FORM 10-Q
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 
 
x
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     
For the Quarterly Period Ended December 31, 2010
       
     
OR
       
    o  
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     
For the Transition Period From ________ to _________
 
Commission File Number 001-33034
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Nevada
 
30-0233726
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
     
202 Dostyk Ave, 4th Floor
   
Almaty, Kazakhstan
 
050051
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
     
+7 (727) 237-51-25
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes
x
 
No
  o
           
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 (§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).
 
Yes
  o  
No
  o
           
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filed, 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. (Check one):
 
 
Large accelerated Filer
  o  
Accelerated Filer
o  
             
 
Non-accelerated Filer
  o  
Smaller Reporting Company
x
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
           
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
 
Yes
  o  
No
x
           
As of February 14, 2011, the registrant had 55,787,554 shares of common stock, par value $0.001, issued and outstanding.

 
 

 

BMB MUNAI, INC.
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
     
Item 1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of  December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010
3
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
4
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
5
     
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7
   
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
43
   
Item 3.  Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk
62
   
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
63
   
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings
64
   
Item 1A.  Risk Factors
64
   
Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
65
   
Item 6.  Exhibits
66
   
Signatures
66

2

 
 
 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 - Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
BMB MUNAI, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


 
Notes
December 31, 2010
(unaudited)
 
March 31, 2010
(unaudited)
ASSETS
 
       
CURRENT ASSETS
       
Cash and cash equivalents
3
$ 6,214,841
 
$ 6,440,394
Trade accounts receivable
 
8,687,651
 
6,423,402
Promissory notes receivable and related interest
4
50,350
 
-
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net
5
3,346,724
 
4,083,917
         
Total current assets
 
18,299,566
 
16,947,713
         
LONG TERM ASSETS
       
Oil and gas properties, full cost method, net
6
255,418,316
 
238,601,842
Gas utilization facility, net
7
12,665,090
 
13,569,738
Inventories for oil and gas projects
8
13,896,956
 
13,717,847
Prepayments for materials used in oil and gas projects
 
853,961
 
141,312
Other fixed assets, net
 
3,590,958
 
3,815,422
Long term VAT recoverable
9
4,296,356
 
3,113,939
Convertible notes issue cost
 
808,097
 
1,201,652
Restricted cash
10
875,051
 
770,553
         
Total long term assets
 
292,404,785
 
274,932,305
         
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$ 310,704,351
 
$ 291,880,018
         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
       
         
CURRENT LIABILITIES
       
      Accounts payable
 
 $ 13,526,819
 
$ 3,948,851
      Accrued non-cash share based obligations
14
1,064,000
 
-
      Accrued coupon payment
11
2,505,000
 
641,667
      Taxes payable, accrued liabilities and other payables
 
5,071,937
 
4,802,361
         
Total current liabilities
 
22,167,756
 
9,392,879
         
LONG TERM LIABILITIES
       
Convertible notes issued, net
11
62,852,374
 
62,178,119
Liquidation fund
12
5,079,715
 
4,712,345
Deferred taxes
17
4,964,382
 
4,964,382
Capital lease liability
13
230,274
 
369,801
         
Total long term liabilities
 
73,126,745
 
72,224,647
         
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
20
-
 
-
         
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
       
Preferred stock - $0.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding
 
-
 
-
Common stock - $0.001 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 55,787,554 and 51,865,015 shares
outstanding, respectively
 
55,788
 
51,865
Additional paid in capital
 
164,118,640
 
160,653,969
Retained earnings
 
51,235,422
 
49,556,658
         
Total shareholders’ equity
 
215,409,850
 
210,262,492
         
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$ 310,704,351
 
$ 291,880,018

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
3
 
 
 

 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS



 
Three months ended December 31,
 
Nine months ended December 31,
 
Notes
2010
(unaudited)
 
2009
(unaudited)
 
2010
(unaudited)
 
2009
(unaudited)
                 
REVENUES
15
$ 16,510,330
 
$ 13,894,712
 
$ 41,638,143
 
$ 41,735,735
                 
COSTS AND OPERATING EXPENSES
               
Rent export tax
 
3,104,884
 
2,966,025
 
8,214,750
 
6,945,938
Export duty
16
558,210
 
-
 
736,013
 
-
Oil and gas operating
 
2,485,683
 
2,819,189
 
6,619,854
 
6,739,473
General and administrative
 
3,680,778
 
2,946,160
 
11,173,979
 
10,750,099
Depletion
6
2,558,733
 
2,840,787
 
7,099,897
 
7,953,515
Interest expense
11
2,228,010
 
1,159,268
 
4,431,142
 
3,452,646
Depreciation of gas utilization facility
7
339,243
 
-
 
904,648
 
-
Amortization and depreciation
 
139,401
 
161,943
 
442,707
 
454,756
Accretion expense
12
125,645
 
113,690
 
367,370
 
332,415
                 
Total costs and operating expenses
 
15,220,587
 
13,007,062
 
39,990,360
 
36,628,842
                 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
 
1,289,743
 
887,650
 
1,647,783
 
5,106,893
                 
OTHER INCOME / (EXPENSE)
               
Foreign exchange gain / (loss), net
 
57,122
 
(293,438)
 
(209,295)
 
(331,668)
Interest income
 
79,405
 
73,229
 
288,068
 
152,666
Other expense, net
 
(62,954)
 
(60,360)
 
(47,792)
 
(250,019)
                 
Total other income / (expense)
 
73,573
 
(280,569)
 
30,981
 
(429,021)
                 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
 
1,363,316
 
607,081
 
1,678,764
 
4,677,872
                 
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
17
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
                 
NET INCOME
 
$ 1,363,316
 
$ 607,081
 
$ 1,678,764
 
$ 4,677,872
                 
BASIC NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
18
$ 0.03
 
$ 0.01
 
$ 0.03
 
$ 0.09
DILUTED NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
18
$ 0.03
 
$ 0.01
 
$ 0.03
 
$ 0.09


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
4
 
 
 

 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



   
Nine months ended December 31,
 
Notes
2010
(unaudited)
 
2009
(unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
       
Net income
 
$ 1,678,764
 
$ 4,677,872
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided  by operating activities:
       
Depletion
6
7,099,897
 
7,953,515
Depreciation and amortization
 
1,347,355
 
454,756
Interest expense
 
4,497,987
 
3,452,646
Accretion expense
12
367,370
 
332,415
Stock based compensation expense
14
1,254,025
 
2,744,133
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
 
1,641
 
31,192
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
       
Increase in trade accounts receivable
 
(2,264,249)
 
(2,432,795)
Decrease/(increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets
 
651,314
 
(344,058)
Increase in VAT recoverable
 
(1,182,417)
 
(325,852)
Increase/(decrease)  in current liabilities
 
9,847,544
 
(6,614,341)
         
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
23,299,231
 
9,929,483
         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
       
Increase in notes receivable and related interest
4
(50,350)
 
-
Purchase and development of oil and gas properties
6
(18,698,428)
 
(7,050,204)
Purchase of other fixed assets
 
(560,644)
 
(311,679)
Increase in inventories and prepayments for materials
      used in oil and gas projects
 
(2,490,372)
 
(403,314)
 (Increase) in restricted cash
 
(104,498)
 
(175,843)
         
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(21,904,292)
 
(7,941,040)
         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
       
Payment of capital lease obligation
 
(120,492)
 
-
Cash paid for convertible notes coupon
 
(1,500,000)
 
(1,500,000)
         
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(1,620,492)
 
(1,500,000)
         
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
(225,553)
 
488,443
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at beginning of period
 
6,440,394
 
6,755,545
         
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at end of period
 
$ 6,214,841
 
$ 7,243,988

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
5
 
 
 

 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(CONTINUED)




   
Nine months ended December 31,
 
Notes
2010
(unaudited)
 
2009
(unaudited)
         
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities
       
         
Transfer of inventory and prepayments for materials used in oil and gas projects to oil and gas properties
6
$ 1,598,614
 
$  477,031
Depreciation on other fixed assets capitalized as oil and gas properties
 
               340,760
 
344,576
Transfers from oil and gas properties, construction in progress and other fixed assets to gas utilization facility
 
-
 
99,107
Accrued non-cash share based obligations capitalized as part of oil and gas properties
14
1,064,000
 
-
Issuance of common stock for the settlement of liabilities
14
               -
 
 5,973,185
Issuance of common stock for services, capitalized to oil and gas properties
14
2,214,569
 
-

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
6
 
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
The corporation known as BMB Munai, Inc. (“BMB Munai” or the “Company”), a Nevada corporation, was originally incorporated in Utah in July 1981. On February 7, 1994, the corporation changed its name to InterUnion Financial Corporation (“InterUnion”) and its domicile to Delaware. BMB Holding, Inc. (“BMB Holding”) was incorporated on May 6, 2003 for the purpose of acquiring and developing oil and gas fields in the Republic of Kazakhstan. On November 26, 2003, InterUnion executed an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”) with BMB Holding. As a result of the merger, the shareholders of BMB Holding obtained control of the corporation. BMB Holding was treated as the acquiror for accounting purposes. A new board of directors was elected that was comprised primarily of the former directors of BMB Holding and the name of the corporation was changed to BMB Munai, Inc. BMB Munai changed its domicile from Delaware to Nevada on December 21, 2004.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements presented are a continuation of BMB Holding, and not those of InterUnion Financial Corporation, and the capital structure of the Company is now different from that appearing in the historical financial statements of InterUnion Financial Corporation due to the effects of the recapitalization.

The Company has a representative office in Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan.

From inception (May 6, 2003) through January 1, 2006 the Company had minimal operations and was considered to be in the development stage. The Company began generating significant revenues in January 2006 and is no longer in the development stage.

Currently the Company has completed twenty-four wells. As discussed in more detail in Note 2, the Company engages in exploration of its licensed territory pursuant to an exploration license and has not yet applied for or been granted a commercial production license.
 

 
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Basis of presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of  America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
 
7
 
 

 
 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 

In the opinion of the Company, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows have been made. The results of its operations and its cash flows for the nine months ended December 31, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending March 31, 2011.

Business condition

As discussed in further detail in Note 11, the Company has outstanding 9.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2012 in the principal aggregate amount of $60,000,000 (the “Notes”).  The original Indenture governing the Notes, which was entered into as of September 19, 2007, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, provided the holders of the Notes (the “Noteholders”), among other things, the right to require the Company to redeem all or a portion of the Notes on three separate dates, including July 13, 2010.  In connection with ongoing negotiations between the Company and the Noteholders to restructure the Notes, the original Indenture has been amended and supplemented by Supplemental Indenture No. 1, Supplemental Indenture No. 2, Supplemental Indenture No. 3 and Supplemental Indenture No. 4.  Among other things, each Supplemental Indenture extended the Noteholders an additional put right to allow additional time to finalize definitive agreements restructuring the terms of the Notes and Supplemental Indenture No. 3 increased the coupon rate from 5% to 9%.

As of December 31, 2010, the first five put dates expired unexercised.  The sixth put date commenced on December 31, 2010 and expired on January 31, 2011.  Supplemental Indenture No. 4, which was entered into on January 26, 2011, grants the Noteholders a seventh put date that commences on January 31, 2011 and expires on February 28, 2011.  In exchange for the seventh put date, the Noteholders separately agreed they will not exercise their put options for the sixth put date and they will not exercise their put options for the seventh put date that would be effective prior to February 28, 2011; provided, however, the Noteholders may exercise such put options at any time prior to their respective expiration dates upon the occurrence of any of the following: (i) a default occurs under the Indenture excluding certain defaults that occurred prior to January 26, 2011, (ii) failure by the Company or any of its material subsidiaries to timely pay any Indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture) or any guarantee of any Indebtedness that exceeds U.S. $1,000,000, or any Indebtedness becomes due and payable prior to its stated maturity other than at the option of the Company or any of its material subsidiaries, or (iii) the Noteholders holding a majority in outstanding principal amount of the Notes provide notice to the Company and the other Noteholders that negotiations with respect to the restructuring of the Notes have terminated.  Therefore, it is possible the Noteholders could exercise a put option with respect to the Notes prior to February 28, 2011 if any of the foregoing events occur.
 
8
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 

In connection with the execution of Supplemental Indenture No. 4, the Company agreed to increase the put price from 104.88% of the principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest as of the put exercise date to 105% of the principal amount together with accrued but unpaid interest as of the put exercise date.
 
Prior to entering into Supplemental Indenture No. 4, the Company was in default of certain non-payment covenants contained in Article 9 of the Indenture requiring the Company to maintain a minimum net debt to equity ratio and to comply with certain notice, delivery and other provisions.  The Noteholders separately agreed to waive these defaults until February 28, 2011, with the understanding that such waiver shall not constitute a waiver of any default under the Indenture that remains ongoing as of February 28, 2011 or occurs after January 26, 2011.  The Company currently believes it will not be able to remedy the net debt to equity ratio covenant nor will it be able to cure the other defaults relating to notice and delivery by February 28, 2011 and, therefore, anticipates it will be in default under the Indenture at that time unless a future waiver is obtained from the Noteholders.
 
Subsequent Event
 
As noted in detail in the Current Report of the Company on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 18, 2011, the Company has entered into a Participation Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with MIE Holdings Corporation and its subsidiary Palaeontol B.V., pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell all of its interest in its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Emir Oil LLP (“Emir Oil”).

In connection with the Purchase Agreement, the Company obtained a waiver from the Noteholders with respect to the Company’s execution of the Purchase Agreement.  The closing of the Purchase Agreement, however, remains subject to, among other things, the approval by the Noteholders, which approval is expected in connection with the execution of the documents that will govern the restructuring of the Notes. In connection with the Note  restructuring, it is expected the Notes will be amended to, among other things, (i) increase the coupon rate to 10.75%, (ii) require the Company to make a $1.0 million cash payment towards the principal balance, which will result in an adjusted principal amount of $61.4 million after giving effect to the restructure, (iii) extend the maturity date to July 13, 2013, (iv) grant the Noteholders a new put option, exercisable one year prior to the new maturity date, (v) reduce the conversion price of the Notes to $2.00 per share, (vi) provide additional covenant restrictions by the Company, including a prohibition on paying dividends on shares of the Company’s common stock and on the pledge or disposal of assets, (vii) provide for semi-annual principal amortization payments of 30% of the Company’s excess cash flow, and (viii) allow the Noteholders to appoint a member to the board of the directors of the Company and the board of directors or similar body of Emir Oil. If the Purchase Agreement is consummated, the Company expects to redeem the Notes out of the transaction proceeds prior to making a cash distribution to stockholders.
 
9
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010


Certain aspects of the Note restructuring will be subject to stockholder approval.  The Company and the Noteholders continue to work toward definitive documents to restructure the Notes upon the terms disclosed above and upon other additional terms.
 
Although the Company and the Noteholders have reached an agreement in principle as to the general terms of the proposed restructure, there is no assurance the parties will enter into definitive agreements regarding the plan of restructure or that the parties will successfully close and consummate a plan of restructure regarding the Notes.  Moreover, there is no assurance the Noteholders will provide any future waiver or any further extension of their redemption put rights under the Indenture.

As such, the Company will reclassify the Notes as a current liability at February 28, 2011 unless or until additional waivers are obtained or the Notes are restructured.

Basis of consolidation

The Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements present the consolidated results of BMB Munai, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Emir Oil LLP (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Company”). All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated from the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made in the financial statements for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 to conform to the December 31, 2010 presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on net income.
 
Use of estimates

The preparation of Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates and affect the results reported in these Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
10
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010

 
 
Concentration of credit risk and accounts receivable

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and accounts receivable. The Company places its cash with high credit quality financial institutions. Substantially all of the Company’s accounts receivable are from purchasers of oil and gas. Oil and gas sales are generally unsecured. The Company has not had any significant credit losses in the past and believes its accounts receivable are fully collectable. Accordingly, no allowance for doubtful accounts has been provided.

Licences and contracts

Emir Oil is the operator of the Company’s oil and gas fields in Western Kazakhstan. The government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (the “Government”) initially issued the license to Zhanaozen Repair and Mechanical Plant on April 30, 1999 to explore the Aksaz, Dolinnoe and Emir oil and gas fields (the “ADE Block” or the “ADE Fields”). On June 9, 2000, the contract for exploration of the Aksaz, Dolinnoe and Emir oil and gas fields was entered into between the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Investments and the Zhanaozen Repair and Mechanical Plant. On September 23, 2002, the contract was assigned to Emir Oil. On September 10, 2004, the Government extended the term of the contract for exploration and license from five years to seven years through July 9, 2007. On February 27, 2007, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan (the “MEMR”) granted a second extension of the Company’s exploration contract. Under the terms of the contract extension, the exploration period was extended to July 2009 over the entire exploration contract territory. On December 7, 2004, the Government assigned to Emir Oil exclusive right to explore an additional 260 square kilometers of land adjacent to the ADE Block, which is referred to as the “Southeast Block.” The Southeast Block includes the Kariman field and the Yessen and Borly structures and is governed by the terms of the Company’s original contract. On June 24, 2008, the MEMR agreed to extend the exploration stage of the Company’s contract from July 2009 to January 2013 in order to permit the Company to conduct additional exploration drilling and testing activities within the ADE Block and the Southeast Block.
 
On October 15, 2008, the MEMR approved Addendum # 6 to Contract No. 482 with  Emir Oil, dated June 09, 2000 extending Emir Oil’s exploration territory from 460 square kilometers to a total of 850 square kilometers (approximately 210,114 acres). The additional territory is located to the north and west of the Company’s current exploration territory, extending the exploration territory toward the Caspian Sea and is referred to herein as the “Northwest Block.”  The Northwest Block is governed by the terms of the Company’s exploration stage contract on the ADE Block and the Southeast Block.
 
11
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
To move from the exploration stage to the commercial production stage, the Company must apply for and be granted a commercial production contract. The Company is legally entitled to apply for a commercial production contract and has an exclusive right to negotiate this contract. The Government is obligated to conduct these negotiations under the Law of Petroleum in Kazakhstan. If the Company does not move from the exploration stage to the commercial production stage, it has the right to produce and sell oil, including export oil, under the Law of Petroleum for the term of its existing contract.

Major Customers

During the nine months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, sales to one customer represented 98% and 94% of total sales, respectively.  At December 31, 2010 and 2009, this customer made up 93% and 89% of accounts receivable, respectively. While the loss of this foregoing customer could have a material adverse effect on the Company in the short-term, the loss of this customer should not materially adversely affect the Company in the long-term because of the available market for the Company’s crude oil and natural gas production from other purchasers.

Foreign currency translation

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are reported at the rates of exchange prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to United States Dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet dates. Any gains or losses arising from a change in exchange rates subsequent to the date of the transaction are included as an exchange gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
Share-based compensation

The Company accounts for options granted to non-employees at their fair value in accordance with FASC Topic 718 – Stock Compensation. Share-based compensation is determined as the fair value of the equity instruments issued. The measurement date for these issuances is the earlier of the date at which a commitment for performance by the recipient to earn the equity instruments is reached or the date at which the recipient’s performance is complete. Stock options granted to the “selling agents” in private equity placement transactions have been offset against the proceeds as a cost of capital. Stock options and stocks granted to other non-employees are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
12
 
 

 

BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 

The Company has a stock option plan as described in Note 14. Compensation expense for options and stock granted to employees is determined based on their fair values at the time of grant, the cost of which is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the vesting periods of the respective options.

Share-based compensation incurred for the nine months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $1,254,025 and $2,744,133, respectively.

Risks and uncertainties

The ability of the Company to realize the carrying value of its assets is dependent on being able to develop, transport and market oil and gas. Currently exports from the Republic of Kazakhstan are primarily dependent on transport routes either via rail, barge or pipeline, through Russian territory. Domestic markets in the Republic of Kazakhstan historically and currently do not permit world market price to be obtained. Management believes that over the life of the project, transportation options will improve as additional pipelines and rail-related infrastructure are built that will increase transportation capacity to the world markets; however, there is no assurance that this will happen in the near future.

Recognition of revenue and cost

Revenue and associated costs from the sale of oil are charged to the period when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, delivery of oil has occurred or when ownership title transfers. Produced but unsold products are recorded as inventory until sold.

Export duty

In December 2008 the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan issued a resolution that cancelled the export duty effective January 26, 2009 for companies operating under the new tax code.
 
In July 2010 the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan issued a resolution which reenacted export duty for several products (including crude oil). The Company became subject to the export duty in September 2010. The export duty is calculated based on a fixed rate of $20 per ton, or approximately $2.60 per barrel exported. The export duty fees are expensed as incurred and classified as costs and operating expenses.
 
13
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 

In January 2011 the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan increased the fixed rate for duty from $20 per ton to $40 per ton, or approximately $5.20 per barrel exported.

Mineral extraction tax

The mineral extraction tax replaced the royalty expense the Company had paid. The rate of this tax depends on annual production output. The new code currently provides for a 5% mineral extraction tax rate on production sold to the export market, and a 2.5% tax rate on production sold to the domestic market. The mineral extraction tax expense is reported as part of oil and gas operating expense.

Rent export tax

This tax is calculated based on the export sales price and ranges from as low as 0%, if the price is less than $40 per barrel, to as high as 32%, if the price per barrel exceeds $190. Rent export tax is expensed as incurred and is classified as costs and operating expenses.

Income taxes

Provisions for income taxes are based on taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred taxes. Deferred taxes are provided on differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, and tax carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in the financial statements at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes.

Fair value of financial instruments

The carrying values reported for cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their respective fair values in the accompanying balance sheet due to the short-term maturity of these financial instruments. In addition, the Company has long-term debt with financial institutions. The carrying amount of the long-term debt approximates fair value based on current rates for instruments with similar characteristics.
 
Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all demand deposits, money market accounts and marketable securities purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their carrying amounts due to their short-term maturity.
 
14
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets

Prepaid expenses and other assets are stated at their net realizable values after deducting provisions for uncollectible amounts. Such provisions reflect either specific cases or estimates based on evidence of collectability. The fair value of prepaid expense and other asset accounts approximates their carrying amounts due to their short-term maturity.

Prepayments for materials used in oil and gas projects

The Company periodically makes prepayments for materials used in oil and gas projects. These prepayments are presented as long term assets due to their transfer to oil and gas properties after materials are supplied and the prepayments are closed.

Inventories

Inventories of equipment for development activities, tangible drilling materials required for drilling operations, spare parts, diesel fuel, and various materials for use in oil field operations are recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Under the full cost method, inventory is transferred to oil and gas properties when used in exploration, drilling and development operations in oilfields.

Inventories of crude oil are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labor costs and overhead, which has been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Cost is calculated using the weighted average method. Net realizable value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs to completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

The Company periodically assesses its inventories for obsolete or slow moving stock and records an appropriate provision, if there is any. The Company has assessed inventory at December 31, 2010 and no provision for obsolete inventory has been provided.
 
15
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
Oil and gas properties

The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties. Under this method, all costs associated with acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties are capitalized. Costs capitalized include acquisition costs, geological and geophysical expenditures, and costs of drilling and equipping productive and non-productive wells. Drilling costs include directly related overhead costs. These costs do not include any costs related to production, general corporate overhead or similar activities. Under this method of accounting, the cost of both successful and unsuccessful exploration and development activities are capitalized as property and equipment. Proceeds from the sale or disposition of oil and gas properties are accounted for as a reduction to capitalized costs unless a significant portion of the Company’s proved reserves are sold (greater than 25 percent), in which case a gain or loss is recognized.

Capitalized costs less accumulated depletion and related deferred income taxes shall not exceed an amount (the full cost ceiling) equal to the sum of:

a) the present value of estimated future net revenues computed by applying current prices of oil and gas reserves to estimated future production of proved oil and gas reserves, less estimated future expenditures (based on current costs) to be incurred in developing and producing the proved reserves computed using a discount factor of ten percent and assuming continuation of existing economic conditions;
b) plus the cost of properties not being amortized;
c) plus the lower of cost or estimated fair value of unproven properties included in the costs being amortized;
d) less income tax effects related to differences between the book and tax basis of the properties.

Given the volatility of oil and gas prices, it is reasonably possible that the estimate of discounted future net cash flows from proved oil and gas reserves could change. If oil and gas prices decline, even if only for a short period of time, it is possible that impairments of oil and gas properties could occur. In addition, it is reasonably possible that impairments could occur if costs are incurred in excess of any increases in the cost ceiling, revisions to proved oil and gas reserves occur, or if properties are sold for proceeds less than the discounted present value of the related proved oil and gas reserves.

All geological and geophysical studies, with respect to the licensed territory, have been capitalized as part of the oil and gas properties.

The Company’s oil and gas properties primarily include the value of the license and other capitalized costs.
 
All capitalized costs of oil and gas properties, including the estimated future costs to develop proved reserves and estimated future costs to plug and abandon wells and costs of site restoration, less the estimated salvage value of equipment associated with the oil and gas properties, are amortized on the unit-of-production method using estimates of proved reserves as determined by independent engineers.
 
16
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 

 

Liquidation fund

Liquidation fund (site restoration and abandonment liability) is related primarily to the conservation and liquidation of the Company’s wells and similar activities related to its oil and gas properties, including site restoration. Management assessed an obligation related to these costs with sufficient certainty based on internally generated engineering estimates, current statutory requirements and industry practices. The Company recognized the estimated fair value of this liability. These estimated costs were recorded as an increase in the cost of oil and gas assets with a corresponding increase in the liquidation fund which is presented as a long-term liability. The oil and gas assets related to liquidation fund are depreciated on the unit-of-production basis separately for each field. An accretion expense, resulting from the changes in the liability due to passage of time by applying an interest method of allocation to the amount of the liability, is recorded as accretion expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The adequacies of the liquidation fund are periodically reviewed in the light of current laws and regulations, and adjustments made as necessary.

Other fixed assets

Other fixed assets are valued at historical cost adjusted for impairment loss less accumulated depreciation. Historical cost includes all direct costs associated with the acquisition of the fixed assets.

Depreciation of other fixed assets is calculated using the straight-line method based upon the following estimated useful lives:

   
Buildings and improvements
7-10 years
Machinery and equipment
6-10 years
Vehicles
3-5 years
Office equipment
3-5 years
Software
3-4 years
Furniture and fixtures
2-7 years
 
Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Renewals and betterments are capitalized as leasehold improvements, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the lease.
 
17
 
 

 

BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 

Other fixed assets of the Company are evaluated annually for impairment. If the sum of expected undiscounted cash flows is less than net book value, unamortized costs of other fixed assets will be reduced to a fair value. Based on the Company’s analysis at December 31, 2010, no impairment of other assets is necessary.

Gas Utilization Facility

The gas utilization facility (the “GUF”) is valued at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Historical cost includes all direct costs associated with the acquisition and construction of the GUF.

Depreciation of the GUF is calculated using the straight-line method based upon an estimated useful life of 10 years and is charged to operating expenses. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Renewals and betterments are capitalized as part of the GUF and depreciated over the useful life of the GUF.

The GUF will be evaluated annually for impairment. If the sum of expected undiscounted cash flows is less than net book value, unamortized costs of the GUF will be reduced to fair value. At December 31, 2010, no impairment of the GUF was considered necessary.

Convertible Notes payable issue costs

The Company recognizes convertible notes payable issue costs on the balance sheet as deferred charges, and amortizes the balance over the term of the related debt. The Company classifies cash payments for bond issue costs as a financing activity. The Company capitalized cash payments for bond issue costs as part of oil and gas properties in periods of drilling activities.

Restricted cash

Restricted cash includes funds deposited in a Kazakhstan bank and is restricted to meet possible environmental obligations according to the regulations of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
 
Functional currency

The Company makes its principal investing and financing transactions in U.S. Dollars and the U.S. Dollar is therefore its functional currency.
 
Income per common share
 
Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if all contracts to issue common stock were converted into common stock, except for those that are anti-dilutive.
 
18
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
New accounting policies

In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures: Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements” (“ASU 2010-06”). ASU 2010-06 requires additional disclosures and clarifies existing disclosure requirements about fair value measurement as set forth in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The Company implemented the new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosure requirements under ASU 2010-06 effective with the first quarter of 2011, except for certain disclosure requirements regarding activity in Level 3 fair value measurements which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The implementation of ASU 2010-06 had no impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.


NOTE 3 - CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

As of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010, cash and cash equivalents included:

 
December 31, 2010
 
March 31, 2010
       
US Dollars
$ 5,598,285
 
$ 3,476,741
Foreign currency
616,556
 
2,963,653
       
 
$ 6,214,841
 
$ 6,440,394

As of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010, cash and cash equivalents included $21,823 and $1,321,774 placed in money market funds having 30 day simple yields of 0.01%.
 
 
NOTE 4 – PROMISSORY NOTES RECEIVABLE
 
On December 17, 2010 the Company entered into agreement with Montclair Technology, LLC (the “Borrower”) and Michael Williams (the “Guarantor’) to loan funds to the Borrower in an amount of up to $200,000. The Guarantor owns a patent and has proprietary know-how to develop oil refining and regeneration plants and Borrower desires to grant the Company a license to use and employ the technology. As further inducement for the Company to loan funds to the Borrower, Guarantor has agreed to guarantee Borrower’s obligations under any promissory note made by Borrower pursuant to this agreement.
 
19
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 

As a result at December 17, 2010, Borrower issued the Company Promissory note for $50,000 with interest rate of 18% per annum. The outstanding principal sum and all accrued and unpaid interest or other sums under this Promissory note shall be payable one year after the December 17, 2010. Borrower may prepay any or all accrued and unpaid interest and unpaid principal at any time without penalty.

As a result the Company treated the loan as Promissory note receivable in its financial statements. At December 31, 2010 Promissory notes receivable amounted to $50,350, with $50,000 principal amount and $350 representing the amount of interest accrued.
 

 
NOTE 5 - PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER ASSETS
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets as of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010, were as follows:
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
March 31, 2010
       
Advances for services
$ 2,185,460
 
$ 2,593,527
Taxes prepaid
214,995
 
920,066
Other
946,269
 
570,324
       
 
$ 3,346,724
 
$ 4,083,917

 
 
NOTE 6 - OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES
 
Oil and gas properties using the full cost method as of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010, were as follows:

 
December 31, 2010
 
March 31, 2010
       
Cost of drilling wells
   $ 101,544,002
 
$ 96,562,442
Professional services received in exploration and development activities
70,306,097
 
62,967,506
Material and fuel used in exploration and development activities
54,647,072
 
52,221,735
Subsoil use rights
20,788,119
 
20,788,119
Geological and geophysical
14,126,738
 
7,883,856
Deferred tax
7,219,219
 
7,219,219
Capitalized interest, accreted discount and amortized bond issue costs on
    convertible notes issued
6,633,181
 
6,633,181
Infrastructure development costs
1,666,876
 
1,429,526
Other capitalized costs
19,888,957
 
17,198,306
Accumulated depletion
(41,401,945)
 
(34,302,048)
       
 
$ 255,418,316
 
$ 238,601,842

 
20
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
The purchase of Emir Oil LLP was accounted for as a non-taxable business combination. Since goodwill was not recognized in this stock-based subsidiary acquisition involving oil and gas properties, recognition of a deferred tax liability related to the acquisition increases the financial reporting basis of the oil and gas properties.
 
 
NOTE 7 – GAS UTILIZATION FACILITY
 
In 2006 the Company entered into an Agreement on Joint Business (the “Agreement”) with Ecotechnic Chemicals AG incorporated in Switzerland, for construction of a gas utilization facility (“GUF”) to utilize the associated gas from the Company’s fields.

The initial construction of the GUF was completed in January 2009. All costs associated with the completion of the GUF, which includes amounts previously classified as construction in progress, have been reported as the Gas Utilization Facility on the balance sheet.

During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company made payment to Ecotechnic Chemicals AG in the amount of $75,000 and contributed property totaling $24,107 to the completion of the Facility.

In May 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with LLP Aktau Gas Processing Factory to sell gas. Gas sales are currently realized at price $40 per thousand of cubic meters or $6.79 per BOE. Under this agreement, the Company is obliged to pay $33,000 per month for technical support and maintenance of the GUF.  This agreement to sell gas is valid through December 31, 2010.

The Company recently completed an expansion of the initial GUF, which commenced in the spring of 2010, to expand it to reach each producing well in the Company’s fields.  The expanded system increases the capacity of the GUF to 150,000 cubic meters per day (approximately 5.3 million cubic feet).  The increased capacity will accommodate anticipated increases in production leading up to the issuance of a production license by the Kazakhstan government.
 
Based on the selling agreement mentioned above, the Company officially placed the GUF into service on May 1, 2010 and is depreciating the GUF over an estimated useful life of 10 years.  During the nine months ended December 31, 2010, depreciation expense for the GUF was $904,648.
 
21
 
 

 

BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
NOTE 8 – INVENTORIES FOR OIL AND GAS PROJECTS
 
As of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010 inventories included:
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
March 31, 2010
       
Construction material
$ 12,798,015
 
$ 12,756,417
Spare parts
106,711
 
87,722
Crude oil produced
2,576
 
2,895
Other
989,654
 
870,813
       
 
$ 13,896,956
 
$ 13,717,847
 

 
NOTE 9 - LONG TERM VAT RECOVERABLE
 
As of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010, the Company had long term VAT recoverable in the amount of $4,296,356 and $3,113,939, respectively. The VAT recoverable is a Tenge denominated asset due from the Republic of Kazakhstan. The VAT recoverable consists of VAT paid on local expenditures and imported goods. VAT charged to the Company is recoverable in future periods as either cash refunds or offsets against the Company’s fiscal obligations, including future income tax liabilities. Management cannot estimate which part of this asset will be realized in the current year because, in order to return funds or offset this tax with other taxes, a tax examination must be performed by local Kazakhstan tax authorities. During the nine months ended December 31, 2010, the Company received refunds of VAT in the amount of $1,183,063.
 
 
NOTE 10 - RESTRICTED CASH
 
Under the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Company is obligated to set aside funds for required environmental remediation. As of December 31 and March 31, 2010 the Company had restricted $875,051 and $770,553, respectively, for this purpose.
 
22
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
NOTE 11 - CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE
 
As of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010, the Notes payable amount is presented as follows:

 
December 31, 2010
 
   March 31, 2010
       
Convertible notes redemption value
              $ 64,323,785
 
          $ 64,323,785
Unamortized discount
                (1,471,411)
 
            (2,145,666)
       
 
             $ 62,852,374
 
          $ 62,178,119

As of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010, the Company has accrued interest of $2,505,000 and $641,667, respectively, relating to the Notes outstanding. The Company has also amortized the discount on the Notes (difference between the redemption amount and the carrying amount as of the date of issue) in the amount of $2,852,374 and $2,178,119 as of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010, respectively. The carrying value of Notes will be accreted to the redemption value of $64,323,785. During the nine months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 the Company recorded interest expense in the amount of $4,431,142 and $3,452,646, respectively.

On June 7, 2010, the Company entered into a Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated June 1, 2010, between BMB Munai, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (“Supplemental Indenture No. 1”).  Supplemental Indenture No. 1 amends and supplements the indenture dated September 19, 2007, between BMB Munai, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (the “Indenture”).  

The Indenture provided for three put dates that allowed the holders of the Notes to redeem the Notes prior to their 2012 maturity date. The first two put dates passed unexercised.  The third put date was July 13, 2010.  In connection with ongoing negotiations to restructure the Notes, the Company entered into Supplemental Indenture No. 1, which granted the Noteholders a fourth put date that commenced on June 13, 2010 and expired on September 13, 2010.  In exchange for the fourth put date, the Noteholders separately agreed they would not exercise their put option for the third put date and they would not exercise their put option for the fourth put date prior to September 1, 2010; provided, however, the Noteholders could exercise such put options at any time upon the occurrence of certain events.  

Prior to entering into Supplemental Indenture No. 1, the Company was in default under certain covenants contained in Article 9 of the Indenture requiring the Company to maintain a minimum net debt to equity ratio and to comply with certain notice, delivery and other provisions.  In the context of the Indenture, the equity portion of the ratio is determined by reference to the market value of the Company’s common stock, not the Company’s book value. The market value of the Company’s stock has declined since the Notes were issued.  The Noteholders separately agreed to waive these defaults until the earlier of: (i) September 1, 2010 or (ii) the fourth put date (as contained in the Supplemental Indenture No. 1).
 
23
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 

On September 10, 2010 the Company entered into a Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of September 10, 2010, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (“Supplemental Indenture No. 2”).  Supplemental Indenture No. 2 amends and supplements the Indenture, as previously amended by Supplemental Indenture No. 1.  Supplemental Indenture No. 2 was entered into pursuant to the Company reaching an agreement in principle with the Noteholders on general terms for a proposed restructuring of the Notes.

Supplemental Indenture No. 2 granted the Noteholders a fifth put date that commenced on September 13, 2010 and expired on December 31, 2010.  In exchange for the fifth put date, the Noteholders separately agreed they would not exercise their put options for the fourth put date and they would not exercise their put option for the fifth put date prior to October 15, 2010.
 
Prior to entering into Supplemental Indenture No. 2, the Company remained in default of the same covenants contained in Article 9 of the Indenture, as supplemented and amended, that were previously waived by the Noteholders as part of the execution of Supplemental Indenture No. 1.  In connection with entering Supplemental Indenture No. 2, the Noteholders separately agreed to waive the defaults until the earlier of: (i) October 15, 2010 or (ii) the fifth put date (as contained in Supplemental Indenture No. 2).

On December 22, 2010, the Company entered into a Supplemental Indenture No. 3, dated as of December 22, 2010, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (“Supplemental Indenture No. 3”).  Supplemental Indenture No. 3 amends and supplements the Indenture, as previously amended and supplemented by Supplemental Indenture No. 1 and Supplemental Indenture No. 2.  Supplemental Indenture No. 3 was entered into pursuant to the ongoing negotiations between the Company and the Noteholders on terms and conditions for a restructuring of the Notes.

Supplemental Indenture No. 3 granted the Noteholders a sixth put date that commences on December 31, 2010 and expires on January 31, 2011.  In exchange for the sixth put date, the Noteholders separately agreed they will not exercise their put options for the fifth put date and they will not exercise their put options for the sixth put date that would be effective prior to January 31, 2011.

In connection with the execution of Supplemental Indenture No. 3, the Company agreed to increase the put price from 104% of the principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest as of the put exercise date to 104.88% of the principal amount together with accrued but unpaid interest as of the put exercise date.  The Company also agreed to an increase in the interest rate of the Notes from 5% to 9% effective as of July 13, 2010.
 
24
 
 

 

BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
Prior to entering into Supplemental Indenture No. 3, the Company remained in default of the same covenants contained in Article 9 of the Indenture, as supplemented and amended, that were previously waived by the Noteholders as part of the execution of Supplemental Indenture No. 1 and Supplemental Indenture No. 2. The Noteholders separately agreed to waive these defaults until the earlier of January 31, 2011 and the sixth put date.
 
On January 26, 2011, the Company entered into a Supplemental Indenture No. 4, dated as of January 26, 2011, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (“Supplemental Indenture No. 4”).  Supplemental Indenture No. 4 supplements and amends the Indenture, as previously amended by Supplemental Indenture No. 1, Supplemental Indenture No. 2, and Supplemental Indenture No. 3.  The Indenture, as supplemented and amended, was entered into in connection with the Notes issued by the Company in 2007.  Supplemental Indenture No. 4 was entered into pursuant to the ongoing negotiations between the Company and the Noteholders on terms and conditions for restructuring the Notes.

Supplemental Indenture No. 4 grants the Noteholders a seventh put date that commences on January 31, 2011 and expires on February 28, 2011.  In exchange for the seventh put date, the Noteholders separately agreed they will not exercise their put options for the sixth put date and they will not exercise their put options for the seventh put date that would be effective prior to February 28, 2011; provided, however, the Noteholders may exercise such put options at any time prior to their respective expiration dates upon the occurrence of any of the following: (i) a default occurs under the Indenture, as supplemented and amended, excluding certain defaults that occurred prior to January 26, 2011, (ii) failure by the Company or any of its material subsidiaries to timely pay any Indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture, as supplemented and amended,) or any guarantee of any Indebtedness that exceeds U.S. $1,000,000, or any Indebtedness becomes due and payable prior to its stated maturity other than at the option of the Company or any of its material subsidiaries, or (iii) the Noteholders holding a majority in outstanding principal amount of the Notes provide notice to the Company and the other Noteholders that negotiations with respect to the restructuring of the Notes have terminated.  Therefore, it is possible the Noteholders could exercise a put option with respect to the Notes prior to February 28, 2011 if any of the foregoing events occur.

In connection with the execution of Supplemental Indenture No. 4, the Company agreed to increase the put price from 104.88% of the principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest as of the put exercise date to 105% of the principal amount together with accrued but unpaid interest as of the put exercise date.
 
Prior to entering into Supplemental Indenture No. 4, the Company was in default of the same covenants contained in Article 9 of the Indenture requiring the Company to maintain a minimum net debt to equity ratio and to comply with certain notice, delivery and other provisions.  As they had done in the waivers provided in connection with Supplemental Indenture No. 1, Supplemental Indenture No. 2 and Supplemental Indenture No. 3, the Noteholders separately agreed in connection with Supplemental Indenture No. 4 to waive these defaults until February 28, 2011, with the understanding that such waiver shall not constitute a waiver of any default under the Indenture, as supplemented and amended, that remains ongoing as of February 28, 2011 or occurs after January 26, 2011.  The Company currently believes it will not be able to remedy the net debt to equity ratio covenant by February 28, 2011 and, therefore, anticipates it will be in default under the Indenture, as supplemented and amended, at that time unless a future waiver is obtained from the Noteholders.
 
25
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
As discussed in Note 2, the Company entered into the Purchase Agreement on February 14, 2011.  In connection with the Purchase Agreement, the Company obtained a waiver from the Noteholders with respect to the Company’s execution of the Purchase Agreement.  The closing of the Purchase Agreement, however, remains subject to, among other things, the approval by the Noteholders, which approval is expected in connection with the execution of documents that will govern the restructuring of the Notes.  It is expected the restructured Notes will be amended to, among other things, (i) increase the coupon rate to 10.75%, (ii) require the Company to make a $1.0 million cash payment towards the principal balance, which will result in an adjusted principal amount of $61.4 million after giving effect to the restructure, (iii) extend the maturity date to July 13, 2013, (iv) grant the Noteholders a new put option, exercisable one year prior to the new maturity date, (v) reduce the conversion price of the Notes to $2.00 per share, (vi) provide additional covenant restrictions by the Company, including a prohibition on paying dividends on shares of the Company’s common stock and on the pledge or disposal of assets, (vii) provide for semi-annual principal amortization payments of 30% of the Company’s excess cash flow, and (viii) allow the Noteholders to appoint a member to the board of the directors of the Company and the board of directors or similar body of Emir Oil. If the Purchase Agreement is consummated, the Company expects to redeem the Notes at par out of the transaction proceeds prior to making a cash distribution to stockholders.
 
Certain aspects of the Note restructuring will be subject to stockholder approval.  The Company and the Noteholders continue to work toward definitive documents to restructure the Notes upon the terms disclosed above and upon other additional terms.
 
Although the Company and the Noteholders have reached an agreement in principle as to the general terms of the proposed restructure, there is no assurance the parties will enter into definitive agreements regarding the plan of restructure or that the parties will successfully close and consummate a plan of restructure regarding the Notes.  Moreover, there is no assurance the Noteholders will provide any future waiver or any further extension of their redemption put rights under the Indenture.

As such, the Company will reclassify the Notes as a current liability at February 28, 2011 unless or until additional waivers are obtained or the Notes are restructured.
 
26
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
NOTE 12 - LIQUIDATION FUND
 
A reconciliation on the Liquidation Fund (Asset Retirement Obligation) at December 31, 2010 is as follows:

 
Total
   
At March 31, 2010
    $ 4,712,345
   
Accrual of liability
                     -
Accretion expenses
          367,370
   
At December 31, 2010
$ 5,079,715

Management believes that the liquidation fund should be accrued for future abandonment costs of 24 wells located in the Dolinnoe, Aksaz, Emir and Kariman oil fields. Management believes that these obligations are likely to be settled at the end of the production phase at these oil fields.

At December 31, 2010, undiscounted expected future cash flows that will be required to satisfy the Company’s obligation by 2013 for the Dolinnoe, Aksaz, Emir and Kariman fields, respectively, are $6,204,545. After application of a 10% discount rate, the present value of the Company’s liability at December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010 was $5,079,715 and $4,712,345, respectively.
 
 
NOTE 13 – CAPITAL LEASE

In December 2009 the Company entered into a capital lease agreement with a vehicle leasing company for the lease of oil trucks in the amount of $554,820. The Company put the oil trucks into operations during the quarter ended December 31, 2010. Accordingly, depreciation expense in the amount $49,224 has been recognized during the period.

The capital lease payment schedule is as following:

Year ended December 31,
 
Total Minimum Payments
     
2011
 
$ 292,825
2012
 
266,325
2013
 
-
     
Net minimum lease payments
 
559,150
Less: Amount representing interest
 
(121,750)
     
Present value of net minimum lease payments
 
$ 437,400

 
27
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
The current portion of the capital lease liability in the amount of $207,127 is recognized as part of accounts payable as of December 31, 2010. The non-current portion of the capital lease liability as of December 31, 2010 totals to $230,274.
 
 
NOTE 14 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Share-Based Compensation

On July 17, 2008 the shareholders of the Company approved the BMB Munai, Inc. 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (“2009 Plan”) to provide a means whereby the Company could attract and retain employees, directors, officers and others upon whom the responsibility for the successful operations of the Company rests through the issuance of equity awards. 5,000,000 common shares are reserved for issuance under the 2009 Plan. Under the terms of the 2009 Plan the board of directors determines the terms of the awards made under the 2009 Plan, within the limits set forth in the 2009 Plan guidelines.
 
Common Stock Grants

On January 1, 2010 the Company entered into Restricted Stock Grant Agreements with certain executive officers, directors, employees and outside consultants of the Company. The stock grants were approved by the Company board of directors and recommended by the compensation committee of the Company’s board of directors. The total number of shares granted was 1,500,000.

All of the restricted stock grants were awarded on the same terms and subject to the same vesting requirements. The restricted stock grants will vest to the grantees at such time as either of the following events occurs (the “Vesting Events”): i) the one-year anniversary of the grant date; or ii) the occurrence of an Extraordinary Event. An “Extraordinary Event” is defined in the restricted stock agreement as any consolidation or merger of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with another person, or any acquisition of the Company or any of its subsidiaries by any person or group of persons, acting in concert, equal to fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding stock of the Employer or any of its subsidiaries, or the sale of forty percent (40%) or more of the assets of the Employer or any of its subsidiaries, or one (1) person or more than one person acting as a group, acquires fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Employer. In the event of an Extraordinary Event, the grants shall be deemed fully vested one day prior to the effective date of the Extraordinary Event. The board of directors shall determine conclusively whether or not an Extraordinary Event has occurred and the grantees have agreed to be bound by the determination of the board of directors.
 
28
 
 

 

BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
The shares representing the restricted stock grants (the “Restricted Shares”) shall be issued as soon as practicable, will be deemed outstanding from the date of grant, and will be held in escrow by the Company subject to the occurrence of a Vesting Event. The time between the date of grant and the occurrence of a Vesting Event is referred to as the “Restricted Period.” The grantees may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber or dispose of the Restricted Shares during the Restricted Period. During the Restricted Period, the grantees will have the right to vote the Restricted Shares, receive dividends paid or made with respect to the Restricted Shares, provided however, that dividends paid on unvested Restricted Shares will be held in the custody of the Company and shall be subject to the same restrictions that apply to the Restricted Shares. The Restricted Shares will only vest to the grantee if the grantee is employed by the Company at the time a Vesting Event occurs. If a Vesting Event has not occurred at the time a grantee’s employment with the Company ceases, for any reason, the entire grant amount shall be forfeited back to the Company. These grants vested as of December 31, 2010.

One of the employees left the Company on June 30, 2010. According to the vesting terms, his restricted stock grants have been forfeited back to the Company and non-cash compensation expense of $14,225 related to those restricted stock grants was reversed during six months period ended June 30, 2010.
 
Non-cash compensation expense in the amount of $1,254,025, which is net of the expense reversal discussed above, was recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheet for the nine months ended December 31, 2010.
 
3D Seismic Survey Agreement
 
On March 31, 2010 the Company entered into an agreement for conducting a 3D seismic survey with Geo Seismic Service LLP (“Geo Seismic”). Mr. Toleush Tolmakov, the General Director of Emir Oil and a holder of more than 10% of the outstanding common stock of the Company, is a 30% owner of Geo Seismic.

The agreement provides that Geo Seismic will carry out 3D field seismic exploration activities of the Begesh, Aday, North Aday and West Aksaz structures, an area of approximately 96 square kilometers within the Company’s Northwest Block.  In exchange for these services, Emir Oil will pay Geo Seismic 570,000,000 Kazakh tenge ($3,800,000).  In lieu of payment in Kazakh tenge, Emir Oil, at its sole election, may deliver restricted shares of BMB common stock at the agreed value of the higher of: (i) the average closing price of BMB Munai, Inc. common shares over the five days prior to final acceptance by Emir Oil of the 3D seismic work; or (ii) $2.00 per share.  The maximum number of shares which may be delivered as payment in full shall not exceed 1,900,000 restricted common shares. The 3D seismic study was completed in July 2010.
 
29
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
As a result of this agreement, on July 20, 2010 the Company incurred an obligation to issue 1,900,000 common shares to Geo Seismic in exchange for 3D seismic exploration service.  The obligation to issue the shares has been treated as an accrued non-cash share based obligation on the Company’s balance sheet, because as of December 31, 2010, the Company was still awaiting applicable regulatory and other approvals of the issuance of the shares. The shares have been valued at $0.56 which was the closing market price of Company’s shares on July 20, 2010. As a result of this transaction $1,064,000 was capitalized to oil and gas properties.

The Company has treated this transaction with Geo Seismic as a transaction with a related party.
 
Consulting Agreement

On October 15, 2008 the MEMR increased Emir Oil’s contract territory from 460 square kilometers to 850 square kilometers. In connection with this extension, and any other territory extensions or acquisitions, the Consultant will be paid a share payment in restricted common stock for resources and reserves associated with any acquisition. The value of any acquisition property will be determined by reference to a 3D seismic study and a resource/reserve report by a qualified independent petroleum engineer acceptable to the Company. The acquisition value (“Acquisition Value”) will be equal to the total barrels of resources and reserves, as defined and determined by the engineering report multiplied by the following values:

Resources at $.50 per barrel;
Probable reserves at $1.00 per barrel; and
Proved reserve at $2.00 per barrel.

The number of shares to be issued to the Consultant shall be the Acquisition Value divided by the higher of $6.50 or the average closing price of the Company’s trading shares for the five trading days prior to the issuance of the reserve/resource report, provided that in no event shall the total number of shares issuable to the Consultant exceed more than a total of 4,000,000 shares. With the completion of the 3D seismic study the resources associated with the territory extension have now been determined and we anticipate compensation due to the consultant will be approximately 4,000,000 shares.  To date, the Consultant has not requested payment.  The Company anticipates a request for payment will be forthcoming and anticipates issuing the shares during the upcoming fiscal quarter.
 
30
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
On July 20, 2010 the Company incurred an obligation to issue 3,947,538 common shares to the Consultant as the success fee for assisting the Company to obtain an extension of the territory for exploration. The calculation for amount of shares to be issued was based on resource report, which confirms 51,318,000 barrels of oil on extended territory multiplied by $0.50 rate as per contract divided by $6.50.  The shares have been valued at $0.56 per share, which was the closing market price of Company’s shares on July 20, 2010. As a result of this transaction $2,214,569 was capitalized to oil and gas properties.

On November 18, 2010 3,947,539 common shares have been issued to the Consultant for assisting the Company to obtain extension of the territory for exploration.

Stock Options

On July 18, 2005 our Board of Directors approved stock option grants under our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan subject to acceptance of those grants by the parties to whom they were granted.  The total number of options grants was 820,783.  The options are exercisable at a price of $4.75, the closing price of the Company's common stock on the OTCBB on July 18, 2005.  The options were exercisable for a period of five years from the grant date. On July 18, 2010 820,783 stock options expired unexercised.
 
 Stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2010 were as follows:

 
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted Average Exercise
Price
       
       
As of March 31, 2010
920,783
 
$ 5.04
       
   Granted
-
 
-
   Exercised
-
 
-
   Expired
(820,783)
 
$ 4.75
       
As of December 31, 2010
100,000
 
$ 7.40

Additional information regarding outstanding options as of December 31, 2010 is as follows:

Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
 
 
Range of
Exercise Price
 
 
 
 
Options
 
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted Average Contractual Life (years)
 
 
 
 
Options
 
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
                     
$ 7.40
 
100,000
 
$ 7.40
 
5.00
 
  100,000
 
$ 7.40

 
31
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
NOTE 15 – REVENUES
 
The Company exports oil for sale to the world markets via the Aktau sea port. Sales prices at the port locations are based on the average quoted Brent crude oil price from Platt’s Crude Oil Marketwire for the three days following the bill of lading date less discount for transportation expenses, freight charges and other expenses borne by the customer.

The Company recognized revenue from sales as follows:

 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
December 31, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
 
December 31, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
               
Export oil sales
$ 15,865,979
 
$ 13,182,284
 
$ 40,455,646
 
$ 40,596,215
Domestic oil sales
231,718
 
712,428
 
231,718
 
1,139,520
Domestic gas sales
412,633
 
-
 
950,779
 
-
               
 
$ 16,510,330
 
  $ 13,894,712
 
$ 41,638,143
 
$ 41,735,735
 
 
NOTE 16 – EXPORT DUTY
 
On April 18, 2008 the Government introduced an export duty on several products (including crude oil). The Company became subject to the duty beginning in June 2008. The formula for determining the amount of the crude oil export duty was based on a sliding scale that is tied to several factors, including the world market price for oil. In December 2008 the Government issued a resolution that cancelled the export duty effective January 26, 2009 for companies operating under the new tax code.

In July 2010 the Government issued a resolution which reenacted the export duty for several products (including crude oil). The Company became subject to the export duty in December 2010. The export duty is calculated based on fixed rate of $20 per ton or approximately $2.60 per barrel exported. The export duty fees are expensed as incurred and will be classified as costs and operating expenses. The export duty for the nine months ended December 31, 2010 amounted to $736,013.

In January 2011 the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan increased the fixed rate for duty from $20 per ton to $40 per ton, or approximately $5.20 per barrel exported.
 
32
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
NOTE 17 – INCOME TAXES
 
The Company’s consolidated pre-tax income is comprised primarily from operations in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Pre-tax losses from United States operations are also included in consolidated pre-tax income.

According to the Exploration Contract in the Republic of Kazakhstan, for income tax purposes the Company can capitalize the exploration and development costs and deduct all revenues received during the exploration stage to calculate taxable income. As long as the Company’s capital expenditures exceed generated revenues, the Company will not be subject to Kazakhstan income tax.

As discussed in Note 2, Licenses and contracts, the Company was granted an Exploration contract extension.  According to the terms of the Exploration Contract, the Company will continue to operate in the exploration phase until January 2013.

Earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, since acquisition, have been undistributed. Those earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no U.S. federal and state income taxes have been provided thereon. Upon distribution of those earnings, in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes payable to the Republic of Kazakhstan. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability is not practical because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation; however, unrecognized foreign tax credits may be available to reduce a portion of the U.S. tax liability.
 
Effective January 1, 2009 the Republic of Kazakhstan adopted a new tax code, which decreased the corporate income rate for legal entities to 20%.

No provision for income taxes has been recorded by the Company for the nine months ended December 31, 2010 and the deferred tax liability of $4,964,382 has remained unchanged since March 31, 2010.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company has analyzed its filing positions in all jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns. The Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2006 through 2010 remain subject to examination. The Company currently believes that all significant filing positions are highly certain and that all of its significant income tax filing positions and deductions would be sustained upon an audit. Therefore, the Company has no reserves for uncertain tax positions. No interest or penalties have been levied against the Company and none are anticipated, therefore no interest or penalties have been included in the provision for income taxes.
 
33
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
NOTE 18 - EARNINGS PER SHARE INFORMATION
 
The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
December  31, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
 
December  31, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
               
Net income
 $ 1,363,316
 
$ 607,081
 
 $ 1,678,764
 
 $ 4,677,872
               
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding
53,685,060
 
50,365,015
 
52,465,539
 
49,420,165
               
Effect of dilutive securities
             
Warrants
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Stock options
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
    Unvested share grants
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding
    53,685,060
 
50,365,015
 
52,465,539
 
49,420,165
               
Basic income per common share
$ 0.03
 
$ 0.01
 
$ 0.03
 
$ 0.09
               
Diluted income per common share
$ 0.03
 
$ 0.01
 
$ 0.03
 
$ 0.09
 
The Company has adopted guidance from FASC Topic 260, relating to determining whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities, on April 1, 2009. Accordingly the Company included certain unvested share grants defined as “participating” in the basic weighted average common shares
outstanding for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Prior period comparative data has been retrospectively presented to reflect the adoption of this standard.

The diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 does not include the effect of potential conversion of certain stock options as their effects are anti-dilutive.

The dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, does not include the effect of the potential conversion of the Notes because the average market share price for three and nine months ended December 31, 2010 was lower than potential conversion price of the Notes for this period.
 

34
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
NOTE 19 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company leases ground fuel tanks and other oil fuel storage facilities and warehouses from Term Oil LLC. The lease expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, totaled to $73,384 and $72,070, respectively. Also the Company made advance payments to Term Oil LLC for leased facilities and fuel tanks in the amount of $28,890 and $101,048 as of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010, respectively. Mr. Toleush Tolmakov, the Vice President of the Company and a holder of more than 10% of the outstanding common stock of the Company, is 100% owner of Term Oil LLC.

On March 31, 2010 the Company entered into an agreement for conducting a 3D seismic survey with Geo Seismic Service LLP (“Geo Seismic”). Mr. Toleush Tolmakov is a 30% owner of Geo Seismic.
 
The agreement provides that Geo Seismic will carry out 3D field seismic exploration activities of the Begesh, Aday, North Aday and West Aksaz structures, an area of approximately 96 square kilometers within the Company’s Northwest Block.  In exchange for these services, Emir Oil will pay Geo Seismic 570,000,000 Kazakh tenge ($3,800,000).  In lieu of payment in Kazakh tenge, Emir Oil, at its sole election, may deliver restricted shares of BMB common stock at the agreed value of the higher of: (i) the average closing price of BMB Munai, Inc. common shares over the five days prior to final acceptance by Emir Oil of the 3D seismic work; or (ii) $2.00 per share.  The maximum number of shares which may be delivered as payment in full shall not exceed 1,900,000 restricted common shares. The 3D seismic study was completed in July 2010.

As a result of this agreement, on July 20, 2010 the Company incurred an obligation to issue 1,900,000 common shares to Geo Seismic in exchange for 3D seismic exploration service.  The obligation to issue the shares has been treated as an accrued non-cash share based obligation on the Company’s balance sheet, because as of December 30, 2010, the Company was still awaiting applicable regulatory and other approvals of the issuance of the shares. The shares have been valued at $0.56 which was the closing market price of Company’s shares on July 20, 2010.

The Company has treated this transaction with Geo Seismic as a transaction with related party.

 
35
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010

 
 
On June 26, 2009 the Company entered into a Debt Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Simage Limited, a British Virgin Islands international business corporation (“Simage”). Simage is a company owned by Toleush Tolmakov.

Prior to the date of the Agreement, Simage had acquired by assignment, certain accounts receivable owed by Emir Oil to third-party creditors of Emir Oil in the amount of $5,973,185 (the “Obligations”). Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Simage assigned to the Company all rights, title and interests in and to the Obligations in exchange for the issuance of 2,986,595 shares of common stock of the Company.  The market value of the shares of common stock issued to Simage, at the agreement date, was $3,076,193.  The market value was based on $1.03 per share, which was the closing market price of the Company’s shares on June 26, 2009.

As a result of this Agreement, the Company has effectively been released of accounts payable obligations amounting to $5,973,185. The Company has treated this Agreement as a related party transaction, due to the fact that Simage is owned by a Company shareholder. Therefore, the difference between the settled amount of accounts payable and the value of the common stock issued, which amounts to $2,896,997, has been treated as a capital contribution by the shareholder and recognized as an addition to additional-paid-in-capital rather than a gain on settlement of debt.

 
NOTE 20 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Historical Investments by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan made historical investments in the ADE Block, the Southeast Block and the Northwest Block of $5,994,200, $5,350,680 and $5,372,076, respectively. When and if, the Company applies for and, when and if, it is granted commercial production rights for the ADE Block and Southeast Block, the Company will be required to begin repaying these historical investments to the Government. The terms of repayment will be negotiated at the time the Company is granted commercial production rights.

Capital Commitments

To retain its rights under the contract, the Company must spend $27.2 million between January 10, 2011 and January 9, 2012 and $14.8 million between January 10, 2012 and January 9, 2013.

 
36
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
In addition to the minimum capital expenditure requirement, the Company must also comply with the other terms of the work program associated with the contract, which includes the drilling of at least six new wells by January 9, 2013. The failure to meet the minimum capital expenditures or to comply with the terms of the work program could result in the loss of the subsurface exploration contract.
 
During the nine months ended December 31, 2010, the Company made payment in the amount of $200,000 to social projects of the Mangistau Oblast for 2010 and payment of $200,000 to the Astana Fund.
 
Capital Lease Agreement

In December 2009 the Company entered into a capital lease agreement with an oil tank leasing company for the lease of oil tanks in the amount of $493,000. The agreement is effective upon receiving oil tanks by the Company. During the quarter ended December 31, 2010, the Company received the oil tanks, and accordingly had recorded the capital lease. The agreement calls for average monthly payments of $12,056 during the first year and average monthly payments of $15,010 during the second year.

Executive Contracts

On December 31, 2009, the Company entered into new employment agreements with the following executive officers of the Company: Gamal Kulumbetov, Askar Tashtitov, Evgeniy Ler and Anuarbek Baimoldin. Each of these individuals was serving in such capacity prior to entering the employment agreements.

Except for annual salary, and as otherwise specifically addressed herein, the terms and conditions of the employment agreement of each of the executive and non-executive level officers are the same in all material respects. The employment agreements provide for an initial term of one year with three consecutive one-year renewals unless terminated by either party prior to the beginning of the renewal term. A form of the Employment Agreement was filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 6, 2010.

Under the agreements, salary is reviewable no less frequently than annually and may be adjusted up or down by the compensation committee in its sole discretion, but may not be adjusted below the initial annual salary amount listed in the agreement.  The agreements provide that each of the officers is entitled to participate in such pension, profit sharing, bonus, life insurance, hospitalization, major medical and other employee benefit plans of the Company that may be in effect from time to time, to the extent the individual is eligible under the terms of those plans.  The agreements provide that each officer is eligible at the discretion of the compensation committee and the board of directors to receive performance bonuses.  Each officer is entitled to 28 days annual vacation in accordance with the vacation policies of the Company, as well as paid holidays and other paid leave set forth in the Company’s policies.  There is no accrual of vacation days and holidays.
 
37
 
 

 

BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
The agreements and all obligations thereunder may be terminated upon the occurrence of the following events: i) death, ii) disability; iii) for cause immediately upon notice from the Company or at such time as indicated by the Company in said notice; iv) for good reason upon not less than 30 days notice from an officer to the Company; or v) an extraordinary event, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Under the agreements the named executive officer may be deemed disabled if for physical or mental reasons he is unable to perform his duties for 120 consecutive days or 180 days during any 12 month period. Such disability will be determined by a jointly agreed upon medical doctor.
 
The agreements provide that any of the following will constitute “cause”: i) breach of the employment agreement; ii) failure to adhere to the written policies of the Company; iii) appropriation by the officer of a material business opportunity; iv) misappropriation of funds or property of the Company; or v) conviction, indictment or the entering of a guilty plea or a plea of no contest to a felony.

“Good reason” under the agreements may mean any of the following: i) a material breach of the employment agreement; ii) assignment of the officer without his consent to a position of lesser status or degree of responsibility; iii) relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices outside the Republic of Kazakhstan; or iv) if the Company requires the officer to be based somewhere other than principal executive offices of the Company without the officer’s consent.

Each of the employment agreements, provides that an “extraordinary event” is defined as any consolidation or merger of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with another person, or any acquisition of the Company or any of its subsidiaries by any person or group of persons, acting in concert, equal to fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding stock of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or the sale of forty percent (40%) or more of the assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or if one or more persons, acting alone or as a group, acquires fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the Company. In addition to these provisions, the employment agreement of Mr. Tashtitov provides that the following events also constitute an extraordinary event: i) that a disposition by the Chairman of the Company’s board of directors of by the General Director of the Company’s subsidiary, of seventy five (75%) or more of the shares either individual currently owns, including stock attributed to either of them by Internal Revenue Code Section 318; or ii) should the Company terminate the registration of any of its securities under Section 12 of the Exchange Act of 1934, voluntarily ceases, or shall terminate its obligation to file reports with United States Securities Commission pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act of 1934.
 
38
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
Upon termination of an employment agreement, the Company will make a termination payment to the officer in lieu of all other amounts and in settlement and complete release of all claims employee may have against the Company. In the event of termination for good reason by the officer, the Company will pay the officer the remainder of his salary for the calendar month in which the termination is effective and for six consecutive calendar months thereafter. The officer shall also be entitled to any portion of incentive compensation for the year, prorated to the date of termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the officer obtains other employment prior to the end of the six month period, salary payments by the Company after he begins employment with a new employer shall be reduced by the amount of the cash compensation received from the new employer. If the officer is terminated for cause, he will receive salary only through the date of termination and will not be entitled to any incentive compensation for the year in which his employment is terminated. If the termination is the result of a disability, the Company will pay salary for the rest of the month during which termination is effective and for the shorter of six consecutive months thereafter or until disability insurance benefits commence. If employment is terminated as a result of the death of the officer, his heirs shall be entitled to salary through the month in which his death occurs and to incentive compensation prorated through the month of his death. The employment agreements of Mr. Kulumbetov, Mr. Ler and Mr. Baimoldin provide that if the employment agreement is terminated as a result of an extraordinary event, the officer shall be entitled to severance pay depending on the completed years of employment: i) 10% of Basic Compensation Salary if executive completed less than 1 year of employment; ii) 150% of Basic Compensation Salary if executive completed at least 1 year but not less than 2 years of employment; iii) 299% of Basic Compensation Salary if executive completed more than 2 years of employment.
 
The employment agreement of Mr. Tashtitov provides that in the event his employment agreement is terminated due to an extraordinary event, he will be entitled to receive a severance payment from the Company of $3,000,000.
 
All benefits terminate on the date of termination. The officer shall be entitled to accrued benefits, but is not entitled to compensation for unused vacation, holiday, sick leave or other leave.
 
The employment agreements also contain confidentiality, non-competition and non-interference provisions and provide for certain of the Company’s executive officers to potentially receive payments upon termination or change in control.

 
39
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
Consulting Agreement with Boris Cherdabayev

On December 31, 2009 the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement with Boris Cherdabayev, the Chairman of the Company’s board of directors. The Consulting Agreement became effective on January 1, 2010. Pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, in addition to his services as Chairman of the board of directors, Mr. Cherdabayev will provide such consulting and other services as may reasonably be requested by Company management.  The Consulting Agreement was amended effective February 14, 2011 in connection with the execution of the Purchase Agreement covering the Sale (as defined below) of Emir Oil, as described below (the “Consulting Agreement Amendment”).
 
The initial term of the Consulting Agreement is five years unless earlier terminated as provided in the Consulting Agreement. The initial term will automatically renew for additional one-year terms unless and until terminated. The Consulting Agreement may be terminated for Mr. Cherdabayev’s death or disability and by the Company for cause. The Company may also terminate the Consulting Agreement other than for cause, but will be required to pay the full fee required under the Consulting Agreement.
 
Pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, Mr. Cherdabayev will be paid $192,000 per year. This base consulting fee will be net of Social Tax and Social Insurance Tax in the Republic of Kazakhstan, which shall be paid by the Company. Mr. Cherdabayev will be responsible for Personal Income Tax and Pension Fund Tax. The success of projects involving Mr. Cherdabayev shall be reviewed on an annual basis to determine whether the initial base consulting should be increased.
 
The Consulting Agreement provides for an extraordinary event payment equal to the greater of $5,000,000 or the base compensation fee for the remaining initial term of the Consulting Agreement. The Consulting Agreement defines an extraordinary event as any consolidation or merger of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with another person, or any acquisition of the Company or any of its subsidiaries by any person or group of persons, acting in concert, equal to fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding stock of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or the sale of forty percent (40%) or more of the assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or if one or more persons, acting alone or as a group, acquires fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the Company.  The Consulting Agreement Amendment defers the Company’s obligation to pay any extraordinary event payment to Mr. Cherdabayev under the agreement until the first year anniversary of the closing date of the sale of Emir Oil, and limits the amount of any such payment to the funds then remaining available in the escrow holdback contemplated by the Purchase Agreement if less than $5,000,000.
 
Litigation

In December 2003, Brian Savage, Thomas Sinclair and Sokol Holdings, Inc. filed complaints against the Company, its founders, and former directors, Georges Benarroch and Alexandre Agaian.  The complaints all arose from the acquisition of a controlling interest in Emir Oil.  Emir Oil controlled the right to explore for oil and gas in the Aksaz, Dolinnoe and Emir oil and gas fields in Kazakhstan.  The original complaint was filed in the Fifteenth Judicial District Court in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, but was dismissed by agreement. Subsequent complaints were filed in United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  The procedural history of this litigation has been described in the Company’s annual and quarterly reports.
 
40
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 

 
The plaintiffs asserted claims for tortuous interference with contract, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, unfair competition and breach of fiduciary duty.  In November 2009 defendants moved for summary judgment on all claims. On June 29, 2010 the United States District Court issued an Opinion and Order granting in part and denying in part defendants’ summary judgment motion. The Court dismissed the breach of contract and fiduciary duty claims in their entirety. The Court allowed plaintiffs’ claim for tortuous interference with contract to proceed to trial and allowed the unfair competition and unjust enrichment claims to proceed on theories of misappropriation of or unjust enrichment from taking the “product of plaintiffs’ investment of labor, skill and expenditures with respect to a business plan, system, or venture, even absent a showing of ‘novelty.’”
 
The Court scheduled a jury trial for October 5, 2010.  However, in a series of rulings on motions in limine and pursuant to the Court's Order to Show Cause in advance of trial, the Court granted summary judgment dismissing the claims for unjust enrichment and tortuous interference with contract as to all defendants.  The Court allowed the unfair competition claim to proceed to trial, but limited the damages recoverable from that claim to the value of plaintiffs’ investment of labor, skill and expenditures plaintiffs allegedly provided to defendants. Plaintiffs sought reconsideration of the Court’s rulings, which was denied.

After the Court reaffirmed its decisions, plaintiffs agreed that with respect to the unfair competition claim plaintiffs had no evidence of damages other than the evidence the District Court had excluded pursuant to its ruling on a motion in limine and therefore plaintiffs orally stipulated to the entry of summary judgment against plaintiffs on that count as well. A stipulation as to the remaining claim of unfair competition was read into the record and accepted by the Court on October 5, 2010, with the parties being directed to submit a final order for entry by the Court.  Defendants prepared a written stipulation and final order and submitted it to plaintiffs. Plaintiffs have refused to execute the stipulation and order prepared by defendants until an issue concerning the BMB Defendants designation of certain material as confidential under a protective order is resolved.  On Feb. 8, 2011 the Court signed the final order submitted by the BMB Defendants granting judgment against plaintiffs and in favor of the  BMB defendants based on its prior orders and the stipulations of the parties entered on the record on October 5, 2010, thereby terminating proceedings before the District Court. The judgment was filed on February 9, 2011.   Plaintiffs may appeal the decisions of the District Court and if they choose to do so they must file a notice of appeal within 30 days after the judgment or order appealed from is entered.
 
41
 
 
 

 
 
BMB MUNAI, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
Economic Environment
 
In recent years, Kazakhstan has undergone substantial political and economic change. As an emerging market, Kazakhstan does not possess a well-developed business infrastructure, which generally exists in a more mature free market economy. As a result, operations carried out in Kazakhstan can involve significant risks, which are not typically associated with those in developed markets. Instability in the market reform process could subject the Company to unpredictable changes in the basic business infrastructure in which it currently operates. Uncertainties regarding the political, legal, tax or regulatory environment, including the potential for adverse changes in any of these factors could affect the Company’s ability to operate commercially. Management is unable to estimate what changes may occur or the resulting effect of such changes on the Company’s financial condition or future results of operations.
 
Legislation and regulations regarding taxation, foreign currency translation, and licensing of foreign currency loans in the Republic of Kazakhstan continue to evolve as the central Government manages the transformation from a command to a market-oriented economy. The various legislation and regulations are not always clearly written and their interpretation is subject to the opinions of the local tax inspectors. Instances of inconsistent opinions between local, regional and national tax authorities are not unusual.
 
 
NOTE 21 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
As of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010 cash and cash equivalents included deposits in Kazakhstan banks in the amount $3,055,611 and $3,721,701, respectively, and deposits in U.S. banks in the amount of $3,159,230 and $2,718,693, respectively. Kazakhstan banks are not covered by FDIC insurance, nor does the Republic of Kazakhstan have an insurance program similar to FDIC. Therefore, the full amount of our deposits in Kazakhstan banks was uninsured as of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010. The Company’s deposits in U.S. banks are also in non-FDIC insured accounts which means they too are not insured to the $250,000 FDIC insurance limit. To mitigate this risk, the Company has placed all of its U.S. deposits in a money market account that invests in U.S. Government backed securities. As of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010 the Company made advance payments to Kazakhstan companies and Government bodies in the amount of $8,232,860 and $7,219,431, respectively. As of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010 restricted cash reflected in the long-term assets consisted of $875,051 and $770,553, respectively, deposited in a Kazakhstan bank and restricted to meet possible environmental obligations according to the regulations of Kazakhstan. Furthermore, the primary asset of the Company is Emir Oil LLP; an entity formed under the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
 
42
 
 

 
 
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our results of operations and our present financial condition. Our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes included in this Form 10-Q contain additional information that should be referred to when reviewing this material and this document should be read in conjunction with the Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.
 
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder that involve inherent risks and uncertainties.  Words such as expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “seek,” “could,” “should,” “predict,” “continue,” “future,” “may and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, estimates and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from any results, performance or events expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in this report and identified from time to time in our filings with the SEC including, among others, the following risk factors:

 
substantial or extended decline in oil prices;
 
inaccurate reserve estimates;
 
inability to enter a production contract with the Republic of Kazakhstan prior to the expiration of our exploration contract;
 
drilled prospects may not yield oil in commercial quantities;
 
substantial losses or liability claims as a result of operations;
 
insufficient funds to meet our financial obligations as they become due;
 
complex and evolving laws that could affect the cost of doing business;
 
substantial liabilities to comply with environmental laws and regulations;
 
the need to replenish older depleting oil reserves with new oil reserves;
 
inadequate infrastructure in the region where our properties are located;
 
availability and cost of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, personnel and oil field services;
 
availability and cost of transportation systems;
 
competition in the oil industry; and
 
adverse government actions, imposition of new, or increases in existing, taxes and duties, political risks and expropriation of assets.
 
43
 
 

 
 

 
The above factors may affect future results, performance, events and the accuracy of any forward-looking statement.  This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. In addition, new risks and uncertainties may arise from time to time. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and is expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.  Except as may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement for any reason or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.
 
Recent Developments
 
As  discussed above, on February 14, 2011, we entered into the Purchase Agreement with MIE Holdings Corporation (“Parent”), and its subsidiary, Palaeontol B.V. (the “Buyer”), pursuant to which we have agreed to sell all of our interest in our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Emir Oil, to the Buyer (the “Sale”).  The Parent, a Hong Kong Stock Exchange listed company (SEHK: 1555), is one of the leading independent upstream oil companies operating onshore in the People’s Republic of China as measured by gross production under production sharing contracts.  The initial purchase price is $170 million and is subject to various closing adjustments and the deposit of $36 million in escrow to be held for a period of 12 months following the closing for indemnification purposes. In connection with the Sale, all intercompany notes of Emir Oil in favor of the Company will be transferred to the Buyer.  Upon consummation of the Sale, we will use a portion of the proceeds to repay our outstanding convertible Notes and to pay transaction costs and expenses.

We intend to make an initial cash distribution to stockholders in the estimated range of $1.04 to $1.10 per share upon the closing from the Sale proceeds, after giving effect to the estimated closing adjustments and escrow holdback amount, the repayment of the Notes and after providing for the payment or reserve of other projected liabilities and transaction costs.  The mid-point of the estimated initial distribution price range ($1.07) represents a premium of 19% over the prior 30-day average closing price of our common stock as of the market close on February 11, 2011, the trading day immediately preceding our public announcement of the Sale on February 14, 2011, as reported on the NYSE Amex.  We intend to make a second distribution to stockholders that could range up to approximately $0.30 per share following termination of the escrow, subject to the availability of funds to be released from the escrow, actual costs incurred and other factors.

The Purchase Agreement and Sale were approved by the five independent directors of the Company, based upon a recommendation by an independent oversight committee of the board.  UBS Investment Bank advised the independent oversight committee in the transaction.

The description of the Purchase Agreement and the proposed Sale in this report does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed with the SEC on February 18, 2011.
 
44
 
 

 
 
Overview

BMB Munai, Inc. was organized under the laws of the State of Nevada.   Our business activities focus on oil and natural gas exploration and production in the Republic of Kazakhstan (sometimes also referred to herein as the “ROK” or “Kazakhstan”). We hold an exploration contract that allows us to conduct exploratory drilling and oil production in the Mangistau Province in the southwestern region of Kazakhstan.  Since the date of execution of the original exploration contract, we have successfully negotiated several amendments to the contract that have extended the term of our exploration contract to January 2013 and have extended the territory of the contract area to approximately 850 square kilometers, which is comprised of the “ADE Block”, the “Southeast Block” and the “Northwest Block”.
 
Exploration Stage Activities

Under the statutory scheme in Kazakhstan, prospective oil fields are developed in two stages. The first stage is exploration stage.  During this stage the primary focus is on the search for commercial discoveries, i.e., discoveries of sufficient quantities of oil and gas to make it commercially feasible to pursue execution of, or transition to, the second stage, which is a commercial production contract with the government.

Minimum Work Program Requirements

In order to be assured that adequate exploration activities are undertaken during exploration stage, the Ministry of Oil and Gas, (formerly the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources) of the ROK establishes an annual mandatory minimum work program to be accomplished in each year of the exploration contract.  Under the minimum work program the contractor is required to invest a minimum dollar amount in exploration activities within the contract territory, which may include geophysical studies, construction of field infrastructure or drilling activities. During the exploration stage, the contractor is also required to drill sufficient wells in each field to establish the existence of commercially producible reserves in any field for which it seeks a commercial production license. Failure to complete the minimum annual work program requirements could preclude the contractor from receiving a longer-term production contract, could result in penalties and fines or even in the loss of the contractor’s license.

The contract we hold follows the above format.  Our annual work program year ends on January 9 each year. From the beginning of the exploration stage of our contract through January 9, 2011, our minimum mandatory expenditure requirement was $80,630,000, including drilling at least 13 wells.  From the beginning of the exploration stage of our contract through December 31, 2010, we had expended $337,310,000 in exploration activities, including the drilling of 24 wells. Our minimum annual expenditure requirements going forward are: $27,240,000 for the period from January 2011 to January 2012, including the drilling of at least four wells; and $14,840,000 for the period from January 2012 to January 2013, including the drilling of at least two wells.
 
45
 
 

 
 
We began drilling in the fields of the ADE block in 2004.  Since 2005 we have been drilling in the Southwest Block in the Kariman field.  Our drilling activities have consisted in drilling an array of exploratory wells to delineate reservoir structures and developmental wells intended to provide income to the Company.  During fiscal 2009 we completed a very active three-year drilling program. During this time we drilled 17 wells to an average depth of 3,800 meters.  Beginning in September of 2008 we began to phase out our new well drilling activities and released the four large drilling rigs we had under contract as drilling projects were completed.
 
During fiscal 2010 we focused our efforts on building a sound financial basis to support our development of a long-term and profitable oil and gas exploration and production business by reducing current accounts payable, conducting field operations focused on maximizing production and field delineation and investigating the Northwest Block.

In fiscal 2011 we have continued our efforts to develop our business and to increase oil and gas production.  Because of our limited available funds available for drilling activities during fiscal 2011, we have attempted to increase production through drilling directional sidetracks at existing wells, which is less expensive than drilling new vertical wells.
 
Drilling Operations, Well Performance and Production

         During the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010, we continued our efforts to increase production by means of drilling directional sidetracks.  During the quarter we completed drilling of sidetracks on the Kariman-6 and Aksaz-2 wells.

Sidetracking operations on the Kariman-6 well commenced in September 2010.  Logging operations to determine and adjust the direction of the wedge-deflector to 115º in azimuth, were conducted after assembling and lowering of the wedge-deflector, provided by Burintech, to the targeted depth. A 6 5/8” window was cut in the casing pipe, using mills with 127, 135 and 141 mm diameter in the 3,165.6-3,172.8 meter interval, then the 3,166-3,563 meter interval was drilled, using an assembly of a 5 ½" drill bit and a 4 ¼" Smith downhole motor (several drill bits were replaced during drilling operations).  We experienced tight pulls up to 10-14 tons and landslide rock on the shakers while drilling. Alternate lowering of the bottomhole assembly №11R to the bottom hole with reaming was conducted with drilling in the interval of 3,563-3,649 meters. Sticking occurred during directional drilling at the depth of 3,649 meters.

We have attempted several methods for release of the stuck pipe and drill bit, including reciprocating with the use of a drilling jar, spotted oil bath around the stuck drill pipe, and shearing with shape chargers.  All of these operations were unsuccessful, and sidetrack operations at the Kariman-6 well were abandoned in November 2010.

The sidetrack on the Aksaz-2 well commenced in November 2010.  Logging operations to determine and adjust the direction of the wedge-deflector to 333º in azimuth, were conducted after assembling and lowering of the wedge-deflector, provided by Burintech, to the targeted depth. A 6 5/8” window was cut in the casing pipe, using mills with 127, 135 and 141 mm diameter in the 3,916-3,924 meter interval, then the 3,924-4,229 meter interval was drilled, using an assembly of a 5 ½" drill bit and a 4 ¼" Smith downhole motor (several drill bits were replaced during drilling operations). In the interval 4,200-4,229 meters sticking occurred, during borehole reaming before the alternate connection.
 
46
 
 

 

We conducted reciprocating with the use of a drilling jar, and spotted diesel bath around the stuck drill pipe, with volume of 4 cubic meters, with no results.  We also spotted an acid bath with volume of 5 cubic meters and freed the drilling pipe from sticking.  The drill bit was replaced and the 4,229-4,238 meter interval was drilled, then reaming was conducted to the window cutting level and another lowering with reaming to the depth of 4,228 meters.  During connection another sticking occurred.  An acid bath with 7 cubic meter volume was spotted, resulting in freeing of the drilling pipe.  Due to the danger of recurring sticking, we made the decision to cease drilling operations at the Aksaz-2 well in December 2010.
 
Despite our unsuccessful attempts at the Kariman-6 and Aksaz-2 wells, we plan to continue our efforts to increase production through drilling of horizontal sidetracks on existing wells as funds allows.  Given the very limited funds we have available for capital expenditures, we believe that sidetracking is a more cost effective method for potentially increasing production rates than drilling new vertical wells.  We have commenced sidetracking operations on the Dolinnoe-6 well which we plan to complete during the quarter ending March 31, 2011.
 
During the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010, our daily crude oil production ranged from 2,019 barrels per day to 3,170 barrels per day.  Average daily production for the quarter was 2,402 barrels per day.  Our average daily production during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2009 was 2,900 barrels per day.

Results of Operations

Three months ended December 31, 2010, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009.

Revenue and Production

The following table summarizes production volumes, average sales prices and operating revenue for our oil and natural gas operations for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and the three months ended December 31, 2009.

   
Three months ended
December 31, 2010
to the three months ended
 
For the three
 
For the three
    December 31, 2009
 
months ended
 
months ended
        %
 
December 31,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Increase
(Decrease)
               
Production volumes:
             
  Natural gas (in thousand m3)
11,517
 
-
 
11,517
 
100%
  Natural gas liquids (Bbls)
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
  Oil and condensate (Bbls)
218,588
 
266,838
 
(48,250)
 
(18%)
  Barrels of Oil equivalent (BOE) (3)
286,372
 
266,838
 
19,534
 
7%
               
Sales volumes:
             
  Natural gas (in thousand m3)
10,141
 
-
 
10,141
 
100%
  Natural gas liquids (Bbls)
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
  Oil and condensate (Bbls)
218,508
 
279,605
 
(61,097)
 
(22%)
  Barrels of Oil equivalent (BOE) (3)
278,195
 
279,605
 
(1,410)
 
(1%)
 
 
47
 
 

 
 
 
Average Sales Price (1)
             
  Natural gas ($ per thousand m3)
$ 40.69
 
-
 
$ 40.69
 
100%
  Natural gas liquids ($ per Bbl)
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
  Oil and condensate ($ per Bbl)
$ 73.67
 
$ 49.69
 
$ 23.98
 
48%
  Barrels of Oil equivalent ($ per BOE) (3)
$ 59.35
 
$ 49.69
 
   $ 9.66
 
19%
               
Operating Revenue:
             
Natural gas
$ 412,633
 
-
 
$ 412,633
 
100%
Natural gas liquids
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Oil and condensate
$ 16,097,697
 
$ 13,894,712
 
$ 2,202,985
 
16%
Gain on hedging and derivatives (2)
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(1)   At times we may produce more barrels than we sell in a given period. The average sales price is calculated based on the average sales price per barrel sold, not per barrel produced.
(2)   We did not engage in hedging transactions, including derivatives, during the three months ended December 31, 2010 or the three months ended December 31, 2009.
(3)   The coefficient for conversion of production and sales of gas from cubic meters to barrels equals: 1 thousand m3 = 5.8857 barrels of oil equivalent.
 

Revenues. We generate revenue under our exploration contract from the sale of oil and natural gas recovered during test production.  During the three months ended December 31, 2010 our oil production decreased 18% compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009, as a result of natural decline rates, as well as directional drilling operations that were conducted on wells Kariman-6, Dolinnoe-6 and Aksaz-2, which required us to cease production from these wells during directional drilling.

During the three months ended December 31, 2010 we realized revenue from oil sales of $16,097,697 compared to $13,894,712 during the three months ended December 31, 2009.  The significant contributing factor to the 16% increase in revenue from oil sales was a 48% increase in the price per barrel we received for oil sales because of increased world oil prices. During the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 we exported 96% and 89% respectively, of our oil to the world markets and realized the world market price for those sales. Revenue from oil sold to the world markets made up 96% and 95% of total revenue, respectively, during the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

         Starting in May 2010 we began to realize revenue from natural gas sales to the domestic market. During the three months ended December 31, 2010 we realized revenue from natural gas sales of $412,633. During the periods prior to May 2010 we did not realize revenue from natural gas sales because the amount from natural gas sales was insignificant and thus was included in revenue from oil sales.  Our natural gas production is largely a byproduct of oil production.  We anticipate future natural gas production will continue to be determined by oil production.
 
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As discussed above, our revenue is sensitive to changes in prices received for our oil.  Political instability, the economy, changes in legislation and taxation, reductions in the amount of oil we are allowed to export to the world markets, weather and other factors outside our control may also have an impact on both supply and demand and on revenue.
 
Costs and Operating Expenses

The following table presents details of our costs and expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:

 
For the three months ended December 31, 2010
 
For the three months ended December 31, 2009
Expenses:
     
   Rent export tax
$ 3,104,884
 
$ 2,966,025
   Export duty
                  558,210
 
                -
   Oil and gas operating(1)
2,485,683
 
2,819,189
   General and administrative
3,680,778
 
2,946,160
   Depletion(2)
2,558,733
 
2,840,787
   Interest expense
2,228,010
 
1,159,268
   Accretion expenses
125,645
 
113,690
   Depreciation of gas utilization facility
339,243
 
-
   Amortization and depreciation
139,401
 
161,943
       
Total
$ 15,220,587
 
$ 13,007,062
Expenses ($ per BOE):
     
   Oil and gas operating(1)
8.94
 
10.08
   Depletion (2)
9.20
 
10.16
 
(1)   Includes transportation cost, production cost and ad valorem taxes (excluding rent export tax and export duty).
(2)   Represents depletion of oil and gas properties only.
 
Rent Export Tax. Rent export tax is calculated based on the export sales price and ranges from as low as 0% if the export sales price is less than $40 per barrel to as high as 32% if the price per barrel exceeds $190.  Because of higher export sales prices during the three months ended December 31, 2010 rent export tax paid to the government was $3,104,884 compared to $2,966,025 during the three months ended December 31, 2009.
 
Export Duty.  On April 18, 2008 the government introduced an export duty on several products (including crude oil.) We became subject to the duty beginning in June 2008. The formula for determining the amount of the crude oil export duty was based on a sliding scale that was tied to several factors, including the world market price for oil. In December 2008 the government issued a resolution that cancelled the export duty effective January 26, 2009 for companies operating under the new tax code.
 
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In July 2010 the government issued a resolution which reenacted the export duty for several products (including crude oil.) We became subject to the export duty in September 2010. The export duty is calculated based on a fixed rate of $20 per ton or approximately $2.60 per barrel exported. As a result of the export duty being reenacted, the export duty during the three months ended December 31, 2010 amounted to $558,210. We were not subject to export duty during the three months ended December 31, 2009. Export duty was not recorded as part of oil and gas operating expense and was not included in oil and gas operating expense per BOE calculation.
 
In January 2011 the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan increased the fixed rate of the export duty from $20 per ton to $40 per ton, or approximately $5.20 per barrel exported.

Oil and Gas Operating Expenses.  During the three months ended December 31, 2010 we incurred $2,485,683 in oil and gas operating expenses compared to $2,819,189 during the three months ended December 31, 2009.  This decrease is primarily the result of a 35% decrease in production expense, coupled with a 5% decrease in transportation expense and 5% decrease of mineral extraction tax for the three months period ended December 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009.

Oil and gas operating expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 consisted of the following expenses:

 
Three months ended December 31,
 
2010
 
2009
 
Total
 
Per BOE
 
Total
 
Per BOE
Oil and Gas Operating Expenses:
             
Production
$ 413,976
 
$ 1.49
 
$ 634,270
 
$ 2.27
Transportation
1,125,938
 
4.05
 
1,186,552
 
4.24
Mineral extraction tax
945,769
 
3.40
 
998,367
 
3.57
               
Total
$ 2,485,683
 
$ 8.94
 
$ 2,819,189
 
$ 10.08

Production expense decreased 35% during the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2009.  This decrease was primarily the result of the purchase of light crude oil for blending purposes from a third party in the amount of $411,771 during three months ended December 31, 2009.   We did not have similar purchases of light crude during the quarter ended December 31, 2010.

Transportation expenses decreased by $60,614 or 5%, as a result of decreased rent expenses paid to suppliers of rented oil trucks.  Commending in September 2010 we began transporting oil using leased oil trucks.

In January 2009 the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan imposed a mineral extraction tax.  The rate of this tax depends upon annual production output.  The new code currently provides for a 5% mineral extraction tax rate on production of oil sold to the export market, and a 2.5% tax rate for oil sold to the domestic market. The mineral extraction tax rate for gas sold to the domestic market is 0.5% and 10% for gas used for internal needs. During the three months ended December 31, 2010 mineral extraction tax paid was $945,769. During the quarter ended December 31, 2009 mineral extraction tax payments were $998,367. The 5% decrease in mineral extraction tax was due to decreased production during the three months ended December 31, 2010.
 
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We calculate oil and gas operating expense per BOE based on the volume of oil and gas actually sold rather than production volume because not all volume produced during the period is sold during the period. The related production costs are expensed only for the units sold not produced.
 
Expense per BOE is a function of total expense divided by the number of barrels of oil and gas we sell.  During the three months ended December 31, 2009 we sold 279,605 barrels of oil, compared the three months ended December 31, 2010 we sold 278,195 barrels of oil and gas. The 35% decrease in production expenses and 5% decrease in transportation expenses, was offset by the 22% decrease in sales of oil volume, resulting in a $1.15, or 11%, decrease in oil and gas operating expense per BOE.

General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses during the three months ended December 31, 2010 were $3,680,778 compared to $2,946,160 during the three months ended December 31, 2009. This represents a 25% increase. This increase in general and administrative expenses was the result of:

 
a 22% increase in professional services arising from legal fees incurred in connection with the litigation discussed in Note 20 “Commitments and Contingencies” to the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements;
  
a 48% increase in rent expenses resulting from increased rents for special vehicles used at  our warehouse;
 
a 14% increase in payroll expenses resulting from increase of bonus for employees; and
 
a 100% increase in compensation expense.

During the three months ended December 31, 2010 we recognized non-cash compensation expense of $420,375 resulting from restricted stock grants previously made to employees. By comparison, during the three months ended December 31, 2009 we did not recognize non-cash compensation expense for restricted stock grants previously made to employees and outside consultants.

Depletion.  Depletion expense for the three months ended December 31, 2010 decreased by $282,054 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009. The major reason for this decrease in depletion expense was a 22% decrease in sales volume of oil during the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009.

Amortization and Depreciation. Amortization and depreciation expense for the three months ended December 31, 2010 decreased by 14% compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009.

Income from Operations.  During the three months ended December 31, 2010 we realized income from operations of $1,289,743 compared to income from operations of $887,650 during the three months ended December 31, 2009.  This increase in income from operations during the three months ended December 31, 2010 was the result of the 19% increase in revenue which was partially offset by a 17% increase in total costs and operating expenses.
 
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Other Income/Expense. During the three months ended December 31, 2010 we recognized total other income of $73,573 compared to total other expense of $280,569 during the three months ended December 31, 2009.  The change from other expense to other income between the respective quarters is largely attributable to a $57,122 foreign exchange gain during the quarter ended December 31, 2010 compared to a $293,438 foreign exchange loss during the quarter ended December 31, 2009.
 
Net Income. For the foregoing reasons, during the three months ended December 31, 2010 we realized net income of $1,363,316 or $0.03 per share compared to net income of $607,081 or $0.01 per share for the three months ended December 31, 2009.

Nine months ended December 31, 2010, compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2009.

Revenue and Production

The following table summarizes production volumes, average sales prices and operating revenue for our oil and natural gas operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2010 and the nine months ended December 31, 2009.

   
Nine months ended
December 31, 2010
to the nine months ended
 
For the nine
 
For the nine
    December 31, 2009
 
months ended
 
months ended
        %
 
December 31,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Increase
(Decrease)
               
Production volumes:
             
  Natural gas (in thousand m3)
27,402
 
-
 
27,402
 
100%
  Natural gas liquids (Bbls)
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
  Oil and condensate (Bbls)
638,335
 
751,648
 
(113,313)
 
(15%)
  Barrels of Oil equivalent (BOE) (3)
799,615
 
751,648
 
47,967
 
6%
               
Sales volumes:
             
  Natural gas (in thousand m3)
23,344
 
-
 
23,344
 
100%
  Natural gas liquids (Bbls)
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
  Oil and condensate (Bbls)
626,741
 
785,044
 
(158,303)
 
(20%)
  Barrels of Oil equivalent (BOE) (3)
764,137
 
785,044
 
(20,907)
 
(3%)
               
Average Sales Price (1)
             
  Natural gas ($ per thousand m3)
$ 40.73
 
-
 
$ 40.73
 
100%
  Natural gas liquids ($ per Bbl)
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
  Oil and condensate ($ per Bbl)
$ 64.92
 
$ 53.16
 
$ 11.76
 
22%
  Barrels of Oil equivalent ($ per BOE) (3)
$ 54.49
 
$ 53.16
 
$ 1.33
 
3%
               
Operating Revenue:
             
Natural gas
$ 950,779
 
-
 
$ 950,779
 
100%
Natural gas liquids
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Oil and condensate
$ 40,687,364
 
$ 41,735,735
 
$ (1,048,371)
 
(3%)
Gain on hedging and derivatives (2)
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
 
52
 
 

 
 
 
 
(1)   At times we may produce more barrels than we sell in a given period. The average sales price is calculated based on the average sales price per barrel sold, not per barrel produced.
(2)   We did not engage in hedging transactions, including derivatives, during the nine months ended December 31, 2010 or the nine months ended December 31, 2009.
(3)   The coefficient for conversion production and sales of gas from cubic meters to barrels equals: 1 thousand m3 = 5.8857 barrels of oil equivalent.
 
 
Revenues.  During the nine months ended December 31, 2010 our oil production decreased 15% compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2009, as a result of natural decline rates of production, well downtime, and maintenance and improvement works at the oil storage facility.

During the nine months ended December 31, 2010 we realized revenue from oil sales of $40,687,364 compared to $41,735,735 during the nine months ended December 31, 2009.  The significant contributing factor to this 3% decrease in revenue from oil sales was a 20% decrease in sales volume as a result of decreased production, which was only partially offset by a 22% increase in sales price realized for oil and gas sold.  During the nine months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 we exported 98% and 94% of our oil, respectively, to the world markets and realized world market price for those sales.  Revenue from oil sold to the world markets made up 97% of total revenue during the nine months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

We began realizing revenue from natural gas sales to the domestic market in May 2010.  During the nine months ended December 31, 2010 we realized revenue from natural gas sales of $950,779.  Prior to May 2010 we did not realize revenue from natural gas sales, because the amounts realized from natural gas sales were insignificant and thus were included in revenue from oil sales.

Costs and Operating Expenses

The following table presents details of our costs and expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:

 
For the nine months ended December 31, 2010
 
For the nine months ended December 31, 2009
Expenses:
     
   Rent export tax
$ 8,214,750
 
$ 6,945,938
   Export duty
736,013
 
-
   Oil and gas operating(1)
6,619,854
 
6,739,473
   General and administrative
11,173,979
 
10,750,099
   Depletion(2)
7,099,897
 
7,953,515
   Interest expense
4,431,142
 
3,452,646
   Accretion expenses
367,370
 
332,415
   Depreciation of gas utilization facility
904,648
 
-
   Amortization and depreciation
442,707
 
454,756
       
Total
$ 39,990,360
 
$ 36,628,842
Expenses ($ per BOE):
     
   Oil and gas operating(1)
 8.67
 
 8.59
   Depletion (2)
9.29
 
10.13
 
(1)   Includes transportation cost, production cost and ad valorem taxes (excluding rent export tax and export duty).
(2)   Represents depletion of oil and gas properties only.
 
53
 
 

 

 
Rent Export Tax. During the nine months ended December 31, 2010 rent export tax paid to the government amounted to $8,214,750 compared to $6,945,938 during the nine months ended December 31, 2009. The $1,268,812 or 18% increase in rent export tax was due to the tax rate and tax base calculation, which is dependent upon oil price.
 
Export Duty.  In July 2010 the government issued a resolution which reenacted the export duty for several products (including crude oil.)  We became subject to the export duty in September 2010.  As a result, we incurred export duty during the nine months ended December 31, 2010 of $736,013.  We were not subject to export duty during the nine months ended December 31, 2009.  Export duty was not recorded as part of oil and gas operating expense and was not included in oil and gas operating expense per BOE calculation.
 
In January 2011 the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan increased the fixed rate for duty from $20 per ton to $40 per ton, or approximately $5.20 per barrel exported.

Oil and Gas Operating Expenses.  During the nine months ended December 31, 2010 we incurred $6,619,854 in oil and gas operating expenses compared to $6,739,473 during the nine months ended December 31, 2009.  This decrease was primarily the result of a 28% decrease in production expense, which was partially offset by 10% increase in transportation expense for the nine months period ended December 31, 2010 compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2009.
 
Oil and gas operating expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 consist of the following expenses:

 
Nine months ended December 31,
 
2010
 
2009
 
Total
 
Per BOE
 
Total
 
Per BOE
Oil and Gas Operating Expenses:
             
Production
$ 1,024,479
 
$ 1.34
 
$ 1,413,511
 
$ 1.80
Transportation
3,046,105
 
3.99
 
2,769,088
 
3.53
Mineral extraction tax
2,549,270
 
3.34
 
2,556,874
 
3.26
               
Total
$ 6,619,854
 
$ 8.67
 
$ 6,739,473
 
$ 8.59

The 17% increase in production expense during the nine months ended December 31, 2010 compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2009 was primarily the result of property tax expenses on group units for the period from fiscal year 2005 to fiscal year 2010 which we recognized during the three months ended December 31, 2010.
 
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Transportation expenses during the nine months ended December 31, 2010 increased by $277,017, or 10%, as a result of an increase of $112,031, or 22%, in salary and related payments, which is represented in bonus and overtime salary of personnel related to transportation, an increase of $40,299, or 34%, in depreciation expense of fixed assets, which is due to the depreciation expense recognized for leased oil trucks, and an increase of $66,844 or 100% in interest expense for oil truck leases, which the Company was not subject to during nine months ended December 31, 2009.

During the nine months ended December 31, 2010 mineral extraction tax paid to the government was $2,549,270.  During the nine months ended December 30, 2009 mineral extraction tax was $2,556,874.

We calculate oil and gas operating expense per BOE based on the volume of oil and gas actually sold rather than production volume because not all volume produced during the period is sold during the period. The related production costs are expensed only for the units sold not produced.

Expense per BOE is a function of total expense divided by the number of barrels of oil and gas we sell.  During the nine months ended December 31, 2009 we sold 785,044 barrels of oil, by comparison, during the nine months ended December 31, 2010 we sold 764,137 barrels of oil and gas. The 20% decrease in the volume of oil sold coupled with a 10% increase in transportation expenses, was almost completely offset by a 28% decrease in production expenses, which resulted in a $0.08, or 1%, increase in oil and gas operating expense per BOE.

General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses during the nine months ended December 31, 2010 were $11,173,979 compared to $10,750,099 during the nine months ended December 31, 2009.  This represents a 4% increase. This increase in general and administrative expenses was the result of the following:

 
a 190% increase in other taxes, due to the incurred property tax expenses for 2010;
 
a 17% decrease in business trips and accommodation expenses;
  
a 60% increase in professional services, resulting from increased legal fees incurred in the  litigation identified in Note 20 “Commitments and Contingencies” to the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements;
  
a 40% increase rent expenses, resulting from increased rent of special vehicles for use in our warehouse; and
  
a 15% increase in payroll expenses, resulting from increase of bonus salaries for employees.
 
55
 
 

 
 
These increases were only partially offset by:

 
a 74% decrease in environmental payments for flaring of unused natural gas as a result of decreased production.  The amount of environmental payments totaled $48,789 and $190,475 during the nine months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively; and
 
a 54% decrease in compensation expense.
 
During the nine months ended December 31, 2010 we recognized non-cash compensation expense of $1,254,025 resulting from restricted stock grants previously made to employees. By comparison, during the nine months ended December 31, 2009 we recognized non-cash compensation expense in the amount of $2,744,133 for restricted stock grants previously made to employees and outside consultants.
 
Depletion.  Depletion expense for the nine months ended December 31, 2010 decreased by $853,618 compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2009. The principal reason for this decrease in depletion expense was a 20% decrease in sales volume of oil during the nine months ended December 31, 2010 compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2009.

Amortization and Depreciation. Amortization and depreciation expense for the nine months ended December 31, 2010 decreased 3% compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2009.  

Income from Operations.  During the nine months ended December 31, 2010 we realized income from operations of $1,647,783 compared to income from operations of $5,106,893 during the nine months ended December 31, 2009. This decrease in income from operations during the nine months ended December 31, 2010 is the result of the 9% increase in total costs and operating expenses.

Other Income/Expense. During the nine months ended December 31, 2010 we recognized total other income of $30,981 compared to total other expense of $429,021 during the nine months ended December 31, 2009.  The 107% change from other expense to other income between the respective periods is largely attributable to $288,068 of interest income realized during the nine month ended December 31, 2010, which was offset by a $209,295 foreign exchange loss, coupled with $47,792 other expense.

Net Income. For the foregoing reasons, during the nine months ended December 31, 2010 we realized net income of $1,678,764 or $0.03 per share compared to net income of $4,677,872 or $0.09 per share for the nine months ended December 31, 2009.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

For the period from inception on May 6, 2003 through December 31, 2010 we have incurred capital expenditures of $337,310,000 for exploration, development and acquisition activities.  Funding for our activities has historically been provided by funds raised through the sale of our common stock and debt securities and revenue from oil sales.  From inception to December 31, 2010 we raised approximately $94.6 million through the sale of our common stock.  Additionally, during the quarter ended September 31, 2007 we completed the placement of $60 million in principal amount of 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2012.  The net proceeds from the Note issuance of approximately $56.2 million were used to pursue our drilling program.  For additional detail regarding the Notes, see Note 11 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.
 
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The terms of the original indenture (the “Indenture”) governing the Notes provided for three put dates that allowed the Noteholders to redeem the Notes prior to their 2012 maturity date.  The first two put dates passed unexercised.  The third put date was July 13, 2010.  Because we would have been unable to repay the Notes at July 13, 2010, we have been engaged in ongoing negotiations with the Noteholders to restructure the Notes.  In connection with these negotiations, we entered into Supplemental Indenture No. 1 in July 2010, Supplemental Indenture No. 2 in September 2010, Supplemental Indenture No. 3 in December 2010 and Supplemental Indenture No. 4 in January 2011 (collectively the “Supplemental Indentures”).  The Supplemental Indentures amend and supplement the original Indenture.  Each Supplemental Indenture granted the Noteholders an additional put option date extending their put right.  In exchange for each additional put option date, the Noteholders separately agreed to forebear from exercising their put right for a specified time period, with certain exceptions.
 
In connection with the execution of Supplemental Indenture No. 3 we agreed to increase the put price from 104% of the principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest as of the put exercise date to 104.88% of the principal amount together with accrued but unpaid interest as of the put exercise date.  We aslo agreed to an increase in the interest rate of the Notes from 5% to 9% effective as of July 13, 2010.

In connection with the execution of Supplemental Indenture No. 4, we agreed to increase the put price from 104.88% of the principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest as of the put exercise date to 105% of the principal amount together with accrued but unpaid interest as of the put exercise date.

Prior to entering into each Supplemental Indenture, including Supplemental Indenture No. 4, we were in default of certain covenants contained in Article 9 of the Indenture requiring us to maintain a minimum net debt to equity ratio and to comply with certain notice, delivery and other provisions.  In the context of the Indenture, the equity portion of the ratio is determined by reference to the market value of the Company’s common stock, not the Company’s book value. The market value of our common stock has declined since the Notes were issued.

 
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Under Supplemental Indenture No. 4, the Noteholders have a put right that commenced on January 31, 2011 and expires on February 28, 2011.  In exchange for this put right, the Noteholders separately agreed they will not exercise their put options for the previous put date and they will not exercise their put options for the put right granted under Supplemental Indenture No. 4 prior to February 28, 2011; provided, however, the Noteholders may exercise any existing put options at any time prior to their respective expiration dates upon the occurrence of any of the following: (i) a default occurs under the Indenture, as supplemented and amended, excluding certain defaults that occurred prior to January 26, 2011, (ii) failure by us or any of our material subsidiaries to timely pay any Indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture, as supplemented and amended,) or any guarantee of any Indebtedness that exceeds U.S. $1,000,000, or any Indebtedness becomes due and payable prior to its stated maturity other than at our option or at the option of any of our material subsidiaries, or (iii) the Noteholders holding a majority in outstanding principal amount of the Notes provide notice to the Company and the other Noteholders that negotiations with respect to the restructuring of the Notes have terminated.  Therefore, it is possible the Noteholders could exercise a put option with respect to the Notes prior to February 28, 2011 if any of the foregoing events occur.
 
We continue our efforts to finalize agreement on restructuring our Notes.  Previously we had agreed with the Noteholders to secure the Notes with the assets and stock of our subsidiary, Emil Oil.  We had also agreed that Emir Oil would guarantee the Indebtedness.  However, following further investigation of Kazakhstan law and the possible tax consequences, we have determined that it is not feasible for us and for Emir Oil to provide such security, or for Emir Oil to guarantee the Indebtedness, and the Noteholders have agreed to forego that security and guaranty.  As a result, we have agreed to a further increase of the coupon rate of the Notes from 9.0% to 10.75%, commencing January 13, 2011, which will continue to be payable semi-annually thereafter.

We have also agreed that upon consummation of the plan of restructure, we will make a $1,000,000 cash payment towards the principal balance of the Notes, which will result in an adjusted principal amount of $61,400,000 after giving effect to the payment.  The cash payment and the increase in the principal amount reflect an adjustment based on the value of the unexercised seventh put option described in Supplemental Indenture No. 4.  Also, we have agreed to an additional coupon that will be payable if the product of the price of Brent and our production volumes exceeds certain threshold levels.  We will agree, beginning six months after the issue or restructuring date, to make semiannual principal amortization payments of 30% of our excess cash flow as of each principal payment date.  In addition, if the “cash and cash equivalents” line item of our consolidated balance sheets as of the last day of any fiscal quarter exceeds $15,000,000, we will immediately pay over the excess to the Trustee, and the Trustee will apply that amount to the payment of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes on the next principal payment date.
 
The parties intend to amend the maturity date and redemption and conversion provisions of the Notes and the existing Indenture.  The new maturity date of the Notes will be July 13, 2013.  The restructure contemplates the Noteholders will be granted a new put option, exercisable one year prior to the new maturity date.
 
58
 
 

 

 

The conversion price of the Notes will be reduced to $2.00 per share, subject to certain adjustment events, including events included in the original Indenture and the minimum conversion price will be reduced to a floor of $1.00 per share (the “Conversion Price Reduction”).  The Conversion Price Reduction will not occur at the time we execute the amended Indenture.  It will be subject to shareholder approval, and we expect to obtain an undertaking from our directors and officers to vote their shares in favor of the Conversion Price Reduction at the time we execute the amended indenture and to seek a similar undertaking from our two largest shareholders immediately thereafter.  The Conversion Price Reduction may also be subject to the approval of the Kazakhstan Ministry of Oil & Gas.  
 
 In the event of a change in control of the Company (which will now include a sale of all or substantially all of our assets or the assets of Emir Oil, or the sale of all or substantially all of our equity interests in Emir Oil), the Noteholders will have an option to redeem their Notes at a price equal to 110% of the Notes or to convert their Notes to Company common stock.  We will have the option to redeem the Notes in the event the closing market price for our common stock exceeds 200% of the then current conversion price.

If an Event of Default occurs under the Indenture, in addition to our obligation to pay all principal and accrued interest due under the Notes, we will be required to pay the Event of Default Accretion, which will be defined as being the amount equal to the result of dividing 4% of the principal of each Note by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days between the date of the original indenture and the date that the principal of the Note becomes due after an Event of Default occurs, and the denominator of which is the number of days between the date of the original indenture and the maturity date of the Notes.
 
59
 
 

 

 
It is contemplated that we will agree to certain other changes to the terms of the Indenture.  Once definitive documents are executed, the Noteholders will have the right to appoint one board member to the Company’s board of directors, who will also sit on the compensation committee. We will be required to maintain customary director and officer liability insurance with coverage of not less than $5,000,000 in favor of all members of our board of directors, althoughif the cost of such coverage for all members of the our board of directors would exceed an aggregate of $100,000 in annual premiums (the “Aggregate Cost”), then we will be required to maintain the maximum amount of such coverage available for all members of our board of directors at the annual Aggregate Cost.  We will cause Emir Oil to amend its organizational documents to establish a board of directors or similar body and the Noteholders will have the right to appoint one member to that board of directors of similar body.  Emir Oil will also be required to maintain similar director and officer liability insurance.  The Noteholders will be granted certain registration, listing and tag along rights with respect to shares issuable upon conversion of the Notes.  We will agree to certain restrictions on incurring new indebtedness, placing liens on our assets or those of Emir Oil, uses of proceeds from any new debt or equity offerings, capital expenditures, dividends and other distributions, disposal of assets, investments and affiliate transactions and such other and customary covenants acceptable to the Noteholders.  These covenants include a prohibition on our paying dividends on shares of our common stock.  We will also agree that if any Noteholder exercises its put rights and we are unable, or fail to, timely redeem any Note, we will appoint an independent investment bank, approved by a majority of the Noteholders to advise us on the sale of our company. We will not adopt or amend any existing incentive plans or plan providing for payment in respect of severance, change in control or other extraordinary events or transactions until the Notes are repaid in full.  We have agreed to maintain the NYSE Amex listing of our common stock.

The parties continue to work toward definitive documents to restructure the Notes upon the terms disclosed above, but such documents have not yet been completed and there is no guarantee we will be able to finalize definitive documents to restructure the Notes on the terms discussed above.

If the Noteholders were to exercise their put right or accelerate the Notes, we would have insufficient funds to repay the Notes.  The outstanding balance of unpaid principal and interest under the Notes was $63,669,948 as of February 28, 2011.  As we would have insufficient funds to repay the Notes, the Noteholders could seek any legal remedies available to them to obtain repayment of the Notes.
 
At December 31, 2010, our current liabilities exceeded our current assets by $3,868,190.  Included in the current liabilities amount is $1,064,000 of accrued non-cash share based obligations.  At December 31, 2010, we had cash and cash equivalents of $6,214,841. Through the first nine months of our fiscal year net cash provided by operating activities was $23,299,231 and we had realized net income of $1,678,764.  We believe that cash on hand and anticipated revenues from operations will be sufficient to fund our operations for the remainder of the current fiscal year unless the Noteholders exercise their redemption rights or accelerate the Notes.
 
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Cash Flows

During the nine months ended December 31, 2010, cash was primarily used to fund exploration expenditures.  See below for additional discussion and analysis of cash flow.
 
 
Nine months ended
December 31, 2010
 
Nine months ended
December 31, 2009
       
Net cash provided by operating activities
$    23,299,231
 
$    9,929,483
Net cash used in investing activities
$ (21,904,292)
 
$ (7,941,040)
Net cash used in financing activities
                 $   (1,620,492)
 
              $ (1,500,000)
       
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
$    (225,553)
 
$    488,443

Our principal source of liquidity during the nine months ended December 31, 2010 was cash and cash equivalents. At March 31, 2010 cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $6.4 million. At December 31, 2010 cash and cash equivalents had decreased to approximately $6.2 million. During the nine months ended December 31, 2010 we spent approximately $22 million to fund drilling and development activities.

Certain operating cash flows are denominated in local currency and are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the time of the transaction. Because of the potential for civil unrest, war and asset expropriation, some or all of these matters, which impact operating cash flow, may affect our ability to meet our short-term cash needs.

Contractual Obligations and Contingencies

The following table lists our significant commitments at December 31, 2010, excluding current liabilities as listed on our consolidated balance sheet:

 
Payments Due By Period
Contractual obligations
Total
 
Less than 1 year
 
2-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
After 5 years
Capital Expenditure
   Commitment(1)
$ 42,080,000
 
$ 27,240,000
 
$ 14,840,000
 
$                -
 
 
$                  -
Due to the Government of
   the Republic of Kazakhstan(2)
16,716,956
 
-
 
1,671,696
 
3,343,391
 
 11,701,869
Liquidation Fund
5,079,715
 
                   -
 
5,079,715
 
-
 
      -
Capital Lease Payments(3)
559,150
 
292,825
 
266,325
 
-
 
-
Convertible Notes with Interest(4)
75,123,785
 
5,400,000
 
69,723,785
 
                   -
 
                   -
                   
    Total
$ 139,559,606
 
$ 32,932,825
 
$ 91,581,521
 
$ 3,343,391
 
$ 11,701,869
 
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(1)
Under the terms of our subsurface exploration contract we are required to spend a total of $42 million in exploration activities on our properties, including a minimum of $27.2 million by January 2012 and $14.8 million by January 2013. As of December 31, 2010, we have spent a total of $337 million in exploration activities. The rules of the Ministry of Oil and Gas provide a process whereby capital expenditures in excess of the minimum required expenditure in any period may be carried forward to meet the minimum obligations of future periods.  Our capital expenditures in prior periods have exceeded our minimum required expenditures by more than $215 million.
(2)
In connection with our acquisition of the oil and gas contract covering the ADE Block, the Southeast Block and the Northwest Block, we are required to repay the ROK for historical costs incurred by it in undertaking geological and geophysical studies and infrastructure improvements.  Our repayment obligation for the ADE Block is $5,994,200, our repayment obligation for the Southeast Block is $5,350,680 and our repayment obligation for the Northwest Block is $5,372,706.  The terms of repayment of these obligations, however, will not be determined until such time as we apply for and are granted commercial production rights by the ROK.  Should we decide not to pursue commercial production rights, we can relinquish the ADE Block, the Southeast Block and/or the Northwest Block to the ROK in satisfaction of their associated obligations. The recent addenda to our exploration contract which granted us with the extension of exploration period and the rights to the Northwest Block also require us to make additional payments to the liquidation fund, stipulated by the Contract.
(3)
In December 2009 we entered into a capital lease agreement with a vehicle leasing company for the lease of oil trucks. Under the terms of the lease we are required to make payments in the amount of $292,825 for the year 2011 and $266,325 for the year 2012.
(4)
On July 16, 2007 the Company completed the private placement of $60 million in principal amount of 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2012 (“Notes”). On December 23, 2010 the terms of the Notes were amended. Interest will be paid at a rate of 9.0% per annum on the principal amount, payable semiannually.  The Notes are callable and subject to early redemption at February 28, 2011.  Unless previously redeemed, converted or purchased and cancelled, the Notes will be redeemed by the Company at a price equal to 107.2% of the principal amount thereof on July 13, 2012. The Notes constitute direct, unsubordinated and unsecured, interest bearing obligations of the Company.  For additional details regarding the terms of the Notes, see Note 11 – Convertible Notes Payable to the notes to our Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements

As of December 31, 2010, we had no off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our primary market risks are fluctuations in commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not currently use derivative commodity instruments or similar financial instruments to attempt to hedge commodity price risks associated with future crude oil production.
 
Commodity Price Risk

Our revenues, profitability and future growth depend substantially on prevailing prices for crude oil.  Prices also affect the amount of cash flow available for capital expenditures and our ability to either borrow or raise additional capital. Price affects our ability to produce crude oil economically and to transport and market our production either through export to international markets or within Kazakhstan.  Our third fiscal quarter crude oil sales in the international export market were based on prevailing market prices at the time of sale less applicable discounts due to transportation.
 
Historically, crude oil prices have been subject to significant volatility in response to changes in supply, market uncertainty and a variety of other factors beyond our control.  Crude oil prices are likely to continue to be volatile and this volatility makes it difficult to predict future oil price movements with any certainty.  Any declines in oil prices would reduce our revenues, and could also reduce the amount of oil that we can produce economically.  As a result, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
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During the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010, we sold 218,508 barrels of oil and condensate.  We realized an average sales price per barrel of $73.67. For purposes of illustration, assuming the same sales volume but decreasing the average sales price we receive from oil sales by $5.00 and $10.00 respectively would change total revenue from oil sales as follows:

   
 
Average Price
Per Barrel
 
 
 
Barrels of Oil Sold
 
Approximate Revenue from Oil Sold
(in thousands)
 
 
Reduction
in Revenue
(in thousands)
Actual sales for the three months ended December 31, 2010
 
$ 73.671
 
218,508
 
$ 16,098
 
$          -
Assuming a $5.00 per barrel reduction in average price per barrel
 
$ 68.671
 
218,508
 
$ 15,005
 
$  1,093
Assuming a $10.00 per barrel reduction in average price per barrel
 
$ 63.671
 
218,508
 
$ 13,913
 
$  2,185

Foreign Currency Risk

Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar.  Emir Oil LLP, our Kazakhstani subsidiary, also uses the U.S. dollar as its functional currency.  To the extent that business transactions in Kazakhstan are denominated in the Kazakh Tenge we are exposed to transaction gains and losses that could result from fluctuations in the U.S. Dollar—Kazakh Tenge exchange rate.  We do not engage in hedging transactions to protect us from such risk.

Our foreign-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are revalued on a monthly basis with gains and losses on revaluation reflected in net income. A hypothetical 10% favorable or unfavorable change in foreign currency exchange rate at December 31, 2010 would have affected our net income by less than $1 million.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of December 31, 2010. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of December 31, 2010, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in (1) recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act and (2) ensuring that information disclosed by us in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 

 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 20 “Commitments and Contingencies” to the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I – Item 1of this Form 10-Q.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the following risk factor, and other information set forth in this Report, you should carefully consider the risks discussed in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of Part I, which risks could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. These risks are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results.
 
Failure to complete or delays in completing the Sale could have a material adverse impact on our stock price and our business.
 
If the Sale of Emir Oil pursuant to the Purchase Agreement is not completed, or there are delays in completing the Sale, our stock price and our business could be materially adversely affected and we would be subject to a number of risks, including the following: (i) the current trading price of our common stock may reflect a market assumption that the Sale will be completed and a failure to complete or delays in completing the Sale could result in a decline in the price of our common stock; (ii) we will be required to pay certain costs relating to the Sale, including certain investment banking, financing, legal and accounting fees and expenses, whether or not the Sale is completed; (iii) we may be unable to pay the termination fee ($17 million) and or Buyer’s expenses (not to exceed $3.5 million) as provided in the Purchase Agreement in the event the Sale is terminated for reasons set forth in the termination provisions of the Purchase Agreement; and (iv) the Purchase Agreement places restrictions on the conduct of our business prior to completion of the Sale or termination of the Purchase Agreement, and such restrictions may prevent us from taking actions that may be beneficial to our business during the pendency of the Sale. There can be no assurance that these risks will not materialize, and if any of them do, they may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and our business and prospects.
 
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If we are unsuccessful in restructuring the Notes, we do not have the funds, or the ability to raise the funds, necessary to repurchase the Notes if the Noteholders exercise their put right or declare an event of default and accelerate the Notes.
 
We have reached an agreement in principle with our Noteholders on a proposed restructuring of the Notes subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements, including an amended and restated Indenture governing the Notes.  For details regarding the proposed terms of the restructure of the Notes please see the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of Part I, Item 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Report (“Liquidity and Capital Resources”).  We continue to work with the Noteholders toward definitive documents to restructure the Notes, but such documents have not yet been completed.

As discussed in more detail in Liquidity and Capital Resources, the agreement of the Noteholders to forbear from exercising their redemption right and their waiver of our defaults under the Notes executed in connection with Supplemental Indenture No. 4 expire on February 28, 2011, except in certain circumstances which would allow the Noteholder to immediately declare an event of default.  Unless we finalize Note restructuring agreements or obtain additional waivers from the Noteholders by no later than February 28, 2011, the Noteholders will have the right to declare our default an event of default and accelerate repayment of the Notes.
 
If the Noteholders were to exercise their put right or declare an event of default and accelerate the Notes, we would have insufficient funds to repay the Notes.  The outstanding balance of unpaid principal and interest under the Notes will be $63,669,948 as of February 28, 2011.  As we would have insufficient funds to repay the Notes, the Noteholders could seek any legal remedies available to them to obtain repayment of the Notes, including forcing us into bankruptcy, which would likely also result in Emir Oil being forced into bankruptcy.  Pursuant to Kazakhstan law and the terms of our exploration license, the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan has the right to cancel our licenses to the ADE Block, the Southeast Block and the Northwest Block in the event Emir Oil becomes insolvent or enters into bankruptcy proceedings.  If such were to happen, we would be left with limited assets, no operations and ability to generate revenue or otherwise repay the Notes.
 
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

On November 18, 2010 we issued 3,947,538 shares of our common stock to Caspian Energy Consulting, Ltd., an international business company organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, as payment for services rendered by Caspian Energy Consulting.  The shares have been valued at $0.56 per share, which was the closing market price of our shares on July 20, 2010, the date on which we incurred the obligation to issue the shares.

We offered and sold the shares to Caspian Energy Solutions, Ltd., a non-U.S. person outside the United States, in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.
 
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Item 6. Exhibits

 
Exhibit No.
 
Description of Exhibit
       
 
Exhibit 31.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
       
 
Exhibit 31.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
       
 
Exhibit 32.1
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
       
 
Exhibit 32.2
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 
 
SIGNATURES

In accordance with Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant caused this Report to be signed on its behalf, thereunto duly authorized.

   
BMB MUNAI, INC.
       
       
       
Date:
February 22,  2011
/s/ Gamal Kulumbetov  
   
Gamal Kulumbetov
Chief Executive Officer

       
       
Date:
February 22,  2011
/s/ Evgeniy Ler  
   
Evgeniy Ler
Chief Financial Officer
 
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