Lydian International (TSX: LYD)

Lydian International (TSX: LYD), a Toronto, Ontario-based gold exploration and development company focused on construction of a gold mine in south-central Armenia, obtained protection under the CCAA on December 23. The company obtained an exploration license in 2006 and since then has invested more than $400.0 million in the project. The mine was 75% complete in May 2018 when a new prime minster came to power in Armenia. After the change in government, demonstrations and road blockades occurred sporadically throughout Armenia, including at the company's project. In addition to the blockades, additional audits and investigations have been imposed on the company, and a material water supply agreement was unilaterally terminated. As a result of these external factors, the company has dismissed more than 90% of its workforce and terminated substantially all of its supply relationships. The group has also defaulted on substantially all of its obligations to its lenders. Since October 2018, the company has entered into multiple forbearance agreements with its lenders, the most recent of which expired on December 20. 2019. While under creditor protection, the company will continue discussions with stakeholders in an attempt to restart construction. It will simultaneously canvas the market for parties interested in funding either the project or the company's potential international arbitration proceedings against the Armenian government. Edward Sellers of Black Swan Advisors is the company's interim president and CEO. Alvarez & Marsal is the monitor. Counsel is Stikeman Elliott for the company, TGF for the monitor, Blakes for Resource Capital Fund VI L.P., Norton Rose Fulbright for OSISKO Bermuda Limited, Torys for ORION Capital Management and DLA Piper for ING Bank N.V./ ABS Svensk Exportkrerdit (publ).