Allied Gold Begins Ore Processing for Sadiola's Phase 1 Expansion, Updates on Cost-Effective Phase 2 Expansion, and Q4 Production Status
Phase 1 Expansion at Sadiola: Allied Gold Corporation has commenced operations and processing ore through a new fresh ore comminution circuit as part of its Phase 1 expansion at Sadiola, aiming to increase production and cash flows significantly.
Production Expectations: The company anticipates annual production of 200,000 to 230,000 gold ounces starting in 2026, representing a 17% to 30% increase over 2023 levels, with the Phase 2 expansion expected to further enhance production by 2029.
Operational Enhancements: Allied is advancing plans for a pre-leach thickener and upgrades to processing plant control systems to improve efficiency and reduce costs, with updates on the Phase 2 expansion expected early next year.
Overall Production Guidance: For the current quarter, Sadiola is projected to produce approximately 60,000 gold ounces, contributing to an overall expected production of over 375,000 gold ounces for the year, bolstered by strong performance from other mines in Côte d’Ivoire.
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- Acquisition Overview: Allied Gold Corporation has agreed to be acquired by Zijin Mining for C$44 per share in cash, valuing the deal at approximately C$5.5 billion, which reflects a 27% premium to the market, indicating strong investor confidence in the transaction.
- Analyst Rating Change: Stifel analyst Ingrid Rico downgraded Allied Gold's rating from Buy to Hold, setting a price target of C$44, suggesting a cautious short-term outlook as the acquisition approaches completion.
- Transaction Structure and Risks: The deal is structured as a plan of arrangement under Ontario law, expected to close by late April 2026 with no financing conditions, supported by Zijin's robust liquidity, which mitigates market uncertainties.
- Investor Opportunity: The all-cash nature of the transaction provides shareholders with immediate and certain value, eliminating execution and jurisdictional risks associated with Allied's African assets, making it an attractive opportunity for investors seeking defined near-term returns.
- Gold Production Data: Global gold production reached 3,645 tonnes in 2024, nearing historic stability levels, although new discoveries remain at multi-decade lows, indicating a growing focus on producers.
- Profitability Surge: With gold prices testing $4,900 and average all-in sustaining costs at $1,600 per ounce, profits in the mining sector surged 91% over the past twelve months, setting the stage for a re-rating in 2026.
- Lake Victoria Gold Progress: Lake Victoria Gold completed critical geotechnical studies at its Imwelo Project in Tanzania, supporting the consolidation of multiple isolated pits into a single continuous open pit, optimizing mine design and advancing production planning.
- Kinross Gold Expansion Plans: Kinross Gold announced the advancement of three organic growth projects expected to contribute 300,000 ounces of gold production annually between 2029 and 2031, further extending the mine life of its Nevada assets.
- Strong Economic Data: US durable goods orders rose 5.3% month-over-month in November, surpassing the 4.0% market expectation, indicating economic resilience that could further boost stock market performance.
- Increased Trade Uncertainty: President Trump's threat of 100% tariffs on Canadian imports raises concerns over trade agreements, potentially leading to decreased investor confidence and negatively impacting stock performance.
- Weak Dollar Impact: The dollar index fell 0.5% to a four-month low, which may encourage foreign investors to withdraw capital, putting pressure on the stock market while simultaneously driving precious metal prices to new highs.
- Optimistic Earnings Outlook: With 78% of S&P 500 companies exceeding earnings expectations, fourth-quarter earnings growth is projected at 8.4%, providing support for the stock market despite ongoing political and economic uncertainties.
- Durable Goods Orders Surge: US durable goods orders rose 5.3% month-over-month in November, surpassing the 4.0% market expectation, indicating economic resilience that could bolster stock market confidence.
- Political Uncertainty Impact: Trump's threat of 100% tariffs on Canadian imports heightens trade uncertainty, potentially prompting foreign investors to withdraw capital, which could exert downward pressure on the stock market.
- Weak Dollar: The dollar index fell 0.7% to a four-month low amid speculation of US-Japan intervention to boost the yen, further impacting exports and stock market performance.
- Optimistic Earnings Outlook: With 78% of S&P 500 companies exceeding earnings expectations, Q4 earnings growth is projected at 8.4%, providing market support despite ongoing political and economic challenges.
- Durable Goods Orders Rise: US durable goods orders for November increased by 5.3% month-over-month, surpassing the market expectation of 4.0%, indicating economic resilience that could bolster investor confidence and support stock market performance.
- Political Uncertainty Impact: Trump's threat of 100% tariffs on imports from Canada has heightened trade uncertainty, potentially leading to foreign investors pulling capital, thereby exerting pressure on the stock market.
- Weak Dollar: The dollar index fell by 0.5%, hitting a four-month low amid speculation that the US might coordinate with Japan to boost the yen, further affecting the dollar's international standing.
- Mining Stocks Surge: With gold and silver prices reaching new highs, mining stocks are broadly up, with Anglogold Ashanti, Hecla, and Coeur Mining rising over 4%, reflecting strong investor demand for precious metals.
- Acquisition Deal: Zijin Mining has agreed to acquire Allied Gold for approximately C$5.5 billion (US$4 billion) in cash, with a purchase price of C$44 per share, representing a 5.4% premium over Allied Gold's Friday closing price, indicating strong market confidence in the transaction.
- Asset Portfolio: Allied Gold operates three producing assets and development projects in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Ethiopia, expected to yield up to 400,000 ounces of gold last year, enhancing Zijin's resource allocation in Africa through this acquisition.
- Market Timing: The acquisition was announced as gold prices topped US$5,000 per ounce for the first time, reflecting strong demand for gold assets while providing significant cash value for Allied Gold shareholders.
- Strategic Implications: Allied Gold CEO Peter Marrone stated that this transaction crystallizes significant value at an all-time high share price for shareholders, highlighting Zijin Mining's expansion intentions in the global mining market and its focus on the gold sector.










