Hudbay Announces Second Quarter 2023 Results

Hudbay Minerals Inc. ("Hudbay" or the "company") (TSX, NYSE:HBM) today released its second quarter 2023 financial results. All amounts are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted.

Positioned for Strong Production Growth and Free Cash Flow Generation in the Second Half of 2023

  • Reaffirmed full year 2023 consolidated production, cash cost and sustaining cash cost guidance for Hudbay's Peru and Manitoba operations.
  • On June 20, 2023, Hudbay completed the acquisition of Copper Mountain Mining Corporation ("Copper Mountain"), creating a 150,000-tonnes-per-year copper producer with three long-life mines in tier-one jurisdictions and a world-class pipeline of organic copper growth projects.
    • Copper Mountain owns 75% of the Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia (the "Copper Mountain Mine Joint Venture"), with Mitsubishi Materials Corporation ("MMC") holding the remaining non-controlling interest.
    • Hudbay expects to release an updated technical report for the Copper Mountain mine in the fourth quarter, which will include updated annual production and cost estimates for the mine.
  • Achieved higher grades from Pampacancha in July with 1.6 million tonnes of ore mined at 0.63% copper and 0.31 grams per tonne gold, consistent with the mine plan and company expectations for higher production in Peru in the third and fourth quarters of 2023.

Second Quarter Operating and Financial Results

  • Consolidated production in the second quarter was 21,715 tonnes of copper and 48,996 ounces of gold, which includes production from the Copper Mountain mine during the 10-day stub period following the June 20, 2023 acquisition date.
  • Consolidated cash cost and sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits i , in the second quarter, were $1.60 and $2.73, respectively, excluding Copper Mountain's costs during the 10-day stub period.
  • Peru operations successfully managed through a transitional quarter with elevated stripping activities at Pampacancha completed in June to enable mining high grade portions of the orebody in the second half of 2023. The Peru operations maintained steady performance, producing 17,682 tonnes of copper in the second quarter, which was in line with mine plan expectations. Peru cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits i , in the second quarter was $2.14, in line with quarterly cadence expectations as Pampacancha is expected to deliver higher copper production and precious metal by-product credits in the second half of 2023.
  • Manitoba operations produced 35,253 ounces of gold, which was impacted by lower throughput at the Stall mill due to downtime to complete the Stall mill Phase I recovery improvement project tie-ins which resulted in a buildup of surface ore stockpiles at the end of the second quarter. Lalor achieved an 11% increase in ore mined versus the first quarter as the company continues to implement improvements to reduce costs and target higher production levels. Manitoba cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits i , was $1,097 and is expected to decline to be within the annual guidance range due to higher throughput, gold recoveries and gold grades expected in the second half of 2023.
  • Second quarter net loss and loss per share were $14.9 million and $0.05, respectively. After adjusting for $6.8 million of transaction costs incurred during the quarter associated with the acquisition of Copper Mountain and a non-cash gain of $4.7 million related to a quarterly revaluation of the company's closed site environmental reclamation provision, among other items, second quarter adjusted loss i per share was $0.07.
  • Operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital was $55.9 million and adjusted EBITDA i was $81.2 million in the second quarter.
  • Cash and cash equivalents declined during the second quarter to $179.7 million and were negatively impacted by lower base metal prices and lower production volumes as a result of scheduled mill maintenance programs, elevated stripping activity in Peru and a buildup of ore stockpiles in Manitoba. Cash and cash equivalents were also impacted by $25.8 million in total transaction costs related to the acquisition of Copper Mountain, $65.9 million of capital investments, primarily related to sustaining capital investments, and a $31.9 million bond interest payment.

Executing on Growth Initiatives and Prudent Financial Planning

  • Copper Mountain integration activities are progressing in line with expectations with over 50% of the targeted annualized corporate and tax synergies already achieved to date. The company is focused on advancing its plans to stabilize the operation over the next 12 months, to be further detailed in a technical report, which will include an updated mine plan and mineral reserve and resource estimates, expected to be released in the fourth quarter.
  • Copper World pre-feasibility study for Phase I is well-advanced and expected to be released in the third quarter.
  • Snow Lake drilling intersected new high-grade copper-gold-silver zone 500 metres northwest of Lalor and indicates the hosting mineralization at Lalor continues down plunge for at least two kilometres.
  • Completed the acquisition of the Cook Lake properties in Snow Lake, providing the potential for a new discovery on claims untested by modern geophysics and where historical drilling intersected base metal and gold mineralization at a fraction of Lalor's current known depth.
  • Announced the entry into a definitive agreement to acquire all the issued and outstanding common shares of Rockcliff Metals Corp. ("Rockcliff"), which is expected to increase Hudbay's land position within trucking distance of its Snow Lake processing facilities by more than 250%. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter.
  • On July 6, 2023, established framework for a multi-year exploration partnership with Marubeni Corporation focused on the discovery of new deposits within trucking distance of Hudbay's processing facilities in Flin Flon, Manitoba.
  • First phase of the Stall recovery improvement project was completed during the second quarter with commissioning completed in May and ramp-up to higher metal recoveries expected in the second half of 2023.
  • In connection with the Copper Mountain transaction, Hudbay amended its Revolving Credit Facilities ("RCFs") to (i) exclude the Copper Mountain group from the financial covenant calculations in the RCFs until the Copper Mountain Nordic bonds are repaid in full and (ii) increase the net debt to EBITDA covenant ratio to provide greater financial flexibility during the integration period.
  • Subsequent to quarter end, Hudbay drew $90 million from its RCFs to finance the redemption of a portion of Copper Mountain's Nordic bonds, thus improving the company's ability to deleverage and repay debt sooner than the bond maturity.
  • On track to deliver annual discretionary spending reduction targets for 2023 with lower growth capital and exploration expenditures compared to 2022. As a result of a continued focus on discretionary spending reductions, total capital expenditures for 2023 are expected to be approximately $15 million lower than guidance levels, representing 5% of total capital expenditure guidance.

"We remain on track to meet our 2023 guidance as we completed many transitional activities in the second quarter that position us for stronger production and improved costs during the second half of 2023," said Peter Kukielski, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The higher grades we are currently mining at Pampacancha, the planned improved throughput and recoveries in Snow Lake and the recent completion of the Copper Mountain acquisition are expected to generate strong free cash flows starting in the third quarter of 2023. With Copper Mountain we have a larger and more resilient operating platform to deliver diversified cash flows to prudently advance our leading organic pipeline of brownfield expansion and greenfield exploration and development opportunities across our portfolio."

Summary of Second Quarter Results

Consolidated copper production in the second quarter of 2023 was 21,715 tonnes, a decrease of 4% compared to the first quarter of 2023 as the company completed the higher volume stripping program at Pampacancha in June and a scheduled mill maintenance program at Constancia, partially offset by a 10-day stub period of production from the newly acquired Copper Mountain mine (the "Copper Mountain Stub Period"). Consolidated gold production in the quarter was 48,996 ounces, a 4% increase over the prior quarter, primarily due to slightly higher gold grades and higher gold recoveries in Peru. Consolidated silver production in the second quarter was 612,310 ounces, a decrease of 13% compared to the first quarter primarily due to lower silver grades in Peru. Consolidated zinc production in the second quarter was 8,758 tonnes, a decline of 11% compared to the first quarter due to lower throughput and zinc head grades at Stall.

Consolidated cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits i , in the second quarter of 2023 was $1.60, compared to $0.85 in the first quarter of 2023. This increase was mainly the result of higher mining, milling and treatment and refining costs and lower copper production. Consolidated cash cost for the first six months of 2023 was above 2023 guidance ranges but remained in line with quarterly cadence expectations, and the company expects consolidated cash cost to decline in the second half of 2023 to be within the full year guidance range. Consolidated sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits i , was $2.73 in the second quarter of 2023 compared to $1.83 in the first quarter. Consolidated all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits i , was $2.98 in the second quarter of 2023, higher than $2.07 in the first quarter, primarily due to the same reasons outlined above. Consolidated cash cost and sustaining cash cost for the second quarter and year-to-date exclude Copper Mountain's operations, as no revenues or corresponding cost of sales were recorded during the Copper Mountain Stub Period.

Cash generated from operating activities in the second quarter of 2023 decreased to $24.6 million compared to $71.3 million in the first quarter primarily due to higher operating costs in Peru associated with the scheduled mill maintenance program and higher planned stripping activities at Pampacancha. Operating cash flow before changes in non-cash working capital was $55.9 million during the second quarter of 2023, lower than the first quarter, due to the same reasons noted above.

Net loss and loss per share in the second quarter of 2023 were $14.9 million and $0.05, respectively, compared to net earnings and earnings per share of $5.5 million and $0.02, respectively, in the first quarter. The results were negatively impacted by $6.8 million of transaction costs associated with the acquisition of Copper Mountain and a $1.4 million foreign exchange loss. This was partially offset by a non-cash gain of $4.7 million related to the quarterly revaluation of the environmental reclamation provision at the company's closed sites and a $1.1 million revaluation gain related to the gold prepayment liability.

Adjusted net loss i and adjusted net loss per share i in the second quarter of 2023 were $18.3 million and $0.07 per share, respectively, after adjusting for $6.8 million of transaction costs associated with the acquisition of Copper Mountain and the non-cash revaluation gain of the environmental reclamation provision, among other items. Second quarter adjusted EBITDA i was $81.2 million, compared to $101.9 million in the first quarter of 2023, as higher operating costs in Peru associated with the scheduled mill maintenance program more than offset higher revenue from an increase in sales volumes.

On June 20, 2023, Hudbay successfully completed its previously announced acquisition of Copper Mountain (the "Copper Mountain Transaction"). Copper Mountain's first shipment of copper concentrate following the acquisition occurred on July 23, 2023 after a brief strike action at the Port of Vancouver earlier in July. As such, Hudbay's second quarter results were not materially affected by Copper Mountain's operations with no revenues or corresponding cost of sales recorded during the Copper Mountain Stub Period. Combined acquisition-related costs incurred were $25.8 million, of which $6.8 million related to Hudbay's legal and advisory fees that were expensed during the second quarter, while the remaining costs were incurred by Copper Mountain prior to completion of the acquisition.

As at June 30, 2023, liquidity included $179.7 million in cash and cash equivalents as well as undrawn availability of $184.1 million under the company's RCFs. Subsequent to quarter end, Hudbay drew $90 million from its RCFs to finance the redemption of $83.3 million of Copper Mountain's bonds, thereby reducing the aggregate amount of Copper Mountain bonds outstanding to $59.7 million and improving the company's ability to deleverage and repay debt sooner than the 2026 bond maturity. Based on expected free cash flow generation in the second half of 2023, Hudbay continues to expect to make progress on its deleveraging targets as outlined in its "3-P" plan for sanctioning Copper World. Current liquidity combined with cash flow from operations is expected to be sufficient to meet liquidity needs for the foreseeable future.

Consolidated Financial Condition ($000s) 3 Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Dec. 31, 2022
Cash 179,734 255,563 225,665
Total long-term debt 1,370,682 1,225,023 1,184,162
Net debt 1 1,190,948 969,460 958,497
Working capital 2 (61,357   ) 100,987 76,534
Total assets 5,242,140 4,367,982 4,325,943
Equity 2,001,970 1,574,521 1,571,809

1 Net debt is a non-IFRS financial performance measure with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please see the "Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures" section of this news release.
2 Working capital is determined as total current assets less total current liabilities as defined under IFRS and disclosed on the consolidated interim financial statements. Working capital reflects the full $145 million balance of Copper Mountain Nordic bonds as current, however, subsequent to quarter end, the company drew $90 million from its revolving credit facilities to finance the redemption of a portion of Copper Mountain's Nordic bonds. As of the date hereof, the remaining Copper Mountain Nordic bonds will be presented as long-term as well as the $90 million revolver draw.
3 Following completion of the Copper Mountain acquisition on June 20, 2023, the company's financial condition has been impacted by the inclusion of Copper Mountain as at June 30, 2023 and accordingly there is no comparable period information.

Consolidated Financial Performance 2 Three Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Revenue $000s 312,166 295,219 415,454
Cost of sales $000s 289,273 228,706 325,940
Earnings (loss) before tax $000s (30,731   ) 17,430 21,504
Earnings (loss) $000s (14,932   ) 5,457 32,143
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share $/share (0.05   ) 0.02 0.12
Adjusted earnings (loss) per share 1 $/share (0.07   ) 0.00 0.12
Operating cash flow before change in non-cash working capital $ millions 55.9 85.6 123.9
Adjusted EBITDA 1 $ millions 81.2 101.9 141.4
1 Adjusted (loss) earnings per share and adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please see the "Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures" section.
2 Following completion of the Copper Mountain acquisition on June 20, 2023, the company's financial performance has not been materially affected by Copper Mountain's operations with no revenues or corresponding cost of sales recorded during the Copper Mountain Stub Period of 2023.


Consolidated Production and Cost Performance Three Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Contained metal in concentrate and doré produced 1
Copper tonnes 21,715 22,562 25,668
Gold ounces 48,996 47,240 58,645
Silver ounces 612,310 702,809 864,853
Zinc tonnes 8,758 9,846 17,053
Molybdenum tonnes 414 289 390
Payable metal sold
Copper tonnes 23,078 18,541 23,650
Gold 2 ounces 47,533 49,720 50,884
Silver 2 ounces 805,448 541,884 738,171
Zinc 3 tonnes 8,641 5,628 20,793
Molybdenum tonnes 314 254 208
Consolidated cash cost per pound of copper produced 4
Cash cost $/lb 1.60 0.85 0.65
Sustaining cash cost $/lb 2.73 1.83 1.87
All-in sustaining cash cost $/lb 2.98 2.07 1.93

1 Metal reported in concentrate is prior to deductions associated with smelter contract terms. Consolidated production includes production results from Copper Mountain for the Copper Mountain Stub Period.
2 Includes total payable gold and silver in concentrate and in doré sold.
3 For the three months ended June 30, 2023 and the three months ended March 31, 2023 this metric includes payable zinc in concentrate sold. For the three months ended June 30, 2022, this metric also includes payable refined zinc metal sold.
4 Consolidated cash cost, sustaining cash cost and all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, does not include Copper Mountain production or costs for the Copper Mountain Stub Period at the end of the second quarter of 2023, nor the comparative periods. Cash cost, sustaining cash cost and all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, gold cash cost, sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits, are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please see the "Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures" section of this news release.

Peru Operations Review

Peru Operations Three Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Constancia ore mined 1 tonnes 3,647,399 3,403,181 7,017,114
Copper % 0.31 0.34 0.33
Gold g/tonne 0.04 0.04 0.04
Silver g/tonne 2.49 2.52 3.53
Molybdenum % 0.01 0.01 0.01
Pampacancha ore mined tonnes 2,408,495 897,295 1,211,387
Copper % 0.36 0.49 0.29
Gold g/tonne 0.34 0.52 0.28
Silver g/tonne 2.81 5.12 4.25
Molybdenum % 0.02 0.01 0.01
Total ore mined tonnes 6,055,894 4,300,476 8,228,501
Strip ratio 2 1.74 1.84 1.22
Ore milled tonnes 7,223,048 7,663,728 7,770,706
Copper % 0.31 0.33 0.32
Gold g/tonne 0.09 0.08 0.09
Silver g/tonne 2.78 3.69 3.64
Molybdenum % 0.01 0.01 0.01
Copper recovery % 80.0 81.7 85.0
Gold recovery % 61.1 56.8 60.3
Silver recovery % 65.1 60.7 64.2
Molybdenum recovery % 40.5 34.8 38.8
Contained metal in concentrate
Copper tonnes 17,682 20,517 20,880
Gold ounces 12,998 11,206 13,858
Silver ounces 419,642 552,167 584,228
Molybdenum tonnes 414 289 390
Payable metal sold
Copper tonnes 21,207 16,316 18,473
Gold ounces 14,524 11,781 8,430
Silver ounces 671,532 392,207 484,946
Molybdenum tonnes 314 254 208
Combined unit operating cost 3,4,5 $/tonne 14.07 11.47 12.02
Cash cost 5 $/lb 2.14 1.36 1.82
Sustaining cash cost 5 $/lb 3.06 2.12 2.62

1 Reported tonnes and grade for ore mined are estimates based on mine plan assumptions and may not reconcile fully to ore milled.
2 Strip ratio is calculated as waste mined divided by ore mined.
3 Reflects combined mine, mill and general and administrative ("G&A") costs per tonne of ore milled. Reflects the deduction of expected capitalized stripping costs.
4 Excludes approximately $1.3 million, or $0.16 per tonne, COVID-related costs during the three months ended June 30, 2022.
5 Combined unit operating cost, cash cost and sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits, are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please see the "Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures" section of this news release.

During the second quarter of 2023, the Constancia operations produced 17,682 tonnes of copper, 12,998 ounces of gold, 419,642 ounces of silver and 414 tonnes of molybdenum. With the period of higher planned stripping activities in the Pampacancha pit completed in June and ore mined from Pampacancha in July totaling 1.6 million tonnes at 0.63% copper and 0.31 grams per tonne gold, the company is well on track to achieve the higher expected production in the second half of the year, in line with the full year 2023 Peru production guidance.

Total ore mined in the second quarter of 2023 increased by 41% compared to the first quarter as mining activities returned to normal after the company reduced mining activities in the first quarter to conserve fuel during the period of logistical constraints caused by civil unrest earlier this year.

Ore milled during the second quarter of 2023 was 6% lower than the prior quarter primarily due to a schedule plant maintenance shutdown in the second quarter without a corresponding shutdown in the first quarter. Milled copper grades were slightly lower than the first quarter due to the continued processing of lower-grade ore from stockpiles as the company completed a period of higher planned stripping activities in the Pampacancha pit in June. Recoveries of copper during the second quarter of 2023 remained at low levels, as expected, due to higher levels of impurities in stockpiled ore. Recoveries for gold and silver were 8% and 7% higher, respectively, than the first quarter due to higher gold grades and lower zinc content impurities in ore processed.

Combined mine, mill and G&A unit operating costs in the second quarter of 2023 were 23% higher than the first quarter primarily due to higher costs related to the scheduled plant shutdown and lower milled ore throughput during the quarter.

Peru's cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits i , in the second quarter of 2023 was $2.14, higher than the first quarter primarily due to higher mining, milling and treatment and refining charges and lower copper production. This cost measure remains above the upper end of the 2023 guidance range. However, it is expected to decline meaningfully in the second half of 2023 and the full year cash cost is expected to remain within the 2023 guidance range with higher expected copper production and contributions from precious metal by-product credits from Pampacancha later this year.

Peru's sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits i , in the second quarter of 2023 was $3.06, higher than the first quarter due to the same factors affecting cash cost noted above.

Manitoba Operations Review

Manitoba Operations Three Months Ended  
Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022 1
Lalor
Ore mined tonnes 413,255 373,599 412,653
Gold g/tonne 4.07 3.96 3.73
Copper % 0.81 0.57 0.70
Zinc % 3.14 3.32 3.06
Silver g/tonne 23.27 18.24 23.95
New Britannia
Ore milled tonnes 141,905 143,042 144,589
Gold g/tonne 5.82 6.05 5.69
Copper % 0.77 0.61 0.73
Zinc % 0.85 0.76 0.94
Silver g/tonne 25.79 22.39 19.77
Gold recovery - concentrate % 55.0 62.0 62.7
Copper recovery - concentrate % 91.2 91.7 92.4
Silver recovery - concentrate % 57.0 61.9 62.9
Stall Concentrator
Ore milled tonnes 238,633 242,619 261,417
Gold g/tonne 3.12 2.78 2.95
Copper % 0.85 0.59 0.73
Zinc % 4.47 4.81 4.45
Silver g/tonne 22.15 17.14 26.31
Gold recovery % 59.9 61.9 54.6
Copper recovery % 88.5 87.0 88.0
Zinc recovery % 82.2 84.4 84.3
Silver recovery % 60.3 56.3 56.1
Total contained metal in concentrate and   doré 2
Gold ounces 35,253 36,034 44,787
Copper tonnes 2,794 2,045 4,788
Zinc tonnes 8,758 9,846 17,053
Silver ounces 180,750 150,642 280,625
Total payable metal sold
Gold 3 ounces 33,009 37,939 42,454
Copper tonnes 1,871 2,225 5,177
Zinc tonnes 8,641 5,628 20,793
Silver 3 ounces 133,916 149,677 253,225
Combined unit operating cost 4,5 C$/tonne 220 216 168
Gold cash cost 5 $/oz 1,097 938 (207)
Gold sustaining cash cost 5 $/oz 1,521 1,336 519

1 The 777 mine and Flin Flon concentrator information for June 30, 2022 is not disclosed in the table above. The operations were closed in June 2022. The relevant comparative information can be found in the Summary of Historical Results section in the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the second quarter of 2023. Total contained metal in concentrate and doré, total payable metal sold, unit cost and cash costs for June 30, 2022 include the impact of the Flin Flon operations.
2 Doré includes sludge, slag and carbon fines in three months ended June 30, 2023 and March 31, 2023.
3 Includes total payable precious metals in concentrate and doré sold.
4 Reflects combined mine, mill and G&A costs per tonne of ore milled.
5 Combined unit operating cost, cash cost and sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits, are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information, please see the "Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures" section of this news release.

During the second quarter of 2023, the Manitoba operations produced 35,253 ounces of gold, 8,758 tonnes of zinc, 2,794 tonnes of copper and 180,750 ounces of silver. Production of copper and silver was higher than the first quarter due to higher grades and recoveries. Production of gold and zinc was lower than the first quarter due to lower recoveries and lower zinc grades, partially offset by higher gold grades. With the completion of a number of key initiatives aimed to continue to support higher production levels at Lalor, improved metal recoveries at the mills and a prioritization of mining higher gold grade zones at Lalor in the second half of 2023, as planned, full year Manitoba production of all metals remains on track to achieve guidance ranges. However, with a slower ramp-up of gold recoveries associated with the Stall Phase I recovery improvement project in the second quarter, gold production is trending towards the lower end of the 2023 guidance range for Manitoba, while copper and zinc production is trending towards the upper end of the guidance ranges.

The Manitoba team continues to advance several key initiatives to support higher production levels and improved metal recoveries at the Snow Lake operations. Significant progress has been made at Lalor in optimizing development drift size, improving shaft availability and implementing changes to achieve better stope muck fragmentation, which enabled the elimination of inefficient trucking of ore to surface via the ramp late in the second quarter. The first phase of the Stall mill recovery improvement project, consisting of new cyclone packs, state-of-the-art Jameson Cells on the copper and zinc circuits and process control improvements, was completed during the second quarter. Commissioning of the circuits quickly achieved targeted copper and zinc concentrate grades, while gold recovery improvements progressed slower than planned. Changes to optimize the circuit are underway and the company expects to achieve higher gold recoveries in the second half of 2023. Hudbay also implemented tailings deposition improvements that are expected to maximize the Anderson facility tailings capacity and defer incremental dam construction activities to future years.

Hudbay successfully completed planned maintenance of the muck circuit, rock breaker boom change out and repairs and electrical installations at Lalor during the second quarter. Despite this planned maintenance program, ore mined from Lalor increased by 11% in the second quarter compared to the first quarter, averaging over 4,500 tonnes per day. Lalor continues to implement improvements to reduce costs and target higher production levels with a focus on equipment fleet availability and building of longhole inventory. Gold, copper and silver grades mined during the second quarter of 2023 were 3%, 42% and 28% higher, respectively, than the first quarter, while zinc grades were 5% lower than the first quarter, consistent with the mine plan.

The Stall mill processed similar levels of ore compared to the first quarter of 2023, in line with expectations, due to completion of the Phase I recovery improvement project during the quarter and the commissioning of new Jameson cells requiring associated tie-ins of piping, pump boxes and electrical instrumentation, as noted above. As a result of the temporary interruptions introduced by the project tie-ins, there was a buildup of approximately 30,000 tonnes of base metal ore stockpiles above normal levels at the end of second quarter that will be milled during the second half of 2023.

The New Britannia mill continued to achieve consistent production in the second quarter of 2023, averaging approximately 1,560 tonnes per day. Hudbay continues to advance improvement initiatives at New Britannia requiring minimal capital outlays with a focus on reducing reagent and grinding media consumption while further improving overall metal recoveries and copper concentrate grades. There was a buildup of approximately 15,000 tonnes of gold ore stockpiles above normal levels at the end of the second quarter, which will be milled during the second half of 2023.

Combined mine, mill and G&A unit operating costs in the second quarter of 2023 slightly increased compared to the first quarter reflecting slightly lower mill throughput due, in part, to the 45,000 tonnes of additional ore stockpiled above normal operating levels at the end of the second quarter.

Manitoba's cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits i , in the second quarter was $1,097, higher than the first quarter of 2023, primarily due to higher mining costs, higher treatment and refining charges and lower gold production, partially offset by lower G&A. Gold cash cost is expected to decline in the second half of 2023 and the full year cash cost is expected to remain within the 2023 guidance range.

Sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits i , in the second quarter was $1,521, higher than the first quarter due to the same factors affecting cash cost noted above.

Completion of the Copper Mountain Acquisition

On June 20, 2023, Hudbay successfully completed its previously announced acquisition of Copper Mountain, pursuant to which Hudbay has acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Copper Mountain. As a result of the completion of the Copper Mountain Transaction, Copper Mountain became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hudbay and Hudbay became the indirect owner of 75% of the Copper Mountain Mine Joint Venture. In aggregate, Hudbay issued 84,165,617 Hudbay common shares under the Copper Mountain Transaction to former Copper Mountain shareholders as consideration for their Copper Mountain shares. The Copper Mountain shares were de-listed from the TSX on June 21, 2023 and an application has been submitted with the applicable Canadian securities commissions for Copper Mountain to cease to be a reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws. In connection with the closing, Hudbay appointed Jeane Hull and Paula Rogers, former directors of Copper Mountain, to the board of Hudbay.

The Copper Mountain Transaction creates a premier Americas-focused copper mining company that is well-positioned to deliver sustainable cash flows from an operating portfolio of three long-life mines, as well as compelling organic growth from a world-class pipeline of copper mine expansion and development projects. All assets in the combined portfolio are located in the tier-one mining-friendly jurisdictions of Canada, Peru and the United States. The combined company represents the third largest copper producer in Canada based on 2023 estimated copper production.

Integrating the Copper Mountain Mine

Copper Mountain integration activities are progressing in line with expectations and over 50% of the targeted annualized corporate and tax synergies have already been achieved to date. The company is focused on advancing its plans to stabilize the operation over the next 12 months, including opening up the mine by adding additional mining faces and re-mobilizing idle haul trucks, optimizing the ore feed to the plant and implementing plant improvement initiatives. Further details on Hudbay's plans will be provided in a technical report, including an updated mine plan, revised mineral reserve and resource estimates, and updated annual production and cost estimates for the Copper Mountain mine, which is expected to be released in the fourth quarter.

During the Copper Mountain Stub Period, the Copper Mountain mine produced 1,239 tonnes of copper, 745 ounces of gold and 11,918 ounces of silver. The first copper concentrate shipment following the acquisition date was completed on July 23, 2023 after a brief strike at the Port of Vancouver earlier in July.

As an additional prudent measure to ensure free cash flow generation in the second half of 2023 as Hudbay stabilizes the Copper Mountain operations, subsequent to quarter-end, the Copper Mountain Mine Joint Venture entered into forward sales contracts for a total of 2,000 tonnes of copper production over the five-month period from August to December 2023 at an average price of $3.86 per pound.

Copper World Permitting and Pre-Feasibility Study Well-Advanced

In late 2022, Hudbay submitted the state-level applications for an Aquifer Protection Permit and an Air Quality Permit to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The company expects to receive these two outstanding state permits by early 2024.

In May 2023, Hudbay received a favourable ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that reversed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's designation of the area near Copper World and the former Rosemont project as jaguar critical habitat. While this ruling doesn't impact the state permitting process for Phase I of Copper World, it is expected to simplify the federal permitting process for Phase II of the Copper World project.

Pre-feasibility activities for Phase I are well-advanced and a pre-feasibility study is expected to be released in the third quarter of 2023. Hudbay intends to initiate a minority joint venture partner process prior to commencing a definitive feasibility study, which will allow the potential joint venture partner to participate in the funding of definitive feasibility study activities in 2024 as well as in the final project design for Copper World.

Potential for Snow Lake Mine Life Extension with Discovery of New Mineralized Zones Near Lalor and Significant Regional Land Consolidation

In July 2023, the company announced positive results from its 2023 winter drill program near Lalor in Snow Lake, Manitoba, and significant land consolidation in the Snow Lake region through several strategic transactions. The agreements with multiple land holders will increase Hudbay's holdings in the Snow Lake region by more than 250%. Hudbay intends to explore these claims in hopes of finding a new anchor deposit to maximize and extend the life of Hudbay's Snow Lake operations beyond 2038.

Lalor New Mineralized Zones

The 2023 winter drill program in Snow Lake included the testing of a geophysical anomaly located northwest of Lalor, within 500 metres of existing underground infrastructure. All holes intersected an alteration zone that is known to host the Lalor mineralization. Certain holes intersected several sulphide horizons with both zinc and copper-gold-silver mineralization. Hole CH2303 intersected three mineralized zones, including 7.0 metres of 3.06% zinc and 15.1 grams per tonne silver; 3.5 metres of 3.81% copper, 3.75 grams per tonne gold and 104.5 grams per tonne silver; and 7.5 metres of 3.87% zinc and 7.5 grams per tonne silver. For more information on the drill holes, please refer to Hudbay's news release dated July 27, 2023.

The winter drill program also included testing of the down-plunge copper-gold extensions of the Lalor deposit, in the first drilling in the deeper zones at Lalor since the initial discovery of the copper-gold zones in 2009 and 2010. This initial campaign consisted of eight widely spaced drill holes over a distance of two kilometres, and all holes intersected the zone of strong alteration known to host the Lalor mineralization and have shown many occurrences of disseminated copper sulfides indicating the potential close proximity of one or more higher grade copper-gold feeder zones similar to Lens 27 currently in production at Lalor. These initial results from widely spaced drilling are an encouraging indication that the rocks hosting the rich copper-gold mineralization at Lalor continue down-plunge as predicted by Hudbay's geological models. For more information on the drill holes, please refer to Hudbay's news release dated July 27, 2023.

Hudbay expects to refine targets for its 2024 winter drilling campaign to the northwest and down-plunge from Lalor using the results from geophysical borehole surveys.

Acquisition of Cook Lake Properties in Snow Lake

In late June 2023, Hudbay completed the acquisition of the Cook Lake properties from Glencore plc. The Cook Lake properties are located within ten kilometres and along the same regional trend as the Lalor mine, and have the potential to host a new discovery at depth. The properties include the Cook Lake North and South properties, which are within 30 kilometres of Hudbay's Stall and New Britannia processing facilities.

Hudbay has received data regarding approximately 60,000 metres of historical drilling that was competed on the Cook Lake properties between 1971 and 2012, with an average depth of only 275 metres, which is a fraction of the depth of Lalor's current known mineralization of approximately 600 to 1,500 metres. The historical drill holes appear to have intersected base metal and copper-gold mineralization typical to the Snow Lake region. Although the historical data has not been validated by a qualified person (see "Qualified Person and NI 43-101"), the mineralization indicates that there is the potential for new deposits on the same favourable mineralized horizons as many known deposits in the area, including the Lalor, 1901 and Chisel deposits. The Cook Lake properties are untested by modern deep geophysics, which was the discovery method for the Lalor mine.

Acquisition of Rockcliff to Consolidate Significant Land Package in Snow Lake

On June 19, 2023, Hudbay entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Rockcliff that it does not already own (the "Rockcliff Transaction"). Under the Rockcliff Transaction, Rockcliff shareholders will receive 0.006776 of a Hudbay common share for each Rockcliff common share held. The enterprise value to Hudbay, net of Rockcliff's cash, is approximately $13 million.

Rockcliff is one of the largest landholders in the Snow Lake area with more than 1,800 square kilometres across all of its properties. The completion of the Rockcliff Transaction will consolidate Hudbay's ownership of the Talbot deposit and provide the company with additional exploration properties in the vicinity of its Stall and New Britannia mills, including the land adjacent to Hudbay's Pen II deposit, which is a low tonnage and high-grade zinc deposit that starts from surface and is located approximately six kilometres by road from the Lalor mine.

Completion of the Rockcliff Transaction is contingent upon court approval from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List), shareholder approval of at least two-thirds of the votes cast by Rockcliff shareholders at a special meeting scheduled to be held on August 31, 2023 and other customary conditions and stock exchange approvals. The Rockcliff Transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2023.

Advancing Metallurgical Testwork for the Flin Flon Tailings Reprocessing Opportunity

In 2021, Hudbay identified the opportunity to reprocess Flin Flon tailings where in excess of 100 million tonnes of tailings have been deposited for over 90 years. The company completed confirmatory drilling in 2022 which covered about two-thirds of the facility. The results indicated higher zinc, copper and silver grades than predicted from historical mill records while confirming the historical gold grade. Hudbay is completing metallurgical test work and evaluating metallurgical technologies, including the recent signing of a testwork agreement with Cobalt Blue Holdings Limited ("Cobalt Blue") to assess the processing viability of the Flin Flon tailings using Cobalt Blue's proprietary processing technology that recovers copper, zinc, gold and silver while converting sulphides into stable and benign sulphur.

Other Exploration Update

Constancia In-Mine Exploration

Hudbay continues to execute a limited drill program and technical evaluations at the Constancia deposit to confirm the economic viability of adding an additional mining phase to the current mine plan that would convert a portion of the mineral resources to mineral reserves. The results from this drill program and technical and economic evaluations are expected to be incorporated in the next annual mineral reserve and resource update.

Maria Reyna and Caballito Exploration

Hudbay controls a large, contiguous block of mineral rights with the potential to host satellite mineral deposits in close proximity to the Constancia processing facility, including the past producing Caballito property and the highly prospective Maria Reyna property. Hudbay commenced early exploration activities at Maria Reyna and Caballito after completing a surface rights exploration agreement with the community of Uchucarcco in August 2022. Surface investigation activities together with baseline environmental and archaeological activities necessary to support drill permit applications have been completed. Surface mapping and geochemical sampling confirm that both Caballito and Maria Reyna host sulfide and oxide rich copper mineralization in skarns, hydrothermal breccias and large porphyry intrusive bodies.

Lalor In-Mine Exploration

Hudbay continues to compile results from ongoing infill drilling at Lalor, which will be incorporated into the next annual mineral resource and reserve estimate update.

Flin Flon Exploration Partnership with Marubeni

On July 6, 2023, Hudbay announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding ("MOU") with Marubeni Corporation ("Marubeni") that establishes the framework for a multi-year exploration partnership focused on the discovery of new deposits on Hudbay's mineral properties within trucking distance of the company's processing facilities in Flin Flon, Manitoba. In connection with the MOU, Hudbay and Marubeni have agreed to negotiate the terms of a definitive agreement to govern the relationship between the parties and the Flin Flon properties that would form the subject of the exploration partnership (the "Project Properties"). It is currently contemplated that Marubeni would fund approximately $10 to $15 million of exploration expenditures on the Project Properties and that Hudbay will act as operator and carry out the exploration activities.

Dividend Declared

A semi-annual dividend of C$0.01 per share was declared on August 8, 2023. The dividend will be paid out on September 22, 2023 to shareholders of record as of September 1, 2023.

Website Links

Hudbay:

www.hudbay.com

Management's Discussion and Analysis:

https://www.hudbayminerals.com/files/doc_financials/2023/Q2/MDA823.pdf

Financial Statements:

https://www.hudbayminerals.com/files/doc_financials/2023/Q2/FS823.pdf

Conference Call and Webcast

Date: Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Time: 8:30 a.m. ET
Webcast: www.hudbay.com
Dial in: 1-416-915-3239 or 1-800-319-4610

Qualified Person and NI 43-101

The technical and scientific information in this news release related to the company's material mineral projects has been approved by Olivier Tavchandjian, P. Geo, Senior Vice President, Exploration and Technical Services. Mr. Tavchandjian is a qualified person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

Hudbay cautions that neither the historical information nor the quality assurance and quality control program that was applied during the execution of the Cook Lake drill program has been independently verified by a qualified person and, as such, Hudbay cautions that this information should not be relied upon by investors.

Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures

Adjusted net earnings (loss), adjusted net earnings (loss) per share, adjusted EBITDA, net debt, cash cost, sustaining and all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, cash cost and sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold produced and combined unit cost are non-IFRS performance measures. These measures do not have a meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS and are not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under IFRS. Other companies may calculate these measures differently.

Management believes adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per share provides an alternate measure of the company's performance for the current period and gives insight into its expected performance in future periods. These measures are used internally by the company to evaluate the performance of its underlying operations and to assist with its planning and forecasting of future operating results. As such, the company believes these measures are useful to investors in assessing the company's underlying performance. Hudbay provides adjusted EBITDA to help users analyze the company's results and to provide additional information about its ongoing cash generating potential in order to assess its capacity to service and repay debt, carry out investments and cover working capital needs. Net debt is shown because it is a performance measure used by the company to assess its financial position. Cash cost, sustaining and all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced are shown because the company believes they help investors and management assess the performance of its operations, including the margin generated by the operations and the company. Cash cost and sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold produced are shown because the company believes they help investors and management assess the performance of its Manitoba operations. Combined unit cost is shown because Hudbay believes it helps investors and management assess the company's cost structure and margins that are not impacted by variability in by-product commodity prices.

The following tables provide detailed reconciliations to the most comparable IFRS measures.

Adjusted Net Earnings (Loss) Reconciliation

Three Months Ended
(in $ millions) Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
(Loss) profit for the period (14.9 ) 5.4 32.1
Tax (recovery) expense (15.8 ) 12.0 (10.6 )
(Loss) profit before tax (30.7 ) 17.4 21.5
Adjusting items
Mark-to-market adjustments 1 0.6 6.8 (14.0 )
Foreign exchange loss (gain) 1.4 0.3 (2.2 )
Inventory adjustments 0.9 — 1.9
Variable consideration adjustment - stream revenue and accretion — (5.0 ) —
Re-evaluation adjustment - environmental provision 3 (4.7 ) (8.2 ) (60.7 )
Impairment — — 95.0
Acquisition related costs 6.8 — —
Evaluation expenses — — 0.7
Insurance recovery — — (5.7 )
Restructuring charges - Manitoba 2 — — 3.7
Loss on disposal of investments — 0.7 3.1
Loss on disposal of plant and equipment and non-current assets - Manitoba & Arizona 0.3 0.1 —
Adjusted (loss) earnings before income taxes (25.4 ) 12.1 43.3
Tax recovery (expense) 15.8 (12.0 ) 10.6
Tax impact on adjusting items (8.7 ) — (23.4 )
Adjusted net (loss) earnings (18.3 ) 0.1 30.5
Adjusted net (loss) earnings $/share (0.07 ) 0.00 0.12
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding (millions) 272.2 262.0 261.9

1 Includes changes in fair value of the gold prepayment liability, Canadian junior mining investments, other financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss and share-based compensation expenses.
2 Includes closure cost for the Flin Flon operations.
3 Changes from movements to environmental reclamation provisions are primarily related to the Flin Flon operations, which were fully depreciated as of June 30, 2022, as well as other Manitoba non-operating sites.
Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation

Three Months Ended
(in $ millions) Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
(Loss) profit for the period (14.9 ) 5.4 32.1
Add back:
Tax (recovery) expense (15.8 ) 12.0 (10.6 )
Net finance expense 30.5 35.0 24.4
Other expenses 13.9 5.0 (1.3 )
Depreciation and amortization 88.7 67.4 87.3
Amortization of deferred revenue and variable consideration adjustment (18.1 ) (15.9 ) (19.2 )
84.3 108.9 112.7
Adjusting items (pre-tax):
Re-evaluation adjustment - environmental provision (4.7 ) (8.2 ) (60.7 )
Impairment losses — — 95.0
Inventory adjustments 0.9 — 1.9
Share-based compensation expense (recovery) 1 0.7 1.2 (7.5 )
Adjusted EBITDA 81.2 101.9 141.4

1 Share-based compensation expenses reflected in cost of sales and selling and administrative expenses.

Net Debt Reconciliation

(in $ thousands)
Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Dec. 31, 2022
Total long-term debt 1,370,682 1,225,023 1,184,162
Cash (179,734 ) (255,563 ) (225,665 )
Net debt 1,190,948 969,460 958,497

Copper Cash Cost Reconciliation

Consolidated Three Months Ended
Net pounds of copper produced 1
(in thousands) Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Peru 38,982 45,233 46,032
Manitoba 6,160 4,508 10,556
Net pounds of copper produced 45,142 49,741 56,588

1 Contained copper in concentrate.

Consolidated Three Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Cash cost per pound of copper produced $000s $/lb $000s $/lb $000s $/lb
Mining 73,335 1.62 64,538 1.30 86,800 1.53
Milling 69,869 1.55 61,039 1.23 65,684 1.16
Refining (zinc) — — — — 14,379 0.26
G&A 20,975 0.47 26,555 0.53 41,930 0.74
Onsite costs 164,179 3.64 152,132 3.06 208,793 3.69
Treatment & refining 26,670 0.59 18,495 0.37 15,033 0.27
Freight & other 17,766 0.39 17,776 0.36 20,076 0.35
Cash cost, before by-product credits 208,615 4.62 188,403 3.79 243,902 4.31
By-product credits (136,417 ) (3.02 ) (146,111 ) (2.94 ) (207,191 ) (3.66 )
Cash cost, net of by-product credits 72,198 1.60 42,292 0.85 36,711 0.65


Consolidated Three Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Supplementary cash cost information $000s $/lb 1 $000s $/lb 1 $000s $/lb 1
By-product credits 2 :
Zinc 21,896 0.48 17,374 0.35 88,548 1.56
Gold 3 86,026 1.91 93,479 1.88 91,317 1.61
Silver 3 17,281 0.38 11,998 0.24 17,956 0.32
Molybdenum & other 11,214 0.25 23,260 0.47 9,370 0.17
Total by-product credits 136,417 3.02 146,111 2.94 207,191 3.66
Reconciliation to IFRS:
Cash cost, net of by-product credits 72,198 42,292 36,711
By-product credits 136,417 146,111 207,191
Treatment and refining charges (26,670 ) (18,495 ) (15,033 )
Share-based compensation expense 60 79 (632 )
Inventory adjustments 906 — 1,933
Change in product inventory 15,114 (9,409 ) 4,494
Royalties 2,578 706 3,971
Depreciation and amortization 4 88,670 67,422 87,305
Cost of sales 5 289,273 228,706 325,940

1 Per pound of copper produced.
2 By-product credits are computed as revenue per financial statements, including amortization of deferred revenue and pricing and volume adjustments.
3 Gold and silver by-product credits do not include variable consideration adjustments with respect to stream arrangements. Variable consideration adjustments are cumulative adjustments to gold and silver stream deferred revenue primarily associated with the net change in mineral reserves and resources or amendments to the mine plan that would change the total expected deliverable ounces under the precious metal streaming arrangement. For the three months ended June 30, 2023, the variable consideration adjustments were $nil, for the three months ended March 31, 20233 - $4,885 and for the three months ended June 30, 2022 - $nil.
4 Depreciation is based on concentrate sold.
5 As per IFRS financial statements.

Peru Three Months Ended
(in thousands) Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Net pounds of copper produced 1 38,982 45,233 46,032

1 Contained copper in concentrate.

Peru Three Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Cash cost per pound of copper produced $000s $/lb $000s $/lb $000s $/lb
Mining 31,654 0.81 26,786 0.59 32,300 0.70
Milling 54,676 1.40 46,191 1.03 44,731 0.97
G&A 14,867 0.38 16,466 0.36 18,677 0.41
Onsite costs 101,197 2.59 89,443 1.98 95,708 2.08
Treatment & refining 17,097 0.44 10,603 0.24 9,226 0.20
Freight & other 12,424 0.32 12,427 0.27 12,297 0.26
Cash cost, before by-product credits 130,718 3.35 112,473 2.49 117,231 2.54
By-product credits (47,193 ) (1.21 ) (50,899 ) (1.13 ) (33,268 ) (0.72 )
Cash cost, net of by-product credits 83,525 2.14 61,574 1.36 83,963 1.82


Peru Three Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Supplementary cash cost information $000s $/lb 1 $000s $/lb 1 $000s $/lb 1
By-product credits 2 :
Gold 3 21,638 0.55 19,301 0.43 14,191 0.31
Silver 3 14,341 0.37 8,577 0.19 11,687 0.25
Molybdenum 11,214 0.29 23,021 0.51 7,390 0.16
Total by-product credits 47,193 1.21 50,899 1.13 33,268 0.72
Reconciliation to IFRS:
Cash cost, net of by-product credits 83,525 61,574 83,963
By-product credits 47,193 50,899 33,268
Treatment and refining charges (17,097 ) (10,603 ) (9,226 )
Inventory adjustments — — (97 )
Share-based compensation expenses 29 (14 ) (100 )
Change in product inventory 27,078 (11,135 ) (8,394 )
Royalties 2,479 665 1,117
Depreciation and amortization 4 67,340 41,960 47,811
Cost of sales 5 210,547 133,346 148,342

1 Per pound of copper produced.
2 By-product credits are computed as revenue per financial statements, including amortization of deferred revenue and pricing and volume adjustments.
3 Gold and silver by-product credits do not include variable consideration adjustments with respect to stream arrangements.
4 Depreciation is based on concentrate sold.
5 As per IFRS financial statements.

Copper   Sustaining and All-in Sustaining Cash Cost Reconciliation

Consolidated Three Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
All-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced $000s $/lb $000s $/lb $000s $/lb
Cash cost, net of by-product credits 72,198 1.60 42,292 0.85 36,711 0.65
Cash sustaining capital expenditures 48,253 1.07 47,869 0.96 65,173 1.15
Royalties 2,578 0.06 706 0.02 3,971 0.07
Sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits 123,029 2.73 90,867 1.83 105,855 1.87
Corporate selling and administrative expenses & regional costs 9,603 0.21 10,215 0.20 2,479 0.04
Accretion and amortization of decommissioning and community agreements 1 1,792 0.04 1,958 0.04 874 0.02
All-in sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits 134,424 2.98 103,040 2.07 109,208 1.93
Reconciliation to property, plant and equipment additions:
Property, plant and equipment additions 47,574 33,554 70,712
Capitalized stripping net additions 21,640 26,984 27,302
Total accrued capital additions 69,214 60,538 98,014
Less other non-sustaining capital costs 2 28,006 19,850 45,489
Total sustaining capital costs 41,208 40,688 52,525
Capitalized lease cash payments - operating sites 4,374 4,702 9,313
Community agreement cash payments 1,290 1,189 370
Accretion and amortization of decommissioning and restoration obligations 3 1,381 1,290 2,965
Cash sustaining capital expenditures 48,253 47,869 65,173

1 Includes accretion of decommissioning relating to non-productive sites, and accretion and amortization of current community agreements.
2 Other non-sustaining capital costs include Arizona capitalized costs, capitalized interest, capitalized exploration and growth capital expenditures.
3 Includes amortization of decommissioning and restoration PP&E assets and accretion of decommissioning and restoration liabilities related to producing sites.

Peru Three Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced $000s $/lb $000s $/lb $000s $/lb
Cash cost, net of by-product credits 83,525 2.14 61,574 1.36 83,963 1.82
Cash sustaining capital expenditures 33,425 0.86 33,564 0.74 35,527 0.78
Royalties 2,479 0.06 665 0.02 1,117 0.02
Sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced 119,429 3.06 95,803 2.12 120,607 2.62

Gold Cash Cost and Sustaining Cash Cost Reconciliation

Manitoba Three Months Ended  
(in thousands) Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Net ounces of gold produced 1 35,253 36,034 44,787

1 Contained gold in concentrate and doré.

Manitoba Three Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Cash cost per ounce of gold produced $000s $/oz $000s $/oz $000s $/oz
Mining 41,681 1,182 37,752 1,048 54,500 1,217
Milling 15,193 431 14,848 412 20,953 468
Refining (zinc) — — — — 14,379 321
G&A 6,108 173 10,089 280 23,253 519
Onsite costs 62,982 1,786 62,689 1,740 113,085 2,525
Treatment & refining 9,573 271 7,892 219 5,807 130
Freight & other 5,342 152 5,349 148 7,779 173
Cash cost, before by-product credits 77,897 2,209 75,930 2,107 126,671 2,828
By-product credits (39,218 ) (1,112 ) (42,131 ) (1,169 ) (135,924 ) (3,035 )
Gold cash cost, net of by-product credits 38,679 1,097 33,799 938 (9,253 ) (207 )


Manitoba Three Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Supplementary cash cost information $000s $/oz 1 $000s $/oz 1 $000s $/oz 1
By-product credits 2 :
Zinc 21,896 621 17,374 482 88,548 1,977
Copper 14,382 408 21,097 585 39,127 874
Silver 3 2,940 83 3,421 95 6,269 140
Other — — 239 7 1,980 44
Total by-product credits 39,218 1,112 42,131 1,169 135,924 3,035
Reconciliation to IFRS:
Cash cost, net of by-product credits 38,679 33,799 (9,253 )
By-product credits 39,218 42,131 135,924
Treatment and refining charges (9,573 ) (7,892 ) (5,807 )
Inventory adjustments 906 — —
(Curtailment)/past service cost — — (532 )
Share-based compensation expenses 31 93 2,030
Change in product inventory (11,964 ) 1,726 12,888
Royalties 99 41 2,854
Depreciation and amortization 4 21,330 25,462 39,494
Cost of sales 5 78,7265 95,360 177,598

1 Per ounce of gold produced.
2 By-product credits are computed as revenue per financial statements, amortization of deferred revenue and pricing and volume adjustments.
3 Silver by-product credits do not include variable consideration adjustments with respect to stream arrangements.
4 Depreciation is based on concentrate sold.
5 As per IFRS financial statements, excluding impairment adjustments.

Manitoba Three Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Sustaining cash cost per pound of gold produced $000s $/oz $000s $/oz $000s $/oz
Gold cash cost, net of by-product credits 38,679 1,097 33,799 938 (9,253 ) (207 )
Cash sustaining capital expenditures 14,828 421 14,304 397 29,646 662
Royalties 99 3 41 1 2,854 64
Sustaining cash cost per pound of gold produced 53,606 1,521 48,144 1,336 23,247 519

Combined Unit Cost Reconciliation

Peru Three Months Ended
(in thousands except ore tonnes milled and unit cost per tonne)
Combined unit cost per tonne processed Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Mining 31,654 26,786 32,300
Milling 54,676 46,191 44,731
G&A 1 14,867 16,466 18,677
Other G&A 2 458 (1,539 ) (1,050 )
101,655 87,904 94,658
Less: Covid related costs — — 1,275
Unit cost 101,655 87,904 93,383
Tonnes ore milled 7,223 7,664 7,771
Combined unit cost per tonne 14.07 11.47 12.02
Reconciliation to IFRS:
Unit cost 101,655 87,904 93,383
Freight & other 12,424 12,427 12,297
Covid related costs — — 1,275
Other G&A (458 ) 1,539 1,050
Share-based compensation expenses 29 (14 ) (100 )
Inventory adjustments — — (97 )
Change in product inventory 27,078 (11,135 ) (8,394 )
Royalties 2,479 665 1,117
Depreciation and amortization 67,340 41,960 47,811
Cost of sales 3 210,547 133,346 148,342

1 G&A as per cash cost reconciliation above.
2 Other G&A primarily includes profit sharing costs.
3 As per IFRS financial statements, excluding impairment adjustments.

Manitoba Three Months Ended
(in thousands except tonnes ore milled and unit cost per tonne)
Combined unit cost per tonne processed Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Jun. 30, 2022
Mining 41,681 37,752 54,500
Milling 15,193 14,848 20,953
G&A 1 6,108 10,089 23,253
Less: G&A allocated to zinc metal production — — (3,141 )
Less: Other G&A related to profit sharing costs (682 ) (1,139 ) (10,206 )
Unit cost 62,300 61,550 85,359
USD/CAD implicit exchange rate 1.34 1.35 1.27
Unit cost - C$ 83,659 83,193 108,806
Tonnes ore milled 380,538 385,661 649,318
Combined unit cost per tonne - C$ 220 216 168
Reconciliation to IFRS:
Unit cost 62,300 61,550 85,359
Freight & other 5,342 5,349 7,779
Refined zinc — — 14,379
G&A allocated to zinc metal production — — 3,141
Other G&A related to profit sharing 682 1,139 10,206
Share-based compensation expenses 31 93 (532 )
Inventory adjustments 906 — 2,030
Change in product inventory (11,964 ) 1,726 12,888
Royalties 99 41 2,854
Depreciation and amortization 21,330 25,462 39,494
Cost of sales 2 78,726 95,360 177,598

1 G&A as per cash cost reconciliation above.
2 As per IFRS financial statements, excluding impairment adjustments.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. All information contained in this news release, other than statements of current and historical fact, is forward-looking information. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "guidance", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "strategy", "target", "intends", "objective", "goal", "understands", "anticipates" and "believes" (and variations of these or similar words) and statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" "occur" or "be achieved" or "will be taken" (and variations of these or similar expressions). All of the forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by this cautionary note.

Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the expected production and cash flow generation during the second half of the year, the expected timing for the release of an updated Copper Mountain mine technical report, the expected timing for the release of the Copper World pre-feasibility study for Phase I, the expected timing and effectiveness of the ongoing integration and optimization of Copper Mountain's operations, the expected consummation, timing and benefits of the Rockcliff Transaction and other Manitoba growth initiatives; approval of the Rockcliff Transaction by Rockcliff's shareholders, the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the Rockcliff Transaction, statements regarding the company's production, cost and capital and exploration expenditure guidance, expectations regarding reductions in discretionary spending, capital expenditures and net debt, expectations regarding the impact of inflationary pressures on the company's cost of operations, financial condition and prospects, the company's ability to deleverage and repay debt as needed, the consummation and timing of a potential partnership with Marubeni, expectations regarding the company's cash balance and liquidity, expectations regarding the Copper World project, the estimated timelines and pre-requisites for sanctioning the project and the pursuit of a potential minority joint venture partner, expectations regarding the permitting requirements for the Copper World project and permitting related litigation (including expected timing for receipt of such applicable permits), the company's ability to increase the mining rate at Lalor, the anticipated timing for completing the Stall recovery improvement program and anticipated benefits therefrom, expectations regarding the ability to conduct exploration work on the Maria Reyna and Caballito properties and to advance related drill plans, the timing of mining higher-grade ore in the Pampacancha pit and the company's expectations resulting therefrom, expectations regarding the ability for the company to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the company's evaluation of opportunities to reprocess tailings, expectations regarding the prospective nature of the Maria Reyna and Caballito properties, the anticipated impact of brownfield growth projects on the company's performance, anticipated expansion opportunities in Snow Lake and the ability for Hudbay to find a new anchor deposit near the company's Snow Lake operations, anticipated drill programs and exploration activities, anticipated mine plans, anticipated metals prices and the anticipated sensitivity of the company's financial performance to metals prices, events that may affect its operations and development projects, anticipated cash flows from operations and related liquidity requirements, the anticipated effect of external factors on revenue, such as commodity prices, estimation of mineral reserves and resources, mine life projections, reclamation costs, economic outlook, government regulation of mining operations, and business and acquisition strategies. Forward-looking information is not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking information is based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates and analyses that, while considered reasonable by the company at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.

The material factors or assumptions that Hudbay has identified and were applied in drawing conclusions or making forecasts or projections set out in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to:

  • the ability to achieve production and cost guidance;
  • the ability to achieve discretionary spending reductions without impacting operations;
  • no significant interruptions to operations due to social or political unrest in the regions Hudbay operates, including the navigation of the complex political and social environment in Peru;
  • no interruptions to the company's plans for advancing the Copper World project, including with respect to timely receipt of applicable permits;
  • the ability for the company to successfully integrate and optimize the Copper Mountain operations and develop and maintain good relations with key stakeholders;
  • the ability to ramp up exploration in respect of the Maria Reyna and Caballito properties and to advance related drill plans;
  • the ability to satisfy the conditions to closing the Rockcliff Transaction, including the receipt of shareholder, stock exchange and court approvals;
  • that no third party would make a superior proposal to the Rockcliff Transaction;
  • that the definitive agreement for the Rockcliff Transaction would not be terminated in certain circumstances;
  • the success of mining, processing, exploration and development activities;
  • the scheduled maintenance and availability of the company's processing facilities;
  • the accuracy of geological, mining and metallurgical estimates;
  • anticipated metals prices and the costs of production;
  • the supply and demand for metals the company produces;
  • the supply and availability of all forms of energy and fuels at reasonable prices;
  • no significant unanticipated operational or technical difficulties;
  • the execution of the company's business and growth strategies, including the success of its strategic investments and initiatives;
  • the availability of additional financing, if needed;
  • the ability to complete project targets on time and on budget and other events that may affect the company's ability to develop its projects;
  • the timing and receipt of various regulatory and governmental approvals;
  • the availability of personnel for the company's exploration, development and operational projects and ongoing employee relations;
  • maintaining good relations with the employees at the company's operations, including in British Columbia;
  • maintaining good relations with the labour unions that represent certain of the company's employees in Manitoba and Peru;
  • maintaining good relations with the communities in which the company operates, including the neighbouring Indigenous communities and local governments;
  • no significant unanticipated challenges with stakeholders at the company's various projects;
  • no significant unanticipated events or changes relating to regulatory, environmental, health and safety matters;
  • no contests over title to the company's properties, including as a result of rights or claimed rights of Indigenous peoples or challenges to the validity of the company's unpatented mining claims;
  • the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation and no significant unanticipated litigation;
  • certain tax matters, including, but not limited to current tax laws and regulations, changes in taxation policies and the refund of certain value added taxes from the Canadian and Peruvian governments; and
  • no significant and continuing adverse changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets (including commodity prices and foreign exchange rates).

The risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information may include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to effectively integrate and optimize the Copper Mountain operations, the failure to receive approval of the Rockcliff Transaction by Rockcliff's shareholders or the required court, stock exchange and other consents and approvals to effect the Rockcliff Transaction, the potential of a third party making a superior proposal to the Rockcliff Transaction, the possibility that the definitive agreement for the Rockcliff Transaction could be terminated under certain circumstances, political and social risks in the regions Hudbay operates, including the navigation of the complex political and social environment in Peru, risks generally associated with the mining industry and the current geopolitical environment, including future commodity prices, currency and interest rate fluctuations, energy and consumable prices, supply chain constraints and general cost escalation in the current inflationary environment, uncertainties related to the development and operation of the company's projects, risks related to the Copper World project, including in relation to permitting, litigation, project delivery and financing risks, risks related to the Lalor mine plan, including the ability to convert inferred mineral resource estimates to higher confidence categories, dependence on key personnel and employee and union relations, risks related to political or social instability, unrest or change, risks in respect of Indigenous and community relations, rights and title claims, operational risks and hazards, including the cost of maintaining and upgrading the company's tailings management facilities and any unanticipated environmental, industrial and geological events and developments and the inability to insure against all risks, failure of plant, equipment, processes, transportation and other infrastructure to operate as anticipated, compliance with government and environmental regulations, including permitting requirements and anti-bribery legislation, depletion of the company's reserves, volatile financial markets and interest rates that may affect the company's ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, the failure to obtain required approvals or clearances from government authorities on a timely basis, uncertainties related to the geology, continuity, grade and estimates of mineral reserves and resources, and the potential for variations in grade and recovery rates, uncertain costs of reclamation activities, the company's ability to comply with its pension and other post-retirement obligations, the company's ability to abide by the covenants in its debt instruments and other material contracts, tax refunds, hedging transactions, as well as the risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the company's most recent Annual Information Form and under the heading "Financial Risk Management" in the company's most recent management's discussion and analysis.

Should one or more risk, uncertainty, contingency or other factor materialize or should any factor or assumption prove incorrect, actual results could vary materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Hudbay does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this news release or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

Note to United States Investors

This news release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which may differ materially from the requirements of United States securities laws applicable to U.S. issuers.

About Hudbay

Hudbay (TSX, NYSE: HBM) is a copper-focused mining company with three long-life operations and a world-class pipeline of copper growth projects in tier-one mining-friendly jurisdictions of Canada, Peru and the United States.

Hudbay's operating portfolio includes the Constancia mine in Cusco (Peru), the Snow Lake operations in Manitoba (Canada) and the Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia (Canada). Copper is the primary metal produced by the company, which is complemented by meaningful gold production. Hudbay's growth pipeline includes the Copper World project in Arizona, the Mason project in Nevada (United States), the Llaguen project in La Libertad (Peru) and several expansion and exploration opportunities near its existing operations.

The value Hudbay creates and the impact it has is embodied in its purpose statement: "We care about our people, our communities and our planet. Hudbay provides the metals the world needs. We work sustainably, transform lives and create better futures for communities." Hudbay's mission is to create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging its core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

For further information, please contact:

Candace Brûlé
Vice President, Investor Relations

(416) 814-4387
investor.relations@hudbay.com

_________________________________

i Adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per share; adjusted EBITDA; cash cost, sustaining cash cost and all-in sustaining cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product credits; cash cost and sustaining cash cost per ounce of gold produced, net of by-product credits; combined unit costs and net debt are non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, please see the "Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures" section of this news release.


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NOVA ROYALTY COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF ROYALTY ON HUDBAY'S COPPER WORLD AND ROSEMONT COPPER PROJECTS

NOVA ROYALTY COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF ROYALTY ON HUDBAY'S COPPER WORLD AND ROSEMONT COPPER PROJECTS

TSXV: NOVR  
OTCQB: NOVRF

(All dollar amounts are in United States Dollars unless otherwise indicated)

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S&P Dow Jones Indices Announces Changes to the S&P/TSX Composite Index

The shareholders of Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX: LUN) together with BHP Group Limited and Filo Corp. (TSX: FIL) have agreed to the terms of a Plan of Arrangement resulting in the combination of the two companies. Each share of Filo Corp. will be exchanged for 2.3578 shares of Lundin Mining or C$33.00 cash subject to proration of a max cash of C$2,767 million and maximum share consideration of 92.1 million Lundin Mining shares.

In expectation of the arrangement closing, Filo Corp. will be removed from the S&P/TSX Composite Index prior to the open of trading on January 15, 2025 . The shares outstanding of Lundin Mining will be increased at the same time to reflect the issuance of shares.

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S&P Dow Jones Indices Announces Changes to the S&P/TSX Composite Index

The shareholders of Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX: LUN) together with BHP Group Limited and Filo Corp. (TSX: FIL) have agreed to the terms of a Plan of Arrangement resulting in the combination of the two companies. Each share of Filo Corp. will be exchanged for 2.3578 shares of Lundin Mining or C$33.00 cash subject to proration of a max cash of C$2,767 million and maximum share consideration of 92.1 million Lundin Mining shares.

In expectation of the arrangement closing, Filo Corp. will be removed from the S&P/TSX Composite Index prior to the open of trading on January 15, 2025 . The shares outstanding of Lundin Mining will be increased at the same time to reflect the issuance of shares.

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2025 Copper Outlook Report

2025 Copper Outlook Report

2025 Copper Outlook Report

Thank you for requesting our exclusive Investor Report!

By registering, we're sharing our 2025 outlook report with you today but as an exciting bonus, you will get early access to our eagerly awaited 2026 Outlook Report once it's available.

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Copper Outlook 2025

Copper Price 2024 Year-End Review

Copper was trading on the COMEX at under US$4 per pound at the beginning of 2024, but by May 21, the red metal's price had surged to a record high of US$5.11 per pound.

Price momentum at the start of the year was owed to several factors, including increasing demand from energy transition sectors, bottlenecks at Chinese refiners and near-zero copper treatment charges.

The price was volatile through the second and third quarters, slipping back below US$4 per pound before soaring above US$4.50 at the end of Q3. Read on for more on how copper performed in 2024, from prices to supply and demand.

Copper price in Q4

Copper started the fourth quarter of the year on a strong note. On October 2, the metal reached its quarterly high of US$4.60 before starting a month-long slide to US$4.31 on October 31.

Volatility was the story at the start of November. Copper soared to US$4.45 on November 5 before dropping to US$4.22 on November 6, then spiked to US$4.41 on November 7; finally, it crashed to US$4.05 on November 15.

Copper price, Q4 2024.

Copper price, Q4 2024.

Chart via Trading Economics.

While copper did see a couple of rallies as the year ended, it only briefly broke through resistance of US$4.20 from December 9 to 11 before settling toward the US$4 mark at the end of the month.

As of December 23, the copper price was sitting at US$4.02.

Copper concentrate market to stay tight

In an October report, Fastmarkets predicts that the concentrate market will remain tight in 2025.

This tightness will continue to impact refiner treatment charges. Though they are expected to rebound to around US$20 to US$30 per metric ton (MT), they will still be short of the US$80 mark reached in 2023.

The situation has become more challenging as new operations, particularly in China, expand capacity in 2024. Fastmarkets anticipates no change in the situation in 2025, as new smelters are set to come online in China, Indonesia and India. The additional capacity will see more refiners fighting for the available supply.

The research firm says several other factors are contributing to copper concentrate shortages, including the loss of material from First Quantum Minerals' (TSX:FM,NYSE:FM) Cobre Panama mine after it was ordered shut down in November 2023. Other miners that have cut their production forecasts are also adding to supply woes.

For example, Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.A,TECK.B,NYSE:TECK) revised its copper production guidance when it released its third quarter results on October 23. In its release, Teck indicates that the updated range now stands at 420,000 to 455,000 MT, down from the 435,000 to 500,000 MT estimated at the start of the year.

The company said the reduction was due to challenges with labor availability and problems with autonomous systems in its new haul trucks at its Highland Valley mine in BC, Canada.

China’s economy dragging on copper

A significant headwind for copper at the end of 2024 has been the continued challenges posed by China’s faltering economy. Although the country has introduced stimulus measures, they have made little difference.

The most recent stimulus announcement came on December 24, when the Chinese government announced it would issue US$411 billion worth of special treasury bonds in 2025. This package would be the highest on record, and would represent an increase over the US$137 billion issued in the past year.

The move follows President Xi Jinping’s keynote address at the country’s annual economic policy meeting on December 11 and 12. Xi said at the time that the economy was stable, and that the government would be working to boost consumption through looser monetary policy and more active fiscal policy. Few details were given on how the country would achieve its goals, and the US$411 billion debt injection could be the first sign of that policy.

In addition, in September, the Chinese government announced measures to increase credit, support cities in purchasing unsold homes and restructure debt. These efforts have failed to turn around the world’s second largest economy.

China is the world’s largest copper consumer, and any shift in the strength of the nation's economy will have implications for the price trajectory of base metal.

How did copper perform for the rest of the year?

Copper price in Q1

Copper supply was in focus in Q1 as First Quantum provided an update on its Cobre Panama mine.

The mine was forced to close at the end of 2023 after the Panamanian Supreme Court walked back a company-friendly deal initially approved in October 2023.

At the beginning of 2024, First Quantum pursued several avenues to resolve the issue and reopen the mine, including arbitration. It also waited for the results of Panama’s May election in hopes of more mining-friendly leadership.

Copper price in Q2

The second quarter was dominated by news of output curtailments at Chinese smelting operations.

The cuts came as lower production levels from copper miners began to stress treatment charges at refiners as they competed for the limited availability of copper concentrate.

Speaking to the Investing News Network at the time, Joe Mazumdar, editor of Exploration Insights, said that 50 percent of the world’s smelting capacity is in China. For that reason, the end price is dictated by treatment and refining charges, which nearly turned negative due to the lack of available concentrate.

In turn, this pushed the price of copper prices higher at major exchanges.

“So there’s the cathode price. That’s stated in the LME, and Shanghai and the COMEX in the states. But if the market is tight in any of those regions locally, you will see a cathode premium … over the price of the copper,” he said. “People are willing to pay more to incentivize people that have copper inventory to release it into the market."

Copper price in Q3

Copper supply and demand both saw growth during Q3.

The International Copper Study Group reported in an October 21 release that mined production of copper had increased by 2 percent year-on-year to 14.86 million MT during the first eight months of 2024.

Much was owed to 3 percent growth from Chile, with increases at BHP’s (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) Escondida mine, as well as the Collahausi mine, which is a joint venture between Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:AAUKF), Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF) and Mitsui (OTC Pink:MITSF,TSE:8031).

Output from the Democratic Republic of Congo increased 11 percent, while Indonesia's production rose 22 percent.

At the same time, demand increased slightly by 2.5 percent. Much of the additional demand came from 2.7 percent growth in Asian markets, which includes a 0.5 percent increase in Chinese refined copper imports.

Investor takeaway

The copper market has been tight all year, with new demand accelerating beyond new mine supply.

This demand growth is expected to continue as the world transitions from fossil fuels to renewable technologies that require more copper, like wind and solar. However, copper demand is still constrained by weakness in the Chinese economy, particularly in its housing sector, which is an important driver of global demand for the metal.

Ultimately, in the longer term, copper supply will be lacking from new projects and expanded production to meet demand. The base metal is expected enter a supply deficit over the next few years.

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.

Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.

Copper Price Forecast: Top Trends for Copper in 2025

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.

How will Trump's presidency impact US copper projects?

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.

Copper price volatility expected under Trump tariff turmoil

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.

Economic recovery in China could further boost copper prices

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.

Copper industry needs more investment dollars

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.

Investor takeaway

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: Los Andes Copper, Osisko Metals and Quetzal Copper are clients 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.

5 Best-performing Copper Stocks on the TSX in 2024

Copper prices surged in 2024, breaking the US$5 per pound barrier for the first time.

Prices have since retreated, but have largely traded above US$4, as well as above the average 2023 price of US$3.83.

Copper demand remains high in energy transition sectors, but supply has been affected by bottlenecks at Chinese smelters, which cut production during the first half of the year due to low treatment charges.

Against that backdrop, how have TSX-listed copper companies performed? Learn about the top five best-performing copper stocks in 2024 by year-to-date gains below. Data for this article was retrieved on December 16, 2024, using TradingView's stock screener, and only companies with market capitalizations greater than C$50 million are included.

1. Trilogy Metals (TSX:TMQ)

Company Profile

Year-to-date gain: 189.29 percent
Market cap: C$259.05 million
Share price: C$1.62

Trilogy Metals is a polymetallic exploration and development company working to advance its Upper Kobuk mineral projects in Northern Alaska, US, which it owns in a 50/50 joint venture with South32 (ASX:S32,OTC Pink:SHTLF).

Its most advanced asset is the Arctic copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver project.

In an updated feasibility study released in February 2023, the company reported projected annual payable production volumes of 148.68 million pounds of copper, 172.6 million pounds of zinc, 25.75 million pounds of lead, 32,538 ounces of gold and 2.77 million ounces of silver. After tax, the net present value for Arctic is pegged at US$1.11 billion, with an internal rate of return of 22.8 percent and a payback period of 3.1 years. The mine life is set at 13 years.

Trilogy’s other key asset is the Bornite copper-cobalt project, located 25 kilometers southwest of its Arctic project. It has seen historic exploration dating back to the 1950s. A January 2023 technical report estimates the inferred resource at 6.51 billion pounds of copper from 202.7 million metric tons (MT) of ore with an average grade of 1.46 percent copper.

The company has spent much of this year advancing roadwork to provide access to its projects, but has faced some headwinds while working with the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

In an April 22 update, Trilogy said the BLM had filed a final supplemental environmental impact statement, which identified “no action” as the preferred alternative. This move effectively blocked the construction of the access road.

Trilogy said it would review the final supplemental environmental impact statement, consider its options and determine its next steps. For its part, the BLM formally rejected the proposed access route in a June record of decision, but presented several alternatives that outline lessened impact on BLM-managed lands.

The company’s most recent news came on October 8, when it released its Q3 results.

Shares of Trilogy reached a year-to-date high of C$1.89 on November 22.

2. Northern Dynasty Minerals (TSX:NDM)

Company Profile

Year-to-date gain: 75.9 percent
Market cap: C$387.16 million
Share price: C$0.73

Northern Dynasty Minerals is an exploration and development company focused on the Pebble project, a copper-molybdenum-gold-silver project located 200 miles southwest of Anchorage in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska, US.

Northern Dynasty says the site is “one of the greatest stores of mineral wealth ever discovered.” It hosts a measured and indicated copper resource of 6.5 billion MT and an inferred copper resource of 4.5 billion MT. Measured and indicated resources for molybdenum, gold and silver total 1.26 million MT, 53.82 million ounces and 249.3 million ounces, respectively.

The project stalled in 2020 during the permitting phase following a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) veto that suggested the proposed mine would damage the Bristol Bay watershed. However, shares of the company surged following Northern Dynasty's July 2023 announcement that Alaska had appealed to the US Supreme Court to reverse the veto.

Earlier in 2024, the US Supreme Court declined to hear the matter on procedural grounds, sending it back to the federal district court and federal circuit of appeals before the Supreme Court would hear it.

In a release on January 16, Northern Dynasty said it was still working its way through state court.

Further updates on the case came on March 15, when the company said it had filed two separate actions to vacate the EPA’s veto, and on April 15, when Alaska filed its own suit to vacate it. On June 26, the company reported that two Alaska native village corporations had also filed suits to overturn the EPA ruling.

The most recent news came on August 19, when the Federal District Court in Alaska granted Northern Dynasty’s motion to modify the complaint against the EPA by adding the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as a defendant. This request was made because Northern Dynasty said the EPA decision was based on the original USACE permit denial and should be linked. The company believes the actions taken by the EPA and USACE were wrongful and politically motivated.

Shares of Northern Dynasty reached a year-to-date high of C$0.76 on December 11.

3. NGEX Minerals (TSX:NGEX)

Company Profile

Year-to-date gain: 74.45 percent
Market cap: C$2.64 billion
Share price: C$12.63

NGEx Minerals, part of the Lundin Group, is a copper and gold explorer focused on projects in Argentina and Chile. Its primary focus is the Los Helados and Lunahuasi (formerly Potro Cliffs) projects, both located within the Vicuña copper-gold district on the border of Argentina and Chile. The district is controlled by companies within the Lundin Group.

In December 2023, the company released an updated resource estimate for Los Helados, reporting a high-grade core resource of 510 million tonnes at 0.72 percent copper equivalent at a cut-off grade of 0.6 copper equivalent.

NGEx shares have traded alongside rising copper and precious metal prices throughout the year, but several events have also significantly supported movement for the company.

On February 20, the company received approval to begin trading on the TSX. President Wojtek Wodzicki said the graduation was a milestone for NGEx and would provide greater visibility and access to fundraising opportunities.

The company's Q2 results further supported its shares. The company said it had completed a successful drill program at Lunahuasi, drilling 15 holes totaling 12,952 meters and noting that the system remained open in all directions. It also indicated that the program returned several high-grade intersections, with one highlight of 2.31 percent copper equivalent over 429.4 meters, including an intersection of 4.26 percent copper equivalent over 102.7 meters.

The company said the results demonstrate significant size potential with high-grade mineralization occurring over an area of 900 meters by 400 meters and to depths of 960 meters. The most recent news came on November 12, when NGEx released its Q3 results. The company said it had started a Phase 3 drill program at Lunahuasi, with six rigs in operation and 20,000 meters planned. The program aims to grow the deposit via step-out drilling.

4. First Quantum Minerals (TSX:FM)

Company Profile

Year-to-date gain: 71.9 percent
Market cap: C$16.18 billion
Share price: C$18.60

First Quantum Minerals is a copper mining and development company with a global portfolio of assets.

Its primary asset is the Cobre Panama mine, located west of Panama City, Panama. The mine boasts 3 billion MT of proven and probable reserves and represents 1 percent of the world’s copper supply. The mine was ordered to close down in November 2023 after the Panamanian Supreme Court invalidated an extension to the mine's license.

In a December 2023 release, the company said it was working on developing a closure plan for the mine; however, it also noted that it was pursuing all appropriate legal avenues to protect its investment and rights.

In its Q1 results, released on April 24, First Quantum said it was continuing to work on a preservation and safe management plan for Cobre Panama and was also working to deliver the 121,000 MT of concentrate that remain on site.

Due to the ongoing situation in Panama, the company noted that it had undergone a refinancing program to improve its balance sheet and liquidity. This program included working out a prepayment agreement with Jiangxi Copper (SHA:600362,HKEX:0358) for US$500 million, the completion of a US$1.6 billion senior secured second lien at 9.38 percent due in 2029 and the issuance of 139.93 million common shares to raise US$1.15 billion.

The company also operates several mines in Zambia, including its Kansanshi copper-gold mine, Sentinel copper mine and Enterprise nickel mine. Earlier in the year, First Quantum warned that production might be impacted in 2024 due to severe drought conditions caused by El Nino, which has reduced water levels in the Kafue and Zambezi rivers. The government declared a national emergency in March, and power generation in the country has been impacted.

First Quantum said it had minimized power disruptions due to offtake agreements with third-party traders for power sourced from the Southern African Power Pool. Due to increased power curtailments since the Q1 release, the firm has had to increase the amount of power sourced from regional sources to 193 megawatts from the original 80 megawatts.

In the company’s third quarter results, First Quantum reported the production of 116,088 MT of copper, 11 percent higher than in Q2, but down from 221,550 MT produced in Q3 2023. The production drop was largely attributed to the closure of Cobre Panama, which contributed 112,734 MT during the quarter last year. Cash costs came in at US$1.57 per pound during Q3, US$0.16 lower than the previous quarter. While the power deals pushed cash costs higher, the company mitigated costs through gold by-product credits during Q3, as well as higher copper production and lower fuel costs.

Both Kansanshi and Sentinel reported increased copper production during Q3. Kansanshi saw its highest levels since Q4 2021 with 49,810 MT, while Sentinel recorded copper production of 58,412 MT, an increase of 4,817 MT over Q2.

Shares of First Quantum reached a year-to-date high of C$20.70 on December 5.

5. Hudbay Minerals (TSX:HBM)

Company Profile

Year-to-date gain: 68.46 percent
Market cap: C$4.86 billion
Share price: C$12.23

Hudbay Minerals is a copper production and development company with operational mines in Peru and Canada. It also has projects in Peru and in the US. According to the company's Q3 results, the Constancia copper mine and neighboring Pampacancha satellite pit in Peru produced a combined 21,220 MT of copper in the three months ended on September 30, an increase over the 19,217 MT produced in the previous quarter.

In Canada, Hudbay’s 75 percent owned Copper Mountain mine in BC produced 6,736 MT of copper, and its wholly owned Snow Lake operations in Manitoba achieved record results in the quarter.

The operation produced 3,398 MT of copper, a 29 percent increase over Q2, when wildfires in the region impacted production. Both mines also produce gold and silver, and Snow Lake also produces zinc.

In addition to its mining assets, the company is advancing its Copper World project in Arizona, US. In its report for the first quarter, the company indicates that it is continuing to work on getting final state permits for the site and expects to receive them sometime in 2024. When complete, Copper World is expected to have a 20 year life.

According to a March 28 annual reserve and resource update, Copper World holds proven and probable average reserves of 385 million MT of ore grading 0.54 percent copper.

In an August 29 release, Hudbay announced it had received an aquifer protection permit from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The company said the permit brings the project a step closer to being fully permitted.

The company is also working on its Mason project in Nevada, US. Hudbay is developing Mason as a long-term future asset with a 27 year mine life. A resource estimate shows a measured and indicated resource of 2.22 billion MT at an average grade of 0.29 percent copper, and an inferred resource of 237 million MT averaging 0.24 percent copper.

On May 24, Hudbay completed an upsized bought-deal offering, generating aggregate gross proceeds of US$402.5 million. The funds will be used for near-term growth initiatives, such as mill optimization at Copper Mountain.

Shares of Hudbay reached a year-to-date high of C$14.15 on May 20.

Article by Dean Belder; FAQs by Lauren Kelly.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, own shares of Northern Dynasty Minerals.

Securities Disclosure: I, Lauren Kelly, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

5 Best-performing Junior Copper Stocks on the TSXV in 2024

Copper supply and demand have tightened in recent years, creating price volatility.

In 2024, copper prices reached record levels, breaking through the US$5 per pound mark for the first time.

Copper is one of the most important metals for the emerging green economy. It is essential for transmitting electricity, and is needed to produce wind turbines, electric cars and a wide array of electronic devices.

Even though demand continues to increase yearly, supply is failing to keep up. This has been a primary factor in copper’s record-breaking 2024, but what does that mean for small-cap mining companies on the TSX Venture Exchange?

Below are the five best-performing junior copper stocks since the start of 2024. Data for this article was gathered on December 18, using TradingView's stock screener, and all companies had market caps of over C$10 million at that time.

1. Koryx Copper (TSXV:KRY)

Company Profile

Year-to-date gain: 317.78 percent
Market cap: C$66.49 million
Share price: C$0.94

Koryx Copper is focused on the advancement of copper exploration projects in Namibia and Zambia. Its flagship asset is the Haib copper-molybdenum project located in Southern Namibia near the border with South Africa.

In an amended preliminary economic assessment (PEA) filed on January 8, the company indicated 20 million metric tons (MT) per year of ore processing with 85 percent copper recovery for a yearly production rate of 38,337 MT of London Metal Exchange copper metal and an additional 51,081 MT of copper sulfate.

The company is currently working toward releasing an enhanced PEA in mid-2025.

Since the start of 2024, Koryx has published various assay results from exploration at Haib, including on August 8, when the company provided final results from a Phase 1 drill program. The company highlighted near-surface grades of 0.3 percent copper over 44 meters, including an intersection of 0.5 percent copper over 8 meters.

President and CEO Pierre Léveillé said the program shows the deposit can deliver grades of over 0.3 percent copper for substantial widths in the project area, as well as above-average grades in the outer limits of the deposit.

Following the final results, Koryx released an updated resource estimate for Haib on September 10. Haib hosts an indicated resource of 1.46 million MT of contained copper from 414 million MT of ore at an average grade of 0.35 percent copper, plus an inferred resource of 1.14 million MT of copper from 345 million MT of ore at 0.33 percent copper.

On November 15, Koryx closed the third and final tranche of a non-brokered private placement, raising C$18 million. In the release, the company also noted it had begun an 8,200 meter Phase 2 drilling program at Haib. Additionally, it reported the start of Phase 2 metallurgical testwork as it works to de-risk its metallurgical processing plan.

Shares of Koryx reached a year-to-date high of C$1.24 on September 24.

2. Hannan Metals (TSXV:HAN)

Company Profile

Year-to-date gain: 305.56 percent
Market cap: C$92.75 million
Share price: C$0.73

Explorer Hannan Metals is focused on advancing gold, silver and copper deposits in Latin America.

The San Martin project is a joint venture with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), a Japanese government agency established in 2004 to secure stable resources and fuel supplies. Under the terms of the agreement, JOGMEC can earn up to a 75 percent stake in the project if all its funding goals are met.

The site is located northeast of Tarapoto, Peru, and hosts a copper and silver system with 120 kilometers of combined strike. The Tabalosos target has shown grades of 4.9 percent copper and 62 grams per MT (g/t) silver over 2 meters.

Hannan also wholly owns the Valiente project, which hosts a previously unknown porphyry and epithermal mineralized belt within a 140 kilometer by 50 kilometer area containing copper, gold, molybdenum and silver.

Results from two channel samples were reported in early August, and they confirmed extensive leached copper mineralization at the Previsto Central prospect. The two channels, separated by 700 meters, had grades of 0.22 percent copper over 126 meters and 0.16 percent copper over 192 meters.

Hannan said the results continue to further the company's understanding of the mineralization system, with gold-rich areas at higher elevations that transition into copper-rich areas at lower elevations.

This was followed by news on October 8 that the company completed the first stage of an induced polarization (IP) geophysical survey at the Previsto prospect. Combined with its other data, the results confirmed a 6 kilometer by 6 kilometer copper-gold porphyry epithermal mineralization system and identified seven high-priority targets.

In the most recent update on the analysis of the IP survey on December 5, the company singled out two significant types of anomalies. There is a high-chargeability, low-resistivity zone covering 2.4 kilometers of strike up to a depth of 500 meters, with soil containing up to 0.23 parts per million gold, as well as high-chargeability, high-resistivity zones along 1 kilometer of strike that host boulders containing up to 1.98 g/t gold and 29 g/t silver.

Hannan announced on November 25 that it had received approval from the Peruvian government for a maiden drill program at Valiente’s Belen permit area. The approval allows 40 drill platforms over 702 hectares across three prospects.

Before drilling commences in the second quarter of 2025, the company said its next steps are to reapply for a certificate of non-existence of archaeological remains, which it expects before the end of 2024. It must also submit a permit application to initiate activities, which is expected in the first quarter of 2025.

Shares of Hannan reached a year-to-date high of C$0.87 on December 9.

3. Sandfire Resources America (TSXV:SFR)

Company Profile

Year-to-date gain: 227.78 percent
Market cap: C$301.89 million
Share price: C$0.295

Sandfire Resources America is a copper development company focused on its Black Butte copper project, which is located east of Helena, Montana, in the US. In 2021, a state district court revoked the company's mine operating permit for Black Butte, halting construction activities for the underground mine.

Sandfire describes the property as one of the highest-grade undeveloped copper deposits in the world. According to a 2020 resource estimate, the project's Johnny Lee deposit holds measured and indicated resources of 10.9 million MT grading 2.9 percent copper for a total of 311,000 MT of contained copper.

Shares of Sandfire soared following a February 26 decision by the Montana Supreme Court to reinstate the company's mine operating permit. The win was a crucial step for construction of the mine to continue.

In its management discussion and analysis for the quarter ended on September 30, the company said that since December 2023 it had completed 10,000 meters of a planned 20,000 meters of drilling. Additionally, Sandfire said its main focus at the site was expanding the resource at the Johnny Lee lower copper zone. The latest measured and indicated estimations put grading at the zone at 6.8 percent copper from 1.2 million MT.

Sandfire is focused on improving Black Butte's economics as it works towards a final investment decision. The most recent update from the project came on December 18, when the company released an exploration update highlighting a high-grade copper intercept of 19.46 percent copper over 3.19 meters from a depth of 471.86 meters.

Although much of Sandfire’s focus in 2024 has been on the exploration and development of Black Butte, the company’s parent company, Sandfire Resources (ASX:SFR), also has two copper-producing assets: Motheo in the Kalahari Copper Belt in Botswana and MATSA in the Iberian Pyrite Belt in Spain.

Shares of Sandfire reached a year-to-date high of C$0.395 on May 13.

4. Awalé Resources (TSXV:ARIC)

Press ReleasesCompany Profile

Year-to-date gain: 203.57 percent
Market cap: C$36.89 million
Share price: C$0.425

Awalé Resources is a copper and gold explorer focused on its Odienné project in Côte D’Ivoire.

The site, located in the West African country’s northwest region, covers an area of 2,462 square kilometers across two granted permits and five under application; two are being advanced as part of an earn-in joint venture with major gold miner Newmont (TSX:NGT,NYSE:NEM). Newmont has the chance to earn up to 65 percent ownership of the permits via exploration expenditures of US$15 million and the delivery of a minimum 2 million ounce gold resource.

On May 15, Newmont advanced to the second phase of its earn-in agreement. The completion of Phase 1 of the agreement came after drilling at the Charger and BBM targets during early 2024 exploration.

For the final 14 percent of the earn-in agreement, Newmont is required to fund an additional US$10 million toward exploration of the project. Company CEO Andrew Chubb said that Awalé is on good footing to deliver exploration success between the funding from Newmont and Awalé's C$11.5 million bought-deal equity financing, closed on May 8.

Awalé has actively explored the project area throughout 2024. On December 5, it announced it had commenced a 4,000 meter diamond drill program at Odienné, which will focus on the BBM and Charger zones.

In the first update from the program on December 18, the company reported that it had expanded the trend at BBM to over 15 kilometers from the Fremen target in the south to the newly defined targets Boba and Fett in the north.

Awalé plans to complete a large IP survey in January 2025 on the entire BBM trend to help refine targets for a 7,000 meter reverse-circulation drill campaign set to begin in February.

Shares of Awalé reached a year-to-date high of C$0.98 on March 26.

Investor Kit

5. Lara Exploration (TSXV:LRA)

Year-to-date gain: 180 percent
Market cap: C$67.73 million
Share price: C$1.40

Lara Exploration is a copper miner, explorer and royalty generator focused on South America.

For 2024, its primary asset has been the Planalto copper project in the Carajas Mineral Province in Pará, Brazil. The property comprises five mineral tenements covering a total area of 3,867 hectares. More than 23,000 meters of drilling have been conducted, and three primary deposits — Homestead, Cupuzeiro and Planalto — have been identified.

The most recent news from the project came on October 17, when Lara filed the technical report for its maiden resource estimate, which outlines a total indicated resource of 252,800 MT of copper from 47.7 million MT of ore with an average grade of 0.53 percent copper. The report also outlines an inferred resource for Planalto of 548,900 MT of copper from 154 million MT of ore with an average grade of 0.36 percent copper.

Lara also owns a 5 percent net profit interest, along with a 2 percent net smelter return royalty, in the Celesta copper mine in Brazil. Its partners are private companies Tessarema Resources and North Extração de Minério.

On November 12, Lara announced that operations had restarted at the mine after it had been placed on care and maintenance while Tessarema worked to reinstate permits to the property. In the release, Lara said that mining and ore processing from stockpiles began in October and is expected to ramp up gradually over the coming months.

Shares of Lara reached a year-to-date high of C$1.60 on October 24.

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.

Editorial Disclosure: Awalé Resources is a client of the Investing News Network. This article is not paid-for content.

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BHP headquarters.

BHP Reveals Cohort for Xplor 2025 Critical Minerals Program

Mining giant BHP (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) introduced its Xplor 2025 cohort on Monday (January 6), choosing eight out of hundreds of applicants worldwide.

Under Xplor 2025’s terms, each of the companies is entitled to receive an equity-free grant of up to US$500,000 and access to a network of BHP and external industry experts to build out and accelerate their exploration concepts.

The selected companies and the countries they focus on are as follows:

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Filo Sets Election Deadline and Announces Anticipated Closing Date in Connection with the Acquisition by BHP and Lundin Mining

Filo Corp. (TSX: FIL) (Nasdaq First North Growth Market: FIL) (OTCQX: FLMMF) (" Filo " or the " Company ") is pleased to announce that the deadline for registered shareholders (the " Registered Shareholders ") of the issued and outstanding common shares of Filo (the " Filo Shares ") and for holders of stock options of Filo (the " Optionholders ") to make elections in respect of the consideration receivable pursuant to the Arrangement (as defined below) is 5:00 P.M. (Toronto Time) on January 9, 2025 (the " Election Deadline "). PDF Version

The letter of transmittal and election form (the " Letter of Transmittal ") outlines the necessary documentation and information required to be sent to the depositary for the Arrangement, Computershare Investor Services Inc. (the " Depositary "), by each Registered Shareholder and Optionholder in order to receive the consideration to which they are entitled under the Arrangement, and make an election with respect to the form of consideration they wish to receive. For complete instructions, please refer to the Letter of Transmittal previously mailed to Registered Shareholders and Optionholders on December 12, 2024 and also available under Filo's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's corporate website at http://filocorp.com/investors/corporate-filings/ .

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

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Cygnus Metals and Doré Copper Complete Merger, Plan 2025 Drill Program at Chibougamau

Cygnus Metals and Doré Copper Mining said on Wednesday (January 1) that they have completed their merger.

The combined entity will be a critical minerals explorer and developer with two core assets in Québec, Canada.

Cygnus acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Doré on Tuesday (December 31) through a Canadian statutory plan of arrangement, finalizing the deal. Cygnus shares are listed on the ASX under the symbol CY5, and are expected to start trading on the TSXV under the symbol CYG on or about Friday (January 3).

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