Aura Minerals outlook revised to positive by S&P on expansion plans

Published 21/07/2025, 20:54
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Investing.com -- S&P Global Ratings revised its outlook on Aura Minerals Inc. to positive from stable on Monday, while affirming its ’B+’ ratings on the gold producer.

The rating agency cited Aura’s recent U.S. listing, which raised $196 million through an IPO of 8.1 million shares, representing about 10% of the company’s capital. The proceeds will fund the $76 million acquisition of the Serra Grande mine in Brazil and development of new projects including Matupá in Brazil and Era Dorada in Guatemala.

S&P expects Aura’s production to exceed 400,000 oz in 2026 and approach 500,000 oz in 2027, driven by the ramp-up of the low-cost Borborema mine in the third quarter of 2025 and the integration of Serra Grande, pending antitrust approval.

The rating agency highlighted Aura’s track record of successfully developing small to medium projects and turning around older assets since its ownership change in 2016. This includes extending the life of mines at Aranzazu and San Andres, starting commercial operations at Almas in 2023, and the upcoming Borborema ramp-up.

Record high gold prices, which reached $3,450 per oz in June 2025 and averaged $3,100 per oz year-to-date (compared to $2,200 in the same period of 2024), are boosting Aura’s free operating cash flow despite significant expansion capital expenditures. S&P projects FOCF of approximately $90 million in 2025 and about $130 million annually in subsequent years, with gross debt to EBITDA expected to remain close to 1.0x.

The rating still reflects Aura’s limited scale as a smaller gold producer, with 2025 production estimated at slightly below 300,000 oz across six mines. However, S&P noted that the company’s project pipeline and strong financial metrics partially offset this limitation.

S&P indicated it could revise the outlook back to stable if Aura fails to continue its growth trajectory or if a drop in gold and copper prices, decreased ore grades, or adverse weather conditions impact volumes while high capital expenditures, dividends, and working capital needs weaken credit metrics.

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