Document:

mm03-2312_8ke108.htm

 

 

EXHIBIT 10.8

 

WMI HOLDINGS CORP.

 

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

This Indemnification Agreement (this "Agreement"), dated as of ________, 2012, is entered into by and between WMI Holdings Corp., a Washington corporation (the "Company"), and [______________________] ("lndemnitee").

 

RECITALS

 

A.           Indemnitee performs a valuable service for the Company.

 

B.           The Company's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the "Articles") and Amended and Restated Bylaws (the "Bylaws") contain certain provisions for indemnification of the Company's directors and/or officers to the full extent permitted by the Washington Business Corporation Act (the "Statute").

 

C.           The Indemnitee has indicated a desire to supplement the indemnification provisions in the Articles and Bylaws to provide additional protections against the risks associated with his or her service to the Company and further clarify his rights with respect to indemnification in certain circumstances.

 

D.           To induce Indemnitee to accept and continue his or her service as a director and/or officer of the Company, the Company and the Indemnitee now agree that they should enter into this Indemnification Agreement.

 

AGREEMENT

 

	
1.

	
Indemnification of Indemnitee

 

	
  

	
1.1

	
Scope

 

Subject to Section 4.1 and all other terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the full extent permitted by law, whether or not specifically authorized by this Agreement, the Articles, the Bylaws, the Statute or otherwise, for any Indemnifiable Losses (as defined below) which the Indemnitee is or becomes legally obligated to pay in connection with any Proceeding (as defined below).  In the event of any change, after the date of this Agreement, in any applicable law, statute or rule regarding the right of a Washington corporation to indemnify a director and/or officer, any such change, to the extent that they would expand Indemnitee's indemnification rights, shall be within the purview of Indemnitee's rights and the Company's obligations under this Agreement, and, to the extent that any such change would narrow Indemnitee's indemnification rights, shall not adversely affect or limit the scope of this Agreement; provided, however, that any such change that is required by applicable laws, statutes or rules to be applied to this Agreement shall be so applied regardless of whether the effect of such change is to narrow Indemnitee's rights hereunder.

 

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

 

	
  

	
1.2

	
Nonexclusivity

 

The indemnification provided by this Agreement is not exclusive of any rights to which Indemnitee may be entitled under the Articles, the Bylaws, any other agreement, any vote of shareholders or disinterested directors, the Statute, or otherwise, whether as to action in Indemnitee's official capacity or otherwise.

 

	
  

	
1.3

	
Definition of Indemnifiable Losses

 

For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Indemnifiable Losses" shall include (without limitation) any and all damages (compensatory, exemplary, punitive or otherwise), judgments, fines, penalties, settlements, and expenses (including but not limited to costs, attorneys’ and expert fees and disbursements, costs of attachment or similar bonds, investigations, and expenses of establishing a right to indemnification under this Agreement ("Expenses")), and any other losses, claims, liabilities or other expenses incurred in connection with a Proceeding, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 4.1 below.

 

	
  

	
1.4

	
Definition of Proceeding

 

For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Proceeding" shall include (without limitation) any threatened, pending or completed claim, action, suit or proceeding, whether brought by or in the right of the Company or otherwise, and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in which the Indemnitee may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise (including without limitation as a witness) (a) by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was, or has agreed to become, a director and/or officer of the Company, (b) by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Company or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including without limitation employee benefit plans and administrative committees thereof) (an "Enterprise") (which request will be conclusively presumed in the case of any of the foregoing that are "affiliates" of the Company as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), (c) by reason of any actual or alleged error or misstatement or misleading statement made or suffered by the Indemnitee while acting as a director and/or officer of the Company or while serving at the request of the Company and acting as a director, trustee, officer, employee or agent of an Enterprise, or (d) by reason of any action taken by Indemnitee or of any inaction on Indemnitee's part while acting as a director and/or officer of the Company or while serving at the request of the Company and acting as a director, trustee, officer, employee or agent of an Enterprise; provided, however, that, except with respect to an action to enforce the provisions of this Agreement or to enforce insurance rights under policies of insurance purchased by the Company or an Enterprise on Indemnitee's behalf, the term "Proceeding" shall not include any action, suit, claim or proceeding instituted by or at the direction of Indemnitee unless such action, suit, claim or proceeding is or was authorized or ratified by the Company's Board of Directors.

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

 

 

	
  

	
1.5

	
Determination of Entitlement

 

In the event that a determination of Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification is required pursuant to Section 23B.08.550 of the Statute or its successor or pursuant to other applicable law, the party specified therein as the determining party shall make such determination; provided, however, (a) that Indemnitee shall initially be presumed in all cases to be entitled to indemnification, (b) that Indemnitee may establish a conclusive presumption of any fact necessary to such a determination by delivering to the Company a declaration made under penalty of perjury that such fact is true and (c) that, unless the Company shall deliver to Indemnitee written notice of a determination that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification within twenty (20) days of the Company's receipt of Indemnitee's initial written request for indemnification, such determination shall conclusively be deemed to have been made in favor of the Company's provision of indemnification and Company agrees not to assert otherwise.

 

	
  

	
1.6

	
Survival

 

The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall apply to any and all Proceedings, notwithstanding that Indemnitee has ceased to serve in a capacity referred to in Section 1.4(a)-(d) above.

 

	
2.

	
Expense Advances

 

	
  

	
2.1

	
Generally

 

The right to indemnification for Indemnifiable Losses conferred by Section 1 above shall include the right to have the Company pay Indemnitee's expenses in any Proceeding as such expenses are incurred and in advance of such Proceeding's final disposition (such right is referred to hereinafter as an "Expense Advance"), subject to Sections 2.2, 4 and 5 below and all other terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

	
  

	
2.2

	
Conditions to Expense Advance

 

The Company's obligation to provide an Expense Advance is subject to (a) Indemnitee or his or her representative having first executed and delivered to the Company an undertaking, which need not be secured and shall be accepted without reference to Indemnitee's financial ability to make repayment, by or on behalf of Indemnitee to repay all Expense Advances if and to the extent that it shall ultimately be determined by a final, unappealable decision rendered by a court having jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of the dispute that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified under this Agreement or otherwise; and (b) Indemnitee furnishing, upon request by the Company and if required under applicable law, a written affirmation of Indemnitee's good faith belief that Indemnitee has met any applicable standards of conduct.

 

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

 

	
  

	
2.3

	
Subrogation

 

In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and shall do everything that may be necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

	
3.

	
Procedures for Enforcement

 

	
  

	
3.1

	
Enforcement

 

In the event that a claim for indemnification hereunder is made and is not paid in full within twenty days after written notice of such claim is delivered to the Company, Indemnitee may, but need not, at any time bring suit against the Company to recover the unpaid amount of the claim (an "Enforcement Action"), subject to all other terms, conditions and limitations of this Agreement.

 

	
  

	
3.2

	
Presumptions in Enforcement Action

 

In any Enforcement Action the following presumptions (and limitation on presumptions) shall apply:

 

(a)           The Company shall conclusively be presumed to have entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it to induce Indemnitee to accept the position of, or to continue as director and/or officer of the Company; and

 

(b)           Neither (i) the failure of the Company (including its Board of Directors, independent or special legal counsel or the Company's shareholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of the Enforcement Action that indemnification of Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances nor (ii) an actual determination by the Company (including its Board of Directors, independent or special legal counsel or the Company's shareholders) that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification shall be a defense to the Enforcement Action or create a presumption that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification.  An Enforcement Action shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of a previous adverse determination by the Company (including its Board of Directors, independent or special legal counsel or the Company's shareholders).  In any Enforcement Action, the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or Expense Advances, as the case may be.

 

	
  

	
3.3

	
Attorneys' Fees and Expenses for Enforcement Action

 

The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against all of Indemnitee's reasonable fees and expenses in bringing and pursuing any Enforcement Action (including reasonable attorneys' fees at any stage, including on appeal); provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to provide such indemnity (a) if a court of competent 

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

jurisdiction determines that each of the material assertions made by Indemnitee in such Enforcement Action was not made in good faith or was frivolous or (b) to the extent limited under Section 4.1 or 6.2 below.

 

	
4.

	
Limitations

 

	
  

	
4.1

	
Limitation on Indemnity

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated to provide indemnification (other than Expense Advances) pursuant to this Agreement:

 

(a)           on account of any suit in which a final, unappealable decision is rendered by a court having jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of the dispute for an accounting of profits made from the purchase or sale by Indemnitee of securities of the Company in violation of the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and amendments thereto;

 

(b)           for Indemnifiable Losses that actually have been paid directly to Indemnitee by an insurance carrier under a policy of insurance maintained by the Company;

 

(c)           on account of Indemnitee's conduct which is finally adjudged with no further right of appeal to have been intentional misconduct, a knowing violation of law, a violation of RCW 23B.08.310 or any successor provision of the Statute, or a transaction from which Indemnitee derived personal benefit in money, property or services to which Indemnitee was not legally entitled;

 

(d)           to the extent that the Indemnitee is actually indemnified and actually paid otherwise than pursuant to this Agreement;

 

(e)           if a final, unappealable decision is rendered by a court having jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of the dispute finding that paying such indemnification is prohibited by applicable law;

 

(f)           to the extent that attorneys' fees, costs and disbursements, or similar expenses, that otherwise would constitute Indemnifiable Losses hereunder are determined to be unreasonable by a final, unappealable decision rendered by a court having jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of the dispute, provided that the burden of proof that any Indemnifiable Losses are unreasonable shall be on the Company; or

 

(g)           for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the securities laws of the United States, including but not limited to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

 

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

 

	
  

	
4.2

	
Partial Indemnification and Contribution

 

If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of any Indemnifiable Losses in connection with a Proceeding, but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion of such Indemnifiable Losses to which Indemnitee is entitled.

 

To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if, for any reason whatsoever, the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee with respect to a Proceeding or a particular claim in a Proceeding but the Company is able to indemnify the Indemnitee with respect to another claim in the Proceeding or indemnify or pay the Expenses or liabilities of another person or entity that is a party to the Proceeding, then, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee with respect to the matter for which indemnification is unavailable, the Company shall contribute to the amount actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Expenses, judgments, fines or amounts paid or to be paid in settlement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the events and transactions giving cause to such Proceeding and (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, in connection with such events and transactions.  The Company hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee from any claims for contribution which may be brought by directors, officers or employees of the Company (other than Indemnitee) who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee for matters for which Indemnitee would be entitled to indemnification or contribution by the Company under this Agreement.

 

	
  

	
4.3

	
Mutual Acknowledgment

 

The Company and Indemnitee acknowledge that, in certain instances, federal law or public policy may override applicable state law and prohibit the Company from indemnifying Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise.  For example, the Company and Indemnitee acknowledge that the Securities and Exchange Commission has taken the position that indemnification is not permissible for liabilities arising under certain federal securities laws, and federal legislation prohibits indemnification for certain ERISA violations.  Furthermore, Indemnitee understands and acknowledges that the Company has undertaken or may be required in the future to undertake with the Securities and Exchange Commission to submit the question of indemnification to a court in certain circumstances for a determination of the Company's right under public policy to indemnify Indemnitee.

 

	
5.

	
Notification and Defense of Claim

 

	
  

	
5.1

	
Notification

 

Promptly after receipt by Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of any Proceeding, Indemnitee will, if a claim is to be made against the Company under this 

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

Agreement, notify an executive officer of the Company in writing of the nature and status of the Proceeding; provided, however, that the omission so to notify an executive officer of the Company will not relieve the Company from any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise unless and only to the extent that such omission can be shown to have prejudiced the Company.

 

If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to this Section 5.1, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies (unless there is no basis for asserting coverage).  The Company shall take all necessary action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

 

	
  

	
5.2

	
Defense of Claim

 

With respect to any Proceeding as to which Indemnitee notifies the Company of the commencement thereof pursuant to Section 5.1 above or otherwise seeks indemnification hereunder:

 

(a)           The Company may participate at its own expense in such Proceeding;

 

(b)           The Company, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, may assume the defense of the Proceeding with counsel reasonably satisfactory to Indemnitee.  After notice from the Company to Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense, the Company shall not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise for any legal or other expenses of counsel (other than reasonable costs of investigation) subsequently incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the defense of such Proceeding, unless (i) the employment of counsel by Indemnitee has been authorized in advance by the Company in writing, (ii) Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of the defense of such action and notified the Company in writing to that effect in advance of the expense, (iii) the Company shall not in fact have employed counsel to assume the defense of such action, or (iv) the Company is not financially or legally able to perform its indemnification obligations, in each of which cases the fees and expenses of Indemnitee's counsel in connection with such Proceeding shall be at the expense of the Company.  The Company shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any action, suit or proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Company or as to which Indemnitee shall have made the conclusion provided for in clauses (ii) or (iv) above; and

 

(c)           The Company shall not without Indemnitee's written consent settle any action or claim in any manner which would impose any penalty or limitation on Indemnitee that would not be an Indemnifiable Loss hereunder for which indemnification would be provided by the Company.

 

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

 

	
6.

	
Miscellaneous

 

	
  

	
6.1

	
Entire Agreement

 

This Agreement is the entire agreement of the parties regarding its subject matter and supersedes all prior written or oral communications or agreements regarding the subject matter covered by this Agreement.

 

	
  

	
6.2

	
Severability

 

Nothing in this Agreement is intended to require or shall be construed as requiring the Company to do or fail to do any act in violation of applicable law.  The Company's inability, pursuant to court order, to perform its obligations under this Agreement shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable.  If this Agreement or any portion shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee to the full extent permitted by any portion of this Agreement not invalidated, and the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

	
  

	
6.3

	
Notices

 

Notices given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given on the date of personal delivery, on the date sent by fax or three days after mailing if mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the party at its address below or such other address of which the addressee may subsequently notify the other party in writing.

 

	
  

	
6.4

	
Governing Law

 

This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Washington, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

 

	
  

	
6.5

	
Counterparts

 

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

 

	
  

	
6.6

	
Amendments; Waivers

 

This Agreement may not be amended except by written agreement signed by the parties.  No waiver of any breach or default shall be considered valid unless in writing, and no such waiver shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default.

 

6.7           Duration

 

This Agreement shall continue for the duration of Indemnitee's service as a director and/or officer of the Company or as a director, trustee, officer, employee or agent of the 

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

Company or any other Enterprise and thereafter for so long as Indemnitee may be subject to any pending or possible claim due for Indemnifiable Losses.

 

	
  

	
6.8

	
Successors and Assigns

 

This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns, and inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee's heirs, legal representatives and assigns.  The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

 

(Signature page follows)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

  

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on and as of the date first above written.

	  	
WMI HOLDINGS CORP.

 

 

 

By:                                                                 

 

Name:_Charles Edward Smith______________

 

Its: Interim Chief Executive Officer

 

Address:  1201 Third Avenue, Suite 3000

  Seattle, WA  98101

 

Fax:  (206) 432-8879

 

	  	
INDEMNITEE:

 

 

 

 

 

Name:____________________________________

 

Address:__________________________________

       __________________________________

             __________________________________

 

 

Fax:_________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT]ex4_1.htm

EXHIBIT 4.1

 

 

Execution Copy

 

BRIDGE LOAN AGREEMENT

Among

GRYPHON GOLD CORPORATION

as the Borrower,

THE GUARANTORS

FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY HERETO

as the Guarantors,

WATERTON GLOBAL VALUE, L.P.

as the Lender

Dated as of March 20, 2012 

 

 

  

  

  

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

	 	 Page
	 	 
	
ARTICLE 1 CERTAIN DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

	1 
	 	1.1	Certain Defined Terms	1 
	 	1.2	Accounting Principles	9 
	 	1.3	Other Definitional Provisions; Date and Time References	10 
	 	1.4	
Currency Conversions

	10 

 

 

	

ARTICLE 2 COMMITMENT; USE OF PROCEEDS; FEES

	11 
	 	2.1	Loan	11 
	 	2.2	Borrowing Procedure	11 
	 	2.3	Repayment	11 
	 	2.4	
Use of Proceeds

	11 
	 	2.5	Structuring Fee	11 

 

	

ARTICLE 3 PROCEDURE AND PAYMENT

	11 
	 	3.1	Interest	11 
	 	3.2	Repayment of the Loan	12 
	 	3.3	Priority of Prepayments	12 
	 	3.4	
Payments and Computations

	13 
	 	3.5	Taxes	13 

 

 

	

ARTICLE 4 COLLATERAL SECURITY

	14 
	 	4.1	
Security Documents

	14 
	 	4.2	
Recordings and Filings of Security Documents

	14 
	 	4.3	
Protection of Security Document Liens.

	14 
	 	4.4	

Security Documents

	14 
	 	4.5	
Right of Set-off

	15 

 

 

	

ARTICLE 5 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

	15 
	 	5.1	

Conditions Precedent to the Loan

	15 

 

 

	

ARTICLE 6 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

	17 
	 	6.1	

Representations and Warranties of the Credit Parties

	17 

	

ARTICLE 7 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF THE CREDIT PARTIES

	23 
	 	7.1	

Compliance with Laws, Etc.

	23 

 

-i-

  

  

  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

	 	 	 	 Page
	 	 	 	 
	 	7.2	
Project Permits

	23 
	 	7.3	
Reporting Requirements

	24 
	 	7.4	
Inspection

	24 
	 	7.5	

Insurance

	25 
	 	7.6	
Keeping of Records and Books of Account

	25 
	 	7.7	
Preservation of Existence, Etc.

	 25  
	 	7.8	
Conduct of Business; Maintenance of Properties

	26 
	 	7.9	Notice of Default	26 
	 	7.10	Defense of Title and Rights	 26  
	 	7.11	Material Agreements	 26  
	 	7.12	Maintenance of Borrower's Account	26 
	 	7.13	Reporting Issuer Status	26 
	 	7.14	Further Assurances	27 

 

 

	

ARTICLE 8 NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF THE CREDIT PARTIES

	27 
	 	8.1	
Indebtedness

	27 
	 	8.2	
Liens, Etc.

	27 
	 	8.3	

Assumptions, Guarantees, Etc. of Indebtedness of Other Persons

	29 
	 	8.4	

Liquidation; Merger; Change in Ownership

	29 
	 	8.5	

Restrictive and Inconsistent Agreements

	29 
	 	8.6	
Burdens on Production.

	29 
	 	8.7	Investments in Other Persons	29 
	 	8.8	Sale of Assets	29 
	 	8.9	Nature of Business	30 
	 	8.10	Dividends	30 
	 	8.11	Material Agreements	30 
	 	8.12	Payment of Indebtedness	30 
	 	8.13	Charter Documents	30 

 

	

ARTICLE 9 EVENTS OF DEFAULT

	30 
	 	9.1	Event of Default	30 
	 	9.2	
Remedies Upon Event of Default

	32 

 

 

-ii-

  

  

  

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

(continued)

 

 

 

	 	Page
	 	 
	

ARTICLE 10 MISCELLANEOUS

	33 
	 	10.1	
Amendments, Etc.

	33 
	 	10.2	
Notices, Etc.

	33 
	 	10.3	

No Waiver Remedies

	34 
	 	10.4	

Cost, Expenses and Taxes

	34 
	 	10.5	

Indemnification

	35 
	 	10.6	
Binding Effect; Assignment

	35 
	 	10.7	Governing Law	36 
	 	10.8	Dispute Resolution; Waiver of Jury Trial	36 
	 	10.9	
Execution in Counterparts; Facsimile and Electronic Signatures

	36 
	 	10.10	
Inconsistent Provisions

	37 
	 	10.11	
Severability

	37 
	 	10.12	
Governing Language

	37 
	 	10.13	
Survival of Representations and Warranties

	37 
	 	10.14	
Entire Agreement; Schedules and Exhibits

	37 
	 	10.15	
Credit Party Joint and Several Liability

	37 
	 	10.16	
Acknowledgements

	 38  

 

 

 

-iii-

  

  

  

SCHEDULES

 

 

 

	Schedule 1.1(a)	Borealis Project
	Schedule 1.1(b)	Borrower’s Account
	Schedule 1.1(c)	Material Agreements
	Schedule 1.1(d)	Mineral and Other Properties
	Schedule 6.1(b)	Subsidiaries
	Schedule 6.1(f)	Litigation
	Schedule 6.1(g)	Financial Statements
	Schedule 6.1(h)	Other Agreements
	Schedule 6.1(j)(i)	Title; Liens]
	Schedule 6.1(m)	Environmental Disclosures
	Schedule 6.1(n)	Existing Indebtedness
	Schedule 6.1(q)	Project Permits
	Schedule 7.5 	Insurance
	Schedule 8.6	Burdens on Protection
	Schedule 8.12	Payment of Indebtedness

 

 

 

 

-iv-

  

  

  

EXHIBITS

 

	Exhibit A	Form of Omnibus Certificate
	Exhibit B	
Form of Notice of Borrowing

	Exhibit C	
Solvency Certificate

 

-v-

  

  

  

BRIDGE LOAN AGREEMENT

 

This BRIDGE LOAN AGREEMENT dated as of March 20, 2012 (the “Closing Date”) is by and among Gryphon Gold Corporation, a corporation organized and from time to time existing under the laws of the State of Nevada, as the borrower (the “Borrower”), each person that executes a Guarantee including the Original Guarantor, as guarantor (each a “Guarantor” and, collectively, the “Guarantors”), and WATERTON GLOBAL VALUE, L.P., a limited partnership existing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, by its Investment Manager, Altitude Management Limited, a corporation existing under the laws of Gibraltar, as the lender (“Lender”).

 

Recitals

 

A.           The Borrower desires to borrow, and the Lender wishes to make available to the Borrower a senior secured, non-revolving credit facility in the amount of Fifteen Million Dollars (US$15,000,000) (the “Primary Loan”) upon satisfaction of certain conditions to the satisfaction of the Lender (the “Primary Loan Conditions”).

 

B.           To assist the Borrower with its present working capital needs, the Borrower desires to borrow, and the Lender is prepared to make available to the Borrower, a bridge loan of U.S. One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars (US$1,500,000) in one advance (the “Loan”), upon the terms hereof and subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent contained herein, with the understanding that if in the future the Primary Loan is advanced upon satisfaction of the Primary Loan Conditions, the Loan and any Obligations owing hereunder will be automatically repaid from the proceeds of the Primary Loan.

 

C.           This Agreement, including the Loan and all other amounts due hereunder and all obligations to be performed hereby, will be secured by certain pledges, guarantees, grants of security and other collateral arrangements.

 

Agreement

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the following mutual covenants and agreements, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1

 

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

 

1.1   Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement and unless otherwise expressly indicated, the following terms shall have the following meanings:  “Affairs” means the business, affairs, operations, undertaking, property, assets, liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, performance and results of operations of a specified Person.

 

“Affiliate” means, with respect to a Person, (i) any partner, director, officer, ten percent (10%) or more shareholder, manager, member, employee or managing agent of that Person or that Person’s Affiliates; and (ii) any other Person (A) that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, that Person; (B) that directly or indirectly owns or holds (legally or beneficially) 10% or more of any class of 

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

voting stock or partnership, membership or other voting interest of that Person; or (C) 10% or more of the voting stock or partnership, membership or other voting interest of which is directly or indirectly owned or held (legally or beneficially) by that Person.

 

“Agreed Priority” means, with respect to a Security Document and a Lien made in favour of the Lender, a senior first priority Lien in favour of the Lender, meaning that such Security Document and Lien are prior in right to any other Lien in, on or to the Collateral which is purported to be covered thereby, subject only, in each case, to Permitted Liens.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Loan shall be secured by a first ranking perfected encumbrance over all property and assets of the Borrower subject only to Permitted Liens.

 

“Agreement” means this Bridge Loan Agreement, as it may be amended, restated, supplemented, extended or otherwise modified in accordance with its terms and in effect from time to time, together with all Schedules and Exhibits hereto, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

“Applicable Law” means any international treaty, any domestic or foreign constitution or any supranational, national, regional, federal, provincial, territorial, state, municipal, tribal or local statute, law, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, order (including any consent decree or administrative order), applicable to, or any directive, guideline, policy or authorization of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction with respect to any specified Person, property, transaction or event or any of such Person’s Affairs, and any order, judgment, award or decree of any Governmental Authority, or arbitrator in any proceeding or action to which the Person in question is a party or by which such Person or any of its Affairs is bound.

 

“Applicable Securities Legislation” means all applicable securities laws of each of the Reporting Jurisdictions and the respective rules and regulations under such laws together with applicable published fee schedules, prescribed forms, policy statements, national or multilateral instruments, orders, blanket rulings and other applicable regulatory instruments of the securities regulatory authorities in any of the Reporting Jurisdictions and such other jurisdictions as may be agreed to between the Borrower and the Lender.

 

“Authorization” means any authorization, approval, consent, certificate, exemption, licence, permit, franchise, certification, registration or no-action letter from any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction with respect to any specified Person, property, transaction or event, or any of such Person’s Affairs or from any Person in connection with any easements or contractual rights.

 

“Bankruptcy Laws” shall mean all Governmental Requirements pertaining or applicable to bankruptcy, insolvency, debtor relief, debtor protection, liquidation, reorganization, winding up, arrangement, receivership, administration, moratorium, assignment for the benefit of creditors or other similar laws applicable in the United States, Canada or other applicable jurisdictions as in effect from time to time.

 

“Borealis DOT” means the Deed of Trust given by the Original Guarantor for the benefit of the Lender relating to the Borealis Project, together with all amendments, modifications, supplements, extensions and restatements thereof in accordance with its terms.

 

 

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“Borealis Project” means the mining project located in Mineral County, Nevada, as further described in Schedule 1.1(a) hereto.

 

“Borrower” has the meaning specified in the Preamble to this Agreement.

 

“Borrower’s Account” means the account of the Borrower described in Schedule 1.1(b).

 

“Business Day” means a day on which banks in Toronto, Ontario, and in Reno, Nevada, are open for business.

 

“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events, without the prior written consent of the Lender: (a) any “person” or “persons acting jointly or in concert” as defined under applicable securities laws or regulations, other than the Lender, its Affiliates, successors or related investment funds, becomes the record or beneficial owner of more than fifty percent (50%) of then outstanding voting Equity Interests of the Borrower, measured by voting power rather than the number of shares, or (b) Continuing Directors shall cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Borrower then in office, or (c) the Borrower or any Guarantor shall cease to directly or indirectly own and control the Equity Interests that any of them has pledged to the Lender pursuant to a Security Document (except as provided in any such Security Document).

 

“Closing Date” means the date of this Agreement.

 

“Collateral” means all real and personal property, assets, rights, titles and interests subject to the Security Documents, whether tangible or intangible, presently held or hereafter acquired, and all products and proceeds of the foregoing, including insurance proceeds related to the foregoing.

 

“Commitment” means U.S. One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars (US$1,500,000).

 

“Constating Documents” means (i) with respect to a corporation, its articles of incorporation, amalgamation or continuance or other similar documents and its by-laws and (ii) with respect to any other Person which is an artificial body, the organization and governance documents of such Person in each case as amended and supplemented from time to time.

 

“Contingent Liability” means any agreement, undertaking or arrangement by which any Person guarantees, endorses or otherwise becomes or is contingently liable upon (by direct or indirect agreement, contingent or otherwise, to provide funds for payment, to supply funds to, or otherwise to invest in, a debtor, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss) the indebtedness, obligation or any other liability of any other Person (other than by endorsements of instruments in the course of collection), or guarantees the payment of dividends or other distributions upon the shares of any other Person.  The amount of any Person’s obligation under any Contingent Liability shall (subject to any limitation set forth therein) be deemed to be the outstanding principal amount (or maximum principal amount, if larger) of the debt, obligation or other liability guaranteed thereby.

 

“Continuing Directors” shall mean individuals who as at the date hereof are directors of the Borrower.

 

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“Credit Party” means the Borrower and each Guarantor.

 

“Date of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 9.2(a).

 

“Default” means any Event of Default or any condition or event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

 

“Default Rate” means the interest rate applicable to the Loan during periods when any amounts payable by the Borrower, whether as principal repayments, interest payments, expenses payments or other amounts, are due and payable but unpaid by the Borrower, which interest rate shall be at a rate per annum equal to the Interest Rate plus five percent (5%).

 

“Dollars” and the symbol “US$” or the symbol “$” each mean dollars in lawful currency of the United States of America.

 

“Environmental Laws” means Governmental Requirements relating to pollution or protection of the environment, including, without limitation, Governmental Requirements relating to emissions, discharges, Releases or threatened Releases of Hazardous Materials or other pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes into the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, ground water, land surface or subsurface strata) or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials, pollutants, contaminants, chemicals or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes which are applicable to any Credit Party, any Mineral Properties or any of the other activities of and properties or assets owned, controlled or managed by a Credit Party.

 

“Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, warrants, options or other rights for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person or warrants, rights or options for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of such shares (or such other interests), and all of the other ownership or profit interests in such Person (including, without limitation, partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such shares, warrants, options, rights or other interests are outstanding on any date of determination.

 

“Event of Default” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1.

 

“Exchange” means the Toronto Stock Exchange and/or any other exchange where the securities of the Borrower may be traded and listed.

 

“Excluded Taxes” means, with respect to the Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder, income or franchise Taxes imposed on (or measured by) the taxable income of the Lender or such recipient, as the case may be, or capital Taxes imposed on (or measured by) the taxable capital of the Lender or such recipient, in each case by the jurisdiction under the applicable law of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or the Lender or other recipient is subject to taxation, but for greater certainty, Excluded Taxes do not include withholding taxes imposed on the Lender or any such recipient in respect of payments or deliveries hereunder.

 

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“Expiry Date” means the date that is sixty (60) days after the Closing Date.

 

“Expropriation Event” means the appropriation, confiscation, expropriation, cancellation, seizure or nationalization (by Governmental Requirement, intervention, court order, condemnation, exercise of eminent domain or other action or form of taking) of ownership or control of a Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries or of the Mineral Properties, or any portion thereof, or any portion of the rights related thereto, or any portion of the economic value thereof, or which prevents or interferes with the ability of a Person to own or operate the property subject to such action, including by the imposition of any Tax, fee, charge or royalty.

 

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, as applicable to the Borrower, consistently applied (which shall include IFRS).

 

“Gold and Silver Supply Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(a)(v).

 

“Governmental Authority” means the government of any nation and any state, provincial, territorial, divisional, county, regional, city and other political subdivision thereof, any tribal, aboriginal or native government or corporation, and any union or commonwealth of multiple countries, such as the European Union, in each case in which any property of a Credit Party is located or which exercises valid jurisdiction over any such property or Person, or in which a Credit Party conducts business or is otherwise present, and any entity, court, arbitrator or board of arbitrators, agency, department, commission, board, bureau, regulatory authority or instrumentality of any of them exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions that exercises jurisdiction over any Credit Party or its properties or assets, including any Mineral Properties, and any securities exchange or securities regulatory authority to which a Credit Party is subject.

 

“Governmental Requirement” means any law, statute, code, ordinance, treaty, order, rule, regulation, judgment, ruling, decree, injunction, franchise, permit, certificate, license, authorization, approval or other direction or requirement (including Environmental Laws, the Project Permits, energy regulations, occupational, safety and health standards or controls, taxation laws, securities laws and regulations and the rules of any securities exchange) of any Governmental Authority.

 

“Guarantor” means the Original Guarantor and any Person which becomes a Guarantor in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

“Guarantee” means a guarantee given by a Credit Party for the benefit of the Lender, in a form acceptable to the Lender, together with all amendments, modifications, supplements, extensions and restatements thereof in accordance with its terms.

 

“Hazardous Material” means any substance or mixture of substances, or any pollutant or contaminant, toxic or dangerous waste, or hazardous material, as defined in or regulated by any Environmental Law, from time to time, that if Released in the environment could reasonably be expected to cause, immediately or at some future time, harm or damage to or impairment of the environment, or any risk to human health or safety or property.

 

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“IFRS” means the International Financial Reporting Standards, which are the accounting standards and interpretations adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board, consistently applied.

 

“Indebtedness” means, for any Person, without duplication, all indebtedness and /or liabilities of such Person for borrowed money determined in accordance with GAAP or, if applicable to the financial reporting of the Person, IFRS.

 

“Indemnified Party” has the meaning specified in Section 10.5.

 

“Instrument” means any contract, agreement, undertaking, indenture, mortgage, certificate, document or writing (whether formal agreement, letter or otherwise) under which any obligation, duty, covenant, agreement, affirmation, undertaking or liability is evidenced, assumed or undertaken, or any right or Lien (or right or interest therein) is granted, authenticated, notarized, authorized or perfected, and any notice, registration, recordation, or filing associated with or required by any of the foregoing.

 

“Interest Rate” means fifteen percent (15%) per annum.

 

“Interest Payment Date” means (i) the last Business Day of each calendar month for the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the Maturity Date, (ii) the Maturity Date, and (iii) any date on which the Borrower makes a prepayment of the Loan.

 

“Lender” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble to this Agreement, together with its successors and assigns.

 

“Lien” means, as to any Person, any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, charge, security interest, hypothecation, indenture, preferential right, assignment, option, production payment or other lien, encumbrance or collateral security Instrument in, on or to, or any right or interest, or the title of any vendor, lessor, the Lender or other secured party to, or interest or title of any Person under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or capital lease with respect to, any property or asset owned or held by such Person, the signing of any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, charge, security agreement, hypothecation, indenture, assignment or similar instrument, or the signing or filing of a financing statement, personal property security act filing or other similar Instrument, which names such Person as debtor, or the signing of any security agreement or other similar Instrument authorizing any other party as the secured party thereunder to file any financing statement, personal property security act filing or other similar Instrument.

 

“Loan” means the advance of the loan to the Borrower in the amount of the Commitment, subject to the satisfaction of the applicable conditions precedent.

 

“Loan Documents” means this Agreement, the Security Documents, the Subordinations, the Gold and Silver Supply Agreement and each other Instrument executed by the Borrower, a Credit Party or a Subsidiary of the Borrower and delivered to the Lender in connection with this Agreement or any of the foregoing Instruments, whether or not specifically identified in this clause, as any of the foregoing may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended or restated from time to time in accordance with their respective terms.

 

 “Losses” has the meaning specified in Section 10.5.

 

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“Material Adverse Effect” means, with respect to any Person, an effect, resulting from any event or occurrence of whatever nature (including any adverse determination in any litigation, arbitration, or governmental investigation or proceeding), which:

 

(a)           is materially adverse to the business, assets, properties, revenues, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, results of operation, performance or prospects of such Person;

 

(b)           is materially adverse to the ability of such Person to make any payment or perform any other obligation required under any Material Agreement, this Agreement, or any other Loan Document; or

 

(c)           is materially adverse to any material Mineral Property (in each case, as determined by the Lender, acting reasonably).

 

“Material Agreements” means the contracts, agreements, leases, Instruments and other binding commitments and undertakings of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof which are identified in Schedule 1.1(c), and all other contracts, agreements, leases, Instruments and other binding commitments and undertakings of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof the performance or breach of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on a Credit Party.

 

“Maturity Date” means the first to occur of (a) the Expiry Date, (b) the date on which the Lender elects to accelerate the due date of the Loan based upon the occurrence of a Repayment Event, as provided in Section 3.2(c), (c) any date on which the Lender accelerates the due date of the Loan by reason of an Event of Default pursuant to Section 9.2, or (d) the date in which the Primary Loan is advanced.

 

“Mineral Properties” means all surface, subsurface and mineral rights, and all surface, subsurface and mineral leases, concessions, licenses, claims, rights, titles or interests, and all related, associated or appurtenant rights, in each case howsoever characterized or designated, that are owned, leased, held, controlled or operated, directly or indirectly, by a Credit Party and located in the United States of America, with such rights, titles and interests described in Schedule 1.1(d).

 

“Notice of Borrowing” means a written request by the Borrower for a Loan pursuant to Section 2.2, which shall include the information referenced in Section 2.2, substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto.

 

“Obligations” means all duties, covenants, agreements, liabilities, indebtedness and obligations of each Credit Party with respect to the repayment, payment or performance of all Indebtedness, liabilities and obligations (monetary or otherwise) of each Credit Party, whenever arising and whether joint, several, or joint and several, established by or arising under or in connection with this Agreement and/or each other Loan Document, including, in each case, the payment of principal, interest, fees, expenses, reimbursements and indemnification obligations.

 

“Original Guarantor” means Borealis Mining Company and any of its successors and assigns.

 

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“Other Taxes” has the meaning specified in Section 3.5(b).

 

“Party” or “party” means each party to this Agreement.

 

“Permitted Liens” means those Liens permitted by clauses (a) through (g) of Section 8.2.

 

“Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation (including a business trust), joint venture, limited liability company or other entity, or a Governmental Authority.

 

“Pledge Agreement” means a pledge agreement, given by the Borrower for the benefit of the Lender, with respect to all right, title and interest of the Borrower in and to the Original Guarantor, together with any other Instruments given or to be given by a Credit Party for the benefit of the Lender that creates a Lien on and with respect to the Equity Interests of a Credit Party or other Person in order to secure the Obligations, together, in each case, with all amendments, modifications, supplements and revisions thereof in accordance with its terms, together with all other Instruments now or hereafter filed, recorded or delivered to formalize, authorize and perfect the security interests granted therein.

 

“Primary Loan” has the meaning specified in the recitals herein.

 

“Primary Loan Conditions” has the meaning specified in the recitals herein.

 

“Project Permits” has the meaning specified in Section 6.1(q).

 

“Prudent Mining Industry Practices” means those practices, standards, methods, techniques and specifications, as they may evolve, change and modify from time to time that (a) are commonly used and generally accepted in the mining industry as good, safe and prudent operational, administrative and engineering practices in connection with the design, construction, operation, maintenance, repair or use of mining projects, mining facilities, mining infrastructure, mining equipment or other components of a mining operation, (b) conform in all material respects to applicable Governmental Requirements, (c) conform in all material respects to operational and maintenance guidelines and requirements suggested by applicable manufacturers, suppliers and insurance providers (taking into account the size, age, service and type of asset), and (d) are commercially reasonable based on the nature of the Mineral Properties.

 

“Release” means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, pouring, injection, escaping, deposit, disposal, discharge, leeching or migration of any element or compound in or into the indoor or outdoor environment (including the abandonment or disposal of any barrels, tanks, containers or receptacles containing any contaminant), or in, into or out of any vessel or facility, including the movement of any contaminant through the air, soil, subsoil, surface, water, groundwater, rock formation or otherwise.

 

“Repayment Event” means any one of the following which has not been consented to by the Lender (in its sole discretion): (a) a Change of Control, or (b) the agreement by a Credit Party to (i) accept or (ii) solicit a Change of Control.

 

“Reporting Jurisdictions” means all of the jurisdictions in Canada in which the Borrower is a “reporting issuer”, including as of the date hereof, the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.

 

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“Representative” means any officer, partner, manager, employee, agent, consultant, advisor, accountant, financial advisor, legal counsel or other representative of a Person.

 

“Security Agreement” means any security agreement or other Instrument by which the Lender obtains a Lien in or on any property or assets of a Credit Party to secure the Obligations (including the Borealis DOT), together with all amendments, modifications, supplements, extensions and restatements thereof in accordance with its terms.

 

“Security Documents” means the Borealis DOT and each of the other Security Agreements and any other security granted to the Lender by any Credit Party, as security for the payment and performance of the Obligations, in each case, with all modifications, supplements, amendments, extensions or restatements thereto or thereof in accordance with their respective terms, all schedules and exhibits attached thereto and all financing statements, personal property security act filings and other Instruments required to be filed or recorded or notices required to be given in order to authenticate and perfect the Liens created by the foregoing.

 

“Subordinations” means the (i) Subordination, dated on or about the date hereof, granted by Computershare Trust Company of Canada in favour of the Lender with respect to the issuance of certain 10% Series B Subordinate Secured Notes issued by the Borrower and maturing on November 22, 2012 and (ii) Subordination, dated on or around the date hereof, granted by Computershare Trust Company of Canada in favour of the Lender with respect to 10% Subordinate Secured Notes issued by the Borrower and maturing on July 28, 2012, in each case, in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender, together with all amendments, modifications, supplements and revisions thereof in accordance with its terms.

 

“Structuring Fee” has the meaning specified in Section 2.5.

 

“Subsidiary” means, in respect of any Person, any corporation, company, association or other business entity more than 50% of each class of equity or voting securities of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person.

 

“Taxes” has the meaning specified in Section 3.5(a).

 

“Warrants” has the meaning specified in Section 5.1(m).

 

1.2  Accounting Principles.  All accounting terms not otherwise defined herein shall be construed, all financial computations required under this Agreement shall be made, and all financial information required under this Agreement shall be prepared, in accordance with GAAP or IFRS, depending on which accounting principles apply to the Borrower and the Credit Parties at any such point in time, in each case applied on a basis consistent with the financial statements referred to in Section 6.1(g) except as specifically provided herein.

 

1.3  Other Definitional Provisions; Date and Time References.   

 

(a)  Unless otherwise specified therein, all terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in the Schedules, the other Loan Documents and any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto.

 

(b)  The words “hereof”, “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and Section, subsection, Schedule and Exhibit references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

 

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(c)  The meanings given to terms defined herein shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of such terms.

 

(d)  The word “including” means “including without limitation” or “including, but not limited to,” and does not create or denote a limitation.

 

(e)  Unless otherwise expressly indicated, each reference to a time or date in any Loan Document shall be to the date and time in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

 

(f)  Any reference in this Agreement to:

 

(i)  a Default being “continuing” means that such Default has not been waived or remedied and an Event of Default being “continuing” means that such Event of Default has not been waived;

 

(ii)  unless otherwise indicated, a “Loan Document” or any other agreement or instrument is a reference to that Loan Document or other agreement or instrument as amended, modified, novated, supplemented, extended or restated;

 

(iii)  “indebtedness” includes any obligation (whether incurred as principal or as surety) for the payment or repayment of money, whether present or future, actual or contingent;

 

(iv)  “knowledge” of any Person shall be deemed to mean such knowledge after due and diligent inquiry; and

 

(v)  “repay” (or any derivative form thereof) shall, subject to any contrary indication, be construed to include “prepay” (as, as the case may be, the corresponding derivative form thereof).

 

1.3  Other Definitional Provisions; Date and Time References.   

 

1.4  Currency Conversions.   For purposes of application of the provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, United States Dollars, Canadian Dollars and any other relevant currency amounts will be converted by the Lender, acting in good faith.

ARTICLE 2

 

COMMITMENT; USE OF PROCEEDS; FEES

 

2.1  Loan.  Subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, upon satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Article 5, the Lender agrees to advance the Loan to the Borrower.  Any part of the Loan that has been repaid by the Borrower may not be re-borrowed and shall not be re-advanced to the Borrower.

 

2.2  Borrowing Procedure.  The Borrower shall request the borrowing of the Loan by delivering to the Lender a written Notice of Borrowing signed by the Borrower, which shall be delivered to the Lender concurrently herewith.  The Notice of Borrowing shall be irrevocable and shall specify (i) that a Loan is 

 

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requested by the Borrower, (ii) the date of the requested borrowing, (iii) the specific purposes to which the proceeds of such Loan shall be applied (as permitted by Section 2.4 below), and (iv) such other information and certifications as set forth in the form of Notice of Borrowing and as the Lender shall otherwise have reasonably requested.

 

2.3  Repayment. The principal amount of the Loan, together with interest thereon, shall be due and payable in full on the Maturity Date.  The Borrower covenants and agrees to repay the Loan, together with interest thereon, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

2.4  Use of Proceeds.  The Borrower will utilize the Loan to fund general corporate activities and purposes.

 

2.5  Structuring Fee. In consideration of establishing this Agreement, the Borrower agrees to pay to the Lender a structuring fee (the “Structuring Fee”) of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) payable in cash at the Closing Date.  No portion of the Structuring Fee is refundable to the Borrower, in whole or in part, under any circumstances.  Payment of the Structuring Fee shall be deemed satisfied by the Borrower upon irrevocable payment of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000).

 

ARTICLE 3

 

PROCEDURE AND PAYMENT

 

3.1  Interest.

 

(a)  General.  On each Interest Payment Date, the Borrower shall pay to the Lender interest on the Loan with respect to the calendar month ending on the Interest Payment Date, at a rate of interest per annum based on a 365-day year basis equal to (i) the Interest Rate or (ii) (if applicable) the Default Rate.  Interest accruing at the Default Rate shall be payable on demand.  Accrued but unpaid interest shall be payable in full on the Maturity Date.

 

(b)  Default Interest.  Interest on the Loan shall accrue and shall be payable by the Borrower at the Default Rate during all periods when any amounts payable by the Borrower as principal repayments, interest payments, expense payments or other amounts are due and payable hereunder, whether by acceleration or otherwise, but remain unpaid by the Borrower.  Without prejudice to the rights of the Lender under the preceding sentence, the Borrower shall indemnify the Lender against any and all losses and expenses which the Lender may sustain or incur as a result of the failure by the Borrower to pay any Obligation owing hereunder when due.  A certificate or other notice of the Lender submitted to the Borrower setting forth the basis for the determination of Default Rate interest due and of the amounts necessary to indemnify the Lender in respect of such loss and/or expense, shall constitute evidence of the accuracy of the information contained therein in the absence of error and, absent notice from the Borrower of such error, shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes.

 

3.2  Repayment of the Loan.

 

(a)  Principal Repayment.  The Loan is due and payable in full on the Maturity Date.

 

(b)  Voluntary Prepayment.  Upon not less than five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Lender, the Borrower may at any time prepay all or any portion of the Loan without penalty.  Upon the giving of notice of prepayment, which shall be irrevocable, the prepayment, together with all interest accrued through the prepayment date, shall be due and payable on the date set forth therein in immediately available funds.  Any such voluntary prepayment of the Loan shall be in a minimum amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars 

 

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(US$500,000) or (if lower) the full amount of the Loan then outstanding.  Any amount so prepaid by the Borrower cannot again be redrawn or reborrowed by the Borrower.

 

(c)  Mandatory Prepayment.

 

(i)  The Borrower will prepay the Loan together with accrued interest thereon in full upon acceleration of the due date thereof by the Lender pursuant to Section 9.2.

 

(ii)  The Borrower will prepay the Loan together with accrued interest thereon together with an amount equal to the interest that would have accrued and been payable if repayment occurred on the Expiry Date, on  the repayment date specified in a written notice received by the Borrower from the Lender stating that the Lender requires the Loan to be repaid as a result of the occurrence of a Repayment Event provided that, in the case of a Repayment Event referred to in paragraph (b)(i) of the definition of “Repayment Event”, the repayment date specified in such notice shall not be earlier than the date on which the relevant Change of Control shall be consummated.

 

3.3  Priority of Prepayments.  All prepayments made by the Borrower shall be applied first to any amounts (other than principal or interest) then payable by any Credit Party hereunder or under any other Loan Documents, then to accrued and unpaid interest on the Loan so prepaid, then to the principal amount of the Loan.

 

3.4  Payments and Computations.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, payments by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, whether in respect of the Loan, interest or otherwise, shall be made by the Borrower to the Lender not later than 12:00 noon (Eastern time) on the date due by delivery of United States Dollars in immediately available funds to the Lender.  All payments hereunder shall be made by the Borrower without set off, deduction or counterclaim not later than on the date when due.  Any payments received hereunder after the time and date specified in this Section 3.4. shall be deemed to have been received by the Lender on the next following Business Day.  All interest shall be computed on the basis of the actual number of days (including the first day but excluding the last day) occurring during the period for which such interest is payable over a year comprised of three hundred sixty-five (365) days.  Whenever any payment to be made hereunder shall otherwise be due on a day which is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day and such extension of time shall be included in computing interest, if any, in connection with such payment.

 

3.5  Taxes.

 

(a)  General.  Any and all payments by the Borrower or any other Credit Party hereunder shall be made in full, free and clear of and without deduction or withholding for any and all present or future taxes, levies, duties, imposts, assessments, deductions, charges, withholdings or other similar amounts, and all liabilities with respect thereto imposed on the Borrower or any Credit Party (all such taxes, levies, duties, imposts, assessments, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities being hereinafter referred to as “Taxes”).  If the Borrower or any other Credit Party shall be required by law to deduct or withhold any Taxes from or in respect of any such payment payable or deliverable hereunder to the Lender, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making all required deductions and withholdings (including applicable deductions and withholdings) the Lender receives an amount equal to the amount it would have received had no such deductions or withholdings been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions or withholdings and (iii) the Borrower or other 

 

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Credit Party shall pay the full amount required to be deducted or withheld to the relevant taxation authority or other authority in accordance with applicable law and within the time for payment prescribed by applicable law.

 

(b)  Other Taxes.  The Borrower agrees to pay any present or future stamp, sales, use or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges, duties or similar levies which arise from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement, any of the Loan Documents, or any Instrument contemplated thereby (hereinafter referred to as “Other Taxes”).

 

(c)  Tax Indemnity.  The Borrower hereby indemnifies the Lender for, and agrees to hold the Lender harmless from, the full amount of all Taxes and Other Taxes payable by the Lender (other than Excluded Taxes) and any liability, cost or amount (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto.

 

(d)  Payment of Taxes.  Within thirty (30) days after the date required for payment of any Taxes or Other Taxes required to be deducted or withheld by the Borrower in respect of any payment or delivery to the Lender, the Borrower will furnish to the Lender a form of evidence of payment thereof acceptable to the Lender in its sole discretion, acting reasonably.

 

(e)  Survival.  Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement hereunder, the agreements and obligations contained in this Section 3.5 shall survive the payment in full of the Loan, interest thereon and any other amounts due hereunder.

 

ARTICLE 4

 

COLLATERAL SECURITY

 

4.1  Security Documents. As security for the due repayment of the Loan, the payment of all other amounts due hereunder, and the performance of all other Obligations, the Borrower and the Guarantors shall execute and deliver to the Lender the Security Documents to which each of them is a party, in each case as and when required by this Agreement or by any of the Loan Documents.

 

4.2  Recordings and Filings of Security Documents. The Lender will record, register or file with or deliver to appropriate Governmental Authorities, account debtors or other Persons, the Security Documents, as necessary or appropriate, at the Borrower’s expense, together with all other Instruments necessary to establish, attach, protect or perfect the Liens of the Lender, each with the Agreed Priority over all other security interest holders and mortgages.

 

4.3  Protection of Security Document Liens. The Credit Parties hereby authorize the Lender to file such financing statements and other agreements, documents, registrations, filings or Instruments with such Governmental Authorities in such jurisdictions as the Lender determines to be necessary or desirable and to take such other actions as the Lender determines to be necessary or desirable to legalize, authenticate, protect, perfect and maintain the perfection of the Liens in the Collateral identified in the Security Documents. The Credit Parties agree to cooperate with the Lender in delivering all share certificates and other certificates of Equity Interests pledged pursuant to a Security Document, if any, and in undertaking and completing all recordings, filings, registrations and other actions required in connection with the Security Documents, and the Credit Parties further agree to promptly take all such other actions as the Lender may reasonably determine to be necessary or appropriate to confirm, perfect, maintain and protect the perfection of the Liens granted by the Security Documents.

 

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4.4  Security Documents. The Credit Parties each agree that notwithstanding any provision of any other Loan Document to the contrary, the Liens created pursuant to the Security Documents shall secure all Obligations.  The Security Documents create valid security interests in, and Liens on, the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, which security interests and Liens are currently perfected security interests and Liens, or will be perfected security interests and Liens in accordance with the requirements specified in such Security Documents or elsewhere in this Agreement, each with the Agreed Priority.

 

4.5  Right of Set-off.  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Lender is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower or any other Credit Party (any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower and the other Credit Parties), to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final), at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by the Lender to or for the credit or the account of any Credit Party against any and all of the Obligations of any Credit Party now or hereafter existing, although such Obligations may be contingent and unmatured.  The Lender agrees promptly to notify the Credit Parties, as appropriate, after any such set-off and application, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set-off and application.  The rights of the Lender under this Section 4.5 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of set-off) which the Lender may have available to the Lender under this Agreement or the Security Documents.

 

ARTICLE 5

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

5.1  Conditions Precedent to the Loan. The obligation of the Lender to advance the Loan is subject to satisfaction (or waiver by the Lender in its sole discretion) of each of the following conditions precedent.

 

(a)  The Lender or its counsel shall have received the following, with each Instrument dated the date of this Agreement (or as otherwise agreed to by the Lender), and in form and substance as shall be satisfactory to the Lender:

 

(i)  this Agreement, duly executed by the Borrower and the Original Guarantor;

 

(ii)  each of the Security Documents, each duly executed by the Borrower or other applicable Credit Party, together with any UCC filings or other Instruments for filing or registration, notarizations thereof, notices with respect thereto or other Instruments determined by the Lender to be necessary or desirable to establish and perfect the Liens established pursuant to the Security Documents;

 

(iii)  the Subordinations, each duly executed by Computershare Trust Company of Canada;

 

(iv)  to the extent not specifically referenced, each other Loan Document, duly executed by the Borrower or the Credit Party that is party thereto;

 

(v)  a gold and silver supply agreement (in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender) among the Borrower, the Original Guarantor and the Lender, permitting the Lender at its option, to purchase all of the gold and silver produced at any of the Mining Properties, shall have been fully executed and delivered to the Lender by 

 

 

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the Borrower and each of the other Credit Parties as necessary (the “Gold and Silver Supply Agreement”);

 

(vi)  an Omnibus Certificate for each Credit Party, duly executed by officers thereof substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, together with each Credit Party’s articles of incorporation, bylaws, resolutions, certificates of good standing and certification of incumbency;

 

(vii)  evidence satisfactory to the Lender confirming the validity of the Security Documents and their application to the Loan and the Obligations as well as the validity and perfection of the Liens granted by such Security Documents with the Agreed Priority;

 

(viii)  opinions of legal counsel for the Credit Parties, dated the Closing Date and addressed to the Lender in form and substance acceptable to the Lender (subject to customary assumptions and qualifications); and

 

(ix)  all such other approvals, opinions, documents, Instruments or other evidence as the Lender may reasonably request;

 

(b)  all representations and warranties made by the Credit Parties herein and/or in any other Loan Documents shall be true and correct on the Closing Date;

 

(c)  the Borrower shall have paid the Structuring Fee and all other applicable costs, fees and expenses on and as of the date of this Agreement;

 

(d)  no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or could occur as a result of the making of the Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof;

 

(e)  all approvals, consents and authorizations of Governmental Authorities, the shareholders of the Borrower or other Persons required in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall have been obtained and remain in effect;

 

(f)  there is no pending or threatened action or proceeding before any Governmental Authority against or affecting any Credit Party or any Mineral Properties;

 

(g)  there shall not exist any litigation, investigation, bankruptcy or insolvency, injunction, order or claim affecting or relating to any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Mining Property, which has had or could be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect, or which could be expected to affect the legality, validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, that has not been settled, dismissed, vacated, discharged or terminated;

 

(h)  no Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred and the Lender has not become aware of any facts which, in the Lender’s opinion, could have a Material Adverse Effect during the term of the Loan;

 

(i)  since March 31, 2011, the date of the Borrower’s most recent audited financial statements, a copy of which is attached in Schedule 6.1(g) attached hereto, there has been no change, event or occurrence that has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect;

 

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(j)  all data, reports, maps, surveys, financial statements, Instruments and other information requested by the Lender prior to the Closing Date for its due diligence, including searches of all Lien filings, registrations and records deemed necessary by the Lender, and copies of any documents, filings and Instruments on file in such jurisdictions, shall have been provided, and the Lender shall have completed its technical, legal, financial, permitting, environmental and other due diligence investigation of the Credit Parties and the Mineral Properties in scope, and with results, satisfactory to the Lender;

 

(k)  the Lender shall be satisfied with the form of the Loan Documents;

 

(l)  delivery of a solvency certificate from the chief financial officer or the chief executive officer of the Borrower in the form of Exhibit C, certifying that none of the Credit Parties (i) is legally prohibited or restricted from entering into and performing its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (ii) is unable to pay its debts as they become due in the ordinary course of business, (iii) will be rendered insolvent by virtue of the advance of the Loan, (iv) will be left with an unreasonably small amount of capital or (v) has incurred Indebtedness which cannot be satisfied on a timely basis;

 

(m)  the Borrower shall have issued to the Lender 1,500,000 warrants all on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Lender, and for certainty, said warrants will be exercisable at an exercise price equal to $0.1862 and will have a term of three years (collectively, the “Warrants”);

 

(n)  the Borrower shall have received all regulatory approvals from the Exchange and any other necessary Authorization with respect to the issuance of the Warrants; and

 

(o)  each Credit Party has performed and complied with all agreements and conditions herein and in the other Loan Documents required to be performed and complied with on or prior to the date of the proposed Loan, except those agreements and conditions waived by the Lender.

 

The Borrower’s request for a Loan shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower as of the date of such Loan that the applicable conditions in paragraphs (a) through (o) of this Section have been, and remain, satisfied.

 

ARTICLE 6

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

6.1  Representations and Warranties of the Credit Parties. Each of the Credit Parties, for itself and on behalf of each of its Subsidiaries, hereby represents and warrants to the Lender as follows:

 

(a)  Qualification and Organization.  It has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party and to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.  It is otherwise duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation or other applicable entity in each jurisdiction where the nature of its 

 

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business or properties requires such qualification. With respect to the Borrower and the Original Guarantor, it is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Nevada.  With respect to each other Credit Party, it is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation.

 

(b)  Subsidiaries.  Except as disclosed in Schedule 6.1(b) and except that the Original Guarantor is a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower, none of the Credit Parties has any direct or indirect Subsidiaries.

 

(c)  Authorization; No Conflict.  The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement and of the other Loan Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary shareholder and corporate action on the part of such Credit Party and do not and will not (i) contravene such Credit Party’s articles of incorporation, charter or by-laws, or similar constituent documents; (ii) violate any provision of any Governmental Requirement, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to such Credit Party; (iii) result in a breach of or constitute a default under or require the consent of any Person pursuant to any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, lease or Instrument to which any Credit Party is a party or by which it or any such Credit Party or its or any such Credit Party’s properties may be bound or affected; or (iv) result in, or require, the creation or imposition of any Lien (other than Liens arising under the Security Documents) upon or with respect to any of the properties now owned by any Credit Party and, to the knowledge of each Credit Party, no Credit Party is in default in any respect under any such Governmental Requirement, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award or any such indenture, agreement, lease or instrument.

 

(d)  Governmental and Other Consents and Approvals.  No authorization or approval or other action by or consent of, and no notice to or filing or registration with, any Governmental Authority is required (i) for the due execution and delivery of, and the due performance of, the financial obligations of the Credit Parties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or (ii) for the due performance of all other Obligations of the Credit Parties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (other than registrations or filings to perfect the Liens created by the Security Documents), except for such authorizations, approvals or other actions as have been obtained or notices or filings as have been made.

 

(e)  Binding Obligations.  This Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of the Credit Parties that is a party thereto, enforceable against such Credit Parties in accordance with their respective terms (except as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws or equitable principles affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally at the time in effect).

 

(f)  Litigation.  There is no claim, action, lawsuit, proceeding, arbitration or investigation pending or threatened in writing against or involving any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof or any Mineral Properties, which (i) alleges the violation of any Governmental Requirement, (ii) questions the validity of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or any action taken or to be taken pursuant to this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents, (iii) involves any Material Agreement, other than as specifically disclosed in writing by the Borrower or the Original Guarantor to the Lender prior to the date hereof and as disclosed in 

 

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Schedule 6.1(f) , or (iv) could reasonably be expected to result, either in any case or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(g)  Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Change.  The audited financial statements of the Borrower as of March 31, 2011, and the related unaudited statements of operations and deficits of the Borrower for the period then ended, and the unaudited financial statements of the Borrower as of December 31, 2011 and the related unaudited statement of operations and deficits of the Borrower for the period then ended, copies of which have been furnished to the Lender and which are attached hereto as Schedule 6.1(g), fairly present the consolidated financial condition of the Borrower and the Original Guarantor as at such dates and the results of the consolidated operations of the Borrower and the Original Guarantor for the period ended on such dates, all in accordance with GAAP consistently applied.   None of the Credit Parties has any Contingent Liability or liability for taxes, long-term leases or unusual forward or long-term commitments (with any Person other than the Lender) which are not reflected or disclosed in such financial statements.  Other than as disclosed in the Borrower’s disclosure documents filed on EDGAR, since December 31, 2011, neither the business, operations or prospects of the Borrower or any other Credit Party, nor any of its properties or assets, have been affected by any occurrence or development (whether or not insured against) which could reasonably be expected to result, either in any case or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(h)  Other Agreements.  No Credit Party is a party to any indenture, loan or credit agreement or any lease or other agreement or Instrument or subject to any charter or other corporate restriction, other than those which are set out in Schedule 6.1(h).

 

(i)  Information Accurate.  None of the written information delivered to the Lender by any Credit Party in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby contains any misstatement of fact or omits to state a fact, and all projections contained in any such information, exhibits or reports, were based on information which, when delivered, was, to the knowledge of each Credit Party, true and correct in all respects, and to the knowledge of the Credit Parties all calculations contained in such projections are accurate in all respects, and such projections present such Credit Party’s then-current estimate of its future business, operations and affairs and, since the date of the delivery of such projections, to the knowledge of the Credit Parties, there has been no change in the assumptions underlying such projections, or the basis therefor or the accuracy thereof.

 

(j)  Title; Liens.

 

(i)  Schedule 1.1(d) accurately and completely sets forth and describes all real property owned, held or controlled by the Credit Parties and located in the United States of America, including any fee interests, patented mining claims, unpatented mining claims, unpatented millsite claims, leases and other real property interests;

 

(ii)  Borealis Mining Company is the exclusive owner or lessee of, and has good title to the unpatented mining claims  and millsite claims set forth in Schedule 1.1(d), which ownership and title is, subject to Permitted Liens and to the matters disclosed on Schedule 6.1(j), superior and paramount to any adverse claim or right of title 

 

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which may be rightly asserted, and subject further only to the paramount title of the United States and to the rights, if any, of third parties to the lands within such unpatented mining claims pursuant to the Multiple Mineral Development Act of 1954 and the Surface Resources and Multiple Use Act of 1955;

 

(iii)  With respect to the unpatented mining claims and unpatented millsite claims listed on the attached Schedule 1.1(d), except as disclosed in Schedule 6.1(j): (A) Borealis Mining Company is in exclusive possession thereof, free and clear of all Liens, claims, encumbrances or other burdens on production, other than Permitted Liens; (B) all such claims were located, staked, filed and recorded on available public domain land in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations; (C) assessment work, intended in good faith to satisfy the requirements of state and federal laws and regulations and generally regarded in the mining industry as sufficient, was timely and properly performed on or for the benefit of the claims, and affidavits evidencing such work were timely recorded; (D) claim rental and maintenance fees required to be paid under federal law in lieu of the performance of assessment work, in order to maintain the claims have been timely and properly paid, and affidavits or other notices evidencing such payments as required under federal or state laws or regulation have been timely and properly filed and recorded; (E) all filings with the Bureau of Land Management with respect to such claims which are required under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 have been timely and properly made; and (F) there are no actions or administrative or other proceedings pending or to the best of the Borrower’s knowledge threatened against or affecting any of the claims.  In addition, with respect to each of the unpatented mining claims listed on Schedule 1.1(d), the Borrower represents that, to its knowledge, such unpatented mining claims have been relocated or remonumented as necessary, and that evidence of such relocation or remonumentation has been timely and properly recorded, all in compliance with the provisions of N.R.S. Chapter 517;

 

(iv)  Except as disclosed in Schedule 6.1(j), Borealis Mining Company has valid and effective rights to its leased property, free and clear of Liens, except for Permitted Liens;

 

(v)  All taxes, charges, rates, levies and assessments that, if unpaid, would create a Lien or charge on any Mineral Properties or any portion thereof, have been paid in full and will be paid in full;

 

(vi)  All contractors, subcontractors, agents and other Persons providing services, materials or labour on or for the benefit of any Mineral Properties have been paid in a timely manner for all work performed or services, goods or labour provided, on or with respect thereto; and

 

(vii)  The Security Documents create, or upon their execution and delivery they will create, valid and effective Liens in and on the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, which Liens are currently (or will be upon the filing of appropriate Instruments with appropriate Governmental Authorities) perfected Liens with the Agreed Priority.

 

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(k)  Material Agreements; Absence of Default.  The Material Agreements identified in Schedule 1.1(c) hereto include all of the contracts, agreements, leases, Instruments and other binding commitments and undertakings of each Credit Party, the performance or breach of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and the Borrower has provided the Lender with copies of each such Material Agreement.  Other than as specifically disclosed in writing to the Lender prior to the date hereof, no Credit Party is in default under any of the Material Agreements, none of them has received any notice of an asserted default thereunder from any other Person, and none of them has knowledge of a breach by any counterparty thereto or the inability of any counterparty thereto to perform its obligations thereunder.

 

(l)  Taxes and Other Payments.  Each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof has filed all Tax returns and reports required by law to have been filed by it and has paid all Taxes and governmental charges thereby shown to be owing and all claims for sums due for labour, material, supplies, personal property and services of every kind and character provided with respect to, or used in connection with its respective properties and no claim for the same exists except as permitted hereunder, except any such Taxes, charges or amounts which are being diligently contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP or IFRS, as applicable, have been set aside on the books of such Credit Party or such Subsidiary, as applicable.

 

(m)  Environmental Laws.  Except as set forth in Schedule 6.1(m) hereto:

 

(i)  the Mineral Properties have been owned, developed, operated, leased, reclaimed and utilized in compliance with all applicable Governmental Requirements, including Environmental Laws;

 

(ii)  there are no outstanding or pending consent decrees, clean-up orders, mitigation orders, compliance orders, remediation orders or other orders, decrees, judgments or other administrative or judicial requirements outstanding under any Environmental Law with respect to any Mineral Properties;

 

(iii)  no Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof has received any written or actual notice of any violation, alleged violation, non-compliance, investigation, liability or potential liability, or request for information, with respect to Environmental Laws, Hazardous Materials or other environmental matters with regard to any Mineral Properties, nor does any Credit Party have knowledge or reason to believe that any such notice will be received or is being threatened; and

 

(iv)  with respect to the Mineral Properties, there have been no past, and there are no pending or threatened, lawsuits, claims, complaints, injunctions, or any other governmental or judicial actions or proceedings with respect to any alleged violation of any Governmental Requirements, including Environmental Laws, or any Release or alleged Release of Hazardous Materials.

 

(n)  Indebtedness.  Except as disclosed in Schedule 6.1(n) hereto or specifically identified in the financial statements identified in Section 6.1(g), no Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof has any existing intercompany Indebtedness(other than intercompany loans between the Borrower and the Original Guarantor), any Indebtedness for borrowed money, or any other Indebtedness.

 

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(o)  Compliance with Laws, Etc.  Each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof is in compliance in all respects with all Governmental Requirements applicable to each of them and applicable to each of the Mineral Properties.

 

(p)  Operation of Projects.  The Credit Parties have heretofore made available to the Lender all feasibility studies and geological, reserve, resource, metallurgical, engineering and financial data and evaluations of the Mineral Properties prepared by or for the benefit of any Credit Party or otherwise in the possession of any Credit Party.  The Credit Parties are not aware of any inaccuracy or omission in such information which has not been disclosed to the Lender in writing.

 

(q)  Project Permits.  Except for permits, licenses, approvals, authorizations, certifications, registrations and consents which are to be obtained by a Credit Party from time to time in the ordinary course of business and the absence or delay of which will not interfere with or delay development and operation of the Mineral Properties, all permits, licenses, approvals, authorizations, certifications, registrations and consents of Governmental Authorities which are necessary to undertake and conduct the business of the Credit Parties or any Subsidiary thereof as it is currently being conducted are identified in Schedule 6.1(q) hereto (collectively, the “Project Permits”).  The Borrower has obtained all Project Permits necessary to conduct mining operations at its Mineral Properties as currently conducted and all such Project Permits are in full force and effect in accordance with their terms, free of defaults, and no written notice alleging a breach or default under any of the Project Permits or challenging or questioning the validity of any such Project Permit has been delivered, except to the extent disclosed to the Lender in Schedule 6.1(q).

 

(r) Authorization re Issuance of Securities. The Borrower has taken all the corporate steps necessary to duly authorize all matters in connection with the issuance of the Warrants and for that reason has the power and authority to create, issue and deliver the Warrants in favour of the Lender and, upon issuance and exercise, shall deliver validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable common shares in the capital of the Borrower, subject to Applicable Securities Legislation hold periods. The Borrower has complied, and will comply, with all Applicable Securities Legislation in the course of its affairs and particularly in connection with the issuance of the Warrants, including, but not limited to, receiving the conditional approval of the Exchange (on or before the Closing Date) with respect to the listing of the common shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, which approval shall be obtained without a prospectus provided that:

 

(i)  the Borrower is a reporting issuer under Applicable Securities Legislation in at least one of the Reporting Jurisdictions and its common shares are listed for trading on the Exchange;

 

(ii)  the Borrower has complied and will comply with all Applicable Laws and regulations, including Applicable Securities Legislation and the rules and policies of the Exchange in connection with the issuance of the Warrants;

 

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(iii)  the Borrower is not in default of any Applicable Securities Legislation or the Exchange rules or policies nor is it included in a list of defaulting reporting issuers maintained by any securities commissions where the Borrower is a reporting issuer or other securities regulatory authorities in the provinces and territories of Canada;

 

(iv)  no order ceasing, halting or suspending trading nor prohibiting the sale of common shares has been issued to and is outstanding against the Borrower or its directors, officers or promoters and, to the best of the Borrower’s knowledge, no investigation or proceedings for such purposes are pending or threatened;

 

(v)  the Borrower has complied with all the requirements of National Instrument 43-101, including, without limitation, with respect to the preparation and filing of any technical reports; and

 

(vi)  upon delivery, the Warrants are duly and validly issued.

 

ARTICLE 7

 

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF THE CREDIT PARTIES

 

Until the full and final payment and performance of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement, each of the Credit Parties shall, unless Lender otherwise consents in writing (which consent Lender may grant or withhold in its sole discretion), perform all covenants in this Article 7.

 

7.1  Compliance with Laws, Etc. The Credit Parties shall comply, and shall cause each of their Subsidiaries to comply with all applicable Governmental Requirements, including Environmental Laws.  Each Credit Party shall own, operate and manage its Mineral Properties in compliance with all applicable Governmental Requirements.  The Credit Parties shall pay, and shall cause each Credit Party to pay, all Taxes, assessments, and governmental charges imposed upon them or their respective property before the same become delinquent, except to the extent contested in good faith and adequately reserved for in accordance with GAAP or IFRS, as then applicable to such Credit Party.

 

7.2  Project Permits. The Credit Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain as soon as practicable, and shall maintain, all Project Permits in full force and effect.

 

7.3  Reporting Requirements.  The Credit Parties shall deliver to the Lender the reports, information, notices and certificates set forth below:

 

(a)  Quarterly Financial Information.  As soon as available and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each quarter of each year, the Borrower shall deliver to the Lender a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower, each as of the end of such quarter and statements of consolidated income, cash flow and retained earnings of the Borrower for such quarter and for the period commencing at the end of the previous year and ending with the end of such quarter.

 

(b)  Annual Financial Information.  As soon as available and in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower as of the end of such year and consolidated statements of income, cash flow and retained earnings of the Borrower for such year audited by chartered public accountants reasonably acceptable to the Lender.

 

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(c)  Litigation; Claims.  Promptly after initiation thereof, notice of any claims, proceedings, litigation or disputes by, against, or otherwise involving any Credit Party, or any Mineral Properties, or other litigation which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, together with copies of the court filings or other documents associated therewith.

 

(d)  Material Agreements.  Promptly after receipt thereof, copies of any notices of default or claims of breach received or sent by any Credit Party, pertaining to any of the Material Agreements, and, promptly after receipt thereof, copies of all Material Agreements entered into by a Credit Party after the date of this Agreement.

 

(e)  Environmental Matters.  Promptly after the filing or receipt thereof, copies of (i) all new Project Permits, together with a description thereof and (ii) all notices with or from any Governmental Authority alleging noncompliance with or violation of Environmental Laws or Project Permits and any correspondence in response thereto.

 

(f)  New Subsidiaries.  Prior to the organization or acquisition of any new Subsidiary of the Borrower, the Borrower shall (i) provide the Lender with written notice thereof and (ii) each new Subsidiary of the Borrower shall accede to the terms of this Agreement by entering into a Guarantee, and granting in favour of the Lender any and all Security as the Lender may require.

 

(g)  Other Information; Updated Schedules.  Such other certificates, reports and information respecting the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of any Credit Party and any Mineral Properties as the Lender may from time to time reasonably request.

 

7.4  Inspection. At any reasonable time during normal business hours and from time to time, each Credit Party shall permit, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to permit, the Lender and its Representatives to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the records and books of account of, and to visit the properties of, each Credit Party (including the Mineral Properties) and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of each Credit Party with any Representative of a Credit Party.  So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower shall pay all reasonable costs of one site visit or collateral inspection per year, and at any time that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower shall pay all costs of the activities described in this Section 7.4.

 

7.5  Insurance. Each Credit Party shall maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies (i) insurance on all its property and assets insuring against at least such risks as are usually insured against in the same or a similar business and as required by Governmental Requirements and (ii) liability insurance covering at least such risks as are usually insured against in the same or a similar business and as required by Governmental Requirements; and furnish to the Lender, upon request, full information as to the insurance carried.  The present insurance coverage of the Credit Parties as of the Closing Date is outlined as to carrier, policy number, expiration date, type and amount on Schedule 7.5.   Upon the request of the Lender from time to time, each Credit Party shall deliver to the Lender evidence of the insurance then in effect, including a detailed list of such insurance containing the information set forth on Schedule 7.5.  The insurance policies shall name the Lender as loss payee and additional insured and shall contain an endorsement providing that such insurance cannot be terminated or amended without at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Lender. The Credit Parties shall, within 5 Business Days of the Closing Date, deliver to the Lender evidence that (i) the Lender is first loss payee and additional insured under the insurance 

 

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policies of each of the Credit Parties including, in respect of the Borealis Project and (ii) such insurance policies are in compliance with Section 7.5.

 

7.6  Keeping of Records and Books of Account.  The Credit Parties shall keep, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to keep, adequate records and books of account, in which complete entries shall be made reflecting all financial transactions of each Credit Party, and with respect to the Borrower and all Credit Parties on a consolidated basis, all in accordance with GAAP or IFRS, as applicable to the Credit Parties at such point in time, and in each case, consistently applied.

 

7.7  Preservation of Existence, Etc.  Each Credit Party shall preserve and maintain, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to preserve and maintain, their respective corporate existence, rights, franchises and privileges in the jurisdiction of their incorporation or formation; and, each Credit Party will qualify and remain qualified, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to qualify and remain qualified, to engage in business and conduct business activities in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is necessary or desirable in view of their business and operations or the ownership of their properties.  Each Credit Party will comply, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, with all requirements of applicable Governmental Requirements and all rules, regulations and requirements of stock exchanges on which their respective capital stock is traded, if any, concerning disclosure of matters relevant to such Persons and their properties; and, each Credit Party will timely file, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to timely file, full and complete reports concerning their business and operations as required by such Governmental Requirements and stock exchange, rules, regulations and requirements.

 

7.8  Conduct of Business; Maintenance of Properties. The Credit Parties shall engage solely, and will cause each Credit Party to engage solely, in the business of developing and operating the Mineral Properties, and other prospective projects, and in activities incident thereto, in accordance with Prudent Mining Industry Practices.  The Credit Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to explore, investigate, develop and use the Mineral Properties in accordance with Prudent Mining Industry Practices.  The Credit Parties shall diligently and continuously work to develop and operate the Mineral Properties.  The Credit Parties shall from time to time, make and cause to be made, all repairs, renewals, replacements, additions and improvements to the Mineral Properties and their properties and assets, such that the Borrower and the other Credit Parties may properly and advantageously conduct their business at all times in accordance with Prudent Mining Industry Practices.

 

7.9  Notice of Default. The Borrower shall furnish to the Lender as soon as possible and in any event within three (3) Business Days after the occurrence of each Event of Default or Default continuing on the date of such statement, a statement of the president or chief financial officer of the Borrower, setting forth the details of such Event of Default or Default, and the action which the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

7.10  Defense of Title and Rights. Each Credit Party shall preserve and defend its ownership of and all right, title and interest in its assets, properties and rights, including the Mineral Properties, as such title is represented and warranted in Section 6.1(j).  Each Credit Party shall defend, and will cause the other Credit Parties to defend, the Liens in favor of the Lender under the Security Documents, and the Credit Parties shall maintain and preserve such Liens as perfected Liens with their Agreed Priority.  Each Credit Party shall ensure that the Security Documents shall at all times cover and extend to all assets, properties, rights and interests of each Credit Party or Subsidiary.

 

7.11  Material Agreements. The Credit Parties shall comply with, and shall cause each other Credit Party to comply with, the terms and conditions of each of the Material Agreements.

 

7.12  Maintenance of Borrower’s Account. The Borrower shall establish and maintain the Borrower’s Account as its primary operating account, in the location and with the bank or financial institution described on Schedule 1.1(b), and shall not change such account without the Lender’s prior written consent.

 

7.13  Reporting Issuer Status. Borrower shall use its reasonable best efforts to maintain:

 

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(a) the listing of its common shares on the Exchange until the expiry date of the Warrants; and

 

(b) its status as a reporting issuer under Applicable Securities Legislation in at least one of the Reporting Jurisdiction from the date hereof until the expiry date of the Warrants.

 

7.14  Further Assurances. Each Credit Party shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Lender such other and further documents and Instruments and do or cause to be done such other acts as the Lender reasonably determines to be necessary or desirable to effect the intent of the parties to this Agreement or otherwise to protect and preserve the interests of the Lender hereunder, promptly upon request of the Lender, including the execution and delivery of any and all documents and Instruments which are necessary or advisable to create, protect or maintain in favour of the Lender, Liens on all Collateral of the Credit Parties as may be required by this Agreement or any Security Document that are duly perfected in accordance with all applicable Governmental Requirements and with the Agreed Priority.

 

ARTICLE 8

 

NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF THE CREDIT PARTIES

 

Until the full and final payment and performance of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement, each of the Credit Parties shall, unless the Lender otherwise consents in writing (which consent, other than as indicated below, the Lender may grant or withhold in its sole discretion), perform all covenants in this Article 8.

 

8.1   Indebtedness. The Credit Parties shall not, and the Credit Parties shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, any Indebtedness except (a) Indebtedness hereunder; (b) Indebtedness secured by Liens permitted by Section 8.2; (c) Indebtedness existing on the date hereof disclosed to the Lender on Schedule 6.1(n) hereto; and (d) unsecured account trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business provided payment thereof is not more than 90 days overdue, and provided that the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness shall not exceed $1,500,000;

 

8.2  Liens, Etc. Without the prior written consent of the Lender, the Credit Parties shall not, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon or with respect to any portion of its interest in any Mineral Properties or any other real or personal property or assets of the Borrower or any Credit Party, now owned or hereafter acquired, or assign or otherwise convey any right to receive the production, proceeds or income therefrom, except:

 

(a)  Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies if the same shall not at the time be delinquent or thereafter can be paid without penalty, or are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and where adequate resources satisfactory to the Lender, have been established in accordance with GAAP;

 

(b)  Liens imposed by law, such as carriers, warehousemen and mechanics’ liens and other similar liens arising in the ordinary course of business associated with amounts not yet due and payable, or which are being diligently disputed by the Borrower in good faith and pursuant to appropriate procedures and where adequate resources satisfactory to the Lender, have been established in accordance with GAAP;

 

(c)  Liens of purchase money mortgages and other security interests on equipment acquired, leased or held by such Credit Party in the ordinary course of business to 

 

 

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secure the purchase price of or rental payments with respect to such equipment or to secure indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition (including the acquisition as lessee under leveraged leases), construction or improvement of any such equipment to be subject to such mortgages or security interests, or mortgages or other security interests existing on any such equipment at the time of such acquisition, or extensions, renewals or replacements of any of the foregoing for the same or a lesser amount in an amount not to exceed $100,000, in the aggregate, provided that no such mortgage or other security interest shall extend to or cover any equipment other than the equipment being acquired, constructed or improved, and no such extension, renewal or replacement shall extend to or cover any property not theretofore subject to the mortgage or security interest being extended, renewed or replaced;

 

(d)  Liens outstanding on the date hereof and described in Schedule 6.(n) hereto;

 

(e)  Liens arising under the Security Documents;

 

(f)  Cash or governmental obligations deposited in the ordinary course of business in connection with contracts, bids, tenders or to secure workmen’s compensation, unemployment insurance, surety or appeal bonds, costs of litigation, when required by law, public and statutory obligations, Liens or claims incidental to current construction, mechanics’, warehousemen’s, carriers’ and other similar Liens;

 

(g)  Liens given in the ordinary course of business to a public utility or any municipality or governmental or other public authority when required by such utility or municipality or governmental or other authority in connection with the operations of the Borrower; and

 

(h)  in the case of real property, any matters, restrictions, covenants, conditions, limitations, rights, rights of way, easements, encroachments, reservations, easements, agreements and other matters of record, such state of facts of which an accurate survey of the property would reveal, which in the aggregate, are not material in amount and which do not, in the aggregate materially detract from the value of such real property or materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of such Credit Party’s business.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Credit Party shall grant a Lien on any of its properties or assets in violation of this Section 8.2, then it shall be deemed to have simultaneously granted an equal and ratable Lien on any such properties or assets to and in favour of the Lender, to the extent that such a Lien has not already been granted to the Lender.

 

8.3  Assumptions, Guarantees, Etc. of Indebtedness of Other Persons. No Credit Party shall, directly or indirectly, assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become directly or contingently liable (including, without limitation, liable by way of agreement, contingent or otherwise, to purchase, to provide funds for payment, to supply funds to or otherwise invest in the debtor or otherwise to assure the creditor against loss) in connection with any Indebtedness of any other Person, except in connection with Indebtedness contemplated by Section 8.1(d).

 

8.4  Liquidation; Merger; Change in Ownership.  Without the prior written consent of the Lender, no Credit Party shall liquidate or dissolve, or enter into any consolidation or merger, or enter into any partnership, joint venture or other combination where such combination 

 

 

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involves a contribution by such Credit Party of all or substantially all of its assets, or sell, lease or dispose of its business or assets as a whole or in an amount which constitutes substantially all of such assets, or enter into any agreement with respect to the foregoing or agree to do or undertake any of the foregoing.

 

8.5  Restrictive and Inconsistent Agreements. The Credit Parties shall not, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, enter into any agreement or undertaking or incur or suffer any obligation prohibiting or inconsistent with the performance by any Credit Party of its Obligations under the Loan Documents or any Material Agreement.

 

8.6  Burdens on Production. No Credit Party shall grant, sell, transfer, assign or convey, directly or indirectly, to any Person any royalty (of any kind or nature whatsoever, howsoever designated), production payment or other non-cost bearing interests in any of the Mineral Properties, other than the royalties existing as at the date hereof and fully described in Schedule 8.6 and other than pursuant to the Gold and Silver Supply Agreement.

 

8.7  Investments in Other Persons. No Credit Party shall, directly or indirectly, (i) make any loan or advance of credit to any Person other than such advance as the Borrower may make to the Original Guarantor or (ii) purchase or otherwise acquire the capital stock, indebtedness, obligations of, or any interest in, any Person (other than readily marketable direct obligations of the United States of America and certificates of time deposit issued by a commercial bank of recognized standing operating in Canada or the United States of America, or other investment grade instruments approved by the Lender).

 

8.8  Sale of Assets. No Credit Party shall, and each Credit Party shall cause its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of any of their respective assets or properties, including, without limitation, those assets and properties related to any Mineral Properties, except as may be commercially reasonable to replace obsolete equipment or inventory in the ordinary course of business, other than the sale of minerals in the ordinary course of trade and in accordance with the Gold and Silver Supply Agreement.

 

8.9  Nature of Business. No Credit Party will engage in any business activities or operations different from their current business of exploring for and developing precious metals mining properties and activities and operations reasonably related thereto.

 

8.10  Dividends.The Borrower shall not declare, accrue or pay any dividends, whether in cash or in Equity Interests of the Borrower, while any Loan or any other amount hereunder remains outstanding and unpaid.

 

8.11  Material Agreements. No Credit Party shall, and each Credit Party shall cause its Subsidiaries to not, (a) enter into or agree to enter into any Material Agreement, or (b) modify, amend or knowingly waive any rights with respect to any Material Agreement to which any such Person is a party, in each case without the prior written consent of the Lender.

 

8.12  Payment of Indebtedness. No Credit Party shall directly or indirectly, voluntarily or involuntarily, purchase, redeem, defease or pay, repay or prepay any principal, interest or any other amount in relation to any Indebtedness, other than (i) to the Lender or (ii) the Indebtedness fully described in Schedule 8.12.

 

8.13  Charter Documents. No Credit Party shall amend or modify its Constating Documents (or equivalent charter documents).

 

ARTICLE 9

 

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

 

9.1  Event of Default. Each of the following events shall be an “Event of Default” hereunder:

 

(a)  Nonpayment.  The Borrower shall fail to repay the Loan as and when due hereunder (whether at stated maturity, by prepayment, on demand or otherwise), or shall fail to pay interest hereunder when due (whether on a payment date, by prepayment, on demand or otherwise), or shall fail to pay any other amounts due hereunder when due (whether on the date when due, by prepayment, on demand or otherwise).

 

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(b)  Specific Defaults.  The Borrower or any other Credit Party shall fail to observe or perform any of its covenants contained in Article 8 of this Agreement.

 

(c)  Other Defaults.  A Credit Party fails to perform, observe or comply with any other covenant or any other provision or obligation contained in any Loan Document to which it is a party, other than the covenants referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above and such default or failure is not capable of being remedied or, if capable of being remedied, continues for a period of five days, provided in such case the Credit Party is proceeding diligently to remedy such failure and the Lender is not prejudiced thereby.

 

(d)  Representation or Warranty.  Any representation or warranty made by any Credit Party under or in connection with this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents proves to have been incorrect, incomplete or misleading in any respect.

 

(e)  Cross-Default.  A default shall occur under (i) any Loan Document, (ii) any Material Agreement (subject to applicable cure periods thereunder, if any), or (iii) any agreement or Instrument pertaining to Indebtedness in excess of US$100,000; or any Credit Party shall fail to pay any Indebtedness in excess of US$100,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) in principal amount (but excluding Indebtedness included in the Obligations), or any interest or premium thereon, when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise) and such default or failure to pay is not being contested by such Credit Party in good faith;  or, any other default under any agreement or Instrument relating to any such Indebtedness or any other event, shall occur and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or Instrument, if the effect of such default or event is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Indebtedness; or any such Indebtedness shall be declared (or is permitted to be declared) to be due and payable, or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment), prior to the stated maturity thereof.

 

(f)  Bankruptcy; Insolvency.  (i) Any Credit Party shall initiate or commence any case, proceeding or other action (A) under any existing or future Bankruptcy Law, or otherwise seeking to have it judged bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, winding-up, liquidation, dissolution, composition or other relief with respect to it or its debts, or (B) seeking appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, administrator, conservator or other similar official for it or for all or any part of its assets, or any Credit Party shall make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or (ii) there shall be commenced against any Credit Party any case, proceeding or other action of a nature referred to in clause (i) above which (A) results in the entry of an order for relief or any such adjudication or appointment or (B) remains undismissed, undischarged or unbonded for a period of thirty (30) days; or (iii) there shall be commenced against any Credit Party any case, proceeding or other action seeking issuance of a warrant of attachment, execution, distraint or similar process against all or any part of their assets which results in the entry of an order for any such relief which shall not have been vacated, discharged, or stayed or bonded pending appeal within thirty (30) days from the entry thereof; or (iv) any Credit Party shall take any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, authorization of, or acquiescence in, any of the acts set forth in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) above; or (v) any Credit Party generally shall not, or shall be unable to, or shall admit in writing its inability to, pay its debts as they become due.

 

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(g)  Judgments.  A final judgment or order for the payment of money in excess of US$100,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) shall be rendered against any Credit Party and either: (i) enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order; or (ii) a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect for any period of ten (10) consecutive days.

 

(h)  Security Interest.  Any Security Document after delivery thereof shall for any reason, except to the extent permitted by the terms thereof or the terms hereof, cease to create a valid and perfected Lien having the Agreed Priority with respect to any of the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, or a Credit Party shall so state or claim in writing.

 

(i)  Expropriation/Condemnation.  An Expropriation Event shall have occurred.

 

(j)  Regulatory Action.  Any Governmental Authority shall take or attempt to take any action with respect to a Credit Party, or with respect to any Mineral Properties or any Collateral subject to the Security Documents, which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect unless such action is set aside, dismissed or withdrawn within five (5) days of its institution or such action is being contested in good faith, its effect is stayed during such contest and the Credit Parties are allowed to continue development of such Mineral Properties during such period.

 

(k)  Material Adverse Change.  A Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred.

 

(l)  Change of Control.  A Change of Control shall have occurred.

 

9.2  Remedies Upon Event of Default.

 

(a)  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Section 9.1(f) of this Agreement, all obligations of the Lender hereunder shall terminate, but such termination shall not limit any rights or remedies of the Lender hereunder.  In the case of any Event of Default specified in Sections 9.1(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k),  or (l), upon notice by the Lender to the Borrower of the Lender’s election to declare the Borrower in default, the obligations of the Lender hereunder shall terminate, but such termination shall not limit any rights or remedies of the Lender hereunder.  The date on which such notice is sent with respect to an Event of Default specified in Sections 9.1(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), or (l), shall be the “Date of Default.”  The Date of Default with respect to an Event of Default specified in Section 9.1(f) of this Agreement shall be the date of occurrence of any event or action specified therein.

 

(b)  Upon the Date of Default and upon notice from the Lender of an Event of Default specified in Section 9.1(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), or (l), the Loan, together with all interest thereon and all other amounts owed by the Borrower hereunder to the Lender, shall be accelerated and become immediately due and payable in full.

 

(c)  Immediately and automatically upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Section 9.1(f), without delivery of any notice by the Lender, the Loan, together with all interest thereon and all other amounts owed by the Borrower hereunder shall be automatically accelerated and immediately due and payable on the Date of Default.

 

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(d)  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, all of the rights and remedies provided to the Lender in this Agreement, each of the Security Documents and each other Loan Document shall immediately become available to the Lender, and the Lender shall have all other rights and remedies available at law or in equity.

 

(e)  All rights and remedies of the Lender set out in this Agreement, the Security Documents and the other Loan Documents are cumulative, and no right or remedy contained herein or therein is intended to be exclusive; each such right or remedy is in addition to every other right and remedy contained in this Agreement, the Security Documents and the other Loan Documents, or in any existing or future agreement, or now or in the future existing at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.

 

(f)  Except as expressly provided above in this Section 9.2, presentment, demand, protest and all other notices of any kind are hereby expressly waived.  From and after the Date of Default, interest on the Loan shall accrue at the Default Rate and shall be payable on demand.

 

ARTICLE 10

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

10.1  Amendments, Etc. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, no amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Lender, and, in the case of any amendment, by the Borrower and the Lender and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.

 

10.2  Notices. Etc. Any notice, direction or other communication to be given under this Agreement shall, except as otherwise permitted, be in writing and given by delivering it or sending it by facsimile or other similar form of recorded communication addressed:

 

(a) to any Credit Party at:

 

Gryphon Gold Corporation

611 N. Nevada Street,

Carson City,

NV 89703

Attention:                      Jim O’Neill

Facsimile:                      604-608-3262

 

E-Mail:                      joneil@gryphongold.com

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(b) to the Lender at:

 

Waterton Global Value, L.P.

Folio House, Road Town,

Tortola, VG1110

British Virgin Islands

Attention:                      Peter Poole

Facsimile:                      (284) 494-8356/7422

 

Any such communication shall be deemed to have been validly and effectively given if (i) personally delivered, on the date of such delivery if such date is a Business Day and such delivery was made prior to 4:00 p.m. (Toronto time), otherwise on the next Business Day, (ii) transmitted by facsimile, electronic mail or similar means of recorded communication on the Business Day following the date of transmission.  Any party may change its address for service from time to time by notice given in accordance with the foregoing and any subsequent notice shall be sent to the party at its changed address.

 

10.3  No Waiver; Remedies. No failure on the part of the Lender to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder, or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder, or under any other Loan Document preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

 

10.4  Cost, Expenses and Taxes. The Borrower and the other Credit Parties agree to pay on demand all reasonable costs and expenses of the Lender in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution, and delivery of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and the other documents and Instruments to be delivered hereunder, including, without limitation the reasonable fees and expenses of all legal counsel and independent consultants to the Lender and all other out-of-pocket expenses of the Lender.  In addition, the Borrower and the other Credit Parties agree to pay on demand all costs and expenses of the Lender in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,  including the costs and expenses incurred by the Lender in connection with site visits by the Lender to the Mineral Properties, and all costs and expenses, if any, in connection with the protection of the Lender’s rights with respect to and the enforcement of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and the other documents to be delivered hereunder (whether incurred before, during or after commencement of any bankruptcy, reorganization or insolvency actions pertaining to the Borrower).  In addition, the Borrower and the other Credit Parties agree to pay any and all stamp, mortgage recording and other Taxes, filing fees, duties or charges payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and the other documents to be delivered hereunder, and the Borrower and the other Credit Parties agree to indemnify and save the Lender harmless from and against any and all liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay in paying or omission to pay such Taxes, filing fees or charges.  The Borrower and the other Credit Parties acknowledge that they shall pay all aforementioned costs, expenses and taxes regardless of whether the Loan is advanced.

 

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10.5  Indemnification. The Borrower and each other Credit Party agree to indemnify the Lender and each of the Lender’s Affiliates and their respective directors, partners, managers, members, owners, principals, shareholders, officers, employees, agents, consultants and Representatives (each, an “Indemnified Party” and collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”), from and against, and to defend and hold each of the Indemnified Parties harmless from, any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, fines, suits, costs, charges, claims, Taxes, expenses, payments or disbursements of any kind whatsoever, including attorneys’ fees and expenses (collectively “Losses”) which may at any time (including, without limitation, at any time following the payment of the Obligations) be imposed on, incurred or suffered by or asserted against any Indemnified Party in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any Instruments contemplated by or referred to herein or therein, or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or any act or omission of a Credit Party, or the ownership, management, administration or operation of any Mineral Properties, except with respect to Losses arising entirely out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Lender.

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions, the Borrower and each other Credit Party hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties from and against any and all administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, claims, liens, notices of non-compliance or violation, investigations, inspections, inquiries, proceedings, losses, costs, expenses, damages, claims and liabilities (collectively, “Environmental Claims”) incurred by any Indemnified Party relating in any way to any Environmental Laws or to any Project Permit in respect of the Borrower, any Credit Party, any Mineral Properties or any of its  other property, or any part thereof, including without limitation, as a result of:

 

(i)           any breach or violation of Environmental Laws which relates to any Mineral Properties or the business, operations or activities of any Credit Party;

 

(ii)           any Release, presence, use, creation, transportation, storage or disposal of Hazardous Materials which relate to any Mineral Properties or the business, operations or activities of any Credit Party; or

 

(iii)           any claim or order for any clean-up, restoration, detoxification, reclamation, repair or other securing or remedial action which relates to any Mineral Properties or the business, operations or activities of any Credit Party.

 

The provisions of this Section 10.5 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and repayment of the Loan and the other Obligations.

10.6  Binding Effect; Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Lender and its respective permitted successors and assigns.  The Credit Parties may not assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein or in any other Loan Document without the prior written consent of the Lender.  The Lender may, at any time, without the consent of any Credit Party, transfer or assign to its respective successors and Affiliates all or any part of, this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and the Loan, and, to the extent of such assignment, such assignee shall have the same obligations, rights and benefits with respect to the Borrower and the other Credit Parties as it would have had if it were the Lender hereunder.

 

10.7  Governing Law.

 

THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO AND THE FEDERAL LAWS OF CANADA APPLICABLE IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO.

 

 

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10.8  Dispute Resolution; Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

(a) Each Party waives the right to trial by jury with respect to any dispute between or among two or more Parties or their subsidiaries with respect to this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.  Each Credit Party irrevocably attorns and submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any court of competent jurisdiction of the province of Ontario in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement.  Each Credit Party irrevocably waives objection to the venue of any action or proceeding in such court or that such court provides an inconvenient forum.  Nothing in this Section 10.8 limits the right of the Lender to bring proceedings against any Credit Party in the courts of any other jurisdiction.

 

(b) Each Credit Party hereby irrevocably consents to the service of any and all process in any such action or proceeding by the delivery of copies of such process to the Borrower at its address set out in Section 10.8.   Nothing in this Section 10.8 affects the right of the Lender to serve process in any manner permitted by Governmental Requirements.

 

(c) Each of the parties to this Agreement hereby irrevocably waives all right to a trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.  The scope of this waiver is intended to be all-encompassing with respect to any and all disputes that may be filed in any court and that relate to the subject matter of this transaction, including contract claims, tort claims, breach of duty claims and all other common law and statutory claims.  Each of the parties hereto (a) acknowledges that this waiver is a material inducement for the parties to the Loan Documents to enter into a business relationship, that the parties to the Loan Documents have already relied on this waiver in entering into same and the transactions that are the subject thereof, and that they will continue to rely on this waiver in their related future dealings, and (b) further warrants and represents that each has reviewed this waiver with its legal counsel and that each knowingly and voluntarily waives its jury trial rights following consultation with legal counsel.  This waiver is irrevocable, meaning that it may not be modified either orally or in writing, and this waiver shall apply to any subsequent amendments, modifications, supplements, extensions, renewals and/or replacements of this Agreement.  In the event of litigation, this Agreement may be filed as a written consent to a trial by the court.

 

10.9    Execution in Counterparts; Facsimile and Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.  This Agreement may be validly executed and delivered by facsimile, portable document format (.pdf) or other electronic transmission (including e-mail), and a signature by facsimile, portable document format (.pdf) or other electronic transmission (including e-mail) shall be as effective and binding as an original signature.

 

10.10  Inconsistent Provisions.  In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any of the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern and be controlling.

 

10.11  Severability. If any provision hereof is determined to be ineffective or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions hereof shall remain in effect, binding on the parties and enforceable at the election of the Lender in its sole discretion.

 

10.12  Governing Language. For all purposes, this English language version of this Agreement shall be the original, governing instrument and understanding of the parties.  In the event of any conflict between this English language version of the Agreement and any subsequent translation into any other language, this English language version shall govern and control.

 

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10.13  Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any document, certificate or statement delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of any Loan.

 

10.14  Entire Agreement; Schedules and Exhibits. The Schedules to this Agreement and the Exhibits to this Agreement form an integral part of this Agreement and are incorporated herein by reference and expressly made a part hereof.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, superseding all prior statements, representations, discussions, agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to such subject matter.

 

10.15  Credit Party Joint and Several Liability.Each of the Credit Parties shall be jointly and severally liable for each Obligation.  The Borrower and the other Credit Parties are engaged in related businesses and are integrated to such an extent that the financial strength and flexibility of each Credit Party has a direct, tangible and immediate impact on the success of the other Credit Parties.  Each Guarantor will derive substantial direct and indirect benefit from the extensions of the Loan to the Borrower hereunder.  Each Guarantor waives any right to revoke, terminate or suspend its Guarantee and acknowledges that it entered into such Guarantee in contemplation of the benefits that it would receive by this Agreement.

 

10.16  Acknowledgements. Each of the parties hereto hereby acknowledges that:

 

(a)  it has been advised by its own legal counsel in the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and each other Loan Document;

 

(b)  this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be construed  against any party or more favourably in favour of any party based upon which party drafted the same, it being agreed and acknowledged that all parties contributed substantially to the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

 

(c)  the Lender has no fiduciary relationship with or duty to the Borrower or any other Credit Party arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and the relationship between the Lender, on one hand, and the Borrower and the other Credit Parties, on the other hand, in connection herewith is solely that of debtor and creditor;

 

(d)  this Agreement does not create a joint venture or partnership among the parties hereto, and no joint venture or partnership exists, or shall be deemed to exist, among the Lender, or among the Lender and the Borrower, or among the Lender and the other Credit Parties; and

 

(e)  each of the Loan Documents is confidential in nature and none of the parties shall disclose any part of any of the Loan Documents to any third party (other than each party’s respective financial and legal advisors), without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto, unless such party is required to do so by a Governmental Authority.  If a Governmental Authority expressly mandates the disclosure of any part of any of the Loan Documents, the Lender shall be provided with written notice, ten (10) Business Days prior to the scheduled date of disclosure and shall, in its discretion, be permitted to redact certain portions of the Loan Documents which will be disclosed.

 

 

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 [Signatures on following page.]

 

 

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above written.

 

 

	 	
BORROWER:

GRYPHON GOLD CORPORATION

	 	 
	 	By:  ______________________________________
	 	Name:
	 	Title:

 

	 	

ORIGINAL GUARANTOR:

BOREALIS MINING COMPANY

	 	 
	 	By:  ______________________________________
	 	Name:
	 	Title:

 

 

	 	

LENDER:

WATERTON GLOBAL VALUE, L.P., by its Investment Manager, ALTITUDE MANAGEMENT LIMITED

	 	 
	 	By:  ______________________________________
	 	       Authorized Signing Officer
	 	 

[Signature Page to Bridge Loan Agreement]

  

  

  

SCHEDULES

 

 

Schedule 1.1(a)                                           Borealis Project

Schedule 1.1(b)                                           Borrower’s Account

Schedule 1.1(c)                                           Material Agreements

Schedule 1.1(d)                                           Mineral and Other Properties

Schedule 6.1(b)                                           Subsidiaries

Schedule 6.1 (f)                                           Litigation

Schedule 6.1(g)                                           Financial Statements

Schedule 6.1(h)                                           Other Agreements

Schedule 6.1(j)(i)                                         Title; Liens

Schedule 6.1(m)                                           Environmental Disclosures

Schedule 6.1(n)                                            Existing Indebtedness

Schedule 6.1(1)                                            Project Permits

Schedule 7.5                                                Insurance

Schedule 8.6                                                Burdens on Protection

Schedule 8.12                                              Payment of Indebtedness

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