According to Mining News Pro - Yamana Gold, which sold its $1 billion copper-gold mine to Lundin Mining this year, doubled its dividend this year to 4 U.S. cents per share in its third quarter.

“We are considering another dividend increase and believe that we can support an increase that is at least 50% higher than our current dividend and potentially 100% higher,” executive chairman Peter Marrone said.

“We are in the process of creating a reserve cash balance that would help ensure that our dividend remains sustainable even if the price of gold declines.”

Gold mining companies have been helped by a 14% rise in the spot prices this year to six-year highs which has boosted revenues and spurred some mergers and acquisitions.

Elsewhere in the sector, in November Barrick Gold raised its quarterly dividend by 25%, while Kirkland Lake Gold lifted its payout by 50%.

Yamana Gold’s Toronto-listed shares are up 50% so far this year.