Form 6-K GOLD RESERVE INC For: Mar 31

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

 

Report of Foreign Private Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the month of May 2021

Commission File Number: 001-31819

 

Gold Reserve Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

999 W. Riverside Avenue, Suite 401
Spokane, Washington 99201
(Address of principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F ¨ Form 40-F x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ¨ No x

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):

This Report on Form 6-K and the exhibits attached hereto are hereby incorporated by reference into Gold Reserve Inc.’s (the “Company”) current Registration Statements on Form F-3 and Form S-8 on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

The following exhibits are furnished with this Form 6-K:

99.1 March 31, 2021 Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

99.2 March 31, 2021 Management’s Discussion and Analysis

99.3 Chief Executive Officer’s Certification of Interim Filings

99.4 Chief Financial Officer’s Certification of Interim Filings

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and information

The information presented or incorporated by reference in this report contains both historical information and "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) or "forward-looking information" (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") that may state our intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause our actual financial results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein, many of which are outside our control.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions, including those set out herein, that may never materialize, prove incorrect or materialize other than as currently contemplated which could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "plan," "may," "could" and other similar expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and future trends, which do not relate to historical matters, identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Any such forward-looking statements are not intended to provide any assurances as to future results.

Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:

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risks associated with the substantial concentration of our activities and assets in Venezuela which are and will continue to be subject to risks specific to Venezuela, including the effects of political, economic and social developments, social instability and unrest; international response to Venezuelan domestic and international policies; Sanctions (as defined below) by the U.S. or Canadian governments or other jurisdictions and potential invalidation, confiscation, expropriation or rescission of governmental orders, permits, agreements or property rights either by the existing or a future administration or power, de jure or de facto;

●        risks associated with sanctions imposed by the U.S. and Canadian governments targeting the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela ("Venezuela") (the "Sanctions"):

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Sanctions imposed by the U.S. government generally block all property of the government of Venezuela and prohibit the Company and its directors, management and employees (who are considered U.S. Persons as defined by U.S. Sanction statutes) from dealing with the Venezuelan government and/or state-owned/controlled entities, entering into certain transactions or dealing with Specially Designated Nationals ("SDNs") and target corruption in, among other identified sectors, the gold sector of the Venezuelan economy,

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Sanctions imposed by the Canadian government include asset freezes and prohibitions on dealings, by Canadian entities and/or citizens as well as other individuals in Canada, with certain named Venezuelan officials under the Special Economic Measures (Venezuela) Regulations of the Special Economic Measures Act and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Regulations of the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law),

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Sanctions have adversely impacted our ability to collect the remaining funds owed by Venezuela and our ability to finance, develop and operate the Siembra Minera Project, which is expected to continue for an indeterminate period of time;

●        risks that U.S. and Canadian government agencies that enforce Sanctions may not issue licenses that the Company may request in the future to engage in certain Venezuela-related transactions;

●        risks associated with the continued failure by Venezuela to honor its remaining commitments under the Settlement Agreement (as defined below). As of the date of this report, Venezuela still owes the Company an estimated $908 million (including interest of approximately $130 million) related to the original settlement obligation of approximately $1.032 billion, which was payable in a series of monthly payments ending on or before June 15, 2019 (the "Settlement Agreement");

●        risks associated with our ability to resume our efforts to enforce and collect the September 2014 arbitral award granted pursuant to the Additional Facility Rules of the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (the "Award"). These risks include incurring the costs of enforcement and collection of the Award and the timing and success of that effort, if Venezuela ultimately fails to honor its commitments pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, it is terminated and further efforts related to executing the Settlement Agreement are abandoned;

●

risks associated with the announced phase out of LIBOR in December 2021 and our ability, if and when it's possible to engage with the Venezuelan government, to either agree with Venezuela on a new interest benchmark or, alternatively, petition the court responsible for the enforcement of our Award judgement to rule on a new benchmark;

●        risks associated with Venezuela's failure to honor its remaining commitments associated with the formation and operation of Siembra Minera (a company formed to develop the Siembra Minera Project (as defined below) which is comprised of certain gold, copper, silver and other strategic mineral rights located in Bolivar State, Venezuela);

●        risks associated with the ability of the Company and Venezuela to (i) successfully overcome legal or regulatory obstacles to operate Siembra Minera for the purpose of developing the Siembra Minera Project, (ii) complete any additional definitive documentation and finalize remaining governmental approvals and (iii) obtain financing to fund the capital costs of the Siembra Minera Project;

●        risks associated with filing a claim, if warranted, for damages against Venezuela in the event they breach the terms of the underlying agreements governing the formation of Siembra Minera and the future development of the Siembra Minera Project. The cost of prosecuting such a claim over a number of years could be substantial, and there is no assurance that we would be successful in our claim or, if successful, could collect any compensation from the Venezuelan government. If we are unable to prevail, in the event we filed a claim against the Venezuelan government related to our stake in the Siembra Minera Project or were unable to collect compensation in respect of our claim, the Company would be adversely affected;

●

risks associated with the existence of "dual" governments in Venezuela as a result of certain non-Venezuelan countries (including the United States and Canada) recognizing a presidency and government led by Juan Guaidó, instead of Nicolás Maduro, including associated challenges as to governing and decision-making authority related thereto, and the U.S. government's previous indictment of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and a number of key associates for human rights abuses and drug trafficking;

●

risks that any future Venezuelan administration or power, de jure or de facto, will fail to respect the agreements entered into by Gold Reserve and Venezuela, including past or future actions of any branch of Government challenging the formation of Siembra Minera and Presidential Decree No. 2.248 creating the National Strategic Development Zone Mining Arc of the Orinoco;

●        the risk that the conclusions of management and its qualified consultants contained in the Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Siembra Minera Gold Copper Project in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") may not be realized in the future;

●        risks associated with exploration, delineation of sufficient reserves, regulatory and permitting obstacles and other risks associated with the development of the Siembra Minera Project;

●        risks associated with our ability to service outstanding obligations as they come due and access future additional funding, when required, for ongoing liquidity and capital resources, pending the receipt of payments under the Settlement Agreement or collection of the Award in the courts;

●        risks associated with our prospects in general for the identification, exploration and development of mining projects and other risks normally incident to the exploration, development and operation of mining properties, including our ability to achieve revenue producing operations in the future;

●

risks that estimates and/or assumptions required to be made by management in the course of preparing our financial statements are determined to be inaccurate, resulting in a negative impact on the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period;

●        risks associated with shareholder dilution resulting from the future sale of additional equity, if required;

●        risks associated with the value realized, if any, from the disposition of the assets related to our previous mining project in Venezuela known as the "Brisas Project";

●        risks associated with the abilities of and continued participation by certain employees;

●        risks associated with the impact of current or future U.S., Canadian and/or other jurisdiction's tax laws to which we are or may be subject; and

●        risks associated with the impact of new diseases, epidemics and pandemics, including the effects and potential effects of the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

See “Risk Factors” contained in our Annual Information Form and Annual Report on Form 40-F filed on www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively for additional risk factors that could cause results to differ materially from forward-looking statements.

Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and investors should not infer that there has been no change in our affairs since the date of this report that would warrant any modification of any forward-looking statement made in this document, other documents periodically filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), the Ontario Securities Commission or other securities regulators or presented on the Company's website. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. We disclaim any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to our disclosure obligations under applicable U.S. and Canadian securities regulations. Investors are urged to read the Company's filings with U.S. and Canadian securities regulatory agencies, which can be viewed online at www.sec.gov and www.sedar.com, respectively. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company’s expected financial and operational performance and results as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented in the Company’s plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

Dated: May 13, 2021

 

GOLD RESERVE INC. (Registrant)

 

 

By: /s/ Robert A. McGuinness

Robert A. McGuinness, its Vice President of Finance,

Chief Financial Officer and its Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

 

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOLD RESERVE INC.

March 31, 2021

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

U.S. Dollars

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, dated
May 13, 2021 is intended to assist in understanding and assessing our results of operations and financial condition and should be read in conjunction with the March 31, 2021 unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes. All dollar amounts herein are expressed in U.S. Dollars.

Venezuela's political, economic and social conditions

Venezuela continues to experience substantial social, political and economic turmoil. The country's overall infrastructure, social services network and economy have generally collapsed. Further, certain non-Venezuelan countries (including the United States and Canada) currently recognize a presidency and government led by Juan Guaidó, instead of Nicolás Maduro, resulting in a "dual" government. In addition, in March 2020, the U.S. government indicted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and a number of key associates for human rights abuses and drug trafficking.

The existing conditions in Venezuela, along with Sanctions, are expected to continue in the foreseeable future, adversely impacting our ability to collect the remaining amount owed to us by Venezuela pursuant to the Settlement Agreement and/or Award and hinder our ability to develop certain gold, copper, silver and other strategic mineral rights contained within Bolivar State comprising what is known as the Siembra Minera project (the "Siembra Minera Project").

U.S. and Canadian Sanctions

The U.S. and Canadian governments have imposed various sanctions which, in aggregate, essentially prevent any dealings with the Venezuelan government, state-owned or controlled entities and prohibit the Company and its directors, management and employees from dealing with certain Venezuelan individuals or entering into certain transactions.

The Sanctions implemented by the U.S. government generally block all property of the Venezuelan government and state-owned/controlled entities such as Siembra Minera. In addition, U.S. Sanctions prohibit U.S. Persons (as defined by the U.S. Sanction statutes) from dealing with Specially Designated Nationals ("SDNs") and targets corruption in, among other identified sectors, the gold sector of the Venezuelan economy. The Sanctions implemented by the Canadian government generally include asset freezes and impose prohibitions on dealings with certain named Venezuelan officials under the Special Economic Measures (Venezuela) Regulations of the Special Economic Measures Act and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Regulations of the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law). 

The cumulative impact of the Sanctions continues to restrict the Company from working with those Venezuelan government officials responsible for the payment and transfer of funds associated with the Settlement Agreement and those responsible for the operation of Siembra Minera and the development of the Siembra Minera Project which adversely impacts our ability to collect the remaining balance of the Award plus interest and/or amounts due pursuant to the Settlement Agreement from Venezuela and, until Sanctions are lifted, obstructs our ability to develop the Siembra Minera Project as originally planned.

COVID-19

Management has evaluated the potential effect COVID-19 may have on the Company’s operations and asset values and at this time does not expect there will be a material impact.

EXPLORATION PROSPECTS

SIEMBRA MINERA

Overview

In August 2016, we executed the Contract for the Incorporation and Administration of the Mixed Company with the government of Venezuela (the "Mixed Company Formation Document") to form a jointly owned company and in October 2016, together with an affiliate of the government of Venezuela, we established Siembra Minera, the entity whose purpose is to develop the Siembra Minera Project. Siembra Minera is beneficially owned 55% by Corporacion Venezolana de Mineria, S.A., a Venezuelan government corporation, and 45% by Gold Reserve. Although Venezuela is not current with its obligations outlined in the Settlement Agreement, the parties retain their respective interests in Siembra Minera.

Siembra Minera holds certain gold, copper, silver and other strategic mineral rights within Bolivar State comprising approximately 18,950 hectares in an area located in the Km 88 gold mining district of southeast Bolivar State which includes the historical Brisas and Cristinas areas. The mineral rights held by Siembra Minera have a 20-year term with two 10-year extensions.

Gold Reserve, under a yet to be completed Technical Services Agreement, would provide engineering, procurement and construction services to Siembra Minera for a fee of 5% over all costs of construction and development and, thereafter, for a fee of 5% over operating costs during operations. Venezuela is obligated to use its best efforts to grant to Siembra Minera similar terms that would apply to the Siembra Minera Project in the event Venezuela enters into an agreement with a third party for the incorporation of a mixed company to perform similar activities with terms and conditions that are more favorable than the tax and fiscal incentives contemplated in the Mixed Company Formation Document and is obligated to indemnify us and our affiliates against any future legal actions related to property ownership associated with the Siembra Minera Project.

There are significant provisions related to the formation of Siembra Minera and the development and operation of the Siembra Minera Project, as provided in the Mixed Company Formation Document, some of which are still pending completion. There are a number of pending authorizations and/or still to be completed obligations on the part of the Venezuelan government that are critical to the financing and future operation of the Siembra Minera Project.

Venezuela agreed to certain Presidential Decrees, within the legal framework of the "Orinoco Mining Arc" (created on February 24, 2016 under Presidential Decree No. 2.248 as an area for national strategic development Official Gazette No. 40.855), that will or have been issued to provide for tax and fiscal incentives for companies owned jointly with the government ("Mixed Companies") operating in that area that include exemption from value added tax, stamp tax, municipal taxes and any taxes arising from the contribution of tangible or intangible assets, if any, to the Mixed Company by the parties and the same cost of electricity, diesel and gasoline as that incurred by the government or related entities.

Siembra Minera is obligated to pay to the government a special advantage of 3% of gross sales and a net smelter return royalty ("NSR") on the sale of gold, copper, silver and any other strategic minerals of 5% for the first ten years of commercial production and 6% for the next ten years. The parties also agreed to participate in the price of gold in accordance with a formula resulting in specified respective percentages based on the sales price of gold per ounce. For sales up to $1,600 per ounce, net profits will be allocated 55% to Venezuela and 45% to us. For sales greater than $1,600 per ounce, the incremental amount will be allocated 70% to Venezuela and 30% to us. For example, with sales at $1,600 and $3,500 per ounce, net profits will be allocated 55.0% - 45.0% and 60.5% - 39.5%, respectively.

Venezuela is obligated to advance $110.2 million to Siembra Minera to facilitate the early startup of the pre-operation and construction activities, but has not yet taken steps to provide such funding and Siembra Minera is obligated, with Venezuela's support, to undertake initiatives to secure financing(s) to fund the anticipated capital costs of the Siembra Minera Project, which are estimated to be in excess of $2 billion. To date no verifiable financing alternatives have been identified.

The Mixed Company Formation Documents provide for Siembra Minera, pursuant to Presidential Decrees or other authorizations, to be subject to an income tax rate of 14% for years one to five, 19% for years six to ten, 24% for years eleven to fifteen, 29% for years sixteen to twenty and 34% thereafter; to be authorized to export and sell concentrate and doré containing gold, copper, silver and other strategic minerals outside of Venezuela and maintain foreign currency balances associated with sales proceeds; to hold funds associated with future capital cost financings and sale of gold, copper and silver offshore in U.S. dollar accounts with dividend and profit distributions, if any, paid directly to Siembra Minera shareholders; to convert all funds into local currency at the same exchange rate offered by Venezuela to other similar entities, as required to pay Venezuela income taxes and annual operating and capital costs denominated in Bolivars for the Siembra Minera Project. As of the date of this Management's Discussion and Analysis, Venezuela has not yet taken steps to formally provide such authorizations via Presidential Decree or otherwise.

On October 8, 2020, the Venezuelan National Constituent Assembly approved an “anti-blockade” law, published in Special Official Gazette No. 6.583 of October 12th, 2020 (the "Law"). The Law is reportedly part of the Maduro administration's strategy to overcome the financial, economic and commercial consequences of U.S. Sanctions. The Law, which according to its own terms ranks as a constitutional law, was passed to provide President Maduro the tools to mitigate the effects of U.S. Sanctions on Venezuela. The Law, in part, allows the Venezuelan government to implement programs to foster investments in projects or alliances in strategic sectors, including the power to sell State assets, lower or increase State interest in mixed companies and suspend legal and sublegal norms that it considers counterproductive due to sanctions. The Law provides strict provisions of confidentiality that would exclude from public scrutiny transactions that are permitted thereunder. Members of the opposition government and academic and professional associations in Venezuela have questioned the constitutionality of the Law. Additionally, they claim that the Law will lead to a lack of transparency and accountability. It is unclear if the Law will have any current or future impact on the Company's operations.

While it is difficult to predict, it is possible that if there were to be a change of government in Venezuela that gives control to the opposition, the new government may challenge the Maduro administration's 2016 formation of Siembra Minera and Presidential Decree No. 2.248 which created the National Strategic Development Zone Mining Arc of the Orinoco where the Siembra Minera Project is located. The impact of recent or future actions by an opposition controlled government could adversely affect the Company's ownership interest in Siembra Minera or its future operations in Venezuela.

Siembra Minera Project Completed Activities

Prior to the implementation of the Sanctions, the Company's development activities included the following, much of which were completed prior to 2019: published the results of the PEA in accordance with NI 43-101; completed the preliminary design and engineering on the small scale Phase I oxide saprolite process plant and the Phase 2 larger hard rock process plant; completed the preliminary design work for a Phase 1 and Phase 2 Tailings Dam; completed and obtained approval of a Venezuelan Environmental Impact Statement; subsequently received the environmental permit to affect the Area for the early works (the "Permit to Affect"); collected and transported a surface saprolite material sample to the U.S. for future metallurgical testing; validated, with the assistance of Empresa Nacional Forestal (a state owned company affiliated with the Ministry of Environment), the forest inventory for the Siembra Minera Project area; assisted with the preparation of budgets for Siembra Minera according to parameters set forth by the Venezuelan budgeting agency; obtained, the "Initiation Act", pursuant to the Permit to Affect, allowing Siembra Minera to initiate the authorized preliminary/early works on the Siembra Minera Project; completed in March 2019 the Environmental Supervision Plan for the permitted (early or preliminary) works; hosted two community events for the granting of the Permit to Affect and the granting of the Initiation Act; worked with Mission Piar (Small Miner Program affiliated with the Ministry of Mines) to complete an initial survey and census of small miners located in the Siembra Minera Project area, which included cataloging identities, locations, infrastructure and health status; completed a feasibility study for a rock quarry in March 2019 as part of the opening of the quarry needed for the "early works" and during both Phases I and II of the Siembra Minera Project; and assisted small miner alliances, with the support of the Ministry of Mines, to obtain mining rights to property north of the Siembra Minera Project – with the purpose of relocating small miners from the Siembra Minera Project area.

Siembra Minera has no operations at this time. As a result, the Company has directly incurred the costs associated with the Siembra Minera Project. The cumulative expenditures incurred by the Company through March 31, 2021, totaled approximately $21.3 million.

Siembra Minera Project Development

We have considered initial plans for various on-site activities such as site clearing, construction of a temporary camp and warehouse facilities, drilling of dewatering and development drill holes, access roads on the property, opening of the quarry for construction aggregates and initial construction activities. We have evaluated initial proposals for a drilling program in support of the overall project development activities, water management wells, and test areas where additional resource potential is evident. Various geotechnical studies as well as environmental and social studies to augment and update previous work on the property have been considered which could support the generation of a pre-feasibility study for the small and large plant and generate Environmental & Social Impact Assessments ("ESIA") for the support of the various operating and environmental permits that will be required for the Siembra Minera Project. The next phase of the Siembra Minera Project's development is envisioned to include detail design work for the small cyanidation plant and related facilities along with the metallurgical testing to support the metallurgical process used in the plant.

The Sanctions severely obstruct our ability to develop the Siembra Minera Project and, until such time as Sanctions are lifted, we expect our activities in Venezuela will be limited. It is unclear to management if any new Venezuelan administration or power, de jure or de facto, in the future will respect the agreements of the prior administration.

LMS GOLD PROJECT

On March 1, 2016, we completed the acquisition of certain wholly-owned mining claims known as the LMS Gold Project (the "LMS Property"), together with certain personal property for $350,000, pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Raven Gold Alaska Inc. ("Raven"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Corvus Gold Inc. Raven retains an NSR with respect to (i) "Precious Metals" produced and recovered from the LMS Property equal to 3% of "Net Smelter Returns" on such metals (the "Precious Metals Royalty") and (ii) "Base Metals" produced and recovered from the LMS Property equal to 1% of Net Smelter Returns on such metals, however we have the option, for a period of 20 years from the date of closing of the acquisition, to buy back a one-third interest (i.e. 1 %) in the Precious Metals Royalty at a price of $4 million. In 2019 Raven assigned the NSR to Bronco Creek Exploration, Inc. The LMS Property remains at an early stage of exploration with limited annual on-site activities being conducted by the Company. Management is currently evaluating a plan to increase exploration activities on the property which could commence later this year.

BRISAS ARBITRAL AWARD, SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND MINING DATA SALE

In October 2009, we initiated a claim (the "Brisas Arbitration") under the Additional Facility Rules of the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes ("ICSID") to obtain compensation for the losses caused by the actions of Venezuela that terminated our Brisas Project in violation of the terms of the Treaty between the Government of Canada and the Government of Venezuela for the Promotion and Protection of Investments. In September 2014, the ICSID Tribunal granted us the Award totaling $740.3 million. The Award (less legal costs and expenses) accrues post-award interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2%, compounded annually.

Under the terms of the July 2016 Settlement Agreement (as amended) Venezuela agreed to pay the Company $792 million to satisfy the Award and $240 million for the purchase of our technical mining data associated with our previous Brisas Project (the "Mining Data") for a total of approximately $1.032 billion in a series of monthly payments ending on or before June 15, 2019. As agreed, the first $240 million received by Gold Reserve from Venezuela has been recognized as proceeds from the sale of the Mining Data.

The terms of the Settlement Agreement included the Company's agreement to suspend the legal enforcement of the Award until final payment is made by Venezuela and Venezuela's agreement to irrevocably waive its right to appeal the February 2017 judgment issued by the Cour d'appel de Paris dismissing the annulment applications filed by Venezuela in respect of the Award and to terminate all other proceedings seeking annulment of the Award.

As of the date of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis, the Company had received payments of approximately $254 million pursuant to the Settlement Agreement. The remaining unpaid amount due from Venezuela pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, which is delinquent, totals approximately $908 million (including interest of approximately $130 million) as of March 31, 2021. Venezuela has not made the required payments pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement and has not fulfilled remaining commitments associated with the formation of Siembra Minera and as a result is in breach of those agreements. Due to the complexity of Venezuela's political, economic and social situation and the obstacles presented by Sanctions we have concluded that, at this time, the best course of action is to continue to try to resolve the outstanding issues through continued dialog as allowed by Sanctions and the current conditions in Venezuela.

The interest rate provided for on any unpaid amounts pursuant to the Award is specified as LIBOR plus two percent. In 2017, U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority announced that LIBOR will be phased out of existence as a dependable index for variable interest rates no later than December 31, 2021. Working groups assembled by the U.S. Federal Reserve have identified the Secured Overnight Funding Rate ("SOFR") as the preferred replacement for LIBOR. SOFR reflects the cost of borrowing in dollars in the daily overnight treasury repo market. If and when it is possible to engage with the Venezuelan government, we expect that we will either come to an agreement with Venezuela as to an appropriate replacement or, alternatively, petition the court responsible for the enforcement of our Award judgement to rule on a new interest rate benchmark. There is no assurance that we will be successful in such efforts. In the interim, management plans to use the recommended SOFR benchmark as the best estimate of accrued interest on the remaining unpaid amount due from Venezuela.

 

The terms of the Settlement Agreement also included Venezuela's obligation to make available to an escrow agent negotiable financial instruments, with a face value of at least $350 million, partially guaranteeing the payment obligations to the Company. As of the date of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis, Venezuela has not yet taken steps to provide such collateral and it is unclear if and when Venezuela will comply with this particular obligation, among others, contained in the Settlement Agreement.

Obligations Due Upon Collection of the Award and Sale of Mining Data

Pursuant to a 2012 restructuring of convertible notes, we issued Contingent Value Rights ("CVRs") that entitle the holders to an aggregate of 5.466% of certain proceeds from Venezuela associated with the collection of the Award and/or sale of Mining Data or an enterprise sale (the "Proceeds"), less amounts sufficient to pay or reserve for applicable taxes payable, certain associated professional fees and expenses not to exceed $10 million, any accrued operating expenses as of the date of the receipt of Proceeds not to exceed $1 million and the balance of any remaining Notes (as defined in the agreement) and accrued interest thereon (the "Net Proceeds"). We have been advised by a CVR holder that it believes that the Company's 45% interest in Siembra Minera represents "Proceeds" for purposes of the CVRs and as such it believes the CVR holders are entitled to the value of 5.466% of that interest on the date of its acquisition. For a variety of reasons, the Company does not agree with that position and believes it is inconsistent with the CVRs and the terms and manner upon which we reached settlement as to the Award with the Venezuelan government. This matter has not been resolved as of the date of this Management's Discussion and Analysis and it is not possible at this time to determine its outcome. As of March 31, 2021, the total cumulative estimated obligation due pursuant to the terms of the CVR from the sale of the Mining Data and collection of the Award was approximately $10.0 million, of which approximately $60 thousand remains payable to CVR holders.

The Board approved a bonus plan (the "Bonus Plan") in May 2012, which was intended to compensate the participants, including executive officers, employees, directors and consultants for their contributions related to: the development of the Brisas Project; the manner in which the development effort was carried out allowing the Company to present a strong defense of its arbitration claim; the support of the Company's execution of the Brisas Arbitration; and the ongoing efforts to assist with positioning the Company in the collection of the Award, sale of the Mining Data or enterprise sale. The bonus pool under the Bonus Plan is comprised of the gross proceeds collected or the fair value of any consideration realized less applicable taxes multiplied by 1.28% of the first $200 million and 6.4% thereafter. The Bonus Plan is administered by a committee of independent directors who selected the individual participants in the Bonus Plan and fixed the relative percentage of the total pool to be distributed to each participant. Participation in the Bonus Plan by existing participants is fixed, subject to voluntary termination of employment or termination for cause. Participants who reach age 65 and retire are fully vested and continue to participate in future distributions under the Bonus Plan. As of March 31, 2021, the total cumulative estimated obligation pursuant to the terms of the Bonus Plan from the sale of the Mining Data and collection of the Award was approximately $4.4 million, of which approximately $70 thousand remains payable to Bonus Plan participants.

In March 2020, the U.S. Congress passed legislation which allows companies to carryback net operating losses incurred in 2018, 2019 and 2020 to offset income earned in prior years. In response to this legislation, management reduced its estimate of the U.S. related income tax due on amounts received in 2018 from the sale of Mining Data. The effect of this change in estimate was to increase the net proceeds subject to the CVR and the Bonus Plan and, as a result, the Company recorded an increase in its obligation to the CVR holders and Bonus Plan participants by approximately $60 thousand and $70 thousand, respectively.

Intention to Distribute Funds Received in Connection with the Award in the Future

Following the receipt, if any, of additional funds associated with the Settlement Agreement and/or Award and after applicable payments of Net Proceeds to holders of our CVRs and participants under our Bonus Plan, we expect to distribute to our shareholders a substantial majority of any remaining proceeds, subject to applicable regulatory requirements and retaining sufficient reserves for operating expenses, contractual obligations, accounts payable and income taxes, and any obligations arising as a result of the future collection of the remaining amounts owed by Venezuela.

Financial Overview

Our overall financial position is influenced by the proceeds previously received pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, related payment obligations and the 2019 return of capital to shareholders. Recent operating results and our overall financial position and liquidity are primarily impacted by Venezuela's failure to honor its payment obligations under the Settlement Agreement in a timely manner, expenses associated with activities related to the Siembra Minera Project, Sanctions and costs associated with maintaining our legal and regulatory obligations in good standing.

As discussed elsewhere in this Management's Discussion and Analysis, the Sanctions have and will continue to adversely impact our ability to collect the remaining amounts due associated with the Settlement Agreement and/or Award and, until Sanctions are lifted, obstruct our ability to develop the Siembra Minera Project as originally planned.

Historically we have financed our operations through the issuance of common stock, other equity securities and debt and more recently, proceeds from payments under the Settlement Agreement. The timing of any future investments or transactions if any, and the amounts that may be required cannot be determined at this time and are subject to available cash, the continued collection, if any, of the proceeds associated with the collection of the Award and/or future financings, if any. We have only one operating segment, the exploration and development of mineral properties.

Our longer-term funding requirements may be adversely impacted by the timing of the collection of the amounts due pursuant to the Settlement Agreement and/or Award, the timing and amount of distributions made to shareholders, if any, financial market conditions, industry conditions, regulatory approvals or other unknown or unpredictable conditions and, as a result, there can be no assurance that additional funding will be available or, if available, offered on acceptable terms.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At March 31, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $55.9 million which represents a decrease from December 31, 2020 of approximately $1.5 million. The net decrease was due to cash used in operations as more fully described in the “Operating Activities” section below.

		2021		Change		2020
Cash and cash equivalents	$	55,904,402	$	(1,510,948)	$	57,415,350

As of March 31, 2021, we had financial resources including cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling approximately $56.0 million, equipment with a carrying value of approximately $2.5 million (See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements), an income tax receivable of approximately $8.7 million and short-term financial obligations consisting of accounts payable, accrued expenses, contingent value rights and lease liability of approximately $1.0 million.

We have no revenue producing operations at this time. Our future working capital position is dependent upon the collection of the remaining balance of the amounts due pursuant to the Settlement Agreement and/or Award. We believe that we have sufficient working capital to carry on our activities for the next 12 to 24 months. However, a change of administration in Venezuela and/or removal of Sanctions, among other things, could result in increased activities and a higher cash burn-rate requiring us to seek additional sources of funding to ensure our ability to continue our business in the normal course.

Operating Activities

Cash flow used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was approximately $1.5 million compared to cash flow provided by operating activities of $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities consists of net loss (the components of which are more fully discussed below) adjusted for gains and losses on marketable securities, non-cash expense items primarily related to stock option compensation and depreciation as well as certain non-cash changes in working capital.

Cash flow used in operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2021 increased from the prior comparable period primarily due to a receipt of a refund of income tax in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase in legal and accounting, partially offset by a decrease in activity related to the Siembra Minera project and a decrease in arbitration and settlement expense.

Investing Activities

The Company did not have cash flows from investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

Financing Activities

The Company did not have cash flows from financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligation payments as of March 31, 2021 consist of amounts due pursuant to the Bonus Plan and CVR agreements of approximately $0.1 million. As described in Note 3 to the March 31, 2021 consolidated financial statements, the Company is obligated to make payments under the Bonus Plan and CVR agreements based on the after-tax amounts received from Venezuela under the Settlement Agreement and/or Award.

The Company maintains change of control agreements with certain officers and employees as described in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements. As of March 31, 2021, the amount payable under the change of control agreements, in the event of a Change of Control, was approximately $6.7 million.

Results of Operations

Summary Results of Operations

Consolidated net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was approximately $1.9 million compared to consolidated net loss of $1.5 million during the comparable period in 2020.

 

				2021	2020	Change
Income (loss)				$59,408	$116,970	$(57,562)
Expenses				(1,933,685)	(2,196,300)	262,615
Net loss before tax				(1,874,277)	(2,079,330)	205,053
Income tax benefit				-	597,358	(597,358)
Net (loss) for the period				$(1,874,277)	$(1,481,972)	$(392,305)

 

Income (loss)

				2021	2020	Change
Interest income				$10,104	$202,317	$(192,213)
Gain (loss) on equity securities				41,003	(44,726)	85,729
Foreign currency gain (loss)				8,301	(40,621)	48,922
				$59,408	$116,970	$(57,562)

As the Company has no commercial production or source of operating cash flow at this time, income is often variable from period to period. The decrease in income was primarily a result of a reduction in interest income due to a decrease in interest rates, partially offset by increases in gain on equity securities and foreign currency gain.

 

Expenses

				2021	2020	Change
Corporate general and administrative				$1,115,799	$1,213,413	$(97,614)
Contingent value rights				-	32,654	(32,654)
Siembra Minera Project costs				278,467	377,042	(98,575)
Exploration costs				23,519	-	23,519
Legal and accounting				321,453	187,132	134,321
Arbitration and settlement				80,304	277,486	(197,182)
Equipment holding costs				114,143	108,573	5,570
Total expenses				$1,933,685	$2,196,300	$(262,615)

 

Corporate general and administrative expense during the three months ended March 31, 2021 decreased from the prior comparable period due to a decrease in costs associated with directors’ and officers’ insurance. Expenses associated with the Siembra Minera Project decreased from the prior comparable period as a result of a decrease in the general operating expenditures as a result of reduced activities. Legal and accounting expenses increased from the prior comparable periods primarily as a result of an increase in professional fees associated with various corporate management initiatives. Arbitration and settlement expense decreased as a result of a decrease in the need for counsels' assistance in the evaluation of various issues associated with the status of the Settlement Agreement and the Siembra Minera Project. Overall, total expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 decreased by approximately $0.3 million from the comparable period in 2020.

 

Summary of Quarterly Results (1)

Quarter ended	3/31/21	12/31/20	9/30/20	6/30/20	3/31/20	12/31/19	9/30/19	6/30/19
Income (loss)	$59,408	$56,510	$(2,668)	$122,845	$116,970	$212,194	$(67,176)	$647,953
Net loss
before tax	(1,874,277)	(5,728,924)	(2,562,967)	(2,235,424)	(2,079,330)	(8,306,237)	(2,709,601)	(3,718,609)
Per share	(0.02)	(0.06)	(0.03)	(0.02)	(0.02)	(0.08)	(0.03)	(0.04)
Fully diluted	(0.02)	(0.06)	(0.03)	(0.02)	(0.02)	(0.08)	(0.03)	(0.04)
Net income (loss)	(1,874,277)	(5,484,748)	(2,427,973)	(2,122,592)	(1,481,972)	(8,306,237)	1,638,306	(3,718,609)
Per share	(0.02)	(0.06)	(0.02)	(0.02)	(0.01)	(0.08)	0.02	(0.04)
Fully diluted	(0.02)	(0.06)	(0.02)	(0.02)	(0.01)	(0.08)	0.02	(0.04)

(1)

The information shown above is derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

In the first quarter of 2021, income increased due to an increase in gain on marketable equity securities, partially offset by a decrease in foreign currency gain. In the fourth quarter of 2020, income increased as a result of an increase in foreign currency gain and a decrease in loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment. In the third quarter of 2020, income decreased as a result of a decrease in interest income and a decrease in gain on marketable securities as well as a loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment. In the second quarter of 2020, income increased as a result of gains on marketable equity securities partially offset by a decrease in interest as a result of lower interest rates. In the first quarter of 2020, income decreased as a result of losses on marketable equity securities and foreign currency loss. In the fourth quarter of 2019, income increased as a result of gains on marketable equity securities and foreign currency gain. In the third quarter of 2019 income decreased as a result of a decrease in interest income after the June 2019 shareholder distribution as well as an increase in foreign currency loss. In the second quarter of 2019 income decreased primarily due to an increase in loss on marketable equity securities.

In the first quarter of 2021, net loss decreased as the Company did not have further write-downs of property, plant and equipment. In the fourth quarter of 2020, net loss increased primarily as a result of a write-down of property, plant and equipment. Net loss increased in the third quarter of 2020 as a result of a decrease in income as noted above as well as an increase in non-cash stock option expense partially offset by a decrease in arbitration expense. Net loss increased in the second quarter of 2020 primarily due to an increase in legal costs related to the Company’s evaluation of various issues associated with the current status of the Settlement Agreement and the Siembra Minera Project. In the first quarter of 2020, net loss decreased from the prior quarter because the Company did not have further write-downs of equipment. In the fourth quarter of 2019, net loss increased as a result of a write-down of property, plant and equipment. In the third quarter of 2019, net income increased primarily as a result of a change in estimated income tax. In the second quarter of 2019, net loss increased as a result of social work programs on the Siembra Minera Project.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues, expense, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

 

 

Exhibit 99.3 Chief Executive Officer’s Certification of Interim Filings

 

Form 52-109F2

Certification of interim filings – full certificate

I, Rockne J. Timm, Chief Executive Officer of Gold Reserve Inc., certify the following:

1. I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the “interim filings”) of Gold Reserve Inc. (the “issuer”) for the interim period ended March 31, 2021.
2. Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings.
3. Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings.
4. The issuer’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer.
5. Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer’s other certifying officer and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings

(a)

designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that

(i)

material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and

(ii)

information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and

(b)

designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer’s GAAP.

5.1

The control framework the issuer’s other certifying officer and I used to design the issuer’s ICFR is the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) 2013 framework.

5.2

N/A

5.3

N/A

6. The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuer’s ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2021 and ended on March 31, 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s ICFR.

 

Date: May 13, 2021

 

/s/Rockne J. Timm

Rockne J. Timm

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.4 Chief Financial Officer’s Certification of Interim Filings

 

Form 52-109F2

Certification of interim filings – full certificate

I, Robert A. McGuinness, Chief Financial Officer of Gold Reserve Inc., certify the following:

1. I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the “interim filings”) of Gold Reserve Inc. (the “issuer”) for the interim period ended March 31, 2021.
2. Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings.
3. Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings.
4. The issuer’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establis0hing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer.
5. Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer’s other certifying officer and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings

(a)

designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that

(i)

material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and

(ii)

information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and

(b)

designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer’s GAAP.

5.1

The control framework the issuer’s other certifying officer and I used to design the issuer’s ICFR is the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) 2013 framework.

5.2

N/A

5.3

N/A

6. The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuer’s ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2021 and ended on March 31, 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s ICFR.

 

Date: May 13, 2021

 

/s/Robert A. McGuinness

Robert A. McGuinness

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

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