AngloGold Ashanti to sell 50% interest in Gramalote Project for $60m
AngloGold Ashanti, which continues to sharpen focus on its operating assets and high-return development projects, has agreed to sell its entire 50% indirect interest in the Gramalote Project to B2 Gold Corp for a total consideration of up to $60 million.
The agreement, which provides full ownership of the project to B2Gold, follows a joint sales process by partners AngloGold Ashanti and B2Gold for their combined interests in Gramalote that failed to yield an offer from a third party that was acceptable to either AngloGold Ashanti or B2Gold. B2Gold is the manager of the project.
“This sale will help increase our focus on our operating assets the projects we intend to develop,” AngloGold Ashanti CEO Alberto Calderon said. “AngloGold Ashanti remains a committed, long-term investor in Colombia with our exciting Quebradona copper and gold project and we look forward to playing a key role in developing of a modern, responsible mining sector in the country.”
AngloGold Ashanti will receive a cash payment of $20 million at the closing date of the proposed transaction, with the balance dependent on project construction and production milestones that the Gramalote Project reaches.
The proposed transaction, subject to limited conditions including approval of the South African Reserve Bank, as the agreement has been executed prior to the implementation of AngloGold Ashanti’s proposed corporate restructuring related to its new corporate domicile in the United Kingdom and primary listing on the New York Stock Exchange, is expected to close by the end of the year.
About Gramalote
The Gramalote project is a JV between AngloGold Ashanti (50%) and B2Gold (50% owner and the manager). It is situated in the Department of Antioquia, 124km northeast of Medellín. Following the completion of the FS optimised work in the second half of 2022, both partners determined that the Gramalote project does not meet their investment thresholds for development.
Following a comprehensive review of the alternatives relating to the project, both parties agreed to commence a joint sales process for the project. Gramalote has an attributable mineral resource of 2.6Moz inclusive of a mineral reserve of 1.6Moz.
