ArcWest Signs Letter of Intent with Sanatana Resources to Negotiate an Earn-in and Joint Venture Agreement on its Oweegee Dome Porphyry Cu-Au Project, Located in BC's Golden Triangle
ArcWest Exploration Inc. (TSXV: AWX) ("ArcWest") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding letter agreement with Sanatana Resources Inc. (TSXV: STA) ("Sanatana") to negotiate an earn in and joint venture agreement on its Oweegee Dome porphyry copper-gold (Cu-Au) project, located in BC's Golden Triangle. ArcWest's 100% owned Oweegee Dome project is located just 45 km east of Seabridge Gold's supergiant KSM-Iron Cap porphyry Cu-Au project, which according to Seabridge, is host to the world's largest undeveloped gold project by resources. Oweegee Dome is also situated 45 km east of Tudor Gold's Treaty Creek gold-silver-copper project, for which a measured and indicated resource estimate of 17 million oz Au and 93 million oz Ag was recently completed.
The letter agreement provides Sanatana with the exclusive right to negotiate an earn-in and joint venture agreement on ArcWest's Oweegee Dome project until May 24, 2021. Sanatana's due diligence process is anticipated to include a drill core review which, subject to COVID19 travel restrictions, is tentatively scheduled for early May 2021.
Sanatana can earn an initial 60% interest ("First Option") in the Oweegee Dome project by funding, over a four-year period, cumulative exploration expenditures of $6,000,000 and by making staged cash and share payments totaling $500,000 and 2,000,000 shares, respectively. An additional, minimum exploration expenditure including $600,000 of assessment work is required before December 31st, 2021.
Payments to ArcWest can be made as cash or Sanatana shares or a combination of 50% cash and 50% Sanatana shares at ArcWest's election.
Tyler Ruks, President and CEO of ArcWest commented, "ArcWest welcomes the opportunity to partner with Sanatana to explore our Oweegee Dome project, which is host to one of the largest underexplored porphyry Cu-Au systems in BC's Golden Triangle. Led by Peter Miles, Buddy Doyle, and Chairman Ian Smith, the Sanatana team has a track record of global discoveries that have proceeded to mine development. This includes significant experience in northwestern British Columbia, where Ian Smith and his team at bcMetals Corp. engineered the Red Chris porphyry Cu-Au deposit for development, prior to being acquired by Imperial Metals Corp. Seventy percent of Red Chris was later purchased from Imperial by Newcrest Mining for US $804 million."
ArcWest's corporate presentation is available for download here. ArcWest's technical presentation is available for download here. These presentations are also available for download from www.arcwestexploration.com.
Sanatana may achieve the First Option by fulfilling the following:
paying to ArcWest $500,000 and 2,000,000 common shares as follows:
$12,500 on signing of the letter agreement and an additional $12,500 on signing of the definitive agreement;
$25,000 and 300,000 common shares on or before December 31, 2021;
$50,000 and 400,000 common shares on or before December 31, 2022;
$100,000 and 600,000 common shares on or before December 31, 2023; and
$300,000 and 700,000 common shares on or before December 31, 2024.
incurring $6,000,000 in exploration expenditures and an additional $600,000 of assessment work on the property as follows:
not less than $600,000 of assessment work must be completed on the property before December 31, 2021;
additional Exploration Expenditures of not less than $1,000,000 on or before December 31, 2022, which shall include a mandatory minimum of 1,000 meters of NQ Drilling;
additional Exploration Expenditures of not less than $2,000,000 on or before December 31, 2023, which shall include a mandatory minimum of 2,000 meters of NQ Drilling;
additional Exploration Expenditures of not less than $3,000,000 on or before December 31, 2024, which shall include a mandatory minimum of 3,000 meters of NQ Drilling.
Upon completion of the First Option and receipt of the Initial Interest Notice from Sanatana, Sanatana will have a 60 day period to elect to earn an additional 20% interest, for an aggregate 80% interest ("Second Option"), or form a Joint Venture ("JV"). The Second Option can be attained by completing and delivering to ArcWest a Feasibility Study on or before the third anniversary of the Initial Interest Notice. In order to keep the Second Option in good standing, Sanatana will be obligated to pay to ArcWest $150,000 on each anniversary of the delivery of the Initial Interest Notice until such time that the Feasibility Study has been completed and delivered to ArcWest. Following the exercise or lapse of the Second Option, the parties will form a JV to hold and operate the properties, and each party will proportionately fund or dilute. In the event a production decision is made by the Joint Venture to place the property into production, Sanatana shall arrange project financing for the Joint Venture, the repayment of which shall be made out of cash flows from the property. Should Sanatana or ArcWest's interest be diluted to less than 10%, then that interest will convert to a 2% Net Smelter Return Royalty, one percent of which may be purchased by the other party for $5,000,000 at any time.
Oweegee Dome
ArcWest's 100% owned Oweegee Dome project is situated just 45 km east of Seabridge Gold Corp's supergiant KSM-Iron Cap porphyry Cu-Au project. The 31,077 hectare Oweegee Dome project contains two large underexplored porphyry Cu-Au systems of suspected KSM-Iron Cap age. These include the Delta and Skowill East Zones. The Delta target is situated at the southern end of the property and comprises a highly gossanous zone of variably altered and Cu-Au mineralized porphyritic intrusions and associated breccias that outcrop over a 20 square kilometre area. Similar to the Red Chris (Newcrest Mining-Imperial Metals) and Saddle North (Newmont) porphyry Cu-Au deposits to the north, host rocks to the Delta porphyry Cu-Au system are interpreted to be Late Triassic turbiditic marine sedimentary rocks of the Stuhini Group. Limited shallow inclined (-50 degree inclination) diamond drilling completed at the Delta Zone intercepted variably Cu-Au mineralized intensely QSP/clay-pyrite porphyritic intrusions and associated breccia over a widespread area. The predominant QSP/clay-pyrite alteration suggests a high level environment, with the potential to vector into higher grade Cu-Au mineralization with depth or laterally, as the systems transition to higher temperature alteration assemblages.
The northwest corner of Delta Zone is host to the best composite/panel samples collected on the property to date; eleven samples collected from this prominent gossan in 1997 returned assays averaging 0.53% Cu, 1.09 g/t Au and 4.8 g/t Ag. This zone is flanked by a significant Cu-Au soil anomaly where assays returned up to 0.1% Cu and 0.9 g/t Au. This prospective area remains untested by drilling. Similar to Seabridge's nearby Iron Cap porphyry Cu-Au deposit, the Northwest zone might be overlain by post mineral volcanic rocks (i.e., the prospective Triassic-Jurassic unconformity or "Red Line"; Nelson and Kyba, 2014). This suggests that the Delta porphyry Cu-Au system may be open to the north, and much greater in size than previously thought.
The Skowill East zone is located 10 km north of Delta zone and represents an additional, virtually unexplored porphyry Cu-Au system on the property. Historical reports describe the zone as a 2 km long gossan comprising intensely QSP/clay-pyrite altered porphyritic intrusions, wide spread breccia, and associated copper occurrences. The zone remains completely unexplored aside from basic prospecting and grab sampling.
The 2021 exploration program at Oweegee Dome is anticipated to include geological mapping, geochemical sampling, geophysics and a potential first phase diamond drilling program.
References
Nelson, J., and Kyba, J., 2014, Structural and stratigraphic control of porphyry and related mineralization in the Treaty Glacier - KSM - Brucejack - Stewart trend of western Stikinia. In: Geological Fieldwork 2013, British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines, British Columbia Geological Survey Paper 2014-1, pp. 111-140.
About ArcWest Exploration Inc.
ArcWest Exploration is a project generator focused on porphyry copper-gold exploration opportunities throughout western North America. The company is in possession of ten 100% owned copper-gold projects throughout BC's premier porphyry copper-gold districts; at least four of these projects are scheduled to undergo partner funded drill testing in 2021. By conducting partner funded exploration on multiple exploration projects simultaneously, ArcWest's chances of discovery are enhanced while exposing shareholders to minimal dilution. The company is managed by an experienced technical team with a track record of discovery and a reputation for attracting well-funded senior partners, including Freeport McMoRan, Robert Friedland group companies, ITOCHU, Antofagasta and Teck.
Qualified Person
ArcWest's disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jeff Kyba, PGeo, VP Exploration, who serves as a Qualified Person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101.
For further information please contact: Tyler Ruks, President and CEO at +1 (604) 638 3695.
Investors are cautioned that ArcWest Exploration Inc. has not verified the data from the KSM-Iron Cap, Treaty Creek, Red Chris and Saddle North deposits. Further, the presence and style of mineralization on these properties is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization on the ArcWest Exploration Inc. property. Historical assays from drill programs on its properties have not been verified by ArcWest but have been cited from sources believed to be reliable.
This news release contains statements about ArcWest's expectations and are forward-looking in nature. As a result, they are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Although ArcWest believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and ArcWest undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law.
The shareholders of Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX: LUN) together with BHP Group Limited and Filo Corp. (TSX: FIL) have agreed to the terms of a Plan of Arrangement resulting in the combination of the two companies. Each share of Filo Corp. will be exchanged for 2.3578 shares of Lundin Mining or C$33.00 cash subject to proration of a max cash of C$2,767 million and maximum share consideration of 92.1 million Lundin Mining shares.
In expectation of the arrangement closing, Filo Corp. will be removed from the S&P/TSX Composite Index prior to the open of trading on January 15, 2025 . The shares outstanding of Lundin Mining will be increased at the same time to reflect the issuance of shares.
For more information about S&P Dow Jones Indices, please visit www.spdji.com
ABOUT S&P DOW JONES INDICES
S&P Dow Jones Indices is the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500 ® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average ® . More assets are invested in products based on our indices than products based on indices from any other provider in the world. Since Charles Dow invented the first index in 1884, S&P DJI has become home to over 1,000,000 indices across the spectrum of asset classes that have helped define the way investors measure and trade the markets.
S&P Dow Jones Indices is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spdji.com .
The shareholders of Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX: LUN) together with BHP Group Limited and Filo Corp. (TSX: FIL) have agreed to the terms of a Plan of Arrangement resulting in the combination of the two companies. Each share of Filo Corp. will be exchanged for 2.3578 shares of Lundin Mining or C$33.00 cash subject to proration of a max cash of C$2,767 million and maximum share consideration of 92.1 million Lundin Mining shares.
In expectation of the arrangement closing, Filo Corp. will be removed from the S&P/TSX Composite Index prior to the open of trading on January 15, 2025 . The shares outstanding of Lundin Mining will be increased at the same time to reflect the issuance of shares.
For more information about S&P Dow Jones Indices, please visit www.spdji.com
ABOUT S&P DOW JONES INDICES
S&P Dow Jones Indices is the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500 ® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average ® . More assets are invested in products based on our indices than products based on indices from any other provider in the world. Since Charles Dow invented the first index in 1884, S&P DJI has become home to over 1,000,000 indices across the spectrum of asset classes that have helped define the way investors measure and trade the markets.
S&P Dow Jones Indices is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spdji.com .
Thank you for requesting our exclusive Investor Report!
This forward-thinking document will arm you with the insights needed to make well-informed decisions for 2025 and beyond.
✓ Trends
✓ Forecasts
✓ Top Stocks
Who We Are
The Investing News Network is a growing network of authoritative publications delivering independent, unbiased news and education for investors. We deliver knowledgeable, carefully curated coverage of a variety of markets including gold, cannabis, biotech and many others. This means you read nothing but the best from the entire world of investing advice, and never have to waste your valuable time doing hours, days or weeks of research yourself.
At the same time, not a single word of the content we choose for you is paid for by any company or investment advisor: We choose our content based solely on its informational and educational value to you, the investor.
So if you are looking for a way to diversify your portfolio amidst political and financial instability, this is the place to start. Right now.
Copper was trading on the COMEX at under US$4 per pound at the beginning of 2024, but by May 21, the red metal's price had surged to a record high of US$5.11 per pound.
Price momentum at the start of the year was owed to several factors, including increasing demand from energy transition sectors, bottlenecks at Chinese refiners and near-zero copper treatment charges.
The price was volatile through the second and third quarters, slipping back below US$4 per pound before soaring above US$4.50 at the end of Q3. Read on for more on how copper performed in 2024, from prices to supply and demand.
Copper price in Q4
Copper started the fourth quarter of the year on a strong note. On October 2, the metal reached its quarterly high of US$4.60 before starting a month-long slide to US$4.31 on October 31.
Volatility was the story at the start of November. Copper soared to US$4.45 on November 5 before dropping to US$4.22 on November 6, then spiked to US$4.41 on November 7; finally, it crashed to US$4.05 on November 15.
While copper did see a couple of rallies as the year ended, it only briefly broke through resistance of US$4.20 from December 9 to 11 before settling toward the US$4 mark at the end of the month.
As of December 23, the copper price was sitting at US$4.02.
Copper concentrate market to stay tight
In an October report, Fastmarkets predicts that the concentrate market will remain tight in 2025.
This tightness will continue to impact refiner treatment charges. Though they are expected to rebound to around US$20 to US$30 per metric ton (MT), they will still be short of the US$80 mark reached in 2023.
The situation has become more challenging as new operations, particularly in China, expand capacity in 2024. Fastmarkets anticipates no change in the situation in 2025, as new smelters are set to come online in China, Indonesia and India. The additional capacity will see more refiners fighting for the available supply.
The research firm says several other factors are contributing to copper concentrate shortages, including the loss of material from First Quantum Minerals' (TSX:FM,NYSE:FM) Cobre Panama mine after it was ordered shut down in November 2023. Other miners that have cut their production forecasts are also adding to supply woes.
For example, Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.A,TECK.B,NYSE:TECK) revised its copper production guidance when it released its third quarter results on October 23. In its release, Teck indicates that the updated range now stands at 420,000 to 455,000 MT, down from the 435,000 to 500,000 MT estimated at the start of the year.
The company said the reduction was due to challenges with labor availability and problems with autonomous systems in its new haul trucks at its Highland Valley mine in BC, Canada.
China’s economy dragging on copper
A significant headwind for copper at the end of 2024 has been the continued challenges posed by China’s faltering economy. Although the country has introduced stimulus measures, they have made little difference.
The most recent stimulus announcement came on December 24, when the Chinese government announced it would issue US$411 billion worth of special treasury bonds in 2025. This package would be the highest on record, and would represent an increase over the US$137 billion issued in the past year.
The move follows President Xi Jinping’s keynote address at the country’s annual economic policy meeting on December 11 and 12. Xi said at the time that the economy was stable, and that the government would be working to boost consumption through looser monetary policy and more active fiscal policy. Few details were given on how the country would achieve its goals, and the US$411 billion debt injection could be the first sign of that policy.
In addition, in September, the Chinese government announced measures to increase credit, support cities in purchasing unsold homes and restructure debt. These efforts have failed to turn around the world’s second largest economy.
China is the world’s largest copper consumer, and any shift in the strength of the nation's economy will have implications for the price trajectory of base metal.
Copper supply was in focus in Q1 as First Quantum provided an update on its Cobre Panama mine.
The mine was forced to close at the end of 2023 after the Panamanian Supreme Court walked back a company-friendly deal initially approved in October 2023.
At the beginning of 2024, First Quantum pursued several avenues to resolve the issue and reopen the mine, including arbitration. It also waited for the results of Panama’s May election in hopes of more mining-friendly leadership.
The second quarter was dominated by news of output curtailments at Chinese smelting operations.
The cuts came as lower production levels from copper miners began to stress treatment charges at refiners as they competed for the limited availability of copper concentrate.
Speaking to the Investing News Network at the time, Joe Mazumdar, editor of Exploration Insights, said that 50 percent of the world’s smelting capacity is in China. For that reason, the end price is dictated by treatment and refining charges, which nearly turned negative due to the lack of available concentrate.
In turn, this pushed the price of copper prices higher at major exchanges.
“So there’s the cathode price. That’s stated in the LME, and Shanghai and the COMEX in the states. But if the market is tight in any of those regions locally, you will see a cathode premium … over the price of the copper,” he said. “People are willing to pay more to incentivize people that have copper inventory to release it into the market."
Copper supply and demand both saw growth during Q3.
The International Copper Study Group reported in an October 21 release that mined production of copper had increased by 2 percent year-on-year to 14.86 million MT during the first eight months of 2024.
Much was owed to 3 percent growth from Chile, with increases at BHP’s (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) Escondida mine, as well as the Collahausi mine, which is a joint venture between Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:AAUKF), Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF) and Mitsui (OTC Pink:MITSF,TSE:8031).
Output from the Democratic Republic of Congo increased 11 percent, while Indonesia's production rose 22 percent.
At the same time, demand increased slightly by 2.5 percent. Much of the additional demand came from 2.7 percent growth in Asian markets, which includes a 0.5 percent increase in Chinese refined copper imports.
Investor takeaway
The copper market has been tight all year, with new demand accelerating beyond new mine supply.
This demand growth is expected to continue as the world transitions from fossil fuels to renewable technologies that require more copper, like wind and solar. However, copper demand is still constrained by weakness in the Chinese economy, particularly in its housing sector, which is an important driver of global demand for the metal.
Ultimately, in the longer term, copper supply will be lacking from new projects and expanded production to meet demand. The base metal is expected enter a supply deficit over the next few years.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.
Copper Price Forecast: Top Trends for Copper in 2025
Copper prices saw impressive gains in 2024, even breaking the US$5 per pound mark in May. However, the red metal's gains didn't last, and by the end of the year copper had retreated back to the US$4 range.
The start of 2025 could be eventful, with Donald Trump returning to the Oval Office, a new stimulus package coming into effect in China and a continued push for greener technologies around the world.
What will these factors mean for copper prices in the new year? Will they rise, or can investors expect the base metal to remain rangebound? Here's a look at what experts see coming for the important commodity.0
How will Trump's presidency impact US copper projects?
Trump will be sworn in for his second term as US president on January 20.
During his campaign, he made bold promises that could shake up the American resource sector, pushing a "drill, baby, drill" mantra and committing to increasing oil production in the country.
When it comes to copper, Trump's proposed changes to environmental regulations could have key implications. While the Biden administration has sought to toughen these rules, Trump will look to relax them.
In an email to the Investing News Network (INN), Eleni Joannides, Wood Mackenzie's research director for copper, said changes to environmental regulations are likely to benefit the mining sector overall.
“The former president has already pledged to overturn a 20 year moratorium on mining in Northern Minnesota. This pro-mining approach means more mines could be permitted and put into production,” she said.
One project that was being planned before the Biden administration restricted access to federal lands in the Superior National Forest belongs to Twin Metals Minnesota, a subsidiary of Antofagasta (LSE:ANTO,OTC Pink:ANFGF). The company has been working to advance its underground copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum-metals group project since 2006, and has submitted plans to state and federal regulatory agencies.
Another copper-focused project that may benefit from the incoming Trump administration is Northern Dynasty Minerals' (TSX:NDM,NYSEAMERICAN:NAK) controversial Pebble project in Alaska.
The company has been exploring the Bristol Bay region since acquiring the property in 2001, but the US Army Corps of Engineers denied approval in 2020; the Environmental Protection Agency did the same in 2021.
Northern Dynasty has been fighting these decisions at both the state and federal level. It reached the Supreme Court in January 2024, but was denied a hearing until the dispute is examined at the state level.
On December 20, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy added his support for the project when he petitioned the incoming president to issue an Alaska-specific executive order on his first day in office. The order would effectively reverse decisions made by the Biden administration, including the permitting of the Pebble project.
In addition to Pebble, projects like Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) and BHP’s (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) Resolution, and Hudbay Minerals' (TSX:HBM,NYSE:HBM) Copper World, both of which are in Arizona, may benefit from Trump’s plan to reduce permitting times on projects worth over US$1 billion.
Currently, large-scale operations like these can take up to 20 years to move from exploration to production in the US. Copper is considered a critical mineral for the energy transition, and is increasingly becoming a security concern as the US is largely dependent on China for its supply of copper.
Copper price volatility expected under Trump tariff turmoil
As tensions continue to grow between the west and eastern nations like China and Russia, it may not take much to threaten markets for critical materials, including copper.
Trump has already promised to impose a 60 percent tariff on all goods coming from China.
A tariff on copper imports could upend the president-elect's plans for the resource sector. It would increase the prices of copper imports and disrupt the overall economy.
“The risk is that the president-elect’s threatened tariffs, including 60 percent on China and 20 percent on all other nations, could derail global economic growth, lead to higher inflation and, with that, tighten monetary policy and also lead to a change in trade flows. Copper will suffer if demand takes a hit," Joannides said.
"In addition, there is likely to be continued volatility in prices,” she added.
In its recent analysis of Trump’s policies, ING sees an overall negative impact on global metals demand.
The firm believes that many of his plans, including tariffs, will cause the US Federal Reserve take a longer-term approach to reducing interest rates, which could affect investment in large-scale copper projects.
S&P Global expressed a similar view after Trump's win. Immediately after the election, copper prices sank 4 percent to fall under US$4.30, with the firm suggesting that is likely just the beginning. The organization notes that while the market may have already priced in Trump’s tariffs, a larger trade war could impact prices even further.
Economic recovery in China could further boost copper prices
China's faltering economy has been a major headwind for copper over the past several years.
The country's housing market accounts for roughly 30 percent of global demand for the red metal, meaning that any shifts could have significant implications for the copper market.
The sector has been struggling for the past few years as the country deals with economic issues, including fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused disruptions to supply chains and a spike in unemployment.
Ultimately, economic factors struck China's real estate sector, an important driver of the country’s gross domestic product; this caused the collapse of the nation's top two developers, China Evergrande Group and Country Garden.
So far, the government’s attempts to stimulate the economy and jumpstart the beleaguered real estate sector have largely failed. In September, it announced measures aimed at property buyers, such as reducing interest rates for existing mortgages by 50 points and cutting the minimum downpayment requirement for homes to 15 percent.
Other changes introduced at the time include more help from the People’s Bank of China, which will provide a lending facility for state-owned firms to acquire unsold flats for affordable housing.
China followed this up with an announcement in November that it will provide additional support for local governments by increasing their debt-raising capacity by 6 trillion yuan over the next six years.
While these measures may not be felt for some time, kickstarting the Asian nation's real estate sector could be a boon for copper producers and investors.
“If the Chinese real estate market were to post a recovery, this would see domestic demand for copper tick higher and could lead to a tighter supply and demand balance overall, assuming all other things remain unchanged. This would underpin even higher prices than we are currently projecting,” said Joannides.
Copper industry needs more investment dollars
With copper demand projected to grow long term, supply-side concerns are rising. According to Joannides, there is already recognition that copper exploration has been underinvested over the past few years.
“We are seeing signs this could change. Much of the growth over the last five years has come from brownfield expansions rather than greenfield/new discoveries," she explained to INN.
"Technology will likely help increase the chance of discovery, and broadly I would say that policymakers are now more supportive of mineral exploration as the push to secure critical raw materials supply has moved up the agenda."
Joannides pointed to greenfield projects already in the pipeline, including Capstone Copper’s (TSX:CS,OTC Pink:CSCCF) Santo Domingo in Chile, Southern Copper’s (NYSE:SCCO) Tia Maria in Peru and Teck Resources' (TSX:TECK.A,TECK.B,NYSE:TECK) Zarfanal in Peru.
There's also Northmet, a Teck and Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF) joint venture in Minnesota.
Rising copper prices could also increase the flow of money from the major companies into the junior space, where most of the exploration is currently occurring.
“Copper has become the standout strategic preference for the major mining companies. The risk-adjusted cost of developing organic copper assets is higher than the cost of acquiring them,” Joannides said.
This kind of acquisition activity could help reduce the development time of assets compared to companies starting exploration from scratch.
Investor takeaway
While copper supply and demand conditions are expected to remain tight in 2025, competing forces are at play.
One of the biggest factors is Trump’s return to the White House. If the president-elect takes action as quickly as he has promised, investors could soon gain insight on the long-term implications of his policies.
In terms of China, it will take time to get the property sector back to where it was before the pandemic; however, there may be sparks early in the year as new measures start to work their way through the market.
During 2025 it may be even more prudent than usual for investors to do their due diligence on copper and keep an eye on the forces that may affect the market.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold shares of Northern Dynasty Minerals.
Editorial Disclosure: Dore Copper is a client of the Investing News Network. This article is not paid-for content.
The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.
Lobo Tiggre: Copper is My Highest-Confidence Trade for 2025 — Here's Why
Lobo Tiggre, CEO of IndependentSpeculator.com, gave the Investing News Network his updated thoughts on the US economy, as well as his outlook for gold, silver and uranium in 2025.
However, he said his highest-confidence trade for next year is copper.
"I think that it's easier to see — and highly likely to see — copper moving higher next year," Tiggre explained.
That said, he's not quite ready to pull the trigger on copper stock purchases.
"I'm not rushing out to buy yet, because I think even in the little time we have left this year we're going to see more bad economic news, and Dr. Copper with a PhD in economics always goes down with that sort of news. So I'm looking to that as a buying opportunity — I'm looking to maximize my upside by taking advantage of that."
Watch the interview above for more from Tiggre on copper, plus gold, silver and uranium. You can also click here to view the Investing News Network's New Orleans Investment Conference playlist on YouTube.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.
Affiliate Disclosure: The Investing News Network may earn commission from qualifying purchases or actions made through the links or advertisements on this page.
Gianni Kovacevic: 3 Copper Stocks for Speculators, Watch These Metals Under Trump
Investor and author Gianni Kovacevic shared his thoughts on copper market dynamics, saying that while the long-term trend is up, speculators can create significant shorter-term prices moves.
He also mentioned three copper companies he's interested in right now: CopperNico Metals (TSX:COPR,OTCQB:CPPMF), Entree Resources (TSX:ETG,OTCQB:ERLFF) and Horizon Copper (TSXV:HCU,OTCQX:HNCUF).
In addition to copper, Kovacevic spoke about the growing opportunity he sees in lithium, highlighting how major miners like Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) are increasing their exposure to this important battery metal.
"We are going to have a supply shortage. Not in the distant future — in the next 18 to 36 months it'll be a front-page story, and it will be dovetailed with ... oil and gas. And with that comes the oil and gas investor," he said.
Explaining his view, Kovacevic said oil and gas companies are becoming interested in direct lithium extraction.
"(The oil and gas investors) are the ones that are going to really take the speculation in lithium to the next level once again. It'll be 'lithium mania 3.0' coming to a screen near you," he told the Investing News Network.
Watch the interview above for more from Kovacevic on copper and lithium, as well as Donald Trump's second term.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.
Mining giant BHP (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) introduced its Xplor 2025 cohort on Monday (January 6), choosing eight out of hundreds of applicants worldwide.
Under Xplor 2025’s terms, each of the companies is entitled to receive an equity-free grant of up to US$500,000 and access to a network of BHP and external industry experts to build out and accelerate their exploration concepts.
The selected companies and the countries they focus on are as follows:
“As the energy transition gathers pace it becomes more urgent that we can identify, develop and commercialize the discoveries required to support the transition,” BHP’s Group Exploration Officer Tim O’Connor said. “The 2025 Xplor cohort are the sorts of explorers that naturally embrace innovation in bringing promising new projects to life.”
BHP opened applications for the 2025 Xplor program last September, once again “seeking visionary teams focused on uncovering new sources of critical minerals crucial for a sustainable future.”
The eight successful applicants are focused on critical metals needed for electrification, with many targeting copper.
Now in its third edition, Xplor helps accelerate the work of promising mineral companies.
The program is often set on a six-month period, with each of the companies collaborating with BHP Xplor to expedite their geological concepts and position the projects for potential further investment and partnership with BHP.
“We were delighted with the strength of applications — the quality of exploration projects was extremely high … Successful applicants demonstrated strong leadership, a commitment to innovation in their exploration programs, and a willingness to push industry boundaries in applying new concepts, data and testing techniques,” BHP Xplor Head Marley Palin said.
According to BHP, this edition holds the most geographically diverse cohort yet. Xplor 2024 had teams focused on Botswana, Australia and Kazakhstan, while Xplor 2023 included companies working in Africa, Australia, Canada, Mongolia, Norway and Finland.
Xplor 2025 also has the highest number of successful applicants at eight; Xplor 2023 included seven companies and 2024 had six.
This month, the 2025 cohort is set to gather in Perth for Bootcamp Week. BHP said the bootcamp will teach them key strategy, operational and technical frameworks that will set them up for success over the next six months.
Filo Corp. (TSX: FIL) (Nasdaq First North Growth Market: FIL) (OTCQX: FLMMF) (" Filo " or the " Company ") is pleased to announce that the deadline for registered shareholders (the " Registered Shareholders ") of the issued and outstanding common shares of Filo (the " Filo Shares ") and for holders of stock options of Filo (the " Optionholders ") to make elections in respect of the consideration receivable pursuant to the Arrangement (as defined below) is 5:00 P.M. (Toronto Time) on January 9, 2025 (the " Election Deadline "). PDF Version
The letter of transmittal and election form (the " Letter of Transmittal ") outlines the necessary documentation and information required to be sent to the depositary for the Arrangement, Computershare Investor Services Inc. (the " Depositary "), by each Registered Shareholder and Optionholder in order to receive the consideration to which they are entitled under the Arrangement, and make an election with respect to the form of consideration they wish to receive. For complete instructions, please refer to the Letter of Transmittal previously mailed to Registered Shareholders and Optionholders on December 12, 2024 and also available under Filo's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's corporate website at http://filocorp.com/investors/corporate-filings/ .
All elections and deposits made under a Letter of Transmittal are irrevocable and may not be withdrawn. However, an election made under a Letter of Transmittal on or prior to the Election Deadline may be changed by depositing a new Letter of Transmittal with the Depositary on or prior to the Election Deadline. Should the Arrangement not proceed for any reason, the deposited certificates and/or DRS advices representing Filo Shares (if applicable) and other relevant documents shall be returned.
The Letter of Transmittal is for use by Registered Shareholders and Optionholders only. Beneficial (nonregistered) shareholders whose Filo Shares are registered in the name of a broker, investment bank, bank, trust company, custodian, nominee or other intermediary (each, an " Intermediary ") should contact that Intermediary for instructions and assistance in making an election.
Shareholders who hold Filo Shares directly or indirectly through the central securities depository in Sweden run by Euroclear Sweden AB (" Euroclear Holders ") do not need to submit a Letter of Transmittal. For complete instructions for Euroclear Holders, please refer to the press release of the Company dated December 11, 2024 .
Filo is also pleased to announce that it has obtained all key regulatory approvals required to complete the previously announced arrangement involving, among others, the Company, BHP Investments Canada Inc. (" BHP "), a wholly-owned subsidiary of BHP Group Limited, and Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX: LUN) (OMX: LUMI) (" Lundin Mining ", and together with BHP, the " Purchaser Parties "), pursuant to which the Purchaser Parties will, among other things, acquire all of the Filo Shares not already owned by the Purchaser Parties and their respective affiliates (the " Arrangement ").
Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining conditions to implementing the Arrangement, it is expected that the Arrangement will close on or about January 15, 2025 .
Following completion of the Arrangement, the Filo Shares will be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq First North Growth Market. An application will also be made for the Company to cease to be a reporting issuer in the applicable jurisdictions following completion of the Arrangement.
About Filo Corp.
Filo is a Canadian exploration and development company focused on advancing its 100% owned Filo del Sol copper-gold-silver deposit located in San Juan Province, Argentina and adjacent Region III, Chile . The Company's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and Nasdaq First North Growth Market under the trading symbol "FIL", and on the OTCQX under the symbol "FLMMF".
Additional Information
The Company's certified adviser on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market is Bergs Securities AB, +46 8 506 51703, rutger.ahlerup@bergssecurities.se .
The information contained in this news release was accurate at the time of dissemination, but may be superseded by subsequent news release(s).
The information was submitted for publication by the contact persons below on January 6, 2025 at 1:00 am EST .
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This press release may contain certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, the consummation and timing of the Arrangement; the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the Arrangement; the expected timing of closing of the Arrangement; and the expected timing of delisting from stock exchanges, may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is 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.
Forward-looking information involves various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include failure to satisfy or waive the closing conditions to the Arrangement; changes in laws, regulations and government practices; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators and in other Company reports and documents filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time, including the Company's Annual Information Form available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca . The Company's forward-looking information reflects the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information or beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.
Cygnus Metals and Doré Copper Mining said on Wednesday (January 1) that they have completed their merger.
The combined entity will be a critical minerals explorer and developer with two core assets in Québec, Canada.
Cygnus acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Doré on Tuesday (December 31) through a Canadian statutory plan of arrangement, finalizing the deal. Cygnus shares are listed on the ASX under the symbol CY5, and are expected to start trading on the TSXV under the symbol CYG on or about Friday (January 3).
The company has also applied to list on the OTCQB under the ticker symbol CYGGF.
The merger of equals between Cygnus and Doré was announced this past October, with the companies emphasizing at the time that the deal would create value for shareholders on both sides. Under the agreement, each former Doré shareholder will receive 1.8297 Cygnus shares for each share they held before the transaction was finalised.
"By combining the proven exploration and management skills of the Cygnus team with the high-grade resource and immense upside at the Chibougamau Copper-Gold Project, we have the potential to unlock substantial value," Cygnus Executive Chair David Southam said at the time, adding that plans for "aggressive exploration" were in the works.
The new company's two main assets are the Chibougamau copper-gold project and the James Bay lithium project.
Chibougamau currently has a measured and indicated resource of 3.6 million metric tons at 3 percent copper equivalent, and an inferred resource of 7.2 million metric tons at 3.8 percent copper equivalent.
James Bay's Pontax project holds a resource of 10.1 million metric tons at 1.04 percent lithium oxide.
Doré brought the Chibougamau asset to the table, and in Wednesday's release former President and CEO Ernest Mast said the Cygnus team has the ability to maximize the value of the project.
“This merger will provide the funding, additional expertise and the strategy aimed at generating superior shareholder returns with an exciting exploration program at Chibougamau,” he noted.
Southam will now act as executive chair of the new company, while Mast will hold the position of president and managing director in Canada. The board will also have two non-executive directors from each of the merged companies.
Cygnus said that results from a pre-Christmas drill program at Chibougamau are expected to be released early this quarter. Following on from that, the company will begin a drilling and geophysics program at the site.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Investing News Network websites or approved third-party tools use cookies. Please refer to the cookie policy for collected data, privacy and GDPR compliance. By continuing to browse the site, you agree to our use of cookies.
View original content: 
View original content to download multimedia: 