West Wits Mines Lands 712 Million Deal With Aventive Resources Over Mt Cecelia Project In Western Australia

West Wits to Sell Mt Cecelia Project to Aventine Resources in Strategic Deal Valued at $712 Million

The company has agreed to sell its Mt Cecelia Project in Western Australia to Aventine Resources, a move promising to unlock significant value for West Wits Mining shareholders. The transaction is structured to provide immediate and potential future benefits to West Wits, while preserving meaningful exposure to exploration success through equity participation and a retained royalty interest.

As part of the agreement, West Wits will receive $2 million in Aventine equity, which could provide future leverage from exploration successes at the Mt Cecelia Project. The company will also retain a 1% net smelter returns (NSR) royalty on future production from the project, with Aventine having the option to buy back 50% of the royalty for $2 million.

The agreement includes a deferred consideration of up to $712,703, payable in cash or shares, contingent on defining a Joint Ore Reserves Committee-compliant mineral resource estimate of at least 500,000 ounces of gold with a minimum cut-off grade of 0.5 grams per tonne. This provision ensures that West Wits will receive a significant upfront payment if the project’s resource definition meets the required threshold.

The sale of the Mt Cecelia Project marks an important strategic milestone for West Wits, allowing the company to focus its capital and operational efforts on advancing the Qala Shallows Project and unlocking the broader potential of its Witwatersrand Basin portfolio. In December 2025, West Wits inaugurated the Qala Shallows gold mine, marking a significant step forward in the company’s exploration and development strategy.

By divesting the non-core Mt Cecelia Project, West Wits is able to unlock value from an asset that no longer aligns with its core strategic objectives. This decision enables the company to preserve meaningful exposure to future exploration success at Mt Cecelia through its retained royalty interest and equity participation in Aventine Resources.

Aventine Resources’ commitment to acquiring high-quality gold projects is demonstrated by this deal, which is critical for driving growth and revenue generation. With its focus on exploration and development, Aventine is well-positioned to unlock the full potential of the Mt Cecelia Project, leveraging its expertise and resources to drive production and maximize returns.

The transaction structure allows West Wits to benefit from the project’s progress with Aventine, a focused and resourced owner, without incurring additional capital investment. This approach enables exposure to the project’s growth potential while minimizing risk, making it an attractive option for West Wits shareholders.

West Wits Mining CEO Rudi Deysel commented on the deal, stating that the divestment of the Mt Cecelia Project represents a strategically compelling outcome for West Wits shareholders. The transaction structure delivers immediate and potential future value, while preserving meaningful exposure to exploration success through equity participation and a royalty entitlement.

The deal is contingent upon standard conditions such as due diligence, the execution of definitive agreements, Aventine’s proposed Australian Securities Exchange listing and capital raising, and obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals. Once these conditions are met, the transaction is expected to be completed, marking a significant milestone in West Wits’ exploration and development strategy.

With its diversified portfolio of projects and focus on growth and production, West Wits Mining remains well-positioned for long-term success. The sale of the Mt Cecelia Project marks an important step forward in the company’s strategic plan, enabling it to concentrate on high-potential projects like Qala Shallows and unlock the full potential of its Witwatersrand Basin portfolio.

The acquisition of the Mt Cecelia Project by Aventine Resources presents a significant opportunity for the company to drive growth and revenue generation. With its expertise in exploration and development, Aventine is well-equipped to unlock the full potential of the project, leveraging its resources and expertise to deliver strong returns on investment.

As the gold market continues to evolve and grow, companies like West Wits Mining and Aventine Resources are poised for success, driven by their focus on growth, production, and exploration. With its diversified portfolio of projects and commitment to delivering value to shareholders, West Wits Mining is an exciting company to watch in the coming years.

The future of gold mining looks bright, with companies like West Wits Mining and Aventine Resources leading the way in exploration and development. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, it will be exciting to see how these companies navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

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