It is all systems go for Harmony Gold in their acquisition of AngloGold Ashanti’s gold assets in South Africa. AngloGold Ashanti announced earlier this week that all conditions precedent has been met with respect to the sale of its remaining mines in South Africa.
AngloGold Ashanti’s Mponeng mine. Image credit: AngloGold Ashanti
This includes the unconditional approval by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) for the transfer of the West Wits mineral rights from AngloGold Ashanti to Harmony.
Consequently, the transaction is scheduled to close in accordance with the transaction agreement on 30 September 2020, upon which Harmony will assume full ownership and operation of all assets and liabilities that form part of the transaction.
According to Chris Ramon, interim CEO of AngloGold Ashanti, the company is well-positioned to safely deliver better returns as its focus narrows on growing free cash flow and shareholder dividends, while investing in its next generation of opportunities. “While the decision to sell our South African assets was not an easy one, we are pleased that the assets are going to Harmony, a capable and responsible operator that will ensure their long-term sustainability,” says Ramon. “We can now sharpen our focus to pursue high return projects at several of our key assets, deliver new ounces from the world class Obuasi mine in Ghana, and advance studies in Colombia, a new frontier for our business,” says Ramon.
Consideration for the transaction is in cash and deferred payments with expected proceeds of around USD300-million, subject to subsequent performance, and with additional proceeds if the West Wits are developed below current infrastructure. Harmony will pay USD200-million in cash on completion of the transaction.
Furthermore, Harmony has agreed to pay to AngloGold Ashanti a contingent compensation of USD260 per ounce on underground gold production from the Mponeng, Savuka and TauTona mines that exceeds 250 000 ounces per annum for a period of six years commencing on 1 January 2021. This is valued at approximately USD100-million based on AngloGold Ashanti’s current production forecast; and a contingent compensation of USD20 per ounce in relation to underground production sourced within the West Wits mineral rights (comprising the Mponeng, Savuka and TauTona mines) below the current infrastructure if it is developed.