Franco-Nevada Announces $100 Million Financing with Orezone Gold on the Casa Berardi Mine
Rhea-AI Summary
Franco-Nevada (TSX/NYSE: FNV) entered a $100 million gold stream with Orezone Gold to support Orezone's acquisition of Hecla's Casa Berardi mine and other Quebec assets, including Heva-Hosco. The Stream gives Franco-Nevada fixed deliveries of 1,625 oz gold per quarter (6,500 oz/year) for five years, then variable deliveries of 5.0% of production from Casa Berardi and other Quebec assets (excluding Heva-Hosco) and 2.5% from Heva-Hosco. The Stream is secured, subject to closing conditions tied to Orezone's acquisition (expected H1 2026), and requires ongoing payments to Orezone equal to 20% of spot on delivered ounces. Franco-Nevada intends to fund the deposit from cash on hand.
Positive
- Immediate fixed gold receipts of 6,500 oz/year for five years
- 1.3 Moz proven and probable reserves at Casa Berardi
- Stream secured with an Orezone parent guarantee
- Financed from cash; company reported $0.9B cash and $1.9B available capital (Sep 30, 2025)
Negative
- Ongoing payment obligation of 20% of spot on delivered ounces
- Long‑term revenue diluted by 5.0% (Casa Berardi) and 2.5% (Heva‑Hosco) production streams
- Closing contingent on Orezone acquisition conditions, expected in H1 2026
- Uses $100 million cash deposit, reducing available liquidity
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
FNV was down 0.99% while key peers like AU (+3%) and B (+2.85%) were up, indicating stock-specific pressure rather than a broad gold sector move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21 | Sustainability recognition | Positive | +2.4% | First inclusion in Corporate Knights’ 2026 Global 100 sustainability ranking. |
| Nov 24 | Royalty lands update | Positive | +4.5% | Arbitration confirmed extent of Arthur Gold royalty lands involving Franco-Nevada. |
| Nov 11 | Partner earnings impact | Positive | +2.8% | Large gain at Altius from Arthur Gold royalty sale to Franco-Nevada. |
| Nov 03 | Record quarterly results | Positive | -1.7% | Record Q3 2025 revenue, GEOs, EBITDA and net income with debt-free balance sheet. |
| Oct 06 | Earnings scheduling | Neutral | +0.7% | Announcement of Q3 2025 results release date and related conference call. |
News has generally aligned with positive price reactions, with one notable divergence on record earnings.
In the last six months, Franco-Nevada has reported record Q3 2025 results with strong revenue and earnings growth, advanced its profile via sustainability recognition in January 2026, and featured in royalty-related updates tied to the Arthur Gold Project. Most of these events saw positive 24-hour reactions, except the record Q3 results, which drew a modest decline. Today’s Casa Berardi stream financing continues the pattern of adding producing and growth assets to its royalty and streaming portfolio.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement adds a new gold stream on the Casa Berardi Mine, providing fixed deliveries of 1,625 oz per quarter for five years plus ongoing percentage-based production exposure. It leverages Franco-Nevada’s reported $0.9B cash and $1.9B available capital as of September 30, 2025, without introducing debt. Historically, the company has expanded through royalty and streaming acquisitions, so investors may watch integration progress, production performance at Casa Berardi, and future capital deployment decisions.
Key Terms
gold stream financial
mineral reserves technical
mineral resources technical
inferred mineral resources technical
right of first refusal financial
royalties financial
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"We are pleased to add another operating gold mine to our Canadian portfolio and to partner with Orezone on this transformative transaction," said Paul Brink, President & CEO of Franco-Nevada. "Patrick and the Orezone team are proven operators and developers, and we are excited to partner with them as they build Casa Berardi's next chapter."
Patrick Downey, CEO of Orezone, commented: "We are honoured and excited to partner with Franco-Nevada on this transformational acquisition. We worked very closely with the Franco-Nevada team throughout the process and are confident that this partnership will generate significant value for both companies and all stakeholders. We are enthusiastic about the near-term opportunities to enhance value and see substantial exploration upside at Casa Berardi and across its surrounding land package. Together, our vision is to establish Casa Berardi as a profitable, long-life mining camp for decades to come."
Transaction Highlights
- Immediate Gold Revenues from the Established Casa Berardi Mine: The Stream will add immediate gold revenues from a well-established operation in a highly prospective district. Casa Berardi is located in the Abitibi region of
Quebec and has an extensive 35-year history of both surface and underground mining operations. The mine has produced over 3.2 Moz of gold to date and continues to deliver meaningful production and cash flow. - Experienced Management Team: Orezone is led by Patrick Downey, who has over 40 years of experience in the resource industry. The Orezone team has strong track record, building both the Bomboré mine and the subsequent Phase 1 Expansion on time and on budget.
- Large Mineral Resource with Exploration Potential: The Stream will cover a large resource base and surrounding land package, which includes both the Casa Berardi Mine and other
Quebec assets, including the Heva-Hosco Gold Project. The Casa Berardi Mine hosts P&P mineral reserves of 1.3 Moz (14.4 Mt at 2.79 g/t Au), mineral resources of 0.9 Moz Au M&I mineral resources exclusive of mineral reserves (4.7 Mt at 5.92 g/t Au) and 0.5 Moz Au inferred mineral resources (2.4 Mt at 6.01 g/t Au). In addition, Heva-Hosco hosts a large resource base of 1.2 Moz Au M&I mineral resources (30.3 Mt at 1.19 g/t Au) and 0.6 Moz Au inferred mineral resources (14.6 Mt at 1.27 g/t Au). - Significant Expansion Potential: Orezone has identified a number of opportunities to increase production over time and extend the mine life including:
- Maintaining and extending ongoing underground operations, with opportunity to increase head grade and production to historic levels with sustained investment in underground exploration and development;
- Continuing to advance permitting and development of WMCP & Principal pits; and
- Evaluating expansion of current and future open pits.
Key Terms
- Stream deliveries to Franco-Nevada consisting of:
- Fixed Deliveries: 1,625 oz of gold per quarter (6,500 oz of gold per year) for the first five years, followed by,
- Variable Deliveries:
5.0% of gold produced from the Casa Berardi Mine and otherQuebec assets (excluding Heva-Hosco) and2.5% of gold produced from Heva-Hosco.
Additional Considerations
- Funding of the
deposit upon closing with the effective date of the Stream January 1, 2026 and the first full quarter fixed delivery due by the later of April 15, 2026 and closing;$100 million - Gold ounces delivered will be subject to an ongoing payment of
20% of spot price to Orezone; - Stream will be secured and will benefit from an Orezone parent guarantee;
- Franco-Nevada will maintain a right of first refusal on future streams and royalties related to the Casa Berardi Mine and the Heva-Hosco Gold Project; and
- Closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including the successful completion of the acquisition by Orezone (which is itself subject to conditions), which is expected to occur in H1 2026.
Financing the Transaction
Franco-Nevada intends to finance the transaction from cash on hand. The Company had
Franco-Nevada Corporate Summary
Franco-Nevada Corporation is the leading gold-focused royalty and streaming company with the largest and most diversified portfolio of cash-flow producing assets. Its business model provides investors with gold price and exploration optionality while limiting exposure to cost inflation. Franco-Nevada is debt-free and uses its free cash flow to expand its portfolio and pay dividends. It trades under the symbol FNV on both the
About Orezone
Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE | ASX: ORE | OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring the Bomboré Gold Mine in
Additional Information
Orezone's head and registered office is located at 450-505 Burrard Street,
Information relating to the Casa Berardi Mine and the Heva-Hosco Gold Project contained in this news release has been provided by Orezone.
Scientific and technical information included in this news release has been reviewed by Darrol van Deventer, Vice President, Mining of Franco-Nevada, a non-independent qualified person under National Instrument 43-101.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, respectively, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future events or future performance, including the expected timing of closing the transaction, the expected future performance of the Casa Berardi Mine and other
For additional information with respect to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, please refer to Franco-Nevada's most recent Annual Information Form as well as Franco-Nevada's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on www.sedarplus.com and Franco-Nevada's most recent Annual Report filed on Form 40-F filed with the SEC on www.sec.gov. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only and Franco-Nevada does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
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SOURCE Franco-Nevada Corporation