Mining’s old guard needs strong medicine
A new report details subpar investor returns in the mining industry over the last decade, particularly big cap diversified companies which have not adapted to new realities.
The London-listed miner tried for years to establish a more independent identity from parent Barrick Gold, and the name change seems to emphasize that.
Barrick Gold’s (TSX, NYSE: ABX) subsidiary, African Barrick, said Thursday it is now known as Acacia Mining (LON:ACA), a company still focused on the African continent and 64% owned by the Canadian gold giant.
Unveiling its long-term strategy, Acacia said one of its first moves will be moving its operations at North Mara — a constant target of small-scale gold looting by locals—underground, which should improve security and extend the life of the mine, the firm said.
The project is expected to produce 450,000 ounces of gold over a five-year mine life at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of under $750 per ounce.
Buys new project
The renamed gold miner also unveiled it had inked a deal with West African gold miner Sarama (TSX-V: SWA) to buy into its Burkina Faso field. The agreement could see Acacia acquire up to 70% of the Sarama’s Houndé project.
The mid-cap gold miner, which spun off from Barrick Gold in 2010, has been tightening its belt since 2012, as it has been hit hard by low bullion prices and higher costs. At the same time, it has tried to establish a more independent identity and the name change seems to be a way to emphasize such sought-after autonomy.
Last year Barrick Gold failed to complete a potential deal to sell the Tanzania-focused company to a Chinese buyer, but did sell down part of its holding in March.
An acacia tree is hardy and resilient and thrives in tough environments. These certainly sounds like the attributes a gold company would want in today’s market condition, with prices hitting four-year lows.
Other than North Mara, Acacia has two other producing mines in northwest Tanzania – Bulyanhulu and Buzwagi. It also has exploration projects in Tanzania, Kenya and Burkina Faso.
3 Comments
thepowell
I like how you mention “small-scale looting by locals” and not, y’know, “large-scale human rights violations by Barrick”.
LAMB
Just a note to “thepowell” – unless you have been there you cannot imagine how these people work – always at night and placing themselves in DANGER, even though a large number from the village is employed there earning substantially more than their neighbors.
Believe me, I was there and I saw what they were doing – stealing diesel fuel, breaking into residences, etc. There were NO HUMAN RIGHTS violations when I was there. Just WHAT do YOU call Human Rights violations – employment? WHAT???
golddigger69
Another company for Brad Gordon to run into the ground