Newcrest Mining to explore options for its stake in SolGold – sources

Australia’s Newcrest Mining has hired investment bank RBC Capital Markets to explore options for its 13.57% stake in gold and copper producer SolGold, two sources said, after it contested SolGold’s latest fundraising initiative.

The Ecuador-focused company agreed in May a financing package of up to $150-million and a $15-million bridge loan for its Alpala project with streaming company Franco-Nevada defying Newcrest, which had urged it to raise funds via equity.

Australia’s biggest listed gold producer is seeking advice on its options for the stake it holds in SolGold, but no conclusion has been reached on whether to sell or buy more, two sources close to the matter said on condition of anonymity.