Copper prices settled 3.2% lower, and recent swings reflect heightened uncertainty across base and precious metals this year, with investors rapidly unwinding bullish bets after sharp rallies. Although copper remains up roughly 5% so far this year, with prices touching a record above $14,500 a ton last week.Market pressure has been linked to signs of weakening spot demand in China, the world’s largest consumer, where higher prices have made the metal expensive for fabricators. Inventories in London Metal E ...

Core Viewpoint - Greenstone Resources II LP and its affiliates have entered into an agreement with Paradigm Capital Inc to offer up to 143,208,937 common shares of Gunnison Copper Corp at a price of C$0.45 per share, aiming for gross proceeds of C$64,444,022 [1][2] Group 1: Offering Details - The offering will be conducted on a "best efforts" basis and is expected to be completed by February 17, 2026, subject to the execution of share purchase agreements [2] - The shares will be sold to accredited investors in Canada and to Qualified Institutional Buyers in the United States under applicable exemptions from the prospectus requirements [3] Group 2: Ownership and Impact - The Greenstone Group currently owns 143,208,937 common shares of Gunnison, representing a 36.6% ownership interest, which will be fully divested following the offering [4] - Post-offering, the Greenstone Group will no longer hold any common shares of Gunnison, indicating a complete exit from its investment in the company [4] Group 3: Future Actions - Depending on market conditions, the Greenstone Group may acquire or dispose of securities of Gunnison in the future [5]

Core Insights - Red Canyon Resources Ltd. has provided an exploration update for its 100% owned Kendal copper-molybdenum-gold-silver project, highlighting the completion of the 2025 targeted drill program and plans for 2026 [1][2][4] Company Highlights - The 2025 drill program at Kendal Ridge successfully intersected copper, molybdenum, gold, and silver mineralized porphyry veins, reinforcing confidence in the Kendal system's strength and scale [2][5] - The drilling results indicate that the company remains close to a higher-grade center of the mineralization system, with significant potential for further exploration [3][5] Drilling and Geological Insights - The Kendal project consists of five 100%-owned mineral claims totaling 2,738 hectares, located near Terrace, British Columbia, with excellent infrastructure [4][5] - The 2025 drill program included five holes totaling 2,548 meters, all of which intersected significant porphyry-style alteration and mineralization [5][6] - Assay results confirmed highly anomalous copper and molybdenum grades, with notable results from drill holes RCKD-25-007 and RCKD-25-010, indicating increasing mineralization with depth [10][25] Geochemical and Geophysical Programs - A large-scale soil geochemistry program was completed in the second half of 2025, identifying several new high-priority targets based on copper, molybdenum, gold, and silver anomalies [29][30] - The distribution of soil anomalies corresponds with significant geophysical features, emphasizing the scale of the potential mineralizing system [29][36] Future Exploration Plans - Plans for 2026 include targeting geochemical and geophysical anomalies identified east of Moly Fork and Kendal Creek, with infill geochemistry, IP geophysics, and diamond drilling anticipated to commence in Q2 2026 [43][44]

Core Viewpoint - Kutcho Copper Corp. has announced a non-brokered private placement to raise up to $3,000,000 through the issuance of flow-through units at a price of $0.43 per unit [1][2]. Group 1: Private Placement Details - The private placement will consist of up to 6,976,744 flow-through units, each unit comprising one flow-through share and one-half of a transferable common share purchase warrant [1][2]. - Each warrant is exercisable at a price of $0.55 per common share for a period of 24 months from the closing date [2]. - The proceeds from the sale of flow-through shares will be used for exploration on the Kutcho copper-zinc property, qualifying as Canadian exploration expenses [3]. Group 2: Regulatory and Compliance Information - The closing of the private placement is subject to approval from the TSX Venture Exchange, and the company may pay finder's fees as permitted by applicable policies [4]. - Certain directors and officers may participate in the private placement, which is considered a related-party transaction and is exempt from certain valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements [5]. - The securities offered will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act and cannot be sold in the United States without registration or an applicable exemption [6].

Core Insights - Ivanhoe Electric Inc. is involved in a $12 billion initiative called Project Vault aimed at building a U.S. strategic minerals stockpile to enhance supply chain security and reduce dependence on China [1][2][3] Group 1: Project Vault - Project Vault combines $1.67 billion in private capital with a $10 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank to procure and store essential minerals [2] - The initiative was launched on February 2, 2026, during a press conference at the White House, attended by key figures from the mining and manufacturing sectors, including Robert Friedland and Mary Barra [3][4] - The project aims to create a resilient domestic supply of critical minerals for U.S. industries [6] Group 2: Santa Cruz Copper Project - Ivanhoe Electric is advancing the Santa Cruz Copper Project in Arizona, which is expected to produce refined copper cathode by late 2028 [1][10] - The project is designed to produce 99.99% pure copper cathode over a 23-year mine life using a 100% heap leach process, minimizing the need for offshore smelting and refining [10] - The Santa Cruz Copper Project is positioned to become a major domestic producer of refined copper, leveraging modern mining technologies and Arizona's rich mining history [10] Group 3: Company Overview - Ivanhoe Electric focuses on developing mines from mineral deposits primarily located in the United States, aiming to support American supply chain independence [11] - The company employs advanced technologies, including the Typhoon™ geophysical surveying system, to enhance mineral exploration and discovery [11] - Ivanhoe Electric also operates a joint venture with Saudi Arabian Mining Company and has established an exploration alliance with BHP Mineral Resources Inc. to search for critical minerals [11]

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Contact: BHP is planning to restart its Cerro Colorado copper mine in Chile. The mine, located in the Pampa Norte region, is part of BHP broader ...

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 3, 2026) - Kobrea Exploration Corp. (CSE: KBX) (FSE: F3I) (OTCQB: KBXFF) ("Kobrea" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has discovered a 1,250 metre by 500 metre hydrothermal breccia body in the Cuprum trend within the Company's Western Malargüe Copper Projects (the "Property"). Kobrea holds the right to earn a 100% interest in 7 projects totaling 733 km2 in southwestern Mendoza Province, Argentina (see the Company's August 19, 2024 news r ...

Core Viewpoint - Eldorado Gold is set to acquire Foran Mining in an all-share transaction valued at approximately CAD 3.8 billion, aiming to create a larger and more geographically diversified gold and copper producer with two major projects expected to commence production in 2026 [4][7]. Company Overview - Foran Mining is a zinc-copper exploration and development company with projects located along the Flin Flon Greenstone Belt, including McIlvenna Bay, Bigstone, and others [18]. Transaction Details - Foran shareholders will receive 0.1128 Eldorado shares per Foran share, resulting in an expected post-transaction ownership of approximately 76% for Eldorado shareholders and 24% for Foran shareholders [2][7]. - The transaction is anticipated to close in Q2 2026, with shareholder meetings scheduled around April 14, 2026 [2][7]. Production and Financial Expectations - The combined company is projected to achieve annual production of over 900,000 gold equivalent ounces by 2027, representing an approximate 80% increase [5][9]. - Free cash flow is expected to reach around CAD 1.5 billion and EBITDA is forecasted to exceed CAD 2 billion in 2027 [5][8]. Project Details - The Skouries project in Greece is expected to produce 140,000 ounces of gold and 67 million pounds of copper annually over a 20-year mine life [1][6]. - The McIlvenna Bay project in Saskatchewan is approximately 85% complete and is targeting commercial production by mid-2026 [6][7]. Strategic Rationale - The acquisition is intended to enhance Eldorado's competitive position in the gold and copper markets, with a focus on long-life assets and industry-leading growth [3][4]. - The addition of McIlvenna Bay diversifies Eldorado's portfolio by increasing copper exposure and establishing a second operating footprint in Canada, with copper expected to contribute roughly 15% of revenue in 2027 [9][10]. Risk Management and Execution Readiness - Executives emphasized that key risks related to permitting, financing, and execution have been largely addressed, with the combined company expected to maintain pro forma liquidity of approximately CAD 1.5 billion and minimal net debt of around CAD 90 million [5][11][19]. - The Skouries project is fully permitted and financed, with construction progress and commissioning activities underway [19]. Future Catalysts - 2026 is described as a catalyst-rich year, with significant milestones including the commercial production of Skouries and McIlvenna Bay, as well as the expected maiden resource for the Tesla Zone [15][14].

Core Viewpoint - Questcorp Mining Inc. is advancing its North Island Copper project by conducting a new induced polarization (IP) survey to explore historic copper mineralization, particularly in the Marisa Zone, as copper prices rise due to demand and supply issues [1][3]. Company Overview - Questcorp Mining Inc. is focused on acquiring and exploring mineral properties in North America, aiming to develop economic precious and base metal properties. The company holds a 100% interest in the North Island Copper property, covering 1,168 hectares, and also has an option for a similar interest in the La Union project in Sonora, Mexico, both subject to royalty obligations [6]. Project Details - The upcoming IP survey will cover 10 to 15 line kilometers and will focus on the Marisa Zone, a porphyry copper target previously explored in the 1990s. Historical drilling results indicated significant copper values, with notable intervals of 0.078% copper over 56.39 meters and 0.041% copper over 70.71 meters [2][3]. - The 2026 IP survey aims to enhance coverage by running lines at the same azimuth as the 1973 survey, with the goal of generating new subsurface elevation plans and drill targets for further exploration [3]. Market Context - The importance of the North Island Copper project is underscored by the rising copper prices driven by demand and supply challenges, prompting the company to pursue further exploration based on historical drilling results that showed increasing copper grades with depth [3].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Metals & Mining, specifically focusing on copper - **Context**: The M&A narrative is intensifying in the copper sector, driven by high copper prices and the need for diversified majors to acquire producing assets to enhance growth pipelines [2][4] Core Insights - **M&A Activity**: The copper sector is experiencing a frenzy of mergers and acquisitions, with major companies looking to secure producing assets. This trend is expected to broaden investor interest towards pure-play copper producers [2][4] - **Valuation Trends**: Equity valuations in the copper sector have reached record highs, with EV/EBITDA multiples expanding by approximately 35-120% over the past year. Notable exceptions include KGHM and Boliden, which have not followed this trend [3][4] - **Valuation Discrepancies**: The implied copper price for Antofagasta (ANTO) has diverged from peers, indicating a potential overvaluation. The stock is trading at a significant premium to spot prices, which skews its risk-reward profile unfavorably [5][16] Company-Specific Insights - **Antofagasta (ANTO)**: - Downgraded to Underweight due to its high valuation premium, which is approximately 27% above the spot LME price [5][30] - Expected EBITDA for 2026 is projected at $6,121 million, reflecting a 1% decrease from previous estimates [28] - **KGHM**: - Maintained as a relative Overweight despite recent leadership changes, as it trades at a significant discount to peers with a 2026 spot EV/EBITDA of 4.1x, about 30% below its long-term average [5][30] - Projected EBITDA for 2026 is $10,566 million, a slight increase from previous estimates [28] Market Dynamics - **Copper Prices**: Current spot copper prices are approximately 21% above the 2026-28 price deck, indicating a bullish outlook for the commodity [27] - **Investor Sentiment**: There is a cautious sentiment towards pure-play copper stocks due to record valuations and softening micro drivers in the copper market [5][4] Additional Considerations - **Rotation Risk**: There is a potential for rotation away from ANTO as other peers de-risk and copper-focused supermajors emerge [4] - **Future Projections**: The report anticipates that the copper market will continue to evolve, with significant implications for investment strategies in the sector [2][5] Conclusion - The copper sector is at a pivotal moment with high valuations and active M&A discussions. Companies like Antofagasta may face challenges due to overvaluation, while KGHM presents a more attractive investment opportunity given its relative discount and strong fundamentals. Investors should remain vigilant of market dynamics and potential shifts in sentiment as the landscape evolves.