M&A

Chifeng a step closer to owning Ghana gold mine

Ministry has no objection

Staff reporter
 Golden Star Resources’ 90%-owned Wassa gold mine in Ghana

Golden Star Resources’ 90%-owned Wassa gold mine in Ghana

It had made a US$470 million cash offer to buy Golden Star Resources on November 1, after its previous bid to buy Resolute Mining's Bibiani gold mine in the country was thwarted.

Golden Star said yesterday the Ghanaian Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources had informed Chifeng it had "no objection" to Chifeng becoming the controller of Golden Star (Wassa) Limited.

It said the ministry's approval of the transaction was subject to customary conditions.

Wassa is expected to deliver at the upper end of revised production and cost guidance this year, of 145,000-155,000 ounces at an all in sustaining cost of $1,150-$1,250/oz.

Ghana's government owns 10% of the mine.

Chifeng planned to fund its 62% share of the Golden Star purchase through its current cash balance and committed debt facilities, with an unnamed third party to acquire the remaining 38%.

It's offering $3.91 per share.

Golden Star shares (NYSE American: GSS) closed up 1.9% yesterday to $3.76, valuing it at $435 million.

Chifeng shares (SHSE: 600988) are trading at the middle of a one-year range, at CNY16.65, which capitalises it at CNY28.4 billion (US$4.4 billion).

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Journal Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Journal Intelligence team.

editions

ESG Mining Company Index: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The ESG Mining Company Index report provides an in-depth evaluation of ESG performance of 61 of the world's largest mining companies. Using a robust framework, it assesses each company across 9 meticulously weighted indicators within 6 essential pillars.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence Global Leadership Report 2024: Net Zero

Gain insights into decarbonisation trends and strategies from interviews with 20+ top mining executives and experts plus an industrywide survey.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence Project Pipeline Handbook 2024

View our 50 top mining projects, handpicked using a unique, objective selection process from a database of 450+ global assets.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence Investor Sentiment Report 2024

Survey revealing the plans, priorities, and preferences of 120+ mining investors and their expectations for the sector in 2024.