POS AM 1 a13-15941_1posam.htm S-1

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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2013

No. 333-180492

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO

FORM S-3

ON FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 


 

PROSPECT GLOBAL RESOURCES INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada

 

1520

 

26-3024783

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

or organization)

 

Classification Code Number)

 

 

 

1401 17th Street, Suite 1550

Denver, Colorado 80202

(303) 990-8444

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 


 

Damon G. Barber

President and Chief Executive Officer

Prospect Global Resources Inc.

1401 17th Street, Suite 1550

Denver, Colorado 80202

(303) 990-8444

DBarber@ProspectGRI.com

 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 


 

Copies of all communications, including communications sent to agent for service, should be sent to:

 

Jeffrey M. Knetsch
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP
410 Seventeenth Street, Suite 2200
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 223-1100
Fax: (303) 223-1111

Email: jknetsch@bhfs.com

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:  From time to time after the effectiveness of this Registration Statement.

 


 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box: x

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer o

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company x

 

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment that specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act, as amended, or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 



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EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

This Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 on Form S-1 is being filed to convert the Form S-3 into a registration statement on Form S-1.

 



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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state or jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PROSPECTUS

 

Subject to completion, dated July 1, 2013.

 

PROSPECT GLOBAL RESOURCES INC.

 

GRAPHIC

 

128,519,670 Shares of Common Stock and

Series A Warrants to Purchase 42,839,890 Shares of Common Stock

 


 

We are offering to the holders of our Series A Warrants, which we refer to as the Series A shares 42,839,890 shares of our common stock, and to the holders of our Series B Warrants 42,839,890 shares of our common stock, which we refer to as the Series B shares, together with Series A Warrants to purchase 42,839,890 additional shares of our common stock, which we refer to as the Series A warrant shares, and we refer to the Series A shares, the Series B shares and the Series A warrant shares together as the shares.  Pursuant to the terms of the Series B Warrants the Series B shares and the new Series A Warrants will be issued together as units upon exercise of Series B Warrants, each unit consisting of one share of common stock and one Series A Warrant to purchase one share of common stock. The exercise price of each Series A and Series B Warrant is $0.12.  The Series B shares and the new Series A Warrants may be transferred separately immediately upon issuance. The new Series A Warrants will expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance.

 

An investment in our securities involves serious risks, including the risk that we are unable to raise capital beyond the current financing transactions that we are required to raise under our existing debt arrangements. You should read carefully the ‘‘Risk Factors’’ beginning on page 4 of this prospectus. For a description of the Series A Warrants see ‘‘Description of Warrants’’ beginning on page      of this prospectus.

 

Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol ‘‘PGRX.’’ On                          , 2013, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $         per share. We do not intend to list the Series A Warrants on any national securities exchange.

 

Our principal offices are located at 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver CO 80202 and our telephone number is 303-990-8444.

 

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

 

The date of this prospectus is         , 2013

 




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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

We are responsible for the information contained and incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Neither we, nor any underwriter, have authorized anyone to provide information different from that contained in this prospectus.

 

The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of its date, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of securities.

 

This prospectus is not an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any circumstances under which or jurisdiction in which the offer or solicitation is unlawful.

 

In this Prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a)                                 all references to “Prospect” or “Prospect Global” refer to Prospect Global Resources Inc. f/k/a Triangle Castings, Inc., a Nevada corporation, incorporated on July 22, 2008.

 

(b)                                 all references to “old Prospect Global” refer to our wholly owned subsidiary Prospect Global Resources Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

(c)                                  all references to “we,” “us,” “our” and “the Company” refer collectively to Prospect and its subsidiaries old Prospect Global and American West Potash LLC or “AWP”.

 

(d)                                 all references to “Triangle” refer to Prospect Global prior to the merger, at which time its name was Triangle Castings, Inc.

 

(e)                                  all references to “Karlsson” or “The Karlsson Group” refer to the independent third party that owned the 50% of AWP that we did not own prior to our acquisition of The Karlsson Group’s interest on August 1, 2012 and all references to “The Karlsson Group Acquisition” refer to the August 1, 2012 acquisition.

 

(f)                                   all references to “Extension Agreement” refer to the agreement we entered into with The Karlsson Group on April 15, 2013 to restructure the $125 million senior secured promissory note (the “Karlsson Note”) and related agreements associated with The Karlsson Group Acquisition.

 

(g)                                  all references to “2013” mean the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, “2012” to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 and “2011” to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, estimates, goals, strategies, intent, assumptions, beliefs or current expectations and can be identified by the use of terms and phrases such as “seek,” “is expected,” “budget,” “believe,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “target,” “estimate,” “expect,” and the like, and/or future tense or conditional construction (“will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” etc.) and the negative forms of any of these words and other similar expressions.

 

The forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions that we have made in light of our experience and perception of historical trends. In making the forward-looking statements in this prospectus, we have applied several material assumptions including, but not limited to, assumptions relating to: future demand for and supply of potash; our plan to capitalize on potash demand; our plan to convert our mineral resources into mineral reserves; the environmental and permitting process, preliminary mine design and anticipated completion of a definitive feasibility study; our plan of exploration; the economic and legal viability of a potash mine in the Holbrook Basin; future sales of state leases and permits; our ability to raise capital; funding the approximately $132.2 million we owe to The Karlsson Group as of July 1, 2013, which amount will increase as interest is accrued and potential tax gross-up payments are incurred; funding the approximately $6.8 million we owe to affiliates of Apollo Global Management, LLC; our ability to further implement our business plan and generate revenue; our ability to satisfy the requirements and successfully execute on the commercial arrangement set forth in the potash supply agreement we have entered into with Sichuan Chemical Industry Holding (Group) Co., Ltd.; our anticipation of investing considerable amounts of capital to establish production from our mining project in the Holbrook Basin in Arizona; our anticipation of our ability to identify mineral reserves that are capable of providing an acceptable return for investors that is commensurate with the inherent risks of a mining project; anticipated capital and operating costs; impact of the adoption of new accounting standards and our financial and accounting systems and analysis programs; compliance with and impact of laws and regulations; impact of litigation and other legal proceedings; and effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown business, economic and other risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, including without limitation risks related to:

 

·                  our history of operating losses and expectation of future losses;

 

·                  our ability to develop a mine that is able to commercially produce potash;

 

·                  our ability to obtain sufficient additional capital to satisfy our significant funding requirements;

 

·                  our ability to pay the amounts due on our indebtedness to The Karlsson Group, Inc., affiliates of Apollo Global Management, LLC and the Very Hungry Parties;

 

·                  our ability to obtain all necessary permits and other approvals;

 

·                  our ability to complete a definitive feasibility study and achieve our estimated timetables for production at the Holbrook Basin;

 

·                  the accuracy of our mineral resource estimates;

 

·                  our ability to attract and retain key personnel;

 

·                  competition in the mining industry;

 

·                  acquiring additional properties, such as difficulties in integrating acquired properties into our business;

 

·                  our potash supply agreement with Sichuan Chemical;

 

·                  the exploration, development and operation of a mine or mine property;

 

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·                  title defects on our mineral properties and our ability to obtain additional property rights;

 

·                  our technical report, preliminary economic assessment and interim engineering study being prepared in accordance with foreign standards that differ from the standards generally permitted in reports filed with the SEC;

 

·                  governmental policies and regulation affecting the agricultural industry;

 

·                  increased costs and restrictions on operations due to compliance with environmental legislation and other governmental regulations;

 

·                  the global supply of, and demand for, potash and potash products;

 

·                  the cyclicality of the crop nutrient markets; and

 

·                  global economic conditions.

 

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of our forward-looking statements. Investors are urged to carefully review and consider the various risks and uncertainties and other factors referred to under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page      of this prospectus. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected or projected. In addition, although we have attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual achievements, events or conditions to differ materially from those identified in the forward looking statements, there may be other factors we have not considered, or that we currently deem to be immaterial, that cause achievements, events or conditions not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

 

These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectation and opinions of management on the date the statements are made. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date made, other than as may be required by applicable law or regulation. For the reasons set out above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE TO INVESTORS REGARDING MINERAL DISCLOSURES

 

We commissioned a technical report in accordance with the Canadian Securities Administrator’s National Instrument 43-101 “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects,” commonly known as NI 43-101, as well as a preliminary economic assessment, or PEA, as well as a recent interim engineering study. The Canadian standards are different from the standards generally permitted in reports filed with the SEC. In accordance with NI 43-101, we historically have reported measured, indicated and inferred resources, measurements which are recognized terms under NI 43-101 but are not recognized by the SEC and are generally not permitted in filings made with the SEC. The term “resource” does not equate to the term “reserve.” Under U.S. standards, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part of indicated resources will ever be converted into economically mineable reserves. The estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources. The SEC’s disclosure standards normally do not permit the inclusion of information concerning “inferred resources” or other descriptions of the amount of mineralization in mineral deposits that do not constitute “reserves” by U.S. standards in documents filed with the SEC subject to certain exceptions. The PEA and the interim engineering study contain estimates based on our indicated and inferred resources. However, in accordance with both U.S. standards and NI 43-101, estimates of inferred mineral resources cannot form the basis of a feasibility study. We provided the disclosure of resources to provide a means of comparing our projects to those of other companies in the mining industry, many of which are Canadian and report pursuant to NI 43-101. Accordingly, our previously disclosed descriptions of our mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by other U.S. domestic companies subject to reporting and disclosure requirements under the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Further, investors should be aware that the issuer has no “reserves” as defined by SEC Industry Guide 7 and are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the estimated mineral resources will ever be confirmed or converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant “reserves.”

 

Our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 18, 2012 refers to our interim engineering study as a “cost feasibility study.” It is important to note that the interim engineering study is not a preliminary feasibility study or a final definitive or “bankable” feasibility study within the meaning of SEC Industry Guide 7 or NI 43-101. Among other things, the interim engineering study is a preliminary interim study that contains estimates based on inferred resources. As noted above, in accordance with both U.S. standards and NI 43-101, estimates of inferred resources cannot form the basis of a feasibility study. Investors are cautioned not to assume the

 

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interim engineering report constitutes a bankable feasibility study, which we are targeting for completion in mid-2014. As is common for natural resources development projects, through our ongoing engineering work and analysis, we are continually evaluating multiple methods to increase stockholder value while decreasing development and operating risks through alternative development scenarios. These ongoing efforts could lead to (i) changes in capital expenditures required to build the mine, (ii) projected production levels, (iii) operating costs and (iv) mine life. We will announce any significant changes to our business plan resulting from our ongoing optimization analyses and will continue to make such evaluations.

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our securities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of all or part of your investment. These risks could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and cause a decline in the market price of our shares. You should carefully consider all of the risks described in this Annual Report, in addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report, before you make an investment in our shares. Unless otherwise indicated, references to us, Prospect or Prospect Global include our operating subsidiaries old Prospect Global and AWP.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

We have significant immediate and short-term capital needs as well as significant capital needs over the next few years. Failure to secure this capital when needed or on terms that are acceptable to us has raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

We have received two extensions under the Karlsson Note since its inception as we were not able to meet the requirements under the original agreement and the first Extension Agreement.  Under the terms of the second Extension Agreement, we are required to meet the following development milestones: (i) complete total depth on at least eight wells on or before November 1, 2013, (ii) deliver a completed and updated final NI 43-101 resource report on or before February 1, 2014, (iii) deliver completed metallurgical and rock mechanic test work results that will be used to complete the mine and processing plant designs for the definitive feasibility study on or before June 1, 2014 and (iv) deliver a completed and published definitive feasibility study on or before December 31, 2014. There can be no assurance that we will be able achieve these development milestones. We are also required to place 50% of the net proceeds of the next $24.0 million of capital we raise (for a total of $12.0 million) into escrow, which funds may be released solely to use specified development expenses for our potash project in the Holbrook Basin. Two million dollars of the proceeds we received from our recent $5.0 million public offering (refer to Note 18—Subsequent Events of the accompanying consolidated financial statements) were placed into this escrow, reducing our remaining escrow obligation to $10.0 million. If we fail to meet the required development milestones or make the required escrow payments Karlsson will be entitled to foreclose on the collateral securing the Karlsson Note which could result in a sale of AWP or its assets to satisfy amounts owing on the note.

 

Our current operations do not generate any cash flow. Future work on our project will require significant additional financing. As of July 1, 2013 our cash reserves are approximately $1.4 million (excluding the escrowed cash of approximately $2.4 million which must be used for specified purposes related to development of the Holbrook Project pursuant to the restructured Karlsson Note). We are also required to pay 10% of all capital raised going forward to each of Karlsson and certain affiliates of certain investment funds managed by Apollo Global Management LLC, which we refer to as Apollo, as payments on their respective promissory notes.

 

Our current cash situation has slowed the development of our Holbrook Project. Our cash requirements for the next 12 months include meeting the Karlsson development milestones which requires significant expenditures for the further development of the Holbrook Project. This indicates the existence of a material uncertainty that has raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern as the Company’s ability to continue and meet its obligations is dependent on the Company raising additional equity or debt financing. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain these funds on terms acceptable to us, or at all. In addition, there can be no assurance that our cash requirements will not increase significantly in connection with the additional engineering studies required for a DFS. If we cannot raise the capital required for further development of the Holbrook Project, this will result in the delay or indefinite postponement of further development work and the potential loss of our interests in Holbrook Project. Further, any equity financings would likely result in dilution to existing stockholders and may involve the use of securities that have rights, preferences, or privileges senior to our common stock, and debt financing may contain covenants or other terms that impact our business.

 

A claim for rescission of a $10.0 million investment in our November, 2012 public offering could require that we raise additional capital.

 

We have received correspondence from a stockholder who purchased $10.0 million of shares in our November 2012 public offering asserting a right to rescind the purchase based on violation of securities laws in connection with that offering. While we

 

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believe the claim is without merit and no litigation has been commenced, the costs of defending the claim and paying any judgment resulting from the litigation would require that we raise additional capital. There can be no assurance that other investors will not bring claims against us based on federal or state securities laws alleging that our prior offerings or our filings under the Exchange Act contain defective disclosure or that our insurance carrier will provide coverage for any claims if alleged. Further, even if coverage is available, we would be liable for our retention under our policy and it is possible that any liability we ultimately incur could exceed our coverage limits. Even if we are successful in defending any such claims, securities litigation is distracting to our management, may cause harm to our reputation and could adversely affect our stock price and our ability to raise capital in the future.

 

Our restructured senior debt with The Karlsson Group contains required development milestones and restrictions on future debt financings that could cause us to default on the debt or make raising additional capital difficult.

 

Under the terms of our restructured debt with The Karlsson Group, we are required to meet the following development milestones: (i) complete total depth on at least eight wells on or before November 1, 2013, (ii) deliver a completed and updated final NI 43-101 resource report on or before February 1, 2014, (iii) deliver completed metallurgical and rock mechanic test work results that will be used to complete the mine and processing plant designs for the definitive feasibility study on or before June 1, 2014 and (iv) deliver a completed and published definitive feasibility study on or before December 31, 2014. If we do not meet any one of the required development milestones, Karlsson will be entitled to foreclose on the collateral securing the Karlsson Note, which could result in a sale of AWP or its assets to satisfy amounts owing on the note. Also, the terms of the Karlsson Note significantly restrict the amount and terms of any additional debt we may incur, all of which must be subordinated to the Karlsson Note. These debt restrictions will make raising capital to meet the financing milestones and to fund our operations more difficult. Refer to Note 18—Subsequent Events of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information.

 

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and ability to raise additional capital.

 

As of March 31, 2013, we had total debt of $128.3 million, including the $6.2 million of tax gross-up due under the Karlsson Note. Furthermore, the restructuring of the Karlsson Note completed on April 15, 2013 (see preceding risk factor) will result in us incurring additional debt going forward since part of the consideration granted to The Karlsson Group for the amendment included additional tax gross-up payments on the Karlsson Note.  As of the date of this prospectus our current estimate for the “new” tax gross-ups agreed to in the restructuring is $20.1 million although the actual amount could differ substantially from this amount owing to changes in future tax and interest rates.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we have total debt of approximately $136.8 million, including the recently completed $5.5 million Bridge Loan Financing as well as our estimates for amounts owed for tax gross-ups.  In addition to this amount, we owe approximately another $7.8 million for accrued interest on this debt.  This substantial indebtedness will make raising new capital more difficult for us.

 

We have agreed to compensate our related party Buffalo Management LLC for reducing its royalty interest in us on terms that are either dilutive or require a significant cash payment upon commencement of revenue.

 

In connection with restructuring the Karlsson Note, we were required to increase Karlsson’s royalty interest from 1% to 2% without increasing the aggregate amount of royalty interests payable to third parties in the aggregate. In order to achieve this result, we negotiated with Buffalo Management, or Buffalo, to reduce our royalty payable to Buffalo from 2% to 1%. We agreed to compensate Buffalo for this royalty reduction by giving Buffalo either, or a combination of, at its election, (i) equity securities (that may include common stock, preferred stock or warrants for common stock as mutually agreed) equal in value to the determined fair market value of the royalty surrendered or (ii) preferred stock that is redeemable after we commence receiving revenues from the Holbrook Project for the determined fair market value plus accrued interest; provided that no securities shall be issued to Buffalo prior to July 1, 2013 and provided further that in no event will any equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities issued to Buffalo (x) exceed 10% of our outstanding capital stock or (y) be redeemable for aggregate consideration exceeding 10% of our equity market capitalization. To value the surrendered royalty we agreed to engage a third party valuation firm reasonably satisfactory to Buffalo.

 

We believe that the fair market value of a 1% royalty interest could be substantial and that compensating Buffalo could be significantly dilutive or expensive. If we issue preferred stock that is redeemable, we will have converted a royalty that would be payable only in proportion to our revenue stream into a debt obligation that likely will be payable prior to our revenue stream generating enough revenue to pay the redemption of the preferred stock in full. Further, even if we issue equity securities to Buffalo without a redemption right, Buffalo may insist that any preferred stock we issue to it in satisfaction of this obligation have a liquidation preference or other rights senior to the rights of the holders of common stock.

 

Quincy Prelude LLC, one of our stockholders beneficially owning more than 5% of our common stock, owns 100% of the voting and 75% of the economic interests of Buffalo and has sole voting and dispositive power of the shares of our common stock

 

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owned by Buffalo. Chad Brownstein, one of our directors and our executive vice chairman, is the sole member of Quincy Prelude LLC and has sole voting and dispositive power of the shares of our common stock beneficially owned by Quincy Prelude. Barry Munitz, our chairman, owns a 15% non-voting economic interest in Buffalo.

 

Also, Chad Brownstein is the son of a founding member of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP. Brownstein Hyatt serves as our principal outside legal counsel and advises the board on a variety of matters, including the arrangements with Buffalo Management. Brownstein Hyatt and Mr. Brownstein’s father collectively own 1,778,150 shares of our common stock and options to purchase 120,000 shares of our common stock. During the 12 months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, we paid Brownstein Hyatt approximately $3.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively, in legal and lobbying/permitting fees, although Chad Brownstein does not share in any of these fees.

 

Generally, transactions between a company and one or more of its directors will not be held invalid solely because one or more directors have an interest in the transaction, although, if challenged, courts frequently require the board and company to demonstrate that the terms of such transactions are entirely fair, both in process and in price, to the shareholders. Although we have established a special committee of our board comprised of directors who have no interest in Buffalo or Quincy Prelude and who are otherwise independent with respect to those entities and the individuals who control those entities to negotiate with Buffalo, and to select a third party appraiser to assess the fair market value of the surrendered portion of the royalty, we cannot assure you that the decisions of these directors may not be challenged. Related party transactions such as our relationship with Buffalo frequently give rise to civil litigation involving alleged breaches of fiduciary duty. In our case, plaintiffs may allege that the directors on our committee are not disinterested or independent, or that the advisors they have engaged to assist them also are not disinterested or independent. We cannot assure you that our stockholders will not commence such litigation and if commenced, that we may not be liable for breaches of fiduciary duty by our directors. Further, we cannot assure you that we will have adequate insurance coverage for any such claims should they occur.

 

Even if we have adequate coverage for any claims that are made, the existence of such claims may cause damage to our reputation in the business community and may lead to our need to pay legal fees for our retainer as well as any judgment or settlement in excess of our coverage limits. Further, such litigation typically provides significant distraction to management. All of these factors may have a substantial and adverse impact on the value of our stock in the market as well as our business prospects.

 

We have no current revenue source and a history of operating losses, and there is an expectation that we will generate operating losses for the foreseeable future. We may not achieve profitability for some time, if at all.

 

We have incurred losses each year since our inception. We expect to continue incurring operating losses until several months after production occurs, if ever. As of March 31, 2013, our accumulated losses were $131.6 million, which included derivative losses of $56.7 million that relate to the change in the fair value of the compound embedded derivatives of our convertible notes and warrants (see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K), and the net loss attributable to us for the 12 months ended March 31, 2013 was $51.9 million which included derivative losses of $1.9 million. The process of exploring, developing and bringing into production a producing mine is time-consuming and requires significant up-front and ongoing capital. We have not defined or delineated any proven or probable reserves at any of our properties. The development of the Holbrook Project into a producing mine will require further studies that demonstrate the economic viability of the project, necessary permits, production decisions to be made and the arrangement of financing for construction and development. The PEA is based on estimates of mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There can be no assurance that a DFS will be completed on time or at all, or that the economic feasibility of the Holbrook Project will be confirmed by a DFS.  Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. We expect that we will continue to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future.

 

We have no history of commercially producing potash and there can be no assurance that we will ever make it to the production stage or profitably produce potash.

 

We have no history of commercially producing potash and no ongoing mining operations or revenue from mining operations. Many early stage mining companies never make it to the production stage. As a result, we are subject to all of the risks associated with establishing new mining operations and business enterprises, including:

 

·                  the timing and cost, which can be considerable, of the construction of mining and processing facilities and related infrastructure;

·                  the availability and cost of skilled labor and mining equipment;

·                  the need to obtain necessary environmental and other governmental approvals and permits, and the timing of those approvals and permits;

·                  the availability of funds to finance construction and development activities;

 

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·                  potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, environmental groups or local groups which may delay or prevent development activities; and

·                  potential increases in construction and operating costs due to changes in the cost of fuel, power, labor, materials and supplies and foreign exchange rates.

 

Cost estimates may increase significantly as more detailed engineering work and studies are completed on a project. It is common in new mining operations to experience unexpected costs, problems and delays during development, construction and mine start-up. Accordingly, there are no assurances that our activities will result in profitable mining operations or that we will successfully establish mining operations or enter into commercial production. Our failure to enter successfully into commercial production would materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, there can be no assurance that our activities will produce natural resources in commercially viable quantities. There can be no assurance that sales of our natural resources production will ever generate sufficient revenues or that we will be able to sustain profitability in any future period.

 

Our estimated timetable to complete a DFS may not be accurate and we may not be able to complete the Holbrook Project.

 

We currently are working toward the completion of a DFS; however, there is no guarantee that such a study will be completed on schedule, or at all, or that a completed study will confirm the economic feasibility of the Holbrook Project.  If we decide to commence production, we will require significant amounts of capital, and our ability to obtain the necessary funding will depend on a number of factors, including the status of the national and worldwide economy and the price of potash. Fluctuations in production costs, material changes in the mineral estimates and grades of mineralization or changes in the political conditions or regulations in the United States may make placing the Holbrook Project into production uneconomic. Further, we may also be unable to obtain the necessary permits or additional property interests in a timely manner, on reasonable terms or on terms that provide us sufficient resources to develop the Holbrook Project.

 

Our potash supply agreement with Sichuan Chemical is subject to risks that may prevent us from realizing the benefit of the agreement or that may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our agreement with Sichuan Chemical for its purchase of potash over a 10 year period may be terminated if the Holbrook Project has not achieved production by December 31, 2015. We will not achieve production by that date, and there can be no assurance that Sichuan Chemical will extend the December 31, 2015 deadline or that we will be able to commence production at all. In the event that Sichuan Chemical terminates its agreement with us, there is no guarantee that we will be able to enter into a similar agreement with another entity to purchase our potash and such an event could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

In addition, our agreement with Sichuan Chemical for delivery of potash is valued based on factors beyond our control including the then market price for potash in the People’s Republic of China. If such market price materially lowers from its current rate, our valuation of the contract would decrease, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Furthermore, our agreement with Sichuan Chemical limits our ability to sell potash in the People’s Republic of China. This may make it more difficult for us to enter into supply agreements with other parties in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our ability to attract and retain qualified contractors and staff is critical to our success. The departure of key personnel or loss of key contractors could adversely affect our business and financial condition.

 

We are dependent on the services of key executives including Damon Barber, our president and chief executive officer, and several key contractors. The construction and operation of a mine and mill of the size we have planned for the Holbrook Project is expected to require hundreds of workers during the construction phase and once the mine is in production. We will require many of the same skill sets sought by other natural resource companies and we will be competing with these other natural resource companies in finding qualified contractors, consultants and staffing. Since many of these skills sets are highly specialized, the market for and availability of individuals possessing these skills will be impacted by the overall health of the natural resource sector. Due to our relatively small size, the loss of these persons or the inability to attract and retain additional highly skilled employees required for the development of our activities may have a material adverse effect on our business or future operations.

 

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Title and other rights to our mineral properties cannot be guaranteed, and we may be at risk of loss of ownership of one or more of our properties.

 

We cannot guarantee that legal title to our properties or mineral interests will not be challenged and, if challenged, that we would be the prevailing party with respect to such challenge. Certain of the private leases and permits we have obtained are subject to uncertain title, or title which may, in the past, have not been assigned properly. We may not have, or may not be able to obtain, all necessary property rights to develop a property. Certain of our mineral properties are, or may be, subject to prior agreements, transfers or claims, and title may be affected by, among other things, undetected defects. We have not conducted surveys of all of the claims in which we hold a direct or indirect interest. Title insurance is generally not available for mineral properties and our ability to ensure that we have obtained secure claims to individual leases or permits may be constrained. A successful challenge to the precise area and location of these claims could result in us being unable to explore on our properties as permitted or being unable to enforce our rights with respect to our properties. This may result in us not being compensated for our prior expenditure relating to the property or may impact our ability to develop the Holbrook Project.

 

The ultimate development plan at the Holbrook Project includes mining on lands that we do not currently have mining rights to. We have not been able to secure mineral rights to all of this land and we may ultimately be unable to secure these rights. Failure to secure these rights would significantly reduce the life of mine currently contemplated in the PEA and the Interim Report and may affect the economic feasibility of the Holbrook Project.

 

We have commissioned a technical report and an updated report in accordance with NI 43-101, which differs from the standards generally permitted in reports filed with the SEC.

 

We have prepared a technical report and an updated report in accordance with NI 43-101, which differs from the standards generally permitted in reports filed with the SEC. Under the first resource calculation completed in 2011, we reported indicated and inferred resources and under the updated resource calculation completed in 2012, we reported measured, indicated and inferred resources, measurements which are generally not permitted in filings made with the SEC. The estimation of measured or indicated resources involves greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves. Investors should be aware that we have no “reserves” as defined by SEC Industry Guide 7 and much or all of the potential target mineral resources may never be confirmed or converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant “reserves.” The PEA and the Interim Report contain estimates based on our inferred resources. However, in accordance with both Canadian statutes and NI 43-101, estimates of inferred mineral resources cannot form the basis of a feasibility study. See “Cautionary Note to Investors Regarding Mineral Disclosures” elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Risks Related to this Offering

 

There is no guarantee this offering will be successful.

 

There is no guarantee that we will be successful in selling securities in this offering, and we may raise little or no funds from this offering.

 

We are currently exploring and will continue to explore additional equity financing alternatives which could result in significant future dilution.

 

We need to raise additional capital to satisfy the development milestones in our senior secured debt and to fund our operations, and we are currently exploring alternatives that could involve issuing additional equity on terms substantially less favorable to us from the terms of this offering. To such extent, you will experience significant further dilution. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering—Consummation of the potential Very Hungry Parties investment as well as the failure to consummate the potential Very Hungry Parties investment would involve significant risks to an investor in this offering.”

 

The offering price determined for this offering is not an indication of our value.

 

The offering price of $0.12 per unit may not necessarily bear any relationship to the book value of our assets, past operations, cash flows, losses, financial condition or any other established criteria for value. You should not consider the offering price as an indication of the value of our common stock. After the date of this prospectus supplement, our common stock may trade at prices above or below the offering price.

 

Consummation of the potential Very Hungry LLC and Scott Reiman 1991 Trust investment as well as the failure to consummate the potential Very Hungry Parties investment would involve significant risks to an investor in this offering.

 

Very Hungry LLC and Scott Reiman 1991 Trust have agreed to invest their $5.5 million subordinated notes in convertible preferred stock that will automatically convert into the same securities issued in the public offering that closed on June 26, 2013 upon obtaining stockholder approval of the conversion, which we would seek at our annual meeting of stockholders expected to be held in

 

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August 2013. However, we have not entered into any binding agreement reflecting these contemplated terms. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully consummate the conversion on these terms, or at all. If we are unable to successfully consummate the conversion, their subordinated notes in an aggregate principal amount of $5.5 million will remain outstanding and become due on September 9, 2013. There can be no assurance that we will be able to repay this debt when it comes due. As debtholders, these parties would have priority to receive payment in connection with a liquidation of us over holders of our common stock and warrants issued in this offering.

 

We do not currently have any binding agreement with Very Hungry and the Trust on the specific terms of the convertible preferred stock in which they intend to invest their subordinated notes. Those terms, when agreed upon, may be different than those described herein and may be more unfavorable to us and our stockholders.

 

Even if we successfully consummate the potential conversion, there can be no assurance that the convertible preferred stock we issue to them actually will be converted into the securities offered in this offering. If our stockholders did not approve the conversion, the convertible preferred stock would remain outstanding. We expect that the convertible preferred stock would have a liquidation preference over holders of our common stock. As a result, the holders of such convertible preferred stock would have priority to receive payment in connection with a liquidation of the Company over holders of our common stock and warrants issued in this offering.

 

Further, the successful completion of the investment into convertible preferred stock and the subsequent conversion of the convertible preferred stock expected to be issued in that transaction, together with the exercise of warrants issued upon conversion of such convertible preferred stock, will lead to significant dilution. Following completion of this offering and the Very Hungry and Trust’s investment, they and may hold stock, warrants and options that on an as-converted basis would equal approximately 46.2% of our outstanding shares at the price of this offering.

 

Risks Related to the Mining Industry

 

Potash is a commodity whose selling price is highly dependent on and fluctuates with the business and economic conditions and governmental policies affecting the agricultural industry. These factors are outside of our control and may significantly affect our profitability.

 

Our future revenues, operating results, profitability and rate of growth will depend primarily upon business and economic conditions and governmental policies affecting the agricultural industry, which we cannot control. The agricultural products business can be affected by a number of factors. The most important of these factors, for U.S. markets, are:

 

·                  weather patterns and field conditions (particularly during periods of traditionally high crop nutrients consumption);

·                  quantities of crop nutrients imported to and exported from North America;

·                  current and projected grain inventories and prices, both of which are heavily influenced by U.S. exports and world-wide grain markets; and

·                  U.S. governmental policies, including farm and bio-fuel policies and subsidies, which may directly or indirectly influence the number of acres planted, the level of grain inventories, the mix of crops planted or crop prices.

 

International market conditions, which are also outside of our control, may also significantly influence our future operating results. The international market for crop nutrients is influenced by such factors as the relative value of the U.S. dollar and its impact upon the cost of importing crop nutrients, foreign agricultural policies, the existence of, or changes in, import barriers, or foreign currency fluctuations in certain foreign markets, changes in the hard currency demands of certain countries and other regulatory policies of foreign governments, as well as the laws and policies of the United States affecting foreign trade and investment.

 

In addition, as noted above, our agreement with Sichuan Chemical for the sale of potash is valued based on factors beyond our control including the then market price for potash in the People’s Republic of China. If that market price would be materially lower than current prices, it could have a material adverse effect on our results and operations and financial condition.

 

Government regulation may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

Our operations and exploration and development activities are subject to extensive federal, state and local government laws and regulations, which may be changed from time to time. These laws and regulations primarily govern matters relating to:

 

·                  protection of human health and the environment;

 

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·                  handling, storage, transportation and disposal of natural resources, including potash, or its by-products and other substances and materials produced or used in connection with mining operations;

·                  handling, processing, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials;

·                  management of tailings and other waste generated by our operations;

·                  price controls;

·                  taxation and mining royalties;

·                  labor standards and occupational health and safety, including mine safety; and

·                  historic and cultural preservation.

 

We may incur substantial additional costs to comply with environmental, health and safety law requirements related to these activities. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in civil or criminal fines or penalties or enforcement actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities enjoining, curtailing or closing operations or requiring corrective measures, the installation of additional equipment or remedial actions, any of which could result in us incurring significant expenditures. We may also be required to compensate private parties suffering loss or damage by reason of a breach of such laws or regulations. It is also possible that future laws and regulations, or a more stringent enforcement of current laws and regulations by governmental authorities, could cause additional expense, capital expenditures, restrictions on or suspensions of our operations and delays in the exploration or development of our properties.

 

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

 

All of the Company’s exploration and development and potential production activities are subject to regulation by governmental agencies under various environmental laws. Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, or CERCLA, we could be held jointly and severally responsible for the removal or remediation of any hazardous substance contamination at future facilities, at neighboring properties to which such contamination may have migrated and at third-party waste disposal sites to which we have sent waste. We could also be held liable for natural resource damages. Liabilities under these and other environmental health and safety laws involve inherent uncertainties. Violations of environmental, health and safety laws are subject to civil, and, in some cases, criminal sanctions. As a result of liabilities under and violations of environmental, health and safety laws and related uncertainties, we may incur unexpected interruptions to operations, fines, penalties or other reductions in income, third-party claims for property damage or personal injury or remedial or other costs that may negatively impact our financial condition and operating results. Finally, we may discover currently unknown environmental problems or conditions that have been caused by previous owners or operators or that may have occurred naturally. The discovery of currently unknown environmental problems may subject us to material capital expenditures or liabilities in the future.

 

Environmental legislation in the United States is evolving and the trend has been toward stricter standards of enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and increasing responsibly for companies and their officers, directors and employees. There can be no assurance that future changes in environmental laws and regulations will not adversely affect our business.

 

In addition, portions of the area for the Holbrook Project border, or are within, the expanded boundaries of the Petrified Forest National Park. The National Park Service recently acquired certain surface rights in this expansion area that are included in the Holbrook Project. We hold the mineral rights for some of this land and we will need to work closely with both the State of Arizona and park officials regarding those portions of the Project. This coordination could potentially delay the issuance of necessary permits, or lead to the imposition of restrictions to some of our operations that could adversely affect the viability of portions of the Holbrook Project. It could also lead to the denials of, approvals and permits necessary to develop portions of the Holbrook Project. Furthermore the expansion of the Petrified Forest National Park could limit our ability to acquire additional mineral rights, and additional acquisitions of lands or interests in land by the National Park Service could lead to further overlap with our current holdings.

 

Continued government and public emphasis on environmental issues can be expected to result in increased future investments in environmental controls at ongoing operations, which may lead to increased expenses. Permit renewals and compliance with present and future environmental laws and regulations applicable to our operations may require substantial capital expenditures and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

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Our current and anticipated future operations are dependent on receiving the required permits and approvals from governmental authorities. Denial or delay by a government agency in issuing any of our permits and approvals, imposition of restrictive conditions on us with respect to these permits and approvals or a failure to comply with the terms of any such permits that we have obtained may have a material effect on our business and operations.

 

We must obtain numerous environmental, mining and other permits and approvals from various United States federal, state and local government authorities authorizing our future operations, including further exploration and development activities and commencement of production on our properties. There can be no assurance that all permits that we require for the construction of mining facilities and to conduct mining operations will be obtainable on reasonable terms, or at all. A decision by a government agency to delay or deny a permit or approval, or a failure to comply with the terms of any such permits or approval that we have obtained, may delay the completion of a DFS on the Holbrook Project or may interfere with our planned development of this property and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Our properties may not yield resources in commercially viable quantities or revenues that are sufficient to cover our cost of operations.

 

Resource figures presented in our filings with the SEC, press releases and other public statements that may be made from time to time are based upon estimates made by our personnel and independent technical experts. These estimates are imprecise and depend upon geologic interpretation and statistical inferences drawn from drilling and sampling analysis, which may prove to be unreliable. Even the use of geological data and other technologies and the study of producing mines in the same area will not enable us to know conclusively prior to mining whether resources will be present or, if present, whether in the quantities and grades expected. There can be no assurance that our estimates will be accurate or that any of our properties will yield resources in sufficient grades or quantities to recover our mining and development costs.

 

Because we have not commenced commercial production at any of our properties, resource estimates for our properties may require adjustments or downward revisions based upon further exploration or development work or actual production experience. There can be no assurance that recovery of minerals in small scale tests will be duplicated in large scale tests under on-site conditions or in production scale.

 

The resource estimates contained in our public filings have been determined and valued based on assumed future prices, cut-off grades, recovery rates, extraction rates and operating costs that may prove to be inaccurate. Extended declines in market prices for potash may render portions of our mineralization and resource estimates uneconomic and result in reduced reported mineralization or adversely affect the commercial viability of one or more of our properties. Any material reductions in estimates of mineralization, or of our ability to extract this mineralization, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

 

We are subject to the risks of doing business internationally as we attempt to enter into contracts with international companies.

 

Our business operations are primarily conducted in the United States. However, we plan to do business with companies outside of the United States. The laws, regulations and policies in these countries may be different from those typically found in the United States. For example, our current potash supply agreement with Sichuan Chemical is governed by the laws of Hong Kong. Our international business relationships are subject to the financial and operating risks of conducting business internationally, including, but not limited to: unexpected changes in or impositions of legislative or regulatory requirements; potential hostilities and changes in diplomatic and trade relationships; local economic and political conditions; and political instability. The risks inherent in doing business internationally may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

 

We face competition from larger companies having access to substantially more resources than we possess.

 

Our competitors include other mining companies and fertilizer producers in the United States and globally, including state-owned and government-subsidized entities. Many of these competitors are large, well-established companies having substantially larger operating staffs and greater capital resources than we do. We may not be able to conduct our operations successfully, evaluate and select suitable properties and consummate transactions in this highly competitive environment. Specifically, these larger competitors may be able to pay more for exploratory prospects and productive mineral properties and may be able to define, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of properties and prospects than our financial or human resources permit. We may also encounter increasing competition from other mining companies in our efforts to hire the experienced mining professionals necessary to conduct our operations and advance our properties. In addition, such companies may be able to expend greater resources on the existing and changing technologies that we believe are and will be increasingly important to attaining success in the industry. Our inability to compete with other companies for these resources would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

Our business is inherently dangerous and involves many operating risks that are beyond our control, which may have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Our operations are subject to hazards and risks associated with the exploration, development and mining of natural resources and related fertilizer materials and products, such as:

 

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·                  fires;

·                  flooding;

·                  power outages;

·                  explosions;

·                  inclement weather and natural disasters;

·                  mechanical failures;

·                  rock failures and mine roof collapses;

·                  unscheduled downtime;

·                  industrial accidents;

·                  environmental hazards such as chemical spills, discharges or release of toxic or hazardous substances, storage tank leaks; and

·                  availability of needed equipment at acceptable prices.

 

Any of these risks can cause substantial losses resulting from:

 

·                  injury or loss of life;

·                  damage to and destruction of property, natural resources and equipment;

·                  pollution and other environmental damage;

·                  regulatory investigations and penalties;

·                  revocation or denial of our permits;

·                  suspension of our operations; and

·                  repair and remediation costs.

 

We do not currently maintain insurance against all of the risks described above. In the future we may not be able to obtain insurance at premium levels that justify its purchase, if at all. Insurance against certain environmental risks, including potential liability for pollution or other hazards as a result of the disposal of waste products occurring from production, is not generally available to us or other companies within the mining industry. We may also experience losses in amounts in excess of the insurance coverage carried. We may suffer a material adverse impact on our business if we incur losses in excess of our insurance coverage carried or losses related to any significant events that are not covered by our insurance policies.

 

The mining industry is capital intensive and the ability of a mining company to raise the necessary capital can be impacted by factors beyond its control.

 

The upfront cost incurred for the acquisition, exploration and development of a mining project can be substantial, and the ability of a mining company to raise that capital can be influenced by a number of factors beyond the company’s control including but not limited to general economic conditions, political turmoil, market demand, commodity prices and expectations for commodity prices, debt and equity market conditions and government policies and regulations.

 

Once in production, mining companies require annual maintenance capital in order to sustain their operations. This sustaining capital can also be substantial and may have to be secured from external sources to the extent cash flows from operations are insufficient.

 

Future cash flow from operations is subject to a number of variables, including:

 

·                  the quality of the resource base and the grade of those resources;

·                  the quantity of materials mined:

·                  the cost to mine the materials; and

·                  the prices at which the mined materials can be sold.

 

Any one of these variables can materially affect a mining company’s ability to fund its sustaining capital needs.

 

If our future revenues are adversely affected as a result of lower potash prices, including those related to sales pursuant to our agreement with Sichuan Chemical, operating difficulties, declines in reserves or for any other reason, we may have limited ability to obtain the capital necessary to undertake or complete future mining projects. We may, from time to time, seek additional financing, either in the form of bank borrowings, sales of debt or equity securities or other forms of financing or consider selling non-core assets to raise operating capital. However, we may not be able to obtain additional financing or make sales of non-core assets upon terms acceptable to us.

 

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New sources of supply can create structural market imbalances, which could negatively affect our operating results and financial performance.

 

Potash prices have increased since 2009 and this coupled with projected increases in demand for potash have led to a renewed interest in bringing new sources of potash supply into the market. If production increases to the point where the market is over supplied, the price at which we are able to sell and the volumes we are able to sell could be impacted, which may materially and adversely affect our projected business, operating results and financial condition.

 

Variations in crop nutrient application rates may exacerbate the nature of the prices and demand for our products.

 

Farmers are able to maximize their economic return by applying optimum amounts of crop nutrients. Farmers’ decisions about the application rate for each crop nutrient, or to forego application of a crop nutrient, particularly phosphate and potash, vary from year to year depending on a number of factors, including among others, crop prices, crop nutrient and other crop input costs or the level of the crop nutrient remaining in the soil following the previous harvest. Farmers are more likely to increase application rates when crop prices are relatively high, crop nutrient and other crop input costs are relatively low and the level of the crop nutrient remaining in the soil is relatively low. Conversely, farmers are likely to reduce or forego application when farm economics are weak or declining or the level of the crop nutrients remaining in the soil is relatively high. This variability in application rates can materially aggravate the cyclicality of prices for our future products and our sales volumes.

 

Global economic conditions can adversely affect our business.

 

The unprecedented events in global financial markets in the past several years have had a profound impact on the global economy. Many industries, including the mining industry, are impacted by these market conditions. Some of the key impacts of the current financial market turmoil include contraction in credit markets resulting in a widening of credit risk, devaluations, high volatility in global equity, commodity and foreign exchange and a lack of market liquidity. A continuation or worsening of current economic conditions, a prolonged global, national or regional economic recession or other events that could produce major changes in demand patterns could have a material adverse effect on our sales, margins and profitability.

 

Risks Relating to our Common Stock

 

We have been notified by Nasdaq that we have failed to satisfy two continuing listing rules, either of which could lead to our common stock being delisted from The Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

On April 23, 2013, we received written notification from The Nasdaq Stock Market that for the last 30 consecutive business days, the bid price of our common stock had closed below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion on The Nasdaq Capital Market based on Listing Rule 5550(a)(1).  We have 180 calendar days, or until October 20, 2013, to regain compliance with this rule. On April 25, 2013, we received a second written notification from The Nasdaq Stock Market that we are no longer in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(2) because the market value of our listed securities has fallen below the $35 million minimum requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market for a period of at least 30 consecutive business days. We have 180 calendar days, or until October 22, 2013, to regain compliance. While we are considering available options to regain compliance with these Nasdaq rules, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so, which would likely result in our common stock being delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market. Delisting of our common stock from The Nasdaq Capital Market could substantially reduce the liquidity of your investment in our common stock.

 

The market price and trading volume of our common stock has been volatile, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

 

Our common stock began trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “PGRX” on July 2, 2012. The high and low sale prices of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market since trading commenced has been $4.06 and $        , respectively. The price of our common stock has fluctuated and may fluctuate in the future in response to many factors, including:

 

·                  the perceived prospects for natural resources in general;

·                  differences between our actual financial and operating results and those expected by investors;

·                  changes in the share price of public companies with which we compete;

·                  news about our industry and our competitors;

·                  changes in general economic or market conditions including broad market fluctuations;

·                  the public’s reaction to press releases and other public announcements and filings with the SEC;

·                  arrival or departure of key personnel;

·                  acquisitions, strategic alliances or joint ventures involving us or our competitors;

 

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·                  adverse regulatory actions; and

·                  other events or factors, many of which are beyond our control.

 

Our shares may trade at prices significantly below current levels, in which case holders of the shares may experience difficulty in reselling, or an inability to sell, the shares. In addition, when the market price of a company’s common equity drops significantly, stockholders often institute securities class action lawsuits against the company. A lawsuit against us could cause us to incur substantial costs and could divert the time and attention of our management and other resources away from the day-to-day operations of our business.

 

Our articles of incorporation permit us to issue debt securities with voting rights which would dilute the voting power of the holders of our common stock.

 

Our articles of incorporation permit us to issue debt securities with voting rights as permitted by Nevada corporate law. We have not issued any debt securities with voting rights as of the date of this prospectus. Holders of voting debt securities may have different interests than stockholders and may vote in accordance with those interests. Issuances of debt securities with voting rights could also have an anti-takeover effect, in that it could make a change in control or takeover of us more difficult. For example, we could grant voting rights to debt holders of Prospect so as to dilute the voting rights of persons seeking to obtain control of us. Similarly, voting rights could be granted to debt holders allied with our management and could have the effect of making it more difficult to remove our current management by diluting the voting rights of persons seeking to cause such removal.

 

Future sales or issuances of shares of common stock or the exercise of our outstanding warrants may decrease the value of our existing common stock, dilute existing shareholders and depress the market price of our common stock. We may also issue additional shares of our common stock or securities convertible into our common stock in the future.

 

We have issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 66,429,593 shares of our common stock. We may also sell additional common stock in subsequent offerings and may issue additional warrants and shares of our common stock in the future, which may lower the market price of our common stock. Some of our advisors are compensated based on periodic issuances of shares of common stock or warrants to purchase common stock. We cannot predict the size of future sales and issuances of common stock or securities convertible into common stock or the effect, if any, that future sales and issuances of common stock or securities convertible into common stock will have on the market price of our shares of common stock. Sales or issuances of a substantial number of common stock or securities convertible into common stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock. With any additional sale or issuance of common stock, investors will suffer dilution of their voting power and we may experience dilution in our earnings per share.

 

We incur increased costs as a result of being an operating public company, specifically as a result of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

As a public company, we incur increased legal, accounting and financial compliance costs that we would not incur as a private company. For example, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), the recently enacted Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and are subject to the rules and regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market. Such requirements increase our costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming and costly and may also place undue strain on our personnel, systems and resources.

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. We must perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Our compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will require that we incur substantial accounting expense and expend significant management efforts. If we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner, the market price of our common stock could decline and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources. Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls, or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Any failure to implement and maintain effective internal controls also could adversely affect the results of periodic management evaluations and annual auditor attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting that we are required to include in our periodic reports filed with the SEC under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Ineffective disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial and other information, which would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock.

 

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Our common stock could be considered a “penny stock” making it difficult to sell.

 

The SEC has adopted regulations which generally define a “penny stock” to be an equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to specific exemptions. Our common stock currently trades and since its initial listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market has traded below $5.00 per share. The SEC’s penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, before a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document that provides information about penny stocks and the risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer must also provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and the salesperson in the transaction, and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. In addition, the penny stock rules generally require that before a transaction in a penny stock, the broker-dealer make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s agreement to the transaction. These rules may restrict the ability of brokers-dealers to sell our common stock and may affect the ability of investors to sell their shares, until our common stock no longer is considered a penny stock.

 

Securities analysts may not provide coverage of our shares or may issue negative reports, which may adversely affect the trading price and trading volume of the shares.

 

Our common stock is currently covered by a limited number of securities analysts and we cannot assure you those securities analysts will cover our company going forward. If securities analysts do not cover our company, this lack of coverage may adversely affect the trading price of the shares. The trading market for the shares of our common stock will rely in part on the research and reports that securities analysts publish about us and our business. If one or more of the analysts who cover our company downgrades our common stock or cease coverage, the trading price and volume of the shares of our common stock may decline. Further, because of our small market capitalization, it may be difficult for us to attract additional securities analysts to cover our company, which could significantly and adversely affect the trading price and volume of our stock.

 

We do not intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

We have never declared or paid dividends on our common stock nor do we anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock within the foreseeable future. Our board of directors has the ability and may so choose to declare cash dividends on our common stock, at their discretion, in the future. In their determination to declare dividends, the board will consider, among other factors, the company’s financial positions, results of operations, cash requirements, and any applicable outstanding covenants. Holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive dividends when and, if declared by our board, out of funds legally available for their payment, subject to the rights of holders of any preferred stock that we may issue.

 

MARKET PRICE FOR OUR COMMON STOCK

 

Market Information

 

Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq under the symbol “PGRX.” Prior to July 2, 2012, our common stock traded on the OTC Bulletin Board trading system, also under the symbol “PGRX”.  On                          , 2013 the last reported sale price of our common stock was $     per share.

 

The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices for our common stock for the respective periods, as reported on the Nasdaq OMX and OTC Bulletin Board trading systems.

 

Year

 

Quarter

 

High

 

Low

 

2012

 

First Quarter

 

$

4.00

 

$

2.85

 

 

 

Second Quarter

 

$

7.75

 

$

3.75

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

$

8.50

 

$

4.00

 

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

10.00

 

$

2.05

 

2013

 

First Quarter

 

$

10.25

 

$

2.35

 

 

 

Second Quarter

 

$

3.17

 

$

1.77

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

$

4.06

 

$

1.40

 

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

1.82

 

$

0.22

 

 

As of                      , 2013, there were approximately      holders of record of our common stock based upon information provided by our transfer agent.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

If all of the Class B Warrants are exercised we will receive gross proceeds of approximately $4.7 million, and if all of the Class A Warrants issued on June 26, 2013 in the public offering or upon exercise of the Class B Warrants are exercised we will receive additional net proceeds of approximately $14.2 million, in each case after deduction of underwriting commissions.  We intend to use those net proceeds to continue to fund the development of the Holbrook Project, make mandatory repayments of outstanding indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.

 

Under the terms of our senior debt owed to Karlsson we are required to deposit 50% of the net proceeds of the next $24.0 million of capital we raise (for a total of $12.0 million, of which we have deposited $2.0 million as of the date of this prospectus) into escrow, which funds may be released solely to fund specified development expenses pursuant to the Extension Agreement. We are also required to pay 10% of all capital raised going forward to each of The Karlsson Group and Apollo as payments on their respective promissory notes.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we have $1.4 million of available cash (excluding the escrowed cash of approximately $2.4 million which must be used for specified purposes related to development of the Holbrook Project pursuant to the restructured Karlsson Note), which includes the $4.1 million of funds received from the June 26, 2013 public offering.

 

DILUTION

 

Persons who exercise Class B Warrants in this offering will experience an immediate increase in the net tangible book value per share of our common stock. Our net tangible book value as of March 31, 2013was approximately ($95.8) million, or ($1.32) per share of our common stock (based upon 72,595,718 shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2013). Net tangible book value per share is equal to our total net tangible book value, which is our total tangible assets less our total liabilities, divided by the number of shares of our outstanding common stock. Dilution per share equals the difference between the amount per share paid by purchasers of shares of our common stock in this offering (on an as-converted basis and after giving effect to the conversion of the $5.5 million subordinate notes held by the Very Hungry Parties on the same terms as this offering) and the net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after completion of this offering and the conversion of the $5.5 million subordinate notes held by the Very Hungry Parties. At the offering price of $0.12 per unit and after deducting estimated offering expenses payable by us, and the application of the estimated net proceeds from this offering and the proceeds received by us in exchange for the subordinate notes held by the Very Hungry Parties, our pro forma net tangible book value as of March 31, 2013would have been approximately ($82.4) million, or ($0.41) per share. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value to existing stockholders of $0.91 per share and an immediate decrease in net tangible book value to purchasers in this offering of $0.53 per share. The following table illustrates this per share dilution (based upon 202,935,641 shares of our common stock that would have been outstanding on March 31, 2013 after giving pro forma effect to the consummation of this offering and the potential conversion of the subordinated notes held by the Very Hungry Parties).  As used herein, on an as-converted basis assumes the full conversion of all Series B Warrants issued in the offering and the conversion of the subordinated notes held by the Very Hungry Parties but excludes the conversion of all Series A Warrants issued in connection with the offering and conversion of the subordinated notes held by the Very Hungry Parties.

 

Offering price

 

 

 

$

0.12

 

Net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2013

 

$

(1.32

)

 

 

Change per share attributable to this offering and conversion of the subordinated notes held by the Very Hungry Parties

 

$

0.91

 

 

 

Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering and conversion of the subordinated notes held by the Very Hungry Parties

 

 

 

$

(0.41

)

Dilution in net tangible book value per share to purchasers

 

 

 

$

0.53

 

 

The calculations above are based on 72,595,718 shares of our common stock actually outstanding as of March 31, 2013 and do not take into effect further dilution to new investors that could occur upon the exercise of our outstanding stock options or other securities convertible into common stock having a per share exercise price greater than the offering price (at March 31, 2013, this included 9,608,000 stock options and 20,549,703 warrants to acquire shares of our common, shares underlying the outstanding Class A Warrants (before exercise of the Class B Warrants) of 42,839,890 as well as 12,092,000 shares of our common stock available for future grant under our stock incentive plans).

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Except for the historical information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. We caution you not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. Our actual results or actions may differ materially from these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the risks described in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” above. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), included in this report and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we currently expect.

 

Overview

 

We are engaged in the exploration and development of a potash deposit located in the Holbrook Basin of eastern Arizona, which we refer to as the Holbrook Project. We hold our interest and control the Holbrook Project through our wholly owned subsidiary, AWP. Through AWP, we hold potash exploration permits on 38 Arizona state sections, own the mineral rights on eight private sections and hold leases for the mineral rights on 101 private sections which, in total, cover approximately 90,000 acres.

 

Our strategy is to increase stockholder value through our focus on the exploration, development and production of potash from our Holbrook Project. Since 2011, we have conducted drilling, geological work and various other technical and preliminary economic assessments to advance and expand our mineralized material base in the Holbrook Project. We expect to complete a pre-feasibility study, or PFS, for the Holbrook Project in July 2013. As is common for natural resources development projects, through our ongoing engineering work and analysis, we are continually evaluating multiple methods to increase stockholder value while decreasing development and operating risks through alternative development scenarios. These ongoing efforts could lead to changes (i) in capital expenditures required to build the mine, (ii) projected production levels, (iii) operating costs and (iv) mine life. We will announce any significant changes to our business plan resulting from our ongoing optimization analyses and will continue to make such evaluations.

 

On August 1, 2012, we completed the purchase of the 50% interest in AWP that we did not already own, giving us complete control and economic ownership of the Holbrook Project. In connection with this acquisition, we incurred substantial indebtedness that led to our $144.7 million working capital deficit at March 31, 2013.  Subsequent to year-end and as a result of not being able to service this debt, we entered into a debt restructuring on April 15, 2013 that extended the due dates of this and other debt in exchange for certain other considerations and concessions.  On June 26, 2013 we entered into a second extension agreement which amended the terms of the Karlsson Note. Refer to Note 18 — Subsequent Events of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information.

 

As part of the April 15, 2013 debt restructuring, we agreed to certain capital raising commitments or milestones, which if we either fail to raise or raise the funds timely constituted payment defaults under the Karlsson Note.  These milestones required us to raise the following amounts by the dates indicated:

 

(i)             $5.0 million by May 15, 2013;

(ii)          $7.0 million by June 17, 2013;

(iii)       $18.0 million by September 10, 2013; and

(iv)      $25.0 million by August 1, 2014

 

The May 15, 2013 raise was satisfied by a $5.0 million subordinate loan from two of our stockholders on May 2, 2013 followed by a second extension agreement with The Karlsson Group on June 26, 2013 in which we amended, among other documents, the Karlsson Note.

 

As part of the second extension, the interim principal payment of $30.0 million that was due on the earlier of (i) six months following completion of a definitive feasibility study and (ii) January 2, 2015 and the interim fundraising requirements were eliminated.  We are now required to meet the following development milestones:

 

(i)             Complete total depth on at least eight wells on or before November 1, 2013,

(ii)          Deliver a completed and updated final NI 43-101 resource report on or before February 1, 2014,

(iii)       Deliver completed metallurgical and rock mechanic test work results that will be used to complete the mine and processing plant designs for the definitive feasibility study on or before June 1, 2014, and

(iv)      Deliver a completed and published definitive feasibility study on or before December 31, 2014.

 

If we do not meet any one of the required development milestones, Karlsson will be entitled to foreclose on the collateral securing the Karlsson Note, which could result in a sale of AWP or its assets to satisfy amounts owing on the note. Refer to Note 18—Subsequent Events of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further information.

 

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During 2013, we realized a net loss of $51.9 million and consumed cash of $72.2 million between our spending on operating, investing and financing activities.  We were also able to raise $61.9 million through various sales of our common stock throughout the year. However, this left us with just $1.0 million of cash at year-end, which in-turn has slowed the development of our Holbrook Project.

 

Operating Results

 

Revenue

 

For the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and from August 5, 2010 (Inception) to March 31, 2013, we had no revenues.

 

Exploration Expense

 

Years Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012

 

Our exploration expenses for the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled nil and $5.0 million, respectively.  The 2012 expense included $0.5 million, $4.3 million and $0.2 million for seismic, drilling and permitting/environmental activities, respectively.  For 2013, $18.8 million was capitalized as development costs in mineral properties that would have been recorded as exploration expense had we not been able to capitalize those costs. The increase in costs between years was primarily due to differences in our operational focus during the respective periods.  During 2012, we drilled a total of 12 holes and incurred costs associated with the completion of the Resource Report and PEA while our 2013 activities encompassed the drilling of 14 holes and work associated with our permitting, environmental and feasibility study activities.  The activities in both years related exclusively to the Holbrook Project.

 

Capitalized development costs are expenses incurred during the year that if not capitalized in mineral properties would have been expensed had we not been able to capitalize these costs.  The Company made a determination following the completion of the Resource Report and PEA in late 2011 that it had met the requirements to transition from an exploration stage to a development stage company and accordingly began capitalizing all development related costs related to the Holbrook Project as of January 1, 2012.  Prior to this date and while we were in the exploration stage, all costs related to the Holbrook Project were expensed as incurred.

 

Cumulative Period

 

Our exploration expense for the Cumulative Period totaled $5.6 million and included $1.0 million, $4.4 million and $0.2 million for seismic, drilling and permitting/environmental activities, respectively, all of which related to the Holbrook Project.  For the Cumulative Period, $19.6 million was capitalized as development costs in mineral properties that would have been considered exploration expense had we not been able to capitalize these costs.

 

General and Administrative Expense (“G&A”)

 

Years Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012

 

Our general and administrative expenditures, prior to capitalization considerations, for the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 2013

 

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

(in millions)

 

Salaries and benefits

 

$

5.3

 

$

1.3

 

Equity compensation

 

10.9

 

9.7

 

Management fees, consulting fees and board compensation

 

6.8

 

0.4

 

Legal, accounting and insurance

 

6.5

 

4.2

 

Karlsson Note Tax Gross Up

 

6.2

 

 

Apollo termination fee

 

9.7

 

 

Office, travel and other

 

3.7

 

1.6

 

Total G&A before capitalization

 

$

49.1

 

$

17.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts capitalized as development costs to mineral properties

 

$

(6.4

)

$

(0.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

G&A per Statement of Operations

 

$

42.7

 

$

16.9

 

 

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Our 2013 expenses for salaries and benefits, stock compensation, management fees and board compensation increased over the comparable 2012 period mainly due to: (i) an increase of approximately $5.8 million in management fees, (ii) an increase of approximately $1.2 million in stock compensation owing to the timing of awards and their respective service periods and (iii) an increase of approximately $4.0 million in employee salaries/bonuses.  Of the $5.8 million increase in management fees, approximately $5.2 million related to a one-time termination fee we paid Buffalo Management as described more fully in Note 12—Related Party Transactions of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  The remaining changes are largely attributable to the increase in our business activity between 2013 and 2012, including an increase in the number of full-time employees from five as of March 31, 2012 to twelve as of March 31, 2013.

 

Our legal, accounting and insurance expenses increased in 2013 from what they were in 2012 primarily due to the legal fees that we incurred in connection with (i) the negotiation and closing of The Karlsson Group Acquisition and the restructuring of our Karlsson Group debt and (ii) the additional SEC filings in connection with our two common stock public offerings.

 

The increase in our office, travel and other expenses in 2013 stemmed primarily from two separate non-recurring charges as follows: (i) a one-time expense of approximately $6.2 million related to the Karlsson Note Tax Gross Up as discussed in Note 3—The Karlsson Group Acquisition and (ii) a one-time expense of approximately $9.7 million incurred on termination of the Apollo agreement as discussed in Note 8—Debt of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Capitalized development costs are expenses incurred during the year that if not capitalized in mineral properties would have been expensed had we not been able to capitalize these costs.  The Company made a determination following the completion of the Resource Report and PEA in late 2011 that it had met the requirements to transition from an exploration stage to a development stage company and accordingly began capitalizing all development related costs related to the Holbrook Project as of January 1, 2012.  Prior to this date and while we were in the exploration stage, all costs related to the Holbrook Project were expensed as incurred.

 

Included within total G&A before capitalization are rental expenses of $0.2 million and nil for 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in 2013 rent expense was due to the Company’s move to a larger office space beginning in October 2012 and the addition of leased office space in Los Angeles beginning in June 2012.

 

Cumulative Period

 

Our general and administrative expenditures, prior to capitalization considerations, for the Cumulative Period were comprised of the following:

 

 

 

August 5, 2010

 

 

 

(Inception) through

 

 

 

March 31, 2013

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Salaries and benefits

 

$

7.0

 

Equity compensation

 

20.6

 

Management fees, consulting fees and board compensation

 

7.4

 

Legal, accounting and insurance

 

11.3

 

Karlsson Note Tax Gross Up

 

6.2

 

Apollo termination fee

 

9.7

 

Office, travel and other

 

5.6

 

Total G&A before capitalization

 

$

67.8

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts capitalized as development costs to mineral properties

 

$

(6.7

)

 

 

 

 

G&A per Statement of Operations

 

$

61.1

 

 

Included within total G&A before capitalization are rental expenses of $0.3 million for the Cumulative Period.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Derivative Losses

 

Years Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012

 

Our derivatives losses for the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $1.9 million and $39.8 million, respectively.  For 2013, all $1.9 million was associated with the Karlsson Note Prepayment Option as described more fully in Note 8—Debt of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Our derivative losses in 2012 stemmed from a combination of (i) the change in the fair value of the compound embedded derivatives of our convertible notes and warrants and (ii) the derivative losses we incurred upon issuance of the convertible notes as described more fully in Note 10—Derivative Financial Instruments of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Cumulative Period

 

Our derivative losses for the Cumulative Period totaled $56.7 million, of which $1.9 million was associated with the Karlsson Note Prepayment Option as described above while the remainder stemmed from (i) the change in the fair value of the compound embedded derivatives of our convertible notes and warrants and (ii) the derivative losses we incurred on issuance of the convertible notes.

 

Loss on Debt Extinguishment

 

Years Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and Cumulative Period

 

We incurred a $2.0 million loss on the extinguishment of the Merkin Note during 2012 as is more fully described in Note 9—Convertible Notes of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  No such loss was incurred during 2013.

 

Interest Expense

 

Years Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012

 

Our net interest expense for the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $7.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively.  For 2013, this amount represents the interest expense accrued on The Karlsson Note and the Apollo Notes, all of which were entered into during 2013.  An amount equal to this is included in accrued liabilities at March 31, 2013.  Our net interest expense for 2012 was related to the convertible notes then outstanding and was comprised of $0.4 million for interest and $1.5 million for the amortization of related discounts and financing costs.

 

Cumulative Period

 

Net interest expense for the Cumulative Period totaled $9.3 million and consisted of the (i) $7.2 million related to interest on the Karlsson and Apollo Notes and (ii) $2.1 million associated with the convertible secured notes.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

None.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Short-Term Liquidity and Capital Needs

 

As of March 31, 2013, we had approximately $1.0 million in cash and a working capital deficit of $144.7 million, including accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $14.6 million and indebtedness of $128.3 million. Subsequent to year-end, we entered into debt restructurings and extension agreements on April 15, 2013 and June 26, 2013 that extended the due dates of this debt in exchange for certain other considerations and concessions. Refer to Note 18 — Subsequent Events of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information.

 

As part of the Second Extension Agreement, we are now required to meet the following development milestones:

 

(i)             Complete total depth on at least eight wells on or before November 1, 2013,

(ii)          Deliver a completed and updated final NI 43-101 resource report on or before February 1, 2014,

 

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(iii)  Deliver completed metallurgical and rock mechanic test work results that will be used to complete the mine and processing plant designs for the definitive feasibility study on or before June 1, 2014, and

(iv)      Deliver a completed and published definitive feasibility study on or before December 31, 2014.

 

In addition, under the terms of the Second Extension Agreement we are required to deposit 50% of the net proceeds of the next $24.0 million of capital we raise (for a total of $12.0 million) into escrow, which funds may be released solely to fund specified development expenses pursuant to the Extension Agreement. We are also required to pay 10% of all capital raised going forward to both Karlsson and Apollo as payments on their respective promissory notes. If we do not meet any one of the required development milestones, Karlsson will be entitled to foreclose on the collateral securing the Karlsson Note, which could result in a sale of AWP or its assets to satisfy amounts owing on the note. Refer to Note 18—Subsequent Events of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further information.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we have $       million of available cash (excluding the escrowed cash of approximately $       million which must be used for specified purposes related to development of the Holbrook Project pursuant to the restructured Karlsson Note), which includes the $4.1 million net proceeds received from the public offering that closed on June 26, 2013.

 

Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to further implement our business plan and raise the additional funds that are needed to fund the significant capital and operating expenses required to complete the development and construction of the Holbrook Project. While we intend to raise additional funds by way of public and private offerings of debt, equity, convertible notes or other financial instruments, there can be no assurances that we will be successful in these efforts or that such raises can be completed on terms reasonably acceptable to us and our shareholders.

 

Cash Flow Summary

 

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31, 2013

 

Year Ended
March 31, 2012

 

Cumulative from
August 5, 2010
(Inception) through
March 31, 2013

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

(in millions)

 

(in millions)

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

$

(17.6

)

$

(10.4

)

$

(29.4

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(19.8

)

(2.0

)

(21.9

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

27.1

 

21.4

 

52.3

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

(10.3

)

$

9.0

 

$

1.0

 

 

Cash used in operating activities for each of the comparative periods presented above was primarily related to our exploration and development activities in the Holbrook Basin and other corporate general and administrative expenses. Likewise, the cash consumed by our investing activities was primarily related to our capitalized development costs related to the Holbrook Project as well as the acquisition of adjacent and complementary acreage within the Holbrook Basin.

 

During 2013, we completed two public offerings that resulted in net financing cash proceeds to us of $61.9 million.  From these proceeds, we made payments to The Karlsson Group totaling $34.7 million comprised of the $25.0 million upfront payment due in connection with our purchase of the 50% interest in AWP that we did not already own and another $9.7 million following the completion of the second public offering in November 2012.  The $9.7 million, which represented 40% of the net proceeds raised in the November offering, reduced the outstanding balance due under The Karlsson Note from $125.0 million to $115.3 million.

 

Prior to 2013, the cash provided by our financing activities came almost exclusively through the issuance of convertible notes and sales of our common stock in private placements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these assumptions form the basis for making

 

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Table of Contents

 

judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. A summary of significant accounting policies is included in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Principles in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Management believes that the application of these policies on a consistent basis enables us to provide useful and reliable financial information about our Company’s operating results and financial condition.

 

BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

We are engaged in the exploration and development of a potash deposit located in the Holbrook Basin of eastern Arizona, which we refer to as the Holbrook Project. Potash is primarily used as an agricultural fertilizer due to its high potassium content. Potassium, nitrogen and phosphate are the three primary nutrients essential for plant growth. The Holbrook Project consists of permits and leases on 147 mineral estate sections spanning approximately 90,000 acres in the Holbrook Basin of eastern Arizona, along the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau.

 

We completed a preliminary economic assessment for the Holbrook Project in December 2011 and are now nearing completion of a pre-feasibility study, of PFS, for the Holbrook Project. We expect to release the results of the PFS in July 2013. Upon completion of the PFS, we will continue working toward a definitive feasibility study, or DFS, for the Holbrook Project. As is common for natural resources development projects, through our ongoing engineering work and analysis, we are continually evaluating multiple methods to increase stockholder value while decreasing development and operating risks through alternative development scenarios. These ongoing efforts could lead to (i) changes in capital expenditures required to build the mine, (ii) projected production levels, (iii) operating costs and (iv) mine life. We will announce any significant changes to our business plan resulting from our ongoing optimization analyses and will continue to make such evaluations.

 

Business and Operating Strategy

 

Our strategy is to increase stockholder value through our focus on the exploration, development and production of potash from our Holbrook Project.  Key elements of our strategy include the following:

 

·                  Continue exploration and development of the resource and produce a definitive feasibility study to establish proven and probable reserves;

 

·                  Through our ongoing engineering work and analysis, continually evaluate various methods to increase shareholder returns while decreasing development and operating risks;

 

·                  Work with state and local agencies to permit a potash mine;

 

·                  Strengthen our leasehold position through acquiring bolt-on acreage and additional property interests within and around the Holbrook Project area;

 

·                  Leverage our geographic advantages such as close proximity to sales markets and access to transportation and other infrastructure to achieve lower cost of sales;

 

·                  Build early partnerships and sales arrangements with key customers such as the potash supply agreement we entered into with Sichuan Chemical during the latter part of 2012; and

 

The realization of our investment in the Holbrook Project is dependent upon various factors, including but not limited to, our ability to obtain the necessary financing to continue the development of the Holbrook Project in order to meet the development milestones in the timeframes required pursuant to our recently restructured senior debt with The Karlsson Group completed on June 26, 2013. To the extent we are unable to raise sufficient funds to allow for completion of these development milestones within the timeframes required under the restructured Karlsson debt, The Karlsson Group could declare us to be in default, causing all of our then outstanding debt to be immediately due and payable and allowing The Karlsson Group to foreclose on their collateral. The terms of the restructured Karlsson debt also limit the amount and terms of new debt we can incur, all of which must be subordinated to The Karlsson debt. These debt restrictions will make raising capital to meet the development milestones and to fund our operations more difficult. Refer to Note 18 — Subsequent Events of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Our current cash situation has slowed the development of our Holbrook Project. Our cash requirements for the next 12 months include meeting the Karlsson senior debt development milestones which requires significant expenditures for the further

 

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development of the Holbrook Project. This indicates the existence of a material uncertainty that has raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern as the Company’s ability to continue and meet its obligations is dependent on the Company raising additional equity or debt financing. If we cannot raise the capital required for further development of the Holbrook Project, this will result in the delay or indefinite postponement of further development work and the potential loss of our interests in the Holbrook Project.

 

Our current cash situation has slowed the development of our Holbrook Project. Our forecasted cash requirements for the next 12 months include meeting the Karlsson senior debt financing milestones and significant expenditures for the further development of the Holbrook Project. This indicates the existence of a material uncertainty that has raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern as the Company’s ability to continue and meet its debt obligations is dependent on the Company raising additional equity or debt financing. If we cannot raise the capital required for further exploration and development of the Holbrook Project, this may result in the delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development and the possible, partial or total loss of our interest in certain properties.

 

We have not yet generated any operating revenue and we anticipate that we will continue to incur significant operating and development costs without realizing any revenues for the foreseeable future. We incurred a net loss of $51.9 million for the 12 months ended March 31, 2013 and had a working capital deficit of $144.7 million as of March 31, 2013.

 

History

 

Between January and November 2011, we invested $11.0 million dollars in AWP while The Karlsson Group contributed to AWP its ownership of mineral rights on eight private sections and potash exploration permits on 42 Arizona state sections, comprising a total of approximately 31,000 gross acres in the Holbrook Basin, each for a 50% ownership interest in AWP.

 

In July 2011, AWP entered into a Potash Sharing Agreement covering 101 private mineral estate sections and related mineral leases on approximately 63,000 acres adjacent to or in close proximity to AWP’s existing mineral rights in the Holbrook Basin.

 

On May 30, 2012, we entered into an agreement with The Karlsson Group to acquire the 50% of AWP that we did not already own for an aggregate purchase price of $150.0 million, or the equivalent of approximately $2.52 per share, before consideration of the warrants and other potential contingent payments.

 

On August 1, 2012, we closed The Karlsson Group Acquisition, at which time we assumed full ownership of AWP.

 

The Holbrook Project

 

Our Holbrook Project currently consists of permits and leases on 147 mineral estate sections spanning approximately 90,000 acres in the Holbrook Basin of eastern Arizona.

 

Location    The Holbrook Project area is located within the Holbrook Basin and is situated entirely within Apache County in northeastern Arizona. Automobile access to the area is provided via Interstate Route 40 (I-40) to Navajo, Arizona, and then heading south on County Road 7230. The Holbrook Project is surrounded by the Navajo Reservation to the north and north-east, some Apache and Hopi Reservation grounds to the south, and the Petrified Forest National Park to the west.

 

Infrastructure    The nearby towns of Holbrook, St. Johns, and Show Low provide locations for personnel, supplies, equipment and accommodation. These centers can serve as shipping locations, and also as the sources of gas and water. Electricity is provided to the area by three coal-fired power stations, the Cholla, Coronado and Springerville Plants. In addition, water for drilling can be obtained from range tanks, wells, and the Little Colorado River. Drilling mud, diesel and other resources can be obtained locally or from Silver City, New Mexico, which is approximately 231 miles from the Project, or from the Farmington, New Mexico area, which is a similar distance away.

 

The Holbrook Project has good access to highways and other transportation. It is bounded on the north by Interstate Route 40 (I-40). Secondary and ranch roads allow all-weather access to most locations in the area. All locations not accessible via existing roads can be accessed by either four-wheel drive or all-terrain vehicles. The BNSF Railway transects the northern part of the Holbrook Project area.

 

Climate    The Holbrook Project is located in a high desert, semi-arid region. Weather patterns are characterized by relatively dry conditions with hot spring, summer, and fall temperatures ranging from 52°F to 93°F, and cool winter temperatures ranging from 18°F to 63°F. The area experiences two rainy seasons, both occurring in the winter.

 

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Geological Setting    The Holbrook Basin is a 5,000 square mile kidney-shaped sedimentary basin in east-central Arizona located along the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau.

 

The regional lands and limited vegetation consist of minor salt cedar and scrub grasses and are generally flat with minor low-lying rolling hills. The land supports ranching, light industry and areas of historical mining. There is some hay production in the valley bottoms and there are numerous ranches scattered throughout the Holbrook Project area. Two streams, the Little Colorado, a permanent stream, and the Puerco River, an intermittent stream, intersect the area. Their intersection lies about three miles east of Holbrook, and they tend to generally produce fresh water. The divide area between the rivers is characterized by generally low grassland ridges, broad drainage areas and ledge form buttes and mesas. Ground water occurs throughout the area and forms a regional aquifer.

 

The potash beds in the Holbrook Basin are hosted within the Permian Supai Salt Formation.  The mineralized zones are located at relatively shallow depths, generally less than 1,600 feet.

 

History of the Project    Prior to our exploration program there have been many companies exploring potash in this area tracing back approximately 50 years.

 

In the 1960’s and 1970’s, a total of 135 holes were drilled to delineate the potash in the area. Arkla Exploration Company and Duval Corporation drilled 105 holes. The others were drilled by Kern County Land, National Potash, New Mexico and Arizona Land, St. Joe American, and U.S. Borax. Only five holes penetrated the entire salt package, but 127 holes were drilled into the upper 100 to 300 feet of salt where the potash is typically present. Most of the historical holes were cored through the upper 100 feet of salt to get direct information about the nature of the potash deposits. Both Arkla and Duval reported the presence of potassium minerals.

 

To date, there has been no commercial production of potash in Arizona, either by conventional or solution mining.

 

Proposed Mining and Processing    Due to the relatively shallow depth of the potash, year-round warm weather, relatively dry climate and consistent quality of the mineralization in our acreage, we intend to construct a conventional underground mine and process our ore on-site through surface floatation. The majority of current potash produced in North America use conventional mining techniques.

 

Exploration Program   During calendar year 2011, we completed approximately 70 miles of 2D seismic testing and the drilling and coring of 12 holes. This was combined with the historic information from approximately 58 holes in our project area, the results of which were used to delineate the potash potential on our acreage. During calendar year 2012, we completed the drilling of an additional 16 holes. As part of our ongoing exploration and development work, in 2011 we engaged third party technical consultants i) North Rim Exploration Ltd. to complete a NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate, which was updated in August 2012, which we refer to as the Resource Calculation, and ii) Tetra Tech, Inc. to perform a Preliminary Economic Analysis, or PEA.

 

Our Resource Calculation and PEA are preliminary in nature and mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability. The Resource Calculation, as updated, has not estimated any mineral reserves for the Holbrook Project and there is no certainty that the estimates in the Resource Calculation, as updated, will be realized. As defined by SEC Industry Guide 7, our resource currently does not meet the definition of proven or probable reserves and further studies that demonstrate the economic viability of the project must be completed, and necessary permits and additional property rights must be obtained. See “Cautionary Note to Investors Regarding Mineral Disclosures” and “Risk Factors” contained in elsewhere herein this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

In October 2012, we signed a 10 year potash supply agreement with Sichuan, a large state owned Chinese chemical company, pursuant to which Sichuan will purchase at least 500,000 tonnes of potash from us per year on a take or pay basis.

 

In February 2013, we submitted our application for the Air Quality Control permit to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (“ADEQ”) and our Mineral Development Report to the Arizona State Land Department (“ASLD”) to convert certain ASLD exploration permits to mineral leases.

 

Governmental Regulation and Environmental, Health and Safety

 

We must obtain numerous governmental, environmental, mining and other licenses, permits and approvals authorizing our operations. Our existing exploration permits require us to make leasehold payments to either the state or private entities based on the number of leased land sections and acres. If we commence production on these leases, we will then be required to make royalty payments based on the revenue generated by the potash we produce from the leased land. We anticipate making significant leasehold

 

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payments to both governmental and private entities. Modifications of financial terms of these leases may adversely affect the viability of our projects.

 

In addition, portions of the area for the Holbrook Project border, or are within, the expanded boundaries of the Petrified Forest National Park. We hold the mineral rights for some of this land and we will need to work closely with both the State of Arizona and park officials regarding those portions of the Holbrook Project. This coordination could potentially delay the issuance of necessary permits, or lead to the imposition of restrictions to some of our operations that could adversely affect the viability of portions of the Holbrook Project. It could also lead to the denials of, approvals and permits necessary to develop portions of the Holbrook Project. Furthermore, any future expansion of the Petrified Forest National Park could limit our ability to acquire additional mineral rights, and additional acquisitions of lands or interests in land by the National Park Service could lead to further overlap with our current holdings.

 

Our exploration and development activities subject us to an evolving set of federal, state and local health, safety and environmental, or HSE, laws that regulate or propose to regulate surface disturbance, air and water quality impacts and safety procedures followed by our employees. Upon commencement of potash production, we will also need to comply with laws that regulate or propose to regulate our mining activities, including the management and handling of raw materials, disposal, storage and management of hazardous and solid waste, the safety of our employees and post-mining land reclamation.

 

We cannot predict the impact of new or changed laws, regulations or permitting requirements, or changes in the ways that such laws, regulations or permitting requirements are enforced, interpreted or administered. HSE laws and regulations are complex, are subject to change and have become more stringent over time. It is possible that greater than anticipated HSE capital expenditures or reclamation and closure expenditures will be required in the future. We expect continued government and public emphasis on environmental issues will result in increased future investments for environmental controls at our operations.

 

Market Conditions and Trends

 

Potash Demand   Potash demand depends primarily on the demand for fertilizer, which is based on the total planted acreage, crop mix, soil characteristics, fertilizer application rates, crop yields and farm income. Each of these factors is affected by current and projected grain stocks and prices, agricultural policies, improvements in agronomic efficiency, fertilizer application rates and weather. From 2000 to 2011, global consumption of potash as a fertilizer grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.54% per year, from approximately 35.9 million tonnes KCl to approximately 47.3 million tonnes KCl, according to Fertecon.

 

Potash Supply   The supply of potash is influenced by a broad range of factors including available capacity and achievable operating rates; mining, production and freight costs; government policies and global trade. Barriers to adding new potash production are significant because economically recoverable potash deposits with the appropriate geologic conditions occur rarely. According to Fertecon, in 2011, seven countries accounted for approximately 91% of the world’s aggregate potash production. This scarcity has resulted in a high degree of concentration among the leading producers. Canada currently accounts for approximately 30% of global potash production. The next six largest producers, Russia, Belarus, China, Germany, Israel and Jordan, account for approximately 60% of global production. The U.S. produces approximately 15% of the potash it consumes. U.S. potash reserves are concentrated in the southwestern U.S and account for approximately 3% of world production. Only 12 countries produce nearly all of the world’s supply, making much of the world dependent upon imports to satisfy their potash requirements.

 

Outlook   We believe the long-term demand for potash remains positive and will be driven by the continued growth in emerging economies, a growing global population and the upgrading of diets worldwide amongst the growing middle class. In the near term, we anticipate that the global economy will continue to recover, albeit on a slower pace. A sustained recovery in the global economy in the coming quarters and years, combined with positive forecasts of global consumption, is likely to lead to an increase in demand for commodities such as potash. Specifically, we believe that as the emerging markets grow and the members of their middle classes increase, the diet of this increasingly affluent population will change and drive demand for more agricultural products. This incremental demand on the agricultural industry should translate, in our opinion, into a sustained increase in demand for potash and fertilizer generally.

 

Employees

 

As of June 28, 2013, we had a total of eight employees.

 

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Glossary of Terms

 

Potash:  A generic term for potassium salts (primarily potassium chloride, but also potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate and sulfate of potash magnesia, or langbeinite) used predominantly and widely as a fertilizer in agricultural markets worldwide. Unless otherwise indicated or inferred by context, references to “potash” refer to muriate of potash.

 

Potassium Chloride:  (KCl—muriate of potash): a metal halide salt composed of potassium and chlorine, varying in color from white to red depending on the mining and recovery process used. The majority of potassium chloride produced is used for making fertilizer.

 

Ton:  (also referred to as a short ton) a measurement of mass equal to 2,000 pounds.

 

Tonne:  (also referred to as a metric ton) a measurement of mass equal to 1000 kg or 2,204.6 pounds.

 

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

 

Potash

 

Potash is used to describe a wide variety of compounds valued primarily for their potassium content, which is commonly measured in K2O units. The most concentrated and commonly available form of potash is potassium chloride (KCl), also referred to as Muriate of Potash (MOP), which is between 60-62% K2O by weight and accounts for more than 60% of domestic potash production. Secondary forms of potash include sulfate of potash magnesia, also known as langbeinite (22% K2O), potassium sulfate (50% K2O) and potassium nitrate (44% K2O).

 

Potash is primarily used as an agricultural fertilizer due to its high potassium content. Potassium, nitrogen and phosphate are the three primary nutrients essential for plant growth. A proper balance of these nutrients improves plant health and increases crop yields. Potash helps regulate plants’ physiological functions and improves plant durability, providing crops with protection from drought, disease, parasites and cold weather. Currently, no cost effective substitutes exist for these three nutrients. Less effective nutrient sources do exist; however, the relatively low nutrient content of these sources and cost of transportation reduce their attractiveness as a viable, economic alternative to potash.

 

Potash is primarily mined from underground mines and less frequently, from naturally occurring surface or sub-surface brines. It is mined through both conventional underground methods and surface or solution mining. Unlike nitrogen and phosphate, potash does not require additional chemical conversion to be used as a plant nutrient. Virtually all of the world’s potash is currently extracted from commercial deposits located in 12 countries and production is currently concentrated among a few leading producers. Canada is the largest producer of potash followed by Russia and Belarus, which together account for more than 60% of global production.

 

Domestically, approximately 85% of all potash produced is used as a fertilizer, most of it in the form of potassium chloride, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The chemical industry consumes the remaining 15% of potash produced. Non-fertilizer uses of potash include chemical and pharmaceutical products, drilling fluid additive during oil and gas exploration, animal feed, detergents, glass and ceramics, textiles and dyes.

 

Mining

 

Potash ore is mined from two primary types of ore deposits:

 

·                  Marine evaporite deposits are buried deep below the earth’s surface and typically range between 400 meters to over 1,000 meters in depth. Most potash is sourced from these deposits using conventional mechanized underground mining methods, though solution mining methods also are also commonly used in North America. However, the land area affected by a conventional mine is typically limited to the immediate area surrounding the shaft, plant and waste disposable and is typically confined to several square kilometers.

 

·                  Surface brine deposits are associated with saline bodies of water such as the Great Salt Lake in the United States and the Dead Sea in the Middle East. These ore deposits are exploited using solar evaporation ponds to concentrate and precipitate the potash. The land area affected by the evaporation ponds can be extensive, and some operations cover in excess of 90 square kilometers, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.

 

A conventional mechanized underground mining operation is the most widely used method for potash ore extraction. The mining techniques and equipment utilized depend on a variety of factors, including: the ore body depth, continuity of potash beds,

 

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geometry and thickness of potash beds, the geological and geotechnical conditions of the ore and surrounding rock, and the presence of overlying aquifers. Conventional mining methods that are typically utilized include variations of room and pillar, longwall, cut and fill, and open stope techniques.

 

Solution mining is an alternative mining method that is currently utilized at a number of operations throughout North America. The solution mining process typically relies on elevated solubility at elevated temperatures in brine of sylvite and in comparison to salt (NaCl). Typically, brine is heated on the surface and then injected into the mineralization horizon through tubing. The heated brine absorbs sylvite and is then pumped back to the surface to a number of ponds, where the potash precipitates before being sent to the plant for processing. After the potash is extracted and the brine cools, the brine is then re-heated and the process repeated.

 

Demand for Potash

 

We believe the long-term demand for potash remains positive and will be driven by the continued growth in emerging economies, a growing global population and the upgrading of diets worldwide amongst the growing middle class. In the near term, we anticipate that the global economy will continue to recover, albeit on a slower pace. A sustained recovery in the global economy in the coming quarters and years, combined with positive forecasts of global consumption, is likely to lead to an increase in demand for commodities such as potash. Specifically, we believe that as the emerging markets grow and the members of their middle classes increase, the diet of this increasingly affluent population will change and drive demand for more agricultural products. This incremental demand on the agricultural industry will translate, in our opinion, into a sustained increase in demand for potash and fertilizer generally.

 

Potash demand depends primarily on the demand for fertilizer, which is based on the total planted acreage, crop mix, soil characteristics, fertilizer application rates, crop yields and farm income. Each of these factors is affected by current and projected grain stocks and prices, agricultural policies, improvements in agronomic efficiency, fertilizer application rates and weather. From 2000 to 2011, global consumption of potash as a fertilizer grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.54% per year, from approximately 35.9 million tonnes KCl to approximately 47.3 million tonnes KCl, according to Fertecon.

 

Global Potash Fertilizer Consumption

(000 tonnes KCl)

 

 

 

2000

 

2001

 

2002

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012E

 

EU-15

 

5,660

 

5,587

 

5,424

 

5,436

 

5,289

 

4,662

 

4,558

 

4,767

 

2,427

 

2,953

 

3,656

 

3,240

 

3,297

 

EU-12

 

941

 

956

 

969

 

1,006

 

1,053

 

1,129

 

1,275

 

1,392

 

1,126

 

691

 

1,066

 

1,107

 

1,084

 

Other Europe

 

438

 

414

 

449

 

475

 

496

 

490

 

517

 

566

 

437

 

287

 

428

 

455

 

471

 

CIS

 

1,090

 

1,096

 

1,172

 

1,043

 

1,174

 

1,302

 

1,761

 

1,682

 

1,821

 

1,983

 

2,116

 

2,251

 

2,331

 

Africa

 

788

 

759

 

772

 

823

 

843

 

822

 

891

 

925

 

739

 

695

 

806

 

856

 

856

 

Middle East

 

327

 

286

 

316

 

378

 

423

 

422

 

434

 

453

 

367

 

328

 

297

 

301

 

280

 

Asia

 

12,536

 

13,088

 

13,595

 

14,894

 

17,188

 

18,840

 

18,820

 

20,088

 

18,784

 

17,423

 

21,340

 

21,726

 

21,219

 

Oceania

 

597

 

646

 

671

 

657

 

718

 

609

 

603

 

584

 

532

 

431

 

475

 

502

 

508

 

North America

 

7,846

 

7,941

 

8,018

 

8,845

 

8,389

 

7,694

 

8,295

 

7,531

 

4,900

 

7,074

 

7,382

 

7,372

 

7,737

 

Latin America

 

5,643

 

6,260

 

6,886

 

8,255

 

8,691

 

7,661

 

7,716

 

9,069

 

8,029

 

6,700

 

8,288

 

9,473

 

10,197

 

World Total

 

35,866

 

37,032

 

38,272

 

41,813

 

44,263

 

43,632

 

44,869

 

47,058

 

39,161

 

38,566

 

45,854

 

47,284

 

47,980

 

United States

 

7,326

 

7,408

 

7,362

 

8,176

 

7,694

 

7,024

 

7,629

 

6,936

 

4,595

 

6,630

 

6,870

 

6,885

 

7,197

 

US % of Consumption

 

20.4

%

20.0

%

19.2

%

19.6

%

17.4

%

16.1

%

17.0

%

14.7

%

11.7

%

17.2

%

15.0

%

14.6

%

15.0

%

 


Source: Fertecon, February, 2013

 

While developed countries have traditionally been the largest consumers of potash, developing countries are the fastest growing markets for potash, including in the emerging and developing economies of India, China and Brazil. Fertecon estimates that potash fertilizer consumption will grow in India, China and Brazil at a CAGR of 8.6%, 4.8% and 6.0%, respectively, from 2011 to 2020. Population and income growth are two important drivers of potash demand. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs/Population expects that the world’s population will grow from approximately 7 billion in 2011 to in excess of 9 billion

 

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by 2050, with the majority of growth coming from developing countries. As incomes grow, people demand a more nutritious, protein-rich diet, primarily through increased meat consumption. This creates demand for potash fertilizers to grow grain for animal feed.

 

According to the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries (January 2012), approximately 15% of U.S. potash consumption is used in the production of potassium chemicals for industrial markets. Industrial applications for potassium chloride include the production of potassium hydroxide, which is used in the production of other potassium chemicals; the production of potassium carbonate, which is primarily used for specialty glasses for cathode-ray tubes and as a component in dry-chemical fire extinguishers; leavening agents; and as a pharmaceutical ingredient. Potassium chloride is also used in the oil and gas industry as a drilling fluid additive and we believe it represents a small fraction of drilling expense. Other industrial applications of potassium chloride include use as a flux in secondary aluminum processing, as a potassium supplement in animal feeds, and in ceramics, textiles and dyes. From 2000 to 2011, U.S. industrial consumption of potash grew at a CAGR of 1.6%, from 725 thousand tonnes to 865 thousand tonnes, according to Fertecon.

 

With its highly developed agricultural economy and limited domestic production capability, the U.S. is the second largest consumer of potash globally, representing 16.4% of total estimated consumption for 2010, as reported by Fertecon. According to Fertecon, in 2010, the U.S. was the largest importer of potash in the world, importing over 84% of its potash. The high level of potash consumption in the U.S. is in large part due to its extensive cultivation of commodity crops such as corn, wheat, cotton and soybeans.

 

Based on demand growth expectations, and assuming normal effective capacity utilization rates and timely completion of all announced capacity expansions, Fertecon projects the global potash market to grow from 36.0 million tonnes of K2O total sales in 2011 to 48.7 million tonnes in 2020, which represents a 3.4% CAGR.

 

Supply of Potash

 

The supply of potash is influenced by a broad range of factors including available capacity and achievable operating rates; mining, production and freight costs; government policies and global trade. Barriers to adding new potash production are significant because economically recoverable potash deposits with the appropriate geologic conditions occur rarely. According to Fertecon, in 2011, seven countries accounted for approximately 91% of the world’s aggregate potash production. This scarcity has resulted in a high degree of concentration among the leading producers. Canada currently accounts for approximately 30% of global potash production. The next six largest producers, Russia, Belarus, China, Germany, Israel and Jordan, account for approximately 61% of global production. The U.S. produces approximately 16% of the potash it consumes. U.S. potash reserves are concentrated in the southwestern U.S. and account for approximately 3% of world production. Only 12 countries produce nearly all of the world’s supply, making much of the world dependent upon imports to satisfy their potash requirements. According to the International Fertilizer Association, approximately 80% of potash produced was traded across borders in 2006.

 

Global Potash Production

(000 tonnes KCl)

 

 

 

2000

 

2001

 

2002

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012E

 

Germany

 

5,588

 

5,820

 

5,658

 

5,845

 

5,945

 

6,008

 

5,927

 

5,932

 

5,384

 

2,932

 

4,855

 

5,092

 

5,451

 

Spain

 

856

 

772

 

667

 

830

 

907

 

810

 

716

 

777

 

728

 

569

 

514

 

783

 

828

 

United Kingdom

 

985

 

872

 

885

 

1,019

 

884

 

720

 

704

 

700

 

661

 

328

 

410

 

552

 

467

 

Belarus

 

5,528

 

6,044

 

6,215

 

6,933

 

7,560

 

8,078

 

7,549

 

8,150

 

8,143

 

4,074

 

8,562

 

8,696

 

7,533

 

Russia

 

6,092

 

6,979

 

7,181

 

7,715

 

9,179

 

10,271

 

9,292

 

10,415

 

9,729

 

6,041

 

10,098

 

10,649

 

8,970

 

Israel

 

2,865

 

2,860

 

3,145

 

3,210

 

3,504

 

3,707

 

3,645

 

3,577

 

3,557

 

3,147

 

3,311

 

2,910

 

3,557

 

Jordan

 

1,936

 

1,962

 

1,924

 

1,960

 

1,929

 

1,829

 

1,699

 

1,856

 

2,004

 

1,120

 

1,943

 

2,258

 

1,682

 

China PR

 

496

 

648

 

633

 

995

 

2,036

 

2,426

 

3,139

 

3,393

 

3,795

 

4,502

 

5,074

 

5,810

 

6,032

 

Canada

 

15,039

 

13,364

 

13,938

 

14,924

 

16,557

 

17,350

 

13,705

 

17,840

 

17,265

 

7,236

 

15,568

 

17,587

 

14,918

 

United States

 

2,058

 

2,032

 

2,070

 

1,829

 

2,073

 

1,880

 

1,752

 

1,788

 

1,663

 

1,086

 

1,788

 

1,794

 

1,613

 

Brazil

 

579

 

566

 

596

 

640

 

630

 

609

 

695

 

661

 

577

 

681

 

651

 

615

 

540

 

Chile

 

695

 

795

 

900

 

861

 

850

 

839

 

761

 

843

 

938

 

1,071

 

1,393

 

1,511

 

1,721

 

Rest of World

 

558

 

425

 

224

 

64

 

5

 

7

 

 

 

3

 

3

 

57

 

231

 

286

 

World Total

 

43,274

 

43,139

 

44,035

 

46,824

 

52,059

 

54,535

 

49,585

 

55,931

 

54,448

 

32,792

 

54,225

 

58,489

 

53,597

 

 


Source: Fertecon

 

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The leading global providers of potash are shown in the following chart:

 

GRAPHIC

 


Source: Fertecon

 

In addition to the scarcity of economic deposits, another significant barrier to entry into the potash business is the location of the world’s currently identified and unexploited potash reserves. A large portion of such reserves resides in politically unstable and/or remote locations where it would be costly to build the infrastructure necessary to develop a new mine, such as electricity, water and links to rail transportation. In some cases, appropriate infrastructure, such as deep sea ports to allow shipment of potash to consuming regions, may be impractical to construct. Another barrier to entry is the long lead time necessary to develop and construct a new mine, which adds to the development costs for a new potash mine, especially in currently unexploited regions where ore bodies tend to be much deeper in the earth than the reserves that are currently being mined.

 

Price Fundamentals of Potash

 

Before 2003, potash pricing remained relatively flat, primarily due to excess potash supply that was created following the collapse of the Soviet Union. By 2003, potash demand had grown sufficiently to absorb this excess supply, and prices began to increase considerably. Since that time, consistent growth in global demand, coupled with limited increases in global supply, has led to a significant increase in potash prices. For example, according to Green Markets, a Bloomberg BNA business, potash granular spot prices were US$525/tonne FOB Carlsbad as of April 2012, a 5% increase over the April 2011 price of US$500/tonne.

 

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GRAPHIC

 


Source: Green Markets, a Bloomberg BNA Business. Reflects pricing for granular potash.

 

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of the persons who are our directors and named executive officers as of the date of this proxy statement:

 

Name

 

Age

 

Position

Dr. Barry Munitz

 

71

 

Chairman of board of directors

Chad Brownstein

 

40

 

Executive Vice Chairman of board of directors

Marc Holtzman

 

53

 

Director

Zhi Zhong Qiu

 

58

 

Director

J. Ari Swiller

 

44

 

Director, Chairman of Finance and Operations Committee and Chairman of Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee

Conway J. Schatz

 

43

 

Director, Chairman of Audit Committee

Damon G. Barber

 

45

 

President, CEO and Secretary

Gregory Dangler

 

31

 

Interim CFO

Wayne Rich

 

48

 

Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer

 

Directors hold office for a period of one year from their election at the annual meeting of stockholders and until a particular director’s successor is duly elected and qualified. Officers are elected by, and serve at the discretion of, our board of directors. None of the above individuals has any family relationship with any other. It is expected that our board of directors will elect officers annually following each annual meeting of Stockholders.

 

Dr. Barry Munitz: Chairman of the board of directors.  Dr. Munitz joined our board of directors as chairman in February 2011. From August 2010 to February 2011, Dr. Munitz served as chairman of the board of directors of Old Prospect Global Resources, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary. Dr. Munitz has been Trustee Professor at the California State University, Los Angeles campus since 2006. Between 2005 and 2010, Dr. Munitz chaired California’s P-16 Council, an organization that develops strategies to improve education in the State of California. Dr. Munitz served as President and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust from 1997 to 2006 where he was responsible for the two museums (Brentwood and Malibu), the Conservation and Research Institutes, the philanthropic foundation, the investment portfolio, and all education outreach programs. From 1991 to 1997, he served as Chancellor of the California State University (CSU)—a twenty-three campus system which is the largest senior university in the United States. Prior to that role, Dr. Munitz was vice chairman of the publicly held company MAXXAM and president of the private company which was its major stockholder (Federated Development) where he was involved for a decade in their natural resources activity, as well as timber, banking, energy and real estate. During the past decades, he served as a Trustee of Princeton University, the Seattle Art Museum, and the Courtauld Institute in London, as well as a corporate director at SunAmerica and Kaufman & Broad. Dr. Munitz is the immediate past chair and current vice chair of the board of Sierra Nevada College, is president of the Cotsen Foundation for the Art of Teaching and for Academic Research, is a governor of the three Eli and Edythe Broad Family Foundations and a corporate director at SallieMae. Dr. Munitz received a Bachelor’s degree in Classics and Comparative Literature from Brooklyn College, and received a Masters and a Ph.D. from Princeton University. Dr. Munitz is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and holds honorary degrees from Whittier College, Claremont University, the California State University, the University of Southern California, Notre Dame and the University of Edinburgh.

 

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Chad Brownstein: Executive Vice Chairman of the board of directors.  Mr. Brownstein, one of our co-founders joined our board of directors as non-executive vice-chairman in August 2011 and became executive vice chairman in August 2012. Mr. Brownstein was an advisor to Crescent Capital Group (formerly Trust Company of the West Leveraged Finance Group) where he focuses on investing in Special Situations. Mr. Brownstein was a Member of Crescent Capital Group from January 2011 to July 2012 and was Senior Vice President at Trust Company of the West from February 2009 to December 2010. Previously, he was a Senior Advisor at Knowledge Universe Ltd., where he focused on turnaround operations and private equity investing. Prior to that, he was a Partner at ITU Ventures making venture and growth investments with a specialization in corporate strategy. Earlier in his career, Mr. Brownstein worked at Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette in the Merchant and Investment Banking divisions. Mr. Brownstein is a member of the Cedars Sinai Board of Governors, California Competes Council, and serves on the board of directors for Los Angeles Conservation Corps and First PacTrust Bancorp (a Nasdaq listed company). Mr. Brownstein attended Columbia Business School and received a BA from Tulane University.

 

Marc Holtzman: Director.  Mr. Holtzman joined our board of directors in April 2011. Since August 2008, Mr. Holtzman has served as vice chairman of Barclays Capital, the investment banking division of Barclays Bank PLC. In 2007, Mr. Holtzman was executive vice chairman of ABN Amro Bank until August 2008. In 2006, Mr. Holtzman was a candidate for the Republican nomination for Colorado Governor. From 2003 through 2005 Mr. Holtzman was president of the University of Denver. Previously from 1999 through 2003, Mr. Holtzman served in the cabinet of Governor Bill Owens as Colorado’s first secretary of technology. In addition, Mr. Holtzman was chairman of Colorado’s Information Management Commission and co-chairman of the Governor’s Commission on Science and Technology. Mr. Holtzman helped guide Colorado’s economic transformation into a fully diversified technology hub. Prior to his tenure in Colorado politics, Mr. Holtzman served as executive vice chairman of ABN Amro Bank, was the co-founder and president of MeesPierson EurAmerica (a firm which was subsequently acquired by ABN Amro) and served as senior adviser to Salomon Brothers, when he lived and worked in Eastern Europe and Russia from September 1989 until October 1998. Drawing on his early experience in helping develop Central Asia’s finance sector, Mr. Holtzman was appointed by Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister to serve on the board of trustees of The Almaty Regional Financial Centre. In addition, since 2008 Mr. Holtzman has served as non-executive chairman of Indus, a leading Indian oil and gas company listed on London’s AIM market with a market capitalization of approximately US $2 billion and since 2009 has served as a director of the Bank of Kigali, Rwanda’s largest financial institution and a public company registered under the Company law of Rwanda and regulated by the National Bank of Rwanda. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics from Lehigh University.

 

Zhi Zhong Qiu: Director.  Mr. Qiu joined our board of directors in November 2011. Mr. Qiu is the Chairman of Meridian Capital Asia Limited, and has served in this role since June, 2013.  Prior to joining Meridian Capital Asia Limited, Mr. Qiu was the Vice Chairman of Asia Pacific and Chairman of Greater China of Barclays Capital, responsible for the Bank’s senior relationship with corporate clients, institutions and governments from 2009 to 2013. Before joining Barclays Capital, Mr. Qiu was the Chairman of China and Vice Chairman of Asia of ABN AMRO bank, responsible for all the Bank’s activities and business related to China from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Zhi Zhong Qiu is also the Chairman of DragonTech Ventures Fund and its management company and has served in this capacity since 2004. Mr. Qiu holds a number of directorship positions in the investment companies of DragonTech Ventures Fund, including the NYSE listed Suntech Power Holdings (Ticker: STP). Prior to 2002, Mr. Qiu was the Chairman of Greater China Region of Credit Suisse First Boston (“CSFB”), responsible for CSFB’s overall business in the Greater China region (including Taiwan and Hong Kong). Prior to his appointment as the Chairman in 1998 at CSFB, Mr. Qiu was a Managing Director in charge of all derivatives activities for Credit Suisse Financial Products (“CSFP”), the financial derivatives subsidiary of CSFB, in the Great China region. Mr. Qiu joined CSFB in 1991 and became a Managing Director in 1995. He built the CSFP and CSFB’s derivatives and investment banking business in the Greater China region. Mr. Qiu was elected as one of the world’s “50 Most Wanted in Finance” by Global Finance magazine in 1994, and named as one of the 50 world “Derivatives Superstars” by the same magazine in 1995. Prior to joining CSFB, Mr. Qiu held positions in Booz Allen & Hamilton, providing consulting services to major banks and financial institutions in North America and Asia. Mr. Qiu received his B.S. (magna cum laude) in Computer Science from New York University, his B.E. (summa cum laude) in Electrical Engineering from Cooper Union, his M.S. degree in Electrical Power Engineering from Ohio State University, and his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

 

J. Ari Swiller: Director.  Mr. Swiller joined our board of directors in February, 2011. From October 2010 to February 2011, Mr. Swiller served as a director of Old Prospect Global Resources, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary. Mr. Swiller co-founded the Renewable Resources Group (RRG) in 2003. RRG has developed two million acre-feet (AF) of water projects, over a gigawatt of renewable energy and marketed hundreds of water rights in nine states. Currently the firm owns and/or manages more than 100,000 acres of farmland for the purpose of water, renewable energy, and/or carbon development. Mr. Swiller’s responsibilities include managing all aspects of the business. Prior to founding RRG, Mr. Swiller was a Principal in The Yucaipa Companies; he served as Vice President of External Affairs at Ralphs Grocery Company and Executive Director of The Ralphs/Food4Less Foundation. He serves on the board of rfXcel Corporation, which develops supply chain performance improvement software. Mr. Swiller also serves on the Board of the Los Angeles Conservation Corps, the Miguel Contreras Educational Foundation and Falcon Waterfree Technologies. Mr. Swiller earned a B.A. from Cornell University.

 

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Conway J. Schatz: Director.  Mr. Schatz joined our board of directors in April 2012. Mr. Schatz currently serves as vice-president of Hexagon, LLC, a Denver-based private equity firm, overseeing energy and real estate investing. Mr. Schatz joined Hexagon in 1998. Prior to 1998, Mr. Schatz worked in the business advisory / audit division of Arthur Andersen, LLP, with client industries such as oil and gas, light manufacturing, financial services, real estate, cable and technology. Mr. Schatz also serves as a director to a Colorado based real estate operating company, and a European real estate fund. He was a director and audit committee chair of Recovery Energy, Inc. (RECV), a publicly traded oil and gas company, from June 2010 until January 2012. Mr. Schatz became a certified public accountant in 1996, licensed in the state of Colorado. Mr. Schatz received dual bachelor of science degrees in finance and accounting from Minnesota State University, an M.B.A. (2001) and an M.S. in real estate development and construction management (2010) from the University of Denver. We have secured financings through Mr. Schatz’s employer, Hexagon, as well as through Very Hungry LLC and the Scott Reiman 1991 Trust as described further under “Transactions with Related Persons — Hexagon Investments, LLC.” Mr. Schatz is also a manager of Very Hungry LLC, but does not have dispositive power over the shares owned by Very Hungry LLC, as described further in the section entitled Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. Very Hungry LLC owns 7,588,727 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase 4,841,608 common shares (representing in the aggregate approximately 10.49% of our outstanding shares).

 

Damon Barber: President, CEO and Secretary.  Mr. Barber became our president and chief executive officer on March 7, 2013.  Mr. Barber served as our chief financial officer from December 2012 to March 2013. Prior to joining Prospect Global, Mr. Barber was the chief executive officer and an executive director of CST Mining Group Limited from April 2010 to September 2011. While at CST, Mr. Barber led a $600 million public equity raise to acquire two copper mine development projects and subsequently directed the development of one project into production and directed the development of the second project to where it was sold for $505 million and returned CST approximately two times its total investment in the project. From June 2010 to September 2011, Mr. Barber also served as chairman of Marcobre S.A.C., a joint venture between CST and Korea Resources Corporation and LS Nikko. From October 2011 to December 2012, Mr. Barber worked as a consultant in the natural resources industry and managed his personal investments. Prior to joining CST, Mr. Barber was a managing director at Deutsche Bank from October 2007 to January 2010 and also served as head of Deutsche Bank’s metals and mining investment banking practice in Asia-Pacific from January 2009 until January 2010. From February to March 2010, Mr. Barber provided consulting services. Mr. Barber has over 20 years of experience in the natural resources industry in both management and advisory roles, including over 12 years advising and assisting natural resource companies on mergers & acquisitions, debt and equity capital raisings, leveraged buy-outs and project financings during his time with Deutsche Bank and from 1998 to 2007 as a member of Credit Suisse’s energy group. Prior to this, Mr. Barber was a bond trader at Credit Suisse First Boston from 1996 to 1998 and was also a section foreman at CONSOL Energy Inc.’s Loveridge Mine from 1990 to 1994. Mr. Barber holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering, cum laude, from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Business Administration degree, with distinction, from the Wharton School of Business.

 

Gregory M. Dangler: Interim CFO.  Mr. Dangler has a broad background in private equity investing, development of large-scale technical infrastructure projects, and the financing and management of international growth companies. Mr. Dangler served as our vice president of finance from March 2012 until March 2013 when he became our interim chief financial officer. From October 2011 to March 2012, Mr. Dangler managed his investments. Prior to that, Mr. Dangler served as chief executive officer of a technology and telecommunications company from October 2008 to October 2011. As the founding executive, he helped the company raise capital and establish its global presence with operating interests in Africa and South America.  Prior to that, Mr. Dangler was an associate with ITU Ventures, a leading private equity and venture capital firm focused on growth stage technology investments. While with ITU, Mr. Dangler executed private and public equity transactions, directed activity for mergers and acquisitions, and provided strategic support to portfolio companies. Mr. Dangler began his professional career as an Air Force officer managing complex and large-scale infrastructure projects. Mr. Dangler received a Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding achievement in delivering a large-scale technology program, which directly supported over 20 national security space launch missions. Mr. Dangler received a BS in Mechanical

 

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Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy and an MBA in Finance from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.

 

Wayne Rich: Senior Vice President Accounting and Treasury and Treasurer.  Mr. Rich served as chief financial officer and vice president of finance from September 6, 2011 until December 13, 2012.  Since December 13, 2012, Mr. Rich has served as our Senior Vice President Accounting and Treasury. Mr. Rich served as treasurer and director of corporate finance at Thompson Creek Metals Inc., a publicly traded metals and mining company, from October 2008 until September 2011. Prior to that he served in several capacities at The Doe Run Resources Corporation, an integrated mining and metals manufacturing company, from August 1998 to October 2008, including as treasurer from April 2007 to October 2008 and assistant treasurer from July 2004 to April 2007. Mr. Rich holds a masters in business administration from Illinois State University and a bachelors of science in accountancy from Eastern Illinois University.

 

Compensation of Directors

 

The table below sets forth the compensation earned by our non-employee directors during the 2013 and 2012 fiscal years. There were no non-equity incentive plan compensation, change in pension value or any non-qualifying deferred compensation earnings during these fiscal years. All amounts are in dollars. On February 11, 2011, Prospect Global (formerly known as Triangle Castings, Inc.) completed a reverse merger and acquired Prospect Global Resources Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated on August 5, 2010, referred to herein as Old Prospect Global.

 

Name

 

Year

 

Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
Compensation

 

Stock
Awards

 

Option
Awards

 

All Other
Compensation

 

Total

 

Dr. Barry Munitz(1),(10)

 

2013

 

$

150,000

 

 

$

732,780

 

$

100,000

 

$

982,780

 

 

 

2012

 

$

37,500

 

 

$

1,363,952

 

 

$

1,401,452

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chad Brownstein(2),(10)

 

2013

 

$

25,000

 

 

$

369,226

 

 

$

394,226

 

 

 

2012

 

$

12,500

 

 

$

340,988

 

 

$

353,488

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Devon Archer(3),(10)

 

2013

 

$

50,000

 

 

$

2,891,679

 

$

100,000

 

$

3,041,679

 

 

 

2012

 

$

12,500

 

 

 

 

$

12,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marc Holtzman(4),(10)

 

2013

 

$

50,000

 

 

$

258,458

 

 

$

308,458

 

 

 

2012

 

$

12,500

 

 

 

$

1,022,964

 

 

$

1,035,464

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zhi Zhong Qiu(5),(10)

 

2013

 

$

50,000

 

 

$

258,458

 

 

$

308,458

 

 

 

2012

 

$

12,500

 

 

$

681,976

 

 

$

694,476

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Reiman(6),(10)

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

$

12,500

 

 

$

681,976

 

 

$

694,476

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. Ari Swiller(7),(10)

 

2013

 

$

131,250

 

 

$

258,458

 

 

$

389,708

 

 

 

2012

 

$

17,500

 

 

$

340,988

 

 

$

358,488

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conway J. Schatz(8),(10)

 

2013

 

$

75,000

 

 

$

258,458

 

 

$

333,458

 

 

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James Dietz(9)

 

2013

 

$

12,500

 

 

 

 

$

12,500

 

 

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)                                 Dr. Munitz joined our board of directors as chairman in February 2011. From August 2010 to February 2011, Dr. Munitz served as chairman of the board of directors of Old Prospect Global. Dr. Munitz received expense reimbursements from us of $3,301 in fiscal year 2013 and $0 in year 2012.  Dr. Munitz also received a $100,000 bonus in fiscal year 2013 in addition to his regular Board pay.

 

(2)                                 Mr. Brownstein joined our board of directors as non-executive vice chairman in August, 2011 and became executive vice chairman on August 1, 2012. Mr. Brownstein received expense reimbursements from us of $96,870 in fiscal

 

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year 2013 (prior to Mr. Brownstein becoming executive vice chairman on August 1, 2013) and $22,266 in year 2012.

 

(3)                                 Mr. Archer joined our board of directors in March and resigned from our board of directors in November, 2012. Mr. Archer received expense reimbursements from us of $59,942 in fiscal year 2013 and $0 in year 2012. Mr. Archer also received a $100,000 bonus in fiscal year 2013 in addition to his regular Board pay.

 

(4)                                 Mr. Holtzman joined our board of directors in April, 2011. Mr. Holtzman did not received any expense reimbursements from us in fiscal years 2013 and 2012.

 

(5)                                 Mr. Qiu joined our board of directors in November, 2011. Mr. Qiu received expense reimbursements from us of $21,779 in fiscal year 2013 and $0 in year 2012.

 

(6)                                 Mr. Reiman joined our board of directors in August, 2011 and resigned in March, 2012. Mr. Reiman did not receive any expense reimbursements from us in fiscal years 2013 or 2012.

 

(7)                                 Mr. Swiller joined our board of directors in February, 2011. From October 2010 to February 2011, Mr. Swiller served as a director of Old Prospect Global. Mr. Swiller received expense reimbursements from us of $15,047 in fiscal year 2013 and $0 in year 2012.

 

(8)                                 Mr. Schatz joined our board of directors as of April 1, 2012. Mr. Schatz received expense reimbursements from us of $5,261 in fiscal year 2013 and $0 in year 2012.

 

(9)                                 Mr. Dietz joined our board of directors in November, 2012 and resigned from the board in March, 2013. Mr. Dietz received expense reimbursements from us of $1,617 in fiscal year 2013 and $0 in year 2012.

 

(10)                          For the years ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012, we paid annual cash compensation (payable quarterly) of $150,000 and $75,000, respectively, to our chairman of the board, $100,000 and $0, respectively to our vice chairman of the board, $100,000 and $50,000, respectively, to the chairman of the audit committee, $75,000 and $35,000, respectively to the chairmen of the finance committee and the compensation and operations committee and $50,000 and $25,000, respectively, to each other non-employee director. Such amounts are reflected in the table above.

 

Executive Compensation

 

Summary compensation table

 

On March 20, 2012, Prospect’s board of directors resolved to change our fiscal year end from December 31 to March 31, commencing with the 12 month period ending March 31, 2012. The table below sets forth the compensation earned by our named executive officers during the 2013 and 2012 fiscal years taking into account our change in fiscal year. There were no non-equity incentive plan compensation, change in pension value or any non-qualifying deferred compensation earnings during fiscal 2013 or 2012. The amounts in the table are in dollars.

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name and Principal
Position

 

Year

 

Salary
($)

 

Bonus
($)

 

Stock
Awards
($)

 

Option
Awards
($)

 

Non equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)

 

Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)

 

All Other
Compensation
($)(6)

 

Total
($)

 

Damon Barber(2)(4)(5)

 

2013

 

$

134,712

 

 

 

$

682,081

 

 

 

$

6,075

 

$

822,868

 

Chief Executive Officer, President and Secretary starting March 7, 2013 and Chief Financial Officer from December 13, 2012 through March 7, 2013

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patrick L. Avery(1) (4)(5)

 

2013

 

$

563,946

 

$

575,000

 

 

 

$

619,059

 

 

 

$

26,483

 

$

1,784,488

 

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director, until March 7, 2013

 

2012

 

$

269,167

 

$

270,000

 

 

 

$

2,045,928

 

 

 

$

27,005

 

$

2,612,100

 

Wayne Rich(4)(5)

 

2013

 

$

275,000

 

$

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

22,165

 

$

347,165

 

Current Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer; Chief Financial Officer starting September 6, 2011 until December 13, 2012

 

2012

 

$

156,597

 

$

100,000

 

 

$

3,443,751

 

 

 

$

11,799

 

$

3,712,147

 

Gregory M. Dangler(2)(4)(5)

 

2013

 

$

146,500

 

$

105,000

 

 

$

911,069

 

 

 

$

11,255

 

$

1,173,824

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer starting March 7, 2013

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chad Brownstein(2)(3)(5)

 

2013

 

$

250,000

 

$

365,000

 

 

 

 

 

$

6,191

 

$

621,191

 

Executive Vice Chairman, starting August 1, 2013

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian W. Wallace(2)(4)(5)

 

2013

 

$

281,250

 

$

100,000

 

 

$

1,852,238

 

 

 

$

114,092

 

$

2,349,453

 

Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President starting August 15, 2012 until April 2, 2013

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(1)                                      Mr. Avery was appointed director, chief executive officer and president of Old Prospect Global on August 17, 2010 and upon consummation of the reverse merger in February 2011 was appointed director, chief executive officer and president of Prospect Global on February 11, 2011 and served in this same capacity through March 7, 2013.

 

(2)                                      Mr. Barber, Mr. Dangler, Mr. Brownstein and Mr. Wallace did not earn compensation as named executive officers during our 2012 fiscal year.

 

(3)                                      Does not include compensation or the value of stock options granted to Mr. Brownstein as non-executive vice chairman prior to him becoming our executive vice chairman on August 1, 2012.

 

(4)                                      Other compensation consists of payments by Prospect Global of executive health benefits for coverage for the named executive officers and in the case of Mr. Dangler and Mr. Wallace also includes $5,000 and $100,000 of moving assistance, respectively.

 

(5)                                      The following named executive officers also received expense reimbursements from Prospect Global in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively, of: Mr. Barber $56,224 and $0; Mr. Avery $6,817 and $6,450; Mr. Rich $2,240 and $3,971; Mr. Dangler $3,674 and $0; Mr. Brownstein $96,870 and $22,266 and Mr. Wallace $8,564 and $0.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The table below describes equity compensation plans approved by our Stockholders prior to June 28, 2013:

 

Plan Category(1)

 

Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants and rights
(a)

 

Weighted average exercise
price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)

 

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)

 

2011 Employee Equity Incentive Plan (1),(3)

 

4,033,000

(2)

$

3.26

 

9,467,000

(2)

2011 Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan (1), (4)

 

4,725,000

(2)

$

3.09

 

3,475,000

(2)

 


(1)                                 Reflects equity compensation plans approved by our Stockholders. We currently do not have any equity compensation plans that have not been approved by our Stockholders.

 

(2)                                 Represents shares of common stock.

 

(3)                                 Provides for the grant of such awards, as well as incentive stock option awards, to employees (including employees who are officers) of Prospect and its qualifying subsidiaries.

 

(4)                                 Provides for the grant of such awards to non-employee directors and consultants of Prospect and its qualifying subsidiaries.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

The below table contains information regarding unexercised options; stock that has not vested; and equity incentive plan awards for each named executive officer outstanding as of the end of March 31, 2013:

 

 

 

OPTION AWARDS

 

STOCK AWARDS

 

Name and Principal
Position
(a)

 

Number of
Securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
exercisable
(b)

 

Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
exercisable
(c)

 

Equity Incentive
plan awards:
Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
unearned
options (#)
(d)

 

Option
exercise
price ($)
(e)

 

Option
expiration
date
(f)

 

Number of
shares or
units of
stock that
have not
vested (#)
(g)

 

Market value
of shares
or units
of stock
that
have not
vested ($)
(h)

 

Equity incentive
plan awards:
Number of
unearned
shares, units
or other rights
that have not
vested (#)
(i)

 

Equity inventive
plan awards:
Market or
payout value
of unearned
shares units
or other rights
that have not
vested ($)
(j)

 

Damon G. Barber

 

 

 

333,334

 

666,666

(2)

$

2.60

 

12/13/2022

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer, President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patrick L. Avery(1)(5)

 

 

600,000

 

 

$

4.25

 

12/26/2021

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director until March 7, 2013

 

 

150,000

 

 

$

2.60

 

07/01/2022

 

 

 

 

 

Wayne Rich

 

 

1,000,000

 

 

$

4.25

 

12/26/2021

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer, starting September 6, 2011 until December 13, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gregory M. Dangler

 

 

100,000

 

40,000

(3)

$

2.60

 

07/01/2022

 

 

 

 

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer starting March 7, 2013

 

 

150,000

 

150,000

(4)

$

2.88

 

10/18/2022

 

 

 

 

 

Chad Brownstein

 

 

100,000

 

 

$

4.25

 

12/27/2011

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Vice Chairman starting August 1, 2012

 

 

 

200,000

(3)

$

2.60

 

07/01/2022

 

 

 

 

 

Brian W. Wallace(5)

 

 

500,000

 

 

$

2.60

 

07/01/2022

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, starting August 15, 2012 until April 2, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)                                      Mr. Avery was appointed director, chief executive officer and president of Old Prospect Global on August 17, 2010 and upon consummation of the reverse merger in February 2011 was appointed director, chief executive officer and president of Prospect Global on February 11, 2011 and served in this same capacity through March 7, 2013.

 

(2)                                      333,333 options vest on December 13, 2013 and the remaining 333,333 options vest on December 13, 2014.

 

(3)                                      These options vest on July 1, 2013.

 

(4)                                      These options vest on October 18, 2013.

 

(5)                                      Mr. Avery and Mr. Wallace were not named executive officers as of the end of March 31, 2013.

 

The Board of Directors and Committees Thereof

 

Prospect Global’s board of directors held 16 meetings in fiscal year 2013. Each of our current directors who were directors at such time attended at least 75% of the aggregate total of meetings of the board of directors and committees on which they served, other than Marc  Holtzman and Zhi Zhong Qiu. Our non-management directors meet at least one time throughout the year and as necessary or appropriate in executive session as which members of management are not present. All of our directors attended our annual meeting. Our policy regarding directors’ attendance at the annual meetings of Stockholders is that all directors are expected to attend, absent extenuating circumstances.

 

Affirmative determinations regarding director independence and other matters

 

Our board of director follows the standards of independence established under the Nasdaq rules in determining if directors are independent and has determined that Mr. Holtzman, Mr. Qiu, Mr. Schatz and Mr. Swiller are “independent directors” under those rules. No independent director receives, or has received, any fees or compensation from Prospect Global other than compensation received in his or her capacity as a director. There were no transactions, relationships or arrangements not otherwise disclosed that were considered by the board of directors in determining that any of the directors are independent. There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers, directors or nominees for directors.

 

Committees of the board of directors

 

Pursuant to our amended and restated bylaws, our board of directors is permitted to establish committees from time to time as it deems appropriate. To facilitate independent director review and to make the most effective use of our directors’ time and capabilities, our board of directors established in fiscal year 2013 the Apollo committee, the special

 

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committee with respect to our rights offering and the financing committee with respect to capital raising and in fiscal year 2012 a governance, nominating and compensation committee, a finance and operations committee and a pricing committee for our two public offerings. In fiscal year 2012, our board of directors also approved the formation of an audit committee, although due to a lack of qualified independent directors, the board did not appoint members to the audit committee until April 1, 2012. The function of the Audit committee, the Governance, Nominating and Compensation committee and the Finance and Operations committee are described below.

 

Audit Committee

 

Our audit committee became effective as of April 1, 2012.  Mr. Schatz, Mr. Swiller and Mr. Holtzman currently serve on the audit committee, with Mr. Schatz serving as chair. The board has determined that each of the members of the audit committee meet the Securities and Exchange Commission’s definition of an audit committee financial expert. Each member of the audit committee is an “independent director” pursuant to the independence standards established under the Nasdaq rules. The audit committee is appointed by the board of directors to assist the board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to (1) the integrity of Prospect’s financials statements and financial reporting process and systems of internal controls regarding finance, accounting and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (2) the qualifications, independence and performance of Prospect’s independent accountants, and (3) and other matters as set forth in the audit committee charter approved by the board. Management is responsible for Prospect’s financial statements and the financial reporting process, including the systems of internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. Our independent registered public accountants are responsible for performing an independent audit of Prospect’s financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards and issuing a report thereon. The audit committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes. In fiscal year 2013, the audit committee held four meetings and has included an audit committee report in these proxy materials below.  Our board approved a written charter for the audit committee in November 2011 which can be found at www.prospectgri.com under the tab “Investors”.

 

Audit Committee Report

 

The following is the report of the Audit Committee with respect to the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, and the notes thereto.

 

Review with management

 

Management is responsible for preparing the Company’s financial statements and the reporting process, including the system of internal control. The Audit Committee, in its oversight role, has reviewed and discussed with management the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 and the notes thereto.

 

Review and discussions with independent accountants

 

The Audit Committee has discussed with EKS&H LLLP, the Company’s independent auditors, the matters required to be discussed by the statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1. AU section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T.

 

The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from EKS&H required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding EKS&H’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with EKS&H its independence.

 

Conclusion

 

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Company’s Board of Directors that the Company’s audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

SUBMITTED BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

 

 

 

 

Conway J. Schatz (Chair)

 

J. Ari Swiller

 

Marc Holtzman

 

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Governance, Nominating and Compensation committee

 

We currently have a governance, nominating and compensation committee established at a board of directors meeting on November 14, 2011, which currently consists of Mr. Swiller and Mr. Schatz. Mr. Swiller serves as chair of the governance, nominating and compensation committee.  The governance, nominating and compensation committee operates pursuant to a written charter which can be found at www.prospectgri.com under the tab “Investors”. The committee meets annually to determine whether to recommend to the board to include the nomination of incumbent directors with expiring terms in the proxy statement. The committee meets at other times as needed to consider candidates to fill any vacancies that may occur. At least once a year, the committee considers whether the number of directors is appropriate for Prospect’s needs and recommends to the board any changes in the number of directors, and reviews the performance of the board.

 

Finance and Operations committee

 

We currently have a finance and operations committee established at a board of directors meeting on November 14, 2011, which currently consists of Messrs. Swiller, Holtzman and Schatz, and met one time during fiscal year 2013. Mr. Swiller serves as chair of the finance and operations committee. Messrs. Swiller, Holtzman and Schatz are independent directors. The finance and operations committee monitors matters relating to our financial and business operations, including financial performance, capital structure, financial operations, business operations, capital expenditures, dividends and strategic planning policy matters.

 

Director nominations

 

In the event that vacancies on our board of directors arise, the governance, nominating and compensation committee considers potential candidates for director, which may come to the attention of the governance, nominating and compensation committee through current directors, professional executive search firms, Stockholders or other persons. The governance, nominating and compensation committee will consider candidates recommended by Stockholders if the names and qualifications of such candidates are submitted in writing in accordance with the notice provisions for stockholder proposals set forth under the caption “General Information—Next Annual Meeting of Stockholders” in this proxy statement to our corporate secretary, Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202, Attention: Corporate Secretary. The governance, nominating and compensation committee considers properly submitted stockholder nominations for candidates for the board of directors in the same manner as it evaluates other nominees. Following verification of the stockholder status of persons proposing candidates, recommendations are aggregated and considered by the governance, nominating and compensation committee and the materials provided by a stockholder to the corporate secretary for consideration of a nominee for director are forwarded to the governance, nominating and compensation committee. All candidates are evaluated at meetings of the governance, nominating and compensation committee. In evaluating such nominations, the governance, nominating and compensation committee seeks to achieve the appropriate balance of industry and business knowledge and experience in light of the function and needs of the board of directors. The governance, nominating and compensation committee considers candidates with excellent decision-making ability, business experience, personal integrity and reputation. Scott Reiman, a former director and, together with his affiliates, the holder of 7.5% of our outstanding common stock, suggested that the committee consider nominating Conway J. Schatz as a director. Mr. Schatz was appointed to the board effective April 1, 2012. Our management recommended our incumbent directors for election at our 2013 annual meeting. We did not receive any other director nominations.

 

Corporate governance

 

In addition to director nominations, the governance, nominating and compensation committee monitors the implementation and operation of our corporate governance guidelines and reviews from time to time the adequacy of the corporate governance guidelines in light of broadly accepted practices of corporate governance, emerging governance standards and market and regulatory expectations, and advises and makes recommendations to the board with respect to appropriate modifications. The committee also identifies and reviews measures to strengthen the operation of our governance guidelines, prepares and supervises the implementation of the board’s annual reviews of director independence, and the board’s performance, as contemplated by the corporate governance guidelines, and oversees the board’s processes for evaluation of management.

 

Compensation subcommittee

 

Our compensation subcommittee of the governance, nominating and compensation committee currently consists of Mr. Schatz and Mr. Swiller. The compensation subcommittee met six times during fiscal year 2013. The compensation

 

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subcommittee reviews, approves and modifies our executive compensation programs, plans and awards provided to our directors, executive officers and key associates. The compensation subcommittee also reviews and approves short-term and long-term incentive plans and other stock or stock-based incentive plans. In addition, the subcommittee reviews our compensation and benefit philosophy, plans and programs on an as-needed basis. In reviewing our compensation and benefits policies, the compensation subcommittee may consider the recruitment, development, promotion, retention, compensation of executive and senior officers of Prospect Global, trends in management compensation and any other factors that it deems appropriate. Our president and chief executive officer provides the compensation subcommittee with recommendations regarding our compensation program and the compensation of our named executive officers other than himself. The compensation subcommittee is not bound by the input it receives from our president and chief executive officer and exercises independent discretion when making executive compensation decisions. The compensation subcommittee may engage consultants (but has not already done so) in determining or recommending the amount of compensation paid to our directors and executive officer.

 

Compensation subcommittee interlocks and insider participation

 

None of the members of the compensation subcommittee are company officers. None of our executive officers currently serves or has served on the compensation subcommittee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors (unless properly excusing themselves) or as a director of another entity, one of whose executive officer serves or served as one of our directors or on our compensation subcommittee.

 

Finance and Operations Committee

 

We currently have a finance and operations committee established at a board of directors meeting on November 14, 2011, which currently consists of Mr. Holtzman, Mr. Swiller and Mr. Schatz (with Mr. Schatz’s appointment dated effective as of April 1, 2012), and met [one time] during fiscal year 2013. Mr. Swiller serves as chairman of the finance and operations committee. Mr. Swiller, Mr. Schatz and Mr. Holtzman are independent directors. The finance and operations committee monitors matters relating to our financial and business operations, including financial performance, capital structure, financial operations, business operations, capital expenditures, dividends and strategic planning policy matters.

 

Communications with the Board of Directors

 

Stockholders may communicate with our board of directors, any of the directors or any of the committees by sending written communications addressed to the board of directors, any of the directors or any of the committees to Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202, Attention: Corporate Secretary. All communications are compiled by the corporate secretary and forwarded to the board or the individual director(s) accordingly.

 

Code of Ethics

 

We have a financial code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller and any of our officers and employees that are members of our finance team, including any persons performing similar functions. We also have a code of ethics for senior financial officers that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller. Our financial code of ethics and code of ethics for senior financial officers codify the business and ethical principles that govern the financial aspects of our business. Both the financial code of ethics and the code of ethics for senior financial officers were adopted by Triangle prior to the reverse merger and were replaced in October 2011 with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, Corporate Communications Policy, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Corporate Governance Guidelines on Director Independence and an Insider Trading Policy. Copies of these policies are available on our website at www.prospectgri.com under the tab “Investors.” We will provide a copy of our financial code of ethics or code of ethics for senior financial officers to any person, at no charge, upon a written request. All written requests should be directed to: Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

 

Board Leadership Structure

 

The board’s current leadership structure separates the positions of chairman and principal executive officer. The board has determined our leadership structure based on factors such as the experience of the applicable individuals, the current business and financial environment faced by Prospect Global, particularly in view of its financial condition and industry conditions generally and other relevant factors. After considering these factors, we determined that separating the positions of chairman of the board and principal executive officer is the appropriate leadership structure at this time. The board, through the

 

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chairman is currently responsible for the strategic direction of Prospect Global. The chief executive officer is currently responsible for the day to day operation and performance of Prospect Global. The board feels that this provides an appropriate balance of strategic direction, operational focus, flexibility and oversight.

 

The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

 

It is management’s responsibility to manage risk and bring to the board’s attention any material risks to Prospect Global. The board has oversight responsibility for Prospect Global’s risk policies and processes relating to the financial statements and financial reporting processes and the guidelines, policies and processes for mitigating those risks.

 

Employment Agreements with Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Chief Operating Officer

 

We have an at will employment agreement with Mr. Barber effective December 13, 2012. Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, he receives a base salary of $450,000 per year and received options to purchase 1,000,000 shares of our common stock exercisable at $2.60 per share. 333,334 options are fully vested, 333,333 options will vest on December 13, 2013 and 333,333 options will vest on December 13, 2014. The options will vest immediately upon a change of control or if Mr. Barber’s services are terminated other than for cause or by Mr. Barber for good reason. Mr. Barber is eligible for an annual cash bonus based on performance goals established by the compensation committee of the board of directors in a maximum amount of 120% of base salary.

 

We have an at will employment agreement with Mr. Brownstein effective August 1, 2012. Mr. Brownstein is our executive vice chairman, reporting to our non-executive board chairman. Under the agreement Mr. Brownstein is required to devote all of his professional time with respect to natural resources to Prospect Global. He receives a base salary of $375,000 per year and is eligible for an annual cash bonus at the discretion of the compensation committee of the board of directors.

 

We have an at will employment agreement with Mr. Dangler effective October 19, 2012. Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, he will receive a base salary of $180,000 per year and was granted options to purchase 300,000 shares of our common stock at $2.88 per share which vest as follows: 150,000 options are fully vested; and 150,000 options will vest on October 18, 2013. On July 1, 2012, Mr. Dangler was granted additional options to purchase 140,000 shares of our common stock at $2.60 per share, of which 100,000 options are fully vested and 40,000 options will vest on July 1, 2013. Mr. Dangler is eligible for an annual cash bonus based on performance goals established by the compensation committee of the board of directors up to 80% of base salary.

 

We have an at will employment agreement with Mr. Rich. Mr. Rich receives an annual salary of $275,000 and received options to purchase 1,000,000 shares of our common stock exercisable at $4.25 per share, all of which have now vested. Mr. Rich is eligible for an annual cash bonus based on performance goals established by the compensation committee of the board of directors (or the board in the compensation committee’s absence) in a minimum amount of 80% of base salary and a maximum amount of 120% of base salary.

 

We entered into a Consulting, Termination and Release Agreement with Mr. Avery, our previous president and chief executive officer, effective March 7, 2013, which provides for severance of $480,000, payable over one year’s time in accordance with our regular payroll practice, payment for accrued vacation days and payment of an additional $5,000. Under the agreement, Mr. Avery provided consulting services to us as a Senior Advisor for 60 days.  Prior to that, we had an at will employment agreement with Mr. Avery during which Mr. Avery received an annual base salary of $480,000 and a stock grant of 1,500,000 shares of our common stock, all 1,500,000 shares of which have now vested.  ‘Mr. Avery was also eligible for an annual cash bonus based on performance goals, with a targeted bonus of 120% of the then current base salary (with board approval). On December 27, 2011, Mr. Avery was granted 600,000 options which vested immediately, have an exercise price of $4.25 and expire on December 26, 2021. On July 1, 2012, Mr. Avery was granted an additional 300,000 options having an exercise price of $2.60 and an expiration date of July 1, 2022, of which 150,000 vested immediately and 150,000 were forfeited on his departure from the Company.  As part of Mr. Avery’s Consulting, Termination and Release Agreement, the expiration dates on Mr. Avery’s 750,000 vested stock options were extended from 90 days from his departure date to their full original terms.

 

We entered into a Separation and Release Agreement with Mr. Wallace, our previous chief operating officer, on April 2, 2013 which provides for payment for accrued vacation days and mutual releases. Under the agreement, Mr. Wallace will provide consulting services to us as a Senior Advisor.  Prior to that, Mr. Wallace had an at will employment agreement with us effective August 15, 2012. Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, he received a base salary of $450,000 per year and received options to purchase 1,000,000 shares of our common stock exercisable at fair market value at the time of

 

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grant. 500,000 of these options vested on the grant date, while the remaining 500,000 options were forfeited by Mr. Wallace on his termination from the Company. The options would have vested immediately upon a change of control or if Mr. Wallace’s services as chief operating officer have terminated by us other than for cause or by Mr. Wallace for good reason. Mr. Wallace was eligible for an annual cash bonus based on performance goals established by the compensation committee of the board of directors in a maximum amount of 120% of base salary. As part of Mr. Wallace’s Separation and Release Agreement, the expiration dates on Mr. Wallace’s 500,000 vested stock options were extended from 90 days from his departure date to their full original terms.

 

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TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

 

We will present all possible transactions between us and our officers, directors or 5% Stockholders, and our affiliates to the board of directors for their consideration and approval. Any such transaction will require approval by a majority of the disinterested directors and such transactions will be on terms no less favorable than those available to disinterested third parties. Appropriate protocols regarding conflicts of interest and transactions with related persons are addressed in writing in our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. During fiscal years 2013 and 2012 through the date of this report, we have engaged in the following transactions with related parties:

 

Buffalo Management LLC.  In August, 2010, Old Prospect Global entered into a management services agreement with Buffalo Management LLC, which was amended in November, 2010 and was assigned to us at the merger closing. Buffalo Management provides advisory and management services to Prospect which includes but is not limited to identifying, analyzing, and structuring growth initiatives, strategic acquisitions and investments and arranging debt and equity financing. To date, Buffalo has sourced investors, facilitated Prospect’s leasehold position in the Holbrook Basin and generated business development opportunities throughout international sales markets. As compensation for these services, we have agreed to pay Buffalo Management (i) a consulting fee of $20,000 per month, (ii) an annual management fee in an amount equal to 2% of our annual gross revenues as shown on our audited financial statements each year, (iii) an acquisition advisory fee with respect to the consummation of each future acquisition or business combination engaged in by us equal to 1% of the transaction value, and (iv) an advisory fee of $650,000 related to consummating a transaction in which Old Prospect Global merges with or becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of a publicly traded company. We will also reimburse Buffalo Management for office expenses up to $5,000 per month. Buffalo Management also received a warrant to purchase 1,813,539 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.75 per share and such warrant expires June 21, 2016. In connection with the management services agreement with Buffalo Management, we entered into a registration rights agreement which requires us to register for resale the common stock and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrant. During 2011, Old Prospect Global and Buffalo Management reached an agreement whereby Buffalo received 1,516,667 shares of Old Prospect Global’s common stock, with an estimated fair value of $288,167, in lieu of cash for amounts due for management fees, office expenses and advisory fees through February 11, 2011. From January 1, 2011 through July 31, 2012, Prospect paid Buffalo $407,500, of which $257,500 related to amounts accrued by Prospect and owed to Buffalo through December 31, 2011.

 

On August 1, 2012 we entered into a termination of management services agreement with Buffalo Management. The management services agreement, which was terminable only by Buffalo Management, provided for fees to Buffalo Management for management services rendered in connection with significant transactions such acquisitions, dispositions and financings. Also on August 1, 2012 Chad Brownstein, the principal at Buffalo Management who rendered services to us pursuant to the management services agreement and our non-executive board chairman, became our executive vice chairman, a salaried employee of Prospect.

 

Pursuant to the termination agreement we: (i) paid Buffalo Management $975,000 cash and a warrant to purchase 352,150 shares of our common stock for $2.60 per share in satisfaction of the $1,500,000 fee payable to Buffalo Management in connection with the acquisition of the 50% of American West Potash LLC that we did not previously own and described above; (ii) issued Buffalo Management a warrant to purchase 268,304 shares of our common stock for $2.60 per share in connection with services rendered by Buffalo Management in connection with our recent public offering of 15,400,000 shares of common stock at $2.60 per share; and (iii) issued Buffalo a warrant to purchase 2,000,000 shares of our common stock for $2.60 per share in consideration of Buffalo Management’s terminating its right to future transaction fees and the $25,000 monthly consulting and office space reimbursement fee under the management services agreement. The fee payable to Buffalo Management equal to 2% of Prospect’s annual gross revenues provided for under the management services agreement survives the termination in perpetuity.

 

In connection with restructuring the Karlsson senior debt (as described more fully below), we were required to increase Karlsson’s royalty interest from 1% to 2% without increasing the aggregate amount of royalty interests payable to third parties in the aggregate. In order to achieve this result, we negotiated with Buffalo to reduce our royalty payable to Buffalo from 2% to 1%.  We agreed to compensate Buffalo for this royalty reduction by giving Buffalo either, or a combination of, at its election, (i) equity securities (that may include common stock, preferred stock or warrants for common stock as mutually agreed) equal in value to the determined fair market value of the royalty surrendered or (ii) preferred stock that is redeemable after we commence receiving revenues from the Holbrook Project for the determined fair market value plus accrued interest; provided that no securities shall be issued to Buffalo prior to July 1, 2013 and provided further that in no event will any equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities issued to Buffalo (x) exceed 10% of our outstanding capital stock or (y) be redeemable for aggregate consideration exceeding 10% of our equity market capitalization. To value the surrendered royalty we agreed to engage a third party valuation firm reasonably satisfactory to Buffalo. Our board has

 

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designated a committee composed of Ari Swiller and Conway Schatz to finalize these negotiations with Buffalo Management, neither of whom have any personal or economic interest in Buffalo Management.

 

Quincy Prelude LLC, one of our stockholders beneficially owning more than 5% of our common stock, owns 100% of the voting interests and 75% of the economic interests of Buffalo Management and has sole voting and dispositive power of the shares of our common stock owned by Buffalo Management LLC. Chad Brownstein, one of our directors and our executive vice chairman, is the sole member of Quincy Prelude LLC and has sole voting and dispositive power of the shares of our common stock beneficially owned by Quincy Prelude LLC. Patrick L. Avery, our former president and chief executive officer, owns a 10% non voting economic interest in Buffalo Management and Barry Munitz, our chairman, owns a 15% non-voting economic interest in Buffalo Management.

 

Hexagon Investments, LLC.  One of our former board members, Scott Reiman, who served on our board from August, 2011 to March, 2012, is the founder of Hexagon Investments, LLC. Conway Schatz, one of our current directors, is an Employee of Hexagon Investments. The details for these transactions with Hexagon are summarized below:

 

·                  On April 25, 2011, we issued a $2,500,000 face value secured convertible note in exchange for net proceeds of $2,500,000. The note converted to 881,507 shares of our common stock on November 22, 2011. We also issued Hexagon two warrants to purchase our common stock. The first warrant is exercisable until April 25, 2013 for up to 666,667 of our shares at an exercise price of $3.00 per share. The second warrant is exercisable until April 25, 2014 for up to 2,500,000 of our shares at an exercise price of $3.00 per share. In connection with issuance of the convertible note we granted piggy-back registration rights to Hexagon for the shares issuable upon conversion of the note and exercise of the warrants.

 

·                  On September 19, 2011, we issued a $1,500,000 convertible secured note in exchange for net proceeds of $1,500,000. This note converted to 399,033 shares of our common stock on November 22, 2011. We also issued Hexagon a warrant to purchase up to 980,392 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.83 per share, which is exercisable until September 18, 2013. In connection with issuance of the convertible note, we granted piggy-back registration rights to Hexagon for the shares issuable upon conversion of the note and exercise of the warrants.

 

·                  On November 22, 2011 we sold 2,588,235 shares of common stock and a warrant to purchase 2,588,235 shares of common stock at $4.25 per share for total cash proceeds of $10,999,998.75 to Very Hungry LLC, an affiliate of Hexagon. The warrant is exercisable at any time through November 22, 2012. We granted piggy-back registration rights for the shares purchased and issuable upon exercise of the warrant.

 

Also on November 22, 2011 we entered into a royalty agreement with Grandhaven Energy, LLC, another affiliate of Hexagon, whereby we sold Grandhaven an overriding royalty interest of 1% of the gross proceeds received by our subsidiary, American West Potash, or AWP, from the extraction of potash from its existing land holdings for $25,000 cash. If (i) the Arizona State Land Department declines to issue any lease to AWP with respect to any state exploration permit, or (ii) the Arizona State Land Department terminates any state exploration permit, or (iii) the Arizona State Land Department refuses to consent to the assignment of any royalty interests in any Arizona state lease, or requires any reduction of or imposes any condition on such royalty interests as a condition of approving an assignment of such royalty interests or approving any royalty reduction or other action with respect to a state lease, or (iv) if AWP has not been issued all of the state leases and conveyed to Grandhaven all royalty interests in all of AWP’s Arizona state leased premises on or before March 1, 2013, Grandhaven shall have the option to receive substitute royalty interests from us in the same number of acres in portions of our non-Arizona state properties, in a percentage sufficient to compensate Grandhaven for the reduced royalty interests in the affected state lease. If AWP has not been issued any Arizona state leases as of the date that AWP conveys assignments of the royalty interest in the non-Arizona state properties Grandhaven may elect to receive in substitution an assignment of a 1.388% royalty interest in all of the non-Arizona state leased premises. If we do not deliver assignments of the royalty interest from AWP to Grandhaven by December 31, 2013, Grandhaven has the option, at anytime thereafter, to purchase shares of our common stock at $4.25 per share in exchange for the surrender by Grandhaven of royalty interests for which assignments have not been obtained, valued at their fair market value at that time.

 

·                  On June 7, 2012, Hexagon consummated the contribution of all of its shares of common stock and warrants to purchase common stock to Very Hungry LLC. Subsequent to that transaction, the Scott Reiman 1991 Trust liquidated its membership Interest in Very Hungry and received a pro rata distribution of its interests in Very Hungry, including equity securities of Prospect. The beneficial ownership table set forth above reflects these transactions.

 

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·                  On July 5, 2012, Very Hungry purchased 4,807,692 shares of our common stock at $2.60 per share in our recent public offering.

 

·                  Very Hungry and the Scott Reiman 1991 Trust, referred to as the Very Hungry Parties, made a $5.0 million loan to us on May 2, 2013 and received from us subordinated notes in an aggregate principal amount of $5.5 million. In consideration for the subordinated loan we reduced the exercise price on warrants to purchase our common stock held by the Very Hungry Parties to $0.30 per share (in each case from exercise prices ranging from $4.25 per share to $3.00 per share) and extended the maturity of all such warrants to August 1, 2017. The subordinated notes bear no interest and mature on September 9, 2013. The subordinated notes are subordinated to all of our obligations to Karlsson. The Very Hungry Parties have agreed to invest the aggregate principal amount of their subordinated notes into a preferred stock that will convert into the same securities offered in our recent June 2013 public offering at the offering price upon stockholder approval of the conversion.

 

COR Advisors LLC.  On July 5, 2011, we entered into an Investor Relations Consulting Agreement with COR Advisors LLC, pursuant to which COR will provide to us investor relations services. This Investor Relations Consulting Agreement was subsequently amended on May 9, 2012 and on August 1, 2012. In connection with these amendments, COR’s services were extended through July 4, 2015 and expanded to provide additional services beyond investor relations following our July 2012 public offering. For services performed during the year ending on July 5, 2012, COR received (a) as compensation 300,000 shares of our common stock with 100,000 shares fully vesting on execution, 100,000 shares vesting on January 5, 2012 and 100,000 shares vesting on July 5, 2012 and (b) a onetime bonus of 40,000 shares of our common stock upon the listing of our shares on The NASDAQ Capital Market. COR will receive as compensation an additional 300,000 shares of our common stock for services to be performed during the year ending on July 5, 2013 with 75,000 of the shares vesting at the end each quarter during the renewal period. COR will also receive a monthly retainer of $20,000 through July 4, 2015 as compensation for its services. COR and its affiliates beneficially owned more than 5% of our common stock during fiscal years 2012 and 2013.

 

Related Party Receivables from AWP.  Prospect Global paid approximately $14,112 in 2011 on behalf of AWP. As a result of the consolidation of financial statements, related party receivables are eliminated upon consolidation.

 

Purchase of Remaining 50% Interest of AWP from The Karlsson Group.  Prospect entered into an agreement with The Karlsson Group, Inc. on May 30, 2012 whereby Prospect agreed to acquire the 50% of American West Potash LLC that it did not currently own for an aggregate purchase price of $150,000,000, or the equivalent of approximately $2.52 per share, before consideration of royalties and potential contingent payments. The transaction closed on August 1, 2012 at which time Prospect became the sole owner and operator of American West Potash.

 

Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Old Prospect Global signed a purchase agreement dated May 30, 2012 with The Karlsson Group, Inc. for the acquisition. We paid The Karlsson Group a non-refundable deposit consisting of (a) $6,000,000 cash, of which $5,500,000 was credited against the purchase price, and (b) a warrant to purchase 5,605,834 shares of our common stock for $4.25 per share. At closing, (a) we paid The Karlsson Group an additional $19,500,000 in cash, (b) Old Prospect Global issued The Karlsson Group a senior secured $125,000,000 promissory note and (c) American West Potash granted The Karlsson Group the right to receive 1% of the gross sales received by American West Potash from potash production from the real property over which American West Potash currently has leases, licenses and permits for mining purposes, capped at $75,000,000. In the event of a sale of at least 50% of American West Potash or a merger of American West Potash with or into an unaffiliated entity on or prior to August 1, 2016, we agreed to pay The Karlsson Group an additional payment equal to 15% of the net proceeds received from the transaction, capped at $75,000,000. In addition, at the closing, American West Potash received an option to purchase approximately 5,080 acres in Apache County, Arizona from an affiliate of The Karlsson Group for $250,000 which is exercisable for 150 days after payment in full of the promissory note. The Stockholders of The Karlsson Group have agreed not to compete with American West Potash within the Holbrook Basin of Arizona prior to August 1, 2015.

 

Debt Restructuring

 

On April 15, 2013 and June 26 2013 we entered into Extension Agreements with The Karlsson Group which restructured the senior first priority secured promissory note (the “Karlsson Note”) that we issued to The Karlsson Group on August 1, 2012 in connection with our purchase of Karlsson’s 50% interest in AWP (the “Initial KG Transaction”).  In connection with the First Extension Agreement, we amended some of the related documents, including the Karlsson Note (the “Karlsson Note Amendment”), and restructured the two promissory notes issued to affiliates of  Apollo Global Management, LLC (“Apollo”) on March 7, 2013 in the aggregate principal amount of $6.8 million (the “Apollo Notes”).

 

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The First Karlsson Note Amendment requires us to make future tax “gross-up” payments to The Karlsson Group to compensate them for increases in federal and state income taxes and other tax related matters .We currently estimate the cost of these tax “gross-up” payments to be approximately $26.3 million ($20.1 million if you include the tax gross-up payments owing prior to the Amendment date); however, the tax gross-up payments are subject to change based on future changes in tax rates (including increases in effective income tax rates caused by “minimum tax” provisions such as the “Buffett rule” or “flat tax” proposals) and/or future changes in certain interest rates published by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

Karlsson Note Amendments

 

Under the First Karlsson Note Amendment, the maturity date was extended to the earlier of (i) 12 months following completion of a DFS and (ii) July 1, 2015.  An interim principal payment of $30.0 million was due on the earlier of (i) six months following completion of a DFS and (ii) January 2, 2015 (the “First Payment Date”). Prior to the First Karlsson Note Amendment, we were required to prepay the Karlsson Note with 40% of the net proceeds of any capital raised, whereas under the First Karlsson Note Amendment we were required to prepay the Karlsson Note with 10% of the gross proceeds of any capital raised following the first $10.0 million of capital raised.  Under the First Karlsson Note Amendment, the annual interest rate of 9% changed from simple to compounding and is now payable quarterly in kind by automatically increasing the principal balance of the Karlsson Note.

 

Under the First Karlsson Note Amendment, we were generally restricted from incurring debt other than Approved Subordinated Debt, which is defined as debt that (i) is unsecured, (ii) is subordinate to the Karlsson Note and (iii) may be convertible to equity if issued on or prior to September 10, 2013. We were also required to meet the following capital raising milestones: (i) $5.0 million by May 15, 2013, which was satisfied by the Very Hungry Parties’ $5.0 million subordinated loan (see below), (ii) an additional $7.0 million by June 17, 2013, of which all or any portion may be raised as Approved Subordinated Debt, (iii) an additional $18.0 million by September 10, 2013, of which all or any portion may be raised as Approved Subordinated Debt, and (iv) an additional $25.0 million no later than August 1, 2014, of which no more than $15.0 million may be raised as Approved Subordinated Debt. We were also required to deposit $9.2 million of the first $30.0 million of capital we raise into escrow, which funds may be released solely to fund specified development expenses for our potash project in the Holbrook Basin. Additionally, we were allowed to incur up to $10.0 million in additional Approved Subordinated Debt prior to the First Payment Date, but may incur no more than $1.0 million of debt after the First Payment Date.

 

Prior to the First Karlsson Note Amendment, we had 15 days to cure a payment default and 30 days to cure any non-payment default after, in each case, receiving notice thereof. Under the First Karlsson Note Amendment, there are no notices or cure rights for any payment defaults or any defaults related to the financing milestones or escrow funding described above, or cross-defaults with other agreements. The majority of other non-monetary defaults now have a ten day notice and cure period.

 

Under the First Karlsson Note Amendment, Karlsson may assign the Karlsson Note and any of the other Karlsson related documents following the earlier of (i) September 10, 2013, (ii) an event of default under the Karlsson Note, and (iii) once we have raised at least $30.0 million of capital.

 

The First Extension Agreement contains customary lender releases and indemnification language.

 

Consideration to Karlsson for First Extension Agreement

 

In addition to changing the interest rate under the Karlsson Note from simple to compounding and payment of the tax gross-up amounts described above, as consideration to The Karlsson Group for entering into the First Extension Agreement and the related documents, we, among other things, (i) increased The Karlsson Group’s royalty interest from 1% to 2% (Buffalo Management LLC has decreased its royalty interest from 2% to 1%  as described below) and eliminated the $75.0 million cap on The Karlsson Group’s previous 1% royalty interest, (ii) decreased the exercise price on The Karlsson Group’s warrants to purchase up to 5,605,834 shares of our common stock from $4.25 to $0.25 and allowed all of The Karlsson Group’s warrants to be exercisable on a cashless basis, (iii) provided Karlsson with an enhanced collateral package, including a parent guaranty from us and a pledge by us of 100% of the shares of our wholly owned subsidiary Prospect Global Resources Inc, a Delaware corporation and the owner of 100% of American West Potash LLC, (iv) extended the term of Karlsson’s right to receive 15% of the net proceeds from the sale of the Company by one year to August 1, 2017, and (v) agreed to pay Karlsson  $275,000 for its attorneys’ fees and costs associated with consummation of the Extension Agreement and related agreements.

 

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Karlsson Second Extension Agreement

 

On June 26, 2013, we entered into the Second Extension Agreement with The Karlsson Group which further restructured the Karlsson Note and related documents.

 

Under this amendment, the interim principal payment of $30.0 million that was due on the earlier of (i) six months following completion of a definitive feasibility study and (ii) January 2, 2015 has been eliminated. We are also required to place 50% of the net proceeds of the next $24.0 million of capital we raise (for a total of $12.0 million) into escrow, which funds may be released solely to fund specified development expenses for our potash project in the Holbrook Basin. Two million dollars of the proceeds we received from our recent $5.0 million public offering (see below) were placed into this escrow, reducing our remaining escrow obligation to $10 million.

 

This amendment eliminated the financing milestones and added the following development milestones: (i) complete total depth on at least eight wells on or before November 1, 2013, (ii) deliver a completed and  updated final NI 43-101  resource report on or before February 1, 2014, (iii) deliver completed metallurgical and rock mechanic test work results that will be used to complete the mine and processing plant designs for the definitive feasibility study on or before June 1, 2014 and (iv) deliver a completed and published definitive feasibility study on or before December 31, 2014.

 

With this amendment, Karlsson may assign the Karlsson Note at any time to any person; previously it was assignable following the earlier of (i) September 10, 2013, (ii) an event of default under the Karlsson Note, and (iii) once we have raised at least $30.0 million of capital and there were restrictions on assignees. We also extended the term of Karlsson’s right to receive 15% of the net proceeds from the sale of the Company by six months to February 1, 2018.

 

The Second Extension Agreement contains customary lender releases and indemnification language.

 

Consideration to Karlsson for Second Extension Agreement

 

With this amendment, we issued Karlsson a five year warrant to purchase 3.0 million of our common shares at $0.12 per share and amended our registration rights agreement with Karlsson to include the shares issuable upon exercise of the new warrant.  The warrant may be exercised on a cashless basis. We also reimbursed Karlsson $125,000 for its legal fees and expenses.

 

The outstanding principal balance to Karlsson as of July 1, 2013 is approximately $117.4 million.  In additional, we are currently liable to Karlsson for accrued and unpaid interest and accrued tax gross-ups totally approximately 16.9 million, which will be due on the maturity date.

 

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP.  On July 5, 2011, we entered into a Fee Agreement with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, pursuant to which Brownstein Hyatt provides government relations services to us. Chad Brownstein, one of our directors, is the son of a founding partner of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP which serves as Prospect Global’s principal outside legal counsel. Mr. Brownstein’s father controls 696,153 shares of Prospect Global’s common stock. Prospect Global has paid Brownstein Hyatt approximately $0.5 for fiscal year 2012 and $3.6 for fiscal year 2013 for legal and lobbying fees. Prospect Global has also issued Brownstein Hyatt, as compensation for government relations services, 100,000 fully vested shares of common stock. Additionally, Brownstein Hyatt has purchased 200,000 shares of Prospect Global’s common stock which was paid for by issuing a promissory note to Prospect Global in the amount of $750,000 (representing the fair market value of the stock on the purchase date). The promissory note bears interest at the short term applicable federal rate and matures in one year. The promissory note is secured by the common stock purchased, and 20% of the outstanding principal balance constitutes a recourse obligation. As a result of the firm providing Prospect Global with government relations services as of August 15, 2011 and February 3, 2012, the principal amount of the Note was reduced by

 

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$750,000. On July 2, 2012, we granted Brownstein Hyatt ten year options to purchase 120,000 shares of our common stock at $2.60 per share as compensation for legal services. Chad Brownstein, our director and non-executive vice chairman, does not share in any of these fees or transactions.

 

Conflict of Interests

 

We have established protocols for corporate conflict of interests in our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics policy that prohibits conflicts of interests unless approved by the board of directors. Our board of directors has established a course of conduct whereby it considers in each case whether the proposed transaction is on terms as favorable or more to Prospect Global than would be available from a non-related party. Our board also looks at whether the transaction is fair and reasonable to us, taking into account the totality of the relationships between the parties involved, including other transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous to us. Each of the related party transactions was presented to our board of directors for consideration and each of these transactions was unanimously approved by our board of directors after reviewing the criteria set forth in the preceding two sentences. Each of the related party transaction was individually negotiated, and none of the transactions was contingent upon or otherwise related to any other transaction. As discussed above, copies of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics policy and Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Advisors can be found on our website: www.prospectgri.com under the tab “Investors”.

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to beneficial ownership of our common stock as of June 28, 2013 by each of our executive officers and directors and each person known to be the beneficial owner of 5% or more of the outstanding common stock. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to the shares set forth opposite the stockholder’s name, subject to community property laws, where applicable. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person or a group and the percentage ownership of that person or group, shares of our common stock subject to options or warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after the date hereof are deemed outstanding, but are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. As of June 28, 2013, we had 115,119,415 issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each stockholder listed in the table is c/o Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202.

 

 

 

Shares Beneficially Owned

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

 

Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership(1)

 

Percent of
Class(2)

 

Central Valley Administrators, Inc.

 

10,538,583

 

9.15

%

Very Hungry LLC(3)

 

12,430,335

 

10.36

%

The Karlsson Group(4)

 

8,605,834

 

6.96

%

Avalon Portfolio, LLC(5)

 

5,969,603

 

5.1

%

Hudson Bay Master Fund

 

15,000,000

 

12.23

%

Capital Ventures International

 

8,000,000

 

6.72

%

Tenor Opportunity Master Fund

 

7,450,000

 

6.27

%

Alpha Capital Anstalt

 

7,000,000

 

5.90

%

Cranshine Master Fund

 

6,300,000

 

5.33

%

Midsummer Small Cap Master, Ltd.

 

6,700,000

 

5.66

%

Directors and Executive Officers

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Barry Munitz, Chairman of the board of directors(6)

 

1,825,000

 

1.58

%

Chad Brownstein, Executive Vice Chairman of the board of directors(7)

 

7,072,160

 

5.94

%

Marc Holtzman, Director (8)

 

440,000

 

0.38

%

J. Ari Swiller, Director(9)

 

390,000

 

0.34

%

Zhi Zhong Qiu, Director(10)

 

340,000

 

0.29

%

Conway J. Schatz(11)

 

140,000

 

0.12

%

Damon Barber, Chief Executive Officer and President, starting March 7, 2013 and Chief Financial Officer from December 13, 2012 through March 6, 2013(12)

 

333,334

 

0.29

%

Wayne Rich, Senior Vice President, Treasury and Accounting, and Principal Accounting Officer, Chief Financial Officer until December 13, 2012(13)

 

1,000,000

 

0.86

%

Gregory Dangler, Interim Chief Financial Officer starting March 7, 2013(14)

 

290,000

 

0.25

%

Patrick L. Avery, Chief Executive Officer, President, Director until March 7, 2013 (15)

 

2,250,000

 

1.94

%

Brian Wallace, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President until April 2, 2013(16)

 

500,000

 

0.43

%

Devon Archer, Director until November 29, 2012(17)

 

1,800,000

 

1.56

%

James Dietz, Director until March 7, 2013

 

0

 

0.0

%

Total beneficial ownership of directors and officers, including former officers, as a group (twelve persons)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)

 

14,580,493

 

11.78

%

 

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(1)                                 Each person listed has sole investment and/or voting power with respect to the shares indicated, except as otherwise noted. The inclusion herein of any shares as beneficially owned does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership. Amounts listed in this column reflect shares issuable upon the exercise of options and warrants exercisable on June 10, 2013 or within 60 days thereafter.

 

(2)                                 Number of shares deemed outstanding includes 115,119,415 shares of our common stock outstanding as of June 10, 2013 and any grants, options and warrants for shares that are exercisable by such beneficial owner on June 10, 2013 or within 60 days thereafter.

 

(3)                                 Very Hungry LLC holds 7,588,727 shares of our common stock and immediately exercisable warrants to purchase 4,841,608 shares of our common stock at $0.30 per share expiring on August 1, 2017. The address of the reporting person is 730 17th St., Suite 800, Denver, CO 80202.

 

(4)                                 The Karlsson Group holds immediately exercisable warrants to purchase 5,605,834 shares of our common stock at $0.25 per share expiring on May 30, 2019. The address of the reporting person is 18 Ozone Avenue, Venice, CA 90291.

 

(5)                                 Avalon Portfolio, LLC holds 4,069,603 shares of our common stock and an immediately exercisable warrant to purchase 1,900,000 shares of our common stock at $3.00 per share expiring on February 3, 2014. The address of the reporting person is 5786 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, CA 92037.

 

(6)                             Dr. Munitz, our board chairman, holds 1,125,000 shares of our common stock and immediately exercisable options to purchase 700,000 shares of our common stock. Of the 700,000 options, 400,000 have an exercise price of $4.25 per share and an expiration date of December 26, 2021 while 300,000 have an exercise price of $2.60 per share and an expiration date of July 1, 2022. Dr. Munitz also owns a 15% non-voting ownership interest in Buffalo Management LLC. Chad Brownstein, our executive vice chairman, has sole voting and dispositive power of the shares owned by Buffalo. The address of the reporting person is c/o Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202.

 

(7)                                 This amount includes (i) Mr. Brownstein’s personal holdings of immediately exercisable options to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.25 per share expiring on December 26, 2021 and options to purchase 200,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.60 per share and having a vesting date of July 1, 2013 and an expiration date of July 1, 2022, (ii) 13,500 shares of our common stock held by Mr. Brownstein’s minor children, (iii) 274,667 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase 3,583,993 shares of our common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $3.07 per share held by Buffalo Management LLC and (iv) 2,900,000 shares of our common stock owned by Quincy Prelude LLC. Mr. Brownstein owns 100% of the voting interest of Quincy Prelude LLC. Quincy Prelude LLC owns 100% of the voting interests and 75% of the economic interests of Buffalo Management LLC and has sole voting and dispositive power of the shares owned by Buffalo. The address of the reporting person is c/o Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202.

 

(8)                                 Mr. Holtzman, one of our directors, holds immediately exercisable options to purchase 300,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.25 per share expiring on December 26, 2021 and options to purchase 140,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.60 per share and having a vesting date of July 1, 2013 and an expiration date of July 1, 2022. The address of the reporting person is c/o Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202.

 

(9)                                 Mr. Swiller, one of our directors, holds 150,000 shares of our common stock and immediately exercisable options to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.25 per share expiring on December 26, 2021 and options to purchase 140,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.60 per share and having a vesting date of July 1, 2013 and an expiration date of July 1, 2022. The address of the reporting person is c/o Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202.

 

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(10)                          Mr. Qiu, one of our directors, holds immediately exercisable options to purchase 200,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.25 per share expiring on December 26, 2021 and options to purchase 140,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.60 per share and having a vesting date of July 1, 2013 and an expiration date of July 1, 2022. The address of the reporting person is c/o Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202.

 

(11)                          Mr. Schatz, one of our directors, holds options to purchase 140,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.60 per share and having a vesting date of July 1, 2013 and an expiration date of July 1, 2022. Mr. Schatz is a manager of Very Hungry LLC but does not have dispositive power over the shares owned by Very Hungry LLC. The address of the reporting person is c/o Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202.

 

(12)                          Mr. Barber, our president and chief executive officer since March 7, 2013 and formerly our chief financial officer from December 13, 2012 through March 7, 2013, holds options to purchase 1,000,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of 2.60 per share, of which 333,334 options are fully vested, 333,333 options will vest on December 13, 2013 and 333,333 options will vest on December 13, 2014. The options expire on December 13, 2022. The address of the reporting person is c/o Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202.

 

(13)                          Mr. Rich, our former chief financial officer, assumed the position of senior vice president, accounting and treasury effective as of December 13, 2012. Mr. Rich continues to be our principal accounting officer and holds options to purchase 1,000,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.25 per share expiring on December 26, 2021. These options are immediately exercisable. The address of the reporting person is c/o Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202.

 

(14)                      Mr. Dangler, our interim chief financial officer since March 7, 2013 and before that our vice present of corporate finance, holds options to purchase 140,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.60 per share expiring on July 1, 2022, of which 100,000 are immediately exercisable and 40,000 having a vesting date of July 1, 2013, and options to purchase 300,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.88 per share expiring on October 18, 2022, of which 150,000 are immediately exercisable and 150,000 having a vesting date of October 18, 2013. The address of the reporting person is c/o Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202.

 

(15)                          Mr. Avery, formerly our chief executive officer and president until March 7, 2013, received stock-based compensation of 1,500,000 shares of common stock on August 17, 2010, all of which have vested. Mr. Avery also holds immediately exercisable options to purchase 600,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.25 per share expiring on December 26, 2021 and immediately exercisable options to purchase 150,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.60 per share expiring on July 1, 2022.  The address of the reporting person is c/o Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202.

 

(16)                          Mr. Wallace, formerly our chief operating officer and executive vice president until March 7, 2013, holds options to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.60 per share and an expiration date of July 1, 2022. The address of the reporting person is c/o Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202.

 

(17)                          Mr. Archer, formerly one of our directors, has sole voting and dispositive power of the 100,000 shares of our common stock beneficially owned by Archer Diversified Investments LLC. In addition, Mr. Archer’s personal holdings include immediately exercisable options to purchase 1,700,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.60 per share with an expiration date of November 26, 2022.  The address of the reporting person is c/o Prospect Global Resources Inc., 1401 17th Street, Suite 1550, Denver, CO 80202.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OFFERED

 

The following summary description of the securities offered hereby is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our articles of incorporation, as amended, our bylaws, and the form of Series A Warrant filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 21, 2013 and as an exhibit to the registration of which this prospectus forms a part.

 

Our authorized capital stock consists of 400,000,000 shares of capital stock, $0.001 par value, of which 300,000,000 shares are designated as Common Stock and 100,000,000 shares are designated as Preferred Stock.  No Preferred Stock is outstanding.

 

Description Common Stock

 

The following is a summary of our common stock and is qualified in its entirety by the provisions of our articles of incorporation and by-laws.

 

Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share in all matters as to which holders of common stock are entitled to vote. Holders of not less than a majority of all of the shares of the stock entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders constitute a quorum unless otherwise required by law. Our directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of our common stock in a meeting at which a quorum is present. “Plurality” means that the individuals who receive the largest number of votes cast are elected as directors, up to the maximum number of directors to be chosen at the meeting. Our stockholders may vote to remove any director for cause by the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of outstanding common stock. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of our common stock have the right to receive ratably and equally all of the assets remaining after payment of liabilities and liquidation preferences of any preferred stock then outstanding.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, there were approximately      holders of record of our common stock based upon information provided by our transfer agent.

 

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We have never declared or paid dividends on our common stock nor do we anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock within the foreseeable future. Our board of directors has the ability and may so choose to declare cash dividends on our common stock, at their discretion, in the future. In their determination to declare dividends, the board will consider, among other factors, the company’s financial positions, results of operations, cash requirements, and any applicable outstanding covenants. Holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by our board, out of funds legally available for their payment, subject to the rights of holders of any preferred stock that we may issue.

 

Central Valley Administrators, Inc., which holds 10,538,583 shares of our common stock (approximately 9.2% of our outstanding shares) holds demand and piggyback registration rights with respect to those shares. Buffalo Management LLC, which holds or controls 288,167 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 3,583,993 shares, holds demand and piggyback registration rights with respect to all those shares. In addition, other holders of approximately 22,000,000 shares of our common stock and warrants have piggyback registration rights.

 

Description of Series A Warrants

 

THE HOLDER OF A WARRANT WILL NOT POSSESS ANY RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER

UNDER THAT WARRANT UNTIL THE HOLDER EXERCISES THE WARRANT.

 

We will reserve and keep available at least that number of shares of common stock equal to the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of all outstanding warrants. In addition, so long as the common stock is listed on a stock exchange or is quoted on an interdealer quotation system, we will use our best efforts to list, or to be quoted, as the case may be, subject to notice of issuance, the common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants.

 

Duration and Exercise Price.  Each Series A Warrant offered hereby will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one share of our common stock at an initial exercise price of $0.12 per share, commencing immediately on the date of issuance and will expire on the fifth anniversary of the initial date of issuance. The exercise price is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of (i) certain stock dividends and distributions, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications of common stock or similar events affecting our shares of common stock and (ii) the pro rata distribution to all holders of our common stock of evidences of our indebtedness or assets, rights or certain warrants. The Series A Warrants will be issued separately from the common stock included in the units, and may be transferred separately immediately thereafter. If the Series B Warrants are exercised in full, we will issue additional Series A Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 42,839,890 shares of our common stock.

 

Anti-Dilution Protection.  The Series A Warrants contain full-ratchet anti-dilution protection upon the issuance of any common stock, securities convertible into common stock or certain other issuances at a price below the then-existing exercise price of the Series A Warrants, with certain exceptions. The terms of the Series A Warrants, including these anti-dilution protections, may make it difficult for us to raise additional capital at prevailing market terms in the future.

 

Cashless Exercise.  If, at any time during a Series A Warrant’s exercisability period, the issuance of shares of our common stock upon exercise of the Series A Warrant is not covered by an effective registration statement and under certain other circumstances, we or the holder are permitted to effect a cashless exercise of the Series A Warrant (in whole or in part) by having the holder deliver to us a duly executed exercise notice, canceling a portion of the Series A Warrant in payment of the purchase price payable in respect of the number of shares of our common stock purchased upon such exercise.

 

Transferability.  The Series A Warrants may be transferred at the option of the Series A Warrant holder upon surrender of the Series A Warrants with the appropriate instruments of transfer.

 

Exchange Listing.  There is no established public trading market for the Series A Warrants, and there can be no assurance that such a market will develop. We do not plan on making an application to list the Series A Warrants on The Nasdaq Capital Market, any other national securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system. Without an active market, the liquidity of the Series A Warrants will be limited. In addition, in the event our common stock price does not exceed the per share exercise price of the warrants during the period when the warrants are exercisable, the warrants will have little or no value.

 

Rights as a Stockholder.  Except by virtue of a holder’s ownership of shares of our common stock, the holders of the Series A Warrants do not have the rights or privileges of holders of our common stock, including any voting rights, until they exercise their Series A Warrants.

 

Fundamental Transactions.  In the event of any fundamental transaction, as described in the Series A Warrants and generally including any merger with another entity, the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets to another entity, or the acquisition by a person of more than 50% of our common stock, then the holders of the Series A Warrants will thereafter have

 

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the right to receive upon exercise of the Series A Warrants such shares of stock, securities or assets as would have been issuable or payable with respect to or in exchange for a number of shares of our common stock equal to the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the Series A Warrants immediately prior to the fundamental transaction, had the fundamental transaction not taken place, and appropriate provision will be made so that the provisions of the Series A Warrants (including, for example, provisions relating to the adjustment of the exercise price) will thereafter be applicable, as nearly equivalent as may be practicable in relation to any share of stock, securities or assets deliverable upon the exercise of the Series A Warrants after the fundamental transaction. In lieu of the right to receive upon exercise the shares of stock, securities or assets as would have been issuable or payable with respect to or in exchange for a number of shares of our common stock, the holders of the Series A Warrants may require us under certain circumstances to redeem the Series A Warrant for a purchase price payable in cash of the Black-Scholes value of the Series A Warrant, as calculated pursuant to the terms of the Series A Warrant.

 

Limits on Exercise of Series A Warrants.  Except upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to us, the holder will not have the right to exercise any portion of a Series A Warrant if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the number of shares of our common stock (including securities convertible into common stock) outstanding immediately after the exercise. A holder may increase or decrease this beneficial ownership limitation upon not less than 61 days’ prior notice to us but in no event may the limitation exceed 9.99% of the number of shares of our common stock issued and outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of a warrant.

 

Amendments.  We and a holder may modify or amend the terms of a Series A Warrant or waive provisions thereof upon written consent.

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The Transfer Agent and Registrar with respect to our Common Stock is Corporate Stock Transfer, 3200 Cherry Creek Dr. South, Suite 430, Denver, Colorado 80209.

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

The Class B Warrants were issued pursuant to an underwriting agreement between us and Roth Capital Partners, LLC, whom we refer to as the Underwriter.  The Underwriter purchased from us 41,666,700 units, each unit consisting of one share of common stock, one Class A Warrant and one Class B Warrant for $0.12 per unit less an underwriting discount of $0.0096 per unit.  The Underwriter also purchased from us for a nominal price an additional 1,173,190 Class A Warrants and Class B Warrants pursuant to an option to purchase those warrants to cover over-allotments.  We also paid the Underwriter a fee of $250,000 for services related to the proposed transaction with Very Hungry, LLC and Scott Reiman 1991 Trust whereby they will exchange their $5.5 million promissory notes for preferred stock that will, upon stockholder approval of the conversion, convert into the units purchased in the underwritten offering at a conversion price of $0.12.

 

The Underwriter will receive an underwriting commission of $0.12 per share for each share of common stock issued pursuant to the exercise of Series A and Series B Warrants.

 

We have agreed to indemnify the Underwriter and its directors, officers, stockholders, agents and employees against certain liabilities and expenses, including liabilities under the Securities Act. We have also agreed to contribute to payments the Underwriter may be required to make in respect of such liabilities.

 

The Underwriter advised us that they initially offered the units to the public at $0.12 per unit and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $0.0048 per share. The Underwriter did not allow, and the dealers were not permitted to re-allow, any discount to other dealers. After the offering, the offering price and other selling terms could be changed. The Underwriter may have received from purchasers of the units normal brokerage commissions in amounts agreed with such purchasers.

 

The offering price and terms of the public offering were established through arms-length negotiation between us and the Underwriter with consideration given to the trading price of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Capital Market.

 

The following table shows the per unit and total underwriting discounts and commissions we paid to the Underwriter.

 

 

 

Per Unit

 

Total

 

Public Offering Price

 

$

0.12

 

$

5,000,004.00

 

Underwriting discounts and commissions

 

$

0.0096

 

$

400,000.00

 

 

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We estimated that expenses payable by us in connection with the offering, including registration, filing and listing fees, printing fees and legal and accounting expenses, but excluding the underwriting commissions, will be approximately $1.35 million. We do not expect to incur significant additional costs in connection with the exercise of Warrants pursuant to this prospectus.  In no event will the total compensation payable to the Underwriter and any other member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. or independent broker-dealer (including any financial advisor) in connection with the sale of the shares and Series A Warrants offered hereby exceed 8.0% of the gross proceeds of this offering.

 

The Company, its directors, executive officers and stockholders of 10% or greater of our issued and outstanding common stock have agreed to certain lock-up provisions with regard to future sales of our common stock, beginning on June 21, 2013 and ending on, and including, the date that is 90 days (except in the case of the Company, 30 days) after such date, as set forth in the underwriting agreement.

 

In connection with the public offering, the Underwriter may have purchased and sold common stock in the open market. These transactions may have included short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the Underwriter of a greater number of shares than it is required to purchase in the offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the Underwriter’s over-allotment option to purchase additional shares of common stock from us in the offering. The Underwriter may have closed out any covered short position by either exercising its over-allotment option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares of common stock to close out the covered short position, the Underwriter may have considered, among other things, the price of common stock available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which it may have purchased additional shares of common stock pursuant to the over-allotment option granted to it. “Naked” short sales are any sales in excess of such over-allotment option. The Underwriter must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares of common stock in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the Underwriter is concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of common stock made by the Underwriter in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

 

Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions, as well as other purchases by the Underwriter for their own accounts, may have the effect of preventing or delaying a decline in the market price of our shares of our common stock, and may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities were commenced, they may be discontinued at any time. These transactions may be effected on the Nasdaq National Market or otherwise.

 

The underwriting agreement is included as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 24, 2013.

 

The Units were offered in the United States through the Underwriter either directly or, if applicable, through its registered broker-dealer affiliates.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the common stock and warrants offered by this prospectus has been passed upon for us by Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, Denver, Colorado. The Underwriter was represented by Morrison & Foerster LLP, Palo Alto, California. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and one of its partners collectively own 1,778,150 shares of our common stock and options to purchase 120,000 shares of our common stock. Norman Brownstein, a founding partner of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, is the father of Chad Brownstein, our executive vice chairman. See ‘‘Transactions with Related Persons’’

 

EXPERTS

 

The financial statements incorporated in this prospectus have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of EKS&H LLLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

The technical information and preliminary economic estimates relating to the Holbrook Project referred to in this prospectus have been included in reliance on the reports prepared by North Rim Exploration Ltd. and Tetra Tech, Inc., North Rim Exploration Ltd issued the Resource Calculation, as updated, analyzing the results of our field operations. Tetra Tech completed a Preliminary

 

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Economic Assessment and is completing the Interim Report to set forth a preliminary view with respect to the potential economic viability of the Holbrook Project.

 

INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO THE REGISTRANT

 

Prospect was incorporated in the State of Nevada on July 22, 2008 and On February 11, 2011 we completed a reverse merger and acquired Prospect Global Resources Inc., a Delaware corporation, which is now our wholly-owned subsidiary. We changed our name from Triangle Castings, Inc. to Prospect Global Resources Inc., a Nevada corporation, at the time of the merger.  In March 2012, we changed our fiscal year end from December 31 to March 31.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We file and furnish annual, quarterly and current reports and other information, including proxy statements, with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file or furnish with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. Our SEC filings are available to the public on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Our SEC filings are also available through the “Investors” section of our website at www.prospectgri.com.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Prospect Global Resources Inc.

(A Development Stage Company)

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2013

 

CONTENTS

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

56

Financial Statements:

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012

57

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the cumulative period from August 5, 2010 (Inception) through March 31, 2013

58

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the cumulative period from August 5, 2010 (Inception) through March 31, 2013

59

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) from August 5, 2010 (Inception) to March 31, 2013

60

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

61

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Prospect Global Resources, Inc.

Denver, Colorado

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Prospect Global Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries (a development stage company, the “Company”) as of March 31, 2013 and 2012 and the related statements of operations, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity for the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, and the cumulative period from August 5, 2010 (Inception) to March 31, 2013.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Prospect Global Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries, as of March 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, and the cumulative period from August 5, 2010 (Inception) to March 31, 2013, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has significant funding requirements which require capital that may not be available on favorable terms or at all, as well as a net capital deficiency that raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

 

EKS&H LLLP

 

July 1, 2013

Denver, Colorado

 

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PROSPECT GLOBAL RESOURCES INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(a Development Stage Company)

 

(In thousands, except number of shares and par value amounts)

 

 

 

March 31, 2013

 

March 31, 2012

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,024

 

$

11,300

 

Accounts receivable

 

6

 

1

 

Related party receivable

 

25

 

25

 

Other current assets

 

1,165

 

828

 

Total current assets

 

2,220

 

12,154

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncurrent assets

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

380

 

 

Mineral properties

 

39,994

 

13,469

 

Equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $132 and $6, respectively)

 

613

 

82

 

Deferred fees (Note 6)

 

7,751

 

 

Deposits

 

104

 

80

 

Total noncurrent assets

 

48,842

 

13,631

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

51,062

 

$

25,785

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

2,849

 

$

672

 

Accrued liabilities

 

11,758

 

844

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

122,032

 

 

Tax gross-up on note payable (Note 8)

 

6,226

 

 

Grandhaven Option (Note 11)

 

4,060

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

146,925

 

1,516

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grandhaven Option (Note 11)

 

 

4,060

 

Total liabilities

 

146,925

 

5,576

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 16)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock: $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized (increased on August 27, 2012 from 10,000,000); none outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock: $0.001 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized (increased on August 27, 2012 from 100,000,000); 72,595,718 and 39,489,173 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively

 

73

 

40

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

35,641

 

91,958

 

Losses accumulated in the development stage

 

(131,577

)

(79,711

)

Total shareholders’ equity (deficit) - Prospect Global Resources Inc.

 

(95,863

)

12,287

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-controlling interest

 

 

7,922

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)

 

(95,863

)

20,209

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity (deficit)

 

$

51,062

 

$

25,785

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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PROSPECT GLOBAL RESOURCES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(a Development Stage Company)

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31, 2013

 

Year Ended
March 31, 2012

 

Cumulative from
August 5, 2010
(Inception)

through
March 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration

 

$

 

$

4,954

 

$

5,600

 

General and administrative

 

42,737

 

16,877

 

61,101

 

Total expenses

 

42,737

 

21,831

 

66,701

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations

 

(42,737

)

(21,831

)

(66,701

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative losses

 

(1,900

)

(39,810

)

(56,666

)

Loss on debt extinguishment

 

 

(2,000

)

(2,000

)

Interest, net

 

(7,241

)

(1,939

)

(9,300

)

Total other expense

 

(9,141

)

(43,749

)

(67,966

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

(51,878

)

(65,580

)

(134,667

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest

 

12

 

2,703

 

3,090

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to Prospect Global Resources Inc.

 

$

(51,866

)

$

(62,877

)

$

(131,577

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss per share

 

$

(0.90

)

$

(2.24

)

$

(3.67

)

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

57,738

 

28,012

 

35,816

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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PROSPECT GLOBAL RESOURCES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(a Development Stage Company)

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31, 2013

 

Year Ended
March 31, 2012

 

Cumulative from
August 5, 2010
(Inception)
through
March 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(51,878

)

$

(65,580

)

$

(134,667

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services paid for with securities

 

776

 

2,064

 

3,156

 

Apollo fees paid with promissory note

 

6,750

 

 

6,750

 

Derivative losses

 

1,900

 

39,810

 

56,666

 

Loss on debt extinguishment

 

 

2,000

 

2,000

 

Stock-based compensation

 

13,794

 

9,717

 

23,512

 

Interest expense

 

7,250

 

1,939

 

9,309

 

Karlsson Group Tax Gross Up

 

6,226

 

 

6,226

 

Depreciation

 

108

 

5

 

114

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(5

)

(1

)

(6

)

Other current assets

 

163

 

(686

)

(665

)

Deferred fees

 

(2,287

)

 

(2,288

)

Deposits

 

(24

)

(80

)

(104

)

Accounts payable

 

497

 

70

 

1,169

 

Accrued liabilities

 

(915

)

299

 

(531

)

Net cash used in operating activities

 

$

(17,645

)

$

(10,443

)

$

(29,359

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mineral properties

 

$

(18,777

)

$

(1,948

)

$

(20,774

)

Land acquisitions

 

(380

)

 

(380

)

Equipment acquisitions

 

(639

)

(82

)

(726

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

$

(19,796

)

$

(2,030

)

$

(21,880

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from convertible notes

 

$

 

$

5,500

 

$

9,049

 

Merkin note amendment

 

 

(2,000

)

(2,000

)

Karlsson Note principal payments

 

(9,718

)

 

(9,718

)

Proceeds from common stock issued

 

61,883

 

17,994

 

79,932

 

Non-controlling interest acquisition

 

(25,000

)

 

(25,000

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

$

27,165

 

$

21,494

 

$

52,263

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(10,276

)

9,021

 

1,024

 

Cash and cash equivalents- beginning of period

 

11,300

 

2,279

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

 

$

1,024

 

$

11,300

 

$

1,024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible notes and accrued interest converted into shares of common stock

 

$

 

$

(8,417

)

$

(9,493

)

Common stock attributable to reverse merger

 

 

 

2

 

Fair value of land contributed by non-controlling interest

 

 

 

(11,000

)

Note receivable in exchange for shares of common stock

 

 

(1,125

)

(1,125

)

Warrants issued and recorded as deferred financing costs

 

 

(43

)

(43

)

Grandhaven Option, net of $25,000 receivable

 

 

4,036

 

4,036

 

Accrued development activities

 

4,671

 

471

 

5,142

 

Capitalized equity based compensation

 

3,077

 

 

3,078

 

SK Land Holdings Option

 

500

 

 

500

 

Sichuan success fee (in accrued liabilities)

 

1,588

 

 

1,588

 

Sichuan success fee (equity component)

 

3,876

 

 

3,876

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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PROSPECT GLOBAL RESOURCES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

(a Development Stage Company)

 

(In thousands, except number of shares)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional
Paid-

 

Losses
Accumulated in
the
Development

 

Non-
Controlling

 

Total
Shareholders’

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

in Capital

 

Stage

 

Interest

 

Equity

 

Balance at August 5, 2010 (Inception)

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Stock issued in private placements

 

16,413,638

 

16

 

38

 

 

 

54

 

Stock-based compensation

 

850,000

 

1

 

 

 

 

1

 

Contributions

 

 

 

 

 

11,000

 

11,000

 

Stock issued for services

 

2,141,667

 

2

 

314

 

 

 

316

 

Stock acquired through merger

 

1,735,000

 

2

 

(2

)

 

 

 

Convertible notes and accrued interest converted into common stock

 

358,559

 

 

1,076

 

 

 

1,076

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(16,834

)

(375

)

(17,209

)

Balance at March 31, 2011

 

21,498,864

 

21

 

1,426

 

(16,834

)

10,625

 

(4,762

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock issued in private placements

 

4,277,625

 

4

 

13,968

 

 

 

 

13,972

 

Stock issued for services

 

500,000

 

1

 

2,060

 

 

 

2,061

 

Stock-based compensation

 

700,000

 

1

 

9,716

 

 

 

9,717

 

Stock acquired through merger

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible notes and accrued interest converted into common stock

 

12,512,684

 

13

 

64,787

 

 

 

64,800

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(62,877

)

(2,703

)

(65,580

)

Balance at March 31, 2012

 

39,489,173

 

40

 

91,958

 

(79,711

)

7,922

 

20,209

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock issued for services

 

2,021,250

 

2

 

4,650

 

 

 

4,652

 

Non-controlling interest acquisition

 

 

 

(174,310

)

 

(7,910

)

(182,220

)

The Karlsson Group warrant issuance

 

 

 

34,620

 

 

 

34,620

 

Stock issued in private placements

 

235,295

 

 

999

 

 

 

999

 

Stock issued in public offerings

 

30,400,000

 

30

 

66,260

 

 

 

66,290

 

Cost of public offerings

 

 

 

(5,406

)

 

 

(5,406

)

Stock-based compensation

 

450,000

 

1

 

16,870

 

 

 

16,871

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(51,866

)

(12

)

(51,878

)

Balance at March 31, 2013

 

72,595,718

 

$

73

 

$

35,641

 

$

(131,577

)

$

 

$

(95,863

)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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PROSPECT GLOBAL RESOURCES INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(A Development Stage Company)

 

Note 1—Organization and Business Operations

 

Introduction

 

Prospect Global Resources Inc., a Nevada corporation (individually or in any combination with its subsidiaries, “Prospect,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), is engaged in the exploration and development of a potash deposit located in the Holbrook Basin of eastern Arizona, which we refer to as the Holbrook Project.

 

We were incorporated in the state of Nevada on July 7, 2008 while our wholly owned subsidiary, Old Prospect Global, was incorporated in the state of Delaware on August 5, 2010. We hold our interest in and control the Holbrook Project through our ownership of our wholly owned subsidiary, American West Potash LLC or AWP.

 

Between January and November 2011, we invested $11.0 million dollars in AWP and another party, The Karlsson Group Inc., contributed to AWP its ownership of mineral rights on eight private sections and potash exploration permits on 42 Arizona state sections, comprising a total of approximately 31,000 gross acres in the Holbrook Basin, for a 50% ownership interest in AWP. In July 2011, AWP entered into a Sharing Agreement covering 101 private mineral estate sections and related mineral leases on approximately 63,000 acres adjacent to or in close proximity to AWP’s existing mineral rights.  On August 1, 2012 we purchased The Karlsson Group’s 50% interest in AWP and became the sole owner and operator of AWP.

 

American West Potash LLC

 

AWP commenced operations on January 21, 2011, the date on which the Company and The Karlsson Group executed the Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement (the “Operating Agreement”). Through AWP, we hold potash exploration permits on 38 Arizona state sections, own the mineral rights on eight private sections and hold leases for the mineral rights on 101 private sections which, in total, cover approximately 90,000 acres. The state permits are for five year terms, of which 15 expire in 2014 and 23 expire in 2015. The private leases shall continue as long as AWP performs exploration or development activity.

 

During calendar year 2011, AWP acquired approximately 70 miles of 2D seismic data and completed the drilling and coring of 12 holes. The results from the seismic data and the drilling helped delineate the potash resource potential on AWP’s acreage and supported the completion of the Resource Calculation and PEA. This was combined with the historic information of approximately 58 holes in our project area. Due to the relatively shallow depth of the deposit, AWP plans to mine the potash employing conventional underground mining techniques.

 

On July 27, 2011, AWP entered into a Sharing Agreement covering 101 private mineral estate sections and related mineral leases on approximately 63,000 acres adjacent to or in close proximity to its existing mineral rights covering 50 mineral estate sections in the Holbrook Basin of eastern Arizona. This Sharing Agreement provides that AWP will pay the mineral estate owners specified dollar amounts during development of AWP’s mining and processing facility, an annual base rent and a royalty for potash extracted from these estates. The term of the Sharing Agreement is for perpetuity or until the earliest of cessation of operations by AWP for 180 consecutive days or abandonment of the potash mining operation by AWP. The owners of the mineral estates can also terminate the agreement upon specified defaults by AWP, some following cure periods.

 

Change in Fiscal Year End

 

On March 20, 2012 the Company’s board of directors resolved to change the Company’s fiscal year end from December 31 to March 31, commencing with the 12 month period ending March 31, 2012.  As a result of this change, the Company filed a transition report on Form 10-K for the three-month transition period ended March 31, 2012. References to any of our fiscal years mean the fiscal year ending March 31 of that calendar year.

 

Short-Term Liquidity and Capital Needs

 

As of March 31, 2013, we had approximately $1.0 million in cash and a working capital deficit of $144.7 million, including accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $14.6 million and indebtedness of $128.3 million. Subsequent to year-end and as a result of not being able to service this debt, we entered into debt restructurings on April 15, 2013 and June 26, 2013 that extended the due dates

 

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of this debt in exchange for certain other considerations and concessions. Refer to Note 18 — Subsequent Events of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information.

 

As part of the Second Extension Agreement, we are required to meet the following development milestones:

 

(i)             Complete total depth on at least eight wells on or before November 1, 2013,

(ii)          Deliver a completed and updated final NI 43-101 resource report on or before February 1, 2014,

(iii)       Deliver completed metallurgical and rock mechanic test work results that will be used to complete the mine and processing plant designs for the definitive feasibility study on or before June 1, 2014, and

(iv)      Deliver a completed and published definitive feasibility study on or before December 31, 2014.

 

In addition, under the terms of the Second Extension Agreement we are required to deposit 50% of the net proceeds of the next $24.0 million of capital we raise (for a total of $12.0 million) into escrow, which funds may be used solely to fund specified development expenses pursuant to the Extension Agreement. Two million dollars of the proceeds we received from our recent $5.0 million public offering (refer to Note 18—Subsequent Events of the accompanying consolidated financial statements) were placed into this escrow, reducing our remaining escrow obligation to $10.0 million. We are also required to pay 10% of all capital raised going forward to Karlsson and Apollo as payments on their respective promissory notes. If we do not meet any one of the required development milestones, Karlsson will be entitled to foreclose on the collateral securing the Karlsson Note, which could result in a sale of AWP or its assets to satisfy amounts owing on the note. Refer to Note 18—Subsequent Events of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further information.

 

As of the date of this filing, we have $1.4 million of available cash (excluding the escrowed cash of approximately $2.4 million which must be used for specified purposes related to development of the Holbrook Project pursuant to the restructured Karlsson Note), which includes the $4.1 million of net proceeds received from the public offering that closed on June 26, 2013. We will need to raise additional capital beyond what has already been raised to complete the development milestones in the Extension Agreement. If we are unable to raise the necessary funds to satisfy these development milestones, we will consider all available options, including the filing of a voluntary bankruptcy.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business.

 

At March 31, 2013, the Company has not generated any revenues to fund operations.  The continuation of the Company as a going concern is dependent upon the efforts of the Company to raise additional capital and meet operational, mine development and corporate requirements. As disclosed within these financial statements, the capital required to meet these requirements could be substantial and will require the issuance of additional debt and/or equity securities.  These requirements and potential lack of available funding raise substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.  The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Principles

 

This summary of significant accounting policies of the Company is presented to assist in understanding the Company’s financial statements. The financial statements and notes are representations of the Company’s management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), the instructions to Form 10-K and applicable Articles of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all of the normal and recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the financial information set forth herein have been included.

 

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Principles of Consolidation

 

As of March 31, 2013, the Company was the 100% owner of Prospect Global Resources Inc., a Delaware corporation (“old Prospect Global”).  Old Prospect Global is a holding company and the 100% owner of AWP; and, therefore, the Company accordingly provides the consolidated financial statements for the Company, old Prospect Global and AWP.  The purpose of consolidated financial statements is to present the results of operations and the financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as if the group were a single company. The Company has disclosed in the financial statements the amount of non-controlling interest attributable to The Karlsson Group (prior to the August 1, 2012 acquisition of the remaining 50% non-controlling interest) and has eliminated all intercompany gains and losses. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation.

 

Development Stage

 

The Company made a determination following the completion of the Resource Report and PEA in late 2011 that it had met the requirements to transition from an exploration stage to a development stage company and accordingly began capitalizing all development related costs related to the Holbrook Project as of January 1, 2012. Prior to this date and while we were in the exploration stage, all costs related to the Holbrook Project were expensed as incurred.  Development costs that meet the definition of an asset are capitalized when incurred.  These development costs include engineering and metallurgical studies, drilling and other related costs to further delineate mineral interests.

 

As of March 31, 2013, none of the Company’s mineral properties had proven or probable reserves as determined under the requirements of SEC Industry Guide No. 7.  Further analysis, including additional in-fill drilling, is required before any portion of the resource, if any, can potentially be upgraded to a proven or probable reserve status pursuant to SEC Industry Guide 7.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses incurred during the reporting period. The Company bases its estimates on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Significant estimates with regard to the Company’s consolidated financial statements include the fair value of mineral interests contributed by The Karlsson Group; the calculation of certain conversion features of the Company’s secured convertible notes; the embedded derivative liabilities associated with those secured convertible notes and the outstanding warrants issued by the Company (and the associated changes period to period); stock-based compensation; the liability associated with the Grandhaven Option; the fair market value of consideration associated with The Karlsson Group Acquisition and the Karlsson Note Tax Gross-Up (as defined in Note 8—Debt) amount.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash is comprised of cash deposits held at banks.  Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  As of March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no cash equivalents. During the course of our operations, our balance of cash and cash equivalents held in bank accounts may exceed amounts covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

 

Equipment

 

Equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets. Estimated useful lives of assets currently held range from 2-10 years. The Company’s policy is to review equipment for impairment at least annually.

 

Mineral Properties

 

Investments in mineral properties are capitalized as incurred. The carrying costs of mineral properties are assessed for impairment whenever changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying costs may not be recoverable. When the Company reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs will be depleted. Refer to Note 5—Mineral Properties for additional information.

 

Exploration Expense

 

Exploration expense includes geological and geophysical work performed on areas that do not yet have identified resources. These costs are expensed as incurred.

 

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Financial Instruments

 

Prospect’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes payable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, warrants and stock options. We carry cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and notes payable at historical costs; their respective estimated fair values approximate carrying values due to their current nature.

 

We do not use derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to cash flow, market or foreign-currency risks. However, we have in the past entered into certain financial instruments and contracts, such as convertible note financing arrangements and the Karlsson Note that contained embedded derivative features. The convertible note financing arrangements were carried as derivative liabilities, at fair value, in our financial statements until their conversion into common stock on November 22, 2011.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.

 

A valuation allowance is required to the extent it is more-likely-than-not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

The Company also reports taxes based on tax positions that meet a more-likely-than-not standard and that are measured at the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. Differences between financial and tax reporting which do not meet this threshold are required to be recorded as unrecognized tax benefits. The Company classifies penalty and interest expense related to income tax liabilities as an income tax expense. There are no penalties or interest recognized in the statement of operations or accrued on the balance sheet.

 

Loss per Share

 

Basic loss per share of common stock is calculated by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the respective period. Diluted loss per common share reflects the potential dilution that would occur if contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. For the 12 months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and from August 5, 2010 (Inception) to March 31, 2013, basic loss per common share and diluted loss per common share were the same as any potentially dilutive shares would have been anti-dilutive to the periods. Refer to Note 15—Loss per Share for additional information.

 

Equity-Based Compensation

 

The Company recognizes compensation costs for share-based awards based on the estimated fair value of the employee awards on their grant date. The fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over each issuance’s respective vesting period.

 

From time to time, the Company will issue share-based awards, including options and warrants, to non-employees. The fair value of these awards issued to non-employees (typically consultants) is measured on the earlier of the date the performance is complete or the date the consultant is committed to perform. In the event that the measurement date occurs after an interim reporting date, the awards are measured at their then-current fair value at each interim reporting date, estimated using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The fair value of these awards is expensed on a straight-line basis over the associated performance period.

 

Warrants

 

The Company classifies its issued and outstanding warrants as liabilities or equity in its financial statements, depending upon the criteria met and specific circumstances at a given point in time. Refer to Note 13—Equity Based Compensation and Note 14—Shareholders’ Equity for additional information.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

The Company has considered recently issued accounting pronouncements and does not believe that such pronouncements are of significance, or potential significance, to the Company.

 

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Note 3—The Karlsson Group Acquisition

 

On May 30, 2012, we signed a purchase agreement with The Karlsson Group, Inc. for the acquisition of the 50% of AWP that we did not already own. We subsequently closed this acquisition on August 1, 2012 at which point we became the sole owner and operator of AWP. With the signing of the purchase agreement, we paid The Karlsson Group a non-refundable deposit consisting of (a) $6.0 million in cash, of which $5.5 million was credited against the purchase price, and (b) a warrant to purchase 5,605,834 shares of our common stock for $4.25 per share. At closing, we (a) paid The Karlsson Group an additional $19.5 million in cash, (b) issued them a senior secured $125.0 million promissory note and (c) granted them the right to receive 1% of the gross sales received by AWP from potash production from the real property over which AWP currently has leases, licenses and permits for mining purposes, capped at $75.0 million. We also agreed to pay The Karlsson Group an additional amount equal to 15% of the net proceeds received from a future sale of at least 50% of AWP or a merger of AWP with or into an unaffiliated entity on or prior to August 1, 2016, capped at $75.0 million.  At the closing, we also received an option, exercisable for 150 days following payment in full of the promissory note, to purchase approximately 5,080 acres in Apache County, Arizona from an affiliate of The Karlsson Group for $250,000.

 

At closing, the allocation of the purchase price was recorded as an equity transaction using preliminary estimates related to the fair value of the consideration paid. As of March 31, 2013, we deemed these preliminary estimates to be final and the accounting for this transaction complete.

 

On April 15, 2013 and June 26, 2013, as a condition to the restructurings of The Karlsson Group debt incurred in connection with the acquisition, we entered into amended agreements with The Karlsson Group that modified some of the terms of the original acquisition.  Refer to Note 18—Subsequent Events for additional information

 

Note 4—Other Current Assets

 

In the normal course of business, the Company pays in advance for goods and/or services to be received in the future.  As of March 31, 2013, our prepaid balances related to items such as insurance premiums, service contracts, rental agreements and various other operating pre-payments.  The SK Land Holdings Option was acquired on August 1, 2012 as part of The Karlsson Group Acquisition and represents the estimated fair value of the land option acquired as part of this acquisition.

 

As we expect to receive benefits from these payments within the next 12 months, they have been reflected as current assets on the balance sheet.

 

 

 

March 31, 2013

 

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(thousands)

 

(thousands)

 

Prepaid insurance & rent

 

$

276

 

$

223

 

Other

 

389

 

605

 

SK Land Holdings Option

 

500

 

 

Total other current assets

 

$

1,165

 

$

828

 

 

Note 5—Mineral Properties

 

Additions to Mineral Properties for the 12 months ended March 31, 2013 included development costs such as engineering, environmental studies, drilling, allocated compensation including employee salaries, employee bonuses and employee and non-employee stock compensation, and other costs related to development of the Holbrook Project.

 

The recoverability of the carrying values of the Company’s mineral properties is dependent upon the successful start-up and commercial production from, or sale or lease of, these properties and upon economic reserves being discovered or developed on the properties. The Company believes that the fair value of its mineral properties exceeds the carrying value; however, events and circumstances beyond our control may mean that a write-down in the carrying values of the Company’s properties may be required in the future as a result of the economic evaluation of potash production and the application of an impairment test based on estimates of potash quantities, exploration land values, future advanced minimum royalty payments and potash selling prices, among other variables.

 

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Note 6—Deferred Fees

 

Off-take Agreement with Sichuan Chemical

 

On October 18, 2012, we entered into an agreement with Sichuan Chemical Industry Holding (Group) Co, Ltd, a Chinese limited liability company (“Sichuan”), under which Sichuan will purchase a minimum of 500,000 tonnes (on a take-or-pay basis, backed by a letter of credit) of potash from us per year for a period of ten years starting with the commencement of production from our Holbrook Project.

 

Upon execution of the Sichuan agreement, we owed a one-time success fee to a third party of $7.8 million, payable 50% in cash and 50% in common stock with the common stock component totaling 1,656,250 shares.  As of March 31, 2013, the Company had issued all 1,656,250 shares of the common stock and paid $2.3 million in cash to the third party.  The remaining $1.6 million is included in accrued liabilities at March 31, 2013.

 

The Company has elected to capitalize the total direct costs and fees of $7.8 million associated with the placement of this agreement and will begin amortizing these fees, if and when, the Company reaches production and over the term of the Sichuan agreement, or ten years. The Company will periodically evaluate the asset to determine the realization of the asset.

 

Note 7— Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

 

Development costs associated with the Holbrook Project in the amount of $2.1 million and $0.4 million are included in accounts payable at March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012, respectively.

 

Accrued liabilities at March 31, 2013 and 2012 included:

 

 

 

March 31, 2013

 

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(thousands)

 

(thousands)

 

Drilling/permitting

 

$

140

 

$

471

 

Mineral lease obligations

 

1,500

 

 

Legal

 

112

 

280

 

Vacation, bonuses and severance pay

 

982

 

27

 

Board of Directors’ fees

 

125

 

 

Sichuan success fee

 

1,588

 

 

Interest on promissory notes

 

7,229

 

 

Other

 

82

 

66

 

Total accrued liabilities

 

$

11,758

 

$

844

 

 

Drilling and permitting costs and mineral lease obligations are included in mineral properties as they relate to development costs associated with the Holbrook Project.  The $1.5 million mineral lease obligation relates to amounts due various owners of private sections in accordance with the Sharing Agreement.  The Sichuan success fee is the remainder of a one-time success fee due to a third-party consulting group.  This $1.6 million is also capitalized and included in deferred fees. The interest on promissory notes is comprised of the interest owing under the Karlsson and Apollo notes, all of which is payable within the next 12 months. Refer to Note 8—Debt and Note 18—Subsequent Events for additional information.

 

Note 8 — Debt

 

Prospect’s debt consists of the following:

 

 

 

March 31, 2013

 

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(thousands)

 

(thousands)

 

Karlsson senior secured note

 

$

115,282

 

$

 

Apollo unsecured notes

 

6,750

 

 

Tax gross-up on Karlsson senior secured note

 

6,226

 

 

Total debt

 

128,258

 

 

Less: current portion

 

(128,258

)

 

Total long-term debt

 

$

 

$

 

 

Karlsson Note

 

We issued The Karlsson Group a $125.0 million senior first priority secured promissory note at the closing of The Karlsson Group Acquisition on August 1, 2012 which bears interest at 9% per annum and which is payable on each principal payment date.  Pursuant to the terms of this note, we made principal payments totaling $9.7 million in November 2012 equal to 40% of the net

 

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proceeds received from our November equity offering.  The remaining principal balance of $115.3 million was due to have been repaid in two installments with the balance of the first installment or $40.3 million having been due on March 30, 2013 and the second installment of $75.0 million having a due date of July 31, 2013.  Unable to raise sufficient funds to repay the amounts due under the Karlsson Note on March 30, 2013, we entered into an Extension Agreements with The Karlsson Group on April 15, 2013 and June 26, 2013 that, among other things, extended the due date of the Karlsson Note. Refer to Note 18—Subsequent Events for additional information.

 

In addition to the mandatory prepayments equal to 40% of the net proceeds received by the Company from any equity or debt raise completed before the Karlsson Note has been repaid in full, the Karlsson Note is also mandatorily pre-payable within five business days of a sale of at least 50% of AWP or a merger of AWP with or into an unaffiliated entity. The Karlsson Note is guaranteed by AWP and is secured by (a) a pledge by Old Prospect and (b) a lien over all the assets of Old Prospect and AWP.  Certain of these provisions were revised subsequent to year-end by the Extension Agreement.  Refer to Note 18—Subsequent Events for additional information.

 

Including the tax gross-up (see below), accrued interest and the remaining unpaid principal balance, we owed The Karlsson Group approximately $128.7 million as of March 31, 2013, all of which is reflected in current liabilities at March 31, 2013.

 

Karlsson Note Tax Gross-Up

 

On December 24, 2012, we also became obligated to pay The Karlsson Group a tax gross-up as compensation for deferring the repayment date of the first Karlsson Note installment from December 24, 2012 to March 30, 2013, with the tax gross-up also payable on March 30, 2013.  We estimated this tax gross-up to be $6.2 million in accordance with the Karlsson Note terms.  However, this amount is subject to adjustment should retrospective tax changes occur prior to payment of this gross-up.  In accordance with accounting guidance related to contingent liabilities, the additional expense associated with the obligation to pay the tax gross-up has been included as a component of loss from operations.  This tax gross provision was subsequently modified and expanded in connection with the Extension Agreement entered into on April 15, 2013.  Refer to Note 18—Subseqent Events for additional information.

 

Karlsson Note Prepayment Option

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Karlsson Note, if Prospect had paid $100.0 million of principal on or before December 15, 2012, plus all accrued and unpaid interest, the entire inception date note balance of $125.0 million would have been deemed satisfied (“Prepayment Option”).

 

At inception, this Prepayment Option was deemed a derivative asset meeting the definition of a financial instrument and subject to Level 3 measurement.  Accordingly, the Company was required to remeasure the fair value of this financial instrument each reporting period.  The estimated fair value of the Prepayment Option as of August 1, 2012, the inception date, was estimated at $1.9 million. In that we did not exercise our option to pay the $100.0 million on or before December 15, 2012, the fair value of the Prepayment Option was subsequently reduced to $0. This change in the fair value of the Prepayment Option of $1.9 million is included in derivative losses.

 

Apollo Notes

 

On March 7, 2013, we entered into a Termination and Release Agreement with certain affiliates of certain investment funds managed by Apollo Global Management, LLC (which we refer to collectively as the Apollo Parties) that terminated the agreements we entered into with the Apollo Parties in November, 2012 (as amended in December, 2012). These agreements related to a potential financing transaction (the “Apollo Financing”) with the Apollo Parties that we terminated as a result of concerns over our ability to obtain the necessary shareholder approvals needed for the Apollo Financing. The fees related to this transaction are included in G&A.

 

Upon execution of the Termination and Release Agreement (i) we paid the Apollo Parties $0.8 million in cash and issued them two promissory notes (“the Apollo Notes”) totaling approximately $6.8 million as a break up and release payment and (ii) we reimbursed the Apollo Parties for $2.2 million of expenses incurred by them in connection with the Apollo Financing.

 

Principal and interest on each Apollo Note is payable in full on September 3, 2013 with each note bearing interest at the rate of 11% annum.  The Apollo Notes are also subject to mandatory prepayments in amounts equal to the lessor of the then outstanding balance and 33% of the net cash proceeds received in any debt or equity offering.

 

On April 15, 2013 and as a condition to the restructuring of our senior debt to The Karlsson Group (see above), the terms of the Apollo Notes were amended to extend the payment due dates and modify certain other terms.  Refer to Note 18—Subsequent Events for additional information.

 

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Note 9—Convertible Notes

 

As of March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no outstanding convertible notes.  While no convertible notes were outstanding at these dates, the Company has issued the following convertible notes in the past, all of which have since been converted into common stock:

 

In connection with the reverse merger completed on February 11, 2011, $1.0 million of the Company’s then outstanding convertible notes, which were issued in 2010, converted into 358,559 shares of our common stock.

 

Between January and September 2011 the Company issued various secured convertible notes.  On November 22, 2011, these convertible notes and their associated interest were converted into common stock. The following notes were outstanding prior to their conversion on November 22, 2011:

 

Secured Convertible Notes

 

$2.0 million face value secured convertible note due January 24, 2012

 

$0.5 million face value secured convertible note due January 24, 2012

 

$2.5 million face value secured convertible note due April 24, 2012

 

$1.5 million face value secured convertible note due August 3, 2012

 

$1.5 million face value secured convertible note due September 18, 2012

 

 

Accounting for the Secured Convertible Notes

 

We evaluated the terms and conditions of the secured convertible notes upon their issuance and while they remained outstanding. Because the economic characteristics and risks of the equity-linked conversion options were not clearly and closely related to a debt-type host, the conversion features required classification and measurement as derivative financial instruments. The other embedded derivative features (down-round protection features, automatic conversion provisions and make whole provisions) were also not considered clearly and closely related to the host debt instruments. These features individually were not afforded the exemption normally available to derivatives indexed to a company’s own stock. Accordingly, our evaluation resulted in the conclusion that these compound derivative financial instruments required bifurcation and liability classification, at fair value. These compound derivative financial instruments consisted of (i) the embedded conversion features and the (ii) down-round protection features.

 

Accounting for the Convertible Note Warrants

 

Based on the terms and conditions of the convertible notes, we concluded the associated warrants did not meet the criteria for equity classification. Accordingly, our analysis resulted in the conclusion that these warrants required classification as liabilities, measured at fair value both at inception and subsequently.

 

The following table reports the allocation of the proceeds from the convertible notes on the financing dates:

 

Secured Convertible Notes

 

Merkin Note
$2.0 million
Face Value

 

COR Note
$0.5 million
Face Value

 

Hexagon Note
$2.5 million
Face Value

 

Avalon Note
$1.5 million
Face Value

 

Second
Hexagon Note
$1.5 million
Face Value

 

 

 

(thousands)

 

(thousands)

 

(thousands)

 

(thousands)

 

(thousands)

 

Proceeds

 

$

(2,000

)

$

(500

)

$

(2,500

)

$

(1,500

)

$

(1,500

)

Compound embedded derivative

 

10,068

 

333

 

460

 

708

 

432

 

Warrant derivative liability

 

 

 

3,954

 

5,147

 

2,135

 

Day-one derivative loss

 

(8,068

)

 

(1,914

)

(4,355

)

(1,067

)

Carrying value

 

$

 

$

(167

)

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

The carrying value of the secured convertible notes at March 31, 2013 and 2012 was nil and nil, respectively.

 

Discounts (premiums) on the convertible notes stemmed from (i) the allocation of basis to other instruments issued in the transaction, (ii) fees paid directly to the creditor and (iii) initial recognition at fair value, which were lower than face value. Discounts (premiums) were amortized through charges (credits) to interest expense over the term of the debt agreement. Amortization of debt discounts amounted to $1.6 million during the period from August 5, 2010 (Inception) to March 31, 2013, $1.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2012 and nil for the year ended March 31, 2013.

 

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Note 10—Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Derivative Assets

 

As of March 31, 2013 and 2012, we had no derivative assets. However, as discussed in Note 8—Debt, we recorded a $1.9 million derivative asset at the inception of the Karlsson Note on August 1, 2012 related to the Prepayment Option but when we did not exercise that option on or before December 15, 2012, the fair value of the Prepayment Option was subsequently reduced to $0 and a corresponding charge was recorded to derivative losses.

 

Derivative Liabilities

 

As of March 31, 2013 and 2012, the fair values of the compound embedded derivatives and the warrant derivative liabilities were nil. As discussed in Note 9—Convertible Notes, the secured convertible notes were converted into common stock on November 22, 2011. As a result of the conversions, the compound embedded derivatives were eliminated as they existed because of and derived their values from the convertible notes. Additionally, the warrant derivative liabilities were eliminated. From the inception of the financings through November 22, 2011, the warrants were required to be classified as derivative liabilities due to the down-round protection features, automatic conversion provisions, and the make-whole provisions contained in the secured convertible notes. With the conversion of the secured convertible notes on November 22, 2011, the warrants were no longer required to be carried as derivative liabilities as the provisions and features giving rise to the warrant liabilities were also eliminated. As such, the warrants were reclassified to stockholders’ equity on November 22, 2011.

 

The following table summarizes the effects on our loss associated with changes in the fair values of our derivative financial instruments for the year ended March 31, 2012. For information on our $1.9 million derivative loss for the year ended March 31, 2013, please see the preceding section on Derivative Assets above.  No gain (loss) was recognized for the period August 5, 2010 (Inception) through March 31, 2011.

 

Our financings giving rise to derivative financial instruments and the income effects:

 

Year Ended
March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(thousands)

 

Compound embedded derivatives

 

$

(23,525

)

Day-one derivative loss

 

(7,336

)

Warrant derivative liabilities

 

(8,949

)

Total derivative loss

 

$

(39,810

)

 

Fair Value Considerations

 

GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. As presented in the tables below, this hierarchy consists of three broad levels:

 

Level 1 valuations:

 

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

 

Level 2 valuations:

 

Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs or significant value drivers are observable.

 

Level 3 valuations:

 

Significant inputs to valuation model are unobservable.

 

 

We classify assets and liabilities measured at fair value in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to their fair value measurement. We measure all our derivative financial instruments that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. However, as of March 31, 2013 and 2012 none of our outstanding instruments required fair value measurement.

 

The features embedded in the secured convertible notes were combined into one compound embedded derivative that we valued using the income valuation technique using the Monte Carlo valuation model. The Monte Carlo model was believed by our management to be the best available technique for this compound derivative because, in addition to providing for inputs such as trading market values, volatilities and risk free rates, the Monte Carlo model also embodies assumptions that provide for credit risk, interest risk and redemption behaviors (i.e. assumptions market participants exchanging debt-type instruments would also consider). The Monte Carlo model simulates multiple outcomes over the period to maturity using multiple assumption inputs also over the period to maturity. As of March 31, 2013 and 2012, all of our compound embedded derivatives valued using the Monte Carlo model had been eliminated and thus no fair value measurements were required.

 

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The warrants were valued using a binomial-lattice-based valuation model. The lattice-based valuation technique was utilized because it embodies all of the requisite assumptions (including the underlying price, exercise price, term, volatility, and risk-free interest-rate) that are necessary to fair value these instruments. For forward contracts that contingently require net-cash settlement as the principal means of settlement, we project and discount future cash flows applying probability-weights to multiple possible outcomes. Estimating fair values of derivative financial instruments requires the development of significant and subjective estimates that may, and are likely to, change over the duration of the instrument with related changes in internal and external market factors. In addition, option-based techniques are highly volatile and sensitive to changes in the trading market price of our common stock. Because derivative financial instruments are initially and subsequently carried at fair values, our income will reflect the volatility in these estimate and assumption changes. As of March 31, 2013 and 2012, none of our outstanding warrants required fair value measurement.

 

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair valued hierarchy:

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Information

 

 

 

2013

 

2012

 

 

 

(thousands)

 

(thousands)

 

Beginning balance as of period ended March 31

 

$

 

$

(17,288

)

Total gains or losses (realized or unrealized):

 

 

 

 

 

Included in earnings

 

 

(20,956

)

Warrant issuances

 

 

(12,396

)

Warrant reclassification to equity

 

 

20,228

 

Debenture issuances

 

 

(12,001

)

Debenture conversions

 

 

42,413

 

Ending balance as of March 31

 

 

 

 

Note 11—Grandhaven Option

 

On November 22, 2011, Prospect completed two transactions with entities related to Hexagon Investments, LLC (refer to Note 12—Related Party Transactions for additional information). As part of the consideration given in those transactions, Prospect must either (a) assign a 1% overriding royalty interest in AWP’s future production revenues or (b) settle the obligation through issuance of the Company’s common shares to a Hexagon related entity, Grandhaven Energy, based on the estimated fair value of a 1% royalty interest at the time of exercise (“Grandhaven Option.”).  To the extent we have not completed the assignment of this 1% royalty interest to Grandhaven Energy by December 31, 2013, Grandhaven Energy can elect to have this obligation settled through the issuance of the Company’s common shares at any time after this date.

 

Therefore, upon execution of the transaction, we recognized a non-recurring liability for the fair value of the obligation. In order to establish the fair value of a 1% overriding royalty interest and ultimately our performance obligation, we used the fair value hierarchy established by GAAP. We used the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement, measuring the fair value of the obligation using Level 3 inputs.

 

Recognizing that the Grandhaven Option derives its value from the fair value of a 1% royalty interest, we used the income approach to estimate the fair value of a 1% royalty interest. The royalty is calculated based upon anticipated gross sales of potash. To calculate the value of the 1% royalty interest at inception, management developed a model to estimate the net present value (NPV) of future gross potash sales. The model probability weighted possible outcomes utilizing varying selling price and production inputs. The discount rate applied throughout the model represented Prospect’s estimated cost of capital.

 

Based on the above, the fair value for the Grandhaven Option upon issuance (November 22, 2011) was deemed to be $4.1 million.

 

Note 12—Related Party Transactions

 

Buffalo Management LLC

 

Quincy Prelude LLC, one of our stockholders beneficially owning more than 5% of our common stock, owns 100% of the voting interests and 75% of the economic interests of Buffalo Management LLC (“Buffalo Management”) and has sole voting and dispositive power of the shares of our common stock owned by Buffalo Management. Chad Brownstein, one of our directors and executive vice chairman, is the sole member of Quincy Prelude LLC and has sole voting and dispositive power of the shares of our

 

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common stock beneficially owned by Quincy Prelude LLC. Barry Munitz, our chairman, owns a 15% non-voting economic interest in Buffalo Management.

 

On August 1, 2012 we entered into a termination of the management services agreement with Buffalo Management.  The management services agreement, which was terminable only by Buffalo Management, provided for fees to Buffalo Management for management services rendered in connection with significant transactions such as acquisitions, dispositions and financings.  Also on August 1, 2012, Chad Brownstein, the principal at Buffalo Management who rendered services to us pursuant to the management services agreement and our non-executive board chairman at the time, became our executive vice chairman.

 

Pursuant to the termination agreement we: (i) paid Buffalo Management $975,000 in cash and issued them a warrant to purchase 352,150 shares of our common stock for $2.60 per share in satisfaction of the $1.5 million fee payable to Buffalo Management in connection with the acquisition of the 50% of American West Potash that we did not previously own and described above in Note 3—The Karlsson Group Acquisition; (ii) issued Buffalo Management a warrant to purchase 268,304 shares of our common stock for $2.60 per share in connection with services rendered by Buffalo Management in connection with our July, 2012 public offering of 15,400,000 shares of common stock at $2.60 per share; and (iii) issued Buffalo a warrant to purchase 2,000,000 shares of our common stock for $2.60 per share in consideration of Buffalo Management’s terminating its right to future transaction fees and the $20,000 monthly consulting fee under the management services agreement.  The fee payable to Buffalo Management equal to 2% of Prospect Global’s annual gross revenues in perpetuity and provided for under Section 2(a) of the management services agreement survived the termination.  On April 15, 2013 and as a condition to the Extension Agreement entered into with The Karlsson Group on this same date, this 2% fee was reduced to 1% in exchange for consideration yet to be determined.  Refer to Note 18—Subsequent Events for additional information.

 

The warrant to purchase an aggregate of 2,620,454 shares of our common stock for $2.60 per share that we issued to Buffalo Management on August 1, 2012 is exercisable through July 31, 2017, subject to a two year extension in the event of a change of control of Prospect Global.  The fair value of the warrant issued to Buffalo Management on August 1, 2012 was estimated at $5.2 million using the Black-Scholes pricing model.  Significant inputs included the Company’s stock price, an estimated term of five years, estimated volatility of 177.26%, risk free rate of 0.61% and no dividends.  We also amended our registration rights agreement with Buffalo Management to cover the shares issuable pursuant to the August 1, 2012 warrant.  The amended registration rights agreement provides for demand and piggy-back registration rights, provided that each demand registration is limited to 1,100,000 shares.

 

During the 12 months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the period from inception through March 31, 2013, Prospect paid Buffalo Management approximately $1.1 million, $0.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively.  As of March 31, 2013 and 2012, accrued liabilities included nil and twenty-five thousand dollars, respectively, related to amounts owing to Buffalo Management.

 

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP

 

Chad Brownstein, one of our directors and executive vice chairman, is the son of a founding partner of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP (“Brownstein Hyatt”), which serves as Prospect Global’s principal outside legal counsel. Mr. Brownstein’s father controls 1,778,150 shares of Prospect Global’s common stock which includes the 781,997 shares issued in May 2013 in lieu of payment for services then owing (see below). During the 12 months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the period from inception through March 31, 2013, Prospect paid Brownstein Hyatt approximately $3.6 million $0.5 million and $4.3 million, respectively, in legal and lobbying/permitting fees. Approximately $0.8 million and $0.3 million payable to Brownstein Hyatt are included in accrued liabilities and accounts payable as of March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Chad Brownstein does not share in any of these fees.

 

On July 2, 2012, we issued Brownstein Hyatt ten year options to purchase 120,000 shares of our common stock at $2.60 per share as compensation.  In May 2013, we entered into an agreement with Brownstein Hyatt under which Brownstein Hyatt received 781,997 shares of our common stock in lieu of payment for services owing at March 31, 2013 in the amount of $0.2 million.

 

Hexagon Investments, LLC / Grandhaven Energy, LLC / Very Hungry LLC / Scott Reiman 1991 Trust

 

One of our former board members, Scott Reiman, who served on our board from August 2011 to March 2012, is the founder of Hexagon Investments, LLC (“Hexagon”). Hexagon was not a related party prior to these transactions. The relationship between Hexagon, Grandhaven Energy, Very Hungry and the Scott Reiman 1991 Trust and the details of our transactions with these entities are summarized below:

 

·                  On April 25, 2011, we issued a $2.5 million face value secured convertible note in exchange for net proceeds of $2.5 million. The note converted into 881,507 shares of our common stock on November 22, 2011. We also issued Hexagon two warrants to purchase our common stock. The first warrant is exercisable until April 25, 2013 for up to 666,667 of

 

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our shares at an exercise price of $3.00 per share. The second warrant is exercisable until April 25, 2014 for up to 2,500,000 of our shares at an exercise price of $3.00 per share. In connection with issuance of the convertible note we granted piggy-back registration rights to Hexagon for the shares issuable upon conversion of the note and exercise of the warrants.

 

·                  On September 19, 2011, we issued a $1.5 million convertible secured note in exchange for net proceeds of $1.5 million. This note converted to 399,033 shares of our common stock on November 22, 2011. We also issued Hexagon a warrant to purchase up to 980,392 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.83 per share, which is exercisable until September 18, 2013. In connection with issuance of the convertible note, we granted piggy-back registration rights to Hexagon for the shares issuable upon conversion of the note and exercise of the warrants.

 

·                  On November 22, 2011 we sold 2,588,235 shares of common stock and a warrant to purchase 2,588,235 shares of common stock at $4.25 per share for total cash proceeds of $11.0 million to Very Hungry LLC, an affiliate of Hexagon. The warrant is exercisable at any time through August 5, 2013. We granted piggy-back registration rights for the shares purchased and issuable upon exercise of the warrant.

 

Also on November 22, 2011 we entered into a royalty agreement with Grandhaven Energy, LLC, an affiliate of Hexagon, whereby we sold Grandhaven an overriding royalty interest of 1% of the gross proceeds received by our subsidiary AWP from the extraction of potash from its existing land holdings for $25,000 cash. If (i) the Arizona State Land Department declines to issue any lease to AWP with respect to any state exploration permit, or (ii) the Arizona State Land Department terminates any state exploration permit, or (iii) the Arizona State Land Department refuses to consent to the assignment of any royalty interests in any Arizona state lease, or requires any reduction of or imposes any condition on such royalty interests as a condition of approving an assignment of such royalty interests or approving any royalty reduction or other action with respect to a state lease, or (iv) if AWP has not been issued all of the state leases and conveyed to Grandhaven all royalty interests in all of AWP’s Arizona state leased premises on or before March 1, 2013, Grandhaven has the option to receive substitute royalty interests from us in the same number of acres in portions of our non-Arizona state properties, in a percentage sufficient to compensate Grandhaven for the reduced royalty interests in the affected state lease. If AWP has not been issued any Arizona state leases as of the date that AWP conveys assignments of the royalty interest in the non-Arizona state properties Grandhaven may elect to receive in substitution an assignment of a 1.388% royalty interest in all of the non-Arizona state leased premises. If we do not deliver assignments of the royalty interest from AWP to Grandhaven by December 31, 2013, Grandhaven has the option, at any time thereafter, to purchase shares of our common stock at $4.25 per share in exchange for the surrender by Grandhaven of royalty interests for which assignments have not been obtained, valued at their fair market value at that time (collectively the “Grandhaven Option”).

 

·                  Grandhaven Energy controls Very Hungry LLC.  Conway Schatz, a manager of Very Hungry, joined our board of directors effective April 1, 2012 and currently holds 140,000 options to purchase shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.60 per share.  Mr. Schatz does not have dispositive power over the shares owned by Very Hungry.

 

·                  On June 7, 2012, Hexagon consummated the contribution of all of its shares of common stock and warrants to purchase common stock to Very Hungry. Subsequent to that transaction, the Scott Reiman 1991 Trust liquidated its membership Interest in Very Hungry and received a pro rata distribution of its interests in Very Hungry, including equity securities of Prospect.

 

·                  On July 5, 2012, Very Hungry purchased 4,807,692 shares of our common stock at $2.60 per share in a public offering for total cash proceeds of $12.5 million.

 

·                  On May 2, 2013, we borrowed $5.0 million from Very Hungry, LLC and the Scott Reiman 1991 Trust in exchange for $5.5 million in unsecured, subordinated promissory notes.  In consideration for this loan, we reduced the exercise price on all warrants to purchase our common stock held by the lenders to $0.30 per share (from exercises prices ranging from $4.25 per share to $3.00 per share) and extended the maturity of all these warrants to August 1, 2017. Very Hungry, LLC and the Scott Reiman 1991 Trust have agreed to invest their $5.5 million subordinated notes in convertible preferred stock that would be automatically convertible upon stockholder approval of the conversion into the same securities issued in the public offering that closed on June 26, 2013.. Refer to Note 18—Subsequent Events for additional information.

 

Intercompany Receivables from AWP

 

The Company paid certain expenses in 2013 and 2012 on behalf of AWP. All intercompany receivables and payables have been eliminated from our consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2013 and 2012.

 

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Note 13—Equity Based Compensation

 

Stock Options

 

Effective August 22, 2011, the Board and the shareholders approved both the 2011 Employee Equity Incentive Plan (“Employee Plan”) and 2011 Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan (“Director Plan”). Amendments to increase the allowable shares to be issued under both Plans were approved by shareholders of the Company on August 27, 2012. The amended Employee Plan authorizes the Board, or its designated committee, to issue up to an aggregate of 13,500,000 shares, of which 8,867,000 remained available for issuance at March 31, 2013. The amended Director Plan authorizes the Board, or its designated committee, to issue up to an aggregate of 8,200,000 shares, of which 3,225,000 remained available for issuance at March 31, 2013. Awards issued under the Plans may include stock options, stock appreciation rights, bonus stock and/or restricted stock. Awards may be settled in cash, stock or a combination thereof, at the discretion of the Board.

 

Compensation expense for employees is recognized based on the estimated fair value of the awards on their grant date.  The fair value of options issued to non-employees is measured on the earlier of the date the performance is complete or the date the non-employee is committed to perform. In the event the non-employee measurement date occurs after an interim reporting date, the options are measured at their then-current fair value at each interim reporting date.  For both employee and non-employee options, fair value is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over each grant’s respective vesting period for employees and service period for non-employees. Key inputs and assumptions used in estimating the fair value include our stock price, the grant price, expected term, volatility and the risk-free rate. Assumptions used in estimating the fair value of awards granted through March 31, 2013 included the following:

 

Expected term

 

5.0 to 9.47 years

 

Volatility*

 

128.57% to 181.46%

*

Risk-free rate

 

0.63% to 2.00%

 

Dividend yield

 

 

 


*       The Company’s estimates of expected volatility are based on the historic volatility of the Company’s common stock as well as the historic volatility of the Company’s peers due to the limited availability of historical trading information on the Company itself.

 

A summary of stock option activity under the Plans as of March 31, 2013 and changes during the year then ended is presented below.

 

Stock Options

 

Shares (000)

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value ($000)

 

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Term (Years)

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2012

 

3,415

 

$

4.25

 

$

19,636

 

9.74

 

Granted

 

6,346

 

2.61

 

 

9.45

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited or expired

 

(153

)

2.60

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2013

 

9,608

 

3.20

 

 

9.20

 

Vested at March 31, 2013

 

6,614

 

3.43

 

 

9.13

 

 

The weighted average grant date fair value of the stock options granted for the 12 months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the period August 5, 2010 (Inception) through March 31, 2013 was $1.91, $3.82 and $2.38, respectively.  A total of 153,000 stock options have been forfeited since August 5, 2010 (Inception), while none have expired.

 

A summary of the status of the non-vested stock options as of March 31, 2013, and changes during the year ended March 31, 2013 is presented below.

 

Non-vested Stock Options

 

Shares (000)

 

Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

Non-vested at March 31, 2012

 

1,015

 

$

4.77

 

Granted

 

6,346

 

1.91

 

Vested

 

(4,214

)

2.01

 

Forfeited

 

(153

)

2.45

 

Non-vested at March 31, 2013

 

2,994

 

2.06

 

 

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As of March 31, 2013, there was $2.5 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested share based compensation arrangements granted under the Plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately one year. The total expense for the fair value of vested grants during the 12 months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was $7.8 million and $9.7 million, respectively.  For the period August 5, 2010 (Inception) to March 31, 2013 the cumulative expense was $17.5 million.  For the 12 months and cumulative period ended March 31, 2013, $3.1 million of stock compensation was capitalized and included in mineral properties as of March 31, 2013.  This amount represented the estimated portion attributable to development activities.  No stock compensation expense was capitalized prior to December 31, 2011.

 

Warrants Issued for Services

 

The Company has issued 4,896,808 warrants to purchase shares of common stock to non-employees in exchange for services, with exercise prices ranging from $1.25 to $5.02.  For these awards, fair value is estimated using the Black-Scholes pricing model.  Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over each grant’s respective service period. Key inputs and assumptions used in estimating the fair value include our stock price, the grant price, expected term, volatility and the risk-free rate. Assumptions used in estimating the fair value of awards granted through March 31, 2013 included the following:

 

Expected term

 

2.0 to 5.0 years

 

Volatility*

 

106.22% to 177.26%

*

Risk-free rate

 

0.22% to 1.52%

 

Dividend yield

 

 

 


*                 The Company’s estimates of expected volatility are based on the historic volatility of the Company’s common stock as well as the historic volatility of the Company’s peers due to the limited availability of historical trading information on the Company itself.

 

The expense recognized within G&A related to these awards amounted to $5.9 million and nil for the 12 months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and $5.9 million for the cumulative period ended March 31, 2013.  For the cumulative period ended March 31, 2013, nil associated with warrants issued for services was capitalized and included in mineral properties.

 

The Company is currently committed to issuing an additional 40,000 warrants for services in the next twelve months under an existing consulting contract. Refer to Note 16—Commitments and Contingencies for additional information.

 

Note 14—Shareholders’ Equity

 

Common Stock

 

The Company is authorized to issue 300,000,000 shares of common stock, with a par value of $0.001 per share, under the terms of the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation. As of March 31, 2013, there were 72,595,718 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. In addition, we have commitments to issue another 675,000 shares under an existing service contract. Refer to Note 16—Commitments and Contingencies for additional information.

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with a par value of $0.001 per share, under the terms of the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation. As of March 31, 2013, no shares of our preferred stock had been issued.

 

Investor Warrants

 

As part of its fundraising efforts, the Company has issued warrants from time to time to various investors to purchase shares of its common stock. As of March 31, 2013, a total of 15,652,895 investor warrants had been issued and remained outstanding. The exercise price and remaining exercise period of these warrants range from $3.00 to $4.25 and from 0.1 to 6.2 years, respectively.

 

The exercise prices and expiration dates for 6,735,295 of these warrants were subsequently modified in connection with the $5.0 million Bridge Loan Financing completed on May 2, 2013.  Refer to Note 18—Subsequent Events for additional information.

 

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Non-Controlling Interest

 

The Company included The Karlsson Group’s initial $11.0 million contribution of mineral interests to AWP in non-controlling interest on the balance sheet, net of its share of losses. Through this contribution, The Karlsson Group earned its 50% interest in AWP. The Company earned its initial 50% interest in AWP through its cash contributions of $11.0 million.

 

Prior to the closing of The Karlsson Group Acquisition on August 1, 2012, Prospect was the 50% owner of AWP, operated and controlled AWP, and accordingly historically provided consolidated financial statements for Prospect and AWP. As such, the remaining 50% interest in AWP owned by The Karlsson Group was considered a non-controlling interest through the August 1, 2012 acquisition date.

 

With the completion of The Karlsson Group Acquisition on August 1, 2012 and in accordance with GAAP that calls for any change in a parent’s ownership of a non-controlling interest to be accounted for as an equity transaction, The Karlsson Group Acquisition was treated as a distribution through equity and accordingly no step-up in basis of the assets acquired occurred.

 

Note 15—Loss per Share

 

The following sets forth the computation of basic and fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding and loss per share of common stock for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2013

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2012

 

Cumulative from
August 5, 2010
(Inception)
through March
31, 2013

 

 

 

(thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Net loss attributable to Prospect Global Resources Inc.

 

$

(51,866

)

$

(62,877

)

$

(131,577

)

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic

 

57,738

 

28,012

 

35,816

 

Dilution effect of restricted stock and warrants

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — fully diluted

 

57,738

 

28,012

 

35,816

 

Loss per share of common stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and fully diluted loss per share of common stock

 

$

(0.90

)

$

(2.24

)

$

(3.67

)

 

The Company has issued warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. These warrants, along with outstanding options (described in Note 13—Equity Based Compensation and Note 14—Shareholders’ Equity), were not included in the computation of loss per share above as to do so would have been antidilutive for the periods presented. The potentially dilutive warrants, grants and options totaled 30.8 million shares as of March 31, 2013.

 

Note 16—Commitments and Contingencies

 

Litigation

 

We recently received correspondence from a shareholder who purchased $10 million of shares in our November 2012 public offering asserting a right to rescind the purchase based on violation of securities laws in connection with that offering.  We believe the claim is without merit and are vigorously defending against it.  No litigation has been commenced in this matter. In a letter dated June 14, 2013, the four underwriters in our November 2012 public offering notified us that they received a letter from this stockholder in which the stockholder elected to void its purchase of shares in our November 2012 public offering. Pursuant to the terms of the underwriting agreement we entered into with the underwriters in our November 2012 public offering, the underwriters requested that we appoint counsel for the underwriters to advise on this matter, subject to their determination that counsel is satisfactory, or, alternatively, we may authorize the underwriters to employ counsel at our expense.

 

In the normal course of operations, Prospect and its subsidiaries may be subject to litigation. As of March 31, 2013, there were no material litigation matters. The Company holds various insurance policies in an attempt to protect it and investors.

 

The Karlsson Group Acquisition

 

The execution of The Karlsson Group Acquisition agreements (and subsequent amendments thereto in April and June 2013, refer to Note 18—Subsequent Events) subjected the Company to various commitments and contingencies, including:

 

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a)             We granted The Karlsson Group the future right to receive payments equal to 2% of the gross sales received by us from potash production from any property over which we currently have leases, licenses and permits or which AWP may hereafter acquire.

 

b)             In the event of a sale of at least 50% of AWP or a merger of AWP with or into an unaffiliated entity on or prior to February 1, 2018, we agreed to pay The Karlsson Group an additional payment equal to 15% of the net proceeds received from the transaction, capped at $75.0 million (a “Supplemental Payment”).

 

c)              The Karlsson Group will recognize taxable gain on principal payments that it receives under the Karlsson Note.  We agreed to compensate The Karlsson Group for any incremental income tax liabilities attributable to an increase in federal or state income tax rates over the tax rates that were in effect for 2012, such that the Karlsson Group is made whole with respect to any such increase in tax liabilities.  We also agreed to compensate The Karlsson Group for certain interest charges imposed on the deferred tax liabilities as a result of the application the “installment sale” rules of the Internal Revenue Code.  Based on current tax and interest rates, the combined cost of these “gross-up” payments would be approximately $26.3 million.  However, this is an estimate only, and the amount of the tax gross-up payments is subject to change based on future tax rate changes and/or changes in certain interest rates published by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

d)             We are required to meet the following development milestones: (i) complete total depth on at least eight wells on or before November 1, 2013, (ii) deliver a completed and updated final NI 43-101 resource report on or before February 1, 2014, (iii) deliver completed metallurgical and rock mechanic test work results that will be used to complete the mine and processing plant designs for the definitive feasibility study on or before June 1, 2014 and (iv) deliver a completed and published definitive feasibility study on or before December 31, 2014.  We will need to raise additional capital beyond what has already been raised to complete these development milestones. If we are unable to raise the necessary funds to satisfy these development milestones, The Karlsson Group could declare us to be in default, causing all of our then outstanding debt to be immediately due and payable and allowing The Karlsson Group to foreclose on their collateral.. Refer to Note 18—Subsequent Events for additional information.

 

The Apollo Notes

 

In the event of any equity or debt offering completed by the Company while the Apollo Notes remain outstanding, we have agreed to pay Apollo 10% of the gross proceeds raised (following the first $10.0 million of capital raised) as a prepayment of the outstanding principal.

 

Buffalo Management Royalty Amendment

 

In connection with restructuring the Karlsson senior debt, we were required to increase Karlsson’s royalty interest from 1% to 2% without increasing the aggregate amount of royalty interests payable to third parties in the aggregate. In order to achieve this result, we negotiated with Buffalo Management, or Buffalo, to reduce our royalty payable to Buffalo from 2% to 1%. We agreed to compensate Buffalo for this royalty reduction by giving Buffalo either, or a combination of, at its election, (i) equity securities (that may include common stock, preferred stock or warrants for common stock as mutually agreed) equal in value to the determined fair market value of the royalty surrendered or (ii) preferred stock that is redeemable after we commence receiving revenues from the Holbrook Project for the determined fair market value plus accrued interest; provided that no securities shall be issued to Buffalo prior to July 1, 2013 and provided further that in no event will any equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities issued to Buffalo (x) exceed 10% of our outstanding capital stock or (y) be redeemable for aggregate consideration exceeding 10% of our equity market capitalization. To value the surrendered royalty we agreed to engage a third party valuation firm reasonably satisfactory to Buffalo.

 

Common Stock and Warrant Commitments

 

As of March 31, 2013, the Company had commitments to issue an additional 675,000 shares of our common stock and 80,000 warrants to purchase shares of our common stock in exchange for services under existing consulting contracts.  The 675,000 shares of common stock are due in quarterly increments of 75,000 shares each, with the next increment being due on April 5, 2013.  The 80,000

 

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warrants are due in monthly tranches of 10,000 immediately exercisable warrants, with each such warrant tranche having a five year duration and a strike price equal to the most recent sales price of our common stock as reported on Nasdaq.  The due date for the next warrant tranche is April 1, 2013. As of the filing date, these commitments had been reduced to 600,000 shares of our common stock and 40,000 warrants to purchase shares of our common stock.

 

Note 17—Income Taxes

 

The components of income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 2013

 

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(thousands)

 

(thousands)

 

United States

 

$

(51,878

)

$

(65,580

)

Total

 

$

(51,878

)

$

(65,580

)

 

A summary of the components of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 2013

 

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(thousands)

 

Current deferred tax assets

 

 

 

 

 

Charitable contributions

 

$

6

 

$

 

Accrued bonuses

 

109

 

 

Accrued severance

 

138

 

 

Accrued expenses

 

4

 

10

 

Total current deferred tax assets

 

$

257

 

$

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current deferred tax assets

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in AWP

 

$

 

$

935

 

Operating loss carry forward

 

20,576

 

3,321

 

Start-up costs

 

100

 

107

 

Stock compensation

 

7,483

 

3,505

 

Warrant expense

 

2,163

 

 

Mineral properties

 

42,116

 

 

Exploration

 

5,898

 

 

Total non-current deferred tax assets

 

$

78,336

 

$

7,868

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation allowances

 

$

(78,262

)

$

(7,806

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

 

$

331

 

$

72

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current deferred tax liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid expenses

 

$

(226

)

$

(60

)

Total current deferred tax liabilities

 

$

(226

)

$

(60

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current deferred tax liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed assets

 

(105

)

(12

)

Total non-current deferred tax liabilities

 

$

(105

)

$

(12

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liability

 

(331

)

(72

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)

 

$

 

$

 

 

Based upon the level of taxable income (loss) and projections of future taxable income (loss) over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize the benefits of these deductible differences, and thus has recorded a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset balance of $78.3 million. If we are profitable for a number of years and our prospects for the realization of our deferred tax assets are more likely than not, we will then reverse our valuation allowance and credit income tax expense.

 

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At March 31, 2013 the Company had $56.7 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards in the United States which expire at various dates through March 31, 2033. Valuation allowances have been recorded on net operating loss carryforwards where the Company believes it is more likely than not that the net operating loss will not be realized. The Company will monitor the need for a valuation allowance on an ongoing basis and will make the appropriate adjustments as necessary should circumstances change.

 

The Company believes that there is no uncertainty for any income tax position. Therefore, the Company did not reserve an amount for unrecognized tax benefits. Tax years remaining subject to examination include the calendar years 2010 and 2011, the period January 1, 2012 to March 31, 2012 and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.

 

The components of the consolidated income tax benefit (provision) from continuing operations were as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31, 2013

 

Year Ended
March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(thousands)

 

(thousands)

 

Current portion of income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. federal

 

$

 

$

 

U.S. state

 

 

 

Deferred portion of income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. federal

 

 

 

U.S. state

 

 

 

Total income tax expense (benefit)

 

$

 

$

 

 

A reconciliation of the actual income tax benefit (provision) and the tax computed by applying the U.S. federal rate (35%) to the loss before income taxes is as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 2013

 

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(thousands)

 

(thousands)

 

Tax benefit from continuing operations

 

$

(18,158

)

$

(1,732

)

State tax benefit from continuing operations

 

(627

)

(48

)

Non-deductible expenses

 

384

 

168

 

Derivative expense

 

665

 

 

Change in valuation allowance

 

70,456

 

1,615

 

Non-controlling interest

 

4

 

(2

)

AWP step-up

 

(52,678

)

 

Other

 

(46

)

(1

)

Total income tax expense (benefit)

 

$

 

$

 

 

Note 18—Subsequent Events

 

Debt Restructuring

 

On April 15, 2013 and June 26, 2013 we entered into Extension Agreements with The Karlsson Group which restructured the senior first priority secured promissory note (the “Karlsson Note”) that we issued to The Karlsson Group on August 1, 2012 in connection with our purchase of Karlsson’s 50% interest in AWP (the “Initial KG Transaction”).  In connection with the First Extension Agreement, we amended some of the related documents, including the Karlsson Note (the “Karlsson Note Amendment”), and restructured the two promissory notes issued to affiliates of  Apollo Global Management, LLC (“Apollo”) on March 7, 2013 in the aggregate principal amount of $6.8 million (the “Apollo Notes”).

 

The First Karlsson Note Amendment requires us to make future tax “gross-up” payments to The Karlsson Group to compensate them for increases in federal and state income taxes and other tax related matters .We currently estimate the cost of these tax “gross-up” payments to be approximately $14.6 million ($20.8 million if you include the tax gross-up payments owing prior to the Amendment date); however, the tax gross-up payments are subject to change based on future changes in tax rates (including increases in effective income tax rates caused by “minimum tax” provisions such as the “Buffett rule” or “flat tax” proposals) and/or future changes in certain interest rates published by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

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Karlsson Note Amendments

 

Under the First Karlsson Note Amendment, the maturity date was extended to the earlier of (i) 12 months following completion of a DFS and (ii) July 1, 2015.  An interim principal payment of $30.0 million is due on the earlier of (i) six months following completion of a DFS and (ii) January 2, 2015 (the “First Payment Date”). Prior to the First Karlsson Note Amendment, we were required to prepay the Karlsson Note with 40% of the net proceeds of any capital raised, whereas we are now required to prepay the Karlsson Note with 10% of the gross proceeds of any capital raised following the first $10.0 million of capital raised.  Under the First Karlsson Note Amendment, the annual interest rate of 9% changed from simple to compounding and is now payable quarterly in kind by automatically increasing the principal balance of the Karlsson Note.

 

Under the First Karlsson Note Amendment, we are generally restricted from incurring debt other than Approved Subordinated Debt, which is defined as debt that (i) is unsecured, (ii) is subordinate to the Karlsson Note and (iii) may be convertible to equity if issued on or prior to September 10, 2013. We were also required to meet the following capital raising milestones: (i) $5.0 million by May 15, 2013, which was satisfied by the Very Hungry Parties’ $5.0 million subordinated loan (see below), (ii) an additional $7.0 million by June 17, 2013, of which all or any portion may be raised as Approved Subordinated Debt, (iii) an additional $18.0 million by September 10, 2013, of which all or any portion may be raised as Approved Subordinated Debt, and (iv) an additional $25.0 million no later than August 1, 2014, of which no more than $15.0 million may be raised as Approved Subordinated Debt. We were also required to deposit $9.2 million of the first $30.0 million of capital we raise into escrow, which funds may be released solely to fund specified development expenses for our potash project in the Holbrook Basin. Additionally, we were allowed to incur up to $10.0 million in additional Approved Subordinated Debt prior to the First Payment Date, but may incur no more than $1.0 million of debt after the First Payment Date.

 

Prior to the First Karlsson Note Amendment, we had 15 days to cure a payment default and 30 days to cure any non-payment default after, in each case, receiving notice thereof. Under the First Karlsson Note Amendment, there are no notices or cure rights for any payment defaults or any defaults related to the financing milestones or escrow funding described above, or cross-defaults with other agreements. The majority of other non-monetary defaults now have a ten day notice and cure period.

 

Under the First Karlsson Note Amendment, Karlsson may assign the Karlsson Note and any of the other Karlsson related documents following the earlier of (i) September 10, 2013, (ii) an event of default under the Karlsson Note, and (iii) once we have raised at least $30.0 million of capital.

 

The First Extension Agreement contains customary lender releases and indemnification language.

 

Consideration to Karlsson for First Extension Agreement

 

In addition to changing the interest rate under the Karlsson Note from simple to compounding and payment of the tax gross-up amounts described above, as consideration to The Karlsson Group for entering into the First Extension Agreement and the related documents, we among other things, (i) increased The Karlsson Group’s royalty interest from 1% to 2% (Buffalo Management LLC has decreased its royalty interest from 2% to 1%  as described below) and eliminated the $75.0 million cap on The Karlsson Group’s previous 1% royalty interest, (ii) decreased the exercise price on The Karlsson Group’s warrants to purchase up to 5,605,834 shares of our common stock from $4.25 to $0.25 and allowed all of The Karlsson Group’s warrants to be exercisable on a cashless basis, (iii) provided Karlsson with an enhanced collateral package, including a parent guaranty from us and a pledge by us of 100% of the shares of our wholly owned subsidiary Prospect Global Resources Inc, a Delaware corporation and the owner of 100% of American West Potash LLC, (iv) extended the term of Karlsson’s right to receive 15% of the net proceeds from the sale of the Company by one year to August 1, 2017, and (v) agreed to pay Karlsson  $275,000 for its attorneys’ fees and costs associated with consummation of the Extension Agreement and related agreements.

 

Karlsson Second Extension Agreement

 

On June 26, 2013, we entered into the Second Extension Agreement with The Karlsson Group which further restructured the Karlsson Note and related documents.

 

Under this amendment, the interim principal payment of $30.0 million that was due on the earlier of (i) six months following completion of a definitive feasibility study and (ii) January 2, 2015 has been eliminated. We are also required to place 50% of the net proceeds of the next $24.0 million of capital we raise (for a total of $12.0 million) into escrow, which funds may be released solely to use specified development expenses for our potash project in the Holbrook Basin. Two million dollars of the proceeds we received from our recent $5.0 million public offering (see below) were placed into this escrow, reducing our remaining escrow obligation to $10.0 million.

 

We are also required to meet the following development milestones: (i) complete total depth on at least eight wells on or before November 1, 2013, (ii) deliver a completed and updated final NI 43-101 resource report on or before February 1, 2014, (iii) deliver completed metallurgical and rock mechanic test work results that will be used to complete the mine and processing plant designs for the definitive feasibility study on or before June 1, 2014 and (iv) deliver a completed and published definitive feasibility study on or before December 31, 2014.

 

With this amendment, Karlsson may assign the Karlsson Note at any time to any person; previously it was assignable following the earlier of (i) September 10, 2013, (ii) an event of default under the Karlsson Note, and (iii) once we have raised at least $30.0 million of capital and there were restrictions on assignees. We also extended the term of Karlsson’s right to receive 15% of the net proceeds from the sale of the Company by six months to February 1, 2018.

 

The Second Extension Agreement contains customary lender releases and indemnification language.

 

Consideration to Karlsson for Second Extension Agreement

 

With this amendment, we issued Karlsson a five year warrant to purchase 3.0 million of our common shares at $0.12 per share and amended our registration rights agreement with Karlsson to include the shares issuable upon exercise of the new warrant. The warrant may be exercised on a cashless basis. We also reimbursed Karlsson $125,000 for its legal fees and expenses.

 

Apollo Note Amendments

 

Simultaneously with the execution of the First Extension Agreement and related documents, we agreed with Apollo to amend the Apollo Notes by extending the maturity dates from September 3, 2013 to the maturity date of the Karlsson Note (see above). The amendments also reduced our prepayment obligations from 33% of the net proceeds of any capital raised to 10% of the gross proceeds of any capital raised following our first $10.0 million of capital raised.

 

Buffalo Management Royalty Amendment

 

Simultaneously with the execution of the Extension Agreement and related documents, Buffalo Management agreed to a reduction in its royalty interest in us from 2% to 1%. In exchange for this reduction, we agreed to compensate Buffalo by giving Buffalo either, or a combination of, at its election, (i) equity securities (that may include common stock, preferred stock or warrants for common stock as mutually agreed) equal in value to the determined fair market value of the royalty surrendered or (ii) preferred

 

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stock that is redeemable after we commence receiving revenues from the Holbrook Project for the determined fair market value plus accrued interest; provided that no securities shall be issued to Buffalo prior to July 1, 2013 and provided further that in no event will any equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities issued to Buffalo (x) exceed 10% of our outstanding capital stock or (y) be redeemable for aggregate consideration exceeding 10% of our equity market capitalization. To value the surrendered royalty, we agreed to engage a third party valuation firm reasonably satisfactory to Buffalo. Buffalo is controlled by Chad Brownstein, our executive vice-chairman. Barry Munitz, our board chair owns a minority, non-voting interests in Buffalo. Our board has designated a committee composed of Ari Swiller and Conway Schatz to finalize these negotiations with Buffalo Management, neither of whom have any personal or economic interest in Buffalo.

 

Nasdaq Notice of Listing Non-compliances

 

On April 23, 2013, we received written notification from The Nasdaq Stock Market that for the last 30 consecutive business days, the bid price of our common stock had closed below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion on the Nasdaq Capital Market based on Listing Rule 5550(a)(1).   We have 180 calendar days, or until September 20, 2013, to regain compliance with this rule. On April 25, 2013, we received a second written notification from The Nasdaq Stock Market that we are no longer in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(2) because the market value of our listed securities has fallen below the $35 million minimum requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market for a period of at least 30 consecutive business days. We have 180 calendar days, or until September 22, 2013, to regain compliance. While we are considering available options to regain compliance with these Nasdaq rules, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so, which would likely result in our common stock being delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market. Delisting of our common stock from the Nasdaq Capital Market could substantially reduce the liquidity of your investment in our common stock.

 

Receipt of $5.0 million Debt Financing

 

On May 2, 2013 (and as further modified on May 22, 2013), we borrowed $5.0 million from two of our stockholders, Very Hungry LLC and Scott Reiman 1991 Trust (both related parties, see Note 12—Related Party Transactions for additional information) in exchange for $5.5 million in aggregate principal amounts of unsecured subordinated notes (“Bridge Loan Financing”). In consideration for this Bridge Loan Financing we reduced the exercise price on all warrants to purchase our common stock held by these parties to $0.30 per share (from exercise prices ranging from $4.25 per share to $3.00 per share) and extended the maturity of all these warrants to August 1, 2017. Very Hungry, LLC and the Scott Reiman 1991 Trust have agreed to invest their $5.5 million subordinated notes in convertible preferred stock that would be automatically convertible upon stockholder approval of the conversion into the same securities issued in the public offering that closed on June 26, 2013. If stockholder approval is not obtained, the subordinated promissory notes will mature on September 9, 2013.  The notes bear no interest.

 

The gross proceeds from this Bridge Loan Financing satisfied the May 15, 2013 funding milestone previously required under The Karlsson Group debt (see above).

 

Receipt of $5.0 million Public Offering

 

On June 26, 2013, we closed a public offering of an aggregate of 41,666,700 units (the “Units”), consisting of 41,666,700 shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.001 par value (the “Common Stock”), together with (i) Series A warrants to purchase 41,666,700 additional shares of Common Stock (the “Series A Warrants”) and (ii) Series B warrants to purchase 41,666,700 additional shares of Common Stock and additional Series A Warrants to purchase 41,666,700 additional shares of Common Stock (the “Series B Warrants” and, together with the Series A Warrants, the “Warrants”), at a public offering price of $0.12 per Unit in an underwritten public offering (the “Offering”). The underwriter exercised its option to purchase up to an additional 1,173,190 warrant units consisting of one Series A Warrant and one Series B Warrant at an exercise price of $0.0001 per unit, less underwriting commissions, solely to cover overallotments.

 

The Series A Warrants were immediately exercisable on June 26, 2013 at an initial exercise price of $0.12 per share and expire on June 26, 2018. The Series B Warrants were exercisable immediately on June 26, 2013 at an exercise price of $0.12 per share. The Series B Warrants will expire at the close of business on November 1, 2013.

 

The Series A Warrants and the Series B Warrants were issued separately from the Common Stock included in the Units and may be transferred separately immediately thereafter. Neither the Series A Warrants nor the Series B Warrants will be listed on any national securities exchange or other trading market, and no trading market for such Warrants is expected to develop.

 

The Series A Warrants contain full ratchet anti-dilution protection upon the issuance of any Common Stock, securities convertible into Common Stock, or certain other issuances at a price below the then-existing exercise price of the Series A Warrants, subject to certain exceptions.

 

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 13.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

 

The following table sets forth all estimated expenses to be paid solely by us in connection with the sale of the securities being registered hereunder.

 

SEC registration fee

 

$

0

 

Legal fees and expenses

 

75,000

 

Accounting fees and expenses

 

10,000

 

Printing fees and expenses

 

10,000

 

Miscellaneous expenses

 

5,000

 

Total

 

$

100,000

 

 

Item 14.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

The Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws generally provide that it shall indemnify to the fullest extent under Nevada law any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, including, but not limited to any action or suit by or in the right of the Registrant to procure a judgment in its favor (collectively referred to herein as a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Registrant, or, while a director or officer of the Registrant, is or was serving at the request of the Registrant as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, association or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Registrant and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. With respect to any proceeding by or in the right of the Registrant to procure a judgment in its favor, no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Registrant unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper.

 

The Registrant’s Bylaws provide that expenses incurred by its directors and officers in defending a proceeding shall be paid by the Registrant in advance of such proceeding’s final disposition unless otherwise determined by the Registrant’s board of directors in the specific case upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Registrant. Such expenses incurred by other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the board of directors deems appropriate.

 

The Registrant may purchase and maintain insurance on its own behalf and on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, fiduciary, or agent of the Registrant or was serving at the request of the Registrant as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, whether or not the Registrant would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability as described above.

 

Subsection 1 of Section 78.7502 of Chapter 78 of the Nevada Revised Statutes provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (except in an action brought by or on behalf of the corporation) if that person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by that person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if that person acted in good faith and in a manner which that person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, alone, does not create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which the person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and that, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, the person had reasonable cause to believe his action was unlawful.

 

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Subsection 2 of Section 78.7502 of the Nevada Revised Statutes provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit brought by or on behalf of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor because the person acted in any of the capacities set forth above, against expenses, including amounts paid in settlement and attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by that person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit, if the person acted in accordance with the standard set forth above, except that no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom to be liable to the corporation or for amounts paid in settlement to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought or other court of competent jurisdiction determines that, in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court deems proper.

 

Subsection 3 of Section 78.7502 of the Nevada Revised Statutes further provides that, to the extent a director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections 1 and 2 thereof, or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, that person shall be indemnified by the corporation against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by that person in connection therewith.

 

Section 78.751 of the Nevada Revised Statutes provides that unless indemnification is ordered by a court, the determination to provide indemnification must be made by the stockholders, by a majority vote of a quorum of the board of directors who were not parties to the action, suit or proceeding, or in specified circumstances by independent legal counsel in a written opinion. In addition, the articles of incorporation, bylaws or an agreement made by the corporation may provide for the payment of the expenses of a director or officer of the expenses of defending an action as incurred upon receipt of an undertaking to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that the person is not entitled to indemnification.

 

Section 78.751 of the Nevada Revised Statutes further provides that the indemnification provided for therein shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the indemnified party may be entitled and that the scope of indemnification shall continue as to directors, officers, employees or agents who have ceased to hold such positions, and to their heirs, executors and administrators.

 

Finally, Section 78.752 of the Nevada Revised Statutes provides that a corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation against any liability asserted against him or incurred by him in any such capacity or arising out of his status as such whether or not the corporation would have the authority to indemnify him against such liabilities and expenses.

 

Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

None

 

Item 16.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

The list of exhibits in the Exhibit Index to this registration statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 17.  Undertakings

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) (§230.424(b) of Title 17 of the ode of Federal Regulations) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20%

 

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change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.

 

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

 

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered that remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:  If the registrant is subject to Rule 430C (§230.430C of Title 17 of the ode of Federal Regulations), each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B (§230.430B of Title 17 of the ode of Federal Regulations) or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A (§230.430A of Title 17 of the ode of Federal Regulations), shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

 

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:  The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (§230.424 of Title 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations);

 

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

(6)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by the underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any public offering by the underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.

 

(7) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

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The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

 

(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b) (1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

 

(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to registration statement on Form S-1 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Denver, State of Colorado, on July 1, 2013.

 

 

Prospect Global Resources Inc.

 

 

 

/s/ Damon G. Barber

 

Damon G. Barber

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

We, the undersigned officers and directors of Prospect Global Resources Inc. hereby severally constitute Damon G. Barber and Gregory M. Dangler, or either of them, our true and lawful attorney with full power to him to sign for us and in our names in the capacities indicated below the amendment to registration statement filed herewith and any and all amendments to said registration statement, and generally to do all such things in our name and behalf in our capacities as officers and directors to enable Prospect Global Resources Inc. to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may be signed by our said attorneys, or any of them, to said registration statement and any and all amendments thereto.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

 

 

/s/ Damon G. Barber

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

July 1, 2013

Damon G. Barber

(principal executive officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Gregory M. Dangler

Interim Chief Financial Officer

July 1, 2013

Gregory M. Dangler

(principal financial officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Wayne Rich

Principal Accounting Officer

July 1, 2013

Wayne Rich

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Barry Munitz

Director

July 1, 2013

Barry Munitz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Chad Brownstein

Director

July 1, 2013

Chad Brownstein

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Conway Schatz

Director

July 1, 2013

Conway Schatz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Marc Holtzman

Director

July 1, 2013

Marc Holtzman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ J. Ari Swiller

Director

July 1, 2013

J. Ari Swiller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Zhi Zhong Qiu

Director

July 1, 2013

Zhi Zhong Qiu

 

 

 

 

 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 

 

1.1

 

Underwriting Agreement dated June 29, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2012).

 

 

 

1.2

 

Underwriting Agreement dated November 8, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2012).

 

 

 

1.3

 

Underwriting Agreement dated June 21, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 21, 2013).

 

 

 

2.1

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated February 11, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 31, 2011).

 

 

 

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation dated February 11, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 31, 2011).

 

 

 

3.2

 

Second Amended and Restated Bylaws dated April 29, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 20, 2011).

 

 

 

3.3

 

Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation dated August 28, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 30, 2012).

 

 

 

4.1

 

Registration Rights Agreement with Buffalo Management LLC dated June 17, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 31, 2011).

 

 

 

4.2

 

Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note with Dr. Richard Merkin dated January 24, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2011).

 

 

 

4.3

 

Registration Rights Agreement with Dr. Richard Merkin dated January 24, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 31, 2011).

 

 

 

4.4

 

Stockholders Agreement dated January 24, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 31, 2011).

 

 

 

4.5

 

Common Stock Purchase Warrant with Buffalo Management LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2011).

 

 

 

4.6

 

Note Purchase Agreement with COR US Equity Income Fund dated March 11, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2011).

 

 

 

4.7

 

Registration Rights Agreement with COR Capital dated March 11, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2011).

 

 

 

4.8

 

Senior Secured Convertible $2,500,000 Promissory Note with Hexagon Investments, LLC dated April 25, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2011).

 

 

 

4.9

 

Two year Common Stock Purchase Warrant with Hexagon Investments (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2011).

 

 

 

4.10

 

Three year Common Stock Purchase Warrant with Hexagon Investments (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2011).

 

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Exhibit No.

 

Description

4.11

 

Common Stock Purchase Warrant with COR Capital (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2011).

 

 

 

4.12

 

Registration Rights Agreement with Hexagon Investments dated April 25, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2011).

 

 

 

4.13

 

Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement and Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note with Dr. Richard Merkin dated April 20, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2011).

 

 

 

4.14

 

Common Stock Purchase Warrant with COR Capital LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2011).

 

 

 

4.15

 

Senior Secured Convertible $1,500,000 Promissory Note with Avalon Portfolio, LLC dated August 3, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2011).

 

 

 

4.16

 

Common Stock Purchase Warrant with Avalon Portfolio, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2011).

 

 

 

4.17

 

Registration Rights Agreement with Avalon Portfolio, LLC dated August 3, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2011).

 

 

 

4.18‡

 

2011 Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan dated August 22, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 30, 2011).

 

 

 

4.19‡

 

2011 Employee Equity Incentive Plan dated August 24, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 30, 2011).

 

 

 

4.20

 

$1,500,000 Convertible Secured Promissory Note with Hexagon Investments, LLC dated September 19, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2011).

 

 

 

4.21

 

Two year Common Stock Purchase Warrant with Hexagon Investments dated September 29, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2011).

 

 

 

4.22

 

Registration Rights Agreement with Hexagon Investments dated September 19, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2011).

 

 

 

4.23‡

 

2011 Employee Equity Incentive Plan dated October 27, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2011).

 

 

 

4.24‡

 

2011 Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan dated October 27, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2011).

 

 

 

4.25

 

Common Stock Purchase Warrant with Very Hungry LLC dated November 22, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2011).

 

 

 

4.26

 

Registration Rights Agreement with Very Hungry LLC dated November 22, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2011).

 

 

 

4.27

 

Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement dated November 22, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2011).

 

 

 

4.28

 

Warrant to purchase common stock issued to The Karlsson Group dated May 30, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 4, 2012).

 

 

 

4.29

 

Warrant to purchase common stock issued to The Karlsson Group dated May 30, 2012 (incorporated herein by

 

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Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 

reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2012).

 

 

 

4.30

 

Warrant to purchase common stock issued to Buffalo Management LLC dated August 1, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2012).

 

 

 

4.31

 

Series A Warrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 21, 2013).

 

 

 

4.32

 

Series B Warrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 21, 2013).

 

 

 

5.1

 

Opinion of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 21, 2013).

 

 

 

10.1‡

 

Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement with Buffalo Management LLC dated January 7, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2011).

 

 

 

10.2

 

Amended Investment Banking Engagement Agreement with Spouting Rock Capital Advisors, LLC dated January 19, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 31, 2011).

 

 

 

10.3

 

Third Amended and Restated AWP Operating Agreement dated January 21, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2011).

 

 

 

10.4

 

Note Purchase Agreement with Dr. Richard Merkin dated January 24, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2011).

 

 

 

10.5

 

Security Agreement with Dr. Richard Merkin dated January 24, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2011).

 

 

 

10.6‡

 

Side Letter with Buffalo Management LLC dated February 11, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2011).

 

 

 

10.7

 

Convertible Secured Promissory Note with COR Capital dated March 11, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2011).

 

 

 

10.8

 

Amended and Restated Security Agreement with Dr. Richard Merkin and COR Capital dated March 11, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2011).

 

 

 

10.9

 

Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement and Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note with Dr. Richard Merkin dated April 20, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2011).

 

 

 

10.10

 

Waiver and Consent with COR Capital dated April 20, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2011).

 

 

 

10.11

 

Securities Purchase Agreement with Hexagon Investments dated April 25, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2011).

 

 

 

10.12

 

Amended and Restated Security Agreement with Dr. Richard Merkin, COR Capital and Hexagon Investments dated April 25, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2011).

 

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Exhibit No.

 

Description

10.13

 

Investor Relations Consulting Agreement between the Company and COR Advisors LLC dated July 5, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 8, 2011).

 

 

 

10.14

 

Fee Agreement between American West Potash LLC and BHFS dated July 5, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 8, 2011).

 

 

 

10.15

 

Secured Partial Recourse Promissory Note dated July 5, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2011).

 

 

 

10.16

 

Pledge Agreement July 5, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2011).

 

 

 

10.17†

 

Potash Sharing Agreement dated July 27, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2011).

 

 

 

10.18†

 

First Mineral Lease dated July 27, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2011).

 

 

 

10.19†

 

Second Mineral Lease July 27, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2011).

 

 

 

10.20

 

Securities Purchase Agreement with Avalon Portfolio, LLC August 3, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2011).

 

 

 

10.21

 

Amended and Restated Security Agreement with Dr. Richard Merkin, COR Capital, Hexagon Investments and Avalon Portfolio, LLC August 3, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2011).

 

 

 

10.22

 

Rescission Agreement with Marc Holtzman dated August 15, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 19, 2011).

 

 

 

10.23‡

 

Employment Agreement with Wayne Rich dated September 6, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 30, 2011).

 

 

 

10.24

 

Securities Purchase Agreement with Hexagon Investments dated September 19, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2011).

 

 

 

10.25

 

Security Agreement with Hexagon Investments dated September 19, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2011).

 

 

 

10.26

 

Common Stock Purchase Agreement with Very Hungry LLC dated November 22, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2011).

 

 

 

10.27

 

Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement with COR Capital dated November 22, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2011).

 

 

 

10.28

 

Second Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement with Dr. Richard Merkin dated November 22, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2011).

 

 

 

10.29

 

Potash Royalty Purchase and Sale Agreement and Option with Grandhaven Energy, LLC dated November 22, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2011).

 

 

 

10.30

 

Amendment to COR Advisor LLC Investor Relations Consulting Agreement dated May 9, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Transition Report on form 10-KT filed on May 10, 2012).

 

 

 

10.31†

 

Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with The Karlsson Group dated May 30, 2012 (with exhibits) (incorporated

 

II-9



Table of Contents

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 

 herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 4, 2012).

 

 

 

10.32

 

Tax Indemnity Agreement with The Karlsson Group dated May 30, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 4, 2012).

 

 

 

10.33‡

 

Employment Agreement with Brian W. Wallace June 13, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2012).

 

 

 

10.34‡

 

Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Patrick L. Avery dated June 13, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2012).

 

 

 

10.35‡

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Wayne Rich dated June 13, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2012).

 

 

 

10.36

 

Karlsson Group Additional Consideration Agreement dated August 1, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2012).

 

 

 

10.37

 

Karlsson Group Deed of Trust dated August 1, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2012).

 

 

 

10.38

 

Karlsson Group Guaranty from AWP dated August 1, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2012).

 

 

 

10.39

 

Karlsson Group Pledge Agreement dated August 1, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2012).

 

 

 

10.40

 

Karlsson Group Registration Rights Agreement dated August 1, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2012).

 

 

 

10.41

 

Karlsson Group Security Agreement dated August 1, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2012).

 

 

 

10.42

 

Karlsson Group $125,000,000 Promissory Note dated August 1, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2012).

 

 

 

10.43

 

Karlsson Group Supplemental Payment Agreement dated August 1, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2012).

 

 

 

10.44

 

Karlsson Group Environmental Indemnity Agreement dated August 1, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2012).

 

 

 

10.45

 

Option to Purchase 5080 Acres in Apache County, Arizona dated August 1, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2012).

 

 

 

10.46

 

Termination of Management Services Agreement with Buffalo Management dated August 1, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2012).

 

 

 

10.47

 

Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement with Buffalo Management dated August 1, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2012).

 

 

 

10.48

 

Employment Agreement with Chad Brownstein dated August 1, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2012).

 

 

 

10.49

 

Amendment #2 to Investor Relations Consulting Agreement with COR Advisors dated August 1, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2012).

 

 

 

10.50‡

 

Amended and Restated Employee Equity Incentive Plan dated August 27, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to

 

II-10



Table of Contents

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 

Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 30, 2012).

 

 

 

10.51‡

 

Amended and Restated Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan dated August 27, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 30, 2012).

 

 

 

10.52†

 

Potash Supply Agreement with Sichuan Chemical Industry Holding (Group) Co., Ltd dated October 18, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 22, 2012).

 

 

 

10.53

 

Exclusivity Agreement with Apollo Management VII, L.P. dated October 25, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 26, 2012).

 

 

 

10.54

 

Extension Agreement with Apollo Management VII, L.P. dated November 18, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2012).

 

 

 

10.55†

 

Securities Purchase Agreement, dated November 29, 2012, by and among Prospect Global Resources Inc., and the Purchasers named therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 4, 2012).

 

 

 

10.56

 

Investors Rights Agreement, dated November 29, 2012, between Prospect Global Resources Inc., and the investors named therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 4, 2012).

 

 

 

10.57

 

Royalty Agreement, dated November 29, 2012, between Buffalo Management LLC, the other investors named therein, Prospect Global Resources Inc., a Nevada corporation, and for limited purposes, Prospect Global Resources Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 4, 2012).

 

 

 

10.58‡

 

Employment Agreement with Damon Barber dated December 13, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2012).

 

 

 

10.59

 

Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement, dated December 21, 2012, by and among Prospect Global Resources Inc. and the Purchasers named therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 26, 2012).

 

 

 

10.60

 

$5,592,857 Promissory Note dated March 7, 2013 issued to Apollo Management VII, L.P. dated March 7, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 11, 2013).

 

 

 

10.61

 

$1,157,142 Promissory Note dated March 7, 2013 issued to Apollo Commodities Management, L.P., with respect to Series I dated March 7, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 11, 2013).

 

 

 

10.62‡

 

Employment Agreement dated October 19, 2012 with Gregory M. Dangler (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 13, 2013).

 

 

 

10.63‡

 

Consulting, Termination and Release Agreement with Patrick L. Avery dated March 12, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 13, 2013).

 

 

 

10.64‡

 

Separation and Release Agreement with Brian Wallace dated April 2, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 16, 2013).

 

 

 

10.65

 

Extension Agreement with The Karlsson Group dated April 15, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 17, 2013).

 

 

 

10.66

 

First Amendment to Karlsson Group Note dated April 15, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 17, 2013).

 

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Table of Contents

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

10.67

 

First Amendment to Karlsson Group Warrant dated April 15, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 17, 2013).

 

 

 

10.68

 

First Amendment to Karlsson Group Additional Consideration Agreement dated April 15, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 17, 2013).

 

 

 

10.69

 

First Amendment to Karlsson Group Supplemental Payment Agreement dated April 15, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 17, 2013).

 

 

 

10.70

 

Karlsson Group Parent Guaranty dated April 15, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 17, 2013).

 

 

 

10.71

 

Karlsson Group Pledge of Prospect Global Resources Inc. (a Delaware corporation) Stock dated April 15, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 17, 2013).

 

 

 

10.72†

 

Karlsson Group Escrow Agreement dated April 15, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 17, 2013).

 

 

 

10.73

 

Amendments to Apollo Promissory Notes dated April 15, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 17, 2013).

 

 

 

10.74

 

Amended and Restated Termination of Management Services Agreement with Buffalo Management LLC dated April 30, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 6, 2013).

 

 

 

10.75

 

Promissory Note to Very Hungry LLC dated May 2, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 8, 2013).

 

 

 

10.76

 

Promissory Note to Scott Reiman 1991 Trust dated May 2, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 8, 2013).

 

 

 

10.77

 

Warrant Adjustment Agreement dated May 2, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 8, 2013).

 

 

 

10.78

 

Subordination Agreement among Very Hungry LLC, Scott Reiman 1991 Trust, The Karlsson Group, Inc. and Prospect Global dated May 2, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 8, 2013).

 

 

 

10.79

 

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Termination of Management Services Agreement between Buffalo Management LLC and the Registrant dated May 22, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 22, 2013).

 

 

 

10.80

 

Modification Agreement between Very Hungry LLC and Scott Reiman 1991 Trust and the Registrant dated May 22, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 22, 2013).

 

 

 

10.81

 

Registration Rights Agreement between Very Hungry LLC and Scott Reiman 1991 Trust and the Registrant dated May 22, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 22, 2013).

 

 

 

10.82

 

Termination and Release Agreement dated March 7, 2013 with Apollo Parties (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on June 6, 2013).

 

 

 

10.83

 

Second Extension Agreement with The Karlsson Group

 

 

 

10.84

 

Second Reaffirmation and Ratification Agreement with The Karlsson Group

 

II-12



Table of Contents

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

14.1

 

Code of Ethics (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2011).

 

 

 

16.1

 

Letter from Webb & Company, P.A dated February 11, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 16.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2011).

 

 

 

21.1

 

List of Subsidiaries (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2013.

 

 

 

23.1*

 

Consent of North Rim Exploration Ltd.

 

 

 

23.2*

 

Consent of Tetra Tech

 

 

 

23.3*

 

Consent of EKS&H LLLP

 

 

 

24.1

 

Power of Attorney (contained in the signature pages hereto).

 

 

 

99.1

 

Financial Statements for the period from inception (August 5, 2010) through December 31, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 31, 2011).

 

 

 

99.2

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial information of Prospect and old Prospect Global for the period ended December 31, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 31, 2011).

 


*                                         Filed herewith.

 

**                                  Furnished herewith.

 

***                           Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections.

 

                                         Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

                                         Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

II-13