Interra Copper (CSE:IMCX, OTCQB:IMIMF, FRA:3MX) is an exploration and development company with prolific assets in Canada and Chile, both tier-1 jurisdictions.
Interra’s two exploration properties in British Columbia, Canada - Thane and Chuck Creek - demonstrate significant potential to increase shareholder value as they are explored. The 20,658-hectare Thane project is located in the Quesnel Terrane of Northern BC and contains six high-priority target areas with significant copper and precious metal mineralization, including high-grade silver and gold. The approximately 3,356-hectare Chuck Creek asset also has historical silt sample concentrations up to a significant 58,600 parts per billion (ppb) gold.
In September 2023, Interra entered into a non-binding letter of intent for a potential 80-percent earn-in and joint venture agreement with ArcWest Exploration for its Rip Copper-Molybdenum Project in Central BC. The 2,309-hectare Rip project is located in Stikine Terrane in a prolific belt of Late Cretaceous (Bulkley Plutonic Suite) porphyry copper-molybdenum deposits, which includes Imperial Metals’ Huckleberry Mine, 33 kilometers to the southwest and presently on care and maintenance. The Bulkley porphyry belt also includes the Whiting Creek, Poplar, Seel and Ox Cu-Mo (gold-silver) deposits.
The company’s three copper assets in Chile are all within a prolific Chilean copper belt: Tres Marias and Zenaida in the Antofagasta Region, and Pitbull in Tarapaca Region. With a significant land package spanning 16,250 hectares, Interra’s Chilean projects are in the company of some of the world’s largest mines owned by global mining firms, including Glencore, Anglo American, Teck Resources and BHP. As the top global producer of copper responsible for 28 percent of the world’s supply, Chile’s mining-friendly policies and established infrastructure provide confidence in the potential development of Interra’s Chilean copper assets.
Interra Copper completed Phase 1 of the drilling program at Tres Marias, which began on May 24, 2023, with six RC holes totalling 1,896 meters drilled. Samples were sent to ALS Global in Santiago for analysis.
An expert leadership team leads Interra toward fully exploring its assets and increasing shareholder value.
The leadership team is backed by an advisory board of notable mining industry experts that include Mike Ciricillo who has served as president of Freeport McMoRan Africa and as head of worldwide copper assets for Glencore (LON:GLEN); Rich Leveille whose last corporate position was senior vice president of exploration for Freeport-McMoRan, Dave Garofalo who has led the biggest mining names Goldcorp, Hudbay Minerals, Agnico-Eagle Mines and Inmet Mining in different capacities; and Dr. Mark Cruise who founded and led Trevali Mining from an initial discovery phase into a top-ten global zinc producer. It is also important to note that director Rick Gittleman has held notable positions at Glencore SA and Freeport-McMoRan Africa.
Interra Copper owns two projects in Canada with early-stage exploration in proven copper districts. Both assets have blue-sky potential as exploration continues.
The Thane Copper Project in British Columbia covers 20,658 hectares and has received US$5.5 million in exploration investment. The promising project is right between Kerness and Mt. Milligan copper mines. Located in the Quesnel Terrane of Northern BC, Thane contains six high-priority target areas with significant copper and precious metal mineralization, including high-grade silver and gold.
Interra Copper’s second BC project covers 3,357 hectares and borders Tasekao’s prolific Yellowhead project, which has an estimated 817 million tonnes of resources.
The company’s flagship copper asset is a mid-stage asset covering 16,250 hectares and is 30 kilometers north of BHP’s prolific Spence Mine. Tres Marias is located in Antofagasta, Chile, a prolific copper belt. The asset is drill-ready, with three large priority targets identified. Historical drilling conducted at the property returned significant copper assays, including: 2.4 meters at 3.1 percent copper and 19 parts per million (ppm) silver, and 4 meters at 4.5 copper and 121.5 ppm silver. Interra completed its phase 1 drilling program at Tres Marias, with six RC holes totalling 1,896 meters drilled. Samples were sent to ALS Global in Santiago for analysis.
Located in Tarapaca, Chile, the early-stage Pitbull asset covers 2,000 hectares and is 25 kilometers north of Anglo-American/Glencore’s Collahuasi mine. The project is located in an upper Eocene-lower Oligocene copper belt at around 3,800 to 4,100 meters with year-round elevation. This is a geological zone similar to the prolific Callahuasi mine and indicates the asset's potential. Initial samples showed high anomalous values in copper. Results include 4.9 percent and 2 percent copper from two veins and 0.94 percent copper in chips from drill holes, in addition to gold, silver, lead and zinc.
The Zenaida asset is in Antofagasta, Chile, a prolific copper belt. Zenaida is an early-stage exploration project covering 1,800 hectares with significant blue-sky potential. Historical geophysical results show promising geological formations that warrant further analysis. Interra Copper will follow up on historical results as it proceeds with exploration in the future.
Chris Buncic was a co-founder and CEO of Alto Verde Copper. He was president and CEO of Ascendant Resources where the team acquired and restored profitability to the El Mochito mine in Honduras and greatly advanced the exploration efforts of the Lagoa Salgada project in Portugal. He has served in senior management roles at several Canadian corporations in the technology and resources sectors for the past ten years. His experience includes six years in Institutional Equity Research at leading Canadian independent full-service brokerage firms Cormark Securities and Mackie Research Capital. Buncic is a CFA charter holder and has an MBA from Schulich School of Business and B.A.Sc. from the University of Toronto. He is a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario and the CFA Society.
Jason Nickel is an experienced mining executive, engineer, investor and entrepreneur with a diverse 25-year mining background in operations, engineering, feasibility and exploration/development of venture capital projects. Most recently, he held a position as mine manager for a significant Canadian emerging gold producer, leading the production and development of new underground and pit operations. He has provided management and consulting services to the industry since 2008 and has been heavily involved with several junior resource public companies and mining project start-ups, mainly in BC and the Arctic. Since 2011, Nickel has served on four TSXV / CDNX / CSE venture company boards. He holds a degree in mine engineering from UBC and a GDBA in business administration from SFU Segal Graduate School of Business. His previous experience includes several roles from mine planner, senior mine engineer, mine foreman, to chief engineer, mine manager and vice-president, primarily in copper and gold operations and projects.
Rick Gittleman is a legal, government relations and public affairs executive with over 35 years of experience advising multinational companies on M&A, project finance, mining, oil and gas, agriculture and power projects across the globe. Most recently he served as Senior Executive overseeing legal issues and stakeholder engagement at Glencore SA where he developed corporate strategies to improve relations with government, community and civil society stakeholders at mine sites in Chile, Peru and Argentina. Preceding that, Gittleman held the position of senior vice-president for legal affairs and stakeholder engagement at Freeport-McMoRan Africa, where over his 7-year tenure oversaw the Tenke Fungurume mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo from development through to full commercial production. He also has 20 years’ experience as a partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld where he worked on merger, acquisitions and project finance in the energy and mining sectors.
Oliver Foeste is the founder and managing partner of Invictus Accounting Group and brings over 10 years of financial reporting and executive experience across numerous industries including junior exploration and mining companies. Foeste has held senior management and executive positions in multinational and small capitalization companies listed in Canada and the United States.
Thomas Hawkins is a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 as a registered professional geologist (EGBC) who has nearly 20 years of international experience identifying, assessing, and advancing mineral exploration projects. He graduated in 2004 from Imperial College, London, with a Master's in Geology and Geophysics, and gained a PhD in geology in 2012 from the Natural History Museum, UK. Hawkins has extensive experience managing projects in Ghana, Mexico, Canada, USA, UK, and Kazakhstan. Most recently, Hawkins was part of the Kenorland Minerals team that discovered the Regnault deposit and was vice-president of exploration of Northway Resources, a Vancouver-based Alaska exploration company. In 2018, as president of Vanmin Development , Hawkins discovered the Vanadium Pass deposit in British Columbia. His PhD research furthered the understanding of the Central Asian deposit camps and IOCG-type deposits.
Oscar Oviedo is an exploration geologist with over 20 years of experience in the exploration and discovery of copper deposits in Latin America. Oviedo most recently served as project geologist for Freeport-McMoRan South America Ltda. In Chile, he played an integral part in the discovery of the Don Manuel copper project over his 13-year tenure. He spent seven years as an exploration geologist at Minera Phelps Dodge of Peru SAC. where he was involved in the discovery of the Haquira deposit. Oviedo holds a degree in engineering geology from the National University of San Agustin in Peru.
David McAdam has over 30 years of finance and operations experience in large and small capitalization companies, where has been the financial lead in raising over $250 million in equity and securing over $100 million in debt. He has been the chief financial officer of several public and private companies including several public and private BC-based mining companies (one a Vancouver-based TSX company with producing assets in South Africa and public reporting across the TSX-AIM-JSE exchanges).
Scott Young has worked as a corporate governance and communications consultant since 2000 in the technology, mining and pharmaceutical industries, with clients trading on both Canadian and American stock exchanges. In 2020 he was an in-house consultant with Alda Pharmaceuticals which was named in the TSXV Top 50 listed companies the same year. He was the managing director of Sonoma Resources, which completed a reverse takeover of Element Lifestyle Retirement in December 2015.
Mike Ciricillo is a mining executive with over 30 years of operational and project experience, having lived and worked on five continents throughout his career. He began his career in 1991 at INCO in Canada and later joined Phelps Dodge in 1995 which was acquired by Freeport-McMoRan. There he served in positions of increasing responsibility in the United States, Chile, The Netherlands, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In the DRC, He served as president of Freeport McMoRan Africa and spent five years at Tenke Fungurume from the construction phase into the operations phase. He then joined Glencore in 2014 as head of copper operations in Peru, followed by the role of head of copper smelting operations, and eventually, he was placed in the role of head of Glencore’s worldwide copper assets. He is currently president of the natural resources sector for the NANA Corporation in Alaska.
Dr. Mark Cruise is a professional geologist with over 27 years of international mining experience, in Europe, the Americas and Africa. Cruise founded and was chief executive officer of Trevali Mining where under his leadership, the company grew from an initial discovery into a top-ten global zinc producer with operations in the Americas and Africa. He has served as vice-president for business development and exploration, COO and CEO for several TSX, TSX-Venture and NYSE-Americas listed exploration and development companies.
Rich Leveille has a lifetime's worth of experience in the mining sector, having grown up in major copper camps in the western US where his father worked for Kennecott. He has a BS in Geology from the University of Utah and an MS in geology at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. He worked for a progression of companies including AMAX, Kennecott, Rio Tinto, Phelps Dodge and Freeport-McMoRan in the US and internationally, where he was directly involved with and/or managed teams that made several major discoveries. His last corporate position was senior vice-president of exploration for Freeport-McMoRan, based in Phoenix. Leveille retired in September 2017 and has devoted his time since then to hiking, backpacking, fishing, writing, advocacy for immigrants and geological consulting.
David Garofalo is currently chairman and CEO of Gold Royalty, chairman of Great Panther Mining, and chairman and CEO of the Marshall Precious Metals Fund. Formerly, he was the president and CEO of Goldcorp, and previously president, CEO and director of Hudbay Minerals, (2010-2016), senior vice-president of finance and CFO and director of Agnico-Eagle Mines(1998-2010) and treasurer of Inmet Mining (1990-1998). Garofalo was recognized as the Mining Person of the Year by the Northern Miner in 2012 and was named Canada’s CFO of the Year by Financial Executives International Canada in 2009.
Interra Copper Corp. (CSE: IMCX) (OTCQB: IMIMF) (FSE: 3MX) ("Interra" or the "Company") is pleased to provide details of the first phase of the planned 2024 exploration program at the Thane Copper-Gold Project (the "Project" or "Thane") in North Central British Columbia.
THANE PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Visit Interra's current presentation for further detail information about Thane Project: https://interracoppercorp.com/site/assets/presentation
CURRENT WORK - HIGH-RESOULTION MULTISPECTRAL ANALYSIS:
In Q2 Interra purchased high resolution satellite imagery and topographic data and acquired additional multispectral imagery data to support planned target development. ALS GoldSpot have been retained to provide advanced processing and mineral mapping of the altered and mineralized zones using proprietary clustering algorithms to support geological observations. This work is expected to dramatically increase the efficiency and success rate of the 2024 field work.
THANE 2024 FIELD PROGRAM:
The 2024 exploration program is expected to be completed in two phases, an initial field level mineral system review completed by senior porphyry specialists in early July followed by a focussed alteration and mineralization mapping and sampling program in August.
Figure 1 - Six Copper-Gold mineralized centres (Red) across interpreted alteration footprint (Orange)
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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7923/207750_66281d8b74aebbb8_002full.jpg
The 2024 field program will advance the six main target areas identified to date, visit additional peripheral target zones, determine the distribution of prospective host rocks, identify and define the alteration footprints and paragenesis, characterize the known mineralization in the context of current global alkalic porphyry research and district understanding, and design any additional geophysical and geochemical surveys required in advance of drilling. The expected outcome of the programs is to provide compelling, optimized targets for future discovery drilling at Thane.
Technical information contained within this news release has been reviewed and approved by Phil Smerchanski, M.Econ.Geol., P.Geo., an advisor to the Company and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 policy.
About Interra Copper Corp.
Interra Copper Corp. is an exploration and development company focused on creating shareholder value through the advancement of its current interests that include the Thane Copper-Gold Project in north-central British Columbia, and the Rip Copper-Molybdenum Project in north-west British Columbia. Utilizing its heavily experienced leadership team, Interra Copper continues to source and evaluate assets and projects to further generate shareholder value.
The Thane property covers approximately 206 km2 and is located within the prolific Quesnel Copper-Gold porphyry Terrane of north-central British Columbia, midway between the previously operated open pit Kemess Mine and the currently operating Mount Milligan mine. The Thane Project includes several highly prospective mineralized areas identified to date, including the Cathedral, Gail/Cirque, Aten, CJL, Mat and Lake targets that contain high-grade copper-gold mineralization which has only been partially tested by limited exploration. Interra Copper Corp. would like to acknowledge that its Thane Project is located in the traditional territories of Takla Nation and Tsay Keh Dene Nation.
The Rip Project is under option for up to an 80% earn in by Interra Copper, over a multi-year period. The property is 47 km2 in area and located in the prolific Stikine Terrane, in a Late Cretaceous host that contains significant Cu-Mo Porphyry deposits. Historical Induced Polarization (IP) geophysics has outlined a zone of high chargeability, coincident with the strong quartz sericite-pyrite alteration interpreted to suggest the potential of a mineralized porphyry alteration system at depth.
Interra Copper is committed to sustainable and responsible business activities in line with industry best practices, supportive of all stakeholders, including the local communities in which we operate. The Company's common shares are principally listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange under the symbol "IMCX". For more information on Interra Copper, please visit our website at www.interracoppercorp.com.
On behalf of the Board of Interra Copper Corp.
"Rick Gittleman"
President, CEO & Chairman
For further information contact:
Katherine Pryde
Investor Relations
+1 (778) 949-1829
investors@interracoppercorp.com
Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or" should" occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the closing of the Private Placement, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, the use of proceeds from the Private Placement, and the revolving credit facility, including the terms thereof, are forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Interra, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, risks related to the Company receiving all approvals necessary for the completion of the Private Placement and revolving credit facility and the timing thereof. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Interra does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.
The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/207750
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Interra Copper Corp. (CSE: IMCX) (OTCQB: IMIMF) (FSE: 3MX) ("Interra" or the "Company") is pleased to provide detail of the first phase exploration program at the Rip Copper Project (the "Project" or "Rip") in the Stikine region of British Columbia. The Rip Project is situated approximately 33 km northeast of Imperial Metals' past producing Huckleberry copper-molybdenum ("Cu-Mo") mine (see Figure 1), which is presently on care and maintenance. Imperial Metals Corporation is exploring Huckleberry and its surrounding claims for additional Cu-Mo resources.
In late 2023, the Company first announced its option agreement with ArcWest Exploration Inc. ("ArcWest") to acquire an 80% interest in ArcWest's Rip Cu-Mo project. Interra can earn the first tier of its interest in the project by completing staged exploration work totalling C$2.0 million and direct payment of C$100,000 and annual share payments over 4 years until end of 2027. Interra is currently funded for, and anticipates, it will meet and likely exceed its 2024 and 2025 obligations for the earn-in of C$300,000 and C$500,000 in expenditures respectively with the budget outlined in this 2 stage program. The initial program is staged into 2 work phases: 1) A geophysical program to define drill targets, commencing in late April and; 2) A diamond drilling program tentatively scheduled for Q3/Q4 of 2024.
The stage 1 exploration program consists of an airborne magnetic survey flown by Precision Geosurveys followed by a 3D-IP survey to be completed by DIAS Geophysical The 3D-IP survey is designed to further delineate and potentially expand upon a historical chargeability anomaly identified on the project by Kennco in the late 1970s, as shown in Figure 2.
Shallow percussion drilling of this chargeability anomaly by Kennco intersected porphyry copper style alteration and anomalous Cu-Mo mineralization over a broad area. A lone diamond drill hole intersected anomalous Cu (0.07%) and Mo (0.005%) over 74m in strongly quartz-sericite-pyrite ("QSP") altered volcanic rocks cut by late feldspar porphyry and mineralized quartz diorite dykes; the bottom 64m consists of intrusive clast-rich polymictic breccia cut by abundant pyrite, gypsum and quartz veins with local secondary biotite. QSP, intermediate argillic ("IA") and propylitic alteration predominate in the holes, suggesting that the Kennco holes only tested the upper levels of a shallowly eroded porphyry Cu-Mo system.
Figure 1 - Rip Regional Google Earth Map Image of Satellite Photo
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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7923/206939_2cc7675014a13a07_002full.jpg
Potential therefore exists at Rip for the discovery an underlying Cu-Mo mineralized potassic core. The upcoming geophysical program has a much greater survey area than that of the historical surveys, and as such, will play a key role in evaluating the depth potential of the Rip porphyry Cu-Mo system. The airborne magnetic survey is estimated to commence in late April, with the 3D-IP survey estimated to commence in May/June. Details of this survey are as shown in Figure 3.
Interra looks forward to the results of our programs in conjunction with our partners, ArcWest, and the recently rejuvenated copper and precious metals markets. Updates are anticipated to be every couple of months throughout the exploration season.
Figure 2 - Rip chargeability high from historical survey and alteration from percussion drill holes
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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7923/206939_interrafig2.jpg
Figure 3 - Transmitter and receiver stations for the 2024 3D-IP survey (Dias Geophysical). A chargeability anomaly delineated by a historical IP survey is in red.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7923/206939_2cc7675014a13a07_004full.jpg
About Interra Copper Corp.
Interra Copper Corp. is focused on building shareholder value through the exploration and development of its two early-stage copper exploration assets located in British Columbia, Canada.
The Thane Project located in the Quesnel Terrane of Northern BC spans over 20,658 ha with 6 high-priority targets identified demonstrating significant copper and precious metal mineralization. The Company has an earn-in option up to 80% and joint-venture agreement on the Rip Project located in Stikine Terrane in a prolific belt of Late Cretaceous (bulkley plutonic suite), known for copper-molybdenum deposits.
Interra Copper's leadership team is comprised of senior mining industry executives who have a wealth of technical and capital markets experience and a strong track record of discovering, financing, developing, and operating mining projects on a global scale. Interra Copper is committed to sustainable and responsible business activities in line with industry best practices, supportive of all stakeholders, including the local communities in which we operate. The Company's common shares are principally listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange under the symbol "IMCX". For more information on Interra Copper, please visit our website at www.interracoppercorp.com.
On behalf of the Board of Interra Copper Corp.
"Rick Gittleman"
President, CEO & Chairman
For further information contact:
Katherine Pryde
Investor Relations
+1 (778) 949-1829
investors@interracoppercorp.com
Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-Looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or" should" occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the closing of the Private Placement, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, the use of proceeds from the Private Placement, and the revolving credit facility, including the terms thereof, are forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-Looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Interra, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, risks related to the Company receiving all approvals necessary for the completion of the Private Placement and revolving credit facility and the timing thereof. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Interra does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/206939
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Interra Copper Corp. (CSE: IMCX) (OTCQB: IMIMF) (FSE: 3MX) ("Interra" or the "Company") is pleased to issue the following letter from its Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Rick Gittleman, updating shareholders on the Company's plans for unlocking value from its assets while executing on a prudent yet strategic work plan in 2024.
To our fellow shareholders of Interra Copper Corp.,
I'm writing to you today with great enthusiasm for a busy and productive 2024. Over the year, Interra's leadership will be focused on maximizing shareholder value through exploration on multiple projects and initiatives. The team has spent time prioritizing and re-evaluating the Company's projects - re-interpreting data to identify the best targets and regions within those projects. The overall goal was to determine optimal exploration programs and to also eliminate non-productive assets and costs that are generating no real value for the Company.
We ended 2023 on a positive note - closing on a multi-round non-brokered flow-through private placement financing raising C$1.14 million in December 2023 and positioning the Company for near term exploration work in British Columbia. We are especially excited to put this money to work and commence exploration at the Rip Copper-Molybdenum Project, the newest addition to our exploration assets. In December 2023, in connection with the Rip Project, we acquired an option for up to an 80% earn-in and joint venture agreement with ArcWest Exploration Inc. Rip's geological attributes make a compelling case for prioritized exploration. The fully permitted exploration project is located in central British Columbia (BC), an established mining region on Canada's west coast, and situated in a prolific belt of Late Cretaceous intrusions (Bulkley Plutonic Suite), host to numerous past producing mines and well-known Copper and Molybdenum deposits, such as Huckelberry, Endako, Granisle and Granduc.
Together with our partner, ArcWest, we have begun to develop a significant exploration plan for the Rip Project. New work, completed in late 2023, included a modest till cover geochemical sampling program. Follow-up work to aid with drill target definition will include a drone supported high resolution magnetic survey in addition to a 3D Induced Polarization survey this summer. The Rip technical committee is also currently in the process of finalizing options and costs for a modest drill program based on an assumption of success with the early exploration. Interra has flow-through qualified CEE "Canadian Exploration Expenses" funds available to support both of our BC projects, with funds not going to Rip in 2024 to be dedicated to our other exciting BC porphyry project, the Thane Project.
Our 100% owned Thane Project is a district scale copper-gold project covering a 20,658-hectare concession within the Quesnel Terrane in Northern British Columbia. The Quesnel Terrane is a prolific porphyry belt with significant copper, gold, silver, molybdenum mineralization. Thane sits amongst existing mines and other known significant deposits, such as Centerra Gold's Mt. Milligan Mine and Kemess North Deposits, North-west Copper's Kwanika and Stardust and Pacific Ridge's Kliyul Deposits and the Company classifies it as underexplored. Six mineralized copper-gold target areas have been identified to date and in late 2023 Interra engaged in an independent review to re-assess past work and re-interpret the project data with a view to an integrated life of project dataset and a new strategy for discovery. Our consultant has extensive and relevant experience with Northern Cordillera copper-gold systems both as a senior exploration specialist with major mining companies and with specific direct experience in the district surrounding Thane Project as a technical adviser on the same style of deposits Thane has the potential to host.
Based upon the results of the review, we are anticipating work contemplated for 2024 will include both ortho-imagery and high-resolution topographical surveys to support field reviews and targeted rock geochemistry to help vector towards mineral centres. This work will be focused on maximizing the use of previously invested data and ensuring a well thought out systematic discovery program can be developed for the next phase of work. This next stage of work is expected to include detailed magnetic geophysical surveys and focused geological mapping of the mineralization and alteration of specific copper-gold target zones to prepare for discovery drilling.
Given the large size of the property and multiple mineral centres identified to date, Interra has also begun a search for a senior company partner in order to accelerate these plans and provide support to a longer-term discovery strategy to maximize the value of the asset. Exploration plan details for 2024 will be shared with the market in the coming weeks.
While Thane is fully permitted for all planned work in 2024, ahead of this work, we have continued previous discussions with local First Nations representatives to ensure open and transparent communication with the Nations and local communities and to allow for integration of traditional territories. Interra is committed to responsible exploration in the regions in which we operate and we look forward to working closely with local First Nations and partners as we further advance our assets in this region.
Chile has proven to be of decreasing attractiveness especially over the past twelve to eighteen months, culminating with what amounts to a burdensome "tax" on exploration ventures and capital. Management does not see this policy improving anytime soon. Our drilling program at Tres Marias yielded no positive results. Pitbull and Zenaida are greenfield projects in very early stages of exploration which technically rank lower than our BC exploration portfolio. Unfortunately, the government of Chile this year increased significantly the annual claim fees that need to be paid to maintain the concessions; claim fees that amount to unacceptable overhead costs to the Company and that represent a drastic increase from previous years. Accordingly, based upon the results at Tres Marias, the Interra board of directors (Board) has consented to divesting these projects for nominal compensation or to return the claims to the government. Nonetheless, we are very excited about both Rip and Thane. We need to use our resources prudently. Accordingly, these projects will be pursued with much greater focus and resources. We believe that our funds can and must be better spent in jurisdictions like BC, Canada.
Interra anticipates 2024 will be a pivotal year for the Company, both in terms of improving market conditions, and with new discovery focused programs initiating at two projects in British Columbia. With the backdrop of strong metals prices, particularly copper and gold, we look forward to unlocking the potential of our highly prospective exploration assets located in a great jurisdiction. Additionally, consistent with our corporate strategy, the Company continues its search for brownfield and resource-level copper development project opportunities with the potential for high impact. We continue to seek out special opportunities that will prove valuable to the Company and our shareholders.
Finally, and on a personal note, it has been a great pleasure working with my colleagues on the Interra Board and with the Interra management team. I have also been extremely impressed by our shareholders who stand by and support the Company. The support I have received is meaningful to me personally. Originally it was not my intent to take on the role of the Chief Executive Officer on a permanent basis as recently announced, however, the past six months have convinced me that the Interra team and vision is the right one and that the shareholders of Interra need a CEO fully committed to the Company's success. Moreover, I have, along with other Board members, increased our shareholdings in Interra and financially invested in the Company through participating in the recent and current private placements.
Thank you again to you, the shareholders, for your ongoing support coming out of what has been a very tough market. Interra has a very skilled and dedicated leadership team with a long track record of success. We remain committed to creating value through our focused copper-gold discovery programs.
Sincerely,
Rick Gittleman
Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer
Interra Copper Corp.
About Interra Copper Corp.
Interra Copper Corp. is focused on building shareholder value through the exploration and development of its portfolio of early-stage exploration copper assets located in British Columbia, Canada and Chile.
The Company's portfolio includes three exploration projects in British Columbia: Thane, Chuck Creek and Rip. The Thane Project located in the Quesnel Terrane of Northern BC spans over 20,658 ha with 6 high-priority targets identified demonstrating significant copper and precious metal mineralization. Chuck Creek is an early-stage exploration project located within the Eagle Bay Assemblage. The Company has an earn-in option up to 80% and joint-venture agreement on the Rip Project located in Stikine Terrane in a prolific belt of Late Cretaceous (bulkley plutonic suite), known for copper-molybdenum deposits. The Company also owns three copper projects located the Central Volcanic Zone, within a prolific Chilean Copper belt: Tres Marias and Zenaida in Antofagasta Region, and Pitbull in Tarapaca Region.
Interra Copper's leadership team is comprised of senior mining industry executives who have a wealth of technical and capital markets experience and a strong track record of discovering, financing, developing, and operating mining projects on a global scale. Interra Copper is committed to sustainable and responsible business activities in line with industry best practices, supportive of all stakeholders, including the local communities in which we operate. The Company's common shares are principally listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange under the symbol "IMCX". For more information on Interra Copper, please visit our website at www.interracoppercorp.com.
On behalf of the Board of Interra Copper Corp.
Rick Gittleman
Chairman, President & CEO
For further information contact:
Katherine Pryde
Investor Relations
+1 (778) 949-1829
investors@interracoppercorp.com
Forward-Looking Information
Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, relating to the Company's plans on the Thane and Rip Projects, and the potential results of exploration work on the projects, as well as the Company's intent and ability to divest its Chile assets. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective," "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and the Company's website. We seek safe harbor.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/202330
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Interra Copper Corp. (CSE: IMCX) (FSE: 3MX) ("Interra" or the "Company") announces that it has entered into a securities for debt settlement agreement dated January 15, 2024 (the "Agreement") with a professional advisor of the Company.
Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company has agreed to settle debt in the amount of $34,723.05 through the issuance of 138,892 units (each, a "Unit") at a deemed price of $0.25 per Unit, whereby each Unit shall be comprised of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Share") and one half (1/2) of one (1) Share purchase warrant (each whole, being a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be convertible into an additional Share (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.35 per Warrant Share and will expire on the date that is three (3) years following the date of issuance (the "Expiry Date"). The Expiry Date shall be subject to acceleration where the volume-weighted average trading price of the Company's common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange is equal to or greater than $0.45 for a continuous 30-day period at any time after that date which is 4 months following their date of issue in which case the Expiry Date of the Warrants shall automatically accelerate and the Warrants will expire on that date which is 30 days after the date on which notice of such acceleration event is provided to the holder.
The Agreement and the issuance of the securities thereunder are subject to the approval of the CSE. The securities will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day pursuant to CSE policies and applicable securities laws.
On behalf of the Board of Interra Copper Corp.
Rick Gittleman
Interim CEO & Chairman
For further information contact:
Katherine Pryde
Investor Relations
+1 (778) 949-1829
investors@interracoppercorp.com
Forward Looking Information
This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or" should" occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the debt settlement transaction and the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, are forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Interra, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary approvals in connection with the Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, the ability to complete exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Interra does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.
The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
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Interra Copper Corp. (CSE: IMCX) (FSE: 3MX) ("Interra" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news release of December 19, 2023, the Company has distributed an aggregate of 282,148 units (each, a "Unit") at a deemed price of $0.25 per Unit in connection with a securities for debt settlement agreement dated December 18, 2023 (the "Agreement") with a consultant of the Company, pursuant to which the Company has agreed to settle debt in the amount of $70,537.00.
Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Share") and one half (1/2) of one (1) Share purchase warrant (each whole, being a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is convertible into an additional Share (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.35 per Warrant Share and will expire on the date that is three (3) years following the date of issuance (the "Expiry Date"). The Expiry Date is subject to acceleration where the volume-weighted average trading price of the Company's common shares on the CSE is equal to or greater than $0.45 for a continuous 30-day period at any time after that date which is four (4) months following the date of issuance, in which case the Expiry Date of the Warrants shall automatically accelerate and the Warrants will expire on that date which is 30 days after the date on which notice of such acceleration event is provided to the holder.
The securities issued under the Agreement are subject to a hold period of four months and one day pursuant to CSE policies and applicable securities laws.
On behalf of the Board of Interra Copper Corp.
Rick Gittleman
Interim CEO & Chairman
For further information contact:
Katherine Pryde
Investor Relations
+1 (778) 949-1829
investors@interracoppercorp.com
Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or" should" occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the use of Proceeds are forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Interra, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability to complete exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Interra does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.
The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR
FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192780
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As previously advised, the Company secured a drill rig at short notice and completed a single RC drill hole at the high-priority Blackfriars prospect, within the Gidji JV Project (“Gidji”).
GJRC028 was drilled beneath aircore hole GJAC627 (1m @ 11.8g/t Au and 6g/t Ag EOH) and planned to intersect the dolerite footwall contact but was abandoned at 130m due to difficult drilling conditions associated with running sands in the overlying Gidji Paleochannel.
The hole intersected a quartz-dolerite unit, similar to the >2 million ounce Paddington gold deposit along strike to the north, with significant sulphide mineralisation and quartz-carbonate stringer veins from 113m downhole (Figure 1).
Samples of the last three metres before the hole was abandoned contain anomalous gold, silver and antimony along with the increase in sulphide mineralisation (Table 2).
Figure 1. Examples of quartz-dolerite with sulphides (field of view ~20mm).
Miramar’s Executive Chairman, Mr Allan Kelly, said the Blackfriars target remained untested at this stage.
“Frustratingly, we had to abandon the hole just when it was starting to look interesting,” he said.
“The reason that the Gidji Project has remained underexplored for so long, despite its prime location on a major highway between two major gold camps, is due in large part to the presence of extensive transported cover and the Gidji Paleochannel,” Mr Kelly said.
“This makes drilling more challenging than in other parts of the Goldfields but also means that any potentially significant bedrock gold mineralisation remains undiscovered,” he said.
“Given the favourable geology and structural setting, and the amount of shallow gold we have outlined from aircore drilling so far, we still believe Gidji has the potential to host significant bedrock gold mineralisation in one or more deposits,” he added.
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This article includes content from Miramar Resources Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
Governments worldwide have ambitious goals to reach net-zero emissions, putting renewable energy in the spotlight. Every emerging clean technology has one material in common: copper. Thanks to its highly conductive properties, the base metal has been a standard component in existing electronics, and global electrification will increase demand drastically. As a result, copper consumption is forecasted to reach 36.6 million metric tons by 2031.
Western Copper and Gold Corporation (TSX:WRN,NYSE American:WRN) is ideally positioned to leverage this trend. It is currently focused on developing Canada’s premier copper-gold project - the Casino project. The deposit is located in the Yukon Territory, which ranks among the world's most attractive mining jurisdictions.
The Yukon is known for its rich mineral deposits, including copper, gold, iron, silver and lead. It has attracted the attention of numerous major mining companies over the last few years, and recent infrastructure funding from the regional and federal governments has spurred additional investment in the territory. Miners in the Yukon, including Western Copper and Gold, are poised to benefit from this spate of new investments. The Carmacks Bypass, for example, is currently being constructed and will play an integral role in the Casino project.
In June 2022, Western Copper and Gold released the results of its feasibility study, which incorporated an updated mineral resource. The updated estimate includes 14.8 million ounces (Moz) of gold in the measured and indicated category, and 6.3 Moz of gold in the inferred category, in addition to 7.6 billion lbs of copper in the measured and indicated category, and 3.1 billion lbs of copper in the inferred category.
Western Copper and Gold’s positive feasibility study on the Casino project indicates a 27-year mine life and cash flow over the first four years of C$951 million per year at base case prices. In addition, the company has provided estimates for potential economic changes in copper prices and indicated the project will remain profitable even if the spot price decreases.
“Casino is a rare asset in that it is sizable, economic, well-advanced and located in a great jurisdiction. Casino is the key asset in the emerging Yukon gold district,” said Paul West-Sells, Western Copper and Gold’s president.
Western Copper and Gold’s 2023 diamond drilling program involvedapproximately 2,244 meters of drilling in seven drill holes, ranging from 130 meters to 556 meters in depth located inside the current pit boundaries. Results from the program showed relatively higher grades encountered from DDH23-05, which intersected 158.5 meters of supergene mineralization, in part oxidized, with 0.82 percent copper equivalent. Fifteen composite samples that represent supergene and hypogene mineralization at various grades will be tested and results will be used to develop a more detailed geometallurgical model of the deposit.
Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) made a strategic C$25.6-million investment in 2021 to advance the Casino project. The placement, which was completed in 2024, allowed Rio Tinto to acquire 239,528 common shares of the company for C$1.35 per share for a total of C$323,363, resulting in approximately 9.7 percent ownership.
Additionally, the company announced the completion of a C$21.3 million strategic equity investment by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation to further advance the company's copper-gold Casino project in the Yukon. Mitsubishi Materials acquired 8,091,390 common shares of the company for C$2.63 per share, resulting in Mitsubishi Materials owning approximately 5 percent of Western's issued and outstanding shares.
Western Copper and Gold has entered into an amended agreement with Eight Capital, in which Eight Capital will buy 21,055,000 common shares for $1.90 per common share for gross proceeds of C$40 million. Net proceeds from the sale will be used to advance permitting and engineering activity at the Casino project.
A highly knowledgeable management team with a proven record of success leads Western Copper and Gold and is supported by a highly qualified team of engineers dedicated to bringing Casino into production.
The Casino project is a large porphyry-type copper-gold-molybdenum deposit located 560 kilometers from the year-round port of Skagway, Alaska and 380 kilometers from the capital city of Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory of Canada.
Skagway’s construction of a marine services platform (MSP) to support ore export for the Yukon mining industry.
The company released its positive PFS for the Casino project in June 2022, which considered the project being constructed as an open-pit mine, with a concentrator processing 120,000 tonnes per day (td) to recover copper, gold, molybdenum and silver, as well as a 25,000 td oxide heap leach facility to recover gold, silver and copper.
The PFS examined the development of the Casino project, which includes the processing of 1.43 billion tons of mineral reserve for both the mill and heap leach, with deposition of mill tailings and mine waste in the tailings management facility consistent with the design concepts considered during the best available tailings technology study as a base case development.
The PFS indicated a $2.3-billion after-tax NPV (8 percent) at base case metal prices with an after-tax IRR of 18.1 percent. The cash flow over the first four years is C$951 million per year contemplating a 27-year mine life.
Results from the company’s 2023 drill program, which consisted of seven holes for 2,244 meters ranging from 130 meters to 556 meters in length, show the importance of the core zone wherein relatively higher grades are encountered. A metallurgical test program is underway to develop a more detailed geometallurgical model of the deposit.Dr. Paul West-Sells has more than 30 years of experience in the mining industry. After obtaining his Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia in metallurgical engineering, he worked with BHP, Placer Dome and Barrick in increasingly senior roles in research and development and project development. West-Sells has worked for Western Copper and Gold since 2006, where he held a number of technical and executive positions and is now the president and CEO overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company. West-Sells sits on the Yukon Minerals Advisory Board, the Board of the Yukon Mining Alliance and is also the chair of the Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining Governing Council.
Bill Williams is an economic geologist with nearly 40 years of experience related to the exploration and development of mining and oil & gas projects, as well as oversight of mining operations. He provides consulting services to the mining industry with a focus on company/project (e)valuations, M&A analyses, risk analysis, project management, and permitting strategies. Most recently, he served as the interim CEO and director of Detour Gold Corporation and was a director and COO of Zinc One Resources Inc., with whom he led the team that made the discovery of the Mina Chica zinc-oxide deposit in the Bongará district, north-central Peru. He is the former CEO, president, and director of Orvana Minerals, prior to which he was a vice-president for Phelps Dodge Exploration overseeing activity in the Americas, which included the discovery of the Haquira porphyry copper deposit in Peru, and working on M&A opportunities. He holds a Ph.D. in economic geology from the University of Arizona and is a certified professional geologist.
Sandeep Singh is a highly respected mining professional with 20 years of sector expertise. He was previously the president and CEO of Osisko Gold Royalties, where he led the successful turnaround of the company. For the fifteen years prior, Singh was an investment banker focusing on the North American metals and mining sector with BMO Capital Markets, Dundee Securities, and ultimately co-founding Maxit Capital, a leading independent M&A firm. He has advised numerous mining companies on financing alternatives and strategic matters as well as having acted on some of the most complex and value-enhancing M&A transactions in the mining sector. Singh holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Concordia University and a Master of Business Administration from Oxford University.
Varun Prasad has been with Western Copper and Gold since 2011 and most recently served as interim CFO. Prior to that, he was corporate controller for the company. He has extensive experience in financial reporting and regulatory matters. Prasad holds a B.A. Technology (accounting) from British Columbia Institute of Technology and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC.
Cameron Brown has 45 years of experience in mineral processing and has been responsible for plant maintenance, project engineering and project management of major base and precious metal projects. He was formerly project manager for Western Silver Corporation and worked for 22 years for Bechtel Mining & Metals in various capacities including: project manager, project engineering manager, and manager of engineering for Bechtel Mining & Metals (Global). He was Western Copper and Gold's project manager from 2006 to 2010, served as vice-president, engineering from 2010 to 2023, and is currently special technical advisor.
Shena Shaw has been managing projects and contributing to environmental assessments across the North for nearly 20 years and she is supporting the Casino Project through the first ever panel review process in the Yukon. Her knowledge and advice helps the company make strategic and effective decisions when planning and implementing Indigenous and community consultation and engagement. After graduating from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology focusing on First Nations studies and geography, Shaw joined the Yukon Chamber of Commerce supporting community-based entrepreneurship programs and services. A relocation to Yellowknife, NWT introduced her to the mining industry for the first time when she joined DeBeers Canada’s Snap Lake Project. Following that, she embarked on a lengthy career in environmental consulting in Yellowknife and Whitehorse, focusing on responsible development of resource extraction through the environmental assessment and Indigenous engagement processes of large-scale projects in the Yukon, NWT, Alaska and across Canada. Shaw participated in the consultation and socio-economic impact assessment work for the Kaminak Coffee Gold Project, Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold Project and the Casino Project, all based in the Yukon. She is deeply familiar with the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act process and was involved in the Mackenzie Gas Project Joint Review Panel process in the NWT. Shaw is currently a director for the Yukon Chamber of Mines.
Dr. Klaus Zeitler was the founder and CEO of Inmet from 1987 to 1996. Zeitler was senior vice-president of Teck Cominco Limited from 1997 until 2002, and previously was on the board of directors of Teck Corp. from 1981 to 1997, and Cominco Limited from 1986 to 1996. Zeitler is currently director and executive chairman of Amerigo Resources Ltd. and lead director of Rio2 Limited.
Tara Christie has over 20 years of experience in the exploration and mining business. Currently the president and CEO of Banyan Gold, Christie serves on the boards of Constantine Metal Resources and Klondike Gold. She was formerly the president of privately owned Gimlex Gold Mines, one of the Yukon’s largest placer mining operations. Christie has been a board member of PDAC, AMEBC and other industry associations and was a founding board member of the Yukon environmental and socioeconomic assessment board. She is active in non-profits and charities, including being president of a registered charity “Every Student, Every Day” that works to improve attendance in Yukon schools.
Michael Vitton is the former executive managing director, head, US Equity Sales, Bank of Montreal Capital Markets (BMO Capital Markets), where he originated and placed more than US$200 billion through public and secondary offerings and M&A transactions across all sectors. In the metals and mining sector, Vitton has acted as seed investor, lead/co-lead underwriter or in a M&A capacity in some of the most important deals in the sector, including African Platinum , Arequipa Resources, Bema Gold Brancotte Resources, Comaplex Minerals, Detour Gold, Diamond Fields Resources, Echo Bay Mines, Francisco Gold, Franco-Nevada Gammon Gold, Getchell Gold, among many others. Vitton was also the co-founder of MMX Minerals e Metalicos SA and LLX Logistica SA (Brazil). MMX sold Minas Rio and Amapa assets to Anglo American Corporation for US$5.5 billion in cash in December 2008, returning US$8.8 billion in cash or stock distributions to MMX shareholders, offering six times return from IPO. Additionally, he co-founded Petro Rio SA, one of the leading Brazilian public oil and gas producers, producing over 35,000 bbls per day. Recently, Vitton acted as seed investor and capital markets advisor to Newmarket Gold, which was sold to Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. for C$1 billion, combining to form a C$2.4-billion company. He acted as investor and capital markets advisor to ASX-listed Gold Road Resources Ltd., raising AU$57 million, and bringing the Gruyere gold mine into production jointly with Gold Fields SA. Vitton is a graduate of the University of Michigan Business School, former seat holder, NYSE, and former president, New York Society of Metals Analysts. Vitton is focused on the energy, infrastructure, industrial and mining sectors.
Western Copper and Gold is a public company that trades in the top stock exchanges in the world, in both the New York Stock Exchange American and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WRN".
Western Copper and Gold is an exploration and development mining company advancing its world-class Casino project, one of the largest copper-gold projects in Canada, located in the Yukon. The Casino deposit hosts a significant resource of almost 21 Moz of gold and 11 billion lbs of copper (M+I+I), and robust economics. According to its feasibility study which considered the project being constructed as an open pit mine, Casino has a 27-year mine life, with $2.33 billion NPV after tax, and 3 years payback period. Casino has also attracted strategic investments from Rio Tinto and Mitsubishi Materials, providing Western Copper and Gold access to additional operational funding and technical knowledge.
Western Copper and Gold’s president Paul West-Sells, says, “Casino is a rare asset in that it is sizable, economic, well-advanced and located in a great jurisdiction. Casino is the key asset in the emerging Yukon gold district.” Canada’s Yukon territory ranks among the world's top most attractive mining investment jurisdictions, with major miners like Rio Tinto, Newmont, Agnico-Eagle and Kinross developing projects in Casino's neighbouring areas.
Western Copper and Gold is committed to developing the Casino Project guided by the following four objectives: protect public health and safety; minimize, mitigate or prevent adverse environmental impacts; reclaim the site to a land use state consistent with surrounding conditions; and ensure long-term stability of the spent ore and waste rock storage area and site water quality.
TSX: LUN) (Nasdaq Stockholm: LUMI) Lundin Mining Corporation ("Lundin Mining" or the "Company") today reported its first quarter 2024 financial results. Unless otherwise stated, results are presented in United States dollars on a 100% basis. View PDF
Jack Lundin , President and CEO commented, "Our strategic acquisition of a majority interest in the Caserones copper mine continues to drive revenue and production growth. First quarter revenue and copper production increased 25% and 43%, respectively, compared to the same quarter last year, and was in line with our expectations. Production at Candelaria will be second half weighted due to higher grades as a result of planned mine sequencing. We remain on track to meet our annual production and cash cost guidance."
First Quarter Operational and Financial Highlights
____________________________ |
1 These are non-GAAP measures. Please refer to the Company's discussion of non-GAAP and other performance measures in its Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the Reconciliation of Non-GAAP measures section at the end of this news release. |
Summary Financial Results
Three months ended March 31, | ||
US$ Millions (except per share amounts) | 2024 | 2023 |
Revenue | 937.0 | 751.3 |
Gross profit | 185.4 | 213.3 |
Attributable net earnings a | 13.9 | 146.6 |
Net earnings | 58.6 | 165.3 |
Adjusted earnings a,b | 45.2 | 125.7 |
Adjusted EBITDA b | 362.9 | 336.9 |
Basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") a | 0.02 | 0.19 |
Adjusted EPS a,b | 0.06 | 0.16 |
Cash provided by operating activities | 267.5 | 211.9 |
Adjusted operating cash flow b | 313.7 | 235.1 |
Adjusted operating cash flow per share b | 0.41 | 0.30 |
Free cash flow from operations b | 67.7 | 71.1 |
Free cash flow b | (1.7) | (34.2) |
Cash and cash equivalents | 365.5 | 184.2 |
Net debt excluding lease liabilities b | 981.4 | 9.1 |
Net debt b | 1,241.9 | 34.6 |
a Attributable to shareholders of Lundin Mining Corporation. | ||
b These are non-GAAP measures. Please refer to the Company's discussion of non-GAAP and other performance measures in its Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures section at the end of this news release. |
___________________________ |
1 These are non-GAAP measures. Please refer to the Company's discussion of non-GAAP and other performance measures in its Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the Reconciliation of Non-GAAP measures section at the end of this news release. |
Operational Performance
Total Production
(Contained metal) a | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
Q1 | Total | Q4 | Q3 | Q2 | Q1 | |
Copper (t) b | 88,013 | 314,798 | 103,337 | 89,942 | 60,057 | 61,462 |
Zinc (t) | 45,688 | 185,161 | 50,719 | 49,774 | 36,115 | 48,553 |
Nickel (t) | 3,255 | 16,429 | 3,729 | 4,290 | 4,686 | 3,724 |
Gold (koz) b | 33 | 149 | 44 | 35 | 34 | 36 |
Molybdenum (t) b | 864 | 2,024 | 928 | 1,096 | — | — |
a. Tonnes (t) and thousands of ounces (koz) | ||||||
b. Candelaria and Caserones production is on a 100% basis. | ||||||
Candelaria (80% owned): Candelaria produced 32,527 tonnes of copper and approximately 19,000 ounces of gold in concentrate on a 100% basis in the three months ended March 31, 2024 . Copper and gold production was lower than in the prior year comparable period, primarily due to lower grades as a result of planned mine sequencing. Production costs were lower than in the prior year comparable period largely owing to favourable foreign exchange as a result of the Chilean Peso weakening against the US dollar, and lower sales volumes. Copper cash cost of $1.89 /lb improved from the prior year comparable period due to favourable foreign exchange and higher by-product credits. Copper and gold production in 2024 are forecast to be weighted to the second half of the year, primarily owing to mine sequencing and the resultant grade profiles.
Caserones (51% owned): During the three months ended March 31, 2024 , Caserones produced 34,216 tonnes of copper and 864 tonnes of molybdenum on a 100% basis. Copper and molybdenum production was slightly lower than expected due to reduced throughput caused by unplanned maintenance, combined with lower recoveries due to mine sequencing. Production costs and cash costs per pound in the three months ended March 31, 2024 were lower than planned primarily due to favourable foreign exchange as a result of the Chilean peso weakening against the US dollar.
Chapada (100% owned): Chapada produced 10,138 tonnes of copper and approximately 14,000 ounces of gold in concentrate in the three months ended March 31, 2024 . Copper and gold production were higher than in the prior year comparable period primarily due to higher recoveries. Production costs were lower than in the prior year comparable period primarily due to lower sales volumes and lower mining costs as a result of a planned reduction in waste movement. Copper cash cost of $2.01 /lb for the three months ended March 31, 2024 improved from the prior year comparable period due to higher by-product credits combined with mining cost decreases due to operational improvements.
Eagle (100% owned): During the three months ended March 31, 2024 , Eagle produced 3,255 tonnes of nickel and 2,514 tonnes of copper which were lower than in the prior year comparable period due to lower planned grades and recoveries. Production costs were lower than in the prior year comparable period due to lower sales volumes. Nickel cash cost of $4.04 /lb was higher than in the prior year comparable period and was impacted by lower sales volumes and lower by-product credits.
Neves-Corvo (100% owned): Neves-Corvo produced 7,044 tonnes of copper and 26,487 tonnes of zinc in the three months ended March 31, 2024 . Both copper and zinc production was lower than in the prior year comparable period due to lower grades and recoveries. Throughput was lower than planned in the three months ended March 31, 2024 due to a voluntary three-day shutdown and subsequent ramp-up following the fatality that occurred in February 2024 . Production costs during the quarter were lower than in the prior year comparable period due to lower sales volumes and lower unit production costs. Copper cash cost per pound of $3.24 /lb was higher than prior year comparable period as a result of lower production volumes, lower by-product credits and unfavorable foreign exchange.
Zinkgruvan (100% owned): Zinc production of 19,201 tonnes was lower than in the prior year comparable period primarily due to lower grades. Lead production of 6,748 tonnes and copper production of 1,574 tonnes were lower than in the prior year comparable period primarily due to lower grades as a result of delays in mining high-grade stopes. Production costs were slightly higher than in the prior year comparable period and zinc cash cost per pound of $0.65 /lb was higher than in the prior year comparable period primarily due to lower production volumes.
Outlook
Overall, operations performed well in the first quarter of 2024 and the Company is expected to meet annual production and cash cost guidance as disclosed in the Company's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2023 .
Metal production continues to be weighted to the second half of the year at Candelaria, Chapada and Neves-Corvo due to mine sequencing and resultant forecasted grade profiles. As a result of production challenges at Neves-Corvo in the first quarter of 2024, copper production at that operation is tracking to the lower end of its annual production guidance range. Production challenges at Neves-Corvo, Eagle and Zinkgruvan in the first quarter of 2024 led to higher-than-expected cash costs per pound, which are expected to improve later in 2024.
Capital expenditure guidance also remains consistent as disclosed in the Company's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2023 including $840 million sustaining capital expenditure and $225 million of expenditure related to the Josemaria Project. Similarly, exploration expenditure of $48 million remains on target for 2024.
Exploration
During the quarter ended March 31, 2024 , exploration activity focused on in-mine and near-mine targets at the Company's operations. Exploration drilling at Zinkgruvan was focused on resource expansion, Candelaria drilling was focused on Candelaria Norte , and Chapada drilling concentrated on delineating the high-grade, near-mine trend at Corpo Sul.
At Caserones, exploration remains in the early stages. Geophysical surveys were recently carried out on the land package and the data collected will help to refine our targets and advance our efforts. Exploration drilling was completed in the lower portion of the mineral resource and at the Angelica oxide and sulphide targets, both near-mine targets that would add potential mineral resources and extend the life of the operation.
At Josemaria, seasonal exploration drilling is coming to a close at the Cumbre Verde target near the Josemaria ore body. Six holes were drilled targeting the same mineralized system and structures that hosted high grade mineralization on the neighbouring property that run towards Josemaria. Exploration remains in its early stages and initial results highlight copper/gold/silver mineralization. The data obtained will help further refine and target this mineralization. Work will continue throughout the remainder of 2024, although it will be minimized during the winter season.
There was no exploration drilling at Neves-Corvo and Eagle in the quarter.
About Lundin Mining
Lundin Mining is a diversified Canadian base metals mining company with projects and operations in Argentina , Brazil , Chile , Portugal , Sweden and the United States of America , primarily producing copper, zinc, nickel and gold.
The information in this release is subject to the disclosure requirements of Lundin Mining under the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out below on May 1, 2024 at 14:30 Pacific Standard Time .
Technical Information
The scientific and technical information in this press release has been prepared in accordance with the disclosure standards of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has been reviewed by Arman Barha , P.Eng., Vice President, Technical Services, a "Qualified Person" under NI 43-101. Mr. Barha has verified the data disclosed in this release and no limitations were imposed on his verification process.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures
The Company uses certain performance measures in its analysis. These performance measures have no standardized meaning within generally accepted accounting principles under International Financial Reporting Standards and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies. For additional details please refer to the Company's discussion of non-GAAP and other performance measures in its Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2024 which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com .
Cash Cost per Pound and All-in Sustaining Costs per pound can be reconciled to Production Costs on the Company's Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Earnings as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2024 | |||||||
Operations | Candelaria | Caserones | Chapada | Eagle | Neves-Corvo | Zinkgruvan | |
($000s, unless otherwise noted) | (Cu) | (Cu) | (Cu) | (Ni) | (Cu) | (Zn) | Total |
Sales volumes (Contained metal): | |||||||
Tonnes | 33,536 | 35,211 | 8,742 | 2,163 | 5,886 | 15,825 | |
Pounds (000s) | 73,934 | 77,627 | 19,273 | 4,769 | 12,976 | 34,888 | |
Production costs | 567,134 | ||||||
Less: Royalties and other | (19,970) | ||||||
547,164 | |||||||
Deduct: By-product credits | (165,308) | ||||||
Add: Treatment and refining | 46,951 | ||||||
Cash cost | 139,490 | 166,439 | 38,735 | 19,249 | 42,057 | 22,837 | 428,807 |
Cash cost per pound | 1.89 | 2.14 | 2.01 | 4.04 | 3.24 | 0.65 | |
Add: Sustaining capital | 99,532 | 42,754 | 29,199 | 4,078 | 22,413 | 14,341 | |
Royalties | 2,968 | 8,814 | 1,617 | 2,678 | 735 | — | |
Reclamation and other closure accretion and depreciation | 2,167 | 1,040 | 2,679 | 1,968 | 1,335 | 1,186 | |
Leases & other | 3,033 | 15,381 | 765 | 1,236 | 64 | 78 | |
All-in sustaining cost | 247,190 | 234,428 | 72,995 | 29,209 | 66,604 | 38,442 | |
AISC per pound ($/lb) | 3.34 | 3.02 | 3.79 | 6.12 | 5.13 | 1.10 | |
Three months ended March 31, 2023 | |||||||
Operations | Candelaria | Caserones | Chapada | Eagle | Neves-Corvo | Zinkgruvan | |
($000s, unless otherwise noted) | (Cu) | (Cu) | (Cu) | (Ni) | (Cu) | (Zn) | Total |
Sales volumes (Contained metal): | |||||||
Tonnes | 35,570 | — | 9,072 | 2,735 | 8,031 | 16,612 | |
Pounds (000s) | 78,418 | — | 20,000 | 6,030 | 17,705 | 36,623 | |
Production costs | 417,764 | ||||||
Less: Royalties and other | (12,086) | ||||||
405,678 | |||||||
Deduct: By-product credits | (156,965) | ||||||
Add: Treatment and refining | 36,615 | ||||||
Cash cost | 173,692 | — | 47,318 | 14,640 | 29,892 | 19,786 | 285,328 |
Cash cost per pound | 2.21 | — | 2.37 | 2.43 | 1.69 | 0.54 | |
Add: Sustaining capital | 90,686 | — | 16,027 | 7,102 | 25,061 | 14,468 | |
Royalties | — | — | 2,223 | 5,686 | 1,730 | — | |
Reclamation and other closure accretion and depreciation | 2,307 | — | 1,801 | 2,958 | 1,324 | 1,061 | |
Leases & other | 3,143 | — | 966 | 747 | 158 | 102 | |
All-in sustaining cost | 269,828 | — | 68,335 | 31,133 | 58,165 | 35,417 | |
AISC per pound ($/lb) | 3.44 | — | 3.42 | 5.16 | 3.29 | 0.97 | |
Adjusted EBITDA can be reconciled to Net Earnings (Loss) on the Company's Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Earnings as follows:
Three months ended March 31, | ||
($thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
Net earnings | 58,555 | 165,311 |
Add back: | ||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 184,492 | 120,247 |
Finance income and costs | 35,694 | 15,699 |
Income taxes | 50,566 | 48,693 |
329,307 | 349,950 | |
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) | (15,500) | 8,644 |
Unrealized losses (gains) on derivative contracts | 52,832 | (20,666) |
Ojos del Salado sinkhole (recoveries) expenses | (1,031) | 4,582 |
Revaluation loss (gain) on marketable securities | (2,430) | (438) |
Gain on disposal of subsidiary | — | (5,718) |
Other | (322) | 589 |
Total adjustments - EBITDA | 33,549 | (13,007) |
Adjusted EBITDA | 362,856 | 336,943 |
Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EPS can be reconciled to Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Lundin Mining Shareholders on the Company's Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Earnings as follows:
Three months ended March 31, | ||
($thousands, except share and per share amounts) | 2024 | 2023 |
Net earnings attributable to Lundin Mining shareholders | 13,883 | 146,620 |
Add back: | ||
Total adjustments - EBITDA | 33,549 | (13,007) |
Tax effect on adjustments | (1,767) | (3,126) |
Deferred tax arising from foreign exchange translation | (6,300) | (6,007) |
Non-controlling interest on adjustments | 5,852 | 1,202 |
Total adjustments | 31,335 | (20,938) |
Adjusted earnings | 45,218 | 125,682 |
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding | 773,048,710 | 771,216,060 |
Net earnings attributable to shareholders | 0.02 | 0.19 |
Total adjustments | 0.04 | (0.03) |
Adjusted earnings per share | 0.06 | 0.16 |
Free Cash Flow from Operations and Free Cash Flow can be reconciled to Cash provided by Operating Activities on the Company's Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as follows:
Three months ended March 31, | ||
($thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
Cash provided by operating activities | 267,531 | 211,875 |
Sustaining capital expenditures | (213,260) | (155,564) |
General exploration and business development | 13,451 | 14,765 |
Free cash flow from operations | 67,722 | 71,076 |
General exploration and business development | (13,451) | (14,765) |
Expansionary capital expenditures | (55,981) | (90,519) |
Free cash flow | (1,710) | (34,208) |
Adjusted Operating Cash Flow and Adjusted Operating Cash Flow per Share can be reconciled to Cash Provided by Operating Activities on the Company's Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as follows:
Three months ended March 31, | ||
($thousands, except share and per share amounts) | 2024 | 2023 |
Cash provided by operating activities | 267,531 | 211,875 |
Changes in non-cash working capital items | 46,135 | 23,192 |
Adjusted operating cash flow | 313,666 | 235,067 |
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding | 773,048,710 | 771,216,060 |
Adjusted operating cash flow per share | $ 0.41 | 0.30 |
Net debt and net debt excluding lease liabilities can be reconciled to Debt and Lease Liabilities, Current Portion of Debt and Lease Liabilities and Cash and Cash Equivalents on the Company's condensed interim consolidated balance sheet as follows:
($thousands) | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
Debt and lease liabilities | (1,417,892) | (1,273,162) |
Current portion of total debt and lease liabilities | (183,702) | (212,646) |
Less deferred financing fees (netted in above) | (5,729) | (6,374) |
(1,607,323) | (1,492,182) | |
Cash and cash equivalents | 365,451 | 268,793 |
Net debt | (1,241,872) | (1,223,389) |
Lease liabilities | 260,463 | 277,208 |
Net debt excluding lease liabilities | (981,409) | (946,181) |
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this document constitute forward-looking information, including but not limited to statements regarding the Company's plans, prospects and business strategies; the Company's guidance on the timing and amount of future production and its expectations regarding the results of operations; expected costs; permitting requirements and timelines; timing and possible outcome of pending litigation; the results of any Preliminary Economic Assessment, Feasibility Study, or Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimations, life of mine estimates, and mine and mine closure plans; anticipated market prices of metals, currency exchange rates, and interest rates; the development and implementation of the Company's Responsible Mining Management System; the Company's ability to comply with contractual and permitting or other regulatory requirements; anticipated exploration and development activities at the Company's projects; the Company's integration of acquisitions and any anticipated benefits thereof; and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Words such as "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "target", "plan", "goal", "aim", "intend", "continue", "budget", "estimate", "may", "will", "can", "could", "should", "schedule" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon various estimates and assumptions including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management, including that the Company can access financing, appropriate equipment and sufficient labour; assumed and future price of copper, nickel, zinc, gold and other metals; anticipated costs; ability to achieve goals; the prompt and effective integration of acquisitions; that the political environment in which the Company operates will continue to support the development and operation of mining projects; and assumptions related to the factors set forth below. While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by Lundin Mining as at the date of this document in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, these statements are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: global financial conditions, market volatility and inflation, including pricing and availability of key supplies and services; risks inherent in mining including but not limited to risks to the environment, industrial accidents, catastrophic equipment failures, unusual or unexpected geological formations or unstable ground conditions, and natural phenomena such as earthquakes, flooding or unusually severe weather; uninsurable risks; volatility and fluctuations in metal and commodity demand and prices; significant reliance on assets in Chile ; reputation risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; delays or the inability to obtain, retain or comply with permits; risks relating to the development of the Josemaria Project; health and safety laws and regulations; risks associated with climate change; risks relating to indebtedness; economic, political and social instability and mining regime changes in the Company's operating jurisdictions, including but not limited to those related to permitting and approvals, nationalization or expropriation without fair compensation, environmental and tailings management, labour, trade relations, and transportation; inability to attract and retain highly skilled employees; risks inherent in and/or associated with operating in foreign countries and emerging markets, including with respect to foreign exchange and capital controls; project financing risks, liquidity risks and limited financial resources; health and safety risks; compliance with environmental, unavailable or inaccessible infrastructure, infrastructure failures, and risks related to ageing infrastructure; changing taxation regimes; the inability to effectively compete in the industry; risks associated with acquisitions and related integration efforts, including the ability to achieve anticipated benefits, unanticipated difficulties or expenditures relating to integration and diversion of management time on integration; risks related to mine closure activities, reclamation obligations, environmental liabilities and closed and historical sites; reliance on key personnel and reporting and oversight systems, as well as third parties and consultants in foreign jurisdictions; information technology and cybersecurity risks; risks associated with the estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits including but not limited to models relating thereto; actual ore mined and/or metal recoveries varying from Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates, estimates of grade, tonnage, dilution, mine plans and metallurgical and other characteristics; ore processing efficiency; community and stakeholder opposition; regulatory investigations, enforcement, sanctions and/or related or other litigation; financial projections, including estimates of future expenditures and cash costs, and estimates of future production may not be reliable; enforcing legal rights in foreign jurisdictions; risks associated with the use of derivatives; risks relating to joint ventures and operations; environmental and regulatory risks associated with the structural stability of waste rock dumps or tailings storage facilities; exchange rate fluctuations; compliance with foreign laws; potential for the allegation of fraud and corruption involving the Company, its customers, suppliers or employees, or the allegation of improper or discriminatory employment practices, or human rights violations; risks relating to dilution; risks relating to payment of dividends; counterparty and customer concentration risks; activist shareholders and proxy solicitation matters; estimation of asset carrying values; relationships with employees and contractors, and the potential for and effects of labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or shortages of labour or interruptions in production; conflicts of interest; existence of significant shareholders; challenges or defects in title; internal controls; risks relating to minor elements contained in concentrate products; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases; and other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those described in the "Managing Risks" section of the Company's MD&A and the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023 , which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com under the Company's profile.
All of the forward-looking statements made in this document are qualified by these cautionary statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, forecast or intended and readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate and forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance. Readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this document. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward‐looking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable law.
SOURCE Lundin Mining Corporation
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True North Copper ((ASX:TNC) is entering a transformative and exciting phase as we become Australia’s next copper producer. It’s 2024 and we’re ready to mine our Cloncurry copper project - low-cost, low-risk, fully funded and permitted.
Our next mine is the Vero resource at our Mt Oxide project. We are committed to developing and understanding this phenomenally mineralised project. Exploration and mining studies are underway.
Copper demand is rising, in a market of diminishing supply. The global surge in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, decarbonisation initiatives, and broader macro trends is intensifying the demand for copper.
TNC is ready.
TNC is preparing to become Australia’s next copper producer.
TNC’s two principal assets are located in northwest Queensland, Australia - a Tier 1 Jurisdiction:
Cloncurry Copper Project (CCP)
Figure: Cloncurry copper project and Cloncurry operations hub
Mt Oxide Project
Figure: Cross-section of MOXD217 (10 metres clipping window) showing the location of geological and grade composites as well as the updated interpretation of copper grade domains based on the results from MOXD217
Funding and Strategic Partnerships
Figure: Visual representation of Vero Resource within surrounding Mt Isa Inlier.
TNC 2024 Exploration Program
Figure: Summary of exploration and development pipeline across all TNC projects.
Our Cloncurry copper project (CCP) hosts iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) and iron-sulphide-copper-gold (ISCG) deposits with extensive surrounding exploration tenure. It is built on a strong economic basis and low-risk cost structure.
The CCP currently incorporates two reserves where mining will commence including – the Wallace North maiden resource and the Great Australia mine reserve (GAM):
TNC’s CCP expansion is ongoing with exploration progressing and advanced projects in strategic locations surrounding the existing CCP operation, promising long-term growth prospects.
Our strategic partnerships, including a binding offtake and toll-milling agreements with Glencore International AG, supported by debt funding secured with Nebari, underscore our operational readiness and position TNC to capitalise on an extremely favourable copper market.
Mining operations will kick-off at the Wallace North open cut pit, targeting higher-grade ores (~1 percent copper) from surface mining. Ore will undergo primary crushing at the Cloncurry operations hub and the toll treatment facility, located within a 40km radius, with a predominant focus on sulphide ores.
All necessary permits for mining are secured across the CCP, bolstered by an established environmental monitoring network with a robust historical database.
TNC's operational strategy involves a phased approach to mine development, with plans to commence mining operations in 2024 and manage capacity ramp-up throughout 2025.
The Cloncurry operations hub is strategically located to the CCP’s four open pit deposits including: Great Australia, Orphan Shear, Taipan and Wallace North.
The COH is located 2 kilometres from the township of Cloncurry and provides essential infrastructure, technical systems and support to all of TNC’s project operations. An active oxide heap leach and solvent extraction (SX) processing plant, mine buildings, site administration facilities, workshops, open pit mine facilities, onsite explosive magazines, site storage, water management systems and existing site power supply are located at the COH.
Figure: High priority exploration targets at the CCP
The Mt Oxide project hosts the Vero resource of 15.98 Mt @ 1.43 percent copper(measured, indicated and inferred) a Mt Isa style sediment-hosted copper-silver-cobalt system. Analogues include Capricorn copper and Mt Isa copper.
The Vero resource at our Mt Oxide project is our next mine. We are focused on understanding this phenomenally mineralised system.
Mt Oxide’s Vero Resource 2023 exploration program returned outstanding and globally significant grades. The program included our 2023 maiden drilling program across the Vero resource and results showcased the expanding nature of the Vero high-grade ore body.
During 2024, TNC will be exploring multiple, exciting high-priority exploration targets along a 10 kilometres mineralised trend that hosts Vero.
We will also be delivering during 2024 the Vero Resource re-estimation and mining optimisation and feasibility studies.
Vero Resource maiden drilling program
In 2023, TNC completed an initial 12-hole diamond drilling program at Mt Oxide designed to confirm historical high-grade intersections and test the depth and strike extensions to the existing Vero Resource.
2023 Vero resource drilling highlights included (* = Estimated True Width):
MOXD217 returned phenomenal results that placed the drill hole in the top globally ranked copper drill holes of 2023 including :
MOXD221 intercepted a wide interval of high-grade shallow dipping mineralisation as well as a second deeper intercept, providing indications of rapidly increasing grade and widths of mineralisation to the south including:
MOXD226A returned three key zones of strong mineralisation including a broad interval of 69.95 metres and further intervals of up to 11.19 percent copper.
Highlights include:
Figure: Location of geological and grade composites as well as the updated interpretation of copper grade domains based on the results from MOXD226A
TNC is committed to unlocking Mt Oxide’s underexplored high-quality targets.
Multiple exciting future exploration programs and high-priority potential targets along 10km long mineralised trend that hosts Vero including:
Figure: Multiple exciting future exploration programs and high-priority potential targets along the 10-kilometre long mineralised trend that hosts Vero resource’s Mt Oxide project.
Marty Costello is recognised as one of Australia’s leading project development and sustainability strategists across the resource sector, with more than 20 years of professional experience.
After working for several companies and government departments (domestic and international) managing, developing and implementing environment, sustainability and risk (ESR) programs and policies he established his own environmental consultancy – Northern Resource Consultants (NRC).
In the space of nine years, Costello developed NRC into an industry specialist with more than 25 employees focusing on environmental management and sustainability solutions for the resource sector. NRC delivered agile, best practice ESR strategies and multi-disciplinary environmental and sustainability services for clients like Evolution Mining, Futura, Sojitz, Adani, Red River Resources, CU River Mining, and others.
In 2018, NRC was acquired by SLR, a global leader in environmental and sustainability solutions. The acquisition facilitated considerable additional capability and geographic coverage to SLR’s existing mining and minerals in Asia Pacific business. During his consulting life, Costello was retained by Evolution Mining over an eight-year period to provide strategic project development, ESG advice to the board and executive management team.
Costello holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (environmental management) and Diploma of Applied Science.
Peter Brown has held senior management roles in the resources sector, both domestically and internationally, including recent positions at Round Oak Minerals and Diatreme Resources where he oversaw project development and operations. Brown has diverse experience and an impressive track record that demonstrates his ability to successfully deliver projects and foster positive relationships with all project stakeholders.
He has managed discovery programs for gold, copper and chromite in South America, Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia, including government and community relations. He also drove improvements and provided training in mine geology, resource evaluation and mine technical services at prominent mines such as Mt Muro Gold Mine, George Fisher Mine and Peak Gold Mines. Additionally, Brown played a significant role in reviving abandoned satellite projects at Peak Gold Mines.
Other achievements include successfully re-permitting and constructing the 1-Moz Toka Tindung Gold Mine in Indonesia as director of Indonesian companies and general manager at Archipelago Resources; leading the permitting, engineering redesign and construction of the 0.8-Moz Mt Carlton Gold Mine in Queensland; the successful development of Mt Carlton and Pajingo projects, which contributed to the establishment of Evolution Mining; and recommissioning and developing several mining projects in the Mount Isa and Cloncurry region.
Rajesh Padmanabhan is a highly skilled and experienced CPA-qualified accountant with expertise across a myriad of financial operations. He has many years of corporate governance experience as an executive team member across a variety of roles including as company secretary of an unlisted public company.
Throughout his career, Padmanabhan has held key finance management roles in mining and construction companies, including Constance Iron, Tablelands Mining Group, Barrick Australia (Porgera Operations) and Mastermyne Group (ASX:MYE).
Padmanabhan has more than 30 years’ experience managing company-wide financial operations, implementing streamlined financial processes, ensuring tax compliance and conducting financial analysis to support decision-making. His commitment to delivering results and his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes make him an integral part of the True North Copper team.
Padmanabhan is also an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and recently completed a certificate in governance and risk management from the Governance Institute of Australia.
Sven Sewell has over 25 years’ experience working in a range of environmental fields, including environmental consulting, environmental regulation and within the industry.
For the 15 years prior to joining TNC, Sewell held senior environmental positions at several operating mines across northern Australia. At those operations, he was generally the most senior environment, responsible for all aspects of permitting, compliance, rehabilitation and general environmental management. Sewell's experience in northern Australian mines includes several new and established gold, uranium and bauxite operations.
Sewell holds a BSc (with honours) in environmental science.
With more than 30 years of domestic and international mining industry experience, Mark Brown offers a comprehensive skill set grounded in practical resource sector execution and invaluable leadership experience. His career journey has been marked by a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and fostering positive work cultures.
Brown has held a variety of senior leadership operational roles throughout his career, overseeing various aspects of mining operations. He has extensive experience across all mining regulatory and compliance aspects and has expertise in health and safety management including emergency response, crisis management, contractor management, and comprehensive incident investigations.
Michelle Ellis retains over 15 years’ mineral exploration, resource and mining experience predominantly in iron-oxide-copper-gold deposits and terrains across South Australia and Northwest Queensland.
Over the past 11 years, she has actively explored a range of commodities and deposit styles throughout the Mount Isa Inlier.
Ellis has an MSc in economic geology, MSc in environmental management and BSc in applied science - geoscience, and is a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Rhonda Freeman has more than 18 years’ experience attracting top talent, fostering employee development and helping organisations develop safe and supportive work environments. She has worked extensively across the resource sector, including for large national-wide drilling companies.
Freeman has worked for mining companies across a variety of geological settings including brown coal, black coal, uranium, mineral sands and oil & gas. She brings a diverse skill set specific to the resource sector, having worked across all commercial aspects of drilling operations including as an exploration manager.
TSX: LUN) (Nasdaq Stockholm: LUMI) Lundin Mining Corporation ("Lundin Mining" or the "Company") reports the following updated share capital and voting rights, in accordance with the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act: View PDF
The number of issued and outstanding shares of the Company has increased by 534,183 to 775,718,751 common shares with voting rights as of April 30, 2024 . The increase in the number of issued and outstanding shares from April 1, 2024 to date is a result of the exercise of employee stock options or the vesting of employee share units.
Lundin Mining is a diversified Canadian base metals mining company with operations and projects in Argentina , Brazil , Chile , Portugal , Sweden and the United States of America , primarily producing copper, zinc, gold and nickel.
The information in this release is subject to the disclosure requirements of Lundin Mining under the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out below on April 30, 2024 at 18:00 Pacific Time .
SOURCE Lundin Mining Corporation
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