Canadian gold miner Kinross to sell all assets in Russia

Canadian miner Kinross Gold Corp. is selling all of its assets in Russia as a growing number of companies withdraw from the country following its invasion of Ukraine.

The Toronto-based gold miner said Tuesday it's selling 100 per cent of its Russian assets to the Highland Gold Mining group of companies and its affiliates for $680 million US in cash.

Kinross owns the Kupol underground mine in the country's eastern Chukotka region and surrounding exploration licences, as well as the Udinsk development-stage project in the Khabarovsk region.

The company said Highland Gold is one of the largest gold mining companies in Russia, with mining operations in both of the areas where Kinross has assets.

The transaction is subject to the approval of the Russian government.

Russian government must OK sale

Mike Parkin, head of mining research at National Bank Financial, said in a client note that obtaining approval from the Russian government is a potentially significant hurdle.

RBC Dominion Securities Inc. analyst Josh Wolfson called the transaction fair.

In a note to clients, he said the closing of the deal andKinross's ability to receive funds under current sanctions is uncertain and carries above-average risk.

Kinross is the latest in a raft of companies to exit Russia following its attack on Ukraine.

It's also one of the more significant withdrawals from the country, as other companies have largely paused or suspended operations but maintained assets on the ground.