“This acquisition further enhances the value proposition we are building in the Beatty District,” said AngloGold Ashanti CEO Alberto Calderon. “The addition of these properties consolidates our ownership position in one of North America’s most promising new gold districts, and gives us the ability to develop it in a way that will realize its full potential for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

Coeur currently estimates a mineral resource of 914,000 oz for the Sterling Properties. If, after additional exploration, AngloGold Ashanti declares a mineral resource from these properties that is greater than 3.5 million oz, AngloGold Ashanti would make the deferred consideration payment of an additional $50 million 30 days after that mineral resource declaration is made.

AngloGold Ashanti holds several exploration and development assets (North Bullfrog, Silicon, Merlin, Mother Lode, Transvaal and Rhyolite) in the Beatty District. AngloGold Ashanti has published a mineral resource at Silicon of 3.37 million oz. It recently acquired the neighboring North Bullfrog and Mother Lode projects through the acquisition of Corvus Gold during January.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year.