Hummingbird Resources plc / Ticker:
HUM / Index: AIM / Sector: Mining
19 August
2024
Hummingbird Resources
plc
("Hummingbird", the "Group" or the
"Company")
Coris Refinancing Package
Hummingbird (HUM: AIM) is pleased to announce
the completion of the strategic refinancing of a portion of its
existing loan facilities with the Company's principal
financing partner Coris Bank
International ("Coris
Bank").
The Group has secured a refinancing package
amounting to approximately US$25 million at an annual interest rate
of 12%. This new financing will be utilised to meet the Company's
existing loan obligations due in Q2 2024, providing a two-year
deferment of specific facilities currently held with Coris
Bank.
The new facility has a 24-month term with
repayments, following a 12-month pause on capital and interest,
scheduled across three tranches beginning in H2-2025. Importantly,
the Company's net debt position will not change because full
quantum of the facility is being used to repay existing obligations
owed to Coris Bank.
This
strategic refinancing is a key component of Hummingbird's broader
financial strategy, aimed at reinforcing the Company's balance
sheet and ensuring operational continuity amidst the ongoing
adjustments at Kouroussa and Yanfolila. It positions the Company to
better manage its resources while continuing the ramp-up to achieve
commercial production, anticipated later this quarter.
Related Party Transaction
Coris Bank is controlled by the same
principal as the Company's largest shareholder. The Company
entering the refinancing package is therefore classified as a
related party transaction pursuant to the AIM Rules for Companies.
In this regard, the Directors of the Company confirm, having
consulted with the Company's nominated adviser, Strand Hanson
Limited, that they consider that the terms of the refinancing
package to be fair and reasonable insofar as its shareholders are
concerned.
Dan Betts, CEO of Hummingbird,
commented:
"The refinancing with Coris Bank is a
significant step in enhancing Hummingbird's financial resilience.
We fully appreciate the ongoing support and constructive
relationship with Coris, which has been instrumental in working
through recent challenges and in the development of Hummingbird
over the last several years. This move not only reduces near-term
balance sheet constraints but also helps position us to navigate
the current operating environment as we finalise the ramp-up at
Kouroussa and target commercial production later this
quarter."
**ENDS**
Notes to Editors:
Hummingbird
Resources plc (AIM: HUM) is a leading multi-asset,
multi-jurisdiction gold producing Company, member of the World Gold
Council and founding member of Single Mine Origin
(www.singlemineorigin.com).
The Company currently has two core gold projects, the operational
Yanfolila Gold Mine in Mali, and the Kouroussa Gold Mine in Guinea,
which will more than double current gold production once at
commercial production. Further, the Company has a controlling
interest in the Dugbe Gold Project in Liberia that is being
developed by joint venture partners, Pasofino Gold Limited. The
final feasibility results on Dugbe showcase 2.76Moz in Reserves and
strong economics such as a 3.5-year capex payback period once in
production, and a 14-year life of mine at a low AISC profile. Our
vision is to continue to grow our asset base, producing profitable
ounces, while central to all we do being our Environmental, Social
& Governance ("ESG") policies and practices.
For further information, please
visit hummingbirdresources.co.uk or
contact:
Daniel Betts,
CEO
Thomas Hill,
FD
Edward Montgomery,
CD
|
Hummingbird Resources
plc
|
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7409
6660
|
James
Spinney
Ritchie
Balmer
|
Strand Hanson
Limited
Nominated
Adviser
|
Tel: +44
(0) 20 7409 3494
|
James
Asensio
Charlie Hammond
|
Canaccord Genuity
Limited
Broker
|
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7523
8000
|
Bobby Morse
Oonagh
Reidy
George Pope
|
Buchanan
Financial
PR/IR
|
Tel: +44 (0) 20
7466 5000
Email: HUM@buchanan.uk.com
|