TORONTO (Reuters) – Australian mining magnate Andrew Forrest\u2019s Wyloo Metals said on Tuesday it would launch an unsolicited bid for shares in Noront Resources it does not already own, an offer valuing the Canadian miner at C$133 million.<\/p>\n
Noront responded on Tuesday saying it recommends that shareholders defer taking any action while it considers alternatives to Wyloo\u2019s C$0.315 per share take-private offer.<\/p>\n
Wyloo said the deal would remove Noront shareholders\u2019 exposure to uncertainty of \u201cseveral further years\u201d of infrastructure and mine development.<\/p>\n
The bid adds to a global green drive by Forrest, who over more than two decades turned Fortescue Metals into the world\u2019s fourth-biggest iron ore miner.<\/p>\n
Noront\u2019s main asset is the high-grade Eagle\u2019s Nest nickel, copper and palladium deposit in Canada\u2019s so-called Ring of Fire.<\/p>\n
That region contains rich mineral resources but development has been hampered by a lack of power and transportation infrastructure in the area in the far north of Ontario, some 1,000 miles northwest of Toronto.<\/p>\n
Wyloo, a subsidiary of Forrest\u2019s Tattarang, one of Australia\u2019s largest private investment groups, became Noront\u2019s top shareholder with a 23% stake in December.<\/p>\n
It said the offer represents a 31% premium based on the closing price of Noront shares on May 21, the last trading day prior to the offer announcment.<\/p>\n
Noront shares were up 29% at C$0.31 on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Wyloo Metals also said it is prepared to make available to Noront a C$5 million unsecured, extendable loan.<\/p>\n