Resolute Mining Limited Secures $150M Acquisition in Côte d’Ivoire to Drive 500koz+ Gold Production and Enhanced Margins
Thursday, May 1, 2025
at
8:27 am
Resolute Mining Limited has acquired the Doropo and ABC Projects in Côte d’Ivoire through a blended cash and contingent payment deal. This strategic move diversifies its portfolio and strengthens its resource base, setting the stage for enhanced production potential and improved margins.
Resolute Mining Limited has announced a transformative transaction designed to diversify its asset portfolio and enhance its production profile. The company will acquire the Doropo and ABC Projects in Côte d’Ivoire from AngloGold Ashanti through a structured deal involving US$150 million in cash consideration, payable over 30 months in staged payments. In addition, there is a contingent consideration element that includes a 2% Net Smelter Return royalty on the ABC Project and a US$10 million payment tied to the achievement of a feasibility study milestone. As part of the transaction, Resolute will also transfer its Guinean exploration permits to AngloGold Ashanti.
The acquisition significantly strengthens Resolute’s presence in West Africa. With the inclusion of Doropo—a development project boasting 1.88 million ounces of proven and probable gold reserves at an average grade of 1.53 g/t—and the ABC Project, which carries an inferred resource of 2.16 million ounces at 0.9 g/t, the company’s overall resource base increases notably. Technical developments at Doropo include a definitive feasibility study outlining a robust 10-year life of mine with average annual gold production of 167,000 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of approximately US$1,047 per ounce, generating an NPV of US$426 million at a US$1,900 per ounce gold price assumption. Additionally, the acquisition is designed to complement existing operations at the Syama Mine in Mali and the Mako Mine in Senegal, with 2025 guidance now set between 275,000 and 300,000 ounces and a potential extension beyond 500,000 ounces per annum in the longer term.
The financing structure of the deal is underscored by strategic use of the company’s liquidity and cash flows from current producing assets. The upfront payment will be covered by existing liquidity reserves, while deferred payments will be funded by revenues from Syama and Mako. Project development for Doropo is anticipated to rely on a mix of internal funds and project financing, with the accretive nature of the transaction expected to improve cash margins and lower the group’s AISC over time.
For beginner traders, the bullish perspective centers on Resolute’s enhanced diversification and geographic expansion into one of West Africa’s premier mining jurisdictions. The acquisition offers tangible near-term growth potential, backed by technically sound projects and a deferred payment structure that minimizes immediate cash outlay. On the other hand, the bearish view may point to the inherent risks of integrating large development projects, including uncertainties in permitting timelines, the reliance on contingent payments based on operational milestones, and the challenge of converting foreign mineral estimates to standards compliant with domestic reporting codes. Overall, the news positions Resolute Mining Limited for significant growth, though careful consideration of execution risks remains essential.