UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016

[__] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ~~_____to~~_____ to _____

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-50033

IRELAND INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

NEVADA	91-2147049
State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2360 West Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite 100
Henderson, Nevada	89052
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(702) 932-0353
Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:	NONE.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:	Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value Per Share.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value Per Share.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
[__] Yes [X] No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
[__] Yes [X] 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. [X ] Yes [~~__]~~ X ] No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (s. 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).[X ] Yes [__ X ] No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (s229.405 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. [ ]

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” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

	Large accelerated filer [__]	Accelerated filer [__]
	Non-accelerated filer [__] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
[__] Yes [X] 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: $4739,~~391~~593,~~964~~704 based on the closing ~~price~~ price of $0.~~4289~~23 on June 30, ~~2015~~2016 as quoted by the OTCPink Marketplace on that date.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. As of ~~April~~March 1331, ~~2016~~2017, the Registrant had ~~181~~272,~~472~~057,~~875~~380 shares of common stock outstanding.

IRELAND INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ~~2015~~2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		PAGE	~~PAGE~~
PART I		3	3
ITEM 1.	~~ITEM 1~~BUSINESS.	~~BUSINESS.~~3	3
ITEM 1A.	~~ITEM~~RISK 1AFACTORS.	~~RISK FACTORS.~~7	6
ITEM 2.	~~ITEM 2~~PROPERTIES.	~~PROPERTIES.~~12	11
ITEM 3.	~~ITEM~~LEGAL 3PROCEEDINGS.	~~LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.~~28	24
ITEM 4.	~~ITEM~~MINE 4.SAFETY DISCLOSURE	~~MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE~~28	24
PART II		29	25
ITEM 5.	~~ITEM~~MARKET 5.FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES	~~MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES~~29	25
ITEM 7.	~~ITEM~~MANAGEMENT’S 7DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION.	~~MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION.~~31	27
ITEM 8.	~~ITEM~~FINANCIAL 8STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.	~~FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.~~38	34
ITEM 9.	~~ITEM~~CHANGES 9IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.	~~CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.~~39	35
ITEM 9A.	~~ITEM~~CONTROLS 9AAND PROCEDURES.	~~CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.~~39	35
ITEM 9B.	~~ITEM~~OTHER ~~9B.~~INFORMATION	~~OTHER INFORMATION~~39	35
PART III		40	36
ITEM 10.	~~ITEM~~DIRECTORS, 10EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.	~~DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE~~40	36
ITEM 11.	~~ITEM~~EXECUTIVE ~~11.~~COMPENSATION	~~EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION~~42	38
ITEM 12.	~~ITEM~~SECURITY 12OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.	~~SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.~~47	43
ITEM 13.	~~ITEM~~CERTAIN ~~13.~~RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE	~~CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE~~50	47
ITEM 14.	~~ITEM~~PRINCIPAL ~~14.~~ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES	~~PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.~~52	49
ITEM 15.	~~ITEM~~EXHIBITS, 15FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.	~~EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.~~52	49
SIGNATURES		55	52

PART I

The information in this discussion contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the Company's capital needs, business strategy and expectations. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate,” "predict," "potential" or "continue," the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. Actual events or results may differ materially. In evaluating these statements, you should consider various factors, including the risks described below, and, from time to time, in other reports the Company files with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These factors may cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update these statements, or disclose any difference between its actual results and those reflected in these statements.

As used in this Annual Report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Ireland,” and the “Company” mean Ireland Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. All dollar amounts in this Annual Report are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS.

General

We were incorporated on February 20, 2001 under the laws of the State of Nevada. We are an exploration stage mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and extraction of precious metals from mineral deposits in the Southwestern United States.

In February 2008, we acquired our lead project, a prospective gold, silver and calcium carbonate property located in Esmeralda County, Nevada, that we call the “Columbus Project.” The Columbus Project consists of ~~466~~138 mineral claims covering approximately 236,~~418~~778 acres, plus an additional 80 acres of private land, for a total of 236,~~498~~858 acres including a 380 acre Permitted Mine Area (60-acre mill site and mill facility, 266-acre mine site with 54 acres defined as “undisturbed area”). Our current permits allow us to mine up to 792,000 tons per year to 40 feet in depth for the purpose of extracting precious metals and calcium carbonate from the Permitted Mine Area. In addition, we own 80 acres of land in the southeast quadrant of the project. Our current exploration efforts are focused on the North and South Sand Zones of the Columbus Project.

Columbus Project Update

During fiscal 2016, we upgraded and calibrated new equipment at the Columbus Project’s onsite laboratory to ensure the accuracy of our onsite testing procedures. We also installed new high capacity thermal pretreatment, leach (TPAC) and concentration circuit equipment at the onsite pilot plant capable of processing 500 lbs. of sands per test. Recent work at the onsite laboratory and the pilot plant has created a potential new source of additional value to the Columbus Project. Testing of the gold smelting process on materials thermally treated at the pilot plant has given rise to the development of a separate smelting step that has resulted in palladium (Pd) extraction rates significantly higher than previously identified. The discovery of material quantities of extractable Pd in both the sand and the concentrates is very significant to the project.

Current, ongoing work at the Columbus Project is now being done to optimize the second smelting step for gold extraction. In addition, we expect to install larger furnaces at the onsite pilot plant to smelt increased quantities of concentrates that are expected to be produced from each run of the pilot plant. We are hopeful that the completion of this work will allow us to determine the economics of the process metallurgy and proposed extraction methodology.

Recent Corporate Developments

The following significant corporate developments occurred ~~after~~since the completion of our fiscal ~~quarter~~year ended ~~September~~December 3031, 2015:

Onsite Extraction Tests Begin at Columbus Project

In November 2015, we announced that the program to process large scale (1/2 ton to 1 ton) extraction tests had begun at our onsite pilot plant at the Columbus Project. The purpose of the pilot plant tests will be to demonstrate gold extraction consistency on a large scale. We intend to release the results of these tests as they become available. Prior to initiating this program, we needed to:

	(1)	upgrade and complete required maintenance on the onsite analytical equipment;
	(2)	design and construct processing equipment at the onsite pilot plant capable of handling 1 ton tests;
	(3)	test individual equipment components to ensure no scale up problems were encountered; and
	(4)	hire additional personnel to increase site productivity.

These steps were all completed in March 2016.

Extension of Stock Options

Effective December 18, 2015, our Board of Directors extended to December 31, 2016 the expiry dates of 650,531 non-qualified stock options (the “2015 Expiring Options”) granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”). The 2015 Expiring Options were originally set to expire at various dates during 2015 and had all been previously extended to December 31, 2015.

Effective March 25, 2016, our Board of Directors extended to December 31, 2016 the expiry dates of a further 3,067,197 non-qualified stock options (the “2016 Expiring Options”) granted under our 2007 Plan. The 2016 Expiring Options were originally set to expire at various dates during 2016.

Included in the 2015 Expiring Options and the 2016 Expiring Options were options held by our executive officers and independent directors. A description of the 2015 Expiring Options and the 2016 Expiring Options held by our officers and directors is provided under Item 11 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End” and “Director Compensation.”

Extension of 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Private Placement Warrants and Consultant Warrants

In December 2015 our Board of Directors approved an extension to the expiry date for warrants issued under certain private placements completed by us in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 (including finders warrants issued by us in connection with our Spring 2012 private placement), and certain additional warrants issued to consultants for services in 2009, 2010 and 2011 (collectively, the “Expiring Warrants”). Each of the Expiring Warrants was scheduled to expire on December 31, 2015, and have now been extended to December 31, 2016, as follows:

	Maximum No. of	Exercise
	Shares Issuable on	Price per	Previous	Extended
Expiring Warrants	Exercise	Share	Expiry Date	Expiry Date
2007 Private Placement Warrants	10,160,650	$0.75	31-Dec-2015	31-Dec-2016
2009 Private Placement Warrants	6,894,677	$0.75	31-Dec-2015	31-Dec-2016
2010 Private Placement Warrants	5,517,500	$0.75	31-Dec-2015	31-Dec-2016
2011 Private Placement Warrants	2,509,099	$0.80	31-Dec-2015	31-Dec-2016
2012 Private Placement Warrants	9,560,000	$0.80	31-Dec-2015	31-Dec-2016
2012 Finders Warrants	28,000	$0.80	31-Dec-2015	31-Dec-2016
2009 Consultant Warrants	200,000	$0.55	31-Dec-2015	31-Dec-2016
2009 Consultant Warrants	300,000	$0.75	31-Dec-2015	31-Dec-2016
2010 Consultant Warrants	3,800,000	$0.75	31-Dec-2015	31-Dec-2016
2011 Consultant Warrants	500,000	$0.75	31-Dec-2015	31-Dec-2016
Total Expiring Warrants	39,469,926

Additional warrants issued by us in a brokered private placement offering completed in November 2012 were not extended as the expiry date for those options is November 30, 2016.

Our directors and officers beneficially own Expiring Warrants as follows:

(a) Douglas D.G. Birnie, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director, beneficially owns 2007 Private Placement Warrants exercisable for a maximum of 50,000 shares of common stock and 2009 Private Placement Warrants exercisable for a maximum of 50,000 shares of common stock. (b) Mark H. Brennan, Director, directly owns 2009 Private Placement Warrants exercisable for a maximum of 70,000 shares of common stock. (c) Steven A. Klein, Director, directly owns 2009 Private Placement Warrants exercisable for a maximum of 75,000 shares of common stock, 2010 Private Placement Warrants exercisable for a maximum of 50,000 shares of common stock, and 2012 Private Placement Warrants exercisable for a maximum of 100,000 shares of common stock. In addition, as trustee for a trust, Mr. Klein exercises voting and investment power over 2009 Private Placement Warrants exercisable for a maximum of 300,000 shares of common stock, 2010 Private Placement Warrants exercisable for a maximum of 100,000 shares of common stock, 2011 Private Placement Warrants exercisable for a maximum of 50,000 shares of common stock and 2012 Private Placement Warrants exercisable for a maximum of 200,000 shares of common stock. Mr. Klein disclaims any pecuniary interest in the warrants over which he exercises voting and investment power as trustee for the trust.

(d) David Z. Strickler, Jr., Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, directly owns 2011 Private Placement Warrants exercisable for a maximum of 4,550 shares of common stock.

Consultant Warrants

Effective February 26, 2016, we entered into a verbal agreement with Nanominerals Corp., pursuant to which we agreed to issue to Nanominerals share purchase warrants for the purchase of up to 4,500,000 shares of our common stock, exercisable at a price of $0.40 per share for a period expiring on February 28, 2020 ~~(the “Warrants”)~~. ~~The~~These ~~Warrants~~warrants were issued to Nanominerals in ~~consideration~~ consideration for consulting services previously provided to us during the year ended December 31, 2015 with respect to the exploration and the underlying mineralogy and metallurgy of our Columbus Project in Esmeralda County, Nevada.

We also issued ~~Warrants~~warrants for the purchase of an additional 450,000 shares of our common stock, also exercisable at $0.40 per share and expiring on February 28, 2020, to certain other consultants for services provided by them during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Conversion of 2015 Special Warrants into Common Stock and Warrants

Effective February 28, 2016, a total of 21,025,000 special warrants issued by us in 2015 (the “2015 Special Warrants”) were automatically converted into units (each a “Unit”) on a 1:1 basis without the payment of any additional consideration in accordance with the terms of the 2015 Special Warrants. Each Unit consisted of one share of our common stock and one warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional share of common stock at a price of $0.40 per share, expiring on February 28, 2020. The 21,025,000 2015 Special Warrants converted represented all of the 2015 Special Warrants that were outstanding on that date.

Appointment of David Z. Strickler as Interim CFO

Robert D. McDougal, our former Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, passed away on January 15, 2016. Mr. McDougal had served in those capacities, and as a member of our Board of Directors, since 2007.

On April 13, 2016, David Z. Strickler, our Chief Operating Officer, was appointed as Interim CFO and Interim Treasurer. Mr. Strickler first joined our Company in March 2010 as our Vice President of Finance and Administration., Inand in April 2015, Mr. Strickler was appointed as our Chief Operating Officer.

Abandonment of Certain Mineral Claims

On August 31, 2016 we elected to allow 328 mineral claims that previously formed part of the Columbus Project mineral property to lapse (the “Abandoned Claims”) by declining to pay the BLM maintenance fees for the Abandoned Claims. By allowing the Abandoned Claims to lapse, we saved approximately $133,000 per year in claim maintenance fees. The claims retained by us primarily represent the claims making up the northwestern quadrant of the Columbus Project, as previously constituted, and includes North and South Sand Zones, as well as the permitted mine area where our pilot plant is located. As currently constituted, the Columbus Project is comprised of 126 placer claims and 12 millsite claims covering approximately 6,778 acres, plus 80 acres of private land.

Resignation of Steven A. Klein as Director

Effective October 13, 2016, Steven A. Klein resigned from our Board of Directors. Mr. Klein’s resignation did not result from any disagreement with the Company.

Reduced Warrant Exercise Price Offer

Effective December 27, 2016, our Board of Directors approved amendments to our 88,450,162 outstanding share purchase warrants (the “Outstanding Warrants”) to temporarily reduce the exercise price of the Outstanding Warrants to $0.08 per share (the “Temporary Warrant Price Reduction”) until 5:00 pm (Pacific Time) on January 31, 2017 (subsequently extended to February 17, 2017, as extended, the “Reduced Price Deadline”).

In conjunction with amending the exercise price for the Outstanding Warrants, the Company extended the term of 48,366,829 Outstanding Warrants issued by the Company between 2007 and 2012 that were previously scheduled to expire on December 31, 2016 (collectively, the “Expiring Warrants”). The Expiring Warrants were extended to the Reduced Price Deadline. Any Expiring Warrants that were not exercised by the Reduced Price Deadline have expired and are no longer exercisable.

The Temporary Warrant Price Reduction was also approved for the Company’s remaining 40,083,333 Outstanding Warrants that were not scheduled to expire prior to the Reduced Price Deadline (the “Non-Expiring Warrants”). Any Non-Expiring Warrants that were not exercised by the Reduced Price Deadline, are still exercisable in accordance with their original terms, including the exercise price set forth under the terms of the Non-Expiring Warrants.

A total of 38,455,921 shares were issued between January 20, 2017 and February 27, 2017 upon the exercise of Outstanding Warrants, for total gross proceeds of $3,076,473.

Amendments to Outstanding Stock Options

In conjunction with Temporary Warrant Price Reduction, the Board also approved amendments to certain options granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). We reduced the exercise price of 1,367,197 options granted under the Plan to directors and executive officers of the Company to $0.08 per share (the “Temporary Option Price Reduction”) that were scheduled to expire on December 31, 2016 (the “Expiring D&O Plan Options”) and extended the term of the Expiring D&O Plan Options to the Reduced Price Deadline. Expiring D&O Plan Options that were not exercised by the Reduced Price Deadline, expired and have ceased to be exercisable. No Expiring D&O Plan Options were exercised by the Reduced Price Deadline, and all Expiring D&O Plan Options have expired.

The Board also approved the Temporary Option Price Reduction for 7,600,000 options granted under the Plan to directors, executive officers and certain consultants that qualify as “accredited investors” as defined in Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) that were not expiring (the “Amended Non-Expiring Plan Options”). Amended Non-Expiring Plan Options not exercised by the Reduced Price Deadline, may still be exercised in accordance with their original terms, including satisfaction of any vesting requirements and payment of the exercise price set forth under the terms of their option grant. A total of 100,000 Amended Non-Expiring Plan Options were exercised by outside consultants of the Company before the Reduced Price Deadline.

The Board also approved an extension to 2,375,000 options granted under the Plan to former directors and officers (the “Former D&O Options”) to May 31, 2017. The exercise price of the Former D&O Options was not reduced, and are exercisable at the exercise price set forth under the terms of their option grant. As of the date of filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, a total of 500,000 Former D&O Options have been exercised at a price of $0.05 per share.

2017 Option Grants

The Board has also approved the grant of 8,070,000 non-qualified stock options under the Plan, exercisable at a price of $0.08 per share to directors, executive officers, employees and consultants. Directors and executive officers were granted the following options:

		Ex. Price	Number of
Optionee Name	Capacity	per Share	Options	Vesting Date	Expiry Date
Douglas D.G. Birnie	Director / Officer	$0.08	675,000	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2022
Douglas D.G. Birnie	Director / Officer	$0.08	337,500	Sept. 30, 2017	Sept. 30, 2022
Douglas D.G. Birnie	Director / Officer	$0.08	337,500	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2022
			1,350,000

David Z. Strickler	Officer	$0.08	450,000	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2022
David Z. Strickler	Officer	$0.08	225,000	Sept. 30, 2017	Sept. 30, 2022
David Z. Strickler	Officer	$0.08	225,000	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2022
			900,000

Mark Brennan	Director	$0.08	300,000	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2022
Mark Brennan	Director	$0.08	150,000	Sept. 30, 2017	Sept. 30, 2022
Mark Brennan	Director	$0.08	150,000	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2022

		Ex. Price	Number of
Optionee Name	Capacity	per Share	Options	Vesting Date	Expiry Date
			600,000

Private Placement Offering at $0.08 per Share

On March 29, 2017, we completed a private placement offering of 49,369,123 shares of common stock at a price of $0.08 per share, for total gross proceeds of $3,949,530. The offering was completed pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) provided by Rule 506(b) of Regulation D on the basis that each of the subscribers is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D, and we did not engage in any general solicitation or general advertisement in connection with the offering.

Directors, officers and Nanominerals Corp. participated in the private placement as follows:

Name	Relationship	No. of Shares	Purchase Price
Douglas D.G. Birnie	Director / Officer	500,000	$40,000
Mark Brennan	Director	250,000	$20,000
Nanominerals Corp.	Significant Shareholder	21,250,000	$1,700,000

Competition

We are a mineral resource exploration company. We compete with other mineral resource exploration and development companies for the acquisition of new mineral properties, the services of contractors, equipment and financing. Many of the mineral resource exploration and development companies with whom we compete may have greater access to a limited supply of qualified technical personnel and contractors and to specialized equipment needed in the exploration, development and operation of mineral properties. This could have an adverse effect on our ability to explore and develop our properties in a timely manner. In addition, because many of our competitors are more established and have a longer operating history than us, they may have greater access to promising mineral properties.

In addition, many of our competitors have greater financial resources than us. Accordingly, these competitors may be able to spend greater amounts on acquisitions of mineral properties of merit, on exploration of their mineral properties and on development of their mineral properties. In addition, they may be able to afford greater geological expertise in the targeting and exploration of mineral properties. This may make our competitors more attractive to potential investors and could adversely impact our ability to obtain additional financing if and when needed.

Government Regulations

The mining industry in the United States is highly regulated. We intend to secure all necessary permits for the exploration of the Columbus Project and, if development is warranted on the properties, will file final plans of operation prior to starting any mining operations. The consulting geologists that we hire are experienced in conducting mineral exploration activities and are familiar with the necessary governmental regulations and permits required to conduct such activities. As such, we expect that our consulting geologists will inform us of any government permits that we will be required to obtain prior to conducting any planned activities on the Columbus Project. We are not able to estimate the full costs of complying with environmental laws at this time since the full nature and extent of our proposed mining activities cannot be determined until we complete our exploration program.

If we enter into the development or production stages of any mineral deposits found on our mineral properties, of which there are no assurances, the cost of complying with environment laws, regulations and permitting requirements will be substantially greater than in the exploration phases because the impact on the project area is greater. Permits and regulations will control all aspects of any mineral deposit development or production program if the project continues to those stages because of the potential impact on the environment. Examples of regulatory requirements include:

- Water discharge will have to meet water standards; - Dust generation will have to be minimal or otherwise remediated; - Dumping of material on the surface will have to be recontoured and revegetated; - An assessment that all material to be left on the surface will need to be environmentally benign; - Ground water will have to be monitored for any potential contaminants; - The socio-economic impact of the project will have to be evaluated and if deemed negative, will have to be remediated; and - There will have to be a report of the potential impact of the work on the local fauna and flora.6

	-	Water discharge will have to meet water standards;
	-	Dust generation will have to be minimal or otherwise remediated;
	-	Dumping of material on the surface will have to be recontoured and revegetated;
	-	An assessment that all material to be left on the surface will need to be environmentally benign;
	-	Ground water will have to be monitored for any potential contaminants;
	-	The socio- economic impact of the project will have to be evaluated and if deemed negative, will have to be remediated; and
	-	There will have to be a report of the potential impact of the work on the local fauna and flora.

Employees

As of the date of this Annual Report, other than our officers and directors, we have seven full-time employees.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS.

The following are some of the important factors that could affect our financial performance or could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates contained in our forward-looking statements. We may encounter risks in addition to those described below. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or that we currently deem to be immaterial, may also impair or adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operation.

We will require additional financing to complete our exploration programs for our mineral project.

Our management anticipates that the minimum cash requirements for funding our proposed exploration programs and our continued operations through December 31, ~~2016~~2017 will be approximately $45,~~640~~158,000. This amount is substantially greater than our existing financial resources. As of December 31, ~~2015~~2016, the date of our most recently available financial statements, we had cash reserves in the amount of $~~103~~56,~~000~~359. WeSubsequent doto ~~not~~our ~~currently~~fiscal ~~have~~year ~~sufficient~~end, we raised ~~financial~~approximately ~~resources~~$7,084,003 tofrom ~~pay~~the ~~for~~exercise of outstanding share purchase warrants, outstanding options granted under our ~~anticipated~~2007 ~~expenditures~~Stock ~~for~~Option ~~the~~Plan, ~~next~~and ~~twelve~~the ~~months.~~sale Weof ~~will~~shares ~~require~~in ~~substantial~~a ~~financing~~private toplacement ~~maintain~~offering ~~our~~through ~~operations~~a combination of cash payments and settlements of outstanding debts. Although we believe that we have ~~mineral~~sufficient ~~properties~~financial ~~and~~resources to ~~complete~~pay for our ~~proposed~~anticipated ~~exploration~~expenditures ~~programs.~~for Inthe ~~addition,~~next ~~actual~~twelve ~~costs~~months, ~~of completing~~ our ~~exploration~~actual ~~plans~~financial ~~could~~needs may be greater than anticipated. If ~~and~~our wefinancial ~~may~~requirements ~~need~~are ~~additional~~greater ~~financing sooner~~ than anticipated, we will require additional financing.

If we are unable to obtain ~~significant~~additional financing inif ~~the~~and ~~near~~when ~~term~~needed, we may not be able to complete our exploration plans and our business could fail. We will scale back our exploration and business plans depending upon our existing financial resources.

Our ability to obtain future financing will be subject to a number of factors, including the variability of market prices for gold and silver, investor interest in our mineral projects, and the performance of equity markets in general. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms or conditions of additional financing unavailable to us. If we are not able to obtain financing when needed or in an amount sufficient to enable us to complete our programs, we may be required to scale back our exploration programs.

Amounts capitalized on our balance sheet may not be reflective of fair market value.

Our long term assets at December 31, ~~2015~~2016 include mineral properties of $158,~~882~~239,~~179~~934 (~~2014~~2015 - $15,882,179). Amounts capitalized on our balance sheet for mineral properties reflect the acquisition costs of those properties. These amounts may not be reflective of fair market value, and may not be representative of the amount the Company could realize on a sale of its mineral properties or upon liquidation.

If we complete additional financings through the sale of our common stock, our existing stockholders will experience dilution.

The most likely source of future financing presently available to us is through the sale of shares of our common stock. The only other anticipated alternative for the financing of further exploration would be the offering by us of an interest in our mineral properties to be earned by another party or parties carrying out further exploration thereof, which is not presently contemplated. Issuing shares of our common stock, for financing purposes or otherwise, will dilute the interests of our existing stockholders.

In order to maintain the rights to our mineral properties, we will be required to make annual filings with federal and state regulatory agencies and/or be required to complete assessment work or pay fees in respect of those properties.

In order to maintain the rights to our mineral projects, we will be required to make annual filings and pay fees with federal and state regulatory authorities. Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) claim maintenance fees for placer mineral claims are currently $155 for every 20 acres, making the claim fee $1,240 per year for a 160 acre association placer claim.

In addition to claim maintenance fees, we may be required by federal and/or state legislation or regulations to complete minimum annual amounts of mineral exploration work on our mineral properties. A failure by us to meet the annual maintenance requirements under federal and state laws could cause our mineral rights to lapse.

Because we are a mineral exploration company, we face a high risk of business failure.

To date, our primary business activities have involved the acquisition of mineral claims and the exploration of these claims. We have not earned any revenues as of the date of this report. Potential investors should be aware of the difficulties normally encountered by exploration stage companies and the high rate of failure of such enterprises. The likelihood of success must be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays encountered in connection with the exploration of the mineral properties that we plan to undertake. These potential problems include, but are not limited to, unanticipated problems relating to exploration, and additional costs and expenses that may exceed current estimates.

Because we anticipate that our operating expenses will increase prior to earning revenues, we may never achieve profitability.

Prior to commencing mineral production, we anticipate that we will incur increased operating expenses without realizing any revenues. We therefore expect to incur significant losses into the foreseeable future. We recognize that if we are unable to generate significant revenues from the exploration of our mineral claims and the production of minerals thereon, if any, we will not be able to earn profits or continue operations. There is no history upon which to base any assumption as to the likelihood that we will prove successful, and we may not be able to ever generate any operating revenues or achieve profitable operations. If we are unsuccessful in addressing these risks, our business will most likely fail.

Because of the inherent dangers involved in mineral exploration, there is a risk that we may incur liability or damages if and when conducting mineral exploration activities.

The search for valuable minerals involves numerous hazards. As a result, when conducting exploration activities we may become subject to liability for such hazards, including pollution, cave-ins and other hazards against which we cannot insure or against which we may elect not to insure. The payment of such liabilities may have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

Because of the speculative nature of exploration of mining properties, there is substantial risk that no commercially exploitable minerals will be found.

We have not yet established proved or probable reserves on the Columbus Project or on our other mineral properties. The search for valuable minerals as a business is extremely risky. Although we have been encouraged by the results of the exploration work conducted by us to date, further exploration work is required before proven or probable reserves can be established, and there are no assurances that we will be able to establish any proven or probable reserves. Exploration for minerals is a speculative venture, necessarily involving substantial risk. The expenditures to be made by us may not result in the discovery of commercial quantities of ore. Problems such as unusual or unexpected formations and other conditions are involved in mineral exploration and often result in unsuccessful exploration efforts. We intend to report the results of our exploration activities promptly after those results have been received and analysed. However, there is no assurance that the test results reported by us will be indicative of extraction rates throughout our mineral properties.

As a result of the public’s lack of familiarity with the assaying methods used by us to analyze samples taken from the sand and clay zones of the Columbus Project, we may occasionally encounter resistance to the reliability of our grade estimates for the Columbus Project. Although we use proven assaying methods, only report extracted and weighed gold and silver and have instituted rigorous testing to ensure the reliability of our exploration results, we may face resistance in the future, which could negatively impact our business, our ability to obtain future financing, and our stock price.

Contrary to popular belief, pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical tests on a rock sample do not determine the amount of gold or silver present in a sample. Instead, these tests report the amount of gold or silver that is extracted from the sample by the analytical method used. We have engaged in extensive research and testing to determine the best pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods for extracting gold and silver from the sands and clays present at the Columbus Project. Our research has indicated that caustic fusion (head ore, concentrates) and thiosulphate or cyanide leaching (concentrates) are effective pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods for extracting gold and silver from the Columbus Project. The pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods that were chosen by us result in the actual physical extraction of gold and silver from the tested samples.

Caustic fusion is a standard pyrometallurgical method that uses fluxes melted at low temperature to dissolve the sample rock and liberate the contained minerals or metals for subsequent extraction and analysis. Caustic fusion was developed in South Africa over 100 years ago and was first used to liberate diamonds from their refractory kimberlites. It has since been used to quantify other minerals/metals in rocks by analyzing the fused product. Caustic fusion has proven to be a very effective method for extracting gold and silver from the refractory minerals (organics, silicates) in the sand and clay at Columbus, and has been confirmed by extracting comparable precious metal values from bulk leach tests (+/- 1 ton samples).

Fire assaying is the most common pyrometallurgical method used for extracting gold and silver from rock. Fire assaying relies on the use of standardized chemical fluxes to reduce the melting point of the minerals entombing the gold and silver so that they can be liberated and then collected in a lead “button” and examined. Although this process works well for extracting gold entombed in sulfides (e.g. pyrite) and silica, such as that found in Carlin-type gold deposits, the chemical fluxes used in fire assaying methods are ineffective at liberating the gold and silver from refractory minerals (organics and silicates (Fe-Mg-Al-Si-Ox)) as are found at the Columbus Project. As a result, in our tests, fire assaying has shown to be ineffective at extracting commercial values of gold and silver from the sand and clay from the Columbus Project. Similarly, aqua regia digestion has also proven to be ineffective at extracting gold and silver from the sands and clays at Columbus.

To ensure the reliability of our results, we have instituted rigorous QA/QC protocols, including blind random sampling, and the inclusion of blanks, standards and duplicates. To further ensure reliability, we measure only the actual amount of gold and silver physically extracted from our test samples when reporting assay results. We also have extracted gold and silver from large samples (+/- 200-3000 lbs.) by thiosulphate leaching, with the extraction results being comparable to caustic fusion assay results on the same samples, thereby confirming the reliability of the caustic fusion process. However, because caustic fusion is not commonly used and understood for gold and silver assaying, and because gold and silver in the sands and clays at Columbus cannot be confirmed by metal-in-hand extraction using fire assay or aqua regia digestion, we may encounter some resistance to our analytical methods and assay results, which could negatively impact our business, our ability to obtain additional financing, and our stock price.

Even if we establish proven or probable reserves on our mineral claims, we may not be able to successfully reach commercial production.

We anticipate using a low cost, high volume surface dredge operation to mine the Columbus Project. Our pre-feasibility program for the Columbus Project is designed to test and optimize our planned mining process for the Columbus Project. There is no assurance that this pre-feasibility program will result in a decision to enter into commercial production.

In addition, expanding our production facilities to accommodate commercial operations is expected to require substantially more financial resources than what we currently have available to us. There is a risk that we will not be able to obtain such financing if and when needed.

Although we have installed the leach circuit of the onsite pilot production module for the Columbus Project, there is no assurance that this project is commercially feasible.

We have begun testing and optimizing the onsite pilot production module at the Columbus Project. This pilot production module is part of our pre-feasibility study for the Columbus Project and is designed to evaluate the commercial viability of the Columbus Project. There is no assurance that the results of our pre-feasibility program will result in a decision to enter into commercial production.

Even if we can successfully reach commercial production, any change to mining laws or regulations or levy of additional taxes in the future may make our planned production process nonviable economically.

Several bills have been introduced by the US federal government that would levy resource taxes on mineral exploration companies. Any levy of additional taxes would have an adverse effect on our business. In addition, laws and regulations governing the exploration of mineral properties and the mining process are subject to change. Changes to mining laws and regulations that would have the effect of increasing the cost of mineral exploration and mining activities would adversely impact our business.

We are subject to compliance with government regulations. The costs of complying with these regulations may change without notice, and may increase the anticipated cost of our exploration programs.

There are several government regulations that materially restrict the exploration of minerals. We will be required to obtain work permits, post bonds and perform remediation work for any physical disturbance to the land in order to comply with these laws. While our planned exploration program budgets for regulatory compliance, there is a risk that new regulations could increase our costs of doing business and prevent us from carrying out our exploration program.

In addition, if our applications for permits from the relevant regulatory bodies are denied, we may not be able to proceed with our exploration programs.

If we decide to pursue commercial production, we may be subject to an environmental review process that may delay or prohibit commercial production.

Our planned method for mining the Columbus Project is not expected to generate any significant long term environmental impact. However, we have not yet had a comprehensive environmental review conducted on our planned mining operations for the Columbus Project.

Compliance with an environmental review process may be costly and may delay commercial production. Furthermore, there is the possibility that we would not be able to proceed with commercial production upon completion of the environmental review process if government authorities do not approve our mine or if the costs of compliance with government regulation adversely affected the commercial viability of the proposed mine.

The market for our common stock is limited and investors may have difficulty selling their stock.

Our shares are currently traded on the over the counter market, with quotations entered for our common stock on the OTC Pink marketplace tier under the symbol “IRLD.” However, the volume of trading in our common stock is currently limited. As a result, holders of our common stock may have difficulty selling their shares.

Because our common stock is a penny stock, stockholders may be further limited in their ability to sell their shares.

Our shares constitute a penny stock under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and are expected to remain classified as a penny stock for the foreseeable future. Classification as a penny stock makes it more difficult for a broker-dealer to sell the stock into a secondary market, which makes it more difficult for a purchaser to liquidate his or her investment. Any broker-dealer engaged by the purchaser for the purpose of selling his or her shares will be subject to Rules 15g-2 through 15g-9 of the Exchange Act. Rather than having to comply with these rules, some broker-dealers will refuse to attempt to sell a penny stock.

No assurance that forward looking assessments will be realized.

Our ability to accomplish our objectives and whether or not we are financially successful is dependent upon numerous factors, each of which could have a material effect on the results obtained. Some of these factors are in the discretion and control of management and others are beyond management’s control. The assumptions and hypotheses used in preparing any forward-looking assessments contained herein are considered reasonable by management. There can be no assurance, however, that any projections or assessments contained herein or otherwise made by management will be realized or achieved at any level.

If we are, or were, a U.S. real property holding corporation, non-U.S. holders of our common stock or other security convertible into our common stock could be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of such security.

If we are or ever have been a U.S. real property holding corporation (a “USRPHC”) under the Foreign Investment Real Property Tax Act of 1980, as amended (“FIRPTA”) and applicable United States Treasury regulations (collectively, the “FIRPTA Rules”), unless an exception applies, certain non-U.S. investors in our common stock (or options or warrants for our common stock) would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares of our common stock (or such options or warrants), and such non-U.S. investor would be required to file a United States federal income tax return. In addition, the purchaser of such common stock, option or warrant would be required to withhold from the purchase price an amount equal to 10% of the purchase price and remit such amount to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

We have not conducted a formal analysis of whether we are or have ever been a USRPHC. However, we believe that we may be a USRPHC. In general, under the FIRPTA Rules, a company is a USRPHC if its interests in U.S. real property comprise at least 50% of the fair market value of its assets. If we are or were a USRPHC, so long as our common stock is “regularly traded on an established securities market” (as defined under the FIRPTA Rules), a non-U.S. holder who, actually or constructively, holds or held no more than 5% of our common stock is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on the gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock under FIRPTA. In addition, other interests in equity of a USRPHC may qualify for this exception if, on the date such interest was acquired, such interests had a fair market value no greater than the fair market value on that date of 5% of our common stock. Any of our common stockholders (or owners of options or warrants for our common stock) that are non-U.S. persons should consult their tax advisors to determine the consequences of investing in our common stock (or options or warrants).

We have not held an annual meeting for the election of directors since our incorporation.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes (the “NRS”), directors are to be elected at the annual meeting of the stockholders. Pursuant to the NRS and our bylaws, our board of directors is granted the authority to fix the date, time and place for annual stockholder meetings. However, no date, time or place has yet been fixed by our board for the holding of an annual stockholder meeting. Pursuant to the NRS and our bylaws, each of our directors holds office after the expiration of his term until a successor is elected and qualified, or until the director resigns or is removed. Under the provisions of the NRS, if an election of our directors has not been made by our stockholders within 18 months of the last such election, then an application may be made to the Nevada district court by stockholders holding a minimum of 15% of our outstanding stockholder voting power for an order for the election of directors in the manner provided in the NRS.

FOR ALL OF THE AFORESAID REASONS AND OTHERS SET-FORTH AND NOT SET-FORTH HEREIN, AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SECURITIES INVOLVES A CERTAIN DEGREE OF RISK. ANY PERSON CONSIDERING TO INVEST IN OUR SECURITIES SHOULD BE AWARE OF THESE AND OTHER FACTORS SET-FORTH IN THIS REPORT AND IN THE OTHER REPORTS AND DOCUMENTS THAT WE FILE FROM TIME TO TIME WITH THE SEC AND SHOULD CONSULT WITH HIS/HER LEGAL, TAX AND FINANCIAL ADVISORS PRIOR TO MAKING AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SECURITIES. AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SECURITIES SHOULD ONLY BE ACQUIRED BY PERSONS WHO CAN AFFORD TO LOSE THEIR TOTAL INVESTMENT.

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES.

We currently lease office space located at 2360 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway Suite 100, Henderson, NV 89052 at a rate of $5,~~057~~212 per month.

We currently own an interest in, or rights to, one mineral project that we refer to as the Columbus Project.

THE COLUMBUS PROJECT

The Columbus Project is a sediment hosted gold and silver exploration project located in western Nevada. It is comprised of ~~466~~126 unpatented placer ~~federal~~claims ~~mining~~ and 12 millsite claims on BLM land which cover 236,~~418~~778 acres and an additional 80 acres of private land~~, for a total of 23,498 acres~~. It includes a permitted and operational pilot plant and mine site. We currently own a 100% stake in all ~~466~~138 claims that make up the Columbus Project. Our current Area of Interest approximates 2,000 acres on the west side of our Project claims.

LOCATION

The mineral claims that make up the Columbus Project are located in the Columbus Salt Marsh, Esmeralda County, Nevada, northwest of Coaldale Junction, approximately 50 miles west of Tonopah (Fig. 1) halfway between Las Vegas and Reno. Access is from the junction of US6 and Nevada Highway 95, approximately 10 miles north of Coaldale Junction, to a gravel road westerly to the mill site and to the remains of the town of Columbus.

The Columbus Salt Marsh is an enclosed basin and is a dry lake bed for the majority of the year. All surface drainage from a surrounding 360 square mile area flows into the Columbus Salt Marsh.

Figure 1: Location of Columbus Project

TITLE AND OWNERSHIP RIGHTS TO THE CSM CLAIMS, IRELAND CLAIMS AND THE DDB CLAIM

Figure 2: Columbus Project Property Map

The Columbus Project is comprised of ~~466~~ 126 unpatented placer claims ~~federal mining~~ and 12 millsite claims on BLM land which cover 236,~~418~~778 acres and an ~~additional~~ additional 80 acres of private land~~, for a total of 23,498 acres~~.

On August 31, ~~2014,~~2016 we elected to allow ~~198~~ 328 mineral claims that previously formed part of ~~our~~ the Columbus Project mineral property to lapse by(the “2016 Abandoned Claims”) by declining to pay the BLM ~~main~~maintenance ~~ntenance~~ fees for the ~~abandoned~~Abandoned ~~claims~~Claims. ~~The~~In ~~abandoned~~2014, ~~claims~~we ~~represented~~had ~~the eastern~~previously ~~portion~~elected ~~and~~to ~~the~~allow ~~southernmost~~an ~~portions~~additional of198 mineral ~~the~~claims ~~Columbus Project~~to aslapse. ~~previously~~The ~~constituted,~~claims ~~and~~retained ~~were~~by ~~not~~us ~~a significant~~primarily ~~focus~~represent ofthe claims ~~our~~making ~~exploration~~up ~~efforts.~~the ~~As originally~~northwestern ~~constituted,~~quadrant of the Columbus Project, ~~was~~as ~~comprised~~previously ofconstituted, ~~664~~and ~~mineral~~includes ~~claims~~North ~~covering approximately~~and ~~50,538~~South ~~acres~~Sand Zones, ~~plus~~as anwell ~~additional~~as 80the ~~acres~~permitted ofmine ~~private~~area ~~land,~~where ~~for~~our apilot ~~total~~plant ofis ~~50,618 acres~~located.

We acquired our initial interest in ~~73 claims (which we refer to as~~ the ~~“CSM~~Columbus ~~Claims”)~~Project ~~and an additional 57 claims (which we refer to as the“DDB Claims”)~~ in 2007 from Nanominerals pursuant to an assignment by Nanominerals of its rights to the Columbus Project. In February 2008, we acquired a 100% interest in the Columbus ~~CSM~~Project ~~claims~~ by merging ~~the previous owner of the CSM Claims,~~ Columbus Brine Inc. (“CBI”) with and into our wholly owned subsidiary incorporated for the sole purpose of acquiring CBI, CBI Acquisition Inc. Upon completion of the merger, CBI Acquisition Inc. changed its name to Columbus Minerals Inc.

~~The~~A ~~DDB~~portion of the Columbus Project mineral claims (the “DDB Claims”) were previously owned by a mining syndicate known as the DDB Syndicate. Douglas D.G. Birnie, our President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board, is the owner of a 1/8 interest in the DDB Syndicate. The remaining members of the DDB Syndicate are made up of the former directors and officers of CBI (including one of our former directors), the brother of a former officer and director of CBI, and certain affiliates of Nanominerals Corp. (“Nanominerals”). Nanominerals is a significant shareholder in our Company. Mr. Birnie also owns a 3.5% interest in Nanominerals. The DDB Claims were located by the DDB Syndicate in February 2007, prior to Mr. Birnie’s and Nanominerals’ involvement with our Company. Mr. Birnie also acquired his interest in Nanominerals prior to his involvement with our Company. We acquired a 100% interest in the DDB Claims in November 2012.

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~~Mr.~~As ~~Birnie~~of ~~also~~the ~~owns~~date aof ~~3.5%~~this ~~interest~~Annual inReport ~~Nanominerals.~~on ~~The~~Form ~~DDB Claims were located by the DDB Syndicate in February 2007~~10-K, ~~prior~~we toown ~~Mr. Birnie’s~~a ~~and~~100% ~~Nanominerals’ involvement with our Company. Mr. Birnie also acquired his~~ interest in ~~Nanominerals~~the ~~prior~~Columbus ~~to his involvement with our Company~~Project.

~~Our~~To ~~rights~~maintain toour ~~the~~unpatented ~~DDB~~placer ~~Claims~~claims ~~were~~and ~~held~~millsite ~~under~~claims, we ~~the~~are ~~terms~~required ofto ~~a mining~~pay ~~lease~~annual ~~with~~maintenance ~~the~~fees ~~DDB~~to ~~Syndicate~~the ~~dated~~US ~~November~~Bureau ~~30,~~of ~~2007~~Land and Minerals (the “~~DDB Agreement~~BLM”). ~~The~~by ~~DDB~~September ~~Agreement~~1 ~~provided~~of useach ~~with a five~~ year. ~~lease~~The onannual ~~the~~claim ~~DDB~~maintenance ~~Claims,~~fees ~~ending~~paid onto ~~November~~the ~~29,~~BLM ~~2012,~~for ~~with~~2016 anand ~~option~~2015 toclaim ~~purchase~~years ~~the~~totaled ~~DDB~~$55,600 ~~Claims~~and $187,807, atrespectively. ~~any~~A ~~time~~summary ~~during~~of the ~~lease~~Columbus ~~period.~~Project ~~Under~~Claims ~~the~~is ~~option~~included ~~rights~~as ~~provided~~an ~~under the~~exhibit ~~DDB Agreement, we had the right~~ to ~~purchase~~this ~~the~~Annual ~~DDB~~Report ~~Claims~~on atForm ~~any time by either:~~ 10-K.

(a)	paying the DDB Syndicate the purchase price of $400,000 (with all previously made rental payments credited against such purchase price); or
(b)	paying the DDB Syndicate $10, plus granting the DDB Syndicate a royalty of 2% of net smelter returns on the DDB Claims.

On November 20, 2012, we elected to exercise the purchase option on the DDB Claims, paying the balance of $180,000 to the DDB Syndicate, being the purchase price of $400,000 less the $220,000 in rental payments previously made under the DDB Agreement.

An additional 336 claims (which we refer to as the “Ireland Claims”) were staked by us.

As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we own a 100% interest in all of the CBI Claims, DDB Claims and Ireland Claims.

Each of the CSM, Ireland and DDB Claims are unpatented placer federal claims. In order to maintain these claims, we are required to pay annual maintenance fees to the US Bureau of Land and Minerals (the “BLM”) by September 1 of each year. The annual claim maintenance fees paid to the BLM for 2015 and 2014 claim years totaled $187,807 and $187,797 respectively. A summary of the Columbus Project Claims is included as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 19, 2014.

ACCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The Columbus Project contains an operational pilot plant, onsite laboratory, and living facilities with power supplied by generators and water from an onsite well. Water used for processing is available from existing wells located on the surrounding basin (the “Columbus Basin”). There is also a high voltage grid located near the Candelaria Mine, approximately three miles from the Columbus Project.

Permits have been obtained for the extraction of precious metals and the production of calcium carbonate from an area of approximately 380 acres, including millsite, roads and mineable acreage.

HISTORY

The Columbus area has had mining activity for over 100 years. Silver was discovered in 1863 in the area of the Candelaria Mine, to the northwest of the Columbus Basin. These deposits were mined intermittently by different companies through 1999, producing large quantities of silver and minor gold. Salt was first mined in the Columbus Salt Marsh in 1864, followed by borax in 1871. Precious metals were thought to exist in the basin sediments as early as the late 19^th century but no production is documented. Mining ceased in the Columbus Marsh around the beginning of the 20^th century.

The Columbus Project is located in an area that has historically been known as a well mineralized region. A silver and gold mining operation known as the Candelaria Mine is located approximately five miles northwest of the Columbus Project. The Round Mountain project is a gold operation located approximately 60 miles northeast of the Columbus Project. The Clayton Valley Brine Project, a lithium extraction project, is located approximately 25 miles southeast of the Columbus Project. The Mineral Ridge project, a gold mining operation that achieved commercial production status in January 2012, is approximately 20 miles southwest of the Columbus Project.

GEOLOGY

The Columbus Project covers a flat enclosed basin with a surface composed of salt deposits and is primarily devoid of vegetation. Older sediments, which host the silver deposits of Candelaria, underlie several sequences of volcanic rocks, with the youngest being the 15Ma Gilbert Andesite. The region has undergone older thrust faulting, which hosts the Candelaria deposits, and later extensional faulting as a result of movement along the Walker Lane. The Columbus Basin is one of several structural basins in the region caused by right lateral movement along the Walker Lane and the subsequent clockwise rotation and oblique extensional down dropping of the blocks within this structural domain.

EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES

Exploration work to date has identified three different host materials (sand, clay, brine) each of which could potentially contain commercial quantities of gold and silver mineralization within the project area. The sand zones outcrop on the western side of the Columbus basin and dip gently eastward. The clay zones also outcrop and overlay the sand zones. The brine zone occurs as an aquifer at some 400 feet depth underlying the sand/clay zones.

Our most recent exploration efforts have focused on the sand material, specifically in a 2,000 acre area of interest on the west side of our project site. Through three drill programs, we have identified ~~The~~the North Sand Zone and the South Sand Zone. The North Sand Zone has been the site of the source material for our recent extraction tests.

To date, 34 holes have been drilled in the 0.67 square mile (429 acres) North Sand Zone, and 3 holes in the 0.48 square mile (307 acres) South Sand Zone. Drilling has been completed to depths ranging from 165 feet to 400 feet in both sand zones. We have yet to drill through the sand zone with any of our drilling to date.

We have been granted the permit for our Phase Four drill program, which will consist of 31 drill holes to a depth of at least 200 feet. The drill program will cover an additional 0.48 square miles adjacent to the southern boundary of the North Sand Zone. The goal of this program is to expand the boundaries and improve the definition of the North Sand Zone. Following completion of the Phase Four drill program, we will re-evaluate the boundaries of the sand zones, the quantity of the tonnage contained therein and the quality of the mineralization estimates within these areas. It is anticipated that additional drill programs will follow after Phase Four. We are currently devoting the majority of our resources on testing and modifying our mining and recovery methodology for the Columbus Project to determine if our planned extraction process for the Columbus Project is commercially viable. In addition, we plan on re-assaying all North and South Sand Zone drill samples using a new extraction process developed for the Columbus Project in order to update the mineralization grade. After effective operating parameters for the on-site pilot plant have been fully implemented and the pilot plant is operating continuously, we intend to initiate the Phase Four drilling program.

We have been granted the permit for our Phase Four drill program, which is expected to consist of 31 drill holes to a depth of at least 200 feet. It is planned that the drill program will cover an additional 0.48 square miles adjacent to the southern boundary of the North Sand Zone. The goal of this program is to expand the boundaries and improve the definition of the North Sand Zone. Following completion of the Phase Four drill program, we will re-evaluate the boundaries of the sand zones, the quantity of the mineralized material contained therein and the quality of the mineralization estimates within these areas. It is anticipated that additional drill programs will follow after Phase Four. We are currently devoting the majority of our resources on testing and modifying our mining and recovery methodology for the Columbus Project to determine if our planned extraction process for the Columbus Project is commercially viable. In addition, we plan on re-assaying all North and South Sand Zone drill samples using a new extraction process developed for the Columbus Project in order to update the mineralization grade. After effective operating parameters for the on-site pilot plant have been fully implemented and the pilot plant is operating continuously, we intend to initiate the Phase Four drilling program.

Figure 3: Map of North and South Sand Zones

Historical Surface Sampling Program and Drill Programs

Near surface basin sediment samples were taken in late 2006 and early 2007. 64 surface samples, four shallow boring samples, and a bulk sample were taken and analyzed using a four acid total digestion and atomic absorption analysis. Samples were analyzed for Au, Ag, Cu, and Fe. This work led to the discovery of a 5,000 acre surface gold anomaly in the northwestern part of the basin. This gold anomaly is the primary focus of current exploration work. The Permitted Mine Area (380 acres) is situated in the north end of this zone.

2007 Drill Program

An 18-hole hollow stem auger drill program was undertaken in Q3 2007 in the Permitted Mine Area to establish mineral potential at depth. Samples were 18” in length, taken every 10’ with a split spoon sampler. Material was analyzed using a 3-acid modified version of aqua regia, followed by atomic absorption analysis. A split was analyzed by CBI staff at the onsite facility using a standard fire assay and it was found that standard fire assay was ineffective. Repeated firing of the slag showed that various amounts of the metals remained in the slag after each firing. The results from the 2007 drill program have been discounted by us as the analytical methodology used then did not rely on metal-in-hand of gold or silver.

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2008 and 2009 Drill Programs

Encouraging results from the 2007 drill program warranted a second drill program, which took place in Q2-Q3 2008, consisting of 39 widely spaced holes and a total of just less than 10,000 feet using sonic drilling technology. 25 holes were drilled in the ‘A’ program, 14 holes in the ‘B’ program. For this program, holes were drilled to depths ranging from 200 feet to 400 feet. The sonic drilling resulted in continuous sample material, therefore providing an improved representation of each 10 ft. drill interval. Samples of the 10 ft. composites were sent for analysis under chain of custody protocols.

A follow up drilling program was initiated in Q2 of 2009 to delineate mineralized zones and further define the extent of gold and silver mineralization potential in the project area. 58 holes, for a total of 15,270 feet, were drilled as a follow up to the ~10,000 feet drilled in 2008. Sample composite intervals were changed from 10’ to 20’ because of the homogeneity of the sample material. Again, the drill material was stored in polyethylene bags in the onsite core facility. Samples were ~~analysed~~analyzed using caustic fusion assay under chain of custody protocols. In addition, 211 clay samples were taken at various depths for density determinations.

2010 Drill Program

In 2010, we drilled 28 holes in the North Sand Zone and 147 short holes in the permitted mine clay zone. As the sand zones are the focus of the technical program, the samples from the clay zone drilling have been inventoried and will be analyzed later. Sampling protocol remained at 20 ft. composite intervals.

Mineralized Intervals

To determine the mineralized intervals in the North and South Sand Zone, we chose a minimum grade of 0.015 opt Au to identify mineralized material, and identification of at least three contiguous mineralized samples indicated a mineralized zone. Upon completion of a feasibility study, a commercial grade mineralized cut off will be determined and mineralized zones will be recalculated. The caustic fusion assay results from the 2008, 2009 and 2010 drilling programs are listed below, broken down by area. It should be noted that because of the nature of the geology, the material must be mined from the surface down, so therefore, mineralized averages that start at depth rather than at the surface, may appear higher than they would be in production.

To date, 34 holes have been drilled in the North Sand Zone. Drilling in the North Sand Zone covered approximately 0.67 square miles, to depths ranging from 165 feet to 400 feet beneath the surface of the Columbus Marsh Basin, In addition, three holes have been drilled in the South Sand Zone, to depths of between approximately 200 to 400 feet.

Mineralized Intervals – North Sand Zone (Caustic Fusion Assay)

Hole ID	From (ft.)	to (ft.)	Au opt	Ag opt
CS-09-S1A	0	200	0.044	0.194
CS-09-S2A	0	200	0.039	0.179
CS-09-S3A	0	200	0.038	0.175
CS-09-S4A	80	200	0.040	0.170
CS-09-S5A	0	400	0.036	0.157
CS-09-S7A	60	200	0.038	0.170
CS-10-S1A	40	165	0.038	0.199
CS-10-S2A	60	200	0.038	0.152
CS-10-S3A	180	200	0.049	0.332
CS-10-S4A	80	200	0.043	0.238
CS-10-S5A	180	200	0.045	0.236
CS-10-S6A	80	200	0.036	0.163
CS-10-S8A	120	160	0.045	0.234
CS-10-S9A	0	100	0.047	0.301
	120	200	0.050	0.304
CS-10-S10A	80	200	0.036	0.145
CS-10-S12A	60	200	0.050	0.268
CS-10-S13A	120	180	0.060	0.105
CS-10-S14A	100	200	0.046	0.261
CS-10-S15A	80	160	0.050	0.320
CS-10-S16A	100	200	0.040	0.215
CS-10-S17A	180	200	0.042	0.246
CS-10-S18A	60	200	0.050	0.303
CS-10-S19A	180	200	0.032	0.189
CS-10-S20A	60	200	0.040	0.213
CS-10-S21A	60	100	0.029	0.153
	120	200	0.029	0.152
CS-10-S22A	120	200	0.020	0.092
CS-10-S23A	180	200	0.038	0.196
CS-10-S24A	60	200	0.053	0.326
CS-10-S25A	0	60	0.034	0.152
	80	200	0.053	0.326
CS-10-S26A	0	60	0.031	0.189
	100	200	0.038	0.234
CS-10-S27A	100	160	0.031	0.145
CS-10-S28A	60	200	0.029	0.164

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Mineralized Intervals - South Sand Zone (Caustic Fusion Assay)

Hole ID	from (ft.)	to (ft.)	Au opt	Ag opt
CS-08-S1B	40	400	0.046	0.233
CS-09-S1B	0	200	0.038	0.186
CS-09-S2B	20	190	0.041	0.192

After completion of the pilot plant testing, we intend to re-assay all drill samples from the North and South Sand Zones.. We had intended to have the reassaying of the drill samples completed in 2015. However, reassaying is being delayed as we focus on the pilot plant testing, which we believe to be more significant to the overall technical program.

Sampling Procedures

An onsite core facility was constructed for logging and sampling of the material from the drill programs. Core intervals were set up on tables for geological logging. Once logged, the intervals were sampled by taking a continuous wedge of material from the outside to the center of the core. A smaller split was taken at random intervals. These samples were placed in standard heavy duty Ziploc bags. A slice of the core was taken at depths of approximately 50’ intervals. These were weighed wet and their dimensions were taken and documented for density determination. Sample splits were then sent to an independent laboratory for analysis.

QA/QC Procedures

Quality control for the Columbus Project was established during the 2008 drill program to guarantee the quality of the analytical results for that and all subsequent drilling/sampling programs on this project. All samples were submitted in random order to monitor laboratory precision. This is done to check for instrument variation, or ‘drift’, and cross contamination during the analytical process. Duplicate samples, standard reference material (standards), and blanks were introduced at approximately 1 for every 20 samples. Duplicate samples are used to evaluate the sample variability and stability of the analytical method. The standards are comprised of material that has been subjected to analysis from numerous labs around the world and is of an accepted concentration of gold with a very slight variance. The blanks are nothing more than pulverized environmental grade silica sand and should contain negligible concentrations of metals.

1819

GEOLOGIC MODEL

The SEC’s Industry Guide 7 sets out the reporting and disclosure requirements for issuers engaged in mineral exploration activities. Under the provisions of Industry Guide 7, only proven or probable reserves may be disclosed in filings with the SEC. “Reserves” are defined as that “part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination.” The calculation of reserves requires the preparation of a feasibility study demonstrating the economic and legal feasibility of mining and processing the mineralization at the project site. We do not currently have any proven or probable reserves. Industry Guide 7 does not permit us to disclose of inferred, indicated or measured resources in our filings with the SEC. Under the SEC’s guidelines, mineralized material estimates not meeting the definition of “reserves” may only be reported as in-place tonnage and grade.

The North Sand Zone, our focus area for sampling and drilling operations, covers a surface area of approximately 0.67 mi². The South Sand Zone covers a surface area of approximately 0.48 mi². The location of the North and South Sand Zones is shown in Figure 3.

These Sand Zones, located along the western edge of the project area, are alluvial material occurring as ‘fans’ ~~which~~that descend beneath the clay toward the center of the basin. The depth to this sand was gridded and contoured. This information is very useful for determining where this sand unit might be encountered during future drilling. In general, changes in sand depth parallel the basin. The average dry bulk density of the sands is 1.165 ton/yd³ (1.383 tonnes/m³). The sand zone averages 91.4% -1/4” as determined from 258 screen analysis of sonic drill samples from 0-200 ft. depth.

The lakebed clay varies in color, moisture content, texture, and organic content. Because of the wide drill hole spacing, it is not possible to correlate between individual clay units. At present, the clay will not be sub-classified and will be referred to as a single unit. Average dry bulk density of the clay, taken from the 200+ samples, is 1.198 tons/yd³(1.423 tonnes/m³).

The North Sand Zone and South Sand Zone are comprised of mostly sand, but also contains some silt and clays. Even though the South Sand Zone is two dimensional, it is highly likely that these zones are contemporaneous and this southern zone is of exploration significance.

Analytical Methodology

All previously reported drill results were determined by caustic fusion assay and analysis of the extracted and weighed metal for gold and silver. Sampling and analyses were conducted by qualified independent professionals, under chain of custody procedures, and included blind labeling of samples, the insertion of blanks, standard reference material and repeats to ensure the quality of results.

Prior to our 2007 – 2010 drill programs, we had engaged in extensive research and testing before determining that caustic fusion (on head ore and concentrates) and thiosulphate or cyanide leaching (on concentrates) were the best pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methodologies for extracting gold and silver from the refractory sands and clays that encapsulate these metals at the Columbus Project. However, recent research suggests that using a thermal pre-treatment (“TP”) followed by autoclave or open vessel leaching (“AC”) may yield greater extraction results.

Caustic fusion is a standard pyrometallurgical method that uses chemical fluxes melted at low temperature to dissolve the sample rock and liberate the contained minerals or metals for subsequent extraction and/or analysis. Caustic fusion was developed in South Africa over 100 years ago and was first used to liberate diamonds from their refractory kimberlites. It has since been used to quantify other minerals/metals in rocks by analyzing the fused product. We have confirmed the reliability of our caustic fusion protocols during subsequent bulk leach tests (±200-3000 lb.) conducted offsite, whereby the amount of gold and silver extracted as metal-in-hand by thiosulphate leaching of bulk samples has been comparable to caustic fusion assay results on representative splits from the same samples. Caustic fusion has therefore been proven to be a very effective method for extracting gold and silver from the refractory minerals (organics, silicates) in the sand and clay at Columbus.

1920

Thiosulphate leaching technology is over 100 years old. It was first used for dissolving silver from silver chloride deposits. In recent years, thiosulphate leaching has been extensively studied as an alternative to cyanide because it is an environmentally friendly, hydrometallurgical method for extracting gold and silver from ores. Barrick Gold Corporation’s Goldstrike mine in Nevada uses a thiosulfate leaching circuit that went into commercial production in 2015. Our work showed that thiosulphate leaching of head ore concentrates, followed by resin extraction, was very effective in bench and pilot scale tests conducted off site for the extraction of gold and silver, as “metal-in-hand” from materials extracted from the Columbus Project. Aqua regia and cyanide leaching tests of head ore and aqua regia leaching of concentrates had previously proved ineffective and resulted in extremely low gold and silver extraction. However, both thiosulphate and cyanide leaching of concentrates have extracted commercial values on samples extracted from the Columbus Project. It is the thiosulphate leach system that was installed at the on-site pilot plant in 2013 to determine the feasibility of leaching both the sand and clay deposits.

To ensure the reliability of our results, unless specifically stated otherwise, we have instituted rigorous QA/QC protocols, including blind random sampling, and the inclusion of blanks, standards and duplicates. To further ensure reliability, we measure only the actual amount of gold and silver physically extracted from our test samples when reporting assay results. Caustic fusion provides “metal-in-hand” on head ore and concentrates as do thiosulphate leach and cyanide leach on gravity concentrates. Using these assay methods, together with the quality assurances and quality controls of the drill program, we and our consultants are confident of the previous results that we have reported from head ore and concentrate samples.

Fire assaying is the most common pyrometallurgical method used for extracting gold and silver from rock. Fire assaying relies on the use of standardized chemical fluxes to reduce the melting point of the minerals entombing the gold and silver so that they can be liberated and collected in a lead “button” and examined. Although this process works well for extracting gold entombed in sulfides (e.g. pyrite) and silica, such as that found in Carlin-type gold deposits, the chemical fluxes used in fire assaying methods are ineffective at liberating the gold and silver from refractory minerals (organics and silicates (Fe-Mg-Al-Si-Ox)) as are found at the Columbus Project. These refractory silicates are similar in composition to the crucibles used during the firing process, which also do not melt. As a result, in our tests, fire assaying has shown to be ineffective at extracting gold and silver from the sand and clay from the Columbus Project.

As mentioned previously, the entombment of the precious metals in the refractory organics and silicates at the Columbus Project can cause problems of extraction, and therefore detection by many methods of analysis. The early test work (2006-2009) completed by our metallurgists demonstrated that fire assaying and multi-acid digesting were ineffective at extracting commercial values of gold and silver from the head samples of sand and clay from the Columbus Project. In January 2010, the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (the “NBMG”) reported that they had conducted a small sampling program on our claims.1 It should be noted that the location of the NBMG sample sites were approximately one to three miles away from our current area of operations and testing, and in a different geology. We have not conducted our own tests on sample materials extracted from this location. However, the results reported by the NBMG are consistent with our expectations based on our work using similar assaying methods. According to the report prepared by the NBMG, they took five near surface samples, taken to a depth of 30-52 cm (approx. one ft.), from the Columbus Salt Marsh. Splits of each of the samples were then reportedly analyzed by fire assay (Au and Ag), fire assay fusion followed by instrumental neutron activation finish (Au and Ag), fire assay and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission (Au), four acid near total digestion (Ag) and aqua regia digestion (Au and Ag). The NBMG reported that they found small quantities of gold (0.00035 opt to 0.000029 opt) and silver (0.00233 opt to 0.00029 opt) for four acid digestion – other tests were reportedly below ~~their~~ their detection limits.

During 2014-2015, Dr. Charles A. Ager, working in conjunction with a third party mining technology firm, developed a process that we believe resolves the problems posed by the refractory minerals encapsulating the gold and silver found at the Columbus Project. This new process (“TPAC”) involves first using a thermal pre-treatment (“TP”) on the sample material, followed by autoclave or open vessel leaching (“AC”). Initial results on 100g and 500g splits taken from bulk samples extracted from a single drill hole (10S7A) in the North Sand Zone resulted in the following extractions under laboratory conditions:

~~______________________________~~_________________________ 1 Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Open -File Report 10-1: Geochemical Sampling of Selected Playas in Nevada: Alkali Lake (Esmeralda County), Columbus Salt Marsh (Esmeralda County). Rhodes Salt Marsh (Mineral County), and Winnemucca Dry Lake (Washoe County).

1 Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Open-File Report 10-1: Geochemical Sampling of Selected Playas in Nevada: Alkali Lake (Esmeralda County), Columbus Salt Marsh (Esmeralda County). Rhodes Salt Marsh (Mineral County), and Winnemucca Dry Lake (Washoe County).21

Test 1: 500g (17.6oz) head sand – 0.314 opt Au (TP and AC at offsite laboratory)
Test 2: 100g (3.5oz) head sand – 0.203 opt Au (TP at Columbus, AC at offsite laboratory)

Weight Mean Average=0.296 opt Au; Average=0.259 opt Au
(See cautionary language below regarding reliance on these test results.)

These results are contrasted with 0.057 opt Au extracted from splits from the same drill hole under laboratory conditions using caustic fusion assay, and as reported in November 2015, led to our decision to re-equip and re-start the pilot plant and, if successful, then to re-assay all of our previous North and South Sand Zone drill samples to establish an updated gold grade using the TPAC method.

Originally, the TPAC process was expected to result in significantly higher material processing costs. Since then, modifications have been made to the TPAC process that are expected to lower operating costs compared to the original TPAC process, with higher gold recoveries than those achieved using the originally planned gravity concentraction followed by thiosulphate (STS) leaching process. Laboratory tests using the modified TPAC process on Columbus sands resulted in extractions of >0.25 opt Au from 100g (3.5oz) to 2500g (88.1oz) sized samples. (See cautionary language below regarding reliance on these test results.) Samples for these most recent laboratory tests were taken from the same general area as the laboratory tests for the pre-modification TPAC process. It was determined that these results were sufficiently promising to introduce the modified TPAC process to the onsite pilot plant. (See “Mining and Recovery Methodology – Installation and Testing of On-Site Leach Process”.) Onsite testing of the modified TPAC process on sample sizes between 100 lbs. to 2000 lbs. has begun and is ongoing.

Because testing of the modified TPAC process is ongoing, we have not yet determined our targeted precious metals extraction rates for this modified TPAC extraction method.

Readers are cautioned that third party chain of custody protocols were not observed during testing of the TPAC process (original TPAC process and modified TPAC process) as Company personnel assisted in sample collection and preparation. In ~~addition~~We believe that, because the project site is comprised of alluvial soil, mineralization deposits are wide spread throughout the Columbus Project. However, the results of laboratory testing of the TPAC process may not be representative of extraction rates for the rest of the North Sand Zone or the Columbus Project as a whole. The tests were also conducted under laboratory conditions and not on-site. In the past, we have encountered difficulties when attempting to translate extraction results achieved in laboratory conditions at the on-site pilot plant.

The TPAC process was developed by Dr. Ager and a third party mining technology firm, and is proprietary to Nanominerals. Nanominerals has granted us the right to use this process at the Columbus Project.

MINING AND RECOVERY METHODOLOGY

The Company currently has a Water Pollution Control permit granted by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection for the Columbus Project. This permit allows for the extraction of precious metals and the production of calcium carbonate on the 380 acre site (320 acre mine site and 60-acre mill site) at a mine rate of up to 792,000 tons per year to a depth of 40 feet. During the period from 2008-2011, the Company developed a dredge mine, constructed a pilot plant and began operations to develop and prove the extractive metallurgy for the Columbus Project. Initial metallurgical testing was primarily focused on extracting gold and silver from the clay material. As previously reported, problems with organic material interfered with the extraction of precious metals from the clays, and this has led us to focus our current efforts on extraction of the precious metals from the sands.

From 2012 to 2014 we were engaged in the process of transferring the gold and silver extraction process that achieved our targeted extraction rates when operated under laboratory conditions offsite to the on-site pilot plant. Recoveries from our tests using the on-site extraction process did not reach our then targeted recovery rate. Our efforts to finalize the mining and recovery methodology were based on a methodical two-pronged approach consisting of: (a) replicating on-site the extraction process that achieved our then targeted extraction rates when operated offsite; and (b) modifying this extraction process to attain our recovery rate objectives.

2122

The Columbus Project extraction process was originally designed to be a low cost method that consists of three steps:

1. First, a gravity concentration circuit that processes between two and five tons of raw material to generate one ton of concentrates. 2. Next, the concentrates are leached, then filtered and then loaded onto resins at the on- site pilot plant. 3. The resins are then ashed to determine the quantity of gold and silver recovered.

This process was designed around extensive offsite laboratory testing that successfully extracted gold from samples taken from the North Sand Zone in excess of our targeted extraction rate. However, when installed and operated onsite, the process was not able to reach our then targeted extraction rate.

Installation of Gravity Concentration Circuit and Laboratory Tests on Leach Process

In Q4 2011 and Q1 2012, we announced the results of three bulk tests (194 lb., 220 lb., 3,000 lb.) completed on sand material collected from a single site within the North Sand Zone, then sent offsite and processed through our gravity concentration circuit under laboratory conditions. The total results of the tests were: 13:1 concentration ratio; 121% Au recovery; and 42% Ag recovery (0.096 opt AuE², 0.084 opt Au and 0.642 opt Ag).

Since the beginning of 2012, we have been conducting bulk sample tests on sand materials extracted from the same site in the North Sand Zone. The first tests were conducted using the offsite gravity concentration circuit under laboratory conditions. In Q2 2012, gravity concentration equipment was installed at the onsite pilot plant, and subsequent bulk tests were processed using the onsite gravity concentration circuit. During 2012, 48,919 lbs. (24.45 tons) from four separate sand material tests was sent offsite for leaching, resin collection and metal extraction. The combined results of the tests resulted in an average extraction of 0.046 opt Au and 0.143 opt Ag, or 0.049 AuE. The test results each met or exceeded our then extraction goal of 0.03 opt AuE. Each test was run under different operating variables, and none of the tests were optimized based on previous test results.

Summary of Bulk Sand Leach Tests (Laboratory Conditions)

	Head Ore	Gravity Con	Gravity	TS	Calculated Head Extracted Metals
	Weight	Weight	Cons	Leach	Calculated Head Extracted Metals
Test	lbs	lbs	Ratio	pH	Au opt	Ag opt	AuE opt
4028H, 4029H	10,821	1,873.6	5.78:1	12	0.101	0.153	0.104

4037H	14,797	2,187.4	6.77:1	9	0.026	0.136	0.029

4046H	10,711	1,974.5	5.42:1	12	0.037	0.135	0.040

4048H	12,590	2,211.6	5.69:1	12	0.029	0.148	0.031

Totals	48,919	8,247.1	5.93:1		0.046	0.143	0.049

The purpose of these bulk tests was to demonstrate the continued effectiveness of the onsite gravity concentration components of the precious metals extraction circuit, while also assisting in the determination of which operating parameters increase or decrease precious metals extraction. Readers should note that the tests referred to above were all from a single bulk sample test site and may not be representative of grades or recovery rates that can be expected for the overall North Sand Zone. ~~The~~We believe that, because the project site is comprised of alluvial soil, mineralzation deposits are wide spread throughout the Columbus Project. However, the area from which these samples were taken may represent an anomaly within the North Sand Zone and may not be representative of grades or recovery rates for the entire zone. Additional gravity concentration tests on bulk samples from different sites within the North Sand Zone will follow.

~~__________________________________~~___________________________2 AuE opt = Au opt + Ag/55 opt

~~2 AuE opt = Au opt + Ag/55 opt~~23

Installation and Testing of On-Site Leach Process

In Q4 2012, we finalized operating parameters for the gravity concentration components of the onsite pilot plant. In Q4 2012 and Q1 2013, we installed equipment for the leaching and metal extraction components of the onsite extraction circuit. In April 2013, we commenced our first series of multi-ton batch extraction tests, and conducted additional test series through 2013. A “test series” consists of three to five individual tests run semi-concurrently under very similar operating parameters. Results from these test series produced small amounts of gold and silver (<0.01opt Au).

In December 2013, we installed new leach filtration equipment on-site. This equipment is a duplicate of the filter used in our offsite laboratory tests. In January 2014, the concentrating equipment used for laboratory tests in Salt Lake City was also relocated to the Columbus Project site, operating alongside the concentrating equipment that was installed in 2012.

After the installation of the new leach filtration and concentrating equipment, two concentration and leach tests (1,000 lbs. each) were run through the extraction circuit and the loaded resins ashed. These tests also did not achieve our then targeted recovery rate. However, the information derived from these tests has allowed us to determine several additional operational adjustments.

The gravity concentration circuit was checked by shipping bulk concentrates produced at the Columbus pilot plant to offsite facilities for thiosulphate leaching and resin extraction. These tests produced 1.1134 oz. Au and 3.4814 oz. Ag from 24 tons of head ore extracted from the 10S3A drill hole in the North Sand Zone for a calculated extractable head grade of 0.046 opt Au and 0.143 opt Ag. These results indicated that the gold extraction problems that we had experienced at the Columbus pilot plant were isolated to the on-site leach circuit.

As a result of the low extraction rates experienced at the Columbus pilot plant, we engaged in an extensive research program to isolate the problem. The exhaustive testing by our metallurgical team included scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy, atomic absorption (AA), graphite furnace AA (GFAA), inductive coupled plasma (ICP), ICP mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), zeta potential (ZP), electrophoresis (EP), electro-winning (EW), precipitation, resin analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal pre-treatment (TP) and autoclave leaching (AC). Various leach chemicals, water supplies, head ore samples (North Sand Zone), gravity (ITC) concentrates, leach-PLS and caustic fusion-PLS were all examined in detail. The results of these tests not only identified the leach problems, as mentioned above, but also uncovered the mineralogy of the gold in the sand and the metallurgy of the gold in the leach PLS at Columbus.

Electron microscope work (SEM/EDS, TEM) identified that the gold in the sand occurs as clusters, generally <1000 nm, of refractory coated nanogold particles (<30nm) further entombed in silicate minerals. Occasionally grains of aggregated clusters (<200µ) were also found in the ITC concentrates. The SEM micrograph and EDS spectrum clearly show the gold and its coatings in the sands. Analysis of the PLS in 2014, using TEM (+300,000x magnification) and zeta potential, identified that the gold in both the caustic fusion and leach PLS occurred as negative charged colloids and not as ionic complexes.

It was also found that the pilot plant ground potential was +9 volt DC as delivered by on-site generators and/or the Columbus Basin itself. In other words, the grounded stainless steel leach tanks were positively charged instead of neutral (0 volts). During leaching, the negative charged gold colloids were apparently plated out of solution to the tank walls, swept into the solids by agitation and deposited into the tails during filtration. As a consequence, only minor gold was left in the pregnant leach solution (PLS) for capture by the resins as depicted in the Flow Diagrams below.

Development and Laboratory Testing of TPAC Extraction Process

This work led to the development of the TPAC extraction process. Early test work using the TPAC process resulted in a significant increase in gold extraction on splits taken from the 10S7A drill hole location of the North Sand Zone. (See “Analytical Methodology”, above.)

As was reported in our ~~last~~ technical update inon November 2015, the results in laboratory scale testing of the TPAC process was consistent enough to warrant larger scale testing in the onsite pilot plant. In order to ensure reliability of on-site laboratory results in support of the pilot plant operations, new laboratory equipment was installed and all laboratory ~~equipement~~ equipment was thoroughly tested and calibrated. This work was completed in January 2016.

23Thermal Pretreatment (TP) equipment with sufficient capacity for the pilot plant was required to be designed and built by our technical team and Nanominerals. The design work for this equipment commenced in November 2015, and installation of this equipment in the pilot plant was completed in March 2016. This pilot plant scale TP equipment was tested in March 2016 and analytical results from material processed through the pilot TP equipment were consistent with results obtained from the laboratory scale equipment.

~~Thermal~~To ~~Pretreatment~~support ~~(TP)~~the ~~equipment~~pilot ~~with~~plant ~~sufficient~~operations ~~capacity~~and ~~for~~increase the productivity ~~pliot~~within ~~plant~~the ~~was~~technical ~~required~~program, tothree beadditional ~~designed~~on-site ~~and~~personnel were ~~built~~hired byin ~~our~~the ~~technical~~first ~~team~~quarter ~~and~~of ~~Nanominerals~~2016. ~~The~~During the design ~~work~~and ~~for~~implementation ~~this~~of the larger TP equipment, ~~commenced~~pilot plant scale tests (approximately 1,000 lbs. in size) ~~November~~were ~~2015~~completed. During these tests, ~~and~~the ~~installation~~material ofwas ~~this~~not ~~equipment~~subjected into the TP ~~pilot~~process. ~~plant~~The ~~was~~resulting ~~completed~~PLS concentrates were then analysed in ~~March~~the ~~2016~~on-site laboratory. ~~This~~Generally, ~~pilot~~extraction ~~plant~~rates ~~scale~~were approximately 0.10 opt Au lower for materials not subjected to the TP ~~equipment~~process ~~was~~prior ~~tested~~to inleaching ~~March~~when ~~2016~~compared ~~and~~to extraction ~~analytical~~rates ~~results~~achieved ~~from~~on ~~material~~materials ~~processed~~that ~~through~~were ~~the~~subjected ~~pilot~~to the TP ~~equipment~~process ~~were~~in separate ~~consistent~~tests. ~~with~~These results ~~obtained~~confirmed ~~from~~that TP treatment of the ~~laboratory~~head ~~scale~~material is ~~equipment~~necessary for optimal extraction.

To support the pilot plant operations and increase the productivity within the technical program, three additional on-site personnel were hired in the first quarter of 2016. During the design and implementation of the larger TP equipment, pilot plant scale tests (approximately 1,000 lbs in size) were completed. During these tests, the material was not subjected to the TP process. The resulting PLS concentrates were then analysed in the on-site laboratory. Generally, extraction rates were approximately 0.10 opt Au lower for materials not subjected to the TP process prior to leaching when compared to extraction rates achieved on materials that were subjected to the TP process in separate tests. These results confirmed that TP treatment of the head material is necessary for optimal extraction.

The TPAC method was originally expected to significantly increase the cost of processing material from the Columbus Project. However, as a result of tests completed over the past nine months, we have developed a modified TPAC process that is expected to result in lower operating costs than the original TPAC process. Offsite laboratory scale testing of this modified TPAC process has averaged >0.25 opt Au from 100(3.5oz) to 2500g (88.1oz) sized samples. Similar results have been achieved in on-site laboratory tests of PLS samples of screened materials subjected to the TP process prior to leaching. (See cautionary language below regarding reliance on these test results.) These results led to the addition of more pilot plant equipment to allow for the processing of the entire volume of the PLS from each plant run. Work is now underway with additional pilot plant scale testing to optimize gold extraction from the entire volume of PLS from each run.

During 2016, Ireland Inc.’s technical team has conducted and completed a series of laboratory tests, the purpose of which was to confirm all the necessary components of its TPAC Gold Extraction Process. These tests included volume scale tests of the thermal pretreatment, leach and concentrating circuits as well as multiple extraction/smelting tests on lab concentrates to produce gold dore. The successful results of these tests have led the technical team to confirm the flow sheet for the pilot plant and to design and begin installation of the new concentration circuit in the pilot plant. The final extraction/smelting of pilot plant concentrates to produce gold dore, will be completed in the laboratory as previously planned.

Previous offsite laboratory scale testing of the TPAC process had averaged >0.25 opt Au (100g-2500g samples). Similar results have been achieved at the on-site laboratory on screened materials subjected to the modified TPAC using open vessel leaching. (See cautionary language below regarding reliance on these test results.)

Modified TPAC Gold Extraction Process

The gold extraction process from the Sand Material consists of the following steps:

	1.	Screening (-1/4”)
	2.	Thermal Pretreatment (TP - 1/4”)
	3.	Leaching (TP -1/4”, 2 hour)
	4.	Filtration (PLS with precious metals (PM))

	5.	Concentration (PLS concentrate with PM)
	6.	Extraction (PM precipitate from PLS concentrate)
	7.	Smelting (PM precipitate)
	8.	Gold Dore (Au, Ag, Pd)

Since November 2016, work at the onsite laboratory and the pilot plant has focused on the development of a second smelting step that has created a potential new source of additional value to the Columbus Project. This separate smelting step, developed during testing of the gold smelting process on materials thermally treated at the pilot plant, has resulted in palladium extraction rates significantly higher than previously identified. The discovery of palladium (Pd) in both the sand and the concentrates is potentially very significant to the project.

Ongoing Pilot Plant Testing

During the past year, we completed installation of a new pilot plant thermal pretreatment, leach (TPAC) and concentration circuit capable of processing 500 lbs of sands per test. We have also begun completing volume scale tests (~500 lbs) of the pilot plant TPAC and concentrating circuits, resulting in the creation of concentrates.

Laboratory Extraction Testing

As mentioned above, during the past year, we have developed a new smelting method for assaying the refractory coated gold (Au) and palladium (Pd) present in the Columbus Project sands. These efforts resulted in the development of a new two-step smelting method for first extracting Pd and then extracting Au from the concentrates produced on small scale tests (42g to 416g) in the on-site laboratory. We completed multiple extraction/smelting tests on concentrates, from pilot plant thermal pretreated sands. These smelting tests resulted in the extraction of palladium at levels significantly above previously identified levels of the metal. Pd extraction rates averaged 0.59 opt Pd, or 0.354 opt gold equivalent (AuE) based on 1oz Pd = 0.6oz Au, on samples taken from the same location. Work is now in progress (IP) to optimize the second smelting step for gold extraction.

The recent Pd assay results using the new smelt method on head ore sands were as follows:

Weight (g)	Smelt Method ID	Pd opt	Au opt	AuE opt
83	A	0	0.120 + IP	0.120
83	B	0.346	IP	0.207
166	B	0.547	IP	0.328
83	C	0.432	0.095 + IP	0.354
Average		0.331		0.252

(Smelt Method ID is an internal identifier indicating slight modifications to process)

IP indicates that testing is in progress and results are not currently available. AuE amounts on samples where Au results are IP are based solely on extracted Pd using 1oz PD = 0.6oz Au

The recent results of tests on the extractive smelting process using laboratory concentrates were as follows:

Weight (g)	Smelt Method ID	Pd opt	Au opt	AuE opt
42	D	1.534	IP	0.920
83	B	0.727	IP	0.436
83	A	0.158	IP	0.095
208	B	0.257	IP	0.154
416	B	0.451	IP	0.271
167	B	0.436	IP	0.262
167	E	0.148	IP	0.089
167	F	0.881	IP	0.529
83	G	0.720	IP	0.432
Average		0.590		0.354

. (Smelt Method ID is an internal identifier indicating slight modifications to process)

IP indicates that testing is in progress and results are not currently available. AuE amounts on samples where Au results are IP are based solely on extracted Pd using 1oz PD = 0.6oz Au

We believe that, because the project site is comprised of alluvial soil, mineralization deposits are wide spread throughout the Columbus Project. However, readers are cautioned that the materials sampled for the tests shown above are all from a single area within the Columbus Project site, and may not be indicative of results for the rest of the North Sand Zone or the Columbus Project as a whole. Third party chain of custody protocols were not observed during current testing as Ireland personnel are assisting in sample collection and preparation. In addition, in the past, Ireland has encountered difficulties when attempting to translate extraction results achieved under laboratory conditions to the larger scale on-site pilot plant.

We will continue to report results as they become available.

Current Work and Additional Needs

Current work is now focused on optimizing the second smelting step (heat, chemicals, etc.) for Au/Pd extraction on both the head ore and pilot plant concentrates. We will need to install larger furnaces in order to smelt the increased quantity of concentrates (+/-16 lbs) expected to be produced from each run of the pilot plant. The larger furnaces have been purchased and are expected to be delivered by April 15, 2017. Upon finalization of the second smelting step of our modified TPAC process for extracting Au (the first smelting step being focused on the extraction of Pd), we expect to be able to determine the economics of the process metallurgy.

In the second half of 2017, the Company intends to engage a third party for drill core re-analysis to determine the extractable grade of precious metals, to continue to operate the pilot plant and laboratory smelting circuit to process 500 lbs. per test, and to commence Phase 4 drill program to define potential resources in the area south of the previously drilled zones.

Readers are cautioned that the materials sampled for the tests shown above are all from a single area within the Columbus Project site, and may not be indicative of results for the rest of the North Sand Zone or the Columbus Project as a whole. The Company believes that, because the project site is comprised of alluvial soil, mineralization deposits are wide spread throughout the Columbus Project site. Third party chain of custody protocols were not observed during current testing as Ireland personnel are assisting in sample collection and preparation. In addition, in the past, Ireland has encountered difficulties when attempting to translate extraction results achieved under laboratory conditions to the larger scale on-site pilot plant. Ireland believes that this risk is reduced because the current pilot plant was used in its most recent successful test work reported above.

We will release the results from all of these internally generated tests when we complete the extraction from all of the PLS on a meaningful number of pilot plant test runs.

Readers are cautioned that third party chain of custody protocols were not observed during testing of the TPAC process (original TPAC process and modified TPAC process) and are not being observed during current onsite pilot plant scale testing as Company personnel are assisting in sample collection and preparation. In ~~addition~~We believe that, because the project site is comprised of alluvial soil, mineralization deposits are wide spread throughout the Columbus Project. However, the results of small scale laboratory testing of the TPAC process ~~may~~ may not be representative of extraction rates for the rest of the North Sand Zone or the Columbus Project as a whole. In addition, in the past, we have encountered difficulties when attempting to translate extraction results achieved in laboratory conditions at the on-site pilot plant.

Readers are further cautioned that, although we believe that the results of our exploration activities to date have been sufficiently positive to proceed with the installation and operation of a pilot processing facility at the Columbus Project millsite (including installation of equipment for the modified TPAC process), we have not yet established any probable or proven reserves and we have not yet completed a preliminary economic assessment, pre-feasibility or feasibility study. Additional exploration work will be required before probable or proven reserves can be established. There are no assurances that the results of our exploration programs will result in a decision to enter into commercial production.

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

We were not a party to any material legal proceedings during the period covered by this Annual Report.

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE.

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 on Form 10-K.

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PART II

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

MARKET INFORMATION

Quotations of our common stock are entered on the OTC Link alternative trading system on the OTC Pink marketplace under the symbol “IRLD.” ~~During our 2014 fiscal year, our common stock traded on the OTCQB marketplace.~~ The following is the high and low bid information for our common stock during each fiscal quarter of our last two fiscal years.

		2015*				2014*
		2016*				2015*
		High		Low		High		Low
First quarter ended March 31	$	0.3834	$	0.1417	$	0.3238	$	0.1914
Second quarter ended June 30	$	0.5134	$	0.3319	$	0.2151	$	0.1133
Third quarter ended September 30	$	0.4030	$	0.1915	$	0.3040	$	0.1419
Fourth quarter ended December 31	$	0.3515	$	0.1705	$	0.2235	$	0.1317

High and low bid information was not available for the periods presented. Prices represent high and low closing prices during the period.

Bid quotations entered on OTC Link and the OTC Pink marketplace reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commission and may not represent actual transactions.

PENNY STOCK RULES

The SEC has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. Penny stocks are generally equity securities with a price of less than $5.00, other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on the NASDAQ system, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document prepared by the SEC, which:

(a)	contains a description of the nature and level of risk in the market for penny stocks in both public offerings and secondary trading;
(b)	contains a description of the broker's or dealer's duties to the customer and of the rights and remedies available to the customer with respect to a violation of such duties or other requirements of securities laws;
(c)	contains a brief, clear, narrative description of a dealer market, including bid and ask prices for penny stocks and the significance of the spread between the bid and ask price;
(d)	contains a toll-free telephone number for inquiries on disciplinary actions;
(e)	defines significant terms in the disclosure document or in the conduct of trading in penny stocks; and
(f)	contains such other information and in such form as the SEC shall require by rule or regulation.

The broker-dealer also must, prior to effecting any transaction in a penny stock, provide the customer with:

(a)	bid and offer quotations for the penny stock;
(b)	the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction;
(c)	the number of shares to which such bid and ask prices apply, or other comparable information relating to the depth and liquidity of the market for such stock; and
(d)	monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer's account.

In addition, the penny stock rules require that, prior to a transaction in a penny stock that is not otherwise exempt from those rules, the broker-dealer must:

(a) make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser; and (b) receive from the purchaser his or her written acknowledgement of receipt of the determination and a written agreement to the transaction.

2529

(b) receive from the purchaser his or her written acknowledgement of receipt of the determination and a written agreement to the transaction.

These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the trading activity in the secondary market for our common stock and therefore stockholders may have difficulty selling those securities.

REGISTERED HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK

As of ~~April~~March 1331, ~~2016~~2017, there were ~~228~~310 registered holders of record of our common stock. We believe that a large number of stockholders hold stock on deposit with their brokers or investment bankers registered in the name of stock depositories.

DIVIDENDS

We have not declared any dividends on our common stock since our inception and we do not expect to declare any dividends in the foreseeable future. We expect to spend any funds legally available for the payment of dividends on the exploration of our mineral properties. There are no provisions in our Articles of Incorporation or bylaws that limit our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. Chapter 78 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (the “NRS”), does provide certain limitations on our ability to declare dividends. Section 78.288 of Chapter 78 of the NRS prohibits us from declaring dividends where, after giving effect to the distribution of the dividend:

(a)	we would not be able to pay our debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or

(b)	except as may be allowed by our Articles of Incorporation, our total assets would be less than the sum of our total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if we were to be dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of stockholders who may have preferential rights and whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution.

RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

During the fiscal year ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016, we sold the following equity securities in transactions that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended:

•	During March and April 2015, we sold a total of 19,000,000 special warrants (the “2015 Special Warrants”) at a price of $0.20 per 2015 Special Warrant for total gross proceeds of $3,800,000. An additional 8,075,000 2015 Special Warrants were issued upon exercise of the conversion rights attached to special warrants that we issued in March 2014 (the “2014 Special Warrants”).
	The 2015 Special Warrants were convertable, at no additional cost to the holder, on a 1:1 basis into units (each a “Unit”) consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant exercisable for one additional share of common stock at $0.40, expiring February 28, 2020. Alternatively, if at any time during the term of the 2015 Special Warrants, we completed a subsequent sale of shares of our common stock, other securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock (“Common Stock Equivalents”), or any combination thereof, the holder was entitled, within one month after the completion of that subsequent equity financing, and at no additional cost to the holder, convert the 2015 Special Warrants into that number of shares of common stock and Common Stock Equivalents that the holder would have been entitled to had the holder participated in that subsequent equity financing for a total subscription price equal to the total subscription price paid for the 2015 Special Warrants. If the conversion rights associated with the 2015 Special Warrants were not exercised prior to February 28, 2016, then the 2015 Special Warrants were to automatically be deemed to be converted into Units on a 1:1 basis immediately prior to the expiration of the 2015 Special Warrant term. The information required by Item 701 of Regulation SK with respect to the sale of the 2015 Special Warrants was provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 30, 2015 and in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 17, 2015.
•	Effective February 28, 2016, a total of 21,025,000 2015 Special Warrants were automatically converted into Units as described above without the payment of any additional consideration in accordance with the terms of the 2015 Special Warrants. The 21,025,000 2015 Special Warrants converted represented all of the 2015 Special Warrants that were outstanding on that date.

•	Effective February 26, 2016, we verbally agreed to issue to Nanominerals Corp. share purchase warrants for the purchase of up to 4,500,000 shares of our common stock, exercisable at a price of $0.40 per share for a period expiring on February 28, 2020. These warrants were issued to Nanominerals in consideration for consulting services previously provided to us during the year ended December 31, 2015 with respect to the exploration and the underlying mineralogy and metallurgy of our Columbus Project in Esmeralda County, Nevada. We also issued additional warrants to consultants for the purchase of an additional 450,000 shares of our common stock to certain other consultants for services provided by them during the year ended December 31, 2015. The information required by Item 701 of Regulation SK with respect to the issuance of these warrants was provided in our Current Report on Form 8- K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2016.

•	Effective February 28, 2016, a total of 21,025,000 2015 Special Warrants were automatically converted into Units without the payment of any additional consideration in accordance with the terms of the 2015 Special Warrants. The 21,025,000 2015 Special Warrants converted represented all of the 2015 Special Warrants that were outstanding on that date.

•	In June and July 2016, we entered into convertible loan agreements with three lenders for total loan proceeds of $150,000. As additional consideration for the loans granted, we issued to the lenders warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 600,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $0.20 per share, expiring on the 5^thanniversary of the effective date of their respective loan agreements. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the convertible loan agreements, the lenders had the right to convert the outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest thereon into units (each a “Unit”) at a conversion price of $0.20 per Unit. Upon conversion, each Unit would consist of one share of our common stock and one share purchase warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional share of common stock at a price of $0.30 per share, expiring 5 years after the effective date of the convertible loan agreement. Alternatively, if we completed an equity financing prior to the maturity date of the loans, the lenders had the right to convert the outstanding principal and interest into the equity securities offered in that financing at a 20% discount to the offering price of that financing. Two of the lenders elected to exercise their rights to convert the outstanding principal and interest under the loans into shares of our common stock at a 20% discount to the discounted exercise price of $0.08 per share offered to the holders of our outstanding share purchase warrants from December 2016 to February 2017. The securities issued to the lenders were issued in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act on the basis that each of the lenders was an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D.

2630

•

Effective February 26, 2016, we entered into a verbal agreement with Nanominerals Corp., pursuant to which we agreed to issue to Nanominerals share purchase warrants for the purchase of up to 4,500,000 shares of our common stock, exercisable at a price of $0.40 per share for a period expiring on February 28, 2020 (the “Warrants”). The Warrants were issued to Nanominerals in consideration for consulting services previously provided to us during the year ended December 31, 2015 with respect to the exploration and the underlying mineralogy and metallurgy of the Company’s Columbus Project in Esmeralda County, Nevada. The information required by Item 701 of Regulation SK with respect to the sale of the Warrants was provided in our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2016.

•

Effective February 26, 2016, we issued Warrants for the purchase of an additional 450,000 shares of our common stock to certain other consultants for services provided by them during the year ended December 31, 2015. The information required by Item 701 of Regulation SK with respect to the sale of the Warrants was provided in our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2016.

•	Between January 20, 2017 and February 27, 2017, we issued a total of 38,455,921 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $3,076,473 upon the exercise of outstanding share purchase warrants at a reduced exercise price of $0.08 per share. The shares were issued in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act on the basis of representations by the warrant holders that they were accredited investors as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D.

•	In February 2017, we issued a total of 600,000 shares upon the exercise of options granted under our 2007 Stock Option Plan. The shares were issued pursuant to the exemptions from registration provided by Rule 506(b) of Regulation D and Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

•	On March 29, 2017, we issued a total of 49,369,123 shares of common stock at a price of $0.08 per share for gross proceeds of $3,949,530. The shares were issued in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act on the basis that each of the subscribers were accredited investors as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D, and we did not engage in any general solicitation or general advertising in connection with the offering.

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this report. This discussion and analysis may contain forward-looking statements based on assumptions about our future business. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report.

This discussion presents management’s analysis of our results of operations and financial condition as of and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016. The discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes related thereto which appear elsewhere in this report.

Executive Overview

During the next twelve months, we intend to proceed with our exploration program for the Columbus Project.

The Columbus Project

The technical program for the Columbus Project has two primary objectives: (a) to identify the mineral resources and (b) to determine the feasibility of mining and extracting precious metals from the project.

(a) Mineralization: Exploration work to date has identified three different host materials (sand, clay, brine) each of which could potentially contain commercial quantities of gold and silver mineralization within the project area. The sand zones outcrop on the western side of the Columbus basin and dip gently eastward. The clay zones also outcrop and overlay the sand zones. The brine zone occurs as an aquifer at some 400 feet depth underlying the sand/clay zones. Our recent exploration efforts have focused on the sand material, specifically in an approximate 2,000 acre area of interest on the west side of our project site. Through three drill programs, we have identified the North Sand Zone and the South Sand Zone. The North Sand Zone has been the site of the source material for our recent extraction tests.

Our recent exploration efforts have focused on the sand material, specifically in an approximate 2,000 acre area of interest on the west side of our project site. Through three drill programs, we have identified the North Sand Zone and the South Sand Zone. The North Sand Zone has been the site of the source material for our recent extraction tests.31

During 2015, we intended to re-assay drill samples from the North and South Sand Zones in order to update the mineralization grade for these areas using the TPAC process. This reassaying program was put on hold until the pilot plant scale extraction tests are completed so that the extraction methodology effectiveness can be determined.

(b) Mining and Recovery Methodology: We currently have a Water Pollution Control permit for the Columbus Project that allows for the extraction of precious metals and the production of calcium carbonate on the 380-acre site (266-acre mine site, 60- acre mill site, and 54 acres defined as “undisturbed area”) at a mine rate of up to 792,000 tons per year. As previously reported, we are currently focused on the extraction of precious metals from the sand zone areas of the Columbus Project – specifically, the North and South Sand Zones. Tests completed during 2012- 2014 led to the development of the TPAC extraction process. Early testing has resulted in significant increases in gold extraction on splits taken from a single drill hole location in the North Sand Zone. The TPAC method was expected to significantly increase the cost of gold extraction from the Columbus Project. However, as a result of tests completed over the past nine months, we have developed a modified TPAC process that is expected to lower the TPAC operating costs. Offsite laboratory scale testing of this modified TPAC process has averaged >0.25 opt Au from 100(3.5oz) to 2500g(88.1oz) samples and similar results in on-site laboratory scale samples taken from the pregnant leach solution (PLS) of the initial pilot plant scale tests. (See cautionary language below regarding reliance on laboratory test results.) Additional onsite pilot plant scale testing is now underway on the Columbus sands with the goal of processing all of the PLS. As a result, we have not yet determined our targeted precious metals extraction rates for this extraction method. Testing and optimization of the TPAC process on the Columbus Project sands, in the onsite pilot plant is ongoing. We will release the results from all of these internally generated tests when we complete the extraction from all of the PLS on a meaningful number of pilot plant test runs.

~~Tests~~• ~~completed~~Since ~~during~~November, ~~2012-2014~~2016 ~~led~~work toat the ~~development~~onsite oflaboratory and the ~~TPAC~~pilot ~~extraction~~plant ~~process. Early testing~~ has ~~resulted~~created ~~in significant increases in gold extraction on splits taken from~~ a ~~single~~potential ~~drill~~new ~~hole~~source ~~location~~of inadditional ~~the~~value ~~North Sand Zone. The TPAC method was expected~~ to ~~significantly increase~~ the ~~cost of gold extraction from the~~ Columbus Project. ~~However,~~ asTesting ~~a result~~ of ~~tests~~the ~~completed~~gold ~~over~~smelting ~~the~~process ~~past~~on ~~nine~~materials ~~months,~~thermally wetreated ~~have~~at ~~developed~~the apilot ~~modified~~plant ~~TPAC~~has ~~process~~given ~~that~~rise isto ~~expected~~the todevelopment ~~lower~~of ~~the~~a ~~TPAC~~separate ~~operating~~smelting ~~costs.~~step ~~Offsite~~that ~~laboratory~~has ~~scale~~resulted ~~testing~~in ofpalladium ~~this~~extraction ~~modified~~rates ~~TPAC~~significantly ~~process~~higher ~~has~~than ~~averaged~~previously >0identified.25 ~~opt~~The Audiscovery ~~from~~of ~~100(3.5oz)~~Palladium ~~to 2500g~~(~~88.1oz~~Pd) ~~samples and similar results~~ in ~~on-site~~both ~~laboratory scale samples taken from~~ the ~~PLS~~sand ofand the ~~initial~~concentrates ~~pilot~~is ~~plant~~potentially ~~scale~~very ~~tests.~~significant ~~(See~~to ~~cautionary~~the ~~language below regarding reliance on laboratory test results~~project.~~) Additional~~ ~~onsite~~Current ~~pilot~~work ~~plant scale testing~~ is now ~~underway~~focused on ~~the~~optimizing ~~Columbus sands with~~ the ~~goal~~smelting ofprocess ~~processing all of the PLS. As a result, we have not yet determined our targeted precious metals extraction rates~~ for ~~this~~Au/Pd extraction ~~method. Testing~~on ~~and~~both ~~optimization of~~ the ~~TPAC~~head ~~process~~ore onand the ~~Columbus Project sands, in the onsite~~ pilot plant isconcentrates, ~~ongoing.~~to Weinclude ~~will release~~ the ~~results~~purchase ~~from~~and ~~all~~installation of ~~these~~additional ~~internally~~lab ~~generated~~equipment ~~tests~~and ~~when~~smelting wefurnaces ~~complete~~to ~~the~~accomplish ~~extraction~~these ~~from all of the PLS on a meaningful number of pilot plant test runs~~tasks.

Readers are cautioned that third party chain of custody protocols were not observed during testing of the TPAC process (original TPAC process and modified TPAC process) and are not being observed during current onsite pilot plant scale testing as Company personnel are assisting in sample collection and preparation. In ~~addition~~We believe that, because the project site is comprised of alluvial soil, mineralization deposits are wide spread throughout the Columbus Project. However, the results of small scale laboratory testing of the TPAC process may not be representative of extraction rates for the rest of the North Sand Zone or the Columbus Project as a whole. In In addition, in the past, we have encountered difficulties when attempting to translate extraction results achieved in laboratory conditions at the on-site pilot plant.

Readers are further cautioned that we have not yet established any proven or probable reserves. There is no assurance that we will be able to establish that any commercially extractable ore reserves exist on the Columbus Project or that we will enter into commercial production.

We anticipate spending approximately $25,~~703~~158,000 on our exploration program and ~~$200,000 on our~~ capital expenditures for the Columbus Project during the twelve months ending December 31, ~~2016~~2017.

Critical Accounting Policies

~~The~~We ~~preparation~~have ofidentified ~~financial~~certain ~~statements~~accounting inpolicies, ~~conformity with~~described ~~United~~below, ~~States~~that ~~generally~~are ~~accepted~~most ~~accounting~~important ~~principles requires our management~~ to ~~make estimates and assumptions that affect~~ the ~~reported~~portrayal ~~amount~~ of ~~assets~~our ~~and~~current financial ~~liabilities~~condition and ~~disclosure~~results of ~~contingent~~operations. ~~assets~~Our ~~and~~significant ~~liabilities~~accounting atpolicies ~~the date of~~are ~~the~~also ~~financial~~disclosed ~~statements~~in ~~and~~ the ~~reported~~notes ~~amounts~~to ofour ~~revenues~~audited ~~and~~consolidated ~~expenses during~~financial statements for the ~~reporting~~ period. ~~Actual~~ended ~~results~~December ~~could~~31, ~~differ~~2016 ~~from~~included ~~those~~in ~~estimates. Our~~this ~~management~~Annual ~~routinely~~Report ~~makes~~on ~~judgments~~Form ~~and estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain~~10-K.

We have identified certain accounting policies, described below, that are most important to the portrayal of our current financial condition and results of operations. Our significant accounting policies are also disclosed in the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2015 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. By their nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty and the effect on the financial statements of changes in such estimates in future periods could be significant. Significant areas requiring estimates and assumptions include the valuation of stock-based compensation, impairment analysis of long-lived assets, accrued reclamation and remediation costs and realizability of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Mineral Properties - Costs of acquiring mineral properties are capitalized upon acquisition. Exploration costs and costs to maintain mineral properties are expensed as incurred while the project is in the exploration stage. Development costs and costs to maintain mineral properties are capitalized as incurred while the property is in the development stage. When a property reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs are amortized using the units-of-production basis over the proven and probable reserves.

Mineral Exploration and Development Costs - Exploration expenditures incurred prior to entering the development stage are expensed and included in “Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses”.

Property and Equipment - Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is principally provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are generally 3 to 20 years. The cost of repairs and maintenance is charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for property betterments and renewals are capitalized. Upon sale or other disposition of a depreciable asset, cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations.

Impairment of long-lived assets - We review and evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment at each balance sheet date due to our planned exploration stage losses and document such impairment testing. Mineral properties in the exploration stage are monitored for impairment based on factors such as our continued right to explore the property, exploration reports, drill results, technical reports and continued plans to fund exploration programs on the property.

The tests for long-lived assets in the exploration, development or producing stage that have a value beyond proven and probable reserves will be monitored for impairment based on factors such as current market value of the mineral property and results of exploration, future asset utilization, business climate, mineral prices and future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the related assets. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, including evaluating its reserves beyond proven and probable amounts.

Our policy is to record an impairment loss in the period when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable either by impairment or by abandonment of the property. The impairment loss is calculated as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds its fair value.

Asset Retirement Obligation - Future obligations to retire an asset, including site closure, are recorded as a liability at fair value in the period incurred. The fair value determination is based on estimated future cash flows, the current credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate and an estimated inflation factor. The value of the liability is evaluated at least annually or as new information becomes available. As reclamation work is performed or liabilities are otherwise settled, the recorded amount of the liability will be reduced.

Future reclamation expenditures are difficult to estimate in many circumstances due to the early stage nature of the exploration project, the uncertainties associated with defining the nature and extent of environmental disturbance, the application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities and changes in reclamation technology. Changes in estimates are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations in the period an estimate is revised.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our financial position was as follows at December 31, ~~2015~~2016 and ~~2014~~2015:

		2015		2014
		2016		2015
Cash	$	~~103~~56,~~343~~359	$	~~259~~103,~~495~~343
Current liabilities	$	~~378~~2,~~090~~905,092	$	1378,~~058,816~~090
Accrued reclamation costs	$	672,338	$	672,338
Stockholders' equity	$	176,~~447~~689,~~856~~798	$	17,~~136~~447,~~624~~856

During our fiscal year ended 2016, our liquidity position was affected by the following:

	•	Continued exploration stage losses of $12,335,679 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.
	•	Significant non-cash expenses through this period included depreciation of $327,763, stock-based compensation of $1,122,328, investor relations costs of $435,668 and loss on the abandonment of mineral rights of $7,642,245.
	•	We were able to defer certain payments due to officers, directors, vendors and related parties in an effort to conserve cash resulting in an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $1,350,035.
	•	We received $1,037,000 from a related party (Nanominerals) and $150,000 from the issuance of convertible notes to unrelated third parties.

During our fiscal year ended 2015, our liquidity position was affected by the following:

• Continued exploration stage losses of $471,131 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. Significant non-cash expenses through this period included depreciation of $540,458, and stock-based compensation of $500,194,. ~~and~~• aWe ~~change~~received ingross proceeds of $3,800,000 from the ~~derivative~~sale ~~liability~~of 2015 Special Warrants and $10,000 from the exercise of stock options. • The proceeds received from equity transactions allowed us to purchase equipment totaling $3298,~~866~~469,~~450~~ pay down accounts payable by $332,276 and pay BLM claim maintenance fees of $187,807.

•	We received gross proceeds of $3,800,000 from the sale of 2015 Special Warrants and $10,000 from the exercise of stock options.
•	The proceeds received from equity transactions allowed us to purchase equipment totaling $298,469, pay down accounts payable by $332,276 and pay BLM claim maintenance fees of $187,807.

Our long term assets at December 31, 2016 include mineral properties of $8,239,934 (2015 - $15,882,179). Amounts capitalized on our balance sheet for mineral properties reflect the acquisition costs of those properties. These amounts may not be reflective of fair market value, and may not be representative of the amount the Company could realize on a sale of its mineral properties or upon liquidation.

~~During our fiscal year ended 2014, our liquidity position was affected by the following:~~ 34

• Continued exploration stage losses of $20,062,937 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. Significant non-cash expenses through this period included the abandonment of mineral rights of $16,245,954, depreciation of $943,248, and share based compensation of $297,079. • Accounts payable increased during this period by $479,937. • The $3,128,390 in net proceeds received from equity transactions allowed us to purchase equipment totaling $55,364 and pay BLM maintenance fees of $187,797.

Our long term assets at December 31, 2015 include mineral properties of $15,882,179 (2014 - $15,882,179). Amounts capitalized on our balance sheet for mineral properties reflect the acquisition costs of those properties. These amounts may not be reflective of fair market value, and may not be representative of the amount the Company could realize on a sale of its mineral properties or upon liquidation.

Looking Forward

We have budgeted for the following cash expenditures for the twelve months ending December 31, ~~2016~~2017:

Columbus Project
• Property Payments	$	188,000
•	Property Payments	$	56,000
• Drilling Program and Mineralization Estimates		806,000
•	Drilling Program and Mineralization Estimates		989,000
• Pilot Plant / Project Feasibility		1,709,000
•	Pilot Plant / Project Feasibility		1,373,000
~~Total for Columbus Project~~	$Total for Columbus Project	~~2,703,000~~$	2,418,000
General and Administration
~~Total for General and Administration~~	$Total for General and Administration	~~1,737,000~~$	2,140,000
Total Expected Expenses	$	~~4,440,000~~$	4,558,000
Total Expected Capital Expenditures	$	~~200,000~~$	600,000
Total Expected Cash Expenditures	$	~~4,640,000~~$	5,158,000

During the next twelve months, we will continue to focus our efforts on developing the Columbus Project, resulting in the following expectations:

• Our management anticipates that the minimum cash requirements for funding our proposed exploration programs and our continued operations through December 31, ~~2016~~2017 will be approximately $45,~~640~~158,000. As of December 31, ~~2015~~2016, we had cash reserves in the amount of approximately $~~103~~56,~~000~~400. ~~Our~~Subsequent ~~current~~to ~~financial~~our ~~resources~~year ~~are~~ended ~~not~~December ~~sufficient~~31, to2016, ~~allow~~we usraised togross ~~meet~~proceeds of $3,076,474 through the ~~anticipated~~exercise ~~cash~~of ~~expenditures~~outstanding ~~for~~warrants ~~the~~at ~~twelve~~a ~~month~~reduced ~~period~~exercise ~~ending~~price ~~December~~of 31$0.08, ~~2016.~~$32,000 Wethrough ~~anticipate~~the ~~that~~exercise of outstanding options under our ~~existing~~2007 ~~financial~~Stock ~~resources~~Option ~~are~~Plan ~~sufficient~~and ~~only~~$3,949,530 tothrough ~~pay~~private ~~for~~placement ~~the~~sales ~~anticipated~~of ~~costs~~shares of our ~~exploration~~common ~~program~~stock ~~until~~at ~~April~~$0.08 ~~2016~~per share. We will require additional financing to complete our exploration plans and to continue our operations . If we are unable to obtain additional financing, we will adjust our operating plan depending upon our existing financial resources. Over the past few months the Company has been funding operations with funds paid indirectly to suppliers and funds loaned to the Company by Nanominerals and affiliates of Nanominerals. The loans are unsecured and payable on demand. • Our management isexercised ~~exercising~~ cost cutting and cash preservation measures during 2016 for the purpose of extending the length of time that our ~~current~~ cash position ~~will~~would allow us to continue operations. As part of these changes, compensation to our Chief Executive Officer, Douglas D.G. Birnie, Nanominerals Corp., and our independent board members ~~has~~had been deferred until such time as the Company has sufficient funds. These past due amounts were settled by end of Q1 2017 with a combination of cash payments and exchange of debt for common stock as part of the above described private placement at $0.08 per share. • Our twelve month budget includes capital expenditures of $~~200~~600,000; however, we do not have any purchase commitments for capital assets.

Certain key factors will affect our future financial and operating results. These include, but are not limited to the following:

•

We have not yet earned any operational revenues since our inception. We may not generate sufficient revenues from our proposed business plan in the future to achieve profitable operations. If we are not able to achieve profitable operations at some point in the future, we eventually may have insufficient working capital to maintain our operations as we presently intend to conduct them or to fund our expansion plans. Our current financial resources may not be sufficient to allow us to meet our anticipated cash expenditures during for the next 12 months. We require substantial additional financing in the near term. We do not have any additional financing arrangements in place, and there is no assurance that we will be able to raise financing sufficient to meet our needs or on terms that are acceptable to us.

3135

•

Obtaining additional financing is subject to a number of factors, including the market prices for base and precious metals, investor interest in our mineral projects, and the performance of equity markets in general. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms or conditions of additional financing unavailable to us. If adequate funds are not available or if they are not available on acceptable terms, our ability to fund our business plan could be significantly limited and we may be required to suspend our business operations.

For these reasons, our financial statements filed herewith include a statement that these factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern will be dependent on our raising of additional capital and the success of our business plan.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Revenue. We have not earned any operational revenues since our inception and we do not anticipate earning revenues until our mineral properties enter into commercial production, of which there are no assurances. Our pilot production plant at the Columbus Project is currently being operated for pre-feasibility testing purposes only. We are currently in the exploration stage of our business and we can provide no assurances that we will be able to establish the existence of probable or proved mineral reserves on our properties, or if such reserves are established, that we will be able to enter into commercial production.

Operating Expenses

Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses decreased by 3239% to $1,~~635~~001,~~507~~571 during the year ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016 from $21,~~409~~635,~~559~~507 during the year ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015. The decrease was due to the ~~reduced~~termination ~~claim~~of ~~maintenance~~Western ~~fees,~~Analytical’s ~~reduced~~contract ~~operating~~given ~~expenses~~our ~~and~~cash ~~less~~constraints. Western ~~metallurgical~~Analytical ~~work~~was ~~performed~~paid by a ~~third~~monthly ~~party~~fee ~~consultant~~of in$52,800 ~~2015~~for annual fees of 633,600.

Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses – related party ~~decreased~~increased by 340% to $~~438~~616,~~917~~274 for the year ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016 from $~~451~~438,~~930~~917 for the year ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015. The ~~decrease~~increase is due to ~~reduced~~increased ~~reimbursable~~expenses ~~metallurgy~~paid by and ~~travel~~invoiced ~~expenses~~through ~~paid to~~ Nanominerals given inour ~~2015~~cash constraints.

General and administrative expenses increased by ~~0.3~~53% to $12,~~803~~751,~~989~~442 for the year ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016 from $1,~~797~~803,~~901~~989 for the year ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015. The increase is ~~primarily~~due ~~the~~in ~~result~~part ofto ~~additional~~our grant of ~~stock~~13,020,000 options ~~issued~~and warrants in ~~2015~~2016 compared to ~~2014~~3,500,000 ~~partially~~in ~~offset~~2015. byIn addition, ~~reductions~~ in ~~officer~~ ~~salaries~~Q4, ~~accounting~~the ~~fees,~~expiring warrants were extended and ~~legal~~the exercise prices were decreased to $0.08. Both events resulted in an increase in stock based expenses of $1,057,802 as compared to 2015.

Abandonment of mineral rights ~~decreased~~increased ~~by 100%~~ to $07,642,245 during the year ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016 from $~~16,245,954~~0 during the year ~~ended~~ ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015. Abandonment of Mineral Rights for ~~2014~~2016 represents our election on August 31, ~~2014~~2016 not to renew ~~198~~328 mineral claims that previously formed part of the Columbus Project by declining to pay the BLM maintenance fees for those claims. ~~See “The Columbus Project.”~~

Other Income and Expenses ~~increased~~decreased by ~~108~~100% to $3,~~950,690~~616 during the year ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016 from $13,~~898~~950,~~101 during~~690 during the year ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015. The ~~increase~~decrease iswas ~~primarily~~ due to ~~additional~~ all Special Warrants being ~~underlying~~exercised ~~the~~or ~~derivative~~converted ~~liability~~in ~~and~~February ~~the decreased~~2016 ~~stock~~thus ~~price~~no ~~affecting~~gain/loss ~~the~~on derivative liability ~~valuation~~in at2016. ~~the~~The ~~end~~2015 ~~of Q4~~gain ~~2015~~on derivative liability was $3,866,450.

Income Tax Expense decreased by 25100% to an ~~expense~~ expense of $~~2,950~~0 during the year ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016 from an expense of $32,~~927~~950 during the year ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015.

Net Loss. The aforementioned factors resulted in a net loss of $~~471~~12,~~131~~335,679, or $0.0007 per common share, for the year ended ~~December~~ December 31, ~~2015~~2016, as compared with a net loss of $20471,~~062~~131,~~937,~~ or $0.1400 per common share, for the year ended December 31, ~~2014~~2015.

3236

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no significant off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to stockholders.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) that are adopted by us, as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards did not or will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In ~~June~~August 2014, the FASB issued “ASU” 2014-1215, ~~Compensation~~Presentation ~~- Stock~~of ~~Compensation~~Financial -Statements ~~Accounting~~– ~~for~~Going ~~Share-Based~~Concern. ~~Payments~~The ~~When~~new ~~the~~standard ~~Terms~~requires ofmanagement ~~an Award~~of ~~Provide~~public ~~That~~and aprivate ~~Performance~~companies ~~Target~~to ~~Could~~evaluate Bewhether ~~Achieved~~there ~~after~~is ~~the~~substantial ~~Requisite Service~~doubt ~~Period,~~about ~~which~~the isentity’s ~~effective~~ability ~~for~~to ~~financial~~continue ~~statements~~as ~~issued~~a ~~for~~going ~~interim~~concern and ~~annual~~, ~~periods~~if ~~beginning on or after December 15~~so, ~~2015. The guidance requires~~disclose that afact. ~~performance~~Management ~~target~~is ~~that~~also ~~affects~~required ~~vesting~~to evaluate and ~~that~~disclose ~~could~~whether ~~be achieved after~~its ~~the~~plans ~~requisite~~alleviate ~~service~~that ~~period~~doubt. beThe ~~treated~~new asstandard ais ~~performance~~effective ~~condition~~for ~~and~~annual ~~should~~periods ~~not~~ending beafter ~~reflected~~December in15, ~~the~~2016, ~~estimate~~and ofinterim ~~the~~periods ~~grant-date~~within ~~fair~~annual ~~value~~periods beginning ofafter ~~the~~December ~~award~~15, 2016. ~~Adoption~~ ofWe adopted the new ~~guidance~~standard isin ~~not expected to have an impact on~~ the fourth ~~consolidated~~quarter ~~financial position, results~~ of ~~operations or cash flows~~2016.

In August ~~2014~~2016, the FASB issued “ASU” ~~2014~~No. 2016-15, ~~Presentation of~~which ~~Financial~~clarifies ~~Statements~~diversity –in ~~Going~~practice ~~Concern.~~in ~~The~~how ~~new~~certain ~~standard~~cash ~~requires~~receipts ~~management of public~~ and ~~private~~cash ~~companies~~payments are topresented ~~evaluate~~and ~~whether~~classified ~~there~~in ~~is substantial doubt about~~ the ~~entity’s~~statement ~~ability~~of tocash ~~continue as a going concern and, if so, disclose that fact~~flows. ~~Management~~The ~~will~~update ~~also be required~~ to ~~evaluate and disclose whether its~~the ~~plans alleviate that doubt. The new~~ standard is effective ~~for~~beginning ~~annual~~January ~~periods ending after December 15~~1, ~~2016~~2018, ~~and~~with ~~interim~~early ~~periods within annual periods~~application ~~beginning~~permitted. ~~after~~We ~~December~~are ~~15,~~evaluating ~~2016.~~the ~~Adoption~~effect of the ~~new~~ guidance iswill ~~not expected to~~ have ~~an impact~~ on ~~the~~ its consolidated financial ~~position, results of operations or cash flows~~statements.

In ~~November~~March ~~2014~~2016, ~~the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“~~ASU”) ~~2014~~No. 2016-~~16,~~09 ~~Determining~~was ~~Whether~~issued ~~the~~related ~~Host~~to ~~Contract in a Hybrid Financial~~stock ~~Instrument~~based ~~Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity~~compensation. The ~~ASU~~ ~~clarifies how current~~ guidance ~~should~~changes behow ~~interpreted~~companies inaccount ~~evaluating~~for ~~the~~certain ~~economic~~aspects ~~characteristics and risks~~ of ashare-based ~~host~~payment ~~contract~~awards into aemployees, ~~hybrid~~including ~~financial instrument that is issued in~~ the ~~form~~accounting offor income ataxes, ~~share. Specifically~~forfeitures, ~~the~~and ~~amendments clarify~~statutory ~~that~~tax anwithholding ~~entity~~requirements, ~~should~~as ~~consider all relevant terms and features,~~well ~~including~~as ~~the~~classification ~~embedded derivative feature being evaluated for bifurcation,~~ in ~~evaluating~~ the ~~nature~~statement of acash ~~host contract~~flows. The ~~ASU~~update isto ~~effective~~the ~~for~~standard ~~fiscal years~~is ~~and~~effective ~~interim periods~~ beginning ~~after~~June ~~December~~1, 152017, ~~2015.~~with ~~The~~early ~~Company~~application ispermitted. ~~currently assessing~~Adoption of the ~~impact,~~new ~~if any, of implementing this~~ guidance onis ~~its~~being ~~consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows~~evaluated.

33In February 2016, ASU No. 2016-02 was issued related to leases. The new guidance modifies the classification criteria and requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from most leases on the balance sheet. This update is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. Adoption of the new guidance is being evaluated.

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Index to Financial Statements:

Audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016, including:

1. Report of Independent Registered Accounting Firm (Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corporation); 2. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, ~~2015~~2016 and ~~2014~~2015; 3. Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016 and ~~2014~~2015; 4. Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity; 5. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016 and ~~2014~~2015; and 6. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016 and ~~2014~~2015.

3438

BROWN ARMSTRONG
ACCOUNTANCY CORPORATION

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ~~ACCOUNTIN~~ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Ireland Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ireland Inc. as of December 31, ~~2015~~2016 and ~~2014~~2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016. Ireland Inc.’s management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ireland Inc. as of December 31, ~~2015~~ 2016 and ~~2014~~2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming Ireland Inc. will continue as a going concern. As described in Note 1 to the financial statements, Ireland Inc.’s operating losses raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern, unless Ireland Inc. attains future profitable operations and/or obtains additional financing. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty .

BROWN ARMSTRONG ACCOUNTANCY CORPORATION

	BROWN ARMSTRONG
	ACCOUNTANCY CORPORATION

Bakersfield, California
April 10, 2017

Bakersfield, California April 14, 2016

G FIRM

IRELAND INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

		December 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
		December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash	$	~~103~~56,~~343~~359		$	~~259~~103,~~495~~343
Other receivables		42,~~177~~279			64,~~380~~177
Prepaid expenses		~~299~~93,~~623~~488			~~260~~299,~~484~~623
Total current assets		~~407~~152,~~143~~126			~~526~~407,~~359~~143
Property and equipment, net		1749,~~077,516~~753			1,~~319~~077,~~506~~516
Mineral properties		158,~~882~~239,~~179~~934			15,882,179
Reclamation bonds		1,~~121~~115,~~184~~153			1,~~129~~121,~~472~~184
Deposits		10,262			10,262
Total non-current assets		1810,~~091~~115,~~141~~102			18,~~341~~091,~~419~~141
Total assets	$	1810,~~498~~267,~~284~~228		$	18,~~867~~498,~~778~~284
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	~~149~~772,~~622~~720		$	~~390~~149,~~888~~622
Accounts payable - related party		~~145~~761,~~168~~442			~~237~~145,~~551~~168
Accrued payroll and related taxes		60170,~~010~~673			5860,~~637~~010
Due to related party		23,290			23,290
Convertible notes, net of discount		139,967			-
Derivative liability		-			348,450
Due to related party		1,060,290			23,290
Total current liabilities		~~378~~2,~~090~~905,092			1378,~~058,816~~090
Long-term liabilities
Asset retirement obligation		672,338			672,338
Total long-term liabilities		672,338			672,338
Total liabilities		13,~~050~~577,~~428~~430			1,~~731~~050,~~154~~428
Commitments and contingencies - Note 8
Commitments and contingencies - Note 9
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized, 158,697,875 and 150,772,875 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding		158,696			150,771
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized, 181,472,875 and 158,697,875 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding		181,471			158,696
Additional paid-in capital		6667,~~406~~960,~~028~~874			6566,~~626~~406,~~112~~028
Accumulated other comprehensive income		-			5,478
Accumulated deficit		(61,452,547	)		(49,116,868	)
Accumulated deficit		(49,116,868	)		(48,645,737	)
Total stockholders' equity		6,689,798			17,447,856
Total stockholders' equity		17,447,856			17,136,624
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	10,267,228		$	18,498,284
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	18,498,284		$	18,867,778

See Accompanying Notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements
F-1

IRELAND INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

		For the year ended
		December 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
		December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Revenue	$	-		$	-
Operating expenses
Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses		1,~~635~~001,~~507~~571			21,~~409~~635,~~559~~507
Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses - related party		~~438~~616,~~917~~274			~~451~~438,~~930~~917
General and administrative		12,~~803~~751,~~989~~442			1,~~797~~803,~~901~~989
Depreciation		~~540~~327,~~458~~763			~~943~~540,~~248~~458
Loss on asset disposal		-			2,519
Abandonment of mineral rights		7,642,245			-
Mineral and property holding costs		-			106,000
Total operating expenses		12,339,295			4,418,871
Abandonment of mineral rights		-			16,245,954
Loss from operations		(12,339,295	)		(4,418,871	)
Total operating expenses		4,418,871			21,957,111
Loss from operations		(4,418,871	)		(21,957,111	)
Other income (expense)
Interest income		156,~~601~~287			1915,~~036~~601
Rental income - related party		7021,~~272~~084			~~279~~70,~~220~~272
Change in derivative liability		~~3,866,450~~-			13,~~602~~866,~~973~~450
Interest expense		(123,~~633~~755	)		(31,~~128~~633	)
Total other income (expense)		3,~~950,690~~616			13,~~898~~950,~~101~~690
Loss before income taxes		(~~468~~12,~~181~~335,679	)		(20468,~~059,010~~181	)
Income tax expense		~~(2,950~~-	)		(32,~~927~~950	)
Net loss	$	(~~471~~12,~~131~~335,679	)	$	(20471,~~062,937~~131	)
Loss per common share - basic and diluted	$	(0.0007	)	$	(0.1400	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and dilutive		155,488,560			148,229,651
Weighted average common shares outstanding -
basic and diluted		177,905,204			155,488,560
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
Net loss	$	(~~471~~12,~~131~~335,679	)	$	(20471,~~062,937~~131	)
Other comprehensive loss
Unrealized loss on investments, net of deferred tax		~~(5,478~~-	)		(75,~~293~~478	)
Total comprehensive loss	$	(~~476~~12,~~609~~335,679	)	$	(20476,~~070,230~~609	)

See Accompanying Notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements
F-2

IRELAND INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

								Accumulated
								Other						Total
	Common Stock				Additional			Comprehensive			Accumulated			Stockholders'
	Shares		Amount		Paid-in Capital			Income			Deficit			Equity
Balance, December 31, 2013	146,559,542	$	146,558	$	64,156,279		$	12,771		$	(28,582,800	)	$	35,732,808
Stock-based compensation	-		-		297,079			-			-			297,079
Issuance of warrants for cash, net	-		-		2,819,390			-			-			2,819,390
Derivative liability	-		-		(1,951,423	)		-			-			(1,951,423	)
Exercise of Special Warrants	2,700,000		2,700		(2,700	)		-			-			-
Issuance of shares for cash, net	1,513,333		1,513		307,487			-			-			309,000
Unrealized loss on investments, net of $3,927 deferred tax	-		-		-			(7,293	)		-			(7,293	)
Net loss, December 31, 2014	-		-		-			-			(20,062,937	)		(20,062,937	)
Balance, December 31, 2014	150,772,875	$	150,771	$	65,626,112		$	5,478		$	(48,645,737	)	$	17,136,624
Balance, December 31, 2014	150,772,875	$	150,771	$	65,626,112		$	5,478		$	(48,645,737	)	$	17,136,624
Stock-based compensation	-		-		500,194			-			-			500,194
Issuance of warrants for cash, net	-		-		3,795,647			-			-			3,795,647
Issuance of shares for cash	200,000		200		9,800			-			-			10,000
Exercise of Special Warrants	7,725,000		7,725		(7,725	)		-			-			-
Derivative liability	-		-		(3,518,000	)		-			-			(3,518,000	)
Exercise of Special Warrants	7,725,000		7,725		(7,725	)		-			-			-
Issuance of shares for cash, net	200,000		200		9,800			-			-			10,000
Unrealized loss on investments, net of $2,950 deferred tax	-		-		-			(5,478	)		-			(5,478	)
Net loss, December 31, 2015	-		-		-			-			(471,131	)		(471,131	)
Balance, December 31, 2015	158,697,875	$	158,696	$	66,406,028		$	-		$	(49,116,868	)	$	17,447,856
Balance, December 31, 2015	158,697,875	$	158,696	$	66,406,028		$	-		$	(49,116,868	)	$	17,447,856
Stock-based compensation	-		-		1,122,328			-			-			1,122,328
Investor relations expense	-		-		435,668			-			-			435,668
Exercise of Special Warrants, net	22,775,000		22,775		(23,150	)		-			-			(375	)
Issuance of warrants for convertible notes	-		-		20,000			-			-			20,000
Net loss, December 31, 2016	-		-		-			-			(12,335,679	)		(12,335,679	)
Balance, December 31, 2016	181,472,875	$	181,471	$	67,960,874		$	-		$	(61,452,547	)	$	6,689,798

See Accompanying Notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements
F-3

IRELAND INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

		For the year ended
		December 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
		December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss	$	(~~471~~12,~~131~~335,679	)	$	(20471,~~062,937~~131	)
Adjustments to reconcile loss from operations to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation		~~540~~327,~~458~~763			~~943~~540,~~248~~458
Loss on asset disposal		-			2,519
Stock-based compensation		1,122,328			500,194
Abandonment of mineral rights		-			16,245,954
Investor relations expense		435,668			-
Stock-based compensation		500,194			297,079
Abandonment of mineral rights		7,642,245			-
Change in derivative liability		(3,866,450	)		(1,602,973	)
Amortization of debt discount		9,967			-
Deferred income taxes		2,950			3,927
Change in derivative liability		-			(3,866,450	)
Deferred income taxes		-			2,950
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Other receivables		21,~~203~~898			2,~~000~~203
Prepaid expenses and deposits		(39,139	)		91,392
Prepaid expenses		206,135			(39,139	)
Reclamation bonds and other deposits		~~(139~~6,031	)		~~1,952~~(139	)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		~~(332~~1,~~276~~350,035	)		~~479~~(332,~~937~~276	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(31,~~663~~233,~~330~~609	)		(3,~~597~~663,~~902~~330	)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property and equipment		~~(298,469~~-	)		(55298,~~364~~469	)
Proceeds from certificate of deposit		-			75,000
Net cash used by investing activities		-			(298,469	)
Proceeds from asset disposal		-			1,000
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities		(298,469	)		20,636
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from equity issuances		~~3,810,000~~-			3,~~149~~810,000
Financing issuance costs		(4,353	)		(20,610	)
Advances due to related party		1,037,000			-
Net cash provided by financing activities		3,805,647			3,128,390
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes		150,000			-
NET CHANGE IN CASH		(156,152	)		(448,876	)
Financing issuance costs		(375	)		(4,353	)
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD		259,495			708,371
Net cash provided by financing activities		1,186,625			3,805,647
CASH AT END OF PERIOD	$	103,343		$	259,495
NET CHANGE IN CASH		(46,984	)		(156,152	)
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD		103,343			259,495
CASH AT END OF PERIOD	$	56,359		$	103,343
		-
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Interest paid	$	16,~~633~~267		$	31,~~128~~633
Income taxes paid	$	-		$	-
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Investor warrants issued with non-customary anti-dilution provisions	$	3,518,000		$	1,951,423
Detachable warrants issued with convertible notes	$	20,000		$	-
Investor warrants issued with non-customary anti-dilution provisions	$	-		$	3,518,000

See Accompanying Notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements
F-4

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES
	Description of business - Ireland Inc. (the “Company”) is primarily focused on the acquisition and exploration of mining properties and has been in the exploration stage since its formation. The Company has not yet realized any revenues from its planned operations. Upon identification of commercially minable reserves, the Company expects to actively prepare the site for mineral extraction and enter the development stage.
	History - The Company was incorporated on February 20, 2001 under the laws of the State of Nevada under the name Merritt Ventures Corp. On December 19, 2005, the Company changed its name to Ireland Inc.
	Basis of presentation - The financial statements present the consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Company. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
	Going concern - The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern.
	Since its formation, the Company has incurred comprehensive cumulative net losses of $49,116,868 as of December 31, 2015. The Company has not commenced its commercial mining and mineral processing operations; rather, it is still in the exploration stage, raising substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company will seek additional sources of capital through the issuance of debt or equity financing, but there can be no assurance the Company will be successful in accomplishing its objectives.
	The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on additional sources of capital and the success of the Company’s plan. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
	Principles of consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Columbus Minerals Inc. (“CMI”) (including its wholly- owned single-member LLC subsidiary, Columbus Salt Marsh LLC (“CSM”)) and Rand Metals LLC (“Rand”). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Use of estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. By their nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty and the effect on the financial statements of changes in such estimates in future periods could be significant. Significant areas requiring management’s estimates and assumptions include the valuation of stock-based compensation and the derivative liability, impairment analysis of long-lived assets, asset retirement obligations and the realizability of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

1.	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES

Description of business - Ireland Inc. (the “Company”) is primarily focused on the acquisition and exploration of mining properties and has been in the exploration stage since its formation. The Company has not yet realized any revenues from its planned operations. Upon identification of commercially minable reserves, the Company expects to actively prepare the site for mineral extraction and enter the development stage.

History - The Company was incorporated on February 20, 2001 under the laws of the State of Nevada under the name Merritt Ventures Corp. On December 19, 2005, the Company changed its name to Ireland Inc.

Basis of presentation - The financial statements present the consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Company. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Going concern - The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with GAAP. The going concern basis of presentation assumes that the Company will continue in operation for the next twelve months and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The Company’s history of losses, working capital deficit, minimal liquidity and other factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. In order for the Company to continue operations beyond the next twelve months and be able to discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business it must raise additional equity or debt and continue cost cutting measures. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve sustainable profitable operations or obtain additional funds when needed or that such funds, if available, will be obtainable on terms satisfactory to management.

If the Company continues to incur operating losses and does not raise sufficient additional capital, material adverse events may occur including, but not limited to, 1) a reduction in the nature and scope of the Company’s operations and 2) the Company’s inability to fully implement its current business plan. There can be no assurance that the Company will successfully improve its liquidity position. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not reflect any adjustments that might be required resulting from the adverse outcome relating to this uncertainty.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had cumulative net losses of $61,452,547 from operations and had not commenced its commercial mining and mineral processing operations; rather it is still in the exploration stage. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company incurred a net loss of $12,335,679, had negative cash flows from operating activities of $1,233,609 and will incur additional future losses due to planned continued exploration expenses. In addition, the Company had a working capital deficit totaling $2,752,966 at December 31, 2016.

To address liquidity constraints, the Company temporarily reduced the exercise price of 88,450,160 warrants and 8,967,197 stock options to $0.08 per share for a period ending February 17, 2017. As a result, subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company raised $3,076,474 and issued 38,455,921 shares of common stock. Additionally, on March 29, 2017, the Company completed a private placement offering of 49,369,123 shares of common stock at a price of $0.08 per share, for total gross proceeds of $3,949,530.

F-5

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (continued)
	Reclassification – Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations. In the third quarter of 2015, the Company’s U.S. Treasury Notes and certificates of deposit were reclassified as reclamation bonds on the consolidated balance sheet. Previously, such investments had been classified as restricted investments held for reclamation bonds. The corresponding reclassifications have also been made to the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2014. This change in classification does not materially affect previously reported cash flows from operations or from financing activities and had no effect on the previously reported consolidated statement of operations.
	Fair value of financial instruments - Fair value accounting establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

1.	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (continued)

	Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
	Level 2	Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
	Level 3	Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).

Management believes that these funds will allow the Company to continue its operations for the next twelve months. Additionally, the Company will continue to reduce expenses and defer payment of certain obligations where available. The Company is focused on continuing to reduce costs and obtaining additional funding. There is no assurance that such funding will be available on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all. If the Company raises additional funds by selling additional shares of capital stock, securities convertible into shares of capital stock or the issuance of convertible debt, the ownership interest of the Company’s existing common stock holders will be diluted.

~~The~~Principles ~~Company’s~~of ~~financial~~consolidation ~~instruments~~- ~~consist~~The ofconsolidated afinancial ~~derivative~~statements ~~liability.~~include ~~The~~the ~~Company~~accounts ~~calculates~~of the ~~fair~~Company ~~value of its~~and ~~derivative~~its ~~liability~~wholly-owned ~~using the Binomial Lattice model~~subsidiary, aColumbus ~~level~~Minerals ~~3 input~~Inc. ~~The~~(“CMI”) (including its ~~change~~wholly-owned insingle-member ~~fair~~LLC ~~value~~subsidiary, ofColumbus ~~the~~Salt ~~derivative~~Marsh ~~liability~~LLC ~~is classified in other income~~ (~~expense~~“CSM”) ~~in the consolidated statement of operations~~). ~~The Company generally~~ ~~does~~Intercompany ~~not~~accounts ~~use~~and ~~derivative~~transactions ~~financial~~have ~~instruments~~been ~~to hedge exposures to cash flow, market or foreign currency risks~~eliminated.

~~There~~Use ~~have~~of ~~been~~estimates no- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. By their nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty and the effect on the financial statements of changes in such estimates in future periods could be significant. Significant areas requiring management’s estimates and assumptions include the valuation of ~~techniques~~stock-based orcompensation, ~~transfers~~impairment analysis of long-lived assets, ~~between~~asset retirement ~~levels~~obligations ~~for~~and the ~~years~~realizability ~~ended~~of ~~December~~deferred tax assets. Actual ~~31,~~results ~~2015~~could ordiffer ~~2014~~from those estimates.

Mineral properties - Costs of acquiring mineral properties are capitalized upon acquisition. Exploration costs and costs to maintain mineral properties are expensed as incurred while the project is in the exploration stage. Development costs and costs to maintain mineral properties are capitalized as incurred while the property is in the development stage. When a property reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs are amortized using the units-of-production basis over the proven and probable reserves.

Mineral exploration and development costs - Exploration expenditures incurred prior to entering the development stage are expensed and included in mineral exploration and evaluation expenses.

Property and equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 20 years. The cost of repairs and maintenance is charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for property betterments and renewals are capitalized. Upon sale or other disposition of a depreciable asset, cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations.

Impairment of long-lived assets - The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment at each balance sheet date due to its planned exploration stage losses and documents such impairment testing. Mineral properties in the exploration stage are monitored for impairment based on factors such as the Company’s continued right to explore the property, exploration reports, drill results, technical reports and continued plans to fund exploration programs on the property.

F-6

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (continued)
	Impairment of long-lived assets - The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment at each balance sheet date due to its planned exploration stage losses and documents such impairment testing. Mineral properties in the exploration stage are monitored for impairment based on factors such as the Company’s continued right to explore the property, exploration reports, drill results, technical reports and continued plans to fund exploration programs on the property.
	The tests for long-lived assets in the exploration, development or producing stage that have a value beyond proven and probable reserves will be monitored for impairment based on factors such as current market value of the mineral property and results of exploration, future asset utilization, business climate, mineral prices and future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the related assets. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, including evaluating its reserves beyond proven and probable amounts.
	The Company's policy is to record an impairment loss in the period when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable either by impairment or by abandonment of the property. The impairment loss is calculated as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds its fair value. While the Company incurred losses from operations, these losses have not been in excess of planned expenditures on the specific mineral properties in order to ultimately realize their value.
	Asset retirement obligation – Future obligations to retire an asset, including site closure, are recorded as a liability at fair value in the period incurred. The fair value determination is based on estimated future cash flows, the current credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate and an estimated inflation factor. The value of the liability is evaluated at least annually or as new information becomes available. As reclamation work is performed or liabilities are otherwise settled, the recorded amount of the liability will be reduced.
	Future reclamation expenditures are difficult to estimate in many circumstances due to the early stage nature of the exploration project, the uncertainties associated with defining the nature and extent of environmental disturbance, the application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities and changes in reclamation technology. Changes in estimates are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations in the period an estimate is revised.
	Per share amounts - Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. In computing diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares outstanding is adjusted to reflect the effect of potentially dilutive securities, such as stock options and warrants. Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the calculation when their inclusion would be anti-dilutive, such as periods when a net loss is reported or when the exercise price of the instrument exceeds its fair market value. 97,942,357 and 76,154,857 stock options and warrants were outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, but were not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
	Stock-based compensation - Stock-based compensation awards are recognized in the financial statements based on the grant date fair value of the award which is estimated using the Binomial Lattice option pricing model. The Company believes that this model provides the best estimate of fair value due to its ability to incorporate inputs that change over time, such as volatility and interest rates, and to allow for the actual exercise behavior of option holders. The compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period which is generally equal to the vesting period. Upon exercise, shares issued will be newly issued shares from authorized common stock.

1.	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (continued)

The Company's policy is to record an impairment loss in the period when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable either by impairment or by abandonment of the property. The impairment loss is calculated as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds its fair value. While the Company incurred losses from operations, these losses have not been in excess of planned expenditures on the specific mineral properties in order to ultimately realize their value.

Asset retirement obligation – Future obligations to retire an asset, including site closure, are recorded as a liability at fair value in the period incurred. The fair value determination is based on estimated future cash flows, the current credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate and an estimated inflation factor. The value of the liability is evaluated at least annually or as new information becomes available. As reclamation work is performed or liabilities are otherwise settled, the recorded amount of the liability will be reduced.

Per share amounts - Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. In computing diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares outstanding is adjusted to reflect the effect of potentially dilutive securities, such as stock options and warrants. Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the calculation when their inclusion would be anti-dilutive, such as periods when a net loss is reported or when the exercise price of the instrument exceeds its fair market value. 110,262,357 and 97,942,357 stock options and warrants were outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, but were not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Stock-based compensation - Stock-based compensation awards are recognized in the financial statements based on the grant date fair value of the award which is estimated using the Binomial Lattice option pricing model. The Company believes that this model provides the best estimate of fair value due to its ability to incorporate inputs that change over time, such as volatility and interest rates, and to allow for the actual exercise behavior of option holders. The compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period which is generally equal to the vesting period. Upon exercise, shares issued will be newly issued shares from authorized common stock.

The fair value of performance-based stock option grants is determined on their grant date through use of the Binomial Lattice option pricing model. The total value of the award is recognized over the requisite service period only if management has determined that achievement of the performance condition is probable. The requisite service period is based on management’s estimate of when the performance condition will be met. Changes in the requisite service period or the estimated probability of achievement can materially affect the amount of stock-based compensation recognized in the financial statements.

F-7

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (continued)
	The fair value of performance-based stock option grants is determined on their grant date through use of the Binomial Lattice option pricing model. The total value of the award is recognized over the requisite service period only if management has determined that achievement of the performance condition is probable. The requisite service period is based on management’s estimate of when the performance condition will be met. Changes in the requisite service period or the estimated probability of achievement can materially affect the amount of stock-based compensation recognized in the financial statements.
	The fair value of market-based stock option grants is determined on their grant date through use of an option pricing model which uses a combination of Monte Carlo simulation and a Trinomial Lattice function. The requisite service period for market-based awards is derived from the model. Achievement of the market condition earlier than estimated can materially affect the amount of stock- based compensation recognized in the financial statements.
	Income taxes - The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. This method recognizes certain temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of liabilities and assets and the related income tax basis for such liabilities and assets. This method generates either a net deferred income tax liability or asset as measured by the statutory tax rates in effect. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income tax assets when it believes, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized.
	For acquired properties that do not constitute a business, a deferred income tax liability is recorded on GAAP basis over income tax basis using statutory federal and state rates. The resulting estimated future income tax liability associated with the temporary difference between the acquisition consideration and the tax basis is reflected as an increase in the total purchase price which is then applied to the underlying acquired assets in the absence of there being a goodwill component associated with the acquisition transactions.
	Recent accounting standards - From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. The Company has evaluated all of the recent accounting pronouncements and unless otherwise discussed, believes they will not have a material effect on the financial statements.
	In November 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-16, Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity. The ASU clarifies how current guidance should be interpreted in evaluating the economic characteristics and risks of a host contract in a hybrid financial instrument that is issued in the form of a share. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently assessing the impact, if any, of implementing this guidance on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern. The new standard requires management of public and private companies to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and, if so, disclose that fact. Management will also be required to evaluate and disclose whether its plans alleviate that doubt. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2016. Adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

1.	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (continued)

The fair value of market-based stock option grants is determined on their grant date through use of an option pricing model which uses a combination of Monte Carlo simulation and a Trinomial Lattice function. The requisite service period for market-based awards is derived from the model. Achievement of the market condition earlier than estimated can materially affect the amount of stock-based compensation recognized in the financial statements.

Short-term inducements are treated as a modification of an existing award in the period the holder accepts the offer.

Income taxes - The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. This method recognizes certain temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of liabilities and assets and the related income tax basis for such liabilities and assets. This method generates either a net deferred income tax liability or asset as measured by the statutory tax rates in effect. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income tax assets when it believes, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized.

For acquired properties that do not constitute a business, a deferred income tax liability is recorded on GAAP basis over income tax basis using statutory federal and state rates. The resulting estimated future income tax liability associated with the temporary difference between the acquisition consideration and the tax basis is reflected as an increase in the total purchase price which is then applied to the underlying acquired assets in the absence of there being a goodwill component associated with the acquisition transactions.

Recent accounting standards - From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. The Company has evaluated all of the recent accounting pronouncements and unless otherwise discussed, believes they will not have a material effect on the financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which clarifies diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The update to the standard is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018, with early application permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect the guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, ASU No. 2016-09 was issued related to stock based compensation. The guidance changes how companies account for certain aspects of share-based payment awards to employees, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The update to the standard is effective beginning June 1, 2017, with early application permitted. Adoption of the new guidance is being evaluated.

In February 2016, ASU No. 2016-02 was issued related to leases. The new guidance modifies the classification criteria and requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from most leases on the balance sheet. This update is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. Adoption of the new guidance is being evaluated.

In August 2014, ASU 2014-15 was issued related to going concern presentation. The new standard requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and, if so, disclose that fact. Management is also required to evaluate and disclose whether its plans alleviate that doubt. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted the standard in the fourth quarter of 2016.

F-8

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (continued)
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Compensation - Stock Compensation - Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period, which is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. The guidance requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition and should not be reflected in the estimate of the grant-date fair value of the award. Adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
2.	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
	Property and equipment consisted of the following:

2.	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

		December 31, 2015							December 31, 2014
				Accumulated			Net book				Accumulated			Net book
		Cost		depreciation			value		Cost		depreciation			value
Furniture and fixtures	$	61,405	$	(40,984	)	$	20,421	$	61,405	$	(28,896	)	$	32,509
Computers and equipment		57,785		(36,493	)		21,292		52,275		(26,162	)		26,113
Land		30,000		-			30,000		30,000		-			30,000
Site improvements		2,925,731		(2,756,351	)		169,380		2,925,731		(2,553,280	)		372,451
Site equipment		2,179,803		(1,560,046	)		619,757		1,886,846		(1,295,080	)		591,766
Vehicles		23,595		(23,595	)		-		23,595		(23,595	)		-
Building		500,000		(283,334	)		216,666		500,000		(233,333	)		266,667
	$	5,778,319	$	(4,700,803	)	$	1,077,516	$	5,479,852	$	(4,160,346	)	$	1,319,506

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

	Depreciation expense was $540,458 and $943,248 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
			December 31, 2016							December 31, 2015
3.	MINERAL PROPERTIES
					Accumulated			Net book				Accumulated			Net book
	Mineral properties consisted of the following:
			Cost		depreciation			value		Cost		depreciation			value
	Furniture and fixtures	$	61,405	$	(53,072	)	$	8,333	$	61,405	$	(40,984	)	$	20,421
	Computers and
	equipment		57,785		(46,548	)		11,237		57,785		(36,493	)		21,292
	Land		30,000		-			30,000		30,000		-			30,000
	Site improvements		2,925,731		(2,783,133	)		142,598		2,925,731		(2,756,351	)		169,380
	Site equipment		2,179,803		(1,788,885	)		390,918		2,179,803		(1,560,046	)		619,757
	Vehicles		23,595		(23,595	)		-		23,595		(23,595	)		-
	Building		500,000		(333,333	)		166,667		500,000		(283,334	)		216,666
		$	5,778,319	$	(5,028,566	)	$	749,753	$	5,778,319	$	(4,700,803	)	$	1,077,516

		December 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
Columbus Project	$	15,811,948	$	15,811,948
DDB Claims		70,231		70,231
Ending balance	$	15,882,179	$	15,882,179

Depreciation expense was $327,763 and $540,458 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

~~Columbus Project - On February 20, 2008, the Company acquired a 100% interest in the Columbus Project by way of merger with Columbus Brine Inc~~3. ~~(“CBI”).~~MINERAL Prior to the merger, the Company held a 15% interest in the Columbus Project by satisfying its option agreement requirements. Pursuant to the option assignment agreement, the Company granted and continues to have a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC, one of the principal stockholders of the Company. PROPERTIES

OnMineral ~~August~~properties ~~31,~~consisted ~~2014, the Company elected not to renew 51%~~ of the ~~acquired mining claims by declining to pay the Bureau of~~ ~~Land~~following: ~~Management (“BLM”) maintenance fees for the abandoned claims. A loss of $16,136,105 was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2014.~~

		December 31,		December 31,
		2016		2015

Columbus Project	$	8,216,758	$	15,811,948
DDB claims		23,176		70,231

Ending balance	$	8,239,934	$	15,882,179

Columbus Project – On February 20, 2008, the Company acquired a 100% interest in the Columbus Project by way of merger with Columbus Brine Inc. (“CBI”). Prior to the merger, the Company held a 15% interest in the Columbus Project by satisfying its option agreement requirements. Pursuant to the option assignment agreement, the Company granted and continues to have a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC, one of the principal stockholders of the Company.

DDB claims - The Company had a lease agreement for mining claims with the DDB Syndicate. The DDB Syndicate is owned by the Company’s CEO, a former member of the Company’s Board of Directors, former officers and directors of CBI and their relatives and affiliates of NMC. The DDB claims were located in 2007, prior to any of these related persons’ involvement with the Company. In 2012, the Company exercised its option to purchase the DDB claims.

Abandonment of mineral rights - On August 31, 2016, the Company elected not to renew 47% of the existing Columbus Project claims and 67% of the existing DDB claims by declining to pay the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) maintenance fees for the abandoned claims. A loss of $7,642,245 was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2016.

F-9

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3.	MINERAL PROPERTIES (continued)
	DDB Claims - The Company had a lease agreement for mining claims with the DDB Syndicate. The DDB Syndicate is owned by the Company’s CEO, a former member of the Company’s Board of Directors, former officers and directors of CBI and their relatives and affiliates of NMC. The DDB Claims were located in 2007, prior to any of these related persons’ involvement with the Company.
	On November 20, 2012, the Company exercised its option provided in the lease agreement to purchase the DDB Claims for a purchase price of $180,080. On August 31, 2014, the Company elected not to renew 61% of the DDB claims by declining to pay the BLM maintenance fees for the abandoned claims. A loss of $109,849 was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Reclamation Bonds - The Company maintains required reclamation bonding with the BLM. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, reclamation bonding amounted to $1,121,184 and $1,129,472, respectively.
	Asset Retirement Obligation – The asset retirement obligation relates to the Columbus Project and amounted to $672,338 as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The estimated costs were discounted using credit adjusted risk-free interest rates of 3.80% and 4.31% and inflation rates of 2.83% and 3.21% at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
4.	DERIVATIVE WARRANT LIABILITY
	As further discussed in Note 5, the Company issued 14,200,000 Special Warrants (“2014 Special Warrants”) in 2014 and 19,000,000 Special Warrants (“2015 Special Warrants”) in 2015 each at a price of $0.20 per warrant.
	The Special Warrants have anti-dilution provisions, including the provision for the holders to participate in subsequent equity financings at no additional cost by converting the Special Warrants into shares or units offered in a subsequent equity financing for a total subscription price equal to the total subscription price paid for the Special Warrants.
	The Company determined that the anti-dilution provision shields the Special Warrant holders from the dilutive effects of subsequent equity financings and therefore the economic characteristics and risks of the Special Warrants are not clearly and closely related to the Company’s common stock. Accordingly, the Special Warrants are treated as a derivative liability and are carried at fair value.
	As of December 31, 2015, 8,075,000 of the 2014 Special Warrants were converted into 2015 Special Warrants.
	The following table sets forth the changes in the derivative liability for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

3.	MINERAL PROPERTIES (continued)

		December 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
Beginning balance	$	(348,450	)	$	-
Issuance of Special Warrants		(3,518,000	)		(1,951,423	)
Exercise of Special Warrants		712,250			165,628
Change in fair value		3,154,200			1,437,345
Ending balance	$	-		$	(348,450	)

Reclamation Bonds - The Company maintains required reclamation bonding with the BLM. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, reclamation bonding amounted to $1,115,153 and $1,121,184, respectively.

Asset Retirement Obligation – The asset retirement obligation relates to the Columbus Project and amounted to $672,338 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. The estimated costs were discounted using credit adjusted risk-free interest rates of 4.25% and an inflation rates of 3.78%.

4.	DERIVATIVE WARRANT LIABILITY

At December 31, 2015, the Company had 22,775,000 Special Warrants outstanding. The Special Warrants were convertible through February 28, 2016, at no additional cost to the holder, on a 1:1 basis into units consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant exercisable for one additional share of common stock at $0.40, expiring February 28, 2020. On February 28, 2016, all of the outstanding Special Warrants were automatically converted into units.

The Special Warrants had anti-dilution provisions, including the provision for the holders to participate in subsequent equity financings at no additional cost by converting the Special Warrants into shares or units offered in a subsequent equity financing for a total subscription price equal to the total subscription price paid for the Special Warrants.

The Company determined that the anti-dilution provision shielded the Special Warrant holders from the dilutive effects of subsequent equity financings and therefore the economic characteristics and risks of the Special Warrants were not clearly and closely related to the Company’s common stock. Accordingly, the Special Warrants were treated as a derivative liability carried at fair value.

The change in the fair value of the derivative liability was $3,866,450 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The fair value was estimated using the Binomial Lattice pricing-model, with the following assumptions used for the year ended December 31, 2015:

Dividend yield		-
Expected volatility		69.50% - 104.00%
Risk-free interest rate		0.08% - 0.28%
Expected life (years)		-

The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility levels on the Company’s common stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield available on US Treasury zero-coupon issues over equivalent lives of the warrants. The expected life is impacted by all of the underlying assumptions and calibration of the Company’s model. Significant increases or decreases in inputs would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

F-10

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

45. ~~DERIVATIVE~~CONVERTIBLE WARRANT LIABILITY (continued) The Company estimates the fair value of the derivative liability by using the Binomial Lattice pricing- model, with the following assumptions used for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:NOTES

	December 31,	December 31,
	2015	2014
Dividend yield	-	-
Expected volatility	69.50% - 104.00%	91.07% - 137.42%
Risk-free interest rate	0.08% - 0.28%	0.04% - 0.14%
Expected life (years)	-	0.10 - 1.0

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company entered into convertible note agreements in the amount $150,000. The notes accrue interest at 10% and mature $100,000 in June 2017 and $50,000 in July 2017. The notes may be converted into units at a conversion price of $0.20 with each unit consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant exercisable at $0.30 per share for a period of 5 years. Alternatively, if the Company completes a subsequent equity financing, the lender may convert the notes into common stock or common stock equivalents that the lender would have been entitled to had the lender participated in the subsequent equity financing at an aggregate subscription price equal to 125% of the full amount of the outstanding principal and any accrued but unpaid interest thereon at the date the conversion right is exercised (Alternative Conversion Option).

	The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility levels on the Company’s common stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield available on US Treasury zero-coupon issues over equivalent lives of the warrants. The expected life is impacted by all of the underlying assumptions and calibration of the Company’s model. Significant increases or decreases in inputs would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.
5.	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	During the year ended December 31, 2015, stockholders’ equity activity consisted of the following:
	2015 Special Warrant offering - The Company sold 19,000,000 2015 Special Warrants at a price of $0.20 for gross proceeds of $3,800,000.
	The 2015 Special Warrants may be converted during their term, at no additional cost to the holder, on a 1:1 basis into units (each a “Unit”) consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant exercisable for one additional share of common stock at $0.40, expiring February 28, 2020. Alternatively, the 2015 Special Warrants provide the holder the right to exchange their 2015 Special Warrants for equal participation in a subsequent equity financing. All 2015 Special Warrants outstanding at February 28, 2016 automatically convert into Units.
	The 2015 Special Warrants extend for a term ending on the earlier of February 28, 2016 or the date that is one month after the Company completes a Qualified Financing, defined as any financing or number of financings for total gross proceeds of $7,000,000 or more. Total fees related to issuance of the 2015 Special Warrants amounted to $4,353.
	The remaining 8,075,000 outstanding 2014 Special Warrants were exchanged for 2015 Special Warrants.
	Exercise of Special Warrants – 3,425,000 and 4,300,000 of 2014 and 2015 Special Warrants, respectively, were converted into Units consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant exercisable for one additional share of common stock at $0.40, expiring March 29, 2019 and February 28, 2020, respectively.
	Exercise of stock options – The Company received $10,000 from the exercise of 200,000 stock options.
	Warrant Amendments – During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors unilaterally determined, without any negotiations with the warrant holders, to amend certain warrants by extending their expiration dates. In all other respects, the terms and conditions of the extended warrants remain the same.

The Alternative Conversion Option is an embedded conversion feature which is required to be bifurcated and accounted for under derivative accounting; however, the amount was determined to be immaterial.

As additional consideration, the Company issued 600,000 detachable warrants. The warrants are exercisable at $0.20 per share expiring 400,000 in June 2021 and 200,000 in July 2021. The note proceeds were allocated between the two elements based on their relative fair values. The fair value of the warrants, in the amount of $20,000 was recorded as a debt discount and is being amortized to interest expense over the terms of the notes. The Company used the following assumptions to estimate the fair of the warrants:

Dividend yield		-
Expected volatility		126.58%
Risk-free interest rate		1.01 – 1.10%
Expected life (years)		-

The carrying value of the convertible notes, net of discount was comprised of the following at December 31, 2016:

Convertible notes at face value	$	150,000
Unamortized discount		(10,033	)

Convertible notes, net of discount	$	139,967

Interest expense related to the convertible notes included the following for the year ended December 31, 2016:

Interest rate at 10%	$	7,521
Amortization of debt discount		9,967

Total interest expense on convertible notes	$	17,488

Subsequent to year end, all of the convertible notes and accrued interest were converted into shares at a price of $0.064 per share.

F-11

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)
	On December 18, 2015, the Company extended 34,669,926 warrants issued in connection with the 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and certain 2012 private placements offerings and 4,800,000 warrants issued to consultants in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The expiration dates of all of the warrants were extended to December 31, 2016.
	The Company calculated the fair values of the warrant modifications using the Binomial Lattice model with the following assumptions and outputs:

6.	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Risk-free interest rate	0.67%
Expected volatility	160.95%
Expected life (years)	1.00
Fair value	$ -

During the year ended December 31, 2016, stockholders’ equity activity consisted of the following:

~~During~~December ~~the~~warrant ~~year~~modifications ~~ended~~and inducements – The Company had 43,566,827 warrants outstanding expiring on December 31, 2016. Such warrants were issued in private placement transactions ~~2014~~completed between 2007 and 2012 and had a weighted average exercise price of $0.80. Effective December 27, ~~stockholders’~~2016, ~~equity~~the ~~activity~~Company ~~consisted~~reduced the exercise price of each warrant to $0.08 per share and extended the ~~following:~~expiration date to January 31, 2017. Subsequent to year end, the warrants were further extended to February 17, 2017. As a result of the modifications, an expense of $435,668 was recorded and included in general and administrative expense as investor relations expense.

~~U.S.~~Additionally, ~~Special~~the ~~Warrant~~Company ~~Offering~~had 35,133,333 –warrants outstanding expiring on various dates through July 2021. ~~The~~Such ~~Company~~warrants ~~sold~~were ~~14,200,000~~issued in private placement transactions completed between 2014 ~~Special~~and ~~Warrants~~2016 atand had a weighted average exercise price of $0.2053 ~~for~~per ~~gross~~share. ~~proceeds~~Effective December 27, 2016, the Company temporarily reduced the exercise price of each warrant to $20.08 per share for a period expiring January 31,~~840~~ 2017 after which,~~000~~ the warrants are exercisable at their original terms. Subsequent to year end, the temporary reduction period was extended to February 17, 2017. Shortterm inducements are treated as a modification of an existing award in the period the holder accepts the offer and therefore, the expense will be recognized if and when the holder accepts the offer.

~~The~~November ~~2014~~warrant ~~Special~~modification ~~Warrants were~~– ~~convertible~~The ~~during~~Company ~~their~~had ~~term~~8,896,901 atwarrants nooutstanding ~~additional~~expiring ~~cost~~on toNovember ~~the holder~~30, ~~on a 1:1~~2016. ~~basis~~Such ~~into~~warrants ~~units~~were ~~(each~~issued in a ~~“Unit”)~~private ~~consisting~~placement oftransaction ~~one~~completed ~~share~~in ~~of common stock and one~~2012 ~~warrant~~and ~~exercisable~~had ~~for~~a ~~one~~weighted ~~additional~~average ~~share~~exercise price of ~~common stock at~~ $0.~~40,~~95 ~~expiring~~per share. Effective November ~~March 29~~30, ~~2019. Alternatively~~2016, the ~~2014~~warrants ~~Special~~were ~~Warrants~~extended ~~provide~~to ~~the~~December ~~holder~~31, ~~the right~~2016 toand ~~exchange~~were ~~their~~included ~~Special~~in the ~~Warrants~~December ~~for~~warrant ~~equal~~extension. ~~participation~~Related into athese ~~subsequent equity~~modifications, ~~financing.~~no ~~Total~~expense ~~fees~~was ~~related~~recognized toas the ~~issuance~~fair value of ~~Special~~the ~~Warrants amounted~~warrants was determined to ~~$20,610.~~be zero.

~~Issuance~~The ofCompany ~~Common~~used ~~Stock - During~~ the ~~year ended December 31, 2014, the Company issued 2,700,000 shares of~~following ~~common~~assumptions ~~stock~~to ~~from~~estimate the ~~exercise~~fair ofvalues ~~Special Warrants and 180,000 shares~~ of ~~common stock from~~ the ~~exercise~~warrant ~~of stock options for aggregate gross proceeds of $9,000.~~ extensions:

Private Placement - On August 15, 2014, the Company completed the sale of 1,333,333 units (each a “Unit”) to NMC. The sale of the Units was made pursuant to a subscription agreement entered into on March 25, 2014 whereby NMC agreed to purchase Units for an aggregate purchase price of $300,000 on or before August 15, 2014. The per Unit purchase price of $0.225 was determined as the greater of the average closing price for the Company’s common stock over the ten trading days prior to completion of the sale and $0.20 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one share of the Company’s common stock and one warrant to purchase an additional share of common stock at $0.45 per share, expiring March 29, 2019.

Dividend yield		-
Expected volatility		65.91 – 117.37%
Risk-free interest rate		0.38 – 0.50%
Expected life (years)		0.00 – 0.10

~~Warrant~~Issuance ~~Amendments~~of warrants – ~~During the~~As ~~year~~further ~~ended~~discussed ~~December~~in ~~31,~~Note ~~2014~~5, the Company’s ~~Board~~issued $150,000 of ~~Directors~~convertible ~~unilaterally~~notes ~~determined,~~during ~~without~~the ~~any~~year ~~negotiations~~ended ~~with~~December ~~the~~31, ~~warrant~~2016. ~~holders,~~As toadditional ~~amend~~consideration, ~~certain~~the Company issued 600,000 warrants byexercisable ~~extending~~for ~~their~~one ~~expiration~~additional ~~dates.~~share Inof ~~all~~common stock ~~other~~at ~~respects~~$0.20. 400,000 ~~the~~warrants ~~terms and~~expire ~~conditions~~in ofJune ~~the~~2021 ~~extended~~and ~~warrants~~200,000 ~~remain~~in ~~the~~July ~~same~~2021.

~~Warrant~~Special ~~modifications~~Warrants ~~occurred~~– onDuring January ~~15,~~and ~~2014~~February 2016, ~~April~~a ~~28,~~total ~~2014~~of 1,750,000 ~~May~~Special 5,Warrants ~~2014~~were exercised into units. Additionally, ~~July~~on 17February 28, ~~2014~~2016, ~~and~~a ~~December~~total 22of 21,025,000 Special ~~2014~~Warrants were automatically converted into units. OnEach ~~December~~unit ~~22,~~consisted ~~2014,~~of one share of the Company’s ~~extended~~common ~~34,641,926~~stock ~~warrants~~and ~~issued~~one inwarrant entitling the holder to ~~connection~~purchase ~~with~~one ~~the~~additional ~~2007,~~share ~~2009,~~of ~~2010,~~common ~~2011~~stock ~~and~~at ~~certain~~a ~~2012~~price ~~private~~of ~~placements~~$0.40 per share, ~~offerings~~expiring ~~and~~on 4February 28,~~800,000~~ ~~warrants~~2020. ~~issued~~The toSpecial ~~consultants~~Warrants inwere ~~2009,~~converted ~~2010~~into ~~and~~units ~~2011.~~on ~~The~~a ~~expiration~~1:1 ~~dates~~basis without the payment of ~~all~~any additional consideration in accordance with the terms of the ~~warrants~~agreements. ~~were~~As ~~extended~~of toFebruary ~~December~~28, 312016, ~~2015~~all Special Warrants had been converted into units.

F-12

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

56. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued) ~~The Company calculated the fair values of the warrant modifications using the Binomial Lattice model with the following assumptions and outputs:~~

Risk-free interest rate	0.01% - 0.28%
Expected volatility	65.52% - 165.69%
Expected life (years)	0.30 - 0.90
Fair value	$ -

During the year ended December 31, 2015, stockholders’ equity activity consisted of the following:

~~The~~2015 ~~following~~Special ~~summarizes~~Warrant ~~the~~offering ~~exercise~~- ~~price~~The ~~per~~Company ~~share~~sold ~~and~~19,000,000 ~~expiration~~2015 ~~date~~Special ofWarrants ~~the~~at ~~Company’s~~a ~~outstanding~~price ~~warrants~~of ~~issued~~$0.20 for gross toproceeds ~~investors~~of ~~to purchase common stock at December 31~~$3, ~~2015:~~ 800,000.

Shares Underlying
Outstanding Warrants	Exercise Price	Expiration Date
22,775,000*	$0.20	February 2016
8,896,901	0.95	November 2016
22,572,827	0.75	December 2016
12,097,099	0.80	December 2016
6,125,000	0.40	March 2019
1,333,333	0.45	March 2019
4,300,000	0.40	February 2020
78,100,160

The 2015 Special Warrants may be converted during their term, at no additional cost to the holder, on a 1:1 basis into units (each a “Unit”) consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant exercisable for one additional share of common stock at $0.40, expiring February 28, 2020. Alternatively, the 2015 Special Warrants provide the holder the right to exchange their 2015 Special Warrants for equal participation in a subsequent equity financing. All 2015 Special Warrants outstanding at February 28, 2016 automatically convert into Units.

	* The exercise price of these warrants has been paid by the investors. Upon exercise, the holders will receive one share of common stock and one warrant exercisable at $0.40.
6.	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	Stock-based compensation includes grants of stock options and purchase warrants to eligible directors, employees and consultants as determined by the Board of Directors.
	Stock option plans - On March 27, 2007, the Board of Directors adopted the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Under the terms of the Plan, options to purchase up to 6,000,000 shares of the common stock, subject to an increase each quarter equal to 15% of the increase in the total number of outstanding shares during the previous quarter, may be granted to officers, directors, employees and eligible consultants. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had granted 17,496,916 options under the Plan with a weighted average exercise price of $0.47 per option. 15,042,197 options were outstanding as of December 31, 2015.
	Stock warrants - Upon approval of the Board of Directors, the Company grants stock warrants to consultants for services performed.
	Valuation of awards - At December 31, 2015, the Company had options outstanding that vest on three different types of vesting schedules:

The 2015 Special Warrants extend for a term ending on the earlier of February 28, 2016 or the date that is one month after the Company completes a Qualified Financing, defined as any financing or number of financings for total gross proceeds of $7,000,000 or more. Total fees related to issuance of the 2015 Special Warrants amounted to $4,353.

1.The ~~Service-based;~~remaining 2.8,075,000 ~~Performance-based;~~outstanding 2014 ~~and~~Special 3.Warrants ~~Market-based~~were exchanged for 2015 Special Warrants.

Exercise of Special Warrants – 3,425,000 and 1,250,000 of 2014 and 2015 Special Warrants, respectively, were converted into Units consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant exercisable for one additional share of common stock at $0.40, expiring March 29, 2019 and February 28, 2020, respectively.

Exercise of stock options – The Company received $10,000 from the exercise of 200,000 stock options.

Warrant amendments – During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors unilaterally determined, without any negotiations with the warrant holders, to amend certain warrants by extending their expiration dates. In all other respects, the terms and conditions of the extended warrants remain the same.

On December 18, 2015, the Company extended 34,669,926 warrants issued in connection with the 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and certain 2012 private placements offerings and 4,800,000 warrants issued to consultants in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The expiration dates of all of the warrants were extended to December 31, 2016.

The Company calculated the fair values of the warrant modifications using the Binomial Lattice model with the following assumptions and outputs:

Risk-free interest rate		0.67%
Expected volatility		160.95%
Expected life (years)		1.00
Fair value	$	-

F-13

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6. ~~STOCK-BASED~~STOCKHOLDERS’ ~~COMPENSATION~~EQUITY (continued) ~~The Company used the following assumptions to estimate the fair values of the options granted for the years ended:~~

	December 31,	December 31,
	2015	2014
Dividend yield	-	-
Expected volatility	71.55 - 165.7%	74.95 – 120.64%
Risk-free interest rate	0.02 – 1.32%	0.11 – 2.00%
Expected life (years)	0.10 – 4.25	1.0 – 7.89

At December 31, 2016, the Company’s outstanding warrants issued in financing transactions consisted of the following:

Inputs used in these models are determined as follows:

Shares Underlying
Outstanding Warrants		Exercise Price	Expiration Date

8,896,901	$	0.08	January 2017**
22,572,827		0.08	January 2017**
12,097,099		0.08	January 2017**
6,125,000		0.40*	March 2019
1,333,333		0.45*	March 2019
27,075,000		0.40*	February 2020
400,000		0.20*	June 2021
200,000		0.20*	July 2021

78,700,160

1.* The ~~expected~~exercise ~~life~~prices ~~represents~~have ~~the~~been temporarily ~~weighted-average~~reduced ~~period the awards are expected~~ to ~~remain~~$0.08 ~~outstanding~~through ~~and~~January is31, ~~a derived output of the option pricing models~~2017. ~~The~~Subsequent ~~expected~~to ~~life~~year ~~is impacted by all of~~ end the ~~underlying~~inducement ~~assumptions and calibration of the Company’s models. 2. The requisite service~~ period ~~for~~was ~~market-based~~extended ~~stock~~to ~~option~~February ~~awards~~17, ~~is a derived output of the hybrid Monte Carlo-Trinomial Lattice model~~2017. 3. Volatility is based on the average historical volatility levels of a representative peer group or the Company’s common stock depending on the life of the options. 4. The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury zero- coupon issues over the equivalent contractual lives of the options.

~~During~~** ~~the~~Subsequent to year ~~ended~~end ~~December 31,~~the ~~2015,~~expiration ~~the~~date ~~Company’s~~was ~~stock~~extended ~~based~~to ~~compensation~~February ~~activity~~17, ~~was~~2017. ~~as follows:~~

~~a) On December 18, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors unilaterally determined to amend 650,531 stock options by extending their expiration dates~~7. The options were granted at various dates between March 8, 2010 and July 22, 2010 and have a weighted average exercise price of $0.64 per share. The expiration dates of all of the options were extended to December 31, 2016. In all other respects, the terms and conditions of the extended options remain the same. No additional expense was recognized as a result of the modification. b) On April 1, 2015, the Company granted nonSTOCK-~~qualified~~BASED stock options to certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 400,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.40 per option. The options vest upon completion of defined events and milestones. The performance targets were not met by December 31, 2015 and the options expired. c) On April 1, 2015, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 400,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.40 per option. The options vest upon the Company’s stock price achieving defined targets. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.COMPENSATION

Stock-based compensation includes grants of stock options and purchase warrants to eligible directors, employees and consultants as determined by the Board of Directors.

Stock option plans - On March 27, 2007, the Board of Directors adopted the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Under the terms of the Plan, options to purchase up to 6,000,000 shares of the common stock, subject to an increase each quarter equal to 15% of the increase in the total number of outstanding shares during the previous quarter, may be granted to officers, directors, employees and eligible consultants. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had granted 25,486,916 options under the Plan with a weighted average exercise price of $0.37 per option. 21,712,197 options were outstanding as of December 31, 2016. On December 27, 2016, the Company has temporarily reduced the exercise price of 8,967,197 options through January 31, 2017 at which time the options would expire or return to their original terms. After year end, the temporary reduction period was extended through February 17, 2017.

Stock warrants - Upon approval of the Board of Directors, the Company grants stock warrants to consultants for services performed.

Valuation of awards – At December 31, 2016, the Company had options outstanding that vest on three different types of vesting schedules:

	1.	Service-based;

	2.	Performance-based; and

	3.	Market-based.

F-14

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

67. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)

	d)	On April 1, 2015, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to the Company’s independent directors and certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 2,700,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.40 per option. The options vest 25% each on April 1, 2015, June 30, 2015, September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2015. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest. The options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.
	e)	On February 25, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors unilaterally determined to amend 650,531 stock options by extending their expiration dates. The options were granted at various dates between March 8, 2010 and July 22, 2010 and have a weighted average exercise price of $0.64 per share. The expiration dates of all of the options were extended to December 31, 2015. In all other respects, the terms and conditions of the extended options remain the same. The modification resulted in additional compensation expense of $25,387.

The Company used the following assumptions to estimate the fair values of the options granted for the years ended:

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company’s stock based compensation activity was as follows:

	December 31,	December 31,
	2016	2015
Dividend yield	-	-
Expected volatility	65.91 – 164.23%	71.55 - 165.70%
Risk-free interest rate	0.38 – 2.07%	0.02 – 1.32%
Expected life (years)	0.00 – 4.00	0.10 – 4.25

a)Inputs Onused December 22, 2014, the Company extended the expiration date of 50,000 stock options issued to a director. The expiration date was extended from December 30, 2014 to June 29, 2015. All other terms were unchanged. The modification did not result in ~~any~~these ~~additional~~models ~~expense.~~are determined b)as Onfollows: September 11, 2014, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain employees under the Plan for an aggregate of 130,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.24 per option. The options vest upon completion of defined events and milestones. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control. c) On January 17, 2014, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 325,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.28 per option. The options vest upon completion of defined events and milestones. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control. d) On January 17, 2014, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 325,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.28 per option. The options vest upon the Company’s stock price achieving defined targets. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control. e) On January 17, 2014, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to the Company’s independent directors and certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 1,250,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.28 per option. The options vest 25% each on March 31, 2014, June 30, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest. The options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.

	1.	The expected life represents the weighted-average period the awards are expected to remain outstanding and is a derived output of the option pricing models. The expected life is impacted by all of the underlying assumptions and calibration of the Company’s models.

	2.	The requisite service period for market-based stock option awards is a derived output of the hybrid Monte Carlo-Trinomial Lattice model.

	3.	Volatility is based on the average historical volatility levels of a representative peer group or the Company’s common stock depending on the life of the options.

	4.	The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury zero- coupon issues over the equivalent contractual lives of the options.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, stock based compensation activity was as follows:

	a)	On December 27, 2016, the Company granted stock options under the Plan to the Company’s directors, executive officers and certain employees for an aggregate of 8,070,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.08 per option. The options vest 50% each on June 30, 2017, 25% on September 30, 2017 and 25% on December 31, 2017. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest.

	b)	On December 27, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors unilaterally determined to amend 1,367,197 stock options by extending their expiration dates and reducing their exercise price to $0.08 per share. The options were granted on various dates between 2009 and 2011 and had a weighted average exercise price of $0.61 per share. The expiration dates of all of the options were extended to January 31, 2017.

		Additionally, the Company’s Board of Directors unilaterally determined to amend 7,600,000 stock options by temporarily reducing their exercise price to $0.08 per share for a period ending January 31, 2017. The options were granted on various dates between 2010 and 2015 and had a weighted average exercise price of $0.56 per share. After January 31, 2017, the options are exercisable under their previous terms.

		The Company’s Board of Directors also unilaterally determined to amend 4,800,000 warrants by extending their expiration dates and reducing their exercise price to $0.08 per share. The warrants were granted to consultants on various dates between 2009 and 2011 and had a weighted average exercise price of $0.74 per share. The expiration dates of all of the warrants were extended to January 31, 2017.

F-15

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6.	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)
	The total expense related to the granting, vesting and modification of all stock-based compensation awards was $500,194 and $297,079 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Such expenses are included in general and administrative expense and mineral exploration and evaluation expense.
	For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company received $10,000 from the exercise of stock options; the related tax benefit amounted to $13,300 and the intrinsic value was $38,000. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company received $9,000 from the exercise of stock options; the related tax benefit amounted to $11,900 and the intrinsic value was $34,000.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s stock-based compensation activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

7.	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)

							Weighted
				Weighted			Average
				Average			Remaining
				Grant		Weighted	Contractual		Aggregate
	Number of			Date Fair		Average	Life		Intrinsic
	Shares			Value		Exercise Price	(Years)		Value
Outstanding, December 31, 2013	15,312,197		$	0.35	$	0.62	3.13
Options/warrants granted	2,030,000			0.11		0.28	6.37
Options/warrants expired	(107,500	)		0.25		2.67	-
Options/warrants exercised	(180,000	)		0.38		0.05	-
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	17,054,697			0.32		0.58	3.17
Options/warrants granted	3,500,000			0.15		0.40	5.69
Options/warrants expired	(512,500	)		0.19		0.49	-
Options/warrants exercised	(200,000	)		0.38		0.05	-
Outstanding, December 31, 2015	19,842,197		$	0.30	$	0.56	2.90	$	333,000
Exercisable, December 31, 2015	15,612,197		$	0.30	$	0.53	2.11	$	333,000

Additionally, the Company’s Board of Directors unilaterally determined to amend 4,950,000 warrants by temporarily reducing their exercise price to $0.08 per share for a period ending January 31, 2017. The warrants were granted to consultants on February 26, 2016 and had a weighted average exercise price of $0.40 per share. After January 31, 2017, the options are exercisable under their previous terms.

~~Aggregate~~Subsequent ~~intrinsic~~to ~~value~~year, ~~represents~~ the ~~value~~Board of Directors ~~the~~unilaterally ~~Company’s~~determined ~~closing~~to ~~stock~~further ~~price~~extend on the ~~last~~expiration ~~trading~~dates ~~day of the~~and ~~year~~reduced ~~ended in excess of the weighted-average~~ exercise price ~~multiplied~~period byto ~~the number~~February of17, ~~options outstanding or exercisable~~2017.

~~The~~c) ~~following~~On ~~table~~December ~~summarizes~~27, 2016, the ~~changes~~ Company’s Board of Directors unilaterally determined to amend 2,375,000 stock options by extending their expiration dates. The options were granted at various dates between 2007 and 2015 and had a weighted average exercise price of $0.36 per share. The expiration dates of all of the options were extended to May 31, 2017. d) On March 25, 2016, the Company’s ~~stock-based~~Board ~~compensation~~of ~~awards~~Directors ~~subject~~unilaterally determined to ~~vesting~~amend ~~for~~ 3,067,197 stock options by extending their expiration dates. The options were granted at various dates between 2009 and 2014 and have a weighted average exercise price of $0.49 per share. The expiration dates of all of the ~~year~~options ~~ended~~were extended to December 31, ~~2015:~~2016. In all other respects, the terms and conditions of the options remain the same. e) On February 26, 2016, the Company granted 4,950,000 warrants to consultants exercisable at a price of $0.40 per share for a period expiring on February 28, 2020. The warrants were issued in consideration for services provided. 4,500,000 of the warrants were granted to NMC who is a related party as discussed in Note 11.

				Weighted Average
	Number of			Grant Date
	Shares			Fair Value
Unvested, December 31, 2014	3,830,000		$	0.28
Granted	3,500,000			0.15
Expired	(400,000	)		0.15
Vested	(2,700,000	)		0.15
Unvested, December 31, 2015	4,230,000		$	0.27

During the year ended December 31, 2015, stock based compensation activity was as follows:

Asa) ofOn December 3118, 2015, ~~there~~the ~~was~~ Company’s Board of Directors unilaterally determined to amend 650,531 stock options by extending their expiration dates. The options were granted at various dates between March 8, 2010 and July 22, 2010 and have a weighted average exercise price of $600.64 per share. The expiration dates of all of the options were extended to December 31,~~307~~ 2016. In all other respects, the terms and conditions of ~~total~~the ~~unrecognized~~extended ~~compensation~~options ~~cost~~remain ~~related~~the same. b) On April 1, 2015, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to ~~unvested~~certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 400,000 shares of common stock~~-based compensation~~ ~~awards~~at an exercise price of $0.40 per option. The ~~weighted~~options ~~average~~vest ~~period~~upon ~~over~~completion ~~which~~of ~~this~~defined ~~cost~~events and milestones. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will ~~be recognized~~automatically ~~was~~vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control. c) On April 1, 2015, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 400,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.2440 ~~years~~per asoption. The options vest upon the Company’s stock price achieving defined targets. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of ~~December~~the 31date that they vest, ~~2015~~but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.

F-16

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7.	INCOME TAXES
	The Company is a Nevada corporation and is subject to federal income taxes. Nevada does not impose a corporate income tax.
	Significant components of the Company’s net deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows at:

7.	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)

		December 31,			December 31,
d)	On April 1, 2015, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to the Company’s independent directors and certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 2,700,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.40 per option. The options vest 25% each on April 1, 2015, September 30, 2015, September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2015. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest. The options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.
		2015			2014
e)	On February 25, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors unilaterally determined to amend 650,531 stock options by extending their expiration dates. The options were granted at various dates between March 8, 2010 and July 22, 2010 and have a weighted average exercise price of $0.64 per share. The expiration dates of all of the options were extended to December 31, 2015. In all other respects, the terms and conditions of the extended options remain the same.
Deferred income tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforward	$	13,303,487		$	11,932,233
Option compensation		2,040,115			1,906,018
Property, plant & equipment		917,392			841,689
Exploration costs		391,506			478,937
Asset retirement obligation		235,318			235,318
Gross deferred income tax assets		16,887,818			15,394,195
Less: valuation allowance		(11,399,261	)		(9,902,688	)
Net deferred income tax assets		5,488,557			5,491,507
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Unrealized gain on investments		-			(2,950	)
Acquisition related liabilities		(5,488,557	)		(5,488,557	)
Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	-		$	-

AThe ~~valuation~~total ~~allowance~~expense ~~was~~related ~~established~~to the ~~for~~granting, ~~net~~vesting ~~deferred~~and ~~tax~~modification ~~assets~~of ~~due~~all tostock-based ~~the~~compensation ~~uncertainty~~awards ~~of realizing these deferred~~was ~~tax~~$1,122,328 ~~assets~~and ~~based~~$500,194 onfor ~~conditions~~the ~~existing~~years atended December 31, ~~2015~~2016 and ~~2014~~2015, respectively. Such expenses are included in general and administrative expense and mineral exploration and evaluation expense.

~~The~~For ~~realizability of deferred tax assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date. The majority of~~ the ~~Company’s deferred~~year ~~tax~~ended ~~liabilities~~December ~~are~~31, ~~depletable. Such depletion will begin with the~~2015, ~~processing~~the ofCompany ~~mineralized~~received ~~material once production has commenced. Therefore~~$10,000 from the ~~deferred~~ ~~tax~~exercise ~~liabilities~~of ~~will~~stock ~~reverse~~options; ~~in similar time periods as~~ the ~~deferred~~related tax ~~tax~~benefit ~~assets.~~amounted ~~The~~to ~~Company~~$13,300 ~~assesses both positive~~ and ~~negative~~the ~~evidence~~intrinsic ~~to determine~~value ~~whether~~was it$38,000. isFor ~~more~~the ~~likely than not that such reversal will occur to~~year ~~realize~~ended ~~the~~December ~~deferred~~31, ~~tax~~2016, ~~assets~~no ~~prior~~stock tooptions ~~their~~were ~~expiration~~exercised.

The ~~acquisition~~following ~~related~~table ~~liabilities~~summarizes ~~are a result of~~ the ~~estimated future federal income tax liability associated with~~ ~~the~~Company’s ~~temporary~~stock-based ~~difference~~compensation ~~between~~activity ~~the~~for ~~acquisition consideration and~~ the ~~tax basis.~~years ~~The~~ended ~~deferred~~December ~~tax liabilities were reflected as an increase to the total~~31, ~~purchase~~2016 ~~price which has been applied to the underlying mineral~~ and ~~Columbus project~~2015: ~~assets in the absence of there being a goodwill component associated with the acquisition transactions.~~

							Weighted
				Weighted			Average
				Average			Remaining
				Grant		Weighted	Contractual		Aggregate
	Number of			Date Fair		Average	Life		Intrinsic
	Shares			Value		Exercise Price	(Years)		Value

Outstanding, December 31, 2014	17,054,697			0.32		0.58	3.17
Options/warrants granted	3,500,000			0.15		0.40	5.69
Options/warrants expired	(512,500	)		0.19		0.49	-
Options/warrants exercised	(200,000	)		0.38		0.05	-

Outstanding, December 31, 2015	19,842,197		$	0.30	$	0.56	2.90
Options/warrants granted	13,020,000			0.10		0.20	4.72
Options/warrants expired	(1,300,000	)		0.31		0.65	-
Options/warrants exercised	-			-		-	-

Outstanding, December 31, 2016	31,562,197		$	0.20	$	0.41	2.92	$	375,300

Exercisable, December 31, 2016	20,212,197		$	0.28	$	0.50	1.46	$	133,200

Aggregate intrinsic value represents the value of the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the year ended in excess of the weighted-average exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding or exercisable.

Of the options/warrants outstanding at year end, 18,717,197 were granted a temporary reduction in their exercise price to $0.08 for a period ending January 31, 2017 and subsequently extended to February 17, 2017. The temporary reduction is not reflected in the table above.

F-17

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7. ~~INCOME~~STOCK-BASED ~~TAXES~~COMPENSATION (continued) ~~A reconciliation of the tax provision at U.S. federal tax rates to the actual tax provision recorded in the financial statements consisted of the following components for the years ended:~~

		December 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
Income tax benefit based on statutory tax rate	$	(163,863	)	$	(7,020,654	)
Reconciling items:
Non-deductible items		(1,329,760	)		(539,081	)
Change in valuation allowance		1,496,573			7,563,662
Income tax expense	$	2,950		$	3,927

The following table summarizes the changes of the Company’s stock-based compensation awards subject to vesting during the year ended December 31, 2016:

	The Company had cumulative net operating losses of approximately $38,009,960 as of December 31, 2015 for federal income tax purposes. Cumulative net operating losses from December 31, 2006 and previous years are effectively nil due to the annual limitation imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as a result of the ownership percentage change limitations. The net operating loss carryforwards will expire between 2027 and 2035.
					Weighted Average
	The Company and its subsidiary file income tax returns in the United States. These tax returns are subject to examination by taxation authorities provided the years remain open under the relevant statutes of limitations, which may result in the payment of income taxes and/or a decrease in the net operating losses available for carryforwards. The Company has losses from inception to date, and thus all years remain open for examination. While the Company believes that its tax filings do not include uncertain tax positions, the results of potential examinations or the effect of changes in tax law cannot be ascertained at this time. The Company currently has no tax years under examination.
		Number of			Grant Date
8.	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
		Shares			Fair Value
	Lease obligations – The Company rents office space under an operating lease agreement. The lease expires in August 2017 and provides an option to renew the lease for an additional four years. In the normal course of business, it is expected that this lease will be renewed or replaced by a lease of a similar property.
	Unvested, December 31, 2015	4,230,000		$	0.27
	The lease requires for increases in future annual rental payments of 4% per year. Under the lease agreement, the Company is also required to pay monthly operating expenses of approximately $748.
	Granted	8,070,000			0.06
	The following table represents future base rent payments for each of the years ending December 31,
	Expired	(950,000	)		0.29
	Vested	-			-
	Unvested, December 31, 2016	11,350,000		$	0.12

		Minimum
		Lease
		Commitment
2016	$	52,769
2017		31,488
Thereafter		-
	$	84,257

As of December 31, 2016, there was $498,266 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based compensation awards. The weighted average period over which this cost will be recognized was 0.78 years as of December 31, 2016.

~~Rental~~Of ~~expense~~the ~~for~~unvested ~~office~~options ~~space~~outstanding ~~was~~at ~~$59~~year end,~~417~~ ~~and~~3,280,000 were granted a temporary reduction in their exercise price to $~~60,049~~0.08 for ~~the~~a ~~years~~period ~~ended~~ending ~~December~~January 31, ~~2015~~2017 and ~~2014~~subsequently extended to February 17, 2017. Additionally, all vesting conditions were temporarily removed ~~respectively~~for the same periods. The temporary modifications are not reflected in the table above.

8.	INCOME TAXES

The Company is a Nevada corporation and is subject to federal income taxes. Nevada does not impose a corporate income tax.

Significant components of the Company’s net deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows at:

		December 31,			December 31,
		2016			2015
Deferred income tax assets:


Net operating loss carryforward	$	14,505,776		$	13,303,487
Option compensation		2,291,101			2,040,115
Property, plant & equipment		920,749			917,392
Exploration costs		330,885			391,506
Asset retirement obligation		235,318			235,318

Gross deferred income tax assets		18,283,829			16,887,818
Less: valuation allowance		(15,419,721	)		(11,399,261	)

Net deferred income tax assets		2,864,108			5,488,557

Deferred income tax liabilities:

Acquisition related liabilities		(2,864,108	)		(5,488,557	)

Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	-		$	-

F-18

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8.	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)
	Columbus Project – Pursuant to the option assignment agreement dated March 30, 2007, as amended August 8, 2007, the Company granted a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC, one of the principal stockholders of the Company. The Columbus Project is further discussed in Note 3.
	Stand-by letter of credit – A financial institution has issued a stand-by letter of credit to the BLM for up to $100,000 on behalf of the Company. The stand-by letter of credit was issued to guarantee the Company’s compliance with reclamation bonding requirements. The letter of credit expires on June 24, 2016 and will be automatically renewed for one year periods unless either party elects not to renew. The Company is required to maintain a $100,000 certificate of deposit with the financial institution. The Company is also required to pay an annual fee of 2% of the total value of the letter of credit. As of December 31, 2015, no draws have been made on the letter of credit.
	Consultant bonus – In April 2012, the Company entered into an Agreement for Services (the “Agreement”) with a consulting firm. The Company agreed to pay the firm at their standard rates in exchange for services provided. In addition, the Company agreed to pay bonuses to the firm upon completion of milestones as defined in the Agreement. The bonuses consist of cash payments up to $400,000 and issuance of up to 3,000,000 warrants at a price of $0.90 per share and expiring March 31, 2017. The Agreement does not contain any performance commitments; therefore, the fair value of the warrants will be measured and recognized on the dates that the milestones are reached. As of December 31, 2015, no milestones have been reached for which a bonus was due or paid.
	Registration Rights Agreement - In connection with the November 30, 2012 private placement, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (“RRA”) with the purchasers. Pursuant to the RRA, the Company agreed to certain demand registration rights. If the Company is not able to comply with the registration requirements, the Company will be required to pay cash penalties equal to 1.0% of the subscription proceeds on the date of such failure, and each month thereafter, up to a maximum of 6% of the subscription proceeds. The maximum penalty amounts to $346,979; however, the RRA also provides that no liquidated damages are payable so long as the securities could be resold using Rule 144. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had incurred and paid cumulative penalties of $5,757. Additionally, as of December 31, 2015, the Company was not in compliance with the registration requirements; however, any penalty is limited to use of the cashless exercise rights to the extent available.
9.	CONCENTRATIONS
	Concentration of activity - The Company currently utilizes a metallurgical consulting firm to perform significant portions of its exploration work programs. A change in the lead metallurgical consulting firm could cause a delay in the progress of the Company’s exploration programs and would cause the Company to incur significant transition expense and may affect operating results adversely.

8.	INCOME TAXES (continued)

A valuation allowance was established for net deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of realizing these deferred tax assets based on conditions existing at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The realizability of deferred tax assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date. The majority of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities are depletable. Such depletion will begin with the processing of mineralized material once production has commenced. Therefore, the deferred tax liabilities will reverse in similar time periods as the deferred tax assets. The Company assesses both positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that such reversal will occur to realize the deferred tax assets prior to their expiration.

The acquisition related liabilities are a result of the estimated future federal income tax liability associated with the temporary difference between the acquisition consideration and the tax basis. The deferred tax liabilities were reflected as an increase to the total purchase price which has been applied to the underlying mineral and Columbus project assets in the absence of there being a goodwill component associated with the acquisition transactions.

A reconciliation of the tax provision at U.S. federal tax rates to the actual tax provision recorded in the financial statements consisted of the following components for the years ended:

		December 31,			December 31,
		2016			2015

Income tax benefit based on statutory tax rate	$	(4,317,488	)	$	(163,863	)
Reconciling items:
Non-deductible items		297,028			(1,329,760	)
Change in valuation allowance		4,020,460			1,496,573

Income tax expense	$	-		$	2,950

The Company had cumulative net operating losses of approximately $41,445,072 as of December 31, 2016 for federal income tax purposes. Cumulative net operating losses from December 31, 2006 and previous years are effectively nil due to the annual limitation imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as a result of the ownership percentage change limitations. The net operating loss carryforwards will expire between 2027 and 2036.

The Company and its subsidiary file income tax returns in the United States. These tax returns are subject to examination by taxation authorities provided the years remain open under the relevant statutes of limitations, which may result in the payment of income taxes and/or a decrease in the net operating losses available for carryforwards. The Company has losses from inception to date, and thus all years remain open for examination. While the Company believes that its tax filings do not include uncertain tax positions, the results of potential examinations or the effect of changes in tax law cannot be ascertained at this time. The Company currently has no tax years under examination.

F-19

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10.	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	DOSA - DOSA is a consulting firm owned by the Company’s CEO. Services provided by NMC are coordinated for the Company by DOSA. No management fees are billed to the Company for these services. Details of these transactions are provided below. The CEO’s salary and reimbursable expenses are also paid to DOSA.
	NMC - NMC is the Company’s largest shareholder. NMC and its affiliates own approximately 26.8% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and is the Company’s lead consultant on technical exploration matters.
	The following table provides details of transactions between the Company and NMC for the years ended:

9.	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

		December 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
Reimbursement of expenses	$	18,917	$	31,930
Consulting services provided		420,000		420,000
Mineral and exploration expense – related party	$	438,917	$	451,930
Equipment purchases	$	-	$	24,900

Lease obligations – The Company rents office space under an operating lease agreement. The lease expires in August 2017 and provides an option to renew the lease for an additional four years. In the normal course of business, it is expected that this lease will be renewed or replaced by a lease of a similar property. The lease requires for increases in future annual rental payments of 4% per year. Under the lease agreement, the Company is also required to pay monthly operating expenses of approximately $748. The minimum lease commitment for the year period ended December 31, 2017 is $31,488.

AtRental ~~December~~expense ~~31,~~for ~~2015~~office ~~and~~space ~~2014, the~~was ~~Company owed DOSA~~ $~~145~~61,~~168~~497 and $~~237~~59,~~551,~~417 ~~respectively,~~ for ~~NMC fees and reimbursements. Additionally, for~~ the ~~year~~years ended December 31, ~~2014,~~2016 ~~NMC paid the Company $250,000 for use of onsite laboratory facilities~~ and ~~personnel for the~~2015, ~~months of November and December 2014~~respectively.

Columbus Project – Pursuant to the an option assignment agreement ~~related~~dated toMarch ~~the~~30, ~~Columbus~~2007, ~~Project~~as amended August 8, 2007, the Company granted a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC, asone of the principal stockholders of the Company. The Columbus Project is further discussed in Note 3.

~~Searchlight~~Stand-by ~~Minerals~~letter ~~Corp.~~of credit – A ~~(“SMC”)~~financial –institution ~~The~~has ~~Company~~issued ~~leases~~a ~~corporate~~stand-by ~~office~~letter ~~space~~of oncredit ~~month-~~to~~-month~~ ~~terms~~the BLM for up to ~~SMC.~~$100,000 ~~NMC~~on isbehalf aof ~~shareholder~~the inCompany. ~~both~~The ~~the~~stand-by ~~Company~~letter ~~and~~of ~~SMC.~~credit ~~Additionally,~~was ~~the~~issued to guarantee the Company’s ~~CFO,~~compliance ~~Treasurer~~with ~~and~~reclamation ~~director~~bonding isrequirements. ~~also~~The letter aof ~~director~~credit ofexpires ~~SMC~~on June 24, 2017 and ~~one~~will ofbe ~~the~~automatically renewed for ~~Company’s~~one ~~consultants~~year isperiods anunless ~~officer~~either ~~and~~party ~~director~~elects ofnot ~~SMC~~to renew. ~~Total~~The ~~rent~~Company ~~income~~is ~~earned~~required ~~was~~to ~~$20,272~~maintain ~~and~~a $29100,~~220~~000 ~~for~~certificate ~~the~~of ~~years~~deposit ~~ended~~with ~~December~~the ~~31, 2015 and 2014,~~financial ~~respectively~~institution. AtThe ~~December~~Company ~~31,~~is ~~2015,~~also ~~SMC~~required ~~owed~~to ~~the~~pay ~~Company~~an ~~$1,734.~~annual Nofee ~~amount~~of ~~was~~2% of the ~~due~~total ~~from~~value ~~SMC~~of asthe letter of credit. As of December 31, ~~2014~~2016, no draws have been made on the letter of credit.

~~Cactus~~Consultant ~~Mining~~bonus – ~~Cactus~~In ~~Mining is~~April 2012, the Company entered into an ~~affiliate~~Agreement offor ~~NMC~~Services (the “Agreement”) with a consulting firm. ~~For~~The Company agreed to pay the ~~year~~firm ~~ended~~at ~~December~~their ~~31,~~standard ~~2015~~rates in exchange for services provided. In addition, ~~Cactus~~the ~~Mining~~Company ~~paid~~agreed to pay bonuses to the ~~Company~~firm upon completion of milestones as defined in the Agreement. The bonuses consist of cash payments up to $50400,000 ~~for~~and ~~use~~issuance of ~~onsite~~up ~~laboratory~~to ~~facilities~~3,000,000 warrants at a price of $0.90 per share and ~~personnel~~expiring ~~for~~June 30, 2017. The Agreement does not contain any performance commitments; therefore, the ~~month~~fair value of ~~March~~the warrants ~~2015~~will be measured and recognized on the dates that the milestones are reached. As of December 31, 2016, no milestones have been reached for which a bonus was due or paid.

~~Former~~Registration ~~officers~~Rights Agreement - In ~~Due~~connection with the November 30, 2012 private placement, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (“RRA”) with the purchasers. Pursuant to the ~~related~~RRA, the Company agreed to certain demand registration rights. If the ~~parties~~Company ~~includes~~is ~~amounts~~not ~~due~~able to ~~former~~comply ~~officers~~with ofthe registration requirements, the Company will be required to pay cash penalties equal to 1.0% Atof ~~December~~the ~~31,~~subscription ~~2015~~proceeds on the date of such failure, and ~~2014~~each month thereafter, up to a maximum of 6% of the ~~remaining~~subscription ~~amount~~proceeds. ~~due~~The maximum penalty amounts to ~~related~~$346,979; however, ~~parties~~the ~~was~~RRA also provides that no liquidated damages are payable so long as the securities could be resold using Rule 144. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had incurred and paid cumulative penalties of $235,~~290~~757. Additionally, as ~~respectively~~of December 31, 2016, the Company was not in compliance with the registration requirements; however, any penalty is limited to use of the cashless exercise rights to the extent available.

10.	CONCENTRATIONS

Concentration of activity - The Company currently utilizes a metallurgical consulting firm to perform significant portions of its exploration work programs. A change in the lead metallurgical consulting firm could cause a delay in the progress of the Company’s exploration programs and would cause the Company to incur significant transition expense and may affect operating results adversely.

F-20

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11.	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	Consultant warrants - On February 26, 2016, the Company granted 4,950,000 warrants to consultants exercisable at a price of $0.40 per share for a period expiring on February 28, 2020. The warrants were issued in consideration for services provided. 4,500,000 of the warrants were granted to NMC who is a related party as discussed in Note 10.
	Special Warrants – During January and February 2016, a total of 1,750,000 Special Warrants were exercised into units. Additionally, on February 28, 2016, a total of 21,025,000 Special Warrants were automatically converted into units. Each unit consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock and one warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional share of common stock at a price of $0.40 per share, expiring on February 28, 2020. The Special Warrants were converted into units on a 1:1 basis without the payment of any additional consideration in accordance with the terms of the agreements. As of February 28, 2016, all Special Warrants had been converted into units.

11.	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

DOSA - DOSA is a consulting firm owned by the Company’s CEO. Services provided by NMC are coordinated for the Company by DOSA. No management fees are billed to the Company for these services. Details of these transactions are provided below. The CEO’s salary and reimbursable expenses are also paid to DOSA.

NMC - NMC is the Company’s largest shareholder. NMC and its affiliates own approximately 23.7% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and is the Company’s lead consultant on technical exploration matters.

The following table provides details of transactions between the Company and NMC for the years ended:

		December 31,		December 31,
		2016		2015

Reimbursement of expenses	$	196,274	$	18,917
Consulting services provided		420,000		420,000

Mineral and exploration
expense – related party	$	616,274	$	438,917

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company owed DOSA $761,442 and $145,168, respectively, for NMC fees and reimbursements. During the year ended December 31, 2016, NMC advanced the Company $1,037,000 for working capital purposes. The advances have no formal repayment terms.

On February 26, 2016, the Company granted 4,500,000 warrants to NMC exercisable at a price of $0.40 per share for a period expiring on February 28, 2020. The warrants were issued in consideration for services provided.

Pursuant to an option assignment agreement related to the Columbus Project, the Company granted a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC as further discussed in Note 3.

Searchlight Minerals Corp. (“SMC”) – The Company leases corporate office space on month-to-month terms to SMC. NMC is a shareholder in both the Company and SMC. Additionally, one of the Company’s consultants is an officer and director of SMC. Total rent income earned was $21,084 and $20,272 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. At December 31, 2015, SMC owed the Company $1,734. No amounts were due from SMC as of December 31, 2016.

Cactus Mining – Cactus Mining is an affiliate of NMC. For year ended December 31, 2015, Cactus Mining paid the Company $50,000 for use of onsite laboratory facilities and personnel for the month of March 2015.

Former officers - Included in due to related parties are amounts due to former officers of the Company. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the remaining amount due was $23,290, respectively. Also, due to related parties at December 31, 2016 includes $1,037,000 due to NMC.

F-21

IRELAND INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12.	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Convertible notes – Subsequent to year end, $100,000 of convertible notes and accrued interest were converted into shares at a price of $0.064 per share.

Warrant modifications and inducements – The Company had 43,566,827 warrants outstanding expiring on December 31, 2016. Effective December 27, 2016, the Company reduced the exercise price of each warrant to $0.08 per share and extended the expiration date to January 31, 2017.

Additionally, the Company had 35,133,333 warrants outstanding expiring on various dates through July 2021. Effective December 27, 2016, the Company temporarily reduced the exercise price of each warrant to $0.08 per share for a period expiring January 31, 2017 after which, the warrants are exercisable at their original terms.

The above warrants were issued in private placement and other financing transactions. Subsequent to year end, the inducement period was extended to February 17, 2017.

Stock-based compensation modifications and inducements – The Company had 6,167,197 stock options and warrants outstanding expiring on December 31, 2016. Effective December 27, 2016, the Company reduced the exercise price of each award to $0.08 per share and extended the expiration date to January 31, 2017.

Additionally, the Company had 7,600,000 stock options outstanding expiring on various dates through December 2020. Effective December 27, 2016, the Company temporarily reduced the exercise price of each warrant to $0.08 per share for a period expiring January 31, 2017 after which, the options are exercisable at their original terms.

Subsequent to year end, the inducement period was extended to February 17, 2017.

Accounts payable settlement – In March 2017, the Company settled $125,530 of accounts payable with the issuance of 1,569,123 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.08 per share.

Accrued director fees settlement – In March 2017, the Company settled $40,000 of accrued director fees with the issuance of 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.08 per share.

Private Placement – On March 29, 2017, the Company completed a private placement offering of 49,369,123 shares of common stock at a price of $0.08 per share, for total gross proceeds of $3,949,530.

F-22

ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of December 31, ~~2015~~2016 (the “Evaluation Date”). This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the Evaluation Date.

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, for the Company.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of the Evaluation Date, based on the framework set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework 2013 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on its evaluation under this framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of the Evaluation Date.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management's report in this annual report.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

As of the Evaluation Date, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal year ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, do not expect that ~~the~~ our controls and procedures will prevent all potential error and 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.

ITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

3539

PART III

ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Directors and Executive Officers

Name	Age	Positions
Douglas D.G. Birnie	4546	President, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Director
David Z. Strickler, Jr.	5051	Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer and Interim Treasurer
Mark H. Brennan	5657	Director
Steven A. Klein	52	Director

Douglas D.G. Birnie. Mr. Birnie was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer, President and Secretary and as a member of our Board in 2007. Mr. Birnie was appointed as our President and Secretary, and as one of our directors pursuant to the terms of our assignment agreement with Nanominerals. Mr. Birnie graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia in 1994. In 1995, Mr. Birnie was a founder of Columbus Group Communications Inc., a privately held ~~internet~~Internet solutions company. In 1998, Mr. Birnie received the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and the Business Development Bank of Canada Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. During his tenure at Columbus Group, Mr. Birnie held the positions of CFO and COO until the company was acquired by TELUS Corp. in 2001. Mr. Birnie continued to work for TELUS Corp. as Director – Strategic Planning with the e.Solutions department until 2003.

David Z. Strickler, Jr. Mr. Strickler was appointed as our Vice President of Finance and Administration in 2010 and was appointed as our Chief Operating Officer in April 2015. Effective April 13, 2016, Mr. Strickler was appointed as our Interim Chief Financial Officer and Interim Treasurer. Mr. Strickler has worked in the construction and real estate industries for 15 years with expertise in both finance and operations. During the last 8 years, he served as the Executive VP Finance for a leading luxury homebuilder in Las Vegas, with operations involving between 80 and 120 employees. In addition, he owned and operated an accounting services business and was an owner of a snowboard manufacturing business. Mr. Strickler has a bachelor's degree in Accounting and an MBA, with a concentration in Finance from the Pennsylvania State University.

Mark H. Brennan. Mr. Brennan was appointed as a member of our Board on June 24, 2009. Mr. Brennan serves as the president of his own consulting firm, the Brennan Consulting Group, through which he has managed a number of long-term, multi-year management and operations consulting engagements in various business sectors. In addition to his ongoing management consulting practice, Mr. Brennan has also founded and operated a number of private companies beginning in the early 1990’s. Mr. Brennan is the founding chairman of the Vegas Valley Angels, a non-profit organization of accredited investors whose purpose is to search out, invest in, mentor and foster the development of new and developing companies located in the southwestern United States. Mr. Brennan is also an active member of the board of advisors for both the Nevada Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET) and the University of Nevada Las Vegas Center for Entrepreneurship. Mr. Brennan holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School and a MA in Management from National University. Early in Mr. Brennan’s career he served his country for eight years as a fighter pilot and instructor pilot with the United States Air Force after earning his BS degree from the United States Air Force Academy.

Steven A. Klein. Mr. Klein was appointed as a member of our Board on April 16, 2013. Mr. Klein began his career as a corporate tax lawyer at Skadden Arps in New York before leaving in 1992 to co-found Apple Core Hotels, a developer-owner-operator of several hotels in midtown Manhattan, where he continues to serve as CEO. Mr. Klein is also currently the CEO of Apple Core Holdings, which he co-founded in 1995. Apple Core Holdings is an opportunistically oriented, private investment firm which has backed a diversified portfolio of businesses including technology companies such as Register.com, bio-tech companies like Brainsway and Cornado Biosciences, hedge funds such as Bengal Capital and Rion Capital, event spaces including the iconic Gotham Hall, and private equity shops such as Abundance Ventures. Since December 2009, Mr. Klein has also been a director of CNC Development Ltd., a BVI company that currently trades on the Pinks Sheets. Mr. Klein has also written, directed and produced for both film and theater including producing the film Passing Strange in 2009 together with Spike Lee, which Mr. Lee also directed. Mr. Klein received his LLM in Tax Law from NYU Law School and his JD, Magna Cum Laude, from Boston University Law School.

TERMS OF OFFICE

Our directors are appointed for a one-year term to hold office until the next annual general meeting of our stockholders or until removed from office in accordance with our bylaws. Our officers are appointed by our Board and hold office until removed by the Board.

SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEES AND CONSULTANTS

Nanominerals Corp. Nanominerals Corp. (“Nanominerals”) is a private company controlled by its sole officer and director Dr. Charles A. Ager. Nanominerals is our largest shareholder and acts as a consultant to us on technical exploration and financial matters. In addition, Nanominerals owns a 5% royalty interest on any net smelter returns from the Columbus Project.

Dr. Ager is an accomplished geophysical engineer with over forty years’ experience in the mining industry, combining an extensive academic background with international business development experience in the founding of several successful mining enterprises. Dr. Ager earned a PhD in Geophysics and a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Geophysics from the University of British Columbia. Dr. Ager attended California State University in Sacramento, California for his Bachelor of Arts in Math/Physics. He graduated with honors in 1968. 40

Dr. Ager is an accomplished geophysical engineer with over forty years experience in the mining industry, combining an extensive academic background with international business development experience in the founding of several successful mining enterprises. Dr. Ager earned a PhD in Geophysics and a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Geophysics from the University of British Columbia. Dr. Ager attended California State University in Sacramento, California for his Bachelor of Arts in Math/Physics. He graduated with honors in 1968.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ager has been a trailblazer in the mining industry. Dr. Ager has discovered and/or participated in the discovery of numerous metal deposits throughout Canada and the United States. He is also the developer and owner of a number of patents and intellectual property rights for technological innovations in the mining field. Through Nanominerals, Dr. Ager developed ways of using nanotechnology to discover several precious metal deposits. Dr. Ager is also responsible for inventing the satellite/electron microscope technology that has led to the identification of a new class of gold deposits in the Southwestern United States. Some of the mineral deposits that Dr. Ager was critically involved in as either developer or discoverer include the Jamestown Gold Deposit & Mine in the Mother Lode District in Jamestown, California; the Glendale Gold Deposits in the N. Glendale Basin in Clark County, Nevada; the Eldorado Gold Deposit in the Eldorado Valley in Clark County, Nevada; the Pine Tree Gold Deposit in the Mother Lode District in Mariposa County, California; and the Rich Gulch Gold Deposit in the Mother Lode District in Plumas County, California.

Our President and Chief Executive Officer, Douglas D.G. Birnie, owns a 3.5% interest in Nanominerals.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

~~Our~~We ~~audit~~do ~~committee~~not iscurrently ~~composed~~have ofa ~~Mark~~separately H.designated ~~Brennan and Steven~~audit Acommittee. ~~Klein.~~As ~~Mr.~~such, ~~Brennan~~our ~~and~~entire ~~Mr.~~board ~~Klein~~of ~~are~~directors ~~“audit~~acts ~~committee financial experts”~~ as ~~defined~~ ~~by the applicable rules of the SEC. Mr. Brennan and Mr. Klein are currently the sole independent members of~~ our audit committee.”

CODE OF ETHICS

We adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to our officers and directors which is a "code of ethics" as defined by applicable rules of the SEC. If we make any amendments to our Code of Ethics other than technical, administrative, or other non-substantive amendments, or grant any waivers, including implicit waivers, from a provision of our Code of Ethics to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, or certain other finance executives, we will disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver, its effective date and to whom it applies in a current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC. A copy of our Code of Ethics was attached as an exhibit to our Annual Report filed with the SEC on September 28, 2004.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our securities (“Reporting Persons”), to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Reporting Persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all forms they file pursuant to Section 16(a). Based solely on our review of such reports received by the Company, the Company has determined that the following persons have failed to file, on a timely basis, the reports required by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during our fiscal year ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016:

Name and Principal Position	Number of Late Insider Reports	Transactions Not Timely Reported	Known Failures to File a Required Form
Nanominerals Corp. 10% Holder	One	One	None
Douglas Birnie CEO and Director	One	One	None
Steve Klein Director	One	One	None

Name and Principal Position	Number of Late Insider Reports	Transactions Not Timely Reported	Known Failures to File a Required Form
Nanominerals Corp. 10% Holder	One	One	None
Douglas Birnie CEO and Director	One	One	None
Robert D. McDougal Former CFO and Former Director	One	One	None
David Z. Strickler, Jr. COO, Interim CFO, Interim Treasurer	One	One	None
Mark Brennan Director	One	One	None
Steve Klein Director	One	One	None

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

COMPENSATION TO EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table sets forth the total compensation paid or accrued to our named executive officers, as that term is defined in Item 402(m)(2) of Regulation S-K during our last two completed fiscal years.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Name & Principal Position	Year	Salary ($)	Bonus ($)	Stock Awards ($)	Option Awards ($)	Non- Equity Incentive Plan ~~Compen~~Compensation ~~-sation~~ ($)	~~Nonqualifie~~Nonqualified d Deferred ~~Compen-~~Compensation ~~sation~~ Earnings ($)	All Other ~~Compen~~Compensation ~~-sation~~ ($)	Total ($)
Douglas D.G. Birnie, CEO, President, Secretary, Director	~~2015~~2016 ~~2014~~2015	$70220,000~~(1)~~ $~~250~~70,000(1)	$0 $0	$0 $0	$~~205~~84,~~340(2)~~287 $72205,~~732~~340(2)	$0 $0	$0 $0	$0 $0	$~~275~~304,~~340~~287 $~~322~~275,~~732~~340
Robert D. McDougal, CFO, Treasurer, Director	2015 2014	$90,000 $90,000	$0 $0	$0 $0	$49,223(3) $36,366(3)	$0 $0	$0 $0	$0 $0	$139,223 $126,366
Robert D. McDougal, Former CFO, Former Treasurer, Former Director	2016 2015	$7,500 $90,000	$0 $0	$0 $0	$0 $49,223(3)	$0 $0	$0 $0	$0 $0	$7,500 $139,223
David Z. Strickler, Jr., Vice President of Finance and Administration	2015 2014	$200,000 $175,000	$0 $0	$0 $0	$73,835(4) $48,488(4)	$0 $0	$0 $0	$0 $0	$273,835 $223,488
David Z. Strickler, Jr., Interim CFO & Interim Treasurer, Vice President of Finance and Administration	2016 2015	$227,500 $200,000	$0 $0	$0 $0	$56,192 $73,835(4)	$0 $0	$0 $0	$0 $0	$283,692 $273,835

Notes:

(1)

Represents consulting fees paid or accrued to DOSA Consulting LLC, a limited liability company, of which Mr. Birnie is a member, for services including Mr. Birnie acting as an executive officer and director of Ireland. The consulting fees are currently being deferred until such time as the Company has sufficient funds. A condition for DOSA Consulting LLC’s deferred fees to be paid in 2014 and 2015 was that Mr. Birnie was required to contribute $50,000 and $25,000 in the 2014 and 2015 special warrant financings.

(2)

On ~~January~~April 171, ~~2014~~2015, Mr. Birnie was granted options to purchase an aggregate of ~~600~~1,500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.2840 per share~~, expiring 5 years after the vesting date as described below~~. ~~150,000~~A ~~options~~description ~~willvest and become exercisable upon our completion~~ of 10these ~~successful pilot plant metal extraction tests of 5 tons of head material each. A further 150~~options,~~000~~ ~~options~~including ~~will~~the ~~vest~~vesting and ~~become~~expiration ~~exercisable~~provisions, onwas ~~the~~provided ~~first~~in ~~date after the closing price for~~ our ~~common~~Current ~~stock~~Report ~~(as quoted by the principal market or exchange~~ on ~~which~~Form ~~such~~8-K ~~shares~~filed ~~trade) exceeds $1.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. The remaining 300,000 options vested in increments of 75,000 options~~ on ~~each~~April ~~of March 31~~8, ~~June 30, September 30 and December 30, of 2014~~2015. ~~All 600,000 options will immediately vest and become exercisable upon a change in control of the Company.~~ On ~~April~~December 127, ~~2015~~2016, Mr. Birnie was granted options to purchase an aggregate of 1,~~500~~350,000 shares of our common stock at ana ~~exercise~~ price of $0.4008 per share. A description of these options, including the vesting and expiration provisions, was provided in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on ~~April~~January 13, ~~2015~~2017.

3842

(3)	OnMr. McDougal passed away on January 1715, ~~2014~~2016. On April 1, 2015, Mr. McDougal was granted options to purchase an aggregate of ~~300~~400,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.2840 per share~~, expiring 5 years after the vesting date as described below~~. ~~75,000~~A ~~options~~description ~~will vest and become exercisable upon our completion~~ of 10these ~~successful pilot plant metal extraction tests of 5 tons of head material each. A further 75~~options,~~000~~ ~~options~~including ~~will~~the ~~vest~~vesting and ~~become~~expiration ~~exercisable~~provisions, onwas ~~the~~provided ~~first~~in ~~date after the closing price for~~ our ~~common~~Current ~~stock~~Report ~~(as quoted by the principal market or exchange~~ on ~~which~~Form ~~such~~8-K ~~shares~~filed ~~trade) exceeds $1.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. The remaining 150,000 options vested in increments of 75,000 options~~ on ~~each~~April ~~of March 31~~8, ~~June 30, September 30 and December 30, of 2014~~2015. ~~All 300,000 options will immediately vest and become exercisable upon a change in control of the Company.~~
	On April 1, 2015, Mr. McDougal was granted options to purchase an aggregate of 400,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.40 per share. A description of these options, including the vesting and expiration provisions, was provided in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2015.
(4)	Mr. Strickler was appointed as our Interim Chief Financial Officer and Interim Treasurer on April 13, 2016. On April 1, 2015, Mr. Strickler was granted options to purchase an aggregate of 600,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.40 per share. A description of these options, including the vesting and expiration provisions, was provided in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 8, 2015. On December 27, 2016, Mr. Strickler was granted options to purchase an aggregate of 900,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $0.08 per share. A description of these options, including the vesting and expiration provisions, was provided in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 3, 2017.
(4)	On January 17, 2014, Mr. Strickler was granted options to purchase an aggregate of 400,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.28 per share, expiring 5 years after the vesting date as described below. 100,000 options will vest and become exercisable upon our completion of 10 successful pilot plant metal extraction tests of 5 tons of head material each. A further 100,000 options will vest and become exercisable on the first date after the closing price for our common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $1.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. The remaining 200,000 options vested in increments of 75,000 options on each of March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 30, of 2014. All 400,000 options will immediately vest and become exercisable upon a change in control of the Company.
	On April 1, 2015, Mr. Strickler was granted options to purchase an aggregate of 600,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.40 per share. A description of these options, including the vesting and expiration provisions, was provided in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2015.

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

The following table provides information concerning unexercised options for each of our named executive officers, as that term is defined in Item 402(m)(2) of Regulation S-K as of our fiscal year end of December 31, ~~2015~~2016.

	No. of	No. of
	Securities	Securities
	Underlying	Underlying
	Unexercised	Unexercised	Option
	Options (#)	Options (#)	Exercise		Option Expiration
Name and Position	Exercisable	Unexercisable	Price	Vest Date	Date
Douglas D.G. Birnie	1,100,000	-	$0.05	30-Mar-07	30-Mar-17
CEO, President,	25,000	-	$0.75	30-Jun-10	31-Dec-16(16)
Secretary & Director	25,000	-	$0.75	31-Dec-10	31-Dec-16(16)
	25,000	-	$0.75	30-Jun-11	29-Jun-16(14) (16)
	25,000	-	$0.75	31-Dec-11	30-Dec-16(14) (16)
	28,209	-	$0.75	30-Jun-12	30-Jun-17
	32,699	-	$0.75	31-Dec-12	30-Dec-17
	150,000	-	$0.53	22-Aug-12	22-Aug-17
	75,000	-	$0.53	31-Mar-11	30-Mar-16(14) (16)
	25,000	-	$0.75	24-Aug-11	29-Jun-16(14) (16)
	25,000	-	$0.75	31-Dec-11	30-Dec-16(14) (16)
	32,315	-	$0.75	30-Jun-12	29-Jun-17
	38,889	-	$0.75	31-Dec-12	30-Dec-17
	75,000	-	$0.57	31-Mar-13	31-Mar-18
	41,864	-	$0.75	30-Jun-13	30-Jun-18
	75,000	-	$0.57	30-Jun-13	30-Jun-18
	75,000	-	$0.57	30-Sep-13	30-Sep-18
	43,605	-	$0.75	31-Dec-13	30-Dec-18
	75,000	-	$0.57	31-Dec-13	31-Dec-18
	75,000	-	$0.28	31-Mar-14	31-Mar-19
	75,000	-	$0.28	30-Jun-14	30-Jun-19
	75,000	-	$0.28	30-Sep-14	30-Sep-19
	75,000	-	$0.28	31-Dec-14	31-Dec-19
	300,000	-	$0.40	1-Apr-15	31-Mar-20
	300,000	-	$0.40	30-Jun-15	30-Jun-20
	300,000	-	$0.40	30-Sep-15	30-Sep-20
	300,000	-	$0.40	31-Dec-15	31-Dec-20
	120,000(1)	-	$0.05	30-Mar-07	30-Mar-17
	25,000(1)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-10	31-Dec-16(16)
	25,000(1)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-10	31-Dec-16(16)
	25,000(1)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-11	29-Jun-16(14) (16)
	25,000(1)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-11	30-Dec-16(14) (16)
	21,791(1)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-12	30-Jun-17
	17,301(1)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-12	30-Dec-17
	75,000(1)	-	$0.53	31-Mar-11	30-Mar-16(14) (16)
	25,000(1)	-	$0.75	24-Aug-11	29-Jun-16(14) (16)

3943

	No. of	No. of
	Securities	Securities
	Underlying	Underlying
	Unexercised	Unexercised	Option
	Options (#)	Options (#)	Exercise		Option Expiration
Name and Position	Exercisable	Unexercisable	Price	Vest Date	Date
	75,000	-	$0.57	30-Jun-13	30-Jun-18
	25,000(1)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-11	30-Dec-16(14) (16)
	75,000	-	$0.57	30-Sep-13	30-Sep-18
	43,605	-	$0.75	31-Dec-13	30-Dec-18
	75,000	-	$0.57	31-Dec-13	31-Dec-18
	75,000	-	$0.28	31-Mar-14	31-Mar-19
	75,000	-	$0.28	30-Jun-14	30-Jun-19
	75,000	-	$0.28	30-Sep-14	30-Sep-19
	75,000	-	$0.28	31-Dec-14	31-Dec-19
	300,000	-	$0.40	1-Apr-15	31-Mar-20
	300,000	-	$0.40	30-Jun-15	30-Jun-20
	300,000	-	$0.40	30-Sep-15	30-Sep-20
	300,000	-	$0.40	31-Dec-15	31-Dec-20
	120,000(1)	-	$0.05	30-Mar-07	30-Mar-17
	25,000(1)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-10	31-Dec-16
	25,000(1)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-10	31-Dec-16
	25,000(1)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-11	29-Jun-16(14)
	25,000(1)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-11	30-Dec-16(14)
	21,791(1)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-12	30-Jun-17
	17,301(1)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-12	30-Dec-17
	75,000(1)	-	$0.53	31-Mar-11	30-Mar-16(14)
	25,000(1)	-	$0.75	24-Aug-11	29-Jun-16(14)
	25,000(1)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-11	30-Dec-16(14)
	17,685(1)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-12	29-Jun-17
	11,111(1)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-12	30-Dec-17
	8,136(1)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-13	30-Jun-18
	6,395(1)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-13	30-Dec-18
	-	150,000	$0.75	(3)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	150,000	$0.75	(4)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	200,000	$0.90	(5)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	200,000	$0.90	(6)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	200,000	$0.90	(7)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	200,000	$0.90	(8)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	150,000	$0.57	(9)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	150,000	$0.57	(10)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	150,000	$0.28	(11)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	150,000	$0.28	(12)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	150,000	$0.40	(13)	5 yrs after vesting
Robert D. McDougal	500,000(2)	-	$0.05	30-Mar-07	30-Mar-17(15)
	-	675,000	$0.08	30-Jun-17	30-Jun-2022
CFO, Treasurer &	16,667(2)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-10	29-Jun-15(15)
	-	337,500	$0.08	30-Sep-17	30-Sep-2022
Director	16,667(2)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-10	30-Dec-15(15)
	-	337,500	$0.08	31-Dec-17	31-Dec-2022
	16,667(2)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-11	29-Jun-16(15)
Robert D. McDougal	500,000(2)	-	$0.05	30-Mar-07	31-May-17(15)
	16,667(2)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-11	30-Dec-16(15)
CFO, Treasurer &	16,667(2)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-10	31-May-17 (15)
	16,667(2)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-12	30-Jun-17(15)
Director	16,667(2)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-10	31-May-17 (15)
	16,665(2)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-12	30-Dec-17(15)
	16,667(2)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-11	31-May-17(15)
	50,000(2)	-	$0.53	22-Aug-12	22-Aug-17(15)
	16,667(2)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-11	31-May-17(15)
	50,000(2)	-	$0.53	30-Mar-11	30-Mar-16(15)
	16,667(2)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-12	31-May-17(15)
	25,000(2)	-	$0.75	24-Aug-11	29-Jun-16(15)
	16,665(2)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-12	31-May-17(15)
	25,000(2)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-11	30-Dec-16(15)
	50,000(2)	-	$0.53	22-Aug-12	31-May-17(15)
	25,000(2)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-12	29-Jun-17(15)
	50,000(2)	-	$0.53	30-Mar-11	31-May-17(15)
	25,000(2)	-	$0.75	3124-~~Dec~~Aug-1211	3031-~~Dec~~May-17(15)
	37,500(2)	-	$0.57	31-Mar-13	31-Mar-18(15)
	25,000(2)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-11	31-May-17(15)
	25,000(2)	-	$0.75	30-Jun-1312	3031-~~Jun~~May-1817(15)
	37,500(2)	-	$0.57	30-Jun-13	30-Jun-18(15)
	25,000(2)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-12	31-May-17(15)
	37,500(2)	-	$0.57	3031-~~Sep~~Mar-13	3031-~~Sep~~May-1817(15)
	25,000(2)	-	$0.75	3130-~~Dec~~Jun-13	3031-~~Dec~~May-1817(15)
	37,500(2)	-	$0.57	30-Jun-13	31-May-17(15)
	37,500(2)	-	$0.57	30-Sep-13	31-May-17(15)
	25,000(2)	-	$0.75	31-Dec-13	31-May-17(15)
	37,500(2)	-	$0.57	31-Dec-13	31-May-17(15)
	37,500(2)	-	$0.28	31-Mar-14	31-May-17(15)
	37,500(2)	-	$0.28	30-Jun-14	31-May-17(15)
	37,500(2)	-	$0.28	30-Sep-14	31-May-17(15)
	37,500(2)	-	$0.28	31-Dec-14	31-May-17(15)
	50,000	-	$0.40	1-Apr-15	31-May-17(15)
	50,000	-	$0.40	30-Jun-15	31-May-17(15)
	50,000	-	$0.40	30-Sep-15	31-May-17(15)
	50,000	-	$0.40	31-Dec-15	31-May-17(15)
David Z. Strickler, Jr.	25,000	-	$0.82	31-Mar-10	31-Dec-16(16)
VP of Finance &	25,000	-	$0.82	30-Jun-10	31-Dec-16(16)
Administration	25,000	-	$0.82	30-Sep-10	31-Dec-16(16)
	25,000	-	$0.82	31-Dec-10	31-Dec-16(16)
	25,000	-	$0.82	31-Mar-11	30-Mar-16(14) (16)
	25,000	-	$0.82	30-Jun-11	29-Jun-16(14) (16)
	25,000	-	$0.82	30-Sep-11	29-Sep-16(14) (16)
	25,000	-	$0.82	31-Dec-11	30-Dec-16(14) (16)
	25,000	-	$0.75	24-Aug-11	29-Jun-16(14) (16)

4044

	No. of	No. of
	Securities	Securities
	Underlying	Underlying
	Unexercised	Unexercised	Option
	Options (#)	Options (#)	Exercise		Option Expiration
Name and Position	Exercisable	Unexercisable	Price	Vest Date	Date
	37,500(2)	-	$0.57	31-Dec-13	31-Dec-18(15)
	25,000	-	$0.75	31-Dec-11	30-Dec-16(14) (16)
	37,500(2)	-	$0.28	31-Mar-14	31-Mar-19(15)
	37,500(2)	-	$0.28	30-Jun-14	30-Jun-19(15)
	37,500(2)	-	$0.28	30-Sep-14	30-Sep-19(15)
	37,500(2)	-	$0.28	31-Dec-14	31-Dec-19(15)
	50,000	-	$0.40	1-Apr-15	31-Mar-20(15)
	50,000	-	$0.40	30-Jun-15	30-Jun-20(15)
	50,000	-	$0.40	30-Sep-15	30-Sep-20(15)
	50,000	-	$0.40	31-Dec-15	31-Dec-20(15)
	-	75,000(2)	$0.75	(3)	5 yrs after vesting(15)
	-	75,000(2)	$0.75	(4)	5 yrs after vesting(15)
	-	100,000(2)	$0.90	(5)	5 yrs after vesting(15)
	-	100,000(2)	$0.90	(6)	5 yrs after vesting(15)
	-	100,000(2)	$0.90	(7)	5 yrs after vesting(15)
	-	100,000(2)	$0.90	(8)	5 yrs after vesting(15)
	-	75,000(2)	$0.57	(9)	5 yrs after vesting(15)
	-	75,000(2)	$0.57	(10)	5 yrs after vesting(15)
	-	75,000(2)	$0.28	(11)	5 yrs after vesting(15)
	-	75,000(2)	$0.28	(12)	5 yrs after vesting(15)
David Z. Strickler, Jr.	25,000	-	$0.82	31-Mar-10	31-Dec-16
VP of Finance &	25,000	-	$0.82	30-Jun-10	31-Dec-16
Administration	25,000	-	$0.82	30-Sep-10	31-Dec-16
	25,000	-	$0.82	31-Dec-10	31-Dec-16
	25,000	-	$0.82	31-Mar-11	30-Mar-16(14)
	25,000	-	$0.82	30-Jun-11	29-Jun-16(14)
	25,000	-	$0.82	30-Sep-11	29-Sep-16(14)
	25,000	-	$0.82	31-Dec-11	30-Dec-16(14)
	25,000	-	$0.75	24-Aug-11	29-Jun-16(14)
	25,000	-	$0.75	31-Dec-11	30-Dec-16(14)
	25,000	-	$0.75	30-Jun-12	29-Jun-17
	25,000	-	$0.75	31-Dec-12	30-Dec-17
	50,000	-	$0.57	31-Mar-13	31-Mar-18
	25,000	-	$0.75	30-Jun-13	30-Jun-18
	50,000	-	$0.57	30-Jun-13	30-Jun-18
	50,000	-	$0.57	30-Sep-13	30-Sep-18
	25,000	-	$0.75	31-Dec-13	30-Dec-18
	50,000	-	$0.57	31-Dec-13	31-Dec-18
	50,000	-	$0.28	31-Mar-14	31-Mar-19
	50,000	-	$0.28	30-Jun-14	30-Jun-19
	50,000	-	$0.28	30-Sep-14	30-Sep-19
	50,000	-	$0.28	31-Dec-14	31-Dec-19
	75,000	-	$0.40	1-Apr-15	31-Mar-20
	75,000	-	$0.40	30-Jun-15	30-Jun-20
	75,000	-	$0.40	30-Sep-15	30-Sep-20
	75,000	-	$0.40	31-Dec-15	31-Dec-20
	-	75,000	$0.75	(3)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	75,000	$0.75	(4)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	100,000	$0.90	(5)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	100,000	$0.90	(6)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	100,000	$0.90	(7)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	100,000	$0.90	(8)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	100,000	$0.57	(9)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	100,000	$0.57	(10)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	100,000	$0.28	(11)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	100,000	$0.28	(12)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	150,000	$0.40	(13)	5 yrs after vesting
	-	450,000	$0.08	30-Jun-17	30-Jun-2022
	-	225,000	$0.08	30-Sep-17	30-Sep-2022
	-	225,000	$0.08	31-Dec-17	31-Dec-2022

Name and Position	No. of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable	No. of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable	Option Exercise Price	Vest Date	Option Expiration Date
	-	150,000	$0.40	(13)	5 yrs after vesting

Notes:

(1)	Represents options transferred as part of court approved divorce proceedings.
(2)	Represents options gifted to a family trust, of which Mr. McDougal ~~acts~~acted as trustee.
(3)	Vesting on the first date after the date that the closing price for the Company's common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trades) exceeds $1.50 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.
(4)	Vesting upon the Board of Directors determining that the Company has made adequate and sufficient progress on its technical and feasibility programs for its Columbus Project.
(5)	Vesting upon the date that the Company has completed the installation of the Columbus Project extraction circuit and the extraction circuit has been satisfactorily operated for 30 consecutive working days, the vesting date for which shall be reasonably determined by the Board of Directors.
(6)	Vesting on the date that the Company has successfully processed 1,500 tons of mineralized material extracted from Columbus Project, which date shall be reasonably determined by the Board of Directors.
(7)	Vesting on the first date after the closing price for the Company's common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $2.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.
(8)	Vesting on the first date after the closing price for the Company's common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $2.50 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.
(9)	Vesting on the date that the Company successfully completes 10 successful onsite gold extraction leach tests, which date shall be reasonably determined by the Board of Directors.
(10)	Vesting on the first date after the grant date that the closing price for the Company’s common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $1.25 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.
(11)	On the date that the Company successfully completes 10 successful onsite gold extraction leach tests, which date shall be reasonably determined by the Board of Directors.
(12)	Vesting on the first date after the grant date that the closing price for the Company’s common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $1.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. Exp. 5th yr anniv of vesting date.
(13)	Vesting on the first date after the grant date that the closing price for the Company’s common stock (as quoted by the principal market our exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $1.20 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.
(14)	Effective March 25, 2016, our Board of Directors extended to December 31, 2016 the expiration date for all options granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan that were set to expire during 2016.
(15)	Mr. McDougal passed away on January 15, 2016. Pursuant to their terms (i) any options granted to Mr. McDougal that had not previously vested terminated immediately upon his death; and (ii) any options granted to Mr. McDougal that had vested prior to his death became set to expire on the earlier of the options’ scheduled expiration date and the date that is 6 months after his death. Effective March 25, 2016, our Board of Directors extended the exercise period for Mr. McDougal’s vested options to December 31, 2016.

~~EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION CONTRACTS AND 2014 COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS~~ 45

(13)	Vesting on the first date after the grant date that the closing price for the Company’s common stock (as quoted by the principal market our exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $1.20 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.
(14)	Effective March 25, 2016, our Board of Directors extended to December 31, 2016 the expiration date for all options granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan that were set to expire during 2016.
(15)	Mr. McDougal passed away on January 15, 2016. Pursuant to their terms (i) any options granted to Mr. McDougal that had not previously vested terminated immediately upon his death; and (ii) any options granted to Mr. McDougal that had vested prior to his death became set to expire on the earlier of the options’ scheduled expiration date and the date that is 6 months after his death. Effective March 25, 2016, our Board of Directors extended the exercise period for Mr. McDougal’s vested options to December 31, 2016. Effective December 27, 2016 our Board of Directors extended the exercise period for Mr. McDougal’s vested options to May 31, 2017.
(16)	Effective December 27, 2016, the expiration date for these options was extended to January 31, 2017 and on January 17, 2017, these options were further extended to February 17, 2017. As of the date of filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, these options have expired.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION CONTRACTS AND 2017 COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS

Annual cash compensation paid to our executive officers is as follows:

Name	Position	Annual Cash
		Compensation 2015
		Compensation 2017
Douglas D.G. Birnie(1)	Chief Executive Officer, President and Secretary	$70250,000
David Z. Strickler	Chief Operating Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer and Interim Treasurer	$~~200~~230,000

(1)

Payable to DOSA Consulting LLC. Mr. Birnie has verbally agreed to defer payment of the cash components of his compensation until such time as we have sufficient funds available.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth the compensation paid to our directors during our December 31, ~~2015~~2016 fiscal year, other than directors who were also named executive officers as that term is defined in Item 402(m)(2). Compensation paid to directors who were also named executive officers during our December 31, 2016 fiscal year is set out in the tables above.

	Fees				Nonqualified
	Earned or			Non- Equity	Deferred
	Paid in	Stock	Option	Incentive Plan	Compensation	All Other
	Cash⁽¹⁾	Awards	Awards	Compensation	Earnings	Compensation	Total
Name	($)	($)	($)	($)	($)	($)	($)
Mark H. Brennan⁽²⁾	$42,000	$0	$37,461	$0	$0	$0	$79,461
Steven A. Klein⁽³⁾	$34,000	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$34,000

Compensation paid to directors who were also named executive officers during our December 31, 2015 fiscal year is set out in the tables above.

Name	Fees Earned or Paid in Cash(1) ($)	Stock Awards ($)	Option Awards ($)	Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)	Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)	All Other Compensation ($)	Total ($)
Mark H. Brennan(2)	$12,000	$0	$73,059	$0	$0	$0	$85,059
Steven A. Klein(3)	$12,000	$0	$73,059	$0	$0	$0	$85,059

Notes:

(1)	From April 1, 2015 to March 1, 2016, we compensated our independent directors at a rate of $12,000 per annum. Previously, we compensated our independent directors at a rate of $48.,000 per annum. Beginning March 1, 2016, the cash compensation payable to our independent directors was returned to pre-2015 levels of $48,000 per year. ~~Director compensation is currently being deferred until such time that the Company has sufficient funds.~~
(2)	On ~~April~~December 127, ~~2015~~2016, Mr. Brennan was granted options to purchase an aggregate of ~~500~~600,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.4008 per share. ~~125,000~~A ~~options~~description ~~vested~~of ~~upon~~these ~~granting~~options, ~~with~~including the ~~remaining~~vesting ~~options~~and ~~vesting~~expiration ~~equally~~provisions, atwas ~~the~~provided ~~end~~in ofour ~~each~~Current ~~fiscal~~Report ~~quarter~~on ~~and~~Form ~~expiring~~8-K 5filed ~~years~~on ~~after~~January ~~vesting~~3, 2017.
	As of the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, Mr. Brennan had options to purchase up to 2,167,197 shares (2014 - 1,717,197 shares) of our common stock, 1,967,197 of which are vested and exercisable. These options have various exercise prices and expiration dates.
	As of the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, Mr. Brennan had options to purchase up to 2,767,197 shares (2015 - 2,167,197 shares) of our common stock, 1,967,197 of which are vested and exercisable. These options have various exercise prices and expiration dates.
(3)	~~On April 1, 2015,~~ Mr. Klein ~~was~~resigned ~~granted~~as ~~options~~a tomember ~~purchase an aggregate~~ of ~~500,000 shares of~~ our ~~common~~board ~~stock at an exercise price~~ of ~~$0.40~~directors ~~per~~on ~~share.~~October ~~125~~13,~~000~~ ~~options vested upon granting, with the remaining options vesting equally at the end of each fiscal quarter and expiring 5 years after vesting~~2016.
	As of the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, Mr. Klein had options to purchase up to 1,025,000 shares (2014 - 525,000) of our common stock, all of which are vested and exercisable.

As of the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, Mr. Klein had options to purchase up to 1,025,000 shares (2015 – 1,025,000) of our common stock, all of which are vested and exercisable. These options are scheduled expire on May 31, 2017.

Each of the options granted to our independent directors will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control of the Company. We do not have any other change in control arrangements with our independent directors.

ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

The following table sets forth certain information concerning all equity compensation plans previously approved by stockholders and all previous equity compensation plans not previously approved by stockholders, as of December 31, ~~2015~~2016, our most recent fiscal year end.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan Category Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (a) Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (b) Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in column (a)) (c) Equity Compensation Plans Approved By Security Holders None Not Applicable None

			Number of Securities
			Remaining Available for
			Future Issuance Under
	Number of Securities to	Weighted- Average	Equity Compensation
	be Issued Upon Exercise	Exercise Price of	Plans (Excluding
	of Outstanding Options,	Outstanding Options,	Securities Reflected in
Plan Category	Warrants and Rights	Warrants and Rights	column (a))
	(a)	(b)	(c)
Equity Compensation Plans
Approved By Security	None	Not Applicable	None
Holders

Equity Compensation Plans
Not Approved By Security	31,562,197⁽¹⁾	$0.41⁽³⁾	11,728,734⁽²⁾
Holders

43Notes:

Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved By Security Holders 18,954,697(1) $0.55 8,312,484(2)

(1)	Includes options and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 9,850,000 shares of our common stock issued to consultants outside of our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (see below).
(2)	Our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan contains provisions that automatically increase the number of shares available for issuance (see below).
(3)	Weighted average exercise price was calculated based on the original exercise price of the outstanding options and warrants as of December 31, 2016, and was not calculated based on the $0.08 temporarily reduced exercise price of $0.08, which expired on February 17, 2017.

Notes:
(1)	Includes options and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 9,850,000 shares of our common stock issued to consultants outside of our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (see below).
(2)	Our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan contains provisions that automatically increase the number of shares available for issuance (see below).

2007 Stock Incentive Plan

On March 27, 2007, we established our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”). The purpose of the 2007 Plan is to enhance the long-term stockholder value of the Company by offering opportunities to our directors, officers, employees and eligible consultants and any entity that directly or indirectly is in control of or is controlled by the Company (a “Related Company”) to acquire and maintain stock ownership in the Company in order to give these persons the opportunity to participate in our growth and success, and to encourage them to remain in our service or in the service of a Related Company.

The 2007 Plan is administered by our Board or by a committee of two or more directors appointed by our Board (the "Plan Administrator"). Subject to the provisions of the 2007 Plan, the Plan Administrator has full and final authority to grant the awards of stock options and to determine the terms and conditions of the awards and the number of shares to be issued pursuant thereto. The 2007 Plan authorizes the grant of options that are intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or nonqualified stock options.

All of our employees and members of our Board are eligible to be granted options. Individuals who have rendered or are expected to render advisory or consulting services to us are also eligible to receive options so long as they do not provide capital raising services or promote or maintain a market for our securities. Upon adoption, the maximum number of shares of our common stock with respect to which options or rights could be granted under the 2007 Plan was 6,000,000 shares. The 2007 Plan contains an automatic adjustment provision where the number of shares authorized to be subjected to option grants increases on the first day of each quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter commencing July 1, 2007 by the lesser of the following amounts: (1) 15% of the total number of outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock, less any shares that were previously available under the 2007 Plan and any shares available under any other stock option plan that we may adopt; or (2) a lesser number of shares of Common Stock as may be determined by our Board, subject to certain adjustments to prevent dilution.

The exact terms of the option granted are contained in an option agreement between us and the person to whom such option is granted. Eligible employees are not required to pay anything to receive options. The exercise price for options intending to qualify as incentive stock options must be no less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The exercise price for nonqualified stock options is determined by the Plan Administrator but may not be less than 75% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of the grant. Fair market value for purposes of the 2007 Plan is calculated based on the price of our common stock during the 10 trading days prior to the grant date. An option holder may exercise options from time to time, subject to vesting. Options will vest immediately upon death or disability of a participant and upon certain change of control events.

The Plan Administrator may amend the 2007 Plan at any time and in any manner, however no recipient of any award may, without his or her consent, be deprived thereof or of any of his or her rights thereunder or with respect thereto as a result of such amendment or termination.

The 2007 Plan ~~terminates~~was scheduled to expire on March 27, 2017. ~~unless sooner~~Our ~~terminated~~Board byof ~~action~~Directors resolved to extend the term of ~~our~~the ~~Board~~2007 Plan to March 30, 2022. If an award expires, terminates or is canceled, the shares of our Common Stock not purchased thereunder may again be made available for issuance under the 2007 Plan.

Options and Warrants Granted to Consultants Outside of 2007 Plan

At the end of our ~~2015~~2016 fiscal year, we had the following outstanding options and warrants that had been issued outside of our 2007 Plan to certain consultants in exchange for their services:

44(a) Options to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock exercisable at a price of $1.75 per share, expiring on August 15, 2017. (b) Warrants to purchase up to 200,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $0.55 per share, expiring on December 31, 2016, which expiry date was extended to February 17, 2017. (c) Warrants to purchase up to 300,000 shares of our common stock exercisable at a price of $0.75 per share, expiring on December 31, 2016, which expiry date was extended to February 17, 2017. (d) Warrants to purchase up to 3,300,000 shares of our common stock exercisable at a price of $0.75 per share, expiring on December 31, 2016, which expiry date was extended to February 17, 2017. (e) Warrants to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock, exercisable at a price of $0.75 per share and expiring on December 31, 2016, which expiry date was extended to February 17, 2017. (f) Warrants to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock, exercisable at a price of $0.75 per share and expiring on December 31, 2016, which expiry date was extended to February 17, 2017. (g) Warrants to purchase 4,950,000 shares of our common stock, exercisable at a price of $0.40 per share and expiring on February 28, 2020.

~~(a)~~As ~~Options~~of tothe ~~purchase~~date ~~100,000 shares~~ of ~~our~~filing ~~common stock exercisable at a price~~ of ~~$1.75~~this ~~per~~Annual ~~share,~~Report ~~expiring~~ on ~~August~~Form 1510-K, the ~~2017.~~warrants ~~(b)~~described ~~Warrants~~in toparagraphs ~~purchase up to 200,000 shares of our common stock at~~ (a) ~~price~~through ~~of $0.55 per share, expiring on December 17, 2012, which expiry date was extended to December 31, 2016.~~ (cf) ~~Warrants~~above tohad ~~purchase~~either ~~up to 300~~been exercised,~~000~~ ~~shares~~or ofhave ~~our common stock exercisable at a price of $0~~expired.75 ~~per share, expiring on December 31, 2016. We may accelerate the expiration date of these warrants at any time after June 30, 2010 if:~~

	(i)	the volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) for our shares on the principal market on which they trade is above $4.50 per share for twenty consecutive trading days; and
	(ii)	the average daily trading volume for our shares on the principal market on which they trade during those twenty consecutive trading days is equal to or greater than 0.2% of our free float.

(d) Warrants to purchase up to 3,300,000 shares of our common stock exercisable at a price of $0.75 per share, expiring on December 31, 2016. We may accelerate the expiration date of these warrants at any time after June 30, 2010 if:

	(i)	the VWAP for our shares on the principal market on which they trade is above $4.50 per share for twenty consecutive trading days; and
	(ii)	the average daily trading volume for our shares on the principal market on which they trade during those twenty consecutive trading days is equal to or greater than 0.2% of our free float.

(e) Warrants to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock, exercisable at a price of $0.75 per share and expiring on December 31, 2016. We may accelerate the expiration date of these warrants at any time after June 30, 2010 if:

	(i)	the volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) for our shares on the principal market on which they trade is above $4.50 per share for twenty consecutive trading days; and
	(iii)	the average daily trading volume for our shares on the principal market on which they trade during those twenty consecutive trading days is equal to or greater than 0.2% of our free float.

(f) Warrants to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock, exercisable at a price of $0.75 per share and expiring on December 31, 2016.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the number of shares of our common stock owned beneficially as of ~~April~~March 1331, ~~2016~~2017 by: (i) each person (including any group) known to us to own more than five percent (5%) of any class of our voting securities, (ii) each of our directors and each of our named executive officers (as defined under Item 402(m)(2) of Regulation S-K), and (iii) officers and directors as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, the shareholders listed possess sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown.

Title of Class	Name and Address of Beneficial Owner	Number of Shares of Common Stock	Percentage of Common Stock(1)
		Number of	Percentage of
	Name and Address	Shares of	Common
Title of Class	of Beneficial Owner	Common Stock	Stock(1)
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Common Stock	Douglas D.G. Birnie ~~Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary and Director~~	56,~~832~~107,581(2) ~~(direct and indirect)~~	32.12%
	Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary	(direct and
	and Director	indirect)
Common Stock	David Z. Strickler, Jr.	821,150(3)	*
	Vice President of Finance and Administration	(direct)
	and Interim Chief Financial Officer
Common Stock	Mark H. Brennan	1,965,000(4)	*
	Director	(direct)
Common Stock	All Officers and Directors	8,963,731	3.2%
	as a Group (5 persons)
5% STOCKHOLDERS
Common Stock	Nanominerals Corp.	62,400,000(5)	22.9%
	P.O. Box 530696	(direct)
	Henderson, NV 89053
Common Stock	Charles A. Ager	64,800,000(5)	23.8%
	P.O. Box 530696	(direct and
	Henderson, NV 89053	indirect)

Title of Class	Name and Address of Beneficial Owner	Number of Shares of Common Stock	Percentage of Common Stock(1)
Common Stock	David Z. Strickler, Jr. Vice President of Finance and Administration and Interim Chief Financial Officer and Interim Treasurer	1,071,150(3) (direct)	*
Common Stock	Mark H. Brennan Director	2,452,197(4) (direct)	1.3%
Common Stock	Steven A. Klein Director	12,352,814(5) (direct and indirect)	6.6%
Common Stock	All Officers and Directors as a Group (4 persons)	21,708,742	11.1%
5% STOCKHOLDERS
Common Stock	Steven A. Klein 1450 Broadway, 40th Floor New York, NY 10018	12,352,814(5) (direct and indirect)	6.6%
Common Stock	Nanominerals Corp. 3500 Lakeside Court, Suite 206 Reno, NV 89509	41,150,000(6) (direct)	22.6%
Common Stock	Charles A. Ager 3500 Lakeside Court, Suite 206 Reno, NV 89509	43,550,000(6) (direct and indirect)	23.9%

Notes:
* Represents less than 1%.

(1)	Under Rule 13d-3, a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of shares; and (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares. Certain shares may be deemed to be beneficially owned by more than one person (if, for example, persons share the power to vote or the power to dispose of the shares). In addition, shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by a person if the person has the right to acquire the shares (for example, upon exercise of an option) within 60 days of the date as of which the information is provided. In computing the percentage ownership of any person, the amount of shares outstanding is deemed to include the amount of shares beneficially owned by such person (and only such person) by reason of these acquisition rights. As a result, the percentage of outstanding shares of any person as shown in this table does not necessarily reflect the person’s actual ownership or voting power with respect to the number of shares of common stock actually outstanding. As of ~~April~~March 1331, ~~2016~~2017, there were ~~181~~272,~~472~~057,~~875~~380 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding.
(2)	The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Birnie consist of: (i) 12,~~515~~065,000 shares directly held by him; (ii) ~~100~~150,000 shares held indirectly through Dosa Consulting, LLC (“Dosa”), an entity controlled by Mr. Birnie; (iii) ~~675~~625,000 shares acquirable upon the exercise of warrants held directly by Mr. Birnie; ~~(iii) 50,000 shares acquirable upon the exercise of warrants held by Dosa;~~ and (iviii) 3,~~492~~267,581 shares acquirable upon the exercise of options granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan within 60 days. Mr. Birnie also owns a 3.5% interest in Nanominerals Corp. The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Birnie do not include any part of the shares of our common stock owned n by Nanominerals as Mr. Birnie does not have any voting or investment power over the shares owned by Nanominerals. Mr. Birnie also directly owns additional options to acquire shares of our common stock that are not currently exercisable and will not become exercisable within the next 60 days. As such, the shares underlying these options have not been included in the number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Birnie.
(3)	The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Strickler consist (i) 16,600 shares directly held by Mr. Strickler; (ii) 4,550 shares acquirable upon the exercise of warrants directly held by Mr. Strickler; and (iii) 1,050,000 shares acquirable upon the exercise of options granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and exercisable within 60 days. Mr. Strickler also owns additional options that are not currently exercisable and will not become exercisable within the next 60 days. As such, the shares underlying these options have not been included in the number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Strickler.

4649

(4)	The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Brennan consists of: (i) 290,000 shares directly held by Mr. Brennan; (ii) 195,000 shares acquirable upon the exercise of warrants directly held by Mr. Brennan; and (iii) 1,967,197 shares acquirable upon the exercise of options granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and exercisable within 60 days. Mr. Brennan also owns additional options that are not currently exercisable and will not become exercisable within the next 60 days. As such, the shares underlying these options have not been included in the number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Brennan.
(3)	The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Strickler consist (i) 21,150 shares directly held by Mr. Strickler; and (ii) 800,000 shares acquirable upon the exercise of options granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and exercisable within 60 days. Mr. Strickler also owns additional options that are not currently exercisable and will not become exercisable within the next 60 days. As such, the shares underlying these options have not been included in the number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Strickler.
(5)	The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Klein consist of (i) 926,384 shares directly held by Mr. Klein; (ii) 790,384 shares acquirable upon the exercise of warrants directly held by Mr. Klein; (iii) 1,025,000 shares acquirable upon the exercise of options granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and exercisable within 60 days; (iv) 5,153,354 shares over which Mr. Klein has investment and voting power as trustee for three trusts that are the direct owners of such shares; (v) 4,457,692 shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants and over which Mr. Klein has investment and voting power as trustee for three trusts that are the direct owners of such warrants. Mr. Klein disclaims any pecuniary interest in the shares held by the trusts for whom he acts as trustee.
(4)	The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Brennan consists of: (i) 540,000 shares directly held by Mr. Brennan; (ii) 125,000 shares acquirable upon the exercise of warrants directly held by Mr. Brennan; and (iii) 1,300,000 shares acquirable upon the exercise of options granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and exercisable within 60 days. Mr. Brennan also owns additional options that are not currently exercisable and will not become exercisable within the next 60 days. As such, the shares underlying these options have not been included in the number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Brennan.
(6)	The shares listed as beneficially owned by Nanominerals consist of 40,650,000 shares directly held by Nanominerals and 500,000 shares acquirable upon the exercise of warrants directly held by Nanominerals. The sole officer and director of Nanominerals is Dr. Charles A. Ager. In addition, pursuant to a shareholders agreement, Dr. Ager has control over a majority of the shareholder voting power of Nanominerals. As such, Dr. Ager has voting and dispositive power over the shares of our common stock listed as beneficially owned by Nanominerals and we have listed those shares as being indirectly beneficially owned by him. Individually, Dr. Ager owns 2,100,000 shares of our common stock. Also included in the number of shares listed as being indirectly beneficially owned by Dr. Ager are 300,000 shares of our common stock owned by Dr. Ager’s wife. The shares owned by Dr. Ager and Mrs. Ager have not been included in the shares beneficially owned by Nanominerals. Mr. Birnie also owns a 3.5% interest in Nanominerals Corp. The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Birnie have not been included in the shares beneficially owned by Nanominerals.
(5)	The shares listed as beneficially owned by Nanominerals consist of 62,400,000 shares directly held by Nanominerals. The sole officer and director of Nanominerals is Dr. Charles A. Ager. In addition, pursuant to a shareholders agreement, Dr. Ager has control over a majority of the shareholder voting power of Nanominerals. As such, Dr. Ager has voting and dispositive power over the shares of our common stock listed as beneficially owned by Nanominerals and we have listed those shares as being indirectly beneficially owned by him. Individually, Dr. Ager owns 2,100,000 shares of our common stock. Also included in the number of shares listed as being indirectly beneficially owned by Dr. Ager are 300,000 shares of our common stock owned by Dr. Ager’s wife. The shares owned by Dr. Ager and Mrs. Ager have not been included in the shares beneficially owned by Nanominerals. Mr. Birnie also owns a 3.5% interest in Nanominerals Corp. The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Birnie have not been included in the shares beneficially owned by Nanominerals.

CHANGES IN CONTROL

We are not aware of any arrangement which may result in a change in control in the future.

ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

Except as disclosed below, none of the following parties has, since the beginning of our last fiscal year, had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction with us or in any presently proposed transaction that has or will materially affect us:

(a)	Any of our directors or officers;
(b)	Any person proposed as a nominee for election as a director;
(c)	Any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of our outstanding common stock; or
(d)	Any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law of any person listed in (a) to (c), above, or any person (other than a tenant or employee) who shares the household of any person listed in (a) to (c), above.

~~2015~~2017 ~~Special~~$0.08 ~~Warrant~~per ~~Financing~~Share Private Placement Offering

~~During~~On ~~our~~March ~~fiscal~~29, ~~year~~2017, ~~ended~~we ~~December~~completed 31a private placement offering of 49,369,123 ~~2015~~shares of common stock at a price of $0.08 per share, ~~the~~for ~~following~~total gross ~~directors~~proceeds ~~and~~of ~~officers~~$3,949,530. ~~purchased~~Directors, ~~special~~officers ~~warrants~~and ~~(the~~Nanominerals ~~“2015~~Corp. ~~Special Warrants”)~~participated ~~under~~in ~~our~~the ~~2015~~private ~~Special~~placement ~~Warrant~~as ~~Offering~~follows:

Name	~~Position~~Relationship	No. of ~~2015 Special Warrants~~Shares	Purchase Price
Steve A. Klein	Director (direct)	100,000
Douglas D.G. Birnie	Director / Officer	500,000	$40,000
Steven A. Klein	Director (indirect as trustee for a trust)	750,000
Mark Brennan	Director	250,000	$20,000
Douglas D.G. Birnie	CEO, President, Secretary and Director	250,000

4750

Under our 2015 Special Warrant Offering, we sold a total of 19,000,000 2015 Special Warrants at a price of $0.20 per 2015 Special Warrant for total gross proceeds of $3,800,000. In addition, directors and officers owning special warrants issued by us in 2014 (the “2014 Special Warrants”) exercised their rights to convert their 2014 Special Warrants into 2015 Special Warrants on a 1:1 basis for no additional consideration.

Name	Relationship	No. of Shares	Purchase Price
Nanominerals Corp.	Significant Shareholder	21,250,000	$1,700,000

Effective February 28, 2016, all of our 2015 Special Warrants outstanding were automatically converted into units (each a “Unit”) on a 1:1 basis without the payment of any additional consideration in accordance with the terms of the 2015 Special Warrants. Each Unit consisted of one share of our common stock and one warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional share of common stock at a price of $0.40 per share, expiring on February 28, 2020.

Nanominerals Corp.

Nanominerals Corp. (“Nanominerals”) is our largest stockholder, beneficially owning 2623.87% of our common stock. Dr. Charles A. Ager is the sole officer and director of Nanominerals and has control over a majority of the voting power of Nanominerals. Douglas D.G. Birnie, our Chief Executive Officer and President is the owner of a 3.5% interest in Nanominerals. Mr. Birnie acquired his interest in Nanominerals prior to his and their involvement with our Company. Nanominerals and Dr. Ager act as consultants to us on technical exploration and financial matters. In addition, Nanominerals has provided dedicated use of its laboratory, instrumentation, milling and research equipment and facilities. Nanominerals invoices us for services provided plus expenses incurred in connection with providing those services.

		Year Ended Dec. 31, 2015		Year Ended Dec. 31, 2014
		Year Ended Dec. 31, 2016		Year Ended Dec. 31, 2015
Consulting Fees	$	420,000	$	420,000
Reimbursement of Expenses	$	18196,~~917~~274		3118,~~930~~917
Purchases of Equipment		0		24,900
	$	616,274	$	438,917
	$	438,917	$	476,830

~~Purchased~~For ~~equipment~~years ~~for~~ended December 31, ~~2014~~2016 ~~was~~and an2015, ~~induction~~we had an ~~furnace.~~outstanding balance due to Nanominerals of $761,442 and $145,168 respectively.

In 2015, Nanominerals exercised its right to convert 2014 Special Warrants held by it into 2015 Special Warrants on a 1:1 basis, without the payment of any additional consideration. Effective February 28, 2016 all of the 2015 Special Warrants held by Nanominerals were converted into Units without the payment of any additional consideration (see “2015 Special Warrant Financing”).

For years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had an outstanding balance due to Nanominerals of $145,168 and $237,551 respectively.

Effective February 26, 2016, we entered into a verbal agreement with Nanominerals Corp., pursuant to which we agreed to issue to Nanominerals share purchase warrants for the purchase of up to 4,500,000 shares of our common stock, exercisable at a price of $0.40 per share for a period expiring on February 28, 2020 (the “Warrants”). The Warrants were issued to Nanominerals in consideration for consulting services previously provided to us during the year ended December 31, 2015 with respect to the exploration and the underlying mineralogy and metallurgy of our Columbus Project in Esmeralda County, Nevada

During the course of 2016, Nanominerals advanced the Company $1,037,000 for working capital purposes. The advances had no formal repayment terms and the total was converted to common stock at $0.08 per share in Q1 2017.

DOSA Consulting, LLC

DOSA is a consulting firm owned by our CEO. From time to time, the services provided by Nanominerals are coordinated for us by DOSA. No management fees are billed to us for these services. The total fees billed by DOSA for Nanominerals’ services for the years ended December 31, ~~2015~~2016 and ~~2014~~2015 were $~~438~~616,~~917~~274 and $~~476~~438,~~830~~917 respectively. At December 31, ~~2015~~2016 and ~~2014~~2015, we owed DOSA $~~145~~761,~~168~~442 and $~~237~~145,~~551~~168 respectively for services provided by Nanominerals. The CEO’s salary and reimbursable expenses are also paid to DOSA.

We had a lease agreement for mining claims with DDB Syndicate and our CEO is the indirect owner of a 1/8 interest in the DDB Syndicate. The mining lease agreement provided us with an option to purchase the DDB Claims and on November 20, 2012, and we exercised that option. The net option payment paid to DOSA was $22,469.

DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Pink marketplace, which does not have director independence requirements. In determining whether any of our directors are independent directors, we have applied the definition for independence set out in NASDAQ Rule 5605(a)(2). In applying this definition, we have determined that Mark H. Brennan ~~and~~is ~~Steven~~an ~~A. Klein are~~ independent ~~directors~~ director. Douglas D.G. Birnie does not qualify as an independent member of our Board.

ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The aggregate fees billed for the two most recently completed fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of our annual financial statements and review of the financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal periods were as follows:

		Year Ended December 31, 2015		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Year Ended December 31, 2016		Year Ended December 31, 2015
Audit Fees	$	6641,~~757~~449	$	7966,~~549~~757
Audit-Related Fees		Nil		Nil
Tax Fees		Nil		Nil
All Other Fees		Nil		Nil
Total	$	6641,~~757~~449	$	7966,~~549~~757

Our audit committee annually reviews the qualifications of Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corporation, prior to engaging them as our auditors in accordance with Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(A) of Regulation S-X.

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

The following exhibits are either provided with this Annual Report or are incorporated herein by reference:

Exhibit
Number		Description of Exhibit
3.1		Articles of Incorporation.(1)
3.2		Certificate of Amendment to Articles - Name Change from Merritt Ventures Corp. to Ireland Inc.(2)
3.3		Certificate of Change –– 4-for-1 Stock Split.(3)
3.4		Bylaws.(1)
4.1		Form of Warrant.(14)
10.1		2007 Stock Incentive Plan.(4)
10.2		~~Consulting~~Non-Qualified ~~Agreement~~Stock ~~between~~Option ~~the~~Agreement ~~Company~~for ~~and~~Douglas ~~RJ Falkner & Company, Inc~~D.,G. ~~dated for reference as of November 5, 2007~~Birnie.(58)
10.3		~~Consultant~~ Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement ~~between~~for ~~the~~Robert ~~Company and R~~D. ~~Jerry Falkner, dated effective as of November 5, 2007~~McDougal.(58)
10.4		~~Management~~Non-Qualified ~~Employment~~Stock Option Agreement for ~~David~~Mark ZH. ~~Strickler~~Brennan.(138)
10.5		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for ~~Douglas~~David DZ.G. ~~Birnie~~Strickler, Jr.(89)
10.6		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement dated April 8, 2011 for ~~Robert~~Mark DH. ~~McDougal~~Brennan.(810)
10.7		~~Non-Qualified~~Amended ~~Stock~~and Restated Option Agreement ~~for~~dated ~~Michael~~July A20, 2011 between Sierra Mineral Management Inc. ~~Steele~~and Ireland Inc.(811)
10.8		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for ~~Mark~~Douglas HD.G. ~~Brennan~~Birnie.(812)
10.9		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for ~~David~~Robert ZD. ~~Strickler, Jr~~McDougal.(912)
10.10		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement ~~dated April 8, 2011~~ for ~~Mark~~David HZ. ~~Brennan~~Strickler, Jr.(1012)
10.11		~~Amended~~Form ~~and~~of ~~Restated~~Securities ~~Option~~Purchase Agreement ~~dated July 20, 2011 between Sierra Mineral Management Inc~~. ~~and Ireland Inc.~~(1114)
10.12		~~Non-Qualified~~Form ~~Stock~~of ~~Option~~Registration ~~Agreement~~Rights ~~for Douglas D~~Agreement.~~G. Birnie.~~(1214)
10.13		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective February 15, 2013 for ~~Robert~~Douglas D.G. ~~McDougal~~Birnie.(1215)
10.14		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective February 15, 2013 for Robert D. McDougal.(15)
10.15		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective February 15, 2013 for David Z. Strickler, Jr.(15)
10.16		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective February 15, 2013 for Mark H. Brennan.(15)
10.17		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective April 16, 2013 for Steven A. Klein.(16)
10.18		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective January 17, 2014 for Douglas D.G. Birnie.(18)
10.19		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective January 17, 2014 for Robert D. McDougal.(18)
10.20		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective January 17, 2014 for David Z. Strickler, Jr.(18)
10.21		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective January 17, 2014 for Mark H. Brennan.(18)
10.22		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective January 17, 2014 for Steven A. Klein. (18)
10.23		Form of Special Warrant Subscription Agreement.(17)

4952

Exhibit
Number		Description of Exhibit
10.14		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for David Z. Strickler, Jr.(12)
10.24		Nanominerals Subscription Agreement.(17)
10.15		Form of Securities Purchase Agreement.(14)
10.25		Termination and Mutual Release Agreement dated August 27, 2014 between the Company and Sierra Mineral Management Inc.(19)
10.16		Form of Registration Rights Agreement.(14)
10.26		Form of Special Warrant Subscription Agreement.(21)
10.17		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective February 15, 2013 for Douglas D.G. Birnie.(15)
10.27		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective April 1, 2015 for Douglas D.G. Birnie.(22)
10.18		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective February 15, 2013 for Robert D. McDougal.(15)
10.28		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective April 1, 2015 for Robert D. McDougal. (22)
10.19		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective February 15, 2013 for David Z. Strickler, Jr.(15)
10.29		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective April 1, 2015 for David Z. Strickler, Jr. (22)
10.20		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective February 15, 2013 for Mark H. Brennan.(15)
10.30		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective April 1, 2015 for Mark H. Brennan. (22)
10.21		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective April 16, 2013 for Steven A. Klein.(16)
10.31		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective April 1, 2015 for Steven A. Klein. (22)
10.22		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective January 17, 2014 for Douglas D.G. Birnie.(18)
10.32		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective Dec. 27, 2016 for Douglas D.G. Birnie.
10.23		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective January 17, 2014 for Robert D. McDougal.(18)
10.33		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective Dec. 27, 2016 for David Z. Strickler, Jr.
10.24		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective January 17, 2014 for David Z. Strickler, Jr.(18)
10.34		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective Dec. 27, 2016 for Mark H. Brennan.
10.25		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective January 17, 2014 for Mark H. Brennan.(18)
10.26		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective January 17, 2014 for Steven A. Klein. (18)
10.27		Form of Special Warrant Subscription Agreement.(17)
10.28		Nanominerals Subscription Agreement.(17)
10.29		Termination and Mutual Release Agreement dated August 27, 2014 between the Company and Sierra Mineral Management Inc.(19)
10.30		Form of Special Warrant Subscription Agreement.(21)
10.31		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective April 1, 2015 for Douglas D.G. Birnie.(22)
10.32		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective April 1, 2015 for Robert D. McDougal. (22)
10.33		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective April 1, 2015 for David Z. Strickler, Jr. (22)
10.34		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective April 1, 2015 for Mark H. Brennan. (22)
10.35		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective April 1, 2015 for Steven A. Klein. (22)
14.1		Code of Ethics. (7)
21.1		List of Subsidiaries.(9)
23.1		Consent of Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corporation
31.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
95.1		Mine Safety Disclosures.
99.1		Columbus Project Claims Summary.~~(20)~~
101.INS		XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

Notes:

(1)	Filed as an exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form SB-2 originally filed April 18, 2002, as amended.
(2)	Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed April 12, 2006.
(3)	Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 30, 2007.
(4)	Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006 filed April 5, 2007.
(5)	~~Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 9, 2007~~None.
(6)	Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2003 filed September 28, 2004.
(7)	Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 filed April 15, 2010.
(8)	Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 28, 2010.
(9)	Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed March 30, 2011.
(10)	Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 13, 2011.
(11)	Filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2011 filed August 19, 2011.
(12)	Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 26, 2011.
(13)	None.
(14)	Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 6, 2012.
(15)	Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed April 15, 2013.
(16)	Filed as an exhibit to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-1/A filed April 19, 2013.
(17)	Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 28, 2014.
(18)	Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed March 31, 2014.
(19)	Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 4, 2014.
(20)	Filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2014 filed November 19, 2014.
(21)	Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 4, 2015.

50(22) Filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 15, 2015.

(8)	Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 28, 2010.
(9)	Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed March 30, 2011.
(10)	Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 13, 2011.
(11)	Filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2011 filed August 19, 2011.
(12)	Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 26, 2011.
(13)	Filed as an exhibit to our original Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed March 30, 2012.
(14)	Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 6, 2012.
(15)	Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed April 15, 2013.
(16)	Filed as an exhibit to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-1/A filed April 19, 2013.
(17)	Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 28, 2014.
(18)	Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed March 31, 2014.
(19)	Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 4, 2014.
(20)	Filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2014 filed November 19, 2014.
(21)	Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 4, 2015.
(22)	Filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 15, 2015.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

			IRELAND INC.
Date:	April 1410, ~~2016~~2017	By:	/s/ Douglas D.G. Birnie
			DOUGLAS D.G. BIRNIE
			Chief Executive Officer, President and Secretary
			(Principal Executive Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Date:	April 1410, ~~2016~~2017	By:	/s/ Douglas D.G. Birnie
			DOUGLAS D.G. BIRNIE
			Chief Executive Officer, President and Secretary
			Director (Principal Executive Officer)
Date:	April 1410, ~~2016~~2017	By:	/s/ David Z. Strickler
			DAVID Z. STRICKLER
			Chief Operating Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer and
			Chief Operating Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer
			Interim Treasurer
			(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
Date:	April 1410, ~~2016~~2017	By:	/s/ Mark H. Brennan
			MARK H. BRENNAN
			Director
Date:	April 14, 2016	By:	/s/ Steven A. Klein
			STEVEN A. KLEIN
			Director

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