SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. ______)

Filed by the Registrant x

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Check the appropriate box:

¨ Preliminary Proxy Statement

¨ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

x Definitive Proxy Statement

¨ Definitive Additional Materials

¨ Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

Not Applicable

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

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x No fee required

¨ Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

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¨ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

¨ Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

(1) Amount Previously Paid:

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NOTICE OF

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

OF SHAREHOLDERS

&

MANAGEMENT

INFORMATION CIRCULAR

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 8, 2017

CORPORATE OFFICE

2300 – 1066 West Hastings Street

Vancouver, BC V6E 3X2

Website: www.goldenqueen.com

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders

Dear Fellow Shareholder,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and management of Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd., we are pleased to invite you to attend the Company’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The meeting will be held on Monday, May 8, 2017 at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Oceanview Suite 5, 999 Pan Pacific Way, Vancouver, BC.

The attached Management Information Circular contains important information about the meeting, who is eligible to vote, how to vote, the nominated directors, our governance practices, and compensation of the Company’s executives and directors.

Golden Queen celebrated many achievements during 2016 including the inaugural gold pour on March 1^st and the declaration of commercial production on December 19^th. We will provide a corporate presentation at the meeting, and you will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of the Board of Directors and members of senior management.

2017 and beyond

We believe that a successful new long-lived open pit gold-silver operation located in the United States has the potential to be a rare and valuable asset in the years ahead. We are focused on making that a reality.

The Board of Directors and management team thank you for your continued confidence in Golden Queen and look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Sincerely,

Thomas M. Clay

Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD AT 10:00 A.M. ON MAY 8, 2017

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2017 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) of Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. (the “Company”) will be held at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Standard Time) on Monday, May 8, 2017 at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Oceanview Suite 5, 999 Pan Pacific Way, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3B5, for the following purposes:

1. To receive the financial statements of the Company for its financial year ended December 31, 2016 together with the report of the independent auditors thereon;

2. To set the number of directors at four (4) and to elect directors to serve until the next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders or until their respective successors are elected or appointed;

3. To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors of the Company for the financial year ending December 31, 2017; and

4. To transact any other business which may properly come before the Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

The specific details of the matters proposed to be put before the Meeting are set forth in the Management Information Circular accompanying and forming part of this Notice.

The Board of Directors has fixed March 29, 2017 as the record date for determining shareholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on that date will be entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Meeting.

All shareholders are invited to attend the Meeting in person, but even if you expect to be present at the Meeting, you are requested to mark, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card as promptly as possible in the envelope provided to ensure your representation. All proxies must be received by our transfer agent not less than 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, before the time of the Meeting in order to be counted. The address of our transfer agent is as follows: Computershare Trust Company of Canada, Proxy Dept., 100 University Ave., 8^th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5J 2Y1. Shareholders of record attending the Meeting may vote in person even if they have previously voted by proxy.

Dated at Vancouver, British Columbia, this 6^th day of April 2017.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

“Thomas M. Clay”

Thomas M. Clay, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for

the Company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on May 8, 2017.

The Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. Proxy Statement and 2016 Annual Report to Shareholders

are available online at www.goldenqueen.com

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.
2300 – 1066 West Hastings Street

Vancouver, BC V6E 3X2

PROXY STATEMENT

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

MAY 8, 2017

In this Proxy Statement, all references to “$” are references to United States dollars and all references to “C$” are references to Canadian dollars. As at March 29, 2017, one Canadian dollar

was equal to approximately $0.75 in United States dollars.

INFORMATION REGARDING ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT OF MEETING

The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd., a British Columbia corporation (the “Company” or “Golden Queen”), for use at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) of Golden Queen to be held at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Standard Time) on Monday, May 8, 2017, at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Oceanview Suite 5, 999 Pan Pacific Way, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3B5, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof.

In this Proxy Statement, “Registered Shareholders” means shareholders whose names appear on the records of the Company as the registered holders of shares. “Beneficial Shareholders” means shareholders who do not hold shares in their own name, as further explained under “Voting by Beneficial Shareholders” below.

This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card are being mailed to our shareholders on or about April 6, 2017. The Company is sending proxy-related materials directly to Registered Shareholders, as well as non-objecting Beneficial Shareholders under Canadian National Instrument 54-101 (“NI 54-101”). Management of the Company does not intend to pay for intermediaries to forward the proxy-related materials to objecting Beneficial Shareholders under NI 54-101. As a result, objecting Beneficial Shareholders will not receive the materials unless the objecting Beneficial Shareholder’s intermediary assumes the cost of delivery.

The cost of solicitation will be paid by the Company. The solicitation will be made primarily by mail. Proxies may also be solicited personally or by telephone by certain of the Company’s directors, officers and regular employees, who will not receive additional compensation therefore. In addition, the Company will reimburse brokerage firms, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their expenses in forwarding solicitation materials to non-objecting Beneficial Shareholders. The total cost of proxy solicitation including legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation of this Proxy Statement is estimated to be $20,000.00.

Our administrative offices are located at 2300 – 1066 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 3X2.

Appointment of Proxyholder

The persons named as proxyholder in the accompanying Proxy (“Proxy”) or Voting Instruction Form (“VIF”) were designated by the management of the Company (“Management Proxyholder”). A shareholder desiring to appoint some other person (“Alternate Proxyholder”) to represent him or her at the Meeting may do so by inserting such other person's name in the space indicated on the Proxy or VIF, or by completing another proper form of proxy.  A person appointed as an Alternate Proxyholder need not be a shareholder of the Company.

Exercise of Discretion by Proxyholder

The proxyholder will vote for or against or withhold from voting the shares, as directed by a shareholder on the proxy, on any ballot that may be called for. In the absence of any such direction, the Management Proxyholder will vote in favour of matters described in the Proxy or VIF. In the absence of any direction as to how to vote the shares, an Alternate Proxyholder has discretion to vote them as he or she chooses.

The enclosed Proxy or VIF confers discretionary authority upon the Proxyholder with respect to amendments or variations to matters identified in the attached Notice of Meeting and other matters which may properly come before the Meeting. At present, management of the Company knows of no such amendments, variations or other matters.

PROXY VOTING

Registered Shareholders

If you are a Registered Shareholder, you may wish to vote by proxy whether or not you attend the Meeting in person. Registered Shareholders electing to submit a proxy may do so by completing the enclosed Proxy and returning it to the Company’s transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company of Canada (“Computershare”), in accordance with the instructions on the Proxy. You should ensure that the Proxy is received by Computershare at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before the Meeting or the adjournment thereof at which the Proxy is to be used. The chairman of the Meeting may elect to exercise his discretion to accept proxies received after the due date.

Beneficial Shareholders

The following information is of significant importance to Beneficial Shareholders (shareholders who do not hold shares in their own name). Beneficial Shareholders should note that the only proxies that can be recognized and acted upon at the Meeting are those deposited by Registered Shareholders (those whose names appear on the records of the Company as the registered holders of shares).

If shares are listed in an account statement provided to a shareholder by a broker, then in almost all cases those shares will not be registered in the shareholder’s name on the records of the Company. Such shares will more likely be registered under the name of the shareholder's broker or an agent of that broker. In the United States, the vast majority of such shares are registered under the name of Cede & Co. as nominee for The Depository Trust Company (which acts as depositary for many U.S. brokerage firms and custodian banks), and in Canada, under the name of CDS & Co. (the registration name for The Canadian Depository for Securities Limited, which acts as nominee for many Canadian brokerage firms).

If you have consented to disclosure of your ownership information, you will receive a VIF from the Company (through Computershare). If you have declined to disclose your ownership information, you may receive a VIF from your Intermediary if they have assumed the cost of delivering the Proxy Statement and associated meeting materials. Every intermediary has its own mailing procedures and provides its own return instructions to clients. However, most intermediaries now delegate responsibility for obtaining voting instructions from clients to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) in the United States and in Canada.

By returning the VIF in accordance with the instructions noted on it, a Beneficial Shareholder is able to instruct the Registered Shareholder (the intermediary) how to vote on behalf of the Beneficial Shareholder. VIFs, whether provided by the Company or by an intermediary, should be completed and returned in accordance with the specific instructions noted on the VIF. In either case, the purpose of this procedure is to permit Beneficial Shareholders to direct the voting of the shares which they beneficially own.

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The VIF will name the same persons as named on the Company’s Proxy to represent you at the Meeting. Although as a Beneficial Shareholder you may not be recognized at the Meeting for the purposes of voting shares registered in the name of your intermediary, you, or a person designated by you (who need not be a shareholder), may attend the Meeting as proxyholder for your intermediary and vote your shares in that capacity. To exercise this right to attend the Meeting or appoint a proxyholder of your own choosing, you should insert the name of the desired representative in the blank space provided in the VIF. Alternatively, you may provide other written instructions requesting that you or your desired representative attend the Meeting as proxyholder for your intermediary. The completed VIF or other written instructions must then be returned in accordance with the instructions on the VIF.

If you receive a VIF from the Company or Broadridge, you cannot use it to vote shares directly at the Meeting. The VIF must be completed and returned in accordance with its instructions, well in advance of the Meeting in order to have the shares voted.

Revocation of Proxies

In addition to revocation in any other manner permitted by law, a Registered Shareholder who has given a Proxy may revoke it by:

(a) Executing a Proxy bearing a later date or by executing a valid notice of revocation, either of the foregoing to be executed by the Registered Shareholder or the Registered Shareholder’s authorized attorney in writing, or, if the shareholder is a corporation, under its corporate seal by an officer or attorney duly authorized, and by delivering the Proxy bearing a later date to Computershare at any time up to and including the last business day that precedes the day of the Meeting or, if the Meeting is adjourned, the last business day that precedes any reconvening thereof, or to the chairman of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting or any reconvening thereof, or in any other manner provided by law, or

(b) Personally attending the meeting and voting the Registered Shareholders’ shares.

A revocation of a Proxy will not affect a matter on which a vote is taken before the revocation.

Only Registered Shareholders have the right to revoke a Proxy. Beneficial Shareholders who wish to change their vote must, at least seven days before the Meeting, arrange for their respective intermediaries to revoke the Proxy on their behalf.

VOTING PROCEDURE

A quorum for the transaction of business at the Meeting is one person present at the meeting representing in person or by proxy not less than 10% of the votes eligible to cast at such meeting. Broker non-votes occur when a person holding shares through a bank or brokerage account does not provide instructions as to how his or her shares should be voted and the bank or broker does not exercise discretion to vote those shares on a particular matter. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in determining the presence of a quorum at the Meeting. However, an abstention or broker non-vote will not have any effect on the outcome for the election of directors.

Shares for which Proxies are properly executed and returned will be voted at the Meeting in accordance with the directions noted thereon or, in the absence of directions, will be voted “FOR” fixing of the number of directors at four (4), “FOR” the election of each of the nominees to the Board of Directors named on the following page, and “FOR” the resolution to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. It is not expected that any matters other than those referred to in this Proxy Statement will be brought before the Meeting. If, however, other matters are properly presented, the persons named as proxies will vote in accordance with their discretion with respect to such matters.

To be effective, each matter which is submitted to a vote of shareholders, other than for the election of directors and the approval of auditors, must be approved by a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders voting in person or by proxy at the Meeting.

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VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES

To the knowledge of the directors and officers of the Company, no person or corporation beneficially owns directly or indirectly, or exercises control or direction over, more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock as of March 29, 2017, except as described below:

Name and Address	Number of Voting Securities(1)			Nature of Ownership	Percentage of Outstanding Voting Securities
Landon T. Clay		6,915,221	(2)	Sole voting and investment control		6.22	%
Peterborough, NH, USA		12,317,165	(3)	Shared voting and investment control		11.08	%
Thomas M. Clay		1,806,400		Sole voting and investment control		1.63	%
Peterborough, NH, USA		10,970,545	(4)	Shared voting and investment control		9.87	%
Jonathan Clay		8,389,986	(5)	Sole voting and investment control		7.55	%
Palm Beach, FL, USA		839,250	(6)	Shared voting and investment control		0.76	%

[1] The information relating to the above share ownership was obtained by the Company from insider reports and beneficial ownership reports on Schedule 13D filed with the SEC or available at www.sedi.ca, or from the shareholder, and includes direct and indirect holdings.

[2] Landon T. Clay holds 6,889,107 shares directly, and 26,114 shares are held by LTC Corporation, a company wholly owned by Mr. Landon Clay.

[3] Includes 10,163,295 shares held by the Landon T. Clay 2016-2 Annuity Trust u/a dated January 14, 2016 (the “2016-2 GRAT”), 1,344,269 shares held by Monadnock Charitable Lead Annuity Trust dated May 31, 1996 (“Monadnock”), 807,250 shares held by Arctic Coast Petroleums, Ltd. (“Arctic Coast”), and 2,351 shares held by Mr. Clay’s spouse, Lavinia D. Clay. Mr. Clay disclaims beneficial ownership over the shares held by Monadnock, Arctic Coast, and Lavinia D. Clay.

[4] Includes 10,163,295 shares held by 2016-2 GRAT, and 807,250 shares held by Arctic Coast. Mr. Clay disclaims beneficial ownership over the shares held by 2016-2 GRAT.Mr. Clay is a director of Arctic Coast.

[5] Includes 1,081,686 shares held directly by Mr. Clay, and 7,258,300 shares are held by EHT, LLC (“EHT”), and 50,000 shares held by 933 Milledge, LLC (“Milledge”). Mr. Clay is the sole managing member of EHT and Milledge.

[6] Includes 807,250 shares held by Arctic Coast, and 32,000 shares held in a custody account for Mr. Clay’s son, James Clay. Mr. Clay disclaims beneficial ownership over the shares held by Arctic Coast and James Clay.

Excludes warrants held by Mr. Landon T. Clay, Thomas M. Clay, Jonathan Clay, and Brian James as of March 29, 2017. Mr. Landon T. Clay holds 13,500,000 warrants (2,759,400 warrants held by Clay Family 2009 Irrevocable Trust (“CF 2009 Trust”) and 10,740,600 warrants held by Landon T. Clay 2009 Irrevocable Trust (“LTC 2009 Trust”). Mr. Thomas Clay holds 13,500,000 warrants (2,759,400 warrants held by CF 2009 Trust, and 10,740,600 warrants held by LTC 2009 Trust. Mr. Jonathan Clay holds 3,667,000 warrants (3,667,000 warrants held by EHT, LLC). Mr. Brian James may be deemed to hold 15,651,519 shares of Common Stock, representing approximately 12.6% of the Company’s issued and outstanding on a partially diluted basis which consist of (i) 807,250 shares of Common Stock held by Arctic Coast, (ii) 1,344,269 shares of Common Stock held by the Monadnock, (iii) 2,759,400 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants held by CF 2009 Trust and (iv) 10,740,600 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants held by LTC 2009 Trust.

INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON

Except as disclosed herein, no Person has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in matters to be acted upon at the Meeting other than the election of directors and the appointment of auditors and as set out herein. For the purpose of this paragraph, “Person” shall include each person: (a) who has been a director, senior officer or insider of the Company at any time since the commencement of the Company’s last fiscal year; (b) who is a proposed nominee for election as a director of the Company; or (c) who is an associate or affiliate of a person included in subparagraphs (a) or (b).

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MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON AT MEETING

Proposal 1: Election of Directors

The Board proposes to fix the number of directors of the Company at four (4) and that the following four (4) nominees be elected as directors at the Meeting, each of whom will hold office until the expiration of their term or until his or her successor shall have been duly appointed or elected and qualified: Thomas M. Clay, Bryan A. Coates, Bernard Guarnera and Paul M. Blythe.

Unless otherwise instructed, it is the intention of the persons named as proxies on the accompanying proxy card to vote shares represented by properly executed proxies for the election of such nominees. Although the Board anticipates that the four (4) nominees will be available to serve as directors of Golden Queen, if any of them should be unwilling or unable to serve, it is intended that the proxies will be voted for the election of such substitute nominee or nominees as may be designated by the Board.

The board of directors recommends a vote “FOR” THE ELECTION OF each nominee.

As part of its ongoing review of corporate governance policies, on March 5, 2014, the Board adopted a policy providing that in an uncontested election of directors, any nominee who receives a greater number of votes “withheld” than votes “for” will tender his or her resignation to the Chairman of the Board promptly following the shareholders’ meeting. The Board will consider the offer of resignation and will make a decision whether or not to accept it. In considering whether or not to accept the resignation, the Board will consider all relevant factors. The Board will be expected to accept the resignation except in situations where the considerations would warrant the applicable director continuing to serve on the Board. The Board will make its final decision and announce it in a press release within 90 days following the shareholders’ meeting. A director who tenders his or her resignation pursuant to this policy will not participate in any meeting of the Board at which the resignation is considered.

The following table sets out the names of the nominees, their positions and offices in the Company, principal occupations, the period of time that they have been directors of the Company, whether or not they are considered independent or non-independent, the number of shares of the Company which each beneficially owns or over which control or direction is exercised, Board/Committee membership and attendance, and other public board of directorships information:

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Name, Present Office, Province/State & Country of Residence	Present Principal Occupation or Employment[1]	Security Holdings[2]
THOMAS M. CLAY
Director, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Peterborough, New Hampshire, USA	Mr. Clay’s principal occupation is Vice President of East Hill Management Company, LLC.  He also serves as a director of The Clay Mathematics Institute, Inc. and of ThromboGenics NV. Mr. Clay represents the interests of certain significant shareholders of the Company, and as such, the Board believes that Mr. Clay is valuable as a member of the Board. Date first appointed as a Director: January 13, 2009	Common Shares: 12,776,945 (3) Stock Options: 207,250 Warrants: 13,500,000(4)

Independent	Board/Committee Memberships	Attendance at Meetings  During 2016	Other Public Board  Directorships
No	Board of Directors	5/5 (100%)	ThromboGenics NV

BRYAN A. COATES
Director Saint-Lambert, Quebec, Canada	Mr. Coates currently serves as President of Osisko Gold Royalties since June 2014. Prior to that, he was the Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Osisko Mining. He was responsible for all activities related to financing, financial reporting, marketing related to the gold industry, risk management and government relations. Mr. Coates has more than 30 years of progressive experience within the international and Canadian mining industry. Before joining Osisko, he was Chief Financial Officer of Iamgold (2006-2007), Cambior Inc. (2001-2006), and Cia Minera Antamina (1998-2001). He also acts as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Fédération des Chambres de Commerce du Quebec’s, the Chairman of Timmins Gold Corp., as well as the chair of the Chamber's Mining Industry Committee. He is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario. It is the determination of the Board that Mr. Coates’ financial acumen in conjunction with his public company expertise is an asset to the Company. Date first appointed as a Director: January 28, 2013	Common Shares: 17,000 Stock Options: 232,500 Warrants: 8,500

Independent	Board/Committee Memberships	Attendance at Meetings During 2016	Other Public Board Directorships
Yes	Board of Directors Audit Committee Compensation Committee Nominating Committee	5/5 (100%) 4/4 (100% 1/1 (100%) nil	Timmins Gold Corp. Falco Resources

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BERNARD GUARNERA
Director Las Vegas, Nevada, USA	Mr. Guarnera has over 40 years of experience in the global mining industry and is President of Broadlands Mineral Advisory Services Ltd.. Mr. Guarnera was the former Chairman of the Board of Behre Dolbear Group Inc., a mining consulting firm founded in 1991. Mr. Guarnera is a registered professional engineer and a registered professional geologist. He serves as a director of the Colorado Mining Association and Northern Zinc, and is the president of Mining and Metallurgical Society of America. The Board believes that Mr. Guarnera’s technical expertise and his capital market experience make him a valuable member of the Board. Date first appointed as a Director: May 30, 2013	Common Shares: 25,000 Stock Options: 232,500

Independent	Board/Committee Memberships	Attendance at Meetings During 2016	Other Public Board Directorships
Yes	Board of Directors Audit Committee Compensation Committee Nominating Committee	4/5 (80%) 3/4 (75%) 1/1(100%) nil

PAUL M. BLYTHE
Director Collingwood, ON, Canada	Mr. Blythe has over 40 years experience in the mining industry including significant international experience in corporate management, project development, open pit and underground operations, mergers and acquisitions, and debt and equity financing. He was the founder and President of Quadra FNX Mining and previously worked for Westmin Resources Limited, Placer Dome Canada Limited, Lac Minerals Limited and BHP Billiton. He currently works with private equity groups within the mining investments space. It is the determination of the Board that Mr. Blythe’s technical expertise as well as his corporate development activities are an asset to the Company. Date first appointed as a Director: March 30, 2017	Common Shares: nil Stock Options: nil

Independent	Board/Committee Memberships	Attendance at Meetings During 2016	Other Public Board Directorships
Yes	Board of Directors Audit Committee Compensation Committee Nominating Committee	nil nil nil nil	nil

[1] The information as to principal occupation and business or employment has been furnished by the respective nominees.

[2] Based upon information furnished to Golden Queen either by the directors and executive officers or from the insider reports and beneficial ownership reports filed with the SEC or available at www.sedi.ca. These amounts include beneficial ownership of securities not currently outstanding but which are reserved for immediate issuance on exercise of options.

[3] Includes 1,806,400 shares held directly by Mr. Clay, 10,163,295 shares held by 2016-2 GRAT and 807,250 shares held by Arctic Coast. Mr. Clay disclaims beneficial ownership over the shares held by 2016-2 GRAT. Mr. Clay is a director of Arctic Coast.

[4] Includes 2,759,400 warrants held by the CF 2009 Trust and 10,740,600 warrants held by LTC 2009 Trust.

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The Board seeks to ensure that it is composed of members whose particular experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, when taken together, will allow the Board to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively. The Board as a whole is responsible for identifying, screening and/or appointing persons to serve on the Board. In identifying Board candidates, it is the Board’s goals to identify persons whom it believes have appropriate expertise and experience to contribute to the oversight of a company of the Company’s nature while also allowing for other appropriate factors. The Board believes that the process in place to identify candidates and elect directors allows the most qualified candidates to be appointed independently.

The Company believes that each of the persons standing for election to the Board at the Meeting has the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that, when taken as a whole, will enable the Board to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively.

The Board is responsible for overseeing management of the Company and determining the Company’s strategy and for determining whether or not a director is independent. In making this determination, the Board has adopted the definition of “independence” as set forth in NI 58-101 and NP 58-201 with the recommendation that a majority of the Board be considered “independent”. In applying this definition, the Board considers all relationships of the directors of the Company, including business, family and other relationships.

As at the date of this Proxy Statement, there are four (4) directors on the Board, Thomas M. Clay, Bryan A. Coates, Bernard Guarnera, and Paul M. Blythe. Of the four directors, Bryan A. Coates, Bernard Guarnera, and Paul Blythe are considered independent. Thomas M. Clay, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, is not considered independent. Following the Meeting, the Board, as proposed by management in this Proxy Statement, will consist of Thomas M. Clay, Bryan A. Coates, Bernard Guarnera and Paul M. Blythe.

The Board does not have a policy regarding a Board members’ attendance at annual meetings of shareholders. One director attended the Company’s 2016 annual meeting of shareholders.

Biographical Information Regarding Executive Officers

Thomas M. Clay - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Clay is the Vice President of East Hill Management Co., LLC and Director of the Clay Mathematics Institute and of Thrombogenics N.V. His business education was completed at Harvard College, Oxford University and Harvard Business School. Mr. Clay has served on the Board of Directors since 2009.

Robert C. Walish, Jr. – Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Walish is the President & Chief Executive Officer of Golden Queen Mining LLC and was most recently the General Manager of the SCM Franke Operation of KGHM International, formerly QuadraFNX, located in northern Chile, where he was responsible for mining, processing and administration of a four million pound per month open-pit copper mining, heap-leach and SX-EW operation. Prior to that and over the course of more than 30 years, Mr. Walish worked at mines in Guyana, Arizona, Alaska, South Carolina, Montana and Nevada. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado and his Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Guy Le Bel - Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Le Bel has more than 30 years of international mining experience in strategic and financial planning. Until recently, he served as Vice President Evaluations for Capstone Mining Corp. and is a Director of RedQuest Capital Corp. Previously, Mr. Le Bel was VP, Business Development at Quadra Mining Ltd., and prior to that held business advisory, strategy and planning, business valuation, and financial planning management roles at BHP Billiton Base Metals Ltd., Rio Algom Ltd. and Cambior Inc.

Brenda Dayton – Corporate Secretary. Ms. Dayton has served as Corporate Secretary for several mining companies on the NYSE, TSX and TSX Venture and her expertise includes governance, communications and investor relations. Prior to working in public companies, she worked in the financial industry in banking and insurance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Calgary.

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Proposal 2: Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors

On March 31, 2016, Golden Queen appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PWC”) as its independent registered public accountant, subject to completion of its standard client acceptance procedures. The appointment of PWC was recommended by Golden Queen’s audit committee after considering proposals from several international public accounting firms, including BDO. As a result of PWC’s appointment, Golden Queen’s engagement of BDO Canada LLP, as its independent registered public accounting firm, was terminated.

Although the appointment of PWC is not required to be submitted to a vote of shareholders, the Board believes it is appropriate as a matter of policy to request that shareholders ratify the appointment of the independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting and entitled to vote is required. In the event a majority of the votes cast at the meeting are not voted in favor of ratification, the adverse vote will be considered as a direction to the Board to select other independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.

Section 10(A)(i) of the Exchange Act prohibits the Company’s independent auditors from performing audit services for the Company as well as any services not considered to be “audit services” unless such services are pre-approved by the Audit Committee of the Board, or unless the services meet certain de minimis standards.

Under the Company’s Audit Committee Charter, all non-audit services to be performed by the Company’s independent auditors must be approved in advance by the Audit Committee. All of the 2016 audit related fees, and tax fees were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

See External Auditor Service Fees section for more information.

Representatives of PWC are expected to be present at the Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and are expected to be available to respond to questions from Shareholders.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS GOLDEN QUEEN'S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2017.

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table contains information regarding the members and nominees of the Board of Directors and the Executive of Golden Queen as of the Record Date:

Name	Age	Position	Position Held Since
Thomas M. Clay	32	Director	January 13, 2009
		Chairman	May 30, 2013
		CEO	August 10, 2015
Bryan A. Coates	59	Director	January 28, 2013
Bernard Guarnera	73	Director	May 30, 2013
Paul Blythe	64	Director	March 30, 2017
Robert C. Walish, Jr.	64	COO	August 10, 2015
Guy Le Bel	58	CFO	March 16, 2017
Brenda Dayton	49	Corporate Secretary	October 1, 2015

All of the officers identified above serve at the discretion of the Board and have consented to act as directors of the Company.

RELATIONSHIPS AMONG DIRECTORS OR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

There are no family relationships among any of the existing directors or executive officers of Golden Queen.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock as of March 29, 2017 by:

(i) each director of Golden Queen;

(ii) each of the Named Executive Officers of Golden Queen; and

(iii) all directors and executive officers as a group.

Except as noted below, Golden Queen believes that the beneficial owners of the Common Stock listed below, based on information furnished by such owners, have sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares, except as noted in the footnote below the table.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner	Shares Beneficially Owned			Percentage of Shares Beneficially Owned (on a partially diluted basis)
THOMAS M. CLAY, Director, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Peterborough, NH		26,484,195	[1][2]		21.6	%
BRYAN A. COATES, Director Saint-Lambert, QC		258,000	[1][3]		0.23	%
BERNARD GUARNERA, Director Las Vegas, NV		257,500	[1]		0.23	%
GUY LE BEL, Former Director and Chief Financial Officer[4] Repentigny, QC		632,502	[1]		0.57	%
PAUL M. BLYTHE, Director[5] Collingwood, ON		nil			0.0	%
ROBERT C. WALISH, JR., Chief Operating Officer Mojave, CA		nil			0.0	%
ANDRÉE ST-GERMAIN, Chief Financial Officer Vancouver, BC		393,333	[1][6]		0.35	%
BRENDA DAYTON, Corporate Secretary Vancouver, BC		40,000	[1]		0.04	%
All officers and directors (8) persons		28,065,530			23.02	%

[1] These amounts include beneficial ownership of securities not currently outstanding but which are reserved for immediate issuance on exercise of options. In particular, these amounts include shares issuable upon exercise of options as follows: 207,250 shares issuable to Thomas M. Clay, 207,500 shares issuable to Bryan A. Coates, 632,502 shares issuable to Guy Le Bel, 232,500 shares issuable to Bernard Guarnera, 393,333 shares issuable to Andrée St-Germain and 40,000 shares issuable to Brenda Dayton.

[2] Includes 1,806,400 shares held directly by Mr. Clay, 10,163,295 shares held by 2016-2 GRAT, and 807,250 shares held by Arctic Coast, the shares issuable upon exercise of the 2,759,400 warrants held by the CF 2009 Trust and 10,740,600 warrants held by LTC 2009 Trust. Mr. Clay disclaims beneficial ownership over the shares held by 2016-2 GRAT. Mr. Clay is a director of Arctic Coast.

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[3] Includes 8,500 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants.

[4] Guy Le Bel assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer on March 16, 2017, and resigned as director on March 30, 2017.

[5] Paul M. Blythe was appointed as a director of the Company on March 30, 2017.

[6] Andrée St-Germain resigned from the Company on March 16, 2017, and Ms. Germain may exercise her vested stock options in the amount of 393,333 stock options into common shares until June 14, 2017.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires Golden Queen’s directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of Golden Queen’s securities to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of Golden Queen. Directors, executive officers and greater than 10% shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish Golden Queen with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file.

To the Company’s knowledge, based solely on a review of Forms 3 and 4, as amended, furnished to it during its most recent fiscal year, and Form 5, as amended, furnished to it with respect to such year, other than as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, the Company believes that during the year ended December 31, 2016, its directors, executive officers and greater than 10% shareholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

DIRECTORS COMPENSATION

The following table sets out the compensation provided to the members of the Board during the Company’s year ended December 31, 2016:

Name

Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)

Stock Awards ($)

Option  Awards ($)

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)

Change in Pension Value and Non- Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings

All Other Compensation ($)

Total ($)

Thomas M. Clay

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

N/A

Nil

Nil

Bryan A. Coates

35,000

Nil

Nil

Nil

N/A

Nil

35,000

Bernard Guarnera

35,000

Nil

Nil

Nil

N/A

Nil

35,000

Guy Le Bel(1)

35,000

Nil

Nil

Nil

N/A

Nil

35,000

Paul Blythe

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

N/A

Nil

Nil

[1] Guy Le Bel resigned from his position of Director on March 30, 2017.

It is currently the policy of the Company to grant options to purchase Common Shares to its directors under the Company’s 2013 Stock Option Plan.

Other than as disclosed in this Proxy Statement and Management Information Circular, there are no other arrangements under which directors of the Company were compensated by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2016 for their services in their capacity as directors and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no additional amounts are payable under any standard arrangements for committee participation or special assignments, except that the Articles of the Company provide that the directors are entitled to be paid reasonable traveling, hotel and other expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties as directors. The Company’s Articles also provide that if a director is called upon to perform any professional or other services for the Company that, in the opinion of the directors, is outside of the ordinary duties of a director, such director may be paid a remuneration to be fixed by the directors and such remuneration may be either in addition to or in substitution for any other remuneration that such director may be entitled to receive.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information concerning the total compensation of Golden Queen’s president and chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and the chief operating officer (the “Named Executive Officers”) during the last three completed fiscal years for services rendered to Golden Queen in all capacities.

Name and Principal Position

Year

Salary ($)

Bonus ($)

Stock Awards ($)

Option Awards ($)[1]

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings  ($)

All Other Compensation ($)

Total ($)

Thomas M.

2016

100,000

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

100,000

Clay[3]

2015

33,333

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

33,333

Chairman & CEO

2014

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Robert C.

2016

174,999

51,065

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

226,064

Walish, Jr.[4]

2015

115,984

75,000

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

190,984

COO

2014

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Andrée St-

2016

132,125

61,075

Nil

15,195

Nil

Nil

Nil

178,732

Germain[5]

2015

133,572

30,583

Nil

15,195

Nil

Nil

Nil

179,350

CFO

2014

135,817

167,783

Nil

141,181

Nil

Nil

Nil

444,781

[1] The determination of the value of option awards is based upon the Black-Scholes Option pricing model, details and assumptions of which are set out in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016. The 2014 option awards reflect the value of the options issued in 2013 to the CFO and former COO but vested during fiscal 2014: 200,000 vested options for the CFO and 100,000 vested options for the former COO. The former COO resigned in November 2014 and as a result 100,000 unvested options were cancelled. The value of the 2015 options awards is based on the options vested as of December 31, 2015; 46,667 vested options for the CFO.

[2] Thomas M. Clay was appointed the Chief Executive Officer on August 10, 2015.

[3] Robert C. Walish was appointed the Chief Operating Officer on August 10, 2015 and receives compensation directly from Golden Queen Mining Company LLC, which the Company contributes 50%. Mr. Walish receives additional bonus compensation from the Company in the amount of $10,000 per annum.

[4] Andrée St-Germain was appointed the Chief Financial Officer on September 18, 2013 and resigned on March 16, 2017. The bonus granted to Ms. St-Germain in 2014 includes a bonus target of C$150,000 as set out in her employment contract. See note 1 for details on the option award.

[5] The CFO was awarded a performance bonus of $61,075 and the COO was awarded a performance bonus in the amount of $51,065 for their work in 2015. These amounts were paid in the 2016 fiscal year.

OPTION GRANTS DURING THE MOST RECENTLY COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR

The Board approves the issuance of stock options to our directors, officers, employees and consultants. Unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, all vested options are exercisable for a term of five (5) years from the date of grant. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, there were 200,000 options granted to the Named Executive Officers.

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT THE MOST RECENTLY COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR

The following table sets forth the information concerning all option-based awards outstanding for each of Golden Queen’s Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2016:

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Name and Principal Position	Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable		Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable		Equity Incentive Plan Awards; Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#)		Option Exercise Price ($)		Option Expiration Date
Thomas M. Clay		107,500		Nil		Nil	$	0.58	September 8, 2020
Chairman & CEO(1)		100,000		100,000		100,000	$	0.66	November 30, 2021
Andrée St-		300,000		Nil		Nil	$	1.26	June 14, 2017
Germain		93,333		Nil		Nil	$	0.58	June 14, 2017
Former CFO(2)		100,000		100,000		100,000	$	0.66	March 16, 2017(3)

[1] Thomas M. Clay was appointed as Chief Executive Officer on August 10, 2015.

[2] Andrée St-Germain resigned from the Company on March 16, 2017. Ms. Germain may exercise her vested stock options in the amount of 393,333 stock options into common shares until June 14, 2017. Please see “Termination of Employment, Change in Responsibilities and Employment Contracts” for additional information.

[3] All of Ms. Germain’s unvested stock options were terminated effective on March 16, 2017.

SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

The following table sets out information as of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance:

Plan Category	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 Issuances Under Equity Compensation Plan [Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)] (c)
Equity Compensation		50,000	$	1.16
Plans Approved by		150,000	$	1.59		5,645,000
Security Holders		300,000	$	1.26
		570,000	$	0.58
		485,000	$	0.66
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders		Nil		Nil		Nil
Total:		1,555,000	$	0.85		5,645,000

On March 16, 2017, Guy Le Bel was granted 400,002 stock options with an exercise price of $0.65.

AGGREGATED STOCK OPTION EXERCISES DURING THE MOST RECENTLY COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES

There were no stock options exercised by the Named Executive Officers during the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

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TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT, CHANGE IN RESPONSIBILITIES AND EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS

The Company has entered into consulting or employment contracts with each of the Named Executive Officers as follows:

The Company entered into an employment contract on September 18, 2013 with Andrée St-Germain, the former Chief Financial Officer and former Corporate Secretary of the Company. Ms. St-Germain was entitled to an annual salary of C$150,000 and a one-time bonus target of C$150,000 to be payable as to 50% after six (6) months and 50% after twelve (12) months, subject to a performance review by the Compensation Committee. This bonus target was paid to Ms. St-Germain in 2014. Thereafter, Ms. St-Germain may be paid bonuses at the sole discretion of the Board. Pursuant to the contract, if Ms. St-Germain is terminated by the Company without cause during the first twelve (12) months of her employment, she will be entitled to six (6) months base salary being C$75,000. If Ms. St-Germain is terminated by the Company without cause after the first twelve (12) months of her employment, she will be entitled to twelve (12) months base salary being C$150,000. In the event that the employment of Ms. St-Germain is terminated by the Company or its successor without cause, or is terminated by Ms. St-Germain for good reason, in either case within six (6) months following a change of control, she will be entitled to receive a lump-sum severance payment equal to twenty-four (24) months base salary, being C$300,000, and two (2) times her annual bonus, being C$300,000. Ms. St-Germain resigned from the Company on March 16, 2017. The Company approved a 90 day post-termination exercise period expiring June 14, 2017 pursuant to which Ms. Germain may exercise her stock options that have vested in the aggregate amount of 393,333 stock options into common shares of the Company.

The Company entered into an employment contract on October 1, 2015 with Brenda Dayton pursuant to which Ms. Dayton was employed as Corporate Secretary of the Company effectively October 1, 2015. Her employment with the Company will continue without fixed term. Her position as officer of the Company will be renewed annually subject to the approval of the Board. Ms. Dayton is entitled to an annual salary of C$110,000, subject to periodic review in accordance with Company practice. Pursuant to the contract, if Ms. Dayton is terminated by the Company without cause or terminated by Ms. Dayton for good reason, within 6 months following a change of control, she will be entitled to receive a lump-sum severance payment equal to her gross salary received from the Company in the twelve month period immediately preceding the date of written notice of termination provided by Ms. Dayton or the Company. Ms. Dayton is also entitled to participate in the Company’s stock option plan.

The Company entered into an employment contract on March 16, 2017 with Guy Le Bel pursuant to which Mr. Le Bel assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Le Bel is entitled to an annual salary of C$175,000 and a one-time signing bonus of C$25,000. Thereafter, Mr. Le Bel may be paid bonuses at the sole discretion of the Board. Mr. Le Bel also received an initial grant of 400,002 stock options to purchase common shares of the Company for a period of 5 years. The stock options will vest as follows: 133,334 options at 12 months, 133,334 options at 24 months, and 133,334 options at 36 months. Mr. Le Bel is also entitled to participate in the Company’s stock option plan. Pursuant to the contract, if Mr. Le Bel is terminated by the Company without cause during the first six (6) months of his employment, he will be entitled to six (6) months base salary and 50% of the signing bonus. If Mr. Le Bel is terminated by the Company without cause after the first six (6) months of his employment, he will be entitled to twelve (12) months base salary being C$175,000 and 100% of the last annual Target Bonus granted. In the event that the employment of Mr. Le Bel is terminated by the Company or its successor without cause, or is terminated by Mr. Le Bel for good reason, in either case within three (3) months following a change of control, he will be entitled to receive a lump-sum severance payment equal to twenty-four (24) months base salary, being C$350,000, and two (2) times his annual bonus.

REPORT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Canadian Securities Administrators have adopted National Instrument 58-101 Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices (“NI 58-101”) and National Policy 58-201 Corporate Governance Guidelines (“NP 58-201”) (the “Guidelines”), both of which came into force as of June 30, 2005 and effectively replaced the corporate governance guidelines and disclosure policies of the Exchange. NI 58-101 requires issuers such as the Company to disclose the corporate governance practices that they have adopted, while NP 58-201 provides guidance on corporate governance practices. In this regard, a brief description of the Company’s system of corporate governance, with reference to the items set out in NI 58-101 and NP 58-101 is set forth below.

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The Board and management recognize that effective corporate governance is important to the direction and operation of the Company in a manner in which ultimately enhances shareholder value. As a result, the Company has developed and implemented, and continues to develop, implement and refine formal policies and procedures which reflect its ongoing commitment to good corporate governance. The Company believes that the corporate governance practices and procedures described below are appropriate for a company such as the Company.

Board of Directors

NP 58-201 recommends that boards of directors of reporting issuers be composed of a majority of independent directors. With three (3) of the four (4) current directors considered independent, the Board is currently composed of a majority of independent directors. Mr. Clay, in his role as CEO and the Chairman of the Board is not deemed independent. The Board holds regular meetings. Between the scheduled meetings, the Board meets as required. Management also communicates informally with directors on a regular basis, and solicits advice from directors on matters falling within their special knowledge or experience.

Chairman of the Board

Thomas M. Clay, a non-independent director, was appointed Chairman of the Board on May 30, 2013. Mr. Clay’s primary roles as Chairman are to chair all meetings of the Board and to manage the affairs of the Board, including ensuring the Board is organized properly, functions effectively and meets its obligations and responsibilities. The Chairman’s responsibilities include, among other things, ensuring effective relations and communications among Board members.

The Company does not have a chairman that is independent or a lead independent director. Given the size of the Board, the Board believes that the presence of three (3) independent directors out of the four (4) directors currently on the Board, each of whom sits on the Board’s committees, is sufficient independent oversight of the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The independent directors work well together in the current Board structure and the Board does not believe that selecting an independent chairman or a lead independent director would add significant benefits to the Board oversight role.

Director Meetings

The Board meets on a regular basis and holds additional meetings as considered appropriate to deal with the matters arising from developments in the business and affairs of the Company from time to time. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the Board held five (5) regular meetings, including an in-person Board meeting held on site. In addition to the business conducted at such meetings, various other matters were discussed by phone and approved by written resolution signed by all members of the Board.

The Company does not have a policy with regard to Board members attendance at annual meetings of Shareholders.

Board Mandate

The Board is responsible for the overall stewardship of the Company. The Board discharges this responsibility directly and through the delegation of specific responsibilities to committees of the Board. The Board works with management to establish goals and strategies for the Company, to identify principal risks, to select and assess senior management and to review significant operational and financial matters. The Board’s mandate is available on the Company’s website at www.goldenqueen.com.

Position Descriptions

The Board has developed written position descriptions for the Chairman of the Board, the Directors of the Board, each chair of each board committee, and for the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, which are available on the Company’s website at www.goldenqueen.com.

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Orientation and Continuing Education

The Company provides new directors with an overview of their role as a member of the Board and its Committees, and the nature and operation of the Company’s business and affairs. New directors also have the opportunity to discuss the Company’s affairs with legal counsel and with the Company’s independent auditors. New directors are also provided with opportunities to visit the mine site in Mojave and are invited to have discussions with the Company’s operating personnel. In 2016, all of the directors visited the Soledad Mountain Project and had the opportunity to meet with local stakeholders and tour the project facilities.

The Company does not provide formal continuing education to its Board members, but does encourage them to communicate with management, independent auditors and consultants. Board members are also encouraged to participate in industry-related conferences, meetings and education events to maintain their skills and knowledge necessary to meet their obligations as directors of the Company.

Code of Business Conduct

The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct (the “Code”), which is distributed to officers, management and employees of the Company. To ensure and monitor compliance with the Code, the Board has adopted a Whistle-blower Policy. A request for a waiver of any provision of the Code can be made in writing to the Audit Committee, however, such waiver must be approved by the Board. During the recently completed fiscal year, there was no conduct by an officer, by management or an employee that constituted a departure from the Code. The Board has also adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers. The Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers are available on the Company’s website at www.goldenqueen.com.

If a director or senior officer has a material interest in a transaction or agreement being considered by the Company, such individual is precluded from voting on the matter and the Board considers such matter without the individual present.

Assessments

Based upon the Company’s size, its current stage of development and the number of individuals on the Board, the Board considers a formal process for assessing the effectiveness and contribution of the Board as a whole, its committees or individual directors to be unnecessary at this time. The Board and its committees meet on numerous occasions during each year, each director having regular opportunity to assess the Board as a whole, its committees, and other directors in relation to assessment of the competencies and skills that the Board as a whole, its committees and directors should possess. The Board will continue to evaluate its own effectiveness and the effectiveness of its committees and individual directors in such manner.

Board Leadership Structure

The Board does not have an express policy regarding the separation of the roles of the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, as the Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company to make that determination based on the position and direction of the Company and the membership of the Board. The Board has reviewed the Company’s current Board leadership structure. Thomas M. Clay has been the Company’s Chairman of the Board since May 2013 and assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer on August 10, 2015. In light of the composition of the Board, the Company’s size, the nature of the Company’s business, the regulatory framework under which the Company operates, the Company’s shareholder base, the Company’s peer group and other relevant factors, the Board believes that the current leadership structure is appropriate. Mr. Clay brings complimentary attributes to the Company’s business operations and strategic plans.

The Company does not have a lead independent director. Given the size of the Board, the Board believes that the presence of three (3) independent directors out of the four (4) directors currently on the Board, each of whom sits on the Board’s committees, is sufficient independent oversight of the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The independent directors work well together in the current Board structure and the Board does not believe that selecting a lead independent director would add significant benefits to the Board oversight role.

16

Also, the Board does not have a formal policy with respect to the consideration of diversity when assessing directors and director candidates, but considers diversity as part of its overall assessment of the Board’s functions and needs.

Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

The understanding, identification and management of risk are essential elements for the successful management of the Company. Management is charged with the day-to-day management of the risks the Company faces. However, the Board, directly and indirectly through its committees, is actively involved in the oversight of the Company’s risk management policies. The Board is charged with overseeing enterprise risk management, generally, and with reviewing and discussing with management the Company’s major risk exposure (whether financial, operating or otherwise) and the steps management has taken to monitor, control and manage these exposures, including the Company’s risk assessment and risk management guidelines and policies. Additionally, the Compensation Committee oversees the Company’s compensation policies generally, in part to determine whether or not they create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Board Term Limits

The Company has not adopted term limits for the directors on the Board or other mechanisms of board renewal because the Company believes that the imposition of term limits for its directors may lead to the exclusion of potentially valuable members of the Board. While there is a benefit to adding new perspectives to the Board from time to time, there are also benefits to having continuity and directors having in-depth knowledge of the Company’s business. The Company’s Nominating Committee considers, among other factors, skills, experience, and tenure when identifying potential director nominees.

Gender Diversity

The Company has not adopted a written policy relating to the identification and nomination of women directors and the Company has not adopted a target regarding the representation of women on the Board or in executive officer positions. The Company’s Nominating Committee identifies, evaluates and recommends candidates to become members of the Board with the goal of creating a Board that, as a whole, consists of individuals with various and relevant career experience, industry knowledge and experience, and financial and other specialized experience, while taking diversity into account. The consideration of the level of representation of women on the Board and in executive officer positions is one factor among many that plays a role in the Company’s Nominating Committee’s decision-making process.

As at the date hereof, there are no female directors on the Board or serving as executive officers of the Company.

Board’s Skills Matrix

The following table summarizes the particular areas of expertise for each member of the Board:

Director Name	Business Development	Corporate Governance	Finance	Risk Management	Capital Markets	Mining & Processing
Thomas M. Clay	X	X	X	X	X
Bryan A. Coates	X	X	X	X	X
Bernard Guarnera	X	X	X	X		X
Paul M. Blythe	X		X	X	X	X

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COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Nominating Committee. Each of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating Committee, is responsible to the full Board of Directors. The functions performed by these committees are summarized below:

Audit Committee. The Audit Committee considers the selection and retention of independent auditors and reviews the scope and results of the audit. In addition, it reviews the adequacy of internal accounting, financial and operating controls and reviews Golden Queen’s financial reporting compliance procedures. As of the Record Date, the members of the Audit Committee are Bryan A. Coates, Guy Le Bel, and Bernard Guarnera, each of whom is considered independent with the exception of Mr. Le Bel who became non-independent on March 16, 2017 when he assumed the role of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Bryan A. Coates is the Chair and the “financial expert” of the Audit Committee. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee charter is available on the Company’s website at www.goldenqueen.com. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the Audit Committee held four (4) meetings, during which all audit committee members were present. Mr. Le Bel resigned as a director of the Company on March 30, 2017. Subsequent to the Meeting and Mr. Le Bel’s resignation as a director and Audit Committee member, the composition of the Audit Committee will be re-evaluated by the Board of Directors and it is anticipated that Paul M. Blythe will be appointed to the Audit Committee as Mr. Le Bel’s replacement.

As part of its oversight of our financial reporting process, the directors have: (1) reviewed and discussed with management our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016; (2) received a report from PWC, our independent auditors, on the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, “Communications with Audit Committees”; (3) received the written disclosures and the letter from the auditors required by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526 regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountant’s independence; and (4) considered whether or not the provision of non-audit services by the auditors is compatible with maintaining their independence and has concluded that it is compatible at this time.

Based on the foregoing review and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements should be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the SEC on March 15, 2017.

Submitted by the Audit Committee.

Bryan A. Coates, Chair

Bernard Guarnera, Member

Guy Le Bel, Member

Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the compensation of Golden Queen’s senior management and officers, reviews and administers Golden Queen’s stock option plan and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding such matters. As of the Record Date, the members of the Compensation Committee are Bernard Guarnera, Bryan A. Coates and Guy Le Bel, composed entirely of independent directors. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee charter is available on the Company’s website at www.goldenqueen.com. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the Compensation Committee one (1) meetings.

Subsequent to the Meeting and Mr. Le Bel’s resignation as a director and Compensation Committee member, the composition of the Compensation Committee will be re-evaluated by the Board of Directors and it is anticipated that Paul M. Blythe will be appointed to the Compensation Committee as Mr. Le Bel’s replacement

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Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee assists the Board in providing effective corporate governance. As of the Record Date, the members of the Nominating Committee are Bryan A. Coates, Bernard Guarnera and Guy Le Bel, composed entirely of independent directors. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee charter is available on the Company’s website at www.goldenqueen.com. The Nominating Committee does not have a policy with regards to the consideration of any director candidate recommend by shareholders of the Company and the Board is of the view that it is appropriate for the Company to not have such a policy at this time. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the Nominating Committee did not hold a meeting.

Subsequent to the Meeting and Mr. Le Bel’s resignation as a director and Nominating Committee member, the composition of the Nominating Committee will be re-evaluated by the Board of Directors and it is anticipated that Paul M. Blythe will be appointed to the Nominating Committee as Mr. Le Bel’s replacement.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Pursuant to National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the Company is required to disclose annually in its Information Circular certain information concerning the constitution of its audit committee and its relationship with its independent auditor, as set forth in the following:

The primary function of the audit committee (the “Committee”) is to assist the board of directors in fulfilling its financial oversight responsibilities by reviewing (a) the financial reports and other financial information provided by the Company to regulatory authorities and shareholders; (b) the systems for internal corporate controls which have been established by the Board and management; and (c) overseeing the Company’s financial reporting processes generally. In meeting these responsibilities the Committee monitors the financial reporting process and internal control system; reviews and appraises the work of external auditors and provides an avenue of communication between the external auditors, senior management and the company’s Board. The Committee is also mandated to review all material related party transactions.

The Audit Committee’s Charter

The Company has adopted an Audit Committee Charter, the text of which can be found on the Company’s website at www.goldenqueen.com.

Composition of the Audit Committee

As of the Record Date, the Committee was comprised of Bryan A. Coates, Bernard Guarnera, and Guy Le Bel. All of the Audit Committee members are independent, with the exception of Mr. Le Bel who became non-independent when he assumed the role as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer as at March 16, 2017. The committee members are considered to be financially literate in that each Committee member has the ability to read and understand a set of financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of the issues that can presumably be expected to be raised by the Company’s financial statements. Subsequent to the Meeting and Mr. Le Bel’s resignation as a director and Audit Committee member, the composition of the Audit Committee will be re-evaluated by the Board of Directors and it is anticipated that Paul M. Blythe will be appointed to the Audit Committee as Mr. Le Bel’s replacement.

Relevant Education and Experience

Bryan A. Coates currently serves as President of Osisko Gold Royalties since June 2014. Prior to that, he was the Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Osisko Mining. He was responsible for all activities related to financing, financial reporting, marketing relating to the gold industry, risk management and government relations. Mr. Coates has more than 30 years of progressive experience within the international and Canadian mining industry. Mr. Coateshas an understanding of the accounting principles used by the Company to prepare its financial statements.

Bernard Guarnera has over 40 years of experience in the global mining industry and is currently President of Broadlands Mineral Advisory Services Ltd. Mr. Guarnera is a Director of the Board of Behre Dolbear Group Inc., a mining consulting firm founded in 1991. Mr. Guarnerahas an understanding of the accounting principles used by the Company to prepare its financial statements.

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Guy Le Bel is a merger and acquisitions, and business development consultant to Canadian mining companies and has over 30 years of international experience in strategic and financial planning. He most recently served as Vice President Evaluations for Capstone Mining Corp. and is a Director of RedQuest Capital Corp. Mr. Le Bel has an understanding of the accounting principles used by the Company to prepare its financial statements. Mr. Le Bel became the Chief Financial Officer of Golden Queen as of March 16, 2017 and has resigned as a member of the Audit Committee.

Paul M. Blythe has over 40 years experience in the mining industry including significant international experience in corporate management, project development, open pit and underground operations, mergers and acquisitions, and debt and equity financing. He was the founder and President of Quadra FNX Mining and previously worked for Westmin Resources Limited, Placer Dome Canada Limited, Lac Minerals Limited and BHP Billiton. Mr. Blythe has an understanding of the accounting principles used by the Company to prepare its financial statements.

Reliance on Certain Exemptions

Since the commencement of the Company’s most recently completed financial year, the Company has not relied on the exemptions contained in sections 2.4, 3.2, 3.3(2), 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8 or Part 8 of NI 52-110.

Audit Committee Oversight

Since the commencement of the Company’s most recently completed financial year, the Company’s Board has not failed to adopt a recommendation of the Audit Committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

The Audit Committee has not adopted specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services. Subject to the requirements of NI 52-110, the engagement of non-audit services is considered by the Company’s Board, and where applicable the Audit Committee, on a case-by-case basis.

External Auditor Service Fees

The fees for services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to us in the fiscal year ended 2016 and the fees were services provided by BDO Canada LLP to us in the fiscal year ended 2015 were as follows:

Fees		2016(5]	2015
Audit Fees[1]	C$	336,818	C$	440,110
Audit-Related Fees[2]	$	Nil	C$	18,960
Tax Fees[3]	$	Nil	C$	64,670
All Other Fees[4]	$	Nil	$	Nil
Total	C$	336,818	C$	523,740

[1] “Audit Fees” include fees necessary to perform the annual audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Audit Fees include fees for review of tax provisions and for accounting consultations on matters reflected in the financial statements. Audit Fees also include audit or other attest services required by legislation or regulation, such as comfort letters, consents, reviews of securities filings and statutory audits. Audit fees also include services related to the review of the Company’s quarterly financial reports. The 2016 audit fees include fees related to quarterly reviews of the Company's consolidated financial statements and fees related to the audit of the Company's 50%-owned subsidiary, GQM LLC.

[2] “Audit-Related Fees” include services that are traditionally performed by the auditor. These audit-related services include employee benefit audits, due diligence assistance, accounting consultations on proposed transactions, internal control reviews and audit or attest services not required by legislation or regulation.

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[3] “Tax Fees” include fees for all tax services other than those included in “Audit Fees” and “Audit-Related Fees”. This category includes fees for tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. Tax planning and tax advice includes assistance with tax audits and appeals, tax advice related to mergers and acquisitions, and requests for rulings or technical advice from tax authorities.

[4] “All Other Fees” include all other non-audit services.

[5] The final invoice for the Audit fees for the fiscal year 2016 has not yet been received and as such, those fees are not included within the table set out above.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Composition of the Compensation Committee

The members of the Compensation Committee during the year ended December 31, 2016 were Bernard Guarnera who serves as the Committee’s Chairman, Bryan A. Coates, and Guy Le Bel. Mr. Le Bel resigned as a director a Compensation Committee member on March 30, 2017. Subsequent to the Meeting and Mr. Le Bel’s resignation, the composition of the Compensation Committee will be re-evaluated by the Board of Directors and it is anticipated that Paul M. Blythe will be appointed to the Compensation Committee as Mr. Le Bel’s replacement.

Report on Executive Compensation and Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and approving the remuneration of the senior management of the Company, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer.

The guiding philosophy of the Compensation Committee in the determination of executive compensation is ensuring that the Company is able to attract the best possible candidates for management positions, given the high level of competition for competent management in the mining industry, and to align the interests of management with those of the Company’s shareholders.

The Company’s executive compensation policies are designed to recognize and reward individual contribution, performance and level of responsibility and ensure that the compensation levels remain competitive with other precious metals development and mining companies. The key components of total compensation are base salary and incentives.

The Compensation Committee has no formal process for determining appropriate base salary ranges. Currently the Company pays compensation in the form of a base salary to its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer. The base salary to the Chief Executive Officer was based on a proposal from the Chief Financial Officer, which was accepted by the Company after considering his experience and expected responsibility and contribution to the Company. The base salary of the Chief Financial Officer was negotiated based on industry comparables and the Chief Financial Officer’s experience.

Stock options are granted to senior management to align the financial interests of management with the interests of shareholders of the Company and to encourage senior management to focus on strategies and results that enhance shareholder value in the longer term. The number of options to purchase Common Shares granted to each individual will depend largely on his level of responsibility and contribution to the Company’s performance.

The Compensation Committee is responsible for considering the appropriateness and effectiveness of the Company’s executive compensation policies, given prevailing circumstances. Although the shareholder vote on executive compensation, which is submitted every three (3) years, is non-binding, the Compensation Committee will review the voting results in connection with the on-going evaluation of the Company’s compensation program.

The Compensation Committee may not delegate any of its authority to other persons.

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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of the members of the Compensation Committee served as an officer or employee of the Company during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. No current member of the Compensation Committee formerly served as an officer of the Company, and none of the current members of the Compensation Committee have entered into a transaction with the Company in which they had a direct or indirect interest that is required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K.

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee hereby reports to the Board that, in connection with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, and this Proxy Statement, we have:

· reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of SEC Regulation S-K; and

· based on such review and discussion, we recommend to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and this Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A.

Submitted by the Compensation Committee.

Bernard Guarnera, Chair

Bryan A. Coates, Member

Guy Le Bel, Member

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The performance graph depicts the Company’s cumulative total Shareholder returns over the five (5) most recently completed financial years based on an initial investment of $100 in the Company’s Common Stock, compared to an equal investment in the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index. The Company does not currently issue dividends. The Common Stock performance as set out in the graph does not necessarily indicate future Common Stock price performance.

	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2013		December31, 2014		December 31, 2015		December 31, 2016
Company	$	79	$	29	$	36	$	25	$	36
S&P/TSX Global Gold Index (TITTGD)	$	84	$	42	$	40	$	36	$	64

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Policy regarding transactions with management and others

Pursuant to its written charter, our Audit Committee has the responsibility to review all related party transactions on an ongoing basis.

Transactions with management and others

The following is in addition to disclosure contained elsewhere herein respecting transactions involving management.

On January 1, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to secure a $10.0 million loan (the “January 2014 Loan”) provided by members of the Clay family, who are shareholders of the Company, with twelve-month term and an annual interest rate of 5%, payable on the maturity date. Because the January 2014 Loan remained outstanding for more than 183 days, an additional 5% charge was applicable. $7.5 million of principal balance of the loan, $0.4 million of accrued interest, and an additional charge of $0.4 million were paid on December 31, 2014.

The $2.5 million remaining balance of the loan, accrued interest of $0.1 million and an additional charge of $0.1 million, were paid on January 5, 2015.

On December 31, 2014, the Company also entered into a new loan (the “December 2014 Loan”) with the same parties for $12.5 million, due on demand on July 1, 2015 and bore an annual interest rate of 10%. The loan was guaranteed by GQM Holdings, and secured by a pledge of the Company's interests in GQM Canada, GQM Canada’s interest in GQM Holdings and GQM Holdings' 50% interest in GQM LLC.

The Company also incurred a financing fee to secure the loan in the amount of $1.0 million, of which, $0.8 million was paid on December 31, 2014 and the remaining $0.3 million was paid on January 5, 2015.

On June 8, 2015, the Company amended the December 2014 Loan to extend the maturity to December 8, 2016 and increased the principal amount from $12.5 million to $37.5 million (the “June 2015 Loan”). The Company also issued to the lenders 10,000,000 common share purchase warrants exercisable for a period of five years expiring June 8, 2020. The common share purchase warrants have an exercise price of $0.95. All other terms remained the same as the December 2014 Loan. The Company also incurred financing fees to secure the loan in the amount of $1.5 million. The Company agreed to pay the legal fees incurred by the lenders relating to this debt instrument which amounted to $0.04 million. The total legal fees were expensed as the transaction met the definition of a debt extinguishment.

On November 18, 2016, the Company repaid $12.2 million of the June 2015 Loan and accrued interest with cash on hand and the net proceeds from an equity financing. The Company restructured the remaining debt with a new loan with a principal amount of $31.0 million (the “November 2016 Loan”). The November 2016 Loan has a thirty-month term and an annual interest rate of 8%, payable on a quarterly basis commencing during the first quarter of 2017. Quarterly principal payments of $2.5 million commence during the first quarter of 2018, with and payment of the remaining balance at the maturity date. The first four quarterly interest payments under the November 2016 Loan can be added to the loan principal balance rather than paid in cash, at the Company’s option.

In connection with the November 2016 Loan the Company issued 8,000,000 common share purchase warrants exercisable for a period of five years expiring November 21, 2021. The common share purchase warrants have an exercise price of $0.85. The Company also incurred a financing fee to secure the loan in the amount of $0.9 million, all of which was paid on November 18, 2016.

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INVOLVEMENT IN CERTAIN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

During the past ten years, none of the persons currently serving as executive officers and/or directors of the Company has been the subject matter of any of the following legal proceedings that are required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K including: (a) any bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two (2) years prior to that time; (b) any criminal convictions; (c) any order, judgment, or decree permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities; (d) any finding by a court or the SEC to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies, or any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud; or (e) any sanction or order of any self-regulatory organization or registered entity or equivalent exchange, association or entity. Further, no such legal proceedings are believed to be contemplated by governmental authorities against any director or executive officer.

Other than as disclosed herein, the Company is not aware of any claims, actions, proceedings or investigations pending against the Company, any director, officer or affiliate of the Company, any owner of record or beneficially of more than five percent (5%) of the Common Stock, or any associate of any such director, officer, affiliate of the Company, or security holder that, individually or in the aggregate, are material to the Company. Neither the Company nor its assets and properties is subject to any outstanding judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree that has had or would be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Furthermore, the Company is not aware of any threatened lawsuits.

To the best of our knowledge, there are no legal actions pending, threatened or contemplated against the Company or GQM LLC, other than what is noted below.

The Center for Biodiversity Petition to List the Mohave Shoulderband Snail as an Endangered Species

On January 31, 2014, the Center for Biological Diversity (“CBD”) filed an emergency petition (the “Petition”) with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”) asking the USFWS to list the Mohave Shoulderband snail as a threatened or endangered species. Citing a report published more than 80 years ago, the Petition claims that the snail exists in only three places and that most of the snail habitat occurs on Soledad Mountain, where the Company is developing the Project.

Upon review, the USFWS concluded that there was no imminent threat to the snail that would cause them to believe an emergency listing was required. The USFWS is instead processing the Petition according to its standard timeline. A public comment period on the petition commenced on April 10, 2015 for a period of 60 days. On September 9, 2015, the USFWS and the CBD entered into a Stipulated Settlement Agreement that established a 12 Month Finding date of April 11, 2016.

In November 2015, the Company, the USFWS, and the CBD entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the “November 2015 Memorandum of Understanding”) under which the USFWS and the CBD agreed to defer the 12 Month Finding date to June 30, 2017, and the Company agreed not to disturb until June 30, 2017 certain points on Soledad Mountain where snails or snail shells had been identified. The Company, the USFWS, and the CBD have jointly selected a third party environmental consultant that will conduct surveys to better understand the snail’s range and distribution on Soledad Mountain before the USFWS prepares its 12 Month Finding. Surveying has commenced and is anticipated to conclude during the first quarter of 2017 and the Company is awaiting a formal report of the results.

The ongoing review by the USFWS does not affect the Project’s regulatory approvals or interfere with the Project’s operation. The November 2015 Memorandum of Understanding caused no material adjustments to the Project’s mine plan. The Company believes that conservation of any snail habitat areas can be accomplished without material adjustments to the Project’s mine plan and is preparing a conservation plan accordingly. If the USFWS ultimately finds that the snail is ‘endangered’ or ‘threatened’ and no agreed conservation plan is established, material adjustments to the Project’s mine plan may be required.

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SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS

Shareholders who are interested in communicating directly with members of the Board, or the Board as a group, may do so by writing directly to the individual Board member or the Board generally care of the Corporate Secretary, GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD., Suite 2300 – 1066 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 3X2. The Company’s Secretary will forward communications directly to the appropriate Board member. If the correspondence is not addressed to a particular Board member, the communication will be forwarded to a Board member to bring to the attention of the Board. The Company’s Secretary will review all communications prior to forwarding them to the appropriate Board member. The Board has requested that items unrelated to the duties and responsibilities of the Board, such as junk mail and mass mailings, business solicitations, advertisements and other commercial communications, surveys and questionnaires and resumes or other job inquiries, not be forwarded.

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

Pursuant to the rules of the Securities Exchange Act, shareholder proposals intended to be considered for inclusion in the Proxy Statement and proxy card for the 2017 Meeting of Shareholders of the Company, and to be included in the Company’s proxy materials for the proxy materials for the 2017 annual meeting of the Shareholders of the Company, must be received by the Corporate Secretary of Golden Queen by December 1, 2017, and must comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Division 7 of Part 5 of the B.C. Business Corporations Act. After this date, any shareholder nomination or proposal will be considered untimely. The Company reserves the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any nomination or proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements. If the Company changes the date of next year’s annual meeting by more than thirty days from the date of this year’s meeting, then the deadline is a reasonable time before the Company begins to print and mail its proxy materials.

OTHER BUSINESS

Management is not aware of any matters to come before the Meeting other than those set forth in the Notice of Meeting. If any other matter properly comes before the Meeting, it is the intention of the person named in the proxy to vote the shares represented thereby in accordance with their best judgment on such matter.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information relating to the Company is available on the Company’s website at www.goldenqueen.com, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The Company will furnish to Shareholders, free of charge, a hard copy of the Company’s financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis and/or a hard copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 upon request by (i) mail to: 2300 – 1066 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3X2 or (ii) telephone to: (778) 373-1557 or (iii) email to: info@goldenqueen.com. Financial information is provided in the Company’s annual financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for its most recently completed fiscal year.

OTHER MATERIAL FACTS

There are no other material facts to the knowledge of the Board relating to the matters for which this Circular is issued which are not disclosed herein.

CERTIFICATE

The foregoing contains no untrue statement of a material fact and does not omit to state a material fact that is required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances in which it was made. The contents and the sending of this Circular have been approved by the Board.

By Order of the board of Directors of

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Thomas M. Clay

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Vancouver, British Columbia

April 6, 2017

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APPENDIX “A”

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______________ to _______________

0-21777

(Commission File Number)

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

(Name of registrant in its charter)

British Columbia, Canada	Not Applicable
(State or other jurisdiction	(IRS Employer
of incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

2300 – 1066 West Hastings Street. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada	V6E 3X2
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Issuer’s telephone number: (778) 373-1557

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None

Securities registered under section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: Common shares without par value

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter: $100,300,564 as at June 30, 2016.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date: 111,148,683 common shares as at March 14, 2017.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K, which Proxy Statement is to be filed within 120 days after the end of the registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. If the definitive Proxy Statement cannot be filed on or before the 120 day period, the issuer may instead file an amendment to this Form 10-K disclosing the information with respect to Items 10 through 14.

Form 10-K

Table of Contents

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS	2
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING U.S. INVESTORS	3
PART I	4
Item 1.  Business	4
Item 1A.  Risk Factors	7
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments	15
Item 2.  Properties	16
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings	20
Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures	21
PART II	21
Item 5. Market for Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Small Business Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	21
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data (in thousands of US dollars, except per share)	23
Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	24
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	48
Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.	49
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures	49
Item 9B.  Other Information	50
PART III	51
PART IV	51
Item 15. Exhibits	51
Signatures	55

References to the “Company”, “Golden Queen”, “we”, “us”, “our” and words of similar meaning refer to Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. The U.S. dollar (“$”) is used in this Form 10-K and quantities are reported in Imperial units with Metric units in brackets.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein constitute contain forward-looking information and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (as amended), section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended), the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, releases made by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and applicable Canadian securities legislation, all as may be amended from time to time, concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of the Company (collectively “forward-looking statements”). Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “anticipates”, “continues”, “estimates”, “is expected”, “projected”, “propose”, “believes”, “intends”, “subject to”, “budget”, “scheduled”, or variations or comparable language of such word and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might”, or “will”, “occur” or “be achieved” or the negative connotation thereof.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Although the Company believes its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions and has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein. References in this Form 10-K are to December 31, 2016, unless another date is stated, or in the case of documents incorporated herein by reference, are as of the dates of such documents.

In particular, this Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain forward-looking statements pertaining to the following:

· business strategy, strength and focus;

· results of operations relative to estimates based on the prior feasibility study;

· geological estimates in respect of mineral resources and reserves on the Project;

· the realization of mineral reserve estimates;

· projections of market prices and costs and the related sensitivity of distributions;

· supply and demand for precious metals;

· expectations regarding the ability to generate income through operations;

· expectations with respect to the Company’s future working capital position;

· treatment under government regulatory regimes and tax laws;

· anticipated gold and silver revenues;

· the timing and amount of estimated future production;

· estimated costs of anticipated production, sales and costs of sales;

· anticipated mining operations proceeding as planned; and

· the Company’s and GQM LLC’s capital expenditure programs.

With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things:

· present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future;

· recovery rates from gold and silver production;

· the impact of environmental regulations on our operations;

· future gold and silver prices;

· the Company’s and GQM LLC’s ability to retain qualified staff;

· the impact of any changes in the laws of the United States or the State of California;

2

· the ability of GQM LLC to maintain its existing and future permits in good standing;

· the ability of GQM LLC to retain its mining rights under existing and future agreements with landholders;

· the regulatory framework governing royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the United States;

· future capital expenditures, if any, required to be made by the Company and GQM LLC and the Company’s ability to fund its pro rata capital commitments to the GQM LLC joint venture;

· the Company’s ability to repay or refinance current debt; and

· the ability of the Company to maintain its current ownership level in GQM LLC.

Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors set forth below and elsewhere in this Form 10-K and in the documents incorporated by reference herein:

· uncertainties in access to future funding for repayment of debt or any future capital requirements of the Project or future acquisitions;

· unexpected liabilities or changes in the cost of operations, including costs of extracting and delivering gold and silver dore to a refinery, that affect potential profitability of the Project;

· operating hazards and risks inherent in mineral exploration and mining;

· volatility in global equities, commodities, foreign exchange, market price of gold and silver and a lack of market liquidity;

· changes to the political environment, laws or regulations, or more stringent enforcement of current laws or regulations in the United States or California;

· ability of GQM LLC to obtain and maintain licenses, access rights or permits, required for current and future planned operations;

· unexpected and uninsurable risks that may arise;

· risks associated with any future hedging activities; and,

· the other factors discussed under Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists of factors are not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K and documents incorporated by reference herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of the Company’s operating environment. Except as required under applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake or assume any obligation to publically update or revise any forward-looking statements that are included in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING U.S. INVESTORS

The Company uses Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum definitions for the terms “proven reserves”, “probable reserves”, “measured resources”, “indicated resources” and “inferred resources”. U.S. investors are cautioned that while these terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, including National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”), the SEC does not recognize them.

Canadian mining disclosure standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of the SEC and SEC Guide 7, and reserve and resource information contained or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K and in the documents incorporated by reference herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by companies reporting under United States standards. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term “resource” does not equate to the term “reserve”. Under United States 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 at the time the reserve determination is made. The SEC’s disclosure standards normally do not permit the inclusion of information concerning “measured mineral resources”, “indicated mineral resources” or “inferred mineral 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. U.S. investors should also understand that “inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an “inferred mineral resource” will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimated “inferred mineral resources” may not form the basis of pre-feasibility or feasibility studies. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an “inferred mineral resource” exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource estimate is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC standards as tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. The requirements of NI 43-101 for identification of “reserves” are also not the same as those of the SEC, and reserves in compliance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as “reserves” under SEC standards.

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Accordingly, information contained in this Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain descriptions of our mineral deposits that may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. See Item 1A. Risk Factors.

In addition, financial information in this Form 10-K and the Company’s financial statements is presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

PART I

Item 1. Business

General Development of Business

The Company is a gold and silver producer, incorporated in 1985 under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada. The Soledad Mountain Mining Project (the “Project”) is located south of Mojave in Kern County in southern California.

The Company acquired its initial interest in the Project in 1985 and has since added to its landholdings and interests in the area. Exploration and evaluation work on the Project was done, until September 10, 2014, by Golden Queen Mining Co., Inc. (“GQM Inc.”), a California corporation wholly-owned by the Company. GQM Inc. was converted into a limited liability company, Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC (“GQM LLC”) on September 10, 2014 in preparation for the formation of a joint venture (the “Joint Venture”) between a newly formed entity, Golden Queen Mining Holdings, Inc. (“GQM Holdings”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Gauss LLC (“Gauss”). Gauss is an investment entity formed for the purpose of the Joint Venture, and is 70.51% owned by Leucadia National Corporation and 29.49% owned by members of the Clay family, a controlling shareholder group of the Company. See Project Financing - Joint Venture Transaction below for further details on the Joint Venture. In February 2015, the Company incorporated Golden Queen Mining Canada Ltd. (“GQM Canada”), a wholly-owned British Columbia subsidiary, to hold the Company’s interest in GQM Holdings.

As a result of the changes made in connection with the Joint Venture and the incorporation of GQM Canada, the names, place of formation and ownership of the Company’s subsidiaries and the Project as at March 15, 2017 are as follows:

GQM LLC is managed by a board of managers comprising an equal number of representatives of each of Gauss and GQM Holdings. The current representatives of GQM Holdings on the board of managers are Guy Le Bel, Bryan A. Coates and Thomas Clay. The current officer of GQM LLC is Robert C. Walish, Jr. as Chief Executive Officer.

Golden Queen accounts for GQM LLC on its books as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), with Golden Queen considered to be the primary beneficiary.  A VIE is an entity in which the investor, Golden Queen, holds a controlling interest, or in this case, is a primary beneficiary, that is not based on the majority of the voting rights. As a result, Golden Queen continues to reflect 100% of the financial results of GQM LLC in its consolidated financial statements, along with a non-controlling interest representing Gauss’ 50% interest in GQM LLC.

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The registered office of the Company is located at 1200 - 750 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 2T8 and its executive offices are located at 2300 – 1066 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6E 3X2. The California office of GQM LLC is located at 2818 Silver Queen Road, Mojave, California, 93501.

Significant Developments in 2016

The Company poured its first gold on March 1, 2016. Commercial production was announced on December 19, 2016. Please refer to Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the 2016 operational update.

There are a number of risks associated with the Project and readers are urged to consider these risks and possible other risks, in order to obtain an understanding of the Project (see Item 1A. Risk Factors below).

Financings

On January 1, 2016, April 1, 2016 and July 1, 2016 the Company chose to exercise its right to pay quarterly interest on a loan with Clay shareholders in the principal amount of $37,500,000 in kind by adding interest owed to the principal balance.

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In July of 2016, the Company completed an equity financing for gross proceeds of $12.2 million (C$16.1 million). The proceeds were used primarily to repay a portion of the loan with Clay shareholders and its accrued interest. On November 18, 2016, the Company repaid a portion of the loan and accrued interest of $12.2 million. The loan was refinanced for a principal amount of $31.0 million (the “November 2016 Loan”) with a thirty month term and an annual interest rate of 8%, payable on a quarterly basis commencing first quarter of 2017, a repayment of $2.5 million on a quarterly basis commencing first quarter of 2018 and repayment of balance at maturity date. The first four quarterly interest payments under the November 2016 Loan can be added to the loan principal balance rather than paid in cash, at the Company’s option.

The Company also issued 8,000,000 common share purchase warrants exercisable for a period of five years expiring November 21, 2021. The common share purchase warrants have an exercise price of $0.85

Financial Information by Segment and Geographic Area

The Company has a single reportable operating segment, and all mining operations and assets are located in the United States. See Item 6. Selected Financial Data, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the attached financial statements for all financial information.

Competitive Conditions

The Company and GQM LLC compete with other mining companies in the recruitment and retention of qualified managerial and technical employees, for supplies and equipment, as well as for capital. As a result of this competition in the mining industry, some of which is with large established mining companies with substantial capabilities and with greater financial and technical resources than ours, we may be unable to effectively develop and operate the Project or obtain financing on terms we consider acceptable.

Environmental Regulation

Our current and planned operations are subject to state and federal environmental laws and regulations. Those laws and regulations provide strict standards for compliance, and potentially significant fines and penalties for non-compliance. These laws address emissions, waste discharge requirements, management of hazardous substances, protection of endangered species and reclamation of lands disturbed by mining. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations requires significant time and expense, and future changes to these laws and regulations may cause material changes or delays in the development of our Project or our future activities on site.

See Environmental Issues, Permits & Approvals below for a detailed description of the effects of federal, state and local environmental regulations and permitting on the Company, GQM LLC and the Project, as well as Item 1A. Risk Factors for a discussion of the related risks.

Employees

As of March 15, 2017, the Company had 194 employees. The Company engages various part-time consultants and contractors as needed for administrative services.

Available Information

We make available, free of charge, our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and any amendments to those reports, on our website at www.goldenqueen.com. Our current reports on Form 8-K are available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or we will provide electronic copies of these filings free of charge upon request. Our website and the information on it is not intended to be, and is not incorporated into this Form 10-K. Additional information and filings related to the Company can be found at www.sec.gov and www.sedar.com.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

The following is a discussion of distinctive or special characteristics of our operations and the industry in which we operate, which may have a material impact on, or constitutes risk factors in respect of, our future financial performance and in respect of an investment in the Company. These risk factors should be carefully considered and read in conjunction with disclosure on business and risks appearing in this Form 10-K. Such risks are not the only we face and additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual result may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including the risks described below. See the above “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”.

Operational Risks

Mineral resource and reserve estimates are based on interpretation and assumptions, and the Project may yield lower production of gold and silver under actual operating conditions than is currently estimated. A material decrease in the quantity or grade of mineral resource or reserves from those estimates, will affect the economic viability of the Project or the Project’s return on capital

Unless otherwise indicated, mineral resource and reserve figures presented in our filings with securities regulatory authorities, press releases and other public statements that may be made from time to time, are based upon estimates made by independent consulting geologists and mining engineers.   Estimates can be imprecise and depend upon geological interpretation and statistical inferences drawn from drilling and sampling, which may prove to be unreliable. We cannot assure you that the estimates are accurate or that mineralized materials from the Project can be mined or processed profitably.

Assumptions about silver and gold market prices are subject to great uncertainty as those prices have fluctuated widely in the past. Declines in the market prices of silver and gold may render reserves containing relatively lower grades of ore uneconomic to exploit, and the Company may be required to reduce reserve estimates, discontinue development or mining at one or more of its properties or write down assets as impaired. Should GQM LLC encounter mineralization or geologic formations at the Project different from those predicted, it may adjust its reserve estimates and alter its mining plans. Either of these alternatives may adversely affect the Company’s actual production and financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

As production at the Project proceeds, mineral resources and reserves may require adjustments or downward revisions. In addition, the grade of mineralized material ultimately mined, if any, may differ from that indicated by our 2015 Feasibility Study. Gold and silver recovered in small scale tests may not be duplicated on a production scale.

The mineral resource and reserve estimates contained in this Form 10-K have been determined and valued based on assumed future prices for gold and silver, cut-off grades and operating costs that may prove to be different than actual prices, grades and costs. Extended declines in prices for gold or silver may render such estimates uneconomic and result in reduced reported mineralization or adversely affect current determinations of commercial viability. Any material reductions in estimates of mineralization, or of the ability of GQM LLC to profitably extract gold and silver, could have a material adverse effect on our share price and the value of the Project.

The estimates of production rates, costs and financial results contained in the 2015 Feasibility Study and any current or future guidance of production rates offered by the Company depend on subjective factors and may not be realized in actual production and such estimates speak only as of their respective dates.

The 2015 Feasibility Study provides estimates and projections of future production, costs and financial results of the Project. In addition, the Company may from time to time provide guidance on projected production rates of the Project. Any such information is forward-looking and depend on numerous assumptions, including assumptions about the availability, accessibility, sufficiency and quality of ore, the costs of production, the market prices of silver and gold, the ability to sustain and increase production levels, the sufficiency of its infrastructure, the performance of its personnel and equipment, its ability to maintain and obtain mining interests and permits and its compliance with existing and future laws and regulations. Actual results and experience may differ materially from these assumptions. Any such production cost, or financial results estimates speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update such estimates, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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There are significant financial and operational risks associated with an operating mining project such as the project operated by GQM LLC

The financial results of GQM LLC is subject to risks associated with operating and maintaining mining operations on the Property, including:

· increases in our projected costs due to differences in grade of mineralized material, metallurgical performance or revisions to mine plans in response to the physical shape and location of mineralized materials as compared to our 2015 Feasibility Study estimates;

· increases in the costs of commodities such as fuel and electricity, and other materials and supplies which would increase Project development and operating costs;

· the ability to extract sufficient gold and silver from resources and reserves to support a profitable mining operation on the Property;

· decreases in gold and silver prices;

· compliance with approvals and permits for the Project;

· potential opposition from environmental groups, other non-governmental organizations or local residents which may delay or prevent development of the Project or affect our future operations;

· difficult surface conditions, unusual or unexpected geologic formations or failure of open pit slopes;

· mechanical or equipment problems, industrial accidents or personal injury resulting in unanticipated cost and delays;

· environmental hazards or pollution;

· fire, flooding, earthquakes, cave-ins or periodic interruptions due to inclement weather; and

· labor disputes.

Any of these hazards and risks can materially and adversely affect, among other things, production quantities and rates, costs and expenditures, potential revenues and production dates. They may also result in damage to, or destruction of, production facilities, environmental damage, monetary losses and legal liability. The value of our interest in GQM LLC may decrease as a result, which would be expected to reduce the value of our common shares.

There are operational risks for which insurance coverage is not available at affordable rates or at all, and the occurrence of any material adverse event for which there is no insurance coverage may decrease financial performance of GQM LLC, or may impede or prevent ongoing operations

GQM LLC currently maintains insurance within ranges of coverage consistent with industry practice in relation to some of these risks, but there are certain risks against which GQM LLC cannot insure, or against which GQM LLC cannot maintain insurance at affordable premiums. Insurance against environmental risks (including pollution or other hazards resulting from the disposal of waste products generated from production activities) is not generally available to GQM LLC. If subjected to environmental liabilities, the costs incurred would reduce funds available for other purposes, and GQM LLC may have to suspend operations or undertake costly interim compliance measures to address environmental issues. Any such events would be expected to have a significant detrimental impact on the value of our interest in GQM LLC and our common stock.

Silver and gold mining involves significant production and operational risks

Silver and gold mining involves significant production and operational risks, including those related to uncertain mineral exploration success, unexpected geological or mining conditions, the difficulty of development of new deposits, unfavorable climate conditions, equipment or service failures, unavailability of or delays in installing and commissioning plants and equipment, import or customs delays and other general operating risks.

Commencement of mining can reveal mineralization or geologic formations, including higher than expected content of other minerals that can be difficult to separate from silver, which can result in unexpectedly low recovery rates. Problems may also arise due to the quality or failure of locally obtained equipment or interruptions to services (such as power, water, fuel or transport or processing capacity) or technical capital expenditure to achieve expected recoveries. Many of these production and operational risks are beyond the Company’s control. Delays in commencing successful mining activities at new or expanded mines, disruptions in production and low recovery rates could have adverse effects on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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Land reclamation requirements for our properties may be burdensome and expensive 

Reclamation requirements are imposed on GQM LLC in order to minimize long term effects of land disturbance, and this includes a requirement to re-establish pre-disturbance land forms.

In order to carry out reclamation obligations imposed on GQM LLC in connection with development activities, GQM LLC must allocate financial resources that might otherwise be spent on further exploration and development. GQM LLC has set up and plans to set up a provision for our reclamation obligations on the Project, as appropriate, but this provision may not be adequate. If GQM LLC is required to carry out unanticipated reclamation work, our financial position could be adversely affected.

Sale of aggregate

We have not included contributions from the sale of aggregate in the 2015 Feasibility Study cash flow projections. However, aggregate sales over a period of thirty years are important for the Project as it will permit GQM LLC to meet its closure and reclamation requirements. If no sale of waste rock as aggregate is ever achieved, the initial mine life is expected to be reduced.

The mining industry is intensely competitive

The mining industry is competitive in all of its phases. We compete with other mining companies in the recruitment and retention of qualified managerial and technical employees. If we are unable to successfully compete for qualified employees, GQM LLC’s production of minerals from the Project may be slowed down or suspended. We also compete with other mining companies for capital. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital, our interest in GQM LLC may be diluted.

As a result of such competition, some of which is with large established mining companies with substantial capabilities and with greater financial and technical resources than ours, GQM LLC may be unable to effectively develop the Project or obtain financing on terms we consider acceptable.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

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

GQM LLC’s current and future operations are and will be governed by laws and regulations, including, among others, those relating to:

· mineral property production and reclamation;

· taxes and fees;

· labor standards, and occupational health and safety; and

· environmental standards for waste disposal, treatment and use of toxic substances, land use and environmental protection.

Companies engaged in production activities often experience increased costs and delays as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and permits. Failure to comply with these may result in enforcement actions, orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities requiring operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment or costly remedial actions. GQM LLC may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of our activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of such laws, regulations and permits.

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Existing and possible future laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of mining companies, or more stringent implementation, could have a material adverse impact on GQM LLC’s business and cause increases in capital expenditures or require abandonment or delays in development of the Project, all of which would be expected to reduce the value of our interest in the GQM LLC.

GQM LLC’s activities are subject to California state and federal environmental laws and regulations that may increase the costs of doing business and restrict operations

GQM LLC’s current and planned operations are subject to state and federal environmental laws and regulations. Those laws and regulations provide strict standards for compliance, and potentially significant fines and penalties for non-compliance. These laws address air emissions, waste discharge requirements, management of hazardous substances, protection of endangered species and reclamation of lands disturbed by mining. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations requires significant time and expense, and future changes to these laws and regulations may cause material changes or delays in the production of minerals from the Project or future activities.

U.S. Federal Laws: The Comprehensive Environmental, Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and comparable state statutes, impose strict, joint and several liabilities on current and former owners and operators of sites and on persons who disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances found at such sites. It is not uncommon for the government to file claims requiring cleanup actions, demands for reimbursement for government incurred cleanup costs, or natural resource damages, or for neighbouring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances released into the environment. The Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and comparable state statutes, govern the disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste and authorize the imposition of substantial fines and penalties for noncompliance, as well as requirements for corrective actions. CERCLA, RCRA and comparable state statutes can impose liability for clean-up of sites and disposal of substances found on exploration, mining and processing sites long after activities on such sites have been completed.

The Clean Air Act, as amended, and comparable state statutes, restrict the emission of air pollutants from many sources, including mining and processing activities. GQM LLC’s mining operations may produce air emissions, including fugitive dust and other air pollutants from stationary equipment, storage facilities and the use of mobile sources such as trucks and heavy construction equipment, which are subject to review, monitoring and/or control requirements under the Clean Air Act and comparable state air quality laws. New facilities may be required to obtain permits before work can begin, and existing facilities may be required to incur capital costs in order to remain in compliance. In addition, permitting rules may impose limitations on GQM LLC’s production levels or result in additional capital expenditures in order to comply with the rules. The Clean Air Act and comparable state statutes provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized emissions of pollutants.

The Clean Water Act (CWA), and comparable state statutes, impose restrictions and controls on the discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States, or to the surface or ground waters of the state. The CWA regulates storm water runoff from mining facilities and requires a storm water discharge permit for certain activities. Such a permit requires the regulated facility to monitor and sample storm water run-off from its operations. The CWA and comparable state statutes provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized discharges of pollutants and impose liability on parties responsible for those discharges for the costs of cleaning up any environmental damage caused by the release and for natural resource damages resulting from the release. Violation of these regulations and/or contamination of groundwater by mining related activities may result in fines, penalties, and remediation costs, among other sanctions and liabilities under state laws. In addition, third party claims may be filed by landowners and other parties claiming damages for alternative water supplies, property damages, and bodily injury.

The Endangered Species Act and comparable state laws are designed to protect critically imperiled species from extinction as a consequence of development. GQM LLC filed a response to statements made in a petition filed on January 31, 2014 with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), which petition sought to list the Mojave Shoulderband snail as a threatened or endangered species (see Item 3. Legal Proceedings in this report for additional information). In April 2014, USFWS concluded that there was no imminent threat to the snail that would cause them to believe an emergency listing was required, but that USFWS may address the petition in the future, subject to funding. In November 2015, the Company agreed not to disturb certain points on Soledad Mountain where snails or snail shells have been identified until June 30, 2017. The Company, the USFWS and the CBD have jointly selected a third party environmental consultant to conduct surveys to better understand the snail’s range and distribution on Soledad Mountain. Surveying has commenced and is expected to conclude during the first quarter of 2017.

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California Laws: At the state level, mining operations are also regulated by the California Department of Conservation, Office of Mine Reclamation. State law requires mine operators to hold a permit, which dictates operating controls and closure and post-closure requirements directed at protecting surface and ground water. In addition, state law requires operators to have an approved mine reclamation plan. Local ordinances require the operators to hold Conditional Use Permits. These permits mandate concurrent and post-mining reclamation of mines and require the posting of reclamation financial assurance sufficient to guarantee the cost of closure and reclamation. Any changes to these laws and regulations could have an adverse impact on our financial performance and results of operations by, for example, requiring changes to operating constraints, technical criteria, fees or financial assurance requirements.

Regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change could result in increased operating costs

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

Title to the Property may be subject to other claims, which could affect our property rights

There are risks that title to the Property may be challenged or impugned. The Property is located in California and may be subject to prior unrecorded agreements or transfers and title may be affected by undetected defects. There may be valid challenges to the title to the Property which, if successful, could affect development of the Project and/or operations. This is particularly the case in respect of those portions of the Property in which GQM LLC holds its interest solely through a lease with landholders, as such interests are substantially based on contract and have been subject to a number of assignments.

GQM LLC holds a number of unpatented mining claims created and maintained in accordance with the General Mining Law of 1872 (the “General Mining Law”). Unpatented lode mining claims and millsites are unique property interests, and are generally considered to be subject to greater title risk than other real property interests because the validity of unpatented mining claims is often uncertain. This uncertainty arises, in part, out of the federal laws and regulations under the General Mining Law. Also, unpatented mining claims may be subject to possible challenges by third parties or validity contests by the federal government. The validity of an unpatented mining claim or millsite, in terms of both its location and its maintenance, is dependent on strict compliance with a body of U.S. federal law. Should the federal government impose a royalty or additional tax burdens on the properties that lie within public lands, the resulting mining operations could be seriously impacted, depending upon the type and amount of the burden.

Legislation has been proposed in the past that could significantly affect the mining industry

Members of the United States Congress have repeatedly introduced bills which would supplant or alter the provisions of the United States General Mining Law. If enacted, such legislation could change the cost of holding unpatented mining claims and could significantly impact our ability to mine mineralized material on unpatented mining claims. Such bills have proposed, among other things, to either eliminate or greatly limit the right to a mineral patent and to impose a federal royalty on production from unpatented mining claims. Although we cannot predict what legislated royalties might be, the enactment of these proposed bills could adversely affect GQM LLC’s potential to mine mineralized material on unpatented mining claims. Passage of such legislation could adversely affect our financial performance.

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Financial Risks

Our financial statements contain a qualification as to our ability to continue as a going concern due primarily to the need to repay $5.4 million in accrued interest and debt principal repayment on January 1, 2018, which is not assured

Until such time as GQM LLC can economically produce and sell gold and silver from the Project and distribute cash to its members, we will continue to have no cash flow from our ownership interest in GQM LLC and will continue to incur an operating deficit. As at December 31, 2016, excluding any cash held by GQM LLC and inclusive of GQM Holdings, we had cash of approximately $2.1 million and current liabilities of approximately $6.9 million. The Company is required to pay $5.4 million in accrued interest and debt principal repayment on January 1, 2018 from the November 2016 Loan.

The ability of the Company to service its debt due in early 2018 from distributions from GQM LLC during the fiscal year 2017 is dependent on a number of factors, including the gold price and the ability of the mine to perform according to the mine plan for 2017. Because of the uncertainty relating to the above factors, there can be no assurance that sufficient distributions will be generated and paid by GQM LLC to the Company in order for it to meet its obligations when they fall due. If the distributions are not sufficient, the Company will need to either raise equity or negotiate with its debt lender a delay in principal and interest repayments.

The Company must meet any future cash contribution requirements if required under the terms of the JV Agreement with Gauss LLC, or face dilution of its ownership interest in the Project, which could impact our stock value and our ability to meet stock exchange listing requirements

We hold a 50% interest in the Project pursuant to the terms of the JV Agreement. If in the future there are unexpected costs that require additional capital contributions from us under the terms of the JV Agreement, we will need to raise additional funds in order to maintain our 50% interest in the Project, otherwise we will have our interest diluted to below 50% which will likely have an adverse impact on the price of our common shares. In addition, to the extent our ownership interest of GQM LLC remains our sole business and asset, if we are diluted below 50% ownership we could fail to meet the listing requirements of the TSX and be delisted from the TSX and unable to list on a suitable alternate stock exchange. In such an event the market for our securities would be limited to the US over-the-counter market and related quotation services, being currently the OTCQX in the case of the Company. The anticipated impact of such a delisting will be to reduce venues for trading in our securities, a reduction in available market information, a reduction in liquidity, a decrease in analyst coverage of our securities, and a decrease in our ability for us to obtain additional financing to fund our operations.

GQM LLC’s results of operations, cash flows and operating costs are highly dependent upon the market prices of silver and gold and other commodities, which are volatile and beyond the Company’s control.

Silver and gold are exchange-traded commodities, and the volatility in gold and silver prices is illustrated by the following table, which sets forth, for the periods indicated (calendar year), the average annual market prices in U.S. dollars per ounce of gold and silver, based on the daily London P.M. fix, as shown in the table below:

Mineral	2016		2015		2014		2013		2012
Gold	$	1,208.63	$	1,160.06	$	1,265.78	$	1,411.23	$	1,668.98
Silver	$	15.33	$	15.68	$	19.08	$	23.79	$	31.15

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Silver and gold prices are affected by many factors including U.S. dollar strength or weakness, prevailing interest rates and returns on other asset clauses, expectations regarding inflation, speculation, global currency values, governmental decisions regarding the disposal of precious metal stockpiles, global and regional demand and production, political and economic conditions and other factors. In addition, Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”), which have substantially facilitated the ability of large and small investors to buy and sell precious metals, have become significant holders of gold and silver. Factors that are generally understood to contribute to a decline in the prices of silver and gold include a strengthening of the U.S. dollar, net outflows from gold and silver ETFs, bullion sales by private and government holders and global economic conditions and/or fiscal policies that negatively impact large consumer markets.

Because GQM LLC is expected to derive all of its revenues from sales of silver and gold, its results of operations and cash flows will fluctuate as the prices of these metals increase or decrease. A period of significant and sustained lower gold and silver prices would materially and adversely affect the results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, if market prices for silver and gold decline or remain at relatively low levels for a sustained period of time, GQM LLC may have to revise its operating plans, including reducing operating costs and capital expenditures, terminating or suspending mining operations at one or more of its properties and discontinuing certain exploration and development plans. GQM LLC may be unable to decrease its costs in an amount sufficient to offset reductions in revenues, and may incur losses.

Operating costs at the Project are also affected by the price of input commodities, such as fuel, electricity, labour, chemical reagents, explosives, steel and concrete. Prices for these input commodities are volatile and can fluctuate due to conditions that are difficult to predict, including global competition for resources, currency fluctuations, consumer or industrial demand and other factors. Continued volatility in the prices of commodities and other supplies the Company purchases could lead to higher costs, which would adversely affect results of operations and cash flows.

Investment Risks

Holders of common shares may suffer dilution as a result of any equity financing by us in order to reduce or repay current indebtedness

We require additional capital to repay our current indebtedness, and we may be required to seek funding, including through the issuance of equity based securities. We cannot predict the size or price of any future financing to raise capital, and any issuance of common shares or other instruments convertible into equity. Any additional issuances of common shares or securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, common shares may ultimately result in dilution to the holders of common shares, dilution in any future earnings per share and a decrease in the market price of our common shares.

We have been reflecting 100% of the financial results of GQM LLC in our consolidated financial statements based on certain assumptions of management, which assumptions, if incorrect, may require us to account for the Joint Venture differently

Our financial statements are prepared on the basis that GQM LLC meets the requirements for accounting treatment as a variable interest entity with the Company being considered as the primary beneficiary.  As a result, we continue to reflect 100% of the financial results of GQM LLC in our consolidated financial statements, along with a non-controlling interest held by Gauss LLC representing a 50% interest in GQM LLC.  Although no individual investor holds a controlling financial interest in GQM LLC, GQM LLC is controlled by a related party group.  Accordingly, one member of the group must be identified as the primary beneficiary.   As the member of the related party group most closely associated with GQM LLC, Golden Queen has determined it is the primary beneficiary.  Future changes in the capital or voting structure of GQM LLC could change that outcome. If this is the case, the presentation of the information in Golden Queen’s financial statements would change, which could be perceived negatively by investors, and could have an adverse effect on the market price of Golden Queen’s common shares.

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

We generally report mineral resources and reserves in accordance with Canadian practices. These practices differ from the practices used to report resource and reserve estimates in reports and other materials filed with the SEC.

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It is Canadian practice to report measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources, which are generally not permitted in disclosure filed with the SEC by United States issuers. In the United States, 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 at the time the reserve determination is made. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into reserves. Further, “inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Disclosure of “contained ounces” is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations, however, the SEC only permits issuers to report “resources” as in place, tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

The Company’s future growth will depend upon its ability to develop new mines, either through exploration at existing properties or by acquisition from other mining companies.

Mines have limited lives based on proven and probable ore reserves. The Company’s ability to achieve significant additional growth in revenues and cash flows will depend upon success in further developing the Project and developing or acquiring new mining properties. Any strategies to further develop the Project or acquire new properties are inherently risky, and the Company cannot assure that it will be able to successfully develop existing or new mining properties or acquire additional properties on favorable economic terms or at all.

Passive foreign investment company considerations and United States federal income tax consequences for United States investors

We would generally be classified as a “passive foreign investment company” under the meaning of Section 1297 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (a “PFIC”) if, for a tax year, (a) 75% or more of our gross income for such year is “passive income” (generally, dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the disposition of assets producing passive income) or (b) if at least 50% or more of the value of our assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income, based on the quarterly average of the fair market value of such assets.   Based on the composition of our income, assets and operations for the current taxable year, we do not expect to be classified as a PFIC during our tax year ended December 31, 2016. This is a factual determination, however, that must be made annually after the close of each taxable year. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year or for any future taxable year.

If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a United States person holds our securities, it would likely result in materially adverse United States federal income tax consequences for such United States person. The potential consequences include, but are not limited to, re-characterization of gain from the sale of our securities as ordinary income and the imposition of an interest charge on such gain and on certain distributions received on our Common Shares.   Certain elections may be available under U.S. tax rules to mitigate some of the adverse consequences of holding shares in a PFIC.

Two of our directors are ordinarily resident outside of the United States and accordingly it may be difficult to effect service of process on them, or to enforce any legal judgment against them

Two of our directors namely, Bryan A. Coates and Guy Le Bel are residents of Canada. Consequently, it may be difficult for U.S. investors to effect service of process within the U.S. upon these directors, or to realize in the U.S. upon judgments of U.S. courts predicated upon civil liabilities under the U.S. securities laws. A judgment of a U.S. court predicated solely upon such civil liabilities would probably be enforceable in Canada by a Canadian court if the U.S. court in which the judgment was obtained had jurisdiction, as determined by the Canadian court, in the matter. There is substantial doubt whether or not an original action could be brought successfully in Canada against any of such directors predicated solely upon such civil liabilities.

Our directors and officers may have conflicts of interest as a result of their relationships with other companies

Our directors and officers are, or may in the future be, directors, officers or shareholders of other companies that are similarly engaged in the business of acquiring, developing and exploiting natural resource properties. Consequently, there is a possibility that our directors and/or officers may be in a position of conflict in the future.

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Members of the Clay family own a substantial interest in Golden Queen and are represented on our board of directors, and thus may exert significant influence on our corporate affairs and actions, including those submitted to a shareholder vote

Thomas M. Clay, a director and CEO of the Company is a member of the Clay Group. The Clay Group also controls Auvergne, which holds a 29.49% interest in Gauss, the joint venture that holds a 50% interest in GQM LLC and half the Project. For so long as the Clay Group beneficially owns at least 25% of our common shares, at least one of Golden Queen’s representatives on the board of managers of the Joint Venture will be designated by Auvergne. Accordingly, the Clay Group has considerable influence on our corporate affairs and actions, including those submitted to a shareholder vote, and GQM LLC’s development and operation of the Project. The interests of the Clay family may be different from the interests of other investors.

Members of the Clay family have also provided the Company with the November 2016 Loan of $31 million, including approximately $23 million provided by an investment vehicle managed by Thomas M. Clay. The loan is guaranteed by GQM Holdings and secured by a pledge of the Company’s interest in GQM Canada, GQM Canada’s interest in GQM Holdings, and GQM Holdings’ 50% interest in GQM LLC. As a result, a default on the loan could result in the Company losing its interest in the Project, which would have a material adverse effect on our share price.

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

In addition to volatility associated with equity markets in general, the value of your investment could decline due to the impact of any of the following factors upon the market price of our common shares:

· Changes in the price for gold or silver;

· delays, problems or increased costs in the production of minerals from the Project;

· decline in demand for our common stock;

· downward revisions in securities analysts’ estimates;

· our ability to refinance or repay our current and future debt;

· investor perception or our industry or prospects; and

· general economic trends.

Over the past few years, stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations and the market prices of securities have been highly volatile.  These fluctuations are often unrelated to operating performance and may adversely affect the market price of our common shares.  As a result, you may be unable to resell your shares at a desired price.

Because our common shares trade at prices below $5.00 per share, and because we will not be listed on a national U.S. exchange, there are additional regulations imposed on U.S. broker-dealers trading in our shares that may make it more difficult for you to buy and resell our shares through a U.S. broker-dealer.

Because of U.S. rules that apply to shares with a market price of less than $5.00 per share, known as the “penny stock rules”, investors will find it more difficult to sell their securities in the U.S. through a U.S. broker dealer. The penny stock rules will probably apply to trades in our shares. These rules in most cases require a broker-dealer to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document to a potential purchaser of the securities, along with additional information including current bid and offer quotations, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account, and to make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

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Item 2. Properties

Land Ownership and Mining Rights

The Company acquired its initial property interests in 1985 and has since acquired additional properties in the area. GQM LLC holds directly or controls via agreement a total of 33 patented lode mining claims, 160 unpatented lode mining claims, onepatented millsite, 18 unpatented millsites, and holds directly or controls via agreement approximately 1,328 acres of fee land, which together make up the Property. The Property is located west of California State Highway 14 and lies largely south of Silver Queen Road covering all of Section 6 and portions of Sections 5, 7 and 8 in Township 10 North, Range 12 West; portions of Sections 1 and 12 in Township 10 North, Range 13 West; portions of Section 18 in Township 9 North, Range 12 West, and portions of Section 32 in Township 11 North, Range 12 West, all from the San Bernardino Baseline and Meridian. Some of the ancillary facilities required for a mining operation will be located in Section 6, T10N, R12W.

A Project location map is shown in Figure 1 below:

Figure 1

GQM LLC holds the properties either directly or under mining lease agreements with a number of individual landholders, two groups of landholders and three incorporated entities. The land required for the Project has therefore either been secured under one of the mining lease agreements or is controlled by GQM LLC through ownership of the land in fee or where GQM LLC owns or holds patented and unpatented mining claims or mill sites directly. The mining lease agreements were entered into from 1986 onwards. Refer to section Property Interests Are In Good Standing below for key information.

Fee land surrounding Section 6 is required for the construction of the ancillary facilities for a mining operation, for the construction of the heap leach pad and for construction of two pads for storing quality waste rock. The area that will be disturbed by the Project is a 912 acre block (369 hectare) within the total area of approximately 1,700 acres (689 hectares) owned, held or controlled by GQM LLC. GQM LLC also owns 7 residential properties with buildings north of Silver Queen Road.

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GQM LLC continues to review purchases of additional land in the adjacent area.

Record of Survey and Royalty Map

The Company obtained Records of Survey for the Project on July 20, 2011 and March 31, 2014, which are recorded with Kern County under Document No. 211092035 Book 0027, Page 66, and Document No. 3318, Book 29, Page 30, respectively.

The basis for GQM LLC’s royalty map is now the Record of Survey and this has superseded all earlier versions of the royalty map.

Royalties

GQM LLC is required to make advance minimum royalty payments under the mininglease agreements.  In some instances, GQM LLC will receive a credit for the advance minimum royalty payments when mining ore on particular properties after the start of commercial production.  Most of the royalties are of the net smelter return type and are based on a sliding scale, with the percentage amount of the royalty depending upon the grade of ore mined and processed from the particular property to which the royalty relates.  Weighted average royalty rates will range from a low of 1.0% to a high of 5.0% depending upon the area being mined and gold and silver prices.  The agreements also typically provide for an additional royalty if non-mineral commodities, such as aggregates, are processed and sold.

Property Interests Are In Good Standing

A number of mining lease agreements expired in 2015 and GQM LLC is in ongoing negotiations with some landholders to extend mining lease agreements. This is not expected to impact GQM LLC’s operations.

All mining leases contain an “evergreen” clause that becomes effective once the mine commences production.

Project Background

The Project is located approximately 5 miles (8 kilometres) south of Mojave in Kern County in southern California. See Figure 1, a Project location map above.

Geology

The Soledad Mountain mineral deposit is hosted in a volcanic sequence of porphyritic rhyolite, quartz latites and bedded pyroclastics that occur on a large dome-shaped feature, called Soledad Mountain, along the margins of a collapsed caldera. Higher-grade precious metals mineralization is associated with steeply dipping, epithermal veins, which occupy faults and fracture zones that cross cut the rock units and generally trend northwest. The veins are contained within siliceous envelopes of lower-grade mineralization that forms the bulk of the mineral resource.

The primary rock types that occur on the Property are porphyritic rhyolite, flow-banded rhyolite, quartz latite, pyroclastics and siliceous vein material. Clay occurs in variable amounts and the rocks contain upwards of 60% silica as SiO₂. Porphyritic rhyolite and flow-banded rhyolite were grouped as a single rock type for the metallurgical test work.

Mineral Reserve Estimates

The proven and probable reserve estimates based on the 2015 Feasibility Study for the Project are shown in the table below. The reserves estimates shown have been affected by mining completed on-site to date as noted in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

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2015 Mineral Reserve Estimates (100% Basis)

					In-Situ Grade								Contained Metal
					Gold				Silver				Gold		Silver
Classification	Tonnes		Ton		g/t		oz/ton		g/t		oz/ton		oz		oz
Proven		3,357,000		3,701,000		0.948		0.028		14.056		0.410		102,300		1,517,100
Probable		42,957,000		47,352,000		0.638		0.019		10.860		0.317		881,300		14,999,100
Total & Average		46,314,000		51,053,000		0.661		0.019		11.092		0.324		983,600		16,516,200

Notes:

1. The Qualified Person for the mineral reserve estimates is Sean Ennis, Vice President, Mining, P.Eng., APEGBC Registered Member who is employed by Norwest Corporation, and is independent from the Company.

2. A gold equivalent cut-off grade of 0.005 oz/ton was used for Quartz Latite and a cut-off grade of 0.006 oz/ton was used for all other rock types. The cut-off grade was varied to reflect differences in estimated metal recoveries for the different rock types mined.

3. Gold equivalent grades were calculated as follows: AuEq(oz/ton) = Au(oz/ton) + (Ag(oz/ton)/88, which reflects a long-term Au:Ag price ratio of 55 and a Au:Ag recovery ratio of 1.6. Gold-equivalent grades were used for open pit optimizations.

4. Tonnage and grade measurements are in imperial and metric units. Grades are reported in troy ounces per short ton and in grams per tonne.

5. The effective date of the mineral reserve estimate is February 1, 2015.

6. Total ore tonnage has been reduced by 2,854,000 tons (average grade 0.016oz/ton) based on mined tonnages in 2015 and 2016.

See “Cautionary note regarding U.S. investors” on Page 3 of this Report.

The mineral reserves estimates are included in the measured and indicated mineral resource estimates set out in the table in the section Mineral Resource Estimates below.

Mineral Resource Estimates

The mineral resource estimates for the Project are shown in the table below:

2015 Mineral Resource Estimates (100% Basis) 

					In-Situ Grade								Contained Metal
					Gold				Silver				Gold		Silver
Classification	Tonnes		Ton		g/t		oz/ton		g/t		oz/ton		oz		oz
Measured		4,298,243		4,738,000		0.960		0.028		13.37		0.39		130,000		1,865,000
Indicated		79,237,167		87,344,000		0.549		0.016		9.26		0.27		1,415,000		23,733,000
Measured & Indicated		83,535,409		92,082,000		0.575		0.017		9.53		0.28		1,545,000		25,598,000
Inferred		21,392,329		23,581,000		0.343		0.010		7.20		0.21		245,000		4,965,000

Notes:

1. The Qualified Person for the mineral resource estimates is Michael M. Gustin, C.P.G., Senior Geologist who is employed by Mine Development Associates, and is independent from the Company.

2. Mineral resources are inclusive of mineral reserves.

3. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

4. Mineral resources are reported at a 0.004 oz/ton (0.137 g/t) AuEq cutoff in consideration of potential open-pit mining and heap-leach processing.

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5. Gold equivalent grades were calculated as follows: AuEq(oz/ton) = Au(oz/ton) + (Ag(oz/ton)/88, which reflect a long-term Au:Ag price ratio of 55 and a Au:Ag recovery ratio of 1.6.

6. Mineral resources are reported as partially diluted.

7. Rounding as required by reporting guidelines may result in apparent discrepancies between tons, grade and contained metal content.

8. Tonnage and grade measurements are in imperial and metric units. Grades are reported in troy ounces per short ton and in grams per tonne.

9. The effective date of the mineral resource estimate is December 31, 2014.

See “Cautionary note regarding U.S. investors” on Page 3 of this Report.

The gold-equivalent relationship is based on a long-term Au:Ag price ratio of 55 and Ag:Au recovery ratio of 0.625.

Note that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

2016 Drilling Program and Exploration Potential

GQM LLC completed a confirmation drill program in 2016.  The main objective of the confirmation drill program was to enhance GQM LLC's understanding of the East Pit ore and to gain geotechnical information.

Additional geological targets have been identified on the Property.  These targets are generally peripheral east and south and southeast to the currently defined mineral resource estimates.  In the west, additional vein mineralization was identified in the hanging-wall of the Soledad vein system and the potential for deeper gold-silver mineralization has been postulated based on hydrothermal alteration patterns.  To the east, vein mineralization was identified in the hanging-wall of the Karma/Ajax vein system.  Toward the south and southeast, extensions along the Karma/Ajax and Starlight/Golden Queen vein systems have been identified during an extensive re-logging program by GQM LLC’s geologic team.  Historic drill results indicate widths up to 26 feet with economic gold and silver grades.

Recent exploration work to date has focused on known fault/vein structures central to the deposit.  The volcanic host rocks associated with mineralization on the Property extend further to the south and west and have not been fully evaluated.  The continuity of mineralization at depth remains untested.

Project Operation

The project was built in-line with the feasibility study cost estimates. Construction was completed in early 2016.

Standard, open pit mining methods are used to mine ore and waste rock. Mining operations include drilling, blasting, loading, hauling and support equipment. GQM LLC is conducting the mining. All open pit mining will occur in dry conditions above the water table.

Please refer to Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the 2016 operational update.

Closure, Reclamation and Financial Assurance

Closure and reclamation will be completed in accordance with the requirements set out in the CUPs and an approved Surface Mining and Reclamation Plan and as set out in the Board Order issued by the Regional Board.

Reclamation will proceed concurrently where feasible, but is nonetheless expected to require two years following ending of mining and all aggregate operations, and a further three years of post-closure monitoring. Monitoring will continue until the reclamation success criteria are met.

GQM LLC is required to provide the following financial assurances for the Project:

· To the Bureau of Land Management, State of California and Kern County for general reclamation on site;

· To the State Water Resources Control Board for rinsing and closing reclamation of the leached residues on the heap and “Unforeseen events financial assurance” required by the State Water Resources Control Board to provide for an unforeseen event that could contaminate surface or groundwater.

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Revegetation

Sites have been revegetated successfully elsewhere in the California deserts, and it is expected that revegetation can be completed successfully for the Project as described in the revegetation plan prepared by independent consulting engineers.

Cleanup on Site

The Company has done extensive cleanup on site since 2006 at a cost of approximately $550,000 and GQM LLC is continuing this effort. This demonstrates that the Company and GQM LLC are committed to environmental stewardship and good housekeeping in our operations.

Environmental, Safety and Health Policy

GQM LLC has an Environmental, Safety and Health Policy and a management system to implement the Policy.

The Company prepared a Cyanide Management Plan for the Project and became a signatory to the International Cyanide Management Code in 2013. The Code was developed under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Program and the International Council on Metals and the Environment. The International Cyanide Management Institute, a non-profit organization, administers the Code. Signatories to the Code commit to follow the Principles set out in Code and to follow the Standards of Practice. Companies are expected to design, construct, operate and decommission their facilities consistent with the requirements of the Code and must have their operations audited by an independent third party. Audit results are made public.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

To the best of our knowledge, there are no legal actions pending, threatened or contemplated against the Company or GQM LLC, other than what is noted below.

The Center for Biological Diversity Petition to List the Mohave Shoulderband Snail as an Endangered Species

On January 31, 2014, the Center for Biological Diversity (“CBD”) filed an emergency petition (the “Petition”) with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”) asking the USFWS to list the Mohave Shoulderband snail as a threatened or endangered species. Citing a report published more than 80 years ago, the Petition claims that the snail exists in only three places and that most of the snail habitat occurs on Soledad Mountain, where the Company is developing the Project.

Upon review, the USFWS concluded that there was no imminent threat to the snail that would cause them to believe an emergency listing was required. The USFWS is instead processing the Petition according to its standard timeline. A public comment period on the petition commenced on April 10, 2015 for a period of 60 days. On September 9, 2015, the USFWS and the CBD entered into a Stipulated Settlement Agreement that established a 12 Month Finding date of April 11, 2016.

In November 2015, the Company, the USFWS, and the CBD entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the “November 2015 Memorandum of Understanding”) under which the USFWS and the CBD agreed to defer the 12 Month Finding date to June 30, 2017, and the Company agreed not to disturb until June 30, 2017 certain points on Soledad Mountain where snails or snail shells had been identified. The Company, the USFWS, and the CBD have jointly selected a third party environmental consultant that will conduct surveys to better understand the snail’s range and distribution on Soledad Mountain before the USFWS prepares its 12 Month Finding. Surveying has commenced and is anticipated to conclude during the first quarter of 2017.

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The ongoing review by the USFWS does not affect the Project’s regulatory approvals or interfere with the Project’s operation. The November 2015 Memorandum of Understanding caused no material adjustments to the Project’s mine plan. The Company believes that conservation of any snail habitat areas can be accomplished without material adjustments to the Project’s mine plan and is preparing a conservation plan accordingly. If the USFWS ultimately finds that the snail is ‘endangered’ or ‘threatened’ and no agreed conservation plan is established, material adjustments to the Project’s mine plan may be required.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Information pertaining to mine safety matters is reported in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in Exhibit 95.1 attached to this Form 10-K.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Small Business Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market and Trading Price

The common shares of the Company are listed and traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “GQM”. The high and low sales prices of the common shares as traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the calendar periods indicated are set out in the table below. All prices are reported in Canadian dollars.

Year ended December 31		High		Low
2016	Fourth Quarter	$	1.16	$	0.70
	Third Quarter	$	1.90	$	1.11
	Second Quarter	$	1.98	$	1.19
	First Quarter	$	2.00	$	0.76
2015	Fourth Quarter	$	1.07	$	0.67
	Third Quarter	$	1.12	$	0.65
	Second Quarter	$	1.18	$	0.75
	First Quarter	$	1.68	$	1.03

Exchange Rates

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain exchange rates based on the noon buying rate in Canadian dollars. Such rates are the number of Canadian dollars per one (1) U.S. dollar quoted by the Bank of Canada. The high and low exchange rates for each month during the previous six months were as follows:

	High		Low
February 2017	$	0.7690	$	0.7548
January 2017	$	0.7675	$	0.7442
December 2016	$	0.7622	$	0.7377
November 2016	$	0.7498	$	0.7363
October 2016	$	0.7631	$	0.7461
September 2016	$	0.7786	$	0.7548

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Exchange rate information (from U.S.$ to Canadian $), based on the closing rates, as at each of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016 is set out in the table below:

	Year Ended December 31
	2015		2016
Rate at end of Period	$	1.3840	$	1.3427
Low	$	1.1728	$	1.2544
High	$	1.3990	$	1.4589

As of March 15, 2017, there were 213 registered holders of record of the Company’s common shares and an undetermined number of beneficial holders.

The high and low sales prices of the common stock as traded on the OTCQX for the calendar periods indicated are set out in the table below. All prices are reported in U.S. dollars.

Year ended December 31		High		Low
2016	Fourth Quarter	$	0.89	$	0.52
	Third Quarter	$	1.47	$	0.84
	Second Quarter	$	1.54	$	0.94
	First Quarter	$	1.56	$	0.53
2015	Fourth Quarter	$	0.85	$	0.51
	Third Quarter	$	0.88	$	0.49
	Second Quarter	$	0.99	$	0.61
	First Quarter	$	1.38	$	0.85

Dividends

The Company has not declared dividends on its common shares since inception.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth information as at December 31, 2016 respecting the compensation plans under which shares of the Company’s common stock are authorized to be issued.

Plan Category	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)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders		1,555,000	$	0.85		5,645,000
Total		1,555,000	$	0.85		5,645,000

Performance Graph

The performance graph below shows the Company’s cumulative total return based on an initial investment of $100 in GQM common stock, as compared with the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index. The chart shows performance marks as of the last trading day during each of the last five years ended December 31.

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	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2014		December 31, 2015		December 31, 2016
Company		100		37		46		31		36
S&P/TSX Global Gold Index (TITTGD)		100		52		48		43		64

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Company and Affiliated Purchasers

A director of the Company purchased 17,000 common shares of the Company in the year ended December 31, 2016.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data (in thousands of US dollars, except per share)

The following table summarizes certain selected consolidated financial data of the Company and should be read in conjunction with Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto (for the applicable period) appearing elsewhere in this report.

Results for the five most recent years are set out in the table below.

	Years ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014 (Restated)			2013			2012
Revenues	$	27,193		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-
Net and comprehensive (loss) income	$	(9,692	)	$	(7,236	)	$	(9,872	)	$	1,978		$	(1,271	)
Net and comprehensive loss attributable to Golden Queen Mining Co Ltd.	$	(7,429	)	$	(5,461	)	$	(8,469	)	$	1,978		$	(1,271	)
Basic loss per share	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.09	)	$	0.02		$	(0.01	)
Diluted loss per share	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)

	As at December 31,
	2016		2015		2014 (Restated)		2013		2012
Cash	$	13,301	$	37,587	$	91,408	$	5,031	$	4,031
Total assets	$	159,706	$	169,444	$	129,517	$	15,792	$	6,567
Total long term liabilities	$	50,129	$	27,331	$	14,236	$	8,029	$	3,998
Redeemable portion of NCI	$	26,219	$	27,124	$	22,834	$	-	$	-
Stockholders' equity, attributable to common shareholders	$	27,384	$	26,582	$	31,733	$	6,241	$	2,414
Non-controlling interest	$	39,327	$	40,686	$	34,250	$	-	$	-

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For more information of the assets and liabilities specific to GQM LLC, the variable interest entity, see Joint Venture transaction below.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion of the operating results and financial condition of the Company should be read in conjunction with the audited, consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2016 and the notes thereto (the “Consolidated Financial Statements”). Additionally, please note that the operating results and financial conditions described below include the amounts attributable to the non-controlling interest.

The information in this Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation is prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and all amounts herein are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.

Overview and Strategy

The Company is an emerging gold and silver producer utilizing an open pit, heap leach operation on its Soledad Mountain property, located just outside the town of Mojave in Kern County in southern California. The Soledad Mountain Project (the “Project”) utilizes conventional open pit mining methods and the cyanide heap leach and Merrill-Crowe processes to recover gold and silver from crushed, agglomerated ore.

Project plans for 2017 feature an increase in the stripping ratio as well as an increase in the average grade of the ore mined when compared to 2016. Total mining is expected to be in the range of 19-20 million tons of material. Mining is planned for two existing areas, the Northwest Pit and the Main Pit, Phase-1. Mining will also occur in the newly developed East Pit, with ore expected in the late third quarter of 2017.

In the Process area, pad-loading tonnage and average grade are expected to increase. Taking advantage of the good porosity of the heap, flow to the Merrill-Crowe plant will be at capacity. Gold production is anticipated to increase throughout the year.

Approximately $20 million of capital expenditures are planned during 2017. In the mine, a hydraulic front shovel and two additional 100-ton haul trucks are on order. The second phase of the leach pad will also be built and will be put into operation during the year.

Commissioning of the Facilities and Commencement of Production

Commissioning of the crushing-screening plant commenced in the fourth quarter of 2015 as scheduled. Leaching of the agglomerated ore was initiated in early February 2016 and the commissioning of the Merrill-Crowe facility was completed mid-February 2016. The first gold and silver doré was poured, as part of the testing and commissioning process, on March 1, 2016 and commissioning continued until production commenced on April 1, 2016.

In accordance with US GAAP, the Company started recognizing revenues and cost of sales related to the sale of metals in the second quarter of 2016.

2016 Highlights

· The inaugural gold pour took place on March 1, 2016

· A total of 8.9 million tons of ore and waste were mined in 2016, including 2.6 million tons of ore (waste to ore strip ratio of 2.4:1)

· The plant processed a total of 2.7 million tons of ore at an average gold grade of 0.014 ounces per ton and an average silver grade of 0.33 ounces per ton

· 2016 production totaled 19,030 ounces of gold and 194,792 ounces of silver

· Commercial production was declared in December 2016

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· Revenues of $27.2 million

· Total Cash cost net of by-product credits of $1,067 per ounce sold

Results of Operations

		Q4 2016			Q3 2016			Q2 2016			Q1 2016			Total 2016
Mining (1)
Ore mined	k ton		819			808			660			291			2,578
Ore mined	k tonnes		743			733			599			264			2,339
Waste mined	k ton		2,389			1,773			1,164			956			6,282
Waste mined	k tonnes		2,167			1,609			1,082			841			5,699
Total mined	k ton		3,208			2,581			1,853			1,218			8,860
Total mined	k tonnes		2,910			2,342			1,681			1,105			8,038
Strip ratio	waste:ore		2.9			2.2			1.8			3.3			2.4
Processing (1)
Ore processed	k ton		895			763			646			362			2,666
Ore processed	k tonnes		812			692			586			328			2,418
Average ore processed gold grade	ozpt		0.015			0.016			0.013			0.008			0.014
Average ore processed gold grade	gpt		0.498			0.536			0.460			0.274			0.467
Average ore processed silver grade	ozpt		0.298			0.362			0.404			0.292			0.332
Average ore process silver grade	gpt		10.232			12.410			13.850			10.011			11.377
Gold loaded on pad	contained oz		13,078			11,928			8,636			2,982			36,624
Silver loaded on pad	contained oz		266,808			276,043			261,021			82,792			886,664
Average ore processing throughput	ton per day		10,161			8,479			8,852			3,973			7,410
Average ore processing throughput	tonne per day		9,218			7,692			8,030			3,604			6,722
Gold produced	oz		7,779			7,975			2,830			447			19,030
Silver produced	oz		69,606			87,849			33,335			4,002			194,792
Financial (1)
Revenue	$		10,278			13,451			3,464			-			27,193
(Loss) income from mine operations	$		(2,013	)		2,085			(1,965	)		-			(1,893	)
General and administrative expenses	$		(1,135	)		(657	)		(989	)		(1,527	)		(4,308	)
Total other income (expenses)	$		2,714			2,162			(614	)		(7,753	)		(3,491	)
Net and comprehensive (loss) income for the year	$		(434	)		3,590			(3,568	)		(9,280	)		(9,692	)
Net and comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Golden Queen Mining Co Ltd.	$		868			2,737			(2,109	)		(8,925	)		(7,429	)
Average realized gold price(2)	$/oz		1,174			1,329			1,276			-			1,250
Average realized silver price(2)	$/oz		16.60			19.22			16.78			-			17.88
Total cash costs - net of by product credits(2)	$/Auoz		1,095			905			1,571			-			1,067
All-in sustaining costs - net of by product credits(2)	$/Auoz		1,482			1,045			1,884			-			1,330

(1) For accounting purposes, the transition to the production phase commenced on April 1, 2016. As such, comparative figures for certain measures or data are not available or are not meaningful.

(2) Total cash costs, all-in sustaining costs, and average realized gold and silver prices are financial performance measures with no standard meaning under General Accounting Accepted Principles in the US (“USGAAP”). Refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” for further information. As transition to the production phase commenced April 1, 2016, year-to-date amounts for these measures only include data starting April 1, 2016.

Operations in the mine started in early 2015 to supply material for the cover layer of the Phase-1 leach pad. Ore was stockpiled and pad-loading commenced in December of 2015. Leaching started in February of 2016 and the first gold doré was poured in March. Mine and pad-loading production increased during the year. Continuous 24-hour, 7-day per week operations started in June. Leach pad operations were characterized by good porosity and high flow rates. Merrill-Crowe plant performance was in line with expectations for gold and silver precipitation.

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	Tons		AuEq opt
Starting Reserves		51,053,000		0.023
Reserves Mined in 2015		279,000		0.010
Reserves Mined in 2016		2,575,000		0.017
Reserves at end of December 2016		48,199,000		0.023

Note: grade is AuEq oz./ton

Financial Results

The following are the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.

The Company had revenue from operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 in the amount of $27.2 million from the sales of 18,837 ounces of gold and 193,202 ounces of silver. The Company did not have revenues in 2015 as production only started during the second quarter of 2016.

The Company incurred $21.6 million in costs of sales, excluding depreciation and depletion. The Company did not have cost of sales in 2015 as production only started during the second quarter of 2016. Costs of sales include mining, processing, maintenance and site support costs. Also, included in the costs of sales are refining and transportation costs, royalties and personal property taxes.

The Company recorded an attributable net and comprehensive loss of $7.4 million ($0.07 loss per basic share) during the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to an attributable net and comprehensive loss of $5.5 million ($0.05 loss per basic share) during the year ended December 31, 2015. Loss from operations during the year ended December 31, 2016 was mainly related to $27.2 million in revenues net of $21.6 million in cost of sales, a $7.5 million expense in depletion, depreciation and amortization, $4.3 million in general and administrative expenses and $5.5 million in interest expense.

The Company incurred general and administrative expenses of $4.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 (2015 – $4.6 million 2014 - $5.0 million). This represents a $0.3 million decrease when compared with 2015.

The following significant general and administrative expenses were incurred during the year with a comparison to expenses in 2015 and 2014:

· $0.6 million (2015 - $0.9 million; 2014 - $1.3 million) in legal fees. The legal fees for the fiscal year ended 2016 were lower than in fiscal year 2015 and 2014. Fees incurred in 2015 included one-time legal fees related to the complaint on alleged short-swing trading profits. The 2014 legal fees included fees incurred in connection with the JV Transaction.

· $0.7 million (2015 - $0.4 million; 2014 - $0.6 million) for accounting, taxation and auditing fees during the year. The accounting fees for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 were higher than in fiscal year 2015 due to the increased level of activity on site and the Company’s transition from a development stage company to a producer. The 2016 fees also included expenses related to the July 2016 equity financing.

· $Nil (2015 - $0.2 million; 2014 - $0.2 million) for consulting fees. Consulting fees in 2015 and 2014 were salary payments for the Company’s former President.

The Company experienced a net foreign exchange gain of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to a net foreign exchange gain of $0.8 million for the year ending 2015. The net foreign exchange gain is made up by realized and unrealized gains and losses related to the Company’s expenditures and the Canadian balances of cash and accounts payable denominated in Canadian dollars while the Company’s functional currency is the US dollar. The exchange rate, stated in Canadian dollars per one US dollar, moved from $1.38 as of December 31, 2015, to $1.34 on December 31, 2016.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company incurred a total interest expense of $5.5 million related to its various loans as compared to a total interest expense of $4.5 million for the year ending 2015. The increase was mainly due to the amortization of the discounts and the interest payable related to the June 2015 Loan and the November 2016 Loan. Please refer to the Transaction with Related Parties section for a complete breakdown of the interest expenses as there was a portion of the interest capitalized to mineral property interests.

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The amount of the Company’s derivative liability includes the warrants issued in conjunction with the June 2015 Loan, the July 2016 equity financing and the November 2016 Loan. The Company recorded a decrease in the derivative liability of $1.8 million as a result of a decrease in the Company’s share price during the year ended 2016 as compared to a decrease of $3.3 million for fiscal 2015. These derivative liability changes are a non-cash item and were recorded in accordance with accounting pronouncement ASC 850-40-15. Refer to Notes 10 (iii) and 11 of the audited consolidated annual financial statements for a detailed analysis of the changes in fair value of the derivative liability.

Summary of Quarterly Results (in thousands of US dollars, except per share)

Results for the eight most recent quarters are set out in the table below:

	Results for the quarter ended on:
	31-Dec-16			30-Sep-16		30-Jun-16			31-Mar-16
Revenue	$	10,278		$	13,451	$	3,464		$	Nil
Net and comprehensive (loss) income	$	(434	)	$	3,590	$	(3,568	)	$	(9,280	)
Net and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Golden Queen Mining Co Ltd.	$	868			2,738		(2,109	)		(8,926	)
Basic net income (loss) per share	$	0.01		$	0.03	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.09	)
Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	0.01		$	0.03	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.09	)

	Results for the quarter ended on:
	31-Dec-15			30-Sep-15			30-Jun-15			31-Mar-15
Revenue	$	Nil		$	Nil		$	Nil		$	Nil
Net and comprehensive (loss)		(1,217	)	$	(2,203	)	$	(2,092	)	$	(1,723	)
Net and comprehensive loss attributable to Golden Queen Mining Co Ltd.	$	(722	)		(1,924	)		(1,379	)		(1,436	)
Basic net (loss) per share	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)
Diluted net (loss) per share	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.01	)

Although the Company generated revenues starting in the second quarter of 2016, for the quarters illustrated in the above table, the main reasons for the significant fluctuations in net (loss) income between periods are the fluctuations in the Company’s derivative liabilities from warrants and interest expense. The Company’s derivative liabilities are a function of the Company’s stock price as compared to the instruments’ strike price and the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and the US dollar. As the stock price rises, the derivative liabilities increase resulting in the Company recognizing losses. When the stock price decreases, the Company recognizes gains.

For fiscal 2015, the Company experienced a loss related to its derivative liabilities in the amount of $0.1 million (2014 – Loss of $5.7 million) in the first quarter whereas it recorded a gain of $2.6 million (2014 – Gain of $1.6 million) during the second quarter. The second quarter gain was however off-set by higher interest expense and a one-time financing fee of $1.5 million paid in connection with the June 2015 Loan. In the third quarter of 2015, the Company experienced a loss of $0.6 million (2014 – Gain of $2.8 million) related to the derivative liabilities. Adding to the losses for the three months ended September 30, 2015 were the interest expense and amortization of the discount on the June 2015 Loan and the convertible debenture and the interest expense related to the Komatsu loans. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company experienced a gain of $1.5 million (2014 – Gain of $2.3 million) related to the derivative liabilities. This gain was partially off-set by interest expense and amortization of the discount on the June 2015 Loan and the interest expense related to the Komatsu loans. 

The Center for Biological Diversity Petition to List the Mohave Shoulderband Snail as an Endangered Species

On January 31, 2014, the Center for Biological Diversity (“CBD”) filed an emergency petition (the “Petition”) with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”) asking the USFWS to list the Mohave Shoulderband snail as a threatened or endangered species. Citing a report published more than 80 years ago, the Petition claims that the snail exists in only three places and that most of the snail habitat occurs on Soledad Mountain, where the Company is developing the Project.

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Upon review, the USFWS concluded that there was no imminent threat to the snail that would cause them to believe an emergency listing was required.  The USFWS is instead processing the Petition according to its standard timeline.  A public comment period on the petition commenced on April 10, 2015 for a period of 60 days.  On September 9, 2015, the USFWS and the CBD entered into a Stipulated Settlement Agreement that established a 12 Month Finding date of April 11, 2016.

In November 2015, the Company, the USFWS, and the CBD entered into the November 2015 Memorandum of Understanding under which the USFWS and the CBD agreed to defer the 12 Month Finding date to June 30, 2017, and the Company agreed not to disturb until June 30, 2017 certain points on Soledad Mountain where snails or snail shells had been identified.  The Company, the USFWS, and the CBD have jointly selected a third party environmental consultant that will conduct surveys to better understand the snail’s range and distribution on Soledad Mountain before the USFWS prepares its 12 Month Finding.  Surveying has commenced and is anticipated to conclude during the first quarter of 2017.

The ongoing review by the USFWS does not affect the Project’s regulatory approvals or interfere with the Project’s operation.  The November 2015 Memorandum of Understanding caused no material adjustments to the Project’s mine plan.  The Company believes that conservation of any snail habitat areas can be accomplished without material adjustments to the Project’s mine plan and is preparing a conservation plan accordingly. If the USFWS ultimately finds that the snail is ‘endangered’ or ‘threatened’ and no agreed conservation plan is established, material adjustments to the Project’s mine plan may be required.

Reclamation Financial Assurance and Asset Retirement Obligation

Reclamation Financial Assurance

The Company is required to provide the Bureau of Land Management, the State Office of Mine Reclamation and Kern County with a revised reclamation cost estimate annually.  The financial assurance is adjusted once the cost estimate is approved.  The Company’s provision for reclamation of the property is estimated each year by an independent consulting engineer. This estimate, once approved by state and county authorities, forms the basis for a cash deposit of reclamation financial assurance. The reclamation assurance provided as at December 31, 2016 was $1.5 million (December 31, 2015 - $0.6 million).

The Company is also required to provide financial assurance with the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (the “Regional Board”) for closure and reclamation costs related to the lined impoundments, which are defined as the Stage 1 heap leach pad, the overflow pond, and the solution collection channel. The reclamation financial assurance estimate for as of December 31, 2016, is $1.2 million (December 31, 2015 - $Nil).

In addition to the above, the Company is required to obtain and maintain financial assurance for initiating and completing corrective action and remediation of a reasonably foreseeable release from the Project’s waste management units as required by the Regional Board. The reclamation financial assurance estimate for as of December 31, 2016, is $0.3 million (December 31, 2015 - $0.3 million).

The Company entered into $3.0 million in surety bond agreements in order to release its reclamation deposits and posted a portion of the financial assurance due in 2016. The Company pays a yearly premium of $0.1 million. Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. has provided a corporate guaranty on the surety bonds. See Note 13 of audited consolidated annual financial statements for further details.

Asset Retirement Obligation

The total asset retirement obligation as of December 31, 2016, was $1.4 million (December 31, 2015 - $1.0 million). 

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The Company estimated its asset retirement obligations based on the requirements to reclaim and remediate its property based on its activities to date. As at December 31, 2016, the Company estimates the cash outflow related to these reclamation activities will commence to be incurred in 2028. Reclamation provisions are measured at the expected value of future cash flows discounted to their present value using a discount rate based on a credit adjusted risk-free interest rate of 9.2% and an inflation rate of 2.27%.

Commitments and Contractual Obligations

Royalties

The Company has acquired a number of mineral properties outright. It has acquired exclusive rights to explore, develop and mine other portions of the Project under various mining lease agreements with landowners. Royalty amount due to each landholder over the life of the Project varies with each property.

Finder’s Fee

The Company has agreed to issue 100,000 common shares as a finder’s fee in connection with certain property acquisitions upon commencement of commercial production of the Project. On December 19, 2016, the Company declared commercial production and recorded a provision of $0.05 million as finder fee. Shares were issued on January 17, 2017.

Compliance with Environmental Regulations

The Company’s exploration and development activities are subject to laws and regulations controlling not only the exploration and mining of mineral properties, but also the effect of such activities on the environment. Compliance with such laws and regulations may necessitate additional capital outlays or affect the economics of a project, and cause changes or delays in the Company’s activities.

The Company may, from time to time, be involved in legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes that any adverse outcome of existing claims, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Corporate Guaranties

The Company has provided corporate guaranties for two of GQM LLC’s mining drill loans (Refer to Note 16 of the audited consolidated annual financial statements). The Company has also provided corporate a guaranty for GQM LLC’s surety bonds (Refer to Note 9 of the audited consolidated annual financial statements).

Contractual Obligations

GQM LLC’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2016, are shown in the table below:

	Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations	Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than 5 years
Committed Sustaining Capital	$	5,818	$	5,818	$	-	$	-	$	-
Debt obligations (mostly mobile mining equipment financing)	$	15,150	$	5,656	$	9,418	$	76	$	-
Asset retirement obligations (Undiscounted)	$	2,950	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	2,950
Total	$	23,918	$	11,474	$	9,418	$	76	$	2,950

GQM LTD’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2016, are shown in the table below:

	Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations	Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than 5 years
Interest payable - Nov 2016 Clay Loan	$	5,368	$	2,177	$	3,191	$	-	$	-
2016 November Clay Loan (Face value)	$	31,000	$	-	$	31,000	$	-	$	-
Total	$	36,368	$	2,177	$	34,191	$	-	$	-

Interest expenses on the November 2016 Clay loan that are due during 2017 can be added to the loan principal balance rather than paid in cash, at the Company’s option.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.

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Stock Option Plan

The Company’s current stock option plan (the “Plan”) was adopted by the Company in 2013 and approved by shareholders of the Company in 2013. The Company also adopted a house keeping amendment to the plan on April 27, 2015 to clarify the procedure for fixing the earlier termination date of stock options. The Plan provides a fixed number of 7,200,000 common shares of the Company that may be issued pursuant to the grant of stock options. The exercise price of stock options granted under the Plan shall be determined by the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”), but shall not be less than the volume-weighted, average trading price of the Company’s shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) for the five trading days immediately prior to the date of the grant. The expiry date of a stock option shall be the date so fixed by the Board subject to a maximum term of five years. The Plan provides that the expiry date of the vested portion of a stock option will be the earlier of the date so fixed by the Board at the time the stock option is awarded and the early termination date (the “Early Termination Date”). The Early Termination Date will be the date the vested portion of a stock option expires following the option holder ceasing to be a director, employee or consultant, as determined by the Board at the time of grant, or in the absence thereof at any time prior to the time the option holder ceases to be a director, employee or consultant, in accordance with and subject to the provisions of the Plan. All options granted under the 2013 Plan will be subject to such vesting requirements as may be prescribed by the TSX, if applicable, or as may be imposed by the Board.

The Company granted 50,000 stock options to a consultant of the Company on April 19, 2010. The options were exercisable at a price of $1.22 per share for a period of 5 years from the date of grant. The options expired unexercised on April 19, 2015.

On June 3, 2013, the Company granted 300,000 options to an officer of the Company. The options are exercisable at a price of $1.16 for a period of five years from the date of grant and vest over a period of 18 months with 100,000 vesting in 6, 12 and 18 months respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the officer resigned and as a result, 100,000 unvested stock options were forfeited. The remaining 200,000 options expired unexercised on November 11, 2015. The Company also granted 50,000 stock options to a consultant of the Company on June 3, 2013. The options are exercisable at a price of $1.16 for a period of five years from the date of grant and vest immediately.

On September 18, 2013, the Company granted 300,000 options to Ms. Andrée St-Germain, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. The options are exercisable at a price of $1.26 for a period of five years from the date of grant and vest over a period of 12 months with 100,000 vesting on the date of grant, 100,000 vesting in 6 and 12 months respectively. The Company also granted 150,000 stock options to the Company’s independent directors on September 4, 2013. The options are exercisable at a price of $1.59 for a period of five years from the date of grant and vest immediately.

The Company granted the aggregate amount of 430,000 options on September 8, 2015 to the Company’s directors. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.58 for a period of five years from the date of grant and vest immediately. At the same time, the Company granted 140,000 options to Ms. Andrée St-Germain at an exercise price of $0.58. The amount of 46,666 options vest immediately, 46,667 options vest 12 months from the grant date, and a further 46,667 options vest 24 months from the grant date. The Company recorded stock-based compensation of $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 related to the issuance of the stock options.

On November 30, 2016, the Company granted the aggregate amount of 485,000 options to Company’s directors, officers and employees. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.66 for a period of five years from the date of grant and 161,667 options vest on November 30, 2017, 161,667 options vest on November 30, 2018 and 161,668 on November 30, 2019. The Company recorded stock-based compensation of $0.02 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 related to the issuance of the stock options.

A total of 1,555,000 (1,023,334 exercisable) (December 31, 2015 – 1,070,000 outstanding and 976,667 exercisable) common shares were issuable pursuant to such stock options as at December 31, 2016.

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Transactions with Related Parties

Management Agreement

The Company hired current board member, Thomas M. Clay, to take over the position of Chief Executive Officer with a yearly salary of $100,000. No consulting agreement or management agreement has been signed at this time.

Notes Payable

On January 1, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to secure a $10.0 million loan (the “January 2014 Loan”) provided by members of the Clay family, who are shareholders of the Company, with twelve-month term and an annual interest rate of 5%, payable on the maturity date. Because the January 2014 Loan remained outstanding for more than 183 days, an additional 5% charge was applicable. $7.5 million of principal balance of the loan, $0.4 million of accrued interest, and an additional charge of $0.4 million were paid on December 31, 2014.

The $2.5 million remaining balance of the loan, accrued interest of $0.1 million and an additional charge of $0.1 million, were paid on January 5, 2015.

On December 31, 2014, the Company also entered into a new loan (the “December 2014 Loan”) with the same parties for $12.5 million, due on demand on July 1, 2015 and bore an annual interest rate of 10%. The loan was guaranteed by GQM Holdings, and secured by a pledge of the Company's interests in GQM Canada, GQM Canada’s interest in GQM Holdings and GQM Holdings' 50% interest in GQM LLC.

The Company also incurred a financing fee to secure the loan in the amount of $1.0 million, of which, $0.8 million was paid on December 31, 2014 and the remaining $0.3 million was paid on January 5, 2015.

On June 8, 2015, the Company amended the December 2014 Loan to extend the maturity to December 8, 2016 and increased the principal amount from $12.5 million to $37.5 million (the “June 2015 Loan”). The Company also issued to the lenders 10,000,000 common share purchase warrants exercisable for a period of five years expiring June 8, 2020. The common share purchase warrants have an exercise price of $0.95. All other terms remained the same as the December 2014 Loan. The Company also incurred financing fees to secure the loan in the amount of $1.5 million. The Company agreed to pay the legal fees incurred by the lenders relating to this debt instrument which amounted to $0.04 million. The total legal fees were expensed as the transaction met the definition of a debt extinguishment.

On November 18, 2016, the Company repaid $12.2 million of the June 2015 Loan and accrued interest with cash on hand and the net proceeds of $10.1 million from an equity financing. The Company restructured the remaining debt with a new loan with a principal amount of $31.0 million (the “November 2016 Loan”). The new loan has a thirty-month term and an annual interest rate of 8%, payable on a quarterly basis commencing during the first quarter of 2017. Quarterly principal payments of $2.5 million commence during the first quarter of 2018, with and payment of the remaining balance at the maturity date. The first four quarterly interest payments under the November 2016 Loan can be added to the loan principal balance rather than paid in cash, at the Company’s option.

In connection with the new loan the Company issued 8,000,000 common share purchase warrants exercisable for a period of five years expiring November 21, 2021. The common share purchase warrants have an exercise price of $0.85. The Company also incurred a financing fee to secure the loan in the amount of $0.9 million, all of which was paid on November 18, 2016.

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The table below summarizes the activity on the notes payable:

	December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
Balance, beginning of the year	$	36,053		$	13,881		$	-
Interest payable transferred to principal balance		2,977			1,182			-
Accretion of discount on loans		1,996			1,374			-
Capitalized financing fee and legal fees		(930	)		-			(1,119	)
Reduction of debt upon isssuance of warrants		(3,090	)		-			-
Repayment of loans and interest		(10,659	)		(2,500	)		(7,500	)
Fair value at inception, notes payable		-			33,497			22,500
Unamortized expenses		-			967			-
Loss on extinguishment of debt		-			152			-
Extinguishment of debt		-			(12,500	)		-
Balance, end of the year	$	26,347		$	36,053		$	13,881

Share Purchase Warrants

On June 8, 2015, the Company issued 10,000,000 share purchase warrants to the Clay family in connection with the June 2015 Loan. The share purchase warrants are exercisable until June 8, 2020 at an exercise price of $0.95. Included in the June 2015 Loan agreement was an anti-dilution provision. If the Company were to complete a financing at a share price lower than the exercise price of the share purchase warrants, the exercise price of the share purchase warrants would be adjusted to match the price at which the financing was completed.

On November 18, 2016, the Company issued 8,000,000 share purchase warrants to the Clay family in connection with the November 2016 Loan. The share purchase warrants are exercisable until November 18, 2021 at an exercise price of $0.85. Included in the November 2016 Loan agreement was an anti-dilution provision. If the Company were to complete a financing at a share price lower than the exercise price of the share purchase warrants, the exercise price of the share purchase warrants would be adjusted to match the price at which the financing was completed.

The share purchase warrants meet the definition of a derivative liability instrument as the exercise price is not a fixed price as described above. Therefore, the settlement feature does not meet the “fixed-for-fixed” criteria outlined in ASC 815-40-15.

The fair value of the derivative liabilities related to the share purchase warrants as at December 31, 2016 is $5.5 million (December 31, 2015 - $2.5 million). The derivative liabilities were calculated using the binomial and the Black-Scholes pricing valuation models with the following assumptions:

Warrants related to June 2015 Loan	2016		2015
Risk-free interest rate		0.84%.		0.73%
Expected life of derivative liability		3.44 years		4.44 years
Expected volatility		78.79%		72.29%
Dividend rate		0.00%		0.00%

Warrants related to November 2016 Loan	2016		2015
Risk-free interest rate		1.11%		-
Expected life of derivative liability		4.89 year		-
Expected volatility		77.21%		-
Dividend rate		0.00%		-

The change in the derivative share purchase warrants is as follows:

	December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Balance, beginning of the year	$	2,498		$	-
Fair value at inception		3,090			4,002
Change in fair value		(130	)		(1,504	)
Balance, end of the year	$	5,458		$	2,498

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Amortization of Discounts and Interest Expense

The following table summarizes the amortization of discounts and interest on loans and convertible debentures:

	Year Ended		Year Ended		Year Ended
	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
	2016		2015		2014
Accretion of the June 2015 Loan discount	$	1,785	$	1,374	$	-
Interest expense related to the June 2015 Loan		3,599		2,151		-
Accretion of the Nov 2016 Loan discount		210		-		-
Interest expense related to the Nov 2016 Loan		296		-		-
*Interest expense related to Komatsu financial loans		603		282		3
Interest expense related to the convertible debentures		-		95		181
Amortization of the convertible debentures		-		1,853		-
Interest expense related to the January 2014 Loan		-		-		1,000
Interest expense related to the December 2014 Loan		-		548		-
Interest on Gauss advance		-		-		210
Accretion of debt discount on the convertible debentures		-		-		2,511
Accretion of the december 2014 loan financing fees		-		967		-
Accretion of discount and interest on loan and convertible debentures	$	6,493	$	7,270	$	3,905

The Company’s loans were contracted to fund significant development costs. The Company capitalizes a portion of the interest expense as it related to funds borrowed to complete development activities at the Project site.

	Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Accretion of discounts and interest on loan, advance and convertible debenture*	$	6,493		$	7,270		$	3,905
Less: Interest costs capitalized**		(1,005	)		(2,763	)		(2,412	)
Interest expense	$	5,488		$	4,507		$	1,493

*Komatsu is not a related party and has only been included in the above table to reconcile the total interest expense incurred for the period to the amounts capitalized and expensed.

**Interest capitalization ended on March 31, 2016 as the mine went into production on April 1, 2016.

Joint Venture Transaction

On September 15, 2014, the Company closed the Joint Venture Transaction with Gauss resulting in both parties owning a 50% interest in the Project. Pursuant to the Joint Venture Transaction, Golden Queen converted its wholly-owned subsidiary GQM Inc., the entity developing the Project, into a California limited liability company named GQM LLC. On closing of the transaction, Gauss acquired 50% of GQM LLC by investing $110 million cash in exchange for newly issued membership units of GQM LLC. GQM Holdings, a newly incorporated subsidiary of the Company, holds the other 50% of GQM LLC.

Gauss is a funding vehicle owned by entities controlled by Leucadia National Corporation (NYSE: LUK) (“Leucadia”) and certain members of the Clay family, a shareholder group which collectively owned approximately 27% of the issued and outstanding shares of Golden Queen (the “Clay Group”) at the time of the transaction. Gauss is owned 70.51% by Gauss Holdings LLC (“Gauss Holdings”, Leucadia’s investment entity) and 29.49% by Auvergne LLC (“Auvergne”, the Clay Group’s investment entity). Pursuant to the transaction, Leucadia was paid a transaction fee of $2,000,000 and $275,000 was paid to Auvergne through GQM LLC in 2014. The Company has adopted an accounting policy of expensing these transaction costs.

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Variable Interest Entity

In accordance with ASC 810-10-30, the Company has determined that GQM LLC meets the definition of a VIE and that the Company is part of a related party group that, in its entirety, would meet the definition of a primary beneficiary.   Although no individual variable interest holder individually meets the definition of a primary beneficiary in the absence of the related party group, Golden Queen has determined it is considered the member of the related party group most closely associated with GQM LLC.  As a result, the Company has consolidated 100% of the accounts of GQM LLC in these consolidated financial statements, while presenting a non-controlling interest portion representing the 50% interest of Gauss in GQM LLC on its balance sheet.  A portion of the non-controlling interest has been presented as temporary equity on the Company’s balance sheet representing the initial value of the non-controlling interest that could potentially be redeemable by Gauss in the future.

The Company has presented Gauss’ ownership in GQM LLC as a non-controlling interest amount on the balance sheet within the equity section. However, there are terms in the agreement that provides for the exit from the investment in GQM LLC for an initial member whose interest in GQM LLC becomes less than 20%.

If a member becomes less than a 20% interest holder, its remaining unit interest will (ultimately) be terminated through one of three events at the non-diluted member’s option:

a. Through conversion to a net smelter royalty (“NSR”);

b. Through a buy-out (at fair value) by the non-diluted member; or

c. Through a sale process by which the diluted member’s interest is sold

The net assets of GQM LLC as of December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015 are as follows:

	December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Assets, GQM LLC	$	151,802		$	158,210
Liabilities, GQM LLC		(20,710	)		(22,591	)
Net assets, GQM LLC	$	131,092		$	135,619

Included in the assets above, is $11.1 million (December 31, 2015 - $31.5 million) in cash held as at December 31, 2016. The cash in GQM LLC is directed specifically to fund capital expenditures required to continue with production and settle GQM LLC’s obligations. The liabilities of GQM LLC do not have recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary except in two situations: two mining drill loans and $3.0 million in surety bond agreements (Refer to Note 9 and Note 16 of the audited consolidated annual financial statements).

Non-Controlling Interest

The carrying value of the non-controlling interest is adjusted for net income and loss, distributions and contributions pursuant to ASC 810-10 based on the same percentage allocation used to calculate the initial book value of temporary equity

	Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Net and comprehensive loss in GQM LLC	$	(4,526	)	$	(3,550	)	$	(2,805	)
Non-controlling interest percentage		50	%		50	%		50	%
Net and comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	$	(2,263	)	$	(1,775	)	$	(1,403	)
Net and comprehensive loss attributable to permanent non-controlling interest	$	(1,359	)	$	(1,065	)	$	(842	)
Net and comprehensive loss attributable to temporary non-controlling interest	$	(904	)	$	(710	)	$	(561	)

	Permanent Non-			Temporary Non-
	Controlling Interest			Controlling Interest
Carrying value of non-controlling interest, December 31, 2015	$	40,686		$	27,124
Net and comprehensive loss for the year		(1,359	)		(904	)
Carrying value of non-controlling interest, December 31, 2016	$	39,327		$	26,220

Dilution of Interest in Subsidiary

As a result of the Joint Venture Transaction, the Company’s interest in GQM LLC was diluted from 100% to 50% and ordinarily, the Company would recognize gain on dilution with the book value of the investment in GQM LLC increasing as well. However, since the transaction was with a related party and the Company retained control, the excess has not been recognized in net income but rather has been recorded in equity as an increase to APIC based on guidance provided in ASC 810-10-55-4D and -4E.

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The deferred tax liability resulted from the increase in the book value over tax value of the investment in GQM LLC.

Capital Contribution Agreement

Pursuant to the Joint Venture Transaction, GQM Holdings’ made a single capital contribution to GQM LLC of $12.5 million on June 15, 2015. Gauss funded an amount equal to GQM Holdings’ capital contribution to GQM LLC. Both partners maintain their 50% ownership of the Project.

Standby Commitment

In 2014, Golden Queen also entered into a backstop guarantee agreement with Gauss (the “Backstop Agreement”) whereby, if the Company conducts a rights offering, Gauss has agreed to purchase, upon the terms set forth in the Backstop Agreement, any common shares which have not been acquired pursuant to the exercise of rights under the Rights Offering at a purchase price to be determined but not to exceed $1.10 per common share, up to a maximum amount of $45 million in the aggregate. In consideration for entering into the Backstop Agreement, on closing of the Joint Venture, the Company paid Leucadia and Auvergne a standby guarantee fee of $2.5 million, of which $0.7 million was paid to Auvergne.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

All financial assets and financial liabilities are recorded at fair value on initial recognition. Transaction costs are expensed when they are incurred, unless they are directly attributable to the acquisition of qualifying assets, in which case they are added to the costs of those assets until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2	Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
Level 3	Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).

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	December 31, 2016
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Liabilities:
Share purchase warrants – Related Party	$	5,458	$	-	$	5,458	$	-
Share purchase warrants		972		-		972		-
	$	6,430	$	-	$	6,430	$	-

	December 31, 2015
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Liabilities:
Share purchase warrants – Related Party	$	2,498	$	-	$	2,498	$	-

Under fair value accounting, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value measurement of the financial instruments above use observable inputs in option price models such as the binomial and the Black-Scholes valuation models.

Please refer also to the note on fair value of derivative liability under Results of Operations above for more information.

Select Non-Consolidated Figures

The Company has 50% interest in GQM LLC, which, meets the definition of a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”). The Company consolidates entities which meet the definition of a VIE for which it is the primary beneficiary. The Company, has determined it is the member of the related party group that is most closely associated with GQM LLC and, as a result, is the primary beneficiary who consolidates GQM LLC.

The following table shows figures attributable to the Company only as of December 31, 2016:  

	GQM LLC 100%		GQM LLC  50% Attributable to LTD		LTD on a Non- Consolidated Basis *			LTD Attributable
			(1)		(2)			(1) + (2)
Cash	$	11,138	$	5,569	$	2,162		$	7,731
Short Term Debt	$	5,656	$	2,828	$	0		$	2,828
Long Term Debt	$	9,494	$	4,747	$	26,347		$	31,094
Working Capital / (Deficit)	$	12,773	$	6,386	$	(4,567	)	$	1,819

* Includes GQM Holdings

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Figures shown for the year ended December 31, 2016:

	GQM LLC 100%			GQM LLC  50% Attributable to LTD			LTD on a Non- Consolidated Basis *			LTD Attributable
				(1)			(2)			(1) + (2)
Revenue	$	27,193		$	13,596		$	0		$	13,596
Cost of sales including depreciation and depletion	$	(28,650	)	$	(14,325	)	$	(294	)	$	(14,619	)
Accretion expense	$	(143	)	$	(71	)	$	0		$	(71	)
G&A Expenses	$	(2,591	)	$	(1,295	)	$	(1,901	)	$	(3,197	)
Share based payments	$	0		$	0		$	(24	)	$	(24	)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	$	0		$	0		$	208		$	209
(Increase) / Decrease in fair value of derivative liability	$	(18	)	$	(9	)	$	1,859		$	1,850
Interest Expense	$	(430	)	$	(215	)	$	5,058	)	$	(5,273	)
Interest Income	$	113		$	57		$	44		$	100
Others	$	0		$	0		$	0		$	0
Net Loss	$	(4,526	)	$	(2,263	)	$	(5,166	)	$	(7,429	)

* Includes GQM Holdings

As the Company has 50% interest in GQM LLC.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company has generated $27.2 million in revenues from operations since inception and as at December 31, 2016 had an accumulated deficit of $87.3 million and a working capital surplus of $8.2 million. Cash used in operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $5.2 million.

On November 18, 2016, the Company repaid $12.2 million of the June 2015 Loan and accrued interest with cash on hand and the net proceeds of $10.1 million from an equity financing. The Company restructured the remaining debt with a new loan with a principal amount of $31.0 million. The new loan has a thirty month term and an annual interest rate of 8%, payable on a quarterly basis commencing first quarter of 2017, a repayment of $2.5 million on a quarterly basis commencing first quarter of 2018 and repayment of balance at maturity date. Interest expenses on the November 2016 Loan can be added to the loan principal balance rather than paid in cash, at the Company’s option.

The Company expects to have sufficient cash on hand to meet its corporate general and administrative expenditures and related obligations for the next twelve months from the date of filing its 2016 consolidated financial statements. However, the Company is required to pay $5.4 million in accrued interest and debt principal repayment on January 1, 2018. The Company will need to receive cash distributions from GQM LLC to service its debt and such distributions are contingent on GQM LLC’s ability to generate positive cash flows. The Company anticipates receiving sufficient distributions from GQM LLC during the fiscal year 2017 to service its debt in early 2018, however such distributions are dependent on a number of factors, including the gold price and the ability of the mine to perform according to the mine plan for 2017.  If the distributions are not sufficient, the Company will need to either raise equity or negotiate with its debt lender a delay in principal and interest repayments.

The Company and GQM Holdings (100%-owned by the Company) held $2.1 million in cash on December 31, 2016 as compared to $6.1 million on December 31, 2015. The decrease in cash is due to general corporate expenditures, $12.2 million partial repayment of the June 2015 Loan, including $5.8 million of accrued interest and $0.9 million transaction fees, as part of the debt restructuring in November 18, 2016, partly off-set by the net proceeds from the July 2016 financing of $10.1 million. It is expected that the cash held by the Company will fund the Company’s corporate expenses until 2018.

The Company’s access to the net assets of GQM LLC is determined by the Board of Managers of GQM LLC. The Board of Managers is not controlled by the Company and therefore there is no guarantee that any access to the net assets of GQM LLC would be provided to the Company in order to continue as a going concern. The Board of Managers of GQM LLC determine when and if distributions from GQM LLC are made to the holders of its membership units at their sole discretion.

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The Company’s 50%-owned subsidiary, GQM LLC, held $11.1 million in cash as of December 31, 2016, as compared to $31.5 million on December 31, 2015. The decrease in cash is the result of cash is the result of cash spent in project related expenditures and working capital, partially offset by revenues from operations.

The audited consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. Such adjustments could be material.

Cash used in Operating Activities:

Cash used to fund operating activities, including general and administrative expenses such as legal fees, accounting, taxation and auditing fees, insurance expenses, corporate expenses, office expenses and corporate salary was $5.2 million (2015 - $8.2 million) for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in cash used in operating activities in 2016 is mostly due to the operation costs incurred off-set by revenue generated since the Company started production in the second quarter of 2016.

Cash used in Investing Activities:

Cash used in investing activities totaled $11.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 (2015 - $69.3 million). The decrease is due to the decreased level of construction activity on site during the year as the Project construction was finalized in early 2016. Main investing activities during 2016 are $5.5 million in construction expenditures, $2.2 million in mining equipment and $2.2 in other property, plant and equipment.

Cash (used in) provided by Financing Activities:

Cash used in financing activities totalled $7.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 (2015 - proceeds of $23.7 million). See below a description of the main financing activities used by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2016:

· Payment of $12.2 million to the June 2015 Loan including accrued interest. See details in Liquidity and Capital Resources section

· In July 2016, the Company completed a financing for net proceeds of $10.1 million consisting of 11,120,000 units at a price of $1.10 (C$1.45) per unit. Each unit consisted of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant.

· During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company acquired two (2) (2015 –nineteen (19)) pieces of mining equipment from Komatsu and one (1) mining drill with Atlas Copco (2015 one (1)) through financing agreements totaling $1.7 million, (2015- $19.3 million) net of down payments.

· During the year-ended December 31, 2016 the Company made principal payments of $5.0 million (2015 - $1.9 million) related to the loans payable on the mining equipment and machinery.

Please see Transactions with Related Parties above for more information of the Company’s 2016, 2015 and 2014 loans.

During the 2016 and 2015 fiscal years, no stock options were exercised.

Financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2015 include the June 2015 Loan incremental proceeds of $25 million and Gauss LLC’s $12.5 million capital contribution to GQM LLC. As described below, the $2.5 million remaining balance of the January 2014 Loan and financing fees of $0.3 million on the December 2014 Loan were paid during the first quarter of 2015. The Company also paid financing fees of $1.5 million in conjunction with the June 2015 Loan and retired its convertible debentures on July 26, 2015 for $7.7 million.

The Company issued two convertible debentures for net proceeds of C$10.0 million ($9.7 million) on July 26, 2013.

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On January 1, 2014, the Company entered into the $10.0 million January 2014 Loan. The January Loan had a twelve-month term and an annual interest rate of 5%, payable on the maturity date. The Company repaid $7.5 million of the loan on December 31, 2014. The remaining balance of the loan, $2.5 million was repaid on January 5, 2015. Financing fees of $0.3 million on the December 2014 Loan were also paid.

On December 31, 2014, the Company entered into the December 2014 Loan for an amount of $12.5 million. The December Loan matured on July 1, 2015 and bore an annual interest rate of 10% payable at the end of each Quarter.

On June 8, 2015, the Company amended the December 2014 Loan to extend the maturity to December 8, 2016 and increasing the principal amount from $12.5 million to $37.5 million. The Company also issued 10,000,000 common share purchase warrants exercisable for a period of five years expiring June 8, 2020. The common share purchase warrants have an exercise price of $0.95. All other terms remained the same as the December 2014 Loan. The Company also incurred a financing fee to secure the loan in the amount of $1.5 million, all of which was paid on June 8, 2015. The Company agreed to pay the legal fees incurred by the lenders relating to this debt instrument which amounted to $0.04 million. The total legal fees were expensed as the transaction met the definition of a debt extinguishment.

During the 2014 fiscal year, options were exercised by former directors as follows:

· In May 2014, 300,000 stock options were exercised by a former director and the Company issued 300,000 shares at $0.21 per share for proceeds of $0.06 million.

· In April 2014, 170,000 stock options were exercised by two former directors and the Company issued 170,000 shares at $0.21 per share for proceeds of $0.03 million.

· In February 2014, 60,000 stock options were exercised by a former director and the Company issued 60,000 shares at $0.21 per share for proceeds of $0.01 million.

Working Capital:

	LTD on a Non-			LTD on a
	Consolidated			Consolidated
	Basis *			Basis **
Current Assets	$	2,324		$	24,853
Current Liabilities	$	(6,891	)	$	(16,647	)
Working Capital / (Deficit)	$	(4,567	)	$	8,206

* Includes GQM Holdings

** Includes GQM Holdings and GQM LLC

Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd and Golden Queen Holdings

As at December 31, 2016, Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd and Golden Queen Holdings, had current assets of $2.3 million (December 31, 2015 - $6.2 million) and current liabilities of $6.9 million (December 31, 2015 - $37.1 million) or working capital deficit of $4.6 million (December 31, 2015 – working capital deficit of $30.9 million). The decrease in current assets from December 31, 2015 is the result of general corporate expenditures such as corporate salary expenses, legal fees, audit fees, financing fees and interest expenses. The decrease in current liabilities is the result of the loan refinancing which occurred in the last quarter of 2016. The new loan is now included in the Company’s long term liabilities as no principal payments are payable in the 12 months following December 31, 2016.

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Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd will use its cash for general corporate expenditures such as accounting fees, legal fees and corporate salary expenses. Interest expenses on the November 2016 Loan due during 2017 can be added to the loan principal balance rather than paid in cash, at the Company’s option.

GQM LLC

As at December 31, 2016, GQM LLC had current assets of $22.7 million (December 31, 2015 - $33.9 million) and current liabilities of $9.9 million (December 31, 2015 - $8.2 million) or working capital surplus of $12.8 million (December 31, 2015 – $25.7 million).

The decrease in current assets from December 31, 2015 is the result of cash spent on project-related expenditures and working capital, partially off-set by the inventory build-up. The slight increase in current liabilities is the result of an increase of accounts payable and an increase of the short-term portion of the mobile equipment loans.

GQM LLC will use its cash on hand for sustaining capital expenditures and for working capital needs.

Outstanding Share Data

At a special meeting of the holders of common shares of the Company held on December 17, 2013, the shareholders approved a special resolution to change the authorized share capital of the Company from 150,000,000 common shares to an unlimited number of common shares, all without par value, and no preferred shares.

On December 23, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company passed a resolution to convert the exercise prices of granted stock options to U.S. dollars, being the functional currency of the Company for the purposes of financial reporting, in order to avoid recording a derivative liability in the Company’s financial statements.

The number of shares issued and outstanding and the fully diluted share position are set out in the table below:

Item	No. of Shares
Shares issued and outstanding on December 31, 2015		99,928,683
Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of stock options		Nil
Shares Issued in Connection with July 2016 Financing		11,120,000
Shares issued and outstanding on December 31, 2016		111,048,683	Exercise Price	Expiry Date
Shares to be issued on exercise of directors and employees stock options		1,555,000	$0.58 to $1.59	06/03/18 to 11/30/21
Shares to be issued on exercise of warrants in conjunction with June 2015 Clay loan		10,000,000	$0.95	6/8/2020
Shares to be issued as a finder’s fee (due upon commercial production) 1		100,000	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Shares to be issued on exercise of warrants in conjunction with July 2016 financing		5,560,000	C$2.00	7/25/2019
Shares to be issued on exercise of warrants in conjunction with July 2016 financing  broker warrants (non-tradable)		757,700	C$2.00	7/25/2019
Shares to be issued on exercise of warrants in conjunction with Nov 2016 Clay loan		8,000,000	$0.85	11/18/2021
Fully diluted on December 31, 2016		137,021,383
Fully diluted on March 15, 2017		137,021,383

The company has an unlimited authorized share capital

1) Shares issued in January 2017 as commercial production was declared in December 2016.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent to December 31, 2016, GQM LLC acquired a crawler dozer valued at $0.6 million and two rigid haul trucks valued at $1.5 million each.

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On January 1, 2017, the Company was to make the quarterly interest payment on the November 2016 Loan. In accordance with the terms of the November 2016 Loan agreement, the Company chose to exercise its right to add the interest owed on January 1, 2017 to the principal balance of the November 2016 loan. The principal balance of the loan was accordingly increased by $0.3 million.

Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures

Non-GAAP financial measures are intended to provide additional information only and do not have any standard meaning prescribed by generally accepted accounting principles. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Total cash costs are common financial performance measures in the gold mining industry but with no standard meaning under US GAAP. Management believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with US GAAP, certain investors use this information to evaluate our performance and ability to generate cash flow. Accordingly, it is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with US GAAP. The measure, along with sales, is considered to be a key indicator of a Company’s ability to generate earnings and cash flow from its mining operations. Total cash cost figures are calculated in accordance with a standard developed by The Gold Institute, which was a worldwide association of suppliers of gold and gold products and included leading North American gold producers. The Gold Institute ceased operations in 2002, but the standard is the accepted standard of reporting cash cost of production in North America. Adoption of the standard is voluntary and the cost measures presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Other companies may calculate these measures differently. Total cash costs are derived from amounts included in the statement of operations and include direct mining costs and site general and administrative costs. The direct mining costs shown on the table below include mine site operating costs such as mining, processing, smelting, refining, third party transportation costs, advanced minimum royalties and production costs less silver metals revenues. Management has determined that silver metals revenues when compared with gold metals revenues, are immaterial and therefore are considered a by-product of the production of gold.

The table below shows a reconciliation of total cash costs per gold ounce and cash costs per gold ounce on a by-product basis:

	Q4 2016			Q3 2016			Q2 2016			April 1 to Dec 31, 2016
Total Cash Costs
Cost of Sales - Direct mining costs	$	8,895,464		$	9,110,596		$	3,563,009		$	21,569,069
Indirect mining cost		753,647			652,537			597,791			2,003,976
Cash costs before by product credits		9,649,111			9,763,133			4,160,800			23,573,045
Divided by gold sold (oz)		7,760			8,715			2,362			18,837
Cash costs per ounce of gold sold ($/oz)		1,243			1,120			1,762			1,251
Less: By-product silver credits per ounce ($/oz)		(148	)		(215	)		(191	)		(184	)
Total cash cost per ounce of gold sold on a by-product basis ($/oz)	$	1,095		$	905		$	1,571		$	1,067

In September 2013, the World Gold Council, a non-regulatory association of the world’s leading gold mining companies established to promote the use of gold to industry, consumers and investors, provided guidance for the calculation of the measure “All-in sustaining costs”, which has no standard meaning under US GAAP. These standards became effective January 1, 2014. Management believes that the all-in sustaining costs measure provides additional insight into the costs of producing gold by capturing all of the expenditures required for the discovery, development and sustaining of gold production and allows the Company to assess its ability to support capital expenditures to sustain future production from the generation of operating cash flows. Management believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with US GAAP, certain investors use this information to evaluate our performance and ability to generate cash flow. Accordingly, it is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with US GAAP.

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Golden Queen defines all-in sustaining costs as the sum of direct mining costs (as defined under total cash costs), corporate general and administrative costs, share based payments, reclamation liability accretion and capital expenditures that are sustaining in nature. Adoption of the standard is voluntary and the cost measures presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Other companies may calculate these measures differently.

	Q4 2016			Q3 2016			Q2 2016			April 1 to Dec 31, 2016
All-in sustaining costs
Cost of sales - direct mining cost	$	8,895,464		$	9,110,596		$	3,563,009		$	21,569,069
Indirect mining cost		753,647			652,537			597,791		$	2,003,976
Silver by-product		(1,149,926	)		(1,872,388	)		(450,925	)		(3,473,238	)
Total cash cost after by-product		8,499,185			7,890,746			3,709,875		$	20,099,806
Corporate general and administrative expenses		310,724			274,439			383,977			969,139
Share based payments		17,106			3,799			3,799			24,704
Accretion expense		22,529			22,529			22,529			67,587
Sustaining capital		2,648,174			915,434			330,479			3,894,087
All-in sustaining costs		11,497,718			9,106,947			4,450,659			25,055,324
Divided by gold sold (oz)		7,760			8,715			2,362			18,837
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce on a by-product basis	$	1,482		$	1,045		$	1,884		$	1,330

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Because a precise determination of many assets and liabilities is dependent upon future events, the preparation of financial statements for a period necessarily involves the use of estimates which have been made using careful judgment.

The financial statements have, in management’s opinion, been properly prepared within reasonable limits of materiality and within the framework of the significant accounting policies summarized below:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of balance sheet classification and the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions. At times, such cash deposits may be in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. To date, the Company has not experienced a loss or lack of access to its cash and cash equivalents. However, no assurance can be provided that access to the Company’s cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted by adverse economic conditions in the financial markets.

Inventory

Include stockpiled ore, in-process inventory, doré, and operating materials and supplies. The classification of inventory is determined by the stage at which the ore is in the production process. All inventories are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or market value. Cost includes direct labor, materials, depreciation, depletion and amortization as well as overhead costs relating to mining activities. Market price is calculated as the current replacement cost of the inventory, as long as the market price does not exceed net realizable value; also, the market price shall not be less than the net realizable value, less the normal profit margin. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling price, minus estimated costs of completion and disposal. Any write-downs of inventory to market value are recorded as cost of sales.

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Stockpiled ore inventory represents ore that has been extracted from the mine and is available for further processing. Costs added to stockpiled ore inventory are valued based on current mining cost per tonne incurred up to the point of stockpiling the ore and are transferred to the next process at the weighted average cost per equivalent ounce. Stockpiled ore tonnage is verified by periodic surveys and physical counts.

In process inventory includes ore on heap leach pad and inventories in the solution and precipitate process. Finished goods inventory includes metals in their final stage of production prior to sale, including doré.

The heap leach process extracts silver and gold by placing ore on an impermeable pad and applying a diluted cyanide solution that dissolves a portion of the contained silver and gold, which are then recovered in metallurgical processes.

The estimate of the ultimate recovery expected over time and the quantity of metal that may be extracted relative to the time the leach process occurs requires the use of estimates, which are inherently inaccurate due to the nature of the leaching process. The quantities of metal contained in the ore are based upon actual weights and assay analysis. The rate at which the leach process extracts gold and silver from the crushed ore is based upon metallurgical test column estimates. The assumptions that will be used by the Company to measure metal content during each stage of the inventory conversion process includes estimated recovery rates based on laboratory testing and assaying. The Company will periodically review its estimates compared to actual experience and revise its estimates when appropriate.

The assumptions used in determining market value for mineral inventories include estimates of gold and gold equivalents contained in the stockpile ore, heap leach pad and solution and precipitates, expected recoveries, and judgment used in determining the allocation of depletion, depreciation and amortization expense, and overhead costs that are directly attributable to inventories. If these estimates or assumptions are inaccurate, the Company may be required to write down the carrying value of its inventories, which would reduce the Company’s earnings and working capital.

Mineral Interests

Costs related to the development of our mineral reserves are capitalized when an ore body is determined to be economically minable based on proven and probable reserves and when appropriate permits are in place. Major mine development expenditures related to mineral interest, such as, building access roads, heap leach pads, processing facilities, and infrastructure development are capitalized until the property to which they directly relate is placed into production, sold, abandoned or subject to a condition of impairment. The capitalized costs are amortized over the useful life of the ore body following commencement of production, or written off if the property is sold or abandoned.

Upon commencement of commercial production, mining interests are depleted on a units-of-production basis over the estimated economic life of the mine. In applying the units of production method, depletion is determined using the quantity of material expected to be extracted from the mine in the period as a portion of total quantity of material to be extracted in current and future periods based on reserves and resources considered to be highly probable to be economically extracted over the life of mine.

Drilling and related costs are classified as development expenditures and capitalized if all the following criteria are met:

• Whether or not the costs are incurred to further define mineralization at and adjacent to existing reserve areas or intended to assist with mine planning within a reserve area;

• Whether or not the drilling costs relate to an ore body that has been determined to be commercially mineable, and a decision has been made to put the ore body into commercial production; and

• Whether or not at the time that the cost is incurred, the expenditure: (a) embodies a probable future benefit that involves a capacity, singly or in combination, with other assets to contribute directly or indirectly to future net cash inflows, (b) we can obtain the benefit and control others’ access to it, and (c) the transaction or event giving rise to our right to or control of the benefit has already occurred.

Drilling and related costs not meeting all of these criteria are charged to operations as incurred.

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Property, Plant, Equipment

Are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment includes the purchase price or construction cost, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for its intended use, and borrowing costs related to the acquisition or construction of qualifying assets. Assets under construction are recorded at cost and reallocated to machinery and mine equipment when it becomes available for use

Depreciation is calculated using either the straight-line method or using the units-of-production method over the shorter of the estimated service lives of the respective assets or the expected life of mine. Depreciation commences when the asset is in the condition and location necessary for it to operate in the manner intended by management.

Land	Not depreciated
Mineral property interests and claims	Units-of-production
Mine development	Units-of-production
Machinery and mine equipment	10 – 12 years
Buildings and structures	5 - 12 years
Leasehold improvements	12 years
Vehicles	3 – 5 years
Computer equipment and software	3 years
Asset retirements cost	Units-of-production
Capitalized interest	Units-of-production

Capitalization of certain mine construction costs ceases and expenditures are either variable production costs as a component of inventory or expensed as incurred once production commences. Depletion of capitalized costs for mining properties and depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment also begins when the production phase commences.

Capitalized Interest   

For significant exploration and development projects, interest is capitalized as part of the historical cost of developing and constructing assets in accordance with ASC 835-20 ("capitalization of interest"). Interest is capitalized until the asset is available for use. Capitalized interest is determined by multiplying the Company’s weighted-average borrowing cost on general debt by the average amount of qualifying costs incurred.

Once an asset subject to interest capitalization is completed and available for use, the associated capitalized interest is expensed through depletion or impairment. See Note 10(iv) - Amortization of Discount and Interest Expense of the audited consolidated annual financial statements.

Capitalization of interest ceased as at March 31, 2016 upon production has commenced.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset retirement obligations (‘‘AROs’’) arise from the acquisition, development and construction of mining properties and plant and equipment due to government controls and regulations that protect the environment on the closure and reclamation of mining properties. The major parts of the carrying amount of AROs relate to tailings and heap leach pad closure and rehabilitation, demolition of buildings and mine facilities, ongoing water treatment and ongoing care and maintenance of closed mines. The Company recognizes an ARO at the time the environmental disturbance occurs. When the ARO provision is recognized, the corresponding cost is capitalized to property, plant, equipment and mineral interests and depreciated over the life of the related assets.

The timing of the actual environmental remediation expenditures is dependent on a number of factors such as the life and nature of the asset, the operating license conditions and the environment in which the mine operates. Reclamation provisions are initially measured at the expected value of future cash flows discounted to their present value using a credit adjusted risk-free interest rate. If the expected present value increases, the increase gives rise to a new obligation accounted for separately just as the reclamation provision was originally measured but using current market value assumptions, and the current credit-adjusted risk-free rate. AROs are adjusted each period to reflect the passage of time (accretion). Upon settlement of an ARO, the Company records a gain or loss if the actual cost differs from the carrying amount of the ARO. Settlement gains/losses are recorded in the consolidated statements of income (loss).

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The estimated ARO is updated each period end to reflect changes in facts and circumstances. The principal factors that can cause the ARO to change are the construction of new processing facilities, changes in the quantities of material in proven and probable mineral reserves and a corresponding change in the life-of-mine plan, changing ore characteristics that impact required environmental protection measures and related costs, changes in water quality that impact the extent of water treatment required and changes in laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and judgements have been made by Management in several areas including the accounting for the joint venture transaction and determination of the temporary and permanent non-controlling interest, the recoverability of mineral properties expenditures, royalty obligations, inventory valuations, asset retirement obligations, and derivative liability – warrants. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for cash, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and interest payable approximate fair values because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of the short-term and long-term loans payable approximate their carrying values because the interest rates are based on the market rates. The market rates have remained steady for the loans payable during the past four quarters. The fair value of the short and long term portions of the notes payable approximates their carrying value and have been estimated based on discounted cash flows using interest rates being offered for similar debt instruments. The carrying amount of the notes payable are being recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

The notes payable were initially recorded at fair value less financing costs and are measured at each period end at amortized cost. The derivative liability relating to the share purchase warrants issued by the Company as part of the consideration for the holders of the notes payable is recorded at fair value using the binomial and the Black-Scholes valuation models at each reporting period.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when title to and other risks and rewards of ownership of gold and silver passes to the buyer and when collectability is reasonably assured. Title and the risks and rewards of ownership pass to the buyer based on terms of the sales contract. Product pricing is determined at the point revenue is recognized by reference to active and freely traded commodity markets, for example, the London Bullion Market for both gold and silver, in an identical form to the product sold.

Income Taxes

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes whereby the deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. If it is determined that the realization of a future tax benefit is not more likely than not, the Company establishes a valuation allowance.

Stock-based Compensation

Compensation costs are charged to the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). Compensation costs for employees are amortized over the period from the grant date to the date the options vest. Compensation expense for non-employees is recognized immediately for past services and pro-rata for future services over the service provision period.

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We account for stock-based compensation awards granted to non-employees in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 505-50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees, or ASC 505-50. Under ASC 505-50, we determine the fair value of the stock-based compensation awards granted as either the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. If the fair value of equity instruments issued is used, it is measured using the stock price and other measurement assumptions as of the earlier of either (1) the date at which commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the equity instruments is reached, or (2) the date at which the counterparty’s performance is complete.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate the fair value of stock options at the date of grant. Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected price volatility. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company reviews the terms of its equity instruments and other financing arrangements to determine whether or not there are embedded derivative instruments that are required to be accounted for separately as a derivative financial instrument. Also, in connection with the issuance of financing instruments, the Company may issue freestanding options or warrants that may, depending on their terms, be accounted for as derivative instrument liabilities, rather than as equity. The Company may also issue options or warrants to non-employees in connection with consulting or other services.

Derivative financial instruments are measured at their fair value. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported as charges or credits to profit or loss. For warrant-based derivative financial instruments, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate fair value of the derivative instruments. For more complex derivative financial instruments, the Company uses the binomial pricing models to estimate fair value of the derivative instrument.

Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

Non-controlling Interest

The non-controlling interest balance consists of equity in GQM LLC not attributable, directly or indirectly, to Golden Queen.  GQM LLC meets the definition of a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”). Golden Queen has determined it is the member of the related party group that is most closely associated with GQM LLC and, as a result, is the primary beneficiary who consolidates GQM LLC. The non-controlling interest has been classified into two categories; permanent equity and temporary equity.

Non-controlling interests in temporary equity represent the estimated portion of non-controlling interest that could potentially be convertible through either a conversion of the non-controlling interest into a net smelter royalty obligation of GQM LLC or a buy-out of the non-controlling interest at fair value by the Company.  The convertible portion of non-controlling interest recorded in temporary equity is initially recorded at the carrying value and then adjusted for net income or loss and distributions attributable to the temporary equity. 

The non-controlling interest in permanent equity represents the portion of the non-controlling interest that is not convertible. Please refer to Note 10(v) of the audited consolidated annual financial statements for complete details of how the transaction has been accounted for.

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New Accounting Policies

(i) Effective December 15 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards update (“ASU”) 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40 –Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The update essentially requires management of all entities, for annual and interim periods, to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued.

If conditions or events raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, but the substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, the entity should disclose information that enables users of the financial statements to understand all of the following:

1. Principal conditions or events that raised substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern (before consideration of management’s plans).

2. Management’s evaluation of the significance of those conditions or events in relation to the entity’s ability to meet its obligations.

3. Management’s plans that alleviated substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

If conditions or events raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, and substantial doubt is not alleviated after consideration of management’s plans, an entity should include a statement in the footnotes indicating that there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued).

Additionally, the entity should disclose information that enables users of the financial statements to understand all of the following:

1. Principal conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

2. Management’s evaluation of the significance of those conditions or events in relation to the entity’s ability to meet its obligations.

3. Management’s plans that are intended to mitigate the conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The Company has adopted this standard in its financial statements as at December 31, 2016. Refer to Note 2 of the audited consolidated annual financial statements.

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(ii) In May 2014, ASU 2014-09 was issued related to revenue from contracts with customers. The ASU was further amended in August 2015, March 2016, April 2016, and May 2016 by ASU 2015-14, 2016-08, 2016-10 and 2016- 12. The new standard provides a five-step approach to be applied to all contracts with customers and also requires expanded disclosures about revenue recognition.

In August 2015, the effective date was deferred to reporting periods, including interim periods, beginning after December 31, 2017, and will be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance and the impact it will have on the consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

(iii) In February 2016, FASB issued ASC 842 that requires lessees to recognize lease assets and corresponding lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. The update, which supersedes existing lease guidance, will continue to classify leases as either finance or operating, with the classification determining the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement.

The ASC will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted, and is applicable on a modified retrospective basis with various optional practical expedients. The Company is assessing the impact of this standard.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the Company by failing to discharge its obligations. To mitigate exposure to credit risk on financial assets the Company has established policies to ensure liquidity of funds and ensure counterparties demonstrate minimum acceptable credit worthiness.

The Company maintains its US Dollar and Canadian Dollar cash in bank accounts with major financial institutions with high credit standings. Cash deposits held in the United States are insured by the FDIC for up to $0.3 million and Canadian Dollar cash deposits held in Canada are insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (“CDIC”) for up to C$0.1 million.

Certain United States and Canadian bank accounts held by the Company exceed these federally insured limits or are uninsured as they relate to US Dollar deposits held in Canadian financial institutions. As of December 31, 2016, and 2015, the Company’s cash balances held in United States and Canadian financial institutions include $13.3 million and $37.6 million respectively, which are not fully insured by the FDIC or CDIC. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts and management believes that using major financial institutions with high credit ratings mitigates the credit risk in cash.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company holds 77% of its cash in bank deposit accounts with a single major financial institution. The interest rates received on these balances may fluctuate with changes in economic conditions. Based on the average cash balances during the year ended December 31, 2016, a 1% decrease in interest rates would have reduced the interest income for 2016 to a trivial amount.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

Certain purchases of corporate overhead expenditures are denominated in Canadian Dollar. As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may impact the costs of our operations. Specifically, the appreciation of the Canadian Dollar against the US Dollar may result in an increase in the Canadian operating expenses in US dollar terms. As of December 31, 2016, the Company maintained the majority of its cash balance in US Dollar. The Company currently does not engage in any currency hedging activities.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company’s primary business activity is the development of the open pit, gold and silver, heap leach project on the Project. Decreases in the price of either of these metals from current levels has the potential to negatively impact thefuture viability of the Project.

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Refer also to Item 1A. Risk Factors above.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the notes thereto are attached to this report following the signature page and Certifications.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

During the year ending December 2016, the Board of Directors approved change the Company’s auditor to PriceWaterhouseCoopers Inc. located in Vancouver, BC.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this report. As described below, material weaknesses were identified in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As a result of these material weaknesses, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. 

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Furthermore, an assessment that internal control over financial reporting was effective for any completed period does not mean that internal control over financial reporting will be assessed as effective for any future period as processes and procedures may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate, among other reasons.

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Management conducted an assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013). As a result of this assessment, management identified material weaknesses in the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls relating to the accuracy and valuation of inventory and the aggregation of deficiencies in the areas of journal entry review, user access and segregation of duties. The internal controls over these items and the related entity level controls were not sufficiently designed to address the risks of potential misstatement. The material weakness related to the aggregation of deficiencies in the areas of journal entry review, user access and segregation of duties could have resulted in a material misstatement in the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. The material weakness related to inventory could have resulted in a material misstatement related to the overstatement of inventory and the understatement of cost of goods sold for the period in the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. These misstatements were corrected prior to the issuance of the consolidated financial statements and therefore, there were no misstatements in the Company’s current or prior period consolidated financial statements.

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In response to the material weaknesses described above and to improve the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, management has established a remediation plan. The plan includes the following: (i) the implementation of new controls or updating the design of existing controls relating to journal entry review, user access rights and ensuring sufficient segregation of duties; (ii) the implementation of a more robust production inventory tracking model which will be included as part of quarter end processes in 2017; and (iii) ensuring the net realizable value calculation for production inventory is appropriately reviewed on a quarterly basis.

As a result of the material weaknesses identified above, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2016, our company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective. The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, has been audited by our independent registered chartered professional accountants, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, who also audited our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has expressed an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. Their report is included in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Control.

Other than the material weakness described above, during the quarter ended December 31, 2016, there has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

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PART III

Information with respect to Items 10 through 14 is set forth in the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before April 30, 2017 and is incorporated herein by reference. If the definitive Proxy Statement cannot be filed on or before April 30, 2017, the issuer will instead file an amendment to this Form 10-K disclosing the information with respect to Items 10 through 14.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits

Exhibit No.	Description of Exhibit	Manner of Filing
3.1	Notice of Articles	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2016
3.2	Articles	Incorporated by reference to   Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on September 2, 2010
4.1	Form of Warrant Certificate	Incorporated by reference to   Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on July 28, 2016
4.2	Warrant Indenture dated July 25, 2016	Incorporated by reference to   Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on July 25, 2016
10.1	Second Amended and Restated Term Loan Agreement dated as of November 21, 2016 among the Company, the Landon T. Clay 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated March 6, 2009, EHT, LLC, and the Clay Family 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated April 14, 2009	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on November 25, 2016
10.2	Form of Share Purchase Warrants of the Company dated November 21, 2016	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on November 25, 2016
10.3	Amended and Restated Indemnity Agreement dated November 21, 2016 between the Company and the Clay Family Holders	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on November 25, 2016
10.4	Underwriting Agreement dated July 18, 2016 between the Company, Cormark Securities Inc. and M Partners Inc.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on July 18, 2016
10.5	Bought Deal Letter dated July 14, 2016 between the Company and Cormark Securities Inc.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on July 14, 2016

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10.6	Amendment to Pledge Agreement between the Company, Golden Queen Mining Holdings Inc., Golden Queen Mining Canada Ltd., The Landon T. Clay 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated March 6, 2009 and Jonathan C. Clay dated February 27, 2015	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company, filed with the SEC on May 11, 2015
10.7	Amended and Restated Term Loan Agreement dated June 8, 2015 among the Company, The Landon T. Clay 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated March 6, 2009, EHT, LLC, Harris Clay, and The Clay Family 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated April 14, 2009	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on June 9, 2015
10.8	Amended and Restated Guaranty dated June 8, 2015 among Golden Queen Mining Holdings Inc., Golden Queen Mining Canada Ltd., The Landon T. Clay 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated March 6, 2009, EHT, LLC, Harris Clay and The Clay Family 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated April 14, 2009	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on June 9, 2015
10.9	Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement dated June 8, 2015 among the Company, Golden Queen Mining Holdings Inc., Golden Queen Mining Canada Ltd., The Landon T. Clay 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated March 6, 2009, EHT, LLC, Harris Clay and The Clay Family 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated April 14, 2009	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on June 9, 2015
10.10	Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated June 8, 2015 among the Company, The Landon T. Clay 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated March 6, 2009, EHT, LLC, Harris Clay and The Clay Family 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated April 14, 2009	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on June 9, 2015
10.11	Amended and Restated Option Agreement dated June 8, 2015 among Gauss LLC, Gauss Holdings LLC, Auvergne, LLC, The Landon T. Clay 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated March 6, 2009, EHT, LLC, Harris Clay, The Clay Family 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated April 14, 2009, Golden Queen Mining Canada Ltd. and Golden Queen Mining Holdings Inc.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on June 9, 2015
10.12	Indemnity Agreement between the Company and the Clay Family Holders dated June 8, 2015	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on June 9, 2015
10.13	Form of Share Purchase Warrants of the Company dated June 8, 2015	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on June 9, 2015
10.14	Mining Lease dated April 22, 1986 between the Company, Southwestern Refining Corporation, and Claude and Mary J.Birtle, and amendment dated March 23, 2007.	Incorporated by reference to   Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-K/A of the Company, filed with the SEC on January 14, 2011

52

10.15	2013 Stock option plan of the Company.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 24, 2013
10.16	Employment Agreement dated September 18, 2013 between the Company and Andree St-Germain.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 12, 2014
10.17	Transaction Agreement among the Company, Golden Queen Mining Company, Inc., Gauss LLC, Gauss Holdings LLC, and Auvergne, LLC dated June 8, 2014.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on June 12, 2014
10.18	Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and Gauss Holdings LLC dated June 8, 2014.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on June 12, 2014
10.19	Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and Auvergne, LLC dated June 8, 2014.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on June 12, 2014
10.20	Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement between the Company, Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC, Gauss LLC, and Golden Queen Mining Holdings, Inc. dated September 15, 2014.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 8-K of the Company, filed with the SEC on September 16, 2014

53

14.1	Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, as amended dated December 2014	Filed herewith
16.1	Letter from BDO LLP to the Securities and Exchange Commission dated March 31, 2016.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16.1 to the Form 8-K of the Company filed with the SEC on April 6, 2016
21.1	Subsidiaries of the Company.	Filed herewith
23.1	Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP	Filed herewith
23.2	Consent of BDO LLP	Filed herewith
23.3	Consent of Sean Ennis	Filed herewith
23.4	Consent of Michael M. Gustin	Filed herewith
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certification (CEO)	Filed herewith
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certification (CFO)	Filed herewith
32.1	Section 1350 Certification (CEO)	Filed herewith
32.2	Section 1350 Certification (CFO)	Filed herewith
95.1	Mine Safety Disclosure	Filed herewith
101.1NS	XBRL Instance Document	Filed herewith
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document	Filed herewith
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document	Filed herewith
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document	Filed herewith
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document	Filed herewith
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document	Filed herewith

54

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.
By:	/s/ Thomas M. Clay
	Thomas M. Clay
	Chairman and Principal Executive Officer

Date: March 15, 2017

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature	Title	Date
/s/ Thomas Clay	Chairman	March 15, 2017
Thomas Clay
/s/ Bryan A. Coates	Director	March 15, 2017
Bryan A. Coates
/s/ Guy Le Bel	Director	March 15, 2017
Guy Le Bel
/s/ Bernard Guarnera	Director	March 15, 2017
Bernard Guarnera
/s/ Andree St-Germain	Principal Financial Officer	March 15, 2017
Andree St-Germain

55

Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd.

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

56

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

Golden QueenMining Co. Ltd.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and the related consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity, non-controlling interest and redeemable portion of non-controlling interest and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2016.We also have audited Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd.’s and its subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the 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 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2016 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. and its subsidiaries did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO because material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting existed as of that date. The material weaknesses related to (i) the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over the accuracy and valuation of inventory; and (ii) the aggregation of deficiencies in the areas of journal entry review, user access and segregation of duties. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weaknesses referred to above are described in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. We considered these material weaknesses in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the December 31, 2016 consolidated financial statements, and our opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company will need to receive cash distributions from Golden QueenMining Company LLC in order to be able to service its debt in early 2018 and such distributions are contingent on Golden QueenMining Company LLC’s ability to generate positive cash flows. This situation raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plan in regard to this matter is also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

signed “PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP”

Chartered Professional Accountants

Vancouver, British Columbia

March 15, 2017 

Tel: 604 688 5421 Fax: 604 688 5132 www.bdo.ca BDO Canada LLP 600 Cathedral Place 925 West Georgia Street Vancouver BC V6C 3L2 Canada

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors

Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. as of December 31, 2015 and the related consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity, non-controlling interest and redeemable portion of non-controlling interest, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the 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. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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 Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. at December 31, 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The previously filed 2015 consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the previously filed 2015 consolidated financial statements, the Company as of December 31, 2015 on a non-consolidated basis did not have sufficient funds to repay a $37,500,000 loan due in December 2016. This condition raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1 to the previously filed 2015 consolidated financial statements. The consolidated 2015 financial statements did not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

As discussed in Note 15 to the previously filed 2015 financial statements, which is not presented herein, the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014 and for the year then ended have been restated to correct a misstatement in the accounting for deferred income taxes.

(signed) BDO CANADA LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants

Vancouver, Canada

March 30, 2016

BDO Canada LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership, is a member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms.

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

	December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Assets
Current assets:
Cash	$	13,301		$	37,587
Receivables		34			24
Inventories (Note 5)		10,941			1,936
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		577			432
Total current assets		24,853			39,979
Property, plant, equipment and mineral interests (Note 6)		134,550			128,259
Advance minimun royalties		303			304
Reclamation financial assurance deposit (Note 9)		-			902
Total Assets	$	159,706		$	169,444
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	4,265		$	3,258
Interest payable (Note 10(iv))		296			970
Note payable (Note 10(ii))		-			36,053
Current portion of loan payable (Note 16)		5,656			4,943
Derivative liability – Related party warrants (Note 10(iii))		5,458			2,498
Derivative liability – Warrants (Note 11)		972			-
Total current liabilities		16,647			47,722
Note payable (Note 10(ii))		26,347			-
Loan payable (Note 16)		9,494			13,430
Asset retirement obligations (Note 9)		1,366			978
Deferred tax liability (Note 7)		12,922			12,922
Total liabilities		66,776			75,052
Temporary Equity
Redeemable portion of non-controlling interest (Note 10(v))		26,219			27,124
Shareholders’ Equity
Common shares, no par value, unlimited shares authorized (2015 - unlimited); 111,048,683 (2015 –  99,928,683) shares issued and outstanding (Note 8)		71,067			62,860
Additional paid-in capital		43,652			43,628
Deficit accumulated		(87,335	)		(79,906	)
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to GQM Ltd.		27,384			26,582
Non-controlling interest (Note 10(v))		39,327			40,686
Total Shareholders’ Equity		66,711			67,268
Total Liabilities, Temporary Equity and Shareholders’ Equity	$	159,706		$	169,444

Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (Note 2)

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)

Subsequent Events (Note 18)

Approved by the Directors:

“Thomas M.  Clay”	“Bryan A. Coates”
Thomas M. Clay, Director	Bryan A. Coates, Director

See Accompanying Summary of Accounting Policies and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars, except shares amounts)

	Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Revenues
Metal Sales	$	27,193		$	-		$	-
Cost of Sales
Direct mining costs		(21,569	)		-			-
Depreciation and depletion (Note 6)		(7,517	)		-			-
Loss from mine operations		(1,893	)		-			-
General and administrative expenses		(4,308	)		(4,616	)		(4,985	)
Operating loss		(6,201	)		(4,616	)		(4,985	)
Other (expenses) income
Gain on derivative instruments (Notes 10(iii) and 11)		1,840			3,334			1,004
Interest expense (Note 10(iv))		(5,488	)		(4,507	)		(1,493	)
Interest income		157			205			127
Loss on extinguishment of debt		-			(152	)		-
Closing fee		-			(1,500	)		-
Joint-venture transaction fee		-			-			(2,275	)
Commitment fee		-			-			(2,250	)
Total other (expenses)		(3,491	)		(2,620	)		(4,887	)
Net and comprehensive loss for the year	$	(9,692	)	$	(7,236	)	$	(9,872	)
Less: Net and comprehensive loss attributable  to the non-controlling interest for the year (Note 10(v))		2,263			1,775			1,403
Net and comprehensive loss attributable to Golden Queen Mining Co Ltd. for the year	$	(7,429	)	$	(5,461	)	$	(8,469	)
Loss per share – basic (Note 15)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.09	)
Loss per share – diluted (Note 15)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.09	)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding -basic		104,737,396			99,893,341			99,611,278
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted		104,737,396			99,893,341			99,611,278

See Accompanying Summary of Accounting Policies and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, Non-controlling Interest and Redeemable Portion of Non-controlling Interest

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars, except shares amounts)

	Common shares		Amount		Additional Paid- in Capital			Deficit Accumulated			Total Shareholders’ Equity attributable to GQM Ltd			Non- controlling Interest			Total Shareholders’ Equity			Redeemable Portion of Non- controlling Interest
Balance, December 31, 2013		99,233,383	$	62,290	$	9,928		$	(65,976	)	$	6,242		$	-		$	6,242		$	-
Issuance of common shares for mineral property interests		15,300		24		-			-			24						24			-
Stock options exercised		530,000		395		(284	)		-			111						111			-
Stock-based compensation		-		-		234			-			234						234			-
Dilution of ownership interest in subsidiary to non-controlling interest		-		-		46,513			-			46,513			38,092			84,605			25,395
Deferred tax liability related to the dilution gain		-		-		(12,922	)		-			(12,922	)		-			(12,922	)		-
Distributions to noncontrolling interest		-		-		-			-			-			(3,000	)		(3,000	)		(2,000	)
Net loss for the year		99,778,683		-		-			(8,469	)		(8,469	)		(841	)		(9,310	)		(561	)
Balance, December 31, 2014 (Restated )		99,778,683	$	62,709	$	43,469		$	(74,445	)	$	31,733		$	34,251		$	65,984		$	22,834
Issuance of common shares as part of management agreement (Note 8)		150,000		151		-			-			151			-			151			-
Stock-based compensation		-		-		159			-			159						159
Capital contribution from non-controlling interest  (Note 10(v))		-		-					-			-			7,500			7,500			5,000
Net loss for the year		-		-		-			(5,461	)		(5,461	)		(1,065	)		(6,526	)		(710	)
Balance, December 31, 2015		99,928,683		62,860		43,628			(79,906	)		26,582			40,686			67,268		$	27,124
Issuance of common shares, public placement net of share issuance cost (Note 8)		11,120,000		8,207		-			-			8,207			-			8,207
Stock-based compensation		-		-		24						24			-			24
Net loss for the year		-		-		-			(7,429	)		(7,429	)		(1,359	)		(8,788	)		(904	)
Balance, December 31, 2016		111,048,683	$	71,067	$	43,652		$	(87,335	)	$	27,384		$	39,327		$	66,711		$	26,220

See Accompanying Summary of Accounting Policies and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

	Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Operating Activities
Net loss for the year	$	(9,692	)	$	(7,236	)	$	(9,872	)
Adjustment to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:
Donated land		-			-			34
Depreciation and depletion		7,427			29			35
Amortization of debt discount and interest accrual		5,732			4,225			1,490
Accretion expense		91			-			-
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities (Note 11)		(1,857	)		(3,334	)		(1,004	)
Stock based compensation		24			159			234
Unrealized foreign exchange		(208	)		(840	)		(505	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		-			152			-
Non-cash consulting expense		-			151			-
Closing fee related to long-term debt		-			1,500			-
Changes in non-cash working capital items:
Receivables		(10	)		28			(38	)
Prepaid expenses & other current assets		(145	)		(318	)		(52	)
Inventory		(9,005	)		(1,935	)		-
Accounts payable & accrued liabilities		3,140			189			(329	)
Interest payable		(674	)		(951	)		(1,146	)
Cash used in operating activities		(5,177	)		(8,181	)		(11,153	)
Investment activities:
Additions to property, plant, equipment and mineral interests		(12,726	)		(68,957	)		(21,624	)
Release (purchase) of reclamation financial assurance deposit		902			(349	)		(75	)
Cash used in investing activities		(11,824	)		(69,306	)		(21,699	)
Financing activities:
Issuance of common shares and warrants, net of share issue costs (Note  8)		10,908			-			-
Repayments of loan payable (Komatsu)		(5,006	)		(1,907	)		(13	)
Repayments of note payable and accrued interest (Note 10(ii))		(12,257	)		-			-
Transaction fee on note payable ((Note 10(ii))		(930	)		-			-
Investment in Golden Queen Mining Company LLC by non-controlling interest		-			12,500			110,000
Distribution to non-controlling interest		-			-			(5,000	)
Borrowing under long-term debt		-			25,000			32,500
Repayment of short term debt		-			(2,500	)		(17,500	)
Repayment of convertible debentures		-			(7,675	)		-
Financing fees related to short-term debt		-			(1,500	)		(869	)
Financing fees related to short-term debt capitalized to the loan		-			(250	)		-
Issuance of common shares upon exercise of stock options		-			-			111
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(7,285	)		23,667			119,229
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(24,286	)		(53,820	)		86,377
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning balance		37,587			91,408			5,031
Cash and cash equivalents, ending balance	$	13,301		$	37,587		$	91,408

Supplementary Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Note 12)

See Accompanying Summary of Accounting Policies and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

1. Nature of Business

Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. (“Golden Queen”, “GQM Ltd.” or the “Company”) is engaged in the operation of the Soledad Mountain Project (“the Project”), located in the Mojave Mining District, Kern County, California. The Company originally used its wholly owned subsidiary, Golden Queen Mining Company, Inc. (“GQM Inc.”), to explore and develop the Project. On September 10, 2014, GQM Inc. was converted to a limited liability company, Golden Queen Minin1g Company, LLC (“GQM LLC”). The Company entered into a Joint Venture (the “JV”) agreement with Gauss LLC (“Gauss”) through its newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary, Golden Queen Mining Holdings, Inc. (“GQM Holdings”). The JV was completed on September 15, 2014. Upon completion of the JV, both the Company, through GQM Holdings, and Gauss each owned, and continue to own, 50% of GQM LLC. In February 2015, the Company incorporated Golden Queen Mining Canada Ltd. (“GQM Canada”), a wholly-owned British Columbia subsidiary, to hold the Company’s interest in GQM Holdings.

2. Ability to Continue as a Going Concern

The consolidated financial statements of Golden Queen Mining Co Ltd. have been prepared using US generally accepted accounting principles applicable to a going concern.

The Company entered the production phase and began generating revenues from operations during the quarter ended June 30, 2016. The Company had an accumulated deficit of $87.3 million and a working capital surplus of $8.2 million at December 31, 2016. Cash used in operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $5.2 million.

Golden Queen Mining Co Ltd expects to have sufficient cash on hand to meet its corporate general and administrative expenditures and related obligations for the next twelve months from the date of the approval of these consolidated financial statements. However, the Company is required to pay $5.4 million in accrued interest and debt principal repayment on January 1, 2018. The Company will need to receive cash distributions from GQM LLC to service its debt and such distributions are contingent on GQM LLC’s ability to generate positive cash flows. This situation raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The Company anticipates receiving sufficient distributions from GQM LLC during the fiscal year 2017 to service its debt in early 2018, however such distributions are dependent on a number of factors, including the gold price and the ability of the mine to perform according to the mine plan for 2017. Because of the uncertainty relating to the above factors, there can be no assurance that sufficient distributions will be generated and paid by GQM LLC to the Company in order for it to meet its obligations when they fall due. If the distributions are not sufficient, the Company will need to either raise equity or negotiate with its debt lender a delay in principal and interest repayments.

The Company’s access to the net assets of GQM LLC is determined by the Board of Managers of GQM LLC.  The Board of Managers is not controlled by the Company and therefore there is no guarantee that any access to the net assets of GQM LLC would be provided to the Company in order to continue as a going concern. The Board of Managers of GQM LLC determine when and if distributions from GQM LLC are made to the holders of its membership units at their sole discretion. Please refer to Note 19 for non-consolidated balance sheets, statements of income/(loss) and comprehensive income/(loss) and statements of cash flows for GQM Ltd.

The consolidated financial statements do not reflect adjustments to the carrying values of the assets and liabilities, the reported revenues and expenses, and the balance sheet classifications used, that would be necessary if the company were unable to realize its assets and settle its liabilities as a going concern in the normal course of operations. Such adjustments could be material.

3. Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

5 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

3. Basis of Presentation (continued)

The Company consolidates all entities in which it can vote a majority of the outstanding voting stock. In addition, it consolidates entities which meet the definition of a variable interest entity for which it is the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the party who has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and who has an obligation to absorb losses of the entity or a right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity. We consider special allocations of cash flows and preferences, if any, to determine amounts allocable to non-controlling interests. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Golden Queen, a limited liability Canadian corporation (Province of British Columbia), its wholly-owned subsidiary, GQM Holdings, a US (State of California) corporation, and GQM LLC, a limited liability company in which Golden Queen has a 50% interest, through GQM Canada’s ownership of GQM Holdings. GQM LLC meets the definition of a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”). Golden Queen has determined it is the member of the related party group that is most closely associated with GQM LLC and, as a result, is the primary beneficiary who consolidates GQM LLC.

4. Significant Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgements

Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of balance sheet classification and the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions. At times, such cash deposits may be in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. To date, the Company has not experienced a loss or lack of access to its cash and cash equivalents. However, no assurance can be provided that access to the Company’s cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted by adverse economic conditions in the financial markets.

Inventories Include stockpiled ore, in-process inventory, doré, and operating materials and supplies. The classification of inventory is determined by the stage at which the ore is in the production process. All inventories are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or market value. Cost includes direct labor, materials, depreciation, depletion and amortization as well as overhead costs relating to mining activities. Market price is calculated as the current replacement cost of the inventory, as long as the market price does not exceed net realizable value; also, the market price shall not be less than the net realizable value, less the normal profit margin. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling price, minus estimated costs of completion and disposal. Any write-downs of inventory to market value are recorded as cost of sales.

Stockpiled ore inventory represents ore that has been extracted from the mine and is available for further processing. Costs added to stockpiled ore inventory are valued based on current mining cost per tonne incurred up to the point of stockpiling the ore and are transferred to the next process at the weighted average cost per equivalent ounce. Stockpiled ore tonnage is verified by periodic surveys and physical counts.

In process inventory includes ore on heap leach pad and inventories in the solution and precipitate process. Finished goods inventory includes metals in their final stage of production prior to sale, including doré.

The heap leach process extracts silver and gold by placing ore on an impermeable pad and applying a diluted cyanide solution that dissolves a portion of the contained silver and gold, which are then recovered in metallurgical processes.

The estimate of the ultimate recovery expected over time and the quantity of metal that may be extracted relative to the time the leach process occurs requires the use of estimates, which are inherently inaccurate due to the nature of the leaching process. The quantities of metal contained in the ore are based upon actual weights and assay analysis. The rate at which the leach process extracts gold and silver from the crushed ore is based upon metallurgical test column estimates. The assumptions that will be used by the Company to measure metal content during each stage of the inventory conversion process includes estimated recovery rates based on laboratory testing and assaying. The Company will periodically review its estimates compared to actual experience and revise its estimates when appropriate.

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GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

4. Significant Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgements (continued)

The assumptions used in determining market value for mineral inventories include estimates of gold and gold equivalents contained in the stockpile ore, heap leach pad and solution and precipitates, expected recoveries, and judgment used in determining the allocation of depletion, depreciation and amortization expense, and overhead costs that are directly attributable to inventories. If these estimates or assumptions are inaccurate, the Company may be required to write down the carrying value of its inventories.

Mineral Interests Costs related to the development of our mineral reserves are capitalized when an ore body is determined to be economically minable based on proven and probable reserves and when appropriate permits are in place. Major mine development expenditures related to mineral interests, such as building access roads, heap leach pads, processing facilities, and infrastructure development are capitalized until the property to which they directly relate is placed into production, sold, abandoned or subject to a condition of impairment. The capitalized costs are amortized over the useful life of the ore body following commencement of production, or written off if the property is sold or abandoned.

Upon commencement of the production phase, mining interests are depleted on a units-of-production basis over the estimated economic life of the mine. In applying the units of production method, depletion is determined using the quantity of material extracted from the mine in the period as a portion of total quantity of material expected to be extracted in current and future periods based on the total estimated recoverable ounces in proven and probable reserves.

Drilling and related costs are classified as development expenditures and capitalized if all the following criteria are met:

• Whether or not the costs are incurred to further define mineralization at and adjacent to existing reserve areas or intended to assist with mine planning within a reserve area;

• Whether or not the drilling costs relate to an ore body that has been determined to be commercially mineable, and a decision has been made to put the ore body into commercial production; and

• Whether or not at the time that the cost is incurred, the expenditure: (a) embodies a probable future benefit that involves a capacity, singly or in combination, with other assets to contribute directly or indirectly to future net cash inflows, (b) we can obtain the benefit and control others’ access to it, and (c) the transaction or event giving rise to our right to or control of the benefit has already occurred.

Drilling and related costs not meeting all of these criteria are charged to operations as incurred.

Property, Plant and Equipment Are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment includes the purchase price or construction cost, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for its intended use, and borrowing costs related to the acquisition or construction of qualifying assets. Assets under construction are recorded at cost and reallocated to machinery and mine equipment when they become available for use

Depreciation is calculated using either the straight-line method or using the units-of-production method over the shorter of the estimated service lives of the respective assets or the expected life of mine. Depreciation commences when the asset is in the condition and location necessary for it to operate in the manner intended by management.

Land	Not depreciated
Mineral property interests and claims	Units-of-production
Mine development	Units-of-production
Machinery and mine equipment	10 – 12 years
Buildings and structures	5 - 12 years
Leasehold improvements	12 years
Vehicles	3 – 5 years
Computer equipment and software	3 years
Asset retirements cost	Units-of-production
Capitalized interest	Units-of-production

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GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

4. Significant Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgements (continued)

Capitalization of certain mine construction costs ceases and expenditures are either variable production costs as a component of inventory or expensed as incurred once production commences. Depletion of capitalized costs for mining properties and depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment also begins when the production phase commences.

Capitalized Interest For significant exploration and development projects, interest is capitalized as part of the historical cost of developing and constructing assets in accordance with ASC 835-20 ("capitalization of interest"). Interest is capitalized until the asset is available for use. Capitalized interest is determined by multiplying the Company’s weighted-average borrowing cost on general debt by the average amount of qualifying costs incurred.

Once an asset subject to interest capitalization is completed and available for use, the associated capitalized interest is expensed through depletion or impairment. See Note 10(iv) - Amortization of Discount and Interest Expense.

Capitalization of interest ceased as at March 31, 2016 when production commenced.

Valuation of Long-lived Assets The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Asset impairment is considered to exist if the total estimated undiscounted pre-tax future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset. In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there is identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of future cash flows from other asset groups. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on discounted estimated future cash flows. Future cash flows are calculated based on estimated quantities of recoverable minerals, expected silver and gold prices (considering current and historical prices, trends and related factors), production levels, operating costs, capital requirements and reclamation costs, all based on life-of mine plans.

Existing proven and probable reserves are included when determining the fair value of mine site asset groups at acquisition and, subsequently, in determining whether the assets are impaired. The term “recoverable minerals” refers to the estimated amount of silver and gold that will be obtained after taking into account losses during ore processing and treatment.

Gold and silver prices are volatile and affected by many factors beyond the Company’s control, including prevailing interest rates and returns on other asset classes, expectations regarding inflation, speculation, currency values, governmental decisions regarding precious metals stockpiles, global and regional demand and production, political and economic conditions and other factors may affect the key assumptions used in the Company’s impairment testing. Various factors could impact our ability to achieve forecasted production levels from proven and probable reserves. Additionally, production, capital and reclamation costs could differ from the assumptions used in the cash flow models used to assess impairment. Actual results may vary from the Company’s estimates and result in additional impairment charges.

Foreign Currency Translation The Company’s functional and reporting currency, the US dollar, is the primary economic currency in which the Company operates. Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into US dollars at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Expenses are translated at exchange rates on the date of the transaction. Where amounts denominated in a foreign currency are converted into US dollars by remittance or repayment, the realized exchange differences are included in other income.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed as net income (loss) attributed to the Company divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through stock options, warrants and convertible instruments. Net income attributable to any non-controlling interest is not included in the calculation of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share.

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GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

4. Significant Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgements (continued)

Asset Retirement Obligations Asset retirement obligations (‘‘AROs’’) arise from the acquisition, development and construction of mining properties and plant and equipment due to government controls and regulations that protect the environment on the closure and reclamation of mining properties. The major parts of the carrying amount of AROs relate to tailings and heap leach pad closure and rehabilitation, demolition of buildings and mine facilities, ongoing water treatment and ongoing care and maintenance of closed mines. The Company recognizes an ARO at the time the environmental disturbance occurs. When the ARO provision is recognized, the corresponding cost is capitalized to property, plant, equipment and mineral interests and depreciated over the life of the related assets.

The timing of the actual environmental remediation expenditures is dependent on a number of factors such as the life and nature of the asset, the operating license conditions and the environment in which the mine operates. Reclamation provisions are initially measured at the expected value of future cash flows discounted to their present value using a credit adjusted risk-free interest rate. If the expected present value increases, the increase gives rise to a new obligation accounted for separately just as the reclamation provision was originally measured but using current market value assumptions, and the current credit-adjusted risk-free rate. AROs are adjusted each period to reflect the passage of time (accretion). Upon settlement of an ARO, the Company records a gain or loss if the actual cost differs from the carrying amount of the ARO. Settlement gains/losses are recorded in the consolidated statements of income (loss).

The estimated ARO is updated each period end to reflect changes in facts and circumstances. The principal factors that can cause the ARO to change are the construction of new processing facilities, changes in the quantities of material in proven and probable mineral reserves and a corresponding change in the life-of-mine plan, changing ore characteristics that impact required environmental protection measures and related costs, changes in water quality that impact the extent of water treatment required and changes in laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment.

Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and judgements have been made by Management in several areas including the accounting for the joint venture transaction and determination of the temporary and permanent non-controlling interest, the recoverability of mineral properties expenditures, royalty obligations, inventory valuations, asset retirement obligations, and derivative liability – warrants. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for cash, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and interest payable approximate fair values because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of the short-term and long-term loans payable approximate their carrying values because the interest rates are based on the market rates. The market rates have remained steady for the loans payable during the past four quarters. The fair value of the short and long term portions of the notes payable approximates their carrying value and have been estimated based on discounted cash flows using interest rates being offered for similar debt instruments. The carrying amount of the notes payable are being recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

The notes payable were initially recorded at fair value less financing costs and are measured at each period end at amortized cost. The derivative liability relating to the share purchase warrants issued by the Company as part of the consideration for the holders of the notes payable is recorded at fair value using the binomial and the Black-Scholes valuation models at each reporting period.

Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when title to and other risks and rewards of ownership of gold and silver passes to the buyer and when collectability is reasonably assured. Title and the risks and rewards of ownership pass to the buyer based on terms of the sales contract. Product pricing is determined at the point revenue is recognized by reference to active and freely traded commodity markets, for example, the London Bullion Market for both gold and silver, in an identical form to the product sold.

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GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

4. Significant Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgements (continued)

Income Taxes The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes whereby the deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. If it is determined that the realization of a future tax benefit is not more likely than not, the Company establishes a valuation allowance.

Stock-based Compensation Compensation costs are charged to the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). Compensation costs for employees are amortized over the period from the grant date to the date the options vest. Compensation expense for non-employees is recognized immediately for past services and pro-rata for future services over the service provision period.

We account for stock-based compensation awards granted to non-employees in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 505-50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees, or ASC 505-50. Under ASC 505-50, we determine the fair value of the stock-based compensation awards granted as either the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. If the fair value of equity instruments issued is used, it is measured using the stock price and other measurement assumptions as of the earlier of either (1) the date at which commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the equity instruments is reached, or (2) the date at which the counterparty’s performance is complete.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate the fair value of stock options at the date of grant. Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected price volatility. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.

Derivative Financial Instruments The Company reviews the terms of its equity instruments and other financing arrangements to determine whether or not there are embedded derivative instruments that are required to be accounted for separately as a derivative financial instrument. Also, in connection with the issuance of financing instruments, the Company may issue freestanding options or warrants that may, depending on their terms, be accounted for as derivative instrument liabilities, rather than as equity. The Company may also issue options or warrants to non-employees in connection with consulting or other services.

Derivative financial instruments are measured at their fair value. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported as charges or credits to profit or loss. For warrant-based derivative financial instruments, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate fair value of the derivative instruments. For more complex derivative financial instruments, the Company uses the binomial pricing model to estimate fair value of the derivative instrument.

Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

Non-Controlling Interest The non-controlling interest balance consists of equity in GQM LLC not attributable, directly or indirectly, to Golden Queen.  GQM LLC meets the definition of a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”). Golden Queen has determined it is the member of the related party group that is most closely associated with GQM LLC and, as a result, is the primary beneficiary who consolidates GQM LLC. The non-controlling interest has been classified into two categories; permanent equity and temporary equity.

Non-controlling interests in temporary equity represent the estimated portion of non-controlling interest that could potentially be convertible through either a conversion of the non-controlling interest into a net smelter royalty obligation of GQM LLC or a buy-out of the non-controlling interest at fair value by the Company.  The convertible portion of non-controlling interest recorded in temporary equity is initially recorded at the carrying value and then adjusted for net income or loss and distributions attributable to the temporary equity. 

The non-controlling interest in permanent equity represents the portion of the non-controlling interest that is not convertible. Please refer to Note 10(v) for details.

10 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

4. Significant Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgements (continued)

New Accounting Policies

(i) Effective December 15 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards update (“ASU”) 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40 –Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The update essentially requires management of all entities, for annual and interim periods, to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued.

If conditions or events raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, but the substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, the entity should disclose information that enables users of the financial statements to understand all of the following:

1. Principal conditions or events that raised substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern (before consideration of management’s plans).

2. Management’s evaluation of the significance of those conditions or events in relation to the entity’s ability to meet its obligations.

3. Management’s plans that alleviated substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

If conditions or events raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, and substantial doubt is not alleviated after consideration of management’s plans, an entity should include a statement in the footnotes indicating that there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued).

Additionally, the entity should disclose information that enables users of the financial statements to understand all of the following:

1. Principal conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

2. Management’s evaluation of the significance of those conditions or events in relation to the entity’s ability to meet its obligations.

3. Management’s plans that are intended to mitigate the conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The Company has adopted this standard in its financial statements as at December 31, 2016. See Note 2.

(ii) In May 2014, ASU 2014-09 was issued related to revenue from contracts with customers. The ASU was further amended in August 2015, March 2016, April 2016, and May 2016 by ASU 2015-14, 2016-08, 2016-10 and 2016- 12. The new standard provides a five-step approach to be applied to all contracts with customers and also requires expanded disclosures about revenue recognition.

In August 2015, the effective date was deferred to reporting periods, including interim periods, beginning after December 31, 2017, and will be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance and the impact it will have on the consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

(iii) In February 2016, FASB issued ASC 842 that requires lessees to recognize lease assets and corresponding lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. The update, which supersedes existing lease guidance, will continue to classify leases as either finance or operating, with the classification determining the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement.

The ASU will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted, and is applicable on a modified retrospective basis with various optional practical expedients. The Company is assessing the impact of this standard.

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GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

5. Inventories

	December 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Stockpile inventory	$	318	$	1,260
In-process inventory		9,491		83
Dore inventory		76		-
Supplies and spare parts		1,056		593
	$	10,941	$	1,936

6. Property, Plant, Equipment and Mineral Interests

	December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Mineral property interest and claims	$	5,303		$	4,568
Mine development		44,038			87,988
Mine equipment		57,662			25,426
Buildings and infrastructure		28,604			5,691
Other equipment and capitalized interest		10,088			7,052
Accumulated depreciation and depletion		(11,145	)		(2,466	)
	$	134,550		$	128,259

As at December 31, 2016, the Company had capitalized depreciation of $3.6 million (December 31, 2015 - $2.3 million) relating to assets used in the development of the mine. As the Company entered production on April 1, 2016, the Company began depreciating and depleting assets put into production and on this date also discontinued capitalizing depreciation.

7. Income Taxes

The tax effects of the temporary differences that give rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Deferred Tax Assets / (Liabilities):
Net operating and capital losses	$	15,799		$	10,944
Un-deducted interest		779			823
Capitalized Interest Deducted		(1,475	)		-
Reorganization costs		45			47
Foreign exchange (gain) loss		-			(127	)
Financing costs		747			444
Investment in GQM LLC		(14,676	)		(12,922	)
Valuation allowance		(14,140	)		(12,255	)
Other		-			124
Deferred tax liabilities	$	(12,922	)	$	(12,922	)

The annual tax benefit (provision) is different from the amount provided by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to our pre-tax income (loss). The reason for the differences are:

12 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

7. Income Taxes (continued)

	December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015			December 31, 2014 (Restated)
Income tax (benefit) provision at Canadian statutory rate	$	(3,108	)	$	(1,733	)	$	(2,567	)
Foreign income taxes at other than Canadian statutory rate		(1,398	)		(841	)		(638	)
Change in fair value of derivative liability		(483	)		(867	)		(288	)
Non-deductible accretion and other		552			839			80
Non-deductible stock-based compensation		6			41			67
Non-taxable effect on foreign exchange		-			407			175
Permanent differences, other		290			50			1,458
Non-controlling Interest		922			838			561
Prior year True-up		1,334			-			-
Change in statutory rate		-			-			(322	)
Adjustment due to change in estimates		-			1,265			-
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance		1,885			1			1,474
Tax (benefit) provision	$	-		$	-		$	-

Included in the increase in valuation allowance is tax-affected $Nil (2015 - $0.2 million, 2014 - $0.7 million) relating to the expiry of losses.

The Company evaluates its valuation allowance requirements based on projected future operations. When circumstances change and this causes a change in management’s judgment about the recoverability of deferred tax assets, the impact of the change on the valuation allowance is reflected in current income or loss. As management of the Company does not currently believe that the Company will receive the benefit of this asset, a valuation allowance equal to certain net deferred tax assets has been established at both December 31, 2016 and 2015.

As at December 31, 2016, the Company had net operating loss carry-forwards available to reduce taxable income in future years as follows:

Country	Amount		Expiration Dates
United States – Federal	$	30,198	2018 - 2036
Canada (C$)	$	15,013	2026 - 2036

These consolidated financial statements do not reflect the potential effect on future income taxes of the application of these losses.

The Company has evaluated its tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 and determined that it has no uncertain tax positions requiring financial statement recognition.

Under current federal and state income tax laws and regulations, GQM LLC, a multi-member limited liability company (“LLC”) is treated as a partnership for income tax reporting purposes and is generally not subject to income taxes. Additionally, at the LLC level no provision has been made for federal, state, or local income taxes on the results of operations generated by partnership activities; as such taxes are the responsibility of its Members.

8. Share Capital

The Company’s common shares outstanding are no par value, voting shares with no preferences or rights attached to them.

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GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

8. Share Capital (continued)

Common shares – 2016

In July 2016, the Company completed a financing for gross proceeds of $12.1 million (C$16.1 million) consisting of 11,120,000 units at a price of $1.10 (C$1.45) per unit. Each unit consisted of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional common share of the Company at a price of C$2.00 per common share until July 25, 2019. The aggregate fair value of the common share purchase warrants at the time of issuance was $2.3 million, which was recorded as a derivative liability and the Company allocated the remaining proceeds of $9.8 million to the common shares. (See Note 11).

The Company also issued 757,700 common share purchase warrants to brokers with the same terms as the common share purchase warrants issued with the financing units. The aggregate fair value of the common share purchase warrants issued to the brokers at the time of issuance was $0.3 million which was recorded as a derivative liability (See Note 11).

In addition, the Company incurred cash share issue costs totalling $1.2 million, which consisted of legal fees, commission and other direct financing costs.

Common shares – 2015

In March 2015, the Company issued 150,000 common shares to the former President of the Company for achieving two of the three milestones outlined in his management agreement. The common shares had a total fair value of $0.2 million. The fair value was based on the market price on the date of issuance.

Common shares - 2014

In May 2014, 300,000 stock options were exercised and the Company issued 300,000 common shares at $0.21 per share for proceeds of $0.06 million. The total transferred to share capital from additional paid-in capital upon exercise of stock options was $0.2 million.

In April 2014, 170,000 stock options were exercised and the Company issued 170,000 common shares at $0.21 per share for proceeds of $0.04 million. The total transferred to share capital from additional paid-in capital upon exercise of stock options was $0.09 million.

In February 2014, the Company issued 15,300 common shares for mineral property interests with a total fair value of $0.03 million. The fair value was based on the market price on the date of issuance.

In February 2014, 60,000 stock options were exercised and the Company issued 60,000 common shares at $0.21 per share for proceeds of $0.01 million. The total transferred to share capital from additional paid-in capital upon exercise of stock options was $0.03 million.

Stock options

The Company’s current stock option plan (the “Plan”) was adopted by the Company in 2013 and approved by shareholders of the Company in 2013. The Plan provides a fixed number of 7,200,000 common shares of the Company that may be issued pursuant to the grant of stock options. The exercise price of stock options granted under the Plan shall be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), but shall not be less than the volume-weighted, average trading price of the Company’s shares on the TSX for the five trading days immediately prior to the date of the grant. The expiry date of a stock option shall be the date so fixed by the Board subject to a maximum term of five years. The Plan provides that the expiry date of the vested portion of a stock option will be the earlier of the date so fixed by the Board at the time the stock option is awarded and the early termination date (the “Early Termination Date”).

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GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

8. Share Capital (continued)

Stock options (continued)

The Early Termination Date will be the date the vested portion of a stock option expires following the option holder ceasing to be a director, employee or consultant, as determined by the Board at the time of grant, or in the absence thereof at any time prior to the time the option holder ceases to be a director, employee or consultant, in accordance with and subject to the provisions of the Plan. All options granted under the 2013 Plan will be subject to such vesting requirements as may be prescribed by the TSX, if applicable, or as may be imposed by the Board. A total of 1,555,000 (December 31, 2015 – 1,070,000) common shares were issuable pursuant to such stock options as at December 31, 2016.

The Company has elected to use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted. In accordance with the accounting standard for employees, the compensation expense is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which approximates the vesting period. Compensation expense for stock options granted to non-employees is amortized over the contract services period or, if none exists, from the date of grant until the options vest. Compensation associated with unvested options granted to non-employees is re-measured on each balance sheet date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

The following is a summary of stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share
Options outstanding, December 31, 2013		1,380,000		$	0.87
Options exercised		(530,000	)	$	0.21
Options forfeited		(100,000	)	$	1.16
Options outstanding, December 31, 2014		750,000		$	1.29
Options granted		570,000		$	0.58
Options forfeited		(250,000	)	$	1.18
Options outstanding, December 31, 2015		1,070,000		$	0.94
Options granted		485,000		$	0.66
Options outstanding, December 31, 2016		1,555,000		$	0.85

On November 30, 2016, the Company granted the aggregate amount of 485,000 options to Company’s directors, officers and employees. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.66 for a period of five years from the date of grant and 161,667 options vest on November 30, 2017, 161,667 options vest on November 30, 2018 and 161,668 on November 30, 2019.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized $0.02 million (2015 - $0.01 million; 2014 - $0.02 million) in stock-based compensation relating to employee stock options that were issued and/or had vesting terms.

As at December 31, 2016, the aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding exercisable options was $0.4 million (2015 - $Nil; 2014 – $Nil).

15 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

8. Share Capital (continued)

Stock options (continued)

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2016:

Expiry  Date	Number  Outstanding		Number  Exercisable		Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Exercise  Price
June 3, 2018		50,000		50,000		1.42	$	1.16
September 3, 2018		150,000		150,000		1.67	$	1.59
September 18, 2018		300,000		300,000		1.72	$	1.26
September 8, 2020		570,000		523,334		3.69	$	0.58
November 30, 2021		485,000		0		4.92	$	0.66
Balance, December 31, 2016		1,555,000		1,023,334		3.42

The fair value of stock options granted as above is calculated using the following weighted average assumptions:

	2016			2015			2014
Expected life years		4.92			5.00			-
Interest rate		1.00	%		0.75	%		-
Volatility		81.27	%		76.83	%		-
Dividend yield		0.00	%		0.00	%		-

Warrants

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company issued 14,317,700 (2015 – 10,000,000) share purchase warrants in connection with the July 2016 financing and in relation to its debt restructuring. See Notes 10(ii) and 11, for accounting treatment.

The following is a summary of common share purchase warrants activity:

	December 31,2016		December 31,2015		December 31,2014
Balance, beginning of year		10,000,000		-		-
Issued - financing units		5,560,000		-		-
Issued - financing brokers (1)		757,700		-		-
Issued - debt restructuring (1)		8,000,000		10,000,000		-
Balance, end of year		24,317,700		10,000,000		-

⁽¹⁾ Non-tradable share purchase warrants.

The following table summarizes information about share purchase warrants outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2016:

Expiry  Date	Number  Outstanding		Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Exercise  Price
June 8, 2020		10,000,000		3.69	$	0.95
July 25, 2019		5,560,000		2.82	C$	2.00
July 25, 2019		757,700		2.82	C$	2.00
November 18, 2021		8,000,000		4.89	$	0.85

16 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

9. Asset Retirement Obligations and Financial Reclamation Assurance

Reclamation Financial Assurance

The Company is required to provide the Bureau of Land Management, the State Office of Mine Reclamation and Kern County, California with a revised reclamation cost estimate annually.  The financial assurance is adjusted once the cost estimate is approved.  The Company’s provision for reclamation of the property is estimated each year by an independent consulting engineer. This estimate, once approved by state and county authorities, forms the basis for a cash deposit of reclamation financial assurance. The reclamation assurance provided as at December 31, 2016 was $1.5 million (December 31, 2015 - $0.6 million).

The Company is also required to provide financial assurance with the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (the “Regional Board”) for closure and reclamation costs related to the lined impoundments, which are defined as the Stage 1 heap leach pad, the overflow pond, and the solution collection channel. The reclamation financial assurance estimate for as of December 31, 2016, is $1.2 million (December 31, 2015 - $Nil).

In addition to the above, the Company is required to obtain and maintain financial assurance for initiating and completing corrective action and remediation of a reasonably foreseeable release from the Project’s waste management units as required by the Regional Board. The reclamation financial assurance estimate for as of December 31, 2016, is $0.3 million (December 31, 2015 - $0.3 million).

The Company entered into $3.0 million in surety bond agreements in order to release its reclamation deposits. The Company pays a yearly premium of $0.1 million. Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. has provided a corporate guaranty on the surety bonds (see Note 13).

Asset Retirement Obligation

The total asset retirement obligation as of December 31, 2016, was $1.4 million (December 31, 2015 - $1.0 million). 

The Company estimated its asset retirement obligations based on its requirements to reclaim and remediate its property based on its activities to date. As at December 31, 2016, the Company estimates the primary cash outflow related to these reclamation activities will commence in 2028. Reclamation provisions are measured at the expected value of future cash flows discounted to their present value using a discount rate based on a credit adjusted risk-free interest rate of 9.2% and an inflation rate of 2.27%.

The following is a summary of asset retirement obligations:

	December 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Balance, beginning of the year	$	978	$	624
Accretion		90		-
Changes in cash flow estimates		298		354
Balance, end of the year	$	1,366	$	978

17 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

10. Related Party Transactions

Except as noted elsewhere in these consolidated financial statements, related party transactions are disclosed as follows:

(i) Management Agreement

The Company hired current board member, Thomas M. Clay, to take over the position of Chief Executive Officer with a yearly salary of $100,000. No consulting agreement or management agreement has been signed at this time.

(ii) Notes Payable

On January 1, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to secure a $10.0 million loan (the “January 2014 Loan”) provided by members of the Clay family, who are shareholders of the Company, with twelve-month term and an annual interest rate of 5%, payable on the maturity date. Because the January 2014 Loan remained outstanding for more than 183 days, an additional 5% charge was applicable. $7.5 million of principal balance of the loan, $0.4 million of accrued interest, and an additional charge of $0.4 million were paid on December 31, 2014.

The $2.5 million remaining balance of the loan, accrued interest of $0.1 million and an additional charge of $0.1 million, were paid on January 5, 2015.

On December 31, 2014, the Company also entered into a new loan (the “December 2014 Loan”) with the same parties for $12.5 million, due on July 1, 2015 and bore an annual interest rate of 10%. The loan was guaranteed by GQM Holdings, and secured by a pledge of the Company's interests in GQM Canada, GQM Canada’s interest in GQM Holdings and GQM Holdings' 50% interest in GQM LLC.

The Company also incurred a financing fee to secure the loan in the amount of $1.0 million, of which, $0.8 million was paid on December 31, 2014 and the remaining $0.3 million was paid on January 5, 2015.

On June 8, 2015, the Company amended the December 2014 Loan to extend the maturity to December 8, 2016 and increased the principal amount from $12.5 million to $37.5 million (the “June 2015 Loan”). The Company also issued to the lenders 10,000,000 common share purchase warrants exercisable for a period of five years expiring June 8, 2020. The common share purchase warrants have an exercise price of $0.95. All other terms remained the same as the December 2014 Loan. The Company also incurred financing fees to secure the loan in the amount of $1.5 million. The Company agreed to pay the legal fees incurred by the lenders relating to this debt instrument which amounted to $0.04 million. The total legal fees were expensed as the transaction met the definition of a debt extinguishment.

On November 18, 2016, the Company repaid $12.2 million of the June 2015 Loan and accrued interest with cash on hand and the net proceeds of $10.1 million from an equity financing. The Company restructured the remaining debt with a new loan with a principal amount of $31.0 million (the “November 2016 Loan”). The new loan has a thirty-month term and an annual interest rate of 8%, payable on a quarterly basis commencing during the first quarter of 2017. Quarterly principal payments of $2.5 million commence during the first quarter of 2018, with a payment of the remaining balance at the maturity date. The first four quarterly interest payments under the November 2016 Loan can be added to the loan principal balance rather than paid in cash, at the Company’s option.

In connection with the new loan the Company issued 8,000,000 common share purchase warrants exercisable for a period of five years expiring November 21, 2021. The common share purchase warrants have an exercise price of $0.85. The Company also incurred a financing fee to secure the loan in the amount of $0.9 million, all of which was paid on November 18, 2016.

18 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

10. Related Party Transactions (continued)

(ii) Notes Payable (continued)

The table below summarizes the activity on the notes payable:

	December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
Balance, beginning of the year	$	36,053		$	13,881		$	-
Interest payable transferred to principal balance		2,977			1,182			-
Accretion of discount on loans		1,996			1,374			-
Capitalized financing fee and legal fees		(930	)		-			(1,119	)
Reduction of debt upon isssuance of warrants		(3,090	)		-			-
Repayment of loans and interest		(10,659	)		(2,500	)		(7,500	)
Fair value at inception, notes payable		-			33,497			22,500
Unamortized expenses		-			967			-
Loss on extinguishment of debt		-			152			-
Extinguishment of debt		-			(12,500	)		-
Balance, end of the year	$	26,347		$	36,053		$	13,881

(iii) Share Purchase Warrants

On June 8, 2015, the Company issued 10,000,000 share purchase warrants to the Clay family in connection with the June 2015 Loan. The share purchase warrants are exercisable until June 8, 2020 at an exercise price of $0.95. Included in the June 2015 Loan agreement was an anti-dilution provision. If the Company were to complete a financing at a share price lower than the exercise price of the share purchase warrants, the exercise price of the share purchase warrants would be adjusted to match the price at which the financing was completed.

On November 18, 2016, the Company issued 8,000,000 share purchase warrants to the Clay family in connection with the November 2016 Loan. The share purchase warrants are exercisable until November 18, 2021 at an exercise price of $0.85. Included in the November 2016 Loan agreement was an anti-dilution provision. If the Company were to complete a financing at a share price lower than the exercise price of the share purchase warrants, the exercise price of the share purchase warrants would be adjusted to match the price at which the financing was completed.

The share purchase warrants meet the definition of a derivative liability instrument as the exercise price is not a fixed price as described above. Therefore, the settlement feature does not meet the “fixed-for-fixed” criteria outlined in ASC 815-40-15.

The fair value of the derivative liabilities related to the share purchase warrants as at December 31, 2016 is $5.5 million (December 31, 2015 - $2.5 million). The derivative liabilities were calculated using the binomial and the Black-Scholes pricing valuation models with the following assumptions:

Warrants  related to June 2015 Loan	2016		2015
Risk-free interest rate		0.84%.		0.73%
Expected life of derivative liability		3.44 years		4.44 years
Expected volatility		78.79%		72.29%
Dividend rate		0.00%		0.00%
Warrants  related to November 2016 Loan	2016		2015
Risk-free interest rate		1.11%		-
Expected life of derivative liability		4.89 year		-
Expected volatility		77.21%		-
Dividend rate		0.00%		-

19 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

10. Related Party Transactions (continued)

(iii) Share Purchase Warrants (continued)

The change in the derivative share purchase warrants is as follows:

	December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Balance, beginning of the year	$	2,498		$	-
Fair value at inception		3,090			4,002
Change in fair value		(130	)		(1,504	)
Balance, end of the year	$	5,458		$	2,498

(iv) Amortization of Discounts and Interest Expense

The following table summarizes the amortization of discounts and interest on loans and convertible debentures:

	Year Ended December 31,		Year Ended December 31,		Year Ended December 31,
	2016		2015		2014
Accretion of the June 2015 Loan discount	$	1,785	$	1,374	$	-
Interest expense related to the June 2015 Loan		3,599		2,151		-
Accretion of the Nov 2016 Loan discount		210		-		-
Interest expense related to the Nov 2016 Loan		296		-		-
*Interest expense related to Komatsu financial loans		603		282		3
Interest expense related to the convertible debentures		-		95		181
Amortization of the convertible debentures		-		1,853		-
Interest expense related to the January 2014 Loan						1,000
Interest expense related to the December 2014 Loan		-		548		-
Interest on Gauss advance						210
Accretion of debt discount on the convertible debentures		-		-		2,511
Accretion of the december 2014 loan financing fees		-		967		-
Accretion of discount and interest on loan and convertible debentures	$	6,493	$	7,270	$	3,905

The Company’s loans were contracted to fund significant development costs. The Company capitalizes a portion of the interest expense as it related to funds borrowed to complete development activities at the Project site.

	Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Accretion of discounts and interest on loan, advance and convertible debenture*	$	6,493		$	7,270		$	3,905
Less: Interest costs capitalized**		(1,005	)		(2,763	)		(2,412	)
Interest expense	$	5,488		$	4,507		$	1,493

*Komatsu is not a related party and has only been included in the above table to reconcile the total interest expense incurred for the period to the amounts capitalized and expensed.

**Interest capitalization ended on March 31, 2016 because the mine went into production on April 1, 2016.

(v) Joint Venture Transaction

On September 15, 2014, the Company closed the Joint Venture Transaction with Gauss resulting in both parties owning a 50% interest in the Project. Pursuant to the Joint Venture Transaction, Golden Queen converted its wholly-owned subsidiary GQM Inc., the entity developing the Project, into a California limited liability company named GQM LLC. On closing of the transaction, Gauss acquired 50% of GQM LLC by investing $110 million cash in exchange for newly issued membership units of GQM LLC. GQM Holdings, a newly incorporated subsidiary of the Company, holds the other 50% of GQM LLC.

20 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

10. Related Party Transactions (continued)

(v) Joint Venture Transaction (continued)

Gauss is a funding vehicle owned by entities controlled by Leucadia National Corporation (NYSE: LUK) (“Leucadia”) and certain members of the Clay family, a shareholder group which collectively owned approximately 27% of the issued and outstanding shares of Golden Queen (the “Clay Group”) at the time of the transaction. Gauss is owned 70.51% by Gauss Holdings LLC (“Gauss Holdings”, Leucadia’s investment entity) and 29.49% by Auvergne LLC (“Auvergne”, the Clay Group’s investment entity). Pursuant to the transaction, Leucadia was paid a transaction fee of $2.0 million and $0.3 million was paid to Auvergne through GQM LLC in 2014. The Company has adopted an accounting policy of expensing these transaction costs.

Variable Interest Entity

In accordance with ASC 810-10-30, the Company has determined that GQM LLC meets the definition of a VIE and that the Company is part of a related party group that, in its entirety, would meet the definition of a primary beneficiary.   Although no individual variable interest holder individually meets the definition of a primary beneficiary in the absence of the related party group, Golden Queen has determined it is considered the member of the related party group most closely associated with GQM LLC.  As a result, the Company has consolidated 100% of the accounts of GQM LLC in these consolidated financial statements, while presenting a non-controlling interest portion representing the 50% interest of Gauss in GQM LLC on its balance sheet.  A portion of the non-controlling interest has been presented as temporary equity on the Company’s balance sheet representing the initial value of the non-controlling interest that could potentially be redeemable by Gauss in the future.

The Company has presented Gauss’ ownership in GQM LLC as a non-controlling interest amount on the balance sheet within the equity section. However, there are terms in the agreement that provides for the exit from the investment in GQM LLC for an initial member whose interest in GQM LLC becomes less than 20%.

If a member becomes less than a 20% interest holder, its remaining unit interest will (ultimately) be terminated through one of three events at the non-diluted member’s option:

a. Through conversion to a net smelter royalty (“NSR”);

b. Through a buy-out (at fair value) by the non-diluted member; or

c. Through a sale process by which the diluted member’s interest is sold

The net assets of GQM LLC as of December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015 are as follows:

	December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Assets, GQM LLC	$	151,802		$	158,210
Liabilities, GQM LLC		(20,710	)		(22,591	)
Net assets, GQM LLC	$	131,092		$	135,619

Included in the assets above, is $11.1 million (December 31, 2015 - $31.5 million) in cash held as at December 31, 2016. The cash in GQM LLC is directed specifically to fund capital expenditures required to continue with production and settle GQM LLC’s obligations. The liabilities of GQM LLC do not have recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary except for two mining drill loans and $3.0 million in surety bond agreements.

Non-Controlling Interest

The carrying value of the non-controlling interest is adjusted for net income and loss, distributions and contributions pursuant to ASC 810-10 based on the same percentage allocation used to calculate the initial book value of temporary equity.

21 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

10. Related Party Transactions (continued)

(v) Joint Venture Transaction (continued)

Non-Controlling Interest (continued)

	Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Net and comprehensive loss in GQM LLC	$	(4,526	)	$	(3,550	)	$	(2,805	)
Non-controlling interest percentage		50	%		50	%		50	%
Net and comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	$	(2,263	)	$	(1,775	)	$	(1,403	)
Net and comprehensive loss attributable to permanent non-controlling interest	$	(1,359	)	$	(1,065	)	$	(842	)
Net and comprehensive loss attributable to temporary non-controlling interest	$	(904	)	$	(710	)	$	(561	)

	Permanent Non- Controlling Interest			Temporary Non- Controlling Interest
Carrying value of non-controlling interest, December 31, 2015	$	40,686		$	27,124
Net and comprehensive loss for the year		(1,359	)		(904	)
Carrying value of non-controlling interest, December 31, 2016	$	39,327		$	26,220

Dilution of Interest in Subsidiary

As a result of the Joint Venture Transaction, the Company’s interest in GQM LLC was diluted from 100% to 50% and ordinarily, the Company would recognize gain on dilution with the book value of the investment in GQM LLC increasing as well. However, since the transaction was with a related party and the Company retained control, the excess has not been recognized in net income but rather has been recorded in equity as an increase to APIC based on guidance provided in ASC 810-10-55-4D and -4E.

The deferred tax liability resulted from the increase in the book value over tax value of the investment in GQM LLC.

Capital Contribution Agreement

Pursuant to the Joint Venture Transaction, GQM Holdings’ made a single capital contribution to GQM LLC of $12.5 million on June 15, 2015. Gauss funded an amount equal to GQM Holdings’ capital contribution to GQM LLC. Both partners maintain their 50% ownership of the Project.

22 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

10. Related Party Transactions (continued)

(v) Joint Venture Transaction (continued)

Standby Commitment

In 2014, Golden Queen also entered into a backstop guarantee agreement with Gauss (the “Backstop Agreement”) whereby, if the Company conducts a rights offering, Gauss has agreed to purchase, upon the terms set forth in the Backstop Agreement, any common shares which have not been acquired pursuant to the exercise of rights under the Rights Offering at a purchase price to be determined but not to exceed $1.10 per common share, up to a maximum amount of $45 million in the aggregate. In consideration for entering into the Backstop Agreement, on closing of the Joint Venture, the Company paid Leucadia and Auvergne a standby guarantee fee of $2.3 million, of which $0.7 million was paid to Auvergne.

The Transaction Agreement and Backstop Agreement contemplated that the Company would file a registration statement in connection with the rights offering by October 15, 2014. The Company has decided not to proceed with a rights offering, and as a result the standby commitment has expired.

11. Derivative Liabilities

On July 25, 2016, the Company issued a total of 6,317,700 share purchase warrants in connection with the July 2016 financing with an exercise price of C$2.00. In accordance with the guidance in ASC 815-40-15, the share purchase warrants met the criteria of a derivative instrument liability because they were exercisable in a currency other than the functional currency of the Company and thus did not meet the “fixed-for-fixed” criteria of that guidance. As a result, the Company was required to separately account for the share purchase warrants as derivative instrument liabilities recorded at fair value and marked-to-market each period with the changes in the fair value each period charged or credited to income.

As at December 31, 2016, the Company had re-measured the share purchase warrants and determined the fair value of the derivative liability to be $1.0 million using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

	December 31, 2016
Risk-free interest rate		0.84%
Expected life of derivative liability in years		2.56 years
Expected volatility		79.40%
Dividend rate		0.00%

As at December 31, 2016, the changes of derivative liability for share purchase warrants are as follows:

	December 31, 2016
Fair value of warrants issued	$	2,701
Change in fair value of warrants		(1,729	)
Balance, end of the year	$	972

Please refer to Note 10 (iii) for derivative liability on share purchase warrants issued to related party.

23 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

12. Supplementary Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

	Year Ended December 31,		Year Ended December 31,
	2016		2015
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest on loan payable	$	603	$	1,214
Non-cash financing and investing activities:
Asset retirement costs charged to mineral property interests	$	297	$	354
Mining and mobile equipment acquired through issuance of debt	$	1,783	$	19,367
Mineral property expenditures included in accounts payable	$	1,929	$	2,858
Interest cost capitalized to mineral property interests	$	839	$	2,763
Non-cash amortization of discount and interest expense	$	6,571	$	4,225
Interest payable converted to principal balance	$	-	$	1,182

13. Commitments and Contingencies

Royalties

The Company has acquired a number of mineral properties outright. It has acquired exclusive rights to explore, develop and mine other portions of the Project under various mining lease agreements with landowners. Royalty amount due to each landholder over the life of the Project varies with each property.

Finder’s Fee

The Company has agreed to issue 100,000 common shares as a finder’s fee in connection with certain property acquisitions upon commencement of commercial production of the Project. On December 19, 2016, the Company declared commercial production and recorded a provision of $0.05 million as finder fee. Shares were issued on January 17, 2017.

Compliance with Environmental Regulations

The Company’s exploration and development activities are subject to laws and regulations controlling not only the exploration and mining of mineral properties, but also the effect of such activities on the environment. Compliance with such laws and regulations may necessitate additional capital outlays or affect the economics of a project, and cause changes or delays in the Company’s activities.

The Company may, from time to time, be involved in legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes that any adverse outcome of existing claims, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Corporate Guaranties

The Company has provided corporate guaranties for two of GQM LLC’s mining drill loans (Note 16). The Company has also provided corporate a guaranty for GQM LLC’s surety bonds (Note 9).

14. Financial Instruments

Fair Value Measurements

All financial assets and financial liabilities are recorded at fair value on initial recognition. Transaction costs are expensed when they are incurred, unless they are directly attributable to the acquisition of qualifying assets, in which case they are added to the costs of those assets until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.

24 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

14. Financial Instruments (continued)

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2	Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
Level 3	Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).

	December 31, 2016
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Liabilities:
Share purchase warrants – Related Party (Note 10(iii))	$	5,458	$	-	$	5,458	$	-
Share purchase warrants – (Note 11)		972		-		972		-
	$	6,430	$	-	$	6,430	$	-

	December 31, 2015
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Liabilities:
Share purchase warrants – Related Party (Note 10(iii))	$	2,498	$	-	$	2,498	$	-

Under fair value accounting, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value measurement of the financial instruments above use observable inputs in option price models such as the binomial and the Black-Scholes valuation models.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the Company by failing to discharge its obligations. To mitigate exposure to credit risk on financial assets the Company has established policies to ensure liquidity of funds and ensure counterparties demonstrate minimum acceptable credit worthiness.

The Company maintains its US Dollar and Canadian Dollar cash in bank accounts with major financial institutions with high credit standings. Cash deposits held in the United States are insured by the FDIC for up to $0.3 million and Canadian Dollar cash deposits held in Canada are insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (“CDIC”) for up to C$0.1 million.

Certain United States and Canadian bank accounts held by the Company exceed these federally insured limits or are uninsured as they relate to US Dollar deposits held in Canadian financial institutions. As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s cash balances held in United States and Canadian financial institutions include $13.3 million, which are not fully insured by the FDIC or CDIC. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts and management believes that using major financial institutions with high credit ratings mitigates the credit risk in cash.

25 | Page

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

14. Financial Instruments (continued)

Interest Rate Risk

The Company holds 77% of its cash in bank deposit accounts with a single major financial institution. The interest rates received on these balances may fluctuate with changes in economic conditions. Based on the average cash balances during the year ended December 31, 2016, a 1% decrease in interest rates would have reduced the interest income for 2016 to a trivial amount.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

Certain purchases of corporate overhead expenditures are denominated in Canadian Dollar. As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may impact the costs of our operations. Specifically, the appreciation of the Canadian Dollar against the US Dollar may result in an increase in the Canadian operating expenses in US dollar terms. As of December 31, 2016, the Company maintained the majority of its cash balance in US Dollar. The Company currently does not engage in any currency hedging activities.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company’s primary business activity is the development of the open pit, gold and silver, heap leach project on the Project. Decreases in the price of either of these metals from current levels has the potential to negatively impact the future viability of the Project.

15. Loss Per Share

	Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to the shareholders of the Company - numerator for basic and diluted LPS	$	(7,429	)	$	(5,461	)	$	(8,469	)
Denominator:
Weighted average number of  common  shares outstanding -basic and diluted		104,737,396			99,893,341			99,611,278
Loss per share – basic and diluted	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.09	)

Weighted average number of shares for the year ended December 31, 2016 excludes 1,555,000 options (2015-1,070,000, 2014-750,000) and 24,317,700 warrants (2015 – 10,000,000 2014 – Nil) that were antidilutive.

16. Loan Payable

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company acquired two (2) (2015 –nineteen (19)) pieces of mining equipment from Komatsu and one (1) mining drill with Atlas Copco (2015 one (1)) through financing agreements. As at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the finance agreement balances are as follows:

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GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

16. Loan Payable (continued)

	December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Balance, beginning of the year	$	18,373		$	913
Additions		2,047			23,156
Down payments, taxes and principal repayments		(5,270	)		(5,696	)
Balance, end of the year	$	15,150		$	18,373

The terms of the financing agreements are as follows:

	December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Total acquisition costs	$	26,309		$	24,262
Interest rates		0.00% - 4.40	%		0.00% - 4.40	%
Monthly payments	$	4,669 - $33,906		$	4,669 - 33,906
Average remaining life (Years)		2.54			3.46
Short-term portion	$	5,656		$	4,943
Long-term portion	$	9,494		$	13,430

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company made total down payments of $0.3 million (2015 - $3.8 million). The down payments consist of the sales tax on the assets and a 10% payment of the pre-tax purchase price. All of the loan agreements are for a term of four years, except two which are for three years, and are secured by the underlying asset except for two mining drill loans for which GQM Ltd. has provided a corporate guarantee.

The following table outlines the principal payments to be made for each of the remaining years:

Year	Principal Payments
2017		5,656
2018		5,796
2019		3,621
2020		77
Total	$	15,150

17. Comparative Figures

Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the financial statement presentation adopted for the current year. The reclassification has no impact on the net loss, deficit accumulated or the cash flows as previously reported.

18. Subsequent Events

Subsequent to December 31, 2016, GQM LLC acquired a crawler dozer valued at $0.6 million and two haul trucks valued at $1.5 million each.

On January 1, 2017, the Company was to make the quarterly interest payment on the November 2016 loan. In accordance with the terms of the November 2016 loan agreement, the Company chose to exercise its right to add the interest owed on January 1, 2017 to the principal balance of the November 2016 loan. The principal balance of the loan was accordingly increased by $0.3 million.

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GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

19. GQM Ltd. Non-Consolidated Information

The following condensed unconsolidated financial information represents the financial information of GQM Ltd. The information is presented in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12-04 under the SEC’s Regulation S-X. Investments in the Company’s subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method. In addition, disclosure requirements of Rule 12-04 of Regulation S-X regarding material contingencies, long-term obligations, and guarantees are the same as those included in Note 10(ii), Note 13 and Note 16. The Company has no material contingencies.

(i) Non-Consolidated Balance Sheets

	December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Assets
Current assets:
Cash	$	1,963		$	5,003
Receivables		112			55
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		49			44
Total current assets		2,124			5,102
Capitalized interest		5,675			5,130
Investment in subsidiaries		23,208			28,162
Due from subsidiaries		29,616			27,777
Total Assets	$	60,623		$	66,171
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	165		$	68
Interest payable		296			970
Notes payable		-			36,053
Derivative liability – Related party warrants		5,458			2,498
Derivative liability – Warrants		972			-
Total current liabilities		6,891			39,589
Notes payable		26,347			-
Total liabilities		33,238			39,589
Shareholders’ Equity
Common shares, no par value, unlimited shares authorized (2015 - unlimited); 111,048,683 (2015 –  99,928,683) shares issued and outstanding		71,067			62,860
Additional paid-in capital		43,653			43,628
Deficit accumulated		(87,335	)		(79,906	)
Total Shareholders’ Equity		27,385			26,582
Total Liabilities, Temporary Equity and Shareholders’ Equity	$	60,623		$	66,171

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GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

19. GQM Ltd. Non-Consolidated Information - Continued

(ii) Non-Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

	Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
General and administrative expenses	$	(1,998	)		(597	)		(2,999	)
Gain on derivative instruments		1,859			3,335			1,004
Total (expenses) gains		(139	)		2,738			(1,995	)
Other income (expenses)
Interest expense		(5,058	)		(4,225	)		(1,325	)
Interest income		2,722			2,177			1,459
Loss on extinguishment of debt		-			(152	)		-
Financing fee		-			(1,500	)		-
Commitment fee		-			-			(2,250	)
Total other (expenses)		(2,336	)		(3,700	)		(2,116	)
Net (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries		(2,475	)		(962	)		(4,111	)
Equity in (losses) of subsidiaries		(4,954	)		(4,499	)		(4,358	)
Net and comprehensive loss attributable to Golden Queen Mining Co Ltd. for the year	$	(7,429	)	$	(5,461	)	$	(8,469	)

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GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars)

19. GQM Ltd. Non-Consolidated Information - Continued

(iii) Non-Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Operating activities:
Net loss for the year	$	(7,429	)	$	(5,461	)	$	(8,469	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash used in operating activities:
Equity in losses of subsidiaries		4,954			4,499			4,358
Depreciation		294			-			-
Amortization of debt discount and interest accrual		5,732			4,225			1,535
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities		(1,858	)		(3,334	)		(1,004	)
Stock-based compensation		24			159			235
Non-cash consulting expense		-			151			-
Financing fee related to long-term debt		-			1,500			-
Transaction fee on note payable		-			-			-
Loss on extinguishment of debt		-			152			-
Unrealized foreign exchange		(208	)		(840	)		(505	)
Due from Subsidiaries		(2,682	)		-			-
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables		(57	)		75			(116	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(5	)		13			(27	)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		305			(108	)		(177	)
Interest payable		(674	)		(951	)		(1,146	)
Cash (used in) generated on operating activities		(1,604	)		80			(5,316	)
Investment activities:
Advances to subsidiaries		-			(15,236	)		(10,790	)
Cash used in investing activities		-			(15,236	)		(10,790	)
Financing activities:
Interest received from subsidiaries		843			2,110			1,853
Issuance of common shares and warrants, net of share issue costs		10,908			-			-
Repayments of note payable and accrued interest		(12,257	)		-			-
Transaction fee on note payable		(930	)		-			-
Borrowing under long-term debt		-			25,000			32,500
Repayment of short-term debt		-			(2,500	)		(17,500	)
Financing fees related to short-term debt		-			(1,500	)		(869	)
Repayment of convertible debentures		-			(7,675	)		-
Financing fees related to short-term debt capitalized to the loan		-			(250	)		-
Issuance of common shares upon exercise of stock options		-			-			111
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(1,436	)		15,185			16,095
Net change in cash		(3,040	)		29			(11	)
Cash, Beginning balance		5,003			4,974			4,985
Cash, Ending balance	$	1,963		$	5,003		$	4,974

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