SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT DATED OCTOBER 15, 2009

 

10,000,000 Units

 

 

URANERZ ENERGY CORPORATION

 

Uranerz Energy Corporation (which we refer to as “Uranerz,” the “Company,” “we,” or “us”) is offering and selling up to 10,000,000 shares of its common stock (which we refer to as the “Shares”) and warrants to purchase up to an additional 5,000,000 shares of its common stock (which we refer to as the “Warrants”) pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. We are offering the Shares and Warrants in units (which we refer to as the “Units”) each consisting of one Share and one-half of one Warrant, each whole Warrant exercisable to purchase one additional share of common stock of the Company at a price of $3.00 per share of common stock, subject to adjustment and early termination, for a period of 30 months following the closing of this offering. The Units will be sold at a negotiated price of $2.00 per Unit. The Units will not be issued or certificated. The Shares and Warrants are immediately separable and will be issued separately. We do not intend to apply for listing the Warrants on any securities exchange.

 

Our shares of common stock are traded on the NYSE Amex LLC (which we refer to as the “Amex”) and on the Toronto Stock Exchange (which we refer to as the “TSX”) under the symbol “URZ,” and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol “U9E.” On October 14, 2009, the closing price of our shares of common stock on the Amex was $2.24 per share of common stock, on the TSX was Cdn $2.26 per share of common stock and on the Frankfurt Exchange was €1.43 per share of common stock. There is no market through which the Warrants may be sold and purchasers may not be able to resell the Warrants purchased under this prospectus supplement. This may affect the pricing of the Warrants in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices, the liquidity of such Warrants, and the extent of issuer regulation. Our principal executive offices are located at 1701 East “E” Street, PO Box 50850, Casper, Wyoming 82605-0850, and our telephone number is 307-265-8900.

 

Investing in the Units involves a high degree of risk. Before buying any Units, you should read the discussion of material risks of investing in our Units in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page S-10 of this prospectus supplement and the “Risk Factors and Uncertainties” section beginning on page 7 of the accompanying base prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein.

 

 

 

 

We are offering and selling the Units pursuant to an agency agreement dated October   , 2009 by and among us and Dahlman Rose & Company, LLC, Haywood Securities Inc., GMP Securities L.P., Dundee Securities Corporation, and Versant Partners Inc. as placement agents in connection with this offering. The placement agents are not required to purchase or sell any Units, Shares or Warrants offered hereby nor are they required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of Units, but will use their best efforts to arrange for the sale of all of the Units offered hereby. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to the closing of this offering, the actual offering amount, placement agents’ fees, and proceeds, before expenses, to us are not presently determinable and may be substantially less than the maximum amounts set forth above.

 

We expect the Shares and Warrants offered hereby to be delivered on or about October   , 2009, or such earlier date as we and the placement agents may agree following the completion of the placement of all of the Units offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement.

 

Neither the United States Securities Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

The date of this prospectus supplement is October   , 2009

 

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and any free writing prospectus relating to this offering. We have not, and the placement agents have not, authorized any other person to provide you with additional or different information. If anyone provides you with additional or different information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the placement agents are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, any free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein is accurate only as of the respective dates of such documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. Information in this prospectus supplement updates and modifies the information in the accompanying base prospectus and information incorporated by reference herein and therein. To the extent that any statement made in this prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus (unless otherwise specifically indicated therein) differs from those in the accompanying base prospectus, the statements made in the accompanying base prospectus and the information incorporated by reference herein and therein are deemed modified or superseded by the statements made by this prospectus supplement.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

 

 

BASE PROSPECTUS

 

 

This prospectus supplement relates to a registration statement that we filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (which we refer to as the “SEC”) utilizing a shelf registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, offer, sell and issue any of the securities or any combination of the securities described in the accompanying base prospectus in one or more offerings. The accompanying base prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. This prospectus supplement contains specific information about the terms of this offering of Units by us. This prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus filed by us (unless otherwise specifically stated therein) may add, update or change information contained in the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. You should read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and any free writing prospectus filed by us together with the information described under the sections entitled, “Where to Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference” in this prospectus supplement and any additional information you may need to make your investment decision. We have also filed this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces of Canada, except Quebec, pursuant to the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system (which Canadian-filed prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus we refer to as the “Canadian Prospectus”). The securities qualified under the Canadian Prospectus may be offered and sold in each of the provinces of Canada, other than Quebec, subject to any applicable securities laws.

 

Prospective investors should be aware that the acquisition of the Shares and Warrants described herein and the exercise of the Warrants may have tax consequences both in the United States and Canada, as applicable. Such consequences for investors who are resident in, or citizens of, the United States or Canada may not be described fully in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus or the Canadian Prospectus. See “U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” in the accompanying base prospectus.

 

Unless otherwise stated, currency amounts in this prospectus supplement are stated in United States dollars. The financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, and the selected consolidated financial data derived therefrom included in this prospectus supplement, are presented in United States dollars. References to “$” are to U.S. dollars and references to “Cdn$” are to Canadian dollars. The financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, and the selected consolidated financial data derived therefrom included in this prospectus supplement, have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

 

The registration statement that contains the accompanying base prospectus (SEC File No. 333-160504) (including the exhibits filed with and the information incorporated by reference into the registration statement) contains additional important business and financial information about us, the Units, the Shares, and the Warrants that is not presented or delivered with this prospectus supplement. That registration statement, including the exhibits filed with the registration statement and the information incorporated by reference into the registration statement, can be read at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, or at the SEC office mentioned under the section of this prospectus supplement entitled “Where to Find Additional Information” below.

 

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy materials we have filed with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of its public reference room. Our SEC filings also are available to the public on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov. In addition, we maintain a website that contains information about us, including our SEC filings, at www.uranerz.com. The information contained on our website does not constitute a part of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, the Canadian Prospectus or any other report or documents we file with or furnish to the SEC or with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada.

 

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated herein and therein by reference contain “forward-looking-statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements concern our anticipated results and developments in our operations in future periods, planned exploration and, if warranted, development of its properties, plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

 

Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect,” “is expected,” “anticipates” or “does not anticipate,” “plans,” “estimates” or “intends,” or stating that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:

 

 

For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements please see the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-10 of this prospectus supplement and the section entitled “Risk Factors and Uncertainties” beginning on page 7 of the accompanying base prospectus and, to the extent applicable, the “Risk Factors” sections in our annual reports on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC and the Canadian securities authorities that are incorporated by reference herein. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that these statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in the statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investors should review our subsequent reports filed with the SEC and the Canadian securities authorities on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and any amendments thereto. We qualify all forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

 

This prospectus supplement is deemed, as of the date hereof, to be incorporated by reference into the accompanying base prospectus solely for the purpose of offering the Units. Other documents are also incorporated, or are deemed to be incorporated, by reference into the accompanying base prospectus, and reference should be made to the accompanying base prospectus for full particulars thereof.

 

The following documents which have been filed by us with securities commissions or similar authorities in Canada and with the SEC, are also specifically incorporated by reference into, and form an integral part of the accompanying base prospectus, as supplemented by this prospectus supplement (excluding, unless otherwise provided therein or herein, information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K):

 

 

You may obtain copies of any of these documents by contacting us at the address and telephone number indicated below or by contacting the SEC as described under the section entitled “Where to Find Additional Information.” You may request a copy of these documents, and any exhibits that have specifically been incorporated

by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement forms a part, at no cost, by writing to or telephoning:

 

Uranerz Energy Corporation
1701 East “E” Street, PO Box 50850
Casper, Wyoming 82605-0850
Attention: Sandra R. MacKay, Corporate Secretary
(604) 689-1659

 

You should rely only on the information provided or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and any free writing prospectus. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, any free writing prospectus or any document incorporated herein or therein, is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of the applicable document.

 

SUMMARY

	•	our 100% owned properties that totalled 30,945 acres as of October 15, 2009;
	•	our 81% interest Arkose Mining Venture properties that totalled 88,128 acres as of October 15, 2009; and
	•	additional properties that we have acquired inside the Powder River Basin area.

						Number of Claims/			Acreage
Property Composition			Ownership Interest(1)			Leases			(Approximate)
Unpatented Lode Mining Claims			100%			1,096			21,920 acres
State Leases			100%			7			6,480 acres
Fee (private) Mineral Leases			100%			23			2,545 acres
Total									30,945 acres

(1)		Subject to various royalties.

						Acreage
Property			No. Claims			(Approximate)
Doughstick			22			440
Collins Draw			38			760
North Rolling Pin			65			1,300
Hank			66			1,320
Nichols Ranch			36			720
C-Line			40			800
Willow Creek			11			220
West North-Butte			145			2,900
East Nichols			44			880
North Nichols			107			2,140
TOTAL			574			11,480

						Number of Claims/			Acreage
Property Composition			Ownership Interest(1)			Leases			(Approximate)
Unpatented Lode Mining Claims			81%			4,104			67,141 acres
State Leases			81%			3			2,080 acres
Fee (private) Mineral Leases			81%			68			18,907 acres
Total									88,128 acres

Issuer:		Uranerz Energy Corporation
Offering:		Up to 10,000,000 Units
		Each Unit consists of one Share and one half of one Warrant.
Warrants:		Each whole Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one share of our common stock, subject to adjustment and early termination, for a period of 30 months after the closing of this offering at a price of $3.00.
		The Warrants will be freely transferable, subject to the terms and conditions of the Warrant Indenture.
		In the event that our shares of common stock trade in the United States at a closing price of greater than $3.50 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days at any time following the closing of this offering, we may accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by giving notice via a press release to the holders thereof and in such case the Warrants will expire on the 30th day after the date on which such notice is given by us. See section entitled “Description of Warrants” in this prospectus supplement.
Amount:		Up to $20,000,000
Price to the Public:		$2.00 per Unit
Agents’ Option:		We have granted to the placement agents an Agents’ Option, exercisable in whole or in part, at the sole option of Dahlman Rose & Company, LLC and Haywood Securities Inc., on behalf of the placement agents, at any time up to two business days prior to the closing of the offering to place up to 1,500,000 additional Units at the public offering price (15% of the Units issued under the offering).
Shares of Common Stock Outstanding(1):		Prior to the offering: 55,694,887 shares of common stock
		After the offering: 65,694,887 shares of common stock(2)

Placement Agents’ Fee:		We have agreed to pay the placement agents a fee equal to $0.12 for each Unit sold pursuant to the offering. See the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus supplement.
Use of Proceeds:		The net proceeds from the sale of the Units in this offering are estimated to be approximately $18.49 million ($21.31 million if the Agents’ Option is exercised in full), after deducting the placement agents’ fee and estimated offering expenses. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering: (i) to continue development of commercial mining facilities at our Nichols Ranch project, including site and infrastructure preparations, finalization of mine design and completion of engineering and construction drawings, (ii) for further exploration of our properties and the Arkose Mining Venture’s properties in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming, (iii) for the advancement of environmental activities, applications and licenses, including the advancement of the Nichols Ranch federal and state mining applications, and (iv) for acquisitions and further development of acquired properties, working capital requirements and/or for other general corporate purposes. See the section entitled “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus supplement.
Risk Factors:		Investing in the Units involves risks that are described in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page S-10 of this prospectus supplement and the “Risk Factors and Uncertainties” section beginning on page 7 of the accompanying base prospectus and, to the extent applicable, the “Risk Factors” sections of our annual reports on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC and Canadian securities authorities.
Tax Considerations:		Purchasing the Shares and Warrants and exercising the Warrants may have tax consequences in the United States and Canada. This prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the Canadian Prospectus may not describe these consequences fully. Investors should read the tax discussion in the base prospectus. See the section entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” in the accompanying base prospectus.
Listing Symbol:		Our shares of common stock are listed for trading on the Amex and the TSX, in each case under the symbol “URZ,” and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol “U9E.” There is no market through which the Warrants may be sold and purchasers may not be able to resell the Warrants purchased in the offering.

(1)		These figures do not include 5,874,700 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding stock options, which are exercisable at a weighted average price of $1.89 per share, as at October 15, 2009.
		To the extent any options are exercised, new options are issued under our equity incentive plans, or we otherwise issue additional shares of common stock or securities exercisable for or convertible into shares of common stock, there will be further dilution to new investors. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, there are 3,204,860 shares of common stock available for issuance under our equity incentive plans.
(2)		If the Agents’ Option is exercised in full, 67,194,887 shares of common stock will be outstanding after this offering. These figures do not include the exercise of the Warrants.

 

Investing in the Shares is speculative and involves a high degree of risk. Prospective investors should carefully consider the following risks, as well as the other information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein before investing in the Shares. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business could be materially harmed. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones faced by us. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those of which we are currently unaware or that are currently deemed immaterial, may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows, prospects and the price of our common stock.

 

The following is a short description of the risks and uncertainties which are more fully described under the section entitled “Risk Factors and Uncertainties” in the accompanying base prospectus:

 

 

 

Additional Risk Factors

 

The issuance of additional shares of common stock may negatively impact the trading price of our shares of common stock.

 

We have issued equity securities in the past and may continue to issue equity securities to finance our activities in the future, including to finance future acquisitions, or as consideration for acquisitions of businesses or assets. In addition, outstanding options and warrants to purchase shares of common stock may be exercised, resulting in the issuance of additional shares of common stock. The issuance by us of additional shares of common stock would result in dilution to our stockholders, and even the perception that such an issuance may occur could have a negative impact on the trading price of our shares of common stock.

 

There can be no assurance as to the liquidity of the trading market for the Warrants or that a trading market for the Warrants will develop.

 

There is currently no public market through which the Warrants may be sold and we do not intend to apply for the listing of the Warrants on any securities exchange. This may affect the pricing of the Warrants in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices, the liquidity of the Warrants, and the extent of issuer regulation.

 

Acquisitions and integration issues may expose us to additional risks which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Our business strategy includes making targeted acquisitions. Any acquisition that we make may be of a significant size, may change the scale of our business and operations, and may expose us to new geographic, political, operating, financial and geological risks. The success of our acquisition activities depends on our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates, negotiate acceptable terms for any such acquisition and integrate the acquired operations successfully with our own. Any acquisitions would be accompanied by risks which could have a material adverse effect on our business. For example, there may be significant decreases in commodity prices after we have committed to complete the transaction and have established the purchase price or exchange ratio; a material ore body may prove to be below expectations; we may have difficulty integrating and assimilating the operations and personnel of any acquired companies, realizing anticipated synergies and maximizing the financial and strategic position of the combined enterprise and maintaining uniform standards, policies and controls across the organization; the integration of the acquired business or assets may disrupt our ongoing business and our relationships with employees, customers, suppliers and contractors; and the acquired business or assets may have unknown liabilities which may be significant. If we choose to use equity securities as consideration for such an acquisition, existing stockholders may suffer dilution. Alternatively, we may choose to finance any such acquisition with our existing resources. There can be no assurance that we would be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with such acquisitions.

Our mineral properties may be subject to defects in title.

 

We own, lease, or have under option, unpatented and patented mining claims, mineral claims or concessions and fee mineral leases which constitute our property holdings. The ownership and validity or title of unpatented mining claims and concessions are often uncertain and may be contested. We also may not have, or may not be able to obtain, all necessary surface rights to develop a property. We have not conducted title research in relation to many of our mining claims and concessions to ensure clean title. We cannot guarantee that title to our properties will not be challenged. Title insurance is generally not available for mineral properties and our ability to ensure that we have obtained secure claim to individual mineral properties or mining concessions may be severely constrained. Our mineral properties may be subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims, and title may be affected by, among other things, undetected defects. We may incur significant costs related to defending the title to our properties. A successful claim contesting our title to a property may cause us to compensate other persons or perhaps reduce our interest in the affected property or lose our rights to explore and, if warranted, develop that property. This could result in us not being compensated for our prior expenditures relating to the property. Also, in any such case, the investigation and resolution of title issues would divert our management’s time from ongoing exploration and development programs.

 

The net proceeds from the sale of the Units in this offering are estimated to be approximately $18.49 million, after deducting the placement agents’ fee and estimated offering expenses ($21.31 million if the Agents’ Option is exercised in full).

 

We intend to allocate the net proceeds from the offering as follows:

 

 

The actual amount that we spend in connection with each of the intended uses of proceeds may vary significantly from the amounts specified above, and will depend on a number of factors, including those described in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page S-10 of this prospectus supplement and the “Risk Factors and Uncertainties” section beginning on page 7 of the accompanying base prospectus and, to the extent applicable, the “Risk Factors” sections in our annual reports on Form 10-K and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC and the Canadian securities authorities.

 

Until such time as the net proceeds of the offering are used as described above, we intend to invest the net proceeds primarily in short-term bank guaranteed deposits or other substantially similar secure deposits.

 

As we advance our business plan, we may, from time to time, issue additional shares of common stock or other securities by filing one or more additional prospectus supplements and through other offerings of securities.

 

Depending on opportunities, economic conditions and the results of the activities described above we may use a portion of the use of proceeds allocated above to invest in property acquisitions or complete other corporate activities designed to achieve our corporate goals. Estimated costs and the scope of activities cannot be determined at this time.

 

Since June 30, 2009, there have been no changes to our share capital, on a consolidated basis, except for the exercise of 192,500 share purchase options for proceeds of $128,625.

 

The following table sets forth our cash and consolidated capitalization as at June 30, 2009 on an actual basis and as adjusted to give effect to the distribution of the Units offered hereunder after deducting the placement agents’ fee and the estimated expenses of the offering payable by us (not including the exercise of the Warrants and assuming no exercise of the Agents’ Option) and the application of the net proceeds from this offering as described under the section entitled “Use of Proceeds”). The amount of proceeds we ultimately receive from this offering is dependent upon numerous factors and subject to general market conditions. Also, as there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to the closing of this offering, the actual offering amount, placement agents’ fees, and proceeds, before expenses, to us may be substantially less than the maximum amounts. Accordingly, the amounts shown in the table “As at June 30, 2009 after giving effect to the issuance of the Units” column may differ from actual results.

 

The table should be read in conjunction with our audited annual consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2008, our unaudited consolidated financial statements as at and for the six months ended June 30, 2009, including the notes thereto, and the management’s discussion and analysis thereof, incorporated in each case by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus.

 

 

 

 

The selected financial data in the table below has been selected in part, from our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The selected consolidated financial data is not intended to replace the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 or in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter-ended June 30, 2009 which are incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

 

We have never declared or paid any dividends on our shares of common stock. We intend to retain its earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business and do not expect to pay dividends or to make any other distributions in the near future. Our board of directors will review this policy from time to time having regard to our financing requirements, financial condition and other factors considered to be relevant.

 

We are authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock of which, as of October 15, 2009, 55,694,887 shares of common stock are issued and outstanding. Our shares of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors. Except as otherwise required by law, the holders of our shares of common stock will possess all voting power. Generally, all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority (or, in the case of election of directors, by a plurality) of the votes entitled to be cast by all of our shares of common stock that is present in person or represented by proxy. Holders of our shares of common stock representing 33 1/3% of our capital stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, are necessary to constitute a quorum at any meeting of our stockholders. A vote by the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock is required to effectuate certain fundamental corporate changes such as liquidation, merger or an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation. Our Articles of Incorporation do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.

 

The holders of our shares of common stock will be entitled to such cash dividends as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors from funds available therefor.

 

Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our shares of common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata all assets available for distribution to such holders.

 

In the event of any merger or consolidation with or into another company in connection with which our shares of common stock are converted into or exchangeable for shares of stock, other securities or property (including cash), all holders of our shares of common stock will be entitled to receive the same kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property (including cash).

 

Holders of our shares of common stock have no pre-emptive rights or conversion rights and there are no redemption provisions applicable to our shares of common stock.

 

The Warrants will be issued in registered form under, and will be governed by, an indenture to be dated as of the date of the closing of this offering (which we refer to as the “Warrant Indenture”) between us, and Corporate Stock Transfer, Inc. as warrant agent. Each whole Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.00, subject to adjustment and early termination, as described below. If not exercised, the Warrants will expire 30 months from the date of the closing of this offering. The shares of common stock underlying the Warrants, when issued upon exercise of the Warrants, will be fully paid and non-assessable, and we will pay any transfer tax incurred as a result of the issuance of the underlying shares of common stock except for any tax payable in respect of any transfer in a name other than the holders’.

 

In the event that our shares of common stock trade in the United States at a closing price of greater than $3.50 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days at any time following the closing of this offering, we may accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by giving notice via a press release to the holders thereof and in such case the Warrants will expire on the 30^th day after the date on which such notice is given by us.

 

The Warrants contain provisions for cashless exercise in certain limited circumstances, as described below, and there is no minimum or maximum amount that may be exercised at any one time. The Warrants may be transferred or assigned. We may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any taxes or governmental or other charges that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of a Warrant certificate.

The Warrant Indenture will provide for adjustment in the number of shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants and/or the exercise price per share of common stock upon the occurrence of certain events, including:

 

 

The Warrant Indenture will also provide for adjustment in the class and/or number of shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants and/or exercise price per share of common stock in the event of the following additional events:

 

 

No adjustment to the exercise price or the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrants will be required to be made unless the cumulative effect of such adjustment or adjustments would result in a change of at least 1% in the prevailing exercise price or a change in the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon exercise by at least one one-hundredth of a share of common stock, as the case may be.

 

We will also covenant in the Warrant Indenture that, during the period in which the Warrants are exercisable, we will give notice to each registered holder of Warrants of certain stated events, including events that would result in an adjustment to the exercise price for the Warrants or the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, at least 14 days prior to the record date or effective date, as the case may be, of such event.

 

We are not required to issue fractional shares upon the exercise of the Warrants (and are not required to pay cash in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares). The holders of the Warrants will not possess any rights as shareholders of the Company until such holders exercise the Warrants.

 

For the life of the Warrants, subject to their terms, the holders of the Warrants have the opportunity to profit from a rise in the market price of the shares of common stock without assuming the risk of ownership of the

underlying shares of common stock. Furthermore, the terms on which we obtain additional capital during the life of the Warrants may be adversely affected by the existence of these Warrants.

 

From time to time, we and the warrant agent, without the consent of the holders of Warrants, may amend or supplement the Warrant Indenture for certain purposes, including curing defects or inconsistencies or making any change that, in the opinion of the warrant agent, does not prejudice the rights of the warrant agent or the holders of the Warrants. In accordance with and subject to the terms of the Warrant Indenture, amendments or supplements to the Warrant Indenture that so prejudice the interests of the holders of the Warrants may only be made by “extraordinary resolution”, which will be defined in the Warrant Indenture as a resolution either (i) passed at a meeting of the holders of Warrants at which there are holders of Warrants present in person or represented by proxy representing at least 25% of the aggregate number of shares of common stock which may be acquired pursuant to all the then outstanding Warrants, and passed by the affirmative vote of holders of Warrants representing not less than 66 2/3% of the votes cast upon such resolution; or (ii) adopted by an instrument in writing signed by the holders of Warrants entitled to acquire not less than 66 2/3% of the aggregate number of shares of common stock which may be acquired pursuant to all the then outstanding Warrants.

 

It is a condition of the closing of this offering that we file prior to the closing of this offering with the SEC a prospectus supplement regarding the offering of shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon the exercise of the Warrants. We have agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to maintain the registration statement or another registration statement relating to these shares of common stock effective until the earlier of the expiration date of the Warrants and the date on which no Warrants remain outstanding (provided, however, that nothing shall prevent our amalgamation, arrangement, merger or sale, including any take-over bid, and any associated delisting or deregistration or ceasing to be a reporting issuer, provided that, so long as the Warrants are still outstanding and represent a right to acquire securities of the acquiring company, the acquiring company shall assume our obligations under the Warrant Indenture). If no such registration statement is effective, no person holding Warrants will be permitted to exercise Warrants, unless an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act is available. During any such period, any person holding Warrants may give notice to us of their desire to exercise the Warrants, at which time we will, at our sole discretion, either (i) redeem the Warrants held by them for a redemption price equal to the difference between the current market price (as applicable) per share of common stock and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares of common stock otherwise issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants or (ii) permit the cashless exercise of the Warrants and issue such number of shares of common stock calculated pursuant to the provisions of the Warrant Indenture, provided that such shares of common stock shall not be subject to any transfer restrictions in the United States or Canada (provided, however, that nothing shall prevent our amalgamation, arrangement, merger or sale, including any take-over bid, and any associated delisting or deregistration or ceasing to be a reporting issuer, provided that, so long as the Warrants are still outstanding and represent a right to acquire securities of the acquiring company, the acquiring company shall assume our obligations under the Warrant Indenture). If no such registration statement is effective, we will notify the warrant agent in accordance with the provisions of the Warrant Indenture.

 

There is no market through which the Warrants may be sold and purchasers may not be able to resell the Warrants purchased in this offering. This may affect the pricing of the Warrants in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices, the liquidity of such Warrants, and the extent of issuer regulation.

 

All of the foregoing statements are subject to the more detailed provisions of the Warrant Indenture. The Warrant Indenture will be included as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the consummation of this offering.

 

We are offering the Units through placement agents. Subject to the terms and conditions of the placement agency agreement dated October   , 2009, Dahlman Rose & Company, LLC, Haywood Securities Inc., GMP Securities L.P., Dundee Securities Corporation, and Versant Partners Inc. have agreed to act as the placement agents in connection with this offering. The placement agents are not purchasing any of the Units offered by this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus, nor are they required to arrange for the purchase or sale of any

specific number or dollar amount of the Units, but have agreed to use best efforts to arrange for the sale of all of the Units offered.

 

There is no requirement that any minimum number of Units or dollar amount of securities be sold in this offering and there can be no assurance that we will sell all or any of the Units being offered. The placement agents propose to arrange for the sale to one or more purchasers of the Units offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement, and the accompanying base prospectus pursuant to the terms of the placement agency agreement.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions of the placement agency agreement, each placement agent has agreed to severally arrange for the purchase of the following number of Units at the public offering price on the cover page of this prospectus supplement.

 

 

The offering is being made in the United States and in each of the provinces of Canada, except Quebec, pursuant to a multi-jurisdictional disclosure system implemented by the United States and Canada. The Units will be offered in the United States and Canada through the placement agents either directly or, if applicable, through their respective registered broker dealer affiliates. Subject to applicable law and the provisions of the placement agency agreement, the placement agents may offer the Units outside the United States and Canada.

 

The public offering price on the cover page of this prospectus supplement was determined based upon arm’s length negotiations between us and the placement agents.

 

We intend that the offering will remain open for a period of  days from the initial announcement of the offering on October 15, 2009. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to closing this offering, we will close and sell that number of Units that have been placed as of the closing date, even if such number of Units is less than the maximum amount offered under this prospectus supplement. Confirmations and definitive prospectuses will be distributed to all investors who agree to purchase the Units, informing them of the closing date of the offering. We currently anticipate that the closing of this offering will take place no later than October   , 2009. However, if and when the offering has been fully subscribed, we and the placement agents may agree to close the offering earlier than the currently anticipated closing date. Investors will also be informed of the date and manner in which they must transmit the purchase price for their Units.

 

The placement agency agreement provides that the placement agents’ obligation to place the Units depends on the satisfaction of the conditions contained in the placement agency agreement including, but not limited to:

 

 

Additionally, the obligations of the placement agents under the placement agency agreement may be terminated at the discretion of Dahlman Rose & Company LLC and Haywood Securities Inc., acting on behalf of the placement agents, upon the occurrence of certain stated events. We have agreed to indemnify each placement agent, its affiliates, and its members, partners, and its directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives against certain liabilities and expenses, related to the offering, including liabilities under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Canadian securities laws. We have also agreed to contribute to payments each placement agent may be required to make in respect of such liabilities.

 

We have granted the placement agents an Agents’ Option exercisable two business days prior to closing of the offering to place a total of up to 1,500,000 Units offered hereby, at the public offering price. The placement agents may exercise this Agents’ Option solely to cover any over-subscriptions, if any, made in connection with this

offering. If the Agents’ Option is exercised in full, the total public offering price, placement agents’ fees, and proceeds, before expenses, to us (as set out on the cover page of this prospectus supplement) will be $23,000,000, $1,380,000 and $21,620,000, respectively.

 

The following table shows the per Unit and total placement agents’ fees to be paid to the placement agents by us. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the placement agents of the Agents’ Option to place additional Units.

 

 

Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to closing in this offering, the actual total offering fees, if any, are not presently determinable and may be substantially less than the maximum amount set forth above. We will not provide any member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (which we refer to as “FINRA”), or any independent broker-dealer with placement agent compensation in excess of 8% of the initial gross proceeds from the placement or sale by such FINRA member or independent broker-dealer of any securities being offered hereby.

 

We and our executive officers and directors have agreed that, other than the Units offered hereby and subject to certain exceptions, including the issuance by us of shares representing up to 10% of our outstanding common stock as of the date of the placement agency agreement in connection with the acquisition of any business, property or asset that is consistent with our business presently conducted and as described in this prospectus supplement, for a period of 60 days from the date of the placement agency agreement, we and they will not, without the prior written consent of Dahlman Rose & Company, LLC and Haywood Securities Inc., on behalf of the placement agents, directly or indirectly, offer, sell, agree to offer or sell, solicit offers to purchase, grant any call option or purchase any put option with respect to, pledge, borrow or otherwise dispose of any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock, and will not establish or increase any “put equivalent position” or liquidate or decrease any “call equivalent position” with respect to any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock (in each case within the meaning of Section 16 of the U.S. Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder), or otherwise enter into any swap, derivative or other transaction or arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any economic consequence of ownership of any of shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock.

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus in electronic format may be made available on Internet sites or through other online services maintained by one or more of the placement agents of this offering, or by their affiliates. Other than any prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus made available in electronic format in this manner, the information on any website containing this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus is not part of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement forms a part, or the Canadian Prospectus, and such information has not been approved or endorsed by us or any placement agent in such capacity and should not be relied on by prospective investors.

 

The placement agency agreement will be included as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the consummation of this offering.

 

We estimate that our share of the total expenses of the offering, excluding the placement agents’ fees and assuming no exercise of the Agents’ Option, will be approximately $310,000, which includes approximately $160,000 in reimbursable expenses paid to the placement agents.

 

Certain legal matters relating to the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement will be passed upon for us by Lang Michener LLP, with respect to Canadian legal matters, and Dorsey & Whitney LLP, with respect to United States legal matters, and for the placement agents by Miller Thomson LLP, with respect to

Canadian legal matters, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, with respect to United States legal matters.

 

Our consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 and accumulated from May 26, 1999 (Date of Inception) to December 31, 2008 have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of Manning Elliott LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, given upon the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

Information relating to our mineral properties in this prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein has been derived from reports, statements or opinions prepared or certified by Douglas Beahm, Andrew Anderson, BRS Inc., Douglass Graves, Don R. Woody, Matthew Yovich and Kurtis Brown and this information has been included in reliance on such companies’ and persons’ expertise. Each of Douglas Beahm, Andrew Anderson, Douglass Graves, Don R. Woody, Matthew Yovich and Kurtis Brown is a “qualified person” as such term is defined in NI 43-101.

 

None of Douglas Beahm, Andrew Anderson, BRS Inc., Douglass Graves, Don R. Woody, Matthew Yovich and Kurtis Brown each being companies and persons who have prepared or certified the preparation of reports, statements or opinions relating to our mineral properties, or any director, officer, employee or partner thereof, as applicable, received or has received a direct or indirect interest in our property or of any of our associates or affiliates.

 

URANERZ ENERGY CORPORATION

 

$50,000,000

 

Common Shares
Debt Securities
Warrants
Subscription Receipts
Units

 

Uranerz Energy Corporation may offer and sell, from time to time, up to $50,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of the Company’s common shares, par value $0.001 (“Common Shares”), debt securities (“Debt Securities”), warrants to purchase Common Shares or Debt Securities (“Warrants”), subscription receipts for Common Shares, Debt Securities, Warrants or any combination thereof (“Subscription Receipts”), or any combination of Common Shares, Debt Securities, Warrants or Subscription Receipts (“Units”) (collectively, the Common Shares, Debt Securities, Warrants, Subscription Receipts, and Units are referred to as the “Securities”) in one or more transactions under this prospectus (the “Prospectus”).

 

This Prospectus provides you with a general description of the Securities that the Company may offer. Each time the Company offers Securities, it will provide you with a prospectus supplement (the “Prospectus Supplement”) that describes specific information about the particular Securities being offered and may add, update or change information contained in this Prospectus. You should read both this Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement, together with any additional information which is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. This Prospectus may not be used to offer or sell securities without the Prospectus Supplement which includes a description of the method and terms of that offering.

 

The Company may sell the Securities on a continuous or delayed basis to or through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers. The Prospectus Supplement, which the Company will provide to you each time it offers Securities, will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the sale of the Securities, and any applicable fee, commission or discount arrangements with them. For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this Prospectus.

 

The Common Shares are traded on the NYSE Amex and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “URZ” and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol “U9E”. On August 18, 2009, the last reported sale price of the Common Shares on the NYSE Amex was $1.86 per share, on the Toronto Stock Exchange was Cdn$1.99 per share and on the Frankfurt Exchange was €1.30. There is currently no market through which the Securities, other than the Common Shares, may be sold and purchasers may not be able to resell the Securities purchased under this Prospectus. This may affect the pricing of the Securities, other than the Common Shares, in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices, the liquidity of these Securities and the extent of issuer regulation. See “Risk Factors and Uncertainties”.

 

Investing in the Securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors and Uncertainties” on page 7.

 

These Securities have not been approved or disapproved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or any state securities commission nor has the SEC or any state securities commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The date of this prospectus is August 21, 2009.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

This Prospectus is a part of a registration statement that the Company filed with the SEC utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, the Company may sell any combination of the Securities described in this Prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of initial aggregate offering price of $50,000,000. This Prospectus provides you with a general description of the Securities that we may offer. The specific terms of the Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered will be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement and may include, where applicable: (i) in the case of Common Shares, the number of Common Shares offered, the offering price and any other specific terms of the offering; (ii) in the case of Debt Securities, the specific designation, aggregate principal amount, currency or the currency unit for which such Debt Securities may be purchased, maturity, interest provisions, authorized denominations, offering price, covenants, events of default, any redemption terms, any sinking fund provisions, any exchange or conversion terms, whether payment on the Debt Securities will be senior or subordinated to the Company’s other liabilities and obligations and any other specific terms; (iii) in the case of Warrants, the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares or Debt Securities purchasable upon exercise of the Warrants, any procedures that will result in the adjustment of those numbers, the exercise price, dates and periods of exercise, and the currency or the currency unit in which the exercise price must be paid and any other specific terms; (iv) in the case of Subscription Receipts, the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares, Warrants or Debt Securities receivable upon satisfaction of certain release conditions, any procedures that will result in the adjustment of those numbers, any additional payments to be made to holders of Subscription Receipts upon satisfaction of the release conditions, the terms of the release conditions, terms governing the escrow of all or a portion of the gross proceeds from the sale of the Subscription Receipts, terms for the refund of all or a portion of the purchase price for Subscription Receipts in the event the release conditions are not met and any other specific terms; and (v) in the case of Units, the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares, Warrants, Debt Securities or Subscription Receipts comprising the Units. A Prospectus Supplement may include specific variable terms pertaining to the Securities that are not within the alternatives and parameters set forth in this Prospectus.

 

In connection with any offering of the Securities (unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement), the underwriters or agents may over-allot or effect transactions which stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities offered at a higher level than that which might exist in the open market. Such transactions, if commenced, may be interrupted or discontinued at any time. See “Plan of Distribution”.

 

Please carefully read both this Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement together with the documents incorporated herein by reference under “Documents Incorporated by Reference” and the additional information described below under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

Owning securities may subject you to tax consequences in the United States. This Prospectus or any applicable Prospectus Supplement may not describe these tax consequences fully. You should read the tax discussion in any Prospectus Supplement with respect to a particular offering and consult your own tax advisor with respect to your own particular circumstances.

 

References in this Prospectus to “$” are to United States dollars. Canadian dollars are indicated by the symbol “Cdn$”.

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this Prospectus. The Company has not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this Prospectus. The distribution or possession of this Prospectus in or from certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these Securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these Securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted or where the person making the offer or sale is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is not permitted to make such offer or sale. The information contained in this Prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this Prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this Prospectus or of any sale of the Securities. The Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

 

In this Prospectus and in any Prospectus Supplement, unless the context otherwise requires, references to “Uranerz” and the “Company” refer to Uranerz Energy Corporation.

 

SUMMARY

	•	our 100% owned properties that totaled 34,076 acres as of June 30, 2009;
	•	our 81% interest Arkose Mining Venture properties that totaled 90,210 acres as of June 30, 2009; and
	•	additional properties that we have acquired inside the Powder River Basin area.

Ownership

Number of

Acreage

Property Composition

Interest(1)

Claims/Leases

(Approximate)

Unpatented Lode Mining Claims

100

%

1,264

25,049 acres

State Leases

100

%

9

6,480 acres

Fee (private) Mineral Leases

100

%

16

2,447 acres

Total

33,976 acres

(1)		Subject to various royalties.

		No.				Acreage
Property		Claims				(Approximate)
Doughstick			22				440
Collins Draw			58				1,160

		No.				Acreage
Property		Claims				(Approximate)
State Lease			NA				640
North Rolling Pin			65				1,300
Hank			63				1,260
Nichols Ranch			35				700
C-Line			40				800
Willow Creek			11				220
West North-Butte			145				2,900
East Nichols			116				2,320
North Nichols			143				2,860
TOTAL			698				14,600

Ownership

Number of

Acreage

Property Composition

Interest(1)

Claims/Leases

(Approximate)

Unpatented Lode Mining Claims

81

%

4,242

69,383 acres

State Leases

81

%

3

2,080 acres

Fee (private) Mineral Leases

81

%

67

18,747 acres

Total

90,210 acres

(1)		Subject to various royalties.

	•	designation or classification;
	•	aggregate principal amount or aggregate offering price;
	•	maturity, if applicable;
	•	original issue discount, if any;
	•	rates and times of payment of interest or dividends, if any;
	•	redemption, conversion, exchange or sinking fund terms, if any;

	•	conversion or exchange prices or rates, if any, and, if applicable, any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the conversion or exchange prices or rates and in the securities or other property receivable upon conversion or exchange;
	•	ranking;
	•	restrictive covenants, if any;
	•	voting or other rights, if any; and
	•	important United States federal income tax considerations.

 

Investing in the Securities involves a high degree of risk. Prospective investors in a particular offering of Securities should carefully consider the following risks, as well as the other information contained in this Prospectus, any applicable Prospectus Supplement, and the documents incorporated by reference herein before investing in the Securities. If any of the following risks actually occurs, the Company’s business could be materially harmed. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones the Company faces. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those of which the Company is currently unaware or that the Company deems immaterial, may also adversely affect the Company’s business.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

Our future performance is difficult to evaluate because we have a limited operating history.

 

We were incorporated in 1999 and we began to implement our current business strategy in the uranium industry in the beginning of 2005. Our operating cash flow needs have been financed primarily through issuances of our common stock. As a result, we have little historical financial and operating information available to help you evaluate our performance or an investment in our common stock and warrants.

 

Because the probability of an individual prospect having reserves is uncertain, our properties may not contain any reserves, and any funds spent on exploration may be lost.

 

We have no uranium producing properties and have never generated any revenue from our operations. Because the probability of an individual prospect having reserves is uncertain, our properties may not contain any reserves, and any funds spent on exploration may be lost. Notwithstanding our disclosures to Canadian authorities under National Instrument 43-101, we do not know with certainty that economically recoverable uranium exists on any of our properties. We may never discover uranium in commercially exploitable quantities and any identified deposit may never qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) reserve. We will continue to attempt to acquire the surface and mineral rights on lands that we think are geologically favorable or where we have historical information in our possession that indicates uranium mineralization might be present.

 

The exploration and development of mineral deposits involves significant financial and other risks over an extended period of time, which even a combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge may not eliminate. While discovery of a uranium, precious or base metal deposit may result in substantial rewards, few properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Major expenses are required to establish reserves by drilling and to construct mining and processing facilities at a site. Our uranium properties are all at the exploration stage and do not contain any reserves at this time. It is impossible to ensure that the current or proposed exploration programs on properties in which the Company has an interest will result in the delineation of mineral deposits or in profitable commercial operations. Our operations are subject to the hazards and risks normally incident to exploration, development and production of uranium, precious and base metals, any of which could result in damage to life or property, environmental damage and possible legal liability for such damage. While we may obtain insurance against certain risks, the nature of these risks is such that liabilities could exceed policy limits or could be excluded from coverage. There are also risks against which we cannot insure or against which we may elect not to insure. The potential costs which could be associated with any liabilities not covered by insurance, or in excess of insurance coverage, or compliance with applicable laws and regulations may cause substantial delays and require significant capital outlays, adversely affecting our future earnings and competitive position and, potentially our financial viability.

 

We have a limited operating history and have losses which we expect to continue into the future. As a result, we may have to suspend or cease exploration activities.

 

We were incorporated in 1999 and are engaged in the business of mineral exploration. We have not realized any revenue from our operations. We have a relatively limited exploration history upon which an evaluation of our future success or failure can be made. We have incurred losses since inception. Our ability to achieve and maintain profitability and positive cash flow is dependent upon:

 

 

Based upon current plans, we expect to incur operating losses in future periods. This will happen because there are expenses associated with the research and exploration of our mineral properties plus development costs to produce saleable product. We may not guarantee we will be successful in generating revenues in the future. Failure to generate revenues may cause us to go out of business.

 

Because some of our officers and directors do not have technical training or experience in exploring for, starting, and operating a mine, we may have to hire qualified personnel. If we can’t locate qualified personnel, we may have to suspend or cease exploration activity which may result in the loss of your investment.

 

Some, but not all, of our officers and directors do have experience with exploring for, starting, and operating a mine. Because some of our officers and directors are inexperienced with exploring for, starting, and operating a mine, we may have to hire qualified persons to perform surveying, exploration, and water management of our properties. Some of our officers and directors have no direct training or experience in these areas and as a result may not be fully aware of many of the specific requirements related to working within the industry. Their decisions and choices would typically take into account standard engineering or managerial approaches mineral exploration companies commonly use. However, our exploration activities, earnings and ultimate financial success could suffer irreparable harm due to certain of management’s decisions. As a result we may have to suspend or cease exploration activities, or any future warranted development activities, which would likely result in the loss of your investment.

 

We have no known reserves. Without reserves we may not be able to generate income and if we cannot generate income we will have to cease exploration activities which result in the loss your investment.

 

We have no known reserves. Without reserves, we may not be able to generate income and if we cannot generate income we will have to cease exploration activities which would likely result in the loss of your investment. We have attempted to acquire the surface and mineral rights on lands that we think are geologically favorable or where we have exploration and historical information in our possession that indicates uranium mineralization might be present. It is not known with certainty that economically recoverable uranium exists on any of our properties.

 

Even in the event commercial quantities of uranium are discovered, the mining properties might not be brought into a state of commercial production. Estimates of mineral reserves are inherently imprecise and depend to some extent on statistical inferences drawn from limited methods, which may prove unreliable. Fluctuations in the market prices of uranium may render reserves and deposits containing relatively low grades of uranium uneconomic. Whether a uranium, precious or base metal deposit will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, some of which are: the particular attributes of the deposit, such as its size and grade; costs and efficiency of the recovery methods that can be employed; proximity to infrastructure; financing costs; and governmental regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, infrastructure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. The effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in us not receiving an adequate return on our invested capital.

 

Our future profitability will be dependent on uranium prices

 

Because a significant portion of our anticipated revenues are expected to be derived from the sale of uranium, our net earnings, if any, can be affected by the long- and short-term market price of U₃O₈. Uranium prices are subject to fluctuation. The price of uranium has been and will continue to be affected by numerous factors beyond our control. With respect to uranium, such factors include the demand for nuclear power, political and economic conditions in uranium producing and consuming countries, uranium supply from secondary sources and uranium production levels and costs of production. Spot prices for U₃O₈ were at $20.00 per pound U₃O₈ in December 2004, and then, to $35.25 per pound in December 2005 and $72.00 per pound in December 2006. During 2007 the spot price reached a high of $138.00 per pound. The U.S. monthly spot price of U₃O₈ was approximately $90.00 per pound in December 2007. The spot price declined during 2008, reaching a low of $44.00 per pound in October. The U.S. monthly spot price of U₃O₈ was approximately $52.00 per pound and the long term price was approximately $70.00 per pound in December 2008. The spot price again declined during the early part of 2009, reaching a low of approximately $40 per pound, but the spot price was approximately $54 per pound and the long term price was $65 per pound in late June 2009.

 

Our operations are subject to environmental regulation and environmental risks.

 

We are required to comply with applicable environmental protection laws and regulations and permitting requirements, and we anticipate that we will be required to continue to do so in the future. The material laws and regulations within the U.S. that the Company must comply with are the Atomic Energy Act, Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 (UMTRCA), Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Federal Land Policy Management Act, National Park System Mining Regulations Act, and the State Mined Land

Reclamation Acts or State Department of Environmental Quality regulations, as applicable. We also are required to comply with environmental protection laws in Canada. We are required to comply with the Atomic Energy Act, as amended by UMTRCA, by applying for and maintaining an operating license from the State of Wyoming. Uranium operations must conform to the terms of such licenses, which include provisions for protection of human health and the environment from endangerment due to radioactive materials. The licenses encompass protective measures consistent with the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. We intend to utilize specific employees and consultants in order to comply with and maintain our compliance with the above laws and regulations.

 

The uranium industry is subject not only to the worker health and safety and environmental risks associated with all mining businesses, but also to additional risks uniquely associated with uranium mining and processing. The possibility of more stringent regulations exists in the areas of worker health and safety, the disposition of wastes, the decommissioning and reclamation of exploration and in-situ sites, and other environmental matters, each of which could have a material adverse effect on the costs or the viability of a particular project. We cannot predict what environmental legislation, regulation or policy will be enacted or adopted in the future or how future laws and regulations will be administered or interpreted. The recent trend in environmental legislation and regulation, generally, is toward stricter standards and this trend is likely to continue in the future. This recent trend includes, without limitation, laws and regulations relating to air and water quality, mine reclamation, waste handling and disposal, the protection of certain species and the preservation of certain lands. These regulations may require the acquisition of permits or other authorizations for certain activities. These laws and regulations may also limit or prohibit activities on certain lands. Compliance with more stringent laws and regulations, as well as potentially more vigorous enforcement policies or stricter interpretation of existing laws, may necessitate significant capital outlays, may materially affect our results of operations and business, or may cause material changes or delays in our intended activities.

 

Our operations may require additional analysis in the future including environmental and social impact and other related studies. Certain activities require the submission and approval of environmental impact assessments. Environmental assessments of proposed projects carry a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and directors, officers, and employees. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary permits that may be required to continue its operation or its exploration of its properties or, if feasible, to commence development, construction or operation of mining facilities at such properties on terms which enable operations to be conducted at economically justifiable costs.

 

We intend to extract uranium from our properties using the in-situ recovery mining process which may not be successful.

 

We intend to extract uranium from our properties using in-situ recovery mining, which is suitable for extraction of certain types of uranium deposits. This process requires in-situ recovery mining equipment and trained personnel. Competition and unforeseen limited sources of supplies in the industry could result in occasional spot shortages of supplies, and certain equipment such as drilling rigs and other equipment that we might need to conduct exploration and, if warranted, development. We will attempt to locate additional products, equipment and materials as needed. If we cannot find the products and equipment we need, we will have to suspend our exploration and, if warranted, development plans until we do find the products and equipment we need.

 

We face risks related to exploration and development, if warranted, on our properties.

 

Our level of profitability, if any, in future years will depend to a great degree on uranium prices and whether any of our exploration stage properties can be brought into production. The exploration for and development of mineral deposits involves significant risks. It is impossible to ensure that the current and future exploration programs and/or feasibility studies on our existing properties will establish reserves. Whether a uranium ore body will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to: the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; uranium prices, which cannot be predicted and which have been highly volatile in the past; mining, processing and transportation costs; perceived levels of political risk and the willingness of lenders and investors to provide project financing; labor costs and possible labor strikes; and governmental regulations, including, without limitation, regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting materials, foreign exchange, environmental protection, employment, worker safety, transportation, and reclamation and closure obligations.

 

We are subject to the risks normally encountered in the mining industry, such as:

 

 

 

The development of mineral properties is affected by many factors, including, but not limited to: the cost of operations, variations in the grade of ore, fluctuations in metal markets, costs of extraction and processing equipment, availability of equipment and labor, labor costs and possible labor strikes, and government regulations, including without limitation, regulations relating to taxes, royalties, allowable production, importing and exporting of minerals, foreign exchange, employment, worker safety, transportation, and environmental protection. Depending on the price of uranium, we may determine that it is impractical to commence, or, if commenced, continue, commercial production. Such a decision would negatively affect our profits and may affect the value of your investment.

 

Because we may be unable to meet property payment obligations or be able to acquire necessary mining licenses, we may lose interests in our exploration properties.

 

The agreements pursuant to which we acquired our interests in some of our properties provide that we must make a series of cash payments over certain time periods, expend certain minimum amounts on the exploration of the properties or contribute our share of ongoing expenditures. If we fail to make such payments or expenditures in a timely fashion, we may lose our interest in those properties. Further, even if we do complete exploration activities, we may not be able to obtain the necessary licenses to conduct mining operations on the properties, and thus would realize no benefit from our exploration activities on the properties.

 

Because mineral exploration and development activities are inherently risky, we may be exposed to environmental liabilities. If such an event were to occur it may result in a loss of your investment.

 

The business of mineral exploration and extraction involves a high degree of risk. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into production. At present, none of our properties has a known body of commercial ore. Unusual or unexpected formations, formation pressures, fires, power outages, labor disruptions, flooding, explosions and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labor are other risks involved in extraction operations and the conduct of exploration programs. Although we intend to carry liability insurance with respect to our mineral exploration operations, we may become subject to liability for damage to life and property, environmental damage or hazards against which we cannot insure or against which we may elect not to insure. Previous mining operations may have caused environmental damage at certain of our properties. It may be difficult or impossible to assess the extent to which such damage was caused by us or by the activities of previous operators, in which case, any indemnities and exemptions from liability may be ineffective. If any of our properties is found to have commercial quantities of ore, we would be subject to additional risks respecting any development and production activities. Most exploration projects do not result in the discovery of commercially mineable deposits of ore.

 

Because we have not put a mineral deposit into production before, we may have to acquire outside expertise. If we are unable to acquire such expertise we may be unable to put our properties into production and you may lose your investment.

 

The board of directors includes six individuals, two of whom are in operational management, that have technical or financial experience in placing mining projects into production. However, we will be dependent upon using the services of appropriately experienced personnel or entering into agreements with other companies that can provide such expertise. There can be no assurance that we will have available to us the necessary expertise when and if we place mineral deposit properties into production.

 

The mining industry is highly competitive.

 

The business of the acquisition, exploration, and development of uranium properties is intensely competitive. We will be required to compete, in the future, directly with other corporations that may have better access to potential uranium resources, more developed infrastructure, more available capital, better access to necessary financing, and more knowledgeable and available employees than us. We may encounter competition in acquiring uranium

properties, hiring mining professionals, obtaining mining resources, such as manpower, drill rigs, and other mining equipment. Such competitors could outbid us for potential projects or produce minerals at lower costs. Increased competition could also affect our ability to attract necessary capital funding or acquire suitable producing properties or prospects for uranium exploration in the future.

 

Risks Related to Corporate and Financial Structure

 

Our strategic success is dependent upon the ability of our key management employees and our ability to attract and retain key management employees.

 

The success of our operations will depend upon numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including (i) our ability to enter into strategic alliances through a combination of one or more joint ventures, mergers or acquisition transactions; and (ii) our ability to attract and retain additional key personnel in sales, marketing, technical support and finance. We currently depend upon our management employees to seek out and form strategic alliances and find and retain additional employees. There can be no assurance of success with any or all of these factors on which our operations will depend. We have relied and may continue to rely, upon consultants and others for operating expertise.

 

Our growth will require new personnel, which we will be required to recruit, hire, train and retain.

 

We expect significant growth in the number of our employees if we determine that a mine at any of our properties is commercially feasible, we are able to raise sufficient funding and we elect to develop the property. This growth will place substantial demands on us and our management. Our ability to assimilate new personnel will be critical to our performance. We will be required to recruit additional personnel and to train, motivate and manage employees. We will also have to adopt and implement new systems in all aspects of our operations. This will be particularly critical in the event we decide not to use contract miners at any of our properties. We have no assurance that we will be able to recruit the personnel required to execute our programs or to manage these changes successfully.

 

New legislation, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, may make it difficult for us to retain or attract officers and directors.

 

We may be unable to attract and retain qualified officers, directors and members of board committees required to provide for our effective management as a result of the recent and currently proposed changes in the rules and regulations which govern publicly-held companies. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has resulted in a series of rules and regulations by the Securities and Exchange Commission that increase responsibilities and liabilities of directors and executive officers. The perceived increased personal risk associated with these recent changes may deter qualified individuals from accepting these roles.

 

Stock market price and volume volatility.

 

The market for our common shares may be highly volatile for reasons both related to the performance of the Company or events pertaining to the industry (for e.g.., mineral price fluctuation/high production costs/accidents) as well as factors unrelated to the Company or its industry. In particular, market demand for uranium fluctuates from one business cycle to the next, resulting in change of demand for the mineral and an attendant change in the price for the mineral. Our common shares can be expected to be subject to volatility in both price and volume arising from market expectations, announcements and press releases regarding our business, and changes in estimates and evaluations by securities analysts or other events or factors. In recent years, the securities markets in the United States have experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market price of securities of many companies, particularly small-capitalization companies, have experienced wide fluctuations that have not necessarily been related to the operations, performances, underlying asset values, or prospects of such companies. For these reasons, the price of our common shares can also be expected to be subject to volatility resulting from purely market forces over which we will have no control.

 

Dilution through the granting of options.

 

Because the success of the Company is highly dependent upon its employees, we may in the future grant to some or all of our key employees, directors and consultants options to purchase our common shares as non-cash incentives. Those options may be granted at exercise prices equal to market prices at times when the public market is depressed. To the extent that significant numbers of such options may be granted and exercised, the interests of the other stockholders of the Company may be diluted.

You may lose your entire investment in our shares.

 

An investment in our common stock is highly speculative and may result in the loss of your entire investment. Only investors who are experienced investors in high risk investments and who can afford to lose their entire investment should consider an investment in us.

 

In the event that your investment in our shares is for the purpose of deriving dividend income or in expectation of an increase in market price of our shares from the declaration and payment of dividends, your investment may be compromised because we do not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

We have never paid a dividend to our shareholders, and we intend to retain our cash for the continued development of our business. We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. As a result, your return on investment will be solely determined by your ability to sell your shares in a secondary market.

 

We depend on our ability to successfully access the capital and financial markets. Any inability to access the capital or financial markets may limit our ability to execute our business plan or pursue investments that we may rely on for future growth.

 

We rely on access to capital markets as a source of liquidity for capital and operating requirements. If we are not able to access financial markets at competitive rates, our ability to implement our business plan and strategy may be affected. Certain market disruptions may increase our cost of borrowing or affect our ability to access one or more financial markets. Such market disruptions could result from:

 

 

Recent market events and conditions, including disruptions in the U.S. and international credit markets and other financial systems and the deterioration of the U.S. and global economic conditions, could, among other things, impede access to capital or increase the cost of capital, which would have an adverse effect on our ability to fund our working capital and other capital requirements.

 

In 2007, 2008 and into 2009, the U.S. credit markets experienced serious disruption due to a deterioration in residential property values, defaults and delinquencies in the residential mortgage market (particularly, subprime and non-prime mortgages) and a decline in the credit quality of mortgage backed securities. These problems led to a slow-down in residential housing market transactions, declining housing prices, delinquencies in non-mortgage consumer credit and a general decline in consumer confidence. These conditions continued and worsened in 2008, causing a loss of confidence in the broader U.S. and global credit and financial markets and resulting in the collapse of, and government intervention in, major banks, financial institutions and insurers and creating a climate of greater volatility, less liquidity, widening of credit spreads, a lack of price transparency, increased credit losses and tighter credit conditions. Notwithstanding various actions by the U.S. and foreign governments, concerns about the general condition of the capital markets, financial instruments, banks, investment banks, insurers and other financial institutions caused the broader credit markets to further deteriorate and stock markets to decline substantially. In addition, general economic indicators have deteriorated, including declining consumer sentiment, increased unemployment and declining economic growth and uncertainty about corporate earnings.

 

These unprecedented disruptions in the current credit and financial markets have had a significant material adverse impact on a number of financial institutions and have limited access to capital and credit for many companies. These disruptions could, among other things, make it more difficult for us to obtain, or increase our cost of obtaining, capital and financing for our operations. Our access to additional capital may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all.

 

The SEC allows the Company to “incorporate by reference” information it files with the SEC. This means that the Company can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Any information the Company references in this manner is considered part of this Prospectus. Information the Company files with the SEC after the date of this Prospectus will automatically update and, to the extent inconsistent, supersede the information contained in this Prospectus. Copies of the documents incorporated by reference in this Prospectus may be obtained on written or oral request without charge from the Secretary of the Company at 1701 East “E” Street, P.O. Box 50850, Casper, Wyoming 82605-0850 (telephone: (307) 265-8900).

 

We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and future filings we make with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (excluding, unless otherwise provided therein or herein, information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 on any Current Report on Form 8-K) after the date of the initial filing of this registration statement on Form S-3 to which this Prospectus relates until the termination of the offering under this Prospectus.

 

 

This Prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference contain “forward-looking-statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements concern the Company’s anticipated results and developments in the Company’s operations in future periods, planned exploration and, if warranted, development of its properties, plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

 

Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “estimates” or “intends”, or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:

 

 

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking statements. Some of the important risks and uncertainties that could affect forward-looking statements are described further under the sections titled “Risk Factors and Uncertainties” of this Prospectus. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We disclaim any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

 

We qualify all the forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus by the foregoing cautionary statements.

 

Filing of Canadian Prospectus

 

On July 9, 2009, the Company filed a prospectus pursuant to the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system between the United States and Canada with the securities regulatory authorities in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, which upon final receipt, will permit the Company to offer and sell the Securities for gross proceeds of up to $50,000,000. The Securities that may be sold in the provinces and territories of Canada named above, together with the Securities to be sold in the United States pursuant to this Prospectus, will not exceed $50,000,000.

 

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the net proceeds from the sale of Securities will be used by the Company for acquisitions, exploration and development of existing or acquired mineral properties, working capital requirements, to repay indebtedness outstanding from time to time or for other general corporate purposes. The Company may, from time to time, issue Common Shares or other securities otherwise than through the offering of Securities pursuant to this Prospectus.

 

 

The Company did not have any fixed charges during the five fiscal years ending December 31, 2008. Accordingly, we have no ratio of earnings to fixed charges to illustrate for such periods.

 

The Company has computed the ratio of earnings to fixed charges by dividing earnings by fixed charges. For this purpose, “earnings” consist of income/(loss) from operations before income tax, minority interest adjustments and changes in accounting principles and fixed charges, and “fixed charges” consist of the interest portion of rental expense and interest incurred.

 

 

Common Shares

 

The Company is authorized to issue 200,000,000 common shares of the Company of which, as of August 18, 2009, 55,539,887 are issued and outstanding. The common shares of the Company are entitled to one vote per common share of the Company on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors. Except as otherwise required by law the holders of common shares of the Company will possess all voting power. Generally, all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority (or, in the case of election of directors, by a plurality) of the votes entitled to be cast by all common shares of the Company that are present in person or represented by proxy. Holders of common shares of the Company representing 331/3% of our capital stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, are necessary to constitute a quorum at any meeting of our stockholders. A vote by the holders of a majority of the outstanding common shares of the Company is required to effectuate certain fundamental corporate changes such as liquidation, merger or an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation. Our Articles of Incorporation do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.

 

The holders of common shares of the Company will be entitled to such cash dividends as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors from funds available therefor.

 

Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common shares of the Company will be entitled to receive pro rata all assets available for distribution to such holders.

 

In the event of any merger or consolidation with or into another company in connection with which common shares of the Company are converted into or exchangeable for shares of stock, other securities or property (including cash), all holders of common shares of the Company will be entitled to receive the same kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property (including cash).

 

Holders of common shares of the Company have no pre-emptive rights or conversion rights and there are no redemption provisions applicable to our common stock.

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Company is authorized to issue up to 10,000,000 of preferred stock of which, as of August 18, 2009, none was issued and outstanding. The preferred stock may be divided into and issued in series. The Board of Directors of the Corporation is authorized to divide the authorized shares of preferred stock into one or more series, each of which shall be so designated as to distinguish the shares thereof from the shares of all other series and classes. The Board of Directors of the Corporation is authorized, within the limitations prescribed by law and its Articles of Incorporation, to fix and determine the designations, rights, qualifications, preferences, limitations and terms of the shares of any series of preferred stock.

 

We refer you to our Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and the applicable statutes of the State of Nevada for a more complete description of the rights and liabilities of holders of our securities.

 

Cash dividends

 

As of the date of this Prospectus, we have not paid any cash dividends to stockholders. The declaration of any future cash dividend will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our earnings, if any, our capital requirements and financial position, our general economic conditions, and other pertinent conditions. It is our present intention not to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future, but rather to reinvest earnings, if any, in our exploration activities.

 

Warrants

 

We have issued and do have outstanding 4,932,498 warrants to purchase our shares of common stock as of August 18, 2009, as follows:

 

 

The Company may issue Debt Securities in one or more series under an indenture (the “Indenture”), to be entered into among the Company, Computershare Trust Company of Canada as Canadian trustee, and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as U.S. trustee. The Indenture will be subject to and governed by the United States Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”). A copy of the form of the Indenture will be filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this Prospectus forms a part and will be filed on SEDAR. The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the Debt Securities and is not intended to be complete. For a more complete description, prospective investors should refer to the Indenture and the terms of the Debt Securities. If Debt Securities are issued, the Company will describe in the applicable Prospectus Supplement the particular terms and provisions of any series of the Debt Securities and a description of how the general terms and provisions described below may apply to that series of the Debt Securities. Prospective investors should rely on information in the applicable Prospectus Supplement and not on the following information to the extent that the information in such Prospectus Supplement is different from the following information. The Company will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that the Company files with the SEC, any supplemental indenture describing the terms and conditions of Debt Securities the Company is offering before the issuance of such Debt Securities.

 

The Company may issue debt securities and incur additional indebtedness other than through the offering of Debt Securities pursuant to this Prospectus.

 

General

 

The Indenture will not limit the aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities that the Company may issue under the Indenture and will not limit the amount of other indebtedness that the Company may incur. The Indenture will provide that the Company may issue Debt Securities from time to time in one or more series and may be denominated and payable in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars or any foreign currency. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Debt Securities will be unsecured obligations of the Company. The Indenture will also permit the Company to increase the principal amount of any series of the Debt Securities previously issued and to issue that increased principal amount.

 

The applicable Prospectus Supplement for any series of Debt Securities that the Company offers will describe the specific terms of the Debt Securities and may include, but is not limited to, any of the following:

 

 

 

Unless stated otherwise in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, no holder of Debt Securities will have the right to require the Company to repurchase the Debt Securities and there will be no increase in the interest rate if the Company becomes involved in a highly leveraged transaction or the Company has a change of control.

 

The Company may issue Debt Securities bearing no interest or interest at a rate below the prevailing market rate at the time of issuance, and offer and sell the Debt Securities at a discount below their stated principal amount. The Company may also sell any of the Debt Securities for a foreign currency or currency unit, and payments on the Debt Securities may be payable in a foreign currency or currency unit. In any of these cases, the Company will describe certain Canadian federal and U.S. federal income tax consequences and other special considerations in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

 

The Company may issue Debt Securities with terms different from those of Debt Securities previously issued and, without the consent of the holders thereof, the Company may reopen a previous issue of a series of Debt Securities and issue additional Debt Securities of such series (unless the reopening was restricted when such series was created).

 

Ranking and Other Indebtedness

 

Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Debt Securities will be unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of the Company’s other unsecured and other subordinated debt from time to time outstanding and equally with other Debt Securities issued under the Indenture. The Indenture will provide that the Debt Securities will be subordinated to and junior in right of payment to all present and future Senior Indebtedness. “Senior Indebtedness” will be defined in the Indenture as: (a) all indebtedness of the Company in respect of borrowed money, other than: (i) indebtedness evidenced by the Debt Securities; and (ii) indebtedness which, by the terms of the instrument creating or evidencing it, is expressed to rank in right of payment equally with or subordinate to the indebtedness evidenced by the Debt Securities; (b) all obligations of the Company for the reimbursement of amounts paid pursuant to any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance or similar credit transaction; and (c) all obligations of the type referred to in paragraphs (a) through (b) above of other persons for the payment of which the Company is responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise. For greater certainty, “Senior Indebtedness” will include all indebtedness of the Company for borrowed money which is outstanding as at the date of the Indenture.

 

The Company’s Board of Directors may establish the extent and manner, if any, to which payment on or in respect of a series of Debt Securities will be senior or will be subordinated to the prior payment of the Company’s other liabilities and obligations, other than Senior Indebtedness, and whether the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, will be guaranteed by any other person and the nature and priority of any security.

 

Debt Securities in Global Form

 

The Depositary and Book-Entry

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, a series of the Debt Securities may be issued in whole or in part in global form as a “global security” and will be registered in the name of or issued in bearer form and be deposited with a depositary, or its nominee, each of which will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to that series. Unless and until exchanged, in whole or in part, for the Debt Securities in

definitive registered form, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary for such global security to a nominee of the depositary, by a nominee of the depositary to the depositary or another nominee of the depositary or by the depositary or any such nominee to a successor of the depositary or a nominee of the successor.

 

The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any portion of a particular series of the Debt Securities to be represented by a global security will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to such series. The Company anticipates that the provisions described in this section will apply to all depositary arrangements.

 

Upon the issuance of a global security, the depositary therefor or its nominee will credit, on its book entry and registration system, the respective principal amounts of the Debt Securities represented by the global security to the accounts of such persons, designated as “participants”, having accounts with such depositary or its nominee. Such accounts shall be designated by the underwriters, dealers or agents participating in the distribution of the Debt Securities or by the Company if such Debt Securities are offered and sold directly by the Company. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to participants or persons that may hold beneficial interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary therefor or its nominee (with respect to interests of participants) or by participants or persons that hold through participants (with respect to interests of persons other than participants). The laws of some states in the United States may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form.

 

So long as the depositary for a global security or its nominee is the registered owner of the global security or holder of a global security in bearer form, such depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the Debt Securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the Indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have a series of the Debt Securities represented by the global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of such series of the Debt Securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the Indenture.

 

Any payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on global securities registered in the name of a depositary or securities registrar will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the global security representing such Debt Securities. None of the Company, any trustee or any paying agent for the Debt Securities represented by the global securities will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of the global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

 

The Company expects that the depositary for a global security or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, will credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global security as shown on the records of such depositary or its nominee. The Company also expects that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a global security held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in “street name”, and will be the responsibility of such participants.

 

Discontinuance of Depositary’s Services

 

If a depositary for a global security representing a particular series of the Debt Securities is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or, if at any time the depositary for such series shall no longer be registered or in good standing under the Exchange Act, and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days, the Company will issue such series of the Debt Securities in definitive form in exchange for a global security representing such series of the Debt Securities. If an event of default under the Indenture has occurred and is continuing, Debt Securities in definitive form will be printed and delivered upon written request by the holder to the appropriate trustee. In addition, the Company may at any time and in the Company’s sole discretion determine not to have a series of the Debt Securities represented by a global security and, in such event, will issue a series of the Debt Securities in definitive form in exchange for all of the global securities representing that series of Debt Securities.

 

Debt Securities in Definitive Form

 

A series of the Debt Securities may be issued in definitive form, solely as registered securities, solely as unregistered securities or as both registered securities and unregistered securities. Registered securities will be issuable in

denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 and unregistered securities will be issuable in denominations of $5,000 and integral multiples of $5,000 or, in each case, in such other denominations as may be set out in the terms of the Debt Securities of any particular series. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, unregistered securities will have interest coupons attached.

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Debt Securities (other than global securities) will be made at the office or agency designated by the Company, or at the Company’s option the Company can pay principal, interest, if any, and premium, if any, by cheque mailed or delivered to the address of the person entitled at the address appearing in the security register of the trustee or electronic funds wire or other transmission to an account of persons who meet certain thresholds set out in the Indenture who are entitled to receive payments by wire transfer. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of interest, if any, will be made to the persons in whose name the Debt Securities are registered at the close of business on the day or days specified by the Company.

 

At the option of the holder of Debt Securities, registered securities of any series will be exchangeable for other registered securities of the same series, of any authorized denomination and of a like aggregate principal amount. If, but only if, provided in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, unregistered securities (with all unmatured coupons, except as provided below, and all matured coupons in default) of any series may be exchanged for registered securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor. In such event, unregistered securities surrendered in a permitted exchange for registered securities between a regular record date or a special record date and the relevant date for payment of interest shall be surrendered without the coupon relating to such date for payment of interest, and interest will not be payable on such date for payment of interest in respect of the registered security issued in exchange for such unregistered security, but will be payable only to the holder of such coupon when due in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, unregistered securities will not be issued in exchange for registered securities.

 

The applicable Prospectus Supplement may indicate the places to register a transfer of the Debt Securities in definitive form. Service charges may be payable by the holder for any registration of transfer or exchange of the Debt Securities in definitive form, and the Company may, in certain instances, require a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charges payable in connection with these transactions.

 

The Company shall not be required to:

 

 

Merger, Amalgamation or Consolidation

 

The Indenture will provide that the Company may not amalgamate or consolidate with, merge into or enter into any statutory arrangement with any other person or, directly or indirectly, convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of the Company’s properties and assets to another person, unless among other items:

 

When such a successor person assumes the Company’s obligations in such circumstances, subject to certain exceptions, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under the Debt Securities and the Indenture.

 

Additional Amounts

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, all payments made by or on behalf of the Company under or with respect to the Debt Securities issued in Canada of any series will be made free and clear of and without withholding or deduction for or on account of any present or future tax, duty, levy, impost, assessment or other government charge (including penalties, interest and other liabilities related thereto) imposed or levied by or on behalf of the Government of Canada or of any province or territory thereof or by any authority or agency therein or thereof having power to tax (“Canadian Taxes”), unless the Company is required to withhold or deduct Canadian Taxes by law or by the interpretation or administration thereof by the relevant government authority or agency.

 

If the Company is so required to withhold or deduct any amount for or on account of Canadian Taxes from any payment made under or with respect to the Debt Securities issued in Canada, the Company will pay, unless otherwise specified, as additional interest such additional amounts, (the “Additional Amounts”), as may be necessary so that the net amount received by a holder of the Debt Securities issued in Canada after such withholding or deduction will not be less than the amount such holder of the Debt Securities issued in Canada would have received if such Canadian Taxes had not been withheld or deducted (a similar payment will also be made to holders of the Debt Securities issued in Canada, other than excluded holders (as defined herein), that are exempt from withholding but required to pay tax under Part XIII of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”), directly on amounts otherwise subject to withholding); provided, however, that no additional amounts will be payable with respect to a payment made to a holder (an “excluded holder”) if the Holder of the Debt Securities issued in Canada or the beneficial owner of some or all of the payment to the Holder:

 

 

The Company will make such withholding or deduction and remit the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant authority as and when required in accordance with applicable law. The Company will pay all taxes, interest and other liabilities which arise by virtue of any failure of the Company to withhold, deduct and remit to the relevant authority on a timely basis the full amounts required in accordance with applicable law. The Company will furnish to the holder of the Debt Securities issued in Canada, within 60 days after the date the payment of any Canadian Taxes is due pursuant to applicable law, certified copies of tax receipts evidencing such payment by the Company.

 

The foregoing obligations shall survive any termination, defeasance or discharge of the Indenture.

 

Tax Redemption

 

If and to the extent specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Debt Securities issued in Canada of a series will be subject to redemption at any time, in whole but not in part, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount thereof together with accrued and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption, upon the giving of a notice, if (1) the Company determines that (a) as a result of any change in or amendment to the laws (or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of Canada or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein affecting taxation, or any change in position regarding application or interpretation of such laws, regulations or rulings (including a holding by a court of competent jurisdiction), which change or amendment is announced or becomes effective on or after a date specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement if any date is so specified, the Company has or will become obligated to pay, on the next succeeding date on which interest is due, Additional Amounts with respect to any Debt Security issued in Canada of such series or (b) on or after a date specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, any action has been taken by any taxing authority of, or any decision has been rendered by a court of competent jurisdiction in, Canada or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, including any of those actions specified in (a) above, whether or not such action was taken or decision was rendered with respect to the Company, or any change, amendment, application or interpretation shall be proposed, which, in any such case, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, will result in the Company’s becoming obligated to pay, on the next succeeding date on which interest is due, Additional Amounts with respect to any Debt Security issued in Canada of such series and (2) in any such case, the Company, in its business judgment, determines that such obligation cannot be avoided by the use of reasonable measures available to it; provided however, that (i) no such notice of redemption may be given earlier than 90 days prior to the earliest date on which the Company would be obligated to pay such Additional Amounts were a payment in respect of the Debt Securities issued in Canada then due, and (ii) at the time such notice of redemption is given, such obligation to pay such Additional Amounts remains in effect.

 

In the event that the Company elects to redeem the Debt Securities issued in Canada of such series pursuant to the provisions set forth in the preceding paragraph, the Company shall deliver to the trustees a certificate, signed by an authorized officer, stating that the Company is entitled to redeem the Debt Securities issued in Canada of such series pursuant to their terms.

 

Provision of Financial Information

 

The Company will file with the trustees, within 20 days after it files or furnishes them with the SEC, copies of the Company’s annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company is required to file or furnish with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

 

Notwithstanding that the Company may not remain subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, the Company will continue to provide the trustees:

 

 

Events of Default

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular series of Debt Securities, the following is a summary of events which will, with respect to any series of the Debt Securities, constitute an event of default under the Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities of that series:

 

 

 

A default under one series of Debt Securities will not necessarily be a default under another series. A trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the Debt Securities of any default, except in the payment of principal or premium, if any, or interest, if any, if in good faith it considers it in the interests of the holders to do so and so advises the Company in writing.

 

If an event of default (except for events involving the Company’s bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) for any series of Debt Securities occurs and continues, a trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of that series may require the Company to repay immediately:

 

 

If an event of default relates to events involving the Company’s bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal of all Debt Securities will become immediately due and payable without any action by the trustee or any holder.

 

Subject to certain conditions, the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of the affected series can rescind and annul an accelerated payment requirement. If Debt Securities are discounted securities, the applicable Prospectus Supplement will contain provisions relating to the acceleration of maturity of a

portion of the principal amount of the discounted securities upon the occurrence or continuance of an event of default.

 

Other than its duties in case of a default, a trustee is not obligated to exercise any of the rights or powers that it will have under the Indenture at the request or direction of any holders, unless the holders offer the trustee reasonable security or indemnity. If they provide this reasonable security or indemnity, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of any series of Debt Securities may, subject to certain limitations, direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to a trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon a trustee, for any series of Debt Securities.

 

The Company will be required to furnish to the trustees a statement annually as to its compliance with all conditions and covenants under the Indenture and, if the Company is not in compliance, the Company must specify any defaults. The Company will also be required to notify the trustees as soon as practicable upon becoming aware of any event of default.

 

No holder of a Debt Security of any series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or a trustee, or for any other remedy, unless:

 

 

However, such above-mentioned limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by the holder of a Debt Security for the enforcement of payment of the principal of or any premium, if any, or interest on such Debt Security on or after the applicable due date specified in such Debt Security.

 

Defeasance

 

When the Company uses the term “defeasance”, it means discharge from its obligations with respect to any Debt Securities of or within a series under the Indenture. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, if the Company deposits with a trustee cash, government securities or a combination thereof sufficient to pay the principal, interest, if any, premium, if any, and any other sums due to the stated maturity date or a redemption date of the Debt Securities of a series, then at the Company’s option:

 

 

If this happens, the holders of the Debt Securities of the affected series will not be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture except for registration of transfer and exchange of Debt Securities and the replacement of lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Debt Securities. These holders may look only to the deposited fund for payment on their Debt Securities.

 

To exercise the defeasance option, the Company must deliver to the trustees:

 

 

 

If the Company is to be discharged from its obligations with respect to the Debt Securities, and not just from the Company’s covenants, the U.S. opinion must be based upon a ruling from or published by the United States Internal Revenue Service or a change in law to that effect.

 

In addition to the delivery of the opinions described above, the following conditions must be met before the Company may exercise its defeasance option:

 

 

Modification and Waiver

 

Modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made by the Company and the trustees pursuant to one or more Supplemental Indentures (a “Supplemental Indenture”) with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of each series affected by the modification. However, without the consent of each holder affected, no such modification may:

 

 

The holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding Debt Securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all Debt Securities of that series waive, insofar as only that series is concerned, past defaults under the Indenture and compliance by the Company with certain restrictive provisions of the Indenture. However, these holders may not waive a default in any payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on any Debt Security or compliance with a provision that cannot be modified without the consent of each holder affected.

The Company may modify the Indenture pursuant to a Supplemental Indenture without the consent of any holders to:

 

 

Governing Law

 

The Indenture and the Debt Securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, except that discharge by the Canadian trustee of any of its rights, powers, duties or responsibilities hereunder shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable thereto.

 

The Trustees

 

Any trustee under the Indenture or its affiliates may provide other services to the Company in the ordinary course of their business. If the trustee or any affiliate acquires any conflicting interest and a default occurs with respect to the Debt Securities, the trustee must eliminate the conflict or resign.

 

Resignation and Removal of Trustee

 

A trustee may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of the Debt Securities and a successor trustee may be appointed to act with respect to such series.

 

Consent to Service

 

In connection with the Indenture, the Company will irrevocably designate and appoint CT Corporation System, 111 8th Avenue, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10011, as its authorized agent upon which process may be served in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Indenture or the Debt Securities that may be instituted in any U.S. federal or New York State court located in The Borough of Manhattan, in the City of New York, or brought by the trustees (whether in their individual capacity or in their capacity as trustees under the Indenture), and will irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts.

 

Enforceability of Judgments

 

Because all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, as well as the assets of most of the directors of the Company, are within the United States, any judgment obtained in Canada against the Company or certain of its directors, including judgments with respect to the payment of principal on the Debt Securities, may not be collectible within Canada.

 

The Company has been advised that there is doubt as to the enforceability in the United States, by a court in original actions or actions to enforce judgments of Canadian courts, of civil liabilities predicated solely upon Canadian federal or provincial securities laws.

 

 

The following description, together with the additional information the Company may include in any applicable Prospectus Supplements and free writing prospectuses, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the Warrants that the Company may offer under this Prospectus, which may consist of Warrants to purchase Common Shares or Debt Securities and may be issued in one or more series. Warrants may be offered independently or together with Common Shares, Debt Securities or Subscription Receipts offered by any Prospectus Supplement, and may be attached to or separate from those Securities. While the terms the Company has summarized below will apply generally to any Warrants that it may offer under this Prospectus, the Company will describe the particular terms of any series of Warrants that it may offer in more detail in the applicable Prospectus Supplement and any applicable free writing prospectus. The terms of any Warrants offered under a Prospectus Supplement may differ from the terms described below.

 

General

 

Warrants will be issued under and governed by the terms of one or more warrant indentures (each a “Warrant Indenture”) between the Company and a warrant trustee (the “Warrant Trustee”) that the Company will name in the relevant Prospectus Supplement. Each Warrant Trustee will be a financial institution organized under the laws of Canada or any province thereof and authorized to carry on business as a trustee.

 

This summary of some of the provisions of the Warrants is not complete. The statements made in this Prospectus relating to any Warrant Indenture and Warrants to be issued under this Prospectus are summaries of certain anticipated provisions thereof and do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the applicable Warrant Indenture. Prospective investors should refer to the Warrant Indenture relating to the specific Warrants being offered for the complete terms of the Warrants. The Company will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that the Company files with the SEC, any Warrant Indenture describing the terms and conditions of Warrants the Company is offering before the issuance of such Warrants.

 

The applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to any Warrants offered by the Company will describe the particular terms of those Warrants and include specific terms relating to the offering.

 

Equity Warrants

 

The particular terms of each issue of equity warrants (“Equity Warrants”) will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. This description will include, where applicable:

 

 

 

Debt Warrants

 

The particular terms of each issue of debt warrants (“Debt Warrants”) will be described in the related Prospectus Supplement. This description will include, where applicable:

 

 

Rights of Holders Prior to Exercise

 

Prior to the exercise of their Warrants, holders of Warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the Common Shares or Debt Securities issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.

 

Exercise of Warrants

 

Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the Securities that the Company specifies in the applicable Prospectus Supplement at the exercise price that the Company describes therein. Unless the Company otherwise specifies in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, holders of the Warrants may exercise the Warrants at any time up to the specified time on the expiration date that the Company sets forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised Warrants will become void.

 

Holders of the Warrants may exercise the Warrants by delivering the Warrant Certificate representing the Warrants to be exercised together with specified information, and paying the required amount to the Warrant Trustee in immediately available funds, as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The Company will set forth on the Warrant Certificate and in the applicable Prospectus Supplement the information that the holder of the Warrant will be required to deliver to the Warrant Trustee.

 

Upon receipt of the required payment and the Warrant Certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the Warrant Trustee or any other office indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will issue and deliver the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of the Warrants represented by the Warrant Certificate are exercised, then the Company will issue a new Warrant Certificate for the remaining amount of Warrants. If the Company so indicates in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, holders of the Warrants may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for Warrants.

 

Anti-Dilution

 

The Warrant Indenture will specify that upon the subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or other material change of the Common Shares or Debt Securities or any other reorganization, amalgamation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, the Warrants will thereafter evidence the right of the holder to receive the securities, property or cash deliverable in exchange for or on the conversion of or in respect of the Common Shares or Debt Securities to which the holder of a Common Share or Debt Security would have been entitled immediately after such event. Similarly, any distribution to all or substantially all of the holders of Common Shares of rights, options, warrants, evidences of indebtedness or assets will result in an adjustment in the number of Common Shares to be issued to holders of Equity Warrants.

 

Global Securities

 

The Company may issue Warrants in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities, which will be registered in the name of and be deposited with a depositary, or its nominee, each of which will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The global securities may be in temporary or permanent form. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global security. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the exchange, registration and transfer rights relating to any global security.

 

Modifications

 

The Warrant Indenture will provide for modifications and alterations to the Warrants issued thereunder by way of a resolution of holders of Warrants at a meeting of such holders or a consent in writing from such holders. The number of holders of Warrants required to pass such a resolution or execute such a written consent will be specified in the Warrant Indenture.

 

The Company may amend any Warrant Indenture and the Warrants, without the consent of the holders of the Warrants, to cure any ambiguity, to cure, correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision, or in any other manner that will not materially and adversely affect the interests of holders of outstanding Warrants.

 

The Company may issue Subscription Receipts, which will entitle holders to receive upon satisfaction of certain release conditions and for no additional consideration, Common Shares, Debt Securities, Warrants or any combination thereof. Subscription Receipts will be issued pursuant to one or more subscription receipt agreements (each, a “Subscription Receipt Agreement”), each to be entered into between the Company and an escrow agent (the “Escrow Agent”), which will establish the terms and conditions of the Subscription Receipts. Each Escrow Agent will be a financial institution organized under the laws of the United States or a state thereof or Canada or a province thereof and authorized to carry on business as a trustee. The Company will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that the Company files with the SEC, any Subscription Receipt Agreement describing the terms and conditions of Subscription Receipts the Company is offering before the issuance of such Subscription Receipts.

 

The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of Subscription Receipts and is not intended to be complete. The statements made in this Prospectus relating to any Subscription Receipt Agreement and Subscription Receipts to be issued thereunder are summaries of certain anticipated provisions thereof and are

subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the applicable Subscription Receipt Agreement and the Prospectus Supplement describing such Subscription Receipt Agreement.

 

The Prospectus Supplement relating to any Subscription Receipts the Company offers will describe the Subscription Receipts and include specific terms relating to their offering. All such terms will comply with the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE Amex relating to Subscription Receipts. If underwriters or agents are used in the sale of Subscription Receipts, one or more of such underwriters or agents may also be parties to the Subscription Receipt Agreement governing the Subscription Receipts sold to or through such underwriters or agents.

 

General

 

The Prospectus Supplement and the Subscription Receipt Agreement for any Subscription Receipts the Company offers will describe the specific terms of the Subscription Receipts and may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:

 

 

 

In addition, the Prospectus Supplement and the Subscription Receipt Agreement for any Subscription Receipts the Company offers will describe all contractual rights of rescission that will be granted to initial purchasers of Subscription Receipts in the event this Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement under which the Subscription Receipts are issued or any amendment hereto or thereto contains a misrepresentation, as discussed further under the sub-paragraph entitled “Rescission” below.

 

The holders of Subscription Receipts will not be shareholders of the Company. Holders of Subscription Receipts are entitled only to receive Common Shares, Debt Securities, Warrants or a combination thereof on exchange of their Subscription Receipts, plus any cash payments provided for under the Subscription Receipt Agreement, if the Release Conditions are satisfied. If the Release Conditions are not satisfied, the holders of Subscription Receipts shall be entitled to a refund of all or a portion of the subscription price therefor and all or a portion of the pro rata share of interest earned or income generated thereon, as provided in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.

 

Escrow

 

The Escrowed Funds will be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent, and such Escrowed Funds will be released to the Company (and, if the Subscription Receipts are sold to or through underwriters or agents, a portion of the Escrowed Funds may be released to such underwriters or agents in payment of all or a portion of their fees in connection with the sale of the Subscription Receipts) at the time and under the terms specified by the Subscription Receipt Agreement. If the Release Conditions are not satisfied, holders of Subscription Receipts will receive a refund of all or a portion of the subscription price for their Subscription Receipts plus their pro rata entitlement to interest earned or income generated on such amount, in accordance with the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement. Common Shares, Debt Securities or Warrants may be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent, and will be released to the holders of Subscription Receipts following satisfaction of the Release Conditions at the time and under the terms specified in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.

 

Anti-Dilution

 

The Subscription Receipt Agreement will specify that upon the subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or other material change of the Common Shares, Debt Securities or Warrants or any other reorganization, amalgamation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, the Subscription Receipts will thereafter evidence the right of the holder to receive the securities, property or cash deliverable in exchange for or on the conversion of or in respect of the Common Shares, Debt Securities or Warrants to which the holder of a Common Share, Debt Security or Warrant would have been entitled immediately after such event. Similarly, any distribution to all or substantially all of the holders of Common Shares of rights, options, warrants, evidences of indebtedness or assets will result in an adjustment in the number of Common Shares to be issued to holders of Subscription Receipts whose Subscription Receipts entitle the holders thereof to receive Common Shares. Alternatively, such securities, evidences of indebtedness or assets may, at the option of the Company, be issued to the Escrow Agent and delivered to holders of Subscription Receipts on exercise thereof. The Subscription Receipt Agreement will also provide that if other actions of the Company affect the Common Shares, Debt Securities or Warrants, which, in the reasonable opinion of the directors of the Company, would materially affect the rights of the holders of Subscription Receipts and/or the rights attached to the Subscription Receipts, the number of Common Shares, Debt Securities or Warrants which are to be received pursuant to the Subscription Receipts shall be adjusted in such manner, if any, and at such time as the directors of the Company may in their discretion reasonably determine to be equitable to the holders of Subscription Receipts in such circumstances.

 

Rescission

 

The Subscription Receipt Agreement will also provide that any misrepresentation in this Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement under which the Subscription Receipts are offered, or any amendment thereto, will entitle each initial purchaser of Subscription Receipts to a contractual right of rescission following the issuance of the Common Shares,

 

Debt Securities or Warrants to such purchaser entitling such purchaser to receive the amount paid for the Subscription Receipts upon surrender of the Common Shares, Debt Securities or Warrants, provided that such remedy for rescission is exercised in the time stipulated in the Subscription Receipt Agreement. This right of rescission does not extend to holders of Subscription Receipts who acquire such Subscription Receipts from an initial purchaser, on the open market or otherwise, or to initial purchasers who acquire Subscription Receipts in the United States.

 

Global Securities

 

The Company may issue Subscription Receipts in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities, which will be registered in the name of and be deposited with a depositary, or its nominee, each of which will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The global securities may be in temporary or permanent form. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global security. The applicable Prospectus Supplement also will describe the exchange, registration and transfer rights relating to any global security.

 

Modifications

 

The Subscription Receipt Agreement will provide for modifications and alterations to the Subscription Receipts issued thereunder by way of a resolution of holders of Subscription Receipts at a meeting of such holders or a consent in writing from such holders. The number of holders of Subscriptions Receipts required to pass such a resolution or execute such a written consent will be specified in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.

 

The following description, together with the additional information the Company may include in any applicable Prospectus Supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the Units that the Company may offer under this Prospectus. While the terms the Company has summarized below will apply generally to any Units that the Company may offer under this Prospectus, the Company will describe the particular terms of any series of Units in more detail in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The terms of any Units offered under a Prospectus Supplement may differ from the terms described below.

 

The Company will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that the Company files with the SEC, the form of unit agreement (“Unit Agreement”) between the Company and a unit agent (“Unit Agent”) that describes the terms and conditions of the series of Units the Company is offering, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of the related series of Units. The following summaries of material terms and provisions of the Units are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Unit Agreement and any supplemental agreements applicable to a particular series of Units. The Company urges you to read the applicable Prospectus Supplements related to the particular series of Units that the Company sells under this Prospectus, as well as the complete Unit Agreement and any supplemental agreements that contain the terms of the Units.

 

General

 

The Company may issue units comprising one or more of Common Shares, Debt Securities, Warrants and Subscription Receipts in any combination. Each Unit will be issued so that the holder of the Unit is also the holder of each security included in the Unit. Thus, the holder of a Unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The Unit Agreement under which a Unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the Unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.

 

The Company will describe in the applicable Prospectus Supplement the terms of the series of Units, including:

 

 

The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under “Description of Common Shares,” “Description of Debt Securities,” “Description of Warrants,” and “Description of Subscription Receipts” will apply to each Unit and to any Common Share, Debt Security, Warrant or Subscription Receipt included in each Unit, respectively.

 

Issuance in Series

 

The Company may issue Units in such amounts and in numerous distinct series as the Company determines.

 

Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Units

 

Each Unit Agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable Unit Agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any Unit. A single bank or trust company may act as Unit Agent for more than one series of Units. A Unit Agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by the Company under the applicable Unit Agreement or Unit, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon the Company. Any holder of a Unit may, without the consent of the related Unit Agent or the holder of any other Unit, enforce by appropriate legal action its rights as holder under any security included in the Unit.

 

The Company, the Unit Agents, and any of their agents may treat the registered holder of any Unit Certificate as an absolute owner of the Units evidenced by that certificate for any purpose and as the person entitled to exercise the rights attaching to the Units so requested, despite any notice to the contrary.

 

General

 

The Company may offer and sell the Securities, separately or together: (a) to one or more underwriters or dealers; (b) through one or more agents; or (c) directly to one or more other purchasers. The Securities offered pursuant to any Prospectus Supplement may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions at: (i) a fixed price or prices, which may be changed from time to time; (ii) market prices prevailing at the time of sale; (iii) prices related to such prevailing market prices; or (iv) other negotiated prices. The Company may only offer and sell the Securities pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement during the period that this Prospectus, including any amendments hereto, remains effective. The Prospectus Supplement for any of the Securities being offered thereby will set forth the terms of the offering of such Securities, including the type of Security being offered, the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, the purchase price of such Securities, the proceeds to the Company from such sale, any underwriting commissions or discounts and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers. Only underwriters so named in the Prospectus Supplement are deemed to be underwriters in connection with the Securities offered thereby.

 

By Underwriters

 

If underwriters are used in the sale, the Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Unless otherwise set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto, the obligations of underwriters to purchase the Securities will be subject to certain conditions, but the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the Securities offered by the Prospectus Supplement if any of such Securities are purchased. The Company may offer the Securities to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or by underwriters without a syndicate. The Company may agree to pay the underwriters a fee or commission for various services relating to the offering of any Securities. Any such fee or commission will be paid out of the general corporate funds of the Company. The Company may use underwriters with whom it has a material relationship. The Company will describe in the Prospectus Supplement, naming the underwriter, the nature of any such relationship.

 

By Dealers

 

If dealers are used, and if so specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will sell such Securities to the dealers as principals. The dealers may then resell such Securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealers at the time of resale. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time. The Company will set forth the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

By Agents

 

The Securities may also be sold through agents designated by the Company. Any agent involved will be named, and any fees or commissions payable by the Company to such agent will be set forth, in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Any such fees or commissions will be paid out of the general corporate funds of the Company. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

 

Direct Sales

 

Securities may also be sold directly by the Company at such prices and upon such terms as agreed to by the Company and the purchaser. In this case, no underwriters, dealers or agents would be involved in the offering.

 

General Information

 

Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the Securities offered by this Prospectus may be deemed underwriters under the Securities Act, and any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any profit on their resale of the securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.

 

Underwriters, dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of Securities may be entitled under agreements to be entered into with the Company to indemnification by the Company against certain liabilities, including liabilities under Canadian provincial and territorial and United States securities legislation, or to contribution with respect to payments which such underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make in respect thereof. Such underwriters, dealers or agents may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for, the Company in the ordinary course of business.

 

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this Prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable Prospectus Supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third parties may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third parties in such sale transactions will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

 

One or more firms, referred to as “remarketing firms,” may also offer or sell the Securities, if the Prospectus Supplement so indicates, in connection with a remarketing arrangement upon their purchase. Remarketing firms will act as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. These remarketing firms will offer or sell the Securities in accordance with the terms of the Securities. The Prospectus Supplement will identify any remarketing firm and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and will describe the remarketing firm’s compensation. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the Securities they remarket.

 

In connection with any offering of Securities, underwriters may over-allot or effect transactions which stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities offered at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. Such transactions may be commenced, interrupted or discontinued at any time.

 

The following is a general summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations related to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares acquired pursuant to this Prospectus.

 

This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential United States federal income tax consequences related to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common. In addition, this summary does not take into account the individual facts and circumstances of any particular holder that may affect the United States federal income tax consequences to such holder. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or United States federal income tax advice with respect to any holder. Each holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the United States federal, state and local, and foreign tax consequences related to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.

 

No legal opinion from United States legal counsel or ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has been requested, or will be obtained, regarding the United States federal income tax consequences related to the

acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares. This summary is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS is not precluded from taking a position that is different from, and contrary to, the positions taken in this summary.

 

Scope of this Summary

 

Authorities

 

This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary, or proposed), published rulings of the IRS, published administrative positions of the IRS, and United States court decisions that are applicable and, in each case, as in effect and available, as of the date of this Prospectus. Any of the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss the potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation that, if enacted, could be applied on a retroactive basis.

 

U.S. Holders

 

As used in this summary, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of Common Shares acquired pursuant to this Prospectus that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes: an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S.; a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation) organized under the laws of the U.S., any state thereof or the District of Columbia; an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the U.S. and the control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

Non-U.S. Holders

 

The term “Non-U.S. Holder” means any beneficial owner of Common Shares acquired pursuant to this Prospectus that is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership nor other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A Non-U.S. Holder should review the discussion under the heading “U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of the Acquisition, Ownership and Disposition of Common Shares” below for more information.

 

U.S. Holders Subject to Special United States Federal Income Tax Rules Not Addressed

 

This summary deals only with persons or entities who hold our Common Shares as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). This summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be applicable to holders in light of their particular circumstances or to holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law, such as (without limitation): banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions; dealers in securities or foreign currencies; regulated investment companies; traders in securities that mark to market; U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the U.S.; persons holding Common Shares as part of a straddle, appreciated financial position, synthetic security, hedge, conversion transaction or other integrated investment; persons holding Common Shares as a result of a constructive sale; persons holding Common Shares whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; persons who directly, indirectly, or by attribution own 10% or more of the Company’s outstanding equity interests; or entities that acquire Common Shares that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and investors (i.e., partners) in such partnerships. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including holders described immediately above, should consult their own tax advisor regarding the United States federal, state and local, and foreign tax consequences arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.

 

If an entity treated as a partnership holds our Common Shares, the tax treatment of the partners and the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding our Common Shares you should consult your own tax advisor.

 

Tax Consequences Not Addressed

 

This summary does not address the United States state and local, United States federal estate and gift, United States federal alternative minimum tax, or foreign tax consequences to holders of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares. Each holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the United States state and local, United States federal estate and gift, United States federal alternative minimum tax, and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders of the Acquisition, Ownership and Disposition of Common Shares

 

Distributions

 

Distributions made on our Common Shares generally will be included in a U.S. Holder’s income as ordinary dividend income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits (determined under U.S. federal income tax principles) as of the end of our taxable year in which the distribution occurs. However, with respect to dividends received by individuals, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, such dividends are generally taxed at the lower applicable long-term capital gains rates, provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares and thereafter as capital gain from the sale or exchange of such Common Shares. Dividends received by a corporation may be eligible for a dividends received deduction, subject to applicable limitations.

 

Sale, Certain Redemptions or Other Taxable Dispositions of Common Shares

 

Upon the sale, certain qualifying redemptions, or other taxable disposition of our Common Shares, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received upon such taxable disposition and (ii) the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if a U.S. Holder’s holding period in the Common Shares is more than one year at the time of the taxable disposition. Long-term capital gains recognized by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individuals) will generally be subject to a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 15%, which maximum is currently scheduled to increase to 20% for dispositions occurring during taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. A U.S. Holder who sells Common Shares at a loss which, in the aggregate, exceeds certain thresholds may be required to file a disclosure statement with the IRS.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

Information reporting requirements generally will apply to payments of dividends on our Common Shares and to the proceeds of a sale of Common Shares paid to a U.S. Holder unless the U.S. Holder is an exempt recipient (such as a corporation). A backup withholding tax will apply to those payments if the U.S. Holder fails to provide its correct taxpayer identification number, or certification of exempt status, or if the U.S. Holder is notified by the IRS that it has failed to report in full payments of interest and dividend income. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished in a timely manner to the IRS.

 

U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of the Acquisition, Ownership and Disposition of Common Shares

 

Dividends

 

Distributions on our Common Shares will constitute dividends for U.S. tax purposes to the extent paid from our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent those distributions exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits, they will constitute a return of capital and will first reduce a Non-U.S. Holder’s basis in our Common Shares, but not below zero, and then will be treated as gain from the sale of stock, which will be taxable according to rules discussed under the heading “Sale or Exchange of Common Shares,” below. Any dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder with respect to our Common Shares generally will be subject to withholding tax at a 30% gross rate, subject to any exemption or lower rate under an applicable treaty if the Non-U.S. Holder provides us with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN, unless the Non-U.S. Holder provides us with a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI (or other applicable form) relating to income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S.

 

Dividends that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. and includible in the Non-U.S. Holder’s gross income are not subject to the withholding tax (assuming proper certification and disclosure), but instead are subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at applicable graduated individual or corporate rates. Any such effectively connected income received by a foreign corporation may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate, subject to any exemption or lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

 

A Non-U.S. Holder of Common Shares who wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable treaty rate or exemption is required to satisfy certain certification and other requirements. If a Non-U.S. Holder is eligible for an exemption from or a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty, it may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares

 

In general, a Non-U.S. Holder of Common Shares will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain recognized from a sale, exchange, or other taxable disposition of such Common Shares, unless:

 

 

If a Non-U.S. Holder is an individual described in the first bullet point above, he or she will be subject to tax on the net gain derived from the sale or other taxable disposition of our Common Shares under regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates. If a Non-U.S. Holder is a foreign corporation described in the first bullet point above, it will be subject to tax on its net gain from such a sale or other taxable disposition generally in the same manner as if it were a U.S. person as defined under the Code and, in addition, it may be subject to the branch profits tax at a gross rate equal to 30% of its effectively connected earnings and profits for that taxable year, subject to any exemption or lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. If a Non-U.S. Holder is an individual described in the second bullet point above, such holder will be subject to tax at a rate of 30% (or subject to any exemption or lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on the gain derived from the sale or other taxable disposition of our Common Shares even though such holder is not considered a resident of the U.S. The amount of such gain may be offset by the Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. source capital losses.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

Generally, we must report annually to the IRS and to Non-U.S. Holders the amount of dividends paid on our Common Shares to Non-U.S. Holders and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to those payments. Copies of the information returns reporting such interest, dividends and withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which a Non-U.S. Holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.

 

In general, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to backup withholding with respect to payments of dividends that we make, provided we receive a statement meeting certain requirements to the effect that the Non-U.S. Holder is not a U.S. person and we do not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the holder is a U.S. person, as defined under the Code, that is not an exempt recipient. The requirements for the statement will be met if (1) the Non-U.S. Holder provides it’s name, address and U.S. taxpayer identification number, if any, and certifies, under penalty of perjury, that it is not a U.S. person (which certification may be made on IRS Form W-8BEN) or (2) a financial institution holding the instrument on behalf of the Non-U.S. Holder certifies, under penalty of perjury, that such statement has been received by it and furnishes us or our paying agent with a copy of the statement. In addition, a Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to information reporting and, depending on the circumstances, backup withholding with respect to payments of the proceeds of a sale of our Common Shares within the U.S. or conducted through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries, unless the statement described above has been received, and we do not have actual knowledge or reason to know that a holder is a U.S. person, as defined under the Code, that is not an exempt recipient, or the Non-U.S. Holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Any amounts withheld under the

backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished timely to the IRS.

 

None.

 

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

 

Our registrar and transfer agent for our common shares is Corporate Stock Transfer, Inc. located at 3200 Cherry Creek Dr. South, Suite 430, Denver, Colorado 80209.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The law firms of Lang Michener LLP and Dorsey & Whitney LLP have acted as the Company’s counsel by providing an opinion on the validity of the securities offered in this Prospectus and applicable Prospectus Supplements and counsel named in the applicable Prospectus Supplement will pass upon legal matters for any underwriters, dealers or agents. Certain legal matters related to the Securities offered by this Prospectus will be passed upon on the Company’s behalf by Lang Michener LLP, with respect to matters of Nevada law, and Dorsey & Whitney LLP, with respect to matters of New York law.

 

Our consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 and accumulated from May 26, 1999 (Date of Inception) to December 31, 2008 have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of Manning Elliott LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, given upon the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

The Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

 

This Prospectus is part of a registration statement and, as permitted by SEC rules, does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this Prospectus to any of our contracts or other documents, the reference may not be complete and, for a copy of the contract or document, you should refer to the exhibits that are part of the registration statement. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public reference rooms and their copy charges. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference rooms at:

 

100 F Street, N.E.
Room 1580
Washington, D.C. 20549