Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.

International Tower Hill Mines disclosed 28 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. International Tower Hill Mines reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q3, 2024

Risk Distribution

29% Finance & Corporate

25% Legal & Regulatory

25% Production

11% Tech & Innovation

7% Macro & Political

4% Ability to Sell

Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy

This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.

Risk Change Over Time

2020

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

International Tower Hill Mines Risk Factors

New Risk (0)

Risk Changed (0)

Risk Removed (0)

No changes from previous report

The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.

The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.

Risk Highlights Q3, 2024

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 8 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 8 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Sep 2024

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Sep 2024

Number of Risk Changed

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

See the risk highlights of International Tower Hill Mines in the last period.

Risk Word Cloud

The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.

Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 28

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 8/28 (29%)Below Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights2 | 7.1%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

Future sales of our securities in the public or private markets will dilute our current shareholders and could adversely affect the trading price of our common shares and our ability to continue to raise funds in new stock offerings.

It is likely that the Company will issue common shares or securities exercisable or convertible into common shares in the future. The Company may issue securities on less than favorable terms to raise sufficient capital to fund its business plan. Any transaction involving the issuance of common shares or securities convertible into common shares would result in dilution, possibly substantial, to present and prospective holders of common shares, could adversely affect the trading prices of our common shares and could impair our ability to raise capital through future offerings of securities.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

Our share price may be volatile and as a result you could lose all or part of your investment.

In recent years, the securities markets in the United States and Canada have experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market price of securities of many companies, particularly those considered exploration or development stage mining companies, have experienced wide fluctuations in price which have not necessarily been related to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. Any quoted market for our common shares may be subject to market trends and conditions generally, notwithstanding any potential success we have in creating revenues, cash flows or earnings. The price of our common shares has been subject to price and volume volatility in the past. In 2023, the price of our common shares on the TSX ranged from a low of C$0.45 to a high of C$0.93, and on the NYSE American ranged from a low of $0.33 to a high of $0.71. From January 1, 2024 to February 29, 2024, the price of our common shares on the TSX ranged from a low of C$0.65 to a high of C$0.91, and on the NYSE American ranged from a low of $0.50 to a high of $0.69. There can be no assurance that significant fluctuations in the trading price of the Company's common shares will not continue to occur, or that such fluctuations will not materially adversely impact the Company's ability to raise equity funding without significant dilution to its existing shareholders, or at all. As a result, our shareholders may be unable to resell their shares at a desired price.

Accounting & Financial Operations5 | 17.9%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

We have never paid dividends on our common shares.

We have not paid dividends on our common shares to date, and we may not be in a position to pay dividends for the foreseeable future. Our ability to pay dividends will depend on our ability to successfully develop the Livengood Gold Project and generate earnings from operations. Further, our initial earnings, if any, will likely be retained to finance our operations. Any future dividends will depend upon our earnings, our then-existing financial requirements and other factors, and will be at the discretion of the Board.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income may be subject to certain limitations.

In general, under Section 382 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), a corporation that undergoes an "ownership change" is subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") to offset future taxable income. Similarly, where control of a corporation has been acquired by a person or group of persons, subsection 111(5) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Canadian Tax Act"), and equivalent provincial income tax legislation restrict the corporation's ability to carry forward non-capital losses from preceding taxation years. Our existing NOLs may be subject to limitations arising from previous ownership changes. Future changes in our stock ownership, some of which are outside of our control, could result in an ownership change under Section 382 of the Code or an acquisition of control for the purposes of subsection 111(5) of the Canadian Tax Act, and adversely affect our ability to utilize our NOLs in the future. There is also a risk that due to regulatory changes, such as suspensions on the use of NOLs, or other unforeseen reasons, our existing NOLs could expire or otherwise be unavailable to offset future income tax liabilities. For these reasons, we may not be able to utilize a material portion of the NOLs reflected on our balance sheet, even if we attain profitability.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3

There may be differences in U.S. and Canadian practices for reporting mineral reserves and resources.

We currently file resource and reserve estimates with Canadian securities regulators in accordance with NI 43-101 and with the SEC in accordance with subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K. Both sets of reporting standards have similar goals in terms of conveying an appropriate level of confidence in the disclosures being reported but embody different approaches and definitions. While the requirements for reporting mineral resources, including subcategories of measured, indicated and inferred resources, and mineral reserves are largely similar for NI 43-101 and S-K 1300 standards, disclosures of resources and reserves in Canada and the United States could vary as a result of applying the applicable requirements of each jurisdiction. Our reserve and resource estimates are currently identical in our Canadian and U.S. filings, but future disclosures of resources and reserves may not be the same across both jurisdictions, and changes in disclosure requirements in Canada or in the U.S. may cause us to report different resources and reserves in each jurisdiction.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4

Mineral resource estimates are based on interpretation and assumptions and could be inaccurate or yield less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently estimated. Any material changes in these estimates will affect the economic viability of placing a property into production.

The mineral resource and reserves estimates included in our reports are estimates only and no assurance can be given that any particular level of recovery of minerals will in fact be realized or that an identified reserve or resource will ever qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) deposit which can be legally and economically exploited. The estimating of mineral resources and mineral reserves is a subjective process and the accuracy of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, the accuracy of statistical computations, and the assumptions used and judgments made in interpreting available engineering and geological information. There is significant uncertainty in any mineral resource or mineral reserve estimate and the actual deposits encountered and the economic viability of a deposit may differ materially from the Company's estimates. In addition, the grade of mineralization ultimately mined may differ from that indicated by drilling results and such differences could be material. Because we have not commenced actual production, mineralization estimates, including mineral resource estimates, for the Livengood Gold Project may require adjustments or downward revisions, and such adjustments or revisions may be material. Until ore is actually mined and processed, mineral resources, mineral reserves and grades of mineralization must be considered as estimates only. The grade of ore ultimately mined, if any, may differ from that indicated by any pre-feasibility or definitive feasibility studies and drill results. There can be no assurance that minerals recovered in small scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in large scale tests under on-site conditions or in production scale operations. Extended declines in market prices for gold may render portions or all of our mineral resources uneconomic and result in reduced reported mineralization or adversely affect the commercial viability determinations reached by us. Material changes in estimates of mineralization, grades, stripping ratios, recovery rates or of our ability to extract such mineralization may affect the economic viability of projects and the value of our Livengood Gold Project. The estimated resources described in our reports should not be interpreted as assurances of mine life or of the profitability of future operations. Estimated mineral resources and mineral reserves may have to be re-estimated based on changes in applicable commodity prices, further exploration or development activity or actual production experience. This could materially and adversely affect estimates of the volume or grade of mineralization, estimated recovery rates or other important factors that influence mineral resource or mineral reserve estimates. Market price fluctuations for gold, silver or base metals, increased production costs or reduced recovery rates or other factors may render any particular reserves uneconomical or unprofitable to develop at a particular site or sites. A reduction in estimated reserves could require material write downs in investment in the affected mining property and increased amortization, reclamation and closure charges. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and there is no assurance that any mineral resources will ultimately be reclassified as proven or probable reserves. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 5

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

We have incurred losses and have had no revenue from operations since inception, and we expect to continue to incur losses in the foreseeable future. We have not commenced commercial production on the Livengood Gold Project and we have no other mineral properties. We have no revenues from operations and we do not anticipate generating revenues from operations until we are able, if ever, to begin production at the Livengood Gold Project. We will continue to incur operating losses until the Livengood Gold Project begins to generate sufficient revenues to fund continuing operations, which cannot be assured. The Project is currently in the development stage and, as contemplated in the TRS, would generate a minimal positive return at a gold price of $1,680 per ounce. Our activities may not result in profitable mining operations and we may not succeed in establishing mining operations or profitably producing metals at the Livengood Gold Project.

Debt & Financing1 | 3.6%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

We will require additional financing to fund further exploration and, if warranted, development and production. Failure to obtain additional financing could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation and could cast uncertainty on our ability to continue as a going concern.

Advancing properties from the exploration and development stages into the production stage requires significant capital and time, and successful commercial production from a property, if any, will be subject to completing feasibility studies, permitting and construction of the mine, processing plants, roads, and other related works and infrastructure. The Company does not presently have sufficient financial resources or a source of operating cash flow to complete the permitting process and, if a production decision is made, the construction of a mine at the Livengood Gold Project. The completion of the permitting process and any construction of a mine at the Livengood Gold Project will depend upon the Company's ability to obtain financing through the sale of its equity securities, enter into a joint venture or strategic alliance relationship, secure significant debt financing or find alternative means of financing. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining the required financing on favorable terms or at all. Our ability to obtain additional financing in the future will depend upon a number of factors, including prevailing capital market conditions, the status of the national and worldwide economy, our business performance and the price of gold and other precious metals. Capital markets worldwide have been adversely affected during the past few years, including in 2023, by substantial losses by financial institutions, increased inflation, the outbreak of conflicts around the globe and market volatility due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, among other things. Failure to obtain such additional financing on favorable terms or at all could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration, development, or mining operations and the possible partial or total loss of our interests in the Livengood Gold Project. Even if the Company is able to secure some additional equity financing, we may be unable to raise enough capital to continue operations in connection with advancing all activities at the Livengood Gold Project into 2024 and beyond. As a result, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 7/28 (25%)Above Sector Average

Regulation3 | 10.7%

Regulation - Risk 1

Legislation has been proposed that would significantly affect the mining industry and our business.

In recent years, members of the United States Congress have repeatedly introduced bills which would supplant or alter the provisions of the U.S. General Mining Law. If adopted, such legislation, among other things, could eliminate or greatly limit the right to a mineral patent, impose federal royalties on mineral production from unpatented mining claims located on U.S. federal lands (which includes certain of the mining claims at the Livengood Gold Project), result in the denial of permits to mine after the expenditure of significant funds for exploration and development, reduce estimates of mineral reserves and reduce the amount of future exploration and development activity on U.S. federal lands, all of which could have a material and adverse effect on the Company's ability to operate and its cash flow, results of operations and financial condition.

Regulation - Risk 2

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

Any exploration activities carried on by the Company are, and any future development or mining operations we may conduct will be, subject to extensive laws and regulations governing various matters, including: - mineral concession acquisition, exploration, development, mining and production;- management of natural resources;- exports, price controls, taxes and fees;- labor standards on occupational health and safety, including mine safety;- post-closure reclamation;- environmental standards, waste disposal, toxic substances, explosives, land use and environmental protection; and - dealings with indigenous peoples and historic and cultural preservation. Companies engaged in exploration activities often experience increased costs and delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits may result in civil or criminal fines or penalties, enforcement actions thereunder, including the forfeiture of claims, orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities requiring operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment or costly remedial actions, any of which could result in the Company incurring significant expenditures. The Company may also be required to compensate third parties suffering loss or damage as a result of our mineral exploration activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of such laws, regulations and permits. It is also possible that future laws and regulations could cause additional expense, capital expenditures, restrictions on or suspension of the Company's operations and delays in the exploration and development of the Company's properties.

Regulation - Risk 3

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

The current and future operations of the Company require licenses and permits from various governmental authorities. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain all necessary licenses and permits that may be required to carry out exploration, development and mining operations at its projects, on reasonable terms or at all. Costs related to applying for and obtaining permits and licenses may be prohibitive and could delay our planned exploration and development activities. Failure to comply with permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions. Delays in obtaining, or a failure to obtain, any such licenses and permits, or a failure to comply with the terms of any such licenses and permits that the Company does obtain, could delay or prevent production of the Livengood Gold Project and have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 3.6%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

Title to the Livengood Gold Project may be subject to defects in title or other claims, which could affect our property rights and claims.

There are risks that title to the Livengood Gold Project may be challenged or impugned. The Livengood Gold Project is located in the State of Alaska and may be subject to prior unrecorded agreements or transfers or native land claims, and title may be affected by undetected defects. There may be valid challenges to the title of the Livengood Gold Project which, if successful, could impair development or operations. This is particularly the case in respect of those portions of our properties in which we hold our interest solely through a lease with the claim holders, as such interest is substantially based on contract and has been subject to a number of assignments (as opposed to a direct interest in the property). Some of the mining claims at the Livengood Gold Project are U.S. federal or Alaska state "unpatented" mining claims. There is a risk that a portion of such unpatented mining claims could be determined to be invalid, in which case the Company could lose the right to mine any minerals contained within those mining claims. Unpatented mining claims are created and maintained in accordance with the applicable U.S. federal and Alaska state mining laws. Unpatented mining claims are unique property interests and are generally considered to be subject to greater title risk than other real property interests due to the validity of unpatented mining claims often being uncertain. This uncertainty arises, in part, out of the complex federal and state laws and regulations under the provisions of the U.S. General Mining Law of 1872 (the "U.S. General Mining Law"). Unpatented mining claims are always subject to possible challenges of third parties or validity contests by the United States federal government or the Alaska state government, as applicable. The validity of an unpatented mining claim, in terms of both its location and its maintenance, is dependent on strict compliance with a complex body of federal and state statutory and decisional law. Title to the unpatented mining claims may also be affected by undetected defects such as unregistered agreements or transfers and there are few public records that definitively determine the issues of validity and ownership of unpatented mining claims. The Company has not obtained full title opinions for the majority of its mineral properties. Not all the mineral properties in which the Company has an interest have been surveyed, and their actual extent and location may be in doubt. Should the federal government impose a royalty or additional tax burdens on the properties that lie within public lands, the resulting mining operations could be seriously impacted, depending upon the type and amount of the burden. The leases and agreements pursuant to which the Company has interests, or the right to acquire interests, in a significant portion of the Livengood Gold Project provide that the Company must make a series of cash payments over certain time periods or expend certain minimum amounts on the exploration of the properties. Failure by the Company to make such payments or make such expenditures in a timely fashion may result in the Company losing its interest in such properties. There can be no assurance that the Company will have, or be able to obtain, the necessary financial resources to be able to maintain all of its property agreements in good standing, or to be able to comply with all of its obligations thereunder, which could result in the Company forfeiting its interest in one or more of its mineral properties.

Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 3.6%

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1

We believe that we likely were a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC") during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which may result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders.

We believe that we likely were a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and we expect that we will be a PFIC in the current year and that we may continue to be classified as a PFIC in future years. The determination of whether or not the Company is a PFIC is a factual determination dependent on a number of factors and cannot be made until the close of the applicable tax year. Accordingly, no assurances can be given regarding the Company's PFIC status for the current year or any future year. If the Company is a PFIC at any time during a U.S. holder's holding period, then certain potentially adverse tax consequences could apply to such U.S. holder's acquisition, ownership, and disposition of common shares. For more information, please see the discussion in "Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders" below.

Environmental / Social2 | 7.1%

Environmental / Social - Risk 1

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

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

Environmental / Social - Risk 2

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

The activities of the Company are subject to environmental regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Environmental legislation generally provides for restrictions and prohibitions on spills, releases or emissions into the air, discharges into water, management of waste, management of hazardous substances, protection of natural resources, antiquities and endangered species and reclamation of lands disturbed by mining operations. Certain types of operations require the submission and approval of environmental impact assessments. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner involving stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations and future changes in these laws and regulations may require significant capital outlays, cause material changes or delays in our current and planned operations and future activities and reduce the profitability of operations. It is possible that future changes in these laws or regulations could have a significant adverse impact on the Livengood Gold Project or some portion of our business, causing us to re-evaluate those activities at that time. Examples of current U.S. federal laws which may affect our current operations and may impact future business and operations include, but are not limited to, the following: The Comprehensive Environmental, Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), and comparable state statutes, impose strict, joint and several liability on current and former owners and operators of sites and on persons who disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances found at such sites. It is not uncommon for the government to file claims requiring cleanup actions, demands for reimbursement for government-incurred cleanup costs, or natural resource damages, or for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances released into the environment. The Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), and comparable state statutes, govern the disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste and authorize the imposition of substantial fines and penalties for noncompliance, as well as requirements for corrective actions. CERCLA, RCRA and comparable state statutes can impose liability for clean-up of sites and disposal of substances found on exploration, mining and processing sites long after activities on such sites have been completed. The Clean Air Act ("CAA") restricts the emission of air pollutants from many sources, including mining and processing activities. Our mining operations may produce air emissions, including fugitive dust and other air pollutants from stationary equipment, storage facilities and the use of mobile sources such as trucks and heavy construction equipment, which are subject to review, monitoring or control requirements under the CAA and state air quality laws. New facilities may be required to obtain permits before work can begin, and existing facilities may be required to incur capital costs in order to remain in compliance. In addition, permitting rules may impose limitations on our production levels or result in additional capital expenditures in order to comply with the regulations. The National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") requires federal agencies to integrate environmental considerations into their decision-making processes by evaluating the environmental impacts of their proposed actions, including issuance of permits to mining facilities, and assessing alternatives to those actions. If a proposed action could significantly affect the environment, the agency must prepare a detailed statement known as an Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS"). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), other federal agencies, and any interested third parties will review and comment on the scoping of the EIS and the adequacy of and findings set forth in the draft and final EIS. We are required to undertake the NEPA process for the Livengood Gold Project permitting. The NEPA process can cause delays in issuance of required permits or result in changes to a project to mitigate its potential environmental impacts, which can in turn impact the economic feasibility of a proposed project or the ability to construct or operate the Livengood Gold Project or other properties and may make them entirely uneconomic. The Clean Water Act ("CWA"), and comparable state statutes, impose restrictions and controls on the discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States. The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by the EPA or an analogous state agency. The CWA regulates storm water mining facilities and requires a storm water discharge permit for certain activities. Such a permit requires the regulated facility to monitor and sample storm water run-off from its operations. The CWA and regulations implemented thereunder also prohibit discharges of dredged and fill material in wetlands and other waters of the United States unless authorized by an appropriately issued permit. The CWA and comparable state statutes provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized discharges of pollutants and impose liability on parties responsible for those discharges for the costs of cleaning up any environmental damage caused by the release and for natural resource damages resulting from the release. The Safe Drinking Water Act ("SDWA") and the Underground Injection Control ("UIC") program promulgated thereunder, regulate the drilling and operation of subsurface injection wells. The EPA directly administers the UIC program in some states and in others the responsibility for the program has been delegated to the state. The program requires that a permit be obtained before drilling a disposal or injection well. Violation of these regulations or contamination of groundwater by mining related activities may result in fines, penalties, and remediation costs, among other sanctions and liabilities under the SDWA and state laws. In addition, third party claims may be filed by landowners and other parties claiming damages for alternative water supplies, property damages, and bodily injury.

Production

Total Risks: 7/28 (25%)Above Sector Average

Manufacturing4 | 14.3%

Manufacturing - Risk 1

Resource exploration, development and production involve a high degree of risk and we do not maintain insurance with respect to certain of these risks, which exposes us to significant risk of loss.

Resource exploration, development and production involve a high degree of risk. Our operations are, and any future development or mining operations we may conduct will be, subject to all of the operating hazards and risks normally incident to exploring for and developing mineral properties, such as, but not limited to: - economically insufficient mineralized material;- fluctuation in exploration, development and production costs;- labor disputes;- unanticipated variations in grade and other geologic problems;- water conditions;- difficult surface or underground conditions;- mechanical and equipment failure;- failure of pit walls or dams;- environmental hazards;- industrial accidents;- metallurgical and other processing problems;- unusual or unexpected rock formations;- personal injury, cave-ins, landslides, flooding, fire, explosions, and rock-bursts;- metal losses;- power outages;- periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions; and - decrease in the value of mineralized material due to lower gold prices. These risks could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties, facilities or other property, personal injury, environmental damage, delays in operations, increased cost of operations, monetary losses and possible legal liability. Although the Company maintains or can be expected to maintain insurance within ranges of coverage consistent with industry practice, no assurance can be given that the Company will be able to obtain insurance to cover all of these risks at economically feasible premiums or at all. The Company may elect not to insure where premium costs are disproportionate to the Company's perception of the relevant risks. The payment of such insurance premiums and of such liabilities would reduce the funds available for exploration and production activities, if warranted. Should events such as these that are not covered by insurance arise, they could reduce or eliminate our assets and shareholder equity as well as result in increased costs and a decline in the value of our assets or common shares.

Manufacturing - Risk 2

A shortage of equipment and supplies could adversely affect our ability to operate our business.

We are dependent on various supplies and equipment to carry out our exploration and, if warranted, development and mining operations. The shortage of such supplies, equipment and parts could have a material adverse effect on our ability to carry out our operations and therefore limit or increase the cost of production.

Manufacturing - Risk 3

We are a development stage company and have no history producing metals from our properties. Any future revenues and profits are uncertain.

We have no history of mining or refining any mineral products or metals and the Livengood Gold Project is not currently producing. There can be no assurance that the Livengood Gold Project will be successfully placed into production, produce minerals in commercial quantities, or otherwise generate operating earnings. Advancing properties from the development stage into commercial production requires significant capital and time and will be subject to further feasibility studies, permitting requirements and construction of the mine, processing plants, roads and related works and infrastructure. We will continue to incur losses until such time, if ever, as our mining activities successfully reach commercial production levels and generate sufficient revenue to fund continuing operations. There is no certainty that we will produce revenue from any source, operate profitably or provide a return on investment in the future.

Manufacturing - Risk 4

Resource exploration and development is a highly speculative business, and certain inherent risks could have a negative effect on our business.

Our long-term success depends on our ability to identify mineral deposits on the Livengood Gold Project and other properties we may acquire, if any, that can then be developed into commercially viable mining operations. Resource exploration and development is a highly speculative business and involves a high degree of risk, including, among other things, unprofitable efforts resulting both from the failure to discover mineral deposits and from finding mineral deposits which, though present, are insufficient in size and grade at the then prevailing market conditions to return a profit from production. Substantial expenditures are required to establish proven and probable mineral reserves through drilling and analysis, to develop metallurgical processes to extract metal, and to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. Although substantial benefits may be derived from the discovery of a major mineralized deposit, no assurance can be given that minerals will be discovered in sufficient quantities to justify commercial operations or that funds required for development can be obtained on a timely basis. The marketability of minerals which may be acquired or discovered by the Company will be affected by numerous factors beyond the control of the Company and cannot be accurately predicted. These factors include market fluctuations, the proximity and capacity of milling facilities, mineral markets and processing equipment, and government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in the Company not receiving an adequate return on invested capital.

Employment / Personnel1 | 3.6%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

We are dependent on key personnel and the absence of any of these individuals could adversely affect our business. We may experience difficulty attracting and retaining qualified personnel.

Our future success is largely dependent on the performance and abilities of our directors, officers, employees and management and on our ability to attract and retain additional key personnel in exploration, mine development, sales, marketing, technical support and finance. In addition, the Company has relied and may continue to rely upon consultants and others for operating expertise. There is no assurance that we will be able to maintain the services of our directors, officers, employees or other qualified personnel required to operate our business. The loss of the services of these persons could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects. Recruiting and retaining qualified personnel is critical to our success and there can be no assurance we will be able to recruit and retain such personnel. The number of persons skilled in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties is limited and competition for such persons is intense. If we are not successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel, our ability to develop our properties could be affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. We do not maintain "key man" life insurance policies on any of our officers or employees.

Costs2 | 7.1%

Costs - Risk 1

Land reclamation requirements for our properties may be burdensome and expensive in the future.

Land reclamation requirements are generally imposed on mineral exploration and development companies (as well as companies with mining operations) in order to minimize long term effects of land disturbance. Reclamation may include requirements to: - control dispersion of potentially deleterious effluents;- treat ground and surface water to drinking water standards; and - reasonably re-establish pre-disturbance land forms and vegetation. In order to carry out reclamation obligations imposed on us in connection with the potential development activities at the Livengood Gold Project, we must allocate financial resources that might otherwise be spent on further exploration and development programs. We plan to set up a provision for reclamation obligations on the Livengood Gold Project, as appropriate, but this provision may not be adequate. If we are required to carry out unanticipated reclamation work, our financial position could be adversely affected.

Costs - Risk 2

Increased costs could affect our ability to bring our projects into production and, once in production, our financial condition and ability to be profitable.

Management anticipates that costs at the Livengood Gold Project will frequently be subject to variation from one year to the next due to a number of factors, such as changing ore grade, metallurgy and revisions to mine plans, if any, in response to the physical shape and location of the ore body. In addition, costs are affected by the price of commodities such as fuel, rubber and electricity. Such commodities are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production less profitable or not profitable at all. A material increase in costs could also impact our ability to maintain operations and have a significant effect on the Company's profitability in the event that a production decision is made.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 3/28 (11%)Above Sector Average

Innovation / R&D1 | 3.6%

Innovation / R&D - Risk 1

Our success depends on the development and operation of the Livengood Gold Project, which is our only project.

Our only property at this time is our Livengood Gold Project, which is in the development stage. The TRS indicates that the Project is technically feasible and marginally viable at a gold price of $1,680 per ounce. The Company will need to raise capital or arrange financing to develop the Project, and the ability of the Company to raise capital or arrange financing in the future to develop the Project will depend on, among other factors, the prevailing capital market conditions, the price of gold, the mineral resources at the Project, the capital and operating costs of the Project, and the internal rate of return for the Project. The Company expects that many sources of capital and financing will not invest in the Project unless the internal rate of return for the Project exceeds the 5.3% set forth in the TRS, whether as a result of higher gold prices, lower capital or operating costs, or otherwise. While management is exploring opportunities identified in the TRS for optimization and reducing Project costs, there can be no assurance that any such efforts will be successful, that any of the optimization opportunities or cost savings will in fact be realized or that the price of gold will increase sufficiently, and be sustained for a sufficient period, for the Company to be able to raise the capital or secure the financing needed to develop the Project. No assurance can be given that the Company will be successful in raising capital or securing financing to develop the Project or that any level of recovery of ore reserves will be realized. If we are not able to raise capital or secure financing for the Project, if the Project is not developed, or if the Project is otherwise subject to deterioration, destruction or significant delay, we may never generate revenues and our shareholders may lose all or a substantial portion of their investment.

Trade Secrets1 | 3.6%

Trade Secrets - Risk 1

The Company may not have and may not be able to obtain surface or access rights to all or a portion of the Livengood Gold Project.

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

Technology1 | 3.6%

Technology - Risk 1

A significant disruption to our information technology systems or those of our third-party service providers could adversely affect our business and operating results.

We rely on a variety of information technology systems to manage and support our operations. For example, we depend on our information technology systems for financial reporting, operational management, and email. These systems contain, among other information, our proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of our employees. The proper functioning of these systems and the security of such data is critical to the efficient operation and management of our business, and these functions are outsourced by us to third-party service providers on whom we rely for the proper functioning and security of these systems. In addition, these systems could require modifications or upgrades from time to time as a result of technological changes or growth in our business, and we may change the third-party service providers with whom we contract to maintain the functioning or security of these systems from time to time, which modifications, upgrades or changes could be costly and disruptive to our operations and could impose substantial demands on management's time. Our systems, and those of our third-party service providers, could be vulnerable to damage or disruption caused by catastrophic events, power outages, natural disasters, computer system or network failures, viruses, ransomware or malware, physical or electronic break-ins, unauthorized access, or cyber-attacks. Any security breach could compromise our networks, and the information stored on them could be improperly accessed, disclosed, lost, stolen or restricted. Because techniques used to sabotage systems, obtain unauthorized access to systems or prohibit authorized access to systems change frequently and generally are not detected until successfully launched against a target, we or our third-party service providers may be unable to anticipate these techniques, and the cybersecurity processes, technologies and controls that we or our third-party service providers have implemented to secure our systems and electronic information may not be adequate to prevent a disruption or attack or to timely assess, identify and manage a cyber-attack. Actions taken by us or third-party service providers in response to a cyber-attack may not be adequate. Any unauthorized activities could disrupt our operations or those of our third-party service providers on which we are dependent; result in the misappropriation or compromise of confidential information, extortion, or fraud; harm our employees or counterparties; cause us to violate privacy or security laws; or result in legal claims or proceedings, any of which could adversely affect our business, reputation, or operating results.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 2/28 (7%)Below Sector Average

Capital Markets2 | 7.1%

Capital Markets - Risk 1

Our results of operations could be affected by currency fluctuations.

The Livengood Gold Project is located in the United States, with most costs associated with the Project paid in U.S. dollars, and the Company maintains accounts in Canadian and U.S. dollars, making it subject to foreign currency fluctuations. There can be significant swings in the exchange rate between the U.S. and Canadian dollar. There are no plans at this time to hedge against any exchange rate fluctuations in currencies. Adverse foreign currency fluctuations may cause losses and materially affect the Company's financial position and results.

Capital Markets - Risk 2

The volatility of the price of gold could adversely affect any future operations and, if warranted, our ability to develop our properties.

Even if commercial quantities of mineral deposits are discovered by the Company, there is no guarantee that a profitable market will exist for the sale of the metals produced, if any. The Company's long-term viability and profitability, the value of the Company's properties, the market price of its common shares and the Company's ability to raise funding to conduct continued exploration and development, if warranted, depend, in large part, upon the market price of gold. The decision to put a mine into production and to commit the funds necessary for that purpose must be made long before the first revenue from production would be received. A decrease in the price of gold may prevent the Company's property from being economically mined or result in the write-off of assets whose value is impaired as a result of lower gold prices. The price of gold has experienced significant movement over short periods of time, and is affected by numerous factors beyond the control of the Company, including economic and political conditions, expectations of inflation, currency exchange fluctuations, interest rates, global or regional demand, sale or purchase of gold by various central banks and financial institutions, speculative activities and increased production due to improved mining and production methods. The volatility of mineral prices represents a substantial risk which no amount of planning or technical expertise can fully eliminate. There can be no assurance that the price of gold will be such that any such deposits can be mined at a profit. The volatility in gold prices is illustrated by the following table, which presents the high, low and average fixed price in U.S. dollars for an ounce of gold, based on the London Bullion Market Association P.M. fix, over the past five years: ??????????? High Low Average2019?$ 1,546?$ 1,270?$ 1,3932020?$ 2,067?$ 1,474?$ 1,7712021?$ 1,943?$ 1,684?$ 1,7992022?$ 2,039?$ 1,629?$ 1,8002023?$ 2,078?$ 1,811?$ 1,942January 1, 2024 to February 29, 2024?$ 2,068?$ 1,985?$ 2,029

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 1/28 (4%)Below Sector Average

Competition1 | 3.6%

Competition - Risk 1

The mining industry is intensely competitive, and we have limited financial and personnel resources with which to compete.

The Company's business of the acquisition, exploration and, if warranted, development and mining of mineral properties is intensely competitive. The Company may be at a competitive disadvantage in acquiring additional mining properties because it must compete with other individuals and companies, many of which may have greater financial resources, operational experience and technical capabilities than the Company. The Company may also encounter increasing competition from other mining companies in efforts to hire experienced mining professionals. Increased competition could adversely affect the Company's ability to attract necessary capital funding, acquire suitable producing properties or prospects for mineral exploration in the future, or attract or retain key personnel or outside technical resources.

See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.

FAQ

What are “Risk Factors”?

Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.

They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.

It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.

How do companies disclose their risk factors?

Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.

Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.

Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.

According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.

How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?

Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.

You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.

Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.

A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.

What are all the risk factor categories?

TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.

1. Financial & Corporate

Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.

2. Legal & Regulatory

Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.

3. Production

Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.

4. Technology & Innovation

Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.

5. Ability to Sell

Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.

6. Macro & Political

Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.

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