Minerals 260 recently announced a substantial financial injection, securing A$220 million (approximately $155.53 million) from Franco-Nevada Corporation. This strategic funding is poised to significantly advance and mitigate risks associated with the development of the Bullabulling Gold Project, a substantial 4.5 million-ounce gold resource located 65 kilometers from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. The partnership highlights a strong endorsement of the project's viability and its role in the global gold market, facilitating crucial infrastructure and operational enhancements.
The financial arrangement entails Franco-Nevada Australia, a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada, augmenting its royalty interest in the project while also making a direct investment in Minerals 260's equity. Specifically, Franco-Nevada will disburse A$170 million to elevate its royalty on the Bullabulling project from an initial 1% to 2.45% across certain land holdings. Furthermore, an additional A$50 million will be invested through the acquisition of 111,111,111 fully paid ordinary shares in Minerals 260, priced at $0.45 per share. This share purchase represents a 7% premium above Minerals 260's recent closing price, resulting in Franco-Nevada holding a 4.9% equity stake in the company.
Luke McFadyen, Managing Director of Minerals 260, emphasized the transformative nature of this funding. He stated that securing A$220 million from a premier global gold royalty firm at this nascent stage of Bullabulling's development represents a significant validation of the project's potential. This financial backing is expected to expedite the project's progression towards production, broaden exploration initiatives, and reduce financial uncertainties. McFadyen highlighted that Franco-Nevada, already an existing royalty holder, expanding their involvement through this financing mechanism provides substantial added value compared to alternative funding avenues. He also noted that Franco-Nevada's comprehensive due diligence across all aspects of the project affirms Bullabulling's standing as a leading gold project within Australia.
The allocated funds are earmarked to diminish project risks and accelerate various development activities. These include the establishment of worker accommodation, the procurement of necessary materials, the commencement of preliminary site preparations, the initiation of definitive feasibility study work, and the expansion of drilling programs to better define the ore body. The formal royalty agreement between Minerals 260 and Franco-Nevada specifies an initial payment of A$75 million due on February 26, 2026, with a subsequent payment of A$95 million contingent upon securing all requisite regulatory approvals.
The agreement outlines royalty payments linked to gold production prices and grants Franco-Nevada specific entitlements concerning future financial dealings with Minerals 260. Additionally, Franco-Nevada will secure a mortgage over the project's tenements, pending approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board. Paul Brink, President and CEO of Franco-Nevada, expressed enthusiasm for the increased exposure to Bullabulling, describing it as a large and expanding ore body and one of Australia's most compelling gold development projects. He acknowledged the rapid and impressive advancements made by Minerals 260 following a thorough review by his team. For the transaction, Greenhill acted as the financial advisor for Minerals 260, while Allens provided legal counsel.
This substantial financial commitment from Franco-Nevada not only provides the necessary capital but also lends considerable credibility to the Bullabulling Gold Project. The partnership is strategically designed to streamline the project's path from exploration to full-scale production, fostering an environment where advanced drilling and infrastructure development can proceed with enhanced confidence and efficiency. The phased payment structure and the equity investment underscore a long-term commitment, solidifying Bullabulling's position as a significant venture in the Australian gold mining landscape and promising accelerated growth and reduced operational uncertainties for Minerals 260.