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VedantaMURCHISON MINERALS LTD. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018 AND 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) Independent Auditor’s Report To the Shareholders of Murchison Minerals Ltd. Opinion We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Murchison Minerals Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”), which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, consolidated statements of equity and consolidated statements of cash flows for the years then ended, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the consolidated financial statements in Canada. We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Other information Management is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises Management’s Discussion and Analysis. Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. We obtained Management’s Discussion and Analysis prior to the date of this auditor’s report. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Responsibilities of management and those charged with governance for the consolidated financial statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Company or cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Company’s financial reporting process. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements. Page 2 As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also: • Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risks of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. • Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control. • Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management. • Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern. • Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards. The engagement partner of the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is Koko Yamamoto. UHY McGovern Hurley LLP Chartered Professional Accountants Licensed Public Accountants Toronto, Ontario March 6, 2019 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) As at ASSETS Current Assets Cash Amounts receivable and prepaid expenses (Note 6) Total current assets Investment (Note 7) Total assets LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 13) Flow-through share premium liability (Notes 9 and 14) Total liabilities EQUITY Share capital (Note 9) Reserves (Notes 10 and 11) Deficit Total equity Total equity and liabilities Nature and Continuance of Operations (Note 1) Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14) Subsequent Events (Note 15) Approved on Behalf of the Board: December 31, December 31, 2018 2017 $ 1,176,697 $ 160,659 4,394,940 39,246 1,337,356 4,434,186 2,110 5,339 $ 1,339,466 $ 4,439,525 $ 138,199 $ 41,667 122,862 905,490 179,866 1,028,352 28,895,886 1,266,467 (29,002,753) 28,802,248 1,840,068 (27,231,143) 1,159,600 3,411,173 $ 1,339,466 $ 4,439,525 "signed" "signed" Jean-Charles Potvin Director Denis Arsenault Director The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements - 1 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) For the years ended December 31, EXPENSES Exploration expenses Professional fees Management fees and salaries (Note 13) Office and general Regulatory and transfer agent Investor relations Share-based payments (Notes 11 and 13) Loss before the under noted Interest income Foreign exchange (gain) loss Flow-through shares premium Unrealized loss on marketable securities (Note 7) Gain on disposal of property and equipment Loss for the year Loss per share - basic and diluted Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted $ 2018 2017 2,371,300 $ 100,091 509,738 37,628 49,639 213,992 245,385 1,156,265 104,270 178,894 28,670 27,047 97,301 - 3,527,773 1,592,447 (25,070) (9,846) (905,490) 3,229 - (10,601) 10,161 (407,000) 1,981 (7,182) $ 2,590,596 $ 1,179,806 $ 0.06 $ 0.05 42,561,479 25,943,709 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements - 2 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) Reserves Equity settled share-based payments reserve Share Capital Warrants reserve Deficit Total Balance, December 31, 2016 Net loss for the year Expiry of stock options Issuance of warrants and finders’ warrants (net of issue costs) Issuance of common shares (net of issue costs) $ 26,587,242 - - - 2,215,006 $ 654,298 - (56,032) - - $ 783,346 $ (26,107,369) $ - - 458,456 - (1,179,806) 56,032 - - 1,917,517 (1,179,806) - 458,456 2,215,006 Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 28,802,248 $ 598,266 $ 1,241,802 $ (27,231,143) $ 3,411,173 Balance, December 31, 2017 Net loss for the year Issuance of common shares (net of issue costs) Issuance of stock options Expiry of stock options Expiry of warrants Balance, December 31, 2018 $ 28,802,248 - 93,638 - - - $ 598,266 - - 245,385 (35,640) - $ 1,241,802 $ (27,231,143) $ - - - - (783,346) (2,590,596) - - 35,640 783,346 3,411,173 (2,590,596) 93,638 245,385 - - $ 28,895,886 $ 808,011 $ 458,456 $ (29,002,753) $ 1,159,600 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements - 3 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) For the years ended December 31, CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY: OPERATING ACTIVITIES Loss for the year Share-based payments Flow-through shares premium Unrealized loss on marketable securities Gain on disposal of property and equipment Net change in non-cash working capital items: Amounts receivable and prepaid expenses Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2018 2017 $ (2,590,596) $ (1,179,806) - (407,000) 1,981 (7,182) 245,385 (905,490) 3,229 - (3,247,472) (1,592,007) (121,413) 15,337 17,293 56,285 Net cash flows used by operating activities (3,353,548) (1,518,429) INVESTING ACTIVITIES Proceeds on sale of property and equipment Net cash flows provided by investing activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES Issuance of securities Issue costs Net cash flows provided by financing activities NET CHANGE IN CASH CASH, BEGINNING OF THE YEAR CASH, END OF THE YEAR Supplemental non-cash information Finders’ warrants issued for services - - 187,182 187,182 150,000 (14,695) 3,839,189 (260,237) 135,305 3,578,952 (3,218,243) 4,394,940 2,247,705 2,147,235 $ 1,176,697 $4,394,940 $ - $ 114,460 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements - 4 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 1. NATURE AND CONTINUANCE OF OPERATIONS Murchison Minerals Ltd. (the "Company" or “Murchison”) was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act on July 25, 2001. The principal business of the Company is the acquisition, exploration and evaluation of mineral property interests. The primary office is located at 120 Adelaide Street West, Suite 2500, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5H 1T1. The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on March 6, 2019. The business of mining and exploring for minerals involves a high degree of risk and there can be no assurance that planned exploration and evaluation programs will result in profitable mining operations. The continuance of the Company is dependent upon completion of the acquisition of the exploration and evaluation properties, the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, confirmation of the Company's interest in the underlying mineral claims, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing to complete the development and future profitable production or, alternatively, upon disposition of such property at a profit. Changes in future conditions could require material write downs of the carrying values of the Company's assets. Although the Company has taken steps to verify title to its exploration and evaluation properties, in accordance with industry standards for the current stage of exploration of such property, these procedures do not guarantee the Company's title. Property title may be subject to unregistered prior agreements and noncompliance with regulatory and environmental requirements. The Company's assets may also be subject to increases in taxes and royalties, renegotiation of contracts, currency exchange fluctuations and restrictions and political uncertainty. As at December 31, 2018, the Company has a cumulative deficit of $29,002,753 (December 31, 2017 - $27,231,143), continuing losses and is not yet generating positive cash flows from operations. These consolidated financial statements were prepared on a going-concern basis in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). Funding for operations has been obtained primarily through private share offerings. Future operations are dependent upon the Company's ability to finance expenditure requirements and upon the achievement of profitable operations. Management believes it will be successful in raising the necessary funding to continue operations in the normal course of operations; however, there is no assurance that these funds will be available on terms acceptable to the Company or at all. These consolidated financial statements do not include adjustments to the amounts and classification of assets and liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue operations. Such adjustments could be material. 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Statement of compliance These consolidated financial statements, including comparatives, have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. Basis of presentation These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for investment which has been presented at fair value. In addition, these consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting except for cash flow information. Basis of consolidation Subsidiaries are entities over which the Company has control, where control is defined to exist when the Company is exposed to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date control is transferred to the Company, and are de-consolidated from the date control ceases. - 5 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Basis of consolidation (continued) The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated upon consolidation. Pearl Mining (U) Ltd. (Uganda) and Flemish Investments Ltd. (Uganda), both subsidiaries of the Company have been dissolved effective June 29, 2018 and as at December 31, 2018, Flemish Investments Burundi SA (Burundi) was inactive. The following companies have been consolidated within these consolidated financial statements: Company Registered Principal activity Murchison Minerals Ltd. Flemish Gold Corp. Pearl Mining (U) Ltd. (1) Flemish Investments Ltd. (Uganda)(1) Flemish Investments Burundi SA(1) (1) 100% owned by Flemish Gold Corp. Foreign currencies Ontario, Canada Ontario, Canada Uganda, Africa Uganda, Africa Burundi, Africa Parent company Exploration company Exploration company Exploration company Exploration company The functional currency, as determined by management of the Company and each of its subsidiaries is the Canadian Dollar. For the purposes of the consolidated financial statements, the results and financial position are expressed in Canadian Dollars. Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the period-end exchange rates are recognized in profit or loss. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not re-translated. Financial instruments Loans and receivables are financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Such assets are initially recognized at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, loans and receivables are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses. A financial asset is classified as fair value through profit and loss (“FVPL”) if it is classified as held for trading or is designated as such upon initial recognition. Financial assets are designated as FVPL if the Company manages such investments and makes purchases and sale decisions based on their fair value in accordance with the Company’s documented risk management or investment strategy. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are reflected in the statement of loss. Transaction costs associated with FVPL financial assets are expensed as incurred, while transaction costs associated with all other financial assets are included in the initial carrying amount of the asset. The Company has designated its investments in marketable securities as FVPL. Other financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value net of any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, these financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortized cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest and any transaction costs over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability or (where appropriate) to the net carrying amount on initial recognition. Other financial liabilities are de-recognized when the obligations are discharged, cancelled or expired. - 6 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Financial instruments (continued) Impairment of financial assets: Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at the end of each reporting period. Financial assets are impaired when there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial assets, the estimated future cash flows of the financial assets have been negatively impacted. Evidence of impairment could include: • • • significant financial difficulty of the issuer or counterparty; or default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; or the likelihood that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or financial re-organization. The carrying amount of financial assets is reduced by any impairment loss directly for all financial assets with the exception of amounts receivable, where the carrying amount is reduced through the use of an allowance account. When an account receivable is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against the allowance account. Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are recognized in profit or loss. If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized, the previously recognized impairment loss is reversed through the statement of loss to the extent that the carrying amount of the financial asset at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortized cost would have been had the impairment not been recognized. Financial instruments recorded at fair value: Financial instruments recorded at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial position are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels: • • • Level 1 - valuation based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 - valuation techniques based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and Level 3 - valuation techniques using inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). As at December 31, 2018, the Company’s Investment on the consolidated statement of financial position was recorded at Level 1 with a fair value of $2,110 (December 31, 2017 - $5,339). Impairment of non-financial assets At the end of each reporting period, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of its non-financial assets with finite lives to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. Where such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less cost to sell or its value in use. In addition, long-lived assets that are not amortized are subject to a periodic impairment assessment. The Company evaluates impairment losses for potential reversals when events or circumstances warrant such consideration. - 7 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Exploration and evaluation properties The acquisition costs of exploration and evaluation properties are expensed the consolidated statements of loss in the period incurred, as permitted under IFRS 6, Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources. The acquisition costs of exploration and evaluation properties include the cash consideration and the estimated fair market value of share-based payments issued for such property interests. Exploration costs are expensed in the period incurred. Option payments which are solely at the Company’s discretion are recorded as acquisition costs as they are made. Administrative expenditures are expensed in the period incurred. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position comprise cash at banks, on hand and short-term money market investments with original maturities of 90 days or less which are readily convertible into a known amount of cash. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are invested with major financial institutions in business accounts and are available on demand by the Company. When cash and cash equivalents include an amount to be incurred in relation to a flow-through commitment, an amount equal to the minimum commitment is kept in a separate bank account. As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had no cash equivalents. Provisions A provision is recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated. If the effect is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. A provision for onerous contracts is recognized when the expected benefits to be derived by the Company from a contract are lower than the unavoidable cost of meeting its obligations under the contract. The Company had no material provisions at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Property and equipment Property and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses. The cost of an item of property and equipment consists of the purchase price, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for its intended use and an initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to profit or loss during the period in which they are incurred. An asset's residual value, useful life and amortization method are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, on an annual basis. An item of property and equipment is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on disposal of the asset, determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset, is recognized in profit or loss. - 8 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Where an item of property and equipment consists of major components with different useful lives, the components are accounted for as separate items of property and equipment. Expenditures incurred to replace a component of an item of property and equipment that is accounted for separately, including major inspection and overhaul expenditures, are capitalized. Amortization is recognized based on the cost of an item of property and equipment, less its estimated residual value, over its estimated useful life at the following rates: Detail Exploration equipment Computer equipment Office equipment Rate 33% 3 years 20% Method Declining Straight-line Declining The Company sold its exploration equipment and office equipment located in Africa in February 2017 for $180,000. The equipment was classified as held for sale on the statement of financial position as at December 31, 2016 and was presented at the carrying value which is the lower of its carrying amount and its estimated fair value less costs to sell, as determined by management. Share-based payment transactions The fair value of stock options granted to employees is recognized as an expense over the vesting period with a corresponding increase in equity. An individual is classified as an employee when the individual is an employee for legal or tax purposes (direct employee) or provides services similar to those performed by a direct employee, including directors of the Company. The fair value is measured at the grant date and recognized over the period during which the options vest. The fair value of the options granted is measured using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. At each reporting date, the amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of stock options that are expected to vest. Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, the minimum expense recognized is the expense as if the terms had not been modified. An additional expense is recognized for any modification which increases the total fair value of the share-based payment arrangement, or is otherwise beneficial to the employee as measured at the date of modification. Unexercised expired and modified stock option values are transferred to deficit. Where equity instruments are granted to non-employees, they are recorded at the fair value of the goods or services received in the statement of comprehensive loss. When the value of goods or services received in exchange for the share-based payment cannot be reliably estimated, the transaction is measured at the fair value of the equity instrument granted. Income taxes Income tax on the profit or loss for the periods presented comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity, in which case it is recognized in equity. Current tax expense is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the period, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at period end, adjusted for amendments to tax payable with regards to previous years. - 9 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Deferred tax is provided using the statement of financial position liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for: goodwill not deductible for tax purposes and the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the financial position reporting date. A deferred tax asset is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilized. Equity Share capital, stock options, warrants and broker units are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of shares, warrants and broker units are recognized as a deduction from equity and allocated between share capital and warrants. Expired stock options and warrants are transferred to deficit. Flow-through shares The Company finances some exploration expenditures through the issuance of flow-through shares. The resource expenditure deductions for income tax purposes are renounced to investors in accordance with the appropriate income tax legislation. When the common shares are offered, the difference (“premium”) between the amount recognized in common shares and the amount the investors pay for the shares is recognized as a flow-through share related liability which is reversed into the statement of loss when the eligible expenditures are incurred. The amount recognized as a flow-through share related liability represents the difference between the quoted price of the common shares and the amount the investor pays for the flow-through shares. The Company indemnifies the subscribers of flow-through shares for additional taxes payable by the subscribers if the Company does not meet its expenditure requirements. Restoration, rehabilitation and environmental obligations A legal or constructive obligation to incur restoration, rehabilitation and environmental costs may arise when environmental disturbance is caused by the exploration, development or ongoing production of a property interest. Such costs arising from the decommissioning of plant and other site preparation work, discounted to their net present value, are provided for and capitalized at the start of each project to the carrying amount of the asset, as soon as the obligation to incur such costs arises. Discount rates using a pretax rate that reflects the time value of money are used to calculate the net present value. These costs are charged against profit or loss over the economic life of the related asset, through amortization using either a unit-of-production or the straight-line method as appropriate. The related liability is adjusted for each period for the unwinding of the discount rate and for changes to the current market-based discount rate, amount or timing of the underlying cash flows needed to settle the obligation. Costs for restoration of subsequent site damage that is created on an ongoing basis during production are provided for at their net present values and charged against profits as extraction progresses. The Company has no material restoration, rehabilitation and environmental costs as at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 as the disturbance to date is minimal. - 10 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Loss per share The Company presents basic and diluted loss per share data for its common shares, calculated by dividing the loss attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The diluted loss per share is determined by adjusting the loss attributable to common shareholders and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the effects of all warrants, finders’ warrants and stock options outstanding that may add to the total number of common shares. Diluted loss per share does not include the effect of stock options, warrants and finders’ warrants as they are anti-dilutive. See Notes 10 and 11. Warrants Warrants are recognized at fair value on the date of grant and are measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Unexercised expired warrants are transferred to deficit. Significant accounting judgments and estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the Company’s management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the financial statements. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the amounts, events or actions, actual results may differ from those estimates. The areas which require management to make significant judgments, estimates and assumptions in determining carrying values include, but are not limited to: - Assets’ carrying values and impairment charges In the determination of carrying values and impairment charges, management looks at the recoverable amount, being the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell in the case of non-financial assets and at objective evidence, significant or prolonged decline of fair value on financial assets indicating impairment. These determinations and their individual assumptions require that management make a decision based on the best available information at each reporting period. - Income and other taxes Income, value added, withholding and other taxes The Company is subject to income, value added, withholding and other taxes. Significant judgment is required in determining the Company's provisions for taxes. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain during the ordinary course of business. The Company recognizes liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due. The determination of the Company's income, value added, withholding and other tax liabilities requires interpretation of complex laws and regulations. The Company's interpretation of taxation law as applied to transactions and activities may not coincide with the interpretation of the tax authorities. All tax related filings are subject to government audit and potential reassessment subsequent to the financial statement reporting period. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the tax related accruals and deferred income tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made. - Share-based payments Management determines costs for share-based payments using market-based valuation techniques. The fair value of the market-based and performance-based non-vested share awards are determined at the date of grant using generally accepted valuation techniques. Assumptions are made and judgment is used in applying valuation techniques. These assumptions and judgments include estimating the future volatility of the stock price, expected dividend yield, future employee turnover rates and future employee stock option exercise behaviors and corporate performance. Such judgments and assumptions are inherently uncertain. Changes in these assumptions affect the fair value estimates. The Company currently estimates the expected volatility of its common shares based on historical volatility taking into consideration the expected life of the options and warrants. - 11 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) New and change in accounting policies During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company changed its accounting policy for mineral exploration properties to expense acquisition costs in the statements of loss and comprehensive loss in the period incurred, as permitted under IFRS 6, Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources. Management judges that the change in accounting policy will result in clearer, more relevant and reliable financial information. The previous accounting policy was to capitalize costs to acquire exploration and evaluation property interests in respect of each identifiable area of interest, once the legal right to explore had been acquired. The impact of this change had no material impact on the previously reported financial statements as at January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017 and for the year ended December 31, 2017. New and change in accounting policies (continued) IFRIC 23 – Uncertainty Over Income Tax Treatments (“IFRIC 23”) was issued in June 2017 and clarifies the accounting for uncertainties in income taxes. The interpretation committee concluded that an entity shall consider whether it is probable that a taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment. If an entity concludes it is probable that the taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment, then the entity shall determine taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses and credits or tax rates consistently with the tax treatment used or planned to be used in its income tax filings. If an entity concludes it is not probable that the taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment, the entity shall reflect the effect of uncertainty in determining the related taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses and credits or tax rates. IFRIC 23 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. At January 1, 2018, the Company adopted this amendment and there was no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. New accounting standards not yet adopted IFRS 16 – Leases (“IFRS 16”) was issued in January 2016 and replaces IAS 17 – Leases as well as some lease related interpretations. With certain exceptions for leases under twelve months in length or for assets of low value, IFRS 16 states that upon lease commencement a lessee recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at the amount of the liability plus any initial direct costs. After lease commencement, the lessee shall measure the right-of-use asset at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment. A lessee shall either apply IFRS 16 with full retrospective effect or alternatively not restate comparative information but recognise the cumulative effect of initially applying IFRS 16 as an adjustment to opening equity at the date of initial application. IFRS 16 requires that lessors classify each lease as an operating lease or a finance lease. A lease is classified as a finance lease if it transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an underlying asset. Otherwise it is an operating lease. IFRS 16 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. Earlier adoption is permitted if IFRS 15 has also been applied. 3. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT The Company manages its capital with the following objectives: • • to ensure sufficient financial flexibility to achieve the ongoing business objectives including funding of future growth opportunities, and pursuit of accretive acquisitions; and to maximize shareholder return through enhancing the share value. The Company monitors its capital structure and makes adjustments according to market conditions in an effort to meet its objectives given the current outlook of the business and industry in general. The Company may manage its capital structure by issuing new shares, repurchasing outstanding shares, adjusting capital spending, or disposing of assets. The capital structure is reviewed by management and the Board of Directors on an ongoing basis. - 12 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 3. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT (Continued) The Company considers its capital to consist of equity, comprising share capital, reserves and deficit which at December 31, 2018 totalled $1,159,600 (December 31, 2017 - $3,411,173). The Company manages capital through its financial and operational forecasting processes. The Company reviews its working capital and forecasts its future cash flows based on operating expenditures, and other investing and financing activities. The forecast is regularly updated based on its exploration and development activities. Selected information is regularly provided to the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company’s capital management objectives, policies and processes have remained unchanged during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company is not subject to any capital requirements imposed by a regulator or lending institution. 4. FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS The Company's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk (including interest rate, foreign exchange rate and commodity price risk). Risk management is carried out by the Company's management team under policies approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors also provides regular guidance for overall risk management. There have been no changes in the risks, objectives, policies and procedures during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. Credit risk Credit risk is the risk of loss associated with a counterparty’s inability to fulfill its payment obligations. The Company's credit risk is primarily attributable to cash balances and amounts receivable. Cash is held with reputable banks, from which management believes the risk of loss to be remote. Financial instruments included in amounts receivable consist of sales tax receivable and refundable tax credits from government authorities in Canada. Management believes that the credit risk concentration with respect to financial instruments included in amounts receivable is remote. Liquidity risk The Company's approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet liabilities when due. As at December 31, 2018, the Company had a cash balance of $1,176,697 (December 31, 2017 - $4,394,940) to settle accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $138,199 (December 31, 2017 - $122,862). All of the Company's financial liabilities generally have contractual maturities of less than 30 days and are subject to normal trade terms. Market risk Market risk is the risk of loss that may arise from changes in market factors such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and commodity prices. Interest rate risk The Company has cash balances and no interest-bearing debt. The Company's current policy is to invest excess cash in certificates of deposit or interest bearing accounts at major Canadian chartered banks. The Company periodically monitors the investments it makes and is satisfied with the creditworthiness of its Canadian chartered banks. Management believes that interest rate risk is minimal as cash and cash equivalents investments have maturities of three months or less. Foreign currency risk The Company's functional and presentation currency is the Canadian dollar. Certain expenditures are transacted in foreign currencies. As a result, the Company is exposed to fluctuations in these foreign currencies relative to the Canadian dollar. As at December 31, 2018, approximately $147,851 of cash was held in US dollars (December 31, 2017 - $194,487). Approximately $nil (December 31, 2017 - $930) of accounts payable was held in US dollars. - 13 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 4. FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS (Continued) Commodity price risk Commodity price risk could adversely affect the Company. In particular, the Company’s future profitability and viability of development depends upon the world market price of commodities. Commodity prices have fluctuated widely in recent years. There is no assurance that, even as commercial quantities of base and/or precious metals may be produced in the future, a profitable market will exist for them. A decline in the market price of commodities may also require the Company to reduce its mineral resources, which could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s value. As at December 31, 2018, the Company is not a commodities producer. As a result, commodity price risk may affect the completion of future equity transactions such as equity offerings and the exercise of stock options and warrants. This may also affect the Company's liquidity and its ability to meet its ongoing obligations. Sensitivity analysis Based on management's knowledge and experience, the Company believes the following movements are “reasonably possible” over a one-year period: (i) Based on cash and other working capital balances at December 31, 2018, held in currencies other than the Canadian dollar, a 10% change in the foreign exchange rates relative to the Canadian dollar would result in a corresponding foreign exchange gain or loss of approximately $15,150. (ii) Based on cash balances earning interest at December 31, 2018, a 1% change in interest rates would result in a corresponding interest income change of approximately $10,300 for the one-year period. 5. CATEGORIES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Financial assets: Amortized cost Cash Amounts receivable FVPL Investment Financial liabilities: Amortized cost Accounts payable and accrued liabilities December 2018 December 2017 $ 1,176,697 $ 816 2,110 4,394,940 - 5,339 $ 138,199 $ 122,862 As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the fair value of all the Company's current financial instruments approximates the carrying value, due to their short-term nature. - 14 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 6. AMOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND PREPAID EXPENSES Sales tax receivable Other receivable Prepaid expenses and advances 7. INVESTMENT December 2018 December 2017 $ 75,493 $ 816 84,350 26,124 - 13,122 $ 160,659 $ 39,246 The Company's investment is classified as fair value through profit and loss (“FVPL”) and is carried at fair value. The balance is comprised of the following: Number of shares December 2018 December 2017 First Mining Gold Corp. 8,612 $ 2,110 $ 5,339 The Company holds 8,612 (2017 – 8,612) common shares of First Mining Gold Corp. The unrealized loss of $3,229 for the year ended December 31, 2018 (2017 – $1,981) was recognized on the consolidated statement of loss. 8. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION PROPERTIES Canada Brabant Lake Property – Saskatchewan As at December 31, 2018, the Company held a 100% interest in certain claims forming the Brabant Lake property in Saskatchewan. Pickle Lake Properties - Ontario The Company holds a 51% interest in the Dorothy-Dobie Lake property and the Kasagiminnis property, both located in the Pickle Lake Greenstone Belt. The Company also has a 100% interest in the Pickle Lake Gold property which comprises certain claims acquired in 2009. In June 2016 (with amendment on February 2, 2017), the Company entered into an agreement with White Metal Resources Corp. (“White Metal”) whereby White Metal can acquire all of the Company’s interest (“Earned Interest”) in its above Pickle Lake Gold properties. White Metal may exercise the option and acquire the Earned Interest by completing all of the following expenditures and cash payments: (i) pay $10,000 at the signing of the agreement (received); (ii) pay $15,000 on or before the date which is 12 months from the date of the agreement (received); (iii) pay $20,000 on or before the date which is 24 months from the date of the agreement. (received) - 15 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 8. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION PROPERTIES (Continued) (iv) spend $1,200,000 over three years beginning on the date of the agreement as follows: i. complete a work commitment of $900,000 on or before the date which is twenty-four (24) months from the date of the agreement (with at least $250,000 on drilling); ii. complete a cumulative work commitment of $1,200,000 on or before the date which is thirty-six (36) months from the date of the agreement (with at least $700,000 on drilling). (v) once the Earned Interest is completed, Murchison will be entitled to a 1% net smelter return (the “NSR”) of which fifty percent (50%) can be purchased by White Metal for $1,000,000 and the balance of the other fifty percent (50%) of the said NSR can be purchased for $1,500,000. Upon completion of the option payments and expenditures, White Metal will deliver a notice to the Company setting out that it has exercised the option, and the date of the option notice shall be deemed to be the date in which White Metal’s Earned Interest in the properties pursuant to the option shall be effective, subject to the Murchison’s NSR. On July 27, 2017, White Metal assigned its option and right to acquire the Earned Interest to Ardiden Ltd., an Australian exploration company. In August 2014, the Company entered into an agreement with Frontline Gold Corporation ("FGC") and White Metal whereby FGC acquired 100% of the Company's 51% interest and the 49% interest held by White Metal in two claims known as the Pickle Lake East property. The claims will be subject to a 2% NSR (1% for the Company and 1% to White Metal for which 0.5% can be purchased for $500,000 from each of White Metal and the Company). HPM Property - Quebec As at December 31, 2018, the property consisted of 51 claims on which Pure Nickel Inc. has a 50% interest. See Note 15. 9. SHARE CAPITAL (a) Authorized Share Capital The Company’s authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares. (b) Issued Balance - December 31, 2016 Issuance of common shares (i) Issue costs (i) Warrants (i) Issuance of flow-through shares (ii) Issue costs (ii) Flow-through premium (ii) Balance – December 31, 2017 25,290,095 7,539,000 - - 9,714,119 - - 42,543,214 $ $ 26,587,242 1,507,800 (106,772) (401,180) 2,331,389 (210,741) (905,490) 28,802,248 - 16 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 9. SHARE CAPITAL (Continued) Balance - December 31, 2017 Issuance of flow-through common shares (iii) Issue costs (iii) Flow-through premium (iii) Balance – December 31, 2018 42,543,214 1,666,667 - - 44,209,881 $ $ 28,802,248 150,000 (14,695) (41,667) 28,895,886 (i) On December 15 and December 21, 2017, Murchison completed two tranches of a non-brokered private placement and issued respectively 6,389,000 and 1,150,000 units priced at $0.20 per unit for gross proceeds of $1,507,800. Each unit consisted of one common share and one-half common share purchase warrant with each full warrant exercisable at $0.24 for a period of 2 years from closing. The fair value of the warrants was estimated at $401,180 using the Black-Scholes option model pricing with the following assumptions: expected dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility of 173% based on historical trading of the Company’s shares, risk-free interest rate of 1.61%, expected life of 2 years and share price of $0.15. Finders’ fees of $92,400 were paid and 462,000 finders’ warrants valued at $49,170 using the Black-Scholes option model pricing with the same assumptions in the paragraph above were issued. The finders’ warrants are exercisable into common shares having the same terms as the private placement warrants at an exercise price of $0.24 for a period of two years. Directors and officers of the Company acquired 3,800,000 units of the private placement for gross proceeds of $760,000. See Note 13. (ii) On December 15 and December 21, 2017, Murchison completed two tranches of a non-brokered private placement and issued respectively 4,617,285 and 5,096,834 flow-through common shares priced at $0.24 per share for gross proceeds of $2,331,389 of which, $905,490 was allocated to the flow-through premium. Finders’ fees of $147,233 were paid and 613,470 finders’ warrants valued at $65,290 using the Black-Scholes option model pricing with the same assumptions in the paragraph above were issued. The finders’ warrants are exercisable into common shares having the same terms as the private placement warrants at an exercise price of $0.24 for a period of two years. Directors and officers of the Company acquired 477,000 flow-through common shares for gross proceeds of $114,480. See Note 13. (iii) On December 27, 2018, Murchison completed a non-brokered flow-through private placement and issued 1,666,667 flow- through common shares priced at $0.09 per share for gross proceeds of $150,000 of which, $41,667 was allocated to the flow- through premium. Finders’ fees of $9,000 were also paid. 10. WARRANTS AND FINDERS’ WARRANTS The following summarizes the warrants and finders’ warrants activity for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017: Balance - December 31, 2016 Issued December 15 and 21, 2017 - Warrants Issued December 15 and 21, 2017 – Finders’ Warrants Issue costs Balance – December 31, 2017 - 17 - Number of Warrants Grant Date Weighted Average Fair Value Exercise Price $ 7,818,000 3,769,500 1,075,470 - 12,662,970 $ 783,346 401,180 114,460 (57,184) 1,241,802 $ $ 0.30 0.24 0.24 - 0.28 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 10. WARRANTS AND FINDERS’ WARRANTS (Continued) Balance - December 31, 2017 Expired Balance – December 31, 2018 12,662,970 (7,818,000) 4,844,970 $ $ 1,241,802 (783,346) 458,456 $ $ 0.28 0.30 0.24 As at December 31, 2018, the Company had warrants and finders’ warrants outstanding as follows: Date of Grant December 15, 2017 December 21, 2017 Number of Warrants Exercise Grant Date Fair Value Price ($) ($) 3,879,942 965,028 4,844,970 0.24 0.24 364,495 93,961 458,456 Expiry Date December 15, 2019 December 21, 2019 Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years) 0.96 0.97 0.96 11. STOCK OPTIONS The Company maintains a stock option plan whereby certain key employees, officers, directors and consultants may be granted stock options for common shares of the Company. The maximum number of common shares that is issuable under the plan was fixed at 10% of the number of common shares issued and outstanding (a maximum of 5% of the number of common shares issued and outstanding may be held by any one person). Options expire after a maximum period of five years following the date of grant. Vesting provisions are determined at the time of each grant. The following summarizes the stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017: Balance - December 31, 2016 Expired Balance December 31, 2017 Balance - December 31, 2017 Granted Expired Balance – December 31, 2018 Number of Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price $ $ 2,308,300 (174,500) 2,133,800 2,133,800 1,435,000 (66,000) 3,502,800 0.42 0.70 0.39 0.39 0.19 0.70 0.30 (i) On January 10, 2018, the Company granted 1,435,000 stock options exercisable at $0.19 for 5 years to directors, officers and consultants of the Company. The grant date fair value of the these options of $245,385 was estimated using the Black Scholes valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate – 1.95%, expected volatility – 145%, expected dividend yield – 0%, expected forfeiture rate of – 0% and expected life – 5 years. The options vested immediately and the $245,385 fair value was recorded as share-based payment on the Statement of Loss for the year ended December 31, 2018. - 18 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 11. STOCK OPTIONS (Continued) As at December 31, 2018, the Company had incentive stock options issued to directors, officers, employees and key consultants of the Company outstanding as follows: Date of Grant February 28, 2014 December 2, 2014 August 22, 2016 September 27, 2016 September 27, 2016 January 10, 2018 January 10, 2018 Options Outstanding(1) Exercise Price ($) Grant Date Fair Value ($) Expiry Date Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years) 435,500 612,300 600,000 355,000 65,000 985,000 450,000 3,502,800 0.70 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.19 0.19 0.30 235,170 73,476 149,400 88,395 16,185 168,435 76,950 808,011 February 28, 2019 December 2, 2019 June 30, 2019 September 27, 2021 June 30, 2019 January 10, 2023 June 30, 2019 0.16 0.92 0.50 2.74 0.50 4.03 0.50 1.75 (1) All options are exercisable. 12. INCOME TAXES (a) Provision for income taxes Major items causing the Company’s income tax to differ from the combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory rate of 27% (2017 - 27%) were as follows: Combined Canadian statutory income tax rate Loss before income taxes Expected income tax recovery based on the statutory rate Adjustment to expected income tax benefit: Expiry of losses Differences in tax rates and foreign exchange Permanent differences and other Deferred tax assets not recognized Deferred income tax recovery 2018 $ 2017 $ 27% (2,590,596) 27% (1,179,806) (694,000) (316,000) - (40,000) 205,000 529,000 - 3,053,000 198,000 187,000 (3,122,000) - - 19 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 12. INCOME TAXES (Continued) (b) Deferred income tax Deferred income tax assets have not been recognized in respect of the following deductible temporary differences: Capital losses Non-capital losses Resource properties Share issue costs - Canada Other 2018 $ 1,852,000 16,400,000 4,787,000 236,000 741,000 2017 $ - 15,443,000 4,749,000 311,000 428,000 Total 24,016,000 20,931,000 Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in respect of these temporary differences as it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the Company can use the benefits. (c) As at December 31, 2018, the Company had approximately $4,787,000 (2017 - $4,749,000) of Canadian development and exploration expenses and foreign exploration and development expenses, which, under certain circumstances, may be utilized to reduce taxable income of future years. (d) Tax loss carry-forwards As at December 31, 2018, the Company had approximately $16,400,000 of non-capital losses in Canada, which may be used to reduce taxable income in future years. These losses expire from 2025 to 2038. 13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS a) Remuneration of directors and the officers was as follows: Salaries and benefits Share-based payments 2018 2017 $ 509,738 211,185 $ 190,519 - $ 720,923 $ 190,519 For the year ended December 31, 2018, the salaries and benefits amount above includes $111,250 (2017 - $104,719) for fees invoiced by a corporation controlled by the CFO of the Company for his services and $167,500 (2017 - $85,800) and $225,000 (2017 - $nil) for fees and termination payment respectively, invoiced by a corporation controlled by the former CEO of the Company for his services. Also in the salaries and benefits for the year ended December 31, 2018 is $5,988 (2017 - $nil) paid to the Interim CEO for his services as CEO. Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2018 is $10,374 (2017 - $20,780) owed to corporation controlled by the CFO and $6,247 (2017 - $nil) owed to the Interim CEO. - 20 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued) b) Private Placement As part of the private placement completed in December 2017, directors and officers of the Company acquired 3,800,000 units for gross proceeds of $760,000 and 477,000 flow-through common shares for gross proceeds of $114,480 (Note 9). 14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Flow-Through Obligation As at December 31, 2018, the Company has to incur $150,000 in qualifying exploration expenditures by December 31, 2019 to meet its flow-through commitment. The Company keeps a separate bank account for the flow-through expenses to be incurred in a minimum amount equal to the flow-through obligation. At this time, management anticipates meeting that obligation and as a result, no additional provisions are required. Environmental The Company's mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations are continually changing and generally becoming more restrictive. The Company believes its operations are materially in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The Company has made, and expects to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations. Litigations In May 2017, a former director of the Company filed a claim under the Toronto Small Claims Court in an amount of $23,720. In June 2017, the Company filed a Defense Statement as it believed the claim was without merit. The Company also filed a Defendant’s Claim against the former director in the amount of $25,000 for breach of fiduciary duty, negligence and negligent misrepresentation. The Company attended court on June 21, 2018 and on October 23, 2018, the judge rendered judgement in the matter and dismissed the former director’s claim and ruled in the Company’s favour in relation to its claims for breach of fiduciary duty, negligence and negligent misrepresentation. The Company received $10,500 from the former director as a final settlement. 15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On February 28, 2019, 435,500 stock options exercisable at $0.70 expired unexercised. On February 28, 2019, the Company announced the acquisition of the other 50% interest in the nickel-copper-cobalt HPM property held by joint venture partner Pure Nickel Inc. On March 5, 2019, as per the agreement and following the TSX Venture Exchange approval, the Company paid $50,000 and issued 500,000 common shares of the Company to Pure Nickel Inc. On March 6, 2019, the Company granted 665,000 stock options to directors, officers and key consultants. The options are exercisable at $0.095 for 5 years and vest immediately. End of Notes to Financial Statements - 21 - MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018 This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to supplement the consolidated financial statements and notes of Murchison Minerals Ltd. (the “Company” or “Murchison”) for the year ended December 31, 2018 with comparatives for the same period a year earlier. The consolidated financial statements including comparative figures have been prepared by the Company in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) applicable to preparation of financial statements. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2018, which are available on the Company’s website (www.murchisonminerals.com). This MD&A covers the most recently completed financial year end and the subsequent period up to March 6, 2019. The information is presented in Canadian dollars unless stated otherwise. OVERALL PERFORMANCE Description of Business Murchison is a Canadian based exploration company with a diversified portfolio of properties, including the high-grade Brabant-McKenzie zinc-copper-silver deposit in north-central Saskatchewan, the HPM Nickel/Copper/Cobalt project in Quebec and holds gold claims in the Pickle Lake area of northwestern Ontario which are currently under option to Ardiden Limited. The Company expects to acquire additional properties as attractive opportunities are identified. The Company does not have any projects that generate revenue at this time. The Company’s ability to carry out its business plan in the future rests entirely on its ability to secure equity and other financings or realize cash from the sale of assets. Trends The financing, exploration and development of any properties the Company holds or may acquire in the future will be subject to a number of factors including the commodity prices for minerals, applicable laws and regulations, political conditions, currency fluctuations, the hiring of qualified people, and obtaining necessary services in jurisdictions where the Company operates. The current trends relating to these factors could change at any time and negatively affect the Company’s operations and business. Apart from these, the risk factors noted under the heading “Uncertainties and Risk Factors” and “Forward Looking Statement” included this MD&A, management is not aware of any other trends, commitments, events or uncertainties that would have a material effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations. OUTLOOK In December 2018, the Company raised $150,000 in flow-through funds. Approximately half of this amount has been used to complete a Versatile Time-Domain Electromagnetic (VTEM™ Max) airborne geophysical survey (January 2019). The balance of the flow-through proceeds will be used for a follow up field prospecting program expected to start in early June 2019 which will cover newly acquired claims and approximately 30 recently identified geophysical anomalies. Since December 2018, the land holding at the Brabant Lake project increased by 204 km2 to 278 km2. The Company staked the additional claims to cover favourable geological horizons, lake sediment anomalies, multiple known mineralized showings and recently identified geophysical conductors. In 2019, the Company is planning to conduct a diamond drill program over 4 previously identified drill targets at the Brabant Lake project, subject to funds availability / financing. MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 Regionally, the Company is focused on identifying additional deposits on the property and believes that in addition to the Deposit, the Brabant-McKenzie project (the “Property”) exhibits what appears to be the potential for a VMS district or camp based on the number of known mineralized showings and geophysical anomalies identified along its 35 kilometre strike. There are no known legal, political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the mineral resources. The Company has listed its common shares on the TSX Venture exchange and started trading on Thursday, March 22, 2018. Concurrently, the Company delisted from the Canadian Securities Exchange. Management’s objective is to maximize the money spent “in the ground”. The long-term goal remains to develop the Company’s properties and achieve commercial production. The Company may enter into partnerships in order to fully exploit the production potential of its exploration assets. MINERAL PROPERTIES – EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES Brabant Property – Saskatchewan The Brabant property is owned 100% by Murchison and is strategically located along Highway 102 approximately 175 kilometres northeast of the town of La Ronge and near major infrastructure, including grid power. The Brabant property consists of the Deposit and numerous additional zinc and copper occurrences and geophysical anomalies over approximately 35 kilometre strike of favourable geological horizon, all of which remain under-explored and mostly untested. The Project area shares geological characteristics, including similar age, with the Flin Flon volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mining camp in Manitoba. NEW AND REVISED MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE On September 13, 2018, the Company provided the results of a new mineral resource estimate dated September 4, 2018 (the “New 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate”). The New 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate included the addition of 19 diamond drill holes totaling 9,004 metres which were completed during the 2018 winter drilling program as well as a comprehensive re-interpretation of the geology of the Deposit using current and historical drilling data and reports. Please refer to the press release dated September 13, 2018 for full details. The New 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate has been prepared by independent qualified person (“QP”) Finley Bakker, P.Geo., and was calculated using Minesight/Hexagon 3D modeling software to define the mineralized limits of the Deposit. The New 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate for the Deposit is as follows: Category Tonnes Zn% Cu% Pb% Ag (g/t) Zn Eq% Indicated 2,100,000 Inferred 7,600,000 7.08 4.45 0.69 0.57 0.49 0.19 39.6 18.4 9.98 6.29 The New 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate for the Deposit was determined on the basis of: Drilling results to March 24, 2018 and including historical diamond drilling used in the previous NI-43-101 resource estimate completed in 2008 and 2018; 2 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 US$ metal prices of $1.20/lb Zn, $2.50/lb Cu, $1.00/lb Pb, $16.00/oz Ag and $1,200/oz Au; CDN$:US$ exchange rate of $1.20; An NSR cut-off of $90/tonne or 3.5% zinc equivalent (“Zn Eq”) based on above metal prices; Average metallurgical and payable recovery of 75% for all metals; Indicated Resource was calculated using a two-hole minimum and a maximum distance of 60 metres from a diamond drill hole; Inferred Resource was calculated using a no-hole minimum and a maximum distance of 200 metres from a diamond drill hole; As much as possible, a 2 metre intercept minimum was used but not strictly adhere to; The resources were also manually reviewed and adjusted to take into consideration drill intercepts from previous operators in the areas of drilling carried out by the Company, and; 138 drill holes were used in the calculation and were used to model 2 mineral lenses. SUMMER PROSPECTING PROGRAM In July 2018, Murchison conducted a regional prospecting, sampling and mapping program (the “Summer Program”) over a number of showings resulting in two new mineralized showings being identified for further exploration and potential drill targets. Summer Program Highlights Identified and confirmed mineralization and geochemistry values on the historic Main Lake showing; Grab sample returns include 30.6 g/t silver, 1.44% copper, 11.65% zinc; Grades are similar to those obtained at the Deposit, and; Additional claims acquired proximal to the McIvor Channel showing. Main Lake Showing The Company identified the Main Lake showing located approximately 8 kilometres south of the Deposit between Brabant Lake and Main Lake with the assistance of historical reports where data was available on a number of mineralized trenches and workings, geophysical programs and drilling. The Summer Program successfully located the historic trenching and workings approximately 100 metres apart. Sulphide mineralization identified contains chalcopyrite in micro fractures and as blebs as well as fine grained massive sphalerite. Results from the from rock sampling confirmed the high-grade nature of mineralization are similar to values obtained at the Deposit. Results are listed below. Rock Sample Geochemistry Results at Main Lake Showing Zn Rock Sample % SRC149955 0.072 SRC149956 SRC149957 0.25 1.16 SRC149958 11.65 Cu % 0.55 1.44 0.15 0.31 Ag g/t 10.9 30.6 3.8 11.3 Au g/t 0.14 1.47 0.04 0.05 3 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 McIvor Channel Showing The Summer Program successfully located the historic McIvor Channel showing approximately 9 kilometres south of the Deposit on the east shore of the McIvor Channel. Six of eight historical trenches were identified as hosting massive sulphide mineralization of primarily pyrrhotite with chalcopyrite over a strike length of approximately 600 metres. Mineralization dips northwest potentially under the McIvor Channel. Historic work only included rock sampling which returned a value of 0.25% copper in one trench. Sampling from the July 2018 program returned anomalous values in copper. No geophysics or follow up drilling was ever conducted to test this showing and prior to the Summer Program, no additional work had been carried out on this showing since 1968. Bruce Gemmell, Ph.D. (expert at VMS Deposits) suggests that “the high content of pyrrhotite of the showing may indicate proximity to the central part of a possible deposit and feeder zone, and suggests that it may be part of a more extensive system in the immediate area”. Based on the identification of the McIvor Channel showing the Company has staked an additional 348 hectares of land adjacent to its current claims package in order to cover any strike extension and proximal mineralization related to this mineralizing system. 2018 WINTER DRILL PROGRAM On June 25, 2018, the Company announced the results of its 2018 winter diamond drilling program (the “Drill Program”) on the Deposit where 19 holes (9,004 metres) were completed (see press release June 25, 2018 for full details). The highlights of the Drill Program were: Mineralization intercepted in all 19 completed drill holes Known limits of mineralization extended Results continue to demonstrate high-grade nature and continuity of mineralization Developing new polymetallic zone identified above main mineralized zones Multiple zones of mineralization encountered Additional drill targets identified for potential tonnage additions to resources Four holes were drilled from Pad A and focused on the untested northern edge of the Deposit. All holes continued to demonstrate the zonation of elevated copper values in this area of the Deposit. Six holes were drilled from Pad B to test the central, lateral extent of the Deposit to the south as well as a newly identified polymetallic zone. This zone could not be included in the previous Technical Report’s resource estimate because the continuity of the mineralization was not completely understood. All diamond drill holes intersected mineralization, usually in several zones and all continued to demonstrate the predictability and apparent continuity of the mineralizing system of the Deposit. Eight holes were completed from Pad C to test the southern down dip portion of the Deposit and add definition between previous widely spaced drill holes. As predicted in the geological model and confirmed by drilling, the continuity and high-grade nature of the mineralization continues to be demonstrated to depth. Specifically, drilling confirmed that the mineralization encountered at 950 metres down dip in the 2017 drilling appears contiguous with the main Deposit. Three drill holes were drilled to test the lateral extent of the Deposit. All holes intersected mineralization and results suggest the limit of the Deposit is defined in this area. 4 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 BRABANT-McKENZIE PROJECT REGIONAL EXPLORATION The Company plans to continue expanding its regional review of mineralized showings on the property and surrounding area with its 2019 late spring field exploration program to cover all new added claims. For additional details, refer to Murchison’s website: www.murchisonminerals.com. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company incurred $2,389,764 (2017 - $1,166,053) at the Brabant Lake property Pickle Lake Properties – Ontario In June 2018, the Company received its last option payment ($20,000) from Ardiden Limited, an Australian exploration company. As at December 31, 2018, Ardiden incurred approximately $750,000 in exploration at the properties. Ardiden needs to incur $1.2 million in exploration by June 30, 2019 in order acquire all of the Company’s interest in its Pickle Lake properties. HPM Property – Quebec (100%) On February 28, 2019, the Company announced the acquisition of the other 50% interest in the nickel- copper-cobalt HPM property held by joint venture partner Pure Nickel Inc. On March 5, 2019, as per the agreement and following the TSX Venture Exchange approval, the Company paid $50,000 and issued 500,000 common shares of the Company to Pure Nickel Inc. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company incurred $1,536 (2017 - $823) at the HPM property. Qualified Persons Exploration programs at the Company’s project in Saskatchewan are being carried out under the supervision of Finley Bakker, P. Geo., “Qualified Person” as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Bakker is an independent consultant to Murchison and the Brabant-McKenzie Project. Mr. Bakker has supervised the preparation of, and confirmed all of the scientific and technical disclosure in this MD&A. Access to Properties The Company’s access to its Canadian properties is dependent on climate and weather conditions. The Brabant property in Saskatchewan is accessible all year round. Typically, properties in Ontario are generally accessible all year round. All projects in Québec can be accessed from January to September as weather limits the activities during other times of the year. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company incurred a loss of $2,590,596 (2017 - $1,179,806). The increase of $1,410,790 is mainly related to the following factors: 1. higher exploration expenses of $1,215,035 (2018 - $2,371,300 vs 2017 - $1,156,265) as the Company 2018 drill program at the Brabant Lake property included 12,431 metres in 25 holes (2017 – 5,653 metres in 10 holes) and also completed additional geophysical surveys on the property in 2018 2. higher management fees and salaries of $330,844 (2018 - $509,738 vs 2017 - $178,894) related to $50,000 paid in bonuses in Q1/18, the increase in the CEO’s compensation to reflect the full time nature of the position in 2018 and a $225,000 termination payment in December 2018 to end the contract with the former President and CEO of the Company; 3. higher share-based payments of $245,385 (2018 - 5 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 $245,385 vs 2017 - $nil) as the Company granted stock options in January 2018; 4. higher investor relations expense of $116,691 (2018 - $213,992 vs 2017 - $97,301) as the Company attended more conferences in 2018, offset by; 5. higher non-cash flow-through shares premium of $498,490 (2018 - $905,490 vs 2017 - $407,000) as the Company recognized the income based on increased exploration activities in Canada funded by flow-through financing. For the year ended December 31, 2018, exploration expenses totaled $2,371,300 (2017 - $1,156,265) with $2,389,764 (2017 - $1,166,053) at the Brabant project in Saskatchewan, $1,536 (2017 - $823) at HPM in Quebec offset by a general exploration recovery of $20,000 (2017 – $10,611). SELECTED ANNUAL INFORMATION The following table sets out financial performance highlights for the last three years and was prepared in accordance with IFRS. December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Interest Income Operating Expenses (1) Loss Basic and Diluted loss per share Total Assets Exploration Expenses $25,070 $3,527,773 $2,590,596 $0.06 $1,339,466 $2,371,300 $10,601 $1,592,447 $1,179,806 $0.05 $4,439,525 $1,156,265 $6,070 $387,972 $645,067 $0.03 $2,391,094 $120,612 (1) The exploration expenses are included in operating expenses and share-based payments are excluded from operating expenses. The interest income fluctuation from year to year is the direct result of the cash balance and short-term investments available in each of the years. The timing of equity financing and ensuing exploration and operating expenses are the main factors affecting the level of funds invested from time to time. The variation in the interest rates also has an impact on the interest income but such variation has been minimal for the years 2015 to 2017. The higher loss in 2018 was mostly related to the exploration activities and expenses at Brabant in Saskatchewan compared to prior years. The total assets in 2018 included $1.18 million in cash compared to $4.39 million in 2017 and $2.15 million in 2016. SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS Total Assets Current Assets Non-current Assets Total Liabilities Interest Income Loss Loss Per Share (1) Fourth Quarter 2018 $ 1,339,466 1,337,356 2,110 179,866 4,607 516,683 0.01 Third Quarter 2018 $ 1,830,107 1,827,179 2,928 247,462 5,475 156,809 0.00 Second Quarter 2018 $ 2,023,442 2,019,567 3,875 283,988 5,335 286,004 0.01 First Quarter 2018 $ 2,972,594 2,968,676 3,918 947,136 9,653 1,631,100 0.04 6 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 Total Assets Current Assets Non-current Assets Total Liabilities Interest Income Loss Loss Per Share (1) (i) Loss per share remains the same on a diluted basis Fourth Quarter 2017 $ 4,439,525 4,434,186 5,339 1,028,352 2,751 253,719 0.01 Third Quarter 2017 $ 1,088,054 1,082,241 5,813 96,624 1,820 131,747 0.01 Second Quarter 2017 $ 1,264,424 1,258,470 5,684 141,247 1,827 84,011 0.00 First Quarter 2017 $ 1,454,540 1,447,478 7,062 247,352 4,203 710,329 0.03 Due to the nature of the business, the cash balance and short-term investments generating interest income are subject to fluctuations from quarter to quarter. The timing of equity financing and ensuing exploration and operating expenses are the main factors affecting the level of funds invested from time to time. The variation in interest rates also has an impact on the interest income. In Q4-2018, the Company made a $225,000 termination payment in December 2018 to end the contract with the former President and CEO of the Company. In Q1-2018, the Company completed a 12,431 metre drill program and a geophysical survey at the Brabant Lake project in Saskatchewan at a total cost of $1,9 million. This amount was offset by $744,494 of non-cash flow-through shares premium income. In Q4-2017, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement of units and flow-through shares for gross proceeds of $3,839,189 which triggered the recognition of a $905,490 non-cash flow-through share premium liability. In Q1-2017, the Company was actively drilling at its Brabant McKenzie project in Saskatchewan and incurred $919,910 in exploration. This amount was offset by $326,357 of non-cash flow-through shares premium income. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES As at December 31, 2018, the Company had no debt, cash of $1,176,697 and working capital (excluding flow-through share premium liability) of $1,199,157 (December 31, 2017 – $4,394,940 and $4,311,324, respectively). The Company’s excess cash, when available, is deposited into interest-bearing accounts or invested in redeemable GICs with major Canadian chartered banks. As at December 31, 2018, the Company had amounts receivable and prepaid expenses totaling $160,659 which included sales tax receivable of $75,493, prepaid expenses of $84,350 and $816 of other receivable. The prepaid expenses include a $62,239 related to an airborne geophysical program to be completed in January 2019 and the balance is related to insurance, conference and rent. In June 2018, the Company also received $20,000 from its option agreement with Ardiden Limited. The December 31, 2017, consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which assumes that the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is always dependent on its ability to raise new funds to meet its obligations and continue its exploration activities. Equity Financing The Company’s exploration projects are at an early stage and it has not yet been determined whether any of its properties contain economically recoverable ore. As a result, the Company has no current sources of revenue and has relied on the issuance of shares to generate the funds required to further its projects. 7 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 Private Placement On December 27, 2018, the Company completed a non-brokered flow-through private placement and issued 1,666,667 flow-through common shares priced at $0.09 per share for gross proceeds of $150,000 of which, $41,667 was allocated to the flow-through premium. Finders’ fees of $9,000 were also paid. All securities issued were subject to a four-month and one day statutory hold period. Warrants On August 10, 2018, 4,670,400 warrants exercisable at $0.30 expired unexercised. On August 31, 2018, 3,147,600 warrants also exercisable at $0.30 expired unexercised. Stock Options In January 2018, the Company granted 1,435,000 stock options exercisable at $0.19 to its officers, directors and key consultants. The options are for a period of 5 years and vested immediately. On September 30, 2018, 66,000 stock options exercisable at $0.70 expired. On February 28, 2019, 435,500 stock options exercisable at $0.70 expired unexercised. On March 6, 2019, the Company granted 665,000 stock options to directors, officers and key consultants. The options are exercisable at $0.095 for 5 years and vest immediately. General The Company’s ability to successfully acquire mineral projects or recover amounts expended on mineral properties is conditional on its ability to secure financing when required. The Company expects to meet additional financing requirements through equity financing. The Company may seek other alternatives for financing in the future depending on market conditions and exploration results; however, there can be no assurance that such financing attempts will be successful. The impact on our business and the cost and availability of financing remain uncertain and could affect our overall liquidity. Commitments and Obligations As at December 31, 2018, the Company had to incur $150,000 in qualifying exploration expenditures by December 31, 2019 to meet its flow-through commitment as described in note 14 of the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018. At this time, management anticipates meeting that obligation and as a result, no additional provisions are required. In May 2017, a former director of the Company filed a claim under the Toronto Small Claims Court in an amount of $23,720. In June 2017, the Company filed a Defense Statement as it believed the claim was without merit. The Company also filed a Defendant’s Claim against the former director in the amount of $25,000 for breach of fiduciary duty, negligence and negligent misrepresentation. The Company attended court on June 21, 2018 and on October 23, 2018, the judge rendered judgement in the matter and dismissed the former director’s claim and ruled in the Company’s favour in relation to its claims for breach of fiduciary duty, negligence and negligent misrepresentation. The Company received $10,500 from the former director as a final settlement. The Company's mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations are continually changing and generally becoming more restrictive. The Company believes its operations are materially in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The Company has made, and expects to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations. The Company has no long-term contractual obligations. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements. 8 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES a) Remuneration of directors and the officers was as follows: Salaries and benefits Share-based payments 2018 2017 $ 509,738 211,185 $ 190,519 - $ 720,923 $ 190,519 For the year ended December 31, 2018, the salaries and benefits amount above includes $111,250 (2017 - $104,719) for fees invoiced by a corporation controlled by the CFO of the Company for his services and $167,500 (2017 - $85,800) and $225,000 (2017 - $nil) for fees and termination payment respectively, invoiced by a corporation controlled by the former CEO of the Company for his services. Also in the salaries and benefits for the year ended December 31, 2018 is $5,988 (2017 - $nil) paid to the Interim CEO for his services as CEO. Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2018 is $10,374 (2017 - $20,780) owed to corporation controlled by the CFO and $6,247 (2017 - $nil) owed to the Interim CEO. Private Placement b) As part of the private placement completed in December 2017, directors and officers of the Company acquired 3,800,000 units for gross proceeds of $760,000 and 477,000 flow-through common shares for gross proceeds of $114,480. PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS The Company continues to evaluate quality exploration projects and financing opportunities. There are no transactions currently pending. CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company changed its accounting policy for mineral exploration properties to expense acquisition costs in the statements of loss and comprehensive loss in the period incurred, as permitted under IFRS 6, Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources. Management judges that the change in accounting policy will result in clearer, more relevant and reliable financial information. The previous accounting policy was to capitalize costs to acquire exploration and evaluation property interests in respect of each identifiable area of interest, once the legal right to explore had been acquired. The impact of this change had no material impact on the previously reported financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. IFRIC 23 – Uncertainty Over Income Tax Treatments (“IFRIC 23”) was issued in June 2017 and clarifies the accounting for uncertainties in income taxes. The interpretation committee concluded that an entity shall consider whether it is probable that a taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment. If an entity concludes it is probable that the taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment, then the 9 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 entity shall determine taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses and credits or tax rates consistently with the tax treatment used or planned to be used in its income tax filings. If an entity concludes it is not probable that the taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment, the entity shall reflect the effect of uncertainty in determining the related taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses and credits or tax rates. IFRIC 23 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. Earlier adoption is permitted. At January 1, 2018, the Company adopted this amendment and there was no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED IFRS 16 – Leases (“IFRS 16”) was issued in January 2016 and replaces IAS 17 – Leases as well as some lease related interpretations. With certain exceptions for leases under twelve months in length or for assets of low value, IFRS 16 states that upon lease commencement a lessee recognises a right-of- use asset and a lease liability. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at the amount of the liability plus any initial direct costs. After lease commencement, the lessee shall measure the right-of-use asset at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment. A lessee shall either apply IFRS 16 with full retrospective effect or alternatively not restate comparative information but recognise the cumulative effect of initially applying IFRS 16 as an adjustment to opening equity at the date of initial application. IFRS 16 requires that lessors classify each lease as an operating lease or a finance lease. A lease is classified as a finance lease if it transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an underlying asset. Otherwise it is an operating lease. IFRS 16 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. Earlier adoption is permitted if IFRS 15 has also been applied. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Financial assets: Amortized cost Cash and cash equivalents Amounts receivable FVPL Investments Financial liabilities: Amortized cost Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2018 2017 $ 4,394,940 816 $ 4,394,940 - 2,110 5,339 $ 138,199 $ 122,862 As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the fair value of all the Company's financial instruments approximates the carrying value, due to their short-term nature, except as for the investment which is presented at fair value. As at December 31, 2018, the Company’s financial instrument Investment on the consolidated statements of financial position was recorded at level 1 with a fair value of $2,110 (2017 - $5,339). 10 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 Significant accounting judgments and estimates: The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the Company’s management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the financial statements. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results may differ from those estimates. The areas that require management to make significant judgments, estimates and assumptions in determining carrying values include, but are not limited to the following: Assets’ carrying values and impairment charges In the determination of carrying values and impairment charges, management looks at the higher of recoverable amount or fair value less costs to sell in the case of assets and at objective evidence, significant or prolonged decline of fair value on financial assets indicating impairment. These determinations and their individual assumptions require that management make a decision based on the best available information at each reporting period. Income and other taxes Income tax on the profit or loss for the periods presented comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity, in which case it is recognized in equity. Current tax expense is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the period, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at period end, adjusted for amendments to tax payable with regards to previous years. Deferred tax is provided using the statement of financial position liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for: goodwill not deductible for tax purposes and the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the financial position reporting date. A deferred tax asset is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilized. Share-based payments for share-based payments using market-based valuation Management determines costs techniques. The fair value of the market-based and performance-based non-vested share awards are determined at the date of grant using generally accepted valuation techniques. Assumptions are made and judgments used in applying valuation techniques. These assumptions and judgments include estimating the future volatility of the stock price, expected dividend yield, future employee turnover rates and future employee stock option exercise behaviors and corporate performance. Such judgments and assumptions are inherently uncertain. Changes in these assumptions affect the fair value estimates. The Company currently estimates the expected volatility of its common shares based on historical volatility taking into consideration the expected life of the options and warrants. 11 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 Capital Management: The Company manages its capital with the following objectives: to ensure sufficient financial flexibility to achieve the ongoing business objectives including funding of future growth opportunities, and pursuit of accretive acquisitions and to maximize shareholder return through enhancing the share value. The Company monitors its capital structure and makes adjustments according to market conditions in an effort to meet its objectives given the current outlook of the business and industry in general. The Company may manage its capital structure by issuing new shares, repurchasing outstanding shares, adjusting capital spending, or disposing of assets. The capital structure is reviewed by Management and the Board of Directors on an ongoing basis. The Company considers its capital to consist of equity, comprising share capital, reserves and deficit. The Company manages capital through its financial and operational forecasting processes. The Company reviews its working capital and forecasts its future cash flows based on operating expenditures, and other investing and financing activities. The forecast is regularly updated based on its exploration and development activities. Selected information is regularly provided to the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company’s capital management objectives, policies and processes have remained unchanged during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company is not subject to any capital requirements imposed by a regulator or lending institution. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Outstanding Shareholders’ Equity Data As of March 6, 2019, the following are outstanding: Common Shares Stock Options Warrants 44,709,881 3,732,300 4,844,970 Uncertainties and Risk Factors An investment in the securities of the Company is highly speculative and involves numerous and significant risks. Such investment should be undertaken only by investors whose financial resources are sufficient to enable them to assume these risks and who have no need for immediate liquidity in their investment. Prospective investors should carefully consider the risk factors that have affected, and which in the future are reasonably expected to affect, the Company and its financial position. In addition to the risks outlined below, Murchison has identified the extreme volatility occurring in the financial markets as a significant risk for the Company. As a result of the market turmoil, investors are moving away from assets they perceive as risky to those they perceive as less so. Companies like Murchison are considered risk assets and as mentioned above are highly speculative. The volatility in the markets and investor sentiment may make it difficult for the Company to access the capital markets to raise the funds required for its future expenditures. 12 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 Exploration, Development and Operating Risks Mining operations generally involve a high degree of risk. The Company’s operations are subject to all the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of gold, precious metals and other minerals, including unusual and unexpected geologic formations, seismic activity, rock bursts, cave-ins, flooding and other conditions involved in the drilling and removal of material, any of which could result in damage to, or destruction of, mines and other producing facilities, damage to life or property, environmental damage and possible legal liability. Although adequate precautions to minimize risk will be taken, milling operations are subject to hazards such as equipment failure or failure of retaining dams around tailings disposal areas which may result in environmental pollution and consequent liability. The exploration for and development of mineral deposits involves significant risks which even a combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge may not eliminate. While the discovery of a mineral-bearing structure may result in substantial rewards, few properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Major expenses may be required to locate and establish mineral reserves, to develop metallurgical processes and to construct mining and processing facilities at a particular site. It is impossible to ensure that the exploration or development programs planned by The Company will result in a profitable commercial mining operation. Whether a gold or other mineral deposit will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, some of which are: the particular attributes of the deposit, such as quantity and quality of mineralization and proximity to infrastructure; mineral prices which are highly cyclical; and government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in The Company not receiving an adequate return on invested capital. There is no certainty that the expenditures made by the Company towards the search and evaluation of gold or other minerals will result in discoveries of commercial quantities of gold or other minerals. Country Risk The Company may conduct business in jurisdictions and some countries in which the title to its properties may be uncertain or where access to infrastructure, or political stability, or security, among other things, may be unknown, or known, and prevent, or severely compromise, the Company from carrying out business. It may be that the Company accepts some or all of these risks, to the extent that they can be determined at all, in favour of acquiring properties with exceptional exploration and development potential, and may ultimately be prevented from exploring and developing those properties for any number of reasons which may, or may not, be predictable, foreseeable, or manageable. Current Economic Conditions There are significant uncertainties regarding the price of precious metals and other minerals and the availability of equity financing for the purposes of mineral exploration and development. The prices of precious metals and other minerals have fluctuated substantially over the past several years. The Company’s future performance is largely tied to the development of its current mineral properties and the overall financial markets. Current financial markets are likely to be volatile for the remainder of the calendar year, reflecting ongoing concerns about the stability of the global economy and global growth prospects. As well, concern about global growth has led to sustained drops in the commodity markets for commodities other than gold. As a result, the Company may have difficulties raising equity financing for the purposes of mineral exploration and development, particularly without excessively diluting present shareholders of the Company. These economic trends may limit the Company’s ability to develop and/or further explore its mineral property interests. 13 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 Limited Operating History The Company has a very limited history of operations, is in the early stage of exploration and must be considered a start-up company. As such, the Company is subject to many risks common to such enterprises, including under-capitalization, cash shortages, limitations with respect to personnel, financial and other resources and lack of revenues. It is common in new mining operations to experience unexpected problems and delays. In addition, delays in the commencement of mineral production often occur. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving a return on shareholders’ investment or successfully establish mining operations and the likelihood of success must be considered in light of its early stage of operations. Reliability of Resource Estimates There is no certainty that any mineral resources identified in the future on any of the Company’s properties will be realized. Until a deposit is actually mined and processed the quantity of mineral resources and grades must be considered as estimates only. In addition, the quantity of mineral resources may vary depending on, among other things, metal prices. Any material change in quantity of mineral resources, grade or stripping ratio may affect the economic viability of any project undertaken by the Company. In addition, there can be no assurance that gold recoveries or other metal recoveries in small-scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in a larger scale test under on-site conditions or during production. Fluctuations in gold and other base or precious metals prices, results of drilling, metallurgical testing and production and the evaluation of studies, reports and plans subsequent to the date of any estimate may require revision of such estimate. Any material reductions in estimates of mineral resources could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition from time to time. Insurance and Uninsured Risks The Company’s business is subject to a number of risks and hazards generally, including adverse environmental conditions, industrial accidents, labour disputes, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground or slope failures, cave-ins, changes in the regulatory environment and natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods and earthquakes. Such occurrences could result in damage to mineral properties or production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage to The Company’s properties or the properties of others, delays in mining, monetary losses and possible legal liability. Although the Company may in the future maintain insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as it considers to be reasonable, its insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with a mining company’s operations. The Company may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Moreover, insurance against risks such as environmental pollution or other hazards as a result of exploration and production is not generally available to the Company or to other companies in the mining industry on acceptable terms. The Company might also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards which may not be insured against or which the Company may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause the Company to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon its financial performance and results of operations. Environmental Risks and Hazards All phases of the Company’s operations are subject to environmental regulation in the jurisdictions in which it operates. These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. They also set forth limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not adversely affect the Company’s operations. 14 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 Environmental hazards may exist on the properties on which the Company holds interests which are unknown to the Company at present and which have been caused by previous or existing owners or operators of the properties. Government approvals and permits are currently, and may in the future be required in connection with the Company’s operations. To the extent such approvals are required and not obtained, the Company may be curtailed or prohibited from continuing its exploration or mining operations or from proceeding with planned exploration or development of mineral properties. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions. Parties engaged in mining operations or in the exploration or development of mineral properties may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations. Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of mining and exploration companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on the Company and cause increases in exploration expenses, capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of production at producing properties or require abandonment or delays in development of new mining properties. Infrastructure Mining, processing, development and exploration activities depend, to one degree or another, on adequate infrastructure. Reliable roads, bridges, power sources and water supply are important determinants, which affect capital and operating costs. Unusual or infrequent weather phenomena, sabotage, government or other interference in the maintenance or provision of such infrastructure could adversely affect the Company’s operations, financial condition and results of operations. Land Title No assurances can be given that there are no title defects affecting property or any other property interests of the Company. Title insurance generally is not available, and the Company’s ability to ensure that it has obtained secure claim to individual mineral properties or mining concessions may be severely constrained. Furthermore, the Company has not conducted surveys of the claims in which it holds an interest and, therefore, the precise area and location of such claims may be in doubt. Accordingly, the Company’s mineral properties may be subject to prior unregistered liens, agreements, transfers or claims, including native land claims, and title may be affected by, among other things, undetected defects. In addition, the Company may be unable to operate its properties as permitted or to enforce its rights with respect to its properties. Competition The mining industry is competitive in all of its phases. The Company faces strong competition from other mining companies in connection with the acquisition of properties producing, or capable of producing, precious and base metals. Many of these companies have greater financial resources, operational experience and technical capabilities than the Company. As a result of this competition, the Company may be unable to maintain or acquire additional attractive mining properties on terms it considers acceptable or at all. Consequently, the Company’s revenues, operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Additional Capital The development and exploration of the Company’s properties will require substantial additional financing. 15 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 Failure to obtain sufficient financing may result in the delay or indefinite postponement of exploration, development or production on any or all of the Company’s properties or even a loss of property interest. The primary source of funding available to the Company consists of equity financing. There can be no assurance that additional capital or other types of financing will be available if needed or that, if available, the terms of such financing will be favourable to the Company. Commodity Prices The price of the Company’s common shares, the Company’s financial results and exploration, development and mineral development activities may in the future be significantly adversely affected by declines in the price of precious metals or other minerals. The price of precious metals and other minerals fluctuates widely and is affected by numerous factors beyond the Company’s control such as the sale or purchase of commodities by various central banks and financial institutions, interest rates, exchange rates, inflation or deflation, fluctuation in the value of the United States dollar and foreign currencies, global and regional supply and demand, the political and economic conditions of major mineral-producing countries throughout the world, and the cost of substitutes, inventory levels and carrying charges. Future serious price declines in the market value of precious metals or other minerals could cause continued development of and commercial production from the Company’s properties to be impracticable. Depending on the price of precious metals and other minerals, cash flow from mining operations may not be sufficient and the Company could be forced to discontinue production and may lose its interest in, or may be forced to sell, some of its properties. Future production from the Company’s mineral exploration properties is dependent upon the prices of precious metals and other minerals being adequate to make these properties economic. In addition to adversely affecting the Company’s future resource or reserve estimates, if any, and its financial condition, declining commodity prices can impact operations by requiring a reassessment of the feasibility of a particular project. Such a reassessment may be the result of a management decision or may be required under financing arrangements related to a particular project. Even if the project is ultimately determined to be economically viable, the need to conduct such a reassessment may cause substantial delays or may interrupt operations until the reassessment can be completed. Government Regulation The development and mineral exploration activities of the Company are subject to various laws governing prospecting, development, production, taxes, labour standards and occupational health, mine safety, toxic substances, land use, water use, land claims of local people and other matters. In addition, no assurance can be given that new rules and regulations will not be enacted or that existing rules and regulations will not otherwise be applied in a manner which could limit or curtail production or development in any of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Amendments to other current laws and regulations governing mineral exploration and development or more stringent implementation thereof could also have a substantial adverse impact on the Company. Dividend Policy No dividends on the common shares have been paid by the Company to date. Payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors after taking into account many factors, including the Company’s operating results, financial condition and current and anticipated cash needs. Dilution to the Company Common Shares As of March 6, 2019, the Company had 44,709,881 common shares and 8,577,270 convertible securities issued and outstanding. The increase in the number of securities issued and outstanding and the possibility of sales of such shares may have a depressive effect on the price of the common shares. In addition, as a result of such additional securities, the voting power of the existing shareholders in the Company will be diluted. 16 MURCHISON MINERALS LTD. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – DECEMBER 2018 Key Executives The Company is dependent on the services of key executives, including the directors of Murchison and a small number of highly skilled and experienced executives and personnel. Due to the relatively small size of the Company, the loss of these persons or the Company’s inability to attract and retain additional highly skilled employees may adversely affect its business and future operations. Conflicts of Interest Certain of the directors and officers of the Company also serve as directors and/or officers of other companies involved in natural resource exploration and development and consequently there exists the possibility for such directors and officers to be in a position of conflict. Any decision made by any of such directors and officers involving Murchison should be made in accordance with their duties and obligations to deal fairly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of Murchison and its shareholders. In addition, each of the directors is required to declare and refrain from voting on any matter in which such directors may have a conflict of interest in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Canada Business Corporations Act and other applicable laws. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This document contains forward-looking statements based on the Company’s current expectations. Forward-looking information can often be identified by forward looking words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “goal”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate” or similar words suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented in this document. Accordingly, the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. 17
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