Beaconsfield will remain in operation as BCD Resources gets another reprieve
Tasmanian gold miner BCD Resources hurdled another scare this week and escaped fresh threats of receivership as it secured a $10 million loan at the last minute which should keep its Beaconsfield mine site operating, its 200 employees working and its major lender grinning, for now.
Two months afters its rescue by Perth-based Minemakers, BCD's Beaconsfield operation appeared still remote from delivering its rich promises of gold yields that prompted the company's lender to press for debt restructuring or face the prospect administration proceedings.
Earlier, BCD was granted a $15 million financing by Minemakers following the collapse of its merger talks with Bendigo Mining two months ago but that deal was eventually tweaked and the loan reduced to $8.5 million as Minemakers realised that BCD was indeed enmeshed in a much-deeper financial woes than originally anticipated.
With threats of receivership hanging over its head, BCD got another reprieve this week as a substantial lifeline was thrown its way this week by a consortium of shareholders and contractors in exchange for shares in BCD Resources.
The gold miner also appeased Minemakers by offering shares in return for the $8.5 million it owes to the lender or an equivalent of up to 45 percent stakes in the company, which was approved by Minemakers as it hopes that Beaconsfield mine would start realising its potential of delivering gold.
Minemakers managing directors Andrew Drummond expressed relief that BCD Resources was able to secure financing for use as additional working capital and readjust its arrangements with the company on a mutually satisfactory basis.
On his part, BCD Resources chief executive Bill Colvin is optimistic that the new working set up with Minemakers would finally allow the company to move ahead following its botched merger with Bendigo Mining, which he stressed was quite difficult for BCD's workers and the Beaconsfield community.
Mr Colvin added that as the issues were now put behind BCD's sight, he is hopeful that Beaconsfield could resume its quest of delivering its targeted profits that would satisfy the company's shareholders, workers and lenders.