UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
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(Mark One) |
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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OR |
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the fiscal year ended |
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OR |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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OR |
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SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Date of event requiring this shell company report: Not applicable
For the transition period from _______ to _______
Commission File Number:
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not applicable |
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(Translation of Registrant’s name into English) |
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(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(604) 396-3066
(Address of principal executive offices)
Tel: (
E-mail: agubbels@goldroyalty.com
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
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Trading Symbol(s) |
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
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Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:
On December 31, 2023, the issuer had
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, "accelerated filer" and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer |
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Accelerated filer |
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Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recover period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
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U.S. GAAP ☐ |
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Other ☐ |
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17 ☐ Item 18 ☐
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PAGE |
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PART I |
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ITEM 1. |
4 |
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ITEM 2. |
4 |
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ITEM 3. |
4 |
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ITEM 4. |
16 |
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ITEM 4A. |
37 |
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ITEM 5. |
37 |
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ITEM 6. |
66 |
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ITEM 7. |
82 |
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ITEM 8. |
84 |
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ITEM 9. |
84 |
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ITEM 10. |
85 |
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ITEM 11. |
93 |
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ITEM 12. |
93 |
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PART II |
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ITEM 13. |
94 |
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ITEM 14. |
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
94 |
ITEM 15. |
94 |
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ITEM 16. |
95 |
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ITEM 16A. |
95 |
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ITEM 16B. |
95 |
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ITEM 16C. |
95 |
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ITEM 16D. |
96 |
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ITEM 16E. |
PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS |
96 |
ITEM 16F. |
96 |
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ITEM 16G. |
96 |
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ITEM 16H. |
97 |
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ITEM 16I. |
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS |
97 |
ITEM 16J. |
97 |
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ITEM 16K. |
97 |
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PART III |
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ITEM 17. |
99 |
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ITEM 18. |
99 |
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ITEM 19. |
100 |
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102 |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Unless otherwise indicated, references in this annual report on Form 20-F (this "Annual Report") to "Gold Royalty", "GRC", the "Company", "we", "us" and "our" refer to Gold Royalty Corp., a company incorporated under the laws of Canada, together with its subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise.
We express all amounts in this Annual Report in U.S. dollars, except where otherwise indicated. References to "$" and "US$" are to U.S. dollars and references to "C$" are to Canadian dollars.
We have made rounding adjustments to some of the figures included in this Annual Report. Accordingly, numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that preceded them.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In December 2022, we announced a change of our fiscal year end from September 30 to December 31. As a result, we filed a transition report on Form 20-F ("Transition Report") for the transition period of October 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 (the "transition period"). This Annual Report presents information for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and includes the presentation of the Transition Period and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. Additionally, for ease of comparison, we have included in this Annual Report comparative financial information for the year ended December 31, 2022. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – Change of Fiscal Year End".
PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
We report under IFRS Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IFRS"), which may not be comparable to financial data prepared by many United States companies. We present our financial statements in U.S. dollars.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING MINERAL RESERVE AND RESOURCE ESTIMATES
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. The disclosure of scientific and technical information regarding the properties underlying our royalty and other interests contained herein is presented in accordance with subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K ("SK1300"), which differs from the disclosure requirements set forth under Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").
In many cases, the owners and operators of the mineral properties underlying our royalty and other interests have disclosed scientific and technical information regarding such projects pursuant to NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") – CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (the "CIM Definition Standards"), adopted by the CIM Council, as amended, which differs from the requirements under SK1300. In addition, certain of the operators of the properties underlying our interests prepare mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates in accordance with the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves ("JORC"), which differs from NI 43-101 and SK1300.
Under SK1300, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources". In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of "proven mineral reserves" and "probable mineral reserves" to be substantially similar to the corresponding CIM Definition Standards. U.S. shareholders are cautioned that while terms are substantially similar to CIM Definition Standards, there are differences in the definitions and standards under SK1300 and the CIM Definition Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance that estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves disclosed by the operators underlying our royalty and other interests under NI 43-101 or JORC or disclosed by us in our Canadian disclosure documents will be the same as the reserve or resource estimates prepared by U.S. companies under SK1300.
Readers should not assume that any part or all of the mineralization in the "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" categories will ever be converted into a higher category of mineral resources or into mineral reserves. Mineralization described using these terms has a greater amount of uncertainty as to their existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been characterized as reserves. Further, "inferred resources" have a greater amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Therefore, U.S. shareholders are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the inferred resources exist.
TECHNICAL AND THIRD-PARTY INFORMATION
The disclosure contained herein respecting the projects underlying our royalty and other interests has been prepared in accordance with the exemption set forth in Items 1303(a)(3) and 1304(a)(2) of SK1300, in the U.S. and in Section 9.2 of NI 43-101, in Canada, and is based on information publicly disclosed by the owners and operators of such properties.
As a royalty holder, we have limited, if any, access to properties underlying the royalties included in our asset portfolio. Additionally, we may from time to time receive operating information from the owners and operators of the properties, which we are not permitted to disclose
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to the public. We are dependent on the operators of the properties to provide information to us or on publicly available information to prepare disclosure pertaining to properties and operations on the properties on which we hold interests and generally will have limited or no ability to independently verify such information. Although we do not have any knowledge that such information may not be accurate, there can be no assurance that such third-party information is complete or accurate.
We are relying on the exemption for royalty companies set forth Section 1302(b)(3)(ii) of SK1300, which provides that a stream, royalty or similar company is not required to file a technical report summary with the SEC with respect to an underlying property where either (a) obtaining the information would result in an unreasonable burden or expense, or (b) the technical report summary has been requested from the applicable owner, operator or other person possessing the technical report summary, who is not affiliated with the registrant, and who denied the request. The summary and individual mineral property disclosures contained herein are also provided in accordance with Sections 1303(a)(3) and 1304(a)(2) of SK1300, respectively, which provide that a registrant with a stream, royalty or other similar right may omit certain information required by the summary and individual property disclosure requirements if the registrant specifies the information to which it lacks access, explains the reason it lacks the required information and provides all required information that it does possess or which it can acquire without incurring an unreasonable burden or expense.
Based on relevant factors, we have determined that our royalty interest in portions of the Canadian Malartic Property, located in Québec, Canada, is currently our sole material property for the purposes of SK1300 and NI 43-101. We will continue to assess the materiality of our assets, including as new assets are acquired or as existing assets are further explored and developed.
Our agreements governing our royalty and similar interests generally do not require the operators to prepare technical report summaries or permit us the access and information sufficient to prepare our own technical report summaries under SK1300. For our material property, we have made a request of the operator for a technical report summary. As the operator is not subject to the requirements of SK1300, we were unable to obtain such technical report summary.
Unless otherwise noted, the disclosure contained herein of a scientific or technical nature relating to the Canadian Malartic Property has been derived from the technical report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report, Canadian Malartic Mine, Québec, Canada" dated March 25, 2021 and with an effective date of December 31, 2020 prepared for Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. ("Agnico Eagle"), and Yamana Gold Inc. ("Yamana") and is available under their respective profiles on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval + ("SEDAR+") at www.sedarplus.ca (the "Canadian Malartic Technical Report").
The scientific and technical information contained herein relating to our royalty and other interests has been reviewed and approved by Alastair Still, P.Geo., who is our Director of Technical Services and a qualified person as such term is defined under NI 43-101 and SK1300.
We obtained certain statistical data, market data and other industry data and forecasts used or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report from publicly available information. While we believe that the statistical data, industry data, forecasts and market research are reliable, we have not independently verified the data, and do not make any representation as to the accuracy of the information.
All websites referred to herein are inactive textual references only, meaning that the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference herein and you should not consider information contained on such websites as part of this document unless expressly specified.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk Factors".
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GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS
Abbreviations
In this Annual Report, the abbreviation "Au" is used to express gold, and the following abbreviations are used to express units of measurement and shorthand reference to types of royalty interests:
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Meaning |
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Abbreviation |
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Meaning |
"ft" |
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feet |
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"GRR" |
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gross revenue (royalty) |
"g/t" |
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grams per tonne |
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"km" |
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kilometres |
"kV" |
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kilovolt |
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"m" |
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metres |
"NPI" |
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net profit interest (royalty) |
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"NSR" |
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net smelter return (royalty) |
"oz" |
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ounces |
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"PTR" |
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per ton or tonne (royalty) |
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PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
A. Directors and Senior Management
Not applicable.
B. Advisers
Not applicable.
C. Auditors
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
A. [Reserved]
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D. Risk Factors
You should consider carefully the following risk factors, as well as the other information in this Annual Report, including our financial statements and notes thereto. If any of the following risks were to actually occur, our business, financial conditions, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected and the value of our securities could decline. This Annual Report also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including the risks described below. See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements".
Risks Relating to our Business
We own passive interests in mining properties, and it is difficult or impossible for us to ensure properties are developed or operated in our best interest.
We are generally not directly involved in the exploration, development and production of minerals from, or the continued operation of, the mineral projects underlying the royalties, streams and similar interests that are or may be held by us. The exploration, development and operation of such properties is determined and carried out by third-party owners and operators thereof and any revenue that may be derived from our asset portfolio will be based on any production by such owners and operators. Third-party owners and operators will generally have the power to determine the manner in which the properties are exploited, including decisions regarding feasibility, exploration and development of such properties or decisions to commence, continue or reduce, or suspend or discontinue production from a property.
The interests of third-party owners and operators and our interests may not always be aligned. As an example, it will usually be in our interest to advance development and production on properties as rapidly as possible, in order to maximize near-term cash flow, while third-party owners and operators may take a more cautious approach to development, as they are exposed to risk on the cost of exploration, development and operations. Likewise, it may be in the interest of owners and operators to invest in the development of, and emphasize production from, projects or areas of a project that are not subject to royalties, streams or similar interests that are or may be held by us.
Our inability to control or influence the exploration, development or operations for the properties in which we hold or may hold royalties, streams and similar interests may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the owners or operators may take action contrary to our policies or objectives; be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations under their
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agreements with us; or experience financial, operational or other difficulties, including insolvency, which could limit the owner or operator’s ability to advance such properties or perform its obligations under arrangements with us.
We may not be entitled to any compensation if the properties in which we hold or may hold royalties, streams and similar interests discontinue exploration, development or operations on a temporary or permanent basis.
The owners or operators of the projects in which we hold interests may, from time to time, announce transactions, including the sale or transfer of the projects or of the operator itself, over which we have little or no control. If such transactions are completed, it may result in a new operator, which may or may not explore, develop or operate the project in a similar manner to the current operator, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The effect of any such transaction on us may be difficult or impossible to predict.
A substantial majority of our royalty and other interests are on non-producing properties and these and any future royalty, streaming or similar interests we acquire, particularly on exploration and development stage properties, are subject to the risk that they may never achieve production.
A substantial majority of our royalty interests are on non-producing properties, or on properties that do not have established mineral reserves under applicable Canadian or U.S. disclosure standards. These and any future royalty, streaming or similar interests we acquire may not achieve production or produce any revenues. While the discovery of gold deposits may result in substantial rewards, few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Major expenditures may be required to locate and establish mineral reserves, to develop metallurgical processes and to construct mining and processing facilities at a particular site. It is impossible to ensure that exploration or development programs planned by the owners or operators of the properties underlying royalties, streams and similar interests that are or may be held by us will result in profitable commercial mining operations. Whether a mineral deposit will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, including cash costs associated with extraction and processing; the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; mineral prices, which are highly cyclical; government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use and environmental protection; and political stability. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted but the combination of these factors may result in one or more of the properties underlying our current or future interests not receiving an adequate return on invested capital. Accordingly, there can be no assurance the properties underlying our current or future interests will be brought into a state of commercial production.
The failure of any of the properties underlying our non-producing interests to achieve production on schedule or at all could have a material adverse effect on our asset carrying values or the other benefits we expect to realize from our royalties and other interests or the acquisition of royalty interests, and potentially our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Our revenue is subject to volatility in metal prices, which could negatively affect our results of operations or cash flow.
Our revenue is directly tied to metal prices and is particularly sensitive to changes in the price of gold, as we derive substantially all of our revenue from our existing royalty interests on producing properties. From time to time, we may also have interests where our rate of return varies based upon commodity price thresholds. In addition, some of our royalty agreements are based on the operator’s concentrate sales to smelters and allow for price adjustments between the operator and the smelter based on metals prices on a future date, typically three to five months after shipment of concentrate. These price adjustments can decrease our revenue in future periods if metal prices decline following shipment.
The volatility in gold and other commodity prices may have an adverse impact on the value of our royalty interests and/or the payments we receive thereunder in the future.
The value of our royalty interests, including the amount of payment thereunder, and the potential future development of the projects underlying our interests are directly related to the market price of gold and other commodity prices.
Market prices for gold and other metals may fluctuate widely over time and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control. These factors include metal supply and demand, industrial and jewelry fabrication, investment demand, central banking actions and economic policy, expectations with respect to the rate of inflation, the relative strength of the dollar and other currencies, interest rates, gold purchases, sales and loans by central banks, forward sales by metal producers, global or regional political, trade, economic or banking conditions, and a number of other factors.
Declines in market prices could cause an operator to cease or slowdown exploration and development activities, reduce, suspend or terminate production from an operating project or construction work at a development project which would negatively impact our ability to obtain revenues from our interests in the future. A price decline may result in a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. These decisions could prevent us from recovering our initial investment in the project or result in an impairment to the value of our interest and have a significant impact on our results of operations and financial position.
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We have limited or no access to data or the operations underlying our existing royalties or future royalty, streaming and other interests.
In most cases, we are not, and will not be, the owner or operator of any of the properties underlying our existing or future royalties, streams and similar interests and generally have no input in the exploration, development or operation of such properties. Consequently, we have limited or no access to related exploration, development or operational data or to the properties themselves. This could affect our ability to assess the value of such interest. This could also result in delays in cash flow from that anticipated by us, based on the stage of development of the properties underlying our existing or future royalties and similar interests. Our entitlement to payments in relation to such interests may be calculated by the royalty payors in a manner different from our projections and we may not have rights of audit with respect to such interests. In addition, some royalties, streams or similar interests may be subject to confidentiality arrangements that govern the disclosure of information with regard to such interests and, as a result, we may not be in a position to publicly disclose related non-public information. The limited access to data and disclosure regarding the exploration, development and production of minerals from, or the continued operation of, the properties in which we have an interest may restrict our ability to assess value, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and reporting. We attempt to mitigate this risk by building relationships with various owners, operators and counterparties, in order to encourage information sharing.
A significant portion of our revenue comes from a small number of operating properties, which means that adverse developments at these properties could have a more significant or lasting impact on our results of operations than if our revenue was less concentrated.
All of our royalty revenues for fiscal year 2023 came from our royalty interests in the Canadian Malartic Property, Isabella Pearl Mine, Jerritt Canyon Mine (NSR only), Borden Mine, Cozamin Mine and Borborema Project properties. In March 2023, the operator of the Jerritt Canyon mine announced the temporary suspension of mining operations at the project, citing inflationary cost pressures, contractor inefficiencies, lower than expected head grades and multiple extreme weather events. We expect that certain of our existing royalty interests in production stage properties to continue to represent a significant portion of revenue going forward over the near-term. This concentration of revenue could mean that adverse developments, including any adverse decisions made by the operators, at one or more of these properties could have a more significant or longer-term impact on our results of operations than if the sources of our revenue was less concentrated.
The value and potential revenue from our royalty interests are subject to many of the risks faced by the owners and operators of our existing or future royalty and other interests.
Our royalty and similar interests generally generate revenue when the owner or operator of the underlying properties achieve and sustain production. As such, to the extent that they relate to the exploration, development and production of minerals from, or the continued operation of, the properties in which we hold or may hold royalties, streams or similar interests, we will be subject to the risk factors applicable to the owners and operators of such mines or projects.
Mineral exploration, development and production generally involves a high degree of risk. Such operations are subject to all of the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of metals, including weather related events, unusual and unexpected geology formations, seismic activity, environmental hazards and the discharge of toxic chemicals, explosions and other conditions involved in the drilling, blasting and removal of material, any of which could result in damage to, or destruction of, mines and other producing facilities, damage to property, injury or loss of life, environmental damage, work stoppages, delays in exploration, development and production, increased production costs and possible legal liability. Any of these hazards and risks and other acts of God could shut down such activities temporarily or permanently. Mineral exploration, development and production is subject to hazards such as equipment failure or failure of retaining dams around tailings disposal areas, which may result in environmental pollution and consequent liability for the owners or operators thereof. The exploration for, and development, mining and processing of, mineral deposits involves significant risks that even a combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge may not eliminate.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by market and economic conditions.
A deterioration of market and economic conditions in the jurisdictions in which we or the owners and operators of the properties underlying our interests may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Continued levels of high inflation or a return to a recession or a weak recovery, due to factors including disruptions in financial markets in the United States or globally, natural disasters, trade policy issues, changes in energy prices, political upheavals, war or unrest could adversely impact our results of operations, including by negatively impacting the ability of the operators of the properties underlying our royalty and other interests to continue development or production operations.
Any deterioration in economic conditions may also negatively impact our ability to obtain equity or debt financing, on acceptable terms or at all. Additionally, economic conditions will impact the ability of the owners and operators of the properties underlying our interests to obtain any necessary financing arrangements to maintain or continue planned development, production or other activities and such properties, which may adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
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We may enter into acquisitions or other material transactions at any time.
In the ordinary course of business, we engage in a continual review of opportunities to acquire royalties, streams or similar interests, to establish new royalties, streams or similar interests on operating mines, to create new royalties, streams or similar interests through financing mine development or exploration, or to acquire companies that hold royalty interests. We currently, and generally at any time, have acquisition opportunities in various stages of active review, including, for example, our engagement of consultants and advisors to analyze particular opportunities, analysis of technical, financial, legal and other confidential information, submission of indications of interest and term sheets, participation in preliminary discussions and negotiations and involvement as a bidder in competitive processes. We may consider obtaining debt commitments for acquisition financing. In the event that we choose to raise debt capital to finance any acquisition, our leverage may be increased. We also could issue common shares or securities convertible into common shares to fund acquisitions. Issuances of such securities could dilute existing shareholders and may reduce some or all of our per share financial measures.
Any such acquisition could be material to us. All transactions include risks associated with our ability to negotiate acceptable terms with counterparties. In addition, any such acquisition or other transaction may have other transaction-specific risks associated with it, including risks related to the completion of the transaction, the project, its operators, or the jurisdictions in which the project is located, and other risks discussed in this Annual Report. There can be no assurance that any acquisitions completed will ultimately benefit us.
Current and future indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and impair our ability to operate our business.
As of December 31, 2023, we had $10.0 million outstanding under our secured revolving credit facility ("Credit Facility") and had $40 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible debentures outstanding (the "Debentures"). We may also incur additional indebtedness in the future. The Credit Facility contains a floating interest rate. Our levels of indebtedness and higher interest rates could impact us as follows:
The documents underlying our indebtedness contain customary financial and other restrictive covenants. These restrictions will affect, and may limit or prohibit, our ability to, among other things, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make distributions or redeem or repurchase shares, create liens and enter into mergers, consolidations or transactions with affiliates. The Credit Facility includes covenants requiring us to maintain prescribed financial ratios and tests. Failure to comply with such covenants could result in events of default and could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
Additionally, our ability to repay or refinance our indebtedness will depend on our future financial and operating performance. Our performance, in turn, will be subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions, as well as financial, business, industry and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our ability to meet our future debt service and other obligations may depend in significant part on the extent to which we can successfully implement our business strategy. We cannot assure you that we will be able to implement our strategy fully or that the anticipated results of our strategy will be realized.
We may require additional financing in the future to fund our growth strategy and maintain our operations.
In order to further our growth strategy and maintain our operations, we may require additional financing in the future. Such future financing may be in the form of debt or equity financing. We may be unable to obtain such financing on acceptable terms or at all. Failure to obtain any necessary financing in the future, could delay or postpone our future business activities, which may have a material adverse effect on our profitability, results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, our existing Credit Facility matures in March 2025. Any inability to renew or refinance such Credit Facility on acceptable terms may have an adverse impact on our liquidity and financial position.
Our future growth is, to an extent, dependent on our acquisition strategy.
As part of our business strategy, we will seek to purchase or otherwise acquire gold and other precious metal royalties, streams or similar interests from third-party natural resource companies and others. In pursuit of such opportunities, we may fail to select appropriate acquisition targets or negotiate acceptable arrangements, including arrangements to finance acquisitions. There can be no assurance that we will be able
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to identify and complete any acquisition, transaction or business arrangement that we pursue on favorable terms or at all, or that any acquisition, transaction or business arrangement completed will ultimately benefit us.
Our business and revenues could be adversely affected by problems concerning the existence, validity, enforceability, terms or geographic extent of our royalty interests and our interests may similarly be materially and adversely impacted by change of control, bankruptcy or the insolvency of operators.
Defects in or disputes relating to the royalty interests we hold or acquire may prevent us from realizing the anticipated benefits from these interests and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Material changes could also occur that may adversely affect management’s estimate of the carrying value of our royalty interests and could result in impairment charges.
While we seek to confirm the existence, validity, enforceability, terms and geographic extent of the royalty interests we acquire, there can be no assurance that disputes or other problems concerning these and other matters or other problems will not arise. Confirming these matters is complex and is subject to the application of the laws of each jurisdiction to the particular circumstances of each parcel of mining property and to the agreement reflecting the royalty interest. Similarly, in many jurisdictions, royalty interests are contractual in nature, rather than interests in land, and therefore may be subject to risks resulting from change of control, bankruptcy or insolvency of operators, and our royalty interests could be materially restricted or set aside through judicial or administrative proceedings. Our financial condition and results of operations may also be negatively impacted as a result of an event of insolvency or bankruptcy involving the owners or operators of the properties underlying our interests.
If title to mining claims, concessions, licenses, leases or other forms of tenure is not properly maintained by the operators, or is successfully challenged by third-parties, our existing royalty interests could be found to be invalid.
Our business is subject to the risk that operators of mining projects and holders of exploration or mining claims, tenements, concessions, licenses or other interests in land and minerals may lose their exploration or mining rights, allow them to expire, or have their rights to explore and mine properties contested by private parties or the government. Internationally, exploration and mining tenures are subject to loss for many reasons, including expiration, failure of the holder to meet specific legal qualifications, failure to establish a deposit capable of economic extraction, failure to pay maintenance fees or meet expenditure or work requirements, reduction in geographic extent upon passage of time or upon conversion from an exploration tenure to a mining tenure, failure of title, expropriation and similar risks. If title to exploration or mining tenures subject to our royalty interests has not been properly established or is not properly maintained, or is successfully contested, our royalty interests could be adversely affected.
Operators may interpret our existing or future royalty or other interests in a manner adverse to us or otherwise may not abide by their contractual obligations, and we could be forced to take legal action to enforce our contractual rights.
Royalty interests are generally subject to uncertainties and complexities arising from the application of contract and property laws in the jurisdictions where the mining projects are located. Operators and other parties to the agreements governing our existing or future royalty or other interests may interpret our interests in a manner adverse to us or otherwise may not abide by their contractual obligations, and we could be forced to take legal action to enforce our contractual rights. We may or may not be successful in enforcing our contractual rights, and our revenues relating to any challenged royalty interests may be delayed, curtailed or eliminated during the pendency of any such dispute or in the event our position is not upheld, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Disputes could arise challenging, among other things, methods for calculating the royalty interest; various rights of the operator or third-parties in or to the royalty interest or the underlying property; the obligations of a current or former operator to make payments on royalty interests; and various defects or ambiguities in the agreement governing a royalty interest.
Certain of our royalty interests are subject to buy-back and other rights of third-parties.
Certain of our existing royalty interests are subject to: (i) buy-down right provisions pursuant to which an operator may buy back a portion or all of the royalty, and (ii) pre-emptive rights pursuant to which certain parties have the right of first refusal or first offer with respect to a proposed sale or assignment of the royalty interest held by us. Holders may exercise these rights such that certain of our existing royalty interests would no longer be held by us or would become difficult for us to acquire. Any compensation received as a result may be significantly less than what we had budgeted receiving for the applicable interest and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and business.
Development and operation of mines is capital intensive and any inability of the operators of properties underlying our existing or future royalty, streaming or other similar interests to meet liquidity needs, obtain financing or operate profitably could have material adverse effects on the value of, and revenue from, such interests.
If operators of properties where we hold interests do not have the financial strength or sufficient credit or other financing capability to cover the costs of developing or operating a mine, they may curtail, delay or cease development or operations at a mine site, or enter into bankruptcy proceedings. An operator’s ability to raise and service sufficient capital may be affected by, among other things, macroeconomic conditions,
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future commodity prices of metals to be mined, or further economic volatility in the United States, Canada and global financial markets. If certain of the operators of the properties on which we have royalty interests suffer these material adverse effects, then our existing or future royalty, streaming or other similar interests, including the value of and revenue from them, and the ability of operators to obtain debt or equity financing for the exploration, development and operation of their properties may be materially adversely affected.
In addition, our ability to generate future cash flows and our financial condition will be dependent to a large extent on the financial viability and operational effectiveness of owners and operators of the properties underlying the royalties, streams and similar interests that are or may be held by us. Payments from production generally flow through the operator and there is a risk of delay and additional expense in receiving such revenues. Payments may be delayed by restrictions imposed by lenders, delays in the sale or delivery of products, recovery by the operators of expenses, the establishment by the operators of mineral reserves for such expenses or the bankruptcy, insolvency or other adverse financial condition of the operator. Our rights to payment under royalties and similar interests must, in most cases, be enforced by contract without the protection of a security interest over property that we could readily liquidate. This inhibits our ability to collect outstanding royalties in the event of a default. In the event of a bankruptcy, insolvency or other arrangement of an operator or owner, in many instances, we will be treated like any other unsecured creditor, and therefore have a limited prospect for full recovery of royalty or similar revenue.
Estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves disclosed by the owners and operators of the properties underlying our royalty and other interests may be subject to significant revision.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating mineral resources and mineral reserves, including many factors beyond our control and the control of the operators of properties in which we have royalty and other interests. Such estimates are prepared by the operator of the underlying property. We do not participate in the preparation or verification of such reports and have not independently assessed or verified the accuracy of such information.
In addition, the mineral resources and mineral reserves referenced in the disclosure by the owners and operators of the properties underlying our royalty and other interests and in our other disclosure documents have been determined by the project operator based on assumed future prices, cut-off grades, operating costs and other key assumptions. However, until mineral deposits are actually mined and processed, any mineral resources and mineral reserves must be considered as estimates only. Any such estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, analysis of drilling results and industry practices. Estimates can be imprecise and depend upon geological interpretation and statistical inferences drawn from drilling and sampling analysis, which may prove to be unreliable. In addition, the grade and/or quantity of the metals ultimately recovered may differ from that interpreted from drilling results. There can be no assurance that metals recovered in small-scale tests will be duplicated in large-scale tests under on-site conditions or in production scale. The grade of the reported mineral resources is uncertain in nature and it is uncertain whether further technical studies will result in an upgrade to them. Any material change in the quantity of mineralization, grade or mill feed to waste ratio or extended declines in market prices for the underlying metals may render some or all of our mineralization uneconomic and result in reduced reported mineral resources or mineral reserves. Any material reductions in estimates of mineral resources or mineral reserves reported by the operators of our interests, or of their potential ability to extract such mineral resources or mineral reserves in the future, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Depleted mineral reserves may not be replenished, which could reduce the income we would have expected to receive from a particular royalty or similar interest.
Mines have a limited time of operation as a result of the proven and probable mineral reserves attributed to a specific mine. A mining company operating a specific mine will be required to replace and expand mineral reserves depleted by a mine’s production to maintain production levels over a long term. It is possible to replace depleted mineral reserves by expanding known ore bodies through exploration, locating new deposits or acquiring new mines or projects. Mineral exploration is highly speculative in nature. It can take several years to develop a potential site of mineralization. There is no assurance that current or future exploration programs conducted by mining companies will be successful. There is a risk that the depletion of mineral reserves by operators will not be replenished by discoveries or acquisitions which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Operations in foreign countries or other sovereign jurisdictions are subject to many risks, which could decrease our revenues.
Our royalty and other interests on properties outside of the United States are located in Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Turkey and Peru. In addition, future acquisitions may expose us to new jurisdictions. Our activities and those of the operators of properties on which we hold royalty interests are subject to the risks normally associated with conducting business in foreign countries or within the jurisdiction of Indigenous peoples that may be recognized as sovereign entities in the United States and elsewhere. These risks may impact the operators of our interests, depending on the jurisdiction, and include such things as:
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These risks may limit or disrupt the exploration and development of mines or projects on which we hold royalty and other interests, restrict the movement of funds, or result in the deprivation of contract rights or the taking of property by nationalization or expropriation without fair compensation, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
We may enter into transactions with related parties and such transactions present possible conflicts of interest.
Transactions entered into with any entity in which a related party has an interest may not align with the interests of our security holders. There can be no assurance that we may have been able to achieve more favorable terms, including as to value and other key terms, if such transaction had not been with a related party.
We may enter into transactions with entities in which our board of directors and other related parties hold ownership interests. We expect that material transactions with related parties, if any, will be reviewed and approved by our nominating and corporate governance committee or our audit committee, each of which is comprised solely of independent directors. There can be no assurance that any such transactions will result in terms that are more favorable to us than if such transactions are not entered into with related parties. We may achieve more favorable terms if such transactions had not been entered into with related parties and, in such case, these transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may have an adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.
Opposition from Indigenous peoples may delay or suspend development or operations at the properties where we hold royalty or similar interests, which could decrease our revenues.
Various international and national, state and provincial laws, rules, regulations and other practices relate to the rights of Indigenous peoples. Some of the properties where we hold royalty and other interests are located in areas presently or previously inhabited or used by Indigenous peoples. Many of these laws impose obligations on governments to respect the rights of Indigenous people. Some mandate that governments consult with Indigenous people regarding government actions which may affect them, including actions to approve or grant mining rights or permits. One or more groups of Indigenous people may oppose continued operation, further development or new development of the properties where we hold royalty interests. Such opposition may be directed through legal or administrative proceedings or protests, roadblocks or other forms of public expression, and claims and protests of Indigenous peoples may disrupt or delay activities of the operators of the properties.
In addition, the Supreme Court of Canada in Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia held that Aboriginal title is a beneficial interest in the land, the underlying control of which is retained by the Crown. The rights conferred by the Aboriginal title include the right to determine how the land will be used, to enjoy, occupy and possess and to proactively use and manage the land including the natural resources. The Tsilhqot’in Nation case sets out criteria by which the Crown can override the Aboriginal title in the public interest which includes consultations and accommodation, substantive and compelling objectives and respecting the fiduciary obligations to the Aboriginal body in question. Our royalty interests in Canada and other jurisdictions may now or in the future be the subject of Indigenous land claims. The legal nature of such claims is a matter of considerable complexity. The impact of any such claim on our royalty interests cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty and no assurance can be given that a broad recognition of Indigenous rights by way of a negotiated settlement or judicial pronouncement, would not have an adverse effect on the activities of the operator of underlying projects or other existing or future interests.
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The mining industry is subject to environmental risks in the jurisdictions where projects underlying our interests are located, including risk associated with climate change.
Exploration, development and mining is subject to potential risks and liabilities associated with pollution of the environment and the disposal of waste products occurring as a result of mineral exploration and production. Laws and regulations intended to ensure the protection of the environment are constantly changing and evolving in a manner expected to result in stricter standards and enforcement, larger fines and liability, and potentially increased capital expenditures and operating costs. Furthermore, mining may be subject to significant environmental and other permitting requirements regarding the use of raw materials needed for operations, particularly water and power. Concerns regarding climate change have resulted in international, national and local treaties, legislation and initiatives that affect mineral exploration and production, including those intended to reduce industrial emissions and increase energy efficiency. Compliance with all such laws and regulations, treaties and initiatives could increase permitting requirements, result in stricter standards and enforcement, and require significant increases in capital expenditures and operating costs by operators of properties subject to our interests. Further, breach of an environmental law, regulation, treaty or initiative may result in the imposition of fines and penalties or other adverse impacts on operators and their properties, which may be material. If an operator is forced to incur significant costs to comply with environmental laws and regulations, treaties and initiatives or becomes subject to related restrictions that limit its ability to develop our projects, or expand operations, or if an operator were to lose its right to use or access power, water or other raw materials necessary to operate a mine, or if the costs to comply with such laws and regulations, treaties and initiatives materially increased the capital or operating costs on the properties where we hold royalties, our revenues could be reduced, delayed or eliminated.
Our operations and those of the owners and operators of the properties underlying our interests may be negatively impacted by the effects of the spread of illnesses or other public health emergencies.
Pandemics and other public health crises may impact the ability of the owners and operators of the properties underlying our royalty and other interests to conduct activities at, or operate, such properties. Additionally, volatility in metal prices and the global economy resulting from pandemics, could cause the delay, suspension or termination of exploration, development or operational activities at the projects underlying our royalty or other interests, which could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. The global economy, metal prices and financial markets have experienced, and may in the future experience, significant volatility and uncertainty due to the effects of the spread of illness or other public health emergencies. Travel and other restrictions could limit or delay acquisition opportunities or other business activities. In addition, economic volatility, supply chain issues, labor shortages, disruptions in the financial markets, or severe price declines for gold or other metals could adversely affect our ability to obtain future debt or equity financing for acquisitions on acceptable terms or at all.
We depend on the services of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Development Officer and other management and key employees.
We believe that our success depends on the continued service of our key executive management personnel. The loss of services of key members of management or other key employees could disrupt the conduct of our business and jeopardize our ability to maintain our competitive position in the industry. From time to time, we may also need to identify and retain additional skilled management and specialized technical personnel to efficiently operate our business. The number of persons skilled in the acquisition, exploration and development of royalty interests is limited and there is competition for such persons. Recruiting and retaining qualified executive management and other key employees is critical to our success and there can be no assurance of such success. If we are not successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel, our ability to execute our business model and growth strategy could be affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Certain of our directors and officers also serve as directors and officers of other companies in the mining sector, which may cause them to have conflicts of interest.
Certain of our directors and officers also serve as directors and officers of, or have significant shareholdings in, other companies involved in natural resources investment, exploration, development and production and, to the extent that such other companies may engage in transactions or participate in the same ventures in which we participate, or in transactions or ventures in which we may seek to participate, they may have a conflict of interest in negotiating and concluding terms with respect to such participation. In cases where our directors and officers have an interest in other companies, such other companies may also compete with us for the acquisition of royalties, streams or similar interests. Such potential conflicts of interests of our directors and officers may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We hold investments in a concentrated number of equity securities and the fair values thereof are subject to loss in value.
Our assets include an immaterial amount of investments in selected publicly listed companies. We may also from time to time make strategic investments in other mining companies or acquire securities of public companies in connection with royalty or similar transactions. A significant decline in the fair values of our larger investments in equity securities may have an adverse impact on our financial position.
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A significant disruption to our information technology systems or those of our third-party service providers could adversely affect our business and operating results.
We rely on a variety of information technology and automated operating systems to manage and support our operations. For example, we depend on our information technology systems for financial reporting, operational and investment management, and email. These systems contain, among other information, our proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of our employees. The proper functioning of these systems and the security of such data is critical to the efficient operation and management of our business, and these functions are outsourced by us to third-party service providers on whom we rely for the security and proper functioning of these systems. In addition, these systems could require modifications or upgrades from time to time as a result of technological changes or growth in our business, and we might change the third-party service providers with whom we contract to maintain the functioning or security of these systems from time to time, which modifications, upgrades or changes could be costly and disruptive to our operations and could impose substantial demands on management’s time. Our systems, and those of our third-party service providers, could be vulnerable to damage or disruption caused by catastrophic events, power outages, natural disasters, computer system or network failures, viruses, ransomware or malware, physical or electronic break-ins, unauthorized access, or cyber-attacks. Any security breach could compromise our networks, and the information stored on them could be improperly accessed, disclosed, lost, stolen or restricted. Because techniques used to sabotage, obtain unauthorized access to systems or prohibit authorized access to systems change frequently and generally are not detected until successfully launched against a target, we or our third party service providers might be unable to anticipate these techniques, and the steps that we or our third party service providers have taken to secure our systems and electronic information might not be adequate to prevent a disruption or attack. Any unauthorized activities could disrupt our operations or those of our third-party service providers on which we are dependent, damage our reputation, or result in legal claims or proceedings, any of which could adversely affect our business, reputation, or operating results. See "Item 16K. Cybersecurity".
Potential litigation affecting the properties that we have royalty interests in could have a material adverse effect on us.
Potential litigation may arise between the operators of properties on which we have royalty interests or on which we acquire royalties, streams or similar interests in the future and third-parties. As a holder of such interests, we generally do not have any influence on litigation such as this and generally will not have access to non-public information concerning such litigation. Any such litigation that results in the reduction, suspension or termination of a project or production from a property, whether temporary or permanent, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
We may use certain financial instruments that subject us to a number of inherent risks.
From time to time, we may use certain financial instruments to manage the risks associated with changes in gold and other commodity prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The use of financial instruments involves certain inherent risks including, among other things: (i) credit risk, the risk of default on amounts owing to us by the counterparties with whom we entered into such transaction; (ii) market liquidity risk, the risk that any such position cannot be closed out quickly, either by liquidating such financial instrument or by establishing an offsetting position; and (iii) unrealized mark-to-market risk, the risk that, in respect of certain financial instruments, an adverse change in market prices for commodities, currencies or interest rates will result in us incurring an unrealized mark-to-market loss in respect of such derivative products.
Risks Related to Our Securities
We may lose our "foreign private issuer" status in the future, which could result in additional costs and expenses to us.
We are a "foreign private issuer", as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, and are not subject to the same requirements that are imposed upon U.S. domestic issuers by the SEC. We may in the future lose foreign private issuer status if a majority of our common shares are held in the United States and we fail to meet the additional requirements necessary to avoid loss of foreign private issuer status, such as if: (i) a majority of our directors or executive officers are U.S. citizens or residents; (ii) a majority of our assets are located in the United States; or (iii) our business is administered principally in the United States. The regulatory and compliance costs to us under U.S. securities laws as a U.S. domestic issuer will be significantly more than the costs incurred as a Canadian foreign private issuer. If we are not a foreign private issuer, we would be required to file periodic and current reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the SEC, which are generally more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. In addition, we may lose the ability to rely upon exemptions from corporate governance requirements that are available to foreign private issuers.
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We are a "foreign private issuer" and may have disclosure obligations that are different from those of U.S. domestic reporting companies. As a foreign private issuer, we are subject to different U.S. securities laws and rules than a domestic U.S. issuer, which could limit the information publicly available to our shareholders.
As a "foreign private issuer", we are subject to reporting obligations that, in certain respects, are less detailed and less frequent than those of U.S. domestic reporting companies. For example, we are not required to issue quarterly reports, proxy statements that comply with the requirements applicable to U.S. domestic reporting companies, or individual executive compensation information that is as detailed as that required of U.S. domestic reporting companies. We may not be required to file current reports as frequently or promptly as U.S. domestic reporting companies. Furthermore, our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the insider reporting and short-swing profit recovery requirements in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, our shareholders may not know on as timely a basis when our officers, directors and principal shareholders purchase or sell their common shares. As a foreign private issuer, we are also exempt from the requirements of Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure) which, generally, are meant to ensure that select groups of investors are not privy to specific information about an issuer before other investors. As a result of such varied reporting obligations, shareholders should not expect to receive the same information at the same time as information provided by U.S. domestic companies.
In addition, as a foreign private issuer, we have the option to follow certain Canadian corporate governance practices rather than those of the United States, except to the extent that such laws would be contrary to U.S. securities laws, provided that we disclose the requirements we are not following and describe the Canadian practices we follow instead see "Item 16G. Corporate Governance". As a result, our shareholders may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all domestic U.S. corporate governance requirements.
We are an "emerging growth company", and any decision on our part to comply only with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our securities less attractive to investors.
We are an "emerging growth company", as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act. For as long as we continue to be an "emerging growth company", we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not "emerging growth companies", including, but not limited to, not being required to have our independent registered public accounting firm audit our internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an "emerging growth company" for up to five years following the completion of our initial public offering (our "IPO"). However, if our non-convertible debt issued within a three-year period exceeds $1.0 billion or revenues exceed $1.235 billion, or the market value of our common shares that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million on the last day of the second fiscal quarter of any given fiscal year, we would cease to be an emerging growth company as of the following fiscal year. Even after we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, we may still qualify as a "smaller reporting company", which would allow us to take advantage of many of the same exemptions from disclosure requirements, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements. Investors could find our securities less attractive if we choose to rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result of any choices to reduce future disclosure, there may be a less active trading market for our common shares and our share price may be more volatile.
The market price of our securities may be volatile, which could result in substantial losses.
Securities markets worldwide have experienced, and are likely to continue to experience, significant price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility, as well as general economic, market or political conditions, could subject the market price of our securities to wide price fluctuations regardless of our operating performance. Some of the factors that may cause the market price of our securities to fluctuate include:
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In addition, stock markets have historically experienced substantial price and volume fluctuations. Broad market and industry factors may harm the market price of our securities. Hence, the market price of our securities could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with us, and these fluctuations could materially reduce the market price of our securities regardless of our operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has been instituted against that company. If we were involved in any similar litigation, we could incur substantial costs, our management’s attention and resources could be diverted and it could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
The NYSE American may delist our securities from its exchange, which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.
While our common shares are listed for trading on the NYSE American under the trading symbols "GROY", we cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be listed on the NYSE American. If the NYSE American delists our common shares from trading on its exchange, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including:
We are governed by the corporate laws of Canada which in some cases have a different effect on shareholders than the corporate laws of the United States and may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control.
We are governed by the Canada Business Corporations Act ("CBCA") and other relevant laws, which may affect the rights of shareholders differently than those of a company governed by the laws of a U.S. jurisdiction, and may, together with our charter documents, have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of our Company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise, or may affect the price an acquiring party would be willing to offer in such an instance.
The material differences between the CBCA and Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL") that may have the greatest such effect include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) for certain corporate transactions (such as mergers and amalgamations or amendments to our Articles of Incorporation (the "Articles")) the CBCA generally requires the voting threshold to be a special resolution approved by 66 2/3% of shareholders, or as set out in the Articles, as applicable, whereas DGCL generally only requires a majority vote; and (ii) under the CBCA a holder of 5% or more of our common shares can requisition a special meeting of shareholders, whereas such right does not exist under the DGCL. We cannot predict whether investors will find our Company and our securities less attractive because we are governed by foreign laws. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result of us being governed by the CBCA, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the price of our securities may be more volatile.
In addition, a non-Canadian must file an application for review with the Minister responsible for the Investment Canada Act and obtain approval of the Minister prior to acquiring control of a "Canadian Business" within the meaning of the Investment Canada Act, where prescribed financial thresholds are exceeded. Finally, limitations on the ability to acquire and hold our common shares may be imposed by the Competition Act (Canada). The Competition Act (Canada) establishes a pre-merger notification regime for certain types of merger transactions that exceed certain statutory shareholding and financial thresholds. Transactions that are subject to notification cannot be closed until the required materials are filed and the applicable statutory waiting period has expired or been waived by the Commissioner. However, the Competition Act (Canada) permits the Commissioner of Competition to review any acquisition or establishment, directly or indirectly, including through the acquisition of shares, of control over or of a significant interest in us, whether or not it is subject to mandatory notification. Otherwise, there are no limitations either under the laws of Canada, or in our Articles or amended and restated bylaws ("bylaws") on the rights of non-Canadians to hold or vote our common shares. Any of these provisions may discourage a potential acquirer from proposing or completing a transaction that may have otherwise presented a premium to our shareholders. We cannot predict whether investors will find our Company and our common shares less attractive because we are governed by foreign laws.
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U.S. civil liabilities may not be enforceable against us, our directors, our officers or certain experts named in this Annual Report. Similarly, it may be difficult for Canadian investors to enforce civil liabilities against our directors and officers residing outside of Canada.
We are governed by the CBCA and our principal place of business is in Canada. Many of our directors and officers, as well as certain experts named herein, reside outside of the United States, and all or a substantial portion of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us and such directors, officers and experts or to enforce judgments obtained against us or such persons, in U.S. courts, in any action, including actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal securities laws or any other laws of the United States. Additionally, rights predicated solely upon civil liability provisions of U.S. federal securities laws or any other laws of the United States may not be enforceable in original actions, or actions to enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts, brought in Canadian courts.
Our bylaws provide that any derivative actions, actions relating to breach of fiduciary duties and other matters relating to our internal affairs will be required to be litigated in Canada, which could limit shareholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us.
We have included a forum selection provision in our bylaws that provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Supreme Court of British Columbia and appellate courts therefrom (or, failing such Court, any other "court" as defined in the CBCA, having jurisdiction, and the appellate courts therefrom), will be the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (2) any action or proceeding asserting a breach of fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us, (3) any action or proceeding asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the CBCA or our Articles or bylaws; or (4) any action or proceeding asserting a claim otherwise related to our "affairs" (as defined in the CBCA). Our forum selection provision also provides that our shareholders are deemed to have consented to personal jurisdiction in the Province of British Columbia and to service of process on their counsel in any foreign action initiated in violation of our provision. Therefore, it may not be possible for shareholders to litigate any action relating to the foregoing matters outside of the Province of British Columbia. To the fullest extent permitted by law, our forum selection provision will also apply to claims arising under U.S. federal securities laws. In addition, investors cannot waive compliance with U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Our forum selection provision seeks to reduce litigation costs and increase outcome predictability by requiring derivative actions and other matters relating to our affairs to be litigated in a single forum. While forum selection clauses in corporate charters and bylaws/articles are becoming more commonplace for public companies in the United States and have been upheld by courts in certain states, a recent decision of the Supreme Court of Canada has cast some uncertainty as to whether forum selection clauses would be upheld in Canada. Accordingly, it is possible that the validity of our forum selection provision could be challenged and that a court could rule that such provision is inapplicable or unenforceable. If a court were to find our forum selection provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions and we may not obtain the benefits of limiting jurisdiction to the courts selected.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our share price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common shares will depend on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over these analysts. We cannot assure you that analysts will cover us or provide favorable coverage. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our stock or change their opinion of our common shares, our share price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our Company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause our share price or trading volume to decline.
U.S. holders of our common shares may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of our passive foreign investment company status.
We expect to be classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder (as defined under "Item 10. Additional Information – E. Taxation – Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations") holds the common shares, it would likely result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for such U.S. Holder. U.S. Holders should carefully read "Item 10. Additional Information – E. Taxation – Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations for United States Holders" for more information and consult their own tax advisors regarding the likelihood and consequences if we are treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, including the advisability of making a "qualified electing fund" election (including a protective election), which may mitigate certain possible adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences but may result in an inclusion in gross income without receipt of such income.
We have not made a formal determination as to whether we would be classified as a PFIC for the tax year ended December 31, 2023 or in past years, and do not plan to make such a determination for subsequent years. However, we expect that we should be treated as a PFIC for the tax year ended December 31, 2023 and may continue to be treated as a PFIC in future years. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020 and the transition period ended December 31, 2022, pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.1295-1(g)(1), we
15
issued to our U.S. shareholders a "PFIC Annual Information Statement" to assist U.S. shareholders who wish to make a Qualified Electing Fund Election under Section 1295 of the Code ("QEF Election").
Any issuance of preferred shares could make it difficult for another company to acquire us or could otherwise adversely affect holders of our common shares, which could depress the market price of our common shares.
Our board of directors have the authority to issue preferred shares and to determine the preferences, limitations and relative rights of preferred shares and to fix the number of shares constituting any series and the designation of such series, without any further vote or action by our shareholders. Our preferred shares could be issued with liquidation, dividend and other rights superior to the rights of our common shares. The potential issuance of preferred shares may delay or prevent a change in control of us, discourage bids for our common shares at a premium over the market price and adversely affect the market price and other rights of the holders of our common shares.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. History and Development
We are a corporation organized under the laws of Canada. We were incorporated under the name Gold Royalty Corp. on June 23, 2020 under the CBCA. Our head office is located at 1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830, Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 4A2 and our telephone number is +1 (604) 396-3066. Our registered office is 925 West Georgia Street, Suite 1000, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 3L2. Our website address is www.goldroyalty.com. Information on our website is not incorporated herein by reference.
The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC (www.sec.gov). As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act that prescribe the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of this Annual Report.
Our agent for service of process in the United States is Puglisi & Associates, whose address is 850 Library Ave, Suite 204, Newark, DE 19711.
On March 8, 2021, we completed our IPO of 18,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $5.00 per Unit for gross proceeds of $90,000,000. Each Unit consisted of one common share and one half of a common share purchase warrant, and each common share purchase warrant entitles the holder to acquire a common share at a price of $7.50 per share until March 11, 2024. We granted the underwriters under our IPO an over-allotment option to purchase up to 2,700,000 common shares and/or 1,350,000 common share purchase warrants at $4.995 per share and $0.01 per common share purchase warrant, respectively, pursuant to which 721,347 additional common shares and 1,350,000 additional common share purchase warrants were issued by us. In connection with our IPO our common shares and common share purchase warrants commenced trading on the NYSE American on March 9, 2021. Such warrants expired in March 2024.
On August 23, 2021, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding common shares in Ely Gold Royalties Inc. ("Ely") by way of a statutory plan of arrangement (the "Ely Arrangement") under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Pursuant to the Ely Arrangement, we issued 30,902,176 of our common shares and paid $65 million (C$84 million) in cash. As a result of the Ely Arrangement, each of the 15,946,732 warrants to purchase common shares of Ely that were outstanding immediately prior to the effective time thereof represent the right to acquire, on valid exercise thereof (including payment of the applicable exercise price), 0.2450 of a common share plus C$0.0001 in cash.
In addition, pursuant to the Ely Arrangement, each outstanding option to purchase common shares of Ely (the "Ely Options") that was not exercised prior to the effective time of the Ely Arrangement was, at the effective time, assigned and transferred by the holder thereof to Ely and such holder then became entitled to receive a number of common shares of Ely equal to the "In-the-Money Amount", being the amount by which the cash consideration of C$1.46 per common share of Ely, exceeded the exercise price of the applicable Ely Option, with the number of common shares of Ely equal to such amount divided by the cash consideration.
On September 6, 2021, we entered into definitive agreements with each of Golden Valley Mines and Royalties Ltd. ("Golden Valley") and Abitibi Royalties Inc. ("Abitibi"), pursuant to which we acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Golden Valley and Abitibi by way of statutory plans of arrangements. On November 5, 2021, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of each of Golden Valley and Abitibi pursuant to statutory plans of arrangement for consideration consisting of: (i) 2.1417 of our common shares for each Golden Valley common share; and (ii) 4.6119 of our common shares for each Abitibi common share.
We paid total consideration to holders of Golden Valley and Abitibi common shares under the transactions of an aggregate of 61,104,200 of our common shares (of an aggregate of 29,478,273 common shares to shareholders of Golden Valley and 31,625,943 common shares to shareholders of Abitibi (excluding Golden Valley)). Additionally, pursuant to the plan of arrangement with Golden Valley, each of Golden Valley’s 1,166,389 share purchase options that were outstanding immediately prior to closing were exchanged for options to purchase 2,498,045 of our common shares. Based on the share price of our common shares, and the estimated fair value of options to purchase our
16
common shares issued in exchange for Golden Valley options, the total consideration for the acquisition was approximately $306 million. We began consolidating the operating results, cash flows and net assets of Golden Valley and Abitibi from November 5, 2021.
Golden Valley and Abitibi were amalgamated on February 7, 2023, and the continuing company changed its name to "Golden Valley Abitibi Royalties Ltd."
B. Business Overview
We are a precious metals focused royalty company offering creative financing solutions to the metals and mining industry. Our diversified portfolio currently includes 240 royalties across properties of various stages, including 5 royalties on producing projects.
Our Strategy
Our mission is to acquire royalties, streams and similar interests at various stages of the mine life cycle to build a balanced portfolio offering near, medium and longer-term returns for investors.
In carrying out our long-term growth strategy, we seek and continually review opportunities to expand our portfolio through the acquisition of existing or newly created royalty, stream or similar interests and through accretive acquisitions of companies that hold such assets. In acquiring newly created interests, we act as a source of financing to mining companies for the development and exploration of projects.
Our "royalty generator model" is focused on mineral properties held by us and our subsidiaries and additional properties we may acquire from time to time, with the aim of subsequently optioning or selling them to third-party mining companies in transactions where we would retain a royalty, carried interest or other similar interest. We believe the royalty generator model provides increased volume of potential royalty opportunities, targeting opportunities with potential exploration upside.
We generally do not conduct development or mining operations on the properties in which we hold interests and we are not required to contribute capital costs for these properties. We may, from time to time, conduct non-material exploration related activities to advance our royalty generator model.
Royalties and Streams Generally
A royalty is a payment to a royalty holder that is typically based on a percentage of the minerals produced or the revenues or profits generated from the underlying project. With a stream, the holder makes an upfront payment or deposit to purchase a pre-agreed percentage of a mine’s production at a defined or pre-determined price. Royalties and streams are typically for the life of a mine, but streams can also be structured over a specified period or production interval. Royalties and streams are non-operating interests in the underlying project and therefore, the holder is generally not responsible for contributing additional funds for any purpose, including capital and operating costs.
Royalties and streams limit the holder’s exposure, in most instances, to exploration, development, operating, sustaining or reclamation expenditures typically associated with an operating interest in a mine. While they have limited operating exposure, royalty and stream holders do however benefit from any resource expansion or upside generated by exploration success, mine life extensions and operational expansions within the areas covered by the interest. A royalty and streaming business model provides greater diversification than typical mining companies. Royalty and streaming companies typically hold a portfolio of diversified assets, whereas mining companies generally depend on one or several key mines. Royalty and streaming companies therefore generally offer a relatively lower risk investment when compared to operating companies, while still offering potential upside to resource expansion and underlying commodity prices. We do not currently hold any stream interests, but may acquire them in the future.
NSR royalties generally require the owner or operator of the underlying project to make payments to the holder based on the net revenue that they receive from the sale of the applicable commodity, less certain deductible costs, which often include off-site costs such as transportation and refining.
NPI royalties generally require the owner or operator of the underlying project to make payments to the holder based on the profit, which is determined by deducting the sum of operating cost, capital expenditure, general administrative expenses and other agreed deductions from revenue.
GRR royalties generally require the owner or operator of the underlying project to make payments to the holder based on the gross revenues from the sale of the applicable commodity.
PTR royalties generally require the owner or operator of the underlying project to provide a fixed amount per ton or tonne of the applicable material processed that contains the relevant commodity.
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Our Business Model
Our business model is focused on managing and growing our portfolio of precious metals interests through the acquisition of additional royalties, streams and similar interests. We generally do not operate mines, develop projects or conduct exploration; therefore, we are not required to contribute capital costs for these properties. We may, from time to time, conduct non-material exploration related activities to advance our royalty generator projects. We believe that the advantages of this business model include the following:
In addition, our "royalty generator model" is focused on mineral properties held by us and our subsidiaries and additional properties we may acquire from time to time, with the aim of subsequently optioning or selling them to third-party mining companies in transactions where we would retain a royalty, carried interest or other similar interest. We believe the royalty generator model provides increased volume of potential royalty opportunities, targeting opportunities with potential exploration upside.
The table below provides a comparison of royalty companies, mining companies, exchange traded funds and funds that hold physical commodities:
|
|
Royalty Companies |
|
Operating Companies |
|
Precious Metals ETFs |
|
Physical |
Exposure to Commodity Prices |
|
√ |
|
√ |
|
√ |
|
√ |
Fixed Operating Costs |
|
√ |
|
X |
|
√ |
|
√ |
No Development or Sustaining Capital Costs |
|
√ |
|
X |
|
X |
|
X |
Exploration and Expansion Upside Without the Associated Costs |
|
√ |
|
X |
|
√ |
|
X |
Diversified Asset Portfolio |
|
√ |
|
X |
|
√ |
|
√ |
Ability to Grow Without Increased Management |
|
√ |
|
X |
|
√ |
|
√ |
Competitive Strengths
We believe that our competitive strengths include, among other things:
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Generating and Evaluating Acquisition Opportunities
In addition to the acquisitions we have completed since our IPO, we plan to aggressively continue to pursue accretive royalty and stream transactions, targeting near-term production and complementary development and exploration projects worldwide. We believe we offer potential counterparties added value, by virtue of, among other things, our:
In evaluating potential transactions, we utilize a disciplined approach to manage our fiscal profile. We expect to maintain low overhead costs by operating with a small but highly experienced team and calling upon third-party resources to supplement our skill set if required, thereby maintaining a high degree of flexibility in our cost structure. We believe this strategy will help to ensure that our business model is scalable and should allow us to seek new growth opportunities in a cost effective and value enhancing manner.
We believe our core team has the experience and capability to provide creative solutions to our prospective partners thereby enhancing our ability to acquire attractive growth assets, whether in a competitive auction process or as a result of bilateral discussions.
We believe that the extensive contacts within the mining industry of our collective management team, advisory board and board of directors give us enhanced access to a meaningful number of potential investment opportunities. These opportunities include identifying and acquiring existing royalties or streams from operating companies who deem these assets to be non-core to their operating philosophy or where there is potential for the operating company to highlight value for hidden assets. Furthermore, we engage with operating companies that are seeking to raise capital by selling a royalty or stream on one or more of their underlying assets.
Our focus is on seeking accretive precious metals assets that we believe will enhance our overall portfolio and increase our net asset value per share. Once a potential opportunity is identified, we seek to employ a disciplined approach to evaluating it and assessing whether such opportunity aligns with our strategic growth plans. As part of our evaluation process, we have, and intend to continue to, prioritize ensuring that appropriate due diligence is completed. We also rely on our own internal data and the extensive knowledge base and experience of our management team, advisory board and board of directors. Where we believe it is appropriate, we may engage the services of third-party experts to assist in our due diligence and evaluations process.
Acquisition opportunities are initially screened through a process involving an assessment of the technical merits and risks of the underlying asset, and a financial analysis that includes potential acquisition terms. We also assess environmental, social and governance factors as part of our diligence process. If the initial screening indicates that further evaluation is warranted, then a more fulsome due diligence review is conducted. Such process may include, among other things, site visits and legal and further technical due diligence. If a decision is made by management to proceed with a proposed acquisition, the transaction is then presented to our board of directors for final review and approval. Several factors that our board of directors and management may evaluate in assessing proposed opportunities include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Competition
The mining industry in general, and the royalty and streaming segments in particular, are extremely competitive. We compete with other royalty and streaming companies, mine operators, and financial buyers in efforts to acquire royalty, streaming and similar interests. We also compete with the lenders, investors, and other royalty and streaming companies providing financing to operators of mineral properties in our efforts to create new interests.
Our competitors may be larger than we are and may have greater resources and access to capital than we have. Key competitive factors in the royalty and stream acquisition and financing business include the ability to identify and evaluate potential opportunities, transaction structure and consideration, and access to capital.
Regulation
Operators of the mines that are subject to our royalty interests must comply with numerous environmental, mine safety, land use, waste disposal, remediation and public health laws and regulations promulgated by federal, state, provincial and local governments in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Turkey and Peru where we hold royalty interests. Although we, as a royalty owner, are not responsible for ensuring compliance with these laws and regulations, failure by the operators to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits can result in injunctive action, orders to suspend or cease operations, damages, and civil and criminal penalties on the operators, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)
Due to the nature of our business, we do not directly manage the ESG risks associated with the operators and underlying assets in our royalties. To manage these risks, we undergo a thorough ESG due diligence process as a part of our financial and technical due diligence which includes, where possible, a review of environmental risks and practices; water management risks and practices; health and safety records and management practices; climate change mitigation and adaptation plans; human rights risks; jurisdictional and political / country-related risks; and community relations, pertaining to the operators ability to earn social license to operate.
With respect to the ESG topics directly associated with our business, we currently have an ESG and Sustainability policy, a Supplier Code of Conduct and Anti-Corruption Policy. These policies aim to strengthen our governance of ESG risks, by providing guidance to employees, partners and suppliers on appropriate behavior aligned to our Company’s values. In fiscal year 2023, we released our inaugural sustainability report, detailing our ESG practices and management of ESG-related risks.
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C. Organizational Structure
The following chart sets forth our current corporate organization as of the date hereof.
D. Property, Plants and Equipment
We are a precious metals-focused royalty company. Our diversified portfolio currently consists of 240 royalties across varying stages. In addition to royalty, streaming and similar interests, we hold rights to acquire additional royalties and hold a portfolio of shares, mainly of publicly traded mining and mineral exploration and development companies. See " – Buyback Rights" and to " – Other Investments".
As we are not the operator and generally not the owner of the properties underlying our royalty interests, we have limited or no access to related exploration, development or operational data or to the properties underlying our royalty interests. As such, the disclosure herein is based on information publicly disclosed by the owners and operators of such properties. Although we do not have any knowledge that such information may be inaccurate, there can be no assurance that such third-party information is complete or accurate.
For the purposes of SK1300 and NI 43-101, we currently consider our royalty interest on portions of the Canadian Malartic Property, located in Québec, Canada as our only material property. SK1300 requires a registrant that has mining operations to, among other things: (i) obtain a dated and signed "technical report summary" from a qualified person with respect to each material mining property; and (ii) file such technical report summary as an exhibit to the relevant registration statement or other prescribed filing with the SEC. Because our assets are comprised of royalty and similar interests, for the purposes of this Annual Report, we have relied on Item 1302(b)(3)(ii) of SK1300 and have not obtained or filed a technical report summary as: (i) obtaining such report would result in an unreasonable burden or expense; and (ii) we have requested such technical report summary from the operators of the projects underlying its material royalty interests and were denied the request.
Royalty Interests
SK1300 Project Classifications
We generally classify our royalty interests based on the stage of development of its projects.
The table below classifies projects based upon the definitions set forth in SK1300, utilizing the following classifications:
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Based on the classifications set forth in SK1300, as of the date hereof, we have royalties on 5 Production Stage Properties and 235 Exploration Stage Properties.
Readers are advised that the SK1300 classifications used herein may not be comparable to those utilized by issuers under applicable Canadian and other international requirements or those used in our disclosures prepared under applicable Canadian securities laws.
Geographic Location of Interests
The following map sets forth the geographic locations of our royalty interests as of the date hereof:
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Summary Disclosure
The following table sets forth summary information regarding our material and other selected key royalties:
Project Name |
Operator |
Interest |
Metals |
Jurisdiction |
SK1300 Project |
Mine Types and Mineralization |
Canadian Malartic Property (open pit)(1) |
Agnico Eagle |
2.0% - 3.0% NSR |
Au, Ag |
Québec, Canada |
Production Stage |
Open pit mine. |
Odyssey Project(1) (underground) |
Agnico Eagle |
3.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Exploration Stage |
Underground mine in construction. |
Côté Gold Project(2) |
IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD") |
0.75% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Exploration Stage |
Open pit mine in construction |
Borden Mine(2) |
Newmont Corporation ("Newmont") |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Production Stage |
Underground mine. |
Isabella Pearl Mine(2) |
Fortitude Gold Corporation ("Fortitude Gold") |
0.375% GRR |
Au, Ag |
Nevada, USA |
Production Stage |
Open pit mine. |
Railroad-Pinion Project(2) |
Orla Mining Ltd. ("Orla Mining") |
0.44% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Exploration Stage |
Open pit mine in development. |
Fenelon Gold Property |
Wallbridge Mining Company Limited |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Exploration Stage |
Not a current mining operation. |
Granite Creek Project(3) |
i-80 Gold Corp. |
10.0% NPI |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Production Stage |
Underground mining has commenced, open pit in development. |
Hog Ranch Project(4) |
Rex Minerals Ltd. |
2.25% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Exploration Stage |
Not a current mining operation. |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
volcanic tuff units; and higher grade quartz-adularia vein hosted gold mineralisation within feeder structures underneath the large blanket of disseminated gold mineralisation. |
Ren Project |
Nevada Gold Mines (joint venture between Barrick Gold Corp. ("Barrick Gold") (61.5%) and Newmont (38.5%)) |
1.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Exploration Stage |
Underground mine in development. |
Gold Rock Project |
Calibre Mining Corp. ("Calibre") |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Exploration Stage |
Open pit mine in development. |
Lincoln Hill Project |
Coeur Mining, Inc. ("Coeur Mining") |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Exploration Stage |
Not a current mining operation. |
Whistler Project |
U.S. GoldMining Inc. ("U.S. GoldMining") |
1.0% NSR |
Au, Ag, Cu |
Alaska, USA |
Exploration Stage |
Not a current mining operation. |
Cozamin Mine(2) |
Capstone Copper Corp. |
1.0% NSR |
Cu, Ag |
Zacatecas, Mexico |
Production Stage |
Underground mine. |
Borborema Project(5) |
Aura Minerals Inc. |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil |
Exploration Stage |
Open pit mine in construction. |
Notes:
See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – Selected Asset Updates" for further information regarding our material and other key royalties.
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In addition to the above, our portfolio currently also includes the following additional Exploration Stage royalties:
Asset(1) |
Operator / Optionor |
Interest |
Metals |
Location |
Jerritt Canyon Mine |
First Majestic Silver Corp. ("First Majestic") |
0.5% NSR, PTR (sliding scale) |
Au, Ag |
Nevada, USA |
Marigold Mine |
SSR Mining Inc. ("SSR") |
0.75% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
São Jorge Project |
GoldMining Inc. ("GoldMining") |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Brazil |
Croinor Gold Project |
Probe Gold Inc. ("Probe") |
2.75% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Tonopah West |
Blackrock Silver Corp. |
3.0% NSR |
Au, Ag |
Nevada, USA |
Rawhide Mine (care & maintenance) |
Rawhide Mining LLC |
15% NPI |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Cheechoo Project |
Sirios Resources Inc. ("Sirios Resources") |
2.5% to 4.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Yellowknife Project (Nicholas Lake) |
GoldMining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
NWT, Canada |
Yellowknife Project (Goodwin Lake) |
GoldMining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
NWT, Canada |
Yellowknife Project (Ormsby-Bruce) |
GoldMining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
NWT, Canada |
Yellowknife Project (Clan Lake) |
GoldMining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
NWT, Canada |
Yellowknife Project (Big Sky) |
GoldMining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
NWT, Canada |
La Mina Project |
GoldMining |
2.0% NSR |
Au, Ag, Cu |
Colombia |
Mt Hamilton |
Waterton Global Resource Management ("Waterton Global") |
1% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Monte Cristo |
Waterton Global |
1% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Sleeper Gold Project |
Paramount Gold Nevad Corp. ("Paramount Gold") |
0.33% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Titiribi |
GoldMining |
2.0% NSR |
Au, Cu |
Colombia |
Yarumalito |
GoldMining |
1.0% NSR |
Au, Cu |
Colombia |
Cachoeira |
GoldMining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Brazil |
Crucero |
GoldMining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Peru |
Surubim |
GoldMining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Brazil |
Nutmeg Mountain |
NevGold Corp. |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Idaho, USA |
Quartz Mountain |
Alamos Gold Inc. ("Alamos Gold") |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Oregon, USA |
Quartz Mountain |
Alamos Gold |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Oregon, USA |
Rodeo Creek (optioned) |
Nevada Gold Mines |
2% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
War Eagle (optioned) |
Integra Resources Corp. |
1% NSR |
Au, Ag |
Idaho, USA |
Lone Tree (leased) |
i-80 |
1.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Pinson (leased) |
Nevada Gold Mines |
1.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Carlin (leased) |
Nevada Gold Mines |
1.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Turquoise Ridge |
Nevada Gold Mines |
2% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Watershed |
IAMGOLD |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
South Malartic |
Canadian Gold Corp. ("Canadian Gold") |
2.5% - 3.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
New Alger |
Radisson Mining Resources Inc. |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Callahan |
Agnico Eagle |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Red Lake Project |
Renegade Gold |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Menderes |
Frontline Gold Corporation ("Frontline") |
3.0% NSR |
Au |
Turkey |
Midway |
Agnico Eagle |
1.50% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Radium |
Agnico Eagle |
15% NPI |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Batistao |
GoldMining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Brazil |
Isabella Extension |
Fortitude Gold |
2.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Tact |
Nevada Gold Mines |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
County Line |
Fortitude Gold |
3.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Mina Gold |
Fortitude Gold |
1.5% - 3.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Silver Dyke |
Fortitude Gold |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Pilot Mountain (leased) |
Golden Metal Resources |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Castle/Black Rock (leased) |
Allegiant Gold Ltd. |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Olinghouse NE |
Lake Mountain Mining, LLC |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
French Gold Bar (leased) |
McEwen Mining Inc. ("McEwen Mining") |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Scoonover Gold Bar |
McEwen Mining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Gold Canyon |
McEwen Mining |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Gold Bar |
McEwen Mining |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Gold Rock Extension |
Calibre |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Rosial |
Coeur Mining |
1.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
WR Claims |
Coeur Mining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
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Trenton Canyon |
SSR Mining |
0.3% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Aurora West (optioned) |
Goldcliff Resource Corporation ("Goldcliff") |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Antelope Springs |
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation ("Americas Gold Corporation") |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Atlanta |
Nevada King Gold Corp. ("Nevada King") |
3.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Bald Peak |
Paramount Gold |
3.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Big Ten – Amsel |
VR Resources Ltd. ("VR Resources") |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Big Ten – Danbo |
VR Resources |
3.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
BS (optioned) |
Group Eleven Resources Corp. ("Group Eleven") |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
New Mexico, USA |
Butte Valley (optioned) |
Lion Copper and Gold Corp. |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Clayton Ridge (optioned) |
Group Eleven |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Lantern (optioned) |
Group Eleven |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Liberty Springs (optioned) |
Group Eleven |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Questa Blanca (optioned) |
Group Eleven |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
New Mexico, USA |
Frost |
Paramount Gold |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Oregon, USA |
Gilbert South (optioned) |
Orogen Royalties Inc. |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Green Springs |
Contact Gold Corp.("Contact Gold") |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Green Springs (optioned) |
Contact Gold |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Gutsy |
EMX Royalty Corporation ("EMX Royalty") |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Hurricane (optioned) |
Fremont Gold Ltd. ("Fremont Gold") |
3.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Kismet |
EMX Royalty |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Maggie Creek |
Nevada Gold Mines |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Moho (optioned) |
Lanhontan Gold Corp. |
2.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Mt Wilson |
National Treasure Corporation |
3.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Musgrove Creek |
US Gold Corp. |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Idaho, USA |
Mustang Canyon |
i-80 |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Nevada Rand (optioned) |
Goldcliff |
2.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
New Boston |
VR Resources |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
North Carlin |
Fremont Gold |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Olympic (optioned) |
Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. |
1.75% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Redlich Gold (optioned) |
Lahontan Gold |
2.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Scossa |
Romios Gold Resources Inc. ("Romios Gold") |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
St Elmo (optioned) |
Assign Resources Inc. |
2.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Troy |
CopAur Minerals Inc. |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Tuscarora |
American Pacific Mining Corp. |
3.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Dauntless (optioned) |
Fortitude Gold |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
White Hill (optioned) |
Exiro Minerals Corp. |
3.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
White Rock (optioned) |
Provenance Gold Corp. ("Provenance Gold") |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Buff |
Nevada Gold Mines |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Cimarron |
Crestview Exploration Inc. |
2.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Gent |
Nevada Mine Properties |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Hercules |
Elevation Gold Mining Corp. |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Poison |
Koza Ltd. |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Idaho, USA |
RM |
Hecla Mining Company |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Malartic Break |
Agnico Eagle |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Smokehead |
Val-d’Or Mining Corp. ("Val-d’Or Mining") |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Bogside NW |
Val-d’Or Mining |
2.5% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Bogside NW |
Val-d’Or Mining |
2.5% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Bogside |
Val-d’Or Mining |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Bogside |
Val-d’Or Mining |
2.5% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Cadillac |
Agnico Eagle |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Revillard |
JV and Dundee Precious Metals Inc. and Pershimex Resources Corporation |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Thompson River |
Agnico Eagle |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Cadillac Shear |
Eagle Ridge Mining Ltd. ("Eagle Ridge") |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
26
Authier North |
Owned by Eagle Ridge optioned to Power Metals (UK) ("Power Metals") |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Duval |
Owned by Eagle Ridge optioned to Power Metals |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Bachelor |
Eagle Ridge |
3.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
White horse Island |
Frontline |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Perrigo |
Perry English/Gravel Ridge Resources Ltd., optioned to Xplore Resources Corp. |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Rainy River SW |
New Gold Inc. |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
King Project |
Eagle Ridge |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Douglas Lake (777 Project) |
Nordic Minerals Ltd. |
3.0% NSR |
Au |
Saskatchewan, Canada |
Alpha Project |
O3 Mining Inc. |
1.5% NSR and 20% FCI |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Lac Barry |
Bonterra Resources Inc. |
3.0% NSR and 15% FCI |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Agar |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Amikougami |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Arbade |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Arbaden |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Baden |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Bench Depth |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Richore |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Ronda |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Barraute |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Bearmac |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Bejopipa |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Blue Mountain |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Bosum-Sud |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Broker’s Fee |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Dionne |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
D’Orso |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Harricana Fault |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Hazen |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Jonsmith |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Lac Fiedmont |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Lac Laverdiere |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Lac Lemoyne |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
LockOut |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Luciana |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Magoma |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Mindoka |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Eddie Shore (aka Odie Cleghorn) |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Oregon |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Pascalis Cu-Zn |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Pascalis Ouest |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Perestroika Ouest |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Petit Lac Noir |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Plumber |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Riviere Lois |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Salve Lake |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Shamrock |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Steeloy |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Threshold-85 |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Venus New |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Victoria Creek |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Winnie Lake |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Ducros Sill |
Québec Nickel Corp. |
1.50% NSR |
Ni, Cu, PGM |
Québec, Canada |
Borderline |
Progenitor Metals Corp. ("Progenitor") |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Calamity |
Progenitor |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Entre Deux Lacs |
Progenitor |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Golden Jet |
Progenitor |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Hunter Mine Group |
Progenitor |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Lac Guéguen |
Progenitor |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Mona Lisa |
Progenitor |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
27
Princesse Annie |
Progenitor |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Riviere D’Alembert |
Progenitor |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Sea Serpent |
Progenitor |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Briggs |
ENECo, Inc. |
1.5% NSR |
Au |
California, USA |
Mt Tobin |
Da Venda Gold Corp. |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Hammond Reef South |
Canadian Gold |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
HEES |
Canadian Gold |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
El Campo |
Enigma Strategic Metals |
2.5% NSR |
Rare Earth Metals |
California, USA |
Bald Mountain(2) |
Kinross |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Bald Mountain JV |
Kinross |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Edna Mountain |
Nevada King |
3.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Eldorado |
Provenance Gold |
3.0% NSR |
Au |
Oregon, USA |
Bullfrog South |
Augusta Gold Corp. |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Modoc |
Americas Gold Corporation |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Duquet |
Azimut Exploration Inc. ("Azimut Exploration") |
0.75% NSR |
Zn, Cu, Pb, Au |
Québec, Canada |
Dyke Hot Springs |
G&C Nevada Royalty Corp. |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Fancamp |
IAMGOLD |
1.5% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Fenton |
Cartier Resources Inc. |
1.0% NSR |
Au, Mo |
Québec, Canada |
Goldfield West |
Centerra Gold Inc. |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Hill |
Nevada Mine Properties II |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Upper Red Lake |
Xplore Resources Corp. |
1.5% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Island 27 |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Kinkaid |
Romios Gold |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Matachewan |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Munro |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
North Contact |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Quarter Horse |
First Majestic |
0.75% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Rays |
Barrick Gold |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Nevada, USA |
Recession Larder |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Riverside |
Val-d’Or Mining |
2.5% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Sharks |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Ontario, Canada |
Titanic |
Val-d’Or Mining |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Whistler (Island Mountain) |
U.S. Goldmining |
1.0% NSR |
Au, Ag, Cu |
Alaska, USA |
Whistler (Raintree West) |
U.S. Goldmining |
1.0% NSR |
Au, Ag, Cu |
Alaska, USA |
Whistler (Whistler) |
U.S. Goldmining |
1.0% NSR |
Au, Ag, Cu |
Alaska, USA |
Butte Highlands |
Butte Highlands JV |
2.0% NSR |
Au |
Montana, USA |
Quevillon Nord |
Osisko Mining Inc. / Gold Fields Ltd. |
1.0% - 2.0% NSR |
Ag |
Québec, Canada |
Cheechoo B East |
Sirios Resources |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Lingwick |
Midland Exploration |
1.5% NSR |
Cu, Zn, Au, Ag |
Québec, Canada |
Monique |
Probe |
0.38% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Noyell |
VIOR Inc. ("VIOR") |
1.0% NSR |
Au, Zn |
Québec, Canada |
Noyard |
Opus One Gold Corp. ("Opus One") |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Eastmain Ouest |
Azimut Exploration |
0.7% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Verneuil |
VIOR |
0.5% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
La Ronciere |
Scandium Canada Ltd. ("Scandium") |
1.25% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Chute des Passes |
Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. ("Nord Precious") |
0.5% NSR |
Ni |
Québec, Canada |
Aquilon |
Siros Resources |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Pitt Gold |
First Mining Gold Corp. |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Dileo Nord |
Troilus Gold Corp |
1.0% NSR |
Cu, Mo, Au, Ag |
Québec, Canada |
DesMeloizes |
Generic Gold Corp |
3.0% NSR |
Zn, Ag |
Québec, Canada |
Generation Selbaie Bloc 5-6 |
Midland Exploration |
1.0% NSR |
Au, Ag |
Québec, Canada |
Generation Selbaie Bloc 7 |
Midland Exploration |
1.0% NSR |
Au, Ag |
Québec, Canada |
Quevillion Nord |
Osisko Mining |
~1.9% NSR |
Ag |
Québec, Canada |
Casault |
Wallbridge |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Jouvex |
Midland Exploration |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
Hazeur |
TomaGold Corp. |
1.0% NSR |
Au |
Québec, Canada |
subject to buyback right.
28
Note on Royalty Coverage
Our royalty and similar interests do not apply to the entirety of each project in some cases. For example, our royalties on the Canadian Malartic Property apply to portions of the entire property and do not cover all operating areas, particularly the open pit areas where a majority of production to date has occurred. However, we have royalties on portions of the Odyssey, East Malartic, Sladen and Sheehan zones, all of the Jeffrey zone and the eastern portion of the Barnat Extension of the Canadian Malartic Property. In addition, certain of the above interests are subject to rights of the underlying operators to buyback portions of the underlying royalty, thereby reducing the applicable royalty rate.
With respect to the Côté Gold Project, the royalty applies generally to the southern portions of the Cȏté open pit.
With respect to the Cozamin Mine, the royalty applies to the southeastern portion of the mine, specifically over the Calicanto and Vicochea claims.
With respect to the Borden Mine, the royalty applies generally to the eastern portions of the Borden underground workings that reside underneath the neighbouring lake.
With respect to the Railroad Project, the royalty applies to a checkerboard pattern of claims which includes partial coverage over the Pinion and Dark Star Main deposits.
Titles, Mineral Rights, Leases, or Options and Acreage Involved
The titles, mineral rights, leases, and options involved with our stream and royalty interests vary depending on the country and include exploitation concessions, unpatented and patented claims, fee lands, mining leases and prospecting and mining licenses. See " – Material Property", below, for information about the specific titles, mineral rights, leases, options and acreages involved at our material properties.
We have an indeterminable number of acres relating to our stream and royalty interests because our interests do not always cover 100% of each property, in some cases our interests extend to an area of interest beyond the original property boundaries, and because the operators will, from time to time, add or subtract acreage from individual properties, which can, in some cases, modify the land position covered by a stream or royalty.
Key Permit Conditions
Operators of the mines that are subject to our stream and royalty interests must comply with environmental, mine safety, land use, waste disposal, remediation and public health laws and regulations promulgated by federal, state, provincial and local governments in the United States, Canada, Colombia, Brazil and other countries where we hold interests. Although we, as a stream or royalty interest owner, are not responsible for ensuring compliance with these laws and regulations, failure by the operators to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits can result in injunctive action, orders to suspend or cease operations, damages, and civil and criminal penalties on the operators, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
In general, we have no decision-making authority regarding the development or operation of the mineral properties underlying our stream and royalty interests. Operators make all development and operating decisions, including decisions about permitting, feasibility analysis, mine design and operation, processing, plant and equipment matters, and temporary or permanent suspension of operations.
29
Annual Royalties
Certain of our royalties do not apply to the entirety of the producing areas of the underlying projects. Accordingly, in such cases, the amount of our royalties and underlying production differ from the production disclosure of the operators of such projects. Additionally, based on applicable royalty terms, the reports we receive from such operators may not include production information specific to our royalty coverage. The following table sets forth gold equivalent ounces, being revenues received divided by average gold prices for the applicable period, on a project by project basis. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – Non-IFRS Measures".
|
|
For the year ended |
|
For the three months ended |
|
For the year ended |
|
For the year ended |
Gold Equivalent Ounces |
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
September 30, 2022 |
|
September 30, 2021 |
Canadian Malartic |
|
367 |
|
113 |
|
622 |
|
— |
Cozamin |
|
227 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
Borden |
|
270 |
|
36 |
|
524 |
|
— |
Jerritt Canyon |
|
104 |
|
85 |
|
444 |
|
51 |
Isabella Pearl |
|
50 |
|
17 |
|
566 |
|
4 |
|
|
1,018 |
|
251 |
|
2,156 |
|
55 |
* Consists of royalty on Isabella Pearl, advance minimum royalty and option proceeds on other properties. See "Material Property", below, for additional specific information on the Canadian Malartic Property.
Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves
Certain of the owners and operators of the projects underlying our interests have prepared and disclosed mineral resources and mineral reserve estimates which have been estimated with the CIM Definition Standards and NI 43-101 and, in certain cases, SK1300 allows disclosure of such mineral resources and mineral reserves only where the owner or operator or us have prepared and filed with the SEC a SK1300 technical report summary. As a result of this requirement and the relief provided to royalty holders under SK1300, the disclosure contained herein does not include estimates of mineral resources or mineral reserves that have been prepared by the owners and operators of the projects underlying our interests, where such estimates are not contained in an SK1300 technical report summary. Accordingly, reserves and resource estimates prepared by owners and operators under NI 43-101 and JORC are not included in this Annual Report.
Buyback Rights
We also hold rights to acquire 9 additional royalties pursuant to buyback rights under existing royalty agreements between subsidiaries of GoldMining and third-parties, including the right to acquire an additional 0.75% NSR on the Whistler Project (including an area of interest) for $5,000,000.
Other Investments
Our assets also include a portfolio of shares, mainly of publicly traded mining and mineral exploration and development companies. We may invest from time to time in companies where we hold a royalty or similar interest. We may also from time to time take a more active role with companies in which we hold equity interests, including providing management support and/or nominating board representatives.
We may from time to time acquire additional shares of these and other companies. Additionally, we currently are party to put and call financial instruments relating to certain of our investments. See "Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk Factors - We may use certain financial instruments that subject us to a number of inherent risks".
Material Property
The following is a description of our royalty interests on portions of the Canadian Malartic Property.
Certain information regarding the Canadian Malartic Property as contemplated under the SK1300 has not been included herein on the basis that it is unavailable to us in our capacity as a royalty holder on the applicable properties and that obtaining such information would result in an unreasonable burden and expense. Such excluded information includes: (a) mineral resources and mineral reserves estimates; (b) the total cost for or book value of the underlying property and its associated plant and equipment; and (c) descriptions of significant encumbrances on the property.
30
Royalty Interests
As a result of our acquisition of Abitibi in November 2021, we indirectly acquired a 3.0% NSR royalty on portions of the Canadian Malartic Property. The royalty does not apply to the entire mine property particularly the open pit areas where a majority of production to date has occurred. However, the royalty does apply to portions of the Odyssey, East Malartic, Sladen and Sheehan zones, all of the Jeffrey zone and the eastern portion of the Barnat Extension of the Canadian Malartic Property open pit mine. This royalty is held pursuant to the Canadian Malartic Net Smelter Return Royalty Agreement, dated March 19, 2015 between Abitibi and Canadian Malartic GP (as defined below).
We also hold 2.0% NSR royalties on the Charlie Zone and the eastern portion of the Gouldie zone, a 1.5% NSR royalty on the Midway Project (1.0% can be bought back for $1 million) and a 15.0% NPI on the Radium Property, all located within the Canadian Malartic Property. The Canadian Malartic Property is 100% owned and operated by Agnico Eagle.
The following figure illustrates an approximation of the coverage of our various royalty interests on portions of the Canadian Malartic Property.
The following description of the Canadian Malartic Property is based on information disclosed in the Canadian Malartic Technical Report and other public disclosures of Agnico Eagle filed under their respective profiles on SEDAR+.
31
Property Description, Location and Access
The Canadian Malartic Property (latitude 48° 22’ North and longitude 78° 23’ West) is located within the town of Malartic, Québec, approximately 25 km west of the City of Val-d’Or and 80 km east of City of Rouyn-Noranda. It straddles the townships of Fournière, Malartic and Surimau. Refer to the below figure for the location map of the Canadian Malartic Property.
Figure 1 – Location Map of Canadian Malartic Property (Technical Report, Canadian Malartic Mine, Québec, Canada, 2021)
In 2014, substantially all of the assets and obligations relating to the Canadian Malartic mine were transferred to a newly formed general partnership (the "Canadian Malartic GP") in which Agnico Eagle and Yamana each own an indirect 50% interest. However as of March 31, 2023, Agnico Eagle acquired and consolidated its ownership to 100% of the Canadian Malartic mine.
Following the completion of an internal technical study, in February 2021, the Canadian Malartic GP approved the construction of a new underground mining complex at the Odyssey Project. The Odyssey Project is adjacent to the Canadian Malartic mine and hosts three main underground-mineralized zones, which are East Gouldie, East Malartic and Odyssey (which is sub-divided into the Odyssey North, Odyssey South and Odyssey Internal zones).
The Canadian Malartic mine operates under mining leases obtained from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (Québec) and under certificates of approval granted by the Ministry of Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change (Québec). The Canadian Malartic Property is comprised of the East Amphi property, the CHL Malartic prospect, the Canadian Malartic mine, and the Fournière, Midway, Piche Harvey and Rand properties. The Odyssey project is located east of the Canadian Malartic mine and extends into the CHL Malartic prospect. The Canadian Malartic Property consists of a contiguous block comprising one mining concession, five mining leases and 293 mining claims.
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Expiration dates for the mining leases on the Canadian Malartic Property vary between November 24, 2029 and July 27, 2037, and each lease is automatically renewable for three further ten year terms upon payment of a small fee.
The Canadian Malartic Property can be accessed from either Val-d’Or or Rouyn-Noranda via Québec provincial highway No. 117. A paved road running north-south from the town of Malartic towards Mourier Lake cuts through the central area of the Canadian Malartic Property. The Canadian Malartic Property is further accessible via a series of logging roads and trails. The Canadian Malartic mine is serviced by a rail-line which passes through the town of Malartic and the nearest airport is in Val-d’Or.
Gold was first discovered in the Malartic area in 1923. Gold production on the Canadian Malartic Property began in 1935 and continued uninterrupted until 1965. Following various ownership changes over the ensuing years, Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. ("Osisko") acquired ownership of the Canadian Malartic Property in 2004 (the "Osisko Transaction"). Based on a feasibility study completed in December 2008, Osisko completed construction of a 55,000 tonne per day mill complex, tailings impoundment area, five million cubic metre polishing pond and road network by February 2011, and the mill was commissioned in March 2011. The Canadian Malartic mine achieved commercial production on May 19, 2011.
The Canadian Malartic mine is a large open pit operation comprised of the Canadian Malartic and Barnat pits. In 2020, commercial production was achieved at the Barnat pit and activities continued in 2021 with overburden stripping, topographic drilling, and ore and waste extraction.
In 2020, the Canadian Malartic GP completed the Highway 117 deviation project. In 2021, the Canadian Malartic GP expects no further development of infrastructure to be undertaken for the Canadian Malartic mine and mill facilities, other than the mining construction work in the Barnat pit and the optimization of tailings storage facilities.
The Odyssey Project is a planned underground mining complex that will exploit the East Gouldie, East Malartic and Odyssey deposits. Mining at Odyssey is planned at a rate of approximately 20,000 tonnes per day serviced via a planned 1,800-metre deep production-services shaft. An exploration ramp portal was completed during the fourth quarter of 2020. In December 2020, ramp development was started on the Odyssey Project in order to facilitate underground conversion drilling in 2021 and to provide access to the Odyssey and East Malartic deposits. Production via the ramp is expected to commence in the first half of 2023 from Odyssey South and increase in capacity through 2024. Collaring of the shaft and construction of the headframe started in 2021 and shaft sinking is expected to commence in early 2023 with full commissioning of the 1,800-metre deep shaft expected in 2027.
Agreements and Royalties
The mining titles constituting the current Canadian Malartic Property were acquired by Osisko, mostly in stages, between 2004 and 2014. Many of the mining titles for the Property were map-staked by Osisko or its appointed intermediaries and are not subject to any encumbrances. Others were purchased outright from independent parties, without royalties or other obligations.
The Rand Property and the Fournière, Midway and Piché-Harvey properties, acquired by Canadian Malartic GP after the Osisko Transaction, are subject to certain royalties.
Most of the mining titles are subject to a 5% NSR royalty payable to Osisko. A portion of the Canadian Malartic Property is subject to 3% NSR royalties payable to Gold Royalty and Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. In addition, 172 of the Property’s claims are also subject to other NSR royalties that vary between 1% and 2%, payable under varying circumstances. A portion of the East Amphi Property, called the Radium-Nord Property is covered by a 15% NPI royalty held by Gold Royalty.
Geological Setting, Mineralization and Deposit Types
Geology
The Canadian Malartic Property straddles the southern margin of the eastern portion of the Abitibi Subprovince, an Archean greenstone belt situated in the southeastern part of the Superior Province of the Canadian Shield. The Abitibi Subprovince is limited to the north by gneisses and plutons of the Opatica Subprovince, and to the south by metasediments and intrusive rocks of the Pontiac Subprovince. The contact between the Pontiac Subprovince and the rocks of the Abitibi greenstone belt is characterized by a major fault corridor, the east-west trending Larder Lake – Cadillac Fault Zone ("LLCFZ"). This structure runs from Larder Lake, Ontario through Rouyn-Noranda, Cadillac, Malartic, Val d’Or and Louvicourt, Québec, at which point it is truncated by the Grenville Front.
The regional stratigraphy of the southeastern Abitibi area is divided into groups of alternating volcanic and sedimentary rocks, generally oriented at N280 – N330 and separated by fault zones. The main lithostratigraphic divisions in this region are, from south to north, the Pontiac Group of the Pontiac Subprovince and the Piche, Cadillac, Blake River, Kewagama and Malartic groups of the Abitibi Subprovince. The various lithological groups within the Abitibi Subprovince are metamorphosed to greenschist facies. Metamorphic grade increases toward the southern limit of the Abitibi belt, where rocks of the Piche Group and the northern part of the Pontiac Group have been metamorphosed to upper greenschist facies.
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The majority of the Canadian Malartic Property is underlain by metasedimentary units of the Pontiac Group, lying immediately south of the LLCFZ. The north-central portion of the property covers an approximately 9.5 kilometre section of the LLCFZ corridor and is underlain by mafic-ultramafic metavolcanic rocks of the Piche Group cut by intermediate porphyritic and mafic intrusions. The Cadillac Group covers the northern part of the property (north of the LLCFZ). It consists of greywacke containing lenses of conglomerate.
Mineralization
Mineralization in the Canadian Malartic deposit occurs as a continuous shell of 1% to 5% disseminated pyrite associated with fine native gold and traces of chalcopyrite, sphalerite and tellurides. It extends on a 2 kilometre strike and a width of 1 kilometre (perpendicular to the strike), and from surface to 400 metres below surface. The gold resource is mostly hosted by altered clastic sedimentary rocks of the Pontiac Group (70%) overlying an epizonal dioritic porphyry intrusion.
Surface drilling by Lac Minerals Ltd. in the 1980s defined several near-surface mineralized zones now included in the Canadian Malartic deposit (the F, P, A, Wolfe and Gilbert zones), all expressions of a larger, continuous mineralized system located at depth around the historical underground workings of the Canadian Malartic and Sladen mines. In addition to these, the Western Porphyry Zone occurs one kilometre northeast of the main Canadian Malartic deposit and the Gouldie mineralized zone occurs approximately 1.2 kilometres southeast of the main Canadian Malartic deposit. Approximately 1.5 kilometres to the east is the Odyssey deposit, with mineralization associated with a fault along both hanging wall and footwall contacts of a 300 metre wide dioritic intrusive.
The South Barnat deposit is located to the north and south of the old South Barnat and East Malartic mine workings, largely along the southern edge of the LLCFZ. The deposit that is originally modelled for surface mining evaluation extends on a 1.7 kilometre strike and a width of 900 metres (perpendicular to the strike), and from surface to 480 metres below surface. The disseminated/stockwork gold mineralization at South Barnat is hosted both in potassic altered, silicified greywackes of the Pontiac Group (south of the fault contact) and in potassic altered porphyry dykes and schistose, carbonatized and biotitic ultramafic volcanic rocks (north of the fault contact).
The East Malartic deposit (as modelled for the underground mining model) has been previously mined by the East Malartic, Barnat and Sladen mines along the contact between the LLCFZ and the Pontiac Group sedimentary rocks.
This deposit includes the deeper portion of the South Barnat deposit (below actual pit design). This deposit extends on a 3 kilometre strike and a width of 1.1 kilometres (perpendicular to the strike), and the bottom of the South Barnat actual pit design to 1,800 metres below surface. The geological settings are similar to those found in other areas of the property, corresponding mainly to the depth extension of the geological context presented above for the South Barnat open pit deposit.
The Odyssey deposit is also located at the contact between the LLCFZ and the Pontiac Group sedimentary rocks in the eastern extension of the East Malartic deposit. It extends on a 2 kilometre strike and a width of 500 metres (perpendicular to the strike), and from surface to –1,500 metres below surface. It is characterized by the presence of a massive porphyritic unit. While the whole porphyritic intrusion is anomalous in gold, continuous zones of higher grade (>1 g/t gold) gold mineralization occur along the south-dipping sheared margins of the intrusion (in contact with the Pontiac Group to the south and the Piche Group to the north). Within the porphyritic unit, gold mineralization is also associated with other geological features, including silica and potassic alteration zones, discrete shear zones, swarms of quartz veins, stockworks and zones with disseminated pyrite (0.7% to 2.0%).
Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing
Since its operational debut in 2011, the Canadian Malartic mine’s mill has seen a significant ramp-up in efficiency and throughput due to several projects that further improved its operation.
One of the first main modifications that helped increase the throughput was the addition in 2012 of a secondary crushing line consisting of two cone crushers in parallel and a second pebble crusher in a closed loop with the SAG mill. Indeed, at the early commissioning stage, the performance of the comminution circuit was below expectations from the initial process design. Additional grinding testwork performed in 2011 concluded that the difference was due to harder than expected ore.
In 2016, after further testwork, the tailing thickener was modified to increase its compaction efficiency to reach a higher underflow density. The cyanide destruction process was also modified to Caro’s acid to stop sulphur dioxide usage.
The addition