Ivanhoe Mines Announces Powerful Results of the Updated Feasibility Study for the World-Scale Platreef Palladium, Platinum, Rhodium, Nickel, Copper and Gold Project in South Africa

FS evaluates a 4.4-million-tonne-per-annum (Mtpa) underground mine with annual production of more than 500,000 ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium and gold; plus more than 35 million pounds of nickel and copper, becoming a world-scale producer of critical "green metals"

Weighted price of the 'basket' of the four precious metals contained in Platreef's ore more than $2,100 an ounce

FS yields an after-tax NPV8% of US$1.8 billion and IRR of 20% at long-term consensus metal prices, and an after-tax NPV8% of US$3.7 billion and IRR of 28% at spot metal prices; re-affirming Platreef's potential to be the world's lowest-cost primary producer of platinum-group metals, with a cash cost of US$442 per ounce of palladium, platinum, rhodium and gold, net of by-products and including sustaining capital

Ivanhoe also announces a preliminary economic assessment( PEA) for the phased development plan; an alternate scenario to expedite production, with much lower initial capital, using Shaft 1 for the mine's initial five years of production, followed by an expansion to 5.2 Mtpa once Shaft 2 is completed

With an initial capital cost of US$390 million, the PEA yields after-tax NPV8% of US$1.6 billion and IRR of 20% at long-term consensus metal prices, and an after-tax NPV8% of US$3.3 billion and IRR of 29% at spot metal prices

PEA envisages a potential throughput rate of 5.2 Mtpa, with annual production of more than 600,000 ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium and gold, plus over 40 million pounds of nickel and copper

Detailed engineering studies are underway on the initial 0.7 Mtpa mine and concentrator, in parallel with the transition of Shaft 1 to a production shaft

FS and PEA both establish an operating platform to underpin future expansions, leveraging Platreef's immense resource base

Significant interest from a number of finance providers to fund development, with advanced discussions underway

Mokopane, South Africa--(Newsfile Corp. - November 30, 2020) - Ivanhoe Mines' (TSX: IVN) (OTCQX: IVPAF) Co-Chairs Robert Friedland and Yufeng "Miles" Sun announced today that the company's South African subsidiary, Ivanplats, and its partners welcome the outstanding positive findings of an independent Platreef Integrated Development Plan 2020 (Platreef IDP20) for the tier one Platreef palladium, platinum, rhodium, nickel, copper and gold project in South Africa, which consists of an updated feasibility study (Platreef 2020 FS) and a preliminary economic assessment (Platreef 2020 PEA).

The Platreef 2020 FS builds on the excellent results of the FS announced in July 2017 and is based on an unchanged Mineral Reserve, project designs for mining, and plant and infrastructure as in the Platreef 2017 FS; except with an increased production rate from 4.0 Mtpa to 4.4 Mtpa, in two modules of 2.2 Mtpa.

The 2020 FS includes an updated production schedule based on the current project status, costs and economic assumptions. The schedule for the 2020 FS is driven by the sinking of the project's second, larger shaft (Shaft 2), where early works have commenced. The 2020 FS envisions Shaft 2 equipped for hoisting in 2025, allowing for first concentrate production in the latter half of the year. The initial capital cost for the Platreef 2020 FS is estimated at US$1.4 billion.

The Platreef IDP20 also includes the Platreef 2020 PEA, which is an alternate, phased development plan that fast-tracks Platreef into production. The plan uses the project's first shaft (Shaft 1) for initial hoisting and mine development, with 825,000 tonnes of annual total rock hoisting capacity, of which 125,000 tonnes is allocated for development rock. The alternate plan envisions building an initial concentrator with a capacity of 770 thousand-tonnes-per-annum (ktpa), and could produce first concentrate in mid-2024.

The recently-completed sinking of Shaft 1 has created the opportunity to access early, high-grade tonnes in this scenario. While the 700-ktpa initial mine is being operated using Shaft 1, there would be opportunities to refine the timing of subsequent phases of expanded production, which is driven by the sinking of Shaft 2. Once completed, two 2.2 Mtpa concentrator modules would be commissioned, and the initial concentrator would be ramped up to its full capacity of 770 ktpa; increasing the steady-state production to 5.2 Mtpa. The initial capital cost for 700 ktpa under the Platreef 2020 PEA is estimated at US$390 million - substantially lower than the Platreef 2020 FS that requires Shaft 2 for first production.

Detailed engineering has commenced on the mine design, 770-ktpa concentrator and associated infrastructure for the phased development plan, which will be incorporated into an updated feasibility study in 2021. The Shaft 1 changeover will take place simultaneously in preparation for permanent hoisting by early 2022. The budget for 2021 is US$59 million, which includes US$10 million for commencement of the construction of the headframe to the collar of Shaft 2.

The Platreef IDP20 reflects the first phase of development for the Platreef Mine. It is designed to establish an operating platform to support potential future expansions to 12 Mtpa and beyond, as demonstrated in previous studies, which would position Platreef among the largest platinum-group metals producing mines in the world, producing in excess of 1.1 million ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium and gold per year.

Updated FS re-affirms the outstanding economics of Platreef at 4.4-Mtpa production rate, while the PEA demonstrates optionality to bring Platreef into production faster by using Shaft 1, with significantly lower initial capital cost

Mr. Friedland commented: "These powerful, independent economic results mark an important step in our vision of building and operating the world's next great precious metals mine, together with our local community and Japanese partners. We're now 25 years into discovering and developing the Platreef discovery, which has an unparalleled endowment of palladium, platinum, rhodium and gold; as well as large quantities of nickel and copper. And it still has tremendous potential to significantly expand the resource base, including a plethora of new exploration opportunities, many of which are near-surface.

"We have a mining licence, we have water, we have an orebody that is as thick as an eight-storey building, and we have a team of highly-skilled employees. We also have a 'basket' of precious metals contained in the ore at Platreef that have risen in recent years to levels in excess of US$2,100 an ounce for platinum-group metals and gold.

"The thick and flat-lying nature of the high-grade mineralization of Platreef's Flatreef deposit will accommodate the use of mechanized and state-of-the-art, automated mining techniques; allowing us to efficiently and safely bring material to surface to produce precious metals vital to a proliferation of modern technologies.

"PGMs have a very bright future in clean energy, including hydrogen fuel cells, while nickel and copper are clearly vital metals for global decarbonization initiatives and worldwide electrification. We're living in an era of unprecedented change, with the world breeding mega-cities prodigiously. One result is increasingly toxic air, with a whole suite of health effects from heart attacks to stroke, asthma and dementia. If you want clean air, and if you want to stop burning coal and hydrocarbons, the world immediately needs vastly more copper, nickel, and platinum-group metals."

Palladium and rhodium have been two of the best performing metals in recent years, currently trading at approximately US$2,400 an ounce and $16,100 an ounce respectively, as stricter air-quality rules boost demand for the metals used in vehicle pollution-control devices. Platreef has an estimated 18.9 million ounces of palladium in current Indicated Mineral Resources, and an additional 23.8 million ounces in current Inferred Mineral Resources, at a 2.0 g/t 3PE+Au cut-off. Platreef has an estimated 1.2 million ounces of rhodium in current Indicated Mineral Resources, and an additional 1.6 million ounces in current Inferred Mineral Resources, at a 2.0 g/t 3PE+Au cut-off.

"The feasibility study demonstrates once again the incredible efficiency that can be achieved at Platreef when Shaft 2, one of the largest shafts in Africa, is completed. It confirms without a shadow of a doubt, that not only is Platreef one of the largest, richest precious metals deposits on the planet, but it also will be one of the lowest-cost operations and feature exceptional returns on capital," Mr. Friedland added.

"Now that Shaft 1 is complete, the phased development plan shows that there is an exciting alternate path to develop this great deposit, with much lower upfront capital requirements, to establish a strategic production foothold on the emerging Northern Limb of South Africa's prolific Bushveld Complex. In turn, this can be leveraged to unlock Platreef's tier one, long-life mineral potential."

Marna Cloete, Ivanhoe's President and CFO, commented: "The Northern Limb is the future of South Africa's platinum-group-metals mining industry. Platreef will have the distinct advantage of having a highly mechanized, underground mining operation with a small environmental footprint. Approximately 60% of the mine's tailings will be sent back underground to fill mined-out voids, and the remainder will be treated using sustainable, dry-stack technology, conferring additional significant environmental, safety and economic advantages. On behalf of our stakeholders, international shareholders and progressive end users of our metals, we are pleased to be leading the positive transformation in the way future underground platinum-group-metals mining operations in South Africa will be conducted."

Dr. Patricia Makhesha, Ivanhoe's Executive Vice President, Sustainability and Special Projects, stated: "We are very proud to share 25 years of exploration and development achievements at Platreef with our local communities and stakeholders. These stakeholders, including more than 150,000 local Mokopane area residents, see international investment and responsible development of natural resources as key to unlocking critical opportunities for widespread, long-term prosperity."

"We believe world-scale projects like Platreef will be integral as South Africa plans its economic future around the green-energy transition and materials that will fuel a growing, global clean-technology supply chain. We're excited to create sustainable, long-term transformative opportunities for our stakeholders, which include employment, procurement and development opportunities," Dr. Makhesha added.

Development scenarios at Platreef

The Platreef Integrated Development Plan 2020 encompasses two development scenarios:

  • Platreef 2020 FS, an update of the 2017 FS: Evaluates the development of a 4.4 Mtpa underground mine with two concentrators built in modules of 2.2 Mtpa. This updates the 2017 FS by taking into account development schedule advancement since 2017, as well as updated costs, metal prices and foreign exchange assumptions; in addition to increased throughput from 4.0 Mtpa to 4.4 Mtpa to utilize the full processing capacity of the two concentrators.

  • Platreef 2020 PEA (Phased Development Plan): An alternative scenario evaluating the phased development of an initial 700-ktpa underground mine using the existing Shaft 1 and a new concentrator with a capacity of up to 770 ktpa, targeting high-grade mining areas with significantly lower capital costs. After first production is achieved, Shaft 2 sinking commences, to coincide with the construction of two additional 2.2 Mtpa concentrator modules, and the ramp up of the initial concentrator to its full capacity of 770 ktpa, increasing the steady production to 5.2 Mtpa. Shaft 2 development may be brought forward to accelerate this expansion.

Ivanhoe Mines indirectly owns 64% of the Platreef Project through its subsidiary, Ivanplats, and is directing all mine development work. The South African beneficiaries of the approved broad-based, black economic empowerment structure have a 26% stake in the Platreef Project. The remaining 10% is owned by a Japanese consortium of ITOCHU Corporation; Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation; ITC Platinum Development Ltd., an ITOCHU affiliate; and Japan Gas Corporation.

The Platreef IDP20, which includes the Platreef 2020 FS and Platreef 2020 PEA, was independently prepared on a 100%-basis by OreWin Pty Ltd. of Adelaide, Australia; Wood plc (formerly Amec Foster Wheeler) of Vancouver, Canada; SRK Consulting Inc. of Johannesburg, South Africa; Stantec Consulting International LLC of Phoenix, USA; DRA Global of Johannesburg, South Africa; and Golder Associates Africa of Midrand, South Africa.

The Platreef 2020 PEA is preliminary in nature and should not be considered a pre-feasibility or feasibility study, as the economics and technical viability of the Project have not been demonstrated at this time. There is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability, and there is no certainty that the results will be realized. Mineral Resources do not have demonstrated economic viability and are not Mineral Reserves.

A National Instrument 43-101 technical report will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com within 45 days of the issuance of this news release.

Ivanhoe to host Investor Day on Thursday, December 3, 2020, to discuss new Platreef studies

On December 3, 2020, Ivanhoe will host a virtual Investor Day to discuss the findings of the FS and PEA for the Platreef Project.

DATE: December 3, 2020
TIME: 10am Eastern / 7am Pacific / 3pm London / 11pm Beijing
REGISTRATION LINK:https://bit.ly/3pVhper

Figure 1: Schematic section of the Platreef Mine, showing Flatreef's thick, high-grade T1 and T2 mineralized zones (dark orange and red), underground development work completed to date in shafts 1 and 2 (white) and planned development work (grey).

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On June 13, 2020, members of the Platreef team celebrated the completion of sinking Shaft 1 to a final depth of 996 metres below surface. Shaft 1's headframe is in the background.

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Higher nickel and copper grades contribute to lower cash costs for operations on the Northern Limb of South Africa's Bushveld Igneous Complex (figures 2, 3 and 4). Among global primary platinum-group-metals producers, Platreef's estimated net total cash cost of US$442 per 3PE+Au ounce, net of copper and nickel by-product credits and including stay-in-business (SIB) capital costs, ranks at the bottom of the cash-cost curve (Figure 3).

The Platreef IDP20 reflects the first phase of development for the Platreef Mine, producing in excess of 500,000 ounces of 3PE+Au per annum. Previous studies have shown the potential for future expansions up to 12 Mtpa, which would position Platreef among the largest platinum-group metals producing mines in the world, illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 2: Map of South Africa's Bushveld Igneous Complex.

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Source: SFA (Oxford).

Figure 3: Global primary PGM producers' net total cash cost + SIB capital (2019), US$/3PE+Au oz.

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Source: SFA (Oxford). Data for Platreef Project is based on the Platreef 2020 FS parameters and are not representative of SFA's view. Net total cash costs have been calculated using base case assumptions of 16:1 ZAR:USD, US$1,050/oz. platinum, US$1,400/oz. palladium, US$1,560/oz. gold, US$5,000/oz. rhodium, US$7.30/lb nickel and US$3.10/lb copper.

Figure 4: Ranking of global primary PGM producers, based on 2019 palladium equivalent production.

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Source: Production estimates for projects other than Ivanhoe's Platreef Project have been prepared by SFA (Oxford). Production data for the Platreef Project (platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold, nickel and copper) is based on reported FS and PEA data and is not representative of SFA's view. All metals have been converted to palladium equivalent ounces using base case assumptions of US$1,050/oz. platinum, US$1,400/oz. palladium, US$1,560/oz. gold, US$5,000/oz. rhodium, US$7.30/lb nickel and US$3.10/lb copper. Note: As the figures are palladium-equivalent ounces of production they will not be equal to 3PE+Au production.

Figure 5: Revenue per tonne of ore at the Platreef Project since 2017 (shown in US dollars).

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Figure 6: Revenue per tonne of ore at the Platreef Project has risen significantly since 2017 (shown in South African rand).

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Source for figures 5 and 6: Bloomberg. Based on historical weekly commodity prices at the end of each week.

Notes for figures 5 and 6:

  1. Based on Platreef Mineral Reserves with an effective date of November 30, 2020.
  2. Probable Mineral Reserve of 124.7 million tonnes at a grade of 1.95 grams per tonne (g/t) platinum, 2.01 g/t palladium, 0.30 g/t gold, 0.14 g/t rhodium, 0.34% nickel and 0.17% copper.
  3. A declining Net Smelter Return (NSR) cut-off of $155 per tonne (t) to $80/t was used for the Mineral Reserve estimates.
  4. The NSR cut-off is an elevated cut-off above the marginal economic cut-off.
  5. Metal prices used in the Mineral Reserve estimate: US$1,600 per ounce (oz.) platinum, US$815/oz. palladium, US$1,300/oz. gold, US$1,500/oz. rhodium, US$8.90 per pound (lb) nickel and US$3.00/lb copper.
  6. Tonnage and grade estimates include dilution and mining recovery allowances.
  7. Applies life-of-mine average recoveries of 87.4% for platinum, 86.9% for palladium, 78.6% for gold, 80.5% for rhodium, 87.9% for copper and 71.9% for nickel.
  8. Total cash cost includes mine site costs, plus realization costs such as treatment and refining charges, royalties and transportation.

HIGHLIGHTS

Updated FS increases production rate to 4.4 Mtpa

  • The Platreef 2020 FS evaluates the development of a 4.4-Mtpa underground mine with two concentrators built in modules of 2.2 Mtpa, which updates the 2017 FS by taking into account development schedule advancement, as well as updated costs, metal prices and foreign exchange assumptions.

  • The FS has increased throughput from 4.0 Mtpa to 4.4 Mtpa to utilize the full processing capacity of the two concentrators, which is within the mining and hoisting capability of Shaft 2.

  • Tailings storage methodology has been modified to a dry-stack tailings facility - a sustainable and water-efficient method wherein tailings are placed and compacted in a mound that is concurrently rehabilitated with soil and vegetation during the operating life of the facility.

  • The FS has an average annual production rate of 508,000 ounces (oz.) of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold (3PE+Au), plus 22 million pounds of nickel and 13 million pounds of copper, at a cash cost of US$442 per ounce of 3PE+Au, net of by-products, and including sustaining capital costs.

  • Project schedule is driven by the sinking of Shaft 2, a 10-metre diameter shaft with total rock hoisting capacity of up to 6 Mtpa, plus a 40-tonne capacity double deck man/material cage capable of transporting fully assembled load-haul-dump vehicles and other equipment to support the mine, with first production targeted in 2025.

  • Initial capital cost of US$1.4 billion for this option would result in an after-tax net present value at an 8% discount rate (NPV8%) of US$1.8 billion and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 19.8%.

  • At spot prices as at November 27, 2020, the NPV8% increases to US$3.7 billion and the IRR increases to 28.4%.

Figure 7: Development and production timeline schematic of Platreef 2020 FS.

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Key initial projections from the Platreef 2020 FS

Table 1: Platreef 2020 FS results summary.

ItemUnitsTotal / Average Life of Mine
Mined and processed

Mineral ReservesMillion tonnes 125
Platinumg/t 1.95
Palladiumg/t 2.01
Goldg/t 0.30
Rhodiumg/t 0.14
3PE+Aug/t 4.40
Copper% 0.17
Nickel% 0.34
Key financial results

Life of mineYears 30
Pre-production capitalUS$ million 1,438
Mine-site cash costUS$ per ounce 3PE+Au 413
Total cash cost after creditsUS$ per ounce 3PE+Au 411
All-in cash cost after creditsUS$ per ounce 3PE+Au 442
Site operating costsUS$ per tonne milled 50
After-tax NPV8%US$ million 1,849
After-tax IRR % 19.8
Project payback periodyears 4.4

 

  1. The economic analysis is based on Probable Mineral Reserves only.
  2. 3PE+Au = platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold.
  3. Metal prices used in the Mineral Reserve estimate are as follows: US$1,600/oz. platinum, US$815/oz. palladium, US$1,300/oz. gold, US$1,500/oz. rhodium, US$8.90/lb nickel and US$3.00/lb copper.
  4. A declining NSR cut-off of US$155/tonne to $80/tonne was used in the Mineral Reserve estimate.
  5. Metal price assumptions are as follows: US$1,050/oz. platinum, US$1,400/oz. palladium, US$1,560/oz. gold, US$5,000/oz. rhodium, US$7.30/lb nickel and US$3.10/lb copper.
  6. All-in cash costs include sustaining capital costs.

Table 2: Platreef 2020 FS financial results.


Discount RateBefore TaxationAfter Taxation
Net present value (NPV)Undiscounted 12,342 9,004
(US$ million) 5.0% 4,585 3,294

8.0% 2,634 1,849

10.0% 1,825 1,247

12.0% 1,253 819
Internal rate of return (IRR)
22.3% 19.8%
Project payback period(Years) 4.4 4.4
Exchange rate(ZAR:USD)16:1

 

The Platreef Project, with the Shaft 1 headframe and early works construction at the nearby Shaft 2.

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Table 3: Platreef 2020 FS average production and processing statistics.

ItemUnitsAverage Life of Mine
Average production(1)Million tonnes pa4.4
Platinumg/t1.95
Palladiumg/t2.01
Goldg/t0.30
Rhodiumg/t0.14
3PE+Au(2)g/t4.40
Copper%0.17
Nickel%0.34
Recoveries

Platinum%87.4
Palladium%86.9
Gold%78.6
Rhodium%80.5
3PE+Au(2)%86.4
Copper%87.9
Nickel%71.9
Concentrate produced kt/a (dry)186
Platinumg/t38.2
Palladiumg/t39.1
Goldg/t5.3
Rhodiumg/t2.4
3PE + Au(2)g/t85.1
Copper%3.3
Nickel%5.5
Recovered metal

Platinumkoz/a228
Palladiumkoz/a233
Goldkoz/a32
Rhodiumkoz/a15
3PE + Au(2)koz/a508
CopperMlb/a13
NickelMlb/a22

 

  1. Production over the 30-year life of mine for 4.4 Mtpa steady-state production.
  2. 3PE+Au is the sum of the grades for and production of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold.

Figure 8: Platreef 2020 FS concentrator production (tonnes milled and grades for the life-of-mine).

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Figure by OreWin 2020.

Figure 9: Platreef 2020 FS estimated concentrate produced and 3PE+Au grade for the life-of-mine.

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Table 4: Platreef 2020 FS unit operating costs and cash costs after credits.


US$ per ounce of 3PE+Au

YEARS 1-5YEARS 1-10LIFE-OF-MINE
AVERAGE
Mine site 470 407 413
Realization 316 365 400
Total cash costs before credits 786 772 814
Nickel credits 292 294 321
Copper credits 74 73 82
Total cash costs after credits 420 404 411
Sustaining capital costs 31 30 31
All-in cash costs after credits(2) 452 435 442 

 

  1. Totals may vary due to rounding.
  2. All-in cash costs include sustaining capital costs.

Table 5: Platreef 2020 FS capital investment summary.

DescriptionInitial
Capital
Sustaining
Capital
Total

US$M US$M US$M
MINING


Exploration and geology 111021
Mining 7024631,165
Capitalized operating costs48-48
Subtotal 7614731,234
CONCENTRATOR & TAILINGS


Process Plant 23314247
Subtotal 23314247
INFRASTRUCTURE


Infrastructure 25479334
Site Costs 447
Capitalized operating costs32-32
Subtotal 29083372
INDIRECTS


Owners Cost 301141
Closure 11516
Subtotal 302657
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BEFORE CONTINGENCY 1,3145961,910
Contingency 12312135
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AFTER CONTINGENCY 1,4386072,045

 

Table 6: Platreef 2020 FS financial results at base case and spot metal prices.


Discount RateBase Case
Prices
(1)
Spot Prices(2)
Net present value (NPV)Undiscounted 9,004 15,691
(US$ million) 5.0% 3,294 6,172

8.0% 1,849 3,742

10.0% 1,247 2,722

12.0% 819 1,993
Internal rate of return (IRR)
19.8% 28.4%
Project payback period(Years) 4.4 3.2
Exchange rate(ZAR:USD)16:1

 

  1. Base case metal price assumptions are as follows: US$1,050/oz. platinum, US$1,400/oz. palladium, US$1,560/oz. gold, US$5,000/oz. rhodium, US$7.30/lb nickel and US$3.10/lb copper.
  2. Spot metal prices (November 27, 2020) are as follows: US$968/oz. platinum, US$2,428/oz. palladium, US$1,788/oz. gold, US$16,100/oz. rhodium, US$7.36/lb nickel and US$3.35/lb copper.

Figure 10: Platreef 2020 FS projected real annual and cumulative cash flow at base case assumptions.

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Figure by OreWin 2020.

Phased development plan targets fast-tracking Platreef to production using the recently-completed Shaft 1 development, with significantly lower initial capital costs

  • The Platreef 2020 PEA evaluates the phased development of Platreef, with an initial 700-ktpa underground mine and a 770-ktpa capacity concentrator, targeting high-grade mining areas close the Shaft 1, with a significantly lower initial capital cost of US$390 million.

  • First concentrate production for this option is targeted in 2024, with the sinking of Shaft 2 recommencing in 2025, to coincide with the construction of two 2.2-Mtpa concentrators to be completed by 2029 and 2030. This would increase the steady production to 5.2 Mtpa by using Shaft 2 as the primary production shaft.

  • While the PEA considers the deferral of Shaft 2 sinking to 2025, this is a discrete decision and can be started at any point in time, pending funding.

  • By utilizing the 825-ktpa rock-hoisting capacity (including up to 125 ktpa allocated for development rock) of Shaft 1, reduced initial development is required, targeting the nearest and highest-grade stopes with drift-and-fill mining.

  • Cost estimates for the phased development plan are largely based on the Platreef 2020 FS, augmented with early drift-and-fill mining and a 770-ktpa concentrator and associated site infrastructure.

  • For this option, the PEA envisages phase one during years 1 to 6 at an average annual production rate of 109,000 ounces (oz.) of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold (3PE+Au), plus 5 million pounds of nickel and 3 million pounds of copper followed by phase two during years 7 to 30 at an average annual production rate of 613,000 oz. of 3PE+Au, plus 27 million pounds of nickel and 16 million pounds of copper.

  • The PEA envisages a life-of-mine cash cost of US$460 per ounce of 3PE+Au, net of by-products, and including sustaining capital costs.

  • After-tax net present value at an 8% discount rate (NPV8%) of US$1.6 billion and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 20.0%. At spot prices as at November 27, 2020, the NPV8% increases to US$3.3 billion and the IRR increases to 29.1%.

  • Construction of the 950-metre-level station near the bottom of the project's Shaft 1 was recently completed. This station lies within a few hundred metres of the initial high-grade mining zone that would be targeted during the early years of the phased development plan under the alternative development scenario of the 2020 PEA.

  • In parallel with the changeover of Shaft 1 for permanent hoisting, detailed engineering will take place in 2021 on the mine design, 770-ktpa concentrator and associated infrastructure design, which will also include the dry stack tailings storage facility. In addition, amendments to the water use licence, waste licence and environmental impact assessment required for the phased development plan will be tabled.

  • Following the completion of the changeover, off-shaft development would take place in early 2022 with the initial aim of establishing a ventilation raise, allowing for the development of underground infrastructure from 2023.

Figure 11: Plan of the Platreef 2020 FS mine design, highlighting areas that are mined in the Platreef 2020 PEA at 700 ktpa and at 5.2 Mtpa.

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Figure 12: Production and timeline schematic of Platreef 2020 PEA.

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Key initial projections from the Platreef 2020 PEA

Table 7: Summary of key results of the Platreef 2020 PEA for the phased development plan.

ItemUnitsTotal / Average Life of Mine
Mined and processed

Material MilledMillion tonnes 125
Platinumg/t 1.97
Palladiumg/t 2.02
Goldg/t 0.30
Rhodiumg/t 0.14
3PE+Aug/t 4.43
Copper% 0.17
Nickel% 0.34
Key financial results

Life of mineYears 30
Initial capitalUS$ million 390
Expansion capitalUS$ million 1,269
Peak fundingUS$ million 1,138
Mine-site cash costUS$ per ounce 3PE+Au 431
Total cash cost after creditsUS$ per ounce 3PE+Au 428
All-in cash cost after creditsUS$ per ounce 3PE+Au 460
Site operating costsUS$ per tonne milled 53
After-tax NPV8%US$ million 1,615
After-tax IRR % 20.0
Project payback periodyears 8.4

 

  1. 3PE+Au = platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold.
  2. Metal price assumptions for economic analysis are as follows: US$1,050/oz. platinum, US$1,400/oz. palladium, US$1,560/oz. gold, US$5,000/oz. rhodium, US$7.30/lb nickel and US$3.10/lb copper.
  3. All-in cash costs include sustaining capital costs.

Albie Brits, Senior Geologist and Manager Project Geology, inspects a piece of high-grade ore obtained from Shaft 1's intersection of the Flatreef Deposit.

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Sample of the high grade palladium-platinum-rhodium-nickel-copper-gold ore.

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Table 8: Platreef 2020 PEA financial results.


Discount RateBefore TaxationAfter Taxation
Net present value (NPV)Undiscounted 12,103 8,832
(US$ million) 5.0% 4,203 3,020

8.0% 2,298 1,615

10.0% 1,538 1,054

12.0% 1,020 672
Internal rate of return (IRR)
22.4%20.0%
Project payback period(Years) 8.3 8.4
Exchange rate(ZAR:USD)16:1

 

Students from the University of Johannesburg at the collar of Shaft 2 following a mine tour of the Platreef Project earlier this year.

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Table 9: Platreef 2020 PEA average mine production and processing statistics.

ItemUnitsYears 1-6
Average
Years 7-30
Average
Life of Mine
Average
Production(1)Mtpa0.75.24.2
Platinumg/t 2.49 1.95 1.97
Palladiumg/t 2.48 2.01 2.02
Goldg/t 0.40 0.30 0.30
Rhodiumg/t 0.16 0.14 0.14
3PE+Au(2)g/t 5.53 4.40 4.43
Copper% 0.20 0.17 0.17
Nickel% 0.40 0.34 0.34
Recoveries



Platinum% 90.2 87.3 87.5
Palladium% 90.0 86.9 87.0
Gold% 80.3 78.6 78.7
Rhodium% 84.1 80.4 80.6
3PE+Au(2)% 89.2 86.3 86.4
Copper% 90.9 87.9 88.0
Nickel% 77.8 71.9 72.1
Concentrate produced kt/a (dry) 40 224 187
Platinumg/t 39.1 38.2 38.2
Palladiumg/t 38.7 39.1 39.0
Goldg/t 5.5 5.3 5.3
Rhodiumg/t 2.4 2.4 2.4
3PE + Au(2)g/t 85.7 85.0 85.0
Copper% 3.1 3.3 3.3
Nickel% 5.5 5.5 5.5
Recovered metal



Platinumkoz/a 50 275 230
Palladiumkoz/a 49 282 235
Goldkoz/a 7 38 32
Rhodiumkoz/a 3 18 15
3PE + Au(2)koz/a 109 613 512
CopperMlb/a 3 16 13
NickelMlb/a 5 27 23

 

  1. Production over 6 years at 0.7 Mtpa and 24 years at 5.2 Mtpa.
  2. 3PE+Au is the sum of the grades for and production of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold.

Figure 13: Platreef 2020 PEA concentrator production (tonnes milled and grades for the life-of-mine).

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Figure 14: Platreef 2020 PEA estimated concentrate produced and 3PE+Au grade for the life-of-mine.

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Table 10: Platreef 2020 PEA unit operating costs and cash costs after credits.


US$ per ounce of 3PE+Au

YEARS 1-6
AVERAGE
YEARS 7-30
AVERAGE
LOM
AVERAGE
Mine site 696 419 431
Realization 316 404 400
Total cash costs before credits 1,012 824 832
Nickel credits 318 322 322
Copper credits 78 82 82
Total cash costs after credits 616 420 428
Sustaining capital costs 7 14 31
All-in cash costs after credits(2) 623 434 460 

 

  1. Totals may vary due to rounding.
  2. All-in cash costs include sustaining capital costs.

Table 11: Platreef 2020 PEA capital investment summary.

DescriptionInitial
Capital
Expansion
Capital
Sustaining
Capital
Total

US$M US$M US$M US$M
MINING



Exploration and geology 0 14 7 21
Mining 136 659 382 1,177
Subtotal 137 672 389 1,198
CONCENTRATOR & TAILINGS



Process Plant 50 245 2 297
Subtotal 50 245 2 297
INFRASTRUCTURE



Infrastructure 81 190 75 347
Site Costs 5 6 1 12
Subtotal 86 197 76 359
INDIRECTS



Owners Cost 49 39 2 90
Closure - 1 15 16
Subtotal 49 39 17 106
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BEFORE CONTINGENCY 322 1,153 484 1,959
Contingency 68 115 - 183
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AFTER CONTINGENCY 390 1,269 484 2,142

 

Note: Initial capital reflects the capital costs from January 1, 2021, to achieve initial production of 0.7 Mtpa, followed by expansion capital to reflect the capital costs to achieve full production of 5.2 Mtpa.

Table 12: Platreef 2020 PEA financial results at base case and spot prices.


Discount RateBase Case
Prices
(1)
Spot Prices(2)
Net present value (NPV)Undiscounted 8,832 15,580
(US$ million) 5.0% 3,020 5,714

8.0% 1,615 3,295

10.0% 1,054 2,316

12.0% 672 1,639
Internal rate of return (IRR)
20.0%29.1%
Project payback period(Years) 8.4 7.3
Exchange rate(ZAR:USD)16:1

 

  1. Base case metal price assumptions are as follows: US$1,050/oz. platinum, US$1,400/oz. palladium, US$1,560/oz. gold, US$5,000/oz. rhodium, US$7.30/lb nickel and US$3.10/lb copper.
  2. Spot metal prices (November 27, 2020) are as follows: US$968/oz. platinum, US$2,428/oz. palladium, US$1,788/oz. gold, US$16,100/oz. rhodium, US$7.36/lb nickel and US$3.35/lb copper.

Figure 15: Platreef Mine 2020 PEA projected operating cash flow, total capital costs and cumulative net cash flow after tax, at base case assumptions.

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Platreef Mineral Resources

The mineral resources used as the basis of the PEA and FS were those amenable to underground selective mining. Information on Platreef Project geology and mineralization is contained in the Platreef Project National Instrument (NI) 43-101 Technical Report dated September 4, 2017, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com.

Table 13: Mineral Resources amenable to underground selective mining methods (base case is highlighted).

Indicated Mineral Resources
Tonnage and Grades
Cut-off
3PE+Au
MtPt
(g/t)
Pd
(g/t)
Au
(g/t)
Rh
(g/t)
3PE+Au
(g/t)
Cu
(%)
Ni
(%)
3 g/t2042.112.110.340.144.700.180.35
2 g/t3461.681.700.280.113.770.160.32
1 g/t7161.111.160.190.082.550.130.26
Indicated Mineral Resources
Contained Metal
Cut-off
3PE+Au
Pt
(Moz)
Pd
Moz)
Au
(Moz)
Rh
(Moz)
3PE+Au
(Moz)
Cu
(Mlb)
Ni
(Mlb)
3 g/t13.913.92.20.930.98001,597
2 g/t18.718.93.11.241.91,2262,438
1 g/t25.626.84.51.858.82,0764,108
Inferred Mineral Resources
Tonnage and Grades
Cut-off
3PE+Au
MtPt
(g/t)
Pd
(g/t)
Au
(g/t)
Rh
(g/t)
3PE+Au
(g/t)
Cu
(%)
Ni
(%)
3 g/t2251.911.930.320.134.290.170.35
2 g/t5061.421.460.260.103.240.160.31
1 g/t14310.880.940.170.072.050.130.25
Inferred Mineral Resources
Contained Metal
Cut-off
3PE+Au
Pt
(Moz)
Pd
Moz)
Au
(Moz)
Rh
(Moz)
3PE+Au
(Moz)
Cu
(Mlb)
Ni
(Mlb)
3 g/t13.814.02.31.031.08651,736
2 g/t23.223.84.31.652.81,7753,440
1 g/t40.443.07.83.194.34,1297,759

 

  1. Mineral Resources were estimated and finalized April 22, 2016. On 20 November 2020, updated criteria for assessing reasonable prospects of eventual extraction were reviewed to ensure the estimate remained current. The updated effective date is 20 November 2020. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. Timothy Kuhl, RM SME.
  2. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
  3. The 2 g/t 3PE+Au cut-off is considered the base-case estimate and is highlighted. The rows are not additive.
  4. Mineral Resources are reported on a 100% basis. Mineral Resources are stated from approximately -200 m to 650 m elevation (from 500 m to 1,350 m depth). Indicated Mineral Resources are drilled on approximately 100 x 100 m spacing; Inferred Mineral Resources are drilled on 400 x 400 m (locally to 400 x 200 m and 200 x 200 m) spacing.
  5. Reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction were determined using the following assumptions. Assumed commodity prices are platinum: US$1,600/oz.; palladium: US$815/oz.; gold: US$1,300/oz.; rhodium: US$1,500/oz.; copper: US$3.00/lb; and nickel: US$8.90/lb. It has been assumed that payable metals would be 82% from smelter/refinery and that mining costs (average US$34.27/t) and process, general and administrative costs, and concentrate transport costs (average US$15.83/t of mill feed for a four Mtpa operation) would be covered. The processing recoveries vary with block grade but typically would be 80%-90% for platinum, palladium and rhodium; 70-90% for gold; 60-90% for copper; and 65-75% for nickel.
  6. 3PE+Au = platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold.
  7. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

Platreef 2020 FS Mineral Reserve

The mineral resources used as the basis of the PEA and FS were those amenable to underground selective mining. Information on Platreef Project geology and mineralization is contained in the Platreef Project National Instrument (NI) 43-101 Technical Report dated September 4, 2017, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com.

Table 14: Probable Mineral Reserves - tonnage and grades as at November 30, 2020.

Method MtNSR
($/t)
Pt
(g/t)
Pd
(g/t)
Au
(g/t)
Rh
(g/t)
3PE+Au
(g/t)
Cu
(%)
Ni
(%)
Ore
development
11.1159.91.962.050.300.144.450.170.35
Long-hole93.1152.11.881.950.290.134.250.160.33
Drift-and-fill20.4182.02.282.230.370.155.030.180.37
Total124.7157.71.952.010.300.144.400.170.34

 

Method MtPt
(Moz)
Pd
(Moz)
Au
(Moz)
Rh
(Moz)
3PE+Au
(Moz)
Cu
(Mlb)
Ni
(Mlb)
Ore
development
11.10.70.70.10.051.6 42 85
Long-hole93.15.65.80.90.412.7 333 681
Drift-and-fill20.41.51.50.20.13.3 83 167
Total124.77.88.01.20.517.6 457 932

 

  1. Mineral Reserves have an effective date of November 30, 2020. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Jon Treen (Stantec), P. Eng., with Professional Engineers of Ontario.
  2. A declining NSR cut-off of US$155/t to US$80/t was used for the Mineral Reserve estimates.
  3. The NSR cut-off is an elevated cut-off above the marginal economic cut-off.
  4. Metal prices used in the Mineral Reserve estimate are as follows: US$1,600/oz. platinum, US$815/oz. palladium, US$1,300/oz. gold, US$1,500/oz. rhodium, US$8.90/lb nickel and US$3.00/lb copper.
  5. Metal-price assumptions used for the FS economic analysis are as follows: US$1,050/oz. platinum, US$1,400/oz. palladium, US$1,560/oz. gold, US$5,000/oz. rhodium, US$7.30/lb nickel and US$3.10/lb copper.
  6. Tonnage and grade estimates include dilution and mining recovery allowances.
  7. Total may not add due to rounding.
  8. 3PE+Au = platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold.

Platreef to be mined primarily using highly-productive mechanized methods

Mining zones in the current Platreef mine plan occur at depths ranging from approximately 700 metres to 1,200 metres below surface. Once expanded mine production is achieved, primary access to the mine will be by way of a 1,104-metre-deep, 10-metre-diameter production shaft (Shaft 2). Secondary access to the mine will be via the 996-metre-deep, 7.25-metre-diameter ventilation shaft (Shaft 1) that recently has been sunk to its final depth. During mine production, both shafts also will serve as ventilation intakes. Three additional ventilation exhaust raises (Ventilation Raise 1, 2, and 3) are planned to achieve steady-state production.

Mining will be performed using highly-productive mechanized methods, including long-hole stoping and drift-and-fill. Each method will utilize cemented backfill for maximum ore extraction. The production plans in both the PEA's initial five-year drift-and-fill mining operation off of Shaft 1 and the larger FS expansion are focused on maximizing higher-grade areas, which was achieved through optimization based on stope locations, stope grades, mining method, and zone productivities. The orebody was targeted to recover approximately 125 million tonnes at the highest net smelter return.

The ore will be hauled from the stopes to a series of internal ore passes and fed to the bottom of Shaft 2, where it will be crushed and hoisted to surface.

Figure 16: Platreef underground mine access layout.

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Conventional PGM flowsheet at Platreef

Metallurgical testwork has focused on maximizing recovery of platinum-group elements (PGE) and base metals, mainly nickel, while producing an acceptably high-grade concentrate suitable for further processing and/or sale to a third party. The three main geo-metallurgical units and composites tested produced smelter-grade final concentrates averaging 85 g/t PGE+Au, at acceptable PGE recoveries. Testwork also has shown that the material is amenable to treatment by conventional flotation without the need for mainstream or concentrate ultrafine re-grinding. Extensive bench-scale testwork comprising of open-circuit and locked-cycled flotation testing, comminution testing, mineralogical characterization, tailings dewatering and rheological characterization was performed at Mintek in South Africa, which is an internationally accredited metallurgical testing facility and laboratory.

Comminution and flotation testwork has indicated that the optimum grind for beneficiation is 80% passing 75 micrometres. Platreef ore is classified as being 'hard' to 'very hard' and thus not suitable for semi-autogenous grinding; a multi-stage crushing and ball-milling circuit has been selected as the preferred size reduction route.

Improved flotation performance has been achieved using high-chrome grinding media as opposed to carbon steel media. The inclusion of a split-cleaner flotation circuit configuration, in which the fast-floating fraction is treated in a cleaner circuit separate from the medium- and slow-floating fractions, resulted in improved PGE, copper and nickel recoveries and concentrate grades.

A two-phased development approach was used for the flow-sheet design comprising a common three-stage crushing circuit, feeding crushed material to milling-flotation modules. Flotation is followed by a common concentrate thickening, concentrate filtration, tailings disposal and tailings-handling facility. The phased approach allows for increased processing flexibility and introduces process redundancy whilst allowing for phasing of capital and mine ramp-up.

The Platreef 2017 FS was based on a nominal processing capacity of 4.0 Mtpa, aligned to the mine plan and schedule at the time. The process plant, however, was adequately sized to treat a maximum of 4.4 Mtpa (2 x 2.2 Mtpa modules). This higher processing rate has been utilized in the Platreef 2020 FS.

To further evaluate optimization opportunities and confirm additional detail design parameters, a mini pilot plant testwork program is proposed and will be undertaken as part of the project implementation phase.

Sustainable, dry stacking tailings storage methodology

The proposed tailings storage facility (TSF) will be developed as a dry stack TSF with an estimated operating life of 32 years. During this time, approximately 55.4 million tonnes of tailings will be stored within the dry stack TSF, with the remainder of the tailings to be used as backfill in the underground mine. The dry stack TSF design also caters for an 8-Mtpa ramp-up in production to be explored in future studies. The dry stack TSF is compliant in terms of required tonnage profile production split between the backfill requirement and dry stack TSF of 35% on average, but is conservatively designed for 40% of non-ore material reporting to the TSF.

Since the Platreef 2017 FS, a hybrid paddock deposition methodology was proposed; however, Ivanplats has decided to change the TSF deposition methodology from upstream design to dry stacking in the Platreef 2020 PEA and FS. Following on a study undertaken by Golder Associates Africa in December 2016, it was concluded that stacked tailings storage facilities are deemed to be safer in that there is no hydraulic deposition, hence the risk will be minimal to flood the surrounding areas with tailings in the unlikely event of a catastrophic failure. Stacked tailing storage facilities are more water efficient in that the majority of water in the tailings is captured in the dewatering plant, pumped directly back to the concentrator and re-used within the process.

The stacked facility will comprise a starter dam constructed primarily of rock fill, engineered tailings, nominally compacted tailings, and random fill. Tailings will be delivered to the dewatering plant situated at the stacking facility utilizing the same pumping systems from the processing plant. Dried tailings will be delivered to the stacking facility using load and haul transportation with trucks from the dewatering plant. Aside from the rock fill in the starter dam and drainage elements, which include a return water dam, the facility will be developed using dewatered tailings. The infrastructure will have to be in place upon start-up.

For the Platreef 2020 PEA development scenario, it is envisaged to utilize the approved rock dump footprint within the immediate Platreef mine and concentrator areas, as a dry stacking tailings facility for the initial 700-ktpa mine. Golder Associates currently is performing the design work in order to apply for the relevant licences and/or amendments to the existing authorizations.

Supply of water and electricity

The Platreef Project's water requirement for the first phase of development is projected to peak at approximately 7.5 million litres per day. On May 7, 2018, Ivanhoe announced the signing of a new agreement to receive local, treated water to supply most of the bulk water needed for the first phase of production at Platreef. The Mogalakwena Local Municipality has agreed to supply a minimum of five million litres of treated water per day for 32 years from the town of Mokopane's new Masodi Waste Water Treatment Works. Initial supply will be used in Platreef's ongoing underground mine development and surface infrastructure construction.

Under the terms of the agreement, which is subject to certain suspensive conditions, Ivanplats will provide financial assistance to the municipality for certified costs of up to a maximum of R248 million (approximately US$16 million) to complete the Masodi treatment plant. Ivanplats will purchase the treated water at a reduced rate of R5 per thousand litres for the first 10 million litres per day to offset a portion of the initial capital contributed.

On February 24, 2017, the five-million-volt-ampere (MVA) electrical power line connecting the Platreef site to the Eskom public electricity utility was energized and now is supplying electricity to Platreef for shaft sinking and construction activities. The new power line - a collaboration between Platreef, Eskom and the Mogalakwena Local Municipality - also established a platform to provide energy to the neighboring community of Mzombane, which previously was without electricity reticulation and supply.

Platreef's electrical power requirement for the 4.4-Mtpa underground mine, concentrator and associated infrastructure has been estimated at approximately 100 MVA. An agreement has been reached with Eskom for the supply of power. For the Platreef 2020 PEA development scenario, Ivanhoe currently is negotiating the load build up with Eskom to cater for the initial 700-ktpa mine.

Figure 17: Lowest water consumption per 3PE+Au oz. compared to South African PGM producers

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Source: SFA (Oxford). Water consumption estimates for projects other than Ivanhoe's Platreef Project have been prepared by SFA (Oxford).

Update on construction progress and Shaft 1 repair work

The construction of the 996-metre-level station at the bottom of Shaft 1 was completed in July 2020. The completed Shaft 1 is located approximately 350 metres away from a high-grade area of the Flatreef orebody that is planned for bulk-scale, mechanized mining.

Early-works surface construction for Shaft 2 began in 2017. It includes the excavation of a surface box-cut to a depth of approximately 29 metres below surface and construction of the concrete hitch for the 103-metre-tall concrete headgear (headframe) that will house the shaft's permanent hoisting facilities and support the shaft collar.

As previously reported on September 14, 2020, a tragic accident occurred in Shaft 1 as a result of a kibble bucket falling down the shaft and striking the northern side of the working platform. The legal review process into the accident as outlined by the South African Mine Health and Safety Act is ongoing. The Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate has completed its investigation under Section 60 of the Mine Health and Safety Act, and preliminary findings attributed the primary cause of the tragic accident to a very rare electronic device failure and that all mine safety standards and safe operating procedures were fully complied with. It is anticipated that the formal statutory inquiry will be convened in the new year.

Remedial actions to bring the shaft safely back into operation are underway with the installation of a temporary pumping system and removal of the old stage ropes at shaft bottom. The new stage fabrication is well advanced with delivery expected at the end of December 2020; followed by the stage assembly planned for early January 2021. Delivery of the new kibble rope and stage ropes is expected mid-December, with the plan to install the new ropes by mid-January 2021. In parallel to this, all equipping procurement items are well advanced with the service winder delivery expected mid-January and installation and commissioning of the kibble winder control unit upgrade expected end of the first quarter of 2021. Once this has been completed, the actual equipping will commence with the anticipated completion in the first quarter of 2022. This will enable Shaft 1 to be equipped for hoisting.

Pierre Kruger, Banksman (left), and Sipho Monama, Engineering Graduate (right), members of the Platreef team bringing Shaft 1 safely back into operation.

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Development of human resources and job skills

Community consultation on the Platreef Project's second Social and Labour Plan (SLP) is in the final stages. In this second SLP, Ivanplats plans to build on the foundation laid in the first SLP and continue with its training and development suite, which includes 15 new mentors, internal skills training for 78 staff members, a legends program to prepare retiring employees with new/other skills, community adult education training for host community members, core technical skills training for at least 100 community members, portable skills, and more.

Local economic development projects will contribute to community water source development with the Mogalakwena Municipality boreholes program, educational program in partnership with Department of Education, and significant contribution funding for sanitation infrastructure at the municipality.

The enterprise and supplier development commitments comprise of expanding the existing kiosk and laundry facilities and adding expanded change house facilities to be managed by a community partner in the future. A five year, integrated business accelerator and funding project will assist interested community members to obtain help with development and supplier readiness.

The Platreef Project supports a number of educational programs, including the E-learning project and the maintenance of science and computer laboratories, as well as the provision of free Wi-Fi in host communities. In pursuit of Ivanhoe's decarbonization agenda, the Platreef Project planted 25 trees at two local schools in the mine's footprint area.

Mothepana Shirley Matlala, Diesel Mechanic, is a member of Ivanplats' growing team of bright, young South Africans that are leading the development of the modern underground mine being built at Platreef. Ivanhoe is committed to helping build the next generation of qualified tradespeople by creating access to, and elevating, skilled trades.

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Financing discussions underway

Advanced financing discussions are underway with a number of parties, for up to US$400 million in funding from a combination of project finance, mezzanine debt and streaming, for the phased development plan outlined in the Platreef 2020 PEA. This will then underpin the funding for the larger development scenario as outlined in the Platreef 2020 FS.

Future expansion options

The Platreef 2020 FS and PEA consider only the first phase of development for Platreef, to establish an operating platform to support future expansions. Figure 18 shows the size and potential of the Platreef resource base where the Platreef 2020 PEA only uses approximately one third of the resource above an US$80/t NSR cut-off, which provides the opportunity to ramp up production to larger production rates as the market dictates. With an attractive first phase of development reflected by the Platreef IDP20, Ivanhoe plans to revisit previous studies dating back to 2014 that have demonstrated the potential for Platreef to support future expansions up to 12 Mtpa, producing in excess of 1.1 million ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium and gold per year.

Figure 18: Platreef 2020 PEA production zones and inferred mineral resources.

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Figure by OreWin 2020.

Qualified persons

The following companies have undertaken work in preparation of the IDP and Technical Report:

  • OreWin of Adelaide, Australia - Overall report preparation and economic analysis.
  • Wood Group (formerly Amec Foster Wheeler) of Vancouver, Canada - Mineral Resource estimation.
  • SRK Consulting of Johannesburg, South Africa - Mine geotechnical recommendations.
  • Stantec Consulting of Phoenix, USA - Mineral Reserve estimation and mine plan.
  • DRA Global of Johannesburg, South Africa - Process and infrastructure.
  • Golder Associates Africa of Midrand, South Africa - Water and tailings management.

The independent qualified persons responsible for preparing the Platreef Integrated Development Plan 2020, on which the technical report will be based, are Bernard Peters (OreWin); Timothy Kuhl (Wood); William Joughin (SRK); Jon Treen (Stantec); Val Coetzee (DRA Global); and Francois Marais (Golder Associates). Each person has reviewed and approved the information in this news release relevant to the portion of the Platreef IDP20 for which they are responsible.

Other scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Stephen Torr, P.Geo., Ivanhoe Mines' Vice President, Project Geology and Evaluation, a Qualified Person under the terms of NI 43-101. Mr. Torr is not considered independent under NI 43-101 as he is the Vice President, Project Geology and Evaluation of Ivanhoe Mines. Mr. Torr has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release.

Sample preparation, analyses and security

During Ivanhoe's work programs, sample preparation and analyses were performed by accredited independent laboratories. Sample preparation is accomplished by Set Point laboratories in Mokopane. Sample analyses have been accomplished by Set Point Laboratories (Set Point) in Johannesburg, Lakefield Laboratory (Lakefield' now part of the SGS Group) in Johannesburg, Ultra Trace (Ultra Trace) Laboratory in Perth, Genalysis Laboratories, Perth and Johannesburg (Genalysis), SGS Metallurgical Services (SGS) in South Africa, Acme in Vancouver, and ALS Chemex in Vancouver. Bureau Veritas Minerals Pty Ltd (Bureau Veritas) assumed control of Ultra Trace during June 2007 and is responsible for assay results after that date.

Sample preparation and analytical procedures for samples that support Mineral Resource estimation have followed similar protocols since 2001. The preparation and analytical procedures are in line with industry-standard methods for Pt, Pd, Au, Cu, and Ni deposits. Drill programmes included insertion of blank, duplicate, standard reference material (SRM), and certified reference material (CRM) samples. The quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) programme results do not indicate any problems with the analytical protocols that would preclude use of the data in Mineral Resource estimation.

Sample security has been demonstrated by the fact that the samples were always attended or locked in the on-site core facility in Mokopane.

Information on sample preparation, analyses and security is contained in the Platreef Project NI 43-101 Technical Report dated September 4, 2017, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com.

About Ivanhoe Mines

Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company focused on advancing its three principal joint-venture projects in Southern Africa: the development of major new, mechanized, underground mines at the Kamoa-Kakula discoveries in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and at the Platreef palladium-platinum-nickel-copper-rhodium-gold discovery in South Africa; and the extensive redevelopment and upgrading of the historic Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-silver mine, also in the DRC. Kamoa-Kakula and Kipushi will be powered by clean, renewable hydroelectricity and will be among the world's lowest greenhouse gas emitters per unit of metal produced. Ivanhoe also is exploring for new copper discoveries on its wholly-owned Western Foreland exploration licences in the DRC, near the Kamoa-Kakula Project.

Information contacts

Investors: Bill Trenaman +1.604.331.9834 / Media: Matthew Keevil +1.604.558.1034

Cautionary statement on forward-looking information

Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the company, the Platreef Project, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results, and speak only as of the date of this news release.

The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information in this news release include without limitation, (i) statements regarding the Platreef budget for 2021 is US$59 million, which includes US$10 million for commencement of the construction of the headframe to the collar of Shaft 2; (ii) statements regarding the Platreef IDP20 is designed to establish an operating platform to support potential future expansions up to 12 Mtpa producing in excess of 1.1 million ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium and gold per year, as demonstrated in previous studies, which would position Platreef among the largest platinum-group-metals producing mines in the world; (iii) statements regarding the feasibility study confirms without a shadow of a doubt, that not only is Platreef one of the largest, richest precious metals deposits on the planet, but it also will be one of the lowest-cost operations and feature exceptional returns on capital; (iv) statements regarding in parallel with the changeover of Shaft 1 for permanent hoisting, detailed engineering will take place in 2021 on the mine design, 770-ktpa concentrator and associated infrastructure design and amendments to the water use licence, waste licence and environmental impact assessment required for the phased development plan will be tabled; (v) statements regarding following the completion of the changeover, off-shaft development would take place in early 2022 with the initial aim of establishing a ventilation raise, allowing for the development of underground infrastructure from 2023; (vi) statements regarding local economic development projects at Platreef will contribute to community water source development with the Mogalakwena Municipality boreholes program, educational program in partnership with Department of Education and significant contribution funding for sanitation infrastructure at the municipality; and (vii) statements regarding the installation and commissioning of the Shaft 1 kibble winder control unit upgrade expected by end of the first quarter of 2021, and the anticipated completion of equipping Shaft 1 for hoisting in the first quarter of 2022.

In addition, all of the results of the Platreef IDP20, Platreef 2020 PEA and Platreef 2020 FS constitute forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements include metal price assumptions, cash flow forecasts, projected capital and operating costs, metal recoveries, mine life and production rates, and the financial results of the Platreef 2020 PEA and FS. These include estimates of internal rates of return after-tax of 20.0% (PEA) and 19.8% (FS) with payback periods of 8.4 years and 4.4 years respectively; net present values including a PEA NPV at an 8% discount rate of US$1.6 billion and a FS NPV at an 8% discount rate of US$1.8 billion; future production forecasts and projects, including average annual production of 512koz 3PE+Au in the PEA and 508koz 3PE+Au in the FS; estimates of net total cash cost, net of copper and nickel by-product credits and including stay-in-business (SIB) capital costs of US$460/oz. 3PE+Au in the PEA and US$442/oz. 3PE+Au in the FS; mine life estimates, including a 30 year mine life in the PEA and a 30 year mine life in the FS; initial capital costs of US$0.39 billion in the PEA and US$1.4 billion in the FS; average 3PE+Au grades of 4.4 g/t in the PEA and 4.4 g/t in the FS; cash flow forecasts; estimates of 3PE+Au recoveries of 86.4% in the PEA and 86.4% in the FS. Readers are cautioned that actual results may vary from those presented.

All such forward-looking information and statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Ivanhoe Mines' management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believe are appropriate in the circumstances. These statements, however, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information or statements including, but not limited to, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, industrial accidents or machinery failure (including of shaft sinking equipment), or delays in the development of infrastructure, and the failure of exploration programs or other studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued studies, development or operations. Other important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements also include those described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the company's most recently filed MD&A as well as in the most recent Annual Information Form filed by Ivanhoe Mines. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Certain of the factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information and statements, and certain of the risks that could cause the actual results to differ materially are presented in the "Platreef 2020 Feasibility Study", available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com.

This news release also contains references to estimates of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. The estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in platinum, palladium, gold, rhodium, copper, nickel or other mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling; (iii) results of metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) changes to proposed mining operations, including dilution; (v) the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (vi) the possible failure to receive required permits, approvals and licences.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the company believes are reasonable assumptions, the company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/69144

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

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

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

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

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

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

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

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2025 Copper Outlook Report

2025 Copper Outlook Report

2025 Copper Outlook Report

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Copper Outlook 2025

Copper Price 2024 Year-End Review

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

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

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

Copper price in Q4

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

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

Copper price, Q4 2024.

Copper price, Q4 2024.

Chart via Trading Economics.

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

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

Copper concentrate market to stay tight

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

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

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

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

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

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

China’s economy dragging on copper

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

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

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

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

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

How did copper perform for the rest of the year?

Copper price in Q1

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

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

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

Copper price in Q2

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

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

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

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

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

Copper price in Q3

Copper supply and demand both saw growth during Q3.

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

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

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

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

Investor takeaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copper Price Forecast: Top Trends for Copper in 2025

Copper prices saw impressive gains in 2024, even breaking the US$5 per pound mark in May. However, the red metal's gains didn't last, and by the end of the year copper had retreated back to the US$4 range.

The start of 2025 could be eventful, with Donald Trump returning to the Oval Office, a new stimulus package coming into effect in China and a continued push for greener technologies around the world.

What will these factors mean for copper prices in the new year? Will they rise, or can investors expect the base metal to remain rangebound? Here's a look at what experts see coming for the important commodity.

How will Trump's presidency impact US copper projects?

Trump will be sworn in for his second term as US president on January 20.

During his campaign, he made bold promises that could shake up the American resource sector, pushing a "drill, baby, drill" mantra and committing to increasing oil production in the country.

When it comes to copper, Trump's proposed changes to environmental regulations could have key implications. While the Biden administration has sought to toughen these rules, Trump will look to relax them.

In an email to the Investing News Network (INN), Eleni Joannides, Wood Mackenzie's research director for copper, said changes to environmental regulations are likely to benefit the mining sector overall.

“The former president has already pledged to overturn a 20 year moratorium on mining in Northern Minnesota. This pro-mining approach means more mines could be permitted and put into production,” she said.

One project that was being planned before the Biden administration restricted access to federal lands in the Superior National Forest belongs to Twin Metals Minnesota, a subsidiary of Antofagasta (LSE:ANTO,OTC Pink:ANFGF). The company has been working to advance its underground copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum-metals group project since 2006, and has submitted plans to state and federal regulatory agencies.

Another copper-focused project that may benefit from the incoming Trump administration is Northern Dynasty Minerals' (TSX:NDM,NYSEAMERICAN:NAK) controversial Pebble project in Alaska.

The company has been exploring the Bristol Bay region since acquiring the property in 2001, but the US Army Corps of Engineers denied approval in 2020; the Environmental Protection Agency did the same in 2021.

Northern Dynasty has been fighting these decisions at both the state and federal level. It reached the Supreme Court in January 2024, but was denied a hearing until the dispute is examined at the state level.

On December 20, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy added his support for the project when he petitioned the incoming president to issue an Alaska-specific executive order on his first day in office. The order would effectively reverse decisions made by the Biden administration, including the permitting of the Pebble project.

In addition to Pebble, projects like Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) and BHP’s (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) Resolution, and Hudbay Minerals' (TSX:HBM,NYSE:HBM) Copper World, both of which are in Arizona, may benefit from Trump’s plan to reduce permitting times on projects worth over US$1 billion.

Currently, large-scale operations like these can take up to 20 years to move from exploration to production in the US. Copper is considered a critical mineral for the energy transition, and is increasingly becoming a security concern as the US is largely dependent on China for its supply of copper.

Copper price volatility expected under Trump tariff turmoil

As tensions continue to grow between the west and eastern nations like China and Russia, it may not take much to threaten markets for critical materials, including copper.

Trump has already promised to impose a 60 percent tariff on all goods coming from China.

A tariff on copper imports could upend the president-elect's plans for the resource sector. It would increase the prices of copper imports and disrupt the overall economy.

“The risk is that the president-elect’s threatened tariffs, including 60 percent on China and 20 percent on all other nations, could derail global economic growth, lead to higher inflation and, with that, tighten monetary policy and also lead to a change in trade flows. Copper will suffer if demand takes a hit," Joannides said.

"In addition, there is likely to be continued volatility in prices,” she added.

In its recent analysis of Trump’s policies, ING sees an overall negative impact on global metals demand.

The firm believes that many of his plans, including tariffs, will cause the US Federal Reserve take a longer-term approach to reducing interest rates, which could affect investment in large-scale copper projects.

S&P Global expressed a similar view after Trump's win. Immediately after the election, copper prices sank 4 percent to fall under US$4.30, with the firm suggesting that is likely just the beginning. The organization notes that while the market may have already priced in Trump’s tariffs, a larger trade war could impact prices even further.

Economic recovery in China could further boost copper prices

China's faltering economy has been a major headwind for copper over the past several years.

The country's housing market accounts for roughly 30 percent of global demand for the red metal, meaning that any shifts could have significant implications for the copper market.

The sector has been struggling for the past few years as the country deals with economic issues, including fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused disruptions to supply chains and a spike in unemployment.

Ultimately, economic factors struck China's real estate sector, an important driver of the country’s gross domestic product; this caused the collapse of the nation's top two developers, China Evergrande Group and Country Garden.

So far, the government’s attempts to stimulate the economy and jumpstart the beleaguered real estate sector have largely failed. In September, it announced measures aimed at property buyers, such as reducing interest rates for existing mortgages by 50 points and cutting the minimum downpayment requirement for homes to 15 percent.

Other changes introduced at the time include more help from the People’s Bank of China, which will provide a lending facility for state-owned firms to acquire unsold flats for affordable housing.

China followed this up with an announcement in November that it will provide additional support for local governments by increasing their debt-raising capacity by 6 trillion yuan over the next six years.

While these measures may not be felt for some time, kickstarting the Asian nation's real estate sector could be a boon for copper producers and investors.

“If the Chinese real estate market were to post a recovery, this would see domestic demand for copper tick higher and could lead to a tighter supply and demand balance overall, assuming all other things remain unchanged. This would underpin even higher prices than we are currently projecting,” said Joannides.

Copper industry needs more investment dollars

With copper demand projected to grow long term, supply-side concerns are rising. According to Joannides, there is already recognition that copper exploration has been underinvested over the past few years.

“We are seeing signs this could change. Much of the growth over the last five years has come from brownfield expansions rather than greenfield/new discoveries," she explained to INN.

"Technology will likely help increase the chance of discovery, and broadly I would say that policymakers are now more supportive of mineral exploration as the push to secure critical raw materials supply has moved up the agenda."

Joannides pointed to greenfield projects already in the pipeline, including Capstone Copper’s (TSX:CS,OTC Pink:CSCCF) Santo Domingo in Chile, Southern Copper’s (NYSE:SCCO) Tia Maria in Peru and Teck Resources' (TSX:TECK.A,TECK.B,NYSE:TECK) Zarfanal in Peru.

There's also Northmet, a Teck and Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF) joint venture in Minnesota.

Rising copper prices could also increase the flow of money from the major companies into the junior space, where most of the exploration is currently occurring.

“Copper has become the standout strategic preference for the major mining companies. The risk-adjusted cost of developing organic copper assets is higher than the cost of acquiring them,” Joannides said.

This kind of acquisition activity could help reduce the development time of assets compared to companies starting exploration from scratch.

Investor takeaway

While copper supply and demand conditions are expected to remain tight in 2025, competing forces are at play.

One of the biggest factors is Trump’s return to the White House. If the president-elect takes action as quickly as he has promised, investors could soon gain insight on the long-term implications of his policies.

In terms of China, it will take time to get the property sector back to where it was before the pandemic; however, there may be sparks early in the year as new measures start to work their way through the market.

During 2025 it may be even more prudent than usual for investors to do their due diligence on copper and keep an eye on the forces that may affect the market.

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

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

Editorial Disclosure: Los Andes Copper, Osisko Metals and Quetzal Copper are clients of the Investing News Network. This article is not paid-for content.

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

5 Best-performing Copper Stocks on the TSX in 2024

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

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

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

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

1. Trilogy Metals (TSX:TMQ)

Company Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Northern Dynasty Minerals (TSX:NDM)

Company Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. NGEX Minerals (TSX:NGEX)

Company Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. First Quantum Minerals (TSX:FM)

Company Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Hudbay Minerals (TSX:HBM)

Company Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article by Dean Belder; FAQs by Lauren Kelly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Koryx Copper (TSXV:KRY)

Company Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Hannan Metals (TSXV:HAN)

Company Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Sandfire Resources America (TSXV:SFR)

Company Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Awalé Resources (TSXV:ARIC)

Press ReleasesCompany Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Investor Kit

5. Lara Exploration (TSXV:LRA)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

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

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