Hudbay Announces $600 Million Strategic Investment from Mitsubishi Corporation for 30% Joint Venture Interest in Copper World

Core Points - Hudbay Minerals Inc. has entered into a joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation, where Mitsubishi will acquire a 30% interest in Copper World LLC for an initial cash contribution of $600 million [1][5][9] - The partnership is aimed at advancing the Copper World project in Arizona, which is expected to produce 85,000 tonnes of copper annually for 20 years, creating significant economic value and job opportunities [4][8][16] Group 1: Joint Venture Details - Mitsubishi's investment consists of $420 million at closing and an additional $180 million within 18 months, with the transaction subject to customary closing conditions [1][5][11] - The joint venture will be structured as a new limited liability corporation, Copper World LLC, allowing Hudbay to retain its existing U.S. federal net operating losses of approximately $275 million and Arizona state losses of $210 million [9][11] - The transaction is expected to close in late 2025 or early 2026, pending regulatory approvals [11] Group 2: Strategic Importance - The partnership with Mitsubishi is seen as a significant milestone for Hudbay, enhancing its copper growth portfolio and validating the long-term value of the Copper World project [2][4][10] - Mitsubishi's involvement is strategically important for its growth strategy in the copper sector, leveraging Hudbay's operational expertise [2][6] Group 3: Economic Impact - The Copper World project is projected to contribute approximately $1.5 billion to the U.S. critical minerals supply chain and create over 1,000 jobs during construction, with 400 direct jobs and up to 3,000 indirect jobs once operational [4][8][6] - The project is expected to generate over $850 million in U.S. taxes over its initial 20-year mine life, supporting national security and energy independence [8][6] Group 4: Financial Flexibility - The joint venture significantly reduces Hudbay's estimated share of remaining capital contributions to approximately $200 million, deferring its first capital contribution until 2028 at the earliest [4][35] - The levered project internal rate of return (IRR) for Hudbay is expected to increase to approximately 90% based on pre-feasibility study estimates [4][35] Group 5: Project Development - The Copper World project is fully permitted and located on private land, with a mine life of 20 years and potential for future expansion [7][19] - A definitive feasibility study (DFS) is underway, with completion expected by mid-2026, and Hudbay plans to advance detailed engineering and other de-risking activities [7][35]