Continental Gold

Continental Gold Limited was a Canadian-based, advanced-stage gold exploration and development company that became a significant player in the Colombian precious metals sector. The company's primary focus was the acquisition, exploration, and development of high-grade gold properties. Its business model centered on advancing its portfolio of gold projects, with the ultimate goal of becoming a large-scale gold producer, thereby creating value for its shareholders. The company's revenue strategy was based on the future production and sale of gold on the global market.

The company was founded by Chairman Robert W. Allen, who began acquiring mining and exploration licenses in Colombia in the late 1980s. These properties were later consolidated into Continental Gold, which went public in April 2010. A key figure in the company's advancement was CEO Ari Sussman, who, along with his management team, was instrumental in the company's growth and development strategy. The management team was noted for its extensive experience in discovering, financing, and developing large high-grade gold deposits in Latin America.

The company's flagship asset was the 100%-owned Buriticá project in Antioquia, Colombia. This project was recognized as one of the largest and highest-grade gold deposits globally, comprising two major vein systems. The Buriticá project was projected to have a 14-year mine life, producing an average of 250,000 ounces of gold annually. The project was significantly de-risked with infrastructure development and a clear path to production, which included a fully permitted status. Beyond Buriticá, the company held an extensive portfolio of other 100%-owned gold projects in Colombia, including the Berlin and Dominical projects.

A pivotal moment in the company's history occurred in December 2019, when it was announced that Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd., a major Chinese mining company, would acquire Continental Gold in an all-cash deal valued at approximately C$1.4 billion (US$1 billion). The acquisition was completed in March 2020, with Zijin acquiring all outstanding shares of Continental Gold. This transaction provided Zijin with a leading position in a premier gold-producing region and access to the world-class Buriticá project, which was on the verge of its first gold pour. Major shareholders at the time, including Newmont Corporation, supported the acquisition.

Keywords: Continental Gold, Zijin Mining, Buriticá project, gold mining, Colombia gold exploration, Ari Sussman, Robert W. Allen, precious metals development, mining acquisition, high-grade gold deposits, Antioquia mining, Yaraguá vein system, Veta Sur vein system, gold reserves, mining finance, Canadian mining company, South American gold, mineral exploration, underground mining, gold production