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HBM Sells 30% Stake in Copper World to Mitsubishi for $600M
ZACKS· 2025-08-16 02:41
Group 1: Joint Venture and Investment - Hudbay Minerals Inc. has entered into a joint venture agreement with Mitsubishi Corporation, where Mitsubishi will acquire a 30% minority stake for an initial cash contribution of $600 million [1][9] - Mitsubishi's investment will consist of $420 million at closing and $180 million within 18 months of closing, along with funding its pro-rata 30% share of future equity capital contributions [3] Group 2: Project Details and Financial Impact - Copper World is one of the highest-grade open-pit copper projects in the Americas, with proven and probable reserves of 385 million tons at 0.54% copper [2] - The combined impact of the Mitsubishi investment and the amended Wheaton stream is expected to reduce Hudbay Minerals' estimated share of remaining capital requirements to around $200 million, deferring its first capital outlay until 2028 [5][9] Group 3: Production and Growth Outlook - Hudbay Minerals plans to advance Copper World toward a sanction decision in 2026, with a feasibility study expected to be completed by mid-2026 [6] - Once in production, Copper World is expected to produce 85,000 tons of copper annually over an initial 20-year mine life, boosting Hudbay Minerals' consolidated copper output by more than 50% [6] Group 4: Recent Financial Performance - Hudbay Minerals reported second-quarter 2025 earnings of 19 cents per share, compared to break-even earnings per share a year ago, driven by higher gross margins and cost control [7] - The company reported revenues of $536.4 million, a 26% increase year over year, with consolidated copper production at 29,956 tons and gold production at 56,271 ounces [8]
Gunnison Copper nears first sale from Johnson Camp Mine – ICYMI
Proactiveinvestors NA· 2025-08-15 21:16
Core Insights - Gunnison Copper Corp is making significant progress at the Johnson Camp mine, with production systems operational and the first copper sale expected in September [1][4]. Production Updates - The SX plant commenced operations on July 31, followed by the activation of the electroplating facility on August 2, indicating a rapid advancement in production capabilities [2][3]. - The company anticipates that each strip cycle in the SX-EW plant will yield over 100,000 pounds of copper, with testing and delivery to the U.S. market planned shortly [3]. Future Developments - Post-copper sale, the focus will shift back to the Gunnison Project, which has a net present value (NPV) estimated between $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion [5]. - The company is exploring the commercialization of gravel and high-grade limestone, as well as testing an ore sorting process that could enhance the project's value [5]. Market Position - Gunnison Copper Corp believes it is undervalued compared to its peers, positioning itself as a junior producer of pure copper metal for the U.S. domestic market, supported by a strong project at Gunnison and a robust exploration portfolio in Arizona [6].
High-Grade Sediment Hosted Mineralization Extended at Pampa Medina – 300m Western Step-out SMRD-16 Intersects 10m of 4.2% Cu within 70m of 1.0% Cu
Globenewswire· 2025-08-15 10:30
Core Insights - Marimaca Copper Corp. has successfully extended the high-grade sediment-hosted manto system at the Pampa Medina deposit by 300 meters to the west through further drilling, indicating significant potential for resource expansion [1][3][11] - The ongoing drilling program consists of 10,000 meters with three rigs currently operational, focusing on both extensional and infill drilling to define the limits of the mineralized system [1][7][9] Exploration Results - Hole SMRD-16 reported significant intersections, including 70 meters of 1.0% Cu from 434 meters downhole, with high-grade zones exceeding 4.2% Cu [3][4][11] - The mineralized area is confirmed to extend over 1.2 km by 1.2 km, with an average true thickness of 50 to 100 meters, suggesting continuity of mineralization [5][11] - Hole SMRD-15 also demonstrated near-surface oxide mineralization, intersecting 42 meters of 0.51% Cu from 158 meters [3][11] Geological Context - Pampa Medina is characterized as a stratiform or manto-style copper deposit, primarily hosted in Jurassic-Triassic sedimentary units, with mineralization types including both oxides and sulphides [9][10][39] - The geological model has been updated to focus on lower sedimentary units, which are identified as productive horizons for future drilling [10][39] Infrastructure and Development Potential - The proximity of Pampa Medina to existing mines and infrastructure, including powerlines and water pipelines, is expected to facilitate development and reduce permitting risks [3][9] - The low-altitude, flat terrain of the "pampa" valley provides ample space for future facilities and infrastructure, enhancing the project's viability [3][9] Strategic Objectives - The company aims to establish a significant copper production operation, leveraging the advanced-stage asset at the Marimaca Oxide Deposit (MOD) and the exploration potential at Pampa Medina and Madrugador [8][9] - Future plans include advancing the Pampa Medina and Madrugador Oxide projects to increase copper cathode production and extend the mine life [9]
High-Grade Sediment Hosted Mineralization Extended at Pampa Medina – 300m Western Step-out SMRD-16 Intersects 10m of 4.2% Cu within 70m of 1.0% Cu
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-08-15 10:30
Core Insights - Marimaca Copper Corp. has announced further drilling at the Pampa Medina deposit, extending the high-grade sediment-hosted manto system by 300 meters to the west [1][4] - The company is executing a 10,000-meter extensional drilling program with three rigs currently on site [1] - Significant intersections from the latest drill hole SMRD-16 include 70 meters at 1.0% Cu and 116 meters at 0.61% Cu, indicating strong mineralization potential [3][4] Exploration Results - Hole SMRD-16 has extended the high-grade manto system 300 meters west, confirming a broad zone of high-grade copper mineralization [4][11] - The drilling has defined a mineralized stratigraphy across a 1.2 km by 1.2 km area, with true thicknesses averaging between 50 meters to 100 meters [5][11] - The exploration model indicates a unique stratiform, sediment-hosted copper system with extensive high-grade sequences [4][5] Geological Context - Pampa Medina is characterized by Jurassic-Triassic sedimentary units, with copper mineralization observed in both oxide and sulphide forms [9][52] - The deposit is located in a favorable area with proximity to existing infrastructure, which is expected to facilitate future development [4][9] - The geological model has been updated following the consolidation of the project area, identifying productive horizons for future drill targeting [10][52] Future Plans - The company plans to continue extensional drilling to define the limits of the mineralized system and will also focus on an infill campaign to delineate updated resources [7][9] - The strategy includes advancing the Pampa Medina and Madrugador Oxide projects to grow copper cathode production and extend mine life [8][9] - Upcoming exploration work will include geophysical surveys and deeper drilling campaigns to assess potential extensions [57]
X @Bloomberg
Bloomberg· 2025-08-15 08:34
Environmental Impact - A study revealed that the pollution damage from a disaster at a Chinese state-owned copper mine in Zambia was more extensive than officially reported [1] - The Zambian government aimed to alleviate public concerns regarding pollution levels following the study's findings [1]
Surge Copper Provides Corporate and Operational Update
Globenewswire· 2025-08-14 19:05
Core Viewpoint - Surge Copper Corp. is advancing its 2025 field program at the Berg copper-molybdenum-precious metals project, focusing on resource updates and a pre-feasibility study while also engaging in a strategic private placement to raise approximately $4.5 million [1][6][7]. Operational Update - The 2025 field program at the Berg project is progressing with resource drilling nearing completion, totaling approximately 1,500 meters planned [2][3]. - The first geotechnical hole has been completed, which will help characterize ground conditions for proposed infrastructure [3]. - The program includes the first uphill-angle drilling at Berg, with a successful 456-meter hole completed at a 14-degree dip to assess mineralization and acid rock drainage potential [4]. - Additional activities include geophysical surveys, environmental baseline studies, and logistical preparations, contributing to the data needed for the pre-feasibility study [5]. Strategic Investment Update - Surge is conducting a private placement of common shares to a strategic investor, increasing their ownership to 19.9% of the company, expected to raise approximately $4.5 million [6][7]. - The subscription agreement for the private placement has been executed, and regulatory approval processes are underway in South Africa [7]. - The transaction is anticipated to close within approximately four weeks, pending necessary regulatory approvals [7]. Upcoming Investor Events - Surge management will participate in several investor conferences in North America and the UK, including the Precious Metals Summit in Colorado and the Metals Investor Forum in Vancouver [10].
Entrée Resources Announces Second Quarter 2025 Results
Globenewswire· 2025-08-14 12:00
Core Insights - Entrée Resources Ltd. has filed its interim financial results for Q2 2025, highlighting ongoing developments in its joint venture with Oyu Tolgoi LLC and the implications of recent regulatory changes in Mongolia [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2025, the Company's operating loss was $0.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively, compared to $0.9 million and $2.0 million for the same periods in 2024, indicating a decrease in losses [9] - The operating cash outflow before changes in non-cash working capital items was $0.5 million and $1.0 million for the same periods, down from $0.9 million and $1.9 million in 2024 [9] - As of June 30, 2025, the cash balance was $5.7 million and the working capital balance was $5.6 million [9] Group 2: Joint Venture Developments - The Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi Joint Venture Agreement requires Oyu Tolgoi LLC to hold title to the mining licenses on behalf of the joint venture participants [5] - The Government of Mongolia adopted Resolution No. 170 on April 9, 2025, establishing boundaries for certain mineral deposits of strategic importance, including the Oyu Tolgoi group of deposits [19] - The Company has maintained its willingness to provide the State with 34% of the economic benefit derived from its 20% contractual interest in the Licences [20] Group 3: Mining Operations and Production - The second quarter of 2025 was a record quarter for copper production at Oyu Tolgoi, with a monthly average of 34 ktpd and a single-day record of 47 ktpd achieved in June [9] - The project is on track to reach an average of approximately 500 thousand tonnes of copper per year from 2028 to 2036 [9] - Development work in the ore zone cannot proceed until the transfer of the Licences from Entrée LLC to Oyu Tolgoi LLC is completed [9] Group 4: Regulatory and Legal Matters - Entrée LLC filed a claim with the Administrative Court of Mongolia on August 1, 2025, seeking an order for the Mongolian tax authority to review and confirm the calculations of the values of the Licences [16] - The Company and Oyu Tolgoi LLC have been actively engaged with the Mongolian tax authority to confirm the calculations of the Licences' values [15] - The Tribunal ruled in favor of the Company in a partial final award on December 19, 2024, dismissing the counterclaims from Oyu Tolgoi LLC and Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. [11] Group 5: Future Outlook and Strategy - The Company aims to transfer the Licences to Oyu Tolgoi LLC to maximize operational efficiencies and minimize delays in development work [12] - The potential conversion of the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi Joint Venture Agreement into a more effective agreement is being explored [26] - The Company is focused on resolving outstanding issues regarding the State's interest in the Oyu Tolgoi Strategic Deposit [18]
Oroco Congratulates Hudbay Minerals Inc.
Globenewswire· 2025-08-14 11:00
Core Insights - Oroco Resource Corp. congratulates Hudbay Minerals Inc. for its agreement with Mitsubishi Corporation, where Mitsubishi will acquire a 30% interest in Hudbay's Copper World project for US$600 million [1][2][3] - The transaction highlights the strategic importance and market demand for high-quality North American copper projects, supported by robust technical studies [2][3] - The Copper World project is valued at US$1.4 billion, indicating strong market interest in well-defined copper projects [3] Company Developments - Oroco is advancing its Santo Tomás copper project towards the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) stage, which shares characteristics with the Copper World project, such as being a large-tonnage, open-pit copper porphyry deposit [3][4] - The Santo Tomás project covers a total area of 6,121 hectares and is located in northwestern Mexico, with significant copper porphyry mineralization identified through extensive prior exploration [4][6] - Oroco has conducted a drill program at Santo Tomás, totaling 48,481 meters drilled in 76 diamond drill holes, leading to updated resource estimates and engineering studies [5][6] Market Context - The acquisition by Mitsubishi underscores the value of advancing open-pit copper deposits through critical stages of technical and economic definition, reflecting strong demand for critical minerals [2][3] - The Santo Tomás project is strategically located within 170 km of a deep-water port and is well-serviced by infrastructure, enhancing its development potential [6]
Hudbay Minerals(HBM) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-13 16:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated adjusted EBITDA of $245 million in the second quarter, resulting in a record annual trailing twelve-month adjusted EBITDA of $996 million as of June 30 [10] - Net earnings were $0.30 per share, and adjusted net earnings were $0.19 per share in the second quarter after adjustments for non-cash gains [10] - Cash generated from operating activities increased to $260 million compared to the first quarter, driven by higher gross margins and positive working capital management [10] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $88 million, with over $400 million generated in the last twelve months [11] - The company ended the quarter with $626 million in cash and cash equivalents, and net debt reduced to $434 million, improving the leverage ratio to 0.4 times [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated copper production in the second quarter was 30,000 tons, and consolidated gold production was 56,000 ounces, with copper production in line with the first quarter [8] - Consolidated silver production was 815,000 ounces, and zinc production was 5,000 tons in the second quarter [9] - In Peru, copper production was 22,000 tons, with gold production of 7,000 ounces and silver production of 552,000 ounces [12][13] - Manitoba operations produced 43,000 ounces of gold, 1,600 tons of copper, 5,100 tons of zinc, and 198,000 ounces of silver, lower than the first quarter due to wildfire impacts [16] - British Columbia operations produced 6,600 tons of copper and 5,700 ounces of gold, with production expected to increase in the second half of the year [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reaffirmed its full-year consolidated production guidance for all metals, tracking well below its full-year consolidated cost guidance for 2025 [9] - The cost guidance range for 2025 was improved to $0.65 to $0.85 per pound, down from the original range of $0.80 to $1 per pound [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a minority joint venture agreement with Mitsubishi Corporation for the Copper World project, reducing funding requirements and enhancing financial strength [6][7] - The joint venture is expected to unlock significant value in the copper growth pipeline and establish a long-term strategic partnership [7][25] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet while advancing high-return growth projects, including the Copper World project [12][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year production guidance despite challenges from wildfires and operational disruptions [19] - The current federal environment in the U.S. is viewed as constructive for project development, with bipartisan support for the Copper World project [48] - Management emphasized the importance of focusing on Phase one of the Copper World project before considering Phase two [48] Other Important Information - The company has committed over CAD 2 million in funding support to evacuated employees due to wildfires [15] - The Copper World project is expected to create over 1,000 jobs during the construction period and contribute significantly to U.S. taxes and the domestic copper supply chain [30][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will Mitsubishi have commercial off-take rights? - Yes, Mitsubishi will have rights to 30% off-take consistent with their ownership share [38] Question: Is there potential to bring forward the concentrate leach facility? - Yes, it is a possibility that will be studied in the feasibility study [39] Question: What is the strategic interest of Mitsubishi in the deal? - Mitsubishi's equity contribution significantly reduces Hudbay's capital requirement, allowing for a lower level of debt [41] Question: Any discussions with the U.S. Administration regarding Copper World Phase II? - Currently, the focus is entirely on Phase one, which is fully permitted [48] Question: Is there any major cost inflation expected for Copper World? - There may be modest increases in CapEx due to inflation, but higher copper prices are also expected [51] Question: What is the status of exploration programs in Manitoba and Peru? - Exploration in Manitoba has been paused due to wildfires, while in Peru, drilling will commence once the Consulta Previa process is completed [78]
Hudbay Minerals(HBM) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-08-13 15:00
Financial Performance - Q2 2025 adjusted EBITDA reached $245 million[9], while free cash flow was $88 million[9] - The company achieved a record trailing twelve-month EBITDA of $996 million[17] - Net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 0.4x[17] - LTM Free Cash Flow reached $413 million[18] - Cash as of Q2'25 was $626 million[18] - Net Debt as of Q2'25 was $434 million[18] Operational Performance - Q2 2025 copper production was 30.0 kt[12] - Gold production in Q2 2025 was 56.3 koz[12] - Cash cost for copper production in Q2 2025 was negative $0.02 per pound[9] Copper World Project & Mitsubishi JV - Mitsubishi Corporation will invest $600 million for a 30% interest in the Copper World Joint Venture[42] - The average analyst consensus net asset value (NAV) estimate for 100% of Copper World is approximately $1.16 billion as of August 12, 2025[47] - Hudbay's remaining equity contribution to the Copper World project is estimated at approximately $200 million[60] - The initial capital expenditure for the Copper World project is $1.5 billion[70]