Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 9, 2026) - Kutcho Copper Corp. (TSXV: KC) (OTCQX: KCCFF) ("Kutcho Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to highlight the VMS District scale exploration potential at its feasibility stage, high-grade copper-zinc development project (the "Project") located in Northwest British Columbia. Vince Sorace, President & CEO of Kutcho Copper stated: "As we are assessing our opportunities and finalizing objectives for the coming year, we have a clear initiative - ...

Core Viewpoint - Shares in Phoenix Copper Ltd fell 45% to 1.1p following the suspension of its executive chairman and chief financial officer due to ongoing investigations into their conduct and historical payments [1][2]. Group 1: Management Suspension - The board of Phoenix Copper Ltd has suspended chair Marcus Edwards-Jones and CFO Richard Wilkins with immediate effect [1]. - Investigations are underway regarding allegations related to the recent conduct of the suspended executives and certain historical payments made to the company's former corporate finance adviser [2]. Group 2: Interim Management Arrangements - Interim financial oversight arrangements have been established while the company seeks to appoint a new interim CFO [3]. - The interim arrangements will be supported by Catherine Evans, chair of the audit committee, Ryan McDermott, the CEO, and other board members and senior management [3]. - The company plans to outsource the company secretary role to a corporate services firm during the ongoing investigations [3]. Group 3: Financial Position and Funding - Phoenix Copper has limited working capital and anticipates that its current cash balances will only meet ongoing obligations until early Q2 2026 without additional funding [4]. - The company is exploring various short-term and long-term funding options and will update shareholders on its fundraising strategy in due course [4]. - Discussions regarding the terms of a short-term loan facility with Riverfort Global Opportunities PCC Limited are ongoing, with updates to be provided once concluded [5].

BATIDERO, Argentina, Feb 9 (Reuters) - High in the Andes Mountains, more than 4,200 meters above sea level on the Argentina–Chile border, mining company Vicuña Corp. aims to double its investment this year in ​one of the world’s biggest copper bets, a company executive said. Vicuña Corp., formed by Australia’s BHP and ‌Canada’s Lundin Mining, could invest about $800 million this year in the Filo del Sol and Josemaría mines, according to communications director Caterina Dzugala. The two ‌projects could tur ...

Core Viewpoint - The US, EU, and Japan are collaborating to counter China's dominance in global critical minerals supply chains, aiming to diversify supply and stimulate demand through a new agreement [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Initiatives - The US and EU plan to finalize a deal within 30 days to enhance cooperation in critical minerals, focusing on preventing supply chain disruptions and promoting research and innovation [1]. - A Framework for Securing the Supply of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths was signed between the US and Japan, emphasizing the need for global supply diversification [6]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Critical minerals are increasingly viewed as essential for national security and technological advancement, with China controlling 60% to over 90% of processing for various minerals [3]. - The US is investing hundreds of billions of dollars into the mining sector to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains [10]. Group 3: Legislative Actions - The US has introduced the Critical Mineral Dominance Act to encourage domestic mining and refining, marking a significant step towards achieving mineral supply independence [11][12]. - Bipartisan support is evident in legislative efforts aimed at bolstering the US's position in the critical minerals market [11]. Group 4: Supply Chain Concerns - Recent trade measures by China, including export restrictions on rare earth elements, have heightened concerns about supply chain stability [8][9]. - The US is responding to perceived predatory trade practices by China, which are seen as undermining global mining efforts [7]. Group 5: Copper Market Insights - Copper prices have surged, reaching record highs due to supply fears, with demand expected to rise by 50% to 42 million metric tons by 2040 [13][14]. - The increasing demand for copper is driven by sectors such as AI, electric vehicles, and data centers, with significant quantities required for infrastructure [18][19].

Core Viewpoint - Sandfire Resources has secured an 80% stake in the Kalkaroo Copper-Gold Project through agreements with Havilah Resources, marking a significant step in advancing this major mining project in South Australia [1][2]. Group 1: Project Details - The Kalkaroo project is recognized as Australia's most significant undeveloped open-pit copper deposit, with a copper equivalent grade of 0.74% [2]. - The project contains measured, indicated, and inferred JORC mineral resources, including 1.1 million tonnes of copper, 3.1 million ounces of gold, and 23,200 tonnes of cobalt [2]. - The acquisition involves an initial payment of approximately A$117.6 million (US$81.9 million), which includes A$31.5 million in cash and 4,640,833 shares of Sandfire [2]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The CEO of Sandfire highlighted that this transaction is a crucial milestone, providing the company with the opportunity to control a resource that has the potential for large-scale, long-life, and low-cost development [3]. - The option to acquire the 80% interest is contingent upon completing a new pre-feasibility study, which will include at least 20,000 meters of infill and resource extension drilling, to be completed within 24 months [4]. Group 3: Investment and Collaboration - Sandfire plans to invest A$30 million in regional exploration over a minimum of two years as part of the strategic alliance with Havilah [5][6]. - Havilah's technical director noted that Sandfire's capital and technical expertise are essential for fully evaluating and developing the Kalkaroo project at an optimal scale, while Havilah retains a 20% carried interest in the project [5].

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AFDG, now Copper Intelligence, has successfully entered a binding contract for the transaction closing of the Butembo mining concession in Eastern DRC. In conjunction with the SPA, AFDG shares have been issued to the license holders, with ownership of the mining interest now held by the US domiciled entity, thus completing the Reverse Takeover transaction (RTO). The transaction was signed in parallel with a Strategic Minerals roundtable held in Washington DC in conj ...

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Capstone Copper Corp. ("Capstone†or the "Company†) (TSX:CS) (ASX:CSC) is pleased to announce that Union #2 at the Mantoverde Mine in Chile has ratified a new 3-year collective bargaining agreement, ending the strike initiated on January 2. Capstone's priority is to safely and efficiently return to full operations at Mantoverde, which operated at approximately 55% of normal production levels during the strike. Following an agreement with Union #2, M. ...

Core Insights - Largo Inc. reported annual production of 9,150 tonnes (20.17 million lbs) of vanadium pentoxide equivalent from its Maracás Menchen Mine in 2025, with sales of 8,686 tonnes, achieving production guidance despite challenges from lower ore grades and new US tariffs [4][5][7] Production and Sales Performance - Q4 2025 V2O5 equivalent production was 2,961 tonnes, a 66.8% increase from Q4 2024, while annual production was slightly lower than 2024's 9,264 tonnes [7][20] - Total ore mined in Q4 2025 was 665,953 tonnes, with an effective ore grade of 0.53% V2O5, higher than the previous year [6][20] - Global recovery rates improved to 80.1% in 2025 from 76.4% in 2024, maintaining 77.9% in Q4 2025 [7][20] Market and Pricing Trends - The average benchmark price per lb of V2O5 in Europe rose to $5.85 in Q4 2025, a 9.55% increase from Q4 2024, while ferrovanadium prices in the US and Europe saw declines of 8.54% and 8.62% respectively [7][20] - Vanadium spot demand remained soft in Q4 2025, primarily due to weaker demand in the Chinese and European steel industries, although the US steel market remained stable [7][20] Future Guidance and Strategic Initiatives - The company expects higher V2O5-equivalent production in Q1 2026 compared to Q1 2025, driven by increased ore availability [9][10] - Largo is focusing on productivity improvements, including mining efficiency and operational enhancements, to stabilize and enhance throughput in 2026 and beyond [10][20] - The company has suspended ilmenite production guidance for 2026 to evaluate the potential for copper and PGM production using existing infrastructure [5][7]

Core Insights - Solis Minerals Ltd is advancing its Cucho Copper Project in Peru, highlighting its potential as a significant copper deposit amid strong market conditions and record copper prices [2][6][19] Project Overview - The Cucho Copper Project, located in the Ancash Department of Peru, was initially discovered in 2008 and has been identified as a large-scale porphyry copper-molybdenum system [4][6] - The project area has been expanded through the acquisition of neighboring concessions, resulting in a mineralization footprint of approximately 3 x 1.8 kilometers [4] Exploration and Drilling Plans - Historical drilling has shown promising results, with significant intercepts such as 169.7 meters at 0.24% Cu and 178.7 meters at 0.23% Cu [5] - The company plans to commence drilling in late H1 2026, with permitting processes already advanced [5][9] - A total of 14 drill pad locations are being permitted to allow flexibility during the drilling campaign [9] Commercial Terms and Agreements - Solis Minerals has renegotiated commercial terms favorably, aligning milestone payments with key exploration milestones [10][13] - The company has the right to earn up to a 75% interest in a joint venture company that will hold 100% of the project [7] Regional Context and Competitors - The region surrounding Cucho is experiencing increased exploration activity from major mining companies, indicating strong geological potential [14][17] - Other projects in the vicinity, such as AusQuest's Cangallo Copper Project and Element 29's Elida Copper Project, demonstrate similar geological characteristics and potential [15][16] Future Milestones - Solis Minerals aims to discover copper-gold resources that can support large-scale mining operations in one of the world's leading copper-gold regions [19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Barrick achieved record financial results in Q4 2025, with revenues increasing by 45% from Q3, driven by higher production and a 21% increase in realized gold prices [10] - Net earnings nearly doubled from the prior quarter, and the company reported record quarterly cash flow, free cash flow, earnings per share, and cash balance [10][11] - For the year, cash flow from operations reached $7.7 billion and free cash flow was $3.9 billion, up 71% and 194% year-over-year, respectively [11][12] - The company ended the year with a net cash position of $2 billion, indicating a strong balance sheet [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gold production increased by 5% from Q3, with a full-year total of 3.26 million ounces, aligning with guidance [8][23] - Copper production rose by 13% from Q3, driven by higher throughput at Lumwana [8] - The operational review led to a restructuring of business units, enhancing operational efficiency [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The gold price increased by 21%, contributing to higher margins and cash flow [10][12] - The company anticipates gold production in 2026 to be between 2.9-3.25 million ounces, with a focus on ramping up production at Loulo-Gounkoto [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Barrick plans to proceed with an IPO of its North American gold assets, targeting completion by late 2026 to maximize shareholder value [5][26] - The company is focused on safety as its top priority for 2026, following operational achievements overshadowed by fatalities in the previous year [6][7] - The management team has been restructured to enhance operational experience and efficiency [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving production guidance for 2026, citing a strong start to the year and improved operational discipline [16][17] - The company is committed to maintaining a focus on high-quality assets and strategic growth, particularly in North America [33][103] Other Important Information - The board has authorized a new dividend policy, increasing the base dividend by 40% to $0.175 per quarter, with a target to pay out 50% of attributable free cash flow [13][14] - The company has successfully resolved disputes in Mali, regaining operational control and ramping up production [21][76] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the strategic rationale behind the IPO of NGM and PV? - Management believes a partial IPO will unlock more value than a full separation, as the North American assets are undervalued within Barrick [31][34] Question: What are the intended proceeds from the IPO? - The specifics of the use of proceeds will be determined as part of the preparation work for the IPO [36] Question: Can you provide an update on the Reko Diq financing? - Management is reviewing the security situation in Balochistan before proceeding with financing [40] Question: How has the mine plan review impacted guidance, particularly for Carlin? - The review has led to more realistic production targets based on actual performance, with a focus on achieving consistent delivery [44][46] Question: Is Veladero considered a non-core asset? - Veladero is not non-core and has been one of the top-performing assets in the last year [57] Question: What is the expected recovery rate at PV? - The target recovery rate is 84%, with ongoing efforts to optimize stockpile blending [62][64] Question: Will Barrick sell more gold assets in the future? - The focus remains on high-quality assets, and any dispositions will align with the strategic filter [103]