Metal Bank Limited (MBK) offers a compelling investment opportunity driven by its copper-focused growth strategy, targeting high-demand projects across the Middle Eastern region.
Metal Bank (ASX:MBK) is a growth-focused explorer engaged in copper and gold exploration and development across Australia, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
The company’s near-term focus is on optimizing and divesting the Livingstone gold project to generate capital for expanding its copper projects in the Middle East. Metal Bank's strong regional presence, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, is underpinned by deep industry relationships and extensive operating experience.
In the near term, MBK is executing its Middle East and North African (MENA) strategy focused on Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The strategy includes securing copper and other critical minerals projects in Saudi Arabia, through its joint venture company, Consolidated Mining Company (CMC). CMC is 60 percent owned by MBK and 40 percent by Central Mining Holding Company. Its first project, Wadi Al Junah, has been awarded exploration licences in November 2024. MBK has also identified several new areas of interest and exploration licence applications have already been submitted. MBK is also in discussions with third parties holding exploration licences for potential cooperation/joint ventures.
In Jordan, key agreements have been secured for copper exploration within historic mining areas. The three copper project areas granted in Jordan are Malaqa, Area 47 and Area 65. Two of these projects are in areas with historic mining activities, while the third is highly prospective for large-scale copper under cover.
The leadership team brings a proven track record of exploration success and project execution, positioning the company for long-term value creation in the critical minerals market.
Multiple prospects at Livingstone gold project
The Livingstone gold project is an advanced gold exploration project located 140 km northwest of Meekatharra in Western Australia. The project spans 395 sq km within the Bryah-Padbury Basin. The project hosts a JORC 2012 resource of 40,300 oz gold (Homestead) and 30,500 oz gold (Kingsley). Exploration efforts include geophysical mapping, RC drilling, and over 40 km of strike target assessments. The company is updating resource models and conducting pit optimization. Strong corporate interest has led to discussions to expedite divestment, with proceeds to fund MENA operations.
The project has multiple advanced gold targets, inadequately tested to date, including Hilltop, Stanley, Winja, Winja West, VHF and Kirba, Additionally, independent experts have identified more than 10 regional greenfields targets with 40km prospective strike length.
A 427 sq km VMS copper-zinc-gold-silver project, Wadi Al Junah is a joint venture through Consolidated Mining Company (CMC, MBK 60 percent). Exploration activities include regional geochemical surveys, surface mapping, and shear-zone anomaly identification. Phase 1 drilling is planned for Q2 2025.
The Wadi Al Junah project is 35 km east of the Al Hajar gold-silver (copper-zinc) deposit that was previously mined by Saudi’s state-owned mining company, Ma’aden, and is close to the major regional centre and airport of Bisha. The project has received very limited rock chip sampling as part of regional scale mapping work in the 1960s and 1970s. with results of up to 1.53 percent copper, 0.44 grams per ton (g/t) gold and 160 g/t silver. MBK aims to define drill targets in preparation for initial drill programs.
Metal Bank is leveraging its extensive history in Saudi Arabia, and pursuing additional tenement applications and joint venture partnerships. The country has enacted a new mining code in 2021, establishing mining-friendly regulations and a system of refunding exploration expenditure for approved projects.
This three-project portfolio is aimed at large-scale copper exploration. The Malaqa project has shown copper mineralization over an 800-meter strike through chip and channel sampling. Area 47 features a 4 sq km geochemical anomaly indicative of porphyry-style mineralization, while Area 65 is a bulk-tonnage copper-oxide target. Metal Bank is planning a drilling campaign during 2025 and also assessing local joint venture opportunities to progress these three projects.
Rock sample from the Millennium project
This cobalt-copper-gold project holds a JORC 2012 Inferred Resource of 8.4 Mt at 0.09 percent cobalt, 0.29 percent copper, and 0.12 g/t gold. Recent reanalysis of historic cores revealed high-grade graphite intersections (e.g. 56 m at 18.29 percent graphite). Located on granted mining leases, the project offers polymetallic potential. Metal Bank is planning further metallurgical testing and drilling to expand both the copper and graphite resource base.
Inés Scotland has over 20 years of experience in the mining industry, having worked with major gold and copper companies across Australia, Papua New Guinea, the USA, and the Middle East. Her career includes roles with Rio Tinto companies such as Comalco, Lihir, and Kennecott Utah Copper. Notably, she was the managing director and CEO of Citadel Resource Group Limited, where she led the development of the Jabal Sayid Copper Project in Saudi Arabia. Under her leadership, Citadel grew to a market capitalization of $1.3 billion before its acquisition by Equinox Minerals in January 2011. She also served as the managing director and CEO of Ivanhoe Australia, an ASX-listed company with a market capitalization of $500 million. Scotland was appointed as chair of Metal Bank Limited on August 13, 2013.
Guy Robertson brings over 30 years of experience as a chief financial officer, company secretary, and director for both public and private companies in Australia and Hong Kong. His previous roles include serving as chief financial officer and general manager of finance for organizations such as Jardine Lloyd Thompson, Colliers International, and Franklins. He has over a decade of experience with ASX-listed mineral exploration companies and currently holds directorships with Hastings Technology Metals, GreenTech Metals, Artemis Resources, and Alien Metals. Robertson was appointed as an executive director of Metal Bank on September 17, 2012.
Sue-Ann Higgins is an experienced company executive with over 25 years in the mining industry. She has held senior legal and commercial roles with companies including ARCO Coal Australia, WMC Resources, Oxiana, and Citadel Resource Group. Her expertise encompasses governance and compliance, mergers and acquisitions, equity capital markets, and mineral exploration, development, and operations. Higgins was appointed as company secretary on August 21, 2013, and became an executive director on February 24, 2020.
Copper and gold-focused exploration in Australia and the Middle East
Sun Summit Minerals Corp. (TSXV: SMN) (OTCQB: SMREF) ("Sun Summit" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of its $6 million 2025 project-wide exploration program at the JD Project, Toodoggone Mining District, north-central British Columbia. Over 5,000 meters of drilling together with geophysical and geochemical surveys are designed to focus on target advancement, target generation and discovery.
Highlights and Next Steps:
Niel Marotta, CEO of Sun Summit Minerals, commented: "We are very excited to have kicked off our 2025 exploration season at our JD project, which is fully funded by the proceeds of our recently completed private placement. The Toodoggone region in north-central British Columbia is one of the hottest mineral exploration districts in Canada, and has seen heightened corporate activity, combined with a large influx of capital. We expect plenty of news flow coming from the Toodoggone over the summer and fall, including drill results from our own aggressive 5,000 metre program."
Figure 1. Map of the Toodoggone District showing the location of the JD Project in relation to other development and exploration projects. Data sourced from Thesis, TDG, Amarc and Centerra's corporate websites.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6142/255925_2d2b07a7743f0abf_001full.jpg
JD Exploration Program
Crews have mobilised to the Toodoggone District to commence the 2025 JD Project exploration season (Figure 1). The primary goal for 2025 multidisciplinary exploration program is to advance and expand the epithermal-related Creek and Finn gold-silver targets through a series of systematic step-out holes, and to generate and refine new priority targets across the highly-prospective 4.5 km long Finn to Creek corridor, as well as the 12 km long JD porphyry trend (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Map of the JD Project showing the broad JD Porphyry trend and the epithermal-related Finn to Creek Corridor. Planned areas for IP and soil surveys are shown in grey. Key targets are highlighted.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6142/255925_2d2b07a7743f0abf_002full.jpg
Creek Zone: Drilling at the Creek Zone (Figure 2) is designed to investigate the lateral and vertical extent of high-grade and bulk-tonnage gold mineralization (e.g., 122.53 m of 2.11 g/t Au, including 20.0 m of 10.01 g/t Au, and including 1.52 m over 121.0 g/t Au, CZ-24-004, Figure 3, see October 2, 2024, news release). Based on new geological and structural modelling, a series of steeply-dipping, northwest trending parallel vein sets with associated halos of disseminated gold mineralization have been defined. Over 3,000 meters across 10 to 12 drill holes are planned to systematically test the vein-controlling structures on 50 to 100 meter pierce-points covering a strike-length of over 700 meters (Figure 3) and a down-dip extent of over 200 meters. Results from this phase of drilling should inform grade continuity, the scale of the epithermal system and where follow-up deeper and/or step-out holes are warranted.
Figure 3. Map of the Creek Zone showing drill collar locations with selected highlights. The area targeted for 2025 drilling is outlined in red. See references below for data sources.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6142/255925_2d2b07a7743f0abf_003full.jpg
Finn Zone: Drilling at the Finn Zone is designed to expand the footprint of high-grade, near-surface base metal-rich gold-silver mineralization intersected in historical drilling (e.g., 35.7 m of 7.26 g/t Au including 1 m of 215.4 g/t Au in hole JD95-0472). Based on an extensive compilation of over 300 historical drill holes, a new geological and structural model suggests that epithermal-related gold-silver mineralization is hosted within veins and vein-breccias situated along a northwest striking and gently dipping volcaniclastic unit. Over 2,000 meters of drilling across 7 to 9 drill holes are planned to test the model along strike (e.g., towards hole JD13-024) and down-dip (e.g., toward JD12-015) covering a strike-length of over 650 meters (Figure 4). Drilling near the higher-grade core may also be completed to verify historical grades, confirm structural controls and explore at depth to assess the geometry and grade of the mineralized footwall zone (e.g., JD12-0093).
Figure 4. Map of the Finn Zone showing historical drill collar locations with selected highlights. The area targeted for 2025 drilling is outlined in red. See references below for data sources.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6142/255925_2d2b07a7743f0abf_004full.jpg
Target Generation: Project-wide exploration activities are aimed at target generation and drill target refinement.
Timeline: Crews have mobilised to site with camp construction, geological mapping, IP Geophysics, and drill pad construction now underway. Drilling at the Creek Zone is anticipated to begin by mid-July, at the latest.
National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure
This news release has been reviewed and approved by Sun Summit's Vice President Exploration, Ken MacDonald, P. Geo., a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has not been able to verify the historical exploration data disclosed, including sampling, analytical and test data, underlying the technical information in this news release since such data is historical and the original drill core is not readily available. Some technical information contained in this release is historical in nature and has been compiled from public sources believed to be accurate. The historical technical information has not been verified by Sun Summit and may in some instances be unverifiable dependent on the existence of historical drill core and grab samples.
Community Engagement
Sun Summit is engaging with First Nations on whose territory our projects are located and is discussing their interests and identifying contract and work opportunities, as well as opportunities to support community initiatives. The Company looks forward to continuing to work with local and regional First Nations with ongoing exploration.
Webinar Invitation
Sun Summit Minerals invites investors and interested parties to a live webinar and Q&A hosted by Simone Capital. CEO Niel Marotta will present an overview of the Company's 2025 exploration and drill program.
Date: Thursday, June 19
Time: 4:00 PM ET | 1:00 PM PT
Register: https://app.livestorm.co/simone-capital/sun-summit-minerals-2025-exploration-update
About the JD Project
The JD Project is located in the Toodoggone mining district in north-central British Columbia, a highly prospective deposit-rich mineral trend. The project covers an area of over 15,000 hectares and is in close proximity to active exploration and development projects, such as Thesis Gold's Lawyers and Ranch projects, TDG Gold's Baker-Shasta projects, Amarc Resource's AuRORA project, Centerra's Gold's Kemess East and Underground projects, as well as the past-producing Kemess open pit copper-gold mine.
The project is 450 kilometres northwest of the city of Prince George, and 25 kilometres north of the Sturdee airstrip. It is proximal to existing infrastructure in place to support the past-producing Kemess mine, including roads and a hydroelectric power line.
The JD Project is in a favourable geological environment characterized by both high-grade epithermal gold and silver mineralization, as well as porphyry-related copper and gold mineralization. Some historical exploration, including drilling, geochemistry and geophysics, has been carried out on the property, however the project area is largely underexplored.
About Sun Summit
Sun Summit Minerals (TSXV: SMN) (OTCQB: SMREF) is a mineral exploration company focused on the discovery, expansion and advancement of district scale gold and copper assets in British Columbia. The Company's diverse portfolio includes the JD Project in the Toodoggone region of north-central B.C., and the Buck Project in central B.C.
Further details are available at www.sunsummitminerals.com.
References
Links to Figures
Figure 1: https://wp-sunsummitminerals-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/06/SMN_JD_Plans_20250618_Fig-1.jpg
Figure 2: https://wp-sunsummitminerals-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/06/SMN_JD_Plans_20250618_Fig-2-scaled.jpg
Figure 3: https://wp-sunsummitminerals-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/06/SMN_JD_Plans_20250618_Fig-3-scaled.jpg
Figure 4: https://wp-sunsummitminerals-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/06/SMN_JD_Plans_20250618_Fig-4-scaled.jpg
On behalf of the board of directors,
Niel Marotta
Chief Executive Officer & Director
info@sunsummitminerals.com
For further information, contact:
Matthew Benedetto, Simone Capital
mbenedetto@simonecapital.ca
Tel. 416-817-1226
Forward-Looking Information
Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, the forward-looking statements require management to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. There is significant risk that the forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate, that the management's assumptions may not be correct and that actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Generally forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "anticipate", "will", "expect", "may", "continue", "could", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may include, but are not limited to, the Company's exploration plans and forecasts; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; potential mineralization, exploration plans, and engagement with First Nations communities. These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect which, without limiting the generality of the following, include: the focus, purpose and goals of project wide exploration; the existence and timing of news releases and updates, if any, coming from the project area; the Company's ability to complete the drill program as currently contemplated; risks inherent in exploration activities; the uncertainties involved in interpreting drill results and other exploration data; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title and permitting matters; labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in operations; fluctuating metal prices; unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on its projects; that the Company may not be able to confirm historical exploration results; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; volatility and sensitivity to market prices; volatility and sensitivity to capital market fluctuations; and fluctuations in metal prices. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof or the dates specifically referenced in this press release, where applicable. Except as required by applicable securities laws and regulation, Sun Summit disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255925
News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia
As demand for copper continues to rise, driven by global electrification trends, Los Andes Copper is well-placed to leverage its significant copper position in Chile, driven at the helm by a group of highly experienced technical and business leaders.
The global transition to electrification is driving surging demand for copper, a metal essential to clean energy and emerging technologies. The copper market is set to reach a CAGR of 5.4 percent during 2024-2030, projected at US$368.8 billion by 2030.
Chile, the world’s top copper producer, is a key player in meeting this demand. With its vast deposits and stable, mining-friendly environment, the country continues to attract leading mining companies.
Los Andes Copper (TSXV:LA,OTCQX:LSANF) is advancing its 100 percent-owned Vizcachitas copper-molybdenum project in Chile — one of the largest undeveloped copper assets not held by a major. Backed by an experienced management team, the company is well-positioned to help meet the world’s growing copper needs.
The company filed a positive pre-feasibility study in 2023 indicating US$2.78 billion after-tax net present value (NPV) using an 8 percent discount rate and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 24.2 percent at US$ 3.68/lb copper, US$12.90/lb molybdenum and US$21.79/oz silver, with an estimated initial capital cost of US$2.44 billion. The PFS also highlighted a construction period of 3.25 years and a payback period of 2.5 years from initial production.
The company expanded its land package by obtaining first-priority exploration claims over new areas within and adjacent to the current property boundaries for the Vizcachitas copper project.
The claims cover an 18 sq km block within the current property boundary, and another 7 sq km block adjacent to the north-east corner of the property boundary.
The Vizcachitas project including new claim blocks surrounded by mining majors
Los Andes works closely with the local community to support the development of local businesses and social organizations. The company has joined the Association of Small Miners of Putaendo and has established several programs to support social organizations, local technical high schools and female entrepreneurs. Los Andes is also environmentally aware and strives to maintain an excellent ESG rating.
The company’s management team is experienced in the natural resources industry, including experts in geology, community affairs, and corporate finance.
The 100-percent-owned Chilean Vizcachitas copper project is one of the largest advanced copper deposits in the Americas and the largest deposit owned 100 percent by a junior miner. The project is located in the Rio Rocin Valley, roughly 150 kilometers northeast of Santiago.
With 11 years of experience in the mining sector, Santiago Montt has a law degree from the University of Chile, a J.S.D. law degree (PhD) from Yale University, and a Master's in Public Policy from Princeton University. He has worked for BHP from 2011 to 2021 in various roles: vice-president of corporate affairs for the Americas, VP of ligation (Global), VP of legal Brazil, and VP of legal copper. He is an experienced professional in the areas of stakeholder management, risk management, crisis management, project management and commercial and legal affairs.
Manuel Matta is a mining engineer from the University of Chile, with more than 30 years of experience in operations, planning and projects. He worked for Falconbridge and Xstrata as vice-president of projects and development where he led the expansion of the Collahuasi mine. He was also the general manager of Altonorte Smelter in Chile. Matta also worked for Barrick Gold in Chile and the Dominican Republic and was the general manager of Las Cenizas copper mines in Chile.
Anthony Amber is a chartered geologist with 32 years of diverse experience working in Asia, Africa, and South America. Amberg is a qualified person under NI 43-101. He has managed various exploration projects ranging from grassroots through to JORC-compliant feasibility studies. In 2001, he returned to Chile, where he started a geological consulting firm specializing in project evaluation and NI 43-101 technical reports. He began his career in 1986 working with Anglo American in South Africa before moving on to work for the likes of Severin-Southern Sphere, Bema Gold, Rio Tinto and Kazakhstan Minerals Corporation.
Ignacio Melero is a lawyer with a degree from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile with vast experience in corporate and community affairs. Before Los Andes, Ignacio was responsible for community affairs at CMPC, having managed community and stakeholder affairs for a number of its pulp and forestry divisions throughout the country. Ignacio has worked for the Government of Chile, in the Ministry General Secretariat of the Presidency. He was responsible for the inter-ministerial coordination of the ChileAtiende project, a multi-service network linking communities, regional governments and public services.
Harry Nijjar holds a CPA CMA designation from the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia. He is a managing director of Malaspina Consultants. Nijjar has been working with public and private companies for the past 10 years in various roles. He is also currently the CFO of Darien Business Development and Clarmin Explorations.
Questcorp Mining (CSE:QQQ,OTC:QQCMF,FSE:D910) is a Canadian junior explorer advancing two promising projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions: the high-grade La Union gold-silver-lead-zinc project in Mexico’s Sonoran Gold Belt and the North Island copper project in British Columbia, prospective for porphyry and skarn systems.
Focused on near-surface mineralization with proven geologic continuity, Questcorp is strategically positioned near infrastructure in major metal belts. With gold near record highs and a global copper crunch looming, the company aims to unlock outsized value through disciplined exploration and a tightly held share structure.
La Union gold project locationThe La Union gold project is a 2,604-hectare, road-accessible CRD-style target on the edge of Mexico’s prolific Sonoran Gold Belt. Surrounded by major mines like La Herradura (6.7 Moz) and San Francisco (1.4 Moz), the property hosts historic underground production by Peñoles and others, with ~50,000 oz reportedly mined in the 1950s at grades of 7–20 g/t gold.
This Questcorp Mining profile is part of a paid investor education campaign.*
Click here to connect with Questcorp Mining (CSE:QQQ) to receive an Investor Presentation