Franco-Nevada Announces Acquisition of Cash Flowing Royalty on Côté Gold Mine in Ontario

Core Viewpoint - Franco-Nevada Corporation has announced an agreement to acquire a royalty package on the Côté Gold Mine in Ontario for $1,050 million, which includes a 7.5% gross margin royalty on mineral production from the mine [1][2]. Acquisition Details - The royalty package covers all Mineral Reserves and over 99.9% of current Mineral Resources at the Côté Gold Mine, which is operated by IAMGOLD Corporation and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd. [1][2] - The acquisition is expected to close at the end of Q2 2025, with an effective date of July 1, 2025 [6]. Financial Aspects - Franco-Nevada has approximately $2 billion in available capital and generates $275-$300 million in free cash flow each quarter, positioning the company well to finance the transaction [7]. - The Côté Gold Mine is projected to produce between 360,000 to 400,000 ounces of gold in 2025, with cash costs estimated between $950 to $1,100 per ounce [4]. Resource and Production Potential - The Côté Gold Mine has a significant mineral resource base of over 16 million ounces of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources and 4 million ounces of Inferred Mineral Resources [1][4]. - The mine's resource base has doubled since the addition of the Gosselin deposit in 2021, indicating strong growth potential [5]. Operational Insights - The Côté Gold Mine utilizes modern technology, including a fully autonomous haul truck fleet and efficient milling capabilities, which positions it in the lower half of the cost curve [12]. - The mine is expected to ramp up to a nameplate capacity of 13 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) by the end of 2025, with potential for future expansion to 20 Mtpa [12]. Partnership and Future Outlook - Franco-Nevada has partnered with IAMGOLD and Sumitomo for the acquisition, which allows for detailed due diligence and future collaboration on resource growth and mill capacity expansion [2][3]. - IAMGOLD anticipates further growth opportunities at the Côté Gold Mine, including the integration of the Gosselin zone into an updated mine plan [3].