TORONTO, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hudbay Minerals Inc. ("Hudbay" or the "Company") (TSX, NYSE: HBM) today released its first quarter 2025 financial results. All amounts are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted. Achieved revenue of $594.9 million and record quarterly adjusted EBITDA of $287.2 million in the first quarter of 2025. Strong financial results were driven by record low consolidated cash cost performance as all three business units expanded operating cost margins and executed on planned ...

Summary of Barclays Metals & Mining Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Metals & Mining, with a focus on the steel production sector in China and global commodity markets [1][7] Key Points and Arguments 1. **China's Steel Production**: - CISA estimates that nationwide steel production is up 5.4% year-to-date as of late April, contrasting with NBS's 1.1% increase to March [2] - Speculated output restrictions of 50 million tons of crude steel could lead to significant price increases due to low inventories, although rebar futures have fallen by 2.4% week-over-week [2] - Implementing a 50 million ton cut would require a 13.2% decline in average daily production for the remainder of the year, which may be challenging due to economic impacts on local economies [2] 2. **Commodity Price Movements**: - Iron ore prices have seen fluctuations, with a recent increase of 1% for 62% fines, currently at $98.2 per ton [14] - EU HRC prices remain stable at €652 per ton, with a 0% change week-over-week [15] - Copper prices increased by 1% to $9,473 per ton, reflecting a 10% rise over the past month [14] 3. **China's Economic Indicators**: - China's foreign exchange reserves increased by $41 billion month-over-month to approximately $3.3 trillion [9] - Total trade value in April reached 3.84 trillion yuan ($531.46 billion), up 5.6% year-over-year, with exports at 2.27 trillion yuan (+9.3% YoY) and imports at 1.57 trillion yuan (+0.8% YoY) [9] - The People's Bank of China (PBOC) announced a 0.5% cut in the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) for eligible financial institutions, expected to inject approximately 1 trillion yuan ($138.9 billion) into the market [9] 4. **Corporate Developments**: - De Beers is closing its lab-grown diamond business, reaffirming its commitment to traditional diamonds [8] - Guinea canceled a bauxite mining license held by EGA due to non-compliance with refinery construction requirements, impacting EGA's operations significantly [10] - KoBold Metals reached a preliminary agreement to acquire a stake in the Manono lithium deposit in the DRC, aiming to deploy over $1 billion for development [10] 5. **Market Sentiment**: - The market remains cautious with ongoing discussions about output restrictions in the steel sector and the impact of PBOC's monetary policy on market sentiment [12][13] - European steel plate prices have shown limited movement, with inquiries increasing but orders remaining low, indicating a cautious market environment [13] Additional Important Information - **Aluminium Market**: US aluminium inventories are expected to run dry by July, potentially leading to price increases due to tariffs [12] - **Copper Inventory Trends**: Copper inventories on the SHFE have declined by 60% month-over-month, indicating a tightening market [10] - **China's Real Estate Policy Changes**: Chinese officials are considering reforms to the housing market to stabilize prices, which may impact future demand [9] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the conference call, highlighting the current state of the metals and mining industry, particularly in relation to China's steel production and broader economic indicators.

Core Viewpoint - Triumph Gold Corp. is entering 2025 with a refined exploration focus, strategic growth objectives, and a commitment to responsible development, while also engaging a market maker and granting stock options to enhance shareholder value [1][3][17] Group 1: Leadership and Strategy - The company is led by John Anderson, who has over 25 years of experience in capital markets and resource sectors, guiding Triumph since its inception [2] - The company has streamlined operations and is positioned for disciplined growth, with strong core assets and a focused strategy amid improving market conditions for gold and copper [3] Group 2: Key Assets - The flagship Freegold Mountain Project in Yukon hosts over 2 million gold equivalent ounces across three mineralized zones, providing exposure to high-grade gold, copper, molybdenum, and tungsten [4] - The Andalusite Peak copper-gold project is located in British Columbia's Golden Horseshoe region, with plans for exploration advancement through geochemical surveys and mapping in 2025 [5][10] Group 3: Growth Strategy - The 2025 growth strategy focuses on project advancement, portfolio expansion, and disciplined exploration, including evaluating potential acquisitions of high-quality silver projects [7] - The company plans to review historical datasets and define new exploration targets outside current resource zones at Freegold Mountain to support potential discoveries [11] Group 4: Responsible Development - Triumph Gold is committed to responsible exploration and development, maintaining active engagement with First Nations and local communities, and prioritizing environmental stewardship and cultural respect [12][21] Group 5: Market Engagement - The company has engaged Independent Trading Group as a market maker to improve trading liquidity, with a compensation of CAD$6,500 per month for their services [13][14] - Triumph Gold has granted 4,750,000 incentive stock options to directors, officers, employees, and consultants, exercisable at $0.27 per share for five years [15][16]

Core Viewpoint - Entrée Resources Ltd. has filed its interim financial results for Q1 2025, highlighting significant developments in its joint venture with Oyu Tolgoi LLC and ongoing operational updates related to the Oyu Tolgoi project in Mongolia [1][16]. Q1 2025 Highlights - The operating loss for Q1 2025 was $0.6 million, a decrease from $1.1 million in Q1 2024, attributed to higher legal costs in 2024 [7]. - As of March 31, 2025, the cash balance was $5.8 million, and the working capital balance was $5.9 million [17]. Arbitration and Joint Venture Agreement - A partial final award was made on December 19, 2024, in favor of Entrée Resources in its arbitration against Oyu Tolgoi LLC and Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd., dismissing the respondents' counterclaims [4]. - The Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) was formally executed on February 3, 2025, with an effective date of June 30, 2008, and includes the assignment of an 80% or 70% beneficial interest in the Shivee West Property to OTLLC [4][10]. - The JVA requires OTLLC to hold title to the mining licenses on behalf of the joint venture participants [4]. Oyu Tolgoi Project Updates - Oyu Tolgoi achieved record copper production in March 2025, aligning with the Lift 1 underground mine ramp-up plan, and is projected to become the world's fourth-largest copper mine by 2030 [6]. - The project is on track for a greater than 50% year-on-year increase in production, with significant growth expected in the second half of the year [9]. Development Work and Drilling Programs - First underground development work on the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property commenced in October 2024, with 95 equivalent meters of lateral development completed by March 31, 2025 [4][8]. - The 2024 drilling program included 5,031.6 meters of surface drilling and 6,566.88 meters of underground drilling, supporting the Lift 2 Panel 1 Pre-Feasibility Study [8]. - For 2025, an in-fill diamond drilling program of approximately 8,329 meters on the Shivee Tolgoi mining license has been approved [8]. Future Outlook and Strategy - The primary objective is to fully implement the arbitration award and transfer the licenses to OTLLC to maximize operational efficiencies and minimize delays in development work [10][11]. - The conversion of the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JVA into a more effective agreement is being pursued, which would include a mechanism for sharing up to 34% of economic benefits with the State [13][14].

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - Le 8 mai/May 2025) - Star Copper Corp. (“Star Copper” or the “Company”) has announced that, further to its news release dated May 6, 2025, the previously announced plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”) will become effective on May 9, 2025 (the “Effective Date”). Star Copper shareholders of record as at the close of business on May 8, 2025 (the “Shareholders”) will receive, for each existing common share of the Company held immediately prior to the Effective Date: (i) ...

Core Viewpoint - McEwen Mining Inc. reported its Q1 2025 results, highlighting a strategic focus on increasing gold production and improving financial performance despite operational challenges [1][4][8]. Production and Growth Plans - The company aims to significantly increase annual gold production at the Fox Complex, targeting 60,000 ounces by 2027, with potential expansion to 120,000 - 150,000 ounces by 2030, contingent on timely permit approvals [2]. - Consolidated production for Q1 2025 was 24,131 GEOs, a decrease from 33,037 GEOs in Q1 2024, with expectations to meet the 2025 production guidance of 120,000 to 140,000 GEOs [14][36]. Financial Performance - Gross profit for Q1 2025 was $10.1 million, up from $6.0 million in Q1 2024, driven by a 31% increase in average realized gold price [8]. - The net loss for Q1 2025 was $3.9 million, an improvement from a net loss of $20.4 million in Q1 2024, attributed to reduced expenditures from McEwen Copper and higher gross profit from gold operations [9]. Capital and Liquidity - To fund growth initiatives, the company completed a $110 million convertible debt offering, with a focus on transitioning production at the Fox Complex [3][10]. - As of March 31, 2025, consolidated cash and cash equivalents were $68.5 million, a significant increase from $17.5 million at the end of 2024 [13]. Mine Performance - The Gold Bar Mine produced 7,688 GEOs in Q1 2025, down from 11,716 GEOs in Q1 2024, with expectations for steady production increases through the year [15]. - The San José Mine produced 10,924 GEOs in Q1 2025, a 16% decrease from the previous year, impacted by lower processed grades and recovery rates [22]. Exploration and Development - The company is advancing its Grey Fox project, with a pre-feasibility study underway to better define its potential and production timeline [3][21]. - Exploration at the Fox Complex resulted in a 32% increase in indicated ounces at Grey Fox, now totaling 1,538,000 ounces at a grade of 3.64 g/t Au [21]. McEwen Copper Developments - McEwen Copper invested $21.3 million in Q1 2025 to advance the feasibility study for the Los Azules copper project, which is one of the largest undeveloped copper deposits globally [26][27]. - The company is seeking admission to the Regime of Incentives for Investment in Argentina, which could provide significant fiscal and regulatory benefits for the Los Azules project [32].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's gross profit increased by 68% to CAD 10.1 million compared to Q1 2024 [5] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 38% to CAD 8.7 million [5] - Cash and cash equivalents grew to CAD 68.5 million from CAD 17.5 million [6] - Consolidated working capital improved to CAD 61 million from a negative CAD 6.5 million [6] - Total debt increased to CAD 130 million from CAD 40 million, while the debt cost of service decreased from 9.5% to 6% [6] - Net debt currently stands at just over CAD 42 million [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gold Bar produced 10% more gold than budgeted at a cash cost 24% below the low end of annual guidance, with a cash cost of CAD 1,146 [4] - However, Gold Bar's all-in sustaining cost per ounce was approximately CAD 2,200 due to accelerated stripping costs [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a positive outlook due to higher prices of gold, silver, and copper [3] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The majority of funds from a capped call convertible note will be used to advance the development of the Fox Complex, with expected consolidated annual production reaching 225,000 to 255,000 ounces by 2030, an increase of over 80% from current production [3] - The company is focusing on exploration and development at both the Fox Complex and Gold Bar, with updates expected throughout the year [7] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing improved liquidity and the potential for higher gold prices [34] - The company anticipates that operational performance will improve in the coming quarters [33] Other Important Information - The company received a permit to construct a ramp to the underground at the Stock Mine, which is crucial for the Stock Complex expansion [7] - The feasibility study for Los Azules is expected to be published this summer, which will improve the company's income statement by capitalizing expenses related to McEwen Copper [29][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: How much cash or cash plus investments is held within the copper subsidiary? - Currently, the treasury for McEwen Copper is below GBP 10 million, and additional financing is expected as the feasibility study approaches [10][11] Question: Is the $10 million enough to complete the feasibility study? - Additional runway will likely be needed to complete the feasibility study by July [11] Question: What is the status of dividends from San Jose? - Regular dialogue with Hochschild is ongoing, focusing on balancing reinvestment in the mine and returning value to shareholders [14][16] Question: What is the expected production timeline for the Stock Mine? - First production from the underground portion of the Stock Mine is anticipated in the last quarter of this year [18][20] Question: What is the timeframe and cost for bringing the Grey Fox mine back into production? - A study is underway to determine capital and operating costs, with a focus on the best access method for the mine [21][22]

Core Viewpoint - Surge Copper Corp. has successfully completed a geotechnical drilling and analysis program at its 100%-owned Berg Project, which supports the feasibility of a future open pit mine design and indicates potential for resource expansion [1][3][4]. Group 1: Geotechnical Program Overview - The geotechnical program included six drill holes targeting both central and outer areas of the deposit, designed to gather data on structural geology, rock mass quality, and hydrogeological conditions [1][3]. - The program was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, providing critical data for advancing Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS)-level engineering design [3][8]. Group 2: Slope Design and Mining Efficiency - The resulting slope design criteria recommend inter-ramp angles ranging from 39 to 46 degrees, which may allow for steeper slopes and a lower overall strip ratio compared to previous designs [5][6][9]. - The updated fault model incorporates 2024 drilling data to improve geotechnical resolution and enhance structural interpretation [5][8]. Group 3: Mineralization and Resource Expansion - Several drill holes intersected low-grade mineralization and silver-rich base-metal veins, suggesting potential for resource expansion and conversion [8][9]. - Notable results include hole BRG24-246, which returned 184 meters grading 0.30% CuEq, and hole BRG24-249, which encountered high-grade silver intervals [9][25]. Group 4: Company Background and Future Prospects - Surge Copper Corp. is advancing a critical metals district in British Columbia, owning multiple advanced porphyry deposits with significant resources of copper, molybdenum, gold, and silver [28][29]. - The Berg Project has a maiden PEA outlining a large-scale, long-life project with an NPV of C$2.1 billion and an IRR of 20% based on long-term commodity prices [29].

Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the given content Core Viewpoints - Due to the uncertainty in the tariff negotiations between the US and China and the slowdown in the decline of China's electrolytic copper social inventory, copper prices are expected to fluctuate weakly. It is recommended that investors short lightly on rallies in the short - term, and pay attention to the support and resistance levels of Shanghai copper, London copper, and US copper [4] Summary by Related Catalogs Market Data - **Shanghai Copper Futures**: On May 7, 2025, the closing price of the active contract was 77,790 yuan, up 190 yuan from the previous day; trading volume was 132,768 lots, an increase of 49,254 lots; open interest was 179,103 lots, up 6,478 lots; inventory was 21,541 tons, a decrease of 3,381 tons. The SMW 1 computer copper +12 price was 78,580 yuan, up 390 yuan [2] - **Shanghai Copper Basis and Spot Premium/Discount**: On May 7, 2025, the Shanghai copper basis was 790 yuan, up 200 yuan from the previous day; the spot premium/discount in Guangzhou was 220 yuan, up 40 yuan; in North China, it was - 60 yuan, down 30 yuan; in East China, it was 125 yuan, down 20 yuan [2] - **Spread (Near - Month and Far - Month)**: On May 7, 2025, the spread between Shanghai copper near - month and continuous - first was 370 yuan, up 60 yuan; between continuous - first and continuous - second was 380 yuan, up 10 yuan; between continuous - second and continuous - third was 360 yuan, down 20 yuan [2] - **London Copper**: Data on May 6, 2025 showed that the LME 3 - month copper futures closing price (electronic trading) was 0238; the total inventory of registered and cancelled warrants was 193,975 tons; the LME copper futures 0 - 3 - month contract spread was 21.75; the 3 - 15 - month contract spread was 149.74 [2] - **COMEX Copper**: On May 7, 2025, the closing price of the active copper futures contract was 4.62, down 0.09 from May 5; the total inventory was 156,623 tons, an increase of 4,007 tons [2] Industry News - **Port Incident**: The Patache port's belt - conveyor terminal was damaged in a collision with a ship. Loading operations stopped two weeks ago, and repairs are expected to take at least 2 months. Collahuasi copper concentrate will be transported by road during the repair period, with no significant impact on shipments [2] - **Chilean Copper Exports**: In April 2025, Chile's copper exports were 160,660 tons, with 29,14 tons to China. Copper ore and concentrate exports were 1,040,756 tons, with 632,551 tons to China. Exports to China of both copper and copper ore dropped to over - one - year lows [2] Company News - **Mine Production Changes**: Antamina copper mine in Peru is gradually resuming production (2024 output: 927,000 metal tons); KGHM's Sierra Corda copper mine in Chile suspended production due to a worker's death (2024 output: 146,000 metal tons); a steel plant of Kazakhmys suspended production after a mine accident [4] - **Project Updates**: ACS - Metalstopes' fluidized copper ore expansion project will be put into production in Q1 2020, with an initial annual output of 26,000 tons; Freeport McMoRan in Indonesia was approved to export 1.27 million tons of copper concentrate in 6 months but will face higher export taxes; Jiangxi Copper's Ecuadorian mine's second - phase 160,000 - ton capacity may be put into production in H2 2025; Julong Copper Mine's second - phase 200,000 - ton/day expansion project may be completed by the end of 2025 [4] - **Smelter News**: Glencore's Altonorte smelter in Chile suspended production until May due to a furnace problem; Xanor Kakula copper smelter in Congo may be completed and put into production in June 2025, with an annual output of 500,000 tons of anode copper; Yimen Copper's new anode copper production increased from 100,000 to 150,000 tons on April 12; Jiangxi Copper's Jiangyuan second - phase 150,000 - ton cathode copper project started in Guixi; Jinchuan Group's second - phase 200,000 - ton intelligent circuit copper project produced the first batch of high - purity cathode copper in March [4] Downstream Market - **Copper Rod**: New orders and long - order executions of refined copper rod enterprises decreased, with production based on existing orders. The capacity utilization rate of refined copper rods increased, while that of recycled copper rods decreased. Raw material and finished - product inventories of both types of enterprises increased [4] - **Other Downstream Industries**: The capacity utilization rate of steel enterprises in China may increase in May. For copper - related downstream industries, the capacity utilization rate of copper foil may increase, while that of copper wave - wrapped wire, copper plate - strip, steel pipe, and brass rod may decrease [4] Trading Strategy - Short lightly on rallies in the short - term, paying attention to support and resistance levels: Shanghai copper at 70,000/73,000 - 75,000 and 78,500 - 80,000; London copper at 8,700 - 8,900 and 9,600 - 9,800; US copper at 4.3 - 4.5 and 4.86/5.0 - 5.2 [4]

Summary of Copper Production Trends: 1Q25 Industry Overview - The report focuses on the global copper mining industry, tracking production trends from major miners that account for approximately 70% of global mined copper supply [1][9]. Key Points Production Trends - Total copper production in 1Q25 decreased by 11.1% sequentially compared to 4Q24, attributed to seasonal factors, but remained flat year-over-year (y/y) [1][3][11]. - Major companies such as Glencore, Freeport, and Anglo American experienced production declines, while Antofagasta, BHP, China Moly, Ivanhoe, and MMG reported production increases, offsetting the overall decline [1][3]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - There is ongoing debate regarding the impact of mine supply growth on the copper market balance, with some analysts predicting a supply overhang until at least 2026 due to ongoing project expansions [2]. - Despite the current flat production, the medium-term outlook remains bullish due to increasing global demand and significant supply constraints [5][12]. Future Projections - The copper market is expected to face growing deficits over the decade, even with a projected global GDP growth of 2% [2]. - The supply growth is anticipated to slow due to depletion and grade declines, leading to potential demand volatility in the near term [5]. Production Data - The report includes detailed quarterly production data from select companies, highlighting that total production for these companies in 1Q25 was flat y/y but fell 11.1% sequentially [11]. - Specific production figures for major companies in 1Q25 include: - Antofagasta: 155 kt - Anglo American: 169 kt - BHP: 513 kt - Freeport-McMoRan: 394 kt - Glencore: 168 kt [11]. Price and Demand Forecast - The report indicates a bullish medium-term outlook for copper prices, with expectations of growing demand driven by sectors such as construction and renewable energy [12][15]. - The global copper demand is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1% from 2025 to 2030, with significant contributions from electric networks and renewable energy sectors [13]. Additional Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring production trends and market dynamics to identify potential investment opportunities and risks in the copper sector [5][12]. - Analysts suggest that while short-term demand may fluctuate, the long-term outlook for copper remains positive due to structural demand growth in various industries [12].