“The closing of the Chirano acquisition marks the achievement of a signifi- cant milestone for Asante’s growth strategy as we work to gain mid-tier status in the near term,” Asante President and CEO Dave Anthony said. “Combined, the Bibani and Chirano assets cover a district scale gold field exceeding 53 km in length with past gold production of more than 8 million oz.”

Chirano is an open-pit and underground operation located in southwestern Ghana, approximately 100 km southwest of Kumasi, the country’s second largest city. Last year, the mine produced nearly 155,000 gold equivalent oz. Chirano’s ore is processed at the mine’s mill, which has capacity of approximately 3.5 million mt/y.

Kinross received $60 million in cash and nearly $36.2 million in Asante common shares. The company agreed to hold its Asante shares, which represent 9.9% of ownership in Asante, for at least 12 months following the close of the transaction. Kinross will also receive a total deferred payment of $128.8 million in cash, with $55 million payable on the six-month anniversary of closing, and $36.9 million payable on each of the one-year and twoyear anniversaries of closing.