Newmont has told investors it is not chasing Northern Star Resources, easing speculation that the world’s largest gold producer would join the contest for the ASX-listed miner. Chief executive Natascha Viljoen made the comments alongside September quarter results, reported by Reuters, saying Northern Star’s assets do not fit the company’s strategy.
Strong quarter, but no appetite for a big deal
Newmont reported adjusted earnings of US$2.20 per share, ahead of the US$2.05 analysts expected, on revenue up 15% to US$6.36 billion. Gold averaged about US$4,205 an ounce in the quarter, roughly 17.6% above a year earlier. Viljoen said it is hard to find anything better than what Newmont already holds in its own operations, which signals a focus on internal growth rather than large acquisitions.
Cadia recovery and the project pipeline
Copper output jumped 35% from the prior quarter to 23,000 tonnes as the Cadia mine in New South Wales recovered from an earlier disruption. Newmont also targets a final investment decision on its Red Chris block cave in Canada in early 2027, with development capital estimated at US$4.2 billion to US$4.8 billion. A US$1.95 billion payment to Barrick is planned in the fourth quarter after changes to the Nevada Gold Mines joint venture.
What it means for ASX gold investors
For Northern Star holders, the absence of a Newmont bid removes one possible source of takeover interest, although the standoff covered in our earlier report remains unresolved. Cost pressure is the wider theme, with Evolution Mining and others also reporting higher September quarter costs. Strong prices are cushioning margins, but investors should watch whether rising costs erode that benefit. The World Gold Council publishes ongoing data on demand trends that influence the price outlook, and our gold coverage tracks ASX producers and explorers.
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