This week, Dominion Diamond Mines ULC settled a purchase agreement with DDJ Capital Management LLC and Brigade Capital Management LP, both investment managers to holders of the company’s second lien notes. Under the agreement, an entity controlled by the purchaser would acquire substantially all of Dominion’s assets, excluding its joint venture agreement and liabilities relating to the Diavik mine, in consideration for the assumption by the purchaser of various liabilities and the provision of a $70 million working capital facility. The capital will fund the post-closing satisfaction of certain assumed liabilities, operations at the Ekati mine and general working capital purposes.
Dominion filed for insolvency protection on April 22 under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) and obtained an order from the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench granting Dominion protection under the CCAA pursuant to an order from the CCAA Court.
Upon completion of the proposed transaction, Dominion expects the ongoing business to pay or otherwise satisfy, obligations to certain stakeholders, including Dominion’s employees; pension obligations; reclamation obligations at Ekati; and Dominion’s Impact Benefit Agreement partners and other Indigenous groups and Northern communities.
The company said it has agreed to take all action reasonably necessary or appropriate to restart operations at the Ekati mine as soon as possible, and no later than January 29, 2021. Under the terms of the agreement, the proposed transaction must close no later than February 1, 2021.
Dominion Diamond Mines ULC is a Canadian mining company and one of the world’s largest producers and suppliers of premium rough diamond assortments to the global market. The company owns a controlling interest in the Ekati Diamond mine, which it operates, and owns 40% of the Diavik Diamond mine. The company also holds a controlling interest in the Lac de Gras Diamond Project. The Ekati and Diavik Diamond Mines, and the Lac de Gras Diamond Project are located in the Northwest Territories of Canada.
