Kinross announces vend-in of Yukon property to create White Gold Corp. strategic alliance
Kinross Gold Corporation
25 York Street, 17th Floor
Toronto, ON Canada M5J 2V5
www.kinross.com
NEWS RELEASE
Kinross announces vend-in of Yukon property to create White
Gold Corp. strategic alliance
Toronto, Ontario – May 18, 2017 – Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K; NYSE:KGC) (“Kinross”) announced today
that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a n approximately 19.9% interest in White Gold Corp. (TSX-V:
WGO) by selling its 100% interest in the White Gold exploration project in the Yukon Territory to the company.
The strategic ownership in White Gold Corp. will provide Kinross with future optionality in the highly prospective
White Gold District , and in the larger Yukon Territory. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (TSX: AEM; NYSE: AEM)
(“Agnico Eagle”) also holds a n approximately 19.9% equity investment in White Gold Corp., and both Kinross and
Agnico Eagle are expected to leverage their deep tec hnical and operational experience to support White Gold
Corp.’s pursuit of exploration and development opportunities in the Yukon, in cluding at the White Gold exploration
property.
“We look forward to working with Agnico Eagle and White Gold Corp. to support the pursuit of quality development
opportunities in this highly prospective and largely underdeveloped district ,” said J. Paul Rollinson, President and
CEO of Kinross Gold. “This investment will allow the three companies to pool their expertise together to strengthen
their position in this excellent mining jurisdiction.”
Kinross’ sale of the White Gold exploration property to White Gold Corp. includes the following consideration:
Approximately US$7 million (C$10 million) in cash, payable upon closing;
17.5 million common shares of White Gold Corp. , at deemed purchase price of C$2.01 representing
approximately 19.9% of the pro forma issu ed and outstanding shares of White Gold Corp., with a current
market value of approximately US$26 million (C$35.2 million);
Deferred payments of approximately US$11 million (C$15 million), payable in three equal payments of
approximately US$3.7 million (C$5 million) upon announcement by White Gold Corp. of a preliminary
economic assessment, announcement of the completion of a feasibility study, and foll owing the
announcement of a positive construction decision for the White Gold exploration project.
Kinross will also enter into an inv estor rights agreement with White Gold Corp. that will provide Kinross with the
right to maintain its ownership position through participation in any future equity financings, and the right to nominate
a board member in White Gold Corp.
White Gold Corp. is the largest landholder in the White Gold District and its experienced exploration team has been
involved in multiple major discoveries in the Yukon.
The transaction is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2017, subject to customary conditions of
closing, as well as the concurrent closing of a private placement to Agnico Eagle to maintain its proportionate
interest in White Gold Corp., and obtaining TSX-V approval.
Additional White Gold Corp. Equity Details
Kinross expects to acquire the securities for investment purposes and may or may not purchase or sell White Gold
Corp. securities in the future on the open market or in private transactions, depending on market conditions and
other factors, subject to certain contractual restrictions agreed to with White Gold Corp.
Specifically, Kinross has agreed that it will not trade its White Gold Corp. common shares until four months following
closing. For further information, a copy of the early warning report filed on SEDAR in connection with the transaction
Kinross Gold Corporation
25 York Street 17th Floor
Toronto, ON, Canada M5J 2V5
p. 2 Kinross announces vend-in of Yukon property to create White Gold Corp. strategic alliance www.kinross.com
may be obtained from Kathleen Grandy, Vice-President, Assistant General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at
416-365-2496.
About Kinross Gold Corporation
Kinross is a Canadian -based senior gold mining company with mines and projects in the United States, Brazil,
Russia, Mauritania, Chile and Ghana. Kinross’ focus is on delivering value based on the core principles of
operational excellence, balance sheet strength, disciplined growth and responsible mining. Kinross maintains
listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (sy mbol:KGC).
Investor Relations Contact
Tom Elliott
Senior Vice-President, Investor Relations and Corporate Development
phone: 416-365-3390
Media Contact
Louie Diaz
Director, Corporate Communications
phone: 416-369-6469
Cautionary statement on forward-looking information
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this news release, including any information as to the future financial or operating
performance of Kinross, constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of certain securities
laws, including the provisions of the Securities Act (Ontario) and the “safe harbor” provisions under the United States Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on the expectations, estimates and projections of management as of the date of this news release
unless otherwise stated. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered
reasonable by Kinross as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and
contingencies. The estimates and assumptions of Kinross contained in this news release, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not
limited to: (i) the various assumptions set forth herein; (ii) that Kinross will complete the sale of its interest in the White Gold exploration project in
accordance with, and on the timeline contemplated by, the terms and conditions of the relevant agreements, on a basis consistent with our current
expectations; (iii) that any contingent payment contemplated by the purchase agreement governing the sale will be paid to Kinross, and (iv) that a
construction decision will be made in respect of the White Gold Project. The forward-looking information set forth in this news release is subject to
various risks and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information,
including the risk that the sale transaction will not be completed for any reason. Certain of these risks, factors, estimates and assumptions are
described in more detail in Kinross’ most recently filed Annual Information Form in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and the “Risk Analysis”
section of our most recently filed Management’s Discussion and Analysis, to which readers are referred and which are incorporated by
reference in this news release. In addition, all forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by the full “Cautionary Statement”
in such Annual Information Form and the “Cautionary Statement on Forward Looking Information” in such Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
These risks, factors, estimates and assumptions are not exhaustive. Kinross disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, or to explain any material difference between
subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.