UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023

For the transition period from ____________to _____________

Commission file number 000-55456

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 317-855-9926

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☐ Yes ☒ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act. ☐ Yes     ☒ No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation s-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter is not contained herein and will not be contained to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐ Yes     ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). ☐ Yes   ☒ No

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter; $131,330,970.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s Common Stock, $.0001 par value, as of April 15, 2024 was 79,179,958 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

List hereunder the following documents if incorporated by reference and the Part of the Form 10-K (e.g., Part I, Part II, etc.) into which the documents is incorporated: (1) Any annual report to security holders; (2) Any proxy or information statement; and (3) Any prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or (c) under the Securities Act of 1933. The listed documents should be clearly described for identification purposes (e.g., annual report to security holders for fiscal year ended December 24, 1980).

AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements.

This annual report on Form 10-K of American Resources Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2023 contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. To the extent that such statements are not recitations of historical fact, such statements constitute forward looking statements which, by definition involve risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements under the Sections; Description of Business, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contain forward looking statements. Where in any forward-looking statements, the Company expresses an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the statement of expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished.

The following are factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated and include but are not limited to: general economic, financial and business conditions; the price of metallurgical coal and or thermal coal changes in and compliance with governmental regulations; changes in tax laws; and the cost and effects of legal proceedings.

You should not rely on forward looking statements in this annual report. This annual report contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. We use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “future,” “intends,” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements. Prospective investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this annual report. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

PART I

Item 1. Business.

Overview

When we formed our company, our focus was to (i) construct and/or purchase and manage a chain of combined gasoline, diesel and natural gas (NG) fueling and service stations (initially, in the Miami, FL area); (ii) construct conversion factories to convert NG to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG); and (iii) construct conversion factories to retrofit vehicles currently using gasoline or diesel fuel to also run on NG in the United States and also to build a convenience store to serve our customers in each of our locations.

On January 5, 2017, American Resources Corporation (ARC) executed a Share Exchange Agreement between the Company and Quest Energy Inc. (“Quest Energy”), a private company incorporated in the State of Indiana on May 2015 with offices at 12115 Visionary Way, Fishers, IN 46038, and due to the fulfillment of various conditions precedent to closing of the transaction, the control of the Company was transferred to the Quest Energy shareholders on February 7, 2017. This transaction resulted in Quest Energy becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARC. Through Quest Energy, ARC was able to acquire coal mining and coal processing operations, substantially all located in eastern Kentucky and western West Virginia. On November 25, 2020, Quest Energy changed its name to American Carbon Corp. (American Carbon)

American Carbon currently has seven coal mining and processing operating subsidiaries: McCoy Elkhorn Coal LLC (doing business as McCoy Elkhorn Coal Company) (McCoy Elkhorn), Knott County Coal LLC (Knott County Coal), Deane Mining, LLC (Deane Mining), Wyoming County Coal LLC (Wyoming County), Perry County Resources (Perry County) located in eastern Kentucky and western West Virginia within the Central Appalachian coal basin, and ERC Mining Indiana Corporation (ERC) located in southwest Indiana within the Illinois coal basin. The coal deposits under control by the Company are generally comprise of metallurgical coal (used for steel making), pulverized coal injections (used in the steel making process) and high-BTU, low sulfur, low moisture bituminous coal used for a variety of uses within several industries, including industrial customers and specialty products.

Efforts to diversify revenue streams have led to the establishment of additional subsidiaries; American Metals LLC (AM) which is focused on the aggregation, recovery and sale of recovered metal and steel and American Rare Earth LLC (ARE) which is focused on the purification and monetization of critical and rare earth element deposits and end of life magnets and batteries.  During 2022, American Rare Earth LLC changed its name to ReElement Technologies LLC (ReElement).  During 2023, ReElement filed and changed from a limited liability company to a corporation.

We have not classified, and as a result, do not have any “proven” or “probable” reserves as defined in United States Securities and Exchange Commission Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K, and as a result, our company and its business activities are deemed to be in the exploration stage until mineral reserves are defined on our properties.

Since mid-2019, we have not mined or sold coal which is sold into the thermal coal markets. All production and future investment will be for the mining of metallurgical coal. The following table is presented for historical purposes.

McCoy Elkhorn Coal LLC

General:

Located primarily within Pike County, Kentucky, McCoy Elkhorn is currently comprised of one active mine (the Carnegie 1 Mine), one mine in “idle” status (the Mine#15 Mine), two coal preparation facilities (Bevins #1 and Bevins #2), and other mines and permits in various stages of development or reclamation. The address for the Bevins #1 and #2 preparation facilities is 2069 Highway 194 E Meta, KY 41501. The address for Mine #15 is 2560 Highway194 E Meta, KY 41501. The address for Carnegie 1 is 209 Meathouse Fork Kimper, KY 41502.

McCoy Elkhorn sells its coal to a variety of customers, both domestically and internationally, primarily to the steel making industry as a high-vol “B” coal or blended coal.

The coal controlled at McCoy Elkhorn (along with our other subsidiaries) has not been classified as either “proven” or “probable” as defined in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K, and as a result, do not have any “proven” or “probable” reserves under such definition and are classified as an “Exploration Stage” pursuant to Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K. Approximate coal deposits owned is 0 tons and leased by McCoy Elkhorn totals 11,108,724 tons as of September 30, 2023. The current leases contain minimum annual payments of $20,000 and production royalty payments of 7% of gross sales price.

Mines:

Within the McCoy Elkhorn subsidiary, Carnegie 1 is deemed material under Items 1304 of Regulation S-K.

Mine #15 is an underground mine in the Millard (also known as Glamorgan) coal seam and located near Meta, Kentucky. Mine #15 is mined via room-and-pillar mining methods using continuous miners, and the coal is belted directly from the stockpile to McCoy Elkhorn’s coal preparation facility. Mine #15 is currently a “company run” mine, whereby the Company manages the workforce at the mine and pays all expenses of the mine. The coal from Mine #15 is stockpiled at the mine site and belted directly to the Company’s nearby coal preparation facilities. Production at Mine #15 re-commenced under Quest Energy’s ownership in September 2016. Mine #15 has the estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 40,000 tons per month of coal. The Company acquired Mine #15 as an idled mine, and since acquisition, the primary work completed at Mine #15 by the Company includes changing working sections within the underground mine, air ventilation enhancements primarily through brattice work and the use of overcasts and installing underground mining infrastructure as the mine advances due to coal extraction. In 2023, Mine #15 produced approximately 0 tons. In 2022, Mine #15 produced approximately 0 tons. During 2022 and 2021, 100% and 100%, respectively, of the coal extracted from Mine #15 was high-vol “B” metallurgical coal quality, of which 100% was sold into the PCI market and 100% was sold into the metallurgical market, respectively. The mineral available through Mine #15 is leased from various 3^rd party mineral holders. Coal mined from the lease requires a payment of greater of $2.50 per ton or 5% of gross sales price.

The Carnegie 1 Mine is an underground mine in the Alma and Upper Alma coal seams and located near Kimper, Kentucky. In 2011, coal production from the Carnegie 1 Mine in the Alma coal seam commenced and then subsequently the mine was idled. Production at the Carnegie 1 Mine was reinitiated in early 2017 under Quest Energy’s ownership and is currently being mined via room-and-pillar mining methods utilizing a continuous miner. The coal is stockpiled on-site and trucked approximately 7 miles to McCoy Elkhorn’s preparation facilities. The Carnegie 1 Mine is currently a “company run” mine, whereby the Company manages the workforce at the mine and pays all expenses of the mine. The Carnegie 1. Mine has the estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 10,000 tons per month of coal. The Company acquired the Carnegie 1 Mine as an idled mine, and since acquisition, the primary work completed at the Carnegie 1 Mine by the Company includes mine rehabilitation work in preparation for production, changing working sections within the underground mine, air ventilation enhancements primarily through brattice work, and installing underground mining infrastructure as the mine advances due to coal extraction. In 2023, the Carnegie 1 Mine produced approximately 67,372.57 tons and sold at an average of $180.32 per ton. In 2022, the Carnegie 1 Mine produced approximately 59,911.58 tons and sold at an average of $166.09 per ton.. During 2023 and 2022 100% of the coal extracted from the Carnegie 1 Mine was high-vol “B” metallurgical coal quality, of which 100% was sold into the metallurgical market. The mineral being mined through Carnegie 1 is leased from a 3^rd party professional mineral company. Coal mined from the lease requires a payment of greater of $1.75 per ton or 6% of gross sales price.

The Carnegie 2 Mine is an underground mine in the Alma and Upper Alma coal seams and located near Kimper, Kentucky. In 2021, mine development began and operations at the Carnegie 2 Mine started in August 2022 and is currently being mined via room-and-pillar mining methods utilizing a continuous miner. The coal is stockpiled on-site and trucked approximately 7 miles to McCoy Elkhorn’s preparation facilities. The Carnegie 2 Mine is currently a “company run” mine, whereby the Company manages the workforce at the mine and pays all expenses of the mine. The Carnegie 2. Mine has the estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 10,000 tons per month of coal. In 2023, the Carnegie 2 Mine produced approximately 13,460.99 tons and sold at an average of $237.31 per ton. In 2022, the Carnegie 2 Mine produced approximately 6,200 tons and sold at an average of $233.11 per ton. During 2023 and 2022 100% of the coal extracted from the Carnegie 2 Mine was high-vol “B” metallurgical coal quality, of which 100% was sold into the metallurgical market.  The mineral being mined through Carnegie 1 is leased from a 3^rd party professional mineral company.  Coal mined from the lease requires a payment of greater of $1.75 per ton or 6% of gross sales price. 

American Carbon acquired the PointRock Mine in April 2018. On May 8, 2020, the PointRock Mine permits were released from the Company’s control upon the settlement agreement with prior permit holder.

Beginning in January 2020 through the report date, Mine #15 and Carnegie 1 mines were idled due to the adverse market effects Covid-19 global pandemic. The Carnegie 1 mine restarted during October 2021.   The Carnegie 2 mine commenced operations in August 2022. 

Processing & Transportation:

The Bevins #1 Preparation Plant is an 800 ton-per hour coal preparation facility located near Meta, Kentucky, across the road from Mine #15. Bevins #1 has raw coal stockpile storage of approximately 25,000 tons and clean coal stockpile storage of 100,000 tons of coal. The Bevins #1 facility has a fine coal circuit and a stoker circuit that allows for enhance coal recovery and various coal sizing options depending on the needs of the customer. The Company acquired the Bevins Preparation Plants as idled facilities, and since acquisition, the primary work completed at the Bevins Preparation Plants by the Company includes rehabilitating the plants’ warehouse and replacing belt lines.

The Bevins #2 Preparation Plant is on the same permit site as Bevins #1 and is a 500 ton-per-hour processing facility with fine coal recovery and a stoker circuit for coal sizing options. Bevins #2 has raw coal stockpile storage of 25,000 tons of coal and a clean coal stockpile storage of 45,000 tons of coal. We are currently utilizing less than 10% of the available processing capacity of Bevins #1 and Bevins #2.

Both Bevins #1 and Bevins #2 have a batch-weight loadout and rail spur for loading coal into trains for rail shipments. The spur has storage for 110 rail cars and is serviced by CSX Transportation and is located on CSX’s Big Sandy, Coal Run Subdivision. Both Bevins #1 and Bevins #2 have coarse refuse and slurry impoundments called Big Groundhog and Lick Branch. While the Big Groundhog impoundment is nearing the end of its useful life, the Lick Branch impoundment has significant operating life and will be able to provide for coarse refuse and slurry storage for the foreseeable future at Bevins #1 and Bevins #2. Coarse refuse from Bevins #1 and Bevins #2 is belted to the impoundments. Both Bevins #1 and Bevins #2 are facilities owned by McCoy Elkhorn, subject to certain restrictions present in the agreement between McCoy Elkhorn and the surface land owner.

Both Bevins #1 and Bevins #2, as well as the rail loadout, are operational and any work required on any of the plants or loadouts would be routine maintenance. The allocated cost of for this property at McCoy Elkhorn Coal paid by the company is $95,210.

Due to additional coal processing storage capacity at Bevins #1 and Bevins #2 Preparation Plants, McCoy Elkhorn processes, stores, and loads coal for other regional coal producers for an agreed-to fee.

Additional Permits:

In addition to the above mines, McCoy Elkhorn holds 11 additional coal mining permits that are idled operations or in various stages of reclamation. For the idled coal mining operations, McCoy Elkhorn will determine which coal mines to bring back into production, if any, as the coal market changes, and there are currently no other idled mines within McCoy Elkhorn that are slated to go into production in the foreseeable future. Any idled mines that are brought into production would require significant upfront capital investment, and there is no assurance of the feasibility of any such new operations.

Below is a map showing the material properties at McCoy Elkhorn: 

Knott County Coal LLC

General:

Located primarily within Knott County, Kentucky (but with additional idled permits in Leslie County, Perry County, and Breathitt County, Kentucky), Knott County Coal is comprised of one active mine (the Wayland Surface Mine) and 22 idled mining permits (or permits in reclamation), including the permits associated with the idled Supreme Energy Preparation Plant. The idled mining permits are either in various stages of planning, idle status or reclamation. The idled mines at Knott County Coal are primarily underground mines that utilize room-and-pillar mining. The coal controlled at Knott County Coal (along with our other subsidiaries) has not been classified as either “proven” or “probable” as defined in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K, and as a result, do not have any “proven” or “probable” reserves under such definition and are classified as an “Exploration Stage” pursuant to Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K.  Approximate coal deposits owned by Knott County is 0 tons and leased by Knott County totals 3,206,713 tons.  The current leases contain minimum annual payments of $0 and production royalty payments of the great of $1.50 per clean ton or 6% of gross sales price. 

Mines:

The Wayland Surface Mine is a surface waste-rock reprocessing mine in a variety of coal seams (primarily the Upper Elkhorn 1 coal seam) located near Wayland, Kentucky. The Wayland Surface Mine is mined via area mining through the reprocessing of previously processed coal, and the coal is trucked approximately 22 miles to the Mill Creek Preparation Plant at Deane Mining, where it is processed and sold. The Wayland Surface Mine is currently a “company run” mine, whereby the Company manages the workforce at the mine and pays all expenses of the mine. During June 2018, production at the Wayland Surface Mine commenced under Quest Energy’s ownership. The associated permit was purchased during May 2018. Since acquisition, the primary work completed at the Wayland Surface Mine has been removing overburden to access the coal. The Wayland Surface Mine has the estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 15,000 tons per month of coal and started production in mid-2018 with nominal coal extracted and sold as thermal coal. In 2022, the Wayland Surface Mine produced approximately 0 tons. In 2021, the Wayland Surface Mine produced approximately 0 tons. During 2022, the Wayland Surface Mine was idled due to the company’s focus on the metallurgical and industrial markets.  No tons were produced during 2023. 

Other potential customers of Knott County Coal include industrial customers, specialty customers and utilities for electricity generation, although no definitive sales have been identified yet.

Processing & Transportation:

The idled Supreme Energy Preparation Plant is a 400 ton-per-hour coal preparation facility with a fine coal circuit located in Kite, Kentucky. The Bates Branch rail loadout associated with the Supreme Energy Preparation Plant is a batch-weigh rail loadout with 220 rail car storage capacity and serviced by CSX Transportation in their Big Sandy rate district. The coarse refuse is trucked to the Kings Branch impoundment, which is approximately one mile from the Supreme Energy facility. The slurry from coal processing is piped from the Supreme Energy facility to the Kings Branch impoundment.

The Supreme Energy Preparation Plant is owned by Knott County Coal, subject to certain restrictions present in the agreement between Knott County Coal and the surface land owner, Land Resources & Royalties LLC.

The Company acquired the Supreme Energy Preparation Plants as an idled facility, and since acquisition, no work has been performed at the facility other than minor maintenance. Both the Supreme Energy Preparation Plant and the rail loadout are idled and would require an undetermined amount of work and capital to bring them into operation. The allocated cost of for the property at Knott County Coal paid by the Company is $286,046.

Additional Permits:

In addition to the above mines, Knott County Coal holds 20 additional coal mining permits that are in development, idled or in various stages of reclamation. Any idled mines that are brought into production would require significant upfront capital investment and there is no assurance of the feasibility of any such new operations.

Below is a map showing the location of the idled Supreme Energy Prep Plant, Raven Prep Plant, Loadouts, and plant impoundments at Knott County Coal: 

Deane Mining LLC

General:

Located within Letcher County and Knott County, Kentucky, Deane Mining LLC is comprised of one active underground coal mine (the Access Energy Mine), one active surface mine (Razorblade Surface) and one active coal preparation facility called Mill Creek Preparation Plant, along with 12 additional idled mining permits (or permits in reclamation). The idled mining permits are either in various stages of development, reclamation or being maintained as idled, pending any changes to the coal market that may warrant re-starting production. The coal controlled at Deane Mining (along with our other subsidiaries) has not been classified as either “proven” or “probable” as defined in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K, and as a result, do not have any “proven” or “probable” reserves under such definition and are classified as an “Exploration Stage” pursuant to Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K.  Approximate coal deposits owned by Deane Mining is 0 tons and leased by Deane Mining totals 0 tons. 

Mines:

Access Energy is a deep mine in the Elkhorn 3 coal seam and located in Deane, Kentucky. Access Energy is mined via room-and-pillar mining methods using continuous miners, and the coal is belted directly from the mine to the raw coal stockpile at the Mill Creek Preparation Plant across the road from Access Energy. Access Energy is currently a “company run” mine, whereby the Company manages the workforce at the mine and pays all expenses of the mine. The Company acquired Access Energy as an idled mine, and since acquisition, the primary work completed at Access Energy by the Company includes mine rehabilitation work in preparation for production, air ventilation enhancements primarily through brattice work, and installing underground mining infrastructure as the mine advances due to coal extraction. Access Energy has the estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 20,000 tons per month of coal. In 2023, Access Energy produced approximately 0 tons. In 2022, Access Energy produced approximately 0 tons. During 2019, the permit related to the Access Energy mine was idled and is not expected to produce again under the Company’s control due to the continued focused on the metallurgical and industrial markets.

Razorblade Surface is a surface mine currently mining the Hazard 4 and Hazard 4 Rider coal seams and located in Deane, Kentucky. Razorblade Surface is mined via contour, auger, and highwall mining methods, and the coal is stockpiled on site where it trucked to the Mill Creek Preparation Plant approximately one mile away for processing. Razorblade Surface is run as both a contractor mine and as a “company run” mine for coal extraction and began extracting coal in spring of 2018. Coal produced from Razorblade Surface is trucked approximately one mile to the Mill Creek Preparation Plant. The Company acquired the Razorblade Surface mine as a new, undisturbed mine, and since acquisition, the primary work completed at Razorblade Surface has been some initial engineering work and removing overburden to access the coal. Razorblade Surface mine has the estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 8,000 tons per month of coal and started production in mid-2018 with nominal coal extracted and sold as thermal coal. During 2019, the permit related to the Access Energy mine was idled and is not expected to produce again under the Company’s control due to the continued focused on the metallurgical and industrial markets.

The coal production from Deane Mining LLC was currently sold a utility located in southeast United States under a contract that expired December 2018 and extended until June 2019, along with coal sold in the spot market. Deane Mining is in discussions with various customers to sell additional production from Access Energy, Razorblade, and Wayland Surface mines, combined with other potential regional coal production, as pulverized coal injection (PCI) to steel mills, industrial coal, and thermal coal to other utilities for electricity generation.

Processing & Transportation:

The Mill Creek Preparation Plant is an 800 ton-per-hour coal preparation facility located in Deane, Kentucky. The associated Rapid Loader rail loadout is a batch-weight rail loadout with 110 car storage capacity and services by CSX Transportation in their Big Sandy and Elkhorn rate districts. The Mill Creek Preparation Plant is owned by Deane Mining, subject to certain restrictions present in the agreement between Deane Mining and the surface land owner, Land Resources & Royalties LLC. We are currently utilizing less than 10% of the available processing capacity of the Mill Creek Preparation Plant.

Both the Mill Creek Preparation Plant and the rail loadout are operational, and any work required on any of the plant or loadouts would be routine maintenance. The allocated cost of for the property at Deane Mining paid by the Company is $1,569,641.

Additional Permits:

In addition to the above mines and preparation facility, Deane Mining holds 12 additional coal mining permits that are in development, idled or in various stages of reclamation. Any idled mines that are brought into production would require significant upfront capital investment and there is no assurance of the feasibility of any such new operations.

Below is a map showing the material properties at Deane Mining: 

Wyoming County Coal LLC

General:

Located within Wyoming County, West Virginia, Wyoming County Coal is comprised of two idled underground mining permits and the three permits associated with the idled Pioneer Preparation Plant, the Hatcher rail loadout, and Simmons Fork Refuse Impoundment. The two idled mining permits are undisturbed underground mines that are anticipated to utilize room-and-pillar mining. The coal controlled at Wyoming County Coal (along with our other subsidiaries) has not been classified as either “proven” or “probable” as defined in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K, and as a result, do not have any “proven” or “probable” reserves under such definition and are classified as an “Exploration Stage” pursuant to Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K.  Approximate coal deposits owned by Wyoming County is 5,668,115 tons and leased by Knott County totals 0 tons. 

Mines:

The mining permits held by Wyoming County Coal are in various stages of planning and development with no mines currently in production.

Potential customers of Wyoming County Coal would include steel mills in the United States or international marketplace although no definitive sales have been identified yet.

Processing & Transportation:

The idled Pioneer Preparation Plant is a 350 ton-per-hour coal preparation facility located near Oceana, West Virginia. The Hatcher rail loadout associated with the Pioneer Preparation Plant is a rail loadout serviced by Norfolk Southern Corporation. The refuse from the preparation facility is trucked to the Simmons Fork Refuse Impoundment, which is approximately 1.0 mile from the Pioneer Preparation facility. The preparation plant utilizes a belt press technology which eliminates the need for pumping slurry into a slurry pond for storage within an impoundment.

The Company is in the process of upgrading and redeveloping the preparation facility to a modern 350 ton per hour preparation facility. The Company is also in the planning phase of upgrading the rail load out facility to a modern batch weight load out system.

The Company acquired the Pioneer Preparation Plants as an idled facility, and since acquisition, no work has been performed at the facility. Both the Pioneer Preparation Plant and the rail loadout are idled and would require an undetermined amount of work and capital to bring them into operation, which is currently in the initial phases of planning and no cost estimates have been received. The allocated cost for the property at Wyoming County Coal will pay by the Company is $22,326,101 of which $22,091,688 has been paid using shares of the Company’s Class A Common stock. The remaining portion was satisfied in the form of a convertible note which was converted to company common stock in December 2020.

Permits:

Wyoming County Coal holds two coal mining permits that are in the initial planning phase and three permits associated with the idled Pioneer Preparation Plant, the Hatcher rail loadout, and Simmons Fork Refuse Impoundment. Any mine that is brought into production would require significant upfront capital investment and there is no assurance of the feasibility of any such new operations. As of the report date, the permits have not been fully transferred as they await final regulatory approval. As of the balance sheet date and report date, the West Virginia permit transfers have not yet been approved, and WCC has not substituted its reclamation surety bonds for the seller’s bond collateral. The transfer of any new permits to the Company is subject to regulatory approval. This approval is subject to the review of both unabated or uncorrected violations that are listed on the Applicator Violator List. The Company, to include several of its subsidiaries, does have unabated and/or uncorrected violations that are listed on the Applicator Violator List. Should the state regulators believe that the Company is not in the process of abating or correcting the currently outstanding issues associated with their currently held permits they may choose not to issue the Company any new permits until such issues are properly rectified.

Below is a map showing the location of the idled Pioneer Prep Plant, Hatcher rail Loadout, and Simmons Fork Refuse Impoundment at Wyoming County Coal:  

Perry County Resources LLC

General:

Located primarily within Perry County, Kentucky, Perry County Resources LLC is comprised of one active underground mine (the E4-2 mine) and one active coal processing facility called the Davidson Branch Preparation Plant, along with two additional idled underground mining permits. The E4-2 mine and Davidson Branch Preparation Plan are located at 1845 KY-15 Hazard, KY 41701. 

The two idled mining permits are for underground mines and have been actively mined in the past and being maintained as idled, pending any changes to the coal market that may warrant re-starting production. The coal controlled at Perry County Resources (along with our other subsidiaries) has not been classified as either “proven” or “probable” as defined in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K, and as a result, do not have any “proven” or “probable” reserves under such definition and are classified as an “Exploration Stage” pursuant to Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K.  Approximate coal deposits owned by Perry County is 0 tons and leased by Perry County totals 58,108,612 tons.  The current leases contain minimum annual payments of $12,000 and production royalty payments ranging from 6% to 7% of gross sales price. 

Mines:

Within the Perry County subsidiary, E4-2 mine is deemed material under Items 1304 of Regulation S-K. 

The E4-2 mine is an underground mine in the Elkhorn 4 (aka the Amburgy) coal seam located near the town of Hazard, Kentucky. The E4-2 mine is mined via room-and-pillar mining methods using both continuous miners and continuous haulage systems, and the coal is belted directly from the mine to the raw coal stockpile at the Davidson Branch Preparation Plant less than a mile away. The E4-2 mine is currently a “company-run” mine, whereby the Company manages the workforce at the mine and pays all expenses of the mine. The Company acquired the E4-2 mine as an active mine, and since acquisition in September 2019, the primary work at the E4-2 mine has been rehabilitation of existing infrastructure to increase the operational efficiencies of the mine, including replacing belt structure, repairing equipment, replacing underground mining infrastructure, and installing new mining infrastructure as the mine advances due to coal extraction. The E4-2 mine has the estimated capacity to produce up to approximately 80,000 tons per month of coal. The mineral available through the E4-2 mine is partially owned by the Company and partially leased from various mineral holders.  The lease terms are the greater of $1.50 per ton or 6% of gross sales price.  

In 2023, the EF-2 mine produced approximately 0 tons. 

In 2022, the E4-2 mine produced approximately 105,577.11 tons and sold the coal at an average price of $153.43. During the period of ownership by the Company, 100% of the coal sold was sold as industrial stoker and PCI.

Beginning in January 2020, The E4-2 mine was idled due to the adverse market effects Covid-19 global pandemic.  The E4-2 Mine was restarted during March 2021.  During 2022, the E4-2 Mine was idled due to regional historic flooding and the declared national emergency. 

Processing and Transportation:

The Davidson Branch Preparation Plant is a 1,300 ton-per-hour coal preparation facility located near Hazard, Kentucky. The associated “Bluegrass 4” rail loadout is a batch-weight rail loadout with 135 car storage capacity and services by CSX Transportation in their Hazard/Elkhorn rate district. The Davidson Branch Preparation Plant is owned by Perry County Resources. We are currently utilizing less than 10% of the available processing capacity of the Davidson Branch Preparation Plant.

Both the Davidson Branch Preparation Plant and the rail loadout are operational, and any work required on any of the plant or loadouts would be routine maintenance. The allocated cost of for the property at Perry County Resources paid by the Company is $1,550,663.

Additional Permits:

In addition to the above mine, preparation facility, and related permits, Perry County Resources holds four additional coal mining permits that are idled or in development. Any idled mines that are brought into production would require significant upfront capital investment and there is no assurance of the feasibility of any such new operations. Three of the idled permits were sold to an unrelated entity on March 4, 2020 for $700,000 cash and $300,000 of value for equipment. As of the report date, the permits have not been fully transferred as they await final regulatory approval.

The transfer of any new permits to the Company is subject to regulatory approval. This approval is subject to the review of both unabated or uncorrected violations that are listed on the Applicator Violator List. The Company, to include several of its subsidiaries, does have unabated and/or uncorrected violations that are listed on the Applicator Violator List. Should the state regulators believe that the Company is not in the process of abating or correcting the currently outstanding issues associated with their currently held permits they may choose not to issue the Company any new permits until such issues are properly rectified.

Below is a map showing the location of the Davidson Prep Plant, Bluegrass 4 rail Loadout, and E4-2 Mine at Perry County Resources:  

ERC Mining Indiana Corporation (the Gold Star Mine)

General:

Located primarily within Greene and Sullivan Counties, Indiana, ERC Mining Indiana Corporation (“ERC”) is currently comprised of one idled underground mine (the Gold Star Mine), one idled coal preparation plant and rail loadout. ERC sold its coal in the past as thermal coal to utilities. The Company does not plan to mine the property and purchased it for monetization of infrastructure assets and to reclaim the property which was in process during 2021 and continued during 2022 and 2023.   

The coal controlled at ERC (along with our other subsidiaries) has not been classified as either “proven” or “probable” as defined in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K, and as a result, do not have any “proven” or “probable” reserves under such definition and are classified as an “Exploration Stage” pursuant to Items 1300 through 1305 of Regulation S-K.  Approximate coal deposits owned by ERC is 4,383,298 tons and leased by ERC totals 0 tons.  All of the deposits are in reclamation. 

Mines:

The Gold Star Mine is an underground mine in the Indiana IV (aka the Survant) coal seam located near the town of Jasonville, Indiana. Currently idled, the Gold Star Mine has been mined in the past via room-and-pillar mining methods using continuous miners, and the coal is belted directly from the mine to the raw coal stockpile at the preparation plant less than a mile away. The Company is facilitating the full reclamation and remediation of the former mine site.

Processing and Transportation:

The idled preparation plant is a 165 ton-per-hour coal preparation facility located near the underground mine portal. The rail loadout associated with the preparation plant is a rail loadout serviced by the Indiana Rail Road. The preparation plant has a coarse refuse and slurry impoundment. The allocated cost of for the property at Gold Star paid by the Company is $-.

Permits:

ERC holds one permit that covers the Gold Star Mine, processing plant, rail loadout, and related infrastructure which are in reclamation status.

Mineral and Surface Leases

Coal mining and processing involves the extraction of coal (mineral) and the use of surface property incidental to such extraction and processing. All of the mineral and surface related to the Company’s coal mining operations is leased from various mineral and surface owners (the “Leases”). The Company’s operating subsidiaries, collectively, are parties to approximately 200 various Leases and other agreements required for the Company’s coal mining and processing operations. The Leases are with a variety of Lessors, from individuals to professional land management firms such as the Roadrunner Land Company. In some instances, the Company has leases with Land Resources & Royalties LLC (LRR), a professional leasing firm that is an entity wholly owned by Wabash Enterprises, an entity owned by members of the Company’s management.

Coal Sales

ARC sells its coal to domestic and international customers, some which blend ARC’s coal at east coast ports with other qualities of coal for export. During the year ended December 31, 2023, coal sales came from the Company’s Carnegie 1 and 2 mines.  During the year ended December 31, 2022, coal sales came from the Company’s Perry’ E4-2 mine and McCoy’s Carnegie 1 and 2 mines. The Company may, at times, purchase coal from other regional producers to sell on its contracts.

Coal sales at the Company is primarily outsource to third party intermediaries who act on the Company’s behalf to source potential coal sales and contracts. The third-party intermediaries have no ability to bind the Company to any contracts, and all coal sales are approved by management of the Company.

Met coal accounted for approximately 100% and 91% of our coal revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Two customers made up approximately 74% and 26% of our coal revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023. Three customers made up approximately 62%, 28% and 19% of our coal revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, traditional sales channels have been disrupted. As a supplier of the raw materials into the steel and industrial industries, our customers are sensitive to global fluctuations in steel demand.

Competition

The coal industry is intensely competitive. The most important factors on which the Company competes are coal quality, delivered costs to the customer and reliability of supply. Our principal domestic competitors will include Corsa Coal Corporation, Ramaco Resources, Blackhawk Mining, Coronado Coal, Arch Resources, Contura Energy, and Warrior Met Coal. Many of these coal producers may have greater financial resources and larger coal deposit bases than we do. We also compete in international markets directly with domestic companies and with companies that produce coal from one or more foreign countries, such as China, Australia, Colombia, Indonesia and South Africa.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are subject to ordinary routine litigation incidental to our normal business operations.

Please see financial statement Note 9 for detail on cases.

Environmental, Governmental, and Other Regulatory Matters

Our operations are subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations, such as those relating to matters such as permitting and licensing, employee health and safety, reclamation and restoration of mining properties, water discharges, air emissions, plant and wildlife protection, the storage, treatment and disposal of wastes, remediation of contaminants, surface subsidence from underground mining and the effects of mining on surface water and groundwater conditions. In addition, we may become subject to additional costs for benefits for current and retired coal miners. These environmental laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, SMCRA with respect to coal mining activities and ancillary activities; the CAA with respect to air emissions; the CWA with respect to water discharges and the permitting of key operational infrastructure such as impoundments; RCRA with respect to solid and hazardous waste management and disposal, as well as the regulation of underground storage tanks; the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA” or “Superfund”) with respect to releases, threatened releases and remediation of hazardous substances; the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (“ESA”) with respect to threatened and endangered species; and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (“NEPA”) with respect to the evaluation of environmental impacts related to any federally issued permit or license. Many of these federal laws have state and local counterparts which also impose requirements and potential liability on our operations.

Compliance with these laws and regulations may be costly and time-consuming and may delay commencement, continuation or expansion of exploration or production at our facilities. They may also depress demand for our products by imposing more stringent requirements and limits on our customers’ operations. Moreover, these laws are constantly evolving and are becoming increasingly complex and stringent over time. These laws and regulations, particularly new legislative or administrative proposals, or judicial interpretations of existing laws and regulations related to the protection of the environment could result in substantially increased capital, operating and compliance costs. Individually and collectively, these developments could have a material adverse effect on our operations directly and/or indirectly, through our customers’ inability to use our products.

Certain implementing regulations for these environmental laws are undergoing revision or have not yet been promulgated. As a result, we cannot always determine the ultimate impact of complying with existing laws and regulations.

Due in part to these extensive and comprehensive regulatory requirements and ever- changing interpretations of these requirements, violations of these laws can occur from time to time in our industry and also in our operations. Expenditures relating to environmental compliance are a major cost consideration for our operations and safety and compliance is a significant factor in mine design, both to meet regulatory requirements and to minimize long-term environmental liabilities. To the extent that these expenditures, as with all costs, are not ultimately reflected in the prices of our products and services, operating results will be reduced.

In addition, our customers are subject to extensive regulation regarding the environmental impacts associated with the combustion or other use of coal, which may affect demand for our coal. Changes in applicable laws or the adoption of new laws relating to energy production, GHG emissions and other emissions from use of coal products may cause coal to become a less attractive source of energy, which may adversely affect our mining operations, the cost structure and, the demand for coal. For example, if the emissions rates or caps adopted under the CPP on GHGs are upheld or a tax on carbon is imposed, the market share of coal as fuel used to generate electricity would be expected to decrease.

We believe that our competitors with operations in the United States are confronted by substantially similar conditions. However, foreign producers and operators may not be subject to similar requirements and may not be required to undertake equivalent costs in or be subject to similar limitations on their operations. As a result, the costs and operating restrictions necessary for compliance with United States environmental laws and regulations may have an adverse effect on our competitive position with regard to those foreign competitors. The specific impact on each competitor may vary depending on a number of factors, including the age and location of its operating facilities, applicable legislation and its production methods.

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act

SMCRA establishes operational, reclamation and closure standards for our mining operations and requires that comprehensive environmental protection and reclamation standards be met during the course of and following completion of mining activities. SMCRA also stipulates compliance with many other major environmental statutes, including the CAA, the CWA, the ESA, RCRA and CERCLA. Permits for all mining operations must be obtained from the United States Office of Surface Mining (“OSM”) or, where state regulatory agencies have adopted federally approved state programs under SMCRA, the appropriate state regulatory authority. Our operations are located in states which have achieved primary jurisdiction for enforcement of SMCRA through approved state programs.

SMCRA imposes a complex set of requirements covering all facets of coal mining. SMCRA regulations govern, among other things, coal prospecting, mine plan development, topsoil or growth medium removal and replacement, disposal of excess spoil and coal refuse, protection of the hydrologic balance, and suitable post mining land uses.

From time to time, OSM will also update its mining regulations under SMCRA. For example, in December 2016, OSM finalized a new version of the Stream Protection Rule which became effective in January 2017. The rule would have impacted both surface and underground mining operations, as it would have imposed stricter guidelines on conducting coal mining operations, and would have required more extensive baseline data on hydrology, geology and aquatic biology in permit applications. The rule also required the collection of increased pre-mining data about the site of the proposed mining operation and adjacent areas to establish a baseline for evaluation of the impacts of mining and the effectiveness of reclamation associated with returning streams to pre-mining conditions. However, in February 2017, both the House and Senate passed a resolution disapproving of the Stream Protection Rule pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (“CRA”). President Trump signed the resolution on February 16, 2017 and, pursuant to the CRA, the Stream Protection Rule “shall have no force or effect” and cannot be replaced by a similar rule absent future legislation. On November 17, 2017, OSMRE published a Federal Register notice that removed the text of the Stream Protection Rule from the Code of Federal Regulations. Whether Congress will enact future legislation to require a new Stream Protection Rule remains uncertain. The existing rules, or other new SMCRA regulations, could result in additional material costs, obligations and restrictions upon our operations.

Abandoned Mine Lands Fund

SMCRA also imposes a reclamation fee on all current mining operations, the proceeds of which are deposited in the AML Fund, which is used to restore unreclaimed and abandoned mine lands mined before 1977. The current per ton fee is $0.224 per ton for surface mined coal and $0.096 per ton for underground mined coal. In 2023, we recorded $X.X million of expense related to these reclassification fees.

Mining Permits and Approvals

Numerous governmental permits and approvals are required for mining operations. We are required to prepare and present to federal, state, and local authorities data detailing the effect or impact that any proposed exploration project for production of coal may have upon the environment, the public and our employees. The permitting rules, and the interpretations of these rules, are complex, change frequently, and may be subject to discretionary interpretations by regulators. The requirements imposed by these permits and associated regulations can be costly and time-consuming and may delay commencement or continuation of exploration, production or expansion at our operations. The governing laws, rules, and regulations authorize substantial fines and penalties, including revocation or suspension of mining permits under some circumstances. Monetary sanctions and, in certain circumstances, even criminal sanctions may be imposed for failure to comply with these laws.

Applications for permits and permit renewals at our mining operations are also subject to public comment and potential legal challenges from third parties seeking to prevent a permit from being issued, or to overturn the applicable agency’s grant of the permit. Should our permitting efforts become subject to such challenges, they could delay commencement, continuation or expansion of our mining operations. If such comments lead to a formal challenge to the issuance of these permits, the permits may not be issued in a timely fashion, may involve requirements which restrict our ability to conduct our mining operations or to do so profitably, or may not be issued at all. Any delays, denials, or revocation of these or other similar permits we need to operate could reduce our production and materially adversely impact our cash flow and results of our operations.

In order to obtain mining permits and approvals from state regulatory authorities, mine operators must also submit a reclamation plan for restoring the mined property to its prior condition, productive use or other permitted condition. The conditions of certain permits also require that we obtain surface owner consent if the surface estate has been split from the mineral estate. This requires us to negotiate with third parties for surface access that overlies coal we acquired or intend to acquire. These negotiations can be costly and time-consuming, lasting years in some instances, which can create additional delays in the permitting process. If we cannot successfully negotiate for land access, we could be denied a permit to mine coal we already own.

Finally, we typically submit necessary mining permit applications several months, or even years, before we anticipate mining a new area. However, we cannot control the pace at which the government issues permits needed for new or ongoing operations. For example, the process of obtaining CWA permits can be particularly time-consuming and subject to delays and denials. The EPA also has the authority to veto permits issued by the Corps under the CWA’s Section 404 program that prohibits the discharge of dredged or fill material into regulated waters without a permit. Even after we obtain the permits that we need to operate, many of the permits must be periodically renewed, or may require modification. There is some risk that not all existing permits will be approved for renewal, or that existing permits will be approved for renewal only upon terms that restrict or limit our operations in ways that may be material.

Financial Assurance

Federal and state laws require a mine operator to secure the performance of its reclamation and lease obligations under SMCRA through the use of surety bonds or other approved forms of financial security for payment of certain long-term obligations, including mine closure or reclamation costs. The changes in the market for coal used to generate electricity in recent years have led to bankruptcies involving prominent coal producers. Several of these companies relied on self-bonding to guarantee their responsibilities under the SMCRA permits including for reclamation. In response to these bankruptcies, OSMRE issued a Policy Advisory in August 2016 to state agencies that are authorized under the SMCRA to implement the act in their states. Certain states, including Virginia, had previously announced that it would no longer accept self-bonding to secure reclamation obligations under the state mining laws. This Policy Advisory is intended to discourage authorized states from approving self-bonding arrangements and may lead to increased demand for other forms of financial assurance, which may strain capacity for those instruments and increase our costs of obtaining and maintaining the amounts of financial assurance needed for our operations. In addition, OSMRE announced in August 2016 that it would initiate a rulemaking under SMCRA to revise the requirements for self-bonding. Individually and collectively, these revised various financial assurance requirements may increase the amount of financial assurance needed and limit the types of acceptable instruments, straining the capacity of the surety markets to meet demand. This may delay the timing for and increase the costs of obtaining the required financial assurance.

We may use surety bonds, trusts and letters of credit to provide financial assurance for certain transactions and business activities. Federal and state laws require us to obtain surety bonds to secure payment of certain long-term obligations including mine closure or reclamation costs and other miscellaneous obligations. The bonds are renewable on a yearly basis. Surety bond rates have increased in recent years and the market terms of such bonds have generally become less favorable. Sureties typically require coal producers to post collateral, often having a value equal to 40% or more of the face amount of the bond. As a result, we may be required to provide collateral, letters of credit or other assurances of payment in order to obtain the necessary types and amounts of financial assurance. Under our surety bonding program, we are not currently required to post any letters of credit or other collateral to secure the surety bonds; obtaining letters of credit in lieu of surety bonds could result in a significant cost increase. Moreover, the need to obtain letters of credit may also reduce amounts that we can borrow under any senior secured credit facility for other purposes. If, in the future, we are unable to secure surety bonds for these obligations, and are forced to secure letters of credit indefinitely or obtain some other form of financial assurance at too high of a cost, our profitability may be negatively affected.

Although our current bonding capacity approved by our sureties, Lexon Insurance Company and Continental Heritage, is substantial and enough to cover our current and anticipated future bonding needs, this amount may increase or decrease over time. As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, we had outstanding surety bonds at all of our mining operations totaling approximately $23.49 million and $30.94 million, respectively. While we anticipate reducing the outstanding surety bonds through continued reclamation of any of our permits, that number may increase should we acquire additional mining permits, acquire additional mining operations, expand our mining operations that result in additional reclamation bonds, or if any of our sites encounters additional environmental liability that may require additional reclamation bonding. While we intend to maintain a credit profile that eliminates the need to post collateral for our surety bonds, our surety has the right to demand additional collateral at its discretion.

Mine Safety and Health

The Mine Act and the MINER Act, and regulations issued under these federal statutes, impose stringent health and safety standards on mining operations. The regulations that have been adopted under the Mine Act and the MINER Act are comprehensive and affect numerous aspects of mining operations, including training of mine personnel, mining procedures, roof control, ventilation, blasting, use and maintenance of mining equipment, dust and noise control, communications, emergency response procedures, and other matters. MSHA regularly inspects mines to ensure compliance with regulations promulgated under the Mine Act and MINER Act.

From time to time MSHA will also publish new regulations imposing additional requirements and costs on our operations. For example, MSHA implemented a rule in August 2014 to lower miners’ exposure to respirable coal mine dust. The rule requires shift dust to be monitored and reduces the respirable dust standard for designated occupants and miners. MSHA also finalized a new rule in January 2015 on proximity detection systems for continuous mining machines, which requires underground coal mine operators to equip continuous mining machines, except full-face continuous mining machines, with proximity detection systems.

Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia all have similar programs for mine safety and health regulation and enforcement. The various requirements mandated by federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations place restrictions on our methods of operation and result in fees and civil penalties for violations of such requirements or criminal liability for the knowing violation of such standards, significantly impacting operating costs and productivity. The regulations enacted under the Mine Act and MINER Act as well as under similar state acts are routinely expanded or made more stringent, raising compliance costs and increasing potential liability. Our compliance with current or future mine health and safety regulations could increase our mining costs. At this time, it is not possible to predict the full effect that new or proposed statutes, regulations and policies will have on our operating costs, but any expansion of existing regulations, or making such regulations more stringent may have a negative impact on the profitability of our operations. If we were to be found in violation of mine safety and health regulations, we could face penalties or restrictions that may materially and adversely impact our operations, financial results and liquidity.

In addition, government inspectors have the authority to issue orders to shut down our operations based on safety considerations under certain circumstances, such as imminent dangers, accidents, failures to abate violations, and unwarrantable failures to comply with mandatory safety standards. If an incident were to occur at one of our operations, it could be shut down for an extended period of time, and our reputation with prospective customers could be materially damaged. Moreover, if one of our operations is issued a notice of pattern of violations, then MSHA can issue an order withdrawing the miners from the area affected by any enforcement action during each subsequent significant and substantial (“S&S”) citation until the S&S citation or order is abated. In 2013 MSHA modified the pattern of violations regulation, allowing, among other things, the use of non-final citations and orders in determining whether a pattern of violations exists at a mine.

Workers’ Compensation and Black Lung

We are insured for workers’ compensation benefits for work related injuries that occur within our United States operations. We retain exposure for the first $10,000 per accident for all of our subsidiaries and are insured above the deductible for statutory limits. Workers’ compensation liabilities, including those related to claims incurred but not reported, are recorded principally using annual valuations based on discounted future expected payments using historical data of the operating subsidiary or combined insurance industry data when historical data is limited. State workers’ compensation acts typically provide for an exception to an employer’s immunity from civil lawsuits for workplace injuries in the case of intentional torts. However, Kentucky’s workers’ compensation act provides a much broader exception to workers’ compensation immunity. The exception allows an injured employee to recover against his or her employer where he or she can show damages caused by an unsafe working condition of which the employer was aware that was a violation of a statute, regulation, rule or consensus industry standard. These types of lawsuits are not uncommon and could have a significant impact on our operating costs.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act includes significant changes to the federal black lung program including an automatic survivor benefit paid upon the death of a miner with an awarded black lung claim and the establishment of a rebuttable presumption with regard to pneumoconiosis among miners with 15 or more years of coal mine employment that are totally disabled by a respiratory condition. These changes could have a material impact on our costs expended in association with the federal black lung program. In addition to possibly incurring liability under federal statutes, we may also be liable under state laws for black lung claims.

Clean Air Act

The CAA and comparable state laws that regulate air emissions affect coal mining operations both directly and indirectly. Direct impacts on coal mining and processing operations include CAA permitting requirements and emission control requirements relating to air pollutants, including particulate matter such as fugitive dust. The CAA indirectly affects coal mining operations by extensively regulating the emissions of particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury and other compounds emitted by coal-fired power plants. In addition to the GHG issues discussed below, the air emissions programs that may materially and adversely affect our operations, financial results, liquidity, and demand for our coal, directly or indirectly, include, but are not limited to, the following:

Global Climate Change

Climate change continues to attract considerable public and scientific attention. There is widespread concern about the contributions of human activity to such changes, especially through the emission of GHGs. There are three primary sources of GHGs associated with the coal industry. First, the end use of our coal by our customers in electricity generation, coke plants, and steelmaking is a source of GHGs. Second, combustion of fuel by equipment used in coal production and to transport our coal to our customers is a source of GHGs. Third, coal mining itself can release methane, which is considered to be a more potent GHG than CO2, directly into the atmosphere. These emissions from coal consumption, transportation and production are subject to pending and proposed regulation as part of initiatives to address global climate change.

As a result, numerous proposals have been made and are likely to continue to be made at the international, national, regional and state levels of government to monitor and limit emissions of GHGs. Collectively, these initiatives could result in higher electric costs to our customers or lower the demand for coal used in electric generation, which could in turn adversely impact our business.

At present, we are principally focused on metallurgical coal production, which is not used in connection with the production of power generation. However, we may seek to sell greater amounts of our coal into the power-generation market in the future. The market for our coal may be adversely impacted if comprehensive legislation or regulations focusing on GHG emission reductions are adopted, or if our customers are unable to obtain financing for their operations. At the international level, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change released an international climate agreement in December 2015. The agreement has been ratified by more than 70 countries, and entered into force in November 2016. Although this agreement does not create any binding obligations for nations to limit their GHG emissions, it does include pledges to voluntarily limit or reduce future emissions. In addition, in November 2014, President Obama announced that the United States would seek to cut net GHG emissions 26-28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025 in return for China’s commitment to seek to peak emissions around 2030, with concurrent increases in renewable energy.

At the federal level, no comprehensive climate change legislation has been implemented to date. The EPA has, however, has determined that emissions of GHGs present an endangerment to public health and the environment, because emissions of GHGs are, according to the EPA, contributing to the warming of the earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes. Based on these findings, the EPA has begun adopting and implementing regulations to restrict emissions of GHGs under existing provisions of the CAA. For example, in August 2015, EPA finalized the CPP to cut carbon emissions from existing power plants. The CPP creates individualized emission guidelines for states to follow and requires each state to develop an implementation plan to meet the individual state’s specific targets for reducing GHG emissions. The EPA also proposed a federal compliance plan to implement the CPP in the event that a state does not submit an approvable plan to the EPA. In February 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court granted a stay of the implementation of the CPP. This stay suspends the rule and will remain in effect until the completion of the appeals process. The Supreme Court’s stay only applies to EPA’s regulations for CO2 emissions from existing power plants and will not affect EPA’s standards for new power plants. If the CPP is ultimately upheld and depending on how it is implemented by the states, it could have an adverse impact on the demand for coal for electric generation.

At the state level, several states have already adopted measures requiring GHG emissions to be reduced within state boundaries, including cap-and-trade programs and the imposition of renewable energy portfolio standards. Various states and regions have also adopted GHG initiatives and certain governmental bodies, have imposed, or are considering the imposition of, fees or taxes based on the emission of GHGs by certain facilities. A number of states have also enacted legislative mandates requiring electricity suppliers to use renewable energy sources to generate a certain percentage of power.

The uncertainty over the outcome of litigation challenging the CPP and the extent of future regulation of GHG emissions may inhibit utilities from investing in the building of new coal-fired plants to replace older plants or investing in the upgrading of existing coal-fired plants. Any reduction in the amount of coal consumed by electric power generators as a result of actual or potential regulation of GHG emissions could decrease demand for our coal, thereby reducing our revenues and materially and adversely affecting our business and results of operations. We or prospective customers may also have to invest in CO2 capture and storage technologies in order to burn coal and comply with future GHG emission standards.

Finally, there have been attempts to encourage greater regulation of coalbed methane because methane has a greater GHG effect than CO2. Methane from coal mines can give rise to safety concerns and may require that various measures be taken to mitigate those risks. If new laws or regulations were introduced to reduce coalbed methane emissions, those rules could adversely affect our costs of operations by requiring installation of air pollution controls, higher taxes, or costs incurred to purchase credits that permit us to continue operations.

Clean Water Act

The CWA and corresponding state laws and regulations affect coal mining operations by restricting the discharge of pollutants, including dredged or fill materials, into waters of the United States. Likewise, permits are required under the CWA to construct impoundments, fills or other structure in areas that are designated as waters of the United States. The CWA provisions and associated state and federal regulations are complex and subject to amendments, legal challenges and changes in implementation. Recent court decisions, regulatory actions and proposed legislation have created uncertainty over CWA jurisdiction and permitting requirements.

Prior to discharging any pollutants into waters of the United States, coal mining companies must obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) permit from the appropriate state or federal permitting authority. NPDES permits include effluent limitations for discharged pollutants and other terms and conditions, including required monitoring of discharges. Failure to comply with the CWA or NPDES permits can lead to the imposition of significant penalties, litigation, compliance costs and delays in coal production. Changes and proposed changes in state and federally recommended water quality standards may result in the issuance or modification of permits with new or more stringent effluent limits or terms and conditions. For instance, waters.

For instance, waters that states have designated as impaired (i.e., as not meeting present water quality standards) are subject to Total Maximum Daily Load regulations, which may lead to the adoption of more stringent discharge standards for our coal mines and could require more costly treatment. Likewise, the water quality of certain receiving streams requires an anti-degradation review before approving any discharge permits. TMDL regulations and anti-degradation policies may increase the cost, time and difficulty associated with obtaining and complying with NPDES permits.

In addition, in certain circumstances private citizens may challenge alleged violations of NPDES permit limits in court. While it is difficult to predict the outcome of any potential or future suits, such litigation could result in increased compliance costs following the completion of mining at our operations.

Finally, in June 2015, the EPA and the Corps published a new definition of “waters of the United States” (“WOTUS”) that became effective on August 28, 2015. Many groups have filed suit to challenge the validity of this rule. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit stayed the rule nationwide pending the outcome of this litigation. On January 22, 2018, the Supreme Court held that the courts of appeals do not have original jurisdiction to review challenges to the 2015 Rule. With this final rule, the agencies intend to maintain the status quo by adding an applicability date to the 2015 Rule and thus providing continuity and regulatory certainty for regulated entities, the States and Tribes, and the public while the agencies continue to consider possible revisions to the 2015 Rule. In light of this holding, in February 2018 the agencies published a final rule adding an applicability date to the 2015 Rule of February 6, 2020. We anticipate that the WOTUS rules, if upheld in litigation, will expand areas requiring NPDES or Corps Section 404 permits. If so, the CWA permits we need may not be issued, may not be issued in a timely fashion, or may be issued with new requirements which restrict our ability to conduct our mining operations or to do so profitably.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

RCRA and corresponding state laws establish standards for the management of solid and hazardous wastes generated at our various facilities. Besides affecting current waste disposal practices, RCRA also addresses the environmental effects of certain past hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal practices. In addition, RCRA requires certain of our facilities to evaluate and respond to any past release, or threatened release, of a hazardous substance that may pose a risk to human health or the environment.

RCRA may affect coal mining operations by establishing requirements for the proper management, handling, transportation and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. Currently, certain coal mine wastes, such as earth and rock covering a mineral deposit (commonly referred to as overburden) and coal cleaning wastes, are exempted from hazardous waste management under RCRA. Any change or reclassification of this exemption could significantly increase our coal mining costs.

EPA began regulating coal ash as a solid waste under Subtitle D of RCRA in 2015. The EPA’s rule requires closure of sites that fail to meet prescribed engineering standards, regular inspections of impoundments, and immediate remediation and closure of unlined ponds that are polluting ground water. The rule also establishes limits for the location of new sites. However, the rule does not regulate closed coal ash impoundments unless they are located at active power plants. These requirements, as well as any future changes in the management of coal combustion residues, could increase our customers’ operating costs and potentially reduce their ability or need to purchase coal. In addition, contamination caused by the past disposal of coal combustion residues, including coal ash, could lead to material liability for our customers under RCRA or other federal or state laws and potentially further reduce the demand for coal.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act

CERCLA and similar state laws affect coal mining operations by, among other things, imposing cleanup requirements for threatened or actual releases of hazardous substances into the environment. Under CERCLA and similar state laws, joint and several liabilities may be imposed on hazardous substance generators, site owners, transporters, lessees and others regardless of fault or the legality of the original disposal activity. Although the EPA excludes most wastes generated by coal mining and processing operations from the primary hazardous waste laws, such wastes can, in certain circumstances, constitute hazardous substances for the purposes of CERCLA. In addition, the disposal, release or spilling of some products used by coal companies in operations, such as chemicals, could trigger the liability provisions of CERCLA or similar state laws. Thus, we may be subject to liability under CERCLA and similar state laws for coal mines that we currently own, lease or operate or that we or our predecessors have previously owned, leased or operated, and sites to which we or our predecessors sent hazardous substances. These liabilities could be significant and materially and adversely impact our financial results and liquidity.

Endangered Species and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Acts

The ESA and similar state legislation protect species designated as threatened, endangered or other special status. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the “USFWS”) works closely with the OSM and state regulatory agencies to ensure that species subject to the ESA are protected from mining-related impacts. Several species indigenous to the areas in which we operate area protected under the ESA. Other species in the vicinity of our operations may have their listing status reviewed in the future and could also become protected under the ESA. In addition, the USFWS has identified bald eagle habitat in some of the counties where we operate. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act prohibits taking certain actions that would harm bald or golden eagles without obtaining a permit from the USFWS. Compliance with the requirements of the ESA and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act could have the effect of prohibiting or delaying us from obtaining mining permits. These requirements may also include restrictions on timber harvesting, road building and other mining or agricultural activities in areas containing the affected species or their habitats.

Use of Explosives

Our surface mining operations are subject to numerous regulations relating to blasting activities. Due to these regulations, we will incur costs to design and implement blast schedules and to conduct pre-blast surveys and blast monitoring, either directly or through the costs of a contractor we may employ. In addition, the storage of explosives is subject to various regulatory requirements. For example, pursuant to a rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security in 2007, facilities in possession of chemicals of interest (including ammonium nitrate at certain threshold levels) are required to complete a screening review. Our mines are low risk, Tier 4 facilities which are not subject to additional security plans. In 2008, the Department of Homeland Security proposed regulation of ammonium nitrate under the ammonium nitrate security rule. Additional requirements may include tracking and verifications for each transaction related to ammonium nitrate, though a final rule has yet to be issued. Finally, in December 2014, the OSM announced its decision to pursue a rulemaking to revise regulations under SMCRA which will address all blast generated fumes and toxic gases. OSM has not yet issued a proposed rule to address these blasts. The outcome of these rulemakings could materially adversely impact our cost or ability to conduct our mining operations.

National Environmental Policy Act

NEPA requires federal agencies, including the Department of Interior, to evaluate major agency actions that have the potential to significantly impact the environment, such as issuing a permit or other approval. In the course of such evaluations, an agency will typically prepare an environmental assessment to determine the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of a proposed project. Where the activities in question have significant impacts to the environment, the agency must prepare an environmental impact statement. Compliance with NEPA can be time-consuming and may result in the imposition of mitigation measures that could affect the amount of coal that we are able to produce from mines on federal lands and may require public comment. Furthermore, whether agencies have complied with NEPA is subject to protest, appeal or litigation, which can delay or halt projects. The NEPA review process, including potential disputes regarding the level of evaluation required for climate change impacts, may extend the time and/or increase the costs and difficulty of obtaining necessary governmental approvals, and may lead to litigation regarding the adequacy of the NEPA analysis, which could delay or potentially preclude the issuance of approvals or grant of leases.

The Council on Environmental Quality recently released guidance discussing how federal agencies should consider the effects of GHG emissions and climate change in their NEPA evaluations. The guidance encourages agencies to provide more detailed discussion of the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of a proposed action’s reasonably foreseeable emissions and effects. This guidance could create additional delays and costs in the NEPA review process or in our operations, or even an inability to obtain necessary federal approvals for our operations due to the increased risk of legal challenges from environmental groups seeking additional analysis of climate impacts.

Other Environmental Laws

We are required to comply with numerous other federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations in addition to those previously discussed. These additional laws include but are not limited to the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. Each of these laws can impact permitting or planned operations and can result in additional costs or operational delays.

Property

Our principal offices are located at 12115 Visionary Way, Fishers, Indiana 46038. We pay $8,911.56 per month in rent for the office space and the rental lease expires December 2032.

We also rent office space from an affiliated entity, LRR, at 11000 Highway 7 South, Kite, Kentucky 41828 and pay $1,702 per month rent and the rental lease expires January 1, 2030.

On August 17, 2021, ReElement entered into a Commercial Land Lease sublease agreement with Land Betterment for nearly 7 acres of land for the purpose of building a commercial grade critical element purification facility. The sublease is for the period of 5 years with a rate of $3,500 a month.

On October 8, 2021, ReElement entered into a Commercial Lease for 6,700 square feet of warehouse space for the operation of a commercial grade critical element purification facility. This for the period of 2 years with a rate of $5,059.28 a month which has ability for annual extensions

The Company also utilizes various office spaces on-site at its coal mining operations and coal preparation plant locations in eastern Kentucky, with such rental payments covered under any surface lease contracts with any of the surface land owners.

The following map shows the location of our mining properties:

Employees

ARC, through its operating subsidiaries, employs a combination of company employees and contract labor to mine coal, process coal, and related functions. The Company is continually evaluating the use of company employees and contract labor to determine the optimal mix of each, given the needs of the Company. Currently, McCoy Elkhorn’s Carnegie 1 and 2 Mines and Perry’s E4-1 mine and are primarily run by contract labor under Company management and direction, and the Company’s various coal preparation facilities are run by contract labor.

The Company currently has approximately 23 direct employees. The Company is headquartered in Fishers, Indiana with four members of the Company’s executive team based at this location.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Because we are a Smaller Reporting Company, we are not required to provide the information required by this item.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2. Properties.

Our principal offices are located at 12115 Visionary Way, Fishers, Indiana 46038. We pay $8,911.56 per month in rent for the office space and the rental lease expires December 2032.

We also rent office space from an affiliated entity, LRR, at 11000 Highway 7 South, Kite, Kentucky 41828 and pay $1,702 per month rent and the rental lease expires January 1, 2030.

On August 17, 2021, ReElement entered into a Commercial Land Lease sublease agreement with Land Betterment for nearly 7 acres of land for the purpose of building a commercial grade critical element purification facility. The sublease is for the period of 5 years with a rate of $3,500 a month.

On October 8, 2021, ReElement entered into a Commercial Lease for 6,700 square feet of warehouse space for the operation of a commercial grade critical element purification facility. This for the period of 2 years with a rate of $5,059.28 a month which has ability for annual extensions

The Company also utilizes various office spaces on-site at its coal mining operations and coal preparation plant locations in eastern Kentucky, with such rental payments covered under any surface lease contracts with any of the surface land owners.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

From time to time, we are subject to ordinary routine litigation incidental to our normal business operations.

Please see financial statement note 9 for detail on cases.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95.1 to this Annual Report.

PART II.

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Market Information.

Our Class A Common Stock (also referred to as common stock or shares) is presently traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbol AREC. Our common stock has been thinly traded since our Company’s inception. Moreover, we do not believe that any institutional or other large-scale trading of our stock has occurred or will in fact occur in the near future. The following table sets forth information as reported by the Nasdaq Capital Markets for the high and low bid and ask prices for each of the eight quarters ending December 31, 2023 for our common stock. The following prices reflect inter-dealer prices without retail markup, markdown or commissions and may not reflect actual transactions.

(b) Holders

As of March 30, 2024, the Company had 139 Class A Common Stock shareholders of record holding 79,179,958 shares of our Class A Common Stock issued and outstanding. This number includes one position at Cede & Co., which includes an unknown number of shareholders holding shares of 51,895,080 Class A Common Stock. The number of both shareholders of record and beneficial shareholders may change on a daily basis and without the Company’s immediate knowledge.

(c) Dividends

Holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors and, in the event of liquidation, to share pro rata in any distribution of assets after payment of liabilities and preferred shareholders. Our Board of Directors has sole discretion to determine: (i) whether to declare a dividend; (ii) the dividend rate, if any, on the shares of any class of series of our capital stock, and if so, from which date or dates; and (iii) the relative rights of priority of payment of dividends, if any, between the various classes and series of our capital stock. We have not paid any dividends and do not have any current plans to pay any dividends.

Public market for common stock

Effective, February 15, 2019, The Company’s Common Stock began trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

CLASS A COMMON STOCK

During the periods ending December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company engaged in the sale of its unregistered securities as described below. The shares of our Class A Common Stock were issued pursuant to an exemption from registration in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. These shares of our Class A Common Stock qualified for exemption under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 since the issuance of shares by us did not involve a public offering. The offering was not a “public offering” as defined in Section 4(a)(2) due to the insubstantial number of persons involved in the deal, size of the offering, manner of the offering and number of shares offered. We did not undertake an offering in which we sold a high number of shares to a high number of investors. In addition, these shareholders had necessary investment intent as required by Section 4(a)(2) since they agreed to receive share certificates bearing a legend stating that such shares are restricted pursuant to Rule 144 of the 1933 Act. This restriction ensures that these shares would not be immediately redistributed into the market and therefore not be part of a “public offering.” All shareholders are “sophisticated investors” and are family members, friends or business acquaintances of our officers and directors. Based on an analysis of the above factors, we believe we have met the requirements to qualify for exemption under section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 for this transaction.

During 2022, the Company issued 1,587,916 share of Class A Common Stock pursuant to warrant conversions.

During 2022, the Company issued 6,242,859 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to debt conversions.

During 2022, the Company issued 137,250 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to various consulting arrangements.

During 2022, the Company re-purchased 86,410 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to stock re-purchase program. 

During 2023, the Company issued 9,420,230 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to debt conversions. 

During 2023, the Company issued 49,020 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to consulting arrangements. 

During 2023, the Company re-purchased 86,410 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to stock re-purchase program. 

SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval, to establish and to issue from time to time our Series A Preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, covering up to an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred stock. The Series A Preferred stock will cover the number of shares and will have the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions determined by the board of directors, which may include, among others, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, voting rights, conversion rights, preemptive rights and redemption rights. Except as provided by law or in a preferred stock designation, the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to vote at or receive notice of any meeting of stockholders. Effective November 5, 2018, the eleven Series A Preferred holders elected to proportionally convert a total of 4,336,012 of the 4,817,792 total Series A Preferred stock outstanding into 14,453,373 common shares of the company, and as a result, 481,780 shares of Series A Preferred stock remained. On February 14, 2019, the remaining outstanding shares of Series A Preferred stock were converted into 1,509,070 common shares of the company.

Pursuant to the Series A Preferred Stock Designation, the holders of the Series A Preferred stock are entitled to three hundred thirty-three and one-third votes, on an “as-converted” basis, per each Series A Preferred share held of record on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders. The holders of the Series A Preferred stock are not entitled to receive dividends.

The holders of the Series A Preferred stock are entitled to convert into common shares, at the holder’s discretion, at a rate of one Series A Preferred share for three and one-third common shares. Any fractional common shares created by the conversion is rounded to the nearest whole common share.

Upon our liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or other winding up, the holders of the Series A Preferred stock shall be entitled to receive in preference to the holders of the Common Stock a per share amount equal to $1.65 per share.

SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval, to establish and to issue from time to time our Series B Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, covering up to an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred stock. The Series B Preferred stock will cover the number of shares and will have the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions determined by the Board of Directors, which may include, among others, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, voting rights, conversion rights, preemptive rights and redemption rights. Except as provided by law or in a preferred stock designation, the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to vote at or receive notice of any meeting of stockholders. As of December 31, 2022, and 2021, 0 shares of Series B Preferred stock are outstanding, respectively. The amount outstanding as of 2017 includes 850,000 shares of Series B Preferred stock issued to investors and 53,157 shares of Series B Preferred stock issued as part of the 8.0% annual dividend that is accrued and paid in-kind, as described below.

The holders of Series B Preferred shares are entitled to no voting rights until the holder converts any or all of their Series B Preferred shares to common shares. The holders of the Series B Preferred shall accrue and pay-in-kind with additional Series B Preferred stock a dividend based on an 8.0% annual percentage rate, compounded quarterly in arrears, for any Series B Preferred stock that is outstanding at the end of such prior quarter.

The holders of the Series B Preferred stock are entitled to convert into common shares, at the holder’s discretion, at a conversion price of Three Dollars Sixty Cents ($3.60) per share of common stock, subject to certain price adjustments found in the Series B Preferred stock purchase agreements.

Upon our liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or other winding up, the holders of Series B Preferred shares shall have a liquidation preference to the common shares and Series A Preferred shares outstanding in the amount equal to the amount initially invested by the Series B Preferred holder in the Series B Preferred stock at the time of such investment minus the pro rata amount that has been converted into common stock or redeemed.

On November 7, 2018, all outstanding shares totaling 964,290 Series B preferred shares were converted into 267,859 common shares of the company in a cashless conversion.

SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval, to establish and to issue from time to time our Series C Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, covering up to an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of Series C Preferred stock. The Series C Preferred stock will cover the number of shares and will have the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions determined by the Board of Directors, which may include, among others, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, voting rights, conversion rights, preemptive rights and redemption rights. Except as provided by law or in a preferred stock designation, the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to vote at or receive notice of any meeting of stockholders.

The holders of Series C Preferred shares are entitled to vote on an “as-converted” basis of one share of Series C Preferred Stock voting for one vote of common stock. The holders of the Series C Preferred shall accrue and pay-in-kind with additional Series C Preferred stock a dividend based on an 10.0% annual percentage rate, compounded annually in arrears, for any Series C Preferred stock that is outstanding at the end of such prior year.

The holders of the Series C Preferred stock are entitled to convert into common shares, at the holder’s discretion, at a conversion price of Six Dollars ($6.00) per share of common stock, subject to certain price adjustments found in the Series C Preferred stock purchase agreements. Should the company complete an equity offering (including any offering convertible into equity of the Company) of greater than Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) (the “Underwritten Offering”), then the Series C Preferred stock shall be automatically and without notice convertible into Common Stock of the company concurrently with the subsequent Underwritten Offering at the same per share offering price of the Underwritten Offering. If the Underwritten Offering occurs within twelve months of the issuance of the Series C Preferred stock to the holder, the annual dividend of 10.0% shall become immediately accrued to the balance of the Series C Preferred stock and converted into the Underwritten Offering.

Upon our liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or other winding up, the holders of Series C Preferred shares shall have a liquidation preference to the common shares at an amount equal to $1.00 per share.

On November 27, 2018, 50,000 shares of Series C preferred shares were sold at $1.00 per share resulting in proceeds of $50,000 for the Company. On February 21, 2019, all outstanding shares totaling 50,000 of Series C preferred shares were converted into 122,750 shares of Class A Common Stock in a cashless exchange.

“BLANK CHECK” PREFERRED STOCK

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further stockholder approval, to establish and to issue from time to time up to an aggregate of 70,000,000 shares of preferred stock that is considered “blank check”. The blank check preferred stock shall be designed by the Board of Directors at the time of classification

OPTIONS AND WARRANTS

During July and September 2022, the Company issued 2,675,000 Employee Stock options under the current plan.  The individual option awards vest over a period of 1 to 9 years. 

On July 28, 2022, the Company issued Common Stock Purchase Warrant “A-12” in conjunction with a IR Services. The warrant provides the option to purchase 60,000 Class A Common Shares at a price of $3.50. The warrants expire on July 28, 2026.

During the period the options and warrants are outstanding, we will reserve from our authorized and unissued common stock a sufficient number of shares to provide for the issuance of shares of common stock underlying the options and warrants upon the exercise of the options and warrants. No fractional shares will be issued upon the exercise of the options or warrants. The options and warrants are not listed on any securities exchange. Except as otherwise provided within the option or warrant, the option and warrant holders have no rights or privileges as members of the Company until they exercise their options or warrants.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The registrant qualifies as a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 229.10(f)(1) and is not required to provide the information required by this Item.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report. The management’s discussion, analysis of financial condition, and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this annual report.

Overview.

Our primary source of revenue is the sale of metallurgical coal and coal used in pulverized coal injection (PCI). Both metallurgical and PCI coal is an essential building block in the steel manufacturing process.

The overall outlook of the metallurgical coal business is dependent on a variety of factors such as pricing, regulatory uncertainties and global economic conditions. Coal consumption and production in the U.S. have been driven in recent periods by several market dynamics and trends, such as the global economy, a strong U.S. dollar and accelerating production cuts.

Results of Operations.

Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022.

Revenues.

Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $16,744,075 and 2022 were $39,474,269, respectively. The primary drivers for revenue decline were slowing down of global infrastructure markets, international import bans and overall softening in customer pricing.  In response to slower demand and customer requests, Perry County was idled. 

Contribution of revenues:

All our sales are located in the United States with our operations located in the Central Appalachian basin of eastern Kentucky and West Virgina. Our coal sales are categorized as metallurgical coal (“Met”) used for steel making, pulverized coal injections (“PCI”) used in the steel making process and high-BTU, low sulfur, low moisture bituminous coal (“High BTU”) used for a variety of uses within several industries, including industrial customers and specialty products. Disaggregated information about our revenue is presented below:

Year ended 2023

For the year ended 2023, tons sold to steel making end users amounted to 67,372.57 with a realized sales price of $180.32. Steelmaking coal was contributed by McCoy Elkhorn’s Carnegie 1 mine. 

For the year ended 2023, tons sold to industrial and specialty end users amounted to 0 tons. 

Year ended 2022

For the year ended 2022, tons sold to steel making end users amounted to 111,807 with a realized sales price of $233.11. Steelmaking coal was contributed by McCoy Elkhorn’s Carnegie 1 and Carnegie 2 mines. 

For the year ended 2022, tons sold to industrial and specialty end users amounted to 105,577.11 with a realized sales price of $153.43.  For the year ended 2022, 100% of coal sales revenue was contributed by Perry County for industrial and specialty end users.  

Cost and Expenses.

Cost of sales. The decrease in cost of sales is due to lower sales volumes as a result of the ceasing of production on the Perry County mines.

Accretion. The decrease in accretion expense in the year ended December 31, 2023 is driven primarily by the reduced liability balance due to no changes in the previous estimates.  

Depreciation. The decrease in depreciation expense in the year ended December 31, 2023 is primarily due to the Company’s significant disposal of fixed assets in 2022. The Company has acquired the majority of new fixed assets under financing leases.

General and administrative. The increase in general and administrative expense in the year ended December 31, 2023 is primarily due to higher compensation cost, higher stock compensation recognized during the year and increase in travel and health benefits.  

Production taxes and royalties. The decrease in production taxes and royalties in the year ended December 31, 2023 is due to lower sales volumes and prices.

Development. To meet specific demand and customer requests, Perry County and Carnegie 1 were re-opened with updated mine plans and more efficient long term operating structure. This re-working included one-time development costs for expanding and increasing efficient capacity at the operating locations was primarily recognized in the prior period and is the reason for the significant decrease in December 31, 2023. The Company expects to continue to improve mining performance and offset inflationary pressures through efficiency gains.

Other income (expenses). The decrease in other income (expenses) is primarily due to the sale of patents that occurred totaling $16,000,000, the forgiveness of the PPP loan of $1,521,304 and the cancellation of notes payable by issuing common stock in lieu of payment to reduce our debt balance in prior year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources.

Our primary sources of liquidity are derived from existing unrestricted cash balances, proceeds from future coal sales, and certain financing arrangements. Our primary capital resource requirements stem from the cost of coal sales and processing, general and administrative, capital expenditures, debt service obligations, reclamation obligations, and collateral requirements.

As of December 31, 2023, the company has a cash balance of $7,034,370 and working capital of $16,814,931. The Company will use a combination of cash proceeds from operations, issuance of common stock for cash or for debt conversion and issuance of new debt instruments to satisfy both short term and long term obligations, including the settlement of payables and debt that are in default of their original agreements.

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has incurred recurring losses and as of December 31, 2023, had an accumulated deficit of $178,694,329. For the year ending December 31, 2023, the Company sustained a net loss of $11,455,086. These factors, among others, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for the next twelve months from the date these financial statements were issued. These financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The Company’s continuation as a going concern is contingent upon its ability to obtain additional financing and to generate revenue and cash flow to meet its obligations on a timely basis. The Company will continue to seek to raise additional funding through debt or equity financing during the next twelve months from the date of issuance of these financial statements. Management believes that actions presently being taken to obtain additional funding provide the opportunity for the Company to continue as a going concern. There is no guarantee the Company will be successful in achieving these objectives.

We are not aware of any trends or known demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will result in or that are reasonably likely to result in material increases or decreases in liquidity.

Cash Flows

Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022.

Cash used for operating activities during 2023 was $14,515,241 compared to cash provided by $2,549,189 in 2022. The change was primarily due to a net loss of $11,455,086, offset by amortization of mining rights of $1,240,914, accretion expense of $993,165, amortization of right-of-use asset of $626,253, option expense of $1,506,292, unrealized gain on short-term investments of $499,639, gain on sale of equipment of $8,475,468 and a change in working capital of  $1,284,489.

Cash used by investing activities during 2023 was $28,833,246 compared to $1,125,759 in 2022. The change was primarily due to an increase in the net purchase of short-term investments of $29,797,565 in 2023 compared to $0 in 2022.

Cash provided by financing activities during 2023 was $37,387,162 compared to cash used by financing activities in 2022 of $1,015,848 for the prior year. The change was due to $1,112,850 repayments on long term debt, $5,599,988 repayments of finance lease liabilities, and $44,100,000 proceeds from tax exempt bonds.

Capital Resources.

We had no material commitments for capital expenditures as of December 31, 2023.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2023, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the amounts of revenues and expenses reported for the period then ended.

Mine development costs. Mine development costs represent the costs incurred to prepare future mine sites for mining. These costs include costs of acquiring, permitting, planning, research, and establishing access to identify mineral reserves and other preparations for commercial production as necessary to develop and permit the properties for mining activities. Operating expenditures, including certain professional fees and overhead costs, are not capitalized but are expensed as incurred.

Amortization of mine development costs, with respect to a specific mine, commences when mining of the related reserves begins. Amortization is computed using the units-of-production method over the proven and probable reserves dedicated to the specific mine.

Asset retirement obligations. We recognize as a liability an asset retirement obligation, or ARO, associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset in the period in which it is incurred or becomes determinable, with an associated increase in the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The initially recognized asset retirement cost is amortized using the same method and useful life as the long-lived asset to which it relates. Amortization begins when mining of the specific mineral property begins. Accretion expense is recognized over time as the discounted liability is accreted to its expected settlement value.

Estimating the future ARO requires management to make estimates and judgments regarding timing and existence of a liability, as well as what constitutes adequate restoration. Inherent in the fair value calculation are numerous assumptions and judgments including the ultimate costs, inflation factors, credit adjusted discount rates, timing of settlement and changes in the legal, regulatory, environmental and political environments. To the extent future revisions to these assumptions impact the fair value of the existing ARO liability, a corresponding adjustment is made to the related asset.

Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Profit. Cost of Goods Sold for coal mined and processed include direct labor, materials and utilities. Activities related to metal recover are inherent in both direct coal labor and overhead labor and does not require additional variable costs.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets. We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. These events and circumstances include, but are not limited to, a current expectation that a long-lived asset will be disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which we use a long-lived asset or a change in its physical condition.

When such events or changes in circumstances occur, a recoverability test is performed comparing projected undiscounted cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of an asset or asset group to its carrying amount. If the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment is recorded for the excess of the carrying amount over the estimated fair value.

We make various assumptions, including assumptions regarding future cash flows in our assessments of long-lived assets for impairment. The assumptions about future cash flows and growth rates are based on the current and long-term business plans related to the long-lived assets.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.

The Company qualifies as a smaller reporting company, as defined by SEC Rule 229.10(f)(1) and is not required to provide the information required by this Item.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The report of the independent registered public accounting firm and the financial statements listed on the accompanying index at page F-1 of this report are filed as part of this report and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

We did not have any disagreements on accounting and financial disclosure with our accounting firm during the reporting period.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

The management, with participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 12a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply is judgement in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

Based on management’s evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, due to the weakness in internal control over financial reporting described below, our disclosure controls and procedures are not designed at a reasonable assurance level or effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As discussed below, we plan on increasing the size of our accounting staff at the appropriate time for our business and its size to ameliorate the concern that the Company does not effectively segregate certain accounting duties, which we believe would resolve the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting and similarly improve disclosure controls and procedures, but there can be no assurances as to the timing of any such action or that the Company will be able to do so.

(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As of December 31, 2023, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and based on the criteria for effective internal control described Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective for the purposes for which it is intended. Specifically, managements determination was based on the following material weakness which existed as of December 31, 2023:

Due to the Company’s insufficient number of staff performing accounting and reporting functions, there is a lack of segregation of duties within the financial reporting function resulting in limited level of multiple reviews among those tasked with preparing the financial statements, resulting in the need for adjustments.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Notwithstanding the determination that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective, as of December 31, 2023, and that there was a material weakness as identified in this Annual Report, we believe that our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the years covered hereby in all material respects.

The management, including its Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, does not expect that its disclosure controls and procedures, or its internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable not absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefit of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any within the Company have been detected.

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to the temporary rules of the SEC that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.

This report shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of this section, and is not incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Directors and Executive Officers.

The following individuals serve as our executive officers and members of our board of directors as of December 31, 2022:

Mark C. Jensen (age 44) – Chief Executive Officer

Mark has been an operator, investor and consultant in various natural resources and energy businesses. He has been highly involved in the navigation of numerous growth businesses to mature businesses, working as a managing member at T Squared Capital LLC since 2007, an investment firm focused on private equity styled investing in start-up businesses. Mark has significant experience with major Wall Street firms such as Citigroup and graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a BS in Finance and International Studies with a focus on Business. Mark also studied in Sydney Australia through Boston University completing his International Studies degree with a focus on East Asian culture and business. There are no arrangements or understandings between Mark and any other persons pursuant to which he was selected as an officer. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Thomas M. Sauve (age 45) – President

Tom has been involved a number of energy related businesses. Prior he had been an investor and partner in various natural resources assets over the last seven years including coal mining operations and various oil and gas wells throughout Texas and the Appalachia region. Since 2007, Tom also worked as a managing member at T Squared Capital LLC, an investment firm focused on private equity styled investing in start-up businesses Tom received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics, magna cum laude, from the University of Rochester, New York, with additional studies at the Simon Graduate School of Business. There are no arrangements or understandings between Tom and any other persons pursuant to which he was selected as an officer. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Kirk Taylor, CPA (age 44) – Chief Financial Officer

Kirk conducts all tax and financial accounting roles of the organization, and has substantial experience in tax credit analysis and financial structure. Kirk’s main focus over his 13 years in public accounting had been the auditing, tax compliance, financial modeling and reporting on complex real estate and business transactions utilizing numerous federal and state tax credit and incentive programs. Prior to joining American Resources Corporation, Kirk was Chief Financial Officer of Quest Energy, Inc., ARC’s wholly-owned subsidiary. Prior to joining Quest Energy in 2015, he was a Manager at K.B. Parrish & Co. LLP where he worked since 2014. Prior to that, he worked at Katz Sapper Miller since 2012 as Manager. In addition, Kirk is an instructor for the CPA examination and has spoken at several training and industry conferences. He received a BS in Accounting and a BS in Finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, Bloomington Indiana and is currently completing his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Saint Francis at Fort Wayne, Indiana. Kirk serves his community in various ways including as the board treasurer for a community development corporation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Kirk does not have any family relationships with any of the Company’s directors or executive officers. There are no arrangements or understandings between Kirk and any other persons pursuant to which he was selected as an officer. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Tarlis R. Thompson (age 41) – Chief Operating Officer

Tarlis overseas all operations at American Resources’ Central Appalachian subsidiaries, which includes McCoy Elkhorn, Deane Mining, and Knott County Coal. In this role, Tarlis manages the activities at the company’s various coal processing facilities and loadout, coordinates coal production at the company’s various mines, manages environmental compliance and reclamation, and is responsible for coal quality control and shipments to customers. Tarlis graduated from Millard High School in Kentucky in 2001 and subsequently worked for Commercial Testing and Engineering, working underground, performing surveying services and coal sampling. In 2002 he joined SGS Minerals, working as a Quality Control Manager. Shortly thereafter, he joined Massey Energy, working as logistics manager for coal shipments via truck and train, as well as a coal quality manager, working under Jim Slater and Mike Smith. After several years at Massey, Tarlis joined Central Appalachian Mining (CAM), in charge of lab analysis and environmental compliance at CAM’s various processing plants and loadouts. Tarlis graduated from Millard High School and has additional courses in Mining Engineering from Virginia Tech (Training), Business Administration Management from National College in Pikeville, and LECO Certified Course from West Virginia Training Institute. Tarlis does not have any family relationships with any of the Company’s directors or executive officers. There are no arrangements or understandings between Tarlis and any other persons pursuant to which he was selected as an officer. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Directors:

Mark C. Jensen – Chairman of Board & Director

Mark has been an operator, investor and consultant in various natural resources and energy businesses. He has been highly involved in the navigation of numerous growth businesses to mature businesses, working as a managing member at T Squared Capital LLC since 2007, an investment firm focused on private equity styled investing in start-up businesses. Mark has significant experience with major Wall Street firms such as Citigroup and graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a BS in Finance and International Studies with a focus on Business. Mark also studied in Sydney Australia through Boston University completing his International Studies degree with a focus on East Asian culture and business. There are no arrangements or understandings between Mark and any other persons pursuant to which he was selected as an officer. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Thomas M. Sauve – Director

Tom has been involved a number of energy related businesses. Prior he had been an investor and partner in various natural resources assets over the last seven years including coal mining operations and various oil and gas wells throughout Texas and the Appalachia region. Since 2007, Tom also worked as a managing member at T Squared Capital LLC, an investment firm focused on private equity styled investing in start-up businesses Tom received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics, magna cum laude, from the University of Rochester, New York, with additional studies at the Simon Graduate School of Business. There are no arrangements or understandings between Tom and any other persons pursuant to which he was selected as an officer. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Josh Hawes – Director

Josh Hawes is an Independent Board Director at American Resources Corporation (AREC). He brings over 15+ years of leadership experience, specializing in commodities, buy-side/sell-side investments, and advanced technologies, to assist AREC with its capital markets plan and corporate strategy. He has a vast knowledge of capital markets integration with strategic vision and vertical integration. Josh is currently the chair of the Audit and Compensation committees for AREC. His prior experience includes chief strategy officer of USA Rare Earth, CEO of Delta1x and Hawking Alpha. Hawes holds licenses spanning commodities, investment banking, public, and private securities, including Series 3, 63, 65, 7, 79, 82, and SIE. As well, Josh holds several professional designations, such as Wharton Business School’s Corporate Governance program certificate , “Maximizing Your Effectiveness in the Boardroom,” and University of Cambridge Judge Business School, “ Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies.” He is also holder of the Chartered Market Technician, Certified Hedge Fund Professional, and Qualified Family Office Professional    A Wireless Software Engineering graduate from Auburn University. The Board nominated Josh to serve as a director because of his experience and relationships in the critical minerals sector, banking sector and his experience in growth businesses. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Gerardine Botte, PH.D. – Director

Dr. Botte has over 21 years of experience in the development of electrochemical processes and advanced water treatment. She has served in leadership roles for the Electrochemical Society and is currently the Chair of the Electrochemical Process Engineering and Technology Division of the International Society of Electrochemistry. Dr. Botte also serves as the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Applied Electrochemistry. In 2014, she was named a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society for her contributions and innovation in electrochemical processes and engineering. She became a Chapter Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2012. In 2010, she was named a Fellow of the World Technology Network for her contributions on the development of sustainable and environmental technologies. Prior to Texas Tech, Dr. Botte was University Distinguished Professor and Russ Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Ohio University, the founder and Director of Ohio University’s Center for Electrochemical Engineering Research, and the founder and Director of the Consortium for Electrochemical Processes and Technology – an Industry University Cooperative Research Center. Her entrepreneurial spirit has led to the commercialization of various technologies and has founded and co-founded various companies to help achieve this goal. The Board nominated Dr. Botte to serve as a director because of her thought leadership in the technical innovations of in carbon and rare earth elements. She has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Courtenay O. Taplin – Director

Courtenay serves as Director of American Resources Corporation. He brings over 40 years of experience of sourcing and supplying iron ore, coke and metallurgical coal to the steel industry to assist American Resources with their supply chain, logistics, customers, overall corporate strategy. He has a vast knowledge of both the global and domestic marketplace where he works with both suppliers and consumers. Courtenay is currently Managing Director of Compass Point Resources, LLC which he founded in 2007. Mr. Taplin also acts as Managing Director for Clay Resources LLC, a commodities firm trading in African origin minerals and metals with sales to the world’s merchant consumers from its offices in the U. S. and Durban, South Africa. His prior experience includes Crown Coal & Coke Company and Pickands Mather & Company out of Cleveland, OH. Mr. Taplin attended Hobart College and received his degree from Case Western Reserve University. The Board nominated Courtenay to serve as a director because of his experience and relationships in the raw materials and coking sector and his experience in managing growing businesses. He has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

None of the directors have been involved in any legal proceedings that would require a disclosure under Item 401 of Regulation SK.

During the past ten years, none of our directors or executive officers has been:

None of our directors, executive officers or affiliates, or any beneficial owner of 5% or more of our common stock, or any associate of such persons, is an adverse party in any material proceeding to, or has a material interest adverse to, us.

Separation of Duties of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer and the President

Due to the inherent limitations of nonexecutive chairs, the duties of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer have not been separated. In order to increase objectivity and fiduciary responsibilities to the shareholders both in appearance and operation, the duties of the Chief Executive Officer and the President have been separated.

Director Independence

Currently our board of directors consist of Mark C. Jensen, our Chief Executive Officer, Thomas M. Sauve, our President, Josh Hawes, Gerardine Botte, PHD, and Courtenay O. Taplin, of which Ms. Botte and Messrs Hawes and Taplin are considered independent in accordance under the requirements of the NASDAQ, NYSE and SEC.

Limitation of Director Liability; Indemnification

Indemnity

To the fullest extent permitted by the Florida Business Corporation Act, the Company shall indemnify, or advance expenses to, any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that such person (i) is or was a director of the Company; (ii) is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director of another Company, provided that such person is or was at the time a director of the Company; or (iv)is or was serving at the request of the Company as an officer of another Company, provided that such person is or was at the time a director of the Company or a director of such other Company, serving at the request of the Company. Unless otherwise expressly prohibited by the Florida Business Corporation Act, and except as otherwise provided in the previous sentence, the Board of Directors of the Company shall have the sole and exclusive discretion, on such terms and conditions as it shall determine, to indemnify, or advance expenses to, any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any action, suit, or proceeding by reason of the fact such person is or was an officer, employee or agent of the Company as an officer, employee or agent of another Company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. No person falling within the purview of this paragraph may apply for indemnification or advancement of expenses to any court of competent jurisdiction.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Our shares of common stock are registered under the Exchange Act, and therefore our officers, directors and holders of more than 10% of our outstanding shares are subject to the provisions of Section 16(a) which requires them to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock and our other equity securities. Officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, none of our officers, directors or 10% shareholders failed to file any Section 16 report on a timely basis.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors. In addition to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer are also subject to written policies and standards that are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote: honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that are filed with, or submitted to the SEC and in other public communications made by us; compliance with applicable government laws, rules and regulations; the prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the code; and accountability for adherence to the code. We have posted the text of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on our internal website. We intend to disclose future amendments to, or waivers from, certain provisions of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics as applicable.

Legal Proceedings.

To the best of our knowledge, except as set forth herein, none of the directors or director designees to our knowledge has been convicted in a criminal proceeding, excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors, or has been a party to any judicial or administrative proceeding during the past five years that resulted in a judgment decree or final order enjoining the person from future violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state securities laws, or finding of any violation of federal or state securities laws, except for matters that were dismissed without sanction or settlement.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Currently, our board of directors has four committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nomination Committee, and a Safety and Environmental Committee. The Audit Committee and Compensation Committee are both comprised of the three independent directors of the Company. The Safety and Environmental Committee and Nomination Committee are both comprised of Thomas M. Sauve and Mark C. Jensen. The composition and responsibilities of the three committees are described below.

Audit Committee

As required by the rules of the SEC, the audit committee consists solely of independent directors, who are Ms. Botte and Messrs Hawes, and Taplin. SEC rules also require that a public company disclose whether its audit committee has an “audit committee financial expert” as a member. An “audit committee financial expert” is defined as a person who, based on his or her experience, possesses the attributes outlined in such rules.

This committee oversees, reviews, acts on and reports on various auditing and accounting matters to our board of directors, including: the selection of our independent accountants, the scope of our annual audits, fees to be paid to the independent accountants, the performance of our independent accountants and our accounting practices. In addition, the audit committee oversees our compliance programs relating to legal and regulatory requirements. We have adopted an audit committee charter defining the committee’s primary duties in a manner consistent with the rules of the SEC and applicable stock exchange or market standards.

Compensation Committee

As required by the rules of the SEC, the compensation committee consists solely of independent directors, who are Ms. Botte and Mr. Hawes. The purpose of this committee shall be to (i) assist the board of directors in the oversight of the Company’s executive officer and director compensation programs, (ii) discharge the board of director’s duties relating to administration of the Company’s incentive compensation and any other stock- based plans, and (iii) act on specific matters within its delegated authority, as determined by the board of directors from time to time.

Nomination Committee

The board of directors formed the Nomination Committee, which is comprised of Mr. Sauve and Mr. Jensen.  The purpose of this committee shall be to (i) assist the board of directors in cultivating valuable board of director nominees and (ii) navigating the onboarding for selected directors. 

Safety and Environmental Committee

The board of directors formed a Safety and Environmental Committee, which is comprised of Messrs Jensen and Sauve. The purpose of this committee is to assist the board in fulfilling its responsibilities by providing oversight and support in assessing the effectiveness of the Company’s environmental, health, and safety policies, programs and initiatives. This committee will monitor the continued effectiveness of these policies and procedures by periodically reviewing the applicable environmental, health and safety laws, rules and regulations. The Committee will also perform such other functions as the Board may assign to the Committee from time to time.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

The following table sets forth information concerning the annual and long-term compensation of our executive officers for services rendered in all capacities to us during the last two completed fiscal years. The listed individuals shall hereinafter be referred to as the “Named Executive Officers.” We also have included below a table regarding compensation paid to our directors who served during the last completed fiscal year. The address for all individuals identified in the following tables is 12115 Visionary Way, Suite 174, Fishers, IN 46038.

Summary Compensation Table - Officers

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Director Compensation

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No retirement, pension, profit sharing, stock option or insurance programs or other similar programs have been adopted by the Company for the benefit of its employees.

There are no understandings or agreements regarding compensation our management will receive after a business combination that is required to be included in this table, or otherwise.

Employment Agreements

Except for our Chief Operating Officer, we have employment agreements with the Named Executive Officers that provide for the base salaries and a discretionary annual performance bonus of up to three times their annual base salary, plus potential participation in the Company’s Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan. The payment of such bonus and/or incentive stock options shall be in the sole discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. The in-place contracts we effective beginning January 1, 2023 and expired December 31, 2023 with one year automatic extensions effective through December 31, 2024.

Outstanding Equity Awards

The following equity awards, including, options, restricted stock or other equity incentives from the Company to current officers are as follows:

- Chief Executive Officer:

- President:

- Chief Financial Officer:

- Chief Operating Officer, who was issued options under our Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan on

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The following table lists, as of December 31, 2021, the number of shares of our Class A Common Stock and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that are beneficially owned by (i) each person or entity known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock; (ii) each executive officer and director of our company; and (iii) all executive officers and directors as a group. Information relating to beneficial ownership of Common Stock and our Convertible Preferred Stock by our principal shareholders and management is based upon information furnished by each person using “beneficial ownership” concepts under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under these rules, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or direct the voting of the security, or investment power, which includes the power to vote or direct the voting of the security. The person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any security of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days under any contract, option or warrant. Under the Securities and Exchange Commission rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities, and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which he or she may not have any pecuniary beneficial interest. Except as noted below, each person has sole voting and investment power. Unless otherwise specified, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the tables is c/o American Resources Corporation, 12115 Visionary Way, Fishers, IN 46038.

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