How a Gold Royalty Works

A gold royalty is a contract that gives the owner (a gold royalty company) the right to a percentage of gold production or revenue in exchange for an upfront payment.

Gold royalty companies use these contracts as a way to finance mining companies in need of capital. This alternative form of mine financing is often more attractive than traditional debt or issuing equity. Gold royalty companies will also purchase pre-existing royalties as a way to build a diversified portfolio of royalty assets. Since royalties typically cover the life of a mine, gold royalty companies benefit from the exploration upside that may extend the life of the mine and thus increase the amount of gold (or revenue) they receive from the mining company at no additional cost.