SSR Mining Enters Agreement to Sell 20% Stake to Lidya Mines
SSR Mining announces that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Lidya Mines to sell its 20% ownership stake and its operatorship position in the Hod Maden development project for an uncapped 4.0% net smelter return royalty, or NSR, on 100% of the Project. The royalty consideration received by SSR Mining is expected to deliver an accretive outcome for shareholders. Concurrently with the Transaction, Royal Gold, which is a partner in the Project, will sell 15% of its ownership interest in the Project to Lidya Mines in exchange for an uncapped 2.5% NSR on 100% of the Project. Royal Gold's 2.5% NSR will be issued with substantially the same key terms as the 4.0% NSR issued to SSR Mining. Royal Gold will also hold a fixed price call right to acquire 2.0% of the NSR from SSR Mining for $160M, expiring 12 months following declaration of commercial production at the Project. Additionally, Royal Gold will hold a consent right on the sale of SSR Mining's NSR prior to January 1, 2028, and a right of first refusal in connection with any sale of the SSR Mining NSR. Upon entering into the agreements related to the Transaction, Lidya Mines will become operator of the Project. Upon closing of the Transaction, Lidya Mines will own 85% and Royal Gold will own 15% of the Project. SSR Mining's total invested capital into Hod Maden, inclusive of upfront acquisition cost, earn-in and capital spend to date is approximately $243M. With the announcement of this Transaction, SSR Mining will resign as project operator and will have no further funding obligations, with such obligations being assumed by Lidya Mines. The Transaction will be completed on an as-is, where-is basis and SSR Mining will not provide any material post-closing indemnities. The Transaction is expected to close in the Q3. The closing of the Transaction will be subject to receipt of regulatory approval from the Turkish General Directorate of Mining and Petroleum Affairs, as well as other consents and approvals that may be required in connection with the Transaction, and other customary conditions.
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- Newmont's Strong Performance: In fiscal year 2025, Newmont's sales rose 21% to $22.7 billion, with a net income of $7.1 billion, showcasing its robust competitiveness in the global gold market despite risks from commodity price volatility.
- SSR Mining's Turnaround: SSR Mining's revenue surged 66.5% to nearly $1.7 billion in FY 2025, achieving a net income of $402.7 million, a significant recovery from a $261.3 million loss in 2024, indicating strong business resilience.
- Financial Health Comparison: Newmont's debt-to-equity ratio stands at 0.2 with a current ratio of 2.3, reflecting its solid financial health, while SSR Mining maintains a lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.1 and a current ratio of 2.1, indicating low leverage and good short-term liquidity.
- Future Outlook and Risks: While Newmont excels in cash flow and dividends, it faces notable legal and compliance risks; conversely, SSR Mining is poised to receive $1.5 billion from the sale of its Copler mine in Turkey, which could be used for expansion and shareholder returns, thereby reducing asset risk.
- Surging Gold Prices: In January 2026, gold prices soared to $5,500 per ounce and silver to $121 per ounce, driving SSR Mining's stock up 160% amid rising geopolitical uncertainty and fiscal deficits, creating a favorable environment for precious metal miners.
- Cash Windfall from Mine Sale: SSR Mining's sale of its 80% stake in the Copler mine for $1.5 billion reduces its exposure to emerging markets and provides a significant cash influx, boosting its cash reserves to a record $1.634 billion.
- Stable Production Guidance: The company is on track to produce between 450,000 and 535,000 gold equivalent ounces in 2026, and despite rising fuel costs, it has hedged 70% of its diesel usage, ensuring manageable production costs.
- Positive Investor Outlook: Analysts project non-GAAP earnings per share of $4.59 this year, with the stock currently priced at $29.72, reflecting a P/E ratio of 6.7, making SSR Mining an attractive investment for those bullish on the future of precious metals given its strong financial position and potential for rising gold prices.
- Significant Stock Surge: SSR Mining's stock has surged 160% over the past year, primarily driven by rising gold and silver prices and strong earnings expectations, reflecting market optimism about its future performance.
- Asset Sale Boosts Cash Flow: The company sold its Copler mine in Turkey for $1.5 billion, successfully reducing its exposure to emerging markets while significantly boosting its cash reserves, which are expected to be used for future acquisitions or dividend payments.
- Strong Financial Position: SSR Mining generated $211 million in free cash flow in Q1, ending the quarter with $634 million in cash and total liquidity of $1.1 billion, with no debt, showcasing its robust financial health.
- Clear Production Goals: The company is on track to meet its 2026 production target of 450,000 to 535,000 gold equivalent ounces, and despite challenges from rising fuel prices, SSR Mining maintains a positive production outlook through hedging 70% of its diesel usage.
- Surging Metal Prices: In January 2026, gold prices soared to $5,500 per ounce and silver to $121 per ounce, driven by rising geopolitical uncertainties and fiscal deficits, creating a favorable environment for mining companies like SSR Mining, which has seen its stock surge 160% over the past year.
- Asset Sale Strengthens Finances: SSR Mining's sale of its 80% stake in the Copler mine in Turkey for $1.5 billion not only reduces its exposure to emerging markets but also allows the company to focus on lower-risk gold and silver operations in the Americas, enhancing its financial stability.
- Robust Cash Flow: The company generated $242 million in free cash flow over the past year, with $211 million in the first quarter alone, ending the quarter with $634 million in cash and total liquidity of $1.1 billion, providing ample funds for future acquisitions and dividends.
- Production Guidance and Cost Management: SSR Mining is on track to meet its 2026 production guidance of 450,000 to 535,000 gold equivalent ounces, and while rising fuel prices could increase operating costs, the company has hedged 70% of its diesel usage, ensuring stability in uncertain market conditions.
- Transaction Overview: SSR Mining has agreed to sell its 20% stake and operatorship in the Hod Maden development project in Turkey to Lidya Mines in exchange for an uncapped 4% net smelter return royalty on 100% of the project, indicating a strategic asset reallocation.
- Partner Changes: Concurrently, Royal Gold will reduce its ownership interest in the project from 30% to 15%, receiving an uncapped 2.5% net smelter royalty on 100% of the project, reflecting a reassessment of its involvement and risk management.
- Operational Shift: Upon closing, Lidya Mines will become the operator of the Hod Maden project, owning 85% while Royal Gold retains 15%, which is expected to enhance management efficiency and operational flexibility of the project.
- Strategic Refocus: SSR Mining stated that this deal, combined with the previously announced sale of the Çöpler mine and acquisition of the Cripple Creek & Victor Mine, completes its strategic shift towards an Americas-focused platform, likely strengthening its competitive position in the region.
- Transaction Overview: SSR Mining has entered into a definitive agreement with Lidya Mines to sell its 20% stake and operatorship in the Hod Maden project, receiving an uncapped 4.0% net smelter return royalty, which is expected to enhance shareholder value.
- Funding Obligations Shift: Following the transaction, SSR Mining will no longer have funding obligations for the Hod Maden project, transferring all responsibilities to Lidya Mines, allowing the company to focus on its strategic priorities in the Americas.
- Strategic Restructuring Completed: This transaction, along with the previously announced sale of the Çöpler mine and acquisition of the Cripple Creek & Victor mine, marks the completion of SSR Mining's strategic refocus towards an Americas platform, reinforcing its position as a leading free cash flow and capital returns-focused gold and silver producer.
- Future Outlook: The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2026, subject to regulatory approval from the Turkish General Directorate of Mining and Petroleum Affairs, and the 4.0% royalty will strengthen SSR Mining's existing royalty portfolio, enhancing future revenue potential.











