SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2024

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

American Resources Corporation’s (ARC or the Company) operations are comprised of ARC (Corporate or Parent) and three operating segments that we describe as American Infrastructure, ReElements and Electrified Materials.  

American Infrastructure (our coal mining operations) is comprised of subsidiaries that were formed or acquired between 2015 and 2020 with operations focused on the extraction, processing, transportation, and distribution of coal for a variety of industries, with a primary focus on metallurgical quality coal to the steel industry.  Responsive to adverse market conditions and pricing pressures in the coal industry, during 2023 we suspended our coal production operations which significantly attributed to our decline in consolidated revenues from approximately $39 million in 2022 to $12 million in 2023 and $383,000 in 2024. 

Beginning in 2023, the focus of our business and capital allocation shifted towards the diversification of our revenue streams leading to the development of our ReElements and Electrified Materials segments which have been in the development (pre revenue) stages through the majority of 2024.  Electrified Materials is focused on the aggregation, recovery and sale of recovered metal and steel.  We established a new subsidiary, Electrified Materials Corporation (EMC, formerly known as American Metals) to operate this segment of our business.  ReElements is focused on the purification and monetization of critical and rare earth element deposits and end of life magnets and batteries.  American Rare Earth LLC was initially formed as a subsidiary to comprise the ReElements segment.  In 2024, we changed the name of American Rate Earth LLC to ReElement Technologies LLC and recently converted the company from a limited liability corporation to a corporation. 

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation:

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries.  The majority owned subsidiaries by segment include:

American Infrastructure:

American Infrastructure Corporation (AIC), Deane Mining, LLC (Deane), ERC Mining Indiana Corp (ERC), McCoy Elkhorn Coal LLC (McCoy), Knott County Coal LLC(KCC), Wyoming County Coal (WCC), Perry County Resources LLC (PCR), Advanced Carbon Materials LLC (ACM), and T.R. Mining & Equipment Ltd. (TR Mining).

ReElements:

ReElement Technologies LLC (RLMT), ReElement Marion LLC (RLM), and Kentucky Lithium LLC (KYL).

Electrified Materials:

Electrified Materials Corporation (EMC).

Corporate Office:

American Opportunity Venture II, LLC (AOV II).

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  Entities for which ownership is less than 100% require that a determination is made as to whether there is a requirement to apply the variable interest entity (VIE) model to the entity. Where the company holds current or potential rights that give it the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, combined with a variable interest that gives the Company the right to receive potentially significant benefits or the obligation to absorb potentially significant losses, the Company would be deemed the primary beneficiary.

Acquisition Transactions

Effective February 5, 2024, the Company acquired a 51% interest in TR Properties & Equipment Ltd. (TR) for consideration consisting of a 6% interest in the Company’s subsidiary, American Infrastructure Corporation (AIC). The Company’s investment in TR substantially consists of a single asset, mining rights. Accordingly, the transaction does not meet the definition of a business under ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, and therefore the Company has accounted for the transaction as an asset acquisition. In an asset acquisition, goodwill or a bargain purchase gain are not recognized, but rather, any difference between the consideration transferred and the fair value of the net assets acquired is allocated on a relative fair value basis to the identifiable assets acquired. As of December 31, 2024, the fair value of the assets acquired and consideration exchanged has not been recognized due to the lack of an independent valuation to support fair value.

On June 28, 2024, EMC entered into a Business Combination with AI Transportation Acquisition Corp. On November 27, 2024, EMC received notice of termination of the potential transaction and there are no ongoing discussions to effect a merger agreement.

Going Concern

The Company has evaluated whether there are any conditions and events considered in the aggregate, which raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern within one year beyond the issuance date of these financial statements. Based on such evaluation and the Company’s current plans, which are subject to change, and the Company’s existing liquidity, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for the next twelve months from the date these financial statements were issued.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue to operate as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business, and do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result from uncertainty related to its ability to continue as a going concern.

The Company’s continuation as a going concern is contingent upon its ability to obtain additional financing and to generate revenue and cash flow to meet its obligations on a timely basis. The Company will continue to seek to raise additional funding through debt or equity financing during the next twelve months from the date of issuance of these financial statements. Management believes that actions presently being taken to obtain additional funding provide the opportunity for the Company to continue as a going concern. There is no guarantee the Company will be successful in achieving these objectives.

Use of Estimates:

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its assumptions on historical experiences and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. In addition, management considers the basis and methodology used in developing and selecting these estimates, the trends in and amounts of these estimates, specific matters affecting the amount of and changes in these estimates, and any other matters related to these estimates, including significant issues concerning accounting principles and financial statement presentation. Such estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed herein. Significant estimates include, carrying amounts of long-lived assets, valuation assumptions for share-based payments, evaluation of debt modification accounting, effective borrowing rate determinations, analysis of fair value transferred upon debt extinguishment, legal claims and contingencies, valuation and calculation of measurements of income tax assets and liabilities.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted cash: Cash and cash equivalents include bank demand deposits and money market funds that invest primarily in U.S. government securities.

Restricted cash and cash equivalents are held in trusts related to the Tax-Exempt Bonds, bonding collateral and are restricted as to withdrawal as required by the agreement entered into by the Company.

The following table sets forth the total of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported in the consolidated balance sheets.

	December 31,		December 31,
	2024		2023
Cash and cash equivalents	$	604,485	$	1,318,854
Restricted cash		3,508,844		3,758,706
Total cash and restricted cash presented in the consolidated statements of balance sheet	$	4,113,329	$	5,077,560

Restricted Investments: Consist of U.S. government securities, corporate fixed income, and U.S. government securities that are held in trusts related to the Tax-Exempt Bonds and are restricted as to withdrawal as required by the agreement entered into by the Company. All investments are classified as trading securities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. Trading securities are recorded initially at cost and are adjusted to fair value at each reporting period with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the current period earnings or loss, except for those amounts that are directly attributable to project funding activities, which are capitalized to construction in progress as part of the cost of the related asset.

Related Party Policies: In accordance with FASB ASC 850 related parties are defined as either an executive, director or nominee, greater than 10% beneficial owner, and or immediate family member and affiliated businesses of any of the proceedings.

Property and Equipment: Property and Equipment are recorded at cost. For equipment, depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally ranging from three to twenty years.

Construction in progress is related to the construction or development of leasehold improvements and equipment that have not yet been placed in service for our intended use. Construction in progress represents capital expenditures for direct costs of construction or acquisition and design fees incurred, and a proportional amount of bond income and interest expense for amounts capitalized directly related to the construction. Capitalization of these costs ceases and the construction in progress is transferred to the appropriate category of property, plant and equipment when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the assets for their intended use are completed. Construction in progress is not depreciated.

Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparison of the carrying amount to the future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the related assets. If these assets are determined to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair market value of the assets.

There were no impairments recognized during 2024 and 2023. Costs related to maintenance and repairs which do not prolong the an asset’s useful life are expensed as incurred.

Mine Development: Costs of developing new coal mines, including asset retirement obligation assets, are capitalized and amortized using the units-of-production method over estimated coal deposits or proven reserves. Costs incurred for the development and expansion of existing reserves are expensed as incurred.

Coal Production and Holdings Costs: Coal production and holdings costs for coal mined and processed include direct labor, materials and utilities. Activities related to metal recovery are inherent in both direct coal labor and overhead labor and do not require additional variable costs.

Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO) – Reclamation: At the time they are incurred, legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets are reflected at their estimated fair value, with a corresponding charge to mine development. Obligations are typically incurred when we commence development of underground and surface mines, and include reclamation of support facilities, refuse areas and slurry ponds or through acquisitions.

Obligations are reflected at the present value of their future cash flows. We reflect accretion of the obligations for the period from the date they incurred through the date they are extinguished. The asset retirement obligation assets are amortized based on expected reclamation outflows over estimated recoverable coal deposit lives. We are using discount rates ranging from 6.16% to 7.22%, risk free rates ranging from 1.76% to 2.92% and inflation rate of 2%. Revisions to estimates are a result of changes in the expected spending estimate or the timing of the spending estimate associated with planned reclamation. Federal and State laws require that mines be reclaimed in accordance with specific standards and approved reclamation plans, as outlined in mining permits. Activities include reclamation of pit and support acreage at surface mines, sealing portals at underground mines, and reclamation of refuse areas and slurry ponds.

We assess our ARO at events warrant to reflect revisions for permit changes, changes in our estimated reclamation costs and changes in the estimated timing of such costs.

The table below reflects the changes to our ARO for 2024 and 2023:

	December 31,		December 31,
	2024		2023
Beginning Balance	$	21,288,385	$	20,272,822
Accretion		991,520		1,015,563
Ending Balance	$	22,279,905	$	21,288,385

Accretion expense amounted to $991,520 and $1,015,563 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Revenue Recognition: Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with our customers are satisfied; for all contracts this occurs when control of the promised goods have been transferred to our customers. For coal shipments to domestic and international customers via rail, control is transferred when the railcar is loaded. Our revenue is comprised of sales of mined coal, sales of recovered metals and service fees for processing coal.

All the activity is undertaken in eastern Kentucky, Western West Virginia, and Southern Indiana. Revenue from metal recovery and sales are recognized when conditions within the contract or sales agreement are met including transfer of title. Revenue from coal processing and loading are recognized when services have been performed according to the contract in place. Our coal sales generally include 10 to 30-day payment terms following the transfer of control of the goods to the customer. We typically do not include extended payment terms in our contracts with customers. Our contracts with customers typically provide for minimum specifications or qualities of the coal we deliver. Variances from these specifications or quantities are settled by means of price adjustments. Generally, these price adjustments are settled within 30 days of delivery and are insignificant.

Income Taxes: We file a consolidated federal income tax return with our subsidiaries.

Income Taxes include U.S. federal and state income taxes currently payable and deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of enactment. Deferred income tax expense represents the change during the year in the deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Management believes that the Company's income tax filing positions will be sustained on audit or any potential audit adjustments would be offset by the utilization of the Company’s unrecognized net operating loss carryforwards. Therefore, no reserve for uncertain income tax positions has been recorded. The Company's policy for recording interest and penalties, if any, associated with income tax examinations will be to record such items as a component of income taxes.

Fair Value: The Company follows the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820-10”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and requires certain disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

The carrying amounts of the Company’s cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair value as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 due to their short-term nature.

Leases: The Company reviews all arrangements for potential leases, and at inception, determines whether a lease is an operating or finance lease. Lease assets and liabilities, which generally represent the present value of future minimum lease payments over the term of the lease, are recognized as of the commencement date. Leases with an initial lease term of twelve months or less are classified as short-term leases and are not recognized in the balance sheets unless the lease contains a purchase option that is reasonably certain to be exercised.

Lease terms, discount rate, variable lease costs and future minimum lease payment determinations require the use of judgment and are based on the facts and circumstances related to the specific lease. Lease terms are generally based on their initial non-cancelable terms, unless there is a renewal option that is reasonably certain to be exercised. Various factors, including economic incentives, intent, past history and business needs are considered to determine if a renewal option is reasonably certain to be exercised. The implicit rate in a lease agreement is used when it can be determined to value the lease obligation. Otherwise, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate, which is based on information available as of the lease commencement date, including applicable lease terms and the current economic environment, is used to determine the value of the lease obligation.

Allowance For Doubtful Accounts: The Company recognizes an allowance for losses on trade and other accounts receivable in an amount equal to the estimated probable losses net of recoveries. The current expected credit loss model requires the recognition of lifetime expected credit losses at each reporting date, considering past events, current conditions, and reasonable forecasts. In assessing the credit quality of our portfolio, management utilizes a provision matrix that classifies trade receivables by customer type and age of receivable. Government and education sector receivables carry a low risk, while a higher risk is attributed to the remaining receivables as their aging progresses. For receivables with questionable collectability, a specific reserve is assigned. The estimated credit losses are a reflection of these factors, with the matrix applying percentages to the receivables based on their risk profile, adjusted for current and expected future conditions.

The allowance for note receivable was $99,022 and $368,500 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The note receivables have collateral in certain mining permits which are strategic to our subsidiary, Knott County Coal (KCC). The timing of payment on the note is uncertain resulting in a full allowance for the note.

Inventory: Inventory consists of mined coal and is stated at the lower of cost (first in, first out method) or net realizable value.

Stock-based Compensation: Stock-based compensation to employees is accounted for under ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. Stock-based compensation expense related to stock awards granted to an employee is recognized based on the grant-date estimated fair values of the awards using the Black Scholes option pricing model (“Black Scholes”). The value is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting term of the award. We adjust the expense for actual forfeitures as they occur. Stock-based compensation expense is classified in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations based on the function to which the related services are provided.

Black-Scholes requires a number of assumptions, of which the most significant are expected volatility, expected option term (the time from the grant date until the options are exercised or expire) and risk-free rate. Expected volatility is determined using the historical volatility for the Company. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of US treasury government bonds with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the option. Expected dividend yield is zero because we have never paid cash dividends on common shares, and we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

Earnings Per Share: The Company’s basic earnings per share (EPS) amounts have been computed based on the average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period and include the effect of any participating securities as appropriate. Diluted EPS includes the effect of the Company’s outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance-based stock awards if the inclusion of these items is dilutive.

Segment Information: The Company’s operations include corporate and three operating segments. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as its chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), manages and allocates resources to the operations of the Company on a consolidated basis. The CODM assesses performance and allocates resources based on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and key components and processes of the Company’s operations are managed centrally. Segment asset information is not used by the CODM to allocate resources. This enables our Chief Executive Officer to assess our overall level of available resources and determine how best to deploy these resources across projects to monitor and evaluate overall company performance, allocating resources, and establishing management compensation in line with our long-term company-wide strategic goals.

New Accounting Pronouncements:

In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2024-03 Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40) Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. The guidance in ASU 2024-03 requires public business entities to disclose in the notes to the financial statements, among other things, specific information about certain costs and expenses including purchases of inventory; employee compensation; and depreciation, amortization and depletion expenses for each caption on the statement of operations where such expenses are included. ASU 2024-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted, and the amendments may be applied prospectively to reporting periods after the effective date or retrospectively to all periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance and assessing the potential impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures.

In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This guidance is intended to enhance the transparency and decision-usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 address investor requests for enhanced income tax information primarily through changes to disclosure regarding rate reconciliation and income taxes paid both in the U.S. and in foreign jurisdictions. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 on a prospective basis, with the option to apply the standard retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements disclosures.

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2023-07 - Segment Reporting (ASC 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which enables investors to better understand an entity's overall performance and assess potential future cash flows through improved reportable segment disclosure requirements. The amendments enhance disclosures about significant segment expenses, clarify circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss, provide new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment, and contain other disclosure requirements. ASU 2023-07 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company adopted ASU No. 2023-07 on December 31, 2024. The adoption of the standard did not result in any significant disclosure changes in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

No other new accounting pronouncements recently adopted or issued had or are expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.