Unassociated Document
Filed
Pursuant to Rule No. 424(b)(5)
Registration
No. 333-119198
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
(TO
PROSPECTUS DATED OCTOBER 5, 2004)
APOLLO
GOLD CORPORATION
2,290,408
Common Shares
We
are
issuing 2,290,408 common shares of Apollo Gold Corporation directly to certain
former and current executive officers, without the use of placement agents.
Of
the 2,290,408 common shares being issued under this prospectus supplement,
1,187,175 common shares will be issued to four former executive officers. On
February 18, 2006, we entered into Severance Agreements and Releases with
four former executive officers, pusuant to which the four departed officers
will
receive the following number of common shares as part of their severance payment
provided the departed officers do not revoke the agreements on or before
February 25, 2006: Donald O. Miller, 359,750 shares; James T. O’Neil, 179,875
shares; David K. Young, 359,750 shares; and Donald W. Vagstad, 287,800 shares.
The remaining 1,103,233 common shares being issued under this prospectus
supplement will be issued to the three remaining executive officers in
consideration for amending their existing employment agreements. Pursuant to
the
amended employment agreements, the remaining officers have agreed to reduce
their base salaries by an aggregate of $170,000 per annum in exchange for the
following number of our common shares: R. David Russell, 611,575 shares; Melvyn
Williams, 239,833 shares; and Richard F. Nanna, 251,825 shares.
On
February 23, 2006, our board of directors determined the equivalent offering
price of the common shares to be Cdn$0.48 per share. The offering price
is, based on the volume weighted five day average closing price, as of January
23, 2006, of an Apollo common share as quoted on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Our
common shares are traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “AGT”
and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “APG.” On February 21, 2006,
the closing price for our common shares on the American Stock Exchange was
$0.45
per share and the closing price on the Toronto Stock Exchange was Cdn$0.51
per
share.
Unless
otherwise indicated, all references to “$” or “dollars” in this prospectus
supplement refer to United States dollars. References to “Cdn$” in this
prospectus supplement refer to Canadian dollars.
Investing
in the shares involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on
page S-3 of this prospectus supplement.
_______________________________________
Neither
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission
or other regulatory body has approved or disapproved these securities, or
determined if this prospectus supplement or the related prospectus is truthful
or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The
common shares offered by this prospectus supplement will be issued to
the departed and remaining executive officers for the
consideration set forth in “Plan of Distribution.” We will pay the expenses of
the offering. See “Plan of Distribution.”
_______________________________________
The
date
of this prospectus supplement is February 27, 2006.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
|
S-1
|
CURRENCY
INFORMATION
|
S-1
|
OUR
BUSINESS
|
S-1
|
STATEMENTS
REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
|
S-2
|
RISK
FACTORS
|
S-3
|
USE
OF PROCEEDS
|
S-12
|
PRICE
RANGE OF OUR COMMON SHARES
|
S-12
|
CAPITALIZATION
|
S-13
|
DILUTION
|
S-14
|
PLAN
OF DISTRIBUTION
|
S-14
|
TRANSFER
AGENT AND REGISTRAR
|
S-15
|
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
|
S-15
|
Prospectus
Page
IMPORTANT
NOTICE TO READERS
|
1
|
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
|
1
|
INCORPORATION
OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
|
1
|
STATEMENTS
REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
|
2
|
OUR
BUSINESS
|
3
|
RISK
FACTORS
|
4
|
USE
OF PROCEEDS
|
13
|
RATIO
OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
|
14
|
DESCRIPTION
OF DEBT SECURITIES
|
14
|
DESCRIPTION
OF COMMON SHARES
|
24
|
DESCRIPTION
OF WARRANTS
|
26
|
PLAN
OF DISTRIBUTION
|
26
|
LEGAL
MATTERS
|
27
|
EXPERTS
|
28
|
You
should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference
in
this prospectus supplement and the related prospectus. See “Incorporation of
Certain Documents by Reference” on page 1 of the related prospectus. We
have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information.
If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should
not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any
jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. Information on any of
the
websites maintained by us does not constitute a part of this prospectus
supplement. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus
supplement and the related prospectus or any documents incorporated by reference
is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those
dates.
ABOUT
THIS PROSPECTUS
This
prospectus supplement will be and the related prospectus has been filed with
the
Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as the SEC, pursuant
to a
registration statement on Form S-3, which we refer to as the registration
statement.
Our
financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles in Canada, which we refer to as Canadian GAAP. We provide
certain information reconciling our financial information with generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States, which we refer to as U.S.
GAAP.
CURRENCY
INFORMATION
The
noon
rate of exchange on February 20, 2006 as reported by the Bank of Canada for
the
conversion of Canadian dollars into United States dollars was Cdn$1.00 equals
$0.8711.
OUR
BUSINESS
The
earliest predecessor to Apollo Gold Corporation was incorporated under the
laws
of the Province of Ontario in 1936. In May 2003, it reincorporated under the
laws of the Yukon Territory. Apollo Gold Corporation maintains its registered
office at 204 Black Street, Suite 300, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada
Y1A
2M9, and the telephone number at that office is (867) 668-5252. Apollo Gold
Corporation maintains its principal executive office at 5655 S. Yosemite Street,
Suite 200, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111-3220, and the telephone number
at
that office is (720) 886-9656. Our internet address is http://www.apollogold.com.
Information contained on our website is not a part of this
prospectus.
Apollo
is
engaged in gold mining including extraction, processing, refining and the
production of other by-product metals, as well as related activities including
exploration and development. The Company owns and operates the Montana Tunnels
Mine, an open pit mine and mill currently producing gold dore and lead-gold
and
zinc-gold concentrates from stock piled, low grade ore.
Apollo
has a development property, the Black Fox Project, which is located near the
Township of Matheson in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Apollo also owns
Mexican subsidiaries which own or have the right to acquire concessions at
the
Huizopa exploration project, located in the Sierra Madre gold belt in Chihuahua,
Mexico.
STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This
prospectus supplement, the related prospectus and the documents incorporated
by
reference in this prospectus supplement and the related prospectus contain
forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,”
“intends,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,”
“will,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These
statements include comments regarding: the establishment and estimates of
mineral reserves and resources, production, production commencement dates,
production costs, cash operating costs, total cash costs, grade, processing
capacity, potential mine life, feasibility studies, development costs,
expenditures and exploration.
Although
we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in these
forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot be certain that these
plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. Our actual results could
differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements
as
a result of the risk factors set forth below and other factors described in
more
detail in this prospectus supplement and the related prospectus:
|
· |
unexpected
changes in business and economic
conditions;
|
|
· |
significant
increases or decreases in gold prices;
|
|
· |
changes
in interest and currency exchange
rates;
|
|
· |
timing
and amount of production;
|
|
· |
unanticipated
grade changes;
|
|
· |
unanticipated
recovery or production problems;
|
|
· |
changes
in mining and milling costs;
|
|
· |
pit
slides at our mining property;
|
|
· |
metallurgy,
processing, access, availability of materials, equipment, supplies
and
water;
|
|
· |
determination
of reserves;
|
|
· |
changes
in project parameters;
|
|
· |
costs
and timing of development of new reserves;
|
|
· |
results
of current and future exploration activities;
|
|
· |
results
of pending and future feasibility studies;
|
|
· |
joint
venture relationships;
|
|
· |
political
or economic instability, either globally or in the countries in
which we
operate;
|
|
· |
local
and community impacts and issues;
|
|
· |
timing
of receipt of government approvals;
|
|
· |
accidents
and labor disputes;
|
|
· |
environmental
costs and risks;
|
|
· |
competitive
factors, including competition for property
acquisitions;
|
|
· |
availability
of external financing at reasonable rates or at all;
and
|
|
· |
the
factors discussed in this prospectus supplement and the related
prospectus
under the heading “Risk Factors.”
|
Many
of
these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. These factors are
not intended to represent a complete list of the general or specific factors
that may affect us. We may note additional factors elsewhere in this prospectus
supplement and the related prospectus, in any additional prospectus supplement
and in any documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement
and the related prospectus. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking
statements.
RISK
FACTORS
An
investment in the securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider
the following discussion of risks in addition to the other information in this
prospectus before purchasing any of the securities. In addition to historical
information, the information in this prospectus contains “forward-looking”
statements about our future business and performance. Our actual operating
results and financial performance may be very different from what we expect
as
of the date of this prospectus. The risks below address some of the factors
that
may affect our future operating results and financial performance.
Risks
Related to the Offering
The
market price of our common shares could experience volatility and could decline
significantly.
Our
common shares are listed on the American Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock
Exchange. Our share price has declined significantly over the past year.
Securities of small-cap companies have experienced substantial volatility in
the
past, often based on factors unrelated to the financial performance or prospects
of the companies involved. These factors include macroeconomic developments
in
North America and globally and market perceptions of the attractiveness of
particular industries. Our share price is also likely to be significantly
affected by short-term changes in gold prices or in our financial condition
or
results of operations as reflected in our quarterly earnings reports. As a
result of any of these factors, the market price of our common shares at any
given point in time might not accurately reflect our long-term value. Securities
class action litigation often has been brought against companies following
periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. We could in
the
future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result
in substantial costs and damages and divert management’s attention and
resources.
If
we complete additional equity financings, then our existing shareholders may
experience dilution.
Any
additional equity financing that we obtain would involve the sale of our common
shares and/or sales of securities that are convertible or exercisable into
our
common shares, such as share purchase warrants or convertible notes. There
is no
assurance that we will be able to complete equity financings that are not
dilutive to our existing shareholders.
The
existence of outstanding rights to purchase common shares may impair our ability
to raise capital.
As
of
February 21, 2006, approximately 30 million additional common shares are
issuable on exercise of warrants, options or other rights to purchase common
shares at prices ranging from $0.20 to $2.34. In addition, there are
approximately 11.7 million common shares issuable upon the conversion of the
$8,731,000 outstanding principal amount of our Series B Convertible Debentures
at the option of the holder at a conversion price of $0.75 per share. During
the
term of the warrants, options and other rights, the holders are given an
opportunity to profit from a rise in the market price of our common shares
with
a resulting dilution in the interest of the other shareholders. Our ability
to
obtain additional financing during the period such rights are outstanding may
be
adversely affected, and the existence of the rights may have an adverse effect
on the price of our common shares. The holders of the warrants, options and
other rights can be expected to exercise them at a time when we would, in all
likelihood, be able to obtain any needed capital by a new offering of securities
on terms more favorable than those provided by the outstanding rights.
Risks
Related to Investment in the Company
We
have identified a material weakness in our internal controls over financial
reporting.
We
identified material weaknesses for the year ended December 31, 2004 in two
areas. A material weakness is a significant deficiency, or combination of
significant deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that
a
material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not
be
prevented or detected. First, we had deficient inventory control and management
processes and lack of segregation of procurement and accounting duties at our
Florida Canyon Mine, primarily due to a lack of sufficient personnel at the
Florida Canyon Mine. As a result of the sale of the Florida Canyon Mine on
November 18, 2005, it is categorized as a discontinued operation. Second,
we lacked appropriate review of non-routine or complex accounting matters,
related accounting entries, and appropriate documentation, disclosure and
application of Canadian and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
(“GAAP”), primarily due to a lack of sufficient personnel with a level of
technical accounting expertise commensurate with our reporting requirements.
Through
the third quarter of 2005 we established a Financial Disclosure Policy Committee
to review all non-routine accounting matters and disclosure and application
of
Canadian and U.S. GAAP, added additional technical accounting expertise to
the accounting staff, and implemented formal policies addressing the internal
controls over non-routine or complex accounting matters, accounting entries,
appropriate documentation and disclosures. We continued our evaluation of these
controls and procedures in the fourth quarter 2005 and have continued monitoring
these controls and procedures through January 2006 to determine if these
controls are operating effectively. We have not yet been able to test and assess
the operating effectiveness of these mitigating steps surrounding the financial
reporting process, and testing may reveal similar or additional weaknesses
in
the design and effectiveness related to the financial reporting process.
There
may be certain tax risks associated with investments in our company.
Potential
investors that are United States taxpayers should consider that we could be
considered to be a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) for federal
income tax purposes. Although we believe that we currently are not a PFIC and
do
not expect to become a PFIC in the near future, the tests for determining PFIC
status are dependent upon a number of factors, some of which are beyond our
control, and we can not assure you that we will not become a PFIC in the future.
If we were deemed to be a PFIC, then a United States taxpayer who disposes
or is
deemed to dispose of our shares at a gain, or who received a so-called “excess
distribution” on the shares, generally would be required to treat such gain or
excess distribution as ordinary income and pay an interest charge on a portion
of the gain or distribution. Certain elections may sometimes be used to reduce
the adverse impact of the PFIC rules for holders of ordinary shares (so-called
“QEF” elections and “mark-to-market” elections), but these elections may
accelerate the recognition of income and they result in the recognition of
ordinary income. Special estate tax rules could be applicable to our shares
if
we are classified as a PFIC for income tax purposes.
We
have a history of losses and we expect to incur losses in the future.
Since
our
inception through a merger in June 2002, we have incurred significant losses
and
we expect significant losses to continue for the foreseeable future. Our net
losses were $31,007,000, $14,090,000 and $15,180,000 for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Our net losses for the nine
months ended September 30, 2005 are $17,960,000. There can be no assurance
that we will achieve or sustain profitability in the future.
We
have a limited operating history on which to evaluate our potential for future
success.
We
were
formed as a result of a merger in June 2002 and have only a limited operating
history upon which you can evaluate our business and prospects. During this
period, we have not generated sufficient revenues to cover our expenses and
costs. If we are unsuccessful in addressing these risks and uncertainties,
our
business, results of operations and financial condition will be materially
and
adversely affected.
We
are dependent on certain key personnel.
We
are
currently dependent upon the ability and experience of R. David Russell, our
President and Chief Executive Officer; Richard F. Nanna, our Senior Vice
President-Exploration; and Melvyn Williams, our Senior Vice President-Finance
and Corporate Development and Chief Financial Officer. We believe that our
success depends on the continued service of our key officers and there can
be no
assurance that we will be able to retain any or all of these officers. We
currently do not carry key person insurance on any of these individuals, and
the
loss of one or more of them could have a material adverse effect on our
operations.
Our
earnings may be affected by metals price volatility, specifically the volatility
of gold and zinc prices.
We
derive
all of our revenues from the sale of gold, silver, lead and zinc and, as a
result, our earnings are directly related to the prices of these metals. Changes
in the price of gold significantly affect our profitability. Gold prices
historically have fluctuated widely, based on numerous industry factors
including:
· |
industrial
and jewelry demand;
|
· |
central
bank lending, sales and purchases of
gold;
|
· |
forward
sales of gold by producers and
speculators;
|
· |
production
and cost levels in major gold-producing
regions; and
|
· |
rapid
short-term changes in supply and demand because of speculative or
hedging
activities.
|
Gold
prices are also affected by macroeconomic factors, including:
· |
confidence
in the global monetary system;
|
· |
expectations
of the future rate of inflation (if
any);
|
· |
the
strength of, and confidence in, the U.S. dollar (the currency in
which the price of gold is generally quoted) and other
currencies;
|
· |
global
or regional political or economic events, including but not limited
to
acts of terrorism.
|
The
current demand for, and supply of, gold also affects gold prices. The supply
of
gold consists of a combination of new production from mining and existing shares
of bullion held by government central banks, public and private financial
institutions, industrial organizations and private individuals. As the amounts
produced by all producers in any single year constitute a small portion of
the
total potential supply of gold, normal variations in current production do
not
usually have a significant impact on the supply of gold or on its price.
Mobilization of gold held by central banks through lending and official sales
may have a significant adverse impact on the gold price.
The
market prices for silver, zinc and lead are also volatile and are affected
by
numerous factors beyond our control, including global or regional consumptive
patterns, speculative activities, and general global political and economic
conditions. Our Montana Tunnels Mine has historically produced approximately
45 million pounds of these metals annually, and therefore the market prices
of these metals have a significant effect on our financial condition and results
of operations.
All
of
the above factors are beyond our control and are impossible for us to predict.
If the market prices for gold, silver, zinc or lead fall below our costs to
produce them for a sustained period of time, we will experience additional
losses and we could also be required by our reduced revenue to discontinue
exploration, development and/or mining at one or more of our properties.
Our
reserve estimates are potentially inaccurate.
We
estimate our reserves on our properties as either “proven reserves” or “probable
reserves.” Our ore reserve figures and costs are primarily estimates and are not
guarantees that we will recover the indicated quantities of these metals. We
estimate proven reserve quantities based on sampling and testing of sites
conducted by us and by independent companies hired by us. Probable reserves
are
based on information similar to that used for proven reserves, but the sites
for
sampling are less extensive, and the degree of certainty is less. Reserve
estimation is an interpretive process based upon available geological data
and
statistical inferences and is inherently imprecise and may prove to be
unreliable.
Our
reserves are reduced as existing reserves are depleted through production.
Reserves may be reduced due to lower than anticipated volume and grade of
reserves mined and processed and recovery rates.
Reserve
estimates are calculated using assumptions regarding metals prices. These prices
have fluctuated widely in the past. Declines in the market price of metals,
as
well as increased production costs, capital costs and reduced recovery rates,
may render reserves uneconomic to exploit. Any material reduction in our
reserves may lead to increased net losses, reduced cash flow, asset write-downs
and other adverse effects on our results of operations and financial condition.
Reserves should not be interpreted as assurances of mine life or of the
profitability of current or future operations. No assurance can be given that
the amount of metal estimated will be produced or the indicated level of
recovery of these metals will be realized.
We
may not achieve our production estimates.
In
the
past, we have prepared estimates of future production for our operations. We
developed our estimates based on, among other things, mining experience, reserve
estimates, assumptions regarding ground conditions and physical characteristics
of ores (such as hardness and presence or absence of certain metallurgical
characteristics) and estimated rates and costs of mining and processing. In
the
past, our actual production from time to time has been lower than our production
estimates and this may be the case in the future.
Each
of
these factors also applies to future development properties and to any future
recommencement of mining at Montana Tunnels. In the case of mines we may develop
in the future, we do not have the benefit of actual experience in our estimates,
and there is a greater likelihood that the actual results will vary from the
estimates. In addition, development projects are subject to unexpected
construction and start-up problems and delays.
Our
future profitability depends in part, on actual economic returns and actual
costs of developing mines, which may differ significantly from our estimates
and
involve unexpected problems, costs and delays.
From
time
to time we expect to engage in the development of new ore bodies. Our ability
to
sustain or increase our present level of production is dependent in part on
the
successful exploration and development of new ore bodies and/or expansion of
existing mining operations. Decisions about the development of Black Fox and
other future projects are subject to the successful completion of feasibility
studies, issuance of necessary governmental permits and receipt of adequate
financing.
Development
projects have no operating history upon which to base estimates of future cash
flow. Our estimates of proven and probable ore reserves and cash operating
costs
are, to a large extent, based upon detailed geologic and engineering analysis.
We also conduct feasibility studies that derive estimates of capital and
operating costs based upon many factors.
It
is
possible that actual costs and economic returns may differ materially from
our
best estimates. It is not unusual in the mining industry for new mining
operations to experience unexpected problems during the start-up phase and
to
require more capital than anticipated. There can be no assurance that the
development of the Black Fox property will be profitable.
Exploration
in general, and gold exploration in particular, are speculative and are
frequently unsuccessful.
Mineral
exploration, particularly for gold and silver, is highly speculative in nature,
capital intensive, involves many risks and frequently is nonproductive. There
can be no assurance that our mineral exploration efforts will be successful.
If
we discover a site with gold or other mineralization, it will take a number
of
years from the initial phases of drilling until production is possible, during
which time the economic feasibility of production may change. Substantial
expenditures are required to establish ore reserves through drilling, to
determine metallurgical processes to extract the metals from the ore and, in
the
case of new properties, to construct mining and processing facilities. As a
result of these uncertainties, no assurance can be given that our exploration
programs will result in the expansion or replacement of existing ore reserves
that are being depleted by current production.
We
are dependent upon one mining property.
All
of
our revenues are currently derived from our milling operations at the Montana
Tunnels Mine, which is a low-grade mine. Historically the Montana Tunnels Mine
has been unprofitable, and we expect it will continue to be unprofitable without
additional investment. During 2004 we experienced problems related to the
milling of low-grade ore at the Montana Tunnels Mine, which negatively affected
our revenues and earnings. We suspended mining at Montana Tunnels on
October 21, 2005, due to pit wall activity, and expect to continue to mill
ore from low grade stockpiles through the first quarter of 2006. Current studies
indicate capital ranging from $6 to 12 million would be required to
recommence mining at Montana Tunnels. At this time, we are unable to assess
whether we will be able to identify additional low grade stockpiled ore for
processing or to obtain adequate funding in order to recommence
mining.
We
do not currently have and may not be able to raise the funds necessary to
explore and develop our Black Fox and Huizopa properties and our other
properties.
We
do not
currently have sufficient funds to develop a mine at Black Fox or to complete
all of our planned exploration activities at Huizopa. The development of Black
Fox and exploration of Huizopa will require significant capital expenditures.
Sources of external financing may include bank and nonbank borrowings and future
debt and equity offerings. There can be no assurance that financing will be
available on acceptable terms, or at all. The failure to obtain financing would
have a material adverse effect on our growth strategy and our results of
operations and financial condition.
Our
Black Fox property is pledged to the holders of our 12% Series 2004-B
Secured Convertible Debentures and we may not be able to obtain financing from
an asset based lender.
Our
Black
Fox property is pledged to the holders of our 12% Series 2004-B Secured
Convertible Debentures as security for our obligations under these debentures.
It may be difficult for us to raise additional external funds through banks,
asset based lenders, or other types of lenders, which may require us to raise
additional funds through future debt and equity offerings. In addition, the
inability to pledge any additional significant assets may make it difficult
or
impossible to obtain financing on acceptable terms, or at all. The failure
to
obtain acceptable financing would have a material adverse effect on our growth
strategy and our results of operations and financial condition.
Possible
hedging activities could expose us to losses.
In
the
future, we may enter into precious and/or base metals hedging contracts that
may
involve outright forward sales contracts, spot-deferred sales contracts, the
use
of options which may involve the sale of call options and the purchase of all
these hedging instruments. There can be no assurance that we will be able to
successfully hedge against price, currency and interest rate fluctuations.
In
addition, our ability to hedge against zinc and lead price risk in a timely
manner may be adversely affected by the smaller volume of transactions in both
the zinc and lead markets. Further, there can be no assurance that the use
of
hedging techniques will always be to our benefit. Some hedging instruments
may
prevent us from realizing the benefit from subsequent increases in market prices
with respect to covered production. This limitation would limit our revenues
and
profits. Hedging contracts are also subject to the risk that the other party
may
be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under these contracts. Any
significant nonperformance could have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition and results of operations.
We
face substantial governmental regulation.
Safety.
Our
U.S. mining operations are subject to inspection and regulation by the Mine
Safety and Health Administration of the United States Department of Labor
(“MSHA”) under the provisions of the Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) also has jurisdiction
over safety and health standards not covered by MSHA. Our policy is to comply
with applicable directives and regulations of MSHA and OSHA. We have made and
expect to make in the future, significant expenditures to comply with these
laws
and regulations.
Current
Environmental Laws and Regulations.
We must
comply with environmental standards, laws and regulations that may result in
increased costs and delays depending on the nature of the regulated activity
and
how stringently the regulations are implemented by the regulatory authority.
The
costs and delays associated with compliance with such laws and regulations
could
stop us from proceeding with the exploration of a project or the operation
or
future exploration of a mine. Laws and regulations involving the protection
and
remediation of the environment and the governmental policies for implementation
of such laws and regulations are constantly changing and are generally becoming
more restrictive. We have made, and expect to make in the future, significant
expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations.
Some
of
our properties are located in historic mining districts with past production
and
abandoned mines. The major historical mine workings and processing facilities
owned (wholly or partially) by us in Montana are being targeted by the Montana
Department of Environmental Quality (“MDEQ”) for publicly funded cleanup, which
reduces our exposure to financial liability. We are participating with the
MDEQ
under Voluntary Cleanup Plans on those sites. Our cleanup responsibilities
have
been completed at the Corbin Flats Facility and at the Gregory Mine site, both
located in Jefferson County, Montana, under programs involving cooperative
efforts with the MDEQ. MDEQ is also contemplating remediation of the Washington
Mine site at public expense under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation
Act
of 1977 (“SMCRA”). In February 2004, we consented to MDEQ’s entry onto the
portion of the Washington Mine site owned by us to undertake publicly funded
remediation under SMCRA. In March 2004, we entered into a definitive written
settlement agreement with MDEQ and the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) under
which MDEQ will conduct publicly funded remediation of the Wickes Smelter site
under SMCRA and will grant us a site release in exchange for our donation of
the
portion of the site owned by us to BLM for use as a waste repository. However,
there can be no assurance that we will continue to resolve disputed liability
for historical mine and ore processing facility waste sites on such favorable
terms in the future. We remain exposed to liability, or assertions of liability,
that would require expenditure of legal defense costs, under joint and several
liability statutes for cleanups of historical wastes that have not yet been
completed.
Environmental
laws and regulations may also have an indirect impact on us, such as increased
costs for electricity due to acid rain provisions of the Clean Air Act
Amendments of 1990. Charges by refiners to which we sell our metallic
concentrates and products have substantially increased over the past several
years because of requirements that refiners meet revised environmental quality
standards. We have no control over the refiners’ operations or their compliance
with environmental laws and regulations.
Potential
Legislation.
Changes
to the current laws and regulations governing the operations and activities
of
mining companies, including changes to the U.S. General Mining Law of 1872,
and permitting, environmental, title, health and safety, labor and tax laws,
are
actively considered from time to time. We cannot predict which changes may
be
considered or adopted and changes in these laws and regulations could have
a
material adverse impact on our business. Expenses associated with the compliance
with new laws or regulations could be material. Further, increased expenses
could prevent or delay exploration or mine development projects and could
therefore affect future levels of mineral production.
We
are subject to environmental risks.
Environmental
Liability.
We are
subject to potential risks and liabilities associated with environmental
compliance and the disposal of waste rock and materials that could occur as
a
result of our mineral exploration and production. To the extent that we are
subject to environmental liabilities, the payment of such liabilities or the
costs that we may incur to remedy any non-compliance with environmental laws
would reduce funds otherwise available to us and could have a material adverse
effect on our financial condition or results of operations. If we are unable
to
fully remedy an environmental problem, we might be required to suspend
operations or enter into interim compliance measures pending completion of
the
required remedy. The potential exposure may be significant and could have a
material adverse effect on us. We have not purchased insurance for environmental
risks (including potential liability for pollution or other hazards as a result
of the disposal of waste products occurring from exploration and production)
because it is not generally available at a reasonable price or at all.
Environmental
Permits.
All of
our exploration, development and production activities are subject to regulation
under one or more of the various state, federal and provincial environmental
laws and regulations in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Many of the regulations
require us to obtain permits for our activities. We must update and review
our
permits from time to time, and are subject to environmental impact analyses
and
public review processes prior to approval of the additional activities. It
is
possible that future changes in applicable laws, regulations and permits or
changes in their enforcement or regulatory interpretation could have a
significant impact on some portion of our business, causing those activities
to
be economically reevaluated at that time. Those risks include, but are not
limited to, the risk that regulatory authorities may increase bonding
requirements beyond our financial capabilities. The posting of bonding in
accordance with regulatory determinations is a condition to the right to operate
under all material operating permits, and therefore increases in bonding
requirements could prevent our operations from continuing even if we were in
full compliance with all substantive environmental laws.
We
face strong competition from other mining companies for the acquisition of
new
properties.
Mines
have limited lives and as a result, we seek to replace and expand our reserves
through the acquisition of new properties. In addition, there is a limited
supply of desirable mineral lands available in the United States, Canada and
Mexico and other areas where we would consider conducting exploration and/or
production activities. Because we face strong competition for new properties
from other mining companies, some of which have greater financial resources
than
we do, we may be unable to acquire attractive new mining properties on terms
that we consider acceptable.
The
titles to some of our properties may be uncertain or defective.
Certain
of our United States mineral rights consist of “unpatented” mining claims
created and maintained in accordance with the U.S. General Mining Law of
1872. Unpatented mining claims are unique U.S. property interests, and are
generally considered to be subject to greater title risk than other real
property interests because the validity of unpatented mining claims is often
uncertain. This uncertainty arises, in part, out of the complex federal and
state laws and regulations that supplement the General Mining Law. Also,
unpatented mining claims and related rights, including rights to use the
surface, are subject to possible challenges by third parties or contests by
the
federal government. 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. In addition,
there are few public records that definitively control the issues of validity
and ownership of unpatented mining claims.
In
recent
years, the U.S. Congress has considered a number of proposed amendments to
the General Mining Law. Although no such legislation has been adopted to date,
there can be no assurance that such legislation will not be adopted in the
future. If ever adopted, such legislation could, among other things, impose
royalties on gold production from unpatented mining claims located on federal
lands or impose fees on production from patented mining claims. If such
legislation is ever adopted, it could have an adverse impact on earnings from
our operations, could reduce estimates of our reserves and could curtail our
future exploration and development activity on federal lands or patented claims.
While
we
have no reason to believe that the existence and extent of any of our properties
are in doubt, title to mining properties are subject to potential claims by
third parties claiming an interest in them.
We
may lose rights to properties if we fail to meet payment requirements or
development or production schedules.
We
derive
the rights to most of our mineral properties from unpatented mining claims,
leaseholds, joint ventures or purchase option agreements which require the
payment of maintenance fees, rents, or purchase price installments, exploration
expenditures, or other fees. If we fail to make these payments when they are
due, our rights to the property may lapse. There can be no assurance that we
will always make payments by the requisite payment dates. In addition, some
contracts with respect to our mineral properties require development or
production schedules. There can be no assurance that we will be able to meet
any
or all of the development or production schedules. Our ability to transfer
or
sell our rights to some of our mineral properties requires government approvals
or third party consents, which may not be granted.
Our
operations may be adversely affected by risks and hazards associated with the
mining industry.
Our
business is subject to a number of risks and hazards including adverse
environmental effects, technical difficulties due to unusual or unexpected
geologic formations, and pit wall failures. Such risks could result in personal
injury, environmental damage, damage to and destruction of production
facilities, delays in mining and liability. For some of these risks, we maintain
insurance to protect against these losses at levels consistent with our
historical experience and industry practice. However, we may not be able to
maintain current levels of insurance, particularly if there is a significant
increase in the cost of premiums. Insurance against environmental risks is
generally too expensive or not available for us and other companies in our
industry, and, therefore, we do not maintain environmental insurance. To the
extent we are subject to environmental liabilities, we would have to pay for
these liabilities. Moreover, in the event that we are unable to fully pay for
the cost of remedying an environmental problem, we might be required to suspend
or significantly curtail operations or enter into other interim compliance
measures.
You
could have difficulty or be unable to enforce certain civil liabilities on
us,
certain of our directors and our experts.
We
are a
Yukon Territory, Canada, corporation. Substantially all of our assets are
located outside of Canada and our head office is located in the United States.
Additionally, a number of our directors and the experts that may be named in
this prospectus are residents of Canada. Although we have appointed Lackowicz,
Shier & Hoffman as our agents for service of process in the Yukon
Territory, it might not be possible for investors to collect judgments obtained
in Canadian courts predicated on the civil liability provisions of securities
legislation. It could also be difficult for you to effect service of process
in
connection with any action brought in the United States upon such directors
and
experts. Execution by United States courts of any judgment obtained against
us,
or any of the directors, executive officers or experts named in this prospectus
supplement and the related prospectus, in United States courts would be limited
to the assets or the assets of such persons or corporations, as the case might
be, in the United States. The enforceability in Canada of United States
judgments or liabilities in original actions in Canadian courts predicated
solely upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of
the
United States is doubtful.
If
we cannot raise additional funds to finance our Black Fox property, we may
not
be able to continue as a going concern.
We
do not
have sufficient resources to fully develop the Black Fox project. The Company
is
actively seeking financing for Black Fox; however, the availability and timing
of this financing is not certain at this time.
USE
OF PROCEEDS
There
will be no cash proceeds from the issuance of the common shares in this
offering. We are issuing 2,290,408 common shares of Apollo Gold Corporation
directly to certain former and current executive officers, without the use
of
placement agents. Of the 2,290,408 common shares being issued under this
prospectus supplement, 1,187,175 common shares will be issued to four former
executive officers. On February 18, 2006, we entered into Severance
Agreements and Releases with four former executive officers, pusuant to which
the four departed officers will receive the following number of common shares
as
part of their severance payment provided the departed officers do not revoke
the
agreements on or before February 25, 2006: Donald O. Miller, 359,750 shares;
James T. O’Neil, 179,875 shares; David K. Young, 359,750 shares; and Donald W.
Vagstad, 287,800 shares. The remaining 1,103,233 common shares being issued
under this prospectus supplement will be issued to the three remaining executive
officers in consideration for amending their existing employment agreements.
Pursuant to the amended employment agreements, the remaining officers have
agreed to reduce their base salaries by an aggregate of $170,000 per annum
in
exchange for the following number of our common shares: R. David Russell,
611,575 shares; Melvyn Williams, 239,833 shares; and Richard F. Nanna, 251,825
shares.
PRICE
RANGE OF OUR COMMON SHARES
Our
common shares are listed on the American Stock Exchange under the trading symbol
“AGT” and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “APG.” On
February 21, 2006, the closing price per share for our common shares as reported
by the American Stock Exchange was $0.48 and as reported by the Toronto Stock
Exchange was Cdn$0.51.
The
following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high and
low
market closing prices per share of our common shares.
|
|
American
Stock
Exchange
(1)
|
|
Toronto
Stock
Exchange
|
|
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
|
|
($)
|
|
Cdn$
|
2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First
Quarter (through February 21, 2006)
|
|
|
0.50
|
|
|
0.38
|
|
|
0.57
|
|
|
0.43
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First
Quarter
|
|
|
0.77
|
|
|
0.47
|
|
|
0.92
|
|
|
0.56
|
|
Second
Quarter
|
|
|
0.49
|
|
|
0.27
|
|
|
0.59
|
|
|
0.33
|
|
Third
Quarter
|
|
|
0.36
|
|
|
0.23
|
|
|
0.41
|
|
|
0.27
|
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
|
|
0.32
|
|
|
0.17
|
|
|
0.37
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First
Quarter
|
|
|
2.61
|
|
|
1.80
|
|
|
3.30
|
|
|
2.40
|
|
Second
Quarter
|
|
|
2.11
|
|
|
1.25
|
|
|
2.76
|
|
|
1.72
|
|
Third
Quarter
|
|
|
1.41
|
|
|
0.54
|
|
|
1.85
|
|
|
0.67
|
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
|
|
1.05
|
|
|
0.60
|
|
|
1.25
|
|
|
0.72
|
|
2003:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First
Quarter
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.20
|
|
|
2.81
|
|
Second
Quarter
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3.45
|
|
|
2.25
|
|
Third
Quarter
|
|
|
1.97
|
|
|
1.58
|
|
|
2.73
|
|
|
2.20
|
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
|
|
2.64
|
|
|
1.40
|
|
|
3.42
|
|
|
1.85
|
|
__________________
(1) On
August
26, 2003, our shares were listed on the American Stock Exchange under the
trading symbol “AGT.”
We
have
not declared or paid cash dividends on our common shares since our inception
and
we expect for the foreseeable future to retain all of our earnings from
operations for use in expanding and developing our business. Future dividend
decisions will consider our then-current business results, cash requirements
and
financial condition.
CAPITALIZATION
The
following table sets forth our consolidated capitalization (i) as of the
dates indicated, and (ii) as adjusted to give effect to this offering. The
following table should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated
financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31,
2004, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Form 10-K and the unaudited
consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the nine months
ended September 30, 2005, incorporated by reference in this prospectus
supplement.
|
|
|
As
at Dec. 31, 2004(1)
|
|
As
at September 30, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
Canadian
GAAP
Current
Debt
|
|
|
17,885
|
|
|
14,191
|
|
|
14,191
|
|
Long-term
Debt
|
|
|
32,529
|
|
|
34,004
|
|
|
34,004
|
|
Shareholders’
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
Shares
|
|
|
154,249
|
|
|
161,389
|
|
|
162,310
|
|
Deficit
|
|
|
(107,028
|
)
|
|
(124,988
|
)
|
|
(125,909
|
)
|
|
|
|
47,221
|
|
|
36,401
|
|
|
36,401
|
|
Total:
|
|
|
97,635
|
|
|
84,596
|
|
|
84,596
|
|
|
|
|
As
at Dec. 31, 2004
|
|
|
As
at September 30, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
($000’s)
As
restated
|
|
|
($000’s)
Actual
|
|
|
($000’s)
As
Adjusted(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
U.S.
GAAP
Current
Debt
|
|
|
17,885
|
|
|
14,191
|
|
|
14,191
|
|
Long-term
Debt
|
|
|
32,529
|
|
|
34,004
|
|
|
34,004
|
|
Shareholders’
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
Shares
|
|
|
172,994
|
|
|
180,139
|
|
|
181,060
|
|
Deficit
|
|
|
(147,980
|
)
|
|
(169,358
|
)
|
|
(170,279
|
)
|
|
|
|
25,014
|
|
|
10,781
|
|
|
10,781
|
|
Total:
|
|
|
75,428
|
|
|
58,976
|
|
|
58,976
|
|
__________________
(1)
|
These
numbers are derived from audited financial
statements.
|
(2)
|
Amounts
shown are before estimated expenses of the offering.
|
DILUTION
The
difference between the offering price per common share and the pro forma net
tangible book value per common share after this offering constitutes the
dilution to you. Net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing
our
net tangible book value (total tangible assets minus total liabilities) by
the
number of common shares outstanding.
At
September 30, 2005, our net tangible book value was $36.4 million, or $0.34
per
common share, under Canadian GAAP ($10.8 million, or $0.10 per common
share, under U.S. GAAP). After giving effect to the issuance of the 2,290,408
common shares, our pro forma net tangible book value as of September 30, 2005,
would have been $34.4 million or $0.33 per
common share under Canadian GAAP ($10.8 million, or $0.10 per common share
under U.S. GAAP). This represents an immediate decrease in the net tangible
book
value of $0.01 per common share under Canadian GAAP (a decrease of less than
$0.01 per common share under U.S. GAAP) to existing shareholders and an
immediate decrease in net tangible book value of $0.09 per common share under
Canadian GAAP (a decrease of $0.32 per common share under U.S. GAAP) to the
recipients of the common shares in the offering.
The
following table illustrates the per share dilution to you:
Canadian
GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering
price
|
|
|
|
$0.42
|
|
Net
tangible book value per share as
of September 30, 2005
|
|
|
0.34
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease
attributable to new offering
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
net tangible book value after offering
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.33
|
|
Decrease
per share to new offering recipients
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.09
|
)
|
Decrease
as a percentage of issuance price
|
|
|
|
|
|
(26
|
)%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S.
GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering
price
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.42
|
|
Net
tangible book value per share as
of September 30, 2005
|
|
$
|
0.10
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease
attributable to new offering
|
|
|
(0.00
|
)
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
net tangible book value after offering
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
Decrease
per share to new offering recipients
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.32
|
)
|
Decrease
as a percentage of offering price
|
|
|
|
|
|
(76
|
)%
|
PLAN
OF DISTRIBUTION
There
will be no cash proceeds from the issuance of the common shares in this
offering. We are issuing 2,290,408 common shares of Apollo Gold Corporation
directly to certain former and current executive officers, without the use
of
placement agents. Of the 2,290,408 common shares being issued under this
prospectus supplement, 1,187,175 common shares will be issued to four former
executive officers. On February 18, 2006, we entered into Severance
Agreements and Releases with four former executive officers, pusuant to which
the four departed officers will receive the following number of common shares
as
part of their severance payment provided the departed officers do not revoke
the
agreements on or before February 25, 2006: Donald O. Miller, 359,750 shares;
James T. O’Neil, 179,875 shares; David K. Young, 359,750 shares; and Donald W.
Vagstad, 287,800 shares. The remaining 1,103,233 common shares being issued
under this prospectus supplement will be issued to the three remaining executive
officers in consideration for amending their existing employment agreements.
Pursuant to the amended employment agreements, the remaining officers have
agreed to reduce their base salaries by an aggregate of $170,000 per annum
in
exchange for the following number of our common shares: R. David Russell,
611,575 shares; Melvyn Williams, 239,833 shares; and Richard F. Nanna, 251,825
shares.
The
common shares offered by this prospectus supplement are expected to be listed
on
the American Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange, subject to official
notice of issuance and listing.
TRANSFER
AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The
transfer agent and registrar for our common shares is CIBC Mellon Trust Company,
P. O. Box 7010 Adelaide Postal Station, Toronto, Ontario M5E 2W9,
Canada.
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We
are
subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as
amended (the “Exchange Act”), and file annual, quarterly and periodic reports,
proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a web
site (http://www.sec.gov)
on
which our reports, proxy statements and other information are made available.
Such reports, proxy statements and other information may also be inspected
and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street,
N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further
information on the operation of the public reference facilities.
We
have
filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-3, under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), with respect to the securities
offered by the prospectus and this prospectus supplement. The prospectus and
this prospectus supplement, which constitute part of the Registration Statement,
does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement,
certain parts of which have been omitted in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the SEC. Reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement
and the exhibits to the Registration Statement for further information with
respect to us and the securities.