The metal rose to near the strongest level since 2008 as traders assessed the possible impact of a potential easing of geopolitical tensions over Ukraine.
While rising interest rates bring macroeconomic headwinds for equity valuations, gold has had a special relationship with interest rates in recent hikes.
The document, which has yet to be approved by Congress, will see First Quantum pay $375 million a year plus a royalty of 12% to 16% of the mine's gross profits.