AUST Austin Gold Corp

SUMMARY OF RISK FACTORS

We and our business are subject to material risks, which could cause actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those anticipated. See the risk factors set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this Prospectus. These risks can be summarized as follows:

Business Related Risks

Industry Related Risks

Risks Related to our Common Shares

The foregoing is a summary of significant risk factors that we think could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected results. However, there could be additional risk factors besides those listed herein that also could affect us in an adverse manner. You should read the risk factors set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors”.

RISK FACTORS

Investing in the Securities involves a high degree of risk. Prospective investors in a particular offering of Securities should carefully consider the following risks as well as the other information contained in this Prospectus, any applicable Prospectus Supplement, and the documents incorporated by reference herein before investing in the Securities. If any of the following risks actually occurs, the Company’s business could be materially harmed. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones the Company faces. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those of which the Company is currently unaware or that the Company deems immaterial, may also adversely affect the Company’s business.

Risks Related to our Financial Condition

We have a limited operating history on which to base an evaluation of our business and prospects.

Austin Gold is an exploration company and has no history of operations, mining or refining mineral products. Austin Gold is subject to many risks common to such enterprises, including under-capitalization, cash shortages, limitations with respect to personnel, financial and other resources and lack of revenues. There is no assurance that Austin Gold will be successful in achieving a return on an investment for investors in the common shares and Austin Gold’s likelihood of success must be considered in light of its early stage of operations.

There can be no assurance that the Austin Gold Properties or any other property will be successfully placed into production, produce minerals in commercial quantities or otherwise generate operating earnings. Advancing projects from the exploration stage into development and commercial production requires significant capital and time and will be subject to the successful completion of further technical studies, permitting requirements and the construction of mines, processing plants, roads and related works and infrastructure. Austin Gold will continue to incur losses until mining-related operations successfully reach commercial production levels and generate sufficient revenue to fund continuing operations.

We have no operating revenues and a history of losses.

Austin Gold has no operating revenues or earnings and a history of losses, and no operating revenues are anticipated until one of Austin Gold’s projects comes into production, which may or may not occur. As such, there is no certainty that Austin Gold will generate revenue from any source, operate profitably or provide a return on investment in the future. Austin Gold will continue to experience losses unless and until it can successfully develop and begin profitable commercial production at one of its mining properties. There can be no assurance that Austin Gold will be able to do so.

We will require significant additional capital to fund our business plan.

Austin Gold plans to focus on exploring for minerals and will use its working capital to carry out such exploration. Austin Gold has no source of operating cash flow and no assurance that acceptable additional funding will be available to it for the further exploration and development of its projects. The Company has incurred net losses in the past and may incur losses in the future and will continue to incur losses until and unless it can derive sufficient revenues and earnings from its mineral projects. These conditions, including other factors described herein, could result in material uncertainty regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

It is likely that the development and exploration of Austin Gold’s properties will require substantial additional financing. Further exploration and development of the Austin Gold Properties and/or other properties acquired by Austin Gold may be dependent upon its ability to obtain acceptable financing through equity or debt, and there can be no assurance that it will be able to obtain adequate financing in the future or that the terms of such financing will be acceptable. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in the delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of Austin Gold’s projects and Austin Gold may become unable to carry out its business objectives.

We are subject to currency rate risk related to our reporting currency.

Austin Gold may be subject to currency risks. Austin Gold’s reporting currency is the US dollar, which is exposed to fluctuations against other currencies. Austin Gold’s Properties are located in the United States with corporate operations in Canada. Should Austin Gold expand its operations into additional countries its expenditures and obligations may be incurred in foreign currencies. As such, Austin Gold’s results of operations may become subject to foreign currency fluctuation risks and such fluctuations may adversely affect the financial position and operating results of Austin Gold. At this time, Austin Gold has not implemented measures to mitigate transactional volatility in the Canadian dollar. Austin Gold may, however, enter into foreign currency forward contracts in order to match or partially offset existing currency exposures.

We may have liquidity risk due to our reliance on additional financing.

Liquidity risk arises through the excess of financial obligations due over available financial assets at any point in time. Austin Gold’s objective in managing liquidity risk will be to maintain sufficient readily available cash reserves and credit in order to meet its liquidity requirements at any point in time. As Austin Gold does not currently have revenue, and is not expected to have revenue in the foreseeable future, Austin Gold will be reliant upon debt and equity financing to mitigate liquidity risk. The total cost and planned timing of acquisitions and/or other development or construction projects is not currently determinable and it is not currently known precisely when Austin Gold will require external financing in future periods. There is no guarantee that external financing will be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, and Austin Gold’s inability to finance future development and acquisitions would have a material and adverse effect on Austin Gold and its business and prospects.

Increased costs could affect our financial condition.

We anticipate that costs at our projects and properties that we may explore or develop will frequently be subject to variation from one year to the next due to a number of factors, such as changing grade, metallurgy and revisions to mine plans, if any, in response to the physical shape and location of an identified ore body. In addition, costs are affected by the price of commodities such as fuel, steel, rubber, and electricity. Such commodities are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production at certain operations less profitable. A material increase in costs at any significant location could have a significant effect on our profitability.

Risks Related to our Company

Our reliance on a limited number of properties presents development risks.

The Austin Gold Properties include the Kelly Creek Project, the Lone Mountain Project, and the Miller Project, all located in Nevada, USA and the Stockade Mountain Project, located in Malheur County, Oregon, USA. As a result, unless Austin Gold acquires additional property interests, any adverse developments affecting these properties would have a material adverse effect upon Austin Gold and would materially affect any potential mineral production, profitability, financial performance and results of operations of Austin Gold. While Austin Gold may seek to acquire additional mineral properties in accordance with its business objectives, there can be no assurance that Austin Gold will be able to identify suitable additional mineral properties or, if it does identify suitable properties, that it will have sufficient financial resources to acquire such properties or that such properties will be available on terms acceptable to Austin Gold or at all and that Austin Gold will be able to successfully develop such properties and bring such properties into commercial production.

We have no history of mineral production.

There is no history of mineral production on the Austin Gold Properties. The Austin Gold Properties are a high risk, speculative venture, and only a minimal amount of exploration and sampling has been conducted on the properties by the Company. There is no certainty that the expenditures proposed to be made by Austin Gold towards the search for and evaluation of gold or other minerals with regard to the Austin Gold Properties or otherwise will result in discoveries of commercial quantities of gold or other minerals.

Furthermore, there is no assurance that commercial quantities of minerals will be discovered at any properties acquired in the future by Austin Gold, nor is there any assurance that any future exploration programs of Austin Gold on the Austin Gold Properties or any other properties will yield any positive results. Even where commercial quantities of minerals are discovered, there can be no assurance that any property of Austin Gold will ever be brought to a stage where mineral resources can be identified and mineral reserves can be profitably produced. Factors which may limit the ability of Austin Gold to produce mineral reserves from its properties include, but are not limited to, the price of mineral resources, the availability of additional capital and financing and the nature of any mineral deposits.

We are an early-stage development company which presents additional risks to our success.

Austin Gold is a junior resource company focused primarily on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in Nevada and Oregon. Austin Gold’s Properties have no established mineral reserves due to the early stage of exploration at this time. Any reference to potential quantities and/or grade is conceptual in nature, as there has been insufficient exploration to define any mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the determination of any mineral resource. Quantities and/or grade described in this Prospectus should not be interpreted as assurances of a potential resource or reserve, or of potential future mine life or of the profitability of future operations.

The exploration and development of mineral deposits involves a high degree of financial risk over a significant period of time. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines and there is no assurance that any of Austin Gold’s projects can be mined profitably. Substantial expenditures are required to establish mineral resources and reserves through drilling, to develop metallurgical processes to extract the metal from the ore and in the case of new properties, to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. It is impossible to ensure that the current exploration and development programs of Austin Gold will result in profitable commercial mining operations. The profitability of Austin Gold’s operations will be, in part, directly related to the cost and success of its exploration and development programs, which may be affected by a number of factors. Substantial expenditures are required to establish mineral resources and reserves that are sufficient to support commercial mining operations and to construct, complete and install mining and processing facilities on those properties that are actually developed.

No assurance can be given that any particular level of recovery of minerals will be realized or that any potential quantities and/or grade will ever qualify as a mineral resource or reserve, or that any such mineral resource or reserve will ever qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) deposit which can be legally and economically exploited.

Where expenditures on a property have not led to the discovery of mineral resources or reserves, incurred expenditures will generally not be recoverable.

Our properties are in the exploration stage.

We have not established that our properties contain any mineral reserve according to recognized reserve guidelines, nor can there be any assurance that we will be able to do so. A mineral reserve is defined by the SEC in Regulation SK 1300 as that part of a mineral deposit, which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. The probability of an individual prospect ever having a “reserve” that meets the requirements of Regulation SK 1300 is extremely remote; in all probability our mineral properties do not contain any “reserves” and any funds that we spend on exploration could be lost. Even if we do eventually discover a mineral reserve on our properties, there can be no assurance that they can be developed into producing mines and extract those minerals. Both mineral exploration and development involve a high degree of risk and few mineral properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines.

The commercial viability of an established mineral deposit will depend on a number of factors including, by way of example, the size, grade and other attributes of the mineral deposit, the proximity of the mineral deposit to infrastructure such as a smelter, roads and a point for shipping, government regulation and market prices. Most of these factors will be beyond our control, and any of them could increase costs and make extraction of any identified mineral deposit unprofitable.

As an emerging growth company, our auditor is not required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls.

Our independent auditors are not required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting while we are an emerging growth company. This means that the effectiveness of our financial operations may differ from our peer companies in that they may be required to obtain independent registered public accounting firm attestations as to the effectiveness of their internal controls over financial reporting while we are not. While our management will be required to attest to internal controls over financial reporting and we will be required to detail changes to our internal controls on a quarterly basis, we cannot provide assurance that the independent registered public accounting firm’s review process in assessing the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, if obtained, would not find one or more material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. Further, once we cease to be an emerging growth company, we will be subject to independent registered public accounting firm attestation regarding the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting unless our public float is less than $75 million. Even if management finds such controls to be effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may decline to attest to the effectiveness of such internal controls and issue a qualified report.

We expect that we will be considered a smaller reporting company under the Exchange Act and will be exempt from certain disclosure requirements, which could make our common shares less attractive to potential investors.

Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act defines a “smaller reporting company” as an issuer that is not an investment company, an asset-backed issuer, or a majority-owned subsidiary of a parent that is not a smaller reporting company and that:

We believe that we are a smaller reporting company, and as such that we will not be required and may not include a Compensation Discussion and Analysis section in our proxy statements; we will provide only two years of financial statements; and we need not provide the table of selected financial data. We also will have other “scaled” disclosure requirements that are less comprehensive than issuers that are not smaller reporting companies. These “scaled” disclosure requirements make our securities less attractive to potential investors, which could make it more difficult for our securityholders to sell their securities.

We are a foreign private issuer which exempts us from complying with certain reporting requirements.

Austin Gold is considered a “foreign private issuer” and will report under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as a non-U.S. company with foreign private issuer status. This means that, as long as we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we will be exempt from certain provisions of the Exchange Act that are applicable to U.S. domestic public companies, including:

We may take advantage of these exemptions (or voluntarily comply with the requirements applicable to U.S. domestic public companies) until such time as we are no longer a foreign private issuer. We would cease to be a foreign private issuer at such time as more than 50% of our outstanding voting securities are held by U.S. residents and any of the following three circumstances applies: (i) the majority of our executive officers or directors are U.S. citizens or residents; (ii) more than 50% of our assets are located in the United States; or (iii) our business is administered principally in the United States.

If we fail to maintain our foreign private issuer status and decide, or are required, to register as a U.S. domestic issuer, the regulatory and compliance costs to us will be significantly more than the costs incurred as a foreign private issuer. In such event, we would not be eligible to use foreign issuer forms and would be required to file periodic and current reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the SEC, which are generally more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer.

It may be difficult to enforce judgments or bring actions outside the United States against us and certain of our directors.

We are a Canadian corporation and certain of our officers and directors are neither citizens nor residents of the United States. A substantial part of the assets of several of these persons, are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for an investor:

We may be a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”), which may have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S. investors.

We believe that we were classified as a PFIC for our most recently completed tax year, and based on current business plans and financial expectations, we expect that we may be a PFIC for our current tax year and subsequent tax years. If we are a PFIC for any year during a U.S. taxpayer’s holding period of Common shares, then such U.S. taxpayer generally will be required to treat any gain realized upon a disposition of the Common shares or any so-called “excess distribution” received on its Common shares as ordinary income, and to pay an interest charge on a portion of such gain or distribution. In certain circumstances, the sum of the tax and the interest charge may exceed the total amount of proceeds realized on the disposition, or the amount of excess distribution received, by the U.S. taxpayer. Subject to certain limitations, these tax consequences may be mitigated if a U.S. taxpayer makes a timely and effective QEF Election (as defined below) or a Mark-to-Market Election (as defined below). A U.S. taxpayer who makes a timely and effective QEF Election generally must report on a current basis its share of our net capital gain and ordinary earnings for any year in which we are a PFIC, whether or not we distribute any amounts to our shareholders. However, U.S. taxpayers should be aware that there can be no assurance that we will satisfy the record keeping requirements that apply to a qualified electing fund, or that we will supply U.S. taxpayers with information that such U.S. taxpayers require to report under the QEF Election rules, in the event that we are a PFIC and a U.S. taxpayer wishes to make a QEF Election. Thus, U.S. taxpayers may not be able to make a QEF Election with respect to their Common shares. A U.S. taxpayer who makes the Mark-to-Market Election generally must include as ordinary income each year the excess of the fair market value of the Common shares over the taxpayer’s basis therein. This paragraph is qualified in its entirety by the discussion below under the heading “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations — Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.” Each potential investor who is a U.S. taxpayer should consult its own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the PFIC rules and the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of the Common shares.

A limited number of our officers and directors own a majority of our common shares and exercise control over us.

As at the date of this Prospectus, officers and directors of Austin Gold, including Dennis Higgs (President and Director), Darcy Higgs (Corporate Secretary), Joseph Ovsenek (Chairman and Director) and Kenneth McNaughton (VP Exploration and Director) hold, directly or indirectly, 6,716,668 common shares, approximately 50.61% of the issued and outstanding common shares, and are Austin Gold’s largest shareholders. Each of these persons also serve as an officer and/or director of Austin Gold, which may give rise to conflicts of interest. As a result, these persons have the ability to influence the outcome of matters submitted to the shareholders of Austin Gold for approval, which could include the election and removal of directors, amendments to Austin Gold’s corporate governing documents and business combinations. Austin Gold’s interests and those of these persons may at times conflict, and this conflict might be resolved against Austin Gold’s interests. The concentration of approximately 50.61% of the issued and outstanding common shares in the hands of these shareholders may discourage an unsolicited bid for the common shares, and this may adversely impact the value and trading price of the common shares.

We do not currently insure against all the risks and hazards of mineral exploration, development and mining operations.

Austin Gold’s business is subject to a number of risks and hazards generally, including adverse environmental conditions, industrial accidents, labor disputes, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground or slope failures, cave-ins, changes in the regulatory environment, natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods and earthquakes. Such occurrences could result in damage to mineral properties or production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage to Austin Gold’s properties or the properties of others, delays in the ability to undertake exploration, monetary losses and possible legal liability.

Although Austin Gold may maintain insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as it considers to be reasonable, its insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with its operations. Austin Gold may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Moreover, insurance against risks such as environmental pollution or other hazards as a result of exploration and production is not generally available to Austin Gold or to other companies in the mining industry on acceptable terms. Austin Gold might also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards which it may not be insured against or which Austin Gold may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause Austin Gold to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon its financial performance and results of operations.

We may enter into joint ventures and partnerships which will expose us to risks related to third-party performance under these agreements.

Austin Gold may in the future enter into partnerships, option agreements and/or joint ventures as a means of acquiring additional property interests or to fully exploit the exploration and production potential of its assets. The failure of any partner to meet its obligations to Austin Gold or other third parties, or any disputes with respect to third parties’ respective rights and obligations, could have a material adverse effect on Austin Gold’s rights under such agreements. Austin Gold may also be unable to exert direct influence over strategic decisions made in respect of properties that are subject to the terms of these agreements, which may have a materially adverse impact on the strategic value of the underlying mineral claims. Furthermore, in the event Austin Gold is unable to meet its obligations or share of costs incurred under agreements to which it is a party, the Company may have its property interests subject to such agreements reduced as a result or face the termination of such agreements.

We are subject to risks regarding completing and integrating acquisitions.

From time to time, it can be expected that Austin Gold will examine opportunities to acquire additional exploration and/or mining assets and businesses. Any acquisition that Austin Gold may choose to complete may be of a significant size, will require significant attention by Austin Gold’s management, may change the scale of Austin Gold’s business and operations, and may expose Austin Gold to new geographic, political, operating, financial and geological risks. Austin Gold’s success in its acquisition activities depends upon its ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates, negotiate acceptable terms for any such acquisition, and integrate the acquired operations successfully with those of Austin Gold. Any acquisitions would be accompanied by risks. In the event that Austin Gold chooses to raise debt capital to finance any such acquisitions, Austin Gold’s leverage will be increased. If Austin Gold chooses to use equity as consideration for such acquisitions, existing shareholders may suffer dilution. Alternatively, Austin Gold may choose to finance any such acquisitions with its existing resources, which would result in the depletion of such resources. There can be no assurance that Austin Gold would be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with such acquisitions, that Austin Gold would be able to successfully integrate the acquired business into Austin Gold’s pre-existing business or that any such acquisition would not have a material and adverse effect on Austin Gold.

We are reliant on certain key personnel.

Austin Gold’s development will depend on the efforts of key management and other key personnel, including Dennis Higgs (President and Director), Grant Bond (CFO), Joseph Ovsenek (Chairman and Director), Kenneth McNaughton (VP Exploration and Director), Darcy Higgs (Corporate Secretary) and Robert “Bob” Hatch (Consulting Geologist). Loss of any of these people, particularly to competitors, could have a material adverse effect on Austin Gold’s business. Further, with respect to the future development of Austin Gold’s projects, it may become necessary to attract both international and local personnel for such development. The marketplace for key skilled personnel is becoming more competitive, which means the cost of hiring, training and retaining such personnel may increase. Factors outside Austin Gold’s control, including competition for human capital and the high level of technical expertise and experience required to execute this development, will affect Austin Gold’s ability to employ the specific personnel required. Due to the relatively small size of Austin Gold, the failure to retain or attract a sufficient number of key skilled personnel could have a material adverse effect on Austin Gold’s business, results of future operations and financial condition. Moreover, Austin Gold does not intend to take out ‘key person’ insurance in respect of any directors, officers or other employees.

Certain of our directors and officers may have conflicts of interest.

Certain of the directors and officers of Austin Gold also serve as directors and/or officers of other companies involved in natural resource exploration and development and consequently there exists the possibility for such directors and officers to be in a position of conflict. Any decision made by any of such directors and officers involving Austin Gold must be made in accordance with their duties and obligations to deal fairly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of Austin Gold and its shareholders.

We may experience difficulty attracting and retaining qualified management to meet the needs of our anticipated growth, and the failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

The hiring and retention of qualified personnel in the mining industry is highly competitive. We may experience difficulty in competing with more established and better financed companies in retaining our current management or hiring new personnel to meet our business and financial requirements. If we are unable to hire or retain necessary personnel it could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

When required, we may not be able to certify that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, which may negatively impact the market price of our common shares.

Internal controls over financial reporting are procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are properly authorized, assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use, and transactions are properly recorded and reported. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance with respect to the reliability of financial reporting and financial statement preparation. Though Austin Gold intends to put into place a system of internal controls appropriate for its size, and reflective of its level of operations, there are limited internal controls currently in place. Austin Gold has a very limited history of operations and has not made any assessment as to the effectiveness of its internal controls. If we identify material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner or assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of Austin Gold’s internal control over financial reporting when required, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of the common shares could be negatively affected. We also could become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which the securities are listed, the Commission, or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.

We are dependent upon information technology (“IT”) systems, which are subject to disruption, damage, failure and risks associated with implementation and integration.

We are dependent upon IT systems in the conduct of our operations including systems and networks which are provided and maintained by third-party contractors. Our IT systems are subject to disruption, damage or failure from a variety of sources, including, without limitation, computer viruses, security breaches, cyber-attacks, natural disasters and defects in design. Cybersecurity incidents, in particular, are evolving and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and the corruption of data. Various measures have been implemented to manage our risks related to IT systems and network disruptions. However, given the unpredictability of the timing, nature and scope of IT disruptions, we could potentially be subject to operational delays, the compromising of confidential or otherwise protected information, destruction or corruption of data, security breaches, other manipulation or improper use of our systems and networks or financial losses from remedial actions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, competitive position, financial condition or results of operations.

Risks Related to the Mining Industry

Mining exploration, development and operating have inherent risks.

Mining operations generally involve a high degree of risk. Austin Gold’s operations are subject to all the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of gold and other minerals, including unusual and unexpected geologic formations, seismic activity, rock bursts, cave-ins, flooding and other conditions involved in the drilling and removal of material, any of which could result in damage to, or destruction of, mines and other production facilities, damage to life or property, environmental damage and possible legal liability. The financing, exploration, development and mining of any of Austin Gold’s properties is furthermore subject to a number of macroeconomic, legal and social factors, including commodity prices, laws and regulations, political conditions, currency fluctuations, the ability to hire and retain qualified people, the inability to obtain suitable and adequate machinery, equipment or labor and obtaining necessary services in the jurisdictions in which Austin Gold operates. Unfavorable changes to these and other factors have the potential to negatively affect Austin Gold’s operations and business.

Major expenses may be required to locate and establish mineral reserves and resources, to develop metallurgical processes and to construct mining and processing facilities at a particular site. Mining, processing, development and exploration activities depend, to one degree or another, on adequate infrastructure. Reliable roads, bridges, power sources and water supply are important determinants, which affect capital and operating costs. Unusual or infrequent weather phenomena, sabotage, government or other interference in the maintenance or provision of such infrastructure could adversely affect Austin Gold’s operations, financial condition and results of operations. It is impossible to ensure that the exploration or development programs planned by Austin Gold will result in a profitable commercial mining operation. Whether a gold or other precious or base metal or mineral deposit will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, some of which are: the particular attributes of the deposit, such as the quantity and quality of mineralization and proximity to infrastructure; mineral prices, which are highly cyclical; and government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting minerals and environmental protection. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in Austin Gold not receiving an adequate return on invested capital.

There is no certainty that the expenditures to be made by Austin Gold towards the exploration and evaluation of gold or other minerals will result in discoveries or production of commercial quantities of gold or other minerals. In addition, once in production, mineral reserves are finite and there can be no assurance that Austin Gold will be able to locate additional reserves as its existing reserves are depleted.

There may be risks and uncertainties related to title to land we own or lease and royalty interests on such land.

General

There are uncertainties as to title matters in the mining industry. Any defects in title could cause Austin Gold to lose rights in its mineral properties and jeopardize its business operations. Austin Gold’s mineral properties currently consist primarily of unpatented mining claims located on lands administered by the BLM, Nevada and Oregon State Offices, to which Austin Gold only has possessory title of the mineral rights. At the Kelly Creek Project, where Austin Gold is earning a joint venture interest, a significant portion of the property is leased private ranch lands on which both surface and mineral rights are controlled by the ranch. Because title to unpatented mining claims is subject to inherent uncertainties, it is difficult to determine conclusively the ownership of such claims. These uncertainties relate to such things as sufficiency of mineral discovery, proper location and posting and marking of boundaries, proper and timely payment of annual BLM claim maintenance fees, the existence and terms of royalties, and possible conflicts with other claims not determinable from descriptions of record.

The present status of Austin Gold’s unpatented mining claims located on public lands allows Austin Gold the right to mine and remove valuable minerals, such as precious and base metals, from the claims conditioned upon applicable environmental reviews and permitting programs. Subject to the permitting process, Austin Gold is also allowed to use the surface of the land solely for purposes related to mining and processing the mineral-bearing ores. However, legal ownership of the land remains with the United States. Austin Gold remains at risk that the mining claims may be forfeited either to the United States or to rival private claimants due to failure to comply with statutory requirements. Prior to 1993, a mining claim locator who was able to prove the discovery of valuable, locatable minerals on a mining claim, and to meet all other applicable federal and state requirements and procedures pertaining to the location and maintenance of federal unpatented mining claims, had the right to prosecute a patent application to secure fee title to the mining claim from the federal government. The right to pursue a patent, however, has been subject to a moratorium since October 1993, through federal legislation restricting the BLM from accepting any new mineral patent applications. If Austin Gold does not obtain fee title to its unpatented mining claims, there can be no assurance that it will be able to obtain compensation in connection with the forfeiture of such claims.

Pending Federal Legislation that may affect the Company’s Operations

In recent years, members of the United States Congress have repeatedly introduced bills which would supplant or alter the provisions of the General Mining Act of 1872, a United States federal law that authorizes and governs prospecting and mining for economic minerals, such as gold, platinum, and silver, on federally administered public lands. Such bills have proposed, among other things, to either eliminate the right to a mineral patent, impose a federal royalty on production from unpatented mining claims, render certain federal lands unavailable for the location of unpatented mining claims, afford greater public involvement in the mine permitting process, provide for citizen suits, and impose new and stringent environmental operating standards and mined land reclamation requirements in addition to those already in effect. Such proposed legislation could change the cost of holding unpatented mining claims and could significantly impact Austin Gold’s ability to develop mineralized material on unpatented mining claims. Currently, most of Austin Gold’s mining claims are unpatented claims. Although Austin Gold cannot predict what legislative changes might occur, the enactment of these proposed bills could adversely affect the potential for development of its mining claims, the economics of any mines that it brings into operation on federal unpatented mining claims, and as a result, adversely affect Austin Gold’s financial performance.

Title to Mineral Property Interests may be Challenged

There may be challenges to title to the mineral properties in which Austin Gold holds a material interest. If there are title defects with respect to any properties, Austin Gold might be required to compensate other persons or to reduce its interest in the affected property. Furthermore, in any such case, the investigation and resolution of these issues would divert Austin Gold management’s time from ongoing exploration and development programs. Title insurance generally is not available for mining claims in the U.S. and Austin Gold’s ability to ensure that it has obtained secure claim to individual mineral properties may be limited. The Austin Gold Properties may be subject to prior unregistered liens, agreements, transfers or claims, including native land claims and title may be affected by, among other things, undetected defects. In addition, Austin Gold may be unable to operate the properties as permitted or to enforce its rights with respect to its properties. The failure to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including a failure to pay taxes or annual BLM claim maintenance fees may invalidate title to portions or all of the Austin Gold Properties. Austin Gold may incur significant costs related to defending the title to its properties. A successful claim contesting title to a property may cause Austin Gold to compensate other persons, or to reduce its interest in the affected property or to lose its rights to explore and, if warranted, develop that property. This could result in Austin Gold not being compensated for its prior expenditures relating to the property. Also, in any such case, the investigation and resolution of title issues would divert management’s time from ongoing exploration and, if warranted, development programs.

Mineral Properties may be Subject to Defects in Title

The ownership and validity or title of unpatented mining claims and concessions can at times be uncertain and may be contested. Austin Gold also may not have, or may not be able to obtain, all necessary surface rights to develop a property. Austin Gold has taken reasonable measures, in accordance with industry standards for properties at the same stage of exploration as those of Austin Gold, to ensure proper title to the Austin Gold Properties. However, there is no guarantee that title to any of its properties will not be challenged or impugned.

Interpretation of Royalty Agreements; Unfulfilled Contractual Obligations

Royalty interests in Austin Gold Properties, and any other royalty interests in respect of the properties of Austin Gold which may come into existence, may be subject to uncertainties and complexities arising from the application of contract and property laws in the jurisdictions where the mining projects are located. Operators and other parties to the agreements governing royalty interests in Austin Gold Properties may interpret their interests in a manner adverse to Austin Gold, and Austin Gold could be forced to take legal action to enforce its rights. Challenges to the terms of such royalty interests or the existence of other royalties could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition of Austin Gold. Disputes could arise with respect to, among other things:

Natural Resource Properties are Largely Contractual in Nature

Parties to contracts do not always honor contractual terms and contracts themselves may be subject to interpretation or technical defects. Accordingly, there may be instances where Austin Gold would be forced to take legal action to enforce its contractual rights. Such litigation may be time consuming and costly and there is no guarantee of success. Any pending proceedings or actions or any decisions determined adversely to Austin Gold, may have a material and adverse effect on Austin Gold’s results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of the common shares.

We may be unable to secure surface access or purchase required surface rights.

Although the Company acquires the rights to some or all of the minerals in the ground subject to the mineral tenures that it acquires, or has a right to acquire, in most cases it does not thereby acquire any rights to, or ownership of, the surface to the areas covered by such mineral tenures. In such cases, applicable mining laws usually provide for rights of access to the surface for the purpose of carrying on mining activities, however, the enforcement of such rights through the courts can be costly and time consuming. It is necessary to negotiate surface access or to purchase the surface rights if long-term access is required. There can be no guarantee that, despite having the right at law to access the surface and carry on mining activities, we will be able to negotiate satisfactory agreements with any such existing landowners/occupiers for such access or purchase of such surface rights, and therefore we may be unable to carry out planned mining activities. In addition, in circumstances where such access is denied, or no agreement can be reached, we may need to rely on the assistance of local officials or the courts in such jurisdiction the outcomes of which cannot be predicted with any certainty. Our inability to secure surface access or purchase required surface rights could materially and adversely affect our timing, cost or overall ability to develop any mineral deposits we may locate.

We are subject to significant governmental regulations, which affect our operations and costs of conducting our business.

Austin Gold’s exploration operations are subject to government legislation, policies and controls relating to prospecting, development, production, environmental protection including sensitive plant and animal species such as the greater sage-grouse, preservation of antiquities and resources of cultural heritage, mining taxes and labor standards. In order for Austin Gold to carry out its activities, its various licenses and permits must be obtained and kept current. There is no guarantee that the Company’s licenses and permits will be granted, or that once granted will be maintained and extended. In addition, the terms and conditions of such licenses or permits could be changed and there can be no assurances that any application to renew any existing licenses will be approved. There can be no assurance that all permits that Austin Gold requires will be obtainable on reasonable terms, or at all. Delays or a failure to obtain such permits, or a failure to comply with the terms of any such permits that Austin Gold has obtained, could have a material adverse impact on Austin Gold. Austin Gold may be required to contribute to the cost of providing the required infrastructure to facilitate the development of its properties and will also have to obtain and comply with permits and licenses that may contain specific conditions concerning operating procedures, water use, waste disposal, spills, environmental studies, abandonment and restoration plans and financial assurances. There can be no assurance that Austin Gold will be able to comply with any such conditions and non-compliance with such conditions may result in the loss of certain of Austin Gold’s permits and licenses on properties, which may have a material adverse effect on Austin Gold. Future taxation of mining operators cannot be predicted with certainty so planning must be undertaken using present conditions and best estimates of any potential future changes. There is no certainty that such planning will be effective to mitigate adverse consequences of future taxation on Austin Gold.

Our financial results and access to capital may depend on commodity markets.

The price of Austin Gold’s securities, its financial results, and its access to the capital required to finance its exploration activities may in the future be adversely affected by declines in the price of precious and base metals and, in particular, the price of gold. Precious metal prices fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond Austin Gold’s control such as the sale or purchase of precious metals by various dealers, central banks and financial institutions, interest rates, exchange rates, inflation or deflation, currency exchange fluctuation, global and regional supply and demand, production and consumption patterns, speculative activities, increased production due to improved mining and production methods, government regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use and importing and exporting of minerals, environmental protection, and international political and economic trends, conditions and events. If these or other factors continue to adversely affect the price of gold, the market price of Austin Gold’s securities may decline and Austin Gold’s operations may be materially and adversely affected.

We are subject to risks regarding market fluctuations and commercial quantities.

The market for minerals is influenced by many factors beyond Austin Gold’s control, including without limitation the supply and demand for minerals, the sale or purchase of precious metals by various dealers, central banks and financial institutions, interest rates, exchange rates, inflation or deflation, currency exchange fluctuation, global and regional supply and demand, production and consumption patterns, speculative activities, increased production due to improved mining and production methods, government regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use and importing and exporting of minerals, environmental protection, and international political and economic trends, conditions and events. In addition, the metals industry in general is intensely competitive and there is no assurance that, even if apparently commercial quantities and qualities of metals (such as gold) are discovered, a market will exist for their profitable sale. Commercial viability of precious and base metals and other mineral deposits may be affected by other factors that are beyond Austin Gold’s control, including the particular attributes of the deposit such as its size, quantity and quality, the cost of mining and processing, proximity to infrastructure, the availability of transportation and sources of energy, financing, government legislation and regulations including those relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, import and export restrictions, exchange controls, restrictions on production, and environmental protection. It is impossible to assess with certainty the impact of various factors that may affect commercial viability such that any adverse combination of such factors may result in Austin Gold not receiving an adequate return on invested capital or having its mineral projects be rendered uneconomic.

Estimates of mineral resources and reserves are subject to evaluation uncertainties that could result in project failure.

Austin Gold currently does not have any mineral resources or reserves. Mineral resource and reserve estimates will be based upon estimates made by Austin Gold’s personnel and independent geologists. These estimates are inherently subject to uncertainty and are based on geological interpretations and inferences drawn from drilling results and sampling analyses and may require revision based on further exploration or development work. The estimation of mineral resources and reserves may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. As a result of the foregoing, there may be material differences between actual and estimated mineral resources and reserves, which may impact the viability of Austin Gold’s projects and have a material impact on Austin Gold.

The grade of mineralization which may ultimately be mined may differ from that indicated by drilling results and such differences could be material. The quantity and resulting valuation of mineral reserves and mineral resources may also vary depending on, among other things, mineral prices (which may render mineral reserves and mineral resources uneconomic), cut-off grades applied and estimates of future operating costs (which may be inaccurate). Production can be affected by such factors as permitting regulations and requirements, weather, environmental factors, unforeseen technical difficulties, unusual or unexpected geological formations and work interruptions. Any material change in quantity of mineral resources, mineral reserves, grade, or stripping ratio may also affect the economic viability of any project undertaken by Austin Gold. In addition, there can be no assurance that mineral recoveries in small scale, and/or pilot laboratory tests will be duplicated in a larger scale test under on-site conditions or during production. To the extent that Austin Gold is unable to mine and produce as expected and estimated, Austin Gold’s business may be materially and adversely affected.

There is no certainty that any of the mineral resources identified on any of Austin Gold’s properties will be realized, that any mineral resources will ever be upgraded to mineral reserves, that any anticipated level of recovery of minerals will in fact be realized, or that an identified mineral reserve or mineral resource will ever qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) deposit which can be legally and economically exploited. Until a deposit is actually mined and processed, the quantity of mineral resources and mineral reserves and grades must be considered as estimates only, and investors are cautioned that Austin Gold may ultimately never realize production on any of its properties.

We may not be able to obtain all required permits and licenses to place any of our properties into production.

Our current and future operations, including development activities and commencement of production, if warranted, require permits from governmental authorities and such operations are and will be governed by laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, mine safety and other matters. Companies engaged in mineral property exploration and the development or operation of mines and related facilities generally experience increased costs, and delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits. We cannot predict if all permits which we may require for continued exploration, development or construction of mining facilities and conduct of mining operations will be obtainable on reasonable terms, if at all. Costs related to applying for and obtaining permits and licenses may be prohibitive and could delay our planned exploration and development activities. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions.

Parties engaged in mining operations may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations. Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of mining companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on our operations and cause increases in capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of production at producing properties or require abandonment or delays in development of new mining properties.

We are subject to risks regarding health and safety laws and regulations.

Austin Gold’s operations are subject to various health and safety laws and regulations that impose various duties on the Company in respect of its operations, relating to, among other things, worker safety and the surrounding communities. These laws and regulations also grant the relevant authorities broad powers to, among other things, close unsafe operations and order corrective action relating to health and safety matters. The costs associated with the compliance with such health and safety laws and regulations may be substantial and any amendments to such laws and regulations, or more stringent implementation thereof, could cause additional expenditure or impose restrictions on, or suspensions of, Austin Gold’s operations. Austin Gold expects to make significant expenditures to comply with the extensive laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment, waste disposal, worker safety, mine development and protection of endangered and other special status species, and, to the extent reasonably practicable, to create social and economic benefit in the surrounding communities near Austin Gold’s mineral properties, but there can be no guarantee that these expenditures will ensure Austin Gold’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations and any non-compliance may have a material and adverse effect on Austin Gold.

Our relationship with the communities in which we operate impacts the future success of our operations.

Our relationship with the communities in which we operate is important to ensure the future success of our existing operations. While we believe our relationships with the communities in which we operate are strong, there is an increasing level of public concern relating to the perceived effect of mining activities on the environment and on communities impacted by such activities. Certain non-governmental organizations (“NGOs”), some of which oppose globalization and resource development, are often vocal critics of the mining industry and its practices. Adverse publicity generated by such NGOs or others related to extractive industries generally, or its operations specifically, could have an adverse effect on our reputation or financial condition and may impact its relationship with the communities in which we operate. While we believe that we operate in a socially responsible manner, there is no guarantee that our efforts in this respect will mitigate this potential risk.

We are subject to potential environmental risks and hazards which could adversely impact our operations.

The mining and mineral processing industries are subject to extensive governmental regulations for the protection of the environment, including regulations relating to air and water quality, mine reclamation, solid and hazardous waste handling and disposal and the promotion of occupational health and safety, which may adversely affect Austin Gold or require it to expend significant funds in order to comply with such regulations. There is also a risk that environmental and other laws and regulations may become more onerous, making it more costly for Austin Gold to remain in compliance with such laws and regulations, which could result in the incurrence of additional costs and operational delays or the failure of Austin Gold’s business.

All phases of Austin Gold’s operations in Nevada and Oregon will be subject to extensive federal environmental regulation, and to the state regulatory programs to which these federal requirements may have been delegated through state statutes, which may include:

These environmental regulations require Austin Gold to obtain various operating approvals and licenses and also impose standards and controls relating to exploration, development and production activities. Mining projects are required to prepare and receive Federal and State approval of a reclamation plan and provide financial assurance to ensure that the reclamation plan is implemented upon completion of operations. Compliance with federal and state regulations could result in delays in beginning or expanding operations, incurring additional costs for cleanup of hazardous substances, payment of penalties for discharge of pollutants, and post-mining reclamation and bonding, all of which could have an adverse impact on Austin Gold’s financial performance and results of operations.

There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not adversely affect Austin Gold’s operations. Environmental hazards may exist on the properties on which Austin Gold holds interests which are unknown to Austin Gold at present and which have been caused by previous or existing owners or operators of the properties, and which may result in the payment of fines and clean-up costs by Austin Gold and may adversely affect Austin Gold’s operations.

Austin Gold cannot give any assurances that breaches of environmental laws (whether inadvertent or not) or environmental pollution will not materially and adversely affect its financial condition. There is no assurance that any future changes to environmental regulation, if any, will not adversely affect Austin Gold.

Our activities are subject to environmental laws and regulations that may increase our costs of doing business and restrict our operations.

All phases of our operations are subject to environmental regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate, certain of which regulations are set forth below. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which may result in stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. These laws address emissions into the air, discharges into water, management of waste, management of hazardous substances, protection of natural resources, antiquities and endangered species and reclamation of lands disturbed by mining operations. The costs associated with compliance with such laws and regulations are substantial. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations and future changes in these laws and regulations may require significant capital outlays and may cause material changes or delays in our operations and future activities. It is possible that future laws, regulations, or more restrictive interpretations of current laws and regulations by governmental authorities could have a significant adverse impact on our properties or some portion of our business, causing us to re-evaluate those activities at that time.

U.S. Federal Laws: CERCLA, and comparable state statutes, impose strict, joint and several liabilities on current and former owners and operators of sites and on persons who disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances found at such sites. It is not uncommon for the government to file claims requiring cleanup actions, for reimbursement for government-incurred cleanup costs, or for natural resource damages, or for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances released into the environment. RCRA, and comparable state statutes, govern the disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste and authorize the imposition of substantial fines and penalties for noncompliance, as well as requirements for corrective actions. CERCLA, RCRA and comparable state statutes can impose liability for clean-up of sites and disposal of substances found on exploration, mining and processing sites long after activities on such sites have been completed.

CAA, as amended, restricts the emission of air pollutants from many sources, including mining and processing activities. Our mining operations may produce air emissions, including fugitive dust and other air pollutants from stationary equipment, storage facilities and the use of mobile sources such as trucks and heavy construction equipment, which are subject to review, monitoring and/or control requirements under the CAA and state air quality laws. New facilities may be required to obtain permits before work can begin, and existing facilities may be required to incur capital costs in order to remain in compliance. In addition, permitting rules may impose limitations on our production levels or result in additional capital expenditures in order to comply with the rules.

NEPA requires federal agencies to integrate environmental considerations into their decision-making processes by evaluating the environmental impacts of their proposed actions. If a proposed action could significantly affect the environment, the agency must prepare a detailed statement known as an EIS, which in addition to assessing environmental impacts, it must also analyze cumulative impacts and alternatives to the proposed actions. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), other federal agencies, and any interested third parties will review and comment on the scoping of the Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) and the adequacy of and findings set forth in the draft and final EIS. This process can cause delays in the issuance of required permits or result in changes to a project to mitigate its potential environmental impacts, which can in turn impact the economic feasibility of a proposed project. NEPA only applies to activities on public lands managed by a public land management agency like the BLM or USFS. It does not apply to projects on state- or privately-held land, but some states have comparable state statutes with analogous risk.

CWA, and comparable state statutes, impose restrictions and controls on the discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States. The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by the EPA or an analogous state agency. The CWA regulates storm water from mining facilities and requires a storm water discharge permit for certain activities. Such permits require the regulated facility to monitor and sample storm water run-off from its operations. The CWA and regulations implemented thereunder also prohibit discharges of dredged and fill materials in wetlands and other waters of the United States unless authorized by an appropriately issued permit. The CWA and comparable state statutes provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized discharges of pollutants and impose liability on parties responsible for those discharges for the costs of cleaning up any environmental damage caused by the release and for natural resource damages resulting from the release.

SDWA and the Underground Injection Control (“UIC”) program promulgated thereunder, regulate the drilling and operation of subsurface injection wells. The EPA directly administers the UIC program in some states and in others the responsibility for the program has been delegated to the state. The program requires that a permit be obtained before drilling a disposal or injection well. Violation of these regulations and/or contamination of groundwater by mining-related activities may result in fines, penalties, and remediation costs, among other sanctions and liabilities under the SDWA and state laws. In addition, third party claims may be filed by landowners and other parties claiming damages for alternative water supplies, property damages, and bodily injury.

ESA requires federal agencies to consider the conservation of threatened or endangered plant and/or animal species and the impacts to the habitats in which they are found in their decision-making processes. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or the NOAA Fisheries Service, and comparable state agencies, are responsible to ensure that the actions they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to adversely impact the continued existence of any listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitats required for species survival.

The National Historic Preservation Act protects the presence of historical or archeological sites on public lands as important public resources. It obliges federal land management agencies to preserve the historic, scientific, commemorative, and cultural values of the archaeological and historic sites and structures on these lands for present and future generations. The law requires that cultural resource surveys be completed on all land prior to disturbance by project activities. Where cultural resources are identified, such resources must be catalogued, and the data adequately recorded by qualified personnel prior to land disturbance. Significant cultural resource finds may require complete avoidance or systematic data recovery and relocation programs.

Nevada Laws: At the state level, mining operations in Nevada are primarily regulated by the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection. Bureaus within this Division require mine operators to hold valid Air, Water Pollution Control, and Reclamation Permits, which dictate operating controls and closure and post-closure requirements directed at protecting air, water, and land. We must also post financial assurances to assure the reclamation of significant land disturbances.

Other Nevada regulations govern operating and design standards for the construction and operation of any source of air contamination and landfill operations. Any changes to these laws and regulations could have an adverse impact on our financial performance and results of operations by, for example, requiring changes to operating constraints, technical criteria, fees or surety requirements.

Oregon Laws: The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (“DOGAMI”) is the Lead Facilitating Agency for mine permitting and provides coordination, accountability, and mediates any disagreements between other involved agencies. These other agencies include Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”), Oregon Water Resources Department (“WRD”), Oregon Department of State Lands (“DSL”), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (“ODFW”), Oregon Department of Agriculture (“ODA”), Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (“SHPO”) and Oregon Department of Land and Conservation Development (“DLCD”). Malheur County, within which the Stockade Mountain Project is located, may also require development and operating permits.

These agencies dictate operating controls and closure and post-closure requirements directed at protecting air, water, and land. Financial assurances to guarantee the reclamation of land disturbances must also be posted prior to initiating exploration, development, and production operations. Any changes to these laws and regulations could have an adverse impact on our financial performance and results of operations by, for example, requiring changes to operating constraints, technical criteria, fees or surety requirements.

Land reclamation requirements for our properties may be burdensome and expensive.

Although variable depending on location and the governing authority, land reclamation requirements are generally imposed on mineral exploration companies (as well as companies with mining operations) in order to minimize long term effects of land disturbance.

Reclamation may include requirements to:

In order to carry out reclamation obligations imposed on us in connection with our potential development activities, we must allocate financial resources that might otherwise be spent on further exploration and development programs. We plan to set up a provision for our reclamation obligations on our properties, as appropriate, but this provision may not be adequate. If we are required to carry out unanticipated reclamation work, our financial position could be adversely affected.

We face intense competition in the mining industry.

The mining industry is highly competitive in all of its phases, both domestically and internationally. Austin Gold’s ability to acquire properties and develop mineral resources and reserves in the future will depend not only on its ability to develop its present properties, but also on its ability to select and acquire suitable producing properties or prospects for mineral exploration, of which there is a limited supply. Austin Gold may be at a competitive disadvantage in acquiring additional mining properties because it must compete with other individuals and companies, many of which have greater financial resources, operational experience and technical capabilities than Austin Gold. Austin Gold may also encounter competition from other mining companies in its efforts to hire experienced mining professionals. Competition could adversely affect Austin Gold’s ability to attract necessary funding or acquire suitable producing properties or prospects for mineral exploration in the future. Competition for services and equipment could result in delays if such services or equipment cannot be obtained in a timely manner due to inadequate availability, and could also cause scheduling difficulties and cost increases due to the need to coordinate the availability of services or equipment. Any of the foregoing effects of competition could materially increase project development, exploration or construction costs, result in project delays and generally and adversely affect Austin Gold and its business and prospects.

Regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change could result in increased operating costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Climate change could have an adverse impact on Austin Gold’s operations. The potential physical impacts of climate change on the operations of Austin Gold are highly uncertain, and would be particular to the geographic circumstances in areas in which it operates. These may include changes in rainfall and storm patterns and intensities, water shortages, changing sea levels and changing temperatures. These changes in climate could have an impact on the cost of development or production on Austin Gold’s mines and adversely affect the financial performance of its operations.

Regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change could result in increased operating costs, which could have a material adverse effect on the business of Austin Gold. A number of governments or governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to climate and its potential impacts. Legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose significant costs on Austin Gold, its venture partners and its suppliers, including costs related to increased energy requirements, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations. Any adopted climate change regulations could also negatively impact Austin Gold’s ability to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such regulations. Given the emotion, political significance and uncertainty around the impact of climate change and how it should be dealt with, Austin Gold cannot predict how legislation and regulation will affect its financial condition, operating performance and ability to compete. Furthermore, even without such regulation, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about potential impacts on climate change by Austin Gold or other companies in the natural resources industry could harm the reputation of Austin Gold.

A shortage of equipment and supplies could adversely affect our ability to operate our business.

We are dependent on various supplies and equipment to carry out our mining exploration and, if warranted, development operations. The shortage of such supplies, equipment and parts could have a material adverse effect on our ability to carry out our operations and therefore limit, or increase the cost of, production.

Risks Related to our Common Shares

Our shares may not continue to be listed on the NYSE American LLC (“NYSE American”)

Failure to meet the applicable maintenance requirements of the NYSE American could result in our shares being delisted from the NYSE American. If we are delisted from the NYSE American, our shares may be eligible for trading on an over-the-counter market in the United States. In the event that we are not able to obtain a listing on another U.S. stock exchange or quotation service for our shares, it may be extremely difficult or impossible for shareholders to sell their shares in the United States. Moreover, if we are delisted from the NYSE American, but obtain a substitute listing for our shares in the United States, it may be on a market with less liquidity, and therefore potentially more price volatility, than the NYSE American. Shareholders may not be able to sell their shares on any such substitute U.S. market in the quantities, at the times, or at the prices that could potentially be available on a more liquid trading market. As a result of these factors, if our shares are delisted from the NYSE American, the price of our shares is likely to decline. In addition, a decline in the price of our shares will impair our ability to obtain financing in the future.

We have never paid dividends on the common shares.

No dividends on the common shares have been paid by Austin Gold to date. Investors in Austin Gold’s securities cannot expect to receive a dividend on their investment in the foreseeable future, if at all. Accordingly, it is unlikely that investors will receive any return on their investment in Austin Gold’s securities other than through possible common share price appreciation.

Our Articles designate the Supreme Court of BC, Canada and the appellate Courts therefrom as the exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings, which could limit a shareholder’s ability to choose the judicial forum for disputes arising with us.

Our Articles include a forum selection provision that indicates that the Supreme Court of BC, Canada and the appellate Courts therefrom (collectively, the “Courts”) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for:

There is uncertainty as to whether the Courts or courts in other jurisdictions will enforce these forum selection clauses. The choice of forum provision may limit a shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes, which may discourage such lawsuits that might otherwise be to the benefit of shareholders.

We interpret the forum selection clauses in our Articles to be limited to the specified actions and not to apply to any actions arising under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act, including any derivative actions brought under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act, and we will not seek to enforce the forum selection clause in relation to such actions. Section 27 of the Exchange Act provides that United States federal courts shall have jurisdiction over all suits and any action brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder and Section 22 of the Securities Act provides that United States federal and United States state courts shall have concurrent jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.

If a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our Articles to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

You may experience dilution as a result of future issuances of common shares.

Austin Gold believes that it is adequately financed to carry out its exploration and development plans in the near term. However, financing the development of a mining operation through to production, should feasibility studies show it is recommended, would be expensive and Austin Gold would require additional capital to fund development and exploration programs and potential acquisitions. Austin Gold cannot predict the size of future issuances of the common shares or the issuance of debt instruments or other securities convertible into common shares in connection with any such financing. Likewise, Austin Gold cannot predict the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of Austin Gold’s securities will have on the market price of the common shares. If Austin Gold raises additional funds by issuing additional equity securities, such financing may substantially dilute the interests of existing shareholders. Sales of substantial numbers of common shares, or the availability of such common shares for sale, could adversely affect prevailing market prices for Austin Gold’s securities and a securityholder’s interest in Austin Gold.

We are an “emerging growth company,” and cannot be certain if the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common shares less attractive to investors.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years: however, circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our common shares held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million, if we issue $1.0 billion or more in non-convertible debt during a three-year period, or if our annual gross revenues exceed $1.235 billion. Absent the foregoing circumstances, we would cease to be an emerging growth company on the last day of the fiscal year following the date of the fifth anniversary of our first sale of common equity securities under an effective registration statement. Finally, at any time we may choose to opt-out of the emerging growth company reporting requirements. If we choose to opt out, we will be unable to opt back in to being an emerging growth company. We cannot predict if investors will find our common shares less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common shares and the prices of our securities may be more volatile.

Any future issuances of debt securities, which would rank senior to our common shares upon our bankruptcy or liquidation may adversely affect the level of return you may be able to achieve from an investment in our common shares.

In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by offering debt securities or preferred stock. Upon a potential bankruptcy or liquidation, holders of our debt securities or preferred stock, and lenders with respect to other borrowings we may make, may receive distributions of our available assets prior to any distributions being made to holders of our common shares. Because our decision to issue debt securities or preferred stock in any future offering, or borrow money from lenders, will depend in part on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of any such future offerings or borrowings. Holders of our common shares must bear the risk that any future offerings we conduct or borrowings we make may adversely affect the level of return they may be able to achieve from an investment in our common shares, upon bankruptcy or otherwise.

The market price of our common shares are subject to numerous risks.

We have a limited trading history and may be considered a micro-cap or small-cap company. Securities of micro-cap and small-cap companies have experienced substantial price and volume volatility in the past, often based on factors unrelated to the financial performance or prospects of the companies involved or the value of the underlying assets. These factors include macroeconomic developments and political environments in North America and globally and market perceptions of the attractiveness of particular industries. There is no assurance that the price of the common shares will be unaffected by any such volatility. The price of the common shares is also likely to be significantly affected by short-term changes in mineral and commodity prices or in Austin Gold’s financial condition and results of operations as reflected in its financial statements. Other factors unrelated to Austin Gold’s performance that may have an effect on the price of the common shares include the following: (i) the extent of analytical coverage available to investors concerning Austin Gold’s business may be limited if investment banks with research capabilities do not follow Austin Gold’s securities; (ii) lessening in trading volume and general market interest in Austin Gold’s securities may affect an investor’s ability to trade significant numbers of common shares; (iii) the size of Austin Gold’s public float may limit the ability of some institutions to invest in Austin Gold’s securities; (iv) a substantial decline in the price of the common shares that persists for a significant period of time could cause Austin Gold’s securities, if listed on an exchange, to be delisted from such exchange, further reducing market liquidity; and (v) the sale of securities by major shareholders.

As a result of any of these factors, the market price of the common shares at any given point in time may not accurately reflect Austin Gold’s long-term value and its shareholders may experience capital losses as a result of their investment in Austin Gold. Securities class action litigation often has been brought against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. Austin Gold may in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and damages and divert management’s attention and resources.

General Risks

Proposed legislation in the U.S. Congress, including changes in U.S. tax law, and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 may adversely impact us and the value of our common shares.

Changes to U.S. tax laws (which changes may have retroactive application) could adversely affect us or holders of our common shares. In recent years, many changes to U.S. federal income tax laws have been proposed and made, and additional changes to U.S. federal income tax laws are likely to continue to occur in the future.

The U.S. Congress is currently considering numerous items of legislation which may be enacted prospectively or with retroactive effect, which legislation could adversely impact our financial performance and the value of our common shares. Additionally, states in which we operate or own assets may impose new or increased taxes. If enacted, most of the proposals would be effective for the current or later years. The proposed legislation remains subject to change, and its impact on us and holders of our common shares is uncertain.

In addition, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes provisions that will impact the U.S. federal income taxation of corporations. Among other items, this legislation includes provisions that will impose a minimum tax on the book income of certain large corporations and an excise tax on certain corporate stock repurchases that would be imposed on the corporation repurchasing such stock. It is unclear how this legislation will be implemented by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and we cannot predict how this legislation or any future changes in tax laws might affect us or holders of our common shares.

Our properties and operations may be subject to litigation or other claims.

Austin Gold may become involved in disputes with other parties in the future which may result in litigation. The results of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty. If Austin Gold is unable to resolve these disputes favorably, it may have a material adverse impact on the ability of Austin Gold to carry out its business plan.

Our business is affected by the global economy.

Recent global financial conditions have been characterized by increased volatility and access to public financing, particularly for junior mineral exploration companies, has been negatively impacted. These conditions, which include potential disruptions due to a U.S. Government shutdown, may affect Austin Gold’s ability to obtain equity or debt financing in the future on terms favorable to Austin Gold or at all. If such conditions continue, Austin Gold’s operations could be negatively impacted.

There is uncertainty as a result of international conflicts

International conflict and other geopolitical tensions and events, including war, military action, terrorism, trade disputes and international responses thereto have historically led to, and may in the future lead to, uncertainty or volatility in global commodity and financial markets and supply chains. The recent outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine, and the accompanying international response including economic sanctions, has been extremely disruptive to the world economy, with increased volatility in commodity markets, and international trade and financial markets, all of which have a trickle-down effect on supply chains, equipment and construction. There is substantial uncertainty about the extent to which this conflict will continue to impact economic and financial affairs, as the numerous issues arising from the conflict are in flux and there is the potential for escalation of the conflict both within Europe and globally. There is a risk of substantial market and financial turmoil arising from the conflict which could have a material adverse effect on the economics of the Company’s projects, and the Company’s ability to operate its business and advance project development.