Gold miner Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) has announced a major African-based acquisition for US$274 million.
Resolute has more than 30 years of experience as an explorer, developer and operator of gold mines in Australia and Africa and has produced more than 8 million ounces of gold.
Resolute Mining’s Large Acquisition
The gold miner is going to acquire Toro Gold for US$274 million.
Toro Gold’s main asset is the low-cost, high-margin Mako Gold Mine which is located in Senegal. In 2018 the Mako Mine produced 157,000 ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of US$655 per ounce.
After the acquisition, the Resolute Mining portfolio will be the Syama Mine in Mali, the Bibiani Mine in Ghana, this Mako Mine in Senegal and the Ravenswood Mine in Australia.
Resolute Mining said that the acquisition will be value accretive and provide immediate strong cashflow. It’s going to be funded by US$130 million cash and 142.5 million Resolute shares. The cash element has been fully funded through a finance facility provided by Taurus Funds Management.
After the acquisition is complete, Toro Gold shareholders will own 15.8% of Resolute Mining.
Resolute Mining’s largest shareholder, ICM, is “strongly supportive” of the acquisition and 94% of Toro’s shareholders have signed commitments to accept the takeover offer and all required regulatory approvals have been secured.
Resolute Mining’s New FY19 Guidance
The gold miner has revised its FY19, to 31 December 2019, production and cost guidance to 400,000 ounces of gold at an AISC of US$960 per ounce, which includes production from Mako from the acquisition. The new guidance shows how much of a low-cost producer Toro is compared to the rest of Resolute Mining’s portfolio.
Resolute Managing Director and CEO John Welborn said: “The Toro Gold team discovered the Make orebody in 2010 and have successfully developed a high value gold mine. We are delighted to combine our businesses.”
“Senegal is an attractive investment jurisdiction for mining, and we look forward to working closely with the Government of Senegal, our 10% partner at Mako, to maximise the value within Toro Gold’s portfolio.”
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