The Conversation (0)
September 15, 2022
Further to its ASX announcement of 4 April 2022, Comet Resources Limited (Comet or Company) (ASX: CRL)(Comet or Company) (ASX: CRL) is pleased to announce that it has executed an amended binding agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Mt Margaret Copper Project and associated regional tenements near Cloncurry, Queensland (Project or Mt Margaret) from Mount Isa Mines Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Glencore Plc (Acquisition).
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Comet to acquire 100% of Mt Margaret Copper Project from Glencore under improved transaction terms
- Company will now raise $27m to fund acquisition and initial post-acquisition pre- development activities – Equity component of the raise is now reduced due to addition of debt financing (see below)
- Equity raise includes a $5m priority offer to existing Comet shareholders
- Glencore now to provide 3-year loan of $27m to Comet – Inclusion of the loan delivers Comet shareholders substantially reduced up front dilution
- The Mt Margaret Copper Project successfully produced from open pit mining from 2012 until 2014, when operations were suspended due to the copper price environment and outlook at that time
- Located only 7km from key processing infrastructure at Ernest Henry, where Mt Margaret ore was previously processed into export quality copper concentrate
- JORC open-pit Resources of 13.0Mt at 0.78% copper and 0.24g/t gold with >95% in the Measured and Indicated categories1
- Near-term production potential – 2 open pits already pre-stripped
- Significant potential for Resource growth through further exploration
- Defined high priority exploration targets – Both extensional and regional
Managing Director, Matthew O’Kane commented, “The acquisition of Mt Margaret remains a truly transformational opportunity for Comet. It’s a substantial past-producing copper mine that we’re able to acquire due to portfolio rationalisation of a global tier one miner. It contains existing Mineral Resources of 13.0Mt, with over 95% of this resource in the Measured and Indicated categories. The majority of Mt Margaret’s Resource sits in two already pre-stripped open pits providing Comet with a reduced capex pathway to production. The transaction now comprises both debt and equity, significantly improving the transaction structure for our shareholders by substantially reducing up front dilution due to the reduction in the amount of equity required to be raised initially.”
ACQUISITION OVERVIEW
Comet has entered into an amended and restated share sale agreement (MTM Acquisition Agreement) with Minerals Mining and Metallurgy Limited (ACN 645 972 309) (MMM), Mount Isa Mines Limited (ACN 009 661 447) (MIM) and Mount Margaret Mining Pty Ltd (ACN 150 366 224) (MTM) pursuant to which MIM has agreed to sell, and MMM has agreed to buy, 100% of the issued capital in MTM (MTM Shares). MTM is the owner of the Project. Neither MMM, MIM or MTM are related parties of the Company.
The consideration for the acquisition of the MTM Shares is:
(i) a non-refundable payment by MMM of $5,000,000 to MIM (paid on 18 February 2022);
(ii) on completion, the issue by Comet (such issue to be procured by MMM) of 25,000,000 fully paid ordinary shares in the capital of Comet (Shares) to MIM (or its nominee) (at an aggregate deemed issue price for those Shares of $0.20 per Share, equal to an amount of $5,000,000;
(iii) on completion, the issue by Comet (such issue to be procured by MMM) of 10,000,000 options exercisable at $0.30 per option on or before the date which is 5 years from issue; and
(iv) a 2% net smelter return royalty from the sale of any copper, gold or silver extracted, produced and sold from the Mount Margaret Project for the life of the mine.
At completion of the Acquisition, MIM has agreed to make a loan available to MMM in the amount of A$27,000,000 (the Loan) for the sole purpose of MMM using these funds to replace the Environmental Bond at completion. The difference between the current Environmental Bond liability of A$32,341,120 and the Loan amount will be funded by Comet from the proceeds of its capital raising. The addition of the Loan improves the transaction structure by reducing the size of the equity raise required to complete the Acquisition, thereby reducing up-front dilution to shareholders, and allows the Company time to advance and de-risk the project before further equity is raised. Options for re-payment of the Loan at maturity include future equity raises, repayment via alternative debt financing or cash flows from operations should the Company return the Project to production, or a combination thereof. A decision will be made on the method of repayment of the Loan in the future.
The Loan will have the following material terms:
(i) Term: the Loan must be repaid on the date that is 36 months from the date the Loan is advanced to MMM (or earlier at MMM’s election);
(ii) Interest: interest on the Loan will accrue at a rate of the bank bill swap rate (BBSW) BBSW + 900 basis points per annum, payable quarterly in arrears;
(iii) Security: the Loan (and interest) will be secured by a first-ranking general security deed over the assets of MMM and Comet;
(iv) Bond Increases: during the term of the Loan, MMM will meet any increases in the Environmental Bond imposed by the Queensland Government; and
(v) Oversight by MIM: During the term of the Loan, MMM will provide MIM with access to such information, as it may reasonably require, in order to monitor MTM’s exploration activities on the Mount Margaret Project.
In addition to the Environmental Bond, the Project is also the subject of a Deed of Arrangement for Offset Transfer between the State of Queensland and MTM (Offset Deed) which relates to requirements under the “Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy”. Pursuant to the Offset Deed, MTM has provided financial security to the State of Queensland in the form of an unconditional bank guarantee for the amount of $1,983,000 (Offset Surety). The Offset Surety will also need to be replaced as part of the Acquisition and $2,000,000 raised under the Capital Raising will be allocated towards this.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Comet Resources, 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.
CRL:AU
17 March 2024
International Graphite Funding Deal with Comet Resources a Win-Win, Report Says
International Graphite’s (ASX:IG6) $1.5-million funding deal with major shareholder Comet Resources (ASX:CRL) resulted in a surge in IG6’s shares on March 13. The loan agreement was undertaken to address market speculation on the security of Comet’s shares in IG6, according to a news report from The West Australian.
“Management says the strategic funding transaction will prevent the potential sell down of any of the 40 million International Graphite shares owned by Comet – which delisted from the ASX in January – when they are released from escrow next month,” the report said.
The funding deal included giving International Graphite a majority seat on the Comet board, as IG6 management has called the deal a win-win for shareholders.
Click here to connect with International Graphite (ASX:IG6) for an Investor Presentation.
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02 July
Loyal to Acquire the High-Grade Highway Reward Copper Gold Mine
Loyal Metals Limited (ASX:LLM) (Loyal, LLM, or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has acquired a binding option to purchase the Highway Reward Copper Gold Mine in Queensland, Australia, one of the highest-grade copper mines worldwide, with past production totalling 3.65 million tonnes at 5.7% Cu and 260,000 tonnes at 4.5 g/t Au 1-9. This acquisition is the first step in Loyal’s 2025 Strategic Plan to broaden its critical minerals portfolio into copper. No exploration has been conducted on the mining leases since mining ceased in July 2005, despite a ~680% increase in copper prices and a ~1,256% increase in gold prices since the 1997 feasibility study 3,4. With over $4.4 million in funding, Loyal is well-positioned to revisit the high-grade Highway Reward Copper Gold Mine by deploying modern exploration techniques11.
Key Highlights
- Loyal secures binding option to acquire the Highway Reward Copper Gold Mine in Queensland, Australia - one of the world’s highest-grade copper mines, with past production totalling 3.65Mt at 5.7% Cu and 260kt at 4.5 g/t Au.
- The acquisition is the first step in Loyal’s 2025 Strategic Plan to broaden its critical minerals portfolio into copper.
- No exploration has been conducted on the granted mining leases since operations ceased in July 2005 despite a ~680% increase in copper prices and a ~1,256% increase in gold prices since the 1997 feasibility study.
- Significant increase in copper and gold prices, combined with the previous exclusion of gold in sulphides from the mine plan, highlights the enhanced remnant copper-gold potential.
- Exploration potential for new discoveries both along strike and at depth, as previous mining only reached depths of 220 metres for open pit and 390 metres for underground operations, with limited exploration beyond mined zones.
- With $4.4 million in funding, Loyal is well-positioned to revisit the high-grade Highway Reward Copper Gold Mine by deploying modern exploration techniques. With global initiatives to enhance energy grids and no USA tariffs on Australian copper, the outlook for copper is strong and unencumbered.
Loyal‘s Managing Director, Mr. Adam Ritchie, commented:
"We are thrilled to secure this incredibly rare opportunity for our current and future Loyal investors. The Highway Reward Copper Gold Mine, considered one of the highest-grade copper mines in the world, is now primed for a revisit after 20 years of dormancy.
The granted mining leases of the Highway Reward mine provide an amazing speed to market opportunity - especially when both copper and gold are near all-time highs. The short-term and long-term opportunities at Highway Reward are exciting, considering the significant growth in commodity prices since the 1997 feasibility study. Copper is driving our electric future and gold continues to play an important role in our global economy.
Whilst a lot has changed in the past 28 years, the unwavering demand for copper and gold has only intensified. This is truly an amazing opportunity to unlock and showcase the immense potential of this forgotten mine. With modern technology and innovative mining techniques, we believe the Highway Reward Copper Gold Mine will provide exceptional value and returns to our Loyal shareholders."
Figure 1 Highway Reward Copper Gold Mine: Located 37 km south of Charters Towers within the Mount Windsor Volcanic Belt. Accessible via an all-weather highway, 172 km from the Port of Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
The Highway Reward Copper Gold Mine is located only 37 km from the active mining town of Charters Towers in Queensland, Australia, within the Mount Windsor Volcanic Belt. This area is renowned for its rich history in copper and gold mining, with strong social license support for mining activities. It features large-scale mining operations such as, Newmont’s 3.2 Moz Mt Leyshon gold mine and Yuxin Holding’s 3.4 Moz Pajingo gold mine. The region is close to the polymetallic, Thalanga Processing Plant and the Mount Carlton Processing Plant, with road and rail to Glencore’s Mount Isa copper hub, Townsville copper refinery and the Port of Townsville.
With the growth in commodity prices and advancements in exploration and mining technologies, the potential for remnant copper-gold mining has significantly improved. Previous mining operations targeted copper within chalcopyrite, while gold associated with both chalcopyrite and pyrite was excluded from the mine plan. With lower copper equivalent cut-off grades (copper & gold), higher continuity of copper-gold can be drill tested to demonstrate the reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction and mineral resource potential.
Graph 1: Highway Reward Copper Gold Mine - mining ceased in July 2005: 28 Years of Commodity Growth
Significant potential will be assessed and areas tested for copper-gold extensions to subvertical trends, that may exist below current mining levels at the Highway Reward Copper-Gold Mine. The previously mined, copper-gold rich pipes will also be assessed for drill testing along strike (Figure 2). Previous mining and surface mapping geological observations illustrate that high- grade copper-gold pipes have been identified in dacite, rhyolite, and volcaniclastic host rocks, therefore strong prospectivity exists for discovering additional pipes beyond the historically mined zones in all rock types on the property, except recent overlying sediments that conceal the basement host rocks (Figure 2). No modern advanced geophysical techniques or data processing methods have yet been applied to assess this potential.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Loyal Metals 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.
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25 June
Copper Market Hit by Major Supply Squeeze as LME Inventories Drop
One of the sharpest copper supply crunches in recent memory is rattling global commodities markets, as inventories at the London Metal Exchange (LME) plummet and the spot price soars.
Bloomberg reported that as of Monday (June 23), copper for immediate delivery was trading at a premium of US$345 per metric ton over three month futures, the widest spread since a record squeeze in 2021.
That dramatic price divergence reflects the market’s acute concerns over access to physical copper, with readily available inventories on the LME falling by around 80 percent this year alone.
Available stockpiles now cover less than a single day of global demand, amplifying anxiety across the supply chain.
Historic backwardation signals market distress
Backwardation in metals markets typically suggests that buyers are scrambling to obtain physical supply. In copper’s case, a combination of logistical, geopolitical and structural forces is driving the surge.
LME stockpiles have been rapidly drawn down as traders and manufacturers shift metal to the US in anticipation of potential trade barriers, spurred by US President Donald Trump's tariff moves.
That migration has created acute shortages in Europe and Asia. Chinese smelters, responding to the price premium and slackening domestic demand, have begun exporting surplus copper to global markets. Yet those flows have not kept pace with the drawdowns, and China's own inventories have also dwindled.
The LME had hoped recent regulatory interventions would prevent another disorderly squeeze like the one that disrupted the nickel market in 2022. Last week, the exchange enacted new rules mandating that traders with large front-month positions offer to lend those holdings if they exceed available inventories.
The so-called “front-month lending rule” is meant to discourage hoarding and promote liquidity.
However, recent copper trading data suggest that no single trader is behind the current squeeze. On Monday, the Tom/next spread — a one day lending rate — spiked to US$69 per metric ton.
This would only occur if no one entity held enough copper to trigger lending obligations under the new rules, indicating the tightness is likely the result of broad-based market dynamics rather than manipulation.
LME tightens oversight
As mentioned, the LME has begun cracking down on oversized positions across its metals complex.
In a June 20 statement, the exchange introduced a temporary, market-wide rule to manage large front-month exposures. Under the updated rules, traders holding positions in the front-month contract for a metal that exceed the total available exchange inventories — excluding any stock they already own — must offer to lend those positions at “level,” meaning they are required to roll them over to the next month at the same price.
The rule aims to rein in aggressive moves by commodities trading houses that have made deep inroads into metals markets over the past year. The LME emphasized in its release that recent market interventions are targeted, adding that the newly introduced rule offers a standardized approach.
Still, the unprecedented depth of copper’s backwardation — now extending years into the future — suggests that broader supply/demand dynamics are at play, beyond what position limits alone can control.
For manufacturers and industrial users, the squeeze presents a serious cost and planning risk. Many rely on the LME as a pricing and hedging mechanism. But when exchange inventories drop this low, even large players can face trouble sourcing metal to meet contract obligations. With exchange-based supply nearly exhausted, companies may increasingly turn to off-market deals or bilateral supply agreements — often at higher prices.
This shift weakens the LME’s role as a central clearinghouse for global copper, and raises questions about its ability to handle future shocks, especially as energy transition policies boost long-term demand for the metal.
Market watchers will also be looking to the next moves from Chinese exporters, US trade policy under Trump and the LME’s enforcement of its new regulations.
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.
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24 June
Top 10 Copper-producing Companies
Copper miners with productive assets have much to gain as supply and demand tighten.
In May 2024, the copper price hit a new all-time high of US$10,954 per metric ton (MT) on the London Metal Exchange and US$5.20 per pound on the COMEX on the back of increasing demand and growing supply concerns.
Copper is one of the most important resources for the energy transition. However, in recent years, demand for the red metal has outpaced mining supply. While construction and electrical grids have long been major markets for copper, today the rise in demand for electric vehicles, EV charging infrastructure and energy storage applications are emerging drivers of copper consumption.
Another trend driving future copper demand is the rapid urbanization in the Global South, as rural populations migrate to cities, putting pressure on electricity grids.
Due to the challenges associated with finding, developing, permitting and mining copper deposits, the higher demand is being met by slow growth of new supply. Mines that are in operation tend to be quite large and operate for decades as copper producers concentrate on mine expansions and brownfield projects aimed at extending mine lifetimes.
Given those factors, investors should keep an eye on the world’s top copper miners and their operations.
This list of the 10 largest copper-mining companies in the world is ranked by attributable copper production for 2024.
As companies' reporting methods for copper production differ, the Investing News Network has calculated attributable copper production for the companies below using figures from company reports and data from Mining Data Online in order to provide investors with the most accurate ranking of global copper production by company.
1. BHP (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP)
Copper production: 1.46 million metric tons
BHP is one of the world’s largest mining companies, and its global portfolio of assets includes significant copper mining operations in Chile, Australia and Peru.
According to the company’s quarterly operational review data, the mining giant reported consolidated copper production of 1.46 million metric tons across the calendar year 2024.
Its most significant copper asset is the Escondida mine, the world’s largest copper mine. BHP holds a 58 percent stake in the Chilean operation, which, according to MDO data, produced 2.04 billion pounds of copper in 2024. The company wholly owns the Pampa Norte operations in Chile, which produced 586 million pounds of copper in 2024.
BHP also owns the Olympic Dam polymetallic mine, the largest mine in Australia. The South Australian mine hosts one of the world’s largest copper deposits as well as the largest uranium deposit. In 2023, BHP expanded its portfolio in the state with its acquisition of OZ Minerals and its Prominent Hill and Carrapateena copper operations.
2. Codelco
Copper production: 1.44 million metric tons
The Chilean state-owned Codelco is the world’s third-largest producer with copper production of 1.44 million metric tons in 2024. According to its 2024 annual report, its copper output increased 1.2 percent from 1.42 million metric tons in 2023.
Its largest asset is the Chuquicamata mine located in Northern Chile, between 2017 and 2021 annual production was in the 700 million to 850 million pound range. However, lower grades in recent years have led to production falling below 600 million pounds. In 2024, Chuquicamata increased slightly to 637 million pounds.
The mine transitioned from an open pit to an underground mine beginning in 2019. In its report, the company stated that phase one of its continuity infrastructure project had reached 73 percent completion and that plans for the second phase were undergoing feasibility studies.
The company’s other significant Chilean mines include El Teniente, Quebrada Blanca and Andina.
3. Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX)
Copper production: 1.26 million metric tons
Freeport-McMoRan is consistently ranked among the world’s top copper producers, and its share of copper production from its mines totaled 1.26 million metric tons of copper in 2024. The company reported producing 4.21 billion pounds, or 1.9 million metric tons, of the red metal, calculated on a 100 percent basis for all operations except its Morenci joint venture.
The largest contributor to its output is the Grasberg copper-gold mine in Indonesia. The mine itself is a joint venture between Freeport and state-owned Indonesia Asahan Aluminum, with the entities holding interests of 48.76 percent and 51.24 percent respectively. According to MDO, copper output for the mine in 2024 totaled 1.8 billion pounds.
Grasberg has undergone a transition from an open pit to an underground block cave, and expansion work continues at the site. As of the close of 2024, the mine had 469 open drawbells.
Additionally, Freeport holds a 55 percent stake in the Cerro Verde copper-molybdenum complex in Peru. The mine routinely produces between 800 million and 1 billion pounds of copper and is expected to be in operation until 2052.
Its largest US based operation is its 72 percent owned Morenci mine in Arizona, which produced 700 million pounds in 2024. It also owns the Safford and Sierrita mines in the same state.
4. Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF)
Copper production: 951,600 metric tons
Mining major Glencore's copper production dipped by 6 percent in 2024 to 951,600 metric tons from the 1.01 million metric tons produced in 2023. The company’s 2024 annual report attributed the decline to lower planned production at its Antapaccay and Collahuasi mines due to factors including lower grades, water constraints and geotechnical challenges.
Located along Chile’s coast, Collahuasi is the company's largest operation, a 44/44/12 joint operation between Glencore, Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:NGLOD) and Japan’s Mitsui & Co. (OTC Pink:MITSF,TSE:8031). The mine produced 558,600 metric tons of copper in 2024.
The partners are working to build a large-scale desalination plant designed to help overcome water shortage issues. The plant reached 86 percent completion in 2024 and is expected to begin operating in 2026. Once open, it will provide 1,050 litres of desalinated water per second to the mine via a 194 kilometer pipeline.
Other significant copper-producing assets in the company’s portfolio include Antamina in Peru, Mount Isa in Australia and the Katanga Complex in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
5. Southern Copper (NYSE:SCCO)
Copper production: 883,462 metric tons
A majority-owned, indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico (OTC Pink:GMBXF), Southern Copper recorded 883,462 metric tons of total copper production for 2024, a 6.9 percent increase over 2023. In the company’s 2024 results, the company attributed the increase to higher production across all operations, with a 10.7 percent increase from its Peruvian assets and a 4.3 percent increase from Mexican production.
The company operates major copper mines in Peru and Mexico and has exploration projects in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru.
Its largest copper-producing asset is the Buenavista mine in Northern Mexico, which sits atop one of the world’s largest porphyry copper deposits. According to MDO, the site produces approximately 700 billion to 750 billion pounds of copper per year.
Its other copper operations include the Cuajone and Toquepala mines in Peru and the La Caridad mine in Mexico.
6. Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:NGLOD)
Copper production: 772,700 metric tons
British miner Anglo American reported a 6.5 percent decrease in copper production to 772,700 metric tons from 826,200 metric tons in 2023.
The company attributed the decline to lower recovery and grades at the Collahuasi and Los Bronces operations in Chile, noting that the planned closure of the Los Bronces processing plant also impacted production. The company holds a 44 percent stake in Collahuasi and 50 percent in Los Bronces.
In addition to Collahuasi, the company also owns a 60 percent stake in the Quellaveco mine in Peru, with Mitsubishi owning the remaining 40 percent. The open pit mine started operating in 2022 and, according to MDO, produced 675 million pounds of copper in 2024.
It also owns a 50 percent stake in the El Soldado mine in Chile, which it operates in partnership with Mitsui, which holds a 30 percent stake, and Mitsubishi Materials (OTC Pink:MIMTF), which holds the remaining 20 percent. Data from MDO shows that the mine produced 48,200 metric tons of copper in 2024.
7. KGHM Polska Miedz (FWB:KGHA.F)
Copper production: 729,700 metric tons
Poland’s KGHM Polska Miedz Group has operations in Europe, North America and South America, and says that it controls over 40 million metric tons of copper ore resources worldwide. In 2024, KGHM produced 729,700 metric tons of copper, a slight increase from the 710,900 metric tons of copper produced in 2023.
According to MDO, KGHM’s largest operation is the Polkowice-Sieroszowice mine in Western Poland. The mine has been in operation since 1968 and produces approximately 430 million to 440 million pounds of copper annually.
The company’s Polish operations also include the Rudna mine, which produced 338 million pounds of copper last year, and the Lubin mine, which produced 156 million pounds.
Other options under the KGHM banner include the Robinson mine in Nevada, United States, and the 55 percent owned Sierra Gorda mine in Chile.
8. CMOC Group (OTC Pink:CMCLF,HKEX:3993)
Copper production: ~502,600 metric tons
CMOC Group is a new addition to the top 10 after its copper production jumped significantly in 2024, with its share of production from its joint venture copper-cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo totaling approximately 502,600 metric tons. On a 100 percent basis, the company reported annual copper production of 650,161 metric tons.
The majority of CMOC's copper production came from its Tenke Fungurume copper-cobalt mine, an 80/20 joint venture with the state-owned mining firm Gecamines. According to MDO data, the mine has experienced significant growth over the past few years, ramping up from 400 million pounds of copper in 2020 to 618 million pounds in 2023. In 2024, Tenke Fungurume's copper production soared to 992 million pounds, or 450,138 metric tons.
Its other DRC mine is Kisanfu, a 71/24/5 joint venture with Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology (SZSE:300750) and the DRC government. The mine produced 200,013 metric tons of copper cathode in 2024, up substantially from 114,000 in 2023.
9. Antofagasta (LSE:ANTO)
Copper production: 448,800 metric tons
Antofagasta’s share of copper production from its four joint venture operations in Chile totaled 448,800 metric tons in 2024.
The company's largest operation is its 60 percent owned Los Pelambres mine, a joint venture with Mitsubishi. According to MDO, Los Pelambres’ copper production totaled 320,000 metric tons in 2024, up from 300,000 the previous year.
Its Centinela mine is another significant producer, with 224,000 metric tons of copper mined in 2024. The company is constructing a second concentrator at Centinela that, once it comes online in 2027, should add 144,000 metric tons of copper production annually and extend Centinela’s mine life by 15 years to 2051.
The company's other Chilean joint ventures are the Antucoya and Zaldivar mines.
10. Teck (TSX:TECK.A,TECK.B,NYSE:TECK)
Copper production: 358,910 metric tons
Rounding out the top 10 is Canada’s Teck, which increased consolidated copper production by 50 percent in 2024, reaching 446,000 metric tons. On an attributable basis, the copper company's production totaled 358,910 metric tons in 2024.
Much of the gain came from the ramp-up of the Quebrada Blanca mine in Chile. The mine started production in 2023 and produced just 122 million pounds of copper that year. 2024 saw a significant advancement, with the mine producing 458 million pounds of the red metal.
Teck holds a 60 percent ownership stake in the mine, while Japan’s Sumitomo (OTC Pink:SSUMF,TSE:8053) controls a 30 percent stake and Chile’s state-run Codelco owns the final 10 percent.
Teck also owns the Highland Valley mine in British Columbia, Canada. The mine is one of the largest open pit mines in Canada and produced 226 million pounds of copper in 2024.
Other copper operations in the Teck portfolio include Antamina in Peru and Carmen de Andacollo in Chile.
This is an updated version of an article originally published by the Investing News Network in 2016.
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.
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24 June
John Hancock to join White Cliff Minerals Board
Astrotricha Capital SEZC appointed Advisors
White Cliff Minerals Limited (“WCN” or the “Company”) (ASX: WCN; OTCQB: WCMLF) is pleased to announce that John Hancock will join the Board of White Cliff Minerals effective 1 August 2025.
The Company is also pleased to announce that is has entered an advisory mandate with John Hancock’s family office Astrotricha Capital SEZC with Gavin Rezos as its CEO. This engagement, alongside John’s appointment to the Board comes at a pivotal time for White Cliff as its highly anticipated follow up campaign at the Rae Copper Project will shortly commence.
“Alongside our brokers, we have now worked with our Strategic Advisor John Hancock and his family office Astrotricha Capital on two successful capital raises totalling more than A$15m. We now welcome John to the Company as a Non-Executive Director who, alongside Astrotricha CEO Gavin Rezos, will bring further industry experience and strategic advice as we embark on the next phase of exploration at our Rae Copper Project where we will shortly commence drilling at the high-grade Danvers deposit and the giant geophysical anomaly at the sedimentary target – Hulk."
Troy Whittaker - Managing Director
"White Cliff's first mover advantage in what may be one of the most prospective copper regions globally led to my involvement as Strategic Advisor and then via on-market purchases and the capital raises, to become the Company's largest shareholder. The Company is well-funded to shortly commence the large drill campaign at Rae as a follow on from our earlier world class intercepts at the Danvers deposit. I am pleased Gavin Rezos, via Astrotricha Capital SEZC, will provide his extensive experience and networks to compliment my own contribution."
John Hancock - Incoming Non-Executive Director
John’s experience in the mining and exploration industry began more than 40 years ago visiting Pilbara iron ore prospects with his grandfather, Lang Hancock. During the 1990s he was part of marketing missions representing the Hope Downs Iron Ore project to customers and investors in China, Japan and Germany, including co-presenting the project at the 1997 Iron and Steel Conference held in Berlin. After two years working in South Africa with Iscor Mining (now Kumba) and on return to Australia completing an MBA, John transitioned to the role of investor and over the last 20 years has built a record of successful early-stage investments in Lithium and Uranium, including substantial holdings in Vulcan Energy and Aura Energy. His experience in international resource development and capital markets includes the role of Senior Advisor to a New York based fund that during his tenure has deployed more than $500m to small-cap companies in both Australia and Canada, particularly within the mining industry.
"Astrotricha has introduced high net worth investors and funds from Australia and globally to the WCN register. Our combined successful track record in assisting the development of resource projects and many years’ experience in international capital markets, corporate advisory, project development and corporate governance has attracted a range of co investors, both financial and strategic, ready to follow Astrotricha into new companies as those companies develop and their market capitalisation grows. Astrotricha’s aim is to invest at an early stage into potential Tier 1 resource companies and assist them over the development journey. White Cliff was identified as a prime candidate by John Hancock in 2024.”
Gavin Rezos - CEO Astrotricha Capital SEZC
Gavin Rezos has extensive Australian and international investment banking, corporate advisory and governance experience and is a former Investment Banking Director of HSBC Group with regional roles during his career based in London, Sydney and Dubai. Admitted as a solicitor in Australia and England, Gavin has been legal advisor for HSBC on transactions in Australasia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Gavin has held Chairman, Board and CEO positions of public companies in the resources, materials and technology sectors in Australia, the UK, Germany and the US and during these tenures raised a total of over $1.8 billion for project development. Gavin is the former Chairman of Vulcan Energy Resources, non-executive director of Iluka Resources and of Rowing Australia, the peak Olympics sports body for rowing in Australia. As an early-stage founder director, Gavin has taken 3 companies from start up to the ASX300 and one to a market capitalisation of over $1 billion.
Director Retirement
Daniel Smith has informed the Board of his intent to retire as a director of White Cliff to focus on his other professional interests from 1 August 2025. The Board is grateful to Dan for his contribution to White Cliff over the last 5 years and wishes him all the best in his future endeavours.
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.
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20 June
Top 5 Canadian Mining Stocks This Week: Royalties Jumps 183 Percent on Legal Win
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.
Friday (June 20) was the last day for the spring session of Canada’s parliament before its summer break.
On the agenda for the day was a vote on bill C-5, “The One Canadian Economy Act,” which was introduced on June 5.
The bill is in part a response to the recent shift in US trade policy under Donald Trump’s administration. It will provide a new framework to fast-track projects of national interest, including mining and energy projects, to boost Canada’s economy.
However, it hasn’t been without controversy. Primarily, it has been met with opposition from some Indigenous groups, who feel it will override treaty obligations and environmental review processes.
In parliament, it also met some resistance from the conservative opposition, who amended the bill to close loopholes they felt would allow the government to skirt conflict of interest and lobbying laws.
The bill is widely expected to pass the House of Commons and the Senate, with broad support from the Conservative Party.
Also on Friday, Statistics Canada released April’s monthly mineral production survey.
The data shows across-the-board declines in both production and shipments of copper, gold and silver from the previous month.
Copper production dropped the most in April, down to 35.1 million kilograms from 40.1 million in March, while shipments slipped to 30.1 million kilograms from the 50.5 million recorded the previous month.
Gold and silver production fell slightly, with gold declining from 17,059 to 16,708 kilograms, and silver declining from 26,700 to 25,412 kilograms. However, shipments of both fell more precipitously between March and April. Gold shipments dropped from 19,049 to 14,848 kilograms, while silver shipments fell from 29,578 to 22,106 kilograms.
In the US, the Federal Reserve held its fourth meeting of the year to determine the direction of the benchmark federal funds rate on Tuesday (June 17) and Wednesday (June 18).
The central bank decided to hold the rate at the current 4.25 to 4.5 percent range, which it last set in November 2024. The decision comes as it awaits the effects of tariffs to be felt more broadly in the economy, noting uncertainty whether it will be a one-time shock or be more persistent through the rest of the year.
The decision fell in line with analysts’ expectations, who are not predicting a rate cut until the Fed’s September meeting.
Markets and commodities react
In Canada, major indexes were mixed at the end of the week. The S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) was largely flat, posting a small 0.14 percent loss during the week to close at 26,497.57 on Friday.
The S&P/TSX Venture Composite Index (INDEXTSI:JX) fared worse, losing 2.18 percent to 711.18, although the CSE Composite Index (CSE:CSECOMP) jumped 1.58 percent to 117.36.
US equities were all in negative territory this week, with the S&P 500 (INDEXSP:INX) losing 0.55 percent to close at 6,967.85, the Nasdaq-100 (INDEXNASDAQ:NDX) slipping 0.23 percent to 21,626.39 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) sinking 0.88 percent to 42,206.83.
The gold price was down this week, losing 0.42 percent to US$3,371.39 at by Friday's close. Although it jumped to a high of US$37.29 mid-week, the silver price pulled back and ultimately lost 0.82 percent to end the week at US$36.02.
In base metals, the COMEX copper price gained 1.88 percent over the week to US$4.88 per pound. Meanwhile, the S&P GSCI (INDEXSP:SPGSCI) posted a gain of 5.47 percent to close at 580.99.
Top Canadian mining stocks this week
How did mining stocks perform against this backdrop?
Take a look at this week’s five best-performing Canadian mining stocks below.
Stock data for this article was retrieved at 4 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. Mineral companies within the non-energy minerals, energy minerals, process industry and producer manufacturing sectors were considered.
1. Royalties (CSE:RI)
Weekly gain: 183.33 percent
Market cap: C$24.75 million
Share price: C$0.085
Royalties is focused on building cash flow through the acquisition mineral and music royalty assets.
The company has a 100 percent interest in the Bilbao silver property in Zacatecas, Mexico, which hosts silver, zinc and lead deposits. As silver prices improve, the company is seeking to monetize the property.
Shares of Royalties surged this week after its 88 percent owned subsidiary Minera Portree won its lawsuit against Capstone Copper (TSX:CS,OTC Pink:CSCCF), asserting its ownership of a 2 percent net smelter return royalty on five mineral concessions at the Cozamin copper-silver mine in Zacatecas.
The protracted legal dispute began after Capstone re-assigned the royalty to itself through a 2019 contract without informing or paying Minera Portree.
Under the terms of the judgment, the 2 percent NSR will revert back to Minera Portree along with royalties for the exploitation of concessions between 2002 and 2019. The amounts for those royalties will be set at the execution phase. Capstone Gold is also ordered to pay royalties from the Portree 1 concession from August 2019 to present.
Earlier in the week, Royalties increased its stake in Music Royalties, which pays a 7.2 percent annual yield from 30 music catalogues. The company will now receive royalties of C$102,000 per year from its investment.
2. Altima Energy (TSXV:ARH)
Weekly gain: 100 percent
Market cap: C$21.14 million
Share price: C$0.42
Altima Energy is a light oil and natural gas exploration and development company with operations in Alberta, Canada.
Its primary asset is the Richdale property in Central Alberta. The property consists of five producing light oil wells and sits on 5,920 acres of long-term reserves. The property hosts combined proved and probable reserves of just under 2 billion barrels of oil equivalent, with a pre-tax net present value of C$25.8 million.
The company also owns two wells at its Twinning light oil site near Nisku, seven producing wells at its Red Earth property in Northern Alberta and two multi-zone wells at its Chambers Ferrier liquid gas production property.
Although Altima hasn’t released news in the last few months, its share price surged mid-week.
3. Trillion Energy (CSE:TCF)
Weekly gain: 71.43 percent
Market cap: C$11.62 million
Share price: C$0.06
Trillion Energy is an oil and gas producer focused on supplying the European and Turkish markets.
The company owns a 49 percent share in the SASB gas field with Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) owning the remainder. The field is located in the southwestern Black Sea, and covers a license block area of 12,387 hectares. Trillion also owns a 19.6 percent interest in the Cendre oil field, with TPAO owning the majority 80 percent.
On April 26, the company released its 2024 year-end reserve report. In the announcement, Trillion reported that its attributable total proved and probable reserves at the SASB gas field increased to 62.3 billion cubic feet of gas and 247 million barrels of oil, with a pre-tax NPV of US$363.6 million.
Trillion Energy’s share price climbed in the second half of the week. Although it did not put out a press release, the company stated in posts on X Wednesday and Friday that the partners are “actively engaged on-site” advancing gas lift operations through “carefully managed on-platform efforts.”
4. Search Minerals (TSXV:SMY)
Weekly gain: 52 percent
Market cap: C$18.81 million
Share price: C$0.380
Search Minerals is a rare earth element exploration and development company working to advance its flagship Deep Fox project in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
The project is near the port of St. Lewis on the Southeast Labrador coast and consists of 63 mineral claims covering an area of 1,575 hectares. The company also owns the nearby Foxtrot deposit. A May 2022 technical report shows a combined indicated mineral resource for the two properties of 375 parts per million (ppm) praseodymium, 1,402 ppm neodymium, 185 ppm dysprosium and 32 ppm terbium from 15.09 million metric tons of ore.
Search Minerals released a corporate update on June 13 saying its shares were being reinstated for trading on the TSXV. The update detailed how, under previous management, the company’s TSXV listing was subject to a cease trade order in April 2024 due to the previous management team failing to file annual financial statements for 2023. Search’s new board and management team, elected and appointed in mid-2024, brought the company back into compliance.
Search recommenced trading Monday, and its shares climbed on June 19 after the company announced unreleased assay results from a 2022 Phase 4 drill program at Deep Fox. Highlighted assays included one hole with a 29.92 meter interval grading 256 ppm dysprosium, 1,848 ppm neodymium, 496 ppm praseodymium and 43.5 ppm terbium.
The company said the results validate their belief in the mineralization at the site, and that it would drive forward development of Deep Fox, which it called a generational asset, without delay.
5. Homeland Nickel (TSXV:SHL)
Weekly gain: 50 percent
Market cap: C$12.26 million
Share price: C$0.06
Homeland Nickel is an exploration company with projects in the US and Canada.
The company owns four nickel projects in Oregon: Cleopatra, Red Flat, Eight Dollar Mountain and Shamrock. The projects are in the early exploration stage, with the company being guided by historic work at each property.
Homeland is also working on the Great Burnt copper-gold project in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The project is a 30/70 joint venture with Benton Resources (TSXV:BEX,OTC Pink:BNTRF), which earned its stake in the property through an earn-in agreement with Homeland in July 2024.
On June 11, Noble Mineral Exploration (TSXV:NOB,OTCQB:NLPXF) and Canada Nickel's (TSXV:CNC,OTCQX:CNIKF) announcement on June 11 of positive assay results from their joint venture Mann nickel project in Ontario. Homeland owns 2.95 million shares of Canada Nickel and 9.96 million shares of Noble.
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.
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19 June
Nifty Copper Project Virtual Site Visit
Cyprium Metals Limited (ASX: CYM, OTC: CYPMF) (Cyprium or the Company) invites shareholders to join an investor webinar and live Q&A hosted by Executive Chairman Matt Fifield on Tuesday 24th June 2025. Investors will be guided on a virtual site visit of the Nifty Copper Complex showcasing the sulphide and heap leach resources and extensive brownfield infrastructure.
Executive Chair Matt Fifield said
“The Nifty Copper Complex hosts a prolific orebody and has many advantages of brownfield infrastructure. Our recent work with visualisation vendor VRIFY enables us to show interested parties the condition of the site, and make sense of the proposed open pit mine plan in a whole different light. I’m excited to share these tools with our shareholders.”
INVESTOR WEBINAR DETAILS
Date: Tuesday 24th June 2025
Time: 11:00am AWST (Perth), 1:00pm AEST (Sydney/Melbourne)
Register: https://bit.ly/4n3kfvj
Questions: The Company invites investors to submit questions via the registration page.Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Cyprium Metals, 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.
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