending the outcome of the Offer made by ITD announced on March 17, 2006, the Company may continue its fund raising efforts to meet working capital requirements, its obligations on receipt of a Mining License and for subsequent construction of the Udon South mine.
Critical Accounting Policies
The Company prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP in Canada, which conforms in all material respects to United States GAAP, except for those items disclosed in Note 17 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The most significant difference between Canadian and United States GAAP relating to the Company is the Company’s accounting policy for deferred exploration costs. United States GAAP prefers exploration costs related to mineral properties to be expensed until there is substantial evidence that a commercial body of ore has been located and project financing has been secured. Canadian GAAP allows exploration costs related to mineral properties to be deferred during the exploration stage until such time as it is evident that the deferred cost exceeds the estimated recoverable amount or the property is abandoned. For United States readers, the Comp any has detailed this and other differences and has also provided a reconciliation of the differences between the United States and Canadian GAAP, where applicable, in Note 17, as referred to above.
37
The details of the Company’s accounting policies are presented in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. The following policies are considered by management to be essential to understanding the processes and reasoning that go into the preparation of the Company’s financial statements and the uncertainties that could have a bearing on its financial results.
Investment in Potash Concession: The Company is capitalizing all direct exploration and development expenditures related to the Potash Concession until commercial production commences or the investment is abandoned, at which time the costs will either be amortized on a unit-of-production basis or fully charged to operations.
Management reviews the carrying value of the potash concession and related property at least quarterly for evidence of impairment. This review is generally made with reference to the timing of exploration work, work programs proposed, exploration results achieved by the Company, the status of the Company’s exploration and mining rights and the assumptions and conclusions included in mining feasibility studies.
If the Company has reason to believe that impairment may exist, estimated future undiscounted cash flows are prepared using estimated recoverable tons of potash (considering current proven and probable reserves and mineral resources expected to be converted into mineral reserves) along with estimated future potash prices and estimated future operating and capital costs of construction. The inclusion of mineral resources is based on various information, including but not limited to the existence and nature of known mineralization, location of the property, results of recent drilling and analysis to demonstrate that the potash is commercially recoverable. The reserves are based on a technical report that has been previously filed on the Canadian System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR).
The projected future cash flows cover the known Udon South potash reserves at this time. If the future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets then the assets may be written down and the write off charged to earnings in the current period.
Stock-based Compensation: For fiscal 2005, the Company followed CICA standard 3870 “Stock-based Compensation and Other Stock-based Payments”, which requires fair value accounting for all stock options issued during the year.
Foreign currency translation
The Company uses the Canadian dollar as its functional and reporting currency. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities, including the monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s integrated subsidiaries, have been translated into Canadian dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses have been translated in to Canadian dollars at the rate of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of the transactions. Exchange gains and losses on translation have been included in the statement of loss.
Effect of Inflation
In the Company’s view, at no time during any of the last three fiscal years have inflation or changing prices had a material impact on the Company’s operations.
Going Concern Assumption
The Company's financial statements have been prepared on the assumption that the Company will continue as a going concern. The continuation of the Company as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to raise additional funds to complete development of its potash concession and, ultimately, the achievement of profitable operations. The Company has been engaged in discussions with prospective partners to secure financing for development of its potash concession but there is no assurance that these discussions will be concluded successfully or the financing achieved. The financial statements do not give effect to adjustments that would be necessary to the carrying values and classifications of assets and liabilities should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
38
Amendment to Form 20F for the year ended December 31, 2004
Subsequent to the issuance of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company’s management determined that the Company had inappropriately recorded the effect of the conversion, under US GAAP, of U.S.$2.0 million of convertible notes (the “Notes”) together with accrued interest into 27,837,602 units with each unit consisting of a common share and a warrant to acquire a common share. Pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-27,Application of Issue 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments, the Company is required to calculate a beneficial conversion feature on the Notes in the amount of $1,949,766. The resulting discount is recognized as additional interest expense on the date of conversion. Accordingly, Note 17, “Reconciliation between Canadian and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”, in the 2004 audited consolidated financial statements of the Company was restated for the year ended December 31, 2004 from amounts previously reported. The net effect of this adjustment was to increase each of net loss, net comprehensive loss, cumulative net loss and cumulative comprehensive net loss by $1,949,766. There is no net effect on shareholders’ equity.
As a result of this restatement the Company filed an amended Form 20 F/A with the SEC on April 20, 2006 which included the restated 2004 financial statements.
Proposed transactions
On March 17, 2006 the Company announced that it had entered into a pre-acquisition agreement with SRMT Holdings Limited (the “Offeror”), a New Brunswick corporation related to Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (“ITD”), a public company domiciled in the Kingdom of Thailand.
Pursuant to the pre-acquisition agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, the Offeror will make an offer to purchase (the “Offer”) not less than two-thirds of the common shares of the Company (including common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants) for a price of C$0.1425 per share. The offer price represents a 35.7% premium to the closing price on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the day before the pre-acquisition agreement was executed. The Offeror will also offer to purchase the warrants of the Company for a price of $0.0175 per warrant (being the difference between the offer price for the common shares and the exercise price of the warrants). The warrants currently will expire on May 26, 2006. However, the pre-acquisition agreement contemplates that the expiry date of the warrants can be extended in certain circumstances, subject to regulatory approval. The Offer will be made for common sh ares and warrants (collectively the “Sought Securities”) to all holders in Canada, the United States, the Cayman Islands and elsewhere in the Offeror’s discretion.
It has been increasingly apparent that obtaining a mining license for this project in Thailand requires a degree of local knowledge and financial capability which a company like ITD possesses.
Upon successful completion of the Offer, the project will be controlled by a company associated with ITD. ITD has the resources and capability to take the project forward. For Asia Pacific this transaction will allow shareholders to immediately realise value at a premium to market price.
ITD is a pre-eminent Thai and international civil and infrastructure contractor that have over thirty years experience in the mining industry. They have set high standards for mining works and have been actively pursuing opportunities to participate in mining projects both within Thailand and the neighboring countries.
The obligation of the Offeror to make the Offer is subject to certain conditions precedent including the receipt by the Board of Directors of the Company of an opinion from an independent third party confirming that the Offer is fair from a financial point of view to the shareholders. Based upon that opinion, the advice of the Company’s outside Canadian counsel and other factors to be described in a directors’ circular to be sent to shareholders, the Board of Directors has unanimously determined that the Offer is fair to the holders of Sought Securities and has determined to recommend in the directors’ circular that holders of Sought Securities accept the Offer.
Other than as discussed herein, the Company is not aware of any trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that may result in the Company’s liquidity materially decreasing beyond current projected expenditures.
39
Pending the outcome of the Proposed Transaction the Company may continue its fund raising efforts to meet working capital requirements, its obligations on receipt of a Mining License and for subsequent construction of the Udon South mine.
Recent Pronouncements
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 123R,Share-Based Payment, which revised SFAS No. 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. SFAS No. 123R will supersede APB Opinion 25,Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. SFAS No. 123R requires measurement and recording to the financial statements of the costs of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award, recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for such award. Additionally, SFAS No. 123R requires the benefits of tax deductions different from recognized compensation expense to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under current literature. SFAS 123R will become effective for all registrants as of the first fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005. Therefore, the required effective date is January 1, 2006.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 153,Exchanges of Non-Monetary Assets - An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29. The guidance in APB No. 29, Accounting for Non-Monetary Transactions, is based on the principle that exchanges of non-monetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. The guidance in that Opinion, however, included certain exceptions to that principle. This Statement amends APB No. 29 to eliminate the exception for exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of non-monetary assets that do not have commercial substance. A non-monetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. This Statement will be effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. Earlier application is permitted for non-monetary asset exchanges incurred du ring fiscal years beginning after the date this Statement is issued. The Company believes this Statement will have no impact on the financial statements of the Company once adopted.
In March 2005, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 107,Share-Based Payment, which provides guidance on the interaction between SFAS No. 123R and certain SEC rules and regulations, as well as on the valuation of share-based payments. SAB No. 107 provides interpretive guidance related to valuation methods (including assumptions such as expected volatility and expected term), first time adoption of SFAS No. 123R in an interim period, the classification of compensation expense and disclosures subsequent to adoption of SFAS No. 123R. We are currently evaluating the impact of SAB No. 107 on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2005, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-6,Accounting for Stripping Costs Incurred during Production in the Mining Industry, (EITF 04-6) which addresses the accounting for stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine and refers to these costs as variable production costs that should be included as a component of inventory to be recognized inCosts Applicable to Sales in the same period as the revenue from the sale of inventory. As a result, capitalization of stripping costs is appropriate only to the extent product inventory exists at the end of a reporting period and the carrying value is less than the net realizable value. Adoption of EITF 04-6 will have no impact.
In March 2005, the FASB issued Interpretation 47 (“FIN 47”),Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB No. 143. FIN 47 clarifies that the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in SFAS No. 143 refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. The obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is unconditional even though uncertainty exists about the timing and/or method of settlement. FIN 47 requires a liability to be recognized for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. FIN 47 was effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. The adoption of FIN 47 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial positi on, results of operations or cash flows.
In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS Statement No. 154,Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (“SFAS 154”). SFAS 154 is a replacement of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 20 (“APB 20”) and FASB Statement No. 3. SFAS 154 provides guidance on the accounting for and reporting of
40
accounting changes and error corrections. It establishes retrospective application, or the latest practicable date, as the required method for reporting a change in accounting principle and the reporting of a correction of an error. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005 and we will adopt this standard on January 1, 2006. We do not expect that the adoption of SFAS 154 will have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
In June 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position Paper (“FSP”) 115-1,The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments, superseding EITF 03-1. FSP 115-1 will replace the accounting guidance on the determination of whether an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired as set forth in EITF 03-1 with references to existing other-than-temporary impairment guidance. FSP 115-1 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Adoption of FSP 115-1 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
On July 14, 2005, the FASB issued an exposure draft of a proposed Interpretation,Accounting for Uncertain Tax Positions - an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. The proposed interpretation would require companies to recognize the best estimate of an uncertain tax position only if it is probable of being sustained on audit by the taxation authorities. Subsequently, the tax benefit would be derecognized (by either recording a tax liability or decreasing a tax asset) when the probable threshold is no longer met and it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained. The proposed Interpretation would be effective for years ending after December 15, 2005 and treated as a change in accounting policy. It would require companies to assess all uncertain tax positions and only those meeting the probable threshold at the transition date would continue to be recognized. The difference between the amount previously recogni zed and the amount recognized after applying the proposed Interpretation would be recorded as the cumulative-effect adjustment in the 2005 statement of earnings (restatement is not permitted). The comment period ended September 12, 2005. The Company does not expect the proposed Interpretation to have a material impact on its results.
In October 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 123(R)-2,Practical Accommodation to the Application of Grant Date as Defined in FAS 123(R) (“FSP 123(R)-2”). FSP 123(R)-2 provides guidance on the application of grant date as defined in SFAS No. 123(R). In accordance with this standard a grant date of an award exists if (a) the award is a unilateral grant and (b) the key terms and conditions of the award are expected to be communicated to an individual recipient within a relatively short time period from the date of approval. We will adopt this standard when we adopt SFAS No. 123(R), and do not anticipate that the implementation of this Statement will have a significant impact on our results of operations.
In November 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 123(R)-3,Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards (“FSP 123(R)-3”). FSP 123(R)-3 provides an elective alternative method that establishes a computational component to arrive at the beginning balance of the accumulated paid-in capital pool related to employee compensation and a simplified method to determine the subsequent impact on the accumulated paid-in capital pool of employee awards that are fully vested and outstanding upon the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R). We are currently evaluating this transition method.
5G
Safe Harbor
Certain statements contained in the foregoing Results of Operations and elsewhere in this Form 20-F constitutes forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made and readers are advised to consider such forward-looking statements in light of the risks set forth below.
Risk factors that could affect the Company's future results include, but are not limited to, risks inherent in mineral exploration activities and other operating and development risks, competition, environmental regulations, changes to reclamation requirements, volatility and sensitivity to market prices for base metals the impact of changes in foreign currencies' exchange rates, political risk, changes in government regulation
41
and policies including trade laws and policies, demand for base metals, replacement of reserves and production, receipt of permits and approvals from governmental authorities.
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees.
6A.
Directors and senior management
Each of the Company’s directors was elected by the Company’s shareholders at an annual general meeting held April 26, 2006 and will serve until the next annual general meeting of shareholders, or until a successor is elected or appointed. The Board of Directors appoints the Company’s executive officers annually after each annual general meeting, to serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
The following table discloses the name and position with the Company of its directors and executive officers as of April 30, 2006, together with business experience and principal business activities performed outside of the Company (including in the case of directors other principal directorships).
| Principal Business Activities Outside the Company and Business Experience | Served as a Director/ Officer Since |
JOHN G. BOVARD | President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since April 2002; General Manager – Resources for Multiplex Constructions Pty. Ltd., from March 1991 to April 2002 Currently a director of Greenwich Resources PLC and Danae Resources NL | 2002 |
ROBERT G. CONNOCHIE | Mining Industry Consultant since April 2002; President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from March 2001 to January 2002. | 1995 |
LEE A. GRABER | Mining Industry Consultant since November 2003. Director of Chaco Resources PLC, Tenke Mining Corp and AuEx Ventures, Inc. | 2002 |
EDAN LEE | Chairman of the Company since April 1, 2002. Managing Director, Olympus Capital Holdings Asia | 2002 |
DANIEL MINTZ | Founding Managing Director, Olympus Capital Holdings Asia. Director of Convergys Broadband Asia Ltd. | 2002 |
ARTHUR J. ROTH | Fertilizer Industry Consultant | 2002 |
ROBERT SCOTT Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary | Chartered Accountant (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) and contract executive. Previously with Reuters Ltd. from 1985 to 2001 including Finance Director, Reuters Asia from 1995 to 1999. | 2002 |
KEITH CROSBY | Vice President Exploration of the Company and APPC. Senior Geologist of the Company; previously Manager, Geotechnical and Engineering, Metallurgy and Research and Development for IMC. | 2000 |
MARK WILLIAMS Vice President Operations | Vice President Operations of the Company and APPC. Chief Operating Officer, Datamat DBA, Thailand (2003 to 2004) and General Manager, Orica Explosives, Thailand (2002 to 2003) | 2004 |
42
| Principal Business Activities Outside the Company and Business Experience | Served as a Director/ Officer Since |
PRAPHANT ASAVA-AREE Chief Executive Officer for Asia Pacific Potash Corporation Ltd. | Thai businessman. | 2006 |
6B.
Compensation of Directors and Officers
Summary compensation table
The following table (presented in accordance with National Instrument Form 51-102F6 ("Statement of Executive Compensation" ("Form 51-102F6")) sets forth all annual and long term compensation for services in all capacities to the Company for the three most recently completed financial years (to the extent required by Form 51-102F6) in respect of each of the individuals comprised of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer as at December 31, 2005 and the other three most highly compensated executive officers of the Company as at December 31, 2005 whose individual total salary and bonus for the most recently completed financial year exceeded $150,000 and any individual who would have satisfied these criteria but for the fact that individual was not serving as such an officer at the end of the most recently completed financial year (collectively the "Named Executive Officers" or "NEOs").
Summary Compensation Table | ||||||||
NEO Name and Principal Position | Year | Annual Compensation | Long Term Compensation | All Other Compensation ($) | ||||
Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Other Annual Compensation ($) | Securities Under Options /SARs granted (#) | Restricted Shares or Restricted Share Units ($) | LTIP Payouts ($) | |||
John Bovard | 2005 2004 2003 | US$288,037 US$305,922 US$279,178 | US$50,000 US$36,000 US$40,000 | US$18,000(1) US$18,000(1) US$18,000(1) | - - - | N/A N/A N/A | - - - | - - - |
Robert A. Scott, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary | 2005 2004 2003 | US$162,050 US$144,900 US$145,850 | - - - | US$12,000(2) US$12,000(2) - | 100,000(5) 100,000(5) 100,000(5) | - - - | - - - | C$9,500(5) C$33,000(5) - |
Matthew Blackwell(4) | 2004 2003 | US$103,841 US$149,053 | US$9,307 US$12,342 | - - | - - | - - | - - | - - |
Keith Crosby, Vice President Exploration and Development | 2005 2004 2003 | C$145,294 C$144,951 C$143,832 | C$11,124 - | C$6,605 C$9,381(3) C$11,000(3) | - - - | - - - | - - - | - - - |
Mark Williams(5) Vice President, Operations | 2005 2004 | US$196,025 US$61,784 | US$15,975 US$9,307 | $- $- | - 1,000,000 | - - | - - | - - |
(1) For car allowance
(2) For housing allowance.
(3) Disturbance allowance for overseas travel.
(4) Mathew Blackwell was employed from October 2002 to August 2004.
(5) Mark Williams was employed from September 2004.
43
(6) Compensation expense of C$33,000 was recorded as the deemed value of 200,000 Shares issued to Robert Scott as additional compensation for services performed in 2003 and 2004. Compensation expense of C$9,500 was recorded as the deemed value of 100,000 Shares issued to Robert Scott as additional compensation for services performed in 2005.
The Company has a shareholder approved stock option plan for the granting of incentive stock options to officers, employees and directors. The purpose of granting such options is to assist the Company in compensating, attracting, retaining and motivating the optionees and to closely align the personal interests of such persons to that of the shareholders.
Since April 1, 2002, the Company has paid an annual director’s fee of US$10,000 to Arthur Roth and Lee Graber for their services as directors and since October 1, 2003 to Robert Connochie for his services as a director. On October 18, 2004 the Board increased the director fees to US$10,000 per annum plus US$800 for each meeting attended. The remaining directors do not receive any fees for their services as directors. In addition, each of Arthur Roth, Lee Graber and Robert Connochie are granted stock options of the Company commensurate with his involvement and activity in the Company. No options were granted by the Company to directors in 2005.
During 2005, the directors were paid direct compensation of US$1,500 per day for special assignments in connection with their work as directors. The following table sets forth the fees paid or payable to each director for director’s fees and special assignment fees for the financial year ended December 31, 2005.
Directors Fees US$ | Directors Special Assignment Fees US$ | Total Compensation US$ | |
Arthur Roth | $14,800 | $nil | $14,800 |
Lee Graber | $14,800 | $52,500 | $67,300 |
Robert Connochie | $14,800 | $nil | $14,800 |
Total | $44,400 | $52,500 | $96,900 |
The directors who are appointed to the Audit Committee following the annual general meeting of shareholders will not be entitled to receive direct compensation, other than remuneration for acting in their capacities as board or committee members or chairs.
44
Termination of Employment, Changes in Responsibility and Employment Contracts
The Company has agreed with certain employees, executives and directors that if they are terminated or asked to resign following a defined change of control transaction then the Company will be obligated to pay up to US$1.2 million in aggregate as termination payments. A Change of Control transaction is:
i.
a sale by Olympus Capital Holdings Asia I, L.P. (“Olympus”) to a third party after which sale Olympus shall own less than 20% of the Company’s Shares held by Olympus on October 1, 2005;
ii.
the sale of Company shares to any third party which results in such third party owning or having voting rights to 50% or more of the pro forma issued and outstanding shares of the Company;
iii.
the entering into any merger, plan of arrangement, amalgamation or other business combination which results in the Company’s shareholders having less than 50% of the capital stock in the resulting corporation;
iv.
the sale of 50% or more of the Company’s direct and indirect interests in and rights under the Concession Agreement dated October 4, 1984 between Asia Pacific Potash Corporation (“APPC”) and the Thai Government as amended; and
v.
the sale of existing or newly issued shares in APPC which results in the Company having 50% or less of the voting stock of APPC.
As at December 31, 2005, the Company had employment contracts through management services companies or directly with some Named Executive Officers.
John Bovard’s employment contract with the Company was renewed on April 1, 2005 at an annual base salary of US$310,000 (Asia Pacific Resources Ltd. pays US$250,000 and Asia Pacific Potash Corporation pays Thai Baht 2.25 million equivalent to about US$60,000). The contract was amended and restated effective October 1, 2005 to an annual base salary of US$147,720 assuming employment at up to ten (10) days per month. For days exceeding ten days per month the daily rate is US$1,231. Asia Pacific Potash Corporation continues to pay Thai Baht 2.25 million equivalent to about US$60,000. Mr. Bovard is eligible for an annual performance bonus of US$75,000. His bonus in fiscal year 2005 was US$50,000, in fiscal year 2004 US$36,000, and in fiscal year 2003 US$40,000. Mr. Bovard is entitled to receive cash compensation equal to one year base salary at the time of termination if he is terminated without cause. In the event of a change of control transaction resulting in termination, Mr. Bovard will receive a one-time success fee of US$145,000 together with termination compensation of approximately US$305,000. His full annual bonus of US$75,000 would also be paid.
Mark Williams’ employment contract with the Company was amended and restated effective October 1, 2005. Mr. Williams’ base salary is US$213,000 (Asia Pacific Resources Ltd. pays US$160,500 and Asia Pacific Potash Corporation pays Thai Baht 1.75 million equivalent to about US$52,500) and he is eligible for an annual performance bonus of US$24,075. His bonus in fiscal year 2005 was US$15,975 and US$9,307 in fiscal year 2004. Mr. Williams is entitled to receive cash compensation equal to a minimum of four months base salary at the time of termination if he is terminated without cause and in certain defined circumstances moving expenses of US$10,000. In the event of a change of control transaction resulting in termination, Mr. Williams will also receive US$102,250 subject to certain defined conditions and the immediate vesting of any stock options. His full annual bonus of US$24,075 would also be paid.
Keith Crosby has been employed by the Company since 1998 and his employment contract with the Company was formalized on October 1, 2005 at an annual base salary of C$165,315 (Asia Pacific Resources Ltd. pays C$132,252 and Asia Pacific Potash Corporation pays the equivalent of C$33,063 in Thai Baht) and he is eligible for an annual performance bonus of C$19,838. His bonus in fiscal year 2005 was C$11,124 and no bonus was paid in fiscal years 2004 and 2003. Mr. Crosby is entitled to receive cash compensation equal to a minimum of three months base salary plus one months base salary for each year of employment at the time of termination if he is terminated without cause. In the event of a change of control transaction resulting in termination, Mr. Crosby will receive approximately C$138,000. His full annual bonus of C$19,838 would also be paid.
Robert Scott’s consulting contract with the Company was renewed on October 1, 2005 at a daily rate of US$800 plus US$1,000 per month for accommodation. If terminated by the Company, Mr. Scott is entitled to receive an amount equal to two times the monthly average of the preceding twelve months earnings,
45
approximately US$29,000. In the event of a change of control transaction resulting in termination, Mr. Scott will also receive a one-time success fee of US$120,000 and an amount equal to six times the monthly average of the preceding twelve months earnings, approximately US$87,000.
Compensation of Officers
The Company is presently in the development stage of its major asset, being the Udon North and Udon South potash deposits in northeast Thailand. The primary method of compensating executives is through salary and the granting of incentive stock options, which is designed to provide the incentive to executives to increase shareholder value.
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) reports on such remuneration as follows:
“During the Company’s last financial year the executive compensation was materially unchanged from the previous year. The Company is presently in the development stage of its major asset, being the Udon North and Udon South potash deposits in northeast Thailand. The primary method of compensating executives is through salary, performance bonuses and the granting of incentive stock options, which are designed to provide the incentive to executives to increase shareholder value.
The Board recognized the need to establish termination payments for certain directors, officers and consultants on a change of control as well as certain success fees representing the efforts required to successfully achieve a change of control transaction.
The Board determines the compensation of the Company’s executive officers. The primary factor in determining the remuneration of the executive officers was the level of compensation necessary to attract and retain managers with the necessary experience and ability in their respective fields. Minor emphasis was given to the stock options held by these executive officers (which did not change during the financial year). A bonus of US$50,000 was awarded to John Bovard being two-thirds of the total annual performance bonus he is eligible for. The bonus was determined in consideration for the accomplishment of management objectives agreed pursuant to a formal process taking in to account the plans and strategies of the Company.
The Company’s executive compensation policies are designed to recognize and reward individual performance as well as provide a competitive level of compensation. The Company’s relative compensation position is determined by comparison to companies of a similar size, similar business complexity and financial standing. The Board assesses results fairly and regularly in light of expected Company performance and looks to align pay incentives with the short and long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders.”
Dated this 22nd day of March 2006
(signed) | Edan Lee | (signed) | John Bovard |
Director | Director | ||
(signed) | Daniel Mintz | (signed) | Robert Connochie |
Director | Director | ||
(signed) | Lee Graber | (signed) | Arthur Roth |
Director | Director |
6C.
Board Practices
The Directors of the Company are elected at each annual general meeting of shareholders and hold office until the next Annual General Meeting, unless they resign prior to such Meeting. All of the Company's Directors have served since April 2, 2002, except Robert Connochie who was elected in 1995. The Company’s annual general meeting was held April 26, 2006, at which time all six of the current directors were re-elected. The position of Chairman of the Board of the Company is separate from that of the CEO.
46
The incumbent Chairman is not a member of the Company’s management. See Item 6A Directors and Senior Management.
In the event of a change of control transaction, Robert Connochie, Arthur Roth and Lee Graber, directors of the Company, will each receive US$140,000. In addition, Mr. Graber will receive a success fee of US$200,000 and Edward Dever, a consultant, will receive a success fee of US$100,000.
Corporate Governance Disclosure
Canada’s National Policy 58-201 establishes corporate governance guidelines which apply to all public companies. The Company has reviewed its own corporate governance practices in light of these guidelines and, as prescribed by National Instrument 58-101, discloses its corporate governance practices.
Independence of Members of Board
The Company's Board consists of six directors, two of whom are independent based upon the tests for independence set forth in Multilateral Instrument 52-110. Robert Connochie and Arthur Roth are independent. John Bovard is not independent as he is the President and CEO of the Company. Edan Lee, Chairman, Lee Graber and Daniel Mintz are not independent as they are the nominee directors of Olympus, which is the Company’s major shareholder.
The Board has functioned, and is of the view that it can continue to function, independently of management as required. The Board has on a number of occasions met without management present. Generally given management representation on the Board and having regard to the size of the Company and the nature of its business, it is essential that those having an intimate knowledge of the Company’s operations be present during important Board decisions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Board was of the opinion that it was appropriate and meaningful, it would formalize a process whereby the Board could meet in the absence of management for the handling of the Board’s overall relationship with management.
Management Supervision by Board
The size of the Company is such that all the Company’s operations are conducted by a small management team which has one representative on the Board. The Board considers that management is effectively supervised by the independent directors on an informal basis as the independent directors are actively and regularly involved in reviewing and supervising the operations of the Company and have regular and full access to management. Further supervision is performed through the Audit Committee which is composed of a majority of independent directors who meet with the Company's auditors without management being in attendance.
Participation of Directors in Other Reporting Issuers
The participation of the directors in other reporting issuers is described in the following table:
Name of Director | Name of Reporting Issuer |
Lee A. Graber | AuEx Ventures, Inc. Tenke Mining Corp. |
John Bovard | Danae Resources NL Greenwich Resources PLC |
Participation of Directors in Board Meetings
47
In the year ended December 31 2005, six board meetings were held and all directors attended all meetings.
Board Mandate
The Board has not adopted a Board mandate The Board acknowledges its responsibility for the stewardship of the Company by participating in strategic planning and by considering and, if deemed appropriate, adopting plans proposed and developed by management, with management having the primary responsibility for developing and implementing a strategic plan. In addition, the Board provides periodic guidance throughout the year in the development of corporate strategies based on the strategic plan and annual business plans and each quarter monitors the performance of management in relation to the strategic and operational objectives set out in the annual budget.
The Board considers the risks inherent in the mining industry, the regulatory and competitive environment, and general economic conditions and receives periodic assessments from management as to these risks and the Company’s strategies to manage these risks. The Audit Committee reviews with management, the Chief Financial Officer and the Company’s auditors (i) the Company’s policies with respect to risks assessment and risk management, (ii) the Company’s major financial risk exposures and (iii) the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures.
The Board reviews the personnel needs of the Company from time to time, having particular regard to succession issues relating to senior management. The Board establishes overall hiring policies and takes into account employment history that poses potential conflicts of interest. The performance of executive management is annually measured against pre-set objectives and the performance of mining companies of comparable size and stage of development. The Board takes responsibility for selecting, evaluating and compensating the Chief Executive Officer and other senior officers and reviews management succession planning. The training and development of personnel is generally left to management.
The Board has implemented appropriate systems to ensure complete, timely and effective communications between the Company, its shareholders, the public and regulatory agencies. Through the Audit Committee all public financial information is reviewed and recommended to the Board for approval prior to its release. The Board assesses from time to time how effectively the Company communicates with shareholders, but does not have a formal communication policy.
The Board, through the Audit Committee and in conjunction with its auditors, assesses the adequacy of the Company’s internal control and management information systems. The Audit Committee reviews and approves methods relating to financial controls and oversees the financial reporting process in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
48
Position Descriptions
The Company has not formally developed a position description for the Chairman or the Chairman of each Board committee. There is a position description for the President/CEO. The Board is satisfied that each of the Chairman and the President/CEO are fully aware of their responsibilities and those matters which are within their mandates. The Company has deliberately separated the roles of CEO and Chairman to provide more independence in the decision making processes of the Company. The Board is responsible for approving long-term strategic plans and annual operating plans recommended by management. Board consideration and approval is also required for all material contracts and business transactions and all debt and equity financing proposals.
Orientation and Continuing Education
The Company does not have a formal process of orientation and education for new members of the Board, as all Board members currently have considerable experience as members of the boards of other public companies and are knowledgeable of the Company’s business.
Board members are encouraged to communicate with management, auditors and technical consultants; to keep themselves current with industry trends and developments and changes in legislation with management’s assistance; and to attend related industry seminars and visit the Company’s operations. Board members have full access to the Company's records.
Ethical Business Conduct
The Board views good corporate governance as an integral component to the success of the Company and to meet responsibilities to shareholders.
The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct (the "Code") that is posted on its website atwww.appc.co.th. The Board has instructed its management and employees to abide by the Code and to bring any breaches of the Code to the attention of the Board. The Board also conducts an annual review of the performance of Company personnel under the Code with a view to making any required changes in Company practice or policy to enhance compliance with the Code. If ever required, the Board will keep a record of departures from the Code and waivers requested and granted and can confirm that no material change reports have been filed by the Company since the beginning of the Company's most recently completed financial year pertaining to any conduct of a director or executive officer that constitutes a departure from the Code.
The Board requires that directors and executive officers who have an interest in a transaction or agreement with the Company promptly disclose that interest at any meeting of the Board at which the transaction or agreement will be discussed and abstain from discussions and voting in respect to same if the interest is material or if required to do so by corporate or securities law.
Nomination of Directors
The Board has not constituted a nominating committee to propose new Board nominees and for assessing directors’ performance, as the Company is too small to justify a formal process in this regard. However, the Board as a whole from time to time discusses potential candidates for the Board.
The Board has considered its size with a view to the impact of size upon its effectiveness and has concluded that the number of directors is appropriate for the Company given the Company’s complexity and current stage of development. The Board as presently constituted includes considerable experience in the mining industry, and generally in the resource sector, as well as legal and financial experience.
Compensation of Directors and the CEO
Board members are presently compensated in the manner described under “Compensation of Directors” and the Board has determined that the level of compensation is appropriate having regard to the responsibilities and risks associated with Board membership and the compensation provided to boards of similar companies.
49
The Chairman negotiates any changes in the compensation of the CEO in consultation with the independent directors and subject to approval by the Board.
To determine compensation payable, the independent directors review compensation paid for directors and CEOs of companies of similar size and stage of development in the mineral exploration industry and determines an appropriate compensation reflecting the need to provide incentive and compensation for the time and effort expended by the directors and senior management while taking into account the financial and other resources of the Company. In setting the compensation, the independent directors annually review the performance of the CEO in light of the Company's objectives and consider other factors that may have impacted the success of the Company in achieving its objectives.
Other Board Committees
As the directors are actively involved in the operations of the Company and the size of the Company’s operations does not warrant a larger board of directors, the Board has determined that beyond the Audit Committee, additional committees are not necessary at this stage of the Company’s development.
Assessments
The Board does not consider that formal assessments would be useful at this stage of the Company’s development. The Board conducts informal annual assessments of the Board’s effectiveness, the individual directors and the Audit Committee. To assist in its review, the Board conducts informal surveys of its directors. As part of the assessments, the Board or the individual committee may review their respective mandate or charter and conduct reviews of applicable corporate policies.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is currently composed of three directors, Edan Lee, Arthur Roth and Robert Connochie, none of whom are officers and two of whom are independent. The Company is relying on the exemption in subsection 3.3(2) (Controlled companies) of Multilateral Instrument 52-110 in that Edan Lee is a beneficial owner and Managing Director of Olympic Capital Holdings Asia, a company that controls Olympus Capital Holdings Asia I, LP, the Company’s largest shareholder. The board has determined in its reasonable judgment that Mr. Lee is able to exercise the impartial judgment necessary for him to fulfill his responsibilities as an audit committee member and the appointment of him to the Company’s Audit Committee is required by the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Pursuant to the exemption Mr. Lee does not act and will not act as chair of the audit committee. All members of the Audit Committee are f inancially literate and two are financial experts. The terms of reference of the Audit Committee are set out in their entirety under Item 16A – Audit Committee Financial Expert.
The Company has no other committees of members of the Board of Directors at this time.
6D.
Employees
As at December 31, 2005, the Company and its subsidiary APPC had one employee based in Canada and 29 permanent and 15 contract employees in Udon Thai, Thailand.
6E.
Share Ownership
The following table sets forth the share ownership of those persons listed in subsection 6 B above and includes details of all options or warrants to purchase shares of the Company held by such persons:
Name | Number of Shares held at February 28, 2006 | Number of Options outstanding at February 28, 2006 | Exercise Price | Expiry Date |
John Bovard | Nil | 8,844,500 | $0.1089 | September 9, 2007 |
Robert Scott | 300,000 | - | - | - |
50
Name | Number of Shares held at February 28, 2006 | Number of Options outstanding at February 28, 2006 | Exercise Price | Expiry Date |
Keith Crosby | 23,600 | 950,000 | $0.1089 | September 9, 2007 |
Mark Williams | - | 1,000,000 | $0.1000 | September 6, 2009 |
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.
7A
Major Shareholders.
The following are the beneficial owners of 5% or more of the common shares of the Company:
| No. of Common Shares | Percentage of Outstanding |
Olympus Capital Holdings Asia I, LP Michael Plouf | 277,860,391 44,487,500 | 46.4% 7.4% |
Olympus Capital Holdings Asia I, LP ("Olympus") is a limited partnership organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The general partner in Olympus is controlled by Olympus Capital Holdings Asia (“Olympus Capital”), a direct investment firm that targets significant direct investments in companies operating in Asia. Olympus Capital currently has 20 investment and operating professionals located in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore and New York. Olympus Capital has invested over U.S.$600 million in over 20 companies on behalf of third party funds and co-investors. The sole limited partner in Olympus is ZAM Holdings, L.P., an investment fund managed by Ziff Brothers Investments (“ZBI”) for the Ziff family. In addition to the above number of common shares, Olympus holds common share purchase warrants entitling Olympus to acquire on exercise 27,837,602 common shares.
Michael Plouf is a resident of the United States and beneficially owns 41,487,500 common shares and common share purchase warrants entitling Mr. Plouf to acquire on exercise 3,000,000 common shares. Mr. Plouf has certified that the common shares were not acquired and are not held for the purpose or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the Company and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect.
7B.
Related party transactions
Related party transactions include consulting and management fees of $360,953 for the year ended December 31, 2005 (year ended December 31, 2004 - $404,784; year ended December 31, 2003 - $428,150) paid and accrued to directors and officers or companies controlled by or affiliated to directors and officers. These amounts are recorded at the exchange amount based on the amounts paid to the parties.
The directors, senior officers and principal shareholders of the Company and associates or affiliates of the foregoing have had no material interest, direct or indirect, in any transactions in which the Company has participated within the three year period prior to the date hereof which will materially affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries, except as stated elsewhere in this Annual Report, the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2005 or as indicated below. Also see Item 6B
There are no outstanding loans or guarantees made by the Company to or for the benefit of any of the directors or senior officers of the Company, a shareholder beneficially owning shares carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to the shares of the Company or an associate or affiliate of any of the foregoing persons, or any other persons, other than as specifically stated elsewhere in this document.
51
7C.
Interests of Experts and counsel
This Form 20-F is being filed as an Annual Report under the Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this section.
Item 8. Financial Information.
8A.
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information.
See Item 17 for details of the Company’s audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, are included herewith together with the auditor’s reports for each of these periods.
The Company does not anticipate declaring a dividend in the forthcoming fiscal year.
8B.
Significant Changes.
No significant change has occurred since the date of the financial statements and notes included in this Annual Report.
Item 9. The Offer and Listing.
A.
Offer and Listing Details
This Form 20-F is being filed as an Annual Report under the Exchange Act and, as such, is only required to report on the high and low sale prices for the common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for each of the six months, each fiscal quarter in each of the last two full financial years and subsequent period and each of the last five full financial years (in Canadian dollars) as follows:
Calendar 2005 | Calendar 2004 | Calendar Year Ended | |||||||||
1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | |
High | $0.185 | $0.155 | $0.130 | $0.105 | $0.265 | $0.160 | $0.155 | $0.175 | 0.285 | 0.90 | 2.00 |
Low | $0.145 | $0.120 | $0.090 | $0.095 | $0.120 | $0.090 | $0.090 | $0.120 | 0.045 | 0.14 | 0.82 |
February 2006 | January 2006 | December 2005 | November 2005 | October 2005 | |
High | $0.135 | $0.135 | $0.115 | $0.110 | $0.105 |
Low | $0.100 | $0.100 | $0.095 | $0.095 | $0.095 |
As at February 28, 2006 the closing market price of the common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange was $0.115.
B.
Plan of Distribution
This Form 20-F is being filed as an Annual Report under the Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this section.
C.
Markets
The common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada, and on the Frankfurt and Stuttgart Stock Exchanges in Germany under the trading symbol “APQ” and on the OTCBB in the U.S. under the symbol APQCF.
52
D.
Selling Shareholders
This Form 20-F is being filed as an Annual Report under the Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this section.
E.
Dilution
This Form 20-F is being filed as an Annual Report under the Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this section.
F.
Expenses of the Issue
This Form 20-F is being filed as an Annual Report under the Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this section.
Item 10
Additional Information.
A.
Share Capital
This Form 20-F is being filed as an Annual Report under the Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this section.
B.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
This information is incorporated by reference to the Company’s registration statement on Form 20-F as filed on July 24, 2002.
C.
Material Contracts
The Company has entered into material contracts that are other than in the ordinary course of business during the previous two years as follows:
(a)
The Company retained Pacific Alliance Group, specialist advisors, from February 13, 2004 to December 2, 2004 to assist the Company to secure its rights over Udon North under the Concession Agreement and to procure the Mining License for Udon South. On resolution of the Udon North matter these advisors were issued 2,408,163 units (see Note 7 (b)(v) of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004) in full settlement of their fee for the services rendered.
(b)
Pursuant to an agreement dated January 10, 2005 and a new agreement dated March 24, 2005, the Company retained PAG Partners Limited and PAG Worldwide Limited (“PAG”), respectively, to assist the Company to secure an Udon South Mining Lease. The new agreement includes a series of milestone events leading up to the public consultation process, after which the Minister of Primary Industry and Mines of Thailand is expected to make a decision on the Udon South Mining Lease Application. This contract terminated on September 30, 2005.
(c)
On August 26, 2004, the Company retained Richina Financial Research Ltd. (“Richina”), as its financial advisor in the People’s Republic of China. Richina is retained on an exclusive basis, for renewable three month periods, to facilitate one or more direct or indirect investments in the Company, or the Udon South project, by financial and strategic investors from an agreed list of investors. Richina is paid a monthly retainer of US$20,000 per month plus pre-approved expenses. Richina will be paid a milestone fee of US$300,000 upon the Company signing a Conditional Commercial Contract (“CCC”) with a PRC Investor. If Richina arranges for an equity investment by PRC Investors involving the purchase of outstanding common shares, Richina will be paid a cash success fee ranging from 2.5% to 5% of the value of the equity consideration less all monthly retainer fees and milestone fees previously paid. If th e Company completes a transaction with an investor(s) before a CCC is signed with a PRC Investor(s) the Company will pay Richina a break fee of US$200,000. If the Company terminates a signed CCC between the Company and a PRC Investor to enter into a transaction with another party the Company will pay Richina a break fee of US$500,000, in addition to a milestone fee and the monthly retainer fees paid. Richina are at arm’s length to the Company.
53
(d)
On January 4, 2006 the Company retained Acumen Management Limited to provide consulting services, including providing the services of a senior executive to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company’s Thai subsidiary, Asia Pacific Potash Corporation.
Under the terms of this contract the Company will pay service fees of up to Baht 20 million (Cdn$568,000) during the first year of the contract. Baht 5 million (Cdn$142,000) was paid in January 2006. The balance of Baht 15 million (Cdn$426,000) is payable by the Company based upon the achievement of certain milestones.
In addition, in the event of termination of the consultant’s services by Asia Pacific Resources Ltd. without cause during the first year of the contract, or if terminated following a change of control event, then the Company shall make a one time payment of US$200,000. Where milestones have not been achieved and service fees remain unpaid at the time of termination such service fees shall no longer be payable
(e)
On March 17, 2006 the Company announced that it had entered into a pre-acquisition agreement with SRMT Holdings Limited, (the “Offeror”) a New Brunswick Corporation related to Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (“ITD”), a public company domiciled in the Kingdom of Thailand., for a cash takeover.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the pre-acquisition agreement the Offeror will make an offer to purchase not less than two-thirds of the common shares of the Company, including common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants) for a price of Cdn$0.1425 per share. The Offeror will also offer to purchase the warrants of the Company for a price of Cdn$0.0175 per warrant, being the difference between the offer price for the common shares and the exercise price of the warrants, which currently expire on May 26, 2006.
Upon successful completion of the offer, the Udon Thani potash project would be controlled by a company associated with ITD.
The Board of Directors of the Company has given unanimous support to the proposed offer, which requires the tendering of at least two-thirds of the Company’s stock to the bid and customary regulatory approvals.
If the Company receives an unsolicited written bona fide Competing Proposal, as defined in the agreement, and the board of directors of the Company determines in good faith that the Competing Proposal is a Superior Proposal, the Company is required to promptly notify the Offeror and is required to provide the Offeror the right, for five business days, to match the Superior Proposal by increasing the consideration payable under the Offer so as to equal or exceed the consideration under the Superior Proposal. Failing the Offeror matching the Superior Proposal, the board of directors of the Company will have the right to proceed with the Superior Proposal and terminate the pre-acquisition agreement, subject to the payment to the Offeror of a termination fee of $3 million (the “Asia Pacific Termination Fee”).
The pre-acquisition agreement may be terminated in certain specified circumstances which are usual for agreements of its type. However, termination in certain circumstances will require the payment of the $3 million Asia Pacific Termination Fee or a termination fee by the Offeror. The Asia Pacific Termination Fee will be payable, among other things, if (i) the board of directors of the Company fails to unanimously determine that the Offer would be in the best interests of the Company, determine that the Offer is fair to security-holders from a financial point of view and recommend acceptance of the Offer to security-holders, withdraws or modifies any of the foregoing determinations or recommendation, approves or recommends a Competing Proposal or Superior Proposal, or permits or causes the Company to enter into an agreement with respect to a Competing Proposal or Superior Proposal; (ii) a Competing Proposal or Superior Proposal is publicly announced or mad e and the board of directors of the Company fails to reaffirm its recommendation within three business days of the end of the five business day matching period and, if applicable, in a directors' circular within 10 days after the mailing of such Competing Proposal, the board of directors of the Company withdraws or modifies its recommendation of the Offer in a manner adverse to the Offeror or the Offer; (iii) the Company breaches in a material respect the No Shop Covenant; or (iv) the Company takes any action or fails to take any action relating to its covenants in the pre-acquisition agreement that would or would be reasonably likely to impair the availability to the Offeror of the increases in the adjusted cost base of the shares of certain subsidiaries of the Company.
54
The Offeror will be required to pay the Company: (i) a termination fee of $1,500,000 if the Offeror fails to make the Offer in accordance with the prescribed time period (other than by reason of the non-fulfillment of a condition precedent to making the Offer); and (ii) a termination fee of $3,000,000 if the Offeror makes the Offer but subsequently withdraws it in circumstances where none of the Asia Pacific Termination Fee events have occurred or all conditions to the obligation of the Offeror to take up and pay for Sought Securities under the Offer have been met or waived but the Offeror fails to take up and purchase Sought Securities deposited under the Offer in accordance with applicable securities laws; subject to the limitation that the maximum termination fee the Offeror will be liable for is Cdn$3,000,000.
D.
Canadian Exchange Controls
Limitations on the ability to acquire and hold common shares of the Company may be imposed by the Competition Act (Canada). This legislation permits the Commissioner of Competition to review any acquisition of a significant interest in the Company. This legislation grants the Commissioner jurisdiction, for up to three years, to challenge this type of acquisition before the Competition Tribunal if the Commissioner believes that it would, or would be likely to, result in a substantial lessening or prevention of competition in any market in Canada.
This legislation also requires any person who intends to acquire common shares to file a notification with the Competition Bureau if certain financial thresholds are exceeded, and that person would hold more than 20% of the common shares. If a person already owns 20% or more of the common shares, a notification must be filed when the acquisition would bring that person’s holdings over 50%. Where a notification is required, the legislation prohibits completion of the acquisition until the expiration of a statutory waiting period, unless the Commissioner provides written notice that he does not intend to challenge the acquisition.
There is no law, governmental decree or regulation in Canada that restricts the export or import of capital, or which would affect the remittance of dividends or other payments by the Company to non-resident holders of the common shares, other than withholding tax requirements.
There are no specific limitations imposed by Canadian law or the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws on the right of non-residents of Canada to hold or to vote common shares, other than those imposed by the Investment Canada Act (Canada). This legislation subjects an acquisition of control of the Company by a non-Canadian to government review if the value of the Company’s assets as calculated pursuant to the legislation exceeds a threshold amount. The threshold amount is adjusted annually to reflect inflation and the Canadian real growth rate and is currently Cdn$223 million where the acquirer is a national or permanent resident of the United States or another country which is a member of the World Trade Organization. The review threshold is currently Cdn$5 million for acquisitions of control by other non-Canadians. A reviewable acquisition may not proceed unless the relevant minister is satisfied or is d eemed to be satisfied that there is likely to be a net benefit to Canada from the transaction.
The acquisition of a majority of the common shares is deemed to be an acquisition of control under the Investment Canada Act (Canada). The acquisition of less than a majority but more than one-third of the common shares is presumed to be an acquisition of control unless the acquirer can establish that there is no control in fact by the acquirer through the ownership of common shares. The acquisition of less than one-third of the Company’s common shares is deemed not to be an acquisition of control. Share acquisitions in the ordinary course of an acquirer’s business as a trader or dealer in securities are exempt from review under this legislation.
Thailand Exchange Control
Prior to 1990 almost all foreign exchange transactions required approval from the Bank of Thailand. In May 1990, and subsequently thereto, the government substantially relaxed exchange control procedures to comply with the International Monetary Fund requirements on the liberalization of exchange controls. As a result, most foreign exchange transactions now require approval only by a commercial bank on presentation of supporting documents.
Commercial banks may approve the following transactions:
1.
Foreign trade transactions;
55
2.
Overseas service payments;
3.
Repatriation of investment funds, dividends and profits, loan repayments and interest thereon;
and
4.
Foreign direct investments by residents of Thailand or lending to their affiliated companies abroad for amounts not exceeding U.S.$10 million per year.
Other transactions including the purchase of securities and immovable assets outside of Thailand still require approval from the Bank of Thailand.
BOI Investment Incentives
Investment incentives in Thailand are regulated by the Investment Promotion Act 1977 which is administered by the Board BOI.
The BOI promotes projects which strengthen Thailand's industrial and technological capability, use domestic resources, create employment opportunities, develop basic and support industries, earn foreign exchange, contribute to the economic growth of regions outside of Bangkok, develop infrastructure, conserve natural resources and reduce environmental problems.
APPC has been issued a BOI promotion certificate (No. 1727/2543) on November 22, 2000.
The basic incentives granted thereunder are as follows:
1.
Expatriates who are skilled workers or experts, as well as their spouses and dependents, will be issued visas in such numbers and for such periods of time as the BOI may deem appropriate, and work permits will be issued to the skilled workers or experts for specific positions approved by the BOI for the period of their permitted stay in Thailand.
2.
Permission to own land to such extent as the BOI may deem fit.
3.
Import duty exemption for machinery brought into Thailand as approved by the BOI.
4.
Import duty reduction of seventy-five percent 75% of the normal rates for raw or essential materials imported for use and production for domestic sales for successive periods of one year, subject to a maximum of five years, from the date of first import, provided however, that such raw or essential materials are not being produced or originated within Thailand in quantities sufficient for the production.
5.
Corporate income tax holiday on its net profits derived from the promoted activity (production of muriate of potash and industrial grade salt) for eight years from the date income is first derived from such activity. This exemption also applies to income from sales of by-products, e.g., scraps or wastes from the production process. If APPC has incurred a loss during the eight-year corporate income tax holiday, APPC may deduct such annual loss from its net profits accrued after the period of exemption of the corporate income tax holiday for not more than five years from the expiry date of such period; the deduction may be chosen by APPC from the net profit of one or several years.
6.
Dividends remitted to APPC shareholders derived from the promoted activity during the corporate income tax holiday are exempt from withholding tax (currently 10%).
7.
Reduction of fifty percent (50%) of the normal rate of corporate income tax (currently 30%) on net profit derived from the promoted activity for five years from the expiry date of the eight-year corporate income tax holiday.
8.
Deduction for the purpose of computing its corporate income tax of twenty-five percent (25%) of investments in the installation and construction of facilities, in addition to normal depreciation.
9.
Exemption of import duty on raw and essential materials imported for the manufacture for export for five years from the date of first import.
10.
Exemption of import duty on items imported for re-export for five years from the date of its first import.
11.
Deduction for the purpose of computing corporate income tax five percent (5%) of the increment in export income over the preceding year for ten (10) years from the date income is first derived
56
from such activity (exclusively for income from direct exports, and indirect exports where the export is carried out through third persons without any further production), provided, however, that the export income for such year shall not be less than the average export income during the past three years except in the first two years.
12.
Permission to take or remit money in foreign currencies out of Thailand.
E.
Taxation.
Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences
The discussion under this heading summarizes the material Canadian federal income tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of common shares of the Company for a shareholder of the Company who is not resident in Canada but is resident in the United States and who will acquire and hold common shares of the Company as capital property for the purpose of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”). This summary does not apply to a shareholder who carries on business in Canada through a “permanent establishment” situated in Canada or performs independent personal services in Canada from a fixed base therein if the shareholder's holding in the Company is effectively connected with such permanent establishment or fixed base. This summary is based on the provisions of the Tax Act and the regulations thereunder and on the Company's understanding of the administrative practices of Canada Revenue Agency, and takes in to account all specific proposals to amend the Tax Act or regulations made by the Minister of Finance of Canada to February 27, 2004. It has been assumed that there will be no other relevant amendment of any governing law, although no assurance can be given in this respect. This summary does not cover any provincial, local and foreign tax consequences (see “United States Income Tax Consequences” below).
The provisions of the Tax Act are subject to income tax treaties to which Canada is a party, including the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980) (the “Convention”).
The existing Convention between the United States and Canada essentially calls for taxation of shareholders by the shareholder's country of residence. In those instances in which a tax may be assessed by the other country, a corresponding credit against the tax owed in the country of residence isgenerally available, subject to limitations.
Dividends on Common Shares
Under the Tax Act, a non-resident of Canada is generally subject to Canadian withholding tax at the rate of 25% on dividends paid or deemed to have been paid to him by a corporation resident in Canada. The Convention limits the rate to 15% if the shareholder is resident in the United States and the dividends are beneficially owned by and paid to him, and to 5% if the shareholder is also a corporation that owns at least 10% of the voting stock of the payor corporation.
The Convention generally exempts from Canadian income tax dividends paid to a religious, scientific, literary, educational or charitable organization or to an organization constituted and operated exclusively to administer a pension, retirement or employee benefit fund or plan, if the organization is resident in the United States and is exempt from income tax under the laws of the United States.
Disposition of Common Shares
Under the Tax Act, a taxpayer's taxable capital gain or allowable capital loss from a disposition of a common share of the Company is 50% of the amount, if any, by which his proceeds of disposition exceed (or are exceeded by, respectively) the aggregate of his adjusted cost base of the common share and reasonable expenses of disposition. The amount by which a shareholder's allowable capital loss exceeds the taxable capital gain in a year may be deducted from a taxable capital gain realized by the shareholder in the three previous or any subsequent year, subject to certain restrictions in the case of a corporate shareholder and subject to adjustment when the capital gains inclusion rate in the year of disposition differs from the inclusion rate in the year the deduction is claimed.
A non-resident of Canada is not subject to tax under the Tax Act in respect of a capital gain realized upon the disposition of common shares unless the common shares represent “taxable Canadian property”.
57
Common shares of the Company will constitute taxable Canadian property of a shareholder at a particular time if the shareholder used the common shares in carrying on business in Canada, or if at any time in the five years immediately preceding the disposition 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series in the capital stock of the Company was owned by the non-resident, persons with whom the non-resident shareholder did not deal at arm's length or the non-resident and such non arms-length persons and in certain other circumstances.
Where a United States resident realizes a capital gain on a disposition of common shares that constitutes “taxable Canadian property”, the Convention relieves the United States resident from liability for Canadian tax on such capital gains unless:
a.
the value of the common shares is derived principally from “real property” in Canada, including the right to explore for or exploit natural resources and rights to amounts computed by reference to production,
b.
the shareholder was resident in Canada for 120 months during any period of 20 consecutive years preceding, and at any time during the 10 years immediately preceding, the disposition and the common shares were owned by him when he ceased to be resident in Canada, or
c.
the common shares formed part of the business property of a “permanent establishment” or pertained to a fixed base used for the purpose of performing independent personal services that the shareholder has or had in Canada within the 12 months preceding the disposition.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a summary of the anticipated material U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of common shares of the Company (“Common Shares”).
This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential U.S. federal income tax consequences that may apply to a U.S. Holder as a result of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares. In addition, this summary does not take into account the individual facts and circumstances of any particular U.S. Holder that may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or U.S. federal income tax advice with respect to any U.S. Holder. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
Scope of this Disclosure
Authorities
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary, or proposed), published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), published administrative positions of the IRS, the Convention Between Canada and the United States of America with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, signed September 26, 1980, as amended (the “Canada-U.S. Tax Convention”), and U.S. court decisions that are applicable and, in each case, as in effect and available, as of the date of this Annual Report. Any of the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss the potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation that, if enacted, could be applied on a retroactive basis.
U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of Common Shares that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (a) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S., (b) a corporation, or any other entity classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S. or any state in the U.S., including the District of Columbia, (c) an estate if the income of such estate is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of the source of such income, or (d) a trust if (i) such trust has validly elected to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal
58
income tax purposes or (ii) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of such trust.
Non-U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, a “non-U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of Common Shares other than a U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares to non-U.S. Holders. Accordingly, a non-U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences (including the potential application of and operation of any tax treaties) of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
U.S. Holders Subject to Special U.S. Federal Income Tax Rules Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares to U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including the following U.S. Holders: (a) U.S. Holders that are tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts; (b) U.S. Holders that are financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, or regulated investment companies; (c) U.S. Holders that are broker-dealers, dealers, or traders in securities or currencies that elect to apply a mark-to-market accounting method; (d) U.S. Holders that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar; (e) U.S. Holders that are liable for the alternative minimum tax under the Code; (f) U.S. Holders that own Common Shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, conversion transaction, co nstructive sale, or other arrangement involving more than one position; (g) U.S. Holders that acquired Common Shares in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services; (h) U.S. Holders that hold Common Shares other than as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code; or (i) U.S. Holders that own, directly or indirectly, 10% or more, by voting power or value, of the outstanding shares of the Company. U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including U.S. Holders described immediately above, should consult their own financial advisor, legal counsel or accountant regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
If an entity that is classified as partnership (or “pass-through” entity) for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds Common Shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such partnership (or “pass-through” entity) and the partners of such partnership (or owners of such “pass-through” entity) generally will depend on the activities of the partnership (or “pass-through” entity) and the status of such partners (or owners). Partners of entities that are classified as partnerships (or owners of “pass-through” entities) for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own financial advisor, legal counsel or accountant regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exercise of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
Tax Consequences Other than U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. state and local, U.S. federal estate and gift, or foreign tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the U.S. state and local, U.S. federal estate and gift, and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares. (See “Taxation—Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences” above).
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Acquisition, Ownership, and Disposition of Common Shares
Distributions on Common Shares
General Taxation of Distributions
A U.S. Holder that receives a distribution, including a constructive distribution, with respect to the Common Shares will be required to include the amount of such distribution in gross income as a dividend (without reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distribution) to the extent of the current or accumulated “earnings and profits” of the Company. To the extent that a distribution exceeds the current
59
and accumulated “earnings and profits” of the Company, such distribution will be treated (a) first, as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Common Shares and, (b) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of such Common Shares. (See more detailed discussion at “Disposition of Common Shares” below).
Reduced Tax Rates for Certain Dividends
For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002 and before January 1, 2009, a dividend paid by the Company generally will be taxed at the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains if (a) the Company is a “qualified foreign corporation” (as defined below), (b) the U.S. Holder receiving such dividend is an individual, estate, or trust, and (c) such dividend is paid on Common Shares that have been held by such U.S. Holder for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the “ex-dividend date” (i.e., the first date that a purchaser of such Common Shares will not be entitled to receive such dividend).
The Company generally will be a “qualified foreign corporation” under Section 1(h)(11) of the Code (a “QFC”) if (a) the Company is incorporated in a possession of the U.S., (b) the Company is eligible for the benefits of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention, or (c) the Common Shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S. However, even if the Company satisfies one or more of such requirements, the Company will not be treated as a QFC if the Company is a “passive foreign investment company” (as defined below) for the taxable year during which the Company pays a dividend or for the preceding taxable year. In 2003, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) and the IRS announced that they intended to issue Treasury Regulations providing procedures for a foreign corporation to certify that it is a QFC. Although these Treasury Regulations were not issued in 2004, the T reasury and the IRS have confirmed their intention to issue these Treasury Regulations. It is expected that these Treasury Regulations will obligate persons required to file information returns to report a distribution with respect to a foreign security issued by a foreign corporation as a dividend from a QFC if the foreign corporation has, among other things, certified under penalties of perjury that the foreign corporation was not a “passive foreign investment company” for the taxable year during which the foreign corporation paid the dividend or for the preceding taxable year.
As discussed below, the Company believes that it was a “passive foreign investment company” for the taxable year ended December 31, 2004, and expects that it may be a “passive foreign investment company” for the taxable year ending December 31, 2005. (See more detailed discussion at “Additional Rules that May Apply to U.S. Holders—Passive Foreign Investment Company” below). Accordingly, the Company does not expect to be a QFC.
If the Company is not a QFC, a dividend paid by the Company to a U.S. Holder, including a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust, generally will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates (and not at the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains). The dividend rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the dividend rules.
Distributions Paid in Foreign Currency
The amount of a distribution paid to a U.S. Holder in foreign currency generally will be equal to the U.S. dollar value of such distribution based on the exchange rate applicable on the date of receipt. A U.S. Holder that does not convert foreign currency received as a distribution into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt generally will have a tax basis in such foreign currency equal to the U.S. dollar value of such foreign currency on the date of receipt. Such a U.S. Holder generally will recognize ordinary income or loss on the subsequent sale or other taxable disposition of such foreign currency (including an exchange for U.S. dollars).
Dividends Received Deduction
Dividends paid on the Common Shares generally will not be eligible for the “dividends received deduction.” The availability of the dividends received deduction is subject to complex limitations that are beyond the scope of this discussion, and a U.S. Holder that is a corporation should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the dividends received deduction.
Disposition of Common Shares
60
A U.S. Holder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between (a) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received and (b) such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Common Shares sold or otherwise disposed of. Any such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss, which will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Common Shares are held for more than one year. ). Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares generally will be treated as “U.S. source” for purposes of applying the U.S. foreign tax credit rules. (See more detailed discussion at “Foreign Tax Credit” below).
Preferential tax rates apply to long-term capital gains of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust. There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains of a U.S. Holder that is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses and net capital losses are subject to complex limitations. For a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust, capital losses may be used to offset capital gains and up to U.S.$3,000 of ordinary income. An unused capital loss of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust generally may be carried forward to subsequent taxable years, until such net capital loss is exhausted. For a U.S. Holder that is a corporation, capital losses may be used to offset capital gains, and an unused capital loss generally may be carried back three years and carried forward five years from the year in which such net capital loss is recognized.
Foreign Tax Credit
A U.S. Holder who pays (whether directly or through withholding) Canadian income tax with respect to dividends paid on the Common Shares generally will be entitled, at the election of such U.S. Holder, to receive either a deduction or a credit for such Canadian income tax paid. Generally, a credit will reduce a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis, whereas a deduction will reduce a U.S. Holder’s income subject to U.S. federal income tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and applies to all foreign taxes paid (whether directly or through withholding) by a U.S. Holder during a year.
Complex limitations apply to the foreign tax credit, including the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability that such U.S. Holder’s “foreign source” taxable income bears to such U.S. Holder’s worldwide taxable income. In applying this limitation, a U.S. Holder’s various items of income and deduction must be classified, under complex rules, as either “foreign source” or “U.S. source.” In addition, this limitation is calculated separately with respect to specific categories of income (including “passive income,” “high withholding tax interest,” “financial services income,” “shipping income,” and certain other categories of income). Dividends paid by the Company generally will constitute “foreign source” income and generally will be classified as “passive income” or, in the case of certain U.S. Holders, “financial services income.” However, U.S. Holders should be aware that recently enacted legislation eliminates the “financial services income” category for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006. Under the recently enacted legislation, the foreign tax credit limitation categories are limited to “passive category income” and “general category income.” The foreign tax credit rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the foreign tax credit rules.
Information Reporting; Backup Withholding Tax
Payments made within the U.S., or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman, of dividends on, and proceeds arising from certain sales or other taxable dispositions of, Common Shares generally will be subject to information reporting and backup withholding tax, at the rate of 28%, if a U.S. Holder (a) fails to furnish such U.S. Holder’s correct U.S. taxpayer identification number (generally on Form W-9), (b) furnishes an incorrect U.S. taxpayer identification number, (c) is notified by the IRS that such U.S. Holder has previously failed to properly report items subject to backup withholding tax, or (d) fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that such U.S. Holder has furnished its correct U.S. taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified such U.S. Holder that it is subject to backup withholding tax. However, U.S. Holders that are corporations generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding tax rul es. Any amounts withheld under the U.S. backup withholding tax rules will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or will be refunded, if such U.S. Holder furnishes required information to the IRS. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the information reporting and backup withholding tax rules.
61
Additional Rules that May Apply to U.S. Holders
If the Company is a “controlled foreign corporation” or a “passive foreign investment company” (each as defined below), the preceding sections of this summary may not describe the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
Controlled Foreign Corporation
The Company generally will be a “controlled foreign corporation” under Section 957 of the Code (a “CFC”) if more than 50% of the total voting power or the total value of the outstanding shares of the Company is owned, directly or indirectly, by citizens or residents of the U.S., domestic partnerships, domestic corporations, domestic estates, or domestic trusts (each as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code), each of which own, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding shares of the Company (a “10% Shareholder”).
If the Company is a CFC, a 10% Shareholder generally will be subject to current U.S. federal income tax with respect to (a) such 10% Shareholder’s pro rata share of the “subpart F income” (as defined in Section 952 of the Code) of the Company and (b) such 10% Shareholder’s pro rata share of the earnings of the Company invested in “United States property” (as defined in Section 956 of the Code). In addition, under Section 1248 of the Code, any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares by a U.S. Holder that was a 10% Shareholder at any time during the five-year period ending with such sale or other taxable disposition generally will be treated as a dividend to the extent of the “earnings and profits” of the Company that are attributable to such Common Shares. If the Company is both a CFC and a “passive foreign investment company” (as defined b elow), the Company generally will be treated as a CFC (and not as a “passive foreign investment company”) with respect to any 10% Shareholder.
The Company does not believe that it has previously been, or currently is, a CFC. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be a CFC for the current or any future taxable year.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
The Company generally will be a “passive foreign investment company” under Section 1297 of the Code (a “PFIC”) if, for a taxable year, (a) 75% or more of the gross income of the Company for such taxable year is passive income or (b) 50% or more of the assets held by the Company either produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income, based on the fair market value of such assets (or on the adjusted tax basis of such assets, if the Company is not publicly traded and either is a “controlled foreign corporation” or makes an election). “Passive income” includes, for example, dividends, interest, certain rents and royalties, certain gains from the sale of stock and securities, and certain gains from commodities transactions.
For purposes of the PFIC income test and assets test described above, if the Company owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the total value of the outstanding shares of another foreign corporation, the Company will be treated as if it (a) held a proportionate share of the assets of such other foreign corporation and (b) received directly a proportionate share of the income of such other foreign corporation. In addition, for purposes of the PFIC income test and asset test described above, “passive income” does not include any interest, dividends, rents, or royalties that are received or accrued by the Company from a “related person” (as defined in Section 954(d)(3) of the Code), to the extent such items are properly allocable to the income of such related person that is not passive income.
The Company believes that it was a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2004, and expects that it may be a PFIC for the taxable year ending December 31, 2005. There can be no assurance, however, that the IRS will not challenge the determination made by the Company concerning its PFIC status.
Default PFIC Rules Under Section 1291 of the Code
If the Company is a PFIC, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares will depend on whether such U.S. Holder makes an election to treat the Company as a “qualified electing fund” or “QEF” under Section 1295 of the Code (a “QEF Election”) or a mark-to-market election under Section 1296 of the Code (a “Mark-to-Market Election”). A
62
U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF Election or a Mark-to-Market Election will be referred to in this summary as a “Non-Electing U.S. Holder.”
A Non-Electing U.S. Holder will be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code with respect to (a) any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares and (b) any excess distribution paid on the Common Shares. A distribution generally will be an “excess distribution” to the extent that such distribution (together with all other distributions received in the current taxable year) exceeds 125% of the average distributions received during the three preceding taxable years (or during a U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares, if shorter).
Under Section 1291 of the Code, any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, and any excess distribution paid on the Common Shares, must be ratably allocated to each day in a Non-Electing U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares. The amount of any such gain or excess distribution allocated to prior years of such Non-Electing U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares (other than years prior to the first taxable year of the Company beginning after December 31, 1986 for which the Company was not a PFIC) will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the highest tax applicable to ordinary income in each such prior year. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder will be required to pay interest on the resulting tax liability for each such prior year, calculated as if such tax liability had been due in each such prior year. Such a Non-Electing U.S. Holder that is not a corporation must treat any such interest paid as “personal interest,” which is not deductible. The amount of any such gain or excess distribution allocated to the current year of such Non-Electing U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares will be treated as ordinary income in the current year, and no interest charge will be incurred with respect to the resulting tax liability for the current year.
If the Company is a PFIC for any taxable year during which a Non-Electing U.S. Holder holds Common Shares, the Company will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such Non-Electing U.S. Holder, regardless of whether the Company ceases to be a PFIC in one or more subsequent years. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder may terminate this deemed PFIC status by electing to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above) as if such Common Shares were sold on the last day of the last taxable year for which the Company was a PFIC.
QEF Election
A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above. However, a U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of (a) the net capital gain of the Company, which will be taxed as long-term capital gain to such U.S. Holder, and (b) and the ordinary earnings of the Company, which will be taxed as ordinary income to such U.S. Holder. Generally, “net capital gain” is the excess of (a) net long-term capital gain over (b) net short-term capital gain, and “ordinary earnings” are the excess of (a) “earnings and profits” over (b) net capital gain. A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such amounts for each taxable year in which the Company is a PFIC, regardless of whether such amounts are actually distribu ted to such U.S. Holder by the Company. However, a U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election may, subject to certain limitations, elect to defer payment of current U.S. federal income tax on such amounts, subject to an interest charge. If such U.S. Holder is not a corporation, any such interest paid will be treated as “personal interest,” which is not deductible.
A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally (a) may receive a tax-free distribution from the Company to the extent that such distribution represents “earnings and profits” of the Company that were previously included in income by the U.S. Holder because of such QEF Election and (b) will adjust such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Common Shares to reflect the amount included in income or allowed as a tax-free distribution because of such QEF Election. In addition, a U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares.
The procedure for making a QEF Election, and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of making a QEF Election, will depend on whether such QEF Election is timely. A QEF Election will be treated as “timely” if such QEF Election is made for the first year in the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares in which the Company was a PFIC. A U.S. Holder may make a timely QEF Election by filing the appropriate QEF Election documents at the time such U.S. Holder files a U.S. federal income tax return for such first year. However, if the Company was a PFIC in a prior year, then in addition to filing the QEF
63
Election documents, a U.S. Holder must elect to recognize (a) gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above) as if the Common Shares were sold on the qualification date or (b) if the Company was also a CFC, such U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of the post-1986 “earnings and profits” of the Company as of the qualification date. The “qualification date” is the first day of the first taxable year in which the Company was a QEF with respect to such U.S. Holder. The election to recognize such gain or “earnings and profits” can only be made if such U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares includes the qualification date. By electing to recognize such gain or “earnings and profits,” such U.S. Holder will be deemed to have made a timely QEF Election. In addition, under very limited circumstances, a U.S. Holder may make a retroactive QEF Election i f such U.S. Holder failed to file the QEF Election documents in a timely manner.
A QEF Election will apply to the taxable year for which such QEF Election is made and to all subsequent taxable years, unless such QEF Election is invalidated or terminated or the IRS consents to revocation of such QEF Election. If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election and, in a subsequent taxable year, the Company ceases to be a PFIC, the QEF Election will remain in effect (although it will not be applicable) during those taxable years in which the Company is not a PFIC. Accordingly, if the Company becomes a PFIC in another subsequent taxable year, the QEF Election will be effective and the U.S. Holder will be subject to the QEF rules described above during any such subsequent taxable year in which the Company qualifies as a PFIC. In addition, the QEF Election will remain in effect (although it will not be applicable) with respect to a U.S. Holder even after such U.S. Holder disposes of all of such U.S. Holder’s direct and indirect interest in the Comm on Shares. Accordingly, if such U.S. Holder reacquires an interest in the Company, such U.S. Holder will be subject to the QEF rules described above for each taxable year in which the Company is a PFIC.
Each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a QEF Election. U.S. Holders should be aware that there can be no assurance that the Company will satisfy record keeping requirements that apply to a QEF, or that the Company will supply U.S. Holders with information that such U.S. Holders require to report under the QEF rules, in event that the Company is a PFIC and a U.S. Holder wishes to make a QEF Election.
Mark-to-Market Election
A U.S. Holder may make a Mark-to-Market Election only if the Common Shares are marketable stock. The Common Shares generally will be “marketable stock” if the Common Shares are regularly traded on (a) a national securities exchange that is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, (b) the national market system established pursuant to section 11A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, or (c) a foreign securities exchange that is regulated or supervised by a governmental authority of the country in which the market is located, provided that (i) such foreign exchange has trading volume, listing, financial disclosure, and other requirements and the laws of the country in which such foreign exchange is located, together with the rules of such foreign exchange, ensure that such requirements are actually enforced and (ii) the rules of such foreign exchange ensure active trading of listed stocks.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above. However, if a U.S. Holder makes a Mark-to-Market Election after the beginning of such U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Common Shares and such U.S. Holder has not made a timely QEF Election, the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above will apply to certain dispositions of, and distributions on, the Common Shares.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will include in ordinary income, for each taxable year in which the Company is a PFIC, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the fair market value of the Common Shares as of the close of such taxable year over (b) such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such Common Shares. A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will be allowed a deduction in an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the excess, if any, of (i) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares over (ii) the fair market value of such Common Shares as of the close of such taxable year or (b) the excess, if any, of (i) the amount included in ordinary income because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior taxable years over (ii) the amount allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior taxable years.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election generally also will adjust such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Common Shares to reflect the amount included in gross income or allowed as a deduction because of
64
such Mark-to-Market Election. In addition, upon a sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, a U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will recognize ordinary income or loss (not to exceed the excess, if any, of (a) the amount included in ordinary income because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior taxable years over (b) the amount allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior taxable years).
A Mark-to-Market Election applies to the taxable year in which such Mark-to-Market Election is made and to each subsequent taxable year, unless the Common Shares cease to be “marketable stock” or the IRS consents to revocation of such election. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a Mark-to-Market Election.
Other PFIC Rules
Under Section 1291(f) of the Code, the IRS has issued proposed Treasury Regulations that, subject to certain exceptions, would cause a U.S. Holder that had not made a timely QEF Election to recognize gain (but not loss) upon certain transfers of Common Shares that would otherwise be tax-deferred (e.g., gifts and exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations). However, the specific U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder may vary based on the manner in which Common Shares are transferred.
Certain additional adverse rules will apply with respect to a U.S. Holder if the Company is a PFIC, regardless of whether such U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election. For example under Section 1298(b)(6) of the Code, a U.S. Holder that uses Common Shares as security for a loan will, except as may be provided in Treasury Regulations, be treated as having made a taxable disposition of such Common Shares.
The PFIC rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the PFIC rules and how the PFIC rules may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
F.
Dividends.
Each holder of common shares is entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the Board of Directors, and will participate equally in any distribution of assets upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company. It is not anticipated that a dividend will be declared before the end of the Company's current fiscal year.
G.
Statement by Experts
Not applicable
H.
Documents on Display.
The Company is a reporting company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and is a "foreign private issuer" as defined in the Exchange Act. A foreign private issuer is exempt from the provisions of the Exchange Act which prescribe the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders and relating to short swing profits reporting and liability. Readers may review a copy of the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("the "SEC"), including exhibits and schedules filed with it, at the SEC's public reference facilities in Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Readers may also obtain copies of such materials from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Readers may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public refere nce rooms. The SEC maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, submissions and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The Company is required to file electronically through the EDGAR system most of its securities documents, including registration statements under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and registration statements, reports and other documents under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The Company is required to file financial statements and other information with all of the Securities Commissions in Canada electronically through the Canadian System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) which can be viewed at www.sedar.com.
65
Copies of any documents referred to in this Annual Report and filed with the SEC can be viewed at the Company's Canadian office during normal business hours by giving 48 hours notice to the Assistant Corporate Secretary at Unit 1 – 15782 Marine Drive, White Rock, B.C. V4B 1E6 Canada.
I.
Subsidiary Information.
Not applicable.
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The Company is susceptible to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, with regard the costs of the development of its potash project in Thailand. The Company does not use derivative instruments in order to reduce its exposure to exchange risk. Its operational costs are in Canadian and U.S. Dollars and Thai Baht.
At December 31, 2005 the majority of the Company’s consolidated cash treasury of Cdn $2.3 million was held in United States denominated dollars.
The capital costs of the proposed potash mine in Thailand are expected to be denominated primarily in U.S. dollars while operating costs are expected to be denominated primarily in Thai baht. The project debt is expected to be denominated in U.S. dollars. The revenues from the potash mine are expected to be denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company would be susceptible to fluctuations in potash prices.
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities.
Not applicable
PART II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrears 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
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. The Company maintains a small head office staff which because of its size precludes the functioning of all internal controls, most notably division of duties. To compensate for this situation management through its Chief Financial Officer and Disclosure Policy performs a thorough review of any and all financial information disclosed to the public markets. In addition, the Company’s audit committee reviews and recommends to the Board approval of any and all financial information reviewed and referred to it by management for disclosure to the public markets.
The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the"Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"). Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them on a timely basis to material information relating to the Company required to be included in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act.
66
Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. During the most recent fiscal quarter, there have not been any significant changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting or in other factors that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
Item 16.
Item 16A Audit Committee financial expert
Messrs. Edan Lee is considered by the Company to be a financial expert. As a financial expert he has an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements; is able to assess the general application of accounting principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves; has experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that entail accounting issues of equal complexity to the Company’s financial statements (or actively supervising another person who did so); has an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and an understanding of audit committee functions.
Mr. Lee does not have an accounting designation; instead his expertise is derived from his role as Managing Director of Olympus Capital Holdings Asia, where he is responsible for equity investments made throughout the region. Mr. Lee’s experience also includes the development and financing of a number of infrastructure projects in China and strategy consulting in the U.S. and Australia.
The other members of the Company’s audit committee are Robert Connochie, Chairman and Arthur Roth. Although not “financial experts” they are financially literate in that they have the ability to read and understand a set of financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of the issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Company’s financial statements. Mr. Connochie and Mr. Roth both have many years experience in the international mining industry.
Mr. Connochie has over 30 years experience in the international mining industry during which he participated in the development of several major projects. His most recent positions have included Chairman of Canpotex, President of Potash Company of America and Vice President, Corporate Development of Rio Algom Limited
Mr. Roth has over forty years of experience in the marketing and distribution of potash, phosphate and nitrogen fertilizers in the U.S. and international markets. In the course of his career, Mr. Roth has held senior management positions with International Minerals & Chemical Corporation (IMC Global), AMAX Chemical Corporation and Helm Fertilizer Corporation. As the principal of A. J. Roth & Associates, Lakeland, Florida, Mr. Roth presently serves the fertilizer industry as an independent consultant dealing with the development of new projects, marketing and bulk commodity distribution studies and strategies, and facility acquisitions and divestitures.
The following is the text of the Audit Committee’s Charter:
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
1.0
Purpose of The Committee
1.1
The purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in its oversight of the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and other relevant public disclosures, the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relating to financial reporting, the external auditors’ qualifications and independence and the performance of the internal audit function and the external auditors.
2.0
Members of the Audit Committee
2.1
The Audit Committee shall consist of no less than three directors.
67
2.2
At least one Member of the Audit Committee must be “financially literate” as defined under MI 52-110, having sufficient accounting or related financial management expertise to read and understand a set of financial statements, including the related notes, that present a breadth and level of complexity of the accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of the issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Company’s financial statements.
2.3
All Members of the Audit Committee shall be “independent” as defined under MI 52-110, however, where an audit committee member that sits on the board of directors of an affiliated entity, is otherwise independent of the issuer and the affiliated entity, the member is exempt from the requirement to be “independent” as defined under MI 52-110.
3.0
Relationship with External Auditors
3.1
The external auditors are the independent representatives of the shareholders, but the external auditors are also accountable to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee.
3.2
The external auditors must be able to complete their audit procedures and reviews with professional independence, free from any undue interference from the management or directors.
3.3
The Audit Committee must direct and ensure that the management fully co-operates with the external auditors in the course of carrying out their professional duties.
3.4
The Audit Committee will have direct communications access at all times with the external auditors.
4.0
Non-Audit Services
4.1
The external auditors are prohibited from providing any non-audit services to the Company, without the express written consent of the Audit Committee. In determining whether the external auditors will be granted permission to provide non-audit services to the Company, the Audit Committee must consider that the benefits to the Company from the provision of such services, outweighs the risk of any compromise to or loss of the independence of the external auditors in carrying out their auditing mandate.
4.2
Notwithstanding section 4.1, the external auditors are prohibited at all times from carrying out any of the following services, while they are appointed the external auditors of the Company:
(i)
acting as an agent of the Company for the sale of all or substantially all of the undertaking of the Company; and
(ii)
performing any non-audit consulting work for any director or senior officer of the Company in their personal capacity, but not as a director, officer or insider of any other entity not associated or related to the Company.
5.0
Appointment of Auditors
5.1
The Audit Committee will nominate the external auditors for appointment, such nomination to be approved by the Board of Directors.
5.2
The external auditors will be appointed each year by the shareholders of the Company at the annual general meeting of the shareholders.
68
6.0
Evaluation of Auditors
6.1
The Audit Committee will review the performance of the external auditors on at least an annual basis, and notify the Board and the external auditors in writing of any concerns in regards to the performance of the external auditors, or the accounting or auditing methods, procedures, standards, or principles applied by the external auditors, or any other accounting or auditing issues which come to the attention of the Audit Committee.
7.0
Remuneration of the Auditors
7.1
The remuneration of the external auditors will be determined by the Board of Directors, upon the annual authorization of the shareholders at each general meeting of the shareholders.
7.2
The remuneration of the external auditors will be determined based on the time required to complete the audit and preparation of the audited financial statements, and the difficulty of the audit and performance of the standard auditing procedures under generally accepted auditing standards and generally accepted accounting principles of Canada and when the Company is a “foreign private issuer” within the meaning of MI 52-110 in accordance with United States generally accepted auditing standards.
8.0
Termination of the Auditors
8.1
The Audit Committee may recommend to the Board of Directors that the external auditors not be put forward for re-appointment at the next annual meeting of shareholders.
9.0
Funding of Auditing and Consulting Services
9.1
Auditing expenses will be funded by the Company. The auditors must not perform any other consulting services for the Company, which could impair or interfere with their role as the independent auditors of the Company.
10.0
Role and Responsibilities of the Internal Auditor
10.1
At this time, due to the Company’s size and limited financial resources, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company shall be responsible for implementing internal controls and performing the role as the internal auditor to ensure that such controls are adequate.
11.0
Oversight of Internal Controls
11.1
The Audit Committee will have the oversight responsibility for ensuring that the internal controls are implemented and monitored, and that such internal controls are effective.
11.2
Meetings shall be held no less regularly than once per quarter to review the audited financial statements and unaudited interim financial statements of the Company.
12.0
Oversight of Public Disclosure
12.1
All public financial information is reviewed and recommended to the Board for approval prior to its release.
13.0
Continuous Disclosure Requirements
13.1
At this time, due to the Company’s size and limited financial resources, the Secretary of the Company is responsible for ensuring that the Company’s continuous reporting requirements are met and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
69
14.0
Other Auditing Matters
14.1
The Audit Committee may meet with the Auditors independently of the management of the Company at any time, acting reasonably.
14.2
The Auditors are authorized and directed to respond to all enquiries from the Audit Committee in a thorough and timely fashion, without reporting these enquiries or actions to the Board of Directors or the management of the Company.
15.0
Annual Review
15.1
The Audit Committee Charter will be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee to assess the adequacy of this Charter.
16.0
Minutes of Meeting
16.1
The Audit Committee shall minute the proceedings of all meetings.
17.0
Independent Advisers
17.1
The Audit Committee shall have the power to retain legal, accounting or other advisors to assist the Committee.
Item 16B Code of ethics
The Company adopted a code of ethics consistent with SEC rules and regulations. The Code of ethics governs the actions of and is applicable to all of the directors and officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, and their affiliates. The code of ethics deals with the following issues:
·
compliance with all the laws and regulations identified in the code of ethics;
·
corporate opportunities and conflicts of interest;
·
the quality of the public disclosures;
·
the protection and appropriate use of the Company’s properties;
·
the protection of confidential information and property;
·
fair behaviour; and
·
compliance with insider trading and corrupt practices legislation.
Copies of any documents referred to in this Annual Report and filed with the SEC can be viewed at the Company's Canadian office during normal business hours by giving 48 hours notice to the Assistant Corporate Secretary at Unit 1 – 15782 Marine Drive, White Rock, B.C. V4B 1E6 Canada.
Item 16C Principal accountant fees and services
At the annual meeting held on April 15, 2005, the shareholders appointed Deloitte & Touche, Chartered Accountants (“Deloitte”), to serve as the independent auditors for the 2005 fiscal year. Deloittes acted as the Company’s independent auditor for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. The chart below sets forth the total amount billed the Company by Deloitte for services performed in the fiscal years 2005 and 2004, and breaks down these amounts by category of service in CDN$.
"Audit Fees" are the aggregate fees billed by Deloitte for the audit of the Company’s consolidated annual financial statements that are provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
"Audit-Related Fees" are fees charged by Deloitte for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements and are not reported under "Audit Fees." This category comprises fees billed for independent accountant review of the 20-F Annual Report and Management Discussion and Analysis.
70
"Tax Fees" are fees for professional services rendered by Deloitte for tax compliance, tax advice on actual or contemplated transactions.
The fees for auditor services billed by Deloitte in each of the last two fiscal years for audit and non-audit related services are as follows:
Year ended | Year ended | |
Audit fees | C$65,000 | C$58,000 |
Audit related fees(1) | C$72,508 | C$27,500 |
Tax fees(2) | C$177,578 | C$6,450 |
(1) Review of Form 20-F and US GAAP reconciliation and other audit and regulatory related advisory services
(2) Review of corporate tax returns and other tax consulting relating to proposed transaction
(3) Due diligence related financial work
Audit Committee's pre-approval policies and procedures
The Audit Committee nominates and engages the independent auditors to audit the financial statements, and approves all audit, audit-related services, tax services and other services provided by Deloitte. Any services provided by Deloitte that are not specifically included within the scope of the audit must be pre-approved by the audit committee prior to any engagement. The audit committee is permitted to approve certain fees for audit-related services, tax services and other services pursuant to ade minimusexception before the completion of the engagement. In fiscal 2004, fees paid to Deloitte were approved pursuant to thede minimusexception for tax services.
Item 16D Exemption from the listing standards for audit committees
Not applicable.
Item 16E Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers
None.
PART III
Item 17. Financial Statements.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are stated in Canadian dollars ($Cdn.) and are prepared in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the application of which in the case of the Company conforms in all material respects for the periods presented with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, except as disclosed in note 17 of the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company included with this annual report.
Audited consolidated financial statements for the years ending December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003 are included herewith, together with the auditor’s reports for each of these periods.
The consolidated financial statements as required under Item 17 are found immediately following the text of this Annual Report. The report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent Chartered Accountants, is included herein immediately preceding the audited consolidated financial statements.
Audited Financial Statements are attached as Schedule A to this 20-F Annual Report:
Report of Auditors, dated March 24, 2006
71
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004.
Consolidated Statements of Loss and Deficit for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and cumulative from inception to December 31, 2005.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and cumulative from inception to December 31, 2005.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 18. Financial Statements.
The Company has responded to Item 17.
Item 19. Exhibits
1.1(1) Articles of Incorporation |
4.1 (2) Consulting Agreement on a success fee basis with Richina Financial Research Ltd. dated August 26, 2004 |
4.2 (2) Pre-acquisition agreement with SRMT Holdings Limited and the Company dated March 17, 2006 |
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 |
(1)
Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed as part of the Company’s Annual Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2002 on July 24, 2002.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed as part of the Company’s Annual Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 on April 11, 2005.
(3)
Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed as part of the Company’s 6K filing filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 2006.
72
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on itsbehalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ASIA PACIFIC RESOURCES LTD. |
/s/John G. Bovard |
John G. Bovard Its: Chief Executive Officer |
Date:
May 11, 2006
73
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number | Exhibit Description |
1.1(1) | Articles of Incorporation |
4.1 (2) | Consulting Agreement on a success fee basis with Richina Financial Research Ltd. dated August 26, 2004 |
4.2 (2) | Pre-acquisition agreement with SRMT Holdings Limited and the Company dated March 17, 2006 |
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 |
(1)
Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed as part of the Company’s 20-F Annual Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2002 on July 24, 2002.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed as part of the Company’s Annual Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 on April 11, 2005.
(3)
Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed as part of the Company’s 6K filing filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 2006.
74