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Orla Mining Ltd. (TSX: OLA; NYSE: ORLA) (“Orla” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has entered into a definitive agreement (the “Agreement”) to acquire the Musselwhite Gold Mine (“Musselwhite”) in Ontario from Newmont Corporation (“Newmont”) for upfront cash consideration of $810 million and gold-price linked contingent consideration of $40 million (the “Transaction”).
The cash consideration will be financed through a combination of cash, existing undrawn debt capacity, new indebtedness, a gold pre-pay facility, and convertible notes led by Orla’s existing cornerstone investors. There is no upfront equity dilution associated with the Transaction.
The Transaction adds a second high quality, high margin producing asset to Orla’s portfolio. The combination of the proven Musselwhite mine and Orla’s low-cost Camino Rojo oxide operation more than doubles the Company’s annual gold production to over 300 koz, with expected near-term growth to over 500 koz of annual gold production as the South Railroad Project is expected to commence production in 2027. The Transaction will also significantly enhance the free cash flow of the Company, providing additional cash for the execution of Orla’s organic growth plans.
Jason Simpson, President & Chief Executive Officer of Orla said “This acquisition is a significant milestone for Orla Mining. It more than doubles our annual production, while providing us with a presence in Ontario, Canada, one of the premier mining jurisdictions in the world and where I began my career. We intend to not only continue to operate Musselwhite, but to seek optimization opportunities and to invest in its future, grow its reserves and resources, and extend its mine life. The mine has a proven history of successful production, cash generation, and reserve replacement, having consistently added to mine life.
We have been impressed with the operating team at Musselwhite, which runs an exceptional mine and has developed positive and strong ties with First Nations, local partners, and community members. We are fully committed to respecting and growing these relationships.
Thanks to our shareholders, notably Pierre Lassonde and Prem Watsa of Fairfax, and our banking and financial partners, for their continued support as we strive to elevate Orla into an even stronger and more robust mining company. We are also grateful to Newmont for their trust in our vision and commitment to sustainability. We intend to be responsible stewards of Musselwhite, creating a legacy of excellence, respect, and value for all stakeholders.”
