Imperial to enter joint venture with Newcrest Mining

Imperial are selling to Newcrest Mining Limited for US$806.5 million in cash, while retaining a 30% interest in the mine. The company and Newcrest will form a joint venture for the operation of the Red Chris asset going forward, with Newcrest acting as operator. The consideration payable will be subject to customary adjustments for certain assumed equipment loans, working capital and non-financial debt at closing.

The company’s president, Brian Kynoch, said: “This transaction presents a compelling opportunity for all stakeholders as it allows Imperial to significantly strengthen its balance sheet while forging a strategic partnership with a leading global mining company. We believe that this joint venture partnership will enable Imperial to unlock significant value at Red Chris by leveraging Newcrest’s unique technical expertise in block caving operations. With a stronger financial position and highly actionable path to exploiting the underground mining potential of Red Chris, Imperial will be in a much stronger position to create value and opportunities for its shareholders, stakeholders and the Tahltan Nation. Imperial’s portfolio of assets will include a 100% interest in the Mount Polley mine, a 100% interest in the Huckleberry mine and a 30% interest in the Red Chris mine together with a high potential suite of both advanced and early stage exploration projects including an approximately 50% interest in the Ruddock Creek lead/zinc property and a 100% interest in the Giant Copper property.”

Newcrest’s managing director and CEO, Sandeep Biswas, said: “We are delighted to add this joint venture into the Newcrest portfolio. We believe we can bring our unique technical capabilities to unlock the full value potential of this orebody in one of the premier gold districts in the world. We have identified a clear path to potentially turn Red Chris into a Tier 1 operation. The geology of Red Chris is similar to our Cadia orebodies in Australia and we will be applying our considerable experience in exploration, open pit mining, caving and processing to maximise the value of Red Chris and the opportunities in the surrounding region. We look at this opportunity in the same way as we do with Cadia, where we have proven we can create significant value from deep underground porphyry orebodies. We are pleased to be establishing a joint venture with Imperial and look forward to building a collaborative relationship with Tahltan Nation and the government of British Columbia.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/13032019/imperial-to-enter-joint-venture-with-newcrest-mining/