Rio2 Limited (TSXV: RIO; OTCQX: RIOFF; BVL: RIO) has entered into a definitive precious metals purchase agreement (Gold Stream) with Wheaton Precious Metals International Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., in relation to the company’s Fenix Gold Project in Chile.
The Gold Stream is one of the components of the mine construction financing totalling approximately US$125 to US$135 million to finance the construction of a mine at the Company’s 100%-owned Fenix Gold Project in Chile.
EVP, Chief Strategy Officer, Jose Luis Martinez, said the signing of the Gold Stream agreement follows the successful completion in August 2021 of the Company’s C$35.1 million equity offering and positions the company to finalise the previously announced US$50 to US$60 million senior debt project finance facility with BNP Paribas mandated as sole lead arranger.
“Entering into this definitive agreement with Wheaton International represents a significant milestone for Rio2 and secures the foundation of the Mine Financing Package setting the company on a solid path for development and a fast track to production,” Mr Martinez, said
Under the Gold Stream, Wheaton International will purchase 6.0% of the gold production from the Fenix Gold Project until 90,000 ounces of gold have been delivered and 4.0% of the gold production until 140,000 ounces of gold have been delivered, after which the stream will reduce to 3.5% of the gold production for the life of mine. Wheaton International will make an upfront deposit in cash of US$50 million with US$25 million available following closing of the Gold Stream agreement, and the remaining US$25 million payable after the receipt of the EIA approval for the Mine with both payments subject to completion of customary conditions.
In addition, Wheaton International will make ongoing payments for gold ounces delivered equal to 18% of the spot gold price until the value of gold delivered less the production payment is equal to the upfront consideration of US$50 million, at which point the production payment will increase to 22% of the spot gold price.
Scotiabank acted as financial advisor and McMillan LLP acted as legal advisor to Rio2 in connection with the Gold Stream.
For further information please visit: https://www.rio2.com/
