Solaris Resources (TSX:SLS) has announced that it has entered into a subscription agreement with an affiliate of China’s Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. for a private placement of Solaris common shares. Under the terms of the agreement, Zijin will invest approximately $130 million into Solaris through the purchase of 28,481,289 common shares at a price of $4.55 per share. The deal values the shares at a 14% premium over Solaris’ closing share price of $3.99 on the Toronto Stock Exchange on January 10.

Mr. Daniel Earle, President & CEO, commented in a press release: “Zijin is one of the most successful major mining companies in the world. It boasts an unprecedented track record of growth from its origins operating a single gold mine in the early 1990s to becoming a global major operating in 16 countries with total revenue far in excess of its gold mining peers, including excepted top five-ranked copper production in 2024. We take tremendous pride in announcing our new strategic partnership with Zijin and look forward to leveraging its deep technical expertise and financial capacity in delivering the full potential of one of the last remaining greenfield copper districts at low elevation and adjacent to infrastructure available globally.”

Upon completion of the transaction, Zijin will own a 15% equity stake in Solaris on a fully diluted basis. The private placement proceeds will be used by Solaris to advance development of its Warintza copper-gold project in Ecuador and for general working capital purposes.

The share subscription agreement allows Zijin to nominate one member to Solaris’ board of directors as long as it maintains ownership of at least 5% of outstanding shares. Zijin will also have participation rights to buy additional Solaris shares to maintain its proportional holding.

Closing of the private placement remains subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals, including from the Toronto Stock Exchange, Investment Canada, and Chinese authorities. Solaris expects the transaction to close by the end of Q1 2024. The newly issued shares will be subject to a statutory hold period.

Solaris was advised on the private placement by China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited and Minmetals Securities Co., Ltd. An early warning report will be filed by Zijin in accordance with Canadian disclosure rules.

The above references an opinion and is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Seek a licensed professional for investment advice. The author is not an insider or shareholder of any of the companies mentioned above.