(CSE:ASE | GSE:ASG | FRANKFURT:1A9 | U.S.OTC:ASGOF) Asante Gold Corporation announces that effective July 15, 2022 the Company has completed the first US$100 million tranche of a US$140 million financing package from strategic financial institutions in Ghana (the “Financing Institutions”).
The initial drawdown of US$100 million will be used to cover local operating costs and the Company’s near-term broader funding and strategic objectives.
Repayment terms are to be 25% of the principal and interest in four equal installments of US$26.88 million, with the final payment due July 12, 2023. Settlement will be in US funds by delivery of gold at the financial institutions’ designated gold refinery in Switzerland and sold at the then Bloomberg BGN XAUUSD spot market price less 7%. The annual interest rate of this gold forward facility is 7.53%.
The Company assumes no derivative risks from the transaction as the loan principal is denominated in US funds and repayments from gold deliveries will be made in US funds, thereby providing a natural currency hedge.
Through this facility Asante obtains an immediate and non-dilutive financing, repayable from gold production. The Bibiani Mine has completed its commissioning, with the first gold pour announced on July 7, 2022.
The Company thanks the Financing Institutions for their confidence and financial support as Asante continues to develop its production profile in Ghana.
The Company is also in advanced discussions on additional senior secured debt facilities to provide for ongoing sustaining capital.
Asante is a gold exploration, development and operating company with a high-quality portfolio of projects in Ghana. Asante is currently operating the Bibiani Gold Mine with forecast production of 175,000 oz of gold over the next 12 months, is completing the acquisition of the Chirano Gold Mine from Kinross Gold Corporation (the Chirano Acquisition), and is developing to production its Kubi Gold mine, all located on the prolific Bibiani and Ashanti Gold Belts.
Asante is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Ghana Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Asante is also exploring its Keyhole, Fahiakoba and Betenase projects for new discoveries, all adjoining or along strike of major gold mines near the centre of Ghana’s Golden Triangle.
Asante Gold in January 2022 announced that a contract to engage in mining activities at the Bibiani Mine has been awarded to PW Mining (Ghana) (“PW Mining”) and mobilization to the site has begun.
About the Bibiani Gold Mine
Bibiani is a historically significant gold mine situated in the western region of Ghana, with previous gold production close to 5 Moz. It is fully permitted with available mining and processing infrastructure on-site consisting of a 3 million tonne per annum mill and processing plant, and existing mining infrastructure. Mining commenced in late February with the first gold pour announced on July 7, 2022. The Company is targeting 175,000 oz of gold production over the next 12 months.
About the Chirano Gold Mine
The Chirano Gold Mine is an operating open-pit and underground mining operation located in southwestern Ghana, immediately south of the Company’s Bibiani Gold Mine. The Chirano Gold Mine was first explored and developed in 1996 and began production in October 2005. The Chirano Gold Mine comprises the Akwaaba, Suraw, Akoti South, Akoti North, Akoti Extended, Paboase, Tano, Obra South, Obra, Sariehu and Mamnao open pits and the Akwaaba and Paboase underground.
