Core Insights - The updated Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) for the Johnny Lee Deposit highlights significant high-grade underground copper potential, with a Probable Mineral Reserve of 9.5 million tonnes at 2.9% copper, equating to 270,000 tonnes of copper, supporting an 8-year mine life at the Black Butte Copper Project in Montana, USA [1][5][6] Project Overview - The Black Butte Copper Project encompasses 8,078 hectares, including 7,684 hectares of fee simple lands and 1,040 unpatented mining claims, located in south-central Montana, 27 km north of White Sulphur Springs [8] - The Johnny Lee Deposit is the cornerstone of the project, discovered in 1985, consisting of two mineralization zones: the upper copper zone (JL UCZ) and the lower copper zone (JL LCZ) [9][10] Economic Analysis - The construction capital cost is estimated at US$474 million, with average annual post-tax cash flows projected at US$78 million for the first five years [4][5] - The project is expected to generate US$2.3 billion in gross revenue and US$1.0 billion in pre-tax net cash flow, based on a copper price of US$4.70 per pound [5] - The pre-tax NPV at an 8% discount rate is estimated at US$143 million with an IRR of 13.6%, while the post-tax NPV is US$99 million with an IRR of 11.3% [18] Mineral Resource Estimates - The updated Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource for the Johnny Lee Deposit is 18.9 million tonnes at 2.4% copper, containing 462,000 tonnes of copper, with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 3.4 million tonnes at 1.9% copper, containing 64,000 tonnes of copper [5][52] - For the Lowry Deposit, located approximately 3 km southeast of the Johnny Lee Deposit, the updated Measured and Indicated Resource is 6.6 million tonnes at 2.4% copper, containing 154,000 tonnes of copper, and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 2.8 million tonnes at 2.1% copper, containing 58,000 tonnes of copper [7][36] Mining and Processing - The mining method for the Johnny Lee Deposit will utilize a drift and fill approach, with a processing plant designed to produce approximately 35,000 tonnes of contained copper annually during the initial four years of operation [12][53] - The project anticipates an average annual production of approximately 29,000 tonnes of copper metal over the 8-year mine life, with a direct operating cash cost (C1) of US$2.56 per pound [5][18] Environmental and Legal Considerations - The project has undergone rigorous environmental assessments, with a positive record of decision from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MT DEQ) allowing for development and underground mining [10][11] - The Montana Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of the company, reinstating the Mine Operating Permit, which allows the project to proceed without further legal challenges [11][75][77] Future Outlook - The company aims to advance the project towards the completion of a feasibility study, emphasizing a commitment to responsible mining practices that will provide long-term economic benefits to the local community and shareholders [6][8]

Core Insights - The updated Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) for the Johnny Lee Deposit highlights significant high-grade underground copper potential, with a Probable Mineral Reserve of 9.5 million tonnes at 2.9% copper, equating to 270,000 tonnes of copper, supporting an 8-year mine life at the Black Butte Copper Project in Montana, USA [1][5][6] - The updated Mineral Resource estimate for the nearby Lowry Deposit indicates a growing opportunity for future expansion beyond the initial mine plan [7][8] Group 1: Project Overview - The Black Butte Copper Project encompasses 8,078 hectares, including 7,684 hectares of fee simple lands and 1,040 unpatented mining claims [8] - The Johnny Lee Deposit consists of two mineralization zones: the upper copper zone (JL UCZ) and the lower copper zone (JL LCZ) [9][50] Group 2: Economic Analysis - The construction capital cost is estimated at US$474 million, with average annual post-tax cash flows projected at US$78 million for the first five years [4][5] - The project is expected to generate US$2.3 billion in gross revenue and US$1.0 billion in pre-tax net cash flow, based on a copper price of US$4.70 per pound [5][19] - The pre-tax NPV at an 8% discount rate is estimated at US$143 million, with an IRR of 13.6%, while the post-tax NPV is US$99 million with an IRR of 11.3% [19] Group 3: Mineral Resource and Reserve Estimates - The updated Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource for the Johnny Lee Deposit is 18.9 million tonnes at 2.4% copper, containing 462,000 tonnes of copper, with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 3.4 million tonnes at 1.9% copper [5][49] - The Lowry Deposit has a Measured and Indicated Resource of 6.6 million tonnes at 2.4% copper, containing 154,000 tonnes of copper, and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 2.8 million tonnes at 2.1% copper [33][39] Group 4: Mining and Processing - The mining method for the Johnny Lee Deposit will utilize a drift and fill approach, with a processing plant designed to produce approximately 35,000 tonnes of contained copper annually in the first four years [12][54] - The average annual production is projected at around 29,000 tonnes of copper metal over the initial 8-year mine life, with a direct operating cash cost of US$2.56 per pound [5][19] Group 5: Environmental and Legal Considerations - The project has undergone a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement process, with a positive record of decision received from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality [10][71] - The Montana Supreme Court has upheld the Mine Operating Permit, allowing the company to proceed with construction [11][74] Group 6: Future Outlook - The company aims to advance the project through the completion of a feasibility study, emphasizing a commitment to responsible mining practices and long-term economic benefits for the local community [6][8]

December 15, 2025 09:10 PM GMT Commodity Matters | Europe Data Centres and Copper Demand: Updating Estimates We estimate data centres will consume 500 kt (1.5%) of copper in 2025, rising to ~740 kt in 2026, adding 0.6 p.p. to copper demand growth. This should help tighten the copper balance, even as other sectors like renewables show signs of slowing, against a backdrop of constrained supply. Key Takeaways Data centre estimates continue to rise: Stephen Byrd and team have published their latest Powering Gen ...

Core Insights - Japan's JX Advanced Metals announced that its Pan Pacific Copper (PPC) unit has sold its entire stake in an undeveloped copper project in Peru to Glencore for an undisclosed amount [1] Company Summary - JX Advanced Metals' PPC unit has divested its entire interest in a copper project located in Peru [1] - The financial details of the transaction, including the sale price, have not been disclosed [1] Industry Summary - The sale reflects ongoing consolidation trends in the mining sector, particularly in copper, as companies seek to optimize their portfolios [1] - Glencore's acquisition of the undeveloped copper project may indicate its strategy to expand its resource base in response to increasing global demand for copper [1]

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2025) - Pacific Empire Minerals Corp. (TSXV: PEMC) ("Pacific Empire", "PEMC" or the "Company"), a copper-gold explorer based in British Columbia, is pleased to announce initial assay results from the upper portion of the first hole of its 2025 winter diamond drilling program at the Trident copper-gold project in north-central British Columbia. These initial results, which represent only the upper portion of Hole DD25-TRI-001, demonstrate broad, ne ...

Core Viewpoint - Midnight Sun Mining Corp. is hosting a webinar on December 17, 2025, to discuss developments at its Dumbwa and Kazhiba targets, featuring presentations from key executives and a live Q&A session [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Midnight Sun Mining Corp. is focused on exploring its flagship Solwezi Project located in Zambia, which is in the Zambia-Congo Copperbelt, the second largest copper-producing region globally [2]. - The Solwezi Project is strategically surrounded by producing copper mines, including First Quantum's Kansanshi Mine, which is Africa's largest copper mining complex [2]. - The company aims to find and develop Zambia's next generational copper deposit, supported by an experienced geological team with a track record of multiple discoveries and mines worldwide [2]. Group 2: Webinar Details - The webinar is scheduled for December 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PST/1:00 p.m. EST, and will include discussions on the company's developments at its mining targets [1]. - Presentations will be led by COO Kevin Bonel and VP Exploration Adrian Karolko, followed by a live Q&A session with the team [1].

Group 1 - Fortescue Ltd is acquiring the remaining 64% of Alta Copper, having already owned 36% of the company, with the deal subject to shareholder and court approval, targeted to close in the March 2026 quarter [2] - Alta Copper shareholders will receive $1.40 per share, representing a 50% premium to the 30-day volume weighted average price, implying a total equity value of $139 million for Alta Copper [3] - Alta Copper focuses on its Canariaco project in Northern Peru, which has a reported mineral resource of 1.1 billion tonnes at a 0.42% copper equivalent grade [4] Group 2 - The acquisition aligns with the increasing demand for copper, particularly in AI development and technology sectors, as copper is essential for data centers and telecommunications [6] - Fortescue's share price is down approximately 1.2%, showing resilience compared to other major ASX mining companies, which have seen larger declines [7] - The cyclical nature of ASX mining shares suggests that potential investors may want to wait for a lower point in the share price cycle before purchasing Fortescue shares, despite a 20% increase since the beginning of the year [8]

Core Viewpoint - Fortescue will acquire the remaining 64% of Alta Copper, valuing the total equity at C$139 million (approximately $101 million) for the Toronto-listed copper miner [1] Company Summary - Fortescue is expanding its portfolio by purchasing the remaining shares of Alta Copper, indicating a strategic move to enhance its presence in the copper mining sector [1] - The acquisition reflects Fortescue's commitment to diversifying its investments and strengthening its position in the mining industry [1] Industry Summary - The deal highlights ongoing consolidation trends within the mining sector, particularly in the copper market, as companies seek to enhance their resource bases and operational efficiencies [1] - The valuation of C$139 million for Alta Copper suggests a competitive landscape in the copper mining industry, where companies are actively pursuing growth opportunities [1]

Core Viewpoint - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP is investigating potential claims against Freeport-McMoRan Inc. due to allegations of safety violations at its Grasberg Block Cave mine, which led to significant investor losses following recent incidents [2][4]. Group 1: Legal Investigation and Claims - The law firm is encouraging investors who suffered losses in Freeport-McMoRan to discuss their legal options, particularly those who purchased securities between February 15, 2022, and September 24, 2025 [1][2]. - A federal securities class action has been filed against Freeport, with a deadline of January 12, 2026, for investors to seek the role of lead plaintiff [2]. Group 2: Safety Violations and Incidents - The complaint alleges that Freeport and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false or misleading statements regarding safety at the Grasberg Block Cave mine, which posed a heightened risk to workers [4]. - On September 9, 2025, Freeport suspended mining activities after an incident trapped seven workers, resulting in a stock price drop of $2.77, or 5.9%, to close at $43.89 per share [5]. - Following an update on September 24, 2025, revealing two fatalities among the trapped workers, Freeport's stock fell by $7.69, or 17%, closing at $37.67 per share [6]. Group 3: Market Reactions and Future Implications - An article published on September 25, 2025, indicated that the halt in production at the Grasberg mine could strain Freeport's relationship with the Indonesian government, leading to further stock decline of $2.33, or 6.2%, to close at $35.34 [7]. - An expert suggested that the landslide incident was preventable, indicating ongoing concerns about Freeport's operational safety and regulatory compliance [8].

Core Viewpoint - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP is investigating potential claims against Freeport-McMoRan Inc. related to alleged violations of federal securities laws, particularly concerning safety issues at the Grasberg Block Cave mine in Indonesia [2][4]. Summary by Sections Legal Investigation - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP is encouraging investors who suffered losses in Freeport-McMoRan to contact them regarding their legal rights, with a deadline of January 12, 2026, to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action [2][4]. Allegations Against Freeport-McMoRan - The complaint alleges that Freeport and its executives made false or misleading statements and failed to disclose safety inadequacies at the Grasberg Block Cave mine, which heightened risks of worker fatalities and regulatory issues [4]. - Specific allegations include inadequate safety measures, which foreseeably led to the death of workers, and that these risks were not disclosed, making the company's statements materially false and misleading [4]. Impact on Stock Price - Following the suspension of mining activities on September 9, 2025, due to a tragic incident that trapped seven workers, Freeport's stock price fell by $2.77, or 5.9%, closing at $43.89 per share [5]. - After the update on September 24, 2025, revealing two fatalities among the trapped workers, the stock price dropped by $7.69, or 17%, closing at $37.67 per share [6]. - An article published on September 25, 2025, regarding the implications of the halt in production led to an additional decline of $2.33, or 6.2%, with the stock closing at $35.34 [7]. Expert Opinions - An article published on September 28, 2025, suggested that the landslide incident at Freeport was preventable, indicating that the risks associated with the mine were known and should have been anticipated [8]. Call for Information - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP is also seeking information from whistleblowers, former employees, and shareholders regarding Freeport's conduct [9].