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February 14, 2025
Abitibi Metals Corp. (CSE:AMQ) (OTCQB:AMQFF) (FSE:FW0) ("Abitibi" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the identification of new exploration targets at the B26 Project, achieved through the application of advanced gravimetric surveying. The Company recently received an updated inversion model, which has revealed high-priority exploration targets. These targets present opportunities for exploration and resource development, including: 1) better defining the B26 signature along strike, and 2) testing a high priority anomaly at the down-dip extension of the B26 Deposit. On November 16th, 2023, the Company entered into an option agreement on the B26 Polymetallic Deposit to earn 80% over 7 years from SOQUEM Inc. ("SOQUEM"), a subsidiary of Investissement Québec (see news release dated November 16, 2023).
Highlights:
- Prospective Down-Dip Anomaly: A new excess mass has been identified at a depth of 800m on the eastern side of the B26 Deposit, indicating strong sulfide and copper-zinc mineralization potential in an area outside the current resource. This new target has a diameter of 400–500 metres, with nearby drill holes containing semi-massive mineralization.
- Along-Strike Targets: Eight shallow targets have been identified along-strike of B26, extending up to 6-km west. These targets are within the 8.3 km property-wide contact that hosts the B26 Deposit and where there has been limited historical exploration.
- Northwest Targets: Four targets were identified to the northwest of B26, providing high-priority exploration targets along trend with the Selbaie Mine.
- Applying New Geophysical Techniques: Historical electrical surveys failed to differentiate mineralization from pyritic/graphitic rock. However, new data processing tools and down hole gravity surveys using Gravilog improve target discrimination at depth. Abitibi aims to integrate these with other tailored geophysical methods to better target the high-grade expansion of B26.
"The identification of these new high-priority targets at B26 marks a significant advancement in our exploration strategy," said Jonathon Deluce & CEO of Abitibi Metals. "The application of advanced gravimetric surveying and reinterpretation of historical data has allowed us to refine our targeting and enhance our understanding of the deposit and property wide potential. The down-dip anomaly, along with multiple along-strike and northwest targets, presents a compelling opportunity for resource expansion and discovery in previously underexplored areas. We are committed to leveraging cutting-edge geophysical techniques to unlock the full potential of B26 and drive long-term value for our shareholders."
Figure 1: Property Wide Targets (CNW Group/Abitibi Metals Corp.)
Figure 2: Gravity Anomaly 5513300N (CNW Group/Abitibi Metals Corp.)
Figure 3: Gravity Anomaly 5513400N (CNW Group/Abitibi Metals Corp.)
A strong gravity contrast was modeled along the down-dip extension of the B26 deposit that was based on: 1) Soquem's 2017 Gravilog survey, 2) density measurements from drill holes, and 3) a 2024 surface gravimetry survey. Abitibi Geophysics reinterpreted the Gravilog data with new inversion software that takes into account the variation in gravity along the drill holes. The interpretation was developed collaboratively by Abitibi Geophysics and Abitibi Metals geologists, to ensure that each anomaly corresponded to an area that was prospective geologically.
The survey was composed of 1466 stations distributed on 26 lines; 250 to 500 metres spaced, completed in June 2024 by Geophysics TMC. Abitibi Geophysics personnel conducted a survey analysis and reinterpreted the borehole Gravilog data, combining it with the surface gravity lines survey.
Down Dip Target
The modeled target has a diameter of 400–500 metres. Surrounding drill holes, such as 1274-17-255 W1, indicate strong sulfide content, with semi-massive intervals hosting copper-zinc mineralization over metric intervals near the upper limit of the gravity anomaly. Only the boundaries of this new target were covered with limited drilling and can be considered open. The majority of the target is located outside of the interpreted outline of the mineralized system and elevated copper equivalent grades have been observed in historical drill assays on the target's boundary. Highlights include: 1) 1.2% CuEQ over 10.5m starting from 767.1m (1274-16-231), 2) 2.4% CuEQ over 11.8m starting from 1,111m including 36.5% CuEQ over 0.7m (1274-16-239), and 3) 2.7% CuEQ over 10.5m starting from 990m including 15.1% CuEQ over 1.1m (1274-17-248) (see figures 2 and 3).
Along Strike and Northwest Targets
TMC Geophysics discriminated a series of positive gravity anomalies along strike, expending up to 6km west of B26 and also north-west of the deposit. The targets consist of vertical lenses with varying dimensions, as defined by the inversion model generated by Seequent Voxi-GRAV-3D Software. These targets were identified based on modeled density contrasts, including a 3 km-long elongated low density contrast aligned with the B26 system, as well as additional anomalies in the central area of the property, likely associated with sulfide-bearing volcanic contacts. A modeled low gravity anomaly may correspond to the contact at depth with the Brouillan intrusion. Abitibi Geophysics generated a model that focused on a gravity contrast of a few hundred meters south of the B26 zone. The inversion model was based on density measurements taken on drill core.
The surface gravity anomaly revealed a continuous gravimetry contrast covering the entire strike length of the Enjalran-Brouillan contact south of the B26 mineralized trend. The inversion model showed eight distinct high gravity anomalies. The eastern one corresponds to the position of the B26 mineralization. Going westward, the environment north of anomalies are not drill tested. Different interpretations suggest the anomalies may be related to the presence of mafic dyke swarms observed in the hanging wall of the VMS mineralization. AMQ intends to use these anomalies as a foundation for exploration, investigating their potential as proximity indicators for locating additional polymetallic mineralized systems.
These geophysical methods, integrated into the exploration strategy to locate additional mineralization at depth and along strike, are continuously evolving. Historically, the deposit was investigated using electrical methods, which were unable to effectively distinguish and clearly highlight the polymetallic stringers and vein systems from the strongly pyritic and locally graphitic units surrounding the deposit. By incorporating new analysis tools, the downhole gravity survey using system will enable Abitibi's technical team to better discriminate targets at depth with much greater detail. Moving forward, the Company will couple this approach with other geophysical methods that are specifically tailored to the B26 deposit and its unique geological characteristics.
Note 1: Targets identified consist of vertical lenses with varying dimensions, with a density of 3.0 g/cm³, and the inversion was based on deviations from a 2.67 g/cm³ density model. Shallow targets were identified based on a density contrast of up to 0.15 g/cm³.The local density model outlined below in figures 2 and 3 was established for the B26 deposit based on surface gravity. A depth response calculated using Gravilog measurements revealed a positive gravity contrast of 0.5 mGal, centered on section 652700 at approximately 800 metres vertical depth. |
Qualified Person
Information contained in this press release was reviewed and approved by Martin Demers, P.Geo., OGQ No. 770, a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, and responsible for the technical information provided in this news release.
References:
Simard, J. (2024). Report on a Ground Gravity Survey Completed on the B-26 Project, Brouillan Township, James Bay, Quebec. Submitted to Abitibi Metals Corporation, London, Ontario. Ref.: 24C-685.
Young, N. (2025). Borehole Gravity 3D Modelling Gravilog Inversion Memo. Prepared for Abitibi Metals Corp. by Abitibi Geophysics, Head Office 1740, Sullivan road, suite 1400, Val-d'Or, Canada, J9P 7H1.
About Abitibi Metals Corp:
Abitibi Metals Corp. is a Quebec-focused mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality base and precious metal properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Abitibi's portfolio of strategic properties provides target-rich diversification and includes the option to earn 80% of the high-grade B26 Polymetallic Deposit, which hosts a resource estimate of 11.3MT @ 2.13% Cu Eq (Ind) & 7.2MT @ 2.21% Cu Eq (Inf), and the Beschefer Gold Project, where historical drilling has identified 4 historical intercepts with a metal factor of over 100 g/t gold highlighted by 55.63 g/t gold over 5.57 metres and 13.07 g/t gold over 8.75 metres amongst four modeled zones.
About SOQUEM:
SOQUEM, a subsidiary of Investissement Québec, is dedicated to promoting the exploration, discovery and development of mining properties in Quebec. SOQUEM also contributes to maintaining strong local economies. Proud partner and ambassador for the development of Quebec's mineral wealth, SOQUEM relies on innovation, research and strategic minerals to be well-positioned for the future.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Jonathon Deluce, Chief Executive Officer
The Company also maintains an active presence on various social media platforms to keep stakeholders and the general public informed and encourages shareholders and interested parties to follow and engage with the Company through the following channels to stay updated with the latest news, industry insights, and corporate announcements:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbitibiMetals
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abitibi-metals-corp-amq-c/
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Note 1: Copper equivalent values calculated using metal prices of $4.00/lb Cu, $1.50/lb Zn, $20.00/ounce Ag and $1,800/ounce Au. Recovery factors were applied according to SGS CACGS-P2017-047 metallurgical test: 98.3% for copper, 90% for gold, 96.1% for zinc, 72.1% for silver.
Forward-looking statement:
This news release contains certain statements, which may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information involves statements that are not based on historical information but rather relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments on the B26 Project or otherwise. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions, which are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company's control and many of which, regarding future business decisions, are subject to change. These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on the Company's behalf. Although Abitibi has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. All factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on Abitibi's forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects," "estimates," "anticipates," or variations of such words and phrases (including negative and grammatical variations) or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "might" or "occur. Mineral exploration and development are highly speculative and are characterized by a number of significant inherent risks, which may result in the inability of the Company to successfully develop current or proposed projects for commercial, technical, political, regulatory or financial reasons, or if successfully developed, may not remain economically viable for their mine life owing to any of the foregoing reasons, among others. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving commercial mineral production and the likelihood of success must be considered in light of the stage of operations.
AMQ:CNX
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2h
Top 5 Canadian Mining Stocks This Week: BCM Resources Surges 136 Percent
Welcome to the Investing News Network's weekly look at the best-performing Canadian mining stocks on the TSX, TSXV and CSE, starting with a round-up of Canadian and US news impacting the resource sector.
The big news of the week came on Wednesday (March 19) when the US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) convened for its March decision on whether to adjust its benchmark Federal Funds rate.
Given the economic uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump’s economic and trade policies, it has been widely expected that the FOMC would maintain the rate at 4.25 to 4.5 percent, which is what they did.
In his press statements, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said inflationary numbers were somewhat stuck, citing tariffs raising consumer prices as a reason for the stagnant figures. However, he also indicated that the committee believed the effect would be largely transitory and that data showed the economy was strong and job markets were balanced. Because of this, he expects that the FOMC will still make two rate cuts in 2025 as previously planned.
Sticky inflation isn’t limited to the United States. North of the border, Statistics Canada reported on Tuesday (March 18) that the consumer price index ticked up to 2.6 percent in February, versus a more modest 1.9 percent increase in January.
The agency cited the end of the tax holiday implemented by the federal government in December as the primary source of the rise, as tax is included in CPI data. It also indicated the rise was moderated by slower price increases in gasoline.
Newly sworn-in Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who replaced former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is expected to dissolve parliament this Sunday (March 23) and announce an election for April 28 or May 5. The election would occur amid a growing trade war between the US and Canada and shortly after a new round of global tariffs from the US is set to take effect on April 2.
For his part, Carney met with the premiers on Friday (March 21) to discuss opening up trade between the provinces and working to create a more unified Canadian economy. Currently, trade between provinces faces restrictions on many goods, from natural resources to alcohol and dairy products.
Markets and commodities react
In Canada, markets were largely positive this week. The S&P/TSX Venture Composite Index (INDEXTSI:JX) gained 2.57 percent during the week to close at 637.79 on Friday (March 14), the S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) was up 1.7 percent to 24,968.49 and the CSE Composite Index (CSE:CSECOMP) dropped 0.4 percent to 123.20.
After seeing sharp declines in recent weeks, US equity markets were up slightly this week. The S&P 500 (INDEXSP:INX) gained 0.6 percent to close the week at 5,667.57 and the Nasdaq 100 (INDEXNASDAQ:NDX) rose 0.42 percent to 19,753.97. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) saw the largest gains adding 1.27 percent to 41,985.36.
Gold held above the US$3,000 mark this week and set a new all time high at US$3,053 following the Fed’s rate announcement. Overall, the gold price gained 1.23 percent over the week to US$3,021.85 per ounce at 4:00 p.m. EDT Friday. The silver price went the opposite direction, losing 2.35 percent during the period to US$33.03.
In base metals, the copper price broke through US$5 per pound this week, gaining 4.69 percent to close out Friday at US$5.12 per pound on the COMEX. Meanwhile, the S&P GSCI (INDEXSP:SPGSCI) was up 1.18 percent to close at 558.21.
Top Canadian mining stocks this week
So how did mining stocks perform against this backdrop? We break down this week’s five best-performing Canadian mining stocks below.
Data for this article was retrieved at 4:00 p.m. EDT on Friday using TradingView's stock screener. Only companies trading on the TSX, TSXV and CSE with market capitalizations greater than C$10 million are included. Companies within the non-energy minerals and energy minerals sectors were considered.
1. BCM Resources (TSXV:B)
Weekly gain: 136.36 percent
Market cap: C$12.99 million
Share price: C$0.13
BCM Resources is an exploration company working to advance its flagship Thompson Knolls project in Utah, United States.
The greenfield copper, molybdenum, gold, and silver project in Utah's Great Basin consists of 225 federal unpatented lode mining claims and two state section leases covering an area of 2,242 hectares.
Exploration of the project area began in the 1970s, when a US Geological Survey aerial survey identified a prominent magnetic anomaly. In the 1990s, follow-up work was conducted at the target.
BCM carried out its last drill program at the property in 2023. At the time, the company announced that one drill hole encountered a significant mineral intercept of 0.66 percent copper, 0.12 grams per metric ton (g/t) gold and 7.4 g/t silver over 155.4 meters starting at a depth of 621.8 meters. The sample also contained eight intervals with greater than 1 percent copper over 24.3 meters.
The company received approval from the Bureau of Land Management for a plan of operation to continue drilling at the project. In a July 2024 update, the company released data from an analysis of the project’s porphyry-skarn system by the Colorado School of Mines, which it plans to use to prepare for the drilling at the site.
Although the company did not release news this week, shares were up alongside a surging copper price.
2. KWG Resources (CSE:CACR)
Weekly gain: 100 percent
Market cap: C$31.99 million
Share price: C$0.03
KWG Resources is a chromite and base metals exploration company focused on moving forward at its Ring of Fire assets in Northern Ontario, Canada. It does business as the Canadian Chrome Company.
The firm's properties consist of the Fancamp and Big Daddy claims, along with the Mcfaulds Lake, Koper Lake and Fishtrap Lake projects. All are located within a 40 kilometer radius, and according to the company are home to feeder magma chambers containing chromite, nickel and copper deposits.
KWG is currently working with local First Nations to improve transportation to the region through the development of road and rail links. The company announced on November 7 that it had signed a memorandum of agreement with AtkinsRealis Canada in its capacity as a contractor representing the Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations.
The agreement will allow AtkinsRealis temporary access rights over some mineral exploration claims in support of work permits for an environmental assessment for the design, construction and operation of a multi-use, all-season road between the proposed Marten Falls community access road and the proposed Webequie supply road.
Once completed, the link will provide improved access to communities and mining companies in the region.
KWG released a pair of news releases this week. On Tuesday, the company announced the closing of the second tranche of a private placement; the company raised gross aggregate proceeds of C$422,614.32 between the two rounds. It followed the news on Friday with the announcement of a proposed private placement for proceeds of up to C$5 million.
3. Sterling Metals (TSXV:SAG)
Weekly gain: 60 percent
Market cap: C$33.97 million
Share price: C$0.08
Sterling Metals is an exploration company working to advance a trio of projects in Canada.
Over the past year, its primary focus has been on exploration at its brownfield Copper Road project in Ontario. The 25,000 hectare property has hosted two past-producing copper mines and has the potential for larger intrusion-related copper mineralization.
On January 15, Sterling announced results from a 3D induced polarization and resistivity survey that covered an area of 5 kilometers by 3 kilometers and revealed multiple high-priority drill-ready targets.
The company intends to use the survey results, along with historical exploration, to inform a drill program at the site.
The company’s other two projects consist of Adeline, a 297 square kilometer district-scale property with sediment-hosted copper and silver mineralization along 44 kilometers of the strike, and Sail Pond, a silver, copper, lead and zinc project that hosts a 16 kilometer long linear soil anomaly and has seen 16,000 meters of drilling. Both properties are located in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The most recent news came on Monday (March 17), when Sterling announced it had upsized its private placement for the second time. The expanded round will see gross proceeds of up to C$1.6 million.
4. Star Diamond (TSXV:DIAM)
Weekly gain: 60 percent
Market cap: C$33.97 million
Share price: C$0.08
Star Diamond is an exploration and development company working to advance its flagship Fort à la Corne diamond district in Saskatchewan, Canada.
The property is located 60 kilometers east of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Previously a joint venture with Rio Tinto, Star Diamond acquired Rio Tinto’s stake in the project in March 2024 in exchange for 119.32 million shares in Star Diamond, resulting in Rio Tinto holding a 19.9 percent ownership position in the diamond junior.
Fort à la Corne has seen extensive exploration of kimberlite deposits, including geophysical surveys, large-diameter drilling and micro- and macro-diamond analyses.
The Star-Orion South diamond project, the most advanced project area in Star Diamonds' portfolio, is located within the district.
In 2018, the company released a PEA for Star-Orion South, which reported a resource of 27.15 million carats of diamonds from 200.16 million metric tons with an average grade of 14 carats per 100 metric tons. The inferred resource is 5.18 million carats from 72.08 million metric tons, with an average grade of 7 carats per 100 metric tons.
At the time, the company estimated a post-tax NPV of C$2 billion, an IRR of 19 percent and a payback period of 3 years and 5 months.
On January 9, Star Diamond announced that a 70.7 million share block held by a former project partner had been sold, with 61.12 million shares purchased by an international investor interested in diamonds.
The company’s most recent news came on February 27, when it announced that it had closed the second tranche of its private placement for gross proceeds of C$230,000, adding to the C$335,000 from the first tranche it closed on February 18. The funds will be used as working capital. According to the announcement, Star Diamond is discussing funding for a pre-feasibility study with potential investors.
5. Cordoba Minerals (TSXV:CDB)
Weekly gain: 58.62 percent
Market cap: C$35.01 million
Share price: C$0.46
Cordoba Minerals is an exploration company working to advance its flagship Alacran project in Colombia.
The 20,000 hectare property hosts copper, gold and silver mineralization across five deposits: Alacran, Alacran North, Montiel East, Montiel West and Costa Azul. The project is a 50/50 joint venture with JCHX Mining Management (SHA:603979).
A feasibility study for the project released in February 2024 demonstrated an after-tax net present value of US$360 million with an internal rate of return of 23.8 percent and a payback period of three years.
The mineral resource estimate for the Alacran deposit and historical tailings reported an indicated resource of 99.46 million metric tons of ore with an average grade of 0.41 percent copper, 0.24 g/t gold and 2.65 g/t silver. Contained metal totals 904.53 million pounds of copper, 765,400 ounces of gold and 8.47 million ounces of silver.
The company’s most recent news came on January 10, when it reported that it had closed a US$10 million bridge financing deal with JCHX.
FAQs for Canadian mining stocks
What is the difference between the TSX and TSXV?
The TSX, or Toronto Stock Exchange, is used by senior companies with larger market caps, and the TSXV, or TSX Venture Exchange, is used by smaller-cap companies. Companies listed on the TSXV can graduate to the senior exchange.
How many companies are listed on the TSXV?
As of June 2024, there were 1,630 companies listed on the TSXV, 925 of which were mining companies. Comparatively, the TSX was home to 1,806 companies, with 188 of those being mining companies.
Together the TSX and TSXV host around 40 percent of the world’s public mining companies.
How much does it cost to list on the TSXV?
There are a variety of different fees that companies must pay to list on the TSXV, and according to the exchange, they can vary based on the transaction’s nature and complexity. The listing fee alone will most likely cost between C$10,000 to C$70,000. Accounting and auditing fees could rack up between C$25,000 and C$100,000, while legal fees are expected to be over C$75,000 and an underwriters’ commission may hit up to 12 percent.
The exchange lists a handful of other fees and expenses companies can expect, including but not limited to security commission and transfer agency fees, investor relations costs and director and officer liability insurance.
These are all just for the initial listing, of course. There are ongoing expenses once companies are trading, such as sustaining fees and additional listing fees, plus the costs associated with filing regular reports.
How do you trade on the TSXV?
Investors can trade on the TSXV the way they would trade stocks on any exchange. This means they can use a stock broker or an individual investment account to buy and sell shares of TSXV-listed companies during the exchange's trading hours.
Article by Dean Belder; FAQs by Lauren Kelly.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Lauren Kelly, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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7h
Copper Prices Surpass US$10,000 as US Tariff Fears Shake Global Markets
Copper prices surged past US$10,000 per metric ton on Thursday (March 20), hitting a five month high as traders scrambled to secure supply ahead of potential US tariffs on the base metal.
London Metal Exchange (LME) copper futures climbed sharply in early trading, reflecting a combination of supply constraints, rising demand and uncertainty surrounding trade policy.
US President Donald Trump has ordered a probe into the national security implications of copper imports, raising concerns that a 25 percent tariff could be imposed, similar to levies already placed on aluminum and steel.
The potential for such tariffs has triggered a wave of preemptive buying, particularly in the US, where traders are paying record premiums to acquire copper before any duties take effect. The spread between New York Comex futures and LME prices widened to more than US$1,254 this week, exceeding February’s high of US$1,149.
Tariff threat complicating copper trade
If the US imposes a 25 percent tariff on copper imports, analysts say the price gap between Comex and LME copper could widen even further, potentially surpassing US$2,000.
StoneX analyst Natalie Scott-Gray told the Financial Times that this would further distort global copper trade, creating strong incentives for suppliers to shift even more metal to the US market.
Wei Lai, deputy trading head at Zijin Mining Investment Shanghai, told Bloomberg that “a round of cross-regional repricing triggered by potential US tariffs" is unfolding. The rush to divert supply to the US is leaving other regions short of the metal, while also boosting investor confidence in copper as a lucrative commodity.
Beyond tariffs, the copper market is facing broader supply-side challenges. Processing fees for copper smelters have reached historic lows, raising concerns about the long-term viability of some refining operations. An oversupply of smelting capacity — particularly in China — has made it difficult for copper smelters to maintain profitability.
Commodities trading giant Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF) recently announced it would halt operations at its Philippine copper smelter, citing “increasingly challenging market conditions” as processing fees collapsed.
More smelters could shut down if the situation persists, further tightening copper supply and boosting prices.
While trade policy is a key factor driving copper’s price surge, broader macroeconomic trends are also playing a role. Expectations of rising demand from Germany’s major infrastructure and military spending initiatives, as well as stimulus measures in China, are supporting bullish sentiment for the metal. Furthermore, some investors are diversifying away from US tech stocks, shifting funds into gold and industrial metals as a hedge against economic volatility.
During the recent Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada convention, Adrian Day, president of Adrian Day Asset Management, explained why US tariffs on copper imports would be a bad idea.
"Logically, if you're worried that we need a lot of copper in the US and we're not producing enough, the last thing you want to do is put tariffs on shipments from abroad," Day explained. "I suspect that the people making a recommendation will recommend no tariffs, and they'll recommend encouraging domestic production, and so on."
Rising copper prices boost China's Zijin
The positive impact of higher copper prices is already being felt across the mining sector.
Zijin Mining Group (OTC Pink:ZIJMF,SHA:601899), China’s largest metals producer, reported a 52 percent jump in profit last year, driven by increased output and soaring prices for copper and gold. The company posted net income of 32.1 billion yuan (US$4.4 billion), with revenue climbing 3.5 percent to 303.6 billion yuan.
Despite these gains, Zijin recently lowered its copper output target for 2025 by about 6 percent to 1.15 million metric tons, citing regulatory hurdles and geopolitical challenges that have slowed its overseas expansion. Resistance to Chinese acquisitions in western markets has also played a role in the company’s revised projections.
Market waits for copper probe results
For now, the outlook for copper is uncertain as traders await the results of the US tariff investigation.
While final recommendations are unlikely to come until later this year, major investment banks, including Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) and Citigroup (NYSE:C), expect 25 percent import duties on copper by the end of 2025.
In the meantime, copper prices are likely to remain volatile.
As of midday on Thursday (March 20), LME copper was trading just below US$10,000, with other base metals showing mixed performance. Aluminum remained slightly higher, while nickel was steady.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.
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20 March
Kiribati Explores Deep-Sea Mining Deal with China Amid Global Regulatory Talks
Kiribati is reportedly in discussions with China to explore deep-sea mining opportunities, signaling a potential shift in its approach to tapping into its vast offshore mineral resources.
The Pacific island nation holds the exploration rights to a 75,000 square kilometer area in the Pacific Ocean, a region believed to contain valuable deposits of cobalt, nickel, and copper — key materials for the global battery industry.
The talks between Kiribati and Chinese officials come after the collapse of a previous agreement with the Metals Company (TMC) (NASDAQ:TMC), a Canada-based deep-sea mining outfit.
TMC confirmed that the contract was terminated "mutually" at the end of 2024, stating that Kiribati's mining rights were "less commercially favourable than (its) other projects" with Nauru and Tonga.
In a Monday (March 17) statement, the Kiribati government described discussions with Chinese Ambassador Zhou Limin as "an exciting opportunity" to explore ways to potentially collaborate on exploring Kiribati's deep-ocean resources.
A fisheries official confirmed the government is seeking new foreign partners to advance its deep-sea mining ambitions.
Kiribati's engagement with China aligns with Beijing's broader push to secure access to critical minerals in the Pacific.
In February, China struck a five year deal with the Cook Islands to cooperate on seabed exploration, although the agreement does not include any mining or exploration licenses.
For its part, Kiribati has taken steps to deepen its ties with China in recent years, severing diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2019. Since then, Chinese companies have gained rights to exploit Kiribati's profitable fisheries, and Chinese police personnel have visited Tarawa, the country's capital, to train local security forces.
Opposition leader Tessie Lambourne has expressed concerns about China's growing influence on Kiribati, stating, "I always say that our government is bending over backwards to please China."
While Kiribati and other Pacific island nations, such as Nauru, view deep-sea mining as a potential economic boon, opposition remains strong among some regional neighbors.
Palau, Fiji and Samoa have called for a moratorium on the industry, citing significant environmental concerns.
Global regulatory talks underway on deep-sea mining
Companies looking to exploit the seabed are targeting polymetallic nodules — rock-like formations rich in manganese, cobalt, copper and nickel. However, scientists warn that large-scale mining could have irreversible consequences for marine ecosystems, potentially disrupting poorly understood habitats.
The future of deep-sea mining is currently under debate at the International Seabed Authority (ISA), a United Nations-affiliated body responsible for regulating seabed resources beyond national jurisdictions.
The Council of the ISA convened on Monday in Kingston, Jamaica, for two weeks of intensive negotiations aimed at finalizing regulations that would govern seabed mineral exploitation.
One key agenda item involves determining regulatory scenarios in case a country submits an application for seabed exploitation before formal rules are established. Delegations from Nauru and Chile were given additional time to agree on this issue, with discussions scheduled for March 28.
The Council of the ISA is also reviewing a revised draft of the exploitation regulations, focusing on environmental standards and benefit-sharing mechanisms.
A high-level discussion on the draft standards and guidelines is set for March 27. It will help determine which documents are ready for finalization, and which require further updates from the Legal and Technical Commission.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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19 March
Red Metal Resources CEO Highlights Copper and Hydrogen’s Crucial Role in AI Development
Red Metal Resources (CSE:RMES,OTC Pink:RMESF) President and CEO Caitlin Jeffs underscores the importance of copper and hydrogen amid global developments in artificial intelligence and the future of technology.
19 March
Renounceable Rights Issue Closing Date
18 March
Cyprium Metals: Advancing Western Australia’s Nifty Copper Mine for Near-term Production, Long-term Growth
Cyprium Metals (ASX:CYM), an Australian copper-focused exploration and development company, is committed to revitalizing brownfield assets, with a primary focus on redeveloping the Nifty Copper Complex—a historically significant copper mine in Western Australia. Well-positioned for near-term production and long-term growth, Cyprium is set to play a key role in the copper industry.
The company is progressing toward full-scale copper production, targeting an annual output of over 38,000 tons through a combination of cathode and concentrate production.
The Nifty Copper Mine is Cyprium’s flagship project, featuring a well-defined resource and existing infrastructure that substantially lowers the capital requirements for restarting operations. With a resource base of 1.04 million tons of contained copper, the project offers a mine life exceeding 20 years, along with promising brownfield expansion opportunities.
Company Highlights
- Cyprium Metals is redeveloping the Nifty Copper Complex, a historically significant copper operation with both oxide and sulphide resources, offering a low-risk pathway to production.
- The flagship Nifty copper mine has a mineral resource estimate of 1.04 million tons of copper and an additional 91,000 tons in leach pads, the project has substantial near-term revenue potential.
- The reprocessing of existing heap leach pads at Nifty offers a low-cost, high-margin opportunity to generate early-stage revenue and fund further project development.
- Macmahon Holdings is leading the bankable feasibility study under an early contractor involvement model, contributing internal resources to optimize the project’s execution.
- Offtake and financing agreements secured with Glencore, providing financial stability and downstream integration for copper sales.
- Led by executive chairman Matt Fifield, Cyprium’s team includes seasoned mine builders and financial strategists with extensive experience in copper development and operations.
- Trading at a fraction of its asset value, Cyprium presents a compelling investment opportunity, with limited equity research coverage despite its strong fundamentals and near-term production timeline.
This Cyprium Metals profile is part of a paid investor education campaign.*
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