
Angola Entry via Strategic Partnership with Corcel plc Investment in KON-16 Onshore Kwanza Basin
TORONTO, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sintana Energy Inc. (TSX-V: SEI, OTCQB: SEUSF) ('Sintana' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce the formation of a strategic partnership with Corcel, plc (AIM: CRCL) ('Corcel') focused initially on opportunities in Angola.
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Specifically, Sintana and Corcel have entered into an agreement which provides for Sintana's acquisition of an indirect 5% net interest in KON-16 located in the onshore Kwanza Basin in Angola. Sintana will acquire its interest through the acquisition of a 5.88% equity stake in a newly formed Special Purpose Vehicle ('SPV') that will hold Corcel's consolidated 85% gross interest in KON-16. Additionally, Sintana will receive a future 2.5% Net Profits Interest ('NPI') on Corcel's interest in KON-16 of up to $50,000,000, after which the NPI reduces to 1.5%. The consideration for the transaction is a total of US$2.5MM payable by way of an initial US$500,000 deposit and a balance of payment at closing, which is subject to entry into definitive documents and other completion conditions expected to occur in Q3 2025.
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KON-16 represents one of the most exciting opportunities in the onshore Kwanza Basin with a history of successful exploration establishing petroleum systems in both post- and pre-salt intervals. KON-16 has multiple exploration opportunities, including a large, multi-target prospect whose primary targets contain estimated unrisked volumes of several hundred million barrels of recoverable oil.
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Corcel and Sintana have also executed a Joint Study and Bid Agreement establishing an alliance to evaluate and pursue oil and gas exploration and production opportunities in Angola. Under the agreement, both parties commit to jointly collaborate on the identification and review of new opportunities. Participation in any specific opportunity is voluntary and subject to unanimous agreement on commercial and other bid terms.
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'Our emerging partnership with Corcel is emblematic of our strategy to work with best-in-class partners and deploy high impact capital that brings us exposure to large potential resource outcomes that require little additional capital,' said Robert Bose, CEO of Sintana. 'We look forward to the expansion of our West African conjugate margin exposure through our acquisition of an interest in KON-16, one of the most promising blocks in a proven, underexplored basin,' he added.
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The Company is engaged in petroleum and natural gas exploration and development activities on six large, highly prospective, onshore and offshore petroleum exploration licenses in Namibia, and in Colombia's Magdalena Basin.
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'A. Robert Bose'
Chief Executive Officer
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For additional information or to sign-up to receive periodic updates about Sintana's projects, and corporate activities, please visit the Company's website at www.sintanaenergy.com
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Certain information in this release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intensions for the future, and include, but not limited to, statements with respect to potential future farmout agreements on PEL 83 and/or PEL 87, and proposed future exploration and development activities on PEL 83 and/or PEL 90 and neighbouring properties, statements as to the future prospectivity of KON-16, the closing of the proposed transaction with Corcel as presently proposed or at all, the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, as well as the prospective nature of the Company's property interests. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including, but not limited to risks relating to the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, results of exploration and development activities, the ability to source joint venture partners and fund exploration, permitting and government approvals, and other risks identified in the Company's public disclosure documents from time to time. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update such information, except as may be required by law.
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Cision Canada
5 minutes ago
- Cision Canada
First National Financial Corporation agrees to be acquired by Birch Hill Equity Partners and Brookfield, with existing shareholders Stephen Smith and Moray Tawse maintaining minority ownership
TORONTO, July 27, 2025 /CNW/ - First National Financial Corporation (the "Company" or "First National") (TSX: FN) (TSX: (TSX: today announced that it has entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") with Regal Bidco Inc. (the "Purchaser"), a newly-formed acquisition vehicle controlled by private equity funds managed by Birch Hill Equity Partners Management Inc. ("Birch Hill") and private equity funds managed by Brookfield Asset Management ("Brookfield"), whereby the Purchaser will acquire all of the outstanding common shares (the "Shares") of the Company, other than the Rollover Shares (as defined below) (the "Transaction"), for $48.00 per Share in cash (the "Purchase Price"). As part of the Transaction, the Company's founders, Stephen Smith and Moray Tawse (together with their associates and affiliates, the "Rolling Shareholders"), who currently hold approximately 37.4% and 34.0%, respectively, of the outstanding Shares, will each sell approximately two-thirds of their current shareholdings in the Company for the same cash consideration per Share as other shareholders, and have agreed to exchange their remaining Shares (the "Rollover Shares") for ownership interests in the Purchaser. As a result, on closing of the Transaction, Messrs. Smith and Tawse are each expected to maintain an indirect approximate 19% interest in First National, with Birch Hill and Brookfield holding the remaining approximate 62% interest. The Transaction is not subject to any financing condition and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to obtaining the required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The Purchase Price represents a premium of approximately 15.2% and 22.8% to the 30 and 90-trading day volume weighted average trading price, respectively, of the Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") on July 25, 2025, the last trading day prior to the announcement of the Transaction. The Purchase Price is also above the 52-week high closing price of the Shares as of July 25, 2025 and represents a total shareholder return of approximately 2,149% on the Company's initial public offering Share price, including the Company's historical dividend payments. The Purchase Price implies an aggregate total equity value of approximately $2.9 billion, inclusive of the Rollover Shares, and values the Company at a 16.5x price-to-earnings multiple based on the Company's reported trailing twelve months net income attributable to common shareholders as of March 31, 2025. "This Transaction represents the start of an exciting new chapter for First National," said Jason Ellis, CEO of First National. "Birch Hill and Brookfield bring significant expertise in the Canadian financial services industry, and we are excited to partner with them to grow our platform, drive innovation, and deliver for our customers, employees and institutional partners." Transaction Details The Transaction emerged from a robust strategic review process conducted by the Company, under the oversight of a committee of independent directors (the "Special Committee") advised by independent and highly qualified legal and financial advisors. The review process involved a competitive process in which multiple acquisition proposals were received and reviewed by the Special Committee. The Company entered into the Arrangement Agreement based on the unanimous approval of the Company's board of directors (the "Board") (with conflicted directors abstaining) after receiving the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee. Both the Board and the Special Committee determined, after receiving financial and legal advice, that the Transaction is in the best interests of the Company and the consideration to be received by the holders of the Shares (the "Shareholders") (other than the Rolling Shareholders) is fair, and recommend that Shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction at the special meeting of Shareholders to be held to approve the Transaction. In connection with the Transaction, the Rolling Shareholders, who collectively hold approximately 71.4% of the outstanding Shares, have entered into irrevocable voting agreements agreeing to vote their Shares in favour of the Transaction and against any competing acquisition proposals. In addition, each of the other directors and executive officers of the Company, who collectively hold less than 1% of the outstanding Shares, have entered into voting agreements agreeing to vote their Shares in favour of the Transaction. Under the terms of the Transaction, the Class A Preference Shares, Series 1 (the "Series 1 Preferred Shares") and Class A Preference Shares, Series 2 (the "Series 2 Preferred Shares" and, together with the Series 1 Preferred Shares, the "Preferred Shares") of the Company are expected to remain outstanding in accordance with their terms following closing of the Transaction. The Preferred Shares will continue to be listed on the TSX and, as a result, the Company will continue to be a reporting issuer under applicable Canadian securities laws following closing of the Transaction. The 2.961% Series 3 Senior Unsecured Notes due November 17, 2025, 7.293% Series 4 Senior Unsecured Notes due September 8, 2026 and the 6.261% Series 5 Senior Unsecured Notes due November 1, 2027 (collectively, the "Company Notes") will be redeemed on the closing of the Transaction to the extent outstanding at such time. Each holder of Company Notes outstanding at such time will receive a cash amount equal to the applicable redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest, as of the closing date in accordance with the terms of such holder's Company Notes. First National intends to continue paying its regular monthly cash dividend of $0.208334 per Share in the ordinary course through to closing of the Transaction and regular quarterly dividends on the Preferred Shares in accordance with their terms. Transaction Rationale The conclusions and recommendations of the Special Committee and the Board were based on a number of factors, including the following: Compelling Value and Immediate Liquidity to Shareholders: The all-cash Purchase Price provides Shareholders with certainty of value and immediate liquidity. The Purchase Price represents a premium of approximately 15.2% and 22.8% to the 30 and 90-trading day volume weighted average trading price, respectively, per Share as of July 25, 2025, and is also above the 52-week high closing price of the Shares as of that date. Market Check: The Transaction is the result of a robust strategic review process led by the Company's financial advisor, RBC Capital Markets, which included outreach to a broad pool of potential buyers and resulted in multiple acquisition proposals, of which the proposal submitted by the Purchaser offered the highest value to Shareholders. Formal Valuation: The Special Committee received an opinion from its independent valuator and financial advisor BMO Capital Markets ("BMO") that, as of July 27, 2025, and based on BMO's analysis and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications to be set forth in BMO's written valuation, the fair market value of the Shares is in the range of $44.00 to $50.00 per Share. Fairness Opinion: The Special Committee received an opinion from BMO that, as of July 27, 2025, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications to be set forth in BMO's written fairness opinion, the consideration to be received by Shareholders (other than the Rolling Shareholders) pursuant to the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to such Shareholders. Arrangement Agreement Terms: The Arrangement Agreement is the result of a comprehensive negotiation process that was undertaken at arm's length with the oversight and participation of the Special Committee advised by independent and highly qualified legal and financial advisors and resulted in terms and conditions that are reasonable in the judgment of the Special Committee and the Board. Ability to Respond to Superior Proposal: Under the Arrangement Agreement, the Board of Directors, in certain circumstances until Shareholder approval is obtained, is able to consider any unsolicited acquisition proposals, and where the Board determines that an acquisition proposal is a superior proposal may, subject to a right to match in favour of the Purchaser, withdraw, modify or amend its recommendation that Shareholders vote to approve the Arrangement. However, under the Arrangement Agreement the Company is required to proceed with holding a vote on the Transaction, even if the Board has changed its recommendation. Break Fee: The break fee payable by the Company of $50 million is only payable in limited circumstances such as where the Arrangement Agreement is terminated as a result of a change in the Board's recommendation. Reverse Break Fee: The Company is entitled to a reverse break fee of $75 million in certain circumstances, including if the Arrangement Agreement is terminated by the Company as a result of the Purchaser's failure to close. No Financing Condition: The Transaction is not subject to a financing condition. Minority Vote and Court Approval: The Transaction must be approved by two-thirds of the votes cast by Shareholders, as well as by a simple majority of the votes cast by Shareholders excluding the Shares held by the Rolling Shareholders and any other Shareholders required to be excluded from such vote in the context of a "business combination" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), and by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List), which will consider the fairness and reasonableness of the Transaction to Shareholders. Support for the Transaction: As described above, the Rolling Shareholders as well as all of the directors and executive officers of the Company have entered into voting agreements, pursuant to which they have agreed to, among other things, vote in favour of the Transaction at the special meeting of Shareholders to be held to approve the Transaction. Formal Valuation and Fairness Opinion In connection with its review and consideration of the Transaction, the Special Committee engaged BMO as its independent valuator and financial advisor and requested that BMO prepare a formal valuation in accordance with MI 61-101. BMO delivered an oral opinion that, as of July 27, 2025, and based on BMO's analysis and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications to be set forth in BMO's written valuation, the fair market value of the Shares is in the range of $44.00 to $50.00 per Share. In addition, BMO provided an oral opinion that, as of July 27, 2025, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications to be set forth in BMO's written fairness opinion, the consideration to be received by Shareholders (other than the Rolling Shareholders) pursuant to the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to such Shareholders. Additional Transaction Details The Transaction is to be completed by way of a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). The Transaction is subject to a number of conditions customary for transactions of this nature, including, among others: (i) the approval of at least two-thirds of the votes cast by Shareholders (including the Rolling Shareholders) at a special meeting of Shareholders; (ii) the approval of a simple majority of the votes cast by Shareholders other than the Rolling Shareholders and any other Shareholders required to be excluded pursuant to MI 61-101 at such special meeting; (iii) clearance under the Competition Act (Canada); and (iv) court approval. Completion of the Transaction is not subject to a financing condition. The Company expects to hold the special meeting of Shareholders to consider and vote on the Transaction in September 2025. If approved at the meeting, the Transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to court approval, Competition Act (Canada) clearance and other customary closing conditions. Following closing of the Transaction, the Purchaser intends to cause the Shares to be delisted from the TSX. The Preferred Shares will remain listed on the TSX. Jason Ellis is expected to remain First National's Chief Executive Officer and lead the business in all aspects of its operations. First National's current leadership team is also expected to continue following the conclusion of the Transaction. Further information regarding the terms and conditions of the Transaction are set out in the Arrangement Agreement, which will be publicly filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Additional information regarding the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, the background to the Transaction, the independent valuation and fairness opinion and the rationale for the recommendation by the Special Committee and the Board will be provided in the information circular for the special meeting of Shareholders, which will also be filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Early Warning Disclosure by the Rolling Shareholders Further to the requirements of National Instrument 62-104 – Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids and National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, Stephen Smith, 16 York Street, Suite 1900, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 0E6, will file an amended early warning report in connection with his participation in the Transaction as a Rolling Shareholder and for which he has entered into an irrevocable voting agreement agreeing to vote his Shares in favour of the Transaction and against any competing acquisition proposals, which agreement restricts the ability to vote for, support or participate in a competing transaction for as long as the Arrangement Agreement is in force and for a period of four months following the termination of the Arrangement Agreement in certain circumstances, including as a result of the failure to obtain the required Shareholder approval. Stephen Smith, through Smith Financial Corporation ("SFC") and FNSC Holdings Inc. ("FNSC", and together with SFC, the "Smith Entities"), currently owns 22,409,355 of the issued and outstanding Shares representing approximately 37.4% of the issued and outstanding Shares (on a fully diluted basis). SFC intends to transfer ownership of its Rollover Shares to a newly formed Ontario limited partnership prior to closing of the Transaction in exchange for units of the partnership. Following completion of the Transaction, Stephen Smith will beneficially own an indirect approximate 19% interest in First National. The Smith Entities hold Shares for investment purposes and expect to review from time to time the investment in the Company and may, depending on the market and other conditions: (i) acquire additional securities, options or related derivatives in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and (ii) dispose of all or a portion of the securities, options or related derivatives over which they now or hereafter exercise, or may be deemed to exercise, control or direct. A copy of Stephen Smith's related early warning report will be filed with the applicable securities commissions and will be filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Further information and a copy of the early warning report of Stephen Smith may be obtained by contacting: Justin Brenner, SVP, Managing Director, Smith Financial Corporation, [email protected], (647) 446-2122. Further to the requirements of National Instrument 62-104 – Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids and National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, Moray Tawse, 16 York Street, Suite 1900, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 0E6 will file an amended early warning report in connection with his participation in the Transaction as a Rolling Shareholder and for which he has entered into an irrevocable voting agreement agreeing to vote his Shares in favour of the Transaction and against any competing acquisition proposals, which agreement restricts the ability to vote for, support or participate in a competing transaction for as long as the Arrangement Agreement is in force and for a period of four months following the termination of the Arrangement Agreement in certain circumstances, including as a result of the failure to obtain the required Shareholder approval. Moray Tawse, through 801420 Ontario Limited ("Tawse Holdco") and The Tawse Family Charitable Foundation (The Tawse Family Charitable Foundation together with Tawse Holdco, the "Tawse Entities"), currently owns 20,404,355 Shares representing approximately 34.0% of the issued and outstanding Shares (on a fully diluted basis). Tawse Holdco intends to transfer ownership of its Rollover Shares to a newly formed Ontario limited partnership prior to closing of the Transaction in exchange for units of the partnership. Following completion of the Transaction, Moray Tawse will beneficially own an indirect approximate 19% interest in First National. The Tawse Entities hold Shares for investment purposes and expect to review from time to time the investment in the Company and may, depending on the market and other conditions: (i) acquire additional securities, options or related derivatives in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and (ii) dispose of all or a portion of the securities, options or related derivatives over which they now or hereafter exercise, or may be deemed to exercise, control or direct. A copy of Moray Tawse's related early warning report will be filed with the applicable securities commissions and will be filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Further information and a copy of the early warning report of Moray Tawse may be obtained by contacting: Eric Torelli, Chief Financial Officer, Chambertin Asset Management Ltd., [email protected], (416) 994-7507. The Company's head office address is 16 York Street, Suite 1900, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 0E6. Advisors RBC Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor to the Company. BMO Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor and independent valuator to the Special Committee. Torys LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Company. Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Special Committee. CIBC Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor and Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP is acting as legal advisor to Birch Hill and Brookfield. Birch Hill and Brookfield's debt financing for the transaction was fully underwritten by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, RBC Capital Markets, and TD Securities, as Joint Bookrunners and Co-Lead Arrangers. Initial commitments were also provided by The Bank of Nova Scotia and National Bank of Canada, and will be followed by a general syndication. About First National First National Financial Corporation is the parent company of First National Financial LP, a Canadian-based originator, underwriter and servicer of predominantly prime residential (single-family and multi-unit) and commercial mortgages. With more than $155 billion in mortgages under administration, First National is one of Canada's largest non-bank mortgage originators and underwriters. For more information, please visit About Birch Hill Birch Hill is a Canadian mid-market private equity firm with a long history of driving growth in its portfolio companies and delivering returns to its investors. Based in Toronto, Birch Hill currently has over $6 billion in capital under management. Since 1994, the firm has made 73 investments, with 59 fully realized. Today, Birch Hill's 14 partner companies collectively represent one of Canada's largest corporate entities with over $8 billion in total revenue and more than 40,000 employees. About Brookfield Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM, TSX: BAM) is a leading global alternative asset manager with over US$1 trillion of assets under management. Brookfield invests client capital for the long term with a focus on real assets and essential service businesses that form the backbone of the global economy. Brookfield offers a range of alternative investment products to investors around the world — including public and private pension plans, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, insurance companies and private wealth investors. Brookfield's private equity business, which manages over US$145 billion of assets under management, focuses on driving operational transformation in businesses providing essential products and services. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains statements that are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of terms such as "may", "will, "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "continue" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements with respect to the Transaction, including statements with respect to the rationale of the Special Committee and the Board for entering into the Arrangement Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement, the premium to be received by Shareholders, the expected benefits of the Transaction, the intention to continue to pay monthly dividends on the Shares and regular quarterly dividends on the Preferred Shares, the anticipated timing and the various steps to be completed in connection with the Transaction, including receipt of Shareholder, court and regulatory approvals, the anticipated timing for closing of the Transaction, the anticipated delisting of the Shares from the TSX, the anticipated treatment of the Preferred Shares and the Company Notes and the Company's status as a reporting issuer under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from those indicated by the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: the possibility that the Transaction will not be completed on the terms and conditions, or on the timing, currently contemplated, and that it may not be completed at all due to a failure to obtain or satisfy, in a timely manner or otherwise, required shareholder and court approvals and other conditions of closing necessary to complete the Transaction or for other reasons; the possibility of adverse reactions or changes in business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the Transaction; risks relating to the retention of key personnel during the interim period; the possibility of litigation relating to the Transaction; risks related to the diversion of management's attention from the Company's ongoing business operations; and the other risk factors identified under "Risks and Uncertainties Affecting the Business" in the Company's latest management's discussion and analysis and in other periodic filings that the Company has made and may make in the future with the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada, all of which are available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company. However, such risk factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date of this release and is subject to change after such date. Management and First National disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under securities laws.


Calgary Herald
2 hours ago
- Calgary Herald
US, China negotiators meet in Stockholm to extend trade truce
Article content While China has denied its responsibility for the flow of the deadly drug, last month it tightened controls over two chemicals that can be used to make the opioid. Earlier this month, Trump praised those moves. 'China has been helping out,' he told reporters. 'We're talking to them and they're making big steps.' Article content For the US, the recent Chinese actions aren't enough, as such moves were required to comply with United Nations measures, according to a person familiar with the trade talks. Chances of reducing the 20% tariff in this round of talks are very slim, added the person who asked not to be identified discussing sensitive matters, while noting everything could change on Trump's whim. Article content China would be willing to cooperate more on fentanyl, said Sun Chenghao, a professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing. But the US would have to remove the related tariffs, stop blaming Beijing for what it sees as a US domestic problem and provide concrete evidence of crimes, he said. Article content Article content The US business community remains hopeful for progress, with Sean Stein, president of the US-China Business Council, telling Bloomberg TV that movement on fentanyl presents the 'biggest opportunity' in talks. Article content 'That then lowers tariffs on the US side, which then opens the door for China to lower tariffs that lets us sell agriculture, lets us sell airplanes, lets us sell automobiles, that let's us sell energy,' he said. Article content Oil Purchases Article content In his comments announcing the talks, Bessent indicated negotiations can now take on a broader array of topics, potentially including Beijing's continued purchases of sanctioned oil from Russia and Iran. Article content Chinese state media has already pushed back against that idea. 'China won't play along' with such attempts to use China to kill Russia's economy, Lv Xiang, a US expert with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences last week told the state-run tabloid Global Times. Article content Article content By contrast, China's imports of three major energy products from the US hit almost zero in June, marking the first time in almost three years the Asian nation didn't import any crude oil from its top rival. Deliveries of American crude oil, liquefied natural gas and coal have been subject to Chinese tariffs of 10% to 15% since February. Article content Xi's government has begun rolling back some of its other retaliatory measures since the two sides met last month in London. Crucially, Beijing has boosted shipments of rare earth magnets, while the US relaxed restrictions on sales of less-advanced semiconductors to China. Article content In another potential goodwill gesture, as the Sweden talks were announced this month, China revealed it had suspended an antitrust investigation into the local unit of US chemical manufacturer DuPont de Nemours Inc.


Toronto Star
3 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Perseus Mining June Quarter Report
Perth, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JUNE 2025 QUARTER REPORT Continued strong performance of Perseus Mining's operations grows cash & bullion balance to US$827 million PERTH, Western Australia/July 28, 2025/Perseus Mining Limited ('Perseus' or the 'Company') (TSX & ASX: PRU) reports on its activities for the three months' period ended June 30, 2024 (the 'Quarter'). Below is a summary of the release. The full report is available at and Key operating indicators and highlights for the June 2025 quarter (Q4 FY25) include: Key operating indicators and highlights for the June 2025 quarter (Q4 FY25) include: Record 12-month rolling average Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) of 0.60 is well below industry average. Quarterly gold production of 121,237 ounces at a weighted average AISC of US$1,417 per ounce enabled Perseus to achieve production guidance and better cost guidance for June 2025 half year (2H FY25) and 2025 financial year (FY25). Average gold sales of 131,242 ounces with a weighted average gold sales price of US$2,977 per ounce. Average cash margin of US$1,560 per ounce of gold produced, giving notional operating cashflow of US$189 million. Perseus's gold production and AISC outlook for the next 5 years includes average gold production of 515,000 - 535,000 ounces per year, at an average AISC of US$1,400 – US$1,500 per ounce. For the 2026 financial year (FY26), gold production guidance is 400,000 - 440,000 ounces while AISC guidance is US$1,460 – 1,620 per ounce, representing a temporary dip in the longer-term outlook for the Company. A Final Investment Decision (FID) was taken during the quarter to develop the Nyanzaga Gold Project (NGP). Site works are accelerating and are on-budget and on schedule, consistent with the target of first gold production in January 2027. Outstanding infill drilling results at NGP have Perseus on target for a Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve upgrade in Q3 FY26 resulting in a possible mine life extension. Available cash and bullion of US$827 million, plus liquid listed securities of US$118 million, notwithstanding significant payments associated with development of NGP, corporate tax, dividends and share buy-back payments. Zero debt and available undrawn debt capacity of US$300 million at quarter-end. Perseus's A$100 million buy-back of its shares continued between blackout periods during the quarter and is currently ~73% complete with 22,995,853 shares purchased and subsequently cancelled. GROUP GOLD PRODUCTION AND COST GUIDANCE Group gold production and AISC market guidance for FY26 is as follows: Table 10: Production and AISC Guidance The rise relative to prior periods in Perseus's guided AISC in FY25 as noted above can be attributed to a range of factors which have been considered in forecasting future operating costs, including an assumed gold price of US$2,700 per ounce for the period. A trend of rising costs is evident in the global gold sector, including in West Africa, driven by a range of factors, not the least of which is a steady increase in royalties and indirect charges payable to host governments (and others) which are a function of prevailing gold prices. In other words, as the price of gold rises, so too do expectations by host governments and host communities of an increasing share of the higher gold prices. This occurs in the form of higher royalty and gold price linked indirect charges by governments as well as an increase in the cost of land access and contributions to community assistance funds, demanded by host communities. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Other factors that impact Perseus's operating costs include the rising cost of wages, freight costs and therefore consumables and the fact that in some operations, as they mature, haul distances and elevations increase and facilities such as tailings dams require expansion. In addition, forecast costs are impacted by site specific factors outside of Perseus's control such as at Yaouré, where an expected interruption is expected to the availability of power from the Ivorian power grid in H1 FY26 caused by planned maintenance of power stations that contribute power to the grid. It has been assumed that Perseus will be required to make significantly more use of its standby generators during this period which operate at a cost that is materially above grid power costs. SEptember 2025 QUARTER EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS 22 July – Resource Definition Drilling Update for Nyanzaga Gold Project 28 July – June 2025 Quarterly Report & Webinar 27 August – Annual Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Update 28 August – Financial Year 2024 Annual Report & Webinar 14-17 September - Mining Forum Americas Competent Person Statement All production targets referred to in this release are underpinned by estimated Ore Reserves which have been prepared by competent persons in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code. Edikan The information in this release that relates to the Open Pit and Underground Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at Edikan was updated by the Company in a market announcement 'Perseus Mining updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' released on 21August 2024. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in 'Technical Report — Edikan Gold Mine, Ghana' dated 7 April 2022 continue to apply. Sissingué, Fimbiasso and Bagoé The information in this release that relates to the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at the Sissingué complex was updated by the Company in a market announcement 'Perseus Mining updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' released on 21 August 2024. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in 'Technical Report — Sissingué Gold Project, Côte d'Ivoire' dated 29 May 2015 continue to apply. Yaouré The information in this release that relates to the Open Pit and Underground Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at Yaouré was updated by the Company in a market announcement 'Perseus Mining updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' released on 21 August 2024. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in 'Technical Report — Yaouré Gold Project, Côte d'Ivoire' dated 19 December 2023 continue to apply. Nyanzaga Gold Project The information in this report that relates to the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at Nyanzaga was updated by the Company in a market announcement 'Perseus Mining proceeds with development of the Nyanzaga Gold Project' released on 28 April 2025. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in 'Technical Report — Nyanzaga Gold Project' dated 10 June 2025 continue to apply. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The information in this report relating to Nyanzaga exploration results was first reported by the Company in compliance with the JORC Code 2012 and NI43-101 in a market update 'Perseus Mining Delivers Encouraging Drilling Results from its Current Drill Program at the Nyanzaga Gold Project' released on 22 July 2025. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affect the information in that market release. Meyas Sand Gold Project The information in this report that relates to the mineral resources and probable reserves of the Meyas Sand Gold Project was first reported by the Company in a market announcement 'Perseus Enters Into Agreement to Acquire Orca Gold Inc.' released on 28 February 2022. The Company confirms it is not in possession of any new information or data relating to those estimates that materially impacts of the reliability of the estimate of the Company's ability to verify the estimate as a mineral resource or ore reserve in accordance with Appendix 5A (JORC Code) and the information in that original market release continues to apply and have not materially changed. These estimates are prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 standards and have not been reported in accordance with the JORC Code. A competent person has not done sufficient work to classify the resource in accordance with the JORC Code and it is uncertain that following evaluation and/or further exploration work that the estimate will be able to be reported as a mineral resource or ore reserve in accordance with the JORC Code. This release and all technical information regarding Orca's NI 43-101 have been reviewed and approved by Adrian Ralph, a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information: This report contains forward-looking information which is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made by the Company regarding, among other things: the price of gold, continuing commercial production at the Yaouré Gold Mine, the Edikan Gold Mine and the Sissingué Gold Mine without any major disruption, development of a mine at Nyanzaga, the receipt of required governmental approvals, the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used by the Company. Although management believes that the assumptions made by the Company and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the actual market price of gold, the actual results of current exploration, the actual results of future exploration, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Perseus does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. This market announcement was authorised for release by the Board of Perseus Mining Limited. Attachment TSX Release_Q4 FY25 Quarterly Report_Final