Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. (IDR)

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

Plan of Operation

Idaho Strategic is a gold producer and critical minerals/REE exploration company focused on a diversified asset base and cash flows from operations. Its portfolio of mineral properties are located in the historic producing silver and gold districts of the Coeur d’Alene Mining region of north Idaho and the Elk City region of north-central Idaho, as well as the historic REE-Th Belt located near the city of Salmon in central Idaho.

The Company’s plan of operation is to generate positive cash flow, increase its gold production and asset base over time while being mindful of corporate overhead. The Company’s management is focused on utilizing its in-house technical and operating skills to build a portfolio of producing mines and milling operations with a focus on gold production and exploration for REEs.

The Company’s gold properties include: the Golden Chest (currently in production), and the New Jersey Mill (majority ownership interest), as well as the Eastern Star exploration property and other less advanced properties. The Company’s primary focus as it relates to its gold properties is to continue to grow production at the Golden Chest Mine and look to reinvest the cash flow into both the Golden Chest, the New Jersey Mill, and furthering its exploration efforts near the Golden Chest, as well as at its REE properties.

In addition to its gold properties, Idaho Strategic has three REE exploration properties in Idaho known as Lemhi Pass, Diamond Creek, and Mineral Hill. The Company’s expansion into REE’s came about in an effort to diversify its holdings towards the anticipated demand for these elements in the electrification of motorized vehicles and a renewed focus on the United States’ domestic critical minerals supply chain security. To date, Idaho Strategic has conducted numerous exploration programs on its REE properties which include drilling, trenching, sampling, and mapping of certain areas within the Company’s 19,090-acre landholdings.

Idaho Strategic has been able to leverage its track record of operations and experience in mining, milling, and exploring at the Golden Chest to develop relationships with different state government agencies, universities, national labs, and other government and non-government entities to advance its REE exploration activities on multiple fronts. Idaho Strategic plans to continue to look for additional partnerships to find mutually beneficial solutions to advance the U.S.’ domestic REE supply chain.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The SEC has requested that all registrants address their most critical accounting policies. The SEC has indicated that a “critical accounting policy” is one which is both important to the representation of the registrant’s financial condition and results and requires management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often because of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. We base our estimates on experience and on various other assumptions our management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results will differ and may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Additionally, changes in accounting estimates could occur in the future from period to period. Our management has discussed the development and selection of our most critical financial estimates with the Audit and Finance Committee of our Board of Directors. The following paragraphs identify our most critical accounting policies:

Our concentrate sales sometimes involve variable consideration, as they can be subject to changes in metals prices between the time of shipment and their final settlement. However, we can reasonably estimate the transaction price for the concentrate sales at the time of shipment using forward prices for the estimated month of settlement, and previously recorded sales and accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement for financial reporting purposes. The embedded derivative contained in our concentrate sales is adjusted to fair value through earnings each period prior to final settlement. It is unlikely a significant reversal of revenue for any one concentrate lot will occur. As such, we use the expected value method to price the concentrate until the final settlement date occurs, at which time the final transaction price is known. At December 31, 2024, metals that had been sold but not final settled included 6,466 ounces of gold of which 1,283 ounces were sold at a predetermined price with the remaining 5,183 ounces exposed to future price changes until prices are locked in based on the month of settlement. The Company has received provisional payments on the sale of these ounces with the remaining amount due reflected in gold sales receivable.

The asset retirement obligation and asset on the balance sheet is based on an estimate of the future cost to recover and remediate Company properties as required by permits upon cessation of operations and may differ when operations actually cease. At December 31, 2024, the Company made an estimate that the cost of the machine and man hours probable to be needed to put its properties in the condition required by permits once operations cease would be $104,000 for the Golden Chest Mine property and $224,000 for the New Jersey Mine and Mill. For purposes of the estimate, the Company evaluated the expected life in years and costs that, initially, are comparable to rates that would be presently incurred. The Company is adding to the liability each year, and amortizing the asset over the estimated life, which decreases net income in total each year. Periodic reviews are made of the remaining life of the mine and other operations, and the estimated remediation costs upon closure, and account balances are adjusted accordingly. At this time, the Company thinks that an adjustment in its asset recovery obligation is not required, and an adjustment in future periods would not have a material impact in the year of adjustment but would change the amount of the annual accretion and amortization costs charged to expenses by an undetermined amount.

Golden Chest Highlights for 2024 include:

REE Exploration Highlights for 2024 include:

Results of Operations

Idaho Strategic’s financial performance for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023 is summarized below:

Cash Costs and All-In Sustaining Costs Reconciliation to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”)

Reconciliation of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion, and amortization (GAAP) to cash cost per ounce and All-In Sustaining Costs (“AISC”) per ounce (non-GAAP).

The table below presents reconciliations between the most comparable GAAP measure of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion, and amortization to the non-GAAP measures of cash cost per ounce produced and all in sustaining costs per ounce produced for the Company’s gold production for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023. The cost per ounce calculations are based on ounces produced. Upon sale, the Company typically receives payment at an average rate of 90% of ounces produced after smelting and refining charges are deducted.

Cash cost per ounce is an important operating measure that we utilize to measure operating performance. AISC per ounce is an important measure that we utilize to assess net cash flow after costs for pre-development, exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital. Current GAAP measures used in the mining industry, such as cost of goods sold do not capture all the expenditures incurred to discover, develop, and sustain gold production. During 2024, the Company changed the way sustaining capital is calculated to better reflect actual costs required to sustain mining operations. Prior periods have been restated in the table below to reflect this change.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

The Company has an accumulated deficit of approximately $8 million at December 31, 2024 and earned a consolidated net profit in 2024 of $8,753,377. The Company’s working capital at December 31, 2024 is $9,462,524. The Company is currently producing from underground at the Golden Chest. During 2024, production generated positive cash flow from operations of $10,838,806 compared to a positive cash flow from operations of $2,104,009 in 2023. Planned production for the next 18 months indicates a positive cash flow from operations will continue as underground mining of the H-Vein remains the primary source of ore feed for the mill. In prior years, the Company has been successful in raising required funds for ongoing operations from sale of its common stock or borrowing. Management believes it can meet its contractual obligations with continuing cash flows from operations, existing cash, and potential financings for the next 18 months.

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

Plan of Operation

Idaho Strategic is a gold producer and critical minerals/REE exploration company focused on a diversified asset base and cash flows from operations. Its portfolio of mineral properties are located in the historic producing silver and gold districts of the Coeur d’Alene Mining region of north Idaho and the Elk City region of north-central Idaho, as well as the historic REE-Th Belt located near the city of Salmon in central Idaho.

The Company’s plan of operation is to generate positive cash flow, increase its gold production and asset base over time while being mindful of corporate overhead. The Company’s management is focused on utilizing its in-house technical and operating skills to build a portfolio of producing mines and milling operations with a focus on gold production and exploration for REEs.

The Company’s gold properties include: the Golden Chest (currently in production), and the New Jersey Mill (majority ownership interest), as well as the Eastern Star exploration property and other less advanced properties. The Company’s primary focus as it relates to its gold properties is to continue to grow production at the Golden Chest Mine and look to reinvest the cash flow into both the Golden Chest, the New Jersey Mill, and furthering its exploration efforts near the Golden Chest, as well as at its REE properties.

In addition to its gold properties, Idaho Strategic has three REE exploration properties in Idaho known as Lemhi Pass, Diamond Creek, and Mineral Hill. The Company’s expansion into REE’s came about in an effort to diversify its holdings towards the anticipated demand for these elements in the electrification of motorized vehicles and a renewed focus on the United States’ domestic critical minerals supply chain security. To date, Idaho Strategic has conducted numerous exploration programs on its REE properties which include drilling, trenching, sampling, and mapping of certain areas within the Company’s 19,090-acre landholdings.

Idaho Strategic has been able to leverage its track record of operations and experience in mining, milling, and exploring at the Golden Chest to develop relationships with different state government agencies, universities, national labs, and other government and non-government entities to advance its REE exploration activities on multiple fronts. Idaho Strategic plans to continue to look for additional partnerships to find mutually beneficial solutions to advance the U.S.’ domestic REE supply chain.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The SEC has requested that all registrants address their most critical accounting policies. The SEC has indicated that a “critical accounting policy” is one which is both important to the representation of the registrant’s financial condition and results and requires management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often because of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. We base our estimates on experience and on various other assumptions our management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results will differ and may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Additionally, changes in accounting estimates could occur in the future from period to period. Our management has discussed the development and selection of our most critical financial estimates with the Audit and Finance Committee of our Board of Directors. The following paragraphs identify our most critical accounting policies:

Our concentrate sales sometimes involve variable consideration, as they can be subject to changes in metals prices between the time of shipment and their final settlement. However, we can reasonably estimate the transaction price for the concentrate sales at the time of shipment using forward prices for the estimated month of settlement, and previously recorded sales and accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement for financial reporting purposes. The embedded derivative contained in our concentrate sales is adjusted to fair value through earnings each period prior to final settlement. It is unlikely a significant reversal of revenue for any one concentrate lot will occur. As such, we use the expected value method to price the concentrate until the final settlement date occurs, at which time the final transaction price is known. At December 31, 2023, metals that had been sold but not final settled included 5,176 ounces of gold of which 3,320 ounces were sold at a predetermined price with the remaining 1,856 ounces exposed to future price changes. The Company has received provisional payments on the sale of these ounces with the remaining amount due reflected in gold sales receivable.

The asset retirement obligation and asset on our balance sheet is based on an estimate of the future cost to recover and remediate our properties as required by our permits upon cessation of our operations and may differ when we cease operations. At December 31, 2023, we made an estimate that the cost of the machine and man hours probable to be needed to put our properties in the condition required by our permits once we cease operations would be $104,000 for the Golden Chest property and $224,000 for the New Jersey Mine and Mill. For purposes of the estimate, we evaluated the expected life in years and costs that, initially, are comparable to rates that we would incur at the present. We are adding to the liability each year, and amortizing the asset over the estimated life, which decreases our net income in total each year. We make periodic reviews of the remaining life of the mine and other operations, and the estimated remediation costs upon closure, and adjust our account balances accordingly. At this time, we think that an adjustment in our asset recovery obligation is not required, and an adjustment in future periods would not have a material impact in the year of adjustment but would change the amount of the annual accretion and amortization costs charged to our expenses by an undetermined amount.

Golden Chest Highlights for 2023 include:

REE Exploration Highlights for 2023 include:

Corporate Highlights for 2023 include:

Results of Operations

Our financial performance for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 is summarized below:

Cash Costs and All In Sustaining Costs (“AISC”) Reconciliation to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”)

Reconciliation of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion, and amortization (GAAP) to cash cost per ounce and AISC per ounce (non-GAAP).

The table below presents reconciliations between the most comparable GAAP measure of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion, and amortization to the non-GAAP measures of cash cost per ounce produced and all in sustaining costs per ounce produced for the Company’s gold production for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022. The cost per ounce calculations are based on ounces produced. Upon sale, the Company typically receives payment at an average rate of 88% of ounces produced after smelting and refining charges are deducted.

Cash cost per ounce is an important operating measure that we utilize to measure operating performance. AISC per ounce is an important measure that we utilize to assess net cash flow after costs for pre-development, exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital. Current GAAP measures used in the mining industry, such as cost of goods sold do not capture all the expenditures incurred to discover, develop, and sustain gold production.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

The Company has accumulated deficit of approximately $17.2 million at December 31, 2023 and incurred a consolidated net profit in 2023 of $1,073,449. The Company’s working capital at December 31, 2023 is $2,717,976. The Company is currently producing from underground at the Golden Chest. During 2023, production generated positive cash flow from operations of $2,104,009 compared to a negative cash flow from operations of $1,817,090 in 2022. Planned production for the next 18 months indicates a positive cash flow from operations will continue as underground mining of the H-Vein remains the primary source of ore feed for the mill. In prior years, the Company has been successful in raising required funds for ongoing operations from sale of its common stock or borrowing. Management believes it can meet its contractual obligations with continuing cash flows from operations, existing cash, and potential financings for the next 18 months.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Plan of Operation

Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. is a gold producer focused on diversifying and building its asset base and cash flows through a portfolio of mineral properties located in historic producing gold districts in Idaho and Montana.

The Company’s plan of operation is to generate positive cash flow, increase its gold production and asset base over time while being mindful of corporate overhead. The Company’s management is focused on utilizing its in-house technical and operating skills to build a portfolio of producing mines and milling operations with a focus on gold and exploration for Rare Earth elements (REE).

The Company’s properties include: the Golden Chest Mine (currently in production), and the New Jersey Mill (majority ownership interest). Recently, the Company added three rare earth element properties in Idaho to its portfolio of exploration properties in an effort to diversify its holdings towards the anticipated demand for these elements in the electrification of motorized vehicles.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The SEC has requested that all registrants address their most critical accounting policies. The SEC has indicated that a “critical accounting policy” is one which is both important to the representation of the registrant’s financial condition and results and requires management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. We base our estimates on past experience and on various other assumptions our management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results will differ and may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Additionally, changes in accounting estimates could occur in the future from period to period. Our management has discussed the development and selection of our most critical financial estimates with the Audit and Finance Committee of our Board of Directors. The following paragraphs identify our most critical accounting policies:

Our concentrate sales sometimes involve variable consideration, as they can be subject to changes in metals prices between the time of shipment and their final settlement. However, we are able to reasonably estimate the transaction price for the concentrate sales at the time of shipment using forward prices for the estimated month of settlement, and previously recorded sales and accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement for financial reporting purposes. The embedded derivative contained in our concentrate sales is adjusted to fair value through earnings each period prior to final settlement. It is unlikely a significant reversal of revenue for any one concentrate lot will occur. As such, we use the expected value method to price the concentrate until the final settlement date occurs, at which time the final transaction price is known. At December 31, 2022, metals that had been sold but not final settled included 5,361 ounces of gold of which 2,500 ounces were sold at a predetermined price with the remaining 2,861 ounces exposed to future price changes. The Company has received provisional payments on the sale of these ounces with the remaining amount due reflected in gold sales receivable.

The asset retirement obligation and asset on our balance sheet is based on an estimate of the future cost to recover and remediate our properties as required by our permits upon cessation of our operations and may differ when we cease operations. At December 31, 2022, we made an estimate that the cost of the machine and man hours probable to be needed to put our properties in the condition required by our permits once we cease operations would be $103,906 for the Golden Chest property and $203,600 for the New Jersey Mine and Mill. For purposes of the estimate, we evaluated the expected life in years and costs that, initially, are comparable to rates that we would incur at the present. We are adding to the liability each year, and amortizing the asset over the estimated life, which decreases our net income in total each year. We make periodic reviews of the remaining life of the mine and other operations, and the estimated remediation costs upon closure, and adjust our account balances accordingly. At this time, we think that an adjustment in our asset recovery obligation is not required, and an adjustment in future periods would not have a material impact in the year of adjustment but would change the amount of the annual accretion and amortization costs charged to our expenses by an undetermined amount.

Highlights for 2022 include:

Results of Operations

Our financial performance for the years ended December 31, 2022, and 2021 is summarized below:

Cash Costs and All In Sustaining Costs Reconciliation to GAAP

Reconciliation of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion, and amortization (GAAP) to cash cost per ounce and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) per ounce (non-GAAP).

The table below presents reconciliations between the most comparable GAAP measure of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion, and amortization to the non-GAAP measures of cash cost per ounce produced and all in sustaining costs per ounce produced for the Company’s gold production for the years ended December 31, 2022, and 2021. The cost per ounce calculations are based on ounces produced. Upon sale, the Company typically receives payment at an average rate of 87% of ounces produced after smelting and refining charges are deducted.

Cash cost per ounce is an important operating measure that we utilize to measure operating performance. AISC per ounce is an important measure that we utilize to assess net cash flow after costs for pre-development, exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital. Current GAAP measures used in the mining industry, such as cost of goods sold do not capture all the expenditures incurred to discover, develop, and sustain gold production.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

The Company has accumulated deficit of approximately $18.4 million at December 31, 2022 and incurred a consolidated net loss in 2022 of $2,631,092. The Company’s working capital at December 31, 2022 is $1,729,983. The Company is currently producing from the open-pit and underground at the Golden Chest. During 2022, production generated negative cash flow from operations of $1,817,090 compared to a negative cash flow used in operations of $1,351,027 in 2021. Planned production for the next 18 months indicates a positive cash flow from operations will be renewed as underground mining overtakes the open pit as the primary source of mineralized material. In prior years, the Company has been successful in raising required funds for ongoing operations from sale of its common stock or borrowing. Management believes it has the ability to meet its contractual obligations with continuing cash flows from operations, existing cash, and potential financings for the next 18 months.

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

Plan of Operation

Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. is a gold producer focused on diversifying and building its asset base and cash flows through a portfolio of mineral properties located in historic producing gold districts in Idaho and Montana.

The Company’s plan of operation is to generate positive cash flow, increase its gold production and asset base over time while being mindful of corporate overhead. The Company’s management is focused on utilizing its in-house technical and operating skills to build a portfolio of producing mines and milling operations with a focus on gold and exploration for Rare Earth elements (REE).

The Company’s properties include: the Golden Chest Mine (currently in production), the New Jersey Mill (majority ownership interest), and a 50% carried to production interest in the past producing Butte Highlands Mine located in Montana. In addition to its producing and near-term production projects, Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. has additional gold exploration prospects, including the McKinley-Monarch and Eastern Star located in Central Idaho, and additional holdings near the Golden Chest in the Murray Gold Belt. Recently, the Company added two rare earth element properties in Idaho to its portfolio of exploration properties in an effort to diversify its holdings towards the anticipated demand for these elements in the electrification of motorized vehicles.

COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic Response and Impact

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus global pandemic (“COVID-19”) in early 2020, in March 2020 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control issued guidelines to mitigate the spread and health consequences of COVID-19. The Company implemented changes to its operations and business practices to follow the guidelines and minimize physical interaction, including using technology to allow employees to work from home when possible and altering production procedures and schedules, asset maintenance, and limiting discretionary spending. As long as they are required, the operational practices implemented could have an adverse impact on our operating results due to deferred production and revenues or additional costs. The negative impact of COVID-19 remains uncertain, including on overall business and market conditions. There is uncertainty related to the potential additional impacts COVID-19 could have on our operations and financial results for the year.

Critical Accounting Estimates

We have, besides our estimates of the amount of depreciation on our assets, two critical accounting estimates. The ounces of gold contained in our process and concentrate inventory is based on assays taken at the time the ore is processed and the ounces of gold contained in shipped concentrate which is based upon assays taken prior to shipment however subject to final assays at the refinery, these shipments are also subject to the fluctuation in gold prices between our shipment date and estimated and actual final settlement date. Also, the reclamation bond obligation on our balance sheet is based on an estimate of the future cost to recover and remediate our properties as required by our permits upon cessation of our operations, and may differ when we cease operations.

Our concentrate sales sometimes involve variable consideration, as they can be subject to changes in metals prices between the time of shipment and their final settlement. However, we are able to reasonably estimate the transaction price for the concentrate sales at the time of shipment using forward prices for the estimated month of settlement, and previously recorded sales and accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement for financial reporting purposes. The embedded derivative contained in our concentrate sales is adjusted to fair value through earnings each period prior to final settlement. It is unlikely a significant reversal of revenue for any one concentrate lot will occur. As such, we use the expected value method to price the concentrate until the final settlement date occurs, at which time the final transaction price is known. At December 31, 2021, metals that had been sold but not final settled thus exposed to future price changes totaled 2,196 ounces of gold. The Company has received provisional payments on the sale of these ounces with the remaining amount due reflected in gold sales receivable.

The asset retirement obligation and asset on our balance sheet is based on an estimate of the future cost to recover and remediate our properties as required by our permits upon cessation of our operations, and may differ when we cease operations. At December 31, 2021, we made an estimate that the cost of the machine and man hours probable to be needed to put our properties in the condition required by our permits once we cease operations would be $103,906 for the Golden Chest property and $96,600 for the New Jersey Mine and Mill. For purposes of the estimate, we evaluated the expected life in years and costs that, initially, are comparable to rates that we would incur at the present. We are adding to the liability each year, and amortizing the asset over the estimated life, which decreases our net income in total each year. We make periodic reviews of the remaining life of the mine and other operations, and the estimated remediation costs upon closure, and adjust our account balances accordingly. At this time, we think that an adjustment in our asset recovery obligation is not required, and an adjustment in future periods would not have a material impact in the year of adjustment, but would change the amount of the annual accretion and amortization costs charged to our expenses by an undetermined amount.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The SEC has requested that all registrants address their most critical accounting policies. The SEC has indicated that a “critical accounting policy” is one which is both important to the representation of the registrant’s financial condition and results and requires management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. We base our estimates on past experience and on various other assumptions our management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results will differ, and may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Additionally, changes in accounting estimates could occur in the future from period to period. Our management has discussed the development and selection of our most critical financial estimates with the Audit and Finance Committee of our Board of Directors. The following paragraphs identify our most critical accounting policies:

Determination of Fair Values

Management determines the fair value of a financial instrument based on the amount that could be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value is calculated based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, not on assumptions specific to the entity. In addition, the fair value of liabilities includes consideration of non-performance risk, including the party’s own credit risk.

Impairment of Mineral Rights and Properties, Plant and Equipment

The Company assesses its mineral rights and properties, plant and equipment for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Such indicators include changes in the Company’s business plans, changes in precious metal prices and significant downward revisions of estimated mineralization quantities. If the carrying value of an asset exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows expected from the asset, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess of carrying value of the asset over its estimated fair value.

Determination as to whether and how much an asset is impaired involves management estimates on highly uncertain matters such as future commodity prices, the effects of inflation and technology improvements on operating expenses, and the outlook for global or regional demand conditions for gold and silver. However, the impairment reviews and calculations are based on assumptions that are consistent with the Company’s business plans and long-term investment decisions. Management does not believe there are impairments present in mineral rights and properties, plant, and equipment.

Reclamation and Remediation Obligations

Reclamation costs are allocated to expense over the life of the related assets and are periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the estimated present value resulting from the passage of time and revisions to the estimates of either the timing or amount of the reclamation and remediation costs. Reclamation obligations are based on when the spending for an existing environmental disturbance will occur. We review, on at least an annual basis, the reclamation obligation at each mine site in accordance with guidance for accounting for asset retirement obligations.

Reclamation obligations for inactive mines are accrued based on management’s best estimate of the costs expected to be incurred at a site. Such cost estimates include, where applicable, ongoing care, maintenance and monitoring costs. Changes in estimates at inactive mines are reflected in earnings in the period an estimate is revised.

Accounting for reclamation and remediation obligations requires management to make estimates unique to each mining operation of the future costs we will incur to complete the reclamation and remediation work required to comply with existing laws and regulations. Actual costs incurred in future periods could differ from amounts estimated. Additionally, future changes to environmental laws and regulations could increase the extent of reclamation and remediation work required. Any such increases in future costs could materially impact the amounts charged to earnings for reclamation and remediation.

Income Taxes

Our income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect management’s best assessment of estimated future taxes to be paid. Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In projecting future taxable income, we develop assumptions including the amount of future state and federal pretax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences, and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates that we are using to manage the underlying businesses. Valuation allowances are recorded as reserves against net deferred tax assets by the Company when it is determined that net deferred tax assets are not likely to be realized in the foreseeable future.

The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations. Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold to be recognized.

Critical Accounting Policies

We have identified our critical accounting policies, the application of which may materially affect the financial statements, either because of the significance of the financials statement item to which they relate, or because they require management’s judgment in making estimates and assumptions in measuring, at a specific point in time, events which will be settled in the future. The critical accounting policies, judgments and estimates which management believes have the most significant effect on the financial statements are set forth below:

a) Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes for items such as mineral reserves, depreciation lives and methods, potential impairment of long-lived assets, deferred income taxes, settlement pricing of gold sales, fair value of stock based compensation, estimation of asset retirement obligations and reclamation liabilities. Estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

b) Stock-based Compensation. All transactions in which goods or services are received for the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock or options to purchase shares of common stock are accounted for based on the fair value of the equity interest issued. The value of common stock awards is determined based upon the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of the award. The Company estimates the fair value of stock-based compensation using the Black-Scholes model, which requires the input of some subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (“expected life”), the estimated volatility of the Company’s common stock price over the expected term (“volatility”), the risk-free interest rate and the dividend yield. Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of the fair value of stock-based compensation.

c) Income Taxes. Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Under this method deferred income tax liabilities or assets are determined at the end of each period using the tax rate expected to be in effect when the taxes are expected to be paid or recovered. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the deferred tax assets if there is uncertainty regarding their realization. Uncertain tax positions are evaluated in a two-step process, whereby (i) it is determined whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and (ii) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority would be recognized.

d) Investments. In a joint venture where the Company holds more than 50% of the voting interest and has significant influence, the joint venture is consolidated with the presentation of non-controlling interest. In determining whether significant influences exist, the Company considers its participation in policy-making decisions and its representation on the venture’s management committee.

Highlights for 2021 include:

Results of Operations

Our financial performance for the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020 is summarized below:

Cash Costs and All In Sustaining Costs Reconciliation to GAAP-Reconciliation of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization (GAAP) to cash cost per ounce and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) per ounce (non-GAAP).

The table below presents reconciliations between the most comparable GAAP measure of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion, and amortization to the non-GAAP measures of cash cost per ounce produced and all in sustaining costs per ounce produced for the Company’s gold production for the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020. The cost per ounce calculations are based on ounces produced. Upon sale, the Company typically receives payment at an average rate of 91% of ounces produced after smelting and refining charges are deducted.

Cash cost per ounce is an important operating measure that we utilize to measure operating performance. AISC per ounce is an important measure that we utilize to assess net cash flow after costs for pre-development, exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital. Current GAAP measures used in the mining industry, such as cost of goods sold do not capture all the expenditures incurred to discover, develop, and sustain gold production.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

The Company has accumulated deficit of approximately $15.8 million at December 31, 2021 and incurred a consolidated net loss in 2021 of $3,260,361. The Company’s working capital at December 31, 2021 is $1,438,819. The Company is currently producing from the open-pit and underground at the Golden Chest. During 2021, production generated negative cash flow from operations of $1,351,027 compared to a negative cash flow used in operations of $482,418 in 2020. Planned production for the next 18 months indicates a positive cash flow from operations will be renewed as underground mining overtakes the open pit as the primary source of mineralized material. In prior years, the Company has been successful in raising required funds for ongoing operations from sale of its common stock or borrowing. Management believes it has the ability to meet its contractual obligations with continuing cash flows from operations, existing cash, and potential financings for the next 12 months.