Aeris Resources Limited Secures $60M Guarantee Facility and Extends $50M Term Debt to Boost Liquidity and Propel Copper-Gold Growth
Thursday, May 8, 2025
at
9:42 am
Aeris Resources Limited secures a $60M guarantee facility via strategic refinancing. The deal extends its term facility to August 2026, boosting liquidity with unrestricted cash and supporting its copper and gold operations—a move that strengthens cash flows and sets the stage for exciting future growth.
Aeris Resources Limited has taken a significant step to strengthen its financial position by finalizing a refinancing package that enhances its liquidity and supports its growth strategy. The company has executed a binding term sheet with Washington H. Soul Pattinson for a $60 million guarantee facility intended to replace an existing $50 million arrangement, while simultaneously unlocking $10 million in restricted cash. In addition, its existing $50 million term facility—of which $40 million has been drawn—has been extended to August 2026. Notably, neither the newly structured guarantee facility nor the extended term facility requires any repayments or cash backing for at least 12 months following completion.
Under the new arrangement, the guarantee facility carries an 8.95% interest rate, along with a 3% establishment fee and exit fees that adjust based on the timing of repayment. The lender will receive a quarterly cash backing of $3.5 million commencing 12 months after financial close, and the facility stands secured by a first ranking interest in all Aeris Group assets. Pending standard conditions like the execution of an ASX waiver or obtaining shareholder approval, these financing measures are set to deliver a proforma unrestricted cash balance of $32 million and overall liquidity of $42 million, combining drawn and undrawn debt facilities. Environmental bonds will be fully covered by this new structure and an additional $18 million held in restricted cash.
Alongside the financing update, Aeris Resources Limited detailed its operational overview and strategic roadmap. As an Australian copper-focused miner buoyed by robust gold cash flows, the company is targeting FY25 production guidance of 40–48kt copper equivalent and between 50,000 to 62,000 ounces of gold. The firm is concentrating on unlocking value at its flagship Tritton asset, which includes initiatives such as ramping up open pit production, addressing an underutilized mill capacity through the Murrawombie Pit, and advancing the new Constellation deposit. With updated estimates showing a 24% increase in contained copper and a 29% increase in contained gold at Constellation, Aeris is positioning itself for a potential long-life, high-margin copper operation.
Investors evaluating this news may see positive indicators. The refinancing not only improves liquidity but also provides the strategic flexibility required to execute a portfolio simplification plan and invest in growth projects, bolstered by strong historical cash flows from the Cracow operation. The proactive board decision to extend debt facilities rather than dilute equity in a challenging market environment is seen as a bullish sign for risk-managed growth in an increasingly competitive environment.
Conversely, caution is warranted given the inherent risks in forward-looking statements and the volatility mentioned by the company. The reliance on non-IFRS financial measures, exposure to fluctuating commodity prices, and the fees associated with the new debt structure could impact short-term margins if operational targets are not met. Nonetheless, Aeris Resources Limited appears well-prepared to leverage its improved balance sheet and robust asset base in pursuit of long-term value creation.