Contango Silver & Gold Inc.: Form 10-Q for the period ended Jun 30, 2024

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes and other information included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and our Form 10-KT for the six-month period ended December 31, 2023 and Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, previously filed with the SEC.

Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements made in this report may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The words and phrases “should be”, “will be”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “goal” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements and express our expectations about future events. Any statement that is not historical fact is a forward -looking statement. These include such matters as:

• The Company’s financial position;
• Business strategy, including outsourcing;
• Meeting the Company's forecasts and budgets;
• Anticipated capital expenditures and the availability of future financing;
• Risk in the pricing or timing of hedges the Company has entered into for the production of gold and associated minerals;
• Prices of gold and associated minerals;
• Timing and amount of future discoveries (if any) and production of natural resources on the Contango Properties and the Peak Gold JV Property;
• Operating costs and other expenses;
• Cash flow and anticipated liquidity;
• The Company’s ability to fund its business with current cash reserves based on currently planned activities;
• Prospect development;
• Operating and legal risks;
• New governmental laws and regulations; and
• Pending and future litigation.

Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such expectations may not occur. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In addition to the risk factors described in Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors, of this Form 10-Q and Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, in our Transition Report on Form 10-KT for the six-month period ended December 31, 2023, these factors include among others:

• Ability to raise capital to fund capital expenditures and repayment of indebtedness;
• Ability to retain or maintain capital contributions to, and our relative ownership interest in the Peak Gold JV;
• Ability to influence management of the Peak Gold JV;
• Ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the HighGold Acquisition;
• Disruption from the HighGold Acquisition and transition of HighGold’s management to the Company, including as it relates to maintenance of business and operational relationships;
• Potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures;
• Operational constraints and delays;
• Exploration and operational risks associated with the mining industry;
• Timing and successful discovery of natural resources;
• Declines and variations in the price of gold and associated minerals, as well as price volatility for natural resources;
• Availability of operating equipment;
• Weather;
• Ability to find and retain skilled personnel;
• Restrictions on mining activities;
• Federal and state legislation and regulation that affects mining development and activities;
• Impact of new and potential legislative and mining operating and safety standards;
• Uncertainties of any estimates and projections relating to any future production, costs and expenses (including changes in the cost of fuel, power, materials, and supplies);
• Timely and full receipt of sale proceeds from the sale of any of our mined products (if any);
• Stock price and interest rate volatility;
• Availability and cost of material and equipment;
• Actions or inactions of third-parties;
• Potential mechanical failure or under-performance of facilities and equipment;
• Environmental and regulatory, health and safety risks;
• Strength and financial resources of competitors;
• Worldwide economic conditions;
• Expanded rigorous monitoring and testing requirements;
• Ability to obtain insurance coverage on commercially reasonable terms;
• Competition generally and the increasing competitive nature of the mining industry;
• Risks related to title to properties; and
• Ability to consummate strategic transactions.

You should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements in this report, as they speak only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. All forward-looking statements included herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section.

Second Quarter 2024 Highlights and Recent Developments

Manh Choh Project

The Company’s Manh Choh Project continued ore mining and stockpiling at the Fort Knox facility during the quarter. On July 8, 2024, Manh Choh achieved a significant milestone and poured its first gold bar, on schedule.

Ore transportation has ramped up to planned volumes, full commissioning of the modifications at the Fort Knox mill is expected in the third quarter and the project remains on track to deliver its planned production this year.

Johnson Tract Project

On July 30, 2024 the Company announced the start of a surface drilling campaign at the Johnson Tract property. The 2024 surface exploration drilling targets 3,000 meters (~9,850 ft) across 20 drill holes and is designed to in-fill the upper one-third of the near vertical resource. In parallel with the in-fill drilling, selected holes will undergo hydrological testing and monitoring to characterize the overall surficial and deposit hydrology and water quality. In addition to assaying the core, selected drill core will undergo advanced metallurgical, geochemical, and specific gravity tests to assist in building a geometallurgical model for the deposit. Camp opened in mid-July and the drilling program is expected to last approximately three months.

Lucky Shot Project

The Lucky Shot project remains in care and maintenance as the Company plans a surface and underground drilling program for 2025.

All other projects are in the exploration stage.

HighGold Acquisition

On May 1, 2024, the Company entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the “Arrangement Agreement”) by and among the Company, Contango Mining Canada Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of British Columbia and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and HighGold Mining Inc., a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of British Columbia (“HighGold”), pursuant to which the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests of HighGold (the “HighGold Acquisition”) by way of a court approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). The HighGold Acquisition, which was approved by HighGold shareholders at HighGold’s special meeting held on June 27, 2024, was subsequently approved by the Supreme Court of British Columbia on July 2, 2024.

On July 10, 2024, the Company completed the HighGold Acquisition and, as contemplated by the Arrangement Agreement, each HighGold share of common stock was exchanged for 0.019 shares of Contango common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “common stock”). HighGold options were also exchanged, directly or indirectly, for Contango shares of common stock, based on the fair market value of the HighGold options prior to the closing date. Upon closing of the HighGold Acquisition, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,698,887 shares of Contango common stock, with a value of approximately $33.4 million, to HighGold shareholders in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act. Such exemption was based on the final order of the Supreme Court of British Columbia issued on July 2, 2024, approving the Acquisition following a hearing by the court which considered, among other things, the fairness of the Acquisition to the persons affected. Upon completion of the Acquisition, existing Contango shareholders own approximately 85.9% and HighGold shareholders own approximately 14.1% of the combined company.

Avidian Alaska Acquisition

On May 1, 2024, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Avidian Gold Corp. (“Avidian”) pursuant to which the Company has agreed to purchase Avidian’s 100% owned Alaskan subsidiary, Avidian Gold Alaska Inc., for initial consideration of $2,400,000, with a contingent payment for up to $1,000,000 (the “Avidian Alaska Acquisition”).

On August 6, 2024, the Company completed the Avidian Alaska Acquisition. As contemplated by the stock purchase agreement entered into with Avidian, the initial purchase price of $2,400,000 consisted of (i) $400,000 in cash (the “Cash Consideration”) and (ii) $2,000,000 in shares of Contango common stock, with $250,000 of such shares withheld at closing and to be paid only upon settlement of a withholding contingency (the “Equity Consideration”). The Cash Consideration shall be paid in the following tranches: (i) a deposit of $50,000 (paid), (ii) $150,000 to be paid upon settlement of a withholding contingency and (iii) $200,000 of the Cash Consideration to be paid on or before the six-month anniversary of the closing date. The number of shares of common stock constituting the Equity Consideration, which were issued or will be issued in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, was determined based on Contango’s 10-day VWAP on the NYSE American immediately prior to the closing date.

Underwritten Offering

On June 10, 2024, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement with Canaccord Genuity LLC and Cormark Securities Inc. (collectively, the “June 2024 Underwriters”), relating to an underwritten public offering (the “June 2024 Offering”) of 731,750 units (the “Units”) of the Company at a price of $20.50 per Unit. Each Unit consisted of (i) one share of the Company's common stock and (ii) one-half of one accompanying warrant. Each whole accompanying warrant is exercisable to purchase one share of the Company's common stock at a price of $26.00 per warrant, exercisable for a period of 36 months. The June 2024 Underwriters agreed to purchase the Units from the Company pursuant to the June 2024 Underwriting Agreement at a price of $19.37 per Unit, which included a 5.5% underwriting discount. The net proceeds from the June 2024 Offering were $13.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. The June 2024 Offering was made pursuant to the Company’s effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3. The June 2024 Offering closed on June 12, 2024.

Committee for Safe Communities Complaint

On October 20, 2023, the Committee for Safe Communities (“CSC”), an Alaskan non-profit corporation inclusive of certain vacation homeowners along the Manh Choh ore haul route and others, filed suit in the Superior Court for the State of Alaska in Fairbanks, Alaska (the “Superior Court”) against the State of Alaska, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (the “DOT”), seeking injunctive relief with respect to CSC’s oversight of the Peak Gold JV’s ore haul plan. Ore from the Manh Choh mine is being trucked to the Fort Knox mill for processing via public roadways in state-of-the-art trucks carrying legal loads. The complaint alleges that the DOT has approved a haul route and trucking plan for the Manh Choh project that violates DOT regulations, DOT’s actions have created an unreasonable risk to public safety constituting an attractive public nuisance, and DOT has aided and abetted the offense of negligent driving. On November 2, 2023, CSC filed a motion for preliminary injunction. On November 9, 2023, the Peak Gold JV filed a motion to intervene in this lawsuit, which was granted on November 15, 2023. On January 15, 2024, Peak Gold and DOT jointly moved for judgment on the pleadings and to stay all discovery. On May 14, 2024, the Court issued an Order denying the plaintiff’s motion for preliminary injunction and staying discovery. On June 24, 2024, the Court issued an Order granting judgment on the pleadings as to three of the four claims for relief alleged in the Complaint and denying relief as to the claim for public nuisance. The Order further lifted the stay of discovery. On July 3, 2024, the DOT filed motion for reconsideration as to the Court’s Order on the motion for judgment on the pleadings, which Peak Gold joined. At a scheduling conference on July 16, 2024, the Court ordered plaintiff to respond to the motion for reconsideration and set a trial for August 11, 2025.

Dot Lake Complaint

On July 1, 2024, the Village of Dot Lake, a federally recognized Indian Tribe, located approximately 50 miles from the Manh Choh mine on the ore haul route along the Alaska Highway (“Dot Lake”), filed a complaint in the U.S District Court for the District of Alaska against U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the “Corps”) and Lt. General Scott A. Spellmon, in his official capacity as Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the Corps. The complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief based on the Corps’ alleged failure to consult with Dot Lake and to undertake an adequate environmental review with respect to the Corps’ issuance in September 2022 of a wetlands disturbance permit in connection with the overall permitting of the Manh Choh mine as to approximately 5 acres of wetlands located on Tetlin Village land. Peak Gold is not named as a defendant in the complaint and it is evaluating its options with respect to protecting its interests in continuing to operate the Manh Choh mine.

Overview

The Company engages in exploration and development for gold ore and associated minerals in Alaska. The Company conducts its business through three primary means:

• 30.0% membership interest in Peak Gold, LLC (the “Peak Gold JV”), which leases approximately 675,000 acres from the Tetlin Tribal Council and holds approximately 13,000 additional acres of State of Alaska mining claims (such combined acreage, the “Peak Gold JV Property”) for exploration and development, including in connection with the Peak Gold JV’s plan to mine ore from the Main and North Manh Choh deposits within the Peak Gold JV Property (“Manh Choh” or the “Manh Choh Project”);
• its wholly-owned subsidiary, Contango Lucky Shot Alaska, LLC ("LSA") (formerly Alaska Gold Torrent, LLC), an Alaska limited liability company, which leases the mineral rights to approximately 8,600 acres of State of Alaska and patented mining claims Alaska Hard Rock, Inc. The property, located in the Willow Mining District about 75 miles north of Anchorage, Alaska, contains three former producing gold mines within the patented claims (“Lucky Shot”, or the “Lucky Shot Property”); and
• its wholly-owned subsidiary, Contango Minerals Alaska, LLC (“Contango Minerals”), which separately owns the mineral rights to approximately 145,280 acres of State of Alaska mining claims for exploration, including (i) approximately 69,780 acres located immediately northwest of the Peak Gold JV Property (the “Eagle/Hona Property”), (ii) approximately 14,800 acres located northeast of the Peak Gold JV Property (the “Triple Z Property”), (iii) approximately 52,700 acres of new property in the Richardson district of Alaska (the “Shamrock Property”) and (iv) approximately 8,000 acres located to the north and east of the Lucky Shot Property (the “Willow Property” and, together with the Eagle/Hona Property, the Triple Z Property, and the Shamrock Property, collectively the “Minerals Property”). The Company relinquished approximately 69,000 acres located on the Eagle/Hona Property in November 2022. The Company retained essentially all of the acreage where drilling was performed in 2019 and reconnaissance work in 2021, and used sampling data to determine which acreage should be released.

The Lucky Shot Property and the Minerals Property are collectively referred to in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as the “Contango Properties”.

The Company’s Manh Choh Project achieved a significant milestone on July 8, 2024 and poured its first gold bar.The ore mining continues along with stockpiling ore at the Fort Knox facility. The Project is on schedule and full commissioning of the modifications at the Fort Knox mill is expected in the third quarter. The Project remains on track to deliver its planned production this year. All other projects are in the exploration stage.

The Company has been involved, directly and through the Peak Gold JV, in the exploration of the Manh Choh Project since 2010, which has resulted in the identification of two mineral deposits (Main and North Manh Choh) and several other gold, silver, and copper prospects. The other 70.0% membership interest in the Peak Gold JV is owned by KG Mining (Alaska), Inc. (“KG Mining”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Kinross Gold Corporation (“Kinross”). Kinross is a large gold producer with a diverse global portfolio and extensive operating experience in Alaska. The Peak Gold JV will mine ore from the Main and North Manh Choh deposits and process the ore at the existing Fort Knox mining and milling complex located approximately 240 miles (400 km) away in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Peak Gold JV has entered into an Ore Haul Agreement with Black Gold Transport, located in North Pole, Alaska to transport the run-of-mine ore from the Manh Choh Project to the Fort Knox facilities. The use of the Fort Knox facilities is expected to accelerate the development of the Peak Gold JV Property and result in reduced upfront capital development costs, smaller environmental footprint, a shorter permitting and development timeline and less overall execution risk for the Peak Gold JV to advance the Main and North Manh Choh deposits to production. Peak Gold JV has also entered into a contract with Kiewit Mining Group to provide contract mining and site preparation work at the Manh Choh Project. The Peak Gold JV will be charged a toll for using the Fort Knox facilities pursuant to a toll milling agreement by and between the Peak Gold JV and Fairbanks Gold Mining, Inc., which was entered into and became effective on April 14, 2023.

Kinross released a combined feasibility study for the Fort Knox mill and the Peak Gold JV in July 2022. Also, in July 2022, Kinross announced that its board of directors (the “Kinross Board”) made a decision to proceed with development of the Manh Choh Project. Effective December 31, 2022, CORE Alaska, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“CORE Alaska”), KG Mining, and the Peak Gold JV executed the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Peak Gold JV (as amended, the “A&R JV LLCA”). The First Amendment to the A&R JV LLCA provides that, beginning in 2023, the Company may fund its quarterly scheduled cash calls on a monthly basis. The Peak Gold JV management committee (the “JV Management Committee”) has approved budgets for 2023 and 2024, with cash calls totaling approximately $248.1 million, of which the Company’s share is approximately $74.5 million. As of June 30, 2024, the Company has funded $74.5 million of the budgeted cash calls. On May 15, 2023, the Peak Gold JV received approval of its Waste Management Plan, Plan of Operations, and Reclamation and Closure Plan from the State of Alaska Departments of Environmental Conservation and Natural Resources. Construction is essentially complete, on budget and on schedule for production in the second half of 2024. Mining activities are well underway including the commencement of ore mining and stockpiling. Transportation of ore to Fort Knox, where it will be processed, has commenced and will gradually increase throughout the first half of the year. Modifications to the Fort Knox mill continue to progress on schedule and on budget. Construction of the conveyors and associated buildings are complete, along with interior piping and mechanical installations. Full commissioning of the modificaitons at the Fort Knox mill is expected in the third quarter of this year. Kinross, on behalf of the Peak Gold JV, is also continuing its comprehensive community programs and prioritizing local economic benefits as it develops the project. All permitting activities are completed with all major permits received from both Federal and State permitting agencies. Peak Gold JV production commenced at Manh Choh in the second half of 2024, with a mine plan that consists of two small, open pits that will be mined concurrently over 4.5 years.

Work on the Lucky Shot Property has been ongoing since late 2021. Underground work includes rehabilitation of approximately 442 meters of existing drift and the addition of 612 meters of new drift and 3,816 meters of underground HQ core exploration drilling. In August 2023, the Company began executing a program to complete surface drilling on the Coleman segment of the Lucky Shot vein. The program was shut down in September 2023 due to challenging weather conditions.

On the Shamrock and Eagle/Hona Properties, the Company conducted surface mapping and sampling programs during 2021.

Strategy

Partnering with strategic industry participants to expand future exploration work. As of October 1, 2020, in conjunction with the Kinross transactions that established the current ownership interests in the Peak Gold JV and the signing of the A&R JV LLCA, KG Mining became the manager of the Peak Gold JV (the “Manager”). KG Mining may resign as Manager and can be removed as Manager for a material breach of the A&R JV LLCA, a material failure to perform its obligations as the Manager, a failure to conduct the Peak Gold JV operations in accordance with industry standards and applicable laws, and other limited circumstances. Except as expressly delegated to the Manager, the A&R JV LLCA provides that the JV Management Committee has exclusive authority to determine all management matters related to the Company. The JV Management Committee currently consists of one appointee designated by the Company and two appointees designated by KG Mining. The Representatives designated by each member of the Peak Gold JV vote as a group, and in accordance with their respective membership interests in the Peak Gold JV. Except in the case of certain actions that require approval by unanimous vote of the Representatives, the affirmative vote of a majority of the membership interests in the Peak Gold JV constitutes the action of the JV Management Committee.

Structuring Incentives to Drive Behavior. The Company believes that equity ownership aligns the interests of the Company’s executives and directors with those of its stockholders. The Company has implemented an equity compensation program for its executive officers and directors (and other persons) that provides an incentive for such officers to achieve the Company’s long-term business objectives. The Company’s equity compensation program includes two forms of long-term incentives: restricted stock and stock options. As of June 30, 2024, the Company’s directors and executives beneficially own approximately 13.9% of the Company’s common stock.

Acquiring exploration properties. The Company anticipates from time to time acquiring additional properties in Alaska for exploration, subject to the availability of funds. The acquisitions may include leases or similar rights from Alaska Native corporations and/or staking Federal or State of Alaska mining claims. Acquiring additional properties will likely result in additional expense to the Company for minimum royalties, minimum rents and annual exploratory work requirements. The Company is open to strategic partnerships or alliances with other companies as a means to enhance its ability to fund new and existing exploration and development opportunities.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

None.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations is based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The Company has identified below the critical accounting estimate that is of particular importance to the portrayal of our financial position and results of operations and which require the application of significant judgment by management. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Contingent Considerations. Contingent consideration in asset acquisitions payable in the form of cash is recognized when payment becomes probable and reasonably estimable, unless the contingent consideration meets the definition of a derivative, in which case the amount becomes part of the asset acquisition cost when acquired. Contingent consideration payable in the form of a fixed number of the Company’s own shares is measured at fair value as of the acquisition date and recognized when the issuance of the shares becomes probable. Upon recognition of the contingent consideration payment, the amount is included in the cost of the acquired asset or group of assets. The Company carries a liability for contingent consideration related to the acquisition of LSA. In estimating the fair value of the contingent consideration at each reporting period, the Company makes estimates regarding the probability and timing of reaching the milestones associated with payment of the consideration, as well as the weighted average cost of capital used to discount the liability to its present value as of the balance sheet date. The estimate of the fair value of the contingent consideration is sensitive to changes in any one of these estimates.

Derivative Instruments. The Company utilizes derivative instruments in order to manage exposure to risks associated with fluctuating commodity prices. The Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities, measured at fair value, and recognizes changes in the fair value of derivatives in current earnings. The Company has elected to not designate any of its positions under the hedge accounting rules. Accordingly, these derivative contracts are mark-to-market and any changes in the estimated values of derivative contracts held at the balance sheet date are recognized in unrealized (loss) gain on derivative contracts, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as unrealized gains or losses on derivative contracts. Realized gains or losses on derivative contracts will be recognized in (Loss) gain on derivative contracts, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Results of Operations

As of June 30, 2024, neither the Company nor the Peak Gold JV has commenced producing commercially marketable minerals. Neither the Company nor the Peak Gold JV has generated any revenue from mineral sales or operations, including any reoccuring source of revenue. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on the Company’s ability to raise capital to fund future exploration, and repay debt obligations and related interest, and working capital requirements. In the future, the Company and the Peak Gold JV may generate revenue from a combination of mineral sales and other payments resulting from any commercially recoverable minerals from the Manh Choh Project. On July 8, 2024, the Peak Gold JV poured its first gold bar. The ore mining continues along with stockpiling ore at the Fort Knox facility. The Project is on schedule and full commissioning of the modifications at the Fort Knox mill is expected in the third quarter. The Project remains on track to deliver its planned production this year. If the Company’s properties or the Manh Choh Project fail to contain any proven reserves, the Company’s ability to generate future revenue, and the Company’s results of operations and financial position, would be materially adversely affected. Other potential sources of cash, or relief of demand for cash, include external debt, the sale of shares of the Company’s stock, joint ventures, or alternative methods such as mergers or sale of our assets. No assurances can be given, however, that the Company will be able to obtain any of these potential sources of cash. The Company will need to generate significant revenues to achieve profitability and the Company may never do so.

Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

Claim Rentals Expense. Claim rental expense primarily consists of State of Alaska rental payments and costs incurred to record annual labor documents. For the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, claim rental expense were $0.1 million and $0.1 million respectively.

Exploration Expense. Exploration expense for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was $0.1 million compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Current and prior period exploration expense relates to care and maintenance work performed on our Lucky Shot Property.

General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were $2.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively. The Company’s general and administrative expense primarily relates to legal fees, regulatory fees, payroll and stock-based compensation expense.

Loss from Equity Investment in the Peak Gold JV. The loss from the Company’s equity investment in the Peak Gold JV for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was $1.0 million and $6.7 million, respectively. The capital contributions for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was $11.8 million and $6.7 million, respectively. The capital contributions are higher for three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to June 30, 2023 as operations are ramping up at the Manh Choh project with ore and waste mining ongoing and focus on capital improvements at the Fort Knox mill facility. There were no suspended losses as of June 30, 2024.

Interest Expense. For the three months ended June 30, 2024 interest expense was $2.9 million related to the Queen's Road Capital Investment, Ltd. Debenture (the "Debenture") and interest expense related to the Company’s cumulative $60.0 million draw-down on the Facility. Prior year interest expense of $1.0 million included interest expense related to the Debenture and interest expense related to the Company's cumulative $10 million draw-down on the Facility. See Note 13 - Debt.

Loss on Derivative Contracts. The Company incurred a non-cash loss of $12.6 million during the threre months ended June 30, 2024 related to derivative contracts compared to $0 during the three months ended June 30, 2023. The Company did not enter into any derivative contracts until July 2023 (see Note 14 - Derivative and Hedging Activities).

Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

Claim Rentals Expense. Claim rental expense primarily consists of State of Alaska rental payments and costs incurred to record annual labor documents. For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, claim rental expense was $0.3 million and $0.3 million respectively.

Exploration Expense. Exploration expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $0.1 million compared to $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Current and prior period exploration expense relates to care and maintenance work performed on our Lucky Shot Property.

General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were $4.7 million and $4.5 million, respectively. The Company’s general and administrative expense primarily relates to legal fees, regulatory fees, payroll and stock-based compensation expense. General and administrative expenses were slightly higher for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as a result of a surety bond requirement for the Manh Choh Project.

Loss from Equity Investment in the Peak Gold JV. The loss from the Company’s equity investment in the Peak Gold JV for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was $1.0 million and $11.8 million, respectively. The capital contributions for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was $27.2 million and $11.8 million, respectively. The capital contributions are higher for six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to June 30, 2023 as operations are ramping up at the Manh Choh project with ore and waste mining ongoing and focus on capital improvements at the Fort Knox mill facility. There were no suspended losses as of June 30, 2024.

Interest Expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2024 interest expense was $5.0 million related to the Debenture and interest expense related to the Company’s cumulative $60.0 million draw-down on the Facility. Prior year interest expense of $1.1 million included interest expense related to the Debenture and interest expense related to the Company's cumulative $10 million draw-down on the Facility. See Note 13 - Debt.

Loss on Derivative Contracts. The Company incurred a non-cash loss of $28.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 related to derivative contracts compared to $0 during the six months ended June 30, 2023. The Company did not enter into any derivative contracts until July 2023 (see Note 14 - Derivative and Hedging Activities).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of June 30, 2024, the Company had approximately $24.3 million of cash.

The Company’s primary cash requirements have been for general and administrative expenses, capital calls from the Peak Gold JV for the Manh Choh Property, repayment of interest related to debt and exploration expenditures on the Lucky Shot Property. The Company’s sources of cash have been from common stock offerings, the issuance of the Debenture, and the proceeds from the Facility (see Note 8 - Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) and Note 13 - Debt, for a discussion of the recent activity).

The JV Management Committee has proposed a significant budget to complete the required development to start the operations of the Manh Choh mine, which began production during the second half of 2024. On July 8, 2024, the Peak Gold JV poured its first gold bar. The ore mining continues along with stockpiling ore at the Fort Knox facility. The Project is on schedule and full commissioning of the modifications at the Fort Knox mill is expected in the third quarter. The Project remains on track to deliver its planned production this year. For fiscal 2024, it was anticipated that there would be $31.3 million of capital calls to the Peak Gold JV to reach production. The Company has already funded the $31.3 million as of July 31, 2024. As of July 31, 2024, the Company has funded $78.6 million of the 2023 and 2024 capital calls to the Peak Gold JV, of which $60.0 million was funded from the Facility. The Company will be required to make capital contributions of 30% of the budgeted amounts when cash calls are received from the Peak Gold JV or face possible dilution of its interest in the Peak Gold JV. The budget primarily relates to continued ore and waste mining along with mill modifications at the Fort Know mill. Including the completion of the ore delivery road and tie-ins for the pebble recycle conveyor.

The Company’s cash needs going forward will primarily relate to capital calls from the Peak Gold JV, exploration of the Contango Properties, repayment of debt and related interest and general and administrative expenses of the Company. The JV Management Committee has proposed a significant budget to complete the required development to start the operations of the Manh Choh mine, which began production during the second half of 2024. The Company believes it has sufficient capital to continue production at the Manh Choh mine, with its cash on hand and the $5.0 million of availability under the Facility. Although there can be no guarantee that the Peak Gold JV will make distributions to the Company, the Company believes that distributions are probable and that it will maintain sufficient liquidity to meet its working capital requirements, including repayment obligations of approximately $29.9 million on the Facility, for the next twelve months from the date of this report. Failure to pay current debt obligations will result in an event of default and the Company's debt would be due immediately or callable (See Note 13). If the Company elects to not fund a portion of its cash calls to the Peak Gold JV, its membership interest in the Peak Gold JV would be diluted. If the Company’s interest in the Peak Gold JV is diluted, the Company may not be able to fully realize its investment in the Peak Gold JV. Also, if no additional financing is obtained, the Company may not be able to fully realize its investment in the Contango Properties. The Company has limited financial resources and the ability of the Company to refinance current debt or arrange additional financing in the future will depend, in part, on the prevailing capital market conditions, the results achieved at the Peak Gold JV Property, as well as the market price of metals. The Company cannot be certain that financing will be available to the Company on acceptable terms, if at all.

Further financing by the Company may include issuances of equity, instruments convertible into equity (such as warrants) or various forms of debt. The Company has issued common stock and other instruments convertible into equity in the past and cannot predict the size or price of any future issuances of common stock or other instruments convertible into equity, and the effect, if any, that such future issuances and sales will have on the market price of the Company’s securities. Any additional issuances of common stock or securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, common stock may ultimately result in dilution to the holders of common stock, dilution in any future earnings per share of the Company and may have a material adverse effect upon the market price of the common stock of the Company.

Available Information

General information about the Company can be found on the Company’s website at www.contangoore.com (http://www.contangoore.com). Our annual reports on Form 10-K, transition report on Form 10-KT, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments and exhibits to those reports, are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company files or furnishes them to the SEC.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, the Company has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based upon the evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2024 at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

In addition to the risk factor set forth below and the other information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risks discussed in our Transition Report on Form 10-KT for the six-month period ended December 31, 2023, under the headings “Item 1. Business — Adverse Climate Conditions,” “—Competition,” “— Government Regulation” and “Item 2. Properties— Environmental Regulation and Permitting,” “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” which risks could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those described in our Transition Report on Form 10-KT for the six-month period ended December 31, 2023. The risks described in our Transition Report on Form 10-KT for the six-month period ended December 31, 2023 are not the only risks the Company faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results. An investment in the Company is subject to risks inherent in our business and involves a high degree of risk. The trading price of the shares of the Company is affected by the performance of our business relative to, among other things, competition, market conditions and general economic and industry conditions. The value of an investment in the Company may decrease, resulting in a loss.