UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
20549
FORM 10-KSB
(Mark One)
ý ANNUAL REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended MAY 31, 2005
o TRANSITION REPORT
UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
For the transition period from _____to _______
Commission file number: 333-97187
STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC.
(Exact name of small business issuer in its charter)
Nevada | 72-1535634 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
or organization) | |
900 789 West Pender Street | |
Vancouver BC | V6C 1H2 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Issuers telephone number: (604) 893-8891
Securities Registered Under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
None
Securities Registered Under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, $0.001 par value
(Title of class)
Check whether the Issuer (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-B is not contained in this form, and no disclosure will be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. ý
The issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year ended May 31, 2005 were $11,882.
Aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting share of Common Stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $6,293,250 based on the closing trading price for the common equity as of July 29, 2005 (at $ 0.30 per share closing price).
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(ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Check whether the issuer has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes o No ý
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE REGISTRANTS)
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the Issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 40,277,500 common shares issued and outstanding as of July 29, 2005.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (Check one): Yes o No ý
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STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC.
FORM 10-KSB
INDEX
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PART I
Item 1. Description of Business.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This annual report contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. Some discussions in this report may contain forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainty. A number of important factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us in this report. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words like: believe, expect, estimate, anticipate, intend, project and similar expressions or words which, by their nature, refer to future events.
In some cases, you can also identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as may, will, should, plans, predicts, potential or continue or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the risks in the section entitled "Risk Factors", that may cause our or our industry's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.
Our financial statements are stated in United States Dollars (US$) and are prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. All references to CA $ refer to Canadian Dollars and all references to "common shares" refer to the common shares in our capital stock.
As used in this annual report, the terms "we", "us", "our", and "Sterling" mean Sterling Group Ventures, Inc., unless otherwise indicated.
Sterling is an exploration stage company. There is no assurance that commercially viable mineral deposits exist on the claims that we have under option. Further exploration will be required before a final evaluation as to the economic and legal feasibility of the claims is determined.
Business Development During Last Three Years
We were incorporated in the state of Nevada on September 13, 2001. Since our incorporation, we have been in the business of the exploration and development of a mineral property. We have not been involved in any bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceeding nor has there been any material reclassification or merger, consolidation or purchase or sale of a significant amount of assets not in the ordinary course of business.
Our Current Business
We were incorporated in the State of Nevada on September 13, 2001 and established a fiscal year end of May 31. We are a start-up, exploration stage company engaged in the search for lithium and related minerals; There is no assurance a commercially viable mineral deposit exists on any of our properties. Any further exploration will be required before a final evaluation as to the economic and legal feasibility is determined. We have not yet generated or realized any revenues from our business operations. Our statutory registered agent's office is located at 251 Jeanell Drive, No. 3, Carson City, Nevada 89703 and our business office is located at 900 789 West Pender Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V6C 1H2. Our telephone number is: (604) 893-8891.
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JIAJIKA PROJECT
On September 16, 2003, the Company, through Micro Express Ltd. (Micro), entered into an agreement with Sichuan Province Mining Ltd. to acquire 75% interest in a 30-year mining joint venture company, which will hold the mining licenses to develop the Jiajika spodumene property located in the Sichuan Province of China for the extraction of lithium and lithium salts. The Company is required to contribute through Micro an estimated $62,000,000 Chinese Yuan (US$7,500,000) to earn its 75% interest for 900,000 tonnes/annum capacity.
On March 18, 2004, Micro and Sichuan Province Mining Ltd. amended the initial capacity as 240,000 tonnes/annum pursuant to the mining permit contract signed between Sichuan Province Mining Ltd. and Sichuan Bureau of Land and Resources. The spodumene lithium concentrate expected to be produced is 47,320 tonnes/annum and tantalum concentrate is 43.2 tonnes/annum. The total investment required is estimated at 88.5 million Chinese Yuan (US$10.8 million) for the initial capacity of 240,000 t/a. The initial registered capital is 56 million Chinese Yuan (US$6.8 million). Sichuan Province Mining Ltd. will contribute 14 million Chinese Yuan (US$1.7 million) including the mining permits to hold 25% of the JV company. Micro will contribute 42 million Chinese Yuan (US$ 5.1 million) to hold 75% of the JV company, which should be contributed within 24 months after the joint venture company is established.
On May 24, 2004, the Jiajika mining permit was issued to Sichuan Province Mining Ltd.
On June 17, 2004, the Company commissioned Fluor Canada Ltd. to perform a review of the existing Feasibility Studies for the Jiajika project.
On June 22, 2004, The Bureau of Land and Resources of Sichuan Province also approved the joint venture proposal submitted by Sichuan Province Mining Ltd. Pursuant to the approval document, Sichuan Province Mining Ltd. will use its mining permit and part of cash as its contributions in the proposed joint venture company with Micro. Micro will bring the project into production. The name for the joint venture, which is Jihai Lithium Ltd., has already been approved by the Business Department of Sichuan Province.
In July 2004, Micro & our Chinese partner signed an agreement with China Nonferrous Engineering and Research Institute (ENFI) for the feasibility study of Jiajika project. In July 2004, Micro & our Chinese partner signed another agreement with Sichuan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences for the environmental impact and water preservation study of Jiajika project. In October 2004, Micro & our Chinese partner signed agreements with Sichuan Shukang Geology Engineering and Survey Ltd. for a series of engineering studies including road measurement, topography survey and earthquake studies. In December 2004, Micro signed an agreement with Beijing General Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (BGRIMM) to conduct metallurgical testing study of Jiajika project. In December 2004, Micro & our Chinese partner signed an agreement with Sichuan Forrest Reconnaissance Design and Research Institute for the road design of Jiajika project. On April 5, 2005, the Company through Micro, signed a joint venture contract with Sichuan Province Mining Ltd. for the establishment of Jihai Lithium Ltd. and the development of the Jiajika lithium deposit. Pursuant to the Contract, the project will be developed in two (2) stages with initial processing capacity of 240,000 tonnes of spodumene ore per year (t/a) and an increase to 900,000 t/a in stage II.
LUSHI PROJECT
On April 10, 2004, the Company through Micro entered into the formal joint venture agreement with Lushi Guanpo Minerals Development Ltd. of Lushi of Henan Province of China to bring the project into production and earn 90% of the interest of the project. The concession is about 100 square km and Lushi holds three mining permits. The mining permit for this property expired in March 2005. The Company is in the process of renewing the permits.
On May 26, 2004, the Company through Micro signed the contract with Beijing General Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (Institute) for the resource audit of the Lushi spodumene property. On July 15, 2004, the Company through Micro had signed the contract with the Institute for the metallurgical testing of the Lushi spodumene property.
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DX POLYMETALLIC PROJECT
On March 2, 2005, the Company through its subsidiary, Makaelo Limited (Makaelo), a BVI company, had entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with Aifeng Li, an individual residing in Anyang, Henan Province of China. Pursuant to the Agreement, the parties will set up a Joint Venture company in Inner Mongolia for the exploration and development of copper and silver in the areas of Donggou and Xiaoxigou. Aifeng Li will contribute all the necessary exploration licenses, achievements and geological data to the Joint Venture in exchange for 48% of the Joint Venture company, while the Company will finance the cost of exploration in return for 52% of the Joint Venture company. The Company expects the cost of exploration to be approximately $630,000 to be contributed over the three years. The Agreement is in the process of being renegotiated.
DAHONGLIUTAN(DHLT) PROJECT
On May 21, 2005, the Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Huyana Ventures Limited (Huyana), signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Xinjiang Hetian Xinlong Mining Co. Ltd. for the development of Dahongliutan (DHLT) spodumene deposit. Pursuant to the LOI, the parties have agreed to set up a Joint Venture Company in Hetian City of Xinjiang Province in China to share the benefits, risks and losses of the project. OTHERS
On June 19, 2005, the Company signed a Cooperative Agreement with Jianzhong Chemicals Corporation (JIANZHONG) for the possible development of the Lithium Metal and Lithium Salt Projects of Jianzhong Lithium and Calcium Corporation of JIANZHONG.
On July 11, 2005, the Company signed a letter of intent with Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute for the development of Dangxiongcuo salt lake property in Nima county of Naqu district in Tibet, China. Pursuant to the Letter of Intent, the parties have agreed to set up a Joint Venture Company in Tibet, China to share the benefits, risks and losses of the project.
Item 2. Property
Overview
On January 20, 2004, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding shares of Micro Express Ltd. (Micro) for 25,000,000 common shares of the Company. Micro is a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and has been inactive since incorporation until year 2003. Micro has entered into several agreements to develop industrial mineral properties in China.
Through the acquisition of Micro, the Company has the following property interests:
(a) Jiajika Spodumene Joint Venture
On September 16, 2003, the Company, through Micro, entered into an agreement with Sichuan Province Mining Ltd. to acquire 75% interest in a 30-year mining joint venture company, which will hold the mining licenses to develop the Jiajika spodumene property located in Sichuan Province of China for the extraction of lithium and lithium salts. The Company, through Micro, is required to contribute an estimated $62,000,000 Chinese Yuan (US$7,500,000) to earn its 75% interest for 900,000 t/a capacity. The initial capacity will be 240,000 t/a and will be increased to 900,000 t/a in stages. The Company, through Micro, is required to contribute an estimated $42 million Chinese Yuan (US$ 5.1 million) as registered capital to earn its 75% interest of joint venture company for the initial capacity of 240,000 t/a. An initial contribution of $150,000 has been made as part of the contribution to obtain the mining permit according to the contract signed between our Chinese partner and the Sichuan Bureau of Land and Resources.
On April 5, 2005, the Company, through Micro, signed a joint venture contract (the Agreement) with a Chinese partner for the establishment of a joint venture company, Jihai Lithium Ltd. (Jihai), and the development of the Jiajika lithium deposit in Kangding District, Sichuan Province, China. Pursuant to the Agreement, the project will be developed in two (2) stages with the development of a production facility with an
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initial processing capacity of 240,000 tonnes of spodumene ore per year in Stage I and then the processing capacity will be increased to 900,000 t/a in Stage II.
The Companys interest in Jihai will be 75%, with its contribution of RMB 35,000,000 ($4,216,100) to the registered capital of Jihai and pay RMB7,000,000 ($843,200) to its Chinese partner. The Chinese partners interest in Jihai will be 25%, with its contribution to the registered capital of Jihai of RMB 14,000,000 ($1,686,400) in the form of all prior work done, all technical data and information in relation to the business, and all existing permits, licenses and approvals.
Pursuant to the Agreement, additional construction funds required for the operation of the business in excess of the registered capital contributions agreed to in the Agreement will be financed by the Company as a debt of the Jihai.
In order to acquire its interest, the Companys contributions are required as follows:
Date | Amount |
April 15, 2005 | RMB5,000,000 ($602,300) to Jihai |
July 31, 2005 | RMB10,000,000 ($1,204,600) to Jihai |
Upon completion of Stage 1 construction | RMB7,000,000 ($843,200) to Chinese partner |
Within 2 years from date of issuance of business license to Jihai | RMB20,000,000 ($2,409,200) to Jihai |
The Company has not completed the required contribution and has indicated its intention to seek an amendment.
As at May 31, 2005, the Company incurred $375,748 in the Jiajika Spodumene Property. As at May 31, 2004, the Company had advanced $150,000 for this project.
The location of access to the property is shown in the following map.
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(b) Lushi Spodumene Property
On December 28, 2003, the Company, through Micro, entered into a Letter of Intent to earn an interest of between 90% to 92% in a 30-year mining joint venture, which will hold the rights to develop the Lushi spodumene property located in Henan Province, China. The Company shall contribute the total investment in the project. The amount of the investment will be determined by a pre-feasibility study. On April 10, 2004, the Company entered the formal joint-venture agreement with the Chinese party by bringing the project into production and earning 90% of the interest of the project.
As at May 31, 2005, the Company incurred $70,670 in the Lushi Spodumene Property.
The mining permit for this property expired in March 2005. The Company is in the process of renewing the permits.
The location of access to the property is shown in the following map.
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Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Makaelo Limited (Makaelo), the Company has the following property interests:
(a) DX Polymetallic Project
On March 2, 2005, the Company, through Makaelo, entered into a joint venture agreement with a Chinese citizen who holds two exploration permits for a copper project (the Project) in Inner Mongolia, China.
The Project is comprised of two exploration permits, Donggou and Xiaoxigou, covering an area of about 52 square kilometers. The Project is located in Inner Mongolia of China. The Company has the right to earn 52% of a cooperative joint venture company by spending RMB 5,200,000 ($626,400) for the exploration in the permit areas over three years with the first year contributing not less than RMB2,000,000 ($240,900). After the Company has earned 52% interest of the cooperative company, contributions to fund the exploration and development of the Project will be made pro rata. The interest of the Chinese party will be diluted to not less than 10% if it elects not to make cash contributions.
As at May 31, 2005, the Company incurred $39,446 in the DX Polymetallic Property.
The location of access to the property is shown in the following map.
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Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Huyana Ventures Limited (Huyana), the Company has the following property interests:
(a) DHLT Spodumene Property
On May 21, 2005, the Company, through Huyana, signed a letter of intent (the LOI) with a Chinese partner for the development of Dahongliutan (DHLT) spodumene deposit located in Xinjiang Province of China. A joint venture company in Hetian City of Xinjiang Province in China will be set up to conduct the development and operation of the DHLT spodumene deposit in the areas that the Chinese partner has mining permit and where the Chinese partner is applying for additional mining permits. The business of the joint venture company will include mining and processing spodumene and comprehensive utilization of other associated rare metals. The Company shall contribute the total investment in the project for an 80% interest in the joint venture. The terms of the joint venture will be decided upon further negotiations and due diligence between the parties and will be subject to a formal contract to be signed by both parties.
As at May 31, 2005, the Company incurred $707 in the DHLT Spodumene Property.
The location of access to the property is shown in following map.
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Employees
At present, we have no employees, other than our officers and directors. Our officers and directors do not have employment agreements with us, except consulting agreements which can be cancelled within 30-days notice.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We know of no material, active or pending legal proceedings against our company, nor are we involved as a plaintiff in any material proceeding or pending litigation. There are no proceedings in which any of our directors, officers or affiliates, or any registered or beneficial shareholder, is an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to our interest.
Item 4. Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
On January 17, 2005, the Company held its annual meeting of stockholders. All director nominees were elected and all proposals submitted for stockholder vote were approved. The voting results were as follows:
PROPOSAL 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominee | Votes For | Votes Against | Votes Abstained |
Richard Shao | 27,528,420 | 0 | 0 |
Raoul Tsakok | 27,526,420 | 2,000 | 0 |
Patrick P.L. Chan | 27,528,420 | 0 | 0 |
Gerald Runolfson | 27,528,420 | 0 | 0 |
PROPOSAL 2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF AMISANO HANSON, INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, AS INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FOR 2005
Votes For | Votes Against | Votes Abstained |
27,528,420 | 0 | 0 |
PROPOSAL 3. RATIFICATION OF APPROVAL OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE COMPANY FOR ITS FISCAL YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2004.
Votes For | Votes Against | Votes Abstained |
27,527,920 | 0 | 500 |
PROPOSAL 4. RATIFICATION OF APPROVAL OF THE 2004 INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN
Votes For | Votes Against | Votes Abstained |
27,525,920 | 2500 | 0 |
The Company's record date was November 2, 2004. As of the record date, 40,128,500shares were eligible to vote at the Company's Annual General Meeting. 27,528,420 shares were represented in person or by way of proxy, representing 68.6% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company and therefore a quorum was present to hold the meeting.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Overview
Our common stock is traded on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol SGGV. The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices for the Companys common stock for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2004 and 2005. The quotations below reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail markup, markdown or commission and may not represent actual transactions.
Year | Quarter | High ($) | Low ($) |
2004 | First | n/a | n/a |
Second | n/a | n/a | |
Third * | 1.10 | 0.50 | |
Fourth | 1.40 | 0.85 | |
2005 | First | 1.03 | 0.85 |
Second | 0.93 | 0.43 | |
Third | 0.55 | 0.18 | |
Fourth | 0.32 | 0.14 | |
July 29, 2005 ** | 0.32 | 0.29 |
* |
Trading in our common stock on the OTC BB did not begin until approximately February 3, 2004. |
** |
Indicates partial period |
Our common shares are issued in registered form. Pacific Stock Transfer Company is the registrar and transfer agent for our common shares, and is located at Suite 240, 500 East Warms Springs Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 (Telephone: (702) 361-3033; Facsimile: (702) 433-1979).
As of May 31, 2005 the shareholders' list of our common shares showed 44 registered shareholders and 40,277,500 shares outstanding.
We have not declared any dividends since incorporation and do not anticipate that we will do so in the foreseeable future. Although there are no restrictions that limit the ability to pay dividends on our common shares, our intention is to retain future earnings for use in our operations and the expansion of our business.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
On May 12, 2004, the Company registered a 2004 incentive stock option plan consisting of 3,636,000 common shares. As of the year ended May 31, 2005, 3,636,000 options were issued and outstanding to various consultants, officers or directors. The above options are exercisable at US$0.50 per share with expiry on February 3, 2009. As of the date of this report, none of the above options has been exercised.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
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In February 2004, the Company commenced a private placement of up to 5,000,000 units at $0.50 per unit for total proceeds of $2,500,000. Each unit consists of one common share and one non-transferable share purchase warrant entitling the holder to purchase one common share for two years, at $0.50 per share in the first year or $0.75 in the second year (A warrant), with a expire date on February 16, 2006. Upon exercising an A warrant, the holder of each unit will have one additional non-transferable share purchase warrant at $1.00 (B warrant) for another year, with a expire date on February 16, 2007. The proceeds from this private placement will be used to update a 1999 feasibility study, and design the development of the Jiajika deposit, and resource audit and metallurgical tests for the Lushi deposits and working capital.
A 7% finders fee will be paid in units with the same terms. As of May 31, 2005, the finder's fee of 101,500 units with the aforementioned terms was issued.
As at May 31, 2005, the Company has received total subscriptions of $1,858,000 for 3,716,000 units. As of May 31, 2004, the Company had received $883,000 for the purchase of 1,766,000 units.
On December 18, 2004, the Company issued 100,000 shares with a fair value of $42,000 to a consultant for investor relations services for a period of one year.
Share Purchase Warrants
During the year ended May 31, 2005, 2,051,500 share purchase warrants were issued, including 101,500 warrants with a fair value of $40,110 for a finders fee. During the year ended May 31, 2004, 1,766,000 share purchase warrants were issued. No warrants were exercised or cancelled during the year ended May 31, 2005.
As at May 31, 2005, the Company has a total of 3,817,500 share purchase warrants outstanding. Each warrant entitles the holder thereof the right to purchase one common share at $0.75 per share expiring on February 16, 2006. Upon exercising of the warrant, an additional share purchase warrant will be granted at $1.00 per share expiring on February 16, 2007.
The fair values of the warrants granted to the finders range from $0.24 to $0.54 per share and were estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used: dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility from 73.5% to 92.5%, risk-free interest rate from 2.99% to 3.27%, and an expected life of from 1.25 to 1.5 years.
Changes in Securities
On January 20, 2004, the Registrant completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Micro pursuant to an Acquisition Agreement, filed as an exhibit to the Registrants Current Report on the 8-K filed January 29, 2004 and April 2, 2004. Pursuant to the transaction, the Registrant issued an aggregate of 25,000,000 shares of the Registrants common stock to the stockholders of Micro in exchange for 100% of the shares of Micro common stock. A majority of the shares were issued to Cobilco Inc. of which Raoul Tsakok is the owner (15,000,000 shares), and Richard Shao (4,000,000 shares), who are officers or directors of the Registrant.
As of May 31, 2005, the Company had 40,277,500 common shares issued and outstanding.
Item 6. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation
Introduction
The information presented here should be read in conjunction with Sterling Group Venture Inc.'s financial statements and other information included in this Form 10-KSB. When used in this Form 10-KSB, the words "expects," "anticipates," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those set forth below under "Risks and
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Uncertainties," that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
Plan of Operations
On January 20, 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Micro Express Ltd., a British Virgin Islands corporation (Micro) pursuant to an Acquisition Agreement, filed as an exhibit to a Form 8-K on January 29, 2004. Pursuant to the transaction, the Company issued an aggregate of 25,000,000 shares of common stock to the stockholders of Micro in exchange for 100% of the shares of Micro common stock.
Micro is a party to an agreement with Sichuan Province Mining Ltd, which is 40% held by the Bureau of Sichuan Geology and Resources of the Sichuan Government. Under the terms of the agreement, Micro has the right to acquire at least 75% of the shares of a co-operative joint-venture company to be formed and which will hold the necessary mining licenses. The business of the joint-venture company is to develop the Jiajika spodumene property for the extraction of lithium, lithium salts, and other minerals. The initial capacity of the JV company is 240,000 tonnes/annum and will be increased to 900,000 t/a in stages pursuant to the approval of Bureau of Land and Resources of Sichuan Province. The spodumene concentrate expected to be produced is 47,320 tonnes/annum and tantalum concentrate is 43.2 tonnes/annum. The total investment required is estimated at 88.51 million Chinese Yuan. The initial registered capital is 56 million Chinese Yuan (US$6.8 million). Sichuan Province Mining Ltd. will contribute 14 million Chinese Yuan (about US$1.7 million) including the mining permits and previous works to hold 25% of the JV company. Micro will contribute 42 million Chinese Yuan (about US$5.1 million) to hold 75% of the JV company. An initial contribution of $150,000 has been made by the Company as part of the contribution to obtain the mining permit pursuant to the contract signed between our Chinese partner and Sichuan Bureau of Land and Resource.
On April 10, 2004, Micro has signed the joint venture agreement with Lushi Guanpo Minerals Development Ltd. (Lushi) of the Henan Province of China to earn more than 90% of the lithium project by taking the project into production.
On March 2, 2005, the Company through its subsidiary, Makaelo Limited (Makaelo), a BVI company, had entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with Aifeng Li, an individual residing in Anyang, Henan Province of China. Pursuant to the Agreement, the parties will set up a Joint Venture company in Inner Mongolia for the exploration and development of copper and silver in the areas of Donggou and Xiaoxigou. Aifeng Li will contribute all the necessary exploration licenses, achievements and geological data to the Joint Venture in exchange for 48% of the Joint Venture company, while the Company will finance the cost of exploration in return for 52% of the Joint Venture company. The Company expects the cost of exploration to be approximately $630,000 to be contributed over the three years.
On April 5, 2005, the Company through Micro, signed a joint venture contract with Sichuan Province Mining Ltd. for the establishment of Jihai Lithium Ltd. and the development of the Jiajika lithium deposit. Pursuant to the Contract, the project will be developed in two (2) stages with initial processing capacity of 240,000 tonnes of spodumene ore per year (t/a) and an increase to 900,000 t/a in stage II.
On May 21, 2005, the Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Huyana Ventures Limited (Huyana), signed a letter of intent with Xinjiang Hetian Xinlong Mining Co. Ltd. for the development of Dahongliutan spodumene deposit. Pursuant to the LOI, the parties have agreed to set up a Joint Venture Company in Hetian City of Xinjiang Province in China to share the benefits, risks and losses of the project
On June 19, 2005, the Company signed a Cooperative Agreement (the Agreement) with a Chinese partner in Sichuan Province, China for the possible development of the Lithium Metal and Lithium Salt Projects in Sichuan Province, China. Under the terms of the Agreement, two joint venture companies will be set up, one for lithium metal production and the other for lithium salt production. It is intended that the final terms of the Agreement
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will be decided upon further negotiations between the parties to the Agreement and will be subject to a formal contract to be signed by both parties.
On July 11, 2005, the Company signed a letter of intent (the LOI) with a Chinese partner (the partner) for the development of Dangxiongcuo salt lake property (DXC Salt Lake) in Nima county of Naqu district in Tibet, China. Pursuant to the LOI, the parties have agreed to set up a joint venture company in Tibet, China to share the benefits, risks and losses of the project. It is intended that the terms of the joint venture will be decided upon further negotiations between the parties to the LOI. Any formal contract which may be signed in the future by both parties will be subject to the completion of a due diligence investigation of the mining site and project by the Company.
Results of Operations
The Company had no operating revenue except interest income of $11,882 for the year ended May 31, 2005and no revenue for the same period in 2004. The Company incurred expenses of $830,836, stemming from Accounting audit and legal fees, consulting fees, Mineral property costs, travel, and general and administrative expenditures as compared to $527,446 for the same period last year. The increase of $303,390 was mainly due to the expenses as follows:
The Company incurred expenses on the following projects during the year ended May 31, 2005 and 2004:
Jiajika | Lushi | DX | DHLT | ||||||||||||
Spodumene | Spodumene | Polymetallic | Spodumene | ||||||||||||
Property | Property | Property | Property | Total | |||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2003 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
Administrative | 471 | 276 | - | - | 747 | ||||||||||
Consulting fees | 9,263 | 3,027 | - | - | 12,290 | ||||||||||
Travel | 2,763 | 1,953 | - | - | 4,716 | ||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2004 | 12,497 | 5,256 | - | - | 17,753 | ||||||||||
Administrative | 6,598 | 1,357 | 843 | 186 | 8,984 | ||||||||||
Consulting fees | 33,799 | 18,925 | 6,552 | - | 59,276 | ||||||||||
Feasibility study | 157,769 | 35,969 | - | - | 193,738 | ||||||||||
Exploration costs | - | - | 30,266 | - | 30,266 | ||||||||||
Permit costs | 150,000 | - | - | - | 150,000 | ||||||||||
Travel | 15,085 | 9,163 | 1,785 | 521 | 26,554 | ||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2005 | $ | 375,748 | $ | 70,670 | $ | 39,446 | $ | 707 | $ | 486,571 |
The Company incurred expenses on the following related party transactions during year ended May 31, 2005:
(a) |
The Company was charged consulting fees during the year ended May 31, 2005 totalling $136,907 (2004: $12,591) by companies controlled by two directors of the Company. |
(b) |
The Company was charged rental fees included in General and Administrative during the year ended May 31, 2005 totalling $7,054 (2004: $Nil) by a company controlled by a director of the Company. |
(c) |
These charges were measured by the exchange amount which is the amount agreed upon by the transacting parties. |
(d) |
Other receivable at May 31, 2005 includes $Nil (2004: $5,663) due from a director of the Company with respect to travel advances. |
(e) |
Accounts payable at May 31, 2005 includes $8,909 (2004: $Nil) due to a director of the Company for expenses advanced on behalf of the Company, and to a company controlled by a director of the Company for unpaid consulting fees. |
The Company expects the trend of losses to continue at an increasing rate until we can achieve commercial production on some of the mineral properties, of which there can be no assurance.
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Liquidity and Working Capital
As of May 31, 2005, the Company had total current assets of $954,530, and total liabilities of $45,727. The Company has a working capital surplus of $908,803, as a result of a private placement of $975,000 during the year.
As of May 31, 2005, the Company received $1,858,000 through the subscription of 3,716,000 Units that consist of one common share and a warrant entitling the investor to purchase one common share at $0.75 per share, expiring on February 16, 2006. Upon exercise of the share purchase warrant, an additional share purchase warrant will be granted at $1.00 per share, expiring February 16, 2007.
The Company has no other capital resources other than the ability to use its common stock to achieve additional capital or exercise of the warrants by the unit holders.
RISK FACTORS
We have sought to identify what we believe to be the most significant risks to our business. However, we cannot predict whether, or to what extent, any of such risks may be realized nor can we guarantee that we have identified all possible risks that might arise. Investors should carefully consider all of such risk factors before making an investment decision with respect to our Common Stock. We provide the following cautionary discussion of risks, uncertainties and possible inaccurate assumptions relevant to our business. These are factors that we think could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected results. Other factors besides those listed here could adversely affect us.
Factors That May Affect Future Results and Market Price of Stock
The business of the Company involves a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from results projected in any forward-looking statement, or statements, made in this report. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not necessarily limited to the risks set forth below. The Company's securities are speculative and investment in the Company's securities involves a high degree of risk and the possibility that the investor will suffer the loss of the entire amount invested.
Limited Operating History; Anticipated Losses; Uncertainty of Future Results
Sterling is an exploration stage company and there is no assurance a commercially viable mineral deposit exists on any of the properties. Further exploration will be required before final evaluation as to the economic and legal feasibility is determined.
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. has only a limited operating history upon which an evaluation of the Company and its prospects can be based. The Company's prospects must be evaluated with a view to the risks encountered by a company in an early stage of development, particularly in light of the uncertainties relating to the new and evolving distribution methods with which the Company intends to operate and the acceptance of the Company's business model. To the extent that such expenses are not subsequently followed by commensurate revenues, the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition will be materially adversely affected. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to generate sufficient revenues from the sale of its products. If cash generated by operations is insufficient to satisfy the Company's liquidity requirements, the Company may be required to sell additional equity or debt securities. The sale of additional equity or convertible debt securities would result in additional dilution to the Company's stockholders.
Lack of Technical Training of Management
The Management of our Company has academic and scientific experience related to mining issues but lacks technical training and experience exploring for, commissioning and operating a mine. With no direct training or experience in these areas, management may not be fully aware of many of the specific requirements related to working within this industry. The decisions and choices may not take into account standard engineering or managerial approaches mineral exploration companies commonly use. Consequently, operations, earnings and
16
the ultimate financial success of the Company could suffer irreparable harm due to managements lack of experience in this industry.
Exploration Risk
Development of mineral properties is contingent upon obtaining satisfactory exploration results. Mineral exploration and development involves substantial expenses and a high degree of risk, which even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to adequately mitigate.
The companys exploration properties have not been examined in the field by professional geologists or mining engineers. There is no assurance that commercial quantities of ore will be discovered on any of the Companys exploration properties. There is also no assurance that, even if commercial quantities of ore are discovered, a mineral property will be brought into commercial production. The discovery of mineral deposits is dependent upon a number of factors not the least of which is the technical skill of the exploration personnel involved. The commercial viability of a mineral deposit, once discovered, is also dependent upon a number of factors, some of which are the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure, metal prices and government regulations, including regulations relating to royalties, allowable production, importing and exporting of minerals, and environmental protection. In addition, assuming discovery of a commercial ore body, depending on the type of mining operation involved, several years can elapse from the initial phase of drilling until commercial operations are commenced. Most of the above factors are beyond the control of the Company.
The exploration process is conducted in phases. When each phase of a project is completed, and upon analysis of the results of that phase, the Company will make a decision whether to proceed with each successive phase of the exploration program. There is no assurance that projects will be carried to completion.
Limited Management Resource Development Experience
The Company does not have a track record of exploration and mining operation history. The Company's management has limited experience in mineral resource development and exploitation, and has relied on and may continue to rely upon consultants and others for development and operation expertise.
Limited Financial Resources
Furthermore, the Company has limited financial resources with no assurance that sufficient funding will be available to it for future exploration and development or to fulfill its obligations under current agreements. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain adequate financing in the future or that the terms of such financing will be favorable. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of its projects.
Limited Public Market, Possible Volatility of Share Price
The Company's Common Stock is currently quoted on the NASD OTC Bulletin Board under the ticker symbol SGGV and is listed on Berlin Bremen Stock Exchange under the symbol GD7. As of May 31, 2005, there were approximately 40,277,500 shares of common stock outstanding. There can be no assurance that a trading market will be sustained in the future.
Dependence on Executive Officers and Technical Personnel
The success of our business plan depends on attracting qualified personnel, and failure to retain the necessary personnel could adversely affect our business. Competition for qualified personnel is intense, and we may need to pay premium wages to attract and retain personnel. Attracting and retaining qualified personnel is critical to our business. Inability to attract and retain the qualified personnel necessary would limit our ability to implement our business plan successfully.
Need for Additional Financing
17
The Company believes it has sufficient capital to meet its short-term cash needs, including the costs of compliance with the continuing reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. However, if losses continue, it may have to seek loans or equity placements to cover longer-term cash needs to continue operations and expansion.
No commitments to provide additional funds have been made by management or other stockholders.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that any additional funds will be available to the Company to allow it to cover operation expenses.
If future operations are unprofitable, it will be forced to develop another line of business, or to finance its operations through the sale of assets it has, or enter into the sale of stock for additional capital, none of which may be feasible when needed. The Company has no specific management ability or financial resources or plans to enter any other business as of this date.
The effects of inflation have not had a material impact on its operation, nor is it expected to in the immediate future.
Political Risks
The market in China is monitored by the government, which could impose taxes or restrictions at any time which would make operations unprofitable and infeasible and cause a write-off of investment in the mineral properties. Other factors include political policy on foreign ownership, political policy to open the doors to foreign investors, and political policy on mineral claims and metal prices.
Market Risk
The Company does not hold any derivatives or other investments that are subject to market risk. The carrying values of any financial instruments, approximate fair value as of those dates because of the relatively short-term maturity of these instruments, which eliminates any potential market risk associated with such instruments.
Other Risks and Uncertainties
The business of mineral deposit exploration and development involves a high degree of risk. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into production. Other risks facing the Company include competition, reliance on third parties and joint-venture partners, environmental and insurance risks, political and environmental instability, statutory and regulatory requirements, fluctuations in mineral prices and foreign currency, share price volatility, title risks, and uncertainty of additional financing.
The Company has sought to identify what it believes to be the most significant risks to its business, but cannot predict whether or to what extent any of such risks may be realized, nor can there be any assurances that the Company has identified all possible risks that might arise. Investors should carefully consider all of such risk factors before making an investment decision with respect to the Company's stock.
Outlook
The Company has not completed the required contribution of the April 5, 2005 agreement for JIAJIKA project and intends to seek an amendment. In the meantime, the company is under going due diligence and moving its negotiations from LOI to an agreement for the development of DXC salt lake property in Tibet.
The pre-feasibility studies for the Lushi property will determine to what extent, if any, the required funding will be for the property.
The Company is also conducting due diligence and is in further negotiations for the possible development of the Lithium Metal and Lithium Salt Projects with Jianzhong Lithium and Calcium Corporation.
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Application of Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by management's application of accounting policies. We believe that understanding the basis and nature of the estimates and assumptions involved with the following aspects of our consolidated financial statements is critical to an understanding of our financial statements.
Going Concern
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis which assumes that adequate sources of financing will be obtained as required, and that our assets will be realized and liabilities settled in the ordinary course of business. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability of assets and classification of assets and liabilities that might be necessary if we are unable to continue as a going concern.
In order to continue as a going concern, we require additional financing. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to us when needed or, if available, that it can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms. If we are not able to continue as a going concern, we would likely be unable to realize the carrying value of our assets reflected in the balances set out in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
Item 7. Financial Statements.
The response to this item is included as a separate Exhibit to this report. Please see pages F-1 through F-21
Our financial statements are stated in United States Dollars (US$) and are prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
The Report of Independent Auditor's by Amisano Hanson for the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended May 31, 2005, are included herein immediately preceding the audited financial statements.
Item 8. Changes In & Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting & Financial Disclosure
Amisano Hanson, Chartered Accountants (the New Accountant) has been engaged as principle independent accountants for Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. (the "Company") effective June 17, 2004 and until the New Accountant chooses to resign or the Company chooses to dismiss them. Amisano Hanson, Chartered Accountants replaces Cordovano and Honeck, P.C. (the "Former Accountant") as principal independent accountants as of June 17, 2004, the date the Former Accountants were dismissed by the Company. The decision to change accountants has been approved by the Company's board of directors.
Other than as disclosed in the previous paragraph, there have been no changes in or disagreements with our accountants on issues of accounting or financial disclosure since inception of Sterling on September 13, 2001.
Item 8A. Controls and Procedures
The registrant's Principal executive officers and principal financial officer, based on their evaluation of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14 ( c ) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ) as of May 31, 2005 have concluded that the registrants' disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to the registrants and their consolidated subsidiaries is recorded, processed , summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC' s rules and forms, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report has been prepared.
The registrants' principal executive officers and principal financial officer have concluded that there were no significant changes in the registrants' internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these
19
controls subsequent to May 31, 2005, the date of their most recent evaluation of such controls, and that there was no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the registrant's internal controls.
PART III
Item 9. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons
All directors of our company hold office until the next annual general meeting of the shareholders or until their successors are elected and qualified. The officers of our company are appointed by our board of directors and hold office until their earlier death, retirement, resignation or removal.
Our directors, executive officers and other significant employees, their ages, positions held and duration each person has held that position, are as follows:
Name | Position Held with the Company |
Age | Date First Elected / Appointed |
Richard Shao | President, Director | 42 | January 17, 2005 |
Raoul Tsakok | Chairman | 56 | January 17, 2005 |
Patrick Chan | Director | 52 | January 17, 2005 |
Gerald Runolfson | Director | 65 | January 17, 2005 |
Business Experience
The following sets forth the business experience of each of the Registrant's directors and executive officers:
Raoul N. Tsakok, Chairman
Mr. Tsakok has worked in the Investment Management business for over 30 years. He has been chairman of Sagit Investment Management Ltd. since 1987. He has been Chairman of Richco Investors Inc. for almost 10 years. He holds an MBA degree and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
Xuxin (Richard) Shao, President and Director
Mr. Shao was born and educated in China. He received his degrees from engineering schools in China, specializing in mineral processing. Between his Bachelor and Ph.D. degrees, he held a research engineer position with the Chemical Mines Design and Research Institute of the Ministry of Chemical Industry in Lianyun Harbour, Jiangsu, China. During his graduate studies at the China University of Mining and Technology, he conducted research on phosphate flotation using interfacial, colloidal and solution chemical theories and authored and coauthored more than 50 research reports and publications on this and other related subjects. After receiving his Ph.D. in 1990 from China University of Mining and Technology, Mr. Shao taught as an associate Professor and was acting Department Head in Mineral Processing at the China University of Mining and Technology for six years.
In 1996, Mr. Shao accepted a position as Research Scientist for the Center for Applied Energy Research at the University of Kentucky in cooperation with the Department of Energy of the US Federal Government. Since 1998, Dr. Shao has worked as an advisor to a number of companies in the evaluation and processing of minerals in North America and China.
Patrick P. L. Chan, B.Comm, C.A. FHKSA, Director
Mr. Chan was born in Hong Kong and graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of commerce degree in accounting and finance. He has more than 25 years of accounting and corporate finance experience in both North America and in Asia. Besides being a Chartered Accountant (CA), Mr. Chan is also a Fellow of the Hong Kong
20
Society of Accountants (FHKSA). He was the partner in charge of Coopers and Lybrand Mergers and Acquisitions Group (now PriceWaterhouse Coopers) and left his practice in Toronto, Canada in 1993 to pursue operational and merchant banking opportunities in Asia and in The Peoples Republic of China. At present, Patrick is a senior member of the management team of a PRC beverage and consumer products company. In his career, Mr. Chan has served as a board of director member of listed companies and has provided corporate finance and strategic advice to many North America and Asian based public and private companies.
Gerald Runolfson, Professional Engineer, Director
Mr. Runolfson is a professional engineer (P. Eng.) and has been in the construction industry for over 35 years. He is currently President and controlling shareholder of Elkon Products Inc., a company that has the exclusive distribution rights for all silica fume produced in Canada. Silica fume is used in oil well cementing operation and concrete construction. Major customers include Halliburton and BJ Services. Mr. Runolfson has been a Director of a number of public companies.
Our directors, executive officers and control persons have not been involved in any of the following events during the past five years:
1. |
any bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time; |
2. |
any conviction in a criminal proceeding or being subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offences); |
3. |
being subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities; or |
4. |
being found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated. |
Item 9A. Compliance With Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our executive officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial statements of beneficial ownership, reports of changes in ownership and annual reports concerning their ownership of our common stock and other equity securities, on Forms 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission regulations to furnish our company with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file.
To the best of our knowledge, all executive officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders filed the required reports in a timely manner.
Item 10. Executive Compensation.
(a) Officers' Compensation.
Compensation paid by the Company for all services provided up to the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005 to each of the executive officers and to all officers as a group is set forth below.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE OF EXECUTIVES
21
Cash Compensation | Security Grants | ||||||||
Name and | Year | Salary | Bonus | Annual | Restricted | Securities | Long Term | LTIP | All Other |
Principal | ( $) | Compensation | Stock | Underlying | Compensation | Payments | Compensation | ||
Position | / Other | Awards | Options / | / Options | |||||
( $) | SARs (#) | ||||||||
(SHARES) | |||||||||
Richard Shao | 2004 | 0 | 0 | 7,869 | 0 | 800,000(1) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
President | 2005 | 0 | 0 | 54,417 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Raoul Tsakok | 2004 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 800,000(2) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Chairman | 2005 | 0 | 0 | 63,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Kathy Wang | 2004 | 0 | 0 | 4,722 | 0 | 200,000(3) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Secretary | 2005 | 0 | 0 | 19,490 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Officers as A | 2004 | 0 | 0 | 12,591 | 0 | 1,800,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Group | 2005 | 0 | 0 | 136,907 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
(1) |
800,000 options to purchase shares at $0.50 per share. |
(2) |
800,000 options to purchase shares at $0.50 per share. |
(3) |
200,000 options to purchase shares at $0.50 per share. |
(b) Directors' Compensation
Directors who are also officers receive no cash compensation for services as a director. However, the directors will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at board and committee meetings. The Company has granted options to directors under its 2004 Incentive Stock Option Plan subsequently adopted.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE OF DIRECTORS
(For fiscal year ended May 31, 2005)
Cash Compensation | Security Grants | |||||||
Name and | Year | Annual | Meeting | Consulting | Number | Securities | LTIP | All Other |
Principal Position | Retainer | Fees ($) | Fees/ Other | of Shares | Underlying | Payments | Compensation | |
Fees ($) | Fees | (#) | Options / | |||||
( $) | SARs (#) | |||||||
(SHARES) | ||||||||
Raoul Tsakok | 2004 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 800,000(1) | 0 | 0 |
Director | 2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Brian Doutaz | 2004 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Director | ||||||||
(Resigned on | ||||||||
April 5, 2004) | ||||||||
Richard Shao | 2004 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 800,000 (2) | 0 | 0 |
Director | 2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Patrick Chan | 2004 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 300,000(3) | 0 | 0 |
Director | 2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Gerald Runolfson | 2004 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 300,000(4) | 0 | 0 |
Director | 2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
James Hutchison | 2004 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Director | ||||||||
(Resigned on Jan. | ||||||||
21, 2004) | ||||||||
Directors as a | 2004 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,200,000 | 0 | 0 |
Group | 2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
(1) |
800,000 options to purchase shares at $0.50 per share. |
(2) |
800,000 options to purchase shares at $0.50 per share. |
(3) |
300,000 options to purchase share at $0.50 per share. |
(4) |
300,000 options to purchase share at $0.50 per share. |
During the year ended May 31, 2004, we granted 2,100,000 stock options to our directors or officers. The options were granted at an exercise price of $0.50 per share with an expiry date of February 3, 2009. During the year ended May 31, 2005, no stock options have been granted to our directors or officers.
22
Directors are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings of our board of directors. Our board of directors may award special remuneration to any director undertaking any special services on our behalf other than services ordinarily required of a director. No director received and/or accrued any compensation for their services as a director, including committee participation and/or special assignments.
There are no management agreements with our directors or executive officers and we do not anticipate that written agreements will be put in place in the foreseeable future.
We have no plans or arrangements in respect of remuneration received or that may be received by our executive officers to compensate such officers in the event of termination of employment (as a result of resignation, retirement, change of control) or a change of responsibilities following a change of control.
There are no plans or arrangements in which we provide pension, retirement or similar benefits for directors or executive officers. We have no material bonus or profit sharing plans pursuant to which cash or non-cash compensation is or may be paid to our directors or executive officers, except that stock options may be granted at the discretion of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof.
Item 11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The following table sets forth, as of July 29, 2005, certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common shares by each shareholder known to us to be the beneficial owner of 5% of our common shares, and by each of our officers and directors. Each person has sole voting power with respect to the common shares, except as otherwise indicated. Beneficial ownership consists of a direct interest in the common shares, except as otherwise indicated. As of July 29, 2005, there were 40,277,500 common shares issued and outstanding.
Title of Class | Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) |
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
Percentage of Class(2) |
Common stock | Raoul Tsakok | 15,800,000 (3) (4) | 39.2% |
Common stock | Richard Shao | 4,800,000 (5) | 11.9% |
Common stock | Patrick Chan | 300,000 (6) | 0.7% |
Common stock | Gerald Runolfson | 1,200,000 (7) (8) | 3% |
TOTAL | 22,100,000 | 54.8% |
(1) |
The address of each beneficial is 900 789 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1H2 Canada |
(2) |
Based on 40,277,500 shares outstanding as of July 29, 2005 and, as to a specific person, shares issuable pursuant to the conversion or exercise, as the case may be, of currently exercisable or convertible debentures, share purchase warrants and stock options within 60 days. |
(3) |
15,000,000 common shares held through Cobilco Inc. |
(4) |
Raoul Tsakok has 800,000 options to purchase shares at $0.50 per share. |
(5) |
Include 800,000 options to purchase shares at $0.50 per share. |
(6) |
Patrick Chan has 300,000 options to purchase share at $0.50 per share. |
(7) |
Include 300,000 common shares and 300,000 A warrants and 300,000 B warrants held through Elkon Products Inc. |
(8) |
Gerald Runolfson has 300,000 options to purchase share at $0.50 per share. |
Changes in Control
We are unaware of any contract or other arrangement the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of our company.
23
Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
There have been no transactions, or proposed transactions, which have materially affected or will materially affect us in which any director, executive officer or beneficial holder of more than 10% of the outstanding common stock, or any of their respective relatives, spouses, associates or affiliates, has had or will have any direct or material indirect interest
As at the date of this annual report, we do not have any policies in place with respect to whether we will enter into agreements with related parties in the future.
Item 13. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.
a) | Financial Statements and Schedules. The following financial statements and schedules for the Company as of May 31, 2005 and 2004 are filed as part of this report. |
(1) Financial Statements of Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. |
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(3) Exhibits
The exhibits listed below are required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K. Each management contrct or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K has been identified.
The following are exhibits to this Annual Report
31.1 | |
31.2 | |
32.1 | |
32.2 |
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b) The following reports on Form 8-K were filed during the year ended May 31, 2005:
On March 7, 2005, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K under Item 1.01, and 9.01 disclosing the Companys subsidiary, Makaelo Limited, signed a Joint Venture Agreement with Aifeng, Li, an individual residing in Anyang, Henan Province of China.
On April 11, 2005, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K under Item 1.01, and 9.01 disclosing the Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Micro Express Ltd., signed a joint venture contract with Sichuan Province Mining Ltd. for the establishment of Jihai Lithium Ltd. (the JV Company) and the development of the Jiajika lithium deposit
On May 26, 2005, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K under Item 1.01, and 9.01 disclosing the Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Huyana Ventures Limited, signed a letter of intent with Xinjiang Hetian Xinlong Mining Co. Ltd. for the development of Dahongliutan spodumene deposit.
On June 3, 2005, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K under Item 8.01, and 9.01 disclosing the Company received an independent geological report on the DX Polymetallic Property in Linxi County, Inner Mongolia, Peoples Republic of China.
On June 24, 2005, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K under Item 8.01, and 9.01 disclosing the Company signed a Cooperative Agreement with Jianzhong Chemicals Corporation for the possible development of the Lithium Metal and Lithium Salt Projects of Jianzhong Lithium and Calcium Corporation of JIANZHONG.
On July 18, 2005, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K under Item 1.01, and 9.01 disclosing the Company signed a letter of intent with Beijing Mianping Salt Lake Research Institute for the development of Dangxiongcuo salt lake property in Nima county of Naqu district in Tibet, China.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Audit Fees
Amisano Hanson ("AH") provided audit services to the Company in connection with its annual report for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005 and 2004. The aggregate fees owned to AH for the May 31, 2005 year ended audit of the Companys annual financial statements was $11,606 and the aggregate fees billed by AH for the fiscal year 2005 quarterly reviews of the Company was $9,311. The aggregate fees billed by AH for the May 31, 2004 year ended audit of the Company's annual financial statements was $10,000 and the aggregate fees billed by Cordovano & Honeck, P. C. for the fiscal year 2004 quarterly reviews of the Company was $2,500.
Audit Related Fees
No fees were billed by AH to the Company for professional services that are reasonably related to the audit or review of the Company's financial statements that are not disclosed in "Audit Fees" above.
Tax Fees
No fees were billed by AH to the Company in 2005 for professional services rendered in connection with the preparation of the Company's tax returns for the period. No fees were billed by AH to the Company in 2004 for professional services rendered in connection with the preparation of the Company's tax returns for the year ended May 31, 2004.
All Other Fees
No fees were billed by AH to the Company for other professional services rendered or any other services not disclosed above during the period from June 1, 2004 to May 31, 2005 and the aggregate fees of $6,003 were bill by AH to the Company for other professional services rendered or any other services not disclosed above during the period from June 1, 2003 to May 31, 2004.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval
The Company's Board acts as the audit committee and had no "pre-approval policies and procedures" in effect for the auditors' engagement for the audit year 2004 and 2005.
All audit work was performed by the auditors' full time employees.
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STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
REPORT AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
May 31, 2005 and 2004
(Stated in US Dollars)
F-1
A PARTNERSHIP OF INCORPORATED PROFESSIONALS | AMISANO HANSON CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders,We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. (An Exploration Stage Company) and its subsidiaries as of May 31, 2005 and 2004 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficiency) and cash flows for the years ended May 31, 2005 and 2004 and for the period from date of incorporation, July 27, 1994 to May 31, 2005. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States of America). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of May 31, 2005 and 2004 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended May 31, 2005 and 2004 and for the period from date of incorporation, July 27, 1994 to May 31, 2005, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements referred to above have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company is in the exploration stage, and has no established source of revenue and is dependent on its ability to raise capital from shareholders or other sources to sustain operations. These factors, along with other matters as set forth in Note 1, raise substantial doubt that the Company will be able to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Vancouver, Canada | “AMISANO HANSON” | |
July 8, 2005, except as to Note 10(ii), | Chartered Accountants | |
which is as of July 11, 2005 |
F-2
750 WEST PENDER STREET, SUITE 604 VANCOUVER CANADA V6C 2T7 |
TELEPHONE: 604-689-0188 FACSIMILE: 604-689-9773 E-MAIL: amishan@telus.net |
STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
May 31, 2005 and 2004
(Stated in US Dollars)
2005 | 2004 | |||||
ASSETS | ||||||
Current | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 913,343 | $ | 634,207 | ||
Other receivable – Note 6 | 13,094 | 5,837 | ||||
Prepaid expenses | 28,093 | - | ||||
954,530 | 640,044 | |||||
Advance on investment – Note 4 | - | 150,000 | ||||
Equipment – Note 5 | 4,091 | - | ||||
$ | 958,621 | $ | 790,044 | |||
LIABILITIES | ||||||
Current | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities – Note 6 | $ | 45,727 | $ | 75,196 | ||
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||
Capital stock – Note 7 | ||||||
Common stock, $0.001 par value | ||||||
500,000,000 authorized | ||||||
40,277,500 issued and outstanding (2004: 38,126,600) | 40,278 | 38,126 | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | 2,190,611 | 1,215,873 | ||||
Warrants | 40,110 | - | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (583 | ) | (583 | ) | ||
Deficit accumulated during the exploration stage | (1,357,522 | ) | (538,568 | ) | ||
912,894 | 714,848 | |||||
$ | 958,621 | $ | 790,044 | |||
Nature and Continuance of Operations – Note 1 | ||||||
Commitments – Notes 4, 7 and 10 | ||||||
Subsequent Events – Note 10 |
F-3
STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
for the years ended May 31, 2005 and 2004 and
for the period from July 27, 1994 (Date of Incorporation) to May 31, 2005
(Stated in US Dollars)
July 27, 1994 | |||||||||
(Date of | |||||||||
Incorporation) | |||||||||
Years ended | to | ||||||||
May 31, | May 31, | ||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2005 | |||||||
Expenses | |||||||||
Accounting, audit and legal fees | $ | 95,500 | $ | 28,386 | $ | 125,386 | |||
Bank charges | 622 | 150 | 772 | ||||||
Consulting fees – Note 6 | 164,335 | 38,840 | 203,175 | ||||||
Depreciation | 1,334 | - | 1,334 | ||||||
Filing and transfer agent fees | 5,742 | 8,752 | 24,116 | ||||||
General and administrative | 19,223 | 4,300 | 23,523 | ||||||
Mineral property costs – Schedule A | 468,818 | 17,753 | 486,571 | ||||||
Printing and mailing | 5,789 | 9,571 | 15,360 | ||||||
Shareholder information and investor relations | 38,147 | - | 38,147 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | 368,641 | 368,641 | ||||||
Travel and entertainment | 31,326 | 51,053 | 82,379 | ||||||
Loss before other item | (830,836 | ) | (527,446 | ) | (1,369,404 | ) | |||
Other item | |||||||||
Interest income | 11,882 | - | 11,882 | ||||||
Net loss for the period | $ | (818,954 | ) | $ | (527,446 | ) | $ | (1,357,522 | ) |
Basic and diluted loss per share | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | |||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | 39,897,967 | 28,104,372 |
F-4
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES
STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
for the years ended May 31, 2005 and 2004 and |
for the period from July 27, 1994 (Date of Incorporation) to May 31, 2005 |
(Stated in US Dollars) |
July 27, 1994 | |||||||||
(Date of | |||||||||
Incorporation) | |||||||||
Years ended | to | ||||||||
May 31, | May 31, | ||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2005 | |||||||
Cash Flows used in Operating Activities | |||||||||
Net loss for the period | $ | (818,954 | ) | $ | (527,446 | ) | $ | (1,357,522 | ) |
Add (deduct) items not affecting cash: | |||||||||
Depreciation | 1,334 | - | 1,334 | ||||||
Permit and engineering studies | 150,000 | - | 150,000 | ||||||
Shareholder information and investor relations | 20,447 | - | 20,447 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | 368,641 | 368,641 | ||||||
Translation adjustment | - | (106 | ) | (106 | ) | ||||
Change in non-cash working capital items | |||||||||
related to operations: | |||||||||
Other receivable | (7,257 | ) | (5,837 | ) | (13,094 | ) | |||
Prepaid expenses | (6,540 | ) | - | (6,540 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (29,469 | ) | 65,955 | 45,727 | |||||
Cash used in operating activities | (690,439 | ) | (98,793 | ) | (791,113 | ) | |||
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities | |||||||||
Advance on investment | - | (150,000 | ) | (150,000 | ) | ||||
Additions to equipment | (5,425 | ) | - | (5,425 | ) | ||||
Cash used in investing activities | (5,425 | ) | (150,000 | ) | (155,425 | ) | |||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | |||||||||
Common stock | 975,000 | 883,000 | 1,858,000 | ||||||
Amounts contributed by director | - | - | 1,881 | ||||||
Cash provided by financing activities | 975,000 | 883,000 | 1,859,881 |
.../cont’d
F-5
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES
Continued | ||
STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC. (An Exploration Stage Company) |
||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||
for the years ended May 31, 2005 and 2004 and | ||
for the period from July 27, 1994 (Date of Incorporation) to May 31, 2005 | ||
(Stated in US Dollars) |
July 27, 1994 | |||||||||
(Date of | |||||||||
Incorporation) | |||||||||
Years ended | to | ||||||||
May 31, | May 31, | ||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2005 | |||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 279,136 | 634,207 | 913,343 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period | 634,207 | - | - | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period | $ | 913,343 | $ | 634,207 | $ | 913,343 | |||
Cash and cash equivalents consist of: | |||||||||
Cash | $ | 710,995 | $ | 63,916 | $ | 710,995 | |||
Term deposits | 202,348 | 570,291 | 202,348 | ||||||
$ | 913,343 | $ | 634,207 | $ | 913,343 | ||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information | |||||||||
Cash paid for: | |||||||||
Interest | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Income taxes | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Non-cash Transactions – Note 9 |
F-6
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES
STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC. |
(An Exploration Stage Company) |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIENCY) |
for the period from July 27, 1994 (Date of Incorporation) to May 31, 2005 |
(Stated in US Dollars) |
Deficit | ||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||
Additional | Other | During the | ||||||||||||||||||
Common Shares | Paid-in | Comprehensive | Exploration | |||||||||||||||||
Number | Par Value | Capital | Warrants | Loss | Stage | Total | ||||||||||||||
Balance, July 27, 1994 (Date of | ||||||||||||||||||||
Incorporation) | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||
Common stock | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - | 1 | |||||||||||||
Amount contributed by director | - | - | 1,881 | - | - | - | 1,881 | |||||||||||||
Net loss for the periods | - | - | - | - | - | (7,902 | ) | (7,902 | ) | |||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2001 | 1 | 1 | 1,881 | - | - | (7,902 | ) | (6,020 | ) | |||||||||||
Net loss for the year | - | - | - | - | - | (1,860 | ) | (1,860 | ) | |||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2002 | 1 | 1 | 1,881 | - | - | (9,762 | ) | (7,880 | ) | |||||||||||
Net loss for the year | - | - | - | - | - | (1,360 | ) | (1,360 | ) | |||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2003 | 1 | 1 | 1,881 | - | - | (11,122 | ) | (9,240 | ) | |||||||||||
Reverse acquisition | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1,881 | ) | - | - | - | (1,882 | ) | |||||||||
Issuance of common shares for | ||||||||||||||||||||
reverse acquisition | 25,000,000 | 25,000 | (23,119 | ) | - | - | - | 1,881 | ||||||||||||
Outstanding common shares of | ||||||||||||||||||||
Company prior to acquisition | 11,360,000 | 11,360 | (10,883 | ) | - | (583 | ) | - | (106 | ) | ||||||||||
Issuance of shares for cash | ||||||||||||||||||||
pursuant to a private placement | ||||||||||||||||||||
- at $0.50 | 1,766,000 | 1,766 | 881,234 | - | - | - | 883,000 | |||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 368,641 | - | - | - | 368,641 | |||||||||||||
Net loss for the year | - | - | - | - | - | (527,446 | ) | (527,446 | ) |
.../cont’d)
F-7
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES
STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC. | Continued | |
(An Exploration Stage Company) | ||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIENCY) | ||
for the period from July 27, 1994 (Date of Incorporation) to May 31, 2005 | ||
(Stated in US Dollars) |
Deficit | ||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||
Additional | Other | During the | ||||||||||||||||||
Common Shares | Paid-in | Comprehensive | Exploration | |||||||||||||||||
Number | Par Value | Capital | Warrants | Loss | Stage | Total | ||||||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2004 | 38,126,000 | 38,126 | 1,215,873 | - | (583 | ) | (538,568 | ) | 714,848 | |||||||||||
Issuance of shares for cash pursuant | ||||||||||||||||||||
to a private placement - at $0.50 | 1,950,000 | 1,950 | 973,050 | - | - | - | 975,000 | |||||||||||||
Issuance of shares for finder’s fee of | ||||||||||||||||||||
private placement | 101,500 | 102 | 50,648 | - | - | - | 50,750 | |||||||||||||
Finders’ fees | - | - | (50,750 | ) | - | - | - | (50,750 | ) | |||||||||||
Fair value of share purchase | ||||||||||||||||||||
warrants (finders’ fees) | - | - | (40,110 | ) | 40,110 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Issuance of shares for services | ||||||||||||||||||||
rendered | 100,000 | 100 | 41,900 | - | - | - | 42,000 | |||||||||||||
Net loss for the year | - | - | - | - | - | (818,954 | ) | (818,954 | ) | |||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2005 | 40,277,500 | $ | 40,278 | $ | 2,190,611 | $ | 40,110 | $ | (583 | ) | $ | (1,357,522 | ) | $ | 912,894 |
F-8
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES
STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC. | Schedule A | |
(An Exploration Stage Company) | ||
SCHEDULE OF MINERAL PROPERTY COSTS | ||
for the years ended May 31, 2005 and 2004 | ||
and for the period from July 27, 1994 (Date of Incorporation) to May 31, 2005 | ||
(Stated in US Dollars) |
Jiajika | Lushi | DHLT | DX | ||||||||||||
Spodumene | Spodumene | Spodumene | Polymetallic | ||||||||||||
Property | Property | Property | Property | Total | |||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2003 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
Administrative | 471 | 276 | - | - | 747 | ||||||||||
Consulting fees | 9,263 | 3,027 | - | - | 12,290 | ||||||||||
Travel | 2,763 | 1,953 | - | - | 4,716 | ||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2004 | 12,497 | 5,256 | - | - | 17,753 | ||||||||||
Administrative | 6,598 | 1,357 | 186 | 843 | 8,984 | ||||||||||
Consulting fees | 33,799 | 18,925 | - | 6,552 | 59,276 | ||||||||||
Feasibility study | 157,769 | 35,969 | - | - | 193,738 | ||||||||||
Exploration costs | - | - | - | 30,266 | 30,266 | ||||||||||
Permit costs | 150,000 | - | - | - | 150,000 | ||||||||||
Travel | 15,085 | 9,163 | 521 | 1,785 | 26,554 | ||||||||||
363,251 | 65,414 | 707 | 39,446 | 468,818 | |||||||||||
Balance, May 31, 2005 | $ | 375,748 | $ | 70,670 | $ | 707 | $ | 39,446 | $ | 486,571 |
F-9
STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
May 31, 2005 and 2004
(Stated in US Dollars)
Note 1 | Nature and Continuance of Operations
The Company is in the exploration stage. The Company has entered into several joint venture agreements to explore and develop mineral properties located in China and has not yet determined whether these properties contain reserves that are economically recoverable. The recoverability of amounts from these properties will be dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, confirmation of the Company’s interest in the underlying property, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing to satisfy the expenditure requirements under the joint venture agreements and to complete the development of the properties and upon future profitable production or proceeds from the sale thereof. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Company has accumulated a deficit of $1,357,522 since inception and has yet to achieve profitable operations. Its ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the ability of the Company to generate profitable operations in the future and/or to obtain the necessary financing to meet its obligations and repay its liabilities arising from normal business operations when they come due. The outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with any certainty at this time and raise substantial doubt that the Company will be able to continue as a going concern. These financial statements do not include any adjustments to the amounts and classification of assets and liabilities that may be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The Company anticipates that additional funding will be in the form of equity financing from the sale of common shares. The Company may also seek to obtain short-term loans from the directors of the Company. There are no current arrangements in place for equity funding or short-term loans. Sterling Group Ventures Inc. was incorporated in the State of Nevada on September 13, 2001 and its fiscal year end is May 31. |
Note 2 | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Because a precise determination of many assets and liabilities is dependent upon future events, the preparation of consolidated financial statements for a period necessarily involves the use of estimates, which have been made using careful judgement. Actual results may vary from these estimates. |
F-10
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
May 31, 2005 and 2004
(Stated in US Dollars)
Note 2 | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (cont’d) The consolidated financial statements have, in management’s opinion, been properly prepared within the framework of the significant accounting policies summarized below: Exploration Stage Company
The Company complies with Financial Accounting Standard Board Statement No. 7 and Securities and Exchange Commission Act Guide 7 for its characterization of the Company as an exploration stage. Principles of Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Micro Express Holdings Inc., Micro Express Ltd., Huyana Ventures Limited., Makaelo Holdings Inc. and Makaelo Limited. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated. The Company’s subsidiaries are all incorporated under the laws of the Territory of the British Virgin Islands on the following dates: Micro Express Holdings Inc. was incorporated on February 25, 2004; Micro Express Ltd. was incorporated on July 27, 1994; Huyana Ventures Limited (formerly Micro Express (Lushi) Ltd.) was incorporated on August 18, 2004; Makaelo Holdings Inc. was incorporated on March 21, 2005 and Makaelo Limited was incorporated on February 14, 2005. Cash and Cash Equivalents
For the purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Mineral Properties
Acquisition and exploration costs are charged to operations as incurred until such time that proven or probable ore reserves are discovered. From that time forward, the Company will capitalize all costs to the extent that future cash flow from mineral reserves equals or exceeds the costs deferred. The deferred costs will be amortized over the recoverable reserves when a property reaches commercial production. Exploration activities conducted jointly with others are reflected at the Company’s proportionate interest in such activities. As at May 31, 2005, the Company did not have proven or probable ore reserves. |
F-11
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
May 31, 2005 and 2004
(Stated in US Dollars)
Note 2 | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (cont’d) Long-Lived Assets Impairment
Long-term assets of the Company are reviewed when changes in circumstances require as to whether their carrying value has become impaired, pursuant to guidance established in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 (“SFAS 144”), Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. Management considers assets to be impaired if the carrying value exceeds the future projected cash flows from related operations (undiscounted and without interest charges). If impairment is deemed to exist, the assets will be written down to fair value. Equipment
Equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over 3 years. Income Taxes
The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, No. 109 (“FAS No. 109”), “Accounting for Income Taxes” which requires the use of the asset and liability method for accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method of FAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and loss carry-forwards and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Financial Instruments
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. Unless otherwise noted, it is management’s opinion that the Company is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from these financial instruments. Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high credit quality financial institutions. As of May 31, 2005, the Company had no deposit in a bank beyond insured limits. |
F-12
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
May 31, 2005 and 2004
(Stated in US Dollars)
Note 2 | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (cont’d) Basic Loss per Share
The Company reports basic loss per share in accordance with FAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share”. Basic loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the years. Diluted loss per share has not been provided as it would be antidilutive. Comprehensive Loss
The Company reports comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS) No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”. Comprehensive loss is comprised of foreign currency translation adjustments. Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign currency transactions are translated into US dollars, the functional and reporting currency, by the use of the exchange rate in effect at the date of the transaction, in accordance with FAS No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation”. Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the period end and capital accounts are translated at historical rates. Income statement accounts are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the period. Translation adjustments from the use of different exchange rates from period to period are included in the Comprehensive Income account in Stockholder’s Equity, if applicable. Transactions undertaken in currencies other than the functional currency of the entity are translated using the exchange rate in effect as of the transaction date. Any exchange gains and losses are included in Other Items on the Statement of Operations. Stock-based Compensation
The Company has elected to account for stock-based compensation following APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and provide the disclosure required under FAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-based Compensation”, as amended by FAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, amendment of FAS Statement No. 123”. |
F-13
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
May 31, 2005 and 2004
(Stated in US Dollars)
Note 2 | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (cont’d) New Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Non-monetary Assets – an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29”. SFAS No. 153 eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for non-monetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This statement specifies that a non-monetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this statement are effective for non-monetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of this statement is not expected to materially impact the Company’s financial statements. In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-based Payment”. The revised statement eliminates the ability to account for share-based compensation transactions using APB No. 25. This statement instead requires that all share-based payments to employees be recognized as compensation expense in the statement of operations based on their fair value over the applicable vesting period. The provisions of this statement are effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of this statement does not have any impact on the Company’s financial statements. |
Note 3 | Business Acquisition On January 20, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the acquisition of all the issued and outstanding shares of Micro Express Ltd. (“Micro”) for 25,000,000 common shares of the Company. Micro is a company incorporated in British Virgin Islands and has been inactive since incorporation until 2003. Micro has entered into several joint venture agreements to develop industrial mineral properties in China. Micro was controlled by directors of the Company. Micro Express Holdings Inc. was incorporated on February 25, 2004 by the Company to hold the Company’s investment in Micro. The business combination has been accounted for as a reverse acquisition whereby the purchase method of accounting has been used with Micro being the accounting parent and the Company being the accounting subsidiary. These consolidated financial statements include the operations of the Company, being the accounting subsidiary, from the date of acquisition. The net liabilities of the Company at fair value at the date of acquisition were as follows: |
Current assets | $ | 1,662 | ||
Current liabilities | (1,768 | ) | ||
Net liabilities acquired | $ | (106 | ) |
F-14
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
May 31, 2005 and 2004
(Stated in US Dollars)
Note 3 | Business Acquisition – (cont’d) The results of operations of the accounting subsidiary for the period June 1, 2003 to January 21, 2004 (the date of reverse acquisition) are summarized as follows: |
Revenue | $ | - | ||
Expenses | ||||
Legal and accounting fees | 4,835 | |||
Consulting fees | 4,000 | |||
Exploration costs | 29,528 | |||
Stock transfer and filing fees | 2,145 | |||
Travel | 1,929 | |||
Office and miscellaneous | 9,113 | |||
51,550 | ||||
Net loss for the period | $ | (51,550 | ) |
The Company’s comparative
consolidated financial statements, and its financial results for the year
ended May 31, 2003, represent the financial position of operations and
cash flows of Micro. |
||
Note 4 | Mineral Properties
|
|
a) |
Jiajika Spodumene Property On April 5, 2005, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Micro Express Ltd. (“Micro”), signed a joint venture contract (the “Agreement”) with a Chinese partner for the establishment of a joint venture company, Sichuan Jihai Lithium Ltd. (“Jihai”), and the development of the Jiajika lithium deposit in Kangding District, Sichuan Province, China. Pursuant to the Agreement, the project will be developed in two (2) stages with the development of a production facility with an initial processing capacity of 240,000 tonnes of spodumene ore per year in Stage I and then the processing capacity will be increased to 900,000 tonnes per annum in Stage II. The Company’s interest in Jihai will be 75%, with its contribution of RMB 35,000,000 ($4,216,100) to the registered capital of Jihai and pay RMB7,000,000 ($843,200) to its Chinese partner. The Chinese partner’s interest in Jihai will be 25%, with its contribution to the registered capital of Jihai of RMB 14,000,000 ($1,686,400) in the form of all prior work done, all technical data and information in relation to the business, and all existing permits, licenses and approvals. |
F-15
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
May 31, 2005 and 2004
(Stated in US Dollars)
Note 4 | Mineral Properties –
(cont’d) |
|
a) | Jiajika Spodumene Property – (cont’d) | |
Pursuant to the Agreement, additional construction
funds required for the operation of the business in excess of the registered
capital contributions agreed to in the Agreement will be financed by the
Company as a debt of the Jihai. |
||
In order to acquire its interest, the Company’s contributions are required as follows: |
Date | Amount | ||
April 15, 2005 | RMB5,000,000 ($602,300) to Jihai | ||
July 31, 2005 | RMB10,000,000 ($1,204,600) to Jihai | ||
Upon completion of Stage 1 construction | RMB7,000,000 ($843,200) to Chinese partner | ||
Within 2 years from date of issuance of | |||
business license to Jihai | RMB20,000,000 ($2,409,200) to Jihai |
The Company has not completed the required contribution
and has indicated its intention to seek an amendment. |
||
As at May 31, 2005, the Company incurred $375,748
in the Jiajika Spodumene Property. As at May 31, 2004, the Company had
advanced $150,000 for this project. |
||
b) | Lushi Spodumene Property |
|
On December 28, 2003, the Company, through its wholly
owned subsidiary, Micro Express Ltd., entered into a Letter of Intent
to earn an interest of between 90% to 92% in a 30-year mining joint venture
which will hold the rights to develop the Lushi Spodumene property located
in Henan Province, China. The Company shall contribute the total investment
in the project. The amount of the investment will be determined by a pre-feasibility
study. On April 10, 2004, the Company entered into a formal joint venture
agreement with its Chinese partner to commence earning its 92% interest.
|
||
As at May 31, 2005, the Company incurred $70,670
in the Lushi Spodumene Property. |
||
The mining permits for this property expired in March 2005. The Company is in the process of renewing the permits. |
F-16
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
May 31, 2005 and 2004
(Stated in US Dollars)
Note 4 | Mineral Properties – (cont’d) |
c) | DX Polymetallic Project |
|
On March 2, 2005, the Company, through its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Makaelo Limited, entered into a joint venture agreement with
a Chinese citizen who holds two exploration permits for a copper project
(“the Project”) in Inner Mongolia, China. |
||
The Project is comprised of two exploration permits,
Donggou and Xiaoxigou, covering an area of about 52 square kilometers.
The Project is located in Inner Mongolia. The Company has the right to
earn 52% of a cooperative joint venture company by spending RMB 5,200,000
($626,400) for the exploration in the permit areas over three years
with the first year contributing not less than RMB2,000,000 ($240,900).
After the Company has earned 52% interest of the cooperative company,
contributions to fund the exploration and development of the Project will
be made pro rata. The interest of the Chinese party will be diluted to
not less than 10% if it elects not to make cash contributions. |
||
As at May 31, 2005, the Company incurred $39,446
in the DX Polymetallic Property. |
||
d) | DHLT Spodumene Property |
|
On May 21, 2005, the Company, through its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Huyana Ventures Limited (“Huyana”), signed a letter
of intent (the “LOI”) with a Chinese partner for the development
of Dahongliutan (“DHLT”) spodumene deposit located in Xinjiang
Province of China. A joint venture company in Hetian City of Xinjiang
Province in China will be set up to conduct the development and operation
of the DHLT spodumene deposit in the areas that the Chinese partner has
mining permits and where the Chinese partner is applying for additional
mining permits. The business of the joint venture company will include
mining and processing spodumene and comprehensive utilization of other
associated rare metals. The Company shall contribute the total investment
in the project for an 80% interest in the joint venture. The terms of
the joint venture will be decided upon further negotiations and due diligence
between the parties and will be subject to a formal contract to be signed
by both parties. |
||
As at May 31, 2005, the Company incurred $707
in the DHLT Spodumene Property. |
||
Note 5 | Equipment |
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Accumulated | ||||||||
Cost | Amortization | Net | Net | |||||
Computer equipment | $ 5,425 | $ 1,334 | $ 4,091 | $ - |
F-17
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
May 31, 2005 and 2004
(Stated in US Dollars)
Note 6 | Related Party Transactions – Note 3 The Company was charged consulting fees during the year ended May 31, 2005 totalling $136,907 (2004: $12,591) by companies controlled by two directors of the Company. The Company was charged rental fees included in General and Administrative during the year ended May 31, 2005 totalling $7,054 (2004: $Nil) by a company controlled by a director of the Company. These charges were measured by the exchange amount which is the amount agreed upon by the transacting parties. Other receivable at May 31, 2005 includes $Nil (2004: $5,663) due from a director of the Company with respect to travel advances. Accounts payable at May 31, 2005 includes $8,909 (2004: $Nil) due to a director of the Company for expenses advanced on behalf of the Company, and to a company controlled by a director of the Company for unpaid consulting fees. During the year ended May 31, 2004, a portion of the shares issued to acquire Micro (Note 3) totalling 19,000,000 were issued to directors of the Company. |
Note 7 | Capital Stock Commitments: |
a) | Capital Stock |
|
The Company has arranged a private placement of
up to 5,000,000 units at $0.50 per unit for total proceeds of $2,500,000.
Each unit consists of one common share and one share purchase warrant
entitling the holder the right to purchase one common share at $0.75
per share, expiring on February 16, 2006. Upon exercise of the share purchase
warrant, an additional share purchase warrant will be granted at $1.00
per share, expiring February 16, 2007. As at May 31, 2005, the Company
has received total subscriptions of $1,858,000 for 3,716,000 units.
Finder's fee of 101,500 units with the aforementioned terms was issued.
|
||
On December 18, 2004, the Company issued 100,000
shares with a fair value of $42,000 to a consultant for investor relations
services for a period of one year. |
||
b) | Stock Options |
|
On February 3, 2004, the Board of Directors of the
Company has approved the 2004 Stock Option Plan which allows the Company
to grant up to 3,636,000 stock options as an incentive to directors, officers,
employees and consultants. |
F-18
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
May 31, 2005 and 2004
(Stated in US Dollars)
Note 7 | Capital Stock – (cont’d) Commitments: – (cont’d) |
b) | Stock Options – (cont’d) |
|
During the year ended May 31, 2004, the Company
granted 2,100,000 fully vested stock options to directors and officers
of the Company at an exercise price of $0.50 per share. These stock
options expire February 3, 2009. |
||
The Company accounts for its stock based compensation
plans using the intrinsic value method whereby no compensation costs have
been recognized in the financial statements for stock options granted
to employees and directors. If the fair value method had been used for
options granted, a fair value of $504,000 would be recorded as compensation
expenses. The Company's net loss and net loss per share would approximate
the following pro-forma amounts: |
2004 | |||||
Net loss: | |||||
As reported | $ | (527,446 | ) | ||
Compensation cost for the year | (504,000 | ) | |||
Pro-forma | $ | (1,031,446 | ) | ||
Net loss per common share: | |||||
As reported | $ | (0.02 | ) | ||
Pro-forma | $ | (0.04 | ) |
During the year ended May 31, 2004 the Company also granted 1,536,000 fully vested stock options to consultants at an exercise price of $0.50 per share. These stock option expire February 3, 2009. The fair value of options granted to non-employees and non-directors is $368,641 and has been recorded as stock-based compensation expense. The fair value of each option grant is $0.24 and was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for the options granted on February 3, 2004: dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility of 51.15%, risk-free interest rate of 3.26%, and an expected life of 5 years. During the year ended May 31, 2005, no stock options were granted, exercised or cancelled. As at May 31, 2005, there were a total of 3,636,000 stock options outstanding exercisable at $0.50 per share, expiring on February 3, 2009. |
F-19
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
May 31, 2005 and 2004
(Stated in US Dollars)
Note 7 | Capital Stock – (cont’d) Commitments: – (cont’d) |
c) | Share Purchase Warrants |
|
During the year ended May 31, 2005, 2,051,500 share
purchase warrants were issued, including 101,500 warrants with a fair
value of $40,110 for a finder’s fee. During the year ended May
31, 2004, 1,766,000 share purchase warrants were issued. No warrants were
exercised or cancelled during the year ended May 31, 2005. |
||
As at May 31, 2005, the Company has a total of 3,817,500
share purchase warrants outstanding. Each warrant entitles the holder
thereof the right to purchase one common share at $0.75 per share
expiring on February 16, 2006. Upon exercising of the warrant, an additional
share purchase warrant will be granted at $1.00 per share expiring
on February 16, 2007. |
||
The fair values of the warrants granted to the finders
range from $0.24 to $0.54 per share and were estimated on the
date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
assumptions used: dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility from 73.5%
to 92.5%, risk-free interest rate from 2.99% to 3.27%, and an expected
life of from 1.25 to 1.5 years. |
||
Note 8 | Deferred Tax Assets There is no current or deferred tax expense for the years ended May 31, 2005 and 2004, due to the Company's loss position. The Company has fully reserved for any benefits of these losses. The deferred tax consequences of temporary differences in reporting items for financial statement and income tax purposes are recognized, as appropriate. Realization of the future tax benefits related to the deferred tax assets is dependent on many factors, including the Company’s ability to generate taxable income within the net operating loss carryforward period. Management has considered these factors in reaching its conclusion as to the valuation allowance for financial reporting purposes. The income tax effect of temporary differences comprising the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is a result of the following: |
2005 | 2004 | ||||||
Deferred tax assets | $ | 461,557 | $ | 179,379 | |||
Valuation allowance | (461,557 | ) | (179,379 | ) | |||
Net deferred tax assets | $ | - | $ | - |
F-20
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
May 31, 2005 and 2004
(Stated in US Dollars)
Note 8 | Deferred Tax Assets – (cont’d) All of the net operating loss carryforwards was generated by the parent company. The Company does not file a consolidated tax return because all of its subsidiaries are foreign corporations. Pursuant to the Tax Reform Act of 1986, annual utilization of the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards may be limited if a cumulative change in ownership of more than 50% is deemed to occur within any three year period. |
Note 9 | Non-cash Transactions Investing and financing activities that do not have a direct impact on current cash flows are excluded from the cash flow statement. During the year ended May 31, 2005, the Company issued 101,500 common shares at a value of $50,750 as commission paid to the broker for a private placement and issued 100,000 common shares at a value of $42,000 for investor relations’ services. As at May 31, 2005, $21,553 was included in prepaid expenses and $20,447 was expensed. During the year ended May 31, 2004, the Company issued 25,000,000 common shares at a value of $1,881 to acquire 100% of Micro Express Ltd. These transactions were excluded from the statement of cash flows. |
Note 10 | Subsequent Events |
i) | On June 19, 2005, the Company signed a Cooperative
Agreement (the “Agreement”) with a Chinese partner in Sichuan
Province, China for the possible development of the Lithium Metal and
Lithium Salt Projects in Sichuan Province, China. |
|
Under the terms of the Agreement, two joint venture
companies will be set up, one for lithium metal production and the other
for lithium salt production. It is intended that the final terms of the
Agreement will be decided upon further negotiations between the parties
to the Agreement and will be subject to a formal contract to be signed
by both parties. |
||
ii) | On July 11, 2005, the Company signed a letter of
intent (the “LOI”) with a Chinese partner (the “partner”)
for the development of Dangxiongcuo salt lake property (“DXC |
|
Salt Lake”) in Nima county of Naqu district
in Tibet, China. Pursuant to the LOI, the parties have agreed to set up
a joint venture company in Tibet, China to share the benefits, risks and
losses of the project. |
||
It is intended that the terms of the joint venture
will be decided upon further negotiations between the parties to the LOI.
Any formal contract which may be signed in the future by both parties
will be subject to the completion of a due diligence investigation of
the mining site and project by the Company. |
F-21
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
STERLING GROUP VENTURES, INC. | ||
(Registrant) | ||
By: | /s/ Richard Shao | |
Richard Shao, President and Chief Financial | ||
Officer | ||
By: | /s/ Raoul Tsakok | |
Raoul Tsakok, Chairman and Chief Executive | ||
Officer | ||
Date: August 25, 2005 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: | /s/ Richard Shao | |
Richard Shao, President and Chief Financial | ||
Officer | ||
By: | /s/ Raoul Tsakok | |
Raoul Tsakok, Chairman and Chief Executive | ||
Officer | ||
Date: August 25, 2005 |
26