Paramount Gold Nevada Closes $15 Million Financing With Sprott Streaming

Rhea-AI Summary

Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. (PZG) has closed a $15 million financing with Sprott Resource and Streaming Royalty Corp. to fund the Grassy Mountain Gold Mine in Oregon and for general corporate purposes. The financing will be used to repay outstanding debt and carry an interest rate of 10% per annum. The RCN may be repaid in cash or through the issuance of the Royalty at the earlier of the commencement of commercial production or 5 years from the RCN closing date. Paramount has the option to buy back 50% of the Royalty by paying either $11.25 million on the 2nd anniversary of the RCN agreement or $12.375 million on the 3rd anniversary.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The closure of the $15 million financing by Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. with Sprott Resource and Streaming Royalty Corp. through a Secured Royalty Convertible Note (RCN) is a strategic move to secure funding for the Grassy Mountain Gold Mine project. This type of financial instrument allows Paramount to avoid immediate equity dilution while obligating them to future payments pegged to the mine's revenue. The RCN's 10% interest rate is above average, reflecting the inherent risks associated with mining projects and the speculative nature of the industry. Investors should note that the convertible feature and the potential issuance of a gross revenue royalty of 4.75% could impact future earnings, although the option to buy back 50% of the royalty provides some flexibility.

From a financial perspective, the use of proceeds to expedite the permitting process and repay existing debt is a positive sign of proactive capital management. However, the reliance on a single financing partner adds a layer of risk. The ability to pay interest in cash or shares at a discount is a double-edged sword; it provides payment flexibility but could lead to further dilution if the share payment option is exercised. This deal positions Paramount to potentially bring the first modern mine to Oregon, which could be a significant milestone, but the associated risks must be carefully weighed.

Market Research Analyst

The partnership between Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. and Sprott Streaming indicates a vote of confidence in the Grassy Mountain Gold Mine's prospects. The project's advancement through the permitting process signals a more definitive path toward production, which is critical information for stakeholders tracking the project's viability. As the project moves closer to potential commercial production, the market will likely monitor Paramount's progress for signs of operational efficiency and risk management.

It is also important to consider the broader market implications of new gold and silver production. The entry of a new player in the gold mining sector can affect supply dynamics, potentially influencing gold prices, albeit marginally given the scale of global production. Investors and analysts will be keen to understand how Paramount's entry into the market might interact with current market trends, including demand for precious metals and investor sentiment towards commodities amidst economic uncertainty.

Mining Industry Analyst

The Grassy Mountain Gold Mine represents a significant development in the mining sector, particularly within Oregon, which has not seen the establishment of a modern mine in recent history. The project's progress through the stringent permitting process demonstrates Paramount's capability in navigating environmental and regulatory hurdles, which are increasingly important in the mining industry. The funding from Sprott Streaming, a seasoned investor in natural resources, underscores the project's potential and the growing interest in North American mining assets.

Moreover, the structure of the RCN with a convertible feature into a gross revenue royalty aligns Paramount's financing with production outcomes, a common practice in the mining industry to mitigate investor risk. The proposed 4.75% royalty rate is within the typical range for such agreements, but it does commit a portion of future revenues, which could be substantial if the mine's output is significant. This arrangement allows Sprott Streaming to benefit from the mine's success without assuming operational responsibilities, while Paramount retains the operational control and a path to reduce the royalty burden in the future.

WINNEMUCCA, Nev., Dec. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. (NYSE American: PZG) (“Paramount” or the “Company”) announced today that it has closed the previously announced $15 million financing with Sprott Resource and Streaming Royalty Corp. (“Sprott Streaming”), through the issuance of a non-dilutive Secured Royalty Convertible Note (“RCN”).

The proceeds of the financing will be used to fund the continued permitting of the proposed Grassy Mountain Gold Mine in eastern Oregon, for general corporate purposes and for the repayment of the company’s outstanding debt. 

Paramount CEO, Rachel Goldman commented, “With the receipt of the Notice to Proceed from the State of Oregon, the Grassy permitting process has taken on greater certainty and this financing will allow us to fund our activities through to the receipt of final permits. Sprott Streaming is an ideal financial partner, a flexible and seasoned natural resource investor, providing an important source of patient capital.”

The RCN will carry an interest rate of 10% per annum, which, at Paramount’s discretion, will be payable in cash or shares at a 7% discount to the 10-day VWAP from the scheduled date of payment of interest. The RCN may be repaid in cash or through the issuance of the Royalty at the earlier of the commencement of commercial production or 5 years from the RCN closing date. The RCN is convertible into a gross revenue royalty of 4.75% of the gold and silver produced from the proposed Grassy Mountain Gold Mine proportionate to the final amount of the funds that have been advanced upon reaching commercial production. If a Royalty is issued, Paramount has the option to buy back 50% of the Royalty by paying either $11.25 million on the 2nd anniversary of the RCN agreement or $12.375 million on the 3rd anniversary.

“With the closing of this financing, Paramount will start a catalyst rich 2024 with the financial flexibility to fund our goal of making Grassy Mountain the first modern mine in the State of Oregon, and we welcome Sprott Streaming as a new stakeholder supporting our journey,” Goldman added.

Caroline Donally, Managing Partner, Sprott Streaming, commented, “We are delighted to partner with Paramount as it progresses the high grade, feasibility study stage Grassy Mountain Gold Mine through the permitting process in Oregon.”

About Paramount Gold Nevada Corp.

Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. is a U.S. based precious metals exploration and development company. Paramount’s strategy is to create shareholder value through exploring and developing its mineral properties and to realize this value for its shareholders in three ways: by selling its assets to established producers; entering joint ventures with producers for construction and operation; or constructing and operating mines for its own account.

Paramount holds a 100% interest in four gold projects: Grassy Mountain; Frost; Sleeper and Bald Peak.

The Grassy Mountain Gold Project ("Grassy") consists of approximately 8,200 acres located on private and BLM land in Malheur County, Oregon. Grassy contains a gold-silver deposit (100% located on private land) for which results of a positive Feasibility Study have been released and key permitting milestones accomplished.

Frost is comprised of 84 unpatented lode claims covering approximately 1,730 acres located 12 miles southwest of the Company’s proposed high-grade, underground Grassy in Malheur County, Oregon.

The Sleeper Gold Project is in Northern Nevada, the world’s premier mining jurisdiction. The Sleeper Gold Project, which includes the former producing Sleeper mine, totals 2,474 unpatented mining claims (approximately 44,917 acres).

The drill ready, Bald Peak Project in Nevada, consists of approximately 2,260 acres.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

This release and related documents may include "forward-looking statements" and “forward-looking information” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) pursuant to applicable United States and Canadian securities laws. Paramount’s future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable securities laws. Words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although these words may not be present in all forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included in this news release include, without limitation, statements with respect to the use of proceeds from the Offerings. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analyses and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Management believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the conclusions made in the feasibility study for the Grassy Mountain Gold Project (the “FS”); the quantity and grade of resources included in resource estimates; the accuracy and achievability of projections included in the FS; Paramount’s ability to carry on exploration and development activities, including construction; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits; the price of silver, gold and other metals; prices for key mining supplies, including labor costs and consumables, remaining consistent with current expectations; work meeting expectations and being consistent with estimates and plant, equipment and processes operating as anticipated. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: uncertainties involving interpretation of drilling results; environmental matters; the ability to obtain required permitting; equipment breakdown or disruptions; additional financing requirements; the completion of a definitive feasibility study for the Grassy Mountain Gold Project; discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, between actual and estimated development and operating costs and between estimated and actual production; the global epidemics, pandemics, or other public health crises, including the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global health pandemic, and the spread of other viruses or pathogens and the other factors described in Paramount’s disclosures as filed with the SEC and the Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta Securities Commissions.

Except as required by applicable law, Paramount disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this document.

Paramount Gold Nevada Corp.
Rachel Goldman, Chief Executive Officer
Christos Theodossiou, Director of Corporate Communications
844.488.2233
Twitter: @ParamountNV

FAQ

What is the recent announcement from Paramount Gold Nevada Corp.?

Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. has closed a $15 million financing with Sprott Resource and Streaming Royalty Corp. to fund the Grassy Mountain Gold Mine in Oregon and for general corporate purposes.

What is the interest rate on the financing received by Paramount Gold Nevada Corp.?

The financing received by Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. carries an interest rate of 10% per annum.

How can the RCN be repaid?

The RCN may be repaid in cash or through the issuance of the Royalty at the earlier of the commencement of commercial production or 5 years from the RCN closing date.

What option does Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. have regarding the Royalty?

Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. has the option to buy back 50% of the Royalty by paying either $11.25 million on the 2nd anniversary of the RCN agreement or $12.375 million on the 3rd anniversary.