Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-02-13 13:00Group 1: St Barbara and Lingbao Gold Joint Venture - St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) has confirmed a joint venture with Lingbao Gold Group Co., Ltd. for a cash investment of AUD 370 million to acquire a 50%+1 share in St Barbara Mining Pty Ltd, aimed at the Simberi gold mine expansion project [2][3] - The transaction is expected to close by the end of March 2026, coinciding with the final investment decision (FID) for the Simberi project [2][4] - Following the deal, Lingbao Gold will hold an 80% interest in the Simberi project, while Kumul Mineral Holdings will acquire a 20% interest for AUD 100 million, creating a non-corporate joint venture with an 80:20 ownership structure [3][4] Group 2: Project Details and Financial Implications - The Simberi expansion project has existing reserves of approximately 2.5 million ounces (Moz) and resources of about 5.8 Moz, with a competitive cost structure and long-term growth potential [4] - The project is expected to commence production as early as this fiscal year, with annual output projected to gradually increase to 200,000 ounces over five years [4] - The implied overall value of the Simberi project is estimated at around AUD 800 million, surpassing St Barbara's market capitalization of approximately AUD 600 million at the time [3][4] Group 3: Company Background and Market Context - Lingbao Gold is one of China's major gold producers, listed in Hong Kong since 2006, with a comprehensive business model covering exploration, mining, and trading [5] - Kumul Mineral Holdings, as a state-owned enterprise in Papua New Guinea (PNG), provides governmental support for the transaction, reflecting the PNG government's endorsement of the Simberi project [5] - St Barbara's market capitalization also includes other development projects in Canada, cash, gold inventory, and other investment assets, with the Simberi mining lease extended until 2038 [5]