Report Industry Investment Rating - No relevant information provided Core View of the Report - The easing of Sino-US mutual tariffs has led to expectations of rush exports, but the traditional consumption off-season is approaching, and the domestic electrolytic copper social inventory has increased compared to last week, which may cause the furnace copper price to fluctuate widely. It is recommended that investors wait and see temporarily, paying attention to the support and resistance levels of Shanghai copper, London copper, and US copper [4]. Summary by Relevant Catalog Market Data - **Shanghai Copper Futures**: On May 20, 2025, the closing price of the active contract was 77,540 yuan, a decrease of 280 yuan from the previous day; the trading volume was 66,697 lots, a decrease of 15,718 lots; the open interest was 166,088 lots, a decrease of 5,147 lots; and the inventory was 45,738 tons, a decrease of 16,175 tons [2]. - **Shanghai Copper Basis and Spot Premium/Discount**: The average price of SMN 1 electrolytic copper was 78,340 yuan, an increase of 230 yuan; the premium of anode copper was 800 yuan, an increase of 510 yuan; the spot premium/discount in Guangzhou was 190 yuan, a decrease of 80 yuan; in North China, it was 50 yuan, an increase of 20 yuan; and in East China, it was 250 yuan, a decrease of 15 yuan [2]. - **Spread (Near - Month and Far - Month)**: The spread between Shanghai copper near - month and Shanghai copper continuous first was 350 yuan, a decrease of 90 yuan; between Shanghai copper continuous first and Shanghai copper continuous second was 290 yuan, a decrease of 70 yuan; and between Shanghai copper continuous second and Shanghai copper continuous first was 190 yuan, a decrease of 40 yuan [2]. - **London Copper**: The closing price of LME 3 - month copper futures (electronic trading) was 9,554.5 US dollars, an increase of 31 US dollars; the total inventory of registered and cancelled warrants was 0 tons, a decrease of 170,750 tons; the spread of LME copper futures 0 - 3 months contract was 3.16 US dollars, a decrease of 12.36 US dollars; and the spread of 3 - 15 months contract was 121 US dollars, a decrease of 29.50 US dollars [2]. - **COMEX Copper**: The closing price of the active copper futures contract was 4.674 US dollars, an increase of 0.08 US dollars; the total inventory was 171,622 tons, an increase of 1,958 tons [2] Industry News - **Mine Expansion and Production**: The fluidized copper ore expansion project of ACC Metals' polymetallic mine will be put into production in Q1 2026, with an initial annual output of 25,000 tons. The second - phase 150,000 - ton production capacity of Mirado Mine under Tongling Nonferrous may be put into production in the second half of 2025. The second - phase 200,000 - ton/day project of Julong Copper Mine may be put into production by the end of 2026 [4]. - **Export Restrictions and Tax**: Indonesia's Freeport McMoRan was allowed to export 1.27 million tons of copper concentrate within 6 months but will be subject to higher export taxes [4]. - **Domestic Production and Import**: Domestic copper concentrate production and import volume in May may increase or decrease month - on - month. The import index of Chinese copper concentrate is negative but has risen compared to last week. The out - port volume and inventory of copper concentrate in Chinese ports have increased or decreased compared to last week [4]. - **Scrap Copper**: The negative spread between domestic electrolytic copper and scrap copper weakens the economy of scrap copper, but the opening of the solid waste import window may lead to an increase or decrease in domestic scrap copper production and import volume. Scrap copper suppliers are reluctant to sell, resulting in a supply shortage [4]. - **Smelter Situation**: Glencore's Altonorte smelter in Chile has suspended production until May due to problems with the melting furnace. The Kaooor Kakula copper smelter may be completed and put into production in June 2025, with an annual output of 600,000 tons of anode copper [4]. Macroeconomic Situation - The US Senate and House of Representatives reached an agreement on the budget decision in April, including spending 5.5 trillion US dollars in the next ten years, raising the debt ceiling by 5 trillion US dollars, and the government reducing spending by 4 billion US dollars. The US PMI and employment data in May were better than expected, and the CPI annual rate in April was 2.3%, lower than expected and the previous value, which may lead to an interest rate cut by the Fed in September or December [3] Downstream Market - High copper prices have improved new orders, leading to an increase in the capacity utilization rate of China's copper rod (recycled copper rod) industry compared to last week. The raw material (finished product) inventory of copper rod enterprises has decreased (increased), and that of recycled copper rod enterprises has remained flat (decreased) [4]. - The capacity utilization rate of China's copper wire and cable industry (raw material and finished product inventory) has decreased (decreased, increased) compared to last week. The order volume and processing rate of copper foil have increased (slightly decreased) compared to last week [4]. - The capacity utilization rate of China's brass rod has increased compared to last week. Due to the easing of Sino - US mutual tariffs and the approaching traditional consumption off - season, the capacity utilization rate, production volume, import volume, and export volume of domestic steel enterprises in June may decline [4] Investment Strategy - It is recommended that investors wait and see temporarily, paying attention to the support levels of 74,000 - 78,000 yuan for Shanghai copper, 9,000 - 9,300 US dollars for London copper, and 4.3 - 4.5 US dollars for US copper, as well as the resistance levels of 78,500 - 80,000 yuan for Shanghai copper, 9,600 - 9,800 US dollars for London copper, and 4.8 - 5.0 US dollars for US copper [4]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Rio Tinto Ltd. with a 12-month price target of A$140.80, indicating an upside potential of 18.1% from the current price of A$119.22 [17]. Core Insights - Rio Tinto has entered a joint venture with Codelco to develop the Maricunga lithium project in Chile, which aligns with its growth and value creation strategy [1][4]. - The Maricunga project is expected to enhance Rio Tinto's lithium production significantly, potentially increasing its equity share to over 250ktpa by 2035 [10]. - The company is leveraging its Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, which offers higher lithium recoveries and lower capital expenditures compared to conventional methods [8][9]. Summary by Sections Joint Venture and Project Development - Rio Tinto will acquire a 49.99% interest in the Maricunga project for a total of US$900 million, with initial funding for studies and construction costs [2]. - The project aims for first production by the end of the decade, with potential additional payments contingent on production milestones [2]. Financial Projections and Valuation - The report forecasts that lithium will contribute approximately 6% of Rio Tinto's EBITDA by 2030, driven by the Rincon lithium project and the Maricunga joint venture [10]. - The company is expected to achieve a free cash flow yield of around 6% in 2025 and 7% in 2026, supported by bullish projections for copper and aluminum prices [16]. Production and Growth Outlook - Rio Tinto's copper equivalent production is projected to grow by approximately 20% and EBITDA by over 30% by 2030, primarily due to the ramp-up of the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine and improved productivity in the Pilbara region [16]. - The Pilbara region is anticipated to contribute significantly to the company's free cash flow improvements from 2025 to 2027 [16]. Market Position and Competitive Advantage - The report highlights Rio Tinto's strong market position, trading at approximately 0.7x NAV, which is competitive compared to peers [16]. - The company is recognized for its high-margin, low-emission aluminum production, which is powered by hydroelectric energy [16].

The Corvo Uranium Project is prime real estate for a basement-hosted uranium discovery VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aventis Energy. ("Aventis" or the "Company") (CSE: AVE | OTC: VBAMF), is pleased to provide a comprehensive summary of exploration insights and historical data gathered at its Corvo Uranium Project ("Corvo", or the "Project"). Highlights: Mandeep Parmar, Interim CEO of Aventis, commented: "The Corvo Project has many areas that need further investigation. We loo ...

Core Viewpoint - Regulus Resources Inc. is advancing its Phase Two metallurgical test program with Nuton LLC, focusing on bio-leaching technologies for the AntaKori copper-gold project, while also progressing on an integrated resource estimate with Compañía Minera Coimolache S.A. for the Integrated Sulphide Project [1][4]. Nuton Phase Two Program - The Phase One program confirmed that AntaKori material is suitable for Nuton's proprietary sulphide bio-leaching technology [2]. - The Phase Two program is evaluating various conditions for optimal leaching of enargite-rich high-sulphidation mineralization, with the highest copper extraction achieved so far being 88.3% [3]. - Additional columns have been initiated to further refine the optimal conditions for leaching [3]. Integrated Sulphide Project - Regulus and Coimolache are collaboratively developing an integrated geological model for the Integrated Sulphide Project, which is a prerequisite for the resource estimate [4]. - SRK Peru has been contracted to complete the resource estimate, expected to be finalized by mid-year [4]. Company Insights - The CEO of Regulus expressed optimism regarding the results from the Phase Two program, highlighting the potential of Nuton's bio-leaching technology for both high-sulphidation and porphyry mineralization [5]. - The AntaKori project currently hosts indicated mineral resources of 250 million tonnes at a grade of 0.48% Cu, 0.29 g/t Au, and 7.5 g/t Ag, and inferred mineral resources of 267 million tonnes at a grade of 0.41% Cu, 0.26 g/t Au, and 7.8 g/t Ag [7].

Core Viewpoint - The copper industry is facing a structural shift characterized by a rigid supply shortage at the mining end, excess smelting capacity, and a transition between old and new demand drivers, leading to a long-term upward trend in copper prices [19][24][25]. Group 1: Upstream Resources (Mining and Recycling) - Global copper reserves are approximately 980 million tons, with a mining lifespan of about 40 years based on current production levels [32]. - In 2024, global copper mine production is expected to reach 23 million tons, with a year-on-year growth of 1.8% [35]. - China's copper mine production is projected at 1.8 million tons in 2024, a decline of 1.1% year-on-year, primarily due to resource depletion and environmental restrictions [42][46]. Group 2: Recycling Sector (Recycled Copper) - The recycled copper market is supported by national strategies, aiming for a production target of 4 million tons by 2025, with recycled metal supply accounting for over 24% [4]. - In 2024, China is expected to import 2.25 million tons of scrap copper, with domestic recycling capacity reaching 2.49 million tons [5][48]. - The price of recycled copper is projected to show significant fluctuations, with an average price of 70,400 yuan per ton in 2024 [5]. Group 3: Midstream Smelting - The global refined copper production in 2024 is estimated at 27.634 million tons, with a year-on-year increase of 4.3% [9]. - China is the largest producer of refined copper, accounting for 49.9% of global production in 2024, with a projected output of 13.644 million tons [10]. - The smelting industry is experiencing a decline in processing fees, with long-term contracts expected to drop to $21.25 per ton by 2025, significantly below the breakeven point [8][20]. Group 4: Midstream Processing (Copper Products) - In 2024, China's copper processing output is expected to reach 23.503 million tons, representing over 50% of global production [11]. - The industry is characterized by low concentration, with the top five companies holding only 30% of the market share [11]. - The demand for high-end copper products is increasing, driven by the growth in new energy and infrastructure sectors [12][13]. Group 5: Downstream Demand (End Applications) - Global refined copper consumption in 2024 is projected at 27.33 million tons, with China accounting for 58% of this demand [14]. - The demand structure in China shows that electricity and power grids account for 46% of refined copper consumption, while new energy applications are rapidly growing [15]. - The transition from traditional to new energy applications is expected to drive significant growth in copper demand, particularly in sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy [19][21]. Group 6: Supply and Demand Balance - The global refined copper supply-demand balance is expected to show a surplus of 19,000 tons in 2025, a decrease from the previous year's surplus of 30,200 tons [16]. - China's refined copper consumption is projected to grow by 2.9% in 2025, reaching 16.21 million tons, driven by new energy infrastructure investments [18]. - The copper market is anticipated to face a tightening supply situation due to the rigid shortage of mining resources and the acceleration of smelting capacity clearance [19][20]. Group 7: Investment Recommendations - Key investment opportunities include resource leaders like Zijin Mining and Longyan Copper, which are positioned to benefit from global resource control [21]. - Smelting leaders such as Jiangxi Copper are expected to gain from policy-driven supply-side reforms and the elimination of inefficient capacity [20]. - Companies focusing on high-end processing and recycled copper, such as Hailiang Co. and Gree Environmental, are likely to benefit from technological advancements and policy support [21].

Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 19, 2025) - Copper Fox Metals Inc. (TSXV: CUU) (OTCQX: CPFXF) (FSE: HPU) ("Copper Fox" or the "Company") announces that Elmer B. Stewart, President and CEO of Copper Fox, will present and host one on one meetings with investors at the Sidoti May Virtual Investor Conference, taking place on May 21-22, 2025. The presentation will begin at 3:15 ET on May 22, 2025 and can be accessed live here: https://sidoti.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kuwxay2NS06NYtPj9ucGAA. Neither the ...

Group 1 - Taseko Mines Limited (NYSE: TGB) is a Canadian mining company primarily focused on copper production [1] - The Gibraltar Mine in British Columbia is the company's main operation and has a long history of production [1] Group 2 - The company is categorized as a small- to mid-cap entity, which often attracts less attention from investors compared to large-cap companies [1]

(In United States dollars, except where noted otherwise) TORONTO, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (“First Quantum” or the “Company”) (TSX: FM) has published its sustainability reports for 2024. The Environment, Social and Governance Report is the Company’s primary sustainability report, setting out its sustainability performance. The Company has also published its Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) aligned Climate Change Report and Tax Transparency and ...

Core Developments - Oroco Resource Corp. announced three significant developments for its Santo Tomás Copper Project in northwestern Mexico [1] - The company aims to enhance the scale and long-term value of the project through a proposed river realignment [2][7] - Engagement of a respected environmental law firm in Mexico to assist with regulatory compliance and permitting [4][5] - Application for listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange to increase visibility and attract institutional investors [6][8] Project Details - The Santo Tomás Project covers a total area of 9,034 hectares, including 1,173 hectares of core concessions [9] - The project is located within 170 km of the Pacific deep-water port at Topolobampo, with access via highway and rail [12] - Historical exploration has defined significant copper porphyry mineralization, with over 30,000 meters drilled from 1968 to 1994 and an additional 48,481 meters drilled since 2021 [10][11]

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Highland Copper Company Inc. (TSXV: HI; OTCQB: HDRSF) ("Highland" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on recent developments at its 100%-owned Copperwood Project ("Copperwood") and the White Pine North Project ("White Pine"), a joint venture with Kinterra Copper USA LLC ("Kinterra"). Highland continues to advance Copperwood toward a near-term construction decision through a phased approach to detailed engineering which is designed t ...