
(TheNewswire)
To date, WTR has spent more than Euro 275,000 for Due Diligence, development of a Concept Study, and continuing work on a PEA. WTR is a private exploration company based in London and Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo, and is 75% owned by London AIM-listed Ariana Resources (“Ariana”).
Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa Minerals, commented, “Western Tethyan has already made significant progress towards defining a possible mining solution at Slivova. We are truly excited about the positive progress in the ongoing PEA and Concept Studies, as well as for getting started in a new phase of exploration and resource definition. WTR is working on a new resource update, and we expect information later this quarter.”
Mentor Demi, Managing Director of Western Tethyan Resources, added, “Alongside an aggressive exploration programme throughout the West Tethyan Belt, we are actively seeking acquisition opportunities. Acquisition of the Slivova gold deposit is a step towards building Western Tethyan Resources into a development company, as well, and the Slivova Mine as the first modern mine in Kosovo since the 1920’s.”
Dr. Kerim Sener, Managing Director of Ariana Resources, stated, “The completion of this agreement formalizes a process we had already embarked upon in March following the successful completion of the Project due diligence. We are already nearing completion of a revised Mineral Resource Estimate for Slivova, and we look forward to announcing this work in due course.
In addition, further work has been underway at the local community level in order to increase awareness of the project and its merits. We are investigating opportunities to deliver a low-impact mining project which aims to achieve a new standard for mining in Kosovo and potentially become a strategic hub of operations for the company in the country.”
About Slivova
The Slivova exploration license covers 30.51 km2 of prospectable land surrounding the Slivova gold deposit. The license is valid for 7 years from May 2022. Outside of the deposit itself, much of the property is under-explored. Avrupa commissioned an initial NI 43-101 resource study in 2016 and reported an indicated mineral resource of 640,000 mt @ 4.8 g/t gold and 14.68 g/t silver for a total of 98,700 ounces of gold and 302,000 ounces of silver. Slivova Maiden Resource, 2016
WTR is currently updating the Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”) to JORC standards, and Avrupa will follow suit by transforming the JORC estimate to a NI 43-101 resource estimate. The companies expect to be able to report the new MRE during Q2 2023. The new evaluation will encompass results from drilling subsequent to the 2016 report, re-interpretation of previous geological information from surface and trench mapping and sampling, and thorough review of all historic core.
As noted in a previous AVU news release, AVU and WTR agree to Proceed, there are additional nearby and distal targets within the new Slivova license. There are known zones of mineralization close to the main Slivova deposit that WTR will need to drill, and we can expect upgrade work on a number of distal targets around the license in the coming field season.
Figures 1 and 2. Maps showing location of Slivova in Kosovo, along with target areas to be upgraded. New license is shown as a red polygon. The names in northwest quadrant are historic Trepça base metal mines
Terms of the Agreement
Under the terms of the Definitive Agreement, WTR will have the right to acquire, in multiple stages, up to 85% of the Slivova project, by completing a series of exploration and development milestones and making staged payments to AVU.
On Closing
Earn-In Phase
Stage 1:
Stage 2:
Stage 3:
Stage 4:
Western Tethyan Resources Ltd. is a UK-registered, mineral exploration and development company focused on South East Europe. The company has a strategic alliance with Newmont Corporation and Ariana Resources and is currently focused on exploration for major copper-gold deposits in the Lecce Magmatic Complex and Vardar Belt in Kosovo. The company is assessing several other exploration project opportunities across Eastern Europe, targeting major copper-gold deposits across the porphyry-epithermal transition.
Ariana Resources plc is an AIM-listed mineral exploration and development company with an exceptional track-record of creating value for its shareholders through its interests in active mining projects and investments in exploration companies. Its current interests include gold production in Turkey and copper-gold exploration and development projects in Cyprus and Kosovo.
Avrupa Minerals Ltd. is a growth-oriented junior exploration and development company directed to discovery of mineral deposits, using a hybrid prospect generator business model. The Company holds one license in Portugal, the Alvalade VMS Project, presently optioned to Sandfire MATSA in an earn-in joint venture agreement. The Company now holds one exploration license covering the Slivova gold prospect in Kosovo, and is actively advancing four prospects in central Finland through its in-process acquisition of Akkerman Finland Oy. Avrupa focuses its project generation work in politically stable and prospective regions of Europe, presently including Portugal, Finland, and Kosovo. The Company continues to seek and develop other opportunities around Europe.
For additional information, contact Avrupa Minerals Ltd. at 1-604-687-3520 or visit our website at www.avrupaminerals.com.
On behalf of the Board,
Paul W. Kuhn, President & Director
This news release was prepared by Company management, who take full responsibility for its content. Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa Minerals, a Licensed Professional Geologist and a Registered Member of the Society of Mining Engineers, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has reviewed the technical disclosure in this release. Mr. Kuhn, the QP, has not only reviewed, but prepared and supervised the preparation or approval of the scientific and technical content in the news release.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Click here to connect with Avrupa Minerals Ltd. (TSXV:AVU) to receive an Investor Presentation
Vancouver, BC, October 16, 2024 TheNewswire Avrupa Minerals Ltd. (TSX-V: AVU) is pleased to announce that initial scout drilling at the Kangasjärvi volcanogenic massive sulfide target, located in the Pyhäsalmi Mining District of central Finland, started during the past week. The Company plans to drill two holes, totaling up to 1,000 meters, on the first of two strong, previously un-tested, geophysical targets located in close proximity to historic mining at the location.
During the mid-1980's, Finnish mining company Pyhäsalmi Mine Oy exploited, via open pit, a small high grade massive sulfide deposit with an in-house calculated resource of approximately 300,000 mt @ 5.4% zinc. The property had remained dormant and un-explored since that time until Akkerman Finland Oy (AFOy—49% Avrupa Minerals, 51% Akkerman Exploration BV) acquired the exploration rights in 2022. AFOy performed an airborne electromagnetic survey (SkyTEM) covering the general mine area and nearby mineral targets, and producing two standout EM conductors close-in to the old mine, but in areas where there has been no historic drilling.
Figure 1. Two strong EM anomalies to be targeted on first-pass scout drilling at Kangasjärvi. Ideally, the Company hopes to drill two holes at the Kangas target and one hole at Kangas North. Difficult access to Kangas North may preclude drilling there, for now. Flight lines are approximately 100 meters apart, and distance between the two conductors is about 700 meters. (Courtesy of AFOy)
Figure 2. Cross section, looking NNW, of the two EM anomalies with general drilling locations. The conceptual drill hole locations in the Kangas main EM target, are marked as white lines. Also shown are traces of previous holes drilled and the outline of the mined Kangasjärvi zinc deposit in red, between the two drill holes at Kangas Main. Advanced Maxwell geophysical modelling of the EM anomalies yielded a strong target plate which is depicted as a straight red line. (Courtesy of AFOy)
The main anomaly is located adjacent to the old workings, but across a prominent fault from the open pit-mined area. The Company plans to drill two "wildcat" exploration drill holes into this anomaly to test the recently-generated target. The first hole will be drilled from stratigraphically below the historic mineralization and fault directly into the conductor, while the second hole will be drilled from above the massive sulfide body and fault into the conductor Drill testing of the less-accessible Kangas North target will be subject to the outcome of these first two holes. Advanced geophysical modeling suggests the possible presence of mineralization in these two locations, along with several other locations on the property, to be tested at a later date. Avrupa expects that the drilling will take 4-6 weeks to complete.
Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa Minerals, commented, "We are excited to begin this first serious look at the potential for significant, polymetallic massive sulfide mineralization. While these first-pass drill holes are highly speculative, we do have good reason to think that there is further mineralization on the Kangasjärvi exploration permit, especially in the vicinity of previously-exploited mineralization. With our highly competent partner, AFOy, overseeing the drilling program, we are looking forward to the results of this initial drilling program at Kangasjärvi."
Avrupa Minerals Ltd. is a growth-oriented junior exploration and development company directed to discovery of mineral deposits, using a hybrid prospect generator business model. The Company holds one 49%-owned license in Portugal, the Alvalade VMS Project, presently optioned to Sandfire Portugal in an earn-in joint venture agreement. The Company holds one 100%-owned exploration license covering the Slivova Gold Project in Kosovo, optioned to Western Tethyan Resources, and is actively advancing four prospects in central Finland through its partnership with Akkerman Finland Oy (AFOy). Avrupa focuses its project generation work in politically stable and prospective regions of Europe, presently including Portugal, Finland, and Kosovo. The Company continues to seek and develop other opportunities around Europe.
For additional information, contact Avrupa Minerals Ltd. at 1-604-687-3520 or visit our website at www.avrupaminerals.com .
On behalf of the Board,
Paul W. Kuhn, President & Director
This news release was prepared by Company management, who take full responsibility for its content. Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa Minerals, a Licensed Professional Geologist and a Registered Member of the Society of Mining Engineers, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has reviewed the technical disclosure in this release. Mr. Kuhn, the QP, has not only reviewed, but prepared and supervised the preparation or approval of the scientific and technical content in the news release.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia
SES24-054 cuts 41.2 meters of sulfide mineralization containing: 1.59% copper, 1.71% lead, 3.36% zinc, and 54.90 g/t silver.
- Includes 28.6 meters containing: 1.68% copper, 2.42% lead, 4.75% zinc, and 73.90 g/t silver.
SES24-053 cuts 13.15 meters of sulfide mineralization containing: 0.31% copper, 1.57% lead, 3.00% zinc, and 38.40 g/t silver.
- Includes 9.15 meters containing: 0.40% copper, 2.09% lead, 4.02% zinc, and 50.5 g/t silver.
Three of seven holes completed, with results from the first two included; results pending for third hole; fourth hole in progress.
Potential for two additional contingency holes; second drill on its way to the project.
Vancouver, BC, September 19, 2024 – TheNewswire - Avrupa Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: AVU) is pleased to announce the first set of analytical results from the present phase of drilling at the Sesmarias VMS Project in the Alvalade Joint Venture, Iberian Pyrite Belt, Portugal. The drilling program at Sesmarias is part of a joint venture between Avrupa Minerals and Sandfire Mineira Portugal, Unipessoal Lda. ("Sandfire Portugal"), a 100%-owned subsidiary of Minas de Aguas Teñidas, S.A. ("Sandfire MATSA") . Avrupa continues to operate the project through the JV entity PorMining Lda., and Sandfire Portugal continues to fund the exploration work.
At this time, The Company has completed three drill holes in the current Sesmarias Central program, totaling 1,715.4 meters, with a fourth hole in progress. We have seven holes planned, with the contingency of two additional holes to be drilled as/where needed. We expect a second drill in the near future to speed up the completion of this phase of drilling. To date, we have received analytical results from sampling of the first two holes (SES24-53 and SES24-054). Samples from the third hole (SES24-055) are now in the laboratory, and results are pending for these samples.
Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa Minerals, stated, "These are exciting new assay results, as we continue to develop a potential high-grade polymetallic core zone in the SES Central area. The ongoing drilling program is designed to test for further high-grade copper and zinc-lead-silver mineralization along a 600-meter strike length in the Sesmarias Central zone. Extending both north and south of SES Central, known massive sulfide mineralization totals over 1,700 meters, and is open in both directions along the strike of the targeted, mineral-host black shales in the Sesmarias synform."
Results for SES24-054:
SES24-054 intercepts | |||||||||
From (m) | To (m) | Total (m) | Cu (%) | Pb (%) | Zn (%) | Ag (g/t) | |||
Geological Intercept | |||||||||
(includes Fault breccia, massive, semi-massive replacement, stockwork sulfides) | 377.2 | 418.4 | 41.2 | 1.59 | 1.71 | 3.36 | 54.90 | ||
including best copper intervals | incl. | 377.2 | 412.4 | 35.2 | 1.78 | ||||
incl. | 386.8 | 396.8 | 10.0 | 2.24 | |||||
Best Polymetallic Interval (total) | |||||||||
377.2 | 405.8 | 28.6 | 1.68 | 2.42 | 4.75 | 73.90 | |||
incl. | 385.8 | 393.8 | 8.0 | 1.90 | 4.98 | 9.78 | 131.30 |
Table 1. Results for SES24-054 demonstrate further potential for high grade copper and polymetallic mineralization in the hinge zone of the Sesmarias synform in the Central area. This intersect is located approximately 150 meters SE of SES23-047, drilled last year, which intersected 26.95 meters of 2.18% Cu, 2.58% Pb, 5.60% Zn, and 88.20 g/t Ag within a wider interval of 43.40 meters of 1.51% Cu, 2.15% Pb, 4.78% Zn, and 64.1 g/t Ag. ( SES23-047 results )
Figure 1. Geological cross section 800 S, looking NW, showing mineralization in SES23-048 (western limb/hinge zone) and SES24-054 (hinge zone). See Figure 3 for location of this section.
Results for SES24-053:
SES24-053 intercepts | |||||||||
From (m) | To (m) | Total (m) | Cu (%) | Pb (%) | Zn (%) | Ag (g/t) | |||
Geological Intercept | |||||||||
Includes stockwork to semi-massive replacement sulfide mineralization | 439.70 | 452.85 | 13.15 | 0.31 | 1.57 | 3.00 | 38.4 | ||
incl. | 439.70 | 448.85 | 9.15 | 0.40 | 2.09 | 4.02 | 50.5 |
Table 2. Results for SES24-053 demonstrate polymetallic potential on the western limb of the Sesmarias synform, but perhaps distal from the hinge zone area. Similar zinc-rich, polymetallic mineralization is present in SES23-052, drilled last year, which cut the western limb some 470 meters SE of SES24-053. ( Sesmarias Results -- 2023 )
Figure 2. Geological cross section 650 S, looking NW, showing mineralization in SES23-047 and SES24-053. See Figure 3 for location of this section.
Kuhn commented further, "Following the great copper and polymetallic results in SES24-054, and the strong zinc-lead-silver results in SES24-053, we are beginning to see a metal zonation centered in the SES Central hinge zone with high copper and associated base metals, transitioning outwards/upwards and along the limbs of the Sesmarias synform to more zinc-rich mineralization. Previous results in the SES North area show lower copper and stronger zinc-lead in the eastern limb of the synform, but we have yet to cross the hinge zone in the north, nor much of the western limb. The present drilling program may shed more light on the perceived metal zonation within the body of mineralization, and we look forward to more strong results."
Figure 3. Contour map showing 2024 new and planned drill hole collar locations in red color and inferred massive sulfide mineralization, using drillhole interval grade (CuEq) as an exploration targeting tool . The aim of the current phase of drilling is to expand the orange-red zone in the SES Central area, and improve continuity of the high-grade, copper and polymetallic mineralization over a strike length of 600 meters, and forming a central core to the deposit.
Notes concerning Figure 3. We use CuEq strictly as a proxy for total metal content, and as such, simply as an exploration targeting tool. In no way, are we commenting on a possible resource size or value. When reporting drill results, we utilize only individual metals' values, as reported by an accredited laboratory.
We have designed the present drill program to upgrade the +2% CuEq zone in the SES Central sector and expand the potential +2% CuEq domain into the SES North sector where historic drilling is less concentrated. Yellow and green zones generally indicate areas where historic drilling missed the target and/or recent, better-targeted drilling is sparse.
For exploration purposes, using the results from Sesmarias drilling, 2014 to present, we calculate the total amount of copper, lead, zinc, silver, and gold, without respect or indication of any/all further downstream activities, followed by calculating the value of said total metal content (in this case, as of September 10, 2024, using: Cu = US$ 4.04/lb.; Pb = US$ 0.89/lb.; Zn = US$ 1.23/lb.; Ag = US$ 28.31/oz.; and Au = US$ 2513/oz.). Finally, we calculate the equivalent content of copper, or CuEq, by dividing the value of the total contained metals by the price of copper at that time. The shape and contouring of the inferred Sesmarias mineralization, using Leapfrog geological modeling software, is courtesy of the Sandfire Portugal geological team. While metals' prices have fluctuated in a fairly narrow range since the original CuEq calculations, the shape of the VMS target area remains much the same, as it depends on metal content, not the price.
Notes on analytical methods and quality contol. T he JV analyzed the mineralized material at ALS Global facilities in Europe. For certified, NI43-101 – acceptable assay results, we selected the ME-MS61 method performed by ALS Global at their Seville sample preparation facility and Loughrea, Ireland analytical laboratory.
Due to good drilling conditions at both holes, the drillers were able to extract HQ-size (63.5 mm) core for the entire mineral intercept to get a large example of the mineralization. Project personnel collected the oriented drill core twice daily from the drill rig and delivered the boxes directly to the Project core storage facilities in Grândola, Portugal. Here, after geological and geotechnical review of the core, a Project geologist measured and marked the core for sampling, with sample length averaging one meter depending on visual factors such as change in texture, style of mineralization, and/or host rock type. Project employees systematically and methodically halved the core, utilizing an electric core saw, and then placed one half of the split material for each sample length into separate, numbered, plastic sample bags. In order to get fast, first-hand results, Project personnel transported the core samples directly to the ALS Global preparation lab in Seville, Spain.
ALS prepared the samples, using their method PREP-31by, to crush to -2mm, split off a 1-kg sample, and to pulverize to 85% passing 75 microns. The pulverized material is shipped to their main European analytical laboratory located in Loughrea, Ireland. At the analytical laboratory, we requested the samples to be analyzed via the lab's ME-MS61 technique which uses a four-acid, near-total metals' extraction method, followed by analysis using the industry-standard technique of inductively coupled plasma – atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Another split of the pulverized material is sent to the ALS lab in Vancouver for Sn-XRF05 pressed pellet, XRF analysis to obtain a full value for tin in the drill core.
At all times, prior to submission of the samples to ALS Global, Project or Sandfire MATSA personnel maintained supervision, oversight, and custody of the samples.
In addition to ALS Global in-house quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) for all work orders, the Project conducted its own normal, internal QA/QC from results generated by the systematic inclusion of certified reference materials, blank samples and field duplicate samples. Project personnel reviewed and evaluated the analytical results from the quality control samples in all work orders, and confirmed that these results conform to industry best practice standards.
Sandfire Portugal is a 100%-owned subsidiary of Sandfire MATSA, a modern mining company which owns and operates the MATSA Mining Operations in the Huelva province of Spain. With a processing plant located to the north of the Iberian Pyrite Belt that sources ore from three underground mines, the Aguas Teñidas and Magdalena Mines in Almonaster la Real and the Sotiel Mine in Calañas, Sandfire MATSA produces copper, zinc and lead mineral concentrates that are sold from the port of Huelva.
Avrupa Minerals Ltd. is a growth-oriented junior exploration and development company directed to discovery of mineral deposits, using a hybrid prospect generator business model. The Company holds one 49%-owned license in Portugal, the Alvalade VMS Project, presently optioned to Sandfire Portugal in an earn-in joint venture agreement. The Company holds one 100%-owned exploration license covering the Slivova Gold Project in Kosovo, optioned to Western Tethyan Resources, and is actively advancing four prospects in central Finland through its partnership with Akkerman Finland Oy. Avrupa focuses its project generation work in politically stable and prospective regions of Europe, presently including Portugal, Finland, and Kosovo. The Company continues to seek and develop other opportunities around Europe.
For additional information, contact Avrupa Minerals Ltd. at 1-604-687-3520 or visit our website at www.avrupaminerals.com .
On behalf of the Board,
Paul W. Kuhn, President & Director
This news release was prepared by Company management, who take full responsibility for its content. Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa Minerals, a Licensed Professional Geologist and a Registered Member of the Society of Mining Engineers, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has reviewed the technical disclosure in this release. Mr. Kuhn, the QP, has not only reviewed, but prepared and supervised the preparation or approval of the scientific and technical content in the news release.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia
Vancouver, BC TheNewswire - September 5, 2024 Avrupa Minerals Ltd. (TSXV:AVU) ("Avrupa" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the private placement as announced on August 14 and August 23, 2024.
The Company raised $350,000 from the sale of 10,000,000 Units at $0.035 per Unit. Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each common share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share for $0.10 per common share until September 5, 2027. The common share purchase warrants are non-transferable. All securities are subject to a four-month hold expiring on January 6, 2025. The Company did not pay any finders' fees.
A director of the Company purchased or acquired direction and control over a total of 371,429 Units under the private placement. The placement to this person constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") adopted in the Policy. The Company has relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of related party participation in the placement as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involved the related parties, exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101).
The proceeds from the issuance of the Units will be used by the Company to fund drilling and exploration programs in Finland (approximately 130,000 euros/C$197,000), to fund ongoing operations in Portugal and Kosovo, and for general corporate purposes. None of the proceeds will be utilized for investor relations activities and no-payments will be made to non-arms-length parties of the Company.
Avrupa Minerals Ltd. is a growth-oriented junior exploration and development company directed to discovery of mineral deposits, using a hybrid prospect generator business model. The Company holds one 49%-owned license in Portugal, the Alvalade VMS Project, presently optioned to Sandfire Portugal in an earn-in joint venture agreement. The Company holds one 100%-owned exploration license covering the Slivova gold prospect in Kosovo and is actively advancing four prospects in central Finland through its partnership with Akkerman Finland Oy. Avrupa focuses its project generation work in politically stable and prospective regions of Europe, presently including Portugal, Finland, and Kosovo. The Company continues to seek and develop other opportunities around Europe.
For additional information, contact Avrupa Minerals Ltd. at 1-604-687-3520 or visit our website at www.avrupaminerals.com .
On behalf of the Board,
Paul W. Kuhn, President & Director
This news release was prepared by Company management, who take full responsibility for its content. Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa Minerals, a Licensed Professional Geologist and a Registered Member of the Society of Mining Engineers, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has reviewed the technical disclosure in this release. Mr. Kuhn, the QP, has not only reviewed, but prepared and supervised the preparation or approval of the scientific and technical content in the news release.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia
Vancouver, BC TheNewswire - August 23, 2024 Avrupa Minerals Ltd. (TSXV:AVU) ("Avrupa" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the $350,000 private placement of Units as announced on August 14 th 2024 is fully subscribed and will close shortly. The proceeds of the private placement financing will primarily be used to fund exploration and drilling at the projects in Finland and for working capital.
Private Placement
Subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange" or "TSXV"), the Company intends offer by way of a non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering") 10 million units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.035.
Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company and one common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.10 for a period of 36 months from the date of closing of the Offering. Finders' fees of 7.0% in cash will be paid to eligible parties.
The proceeds from the issuance of the Units will be used by the Company to fund drilling and exploration programs in Finland (approximately 130,000 euros/C$197,000), to fund ongoing operations in Portugal and Kosovo, and for general corporate purposes. None of the proceeds will be utilized for investor relations activities and no-payments will be made to non-arms-length parties of the Company.
Related parties, particularly Pacific Opportunity Capital Ltd., controlled by Mark T. Brown who is a director of Avrupa, that has supported the Company for many years, has subscribed for $28,000 of the Offering. The issuance of Units to the insider, pursuant to the Offering, is considered a related party transaction within the meaning of TSXV Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 -- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. The Company has relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of these related party transactions on the basis that the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the transactions do not, in aggregate, exceed 25% of the market value of the Company.
Closing of the Offering is subject to all applicable regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Exchange. All securities are subject to a hold period of four months and one day in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Avrupa Minerals Ltd. is a growth-oriented junior exploration and development company directed to discovery of mineral deposits, using a hybrid prospect generator business model. The Company holds one 49%-owned license in Portugal, the Alvalade VMS Project, presently optioned to Sandfire Portugal in an earn-in joint venture agreement. The Company now holds one 100%-owned exploration license covering the Slivova gold prospect in Kosovo and is actively advancing four prospects in central Finland through its in-process acquisition of Akkerman Finland Oy. Avrupa focuses its project generation work in politically stable and prospective regions of Europe, presently including Portugal, Finland, and Kosovo. The Company continues to seek and develop other opportunities around Europe.
For additional information, contact Avrupa Minerals Ltd. at 1-604-687-3520 or visit our website at www.avrupaminerals.com .
On behalf of the Board,
Paul W. Kuhn, President & Director
This news release was prepared by Company management, who take full responsibility for its content. Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa Minerals, a Licensed Professional Geologist and a Registered Member of the Society of Mining Engineers, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has reviewed the technical disclosure in this release. Mr. Kuhn, the QP, has not only reviewed, but prepared and supervised the preparation or approval of the scientific and technical content in the news release.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia
Vancouver, BC August 14, 2024 TheNewswire Avrupa Minerals Ltd. (TSXV:AVU) ("Avrupa" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a $350,000 private placement of Units. The proceeds of the private placement financing will be used to fund exploration and drilling at the projects in Finland and for working capital. Avrupa has two other European drilling projects underway, or soon to be underway, this summer, one for copper and zinc and one for gold and silver, both funded by partners.
Private Placement
Subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), the Company intends to raise $350,000 by way of a non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering") by issuing 10 million units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.035.
Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.10 per common share, for a period of 36 months from the date of closing of the Offering. Finders' fees of 7.0% in cash will be paid to eligible parties.
The proceeds from the issuance of the Units will be used by the Company to fund drilling and exploration programs in Finland, to fund ongoing operations in Portugal and Kosovo, and for general corporate purposes.
Closing of the Offering is subject to all applicable regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Exchange. All securities are subject to a hold period of four months and one day in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Avrupa Minerals Ltd. is a growth-oriented junior exploration and development company directed to discovery of mineral deposits, using a hybrid prospect generator business model. The Company holds one 49%-owned license in Portugal, the Alvalade VMS Project, presently optioned to Sandfire Portugal in an earn-in joint venture agreement. The Company now holds one 100%-owned exploration license covering the Slivova gold prospect in Kosovo, and is actively advancing four prospects in central Finland through its in-process acquisition of Akkerman Finland Oy. Avrupa focuses its project generation work in politically stable and prospective regions of Europe, presently including Portugal, Finland, and Kosovo. The Company continues to seek and develop other opportunities around Europe.
For additional information, contact Avrupa Minerals Ltd. at 1-604-687-3520 or visit our website at www.avrupaminerals.com .
On behalf of the Board,
Paul W. Kuhn, President & Director
This news release was prepared by Company management, who take full responsibility for its content. Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa Minerals, a Licensed Professional Geologist and a Registered Member of the Society of Mining Engineers, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has reviewed the technical disclosure in this release. Mr. Kuhn, the QP, has not only reviewed, but prepared and supervised the preparation or approval of the scientific and technical content in the news release.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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Copper Price Forecast: Top Trends for Copper in 2025
Copper Price Update: Q1 2025 in Review
Lobo Tiggre: Copper is My Highest-Confidence Trade for 2025 — Here's Why
Lobo Tiggre: Gold's Bullish New Paradigm, Copper Timing to Watch
Gianni Kovacevic: 3 Copper Stocks for Speculators, Watch These Metals Under Trump
Copper prices saw impressive gains in 2024, even breaking the US$5 per pound mark in May. However, the red metal's gains didn't last, and by the end of the year copper had retreated back to the US$4 range.
The start of 2025 could be eventful, with Donald Trump returning to the Oval Office, a new stimulus package coming into effect in China and a continued push for greener technologies around the world.
What will these factors mean for copper prices in the new year? Will they rise, or can investors expect the base metal to remain rangebound? Here's a look at what experts see coming for the important commodity.
Trump will be sworn in for his second term as US president on January 20.
During his campaign, he made bold promises that could shake up the American resource sector, pushing a "drill, baby, drill" mantra and committing to increasing oil production in the country.
When it comes to copper, Trump's proposed changes to environmental regulations could have key implications. While the Biden administration has sought to toughen these rules, Trump will look to relax them.
In an email to the Investing News Network (INN), Eleni Joannides, Wood Mackenzie's research director for copper, said changes to environmental regulations are likely to benefit the mining sector overall.
“The former president has already pledged to overturn a 20 year moratorium on mining in Northern Minnesota. This pro-mining approach means more mines could be permitted and put into production,” she said.
One project that was being planned before the Biden administration restricted access to federal lands in the Superior National Forest belongs to Twin Metals Minnesota, a subsidiary of Antofagasta (LSE:ANTO,OTC Pink:ANFGF). The company has been working to advance its underground copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum-metals group project since 2006, and has submitted plans to state and federal regulatory agencies.
Another copper-focused project that may benefit from the incoming Trump administration is Northern Dynasty Minerals' (TSX:NDM,NYSEAMERICAN:NAK) controversial Pebble project in Alaska.
The company has been exploring the Bristol Bay region since acquiring the property in 2001, but the US Army Corps of Engineers denied approval in 2020; the Environmental Protection Agency did the same in 2021.
Northern Dynasty has been fighting these decisions at both the state and federal level. It reached the Supreme Court in January 2024, but was denied a hearing until the dispute is examined at the state level.
On December 20, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy added his support for the project when he petitioned the incoming president to issue an Alaska-specific executive order on his first day in office. The order would effectively reverse decisions made by the Biden administration, including the permitting of the Pebble project.
In addition to Pebble, projects like Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) and BHP’s (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) Resolution, and Hudbay Minerals' (TSX:HBM,NYSE:HBM) Copper World, both of which are in Arizona, may benefit from Trump’s plan to reduce permitting times on projects worth over US$1 billion.
Currently, large-scale operations like these can take up to 20 years to move from exploration to production in the US. Copper is considered a critical mineral for the energy transition, and is increasingly becoming a security concern as the US is largely dependent on China for its supply of copper.
As tensions continue to grow between the west and eastern nations like China and Russia, it may not take much to threaten markets for critical materials, including copper.
Trump has already promised to impose a 60 percent tariff on all goods coming from China.
A tariff on copper imports could upend the president-elect's plans for the resource sector. It would increase the prices of copper imports and disrupt the overall economy.
“The risk is that the president-elect’s threatened tariffs, including 60 percent on China and 20 percent on all other nations, could derail global economic growth, lead to higher inflation and, with that, tighten monetary policy and also lead to a change in trade flows. Copper will suffer if demand takes a hit," Joannides said.
"In addition, there is likely to be continued volatility in prices,” she added.
In its recent analysis of Trump’s policies, ING sees an overall negative impact on global metals demand.
The firm believes that many of his plans, including tariffs, will cause the US Federal Reserve take a longer-term approach to reducing interest rates, which could affect investment in large-scale copper projects.
S&P Global expressed a similar view after Trump's win. Immediately after the election, copper prices sank 4 percent to fall under US$4.30, with the firm suggesting that is likely just the beginning. The organization notes that while the market may have already priced in Trump’s tariffs, a larger trade war could impact prices even further.
China's faltering economy has been a major headwind for copper over the past several years.
The country's housing market accounts for roughly 30 percent of global demand for the red metal, meaning that any shifts could have significant implications for the copper market.
The sector has been struggling for the past few years as the country deals with economic issues, including fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused disruptions to supply chains and a spike in unemployment.
Ultimately, economic factors struck China's real estate sector, an important driver of the country’s gross domestic product; this caused the collapse of the nation's top two developers, China Evergrande Group and Country Garden.
So far, the government’s attempts to stimulate the economy and jumpstart the beleaguered real estate sector have largely failed. In September, it announced measures aimed at property buyers, such as reducing interest rates for existing mortgages by 50 points and cutting the minimum downpayment requirement for homes to 15 percent.
Other changes introduced at the time include more help from the People’s Bank of China, which will provide a lending facility for state-owned firms to acquire unsold flats for affordable housing.
China followed this up with an announcement in November that it will provide additional support for local governments by increasing their debt-raising capacity by 6 trillion yuan over the next six years.
While these measures may not be felt for some time, kickstarting the Asian nation's real estate sector could be a boon for copper producers and investors.
“If the Chinese real estate market were to post a recovery, this would see domestic demand for copper tick higher and could lead to a tighter supply and demand balance overall, assuming all other things remain unchanged. This would underpin even higher prices than we are currently projecting,” said Joannides.
With copper demand projected to grow long term, supply-side concerns are rising. According to Joannides, there is already recognition that copper exploration has been underinvested over the past few years.
“We are seeing signs this could change. Much of the growth over the last five years has come from brownfield expansions rather than greenfield/new discoveries," she explained to INN.
"Technology will likely help increase the chance of discovery, and broadly I would say that policymakers are now more supportive of mineral exploration as the push to secure critical raw materials supply has moved up the agenda."
Joannides pointed to greenfield projects already in the pipeline, including Capstone Copper’s (TSX:CS,OTC Pink:CSCCF) Santo Domingo in Chile, Southern Copper’s (NYSE:SCCO) Tia Maria in Peru and Teck Resources' (TSX:TECK.A,TECK.B,NYSE:TECK) Zarfanal in Peru.
There's also Northmet, a Teck and Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF) joint venture in Minnesota.
Rising copper prices could also increase the flow of money from the major companies into the junior space, where most of the exploration is currently occurring.
“Copper has become the standout strategic preference for the major mining companies. The risk-adjusted cost of developing organic copper assets is higher than the cost of acquiring them,” Joannides said.
This kind of acquisition activity could help reduce the development time of assets compared to companies starting exploration from scratch.
While copper supply and demand conditions are expected to remain tight in 2025, competing forces are at play.
One of the biggest factors is Trump’s return to the White House. If the president-elect takes action as quickly as he has promised, investors could soon gain insight on the long-term implications of his policies.
In terms of China, it will take time to get the property sector back to where it was before the pandemic; however, there may be sparks early in the year as new measures start to work their way through the market.
During 2025 it may be even more prudent than usual for investors to do their due diligence on copper and keep an eye on the forces that may affect the market.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold shares of Northern Dynasty Minerals.
Editorial Disclosure: Dore Copper is a client of the Investing News Network. This article is not paid-for content.
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.
The copper price began 2025 on a rebound, spending time above US$5 per pound during Q1 after trading within the US$4 to US$4.50 range for most of 2024's second half.
Starting strong, the red metal climbed from US$3.99 on January 2 to reach US$4.40 by mid-month.
It then eased slightly, ending January at US$4.25. February once again brought momentum as copper climbed steadily to US$4.76 on February 13. However, the price retreated and ended the month at US$4.53.
Copper price, January 2 to April 9, 2025.
Chart via Trading Economics.
The copper price saw significant gains throughout March, breaking through the US$5 mark on March 19. It set a new all-time high of US$5.22 on March 26 before falling to US$5.04 on March 31.
Since then, copper has been under pressure, and the price of the metal plunged to US$4.26 on April 7.
The first quarter of the year was dynamic for copper, but few factors have influenced the market for the base metal more than the threat of tariffs from the US. This possibility has created a wider price gap between London Metal Exchange (LME) copper and Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) copper.
According to an ING article published in mid-February, the CME price was more than 10 percent higher than the LME price at the time, prompting traders to begin shifting copper inventories from overseas warehouses into the US.
This movement elevated stockpiles at CME warehouses to over 100,000 metric tons, the highest level since they peaked at 250,000 metric tons during Donald Trump’s first presidency.
Overall, the US relies on copper imports, which account for 45 percent of its domestic consumption. Chile constitutes 35 percent of incoming supply, while Canada contributes 26 percent.
The majority of copper inflows are in the form of refined copper products, which make up 60 percent of US imports.
On February 25, Trump signed an executive order invoking Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to initiate an investigation into the impact of copper imports on all forms on national security.
In the order, Trump noted that while the US has ample copper reserves, its smelting and refining capacity has declined. China has become the world’s leading supplier of refined copper, commanding a 50 percent market share.
During a mid-March CRU Group webinar focused on copper, Erik Heimlich, head of base metals at the firm, discussed why Trump may have announced the start of the investigation.
“Their reliance on imports has been growing systematically, and with the closure not so long ago of the Hayden smelter and the Amarillo refinery, that has increased even more,” he said.
Heimlich further explained that Trump may want to use copper tariffs to encourage a resurgence of copper processing in the US based on national security concerns. This point was reiterated by Bryan Billie, policy and geopolitical principal at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, during a virtual panel held at the beginning of April.
“The big question here is whether US dependencies on copper imports are supposedly compromising national security. That’s the legal rationale behind the investigation,” Billie said.
He also discussed the timeline, noting that Section 232 investigations typically take 270 days to complete, although they can be shorter. While it remains uncertain whether the investigation will lead to tariffs, it could also result in export controls, which might pose additional challenges in global copper markets.
Michael Finch, Benchmark’s head of strategic initiatives, suggested that the review is likely to take weeks rather than months, and could actually bring some relief to the market.
“I think, given that the market now expects the announcement on Section 232 to arrive a bit sooner than previously anticipated, I don’t believe as much copper will be trapped in the US as we progress through the coming quarters ... I think it's part of that trend that we’re witnessing a softening in the copper price,” he said.
Other factors that have affected the copper price include a major power outage in Chile at the end of February.
Chile declared a state of emergency to address the outage, which left more than 8 million homes and a significant portion of the country’s mining operations without power.
The outage resulted from a transmission line failure in the northern part of the country, causing BHP (NYSE:BHP,ASX:BHP,LSE:BHP) to shut down operations at Escondida, the world’s largest copper mine.
Although power was restored in a few days, COMEX copper futures for March rose by 0.9 percent.
An additional supply disruption occurred in March, when Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF) declared force majeure and halted copper shipments from its Altonorte operation in Chile. The refinery produces 350,000 metric tons of copper anode annually, and a prolonged shutdown could impact an already tight copper market.
On a fundamental level, the International Copper Study Group provided preliminary data for January’s supply and demand conditions on March 21. In its release, the group outlines an apparent deficit of 19,000 metric tons of refined copper in the first month of the year, down from the 24,000 metric ton deficit reported in January 2024.
Supply and demand for refined copper maintained a balance at the start of the year, with each growing by 1 percent. Supply-side growth was largely constrained by a 14 percent drop in Chilean output.
Mine production experienced a 2 percent increase in January, with 7 percent year-on-year growth from Peru. The ramp up of production at Anglo American’s (LSE: AAL,OTCQX:AAUFK) Quellaveco mine was a key factor.
Additionally, supply increased by 6 percent in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to the expansion of Ivanhoe Mines' (TSX:IVN,OTCQX:IVPAF) Kamoa-Kakula mine. A 3 percent increase in Asian production was offset by a 2 percent decline in North America. Chile also saw a fall of 2.7 percent compared to the same period last year.
Copper is tied closely to the global economy, making this a key factor to watch.
“CRU economists continue to expect global GDP to grow by 2.6 percent in 2025, and refined copper demand to grow by around 2.9 percent in both this and next year, which is actually an increase compared to our previous forecast. So despite the dramatic macro and geopolitical events that we have witnessed over the last few months, the base-case demand narrative for copper remains robust,” Heimlich said in mid-March.
However, he also noted that this base-case scenario is surrounded by uncertainty.
That uncertainty has come to the forefront at the start of Q2. Copper prices fell nearly 20 percent at the beginning of April as the Trump administration announced a new round of base-level and reciprocal tariffs.
Investors experienced a significant selloff as the prospect of a recession became more pronounced.
A recession would substantially impact base metals, including copper, as consumers turn away from big-ticket items like new homes and cars, which require large quantities of these materials
For investors, uncertainty will likely remain for some time. A Section 232 outcome could help stabilize copper, or it could escalate other aspects of a trade war between the US and the rest of the world.
It also remains unclear how long Trump’s tariffs will be in place.
This situation could provide opportunities for investors with an appetite for risk who are looking to make bets. Others may prefer to remain on the sidelines and wait for more clarity on the global trade front.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Lobo Tiggre of IndependentSpeculator.com also shared his 2025 outlook for gold, silver and uranium.
Lobo Tiggre, CEO of IndependentSpeculator.com, gave the Investing News Network his updated thoughts on the US economy, as well as his outlook for gold, silver and uranium in 2025.
However, he said his highest-confidence trade for next year is copper.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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"I think that the world has just gone through a one-way door," said Lobo Tiggre of IndependentSpeculator.com.
Lobo Tiggre, CEO of IndependentSpeculator.com, shares his latest thoughts on gold, noting that bullish factors are stacking up in its favor. Among them are recent moves from the Trump administration and a potential rise in global gold allocations.
Tiggre also discusses copper, silver and uranium.
Click here to view the Investing News Network's Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada convention playlist on YouTube.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Affiliate Disclosure: The Investing News Network may earn commission from qualifying purchases or actions made through the links or advertisements on this page.
Investor and author Gianni Kovacevic shared his thoughts on copper market dynamics, saying that while the long-term trend is up, speculators can create significant shorter-term prices moves.
He also mentioned three copper companies he's interested in right now: CopperNico Metals (TSX:COPR,OTCQB:CPPMF), Entree Resources (TSX:ETG,OTCQB:ERLFF) and Horizon Copper (TSXV:HCU,OTCQX:HNCUF).
In addition to copper, Kovacevic spoke about the growing opportunity he sees in lithium, highlighting how major miners like Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) are increasing their exposure to this important battery metal.
"We are going to have a supply shortage. Not in the distant future — in the next 18 to 36 months it'll be a front-page story, and it will be dovetailed with ... oil and gas. And with that comes the oil and gas investor," he said.
£4.5 million Subscription by Institutional Investors, Advancing Development of the Pitfield Titanium Project
Empire Metals Limited (LON:EEE)(OTCQB:EPMLF), the AIM-quoted and OTCQB-traded resource exploration and development company, is pleased to announce that is has raised £4.5 million by way of a subscription of 47,368,423 new ordinary shares of no par value in the capital of the Company at 9.5p (the 'Subscription Shares') to existing and new institutional shareholders (the 'Subscription').
Shaun Bunn, Managing Director, said:"I am pleased to confirm the successful completion of this Subscription, which has increased participation from our institutional shareholders in Asia andAustralia. The Subscription was led by Asian Investment Management Services Ltd, an existing shareholder.
"The continued support from institutional investors highlights the scale and quality of the titanium discovery at Pitfield, and the opportunities that it brings. The additional funds strengthen our balance sheet, increasing our cash position to £7.1 million, and will be deployed to expand the planned drilling programme with the objective of establishing a globally significant Mineral Resource Estimate ('MRE'); progress the bulk metallurgical testwork so as to deliver high-purity TiO2 product samples to end users; and bring forward the commencement of economic studies.
"With momentum building in 2025, Empire is in a strong position to advance Pitfield and capitalise on the global focus on critical minerals such as titanium."
Use of Funds
The proceeds of the Subscription, together with existing cash reserves of £2.6 million, will be primarily used to:
Laboratory testwork results to date have been encouraging and the use of conventional processing techniques has increased management's confidence that the process flowsheet can deliver high-value commercial end products. Development focus now has turned to optimising the various processing steps and commencing mine option studies. Proceeds from this equity placement fully fund the Company through these important, project development workstreams.
Application for Admission and Total Voting Rights
The Subscription Shares will rank pari passu in all respects with the existing ordinary shares of no par value in the capital of the Company. Application has been made to the London Stock Exchange for the Subscription Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM ('Admission'). It is expected that Admission will become effective on or around 30 May 2025. As a result of the issue of the Subscription Shares as described above, the issued share capital of the Company now consists of 689,633,233 ordinary shares of no-par value.
Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure
Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, as incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, until the release of this announcement.
**ENDS**
For further information please visit www.empiremetals.com or contact:
About Empire Metals Limited
Empire Metals is an AIM-listed and OTCQB-traded exploration and resource development company (LON: EEE) with a primary focus on developing Pitfield, an emerging giant titanium project in Western Australia.
The high-grade titanium discovery at Pitfield is of unprecedented scale, with airborne surveys identifying a massive, coincident gravity and magnetics anomaly extending over 40km by 8km by 5km deep. Drill results have indicated excellent continuity in grades and consistency of the mineralised beds and confirm that the sandstone beds hold the higher-grade titanium dioxide (TiO₂) values within the interbedded succession of sandstones, siltstones and conglomerates. The Company is focused on two key prospects (Cosgrove and Thomas), which have been identified as having thick, high-grade, near-surface, bedded TiO₂ mineralisation, each being over 7km in strike length.
An Exploration Target* for Pitfield was declared in 2024, covering the Thomas and Cosgrove mineral prospects, and was estimated to contain between 26.4 to 32.2 billion tonnes with a grade range of 4.5 to 5.5% TiO2. Included within the total Exploration Target* is a subset that covers the weathered sandstone zone, which extends from surface to an average vertical depth of 30m to 40m and is estimated to contain between 4.0 to 4.9 billion tonnes with a grade range of 4.8 to 5.9% TiO2.
The Exploration Target* covers an area less than 20% of the overall mineral system at Pitfield which demonstrates the potential for significant further upside.
Empire is now accelerating the economic development of Pitfield, with a vision to produce a high-value titanium metal or pigment quality product at Pitfield, to realise the full value potential of this exceptional deposit.
The Company also has two further exploration projects in Australia; the Eclipse Project and the Walton Project in Western Australia, in addition to three precious metals projects located in a historically high-grade gold producing region of Austria.
*The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
A reclusive Chinese tycoon has gained attention by once again defying the tide — this time shifting from gold to copper in a massive, calculated bet that's reportedly worth nearly US$1 billion.
Bian Ximing, a soft-spoken plastics billionaire, has emerged as China’s biggest copper bull. Through his brokerage firm Zhongcai Futures, he now holds the largest net long position in copper futures on the Shanghai Futures Exchange.
According to bourse data uncovered by Bloomberg and individuals familiar with the matter, Bian's stake — comprising nearly 90,000 metric tons worth of copper futures — is unmatched in China’s commodities market.
The 61-year-old investor is no stranger to bold contrarian plays. In 2023 and 2024, Bian’s timely gold investments netted an eye-popping US$1.5 billion profit as global fears about inflation and the US dollar drove bullion to record highs.
This time around, Bian appears to be wagering on copper’s critical role in the global energy transition, plus China’s pivot to high-tech industry and anticipated volatility in US-China trade relations.
Unlike many traders who retreated amid tariff tensions and fears of a global slowdown, Bian doubled down. Multiple people familiar with his strategy say he began shifting from a short to a long copper position just before the US election in November 2024, anticipating Donald Trump’s win and the economic stimulus such a victory might unleash.
He escalated his copper purchases starting in January of this year, eventually reaching a peak position of 40,000 lots — or 200,000 metric tons — by April. The bet has already paid dividends. Bloomberg estimates that Zhongcai’s copper trade has generated approximately US$200 million in profits to date. As of April's end, Bian held no short positions in copper.
While Bian and Zhongcai declined to comment on this trade, much of the billionaire’s thinking is traceable to his sporadic yet widely followed investment blog posts, which offer a glimpse into his disciplined philosophy.
In January he wrote about the importance of letting go of ego to choose the right targets: “When choosing targets, focus on trends. When implementing projects, focus on timing. When maintaining projects, focus on costs.”
Bian’s investment journey defies easy categorization. Born in 1963 in Zhuji, a town in Zhejiang province, he came of age in the aftermath of Mao Zedong’s Great Leap Forward. His education was interrupted by the Cultural Revolution, but he eventually graduated from a vocational school linked to China’s central bank in 1985.
A decade later, he launched a plastic tubing factory that became the foundation of a sprawling industrial and financial empire with assets in Europe, the US, and India.
In 2003, Bian acquired the brokerage that would become Zhongcai Futures and quietly pivoted into commodities trading.
Bian now resides in Gibraltar, far from the trading floors of Shanghai, and manages his team remotely, conducting business largely through video calls. Nonetheless, his presence in Chinese markets looms large — especially among those who view him as a rare hybrid of western-style hedge fund strategist and Chinese industrialist.
That discipline has served him well, even as the copper market has become increasingly unpredictable.
In the past few months, copper prices have surged amid speculation about global tariff tensions, tightening global supply and the metal’s indispensable role in clean energy infrastructure. Analysts have predicted that prices for the metal could reach US$12,000 to US$13,000 per metric ton, compared to the current level of around US$9,500.
But volatility remains high. Copper briefly plunged last month following tariff threats from Washington — though Bian’s Shanghai-focused positions were shielded by a national holiday that closed domestic markets.
Some of his investors, rattled by the trade war, have since pulled out. Yet Bian has reportedly increased his own stake in response, signaling confidence in China’s economic resilience and the structural demand for copper.
“There are traps and opportunities everywhere — opportunities in risks and traps in opportunities,” he wrote in a blog post last year. “Investment is essentially a game of survival."
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
White Cliff Minerals Limited (“WCN” or the “Company”) (ASX: WCN; OTCQB: WCMLF) is pleased to announce it has received firm commitments to raise approximately A$14.4m (before costs) through the issue of 384,615,398 new, fully paid ordinary shares in the Company. Utilising the “flow-through shares” provisions under Canadian tax law 307,692,321 shares will be issued at an issue price of A$0.0403 per share representing a 38.9% premium to WCN’s last trading price of A$0.029 (14 May 2025) for a total of A$12.40m (Flow-Through). Additionally, the Company has received firm commitments to raise $2 million (before costs) through a share placement to new and existing sophisticated and professional investors (Placement). 76,923,077 shares will be issued under the Placement at $0.026 per share, being a 10.3% discount to the Company’s last closing price before trading halt.
”The successful completion of this capital raise is a testament to the quality of our Rae Copper Project and the confidence that investors have in our exploration strategy. The ability to access the less dilutive flow through funds at a circa 40% premium is a huge advantage and value accretive for shareholders. Further, John Hancock and his Astrotricha Capital Family Office cornerstone position in the raise, along with the support of other high net worth investors introduced by Astrotricha, reflects their shared vison for the future of WCN and underpins the Company’s development plans for the Rae Copper Project.
The outlook for copper prices remains robust and the Company is poised to ramp up exploration efforts as we capitalise on its strong financial position following this raise, in addition to the ongoing conversion of WCNO options. Following recent high-grade results, this upcoming drilling at Danvers will lay the foundation for a maiden exploration target at the project over the coming period. We are very excited about the potential to delineate a material resource around the immediate drilling area at Danvers and to potentially encompass additional deposits along the regional 7km + strike.
In parallel, drilling will commence at the major sedimentary hosted copper target at Hulk. The pre collars that we have completed at Hulk sit only about 50mtrs above the target horizon and with diamond rigs planned to arrive in the coming months at which time we plan to drill all project areas and deliver on the potential for an additional major copper discovery at our Rae Project.”
Troy Whittaker - Managing Director
“Starting out as a Strategic Advisor to WCN with an initial invested stake, I have now become the Company's largest shareholder and am pleased to see another well executed and strongly supported capital raise at a premium to the share price. The WCN focus has been on minimising existing shareholder dilution whilst attracting strategic investor capital to accelerate exploration and at the same time, securing the Company's financial position for the longer term. There is now global investor interest in WCN’s prospects and I look forward to further upcoming drill results.”
John Hancock - Strategic Advisor to WCN
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from White Cliff Minerals Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
As the global energy transition accelerates, the mining sector is increasingly navigating a complex landscape of shifting demand, volatile prices and growing sustainability priorities.
During an S&P Global webinar on the state of the mining industry in Q1, analysts highlighted renewable power development and mine-site electrification as key sustainability drivers shaping the future of resource extraction.
Copper, a key component of the energy shift, remains a focal point, with average prices holding at US$9,412 per metric ton in the first quarter, though forecasts suggest a slight decline to US$9,317 by year end.
Meanwhile, the battery metals space continues to feel the squeeze.
Lithium prices slumped to US$9,000 per metric ton, leaving an estimated 27 percent of producers operating at a loss, according to S&P. Cobalt held above US$14 per pound, bolstered by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s export ban.
Nickel, driven by surging Indonesian output, is forecast to fall to US$15,730 per metric ton.
The webinar also touched on broader sector dynamics, including ongoing trade tensions, subdued financing activity and an uptick in M&A as companies reposition for long-term growth amid tightening supply and geopolitical uncertainty.
As mentioned, copper prices are expected to dip slightly to US$9,317 by year end.
While positive drivers like a weaker US dollar and resilient Chinese demand are offering some support, refined production cuts, bad weather in Chile and smelter challenges have added pressure to the global supply chain.
Notably, production disruptions in Chile — including a national blackout and Glencore’s (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF) partial suspension at Altonorte — along with declining US consumer confidence, have led S&P to revise its US refined copper demand growth forecast down to just 1.5 percent for the year. Meanwhile, tightness in the concentrate market has sent spot treatment charges to record lows, amplifying strain on smelter margins.
“(A) developing demand driver for copper is the increasing demand from the green energy transition," said Naditha Manubag, associate research analyst, metals and mining research, at S&P Global Commodity Insights.
"Despite the intensifying US-China trade disputes, copper demand in China has shown resilience, with copper concentrate imports growing by 10 percent in Q1 and cathode imports increasing month-over-month."
In contrast, the battery metals space continues to reel from oversupply and weak pricing. Lithium carbonate CIF Asia dropped to just US$9,000, the lowest level seen since 2021.
“Overcapacity will continue to limit lithium prices until the next decade,” said Manubag. “With this, we have lowered the lithium carbonate CIF Asia price in 2025 to US$9,031. And using this price assumption, 27 percent of lithium operations will be loss-making on a total cash operating margin basis.”
Prices are expected to dip further to US$8,600 in Q3 before a modest recovery in 2027.
The cobalt market, while supported by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s export ban, is forecast to remain in surplus through 2025, though prices are likely to hold above US$14.
“The Democratic Republic of Congo accounts for over 70 percent of global cobalt mine output, yet its ongoing export ban is unlikely to trigger significant production cuts,” the analyst said, adding that the stockpiled supply is expected to re-enter the market once the ban lifts — supporting a sustained price recovery.
Cobalt hydroxide prices have surged the most since the ban began due to tightening supply, and cobalt prices are expected to remain above US$14 through 2025. However, elevated prices may accelerate the trend toward substituting cobalt in battery chemistries as the lithium market braces for further cuts.
Meanwhile, graphite prices are under pressure despite tightening Chinese export controls.
China’s December export ban on key critical minerals, including gallium and germanium, has prompted tighter scrutiny on graphite exports to the US. With China supplying roughly half of America’s antimony and natural graphite imports, pressure on prices has mounted as Tanzanian supply grows, but export options narrow.
Despite current oversupply, a structural deficit is forecast in the medium to long term.
“Spot prices for natural graphite have come under further pressure,” Manubag said. “(US President Donald) Trump’s Section 232 probes import dependence on processed graphite, supporting US anode projects.”
As such, S&P sees US capacity growing to 236,000 metric tons in 2028.
“We maintain our view that continued high feedstock cost on the synthetic anode supply chain could support fine flake and spherical graphite prices," the expert added.
M&A in the mining sector slowed sharply in Q1, with both the number and value of deals declining.
Although gold transactions accounted for 86 percent of total M&A value, overall gold deal value dropped 62 percent quarter-over-quarter to US$4.02 billion. In the lead for the period was Equinox Gold’s (TSX:EQX,NYSEAMERICAN:EQX) planned US$1.87 billion takeover of Calibre Mining (TSX:CXB,OTCQX:CXBMF).
Nickel followed, with MMG's (OTC Pink:MMLTF,HKEX:1208) US$500 million acquisition of Anglo American’s (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:AAUKF) nickel business, including producing assets like Barro Alto and Codemin.
In copper, the top transaction was Hudbay Minerals’ (TSX:HBM,NYSE:HBM) purchase of Mitsubishi Materials’ (OTC Pink:MIMTF,TSE:5711) remaining stake in the Copper Mountain mine for US$44.3 million.
“Gold deals are expected to continue leading M&A activity as the metal maintains its safe-haven appeal amid global trade uncertainty,” Gian Seblos, associate research analyst, metals and mining research, at S&P Global Commodity Insights, said during this week's webinar. He added, “Meanwhile, cash-rich producers may drive consolidation in base metals, either to secure future output or diversify amid shifting trade dynamics.”
Capital raised by mining companies surged to US$11.92 billion — doubling from the previous quarter and marking the second consecutive quarter of growth following the US Federal Reserve's December rate cut. Debt financing jumped to 65 percent of total capital raised, up from 35 percent previously, fueled by a surge in senior debt offerings.
Major mining companies led the charge, raising US$7.57 billion — nearly six times more than Q4 2024.
Juniors saw a 25 percent increase, raising US$3.48 billion. Gold companies captured half of the funding, followed by those focused on base metals (33 percent) and specialty commodities (17 percent).
Regionally, Asia and the Middle East posted a 331 percent gain to US$1.58 billion, primarily driven by Saudi Arabia’s Ma’aden through two non-convertible bond offerings worth US$1.25 billion.
Africa and Europe also saw strong growth, while Australia, Canada and the US experienced declines.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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