Newmont's Franco-Nevada takes step toward offering

NEW YORK, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Gold producer Newmont Mining Corp (NEM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) said on Tuesday that Franco-Nevada Corp, which it acquired in 2002, has made a preliminary filing with Canadian securities regulators in connection with a possible public offering.

The mining company said that if it chooses to pursue a public offering in Canada of Franco-Nevada, Franco-Nevada plans to use the offering's proceeds to acquire the royalty assets and certain other investments from Newmont. (Reporting by Martinne Geller) (Editing by Gary Hill; Reuters messaging: martinne.geller.reuters.com@reuters.net; martinne.geller@reuters.com; +1 646 223 6023))