While a 2017 feasibility study estimated the initial capital cost for the project at $321 million, more recent cost estimates pegged this initial outlay between $360 million and $380 million, which includes contingency and inflation. The majority of these costs would be due in 2021 and 2022.
With these updated cost estimates in mind, Argonaut has a financing plan in place that covers over $400 million in costs through to 2022. The company closed out the third quarter with $178 million in cash, expects at least $50 million from the sale of the convertible debentures, with a further $30 million expected from the sale of the Ana Paula project in Mexico. In addition, assuming a gold price at or above $1,600 per oz., the producer expects at least $142 million in cash flow from its existing operations through to 2022.
The debenture offering, at $1,000 per debenture, is expected to close around Oct. 13; the underwriters also have the option to purchase an additional 15% of the securities offered to cover over-allotments for 30 days following closing. The debentures mature on Nov. 30, 2025 and may be converted into common shares of the company at a conversion price of approximately $2.86 per share, with specific conversion conditions.
In addition, the company has received a fixed bid pricing proposal for approximately half of the updated initial capital cost estimate. Argonaut is now reviewing this quote and, if certain terms can be met, expects to enter into a negotiated contract before starting construction early next year.
Measured and indicated resources at Magino stand at 144 million tonnes grading 0.91 g/t gold for a total of 4.2 million oz. The project received federal and provincial environmental assessment approvals in the first quarter of 2019.
A 2017 feasibility study for the project outlined a 10,000 t/d open pit operation with a 17-year mine life, producing an average of 150,000 oz. of gold in the first five years of operation at all-in sustaining costs of $711 per oz. The resulting project net present value estimate, at a 5% discount rate, came in at $288 million.
In July, Argonaut closed a C$126.5 million bought deal financing, with the proceeds intended for Magino.
(This article first appeared in the Canadian Mining Journal)
