Aldebaran spins out greenfield assets in Argentina

Core Viewpoint - Aldebaran Resources has spun out its exploration-stage assets into a new company, Centauri Minerals, to unlock additional value for shareholders while focusing on the Altar project as its sole asset [2][6]. Company Overview - Aldebaran Resources is a Vancouver-based copper-gold developer that has transitioned its focus to the Altar project in San Juan province, which is currently its only asset [1][8]. Spin-off Details - The new subsidiary, Centauri Minerals, will manage six greenfield projects covering over 430 sq. km across Salta, Jujuy, and Catamarca provinces [3]. - Centauri will receive the exploration assets from Aldebaran in exchange for 40 million shares, representing 78.1% of the subsidiary's outstanding shares [6]. Project Highlights - The most advanced project under Centauri is Rio Grande, which has a resource of 71 million tonnes grading 0.30% copper and 0.36 g/t gold in the indicated category, and 41 million tonnes at 0.23% copper and 0.28 g/t gold in the inferred category [3]. - Another significant project is Aguas Calientes, which has not been drilled since 2019 despite having a well-mineralized surface [4]. Leadership and Funding - Sam Leung, a director at Aldebaran with experience in South American mining projects, will lead Centauri Minerals [5]. - Centauri plans to raise approximately C$5.7 million through private seed financing at C$0.50 per share to fund exploration initiatives and administrative costs [6][7]. Future Plans - Centauri aims to complete a technical report on Rio Grande and conduct field programs in preparation for drilling [7]. - Aldebaran's goal for the Altar project is to advance it towards a prefeasibility study in the coming year [8]. Market Reaction - Following the spin-off announcement, Aldebaran's stock increased by 0.6%, resulting in a market capitalization of C$580.5 million (approximately $414.3 million) [9].