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Solaris Secures $200M Financing Deal For Warintza Project Development In EcuadorCanadian miner Solaris Resources has entered a $200m financing arrangement with RGLD Gold, a subsidiary of Royal Gold, to advance its large-scale Warintza copper-gold-molybdenum project in south-eastern Ecuador.
This agreement comprises a gold stream and a net smelter return (NSR) royalty, designed to provide long-term liquidity for the project.
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The funding will cover all necessary activities up to a final investment decision and repay existing senior secured debt with Orion Mine Finance Management.
Royal Gold will pay the upfront cash consideration of $200m in three tranches, with the first tranche of $100m paid upon closing.
The second tranche of $50m will be paid after publication of the pre-feasibility study (PFS) and the environmental impact assessment technical approval.
The last tranche of $50m will be made available on the first anniversary of the closing date.
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Solaris president and CEO Matthew Rowlinson said: “This transaction is a clear endorsement of the potential scale, geological qualities and its near surface nature, economics and stage of development of Warintza, one of the few remaining near-term, globally significant copper development opportunities not controlled by a major.
“Further, it is a reflection of the strong investor confidence in Ecuador as a mining jurisdiction, supported by the government’s commitment to the sector as a pillar of long-term economic development. The stream is expected to represent a small percentage of the gold over the life of mine and together with the royalty, enables the company to maintain the project’s strategic flexibility.”Â
Under the gold stream component, Royal Gold will receive deliveries equivalent to 20oz of gold per one million pounds of copper produced within a specific area of interest.
The purchase price for the gold will be 20% of the spot price until the delivery of the first 90,000oz, and then 60% of the spot price.
Additionally, Royal Gold will secure a 0.3% NSR royalty on all metal production within an expanded area of interest, with provisions for annual increases.
The agreement’s structure allows Solaris to maintain significant exploration upside and commercial flexibility.
In the event of a change of control, provisions are in place for potential termination of the stream and adjustments to the royalty.
Royal Gold has also committed to supporting Solaris’ environmental and social programmes, highlighting a shared commitment to sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Discovered in 2000, the Warintza project is estimated to contain measured and indicated resources of 1,082 million tonnes (mt) at 0.48% copper equivalent (CuEq), while inferred resources are estimated at 3,135mt at 0.27% CuEq.
Solaris anticipates publishing a PFS for the project in the third quarter of 2025, with environmental impact assessment approval expected by mid-2025.
The company is also progressing with more than 82,000m of infill drilling to update its mineral resource estimate in the same time frame.
Royal Gold president and CEO Bill Heissenbuttel said: “Warintza is at an early stage in its development and is one of the only large-scale copper-gold-molybdenum projects that is not controlled by a major mining company, and the creative transaction structure offers Solaris flexibility as they consider strategic alternatives to advance the project while protecting Royal Gold should development not proceed according to current plans.”
In May 2024, Solaris voluntarily terminated its plan to divest a minority stake to Zijin Mining Group, intended to support the expansion of the Warintza project.
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May 22, 2025
Mining Technology
Canada Growth Fund Commits $111M For Foran Mining’S Mcilvenna Bay ProjectCanada Growth Fund (CGF) has committed approximately C$156m ($111.6m) in a C$350m strategic non-brokered private placement by Foran Mining, a Canadian copper mining company.
The commitment has been made in partnership with co-investors such as Agnico Eagle Mines, which is committing C$90m, and C$75m committed by certain affiliates of Fairfax Financial Holdings, a Canadian holding company.
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Additionally, an institutional equity investor is also participating in this offering, committing C$28m.
This investment by CGF and its partners will support Foran’s efforts to develop its flagship asset, the McIlvenna Bay project in Saskatchewan, Canada.
The offering will be completed in two tranches, with Foran issuing 116.6 million common shares at $3 each for gross proceeds of around C$350m.
The first tranche of approximately C$296m is expected to close around 28 May 2025, pending customary conditions and Toronto Stock Exchange approval.
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Dan Myerson, Foran’s executive chairman and CEO, will also personally invest approximately C$1m in the offering.
Proceeds from the offering are earmarked for the construction completion at McIlvenna Bay and for advancing exploration at nearby and regional targets.
Yannick Beaudoin, president and CEO of Canada Growth Fund Investment Management, the exclusive investment manager of CGF, said: “Canada has a strategic advantage in critical minerals and CGF is committed to building strong supply chains for these minerals, from extraction to end-use.”
McIlvenna Bay is a polymetallic deposit located along the Flin Flon Greenstone Belt. It is currently the only copper and zinc deposit under construction in Canada.
The project will contribute to local job creation and increase Canadian copper and zinc production by up to 4% and 22%, respectively.
Myerson said: “Advancing a scalable project like McIlvenna Bay takes tenacity, adaptability and a long-term view. We are committed to making the right decisions to create lasting value – prioritising smart capital allocation, steady execution, and building the foundation for a scalable, multi-generational operation in a world-class district and jurisdiction.”
In July 2024, Foran Mining announced a financial package of up to C$315m to support the initial phase of the McIlvenna Bay project.mining
May 15, 2025
Mining Technology
Weir Completes $840M Acquisition Of Mining Software Company MicromineUK-based engineering company Weir has announced the completion of the previously announced acquisition of Micromine, a provider of mining software solutions, for an enterprise value equivalent to ÂŁ624m ($840m).
Micromine is known for its advanced software spanning the entire upstream mining value chain including exploration, mine design, planning and operations for various mining applications.
The transaction follows the initial agreement disclosed in February 2025.
Weir plans to integrate Micromine’s offerings with its MOTION METRICS and NEXT intelligent solutions, aiming to establish a digital solutions portfolio for the mining industry. Until the integration is complete, Micromine will be reported within the ESCO Division.
Kristen Walsh, formerly the regional managing director of Minerals APAC, will lead the new Digital Solutions division as president.
Andrew Birch, Micromine’s current CEO, will continue to advise Weir for up to one year to support the transition.
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The addition of Micromine is projected to enhance Weir’s operating margins by approximately 25 basis points in 2025.
The company anticipates around ÂŁ16m in one-off integration and acquisition-related costs as exceptional items over 2025 and 2026.
The funding of this acquisition is also expected to result in an increase in interest costs of around ÂŁ25m for the year.
Weir CEO Jon Stanton said: “Weir’s mission is to deliver mining technology for a sustainable future, helping the mining industry produce the metals needed to power the global energy transition. Digital has a big part to play, and Weir is innovating and investing in digital solutions to make mining smarter, more efficient and sustainable. Â
“Bringing together Micromine with our existing digital technologies, our vision is to create a digital platform that helps our customers optimise their performance at each step along the mining value chain. This is about bringing together Weir’s knowledge, capabilities and expertise to create sector-leading digital solutions for the mining industry.”mining
May 01, 2025
Mining Technology
Triple Flag To Acquire Orogen Royalties In $305M DealCanadian streaming and royalty company Triple Flag Precious Metals has entered a definitive agreement to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Orogen Royalties for a total consideration of approximately C$421m ($304.7m) on a fully diluted basis.
The acquisition will bolster Triple Flag’s mining portfolio, particularly with the inclusion of a life-of-mine royalty on the promising Expanded Silicon gold project in Nevada.
The Expanded Silicon gold project is one of the largest new gold discoveries in the US in more than a decade.
Operated by AngloGold, the project is expected to contribute meaningfully to Triple Flag’s growth beyond 2029.
The transaction comprises approximately C$171.5m in cash, around C$171.5m in shares of Triple Flag and shares in a new entity, referred to as Orogen Spinco, which has an implied value of approximately C$78m.
Orogen Spinco will be led by current Orogen CEO Paddy Nicol and will retain all of Orogen’s mineral assets except the 1% Expanded Silicon net smelter return royalty.
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Once Orogen Spinco becomes a publicly listed company, Triple Flag has committed to investing C$10m to acquire around an 11% stake in it.
Triple Flag CEO Sheldon Vanderkooy said: “This is a rare opportunity to acquire a gold asset located in a premier jurisdiction and operated by a top-tier operator, AngloGold Ashanti plc. Nevada is a prolific gold mining region and host to many of the world’s most successful producers.
“Given the rapid pace of resource growth demonstrated at Expanded Silicon, we believe that the long-term growth potential of this asset in an emerging new gold camp is unparalleled. This royalty is a great illustration of the value creation inherent in the royalty model, as we will benefit from future exploration expenditures and success, as well as the future capital expenditures to develop the project, at no further cost to Triple Flag.”
Orogen Spinco will inherit a portfolio of royalties and exploration projects, along with an exploration alliance with Triple Flag in the western US. The alliance aims to generate gold and silver targets with an initial budget of $435,000.
Nicol said: “Orogen will be spun-out as a new company and will continue its pursuit of organic royalty creation and royalty acquisition with the stability of the cash-flowing Ermitaño royalty, our treasury, our portfolio of exciting exploration-stage royalties, and various discovery opportunities through its exploration partnerships and alliances.”
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025 (Q3 2025), and is subject to shareholder, regulatory and court approvals, with Orogen shareholders controlling approximately 39.5% of the common shares already in support.
Last month, Triple Flag’s subsidiary, Triple Flag International, secured 5% silver and gold streams from both the Arcata and Azuca mines in Peru for $35m.mining
Apr 23, 2025
Mining Technology
Cmoc To Acquire Lumina Gold In $419M All-Cash DealCMOC Singapore, a subsidiary of China-based CMOC Group, has entered an arrangement agreement with Canadian miner Lumina Gold to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Lumina at C$1.27 per share, for a total equity value of approximately C$581m ($419.3m).
Shareholders holding 52.3% of Lumina shares have agreed to support the transaction, which includes immediate liquidity and removes risks associated with future dilution and commodity prices.
In conjunction with the arrangement, CMOC has agreed to provide Lumina with interim financing of $20m to support the Cangrejos gold-copper project in Ecuador.
The financing comes in the form of convertible notes with a 6% annual interest rate, maturing on 21 April 2026, and convertible into Lumina shares at C$1 each.
The private placement of convertible notes is expected to close on 30 April 2025, subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance and not contingent on the transaction’s completion.
Lumina CEO Marshall Koval said: “After advancing the Cangrejos project for over ten-years and taking it from no defined resources to being poised to be one of the largest gold projects globally, the Lumina Group is excited for the transition of the Cangrejos project to CMOC. The Lumina team looks forward to working with CMOC and all existing stakeholders to ensure the successful future development of the project.”
The all-cash transaction, to be executed via a court-approved plan of arrangement, includes provisions for a non-solicitation covenant, a “fiduciary out” and a termination fee of C$23.28m payable to CMOC under certain conditions.
Lumina options and restricted share units will be settled for their in-the-money value at the transaction’s effective time.
Completion of the acquisition is subject to several conditions including approval by Lumina securityholders, acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange and approval from the British Columbia Supreme Court.
The transaction is expected to conclude in the third quarter of 2025 (Q3 2025), after which Lumina shares will be delisted.
The Lumina board, advised by RBC Capital Markets and following a special committee’s recommendation, has unanimously approved the transaction and advises shareholders to vote in favour.
Legal counsel for Lumina includes Borden Ladner Gervais, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom and Tobar ZVS in Canada, the US, and Ecuador, respectively.
BMO Capital Markets is advising CMOC, with McCarthy TĂ©trault and Bustamante Fabara acting as legal counsel in Canada and Ecuador.
In November 2024, Lumina Gold signed a binding term sheet with the Government of Ecuador to finalise the exploitation contract for its Cangrejos project.mining
Apr 22, 2025
Mining Technology
Lundin Finalises Portugal And Sweden Operations Sale To Boliden For $1.52BnLundin Mining has completed the sale of its Neves-Corvo operation in Portugal and Zinkgruvan operation in Sweden to Boliden for a total consideration of up to $1.52bn.
Boliden has acquired 100% of the shares of Somincor–Sociedade Mineira de Neves-Corvo, which operates Neves-Corvo, and 100% of the shares of Zinkgruvan Mining Aktiebolag and North Atlantic Natural Resources Aktiebolag, which together operate Zinkgruvan.
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Lundin received initial cash proceeds of $1.4bn, inclusive of accrued interest since 31 August 2024, upon closing.
Lundin signed a definitive agreement with Boliden for the sale in December last year.
The sale strengthens Lundin Mining’s balance sheet and is expected to support the company’s growth plans, particularly in the Vicuña District along the Chile-Argentina border.
The agreement includes future contingent payments of up to $150m, which are dependent on commodity prices and the fulfilment of certain conditions.
Up to $100m in contingent payments at Neves-Corvo are linked to the prices of copper and zinc.
Boliden will pay Lundin Mining 60% of the incremental revenue realised when the average realised prices for copper and zinc exceed $4.50/lb and $1.30/lb, respectively, for each of the three calendar years from 2025 to 2027, based on London Metal Exchange (LME) reference prices.
Additionally, up to $50m in contingent payments at Zinkgruvan are tied to the zinc price.
Boliden will pay Lundin 50% of the incremental revenue realised if the average realised zinc price exceeds $1.40/lb for each of the two calendar years from 2025 to 2026, according to LME reference prices, provided that a minimum annual production of 135 million pounds of payable zinc is achieved.
Lundin Mining president and CEO Jack Lundin said: “The sale of Neves-Corvo and Zinkgruvan marks the close of a pivotal chapter for Lundin Mining, one that elevated our profile and laid the groundwork for the growth we are now poised to deliver. With a more focused portfolio and a strengthened balance sheet, we are well-positioned for what is ahead.
“As we enter the next phase, led by our high-potential growth strategy in the Vicuña District, we do so with enhanced financial flexibility to drive long-term shareholder value. Operationally, we remain on track to meet our guidance, which excludes the Neves-Corvo and Zinkgruvan assets.”
In March 2025, Lundin signed an exclusivity deal with Talon Metals to negotiate a potential earn-in agreement for up to a 70% stake in the Boulderdash and Roland nickel-copper exploration projects in the US.mining
Apr 17, 2025
Mining Technology
Alcoa Anticipates $90M Impact From Tariffs On Canadian Aluminium Imports In Q2US-based aluminium company Alcoa has projected that US tariffs on Canadian aluminium imports will cost the company $90m for the current quarter, while announcing the financial results for the first quarter of 2025 (Q1 2025).
The company also announced an unfavourable impact of $15m on restart costs for the San Ciprián smelter in Spain.
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However, the company expects a sequential $165m benefit in alumina costs within its aluminium segment.
The 25% tariff on aluminium imports imposed by US President Donald Trump is significantly affecting Alcoa’s operations.
Alcoa reported that the tariffs had already cost the company around $20m during Q1.
The tariffs, coupled with high duties on Chinese imports, are expected to increase Alcoa’s annual costs by an additional $10m–15m, as the company has not identified suitable replacement suppliers, reported Reuters.
Alcoa CEO William Oplinger said during a post-earnings conference call: “Approximately 70% of our aluminium produced in Canada is destined for US customers and is now subject to 25% tariff costs… Currently, the net annual result is approximately $100m negative for our business.”
Oplinger highlighted the challenges around US production capacity, noting that even with all idle smelting capacity restarted, there would still be a shortfall of 3.6 million tonnes (mt).
He stressed the importance of Canadian aluminium for the US market, stating: “Until additional smelting capacity is built in the US, the most efficient aluminium supply chain is Canadian aluminium flowing into the country.”
Alcoa’s financial performance in Q1 2025 has shown resilience despite these challenges, with net income increasing by 171% to $548m.
Adjusted net income also saw a 106% increase to $568m, and adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) excluding special items climbed to $855m, a 26% increase.
During Q1, Alcoa also engaged with administrations, governments and policymakers both in the US and internationally concerning the effects of tariffs on trade flows and the significance of primary aluminium to the US economy, given the highly integrated aluminium supply chain.
Furthermore, the company collaborated with customers, suppliers and logistics companies to prevent supply disruptions.mining
Apr 17, 2025
Mining Technology
Evolution Mining Approves $273M Cowal Expansion Project In AustraliaEvolution Mining’s board has approved an A$430m ($273.15m) investment to expand its Cowal Gold Operations in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
The Cowal Open Pit Continuation (OPC) project will add an estimated two million ounces (moz) of gold production and extend the mine’s life by ten years to 2042.
The decision follows approval last year from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and the Federal Government earlier this year.
The OPC project includes continued mining at the existing E42 pit and the development of three new satellite pits – E46, GR and E41 – to the north and south of E42.
Evolution Mining managing director and CEO Lawrie Conway said: “Today, the Board has approved the project, which has compelling returns of 71% at current spot gold price and a short payback period. It will contribute to the goal of sustaining Cowal’s current production rate, while at the same time delivering significant economic benefits for all stakeholders.
“The project represents a major milestone for Cowal, unlocking the potential for further sustained growth, enhanced shareholder returns, and the opportunity to leave a lasting positive impact for our stakeholders and the communities in which we operate.”
Evolution Mining said that exploration efforts are ongoing, targeting further mineralisation that could support underground mining.
The expansion of open-pit operations will enable access to high-grade ore underground, supporting plans to increase underground output to 2.4 million tonnes by fiscal year 2026 (FY26).
At that point, underground production is expected to account for around 30% of total mine feed and 50% of gold output.
Since its acquisition by Evolution Mining in 2015, the Cowal operation has generated more than A$1.62bn in net mine cash flow, including A$479m in the first nine months of FY25.
Evolution Mining operates six mines across Australia and Canada, with Cowal being one of its wholly owned sites.mining
Apr 16, 2025
Mining Technology
Us President Orders Probe Into Potential Tariffs On Us Critical Minerals ImportsThe US Government will investigate the imposition of new tariffs on all critical minerals imports under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (section 232) to determine if they pose any risk to national security, under a new executive order issued by US President Donald Trump.
Trump’s executive order requires Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to report his findings within 180 days, which may include recommendations for tariffs on critical minerals that would override existing reciprocal tariffs set earlier this month.
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The review will examine US vulnerabilities in processing critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel, rare earths and uranium. It will also look into market distortions by foreign actors and strategies to enhance domestic supply and recycling.
The order stated: “Critical minerals, including rare earth elements, in the form of processed minerals are essential raw materials and critical production inputs required for economic and national security.Â
“Critical mineral oxides, oxalates, salts and metals (processed critical minerals), as well as their derivative products – the manufactured goods incorporating them – are similarly foundational to United States national security and defence.”
Currently, the US has limited capabilities to extrac and process these minerals, with only a few mines and processing facilities.
China, a leading producer of many critical minerals, has recently reduced its exports, raising alarms about US dependency and potential risks to national security and economic resilience, reported Reuters.
The initiative is part of Trump’s broader efforts to boost US minerals production and processing, which include expediting the approval of US mines and identifying federal lands for minerals processing.
However, the lengthy timeline required to establish new mines and facilities is a concern for securing minerals in the short term.
The recent export restrictions by China on rare earths, in response to Trump’s tariffs, have heightened supply concerns among US officials.
The White House also highlighted Trump’s focus on closing tariff loopholes in the supply chain, which involves multiple countries.mining
Apr 16, 2025
Mining Technology
Newmont Deploys Ericsson Private 5G At Australia’S Cadia Mine For Smarter MiningGold miner Newmont has implemented Ericsson Private 5G at its Cadia gold-copper mine in Australia, marking the first use of private 5G technology for teleremote dozing as a part of the mine’s surface operations.
The Cadia mine is said to be Australia’s largest underground mine and a Tier 1 asset.
With the integration of Ericsson Private 5G, Newmont can connect its entire dozer fleet across a 2.5km span from a single 5G radio base, achieving uplink throughput of up to 175 megabits per second.
This has enhanced machine productivity and ensured zero interruptions from communication instability, significantly boosting safe production levels.
Prior to this advancement, Newmont faced challenges with Wi-Fi, limiting connectivity to no more than two machines within a 100m range.
Wi-Fi’s instability often resulted in significant downtime, sometimes halving a 12-hour shift’s productivity due to troubleshooting and attempts to restore connectivity.
Newmont process control, networks and operational cellular director Chris Twaddle said: “Ericsson’s Private 5G network gives us a scalable and high-performing solution that provides the coverage needed and keeps our people safe. It is also enabling our long-term digital transformation vision to use 5G for smart mining at our Tier One surface and underground mines globally.”Â
Newmont deployed Ericsson’s 5G Antenna Integrated Radio and Massive Multiple Input/Multiple Output (MIMO) technology, which enables the high levels of uplink connectivity required for tele-remote dozing.
The MIMO technology utilises the mid-band spectrum to extend uplink throughput distances beyond traditional radio technologies, effectively increasing network capacity.
Additionally, the Ericsson Uplink Booster, a feature of Ericsson Silicon microprocessors in the radios, amplifies the uplink signal strength tenfold, further enhancing performance capabilities.
Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions Enterprise 5G head Manish Tiwari said: “The deployment with Newmont at Cadia demonstrates the power of 5G for industry, where Ericsson’s industry-leading radio portfolio can reduce the amount of infrastructure that needs to be deployed and operated to cover an industrial site or area.
“This also allows enterprises to use private 5G networks they own to achieve high levels of performance for advanced video-based control and computer vision initiatives without large amounts of spectrum. This is especially valuable to organisations that are operating in spectrum-constrained markets.” Â
In February 2025, the New South Wales Government approved changes to the planning consent for Newmont’s Cadia mine to improve environmental standards.mining
Apr 15, 2025