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Aldebaran PEA for the Altar Project Reports 48 Year Mine Life, After Tax NPV (8%) of US$2 Billion, and 20.5% IRR
Globenewswire· 2025-10-30 11:00
Core Viewpoint - Aldebaran Resources Inc. announced the results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Altar copper-gold project in Argentina, indicating strong potential for a long-life, high-quality copper operation with significant production and cash flow generation [1][6][8]. Economic Highlights - The PEA outlines a 48-year mine life with an average annual production of 101,413 tonnes of copper equivalent (CuEq) over the life of the mine (LOM) [7][10]. - The project has an after-tax Net Present Value (NPV) of $2.0 billion at an 8% discount rate, an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 20.5%, and a payback period of 4 years based on base-case metal prices [7][11]. - Total LOM gross revenue is projected at $44.7 billion, with free cash flow estimated at $10.7 billion [7][11]. Production and Cost Metrics - Initial capital expenditure (capex) is estimated at $1.59 billion, with a capital intensity of $15,713 per tonne of average annual CuEq produced [7][12]. - Cash costs (C1) are projected at $1.71/lb payable Cu for the first 20 years, increasing to $2.02/lb for the LOM [7][12]. - All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) are estimated at $2.25/lb payable Cu for the first 20 years, rising to $2.59/lb for the LOM [7][12]. Mining and Processing Overview - The mining method combines open-pit and underground block caving, with a processing capacity of 60,000 tonnes per day [10][21]. - The project anticipates a recovery rate of 87.76% for copper, 57% for gold, and 50% for silver over the LOM [12][26]. Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans - Aldebaran is collaborating with Nuton, a Rio Tinto venture, to explore alternative processing technologies that could enhance economic viability and reduce environmental impact [8][38]. - The company plans to focus on a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and resource updates in the next 12 to 18 months, aiming to unlock additional value from the Altar project [8][46]. Mineral Resource Estimate - The PEA is based on an updated mineral resource estimate, with approximately 80% of the resources categorized as Measured and Indicated [7][14]. Infrastructure and Environmental Considerations - The project includes comprehensive on-site infrastructure and plans for water management, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact [35][36]. Market Context - The political environment in Argentina is shifting towards pro-business policies, which may benefit the advancement of the Altar project amid rising global demand for copper [8].
Los Azules Feasibility Study Confirms Economically Robust Copper Project With Leading ESG Performance
Globenewswire· 2025-10-07 23:18
Core Insights - McEwen Copper Inc. announced positive results from the independent Feasibility Study (FS) for its Los Azules copper project, confirming it as a long-life, low-cost producer of high-purity copper cathodes with strong economic returns and sustainability [1][2][3] Economic Metrics - The FS indicates an after-tax Net Present Value (NPV) of $2.9 billion and an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 19.8% with a payback period of 3.9 years [9][74] - Initial capital costs are estimated at $3.17 billion, with average annual copper production projected at 148,200 tonnes (327 million lbs) over a 21-year mine life [9][72] - C1 cash cost is $1.71 per pound, and All-In Sustaining Costs (AISC) are $2.11 per pound [9][74] Mineral Resources and Reserves - The project has a measured and indicated mineral resource of 5.4 billion lbs of copper and an inferred resource of 20 billion lbs [9][47] - Proven and probable mineral reserves are estimated at 10.2 billion lbs of copper [9][51] Environmental and Sustainability Aspects - The project is designed to have a 72% lower mine-to-metal carbon intensity compared to the industry average and aims for carbon neutrality by 2038 [15][24] - It will utilize 100% renewable power and has a water consumption rate 74% lower than conventional milling [15][48] Strategic Partnerships and Financing - A strategic collaboration agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) aims to align with ESG standards and support potential financing of over $1.1 billion for equipment and infrastructure [16][9] - The project has been accepted into Argentina's Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI), providing tax and legal stability for 30 years [15][48] Development Timeline - Construction is targeted to begin in 2026, with the first copper expected by 2030 [15][9] - Exploration of four nearby porphyry targets is set to commence in Q4 2025, which could extend the mine life [9][37]
Koryx Announces Updated PEA Results for the Haib Copper Project, Southern Namibia
Globenewswire· 2025-09-04 11:00
Core Insights - The Haib Copper Project is positioned as a scalable, low-risk, and low-cost open-pit mining operation with a projected mine life of 23 years and annual payable copper production of 92,000 tonnes [2][5][7] - The Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) indicates a post-tax NPV of US$1.351 billion and an IRR of 20.1%, highlighting the project's strong financial viability [5][10] - The project is located in southern Namibia, an area with rich infrastructure, and is under new management aiming to optimize and de-risk the project [2][7] Financial Overview - The PEA estimates an upfront construction capital of US$1.559 billion and sustaining capital of US$543 million over the life of the mine [5][12] - Average C1 cash costs are projected at US$1.81 per pound for the first ten years, with an AISC of US$2.05 per pound [5][12] - The project has a capital intensity of US$16,871 per tonne of annual payable copper production for the first ten years [5][12] Production and Recovery - The project plans to produce copper and molybdenum concentrates through a conventional milling and flotation process, with additional copper cathode production via heap leaching [5][7] - The average recovery rates are estimated at 89% for milling and flotation and 74% for heap leaching [5][12] - The total mineralized material mined is projected to be 779 million tonnes, with a copper grade of 0.309% [14][41] Environmental and Social Considerations - The permitting process is underway, with a mining license application submitted and positive public perception regarding job creation and economic development [5][7] - Environmental and social impact assessments are progressing positively, indicating a supportive community for the project [5][7] Technical and Operational Aspects - The project is designed to process 28 million tonnes per annum through conventional methods, with a hybrid solution for water sourcing [5][12] - The technical team has a strong track record in mine development in Namibia, enhancing the project's credibility [7][8] - Ongoing drilling and metallurgical testing are expected to unlock further upside in terms of size and grade improvements [4][5]
TMC the metal company (TMC) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-14 21:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net loss of $74.3 million or $0.20 per share for Q2 2025, compared to a net loss of $20.2 million or $0.06 per share for the same period in 2024 [32] - Free cash flow for Q2 2025 was negative $10.7 million, an improvement from negative $12.2 million in Q2 2024 [33] - The cash balance increased significantly to approximately $120 million by July 4, 2025, following various capital raises [30][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) indicated a combined project net present value (NPV) of over $23 billion, with a clear capital-efficient path to first production [9][28] - The estimated recoverable nodules for the PFS is 164 million wet tons, with an assumed production start date in Q4 2027 and a life of mine of just over 18 years [21][22] - The revenue mix is expected to be 45% from nickel products, 28% from manganese, 17% from copper, and 9% from cobalt [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has renewed and strengthened agreements with the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga, emphasizing a science-based approach to developing the seabed mining industry [12] - The strategic investment of $85 million from Korea Zinc positions the company to supply refined metals in South Korea and potentially build new facilities in the USA [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to adapt to a capital-light approach while advancing its projects, maintaining a competitive edge in the seabed mining industry [8] - The focus is on achieving regulatory certainty and moving towards first production, with a target date set for Q4 2027 [10][11] - The company plans to build refining capacity in the USA to support its production and contribute to US mineral independence [25][70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the regulatory environment, noting daily communication with NOAA and a supportive administration [42][43] - The company anticipates good news from regulators and expects to maintain a regular cadence of updates as it progresses through the permitting process [41][44] - There is confidence in the ability to manage normal business risks and supply chain issues, with a strong board and partnerships in place [52] Other Important Information - The company is pursuing funding opportunities from various US government departments for both offshore and onshore components of its operations [66][68] - The anticipated ramp-up in profitability is expected to support significant capital expenditures for onshore refining capacity after production begins [25][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What work needs to be done to get through the feasibility level and the timeline? - The focus will be on finalizing agreements with Allsys and preparing for the investment decision to order long lead items for production [39] Question: What are the next major steps or milestones regarding permitting under NOAA? - The company expects good news from NOAA and is in daily contact with regulators, anticipating changes to fast-track permitting [41][42] Question: What factors could accelerate or slow down progress towards production? - Management believes there are no significant regulatory hurdles, and the focus will be on managing supply chain issues [52] Question: How will the capital expenditures be split among partners? - The breakdown of capital expenditures is still being finalized, but there is a long-standing assumption of splitting pre-production costs with Allsys [63] Question: Are there funding opportunities available for the offshore side? - The company is actively pursuing funding from various US government programs for both offshore and onshore components [66][68] Question: Could the processing plant development be expedited? - The company could accelerate the development of processing facilities if favorable terms are available from funding agencies [70]
Gunnison Copper Announces Johnson Camp SX Plant Start-Up with First Copper Sales in September
Newsfile· 2025-08-11 10:30
Core Insights - Gunnison Copper Corp. has successfully started the solvent extraction (SX) plant and electrowinning (EW) circuit at the Johnson Camp Mine, with first copper sales anticipated in September 2025 [1][2] Company Progress - The startup of the SX-EW plant was completed ahead of schedule, marking a significant milestone towards achieving copper cathode sales [2] - Construction activities at the Johnson Camp Mine, funded by Nuton LLC (a Rio Tinto venture), are progressing as planned, with the final phase of the leach pad construction on schedule [2] - The on-pad crushing circuit has been installed and is undergoing commissioning, while the agglomerator and processing equipment are also being finalized [2] Production Capacity - The Johnson Camp Asset is expected to produce up to 25 million pounds of finished copper cathode annually, with first production slated for Q3 2025 [13] Resource and Economic Assessment - The Gunnison Copper Project has a Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of over 831.6 million tons with a total copper grade of 0.31%, and a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) indicates a net present value (NPV) of $1.3 billion and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 20.9% [11][12] Environmental and Technological Aspects - Nuton’s innovative leaching technologies aim to enhance copper recovery rates and support domestic production, contributing to a more sustainable mining operation with lower energy and water requirements [15][16]
Koryx Copper Provides Project Development Update for the Haib Copper Project, Southern Namibia
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-06-17 11:00
Core Insights - Koryx Copper Inc. has made significant progress on its Haib Copper Project in Namibia, focusing on metallurgical testing and infrastructure development, with a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) expected in Q3 2025 [2][3][4] Project Overview - The Haib Copper Project is an advanced-stage copper/molybdenum project aimed at producing clean copper concentrate through conventional methods, with potential for additional copper production via heap leaching [2][4][29] - The current mineral resource estimate stands at 414 million tonnes (Mt) at 0.35% copper, equating to 1,459 million tonnes of contained copper in the Indicated category, and 345 Mt at 0.33% copper for 1,136 million tonnes of contained copper in the Inferred category [29] Metallurgical Testing - The metallurgical test program has shown excellent results, achieving an average flotation recovery of 89% from a grind size of 120-150 micrometers, producing concentrates with a grade of 20-25% copper [8][18] - Historical test parameters have been effectively enhanced, leading to improved copper recovery and cost reduction [6][7] - The program includes ongoing pre-concentration and heap leach testing, with promising initial results [8][16] Infrastructure Development - The project is supported by a comprehensive infrastructure plan, including water and power supply studies indicating a demand of approximately 120 megawatts (MW) for milling and flotation, and 20 million cubic meters (Mm³) of water per annum [8][19] - A mining license application is in progress, and environmental permitting is advancing, with a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) being developed [21][26] Technical Studies and Future Plans - Multiple world-class engineering consultants are involved in the PEA, which aims to demonstrate the techno-economic feasibility of Haib as a long-life, low-cost, large-scale open-pit mine [4][5] - The company plans to expedite its drilling program to enhance the mineral resource estimate and capture additional project value through an updated technical study in H1 2026 [5][32] Conclusion - Koryx Copper Inc. is positioning the Haib Copper Project as a future low-risk, high-potential copper production site, with extensive testing and studies underway to support its development [28][29]
MMG(01208) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-25 02:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, MMG's copper production reached just over 118,000 tonnes, a 76% increase compared to the same quarter last year [21] - The total recordable injury frequency was 2.4 per million hours worked, indicating a focus on safety despite an increase from the previous quarter [19] - The significant events with energy exchange frequency was 1.08 per million hours worked, also showing an increase from last quarter [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Las Bambas produced over 95,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate, a 71% increase year-over-year [21] - Kinsevere produced almost 12,000 tonnes of copper cathode, a 19% increase compared to the same period last year [23] - Khoemakau produced close to 11,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate, a 4% increase from the previous quarter despite severe weather conditions [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing favorable market conditions, including declining TCRC rates for copper and zinc concentrates and rising precious metal prices [26] - The operations at Las Bambas are stable and in good order, contributing to a positive outlook for production and cost guidance [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - MMG aims to become one of the top 10 global copper producers, focusing on safety performance, expansion projects, and community relations [27] - The company is advancing its Nickel Brazil acquisition and integration plans while conducting a comprehensive review of its 2025 production and cost guidance [26] - The feasibility study for expanding Las Bambas' capacity is a top priority, with plans to reach 60,000 tonnes by 2026 and 130,000 tonnes by 2028 [43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting production guidance for Las Bambas, contingent on stable operations and no nationwide incidents [32] - The company is optimistic about the potential for cost reductions due to scale economics as production increases [32] - Management highlighted the importance of community relations and ongoing negotiations to ensure stable operations [31] Other Important Information - The total investment for community development projects, including the construction of a school, is approximately $9 million [22] - The company is focused on optimizing recovery rates and improving operational flexibility at its mining sites [46][48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Las Bambas production - Management indicated that production is expected to meet the upper limit of guidance if no nationwide incidents occur [32] Question: Inventory adjustments at Las Bambas - Sales increased in Q1 due to inventory sold from Q4, and production is sticking to guidance [34] Question: Kinsevere's power outages and production expectations - Management confirmed that production is on track with guidance, and diesel power generation is a backup source [36] Question: C1 cost expectations - C1 costs are expected to improve as production increases, with precious metal prices positively impacting costs [57] Question: Tax issues in Las Bambas - Management is working with tax authorities in Peru, and they do not expect significant impacts on cash flow or corporate income tax rates [71]