The move is part of an aggressive transformation of the Chilean state-miner, which is looking at adding fresh technologies to revitalizing some of its century-old mines.
The one-time special dividend, worth $470 million, will be given to Newmont's shareholders only if its friendly takeover of Canada’s Goldcorp is approved.
The world’s biggest iron ore producer said the injunction will impact production at its massive Brucutu mine, as it will now take longer than expected to bring it back on line.
The operation is expected to be the third-largest copper mine in the U.S., employing about 500 people and accounting for approximately 10% of the country’s total copper production.
The company has secured a second five-year exploration licence in the Erzgebirge (meaning Ore Mountain) region of Saxony, which completely encloses its Zinnwald project.
The Montana, U.S.-based Sunlight mine has been approaching the end of its operational life in recent years and its remaining gold reserves are nearly depleted.