VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aldebaran Resources Inc. (“Aldebaran” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: ALDE, OTCQX: ADBRF) is pleased to announce the filing on SEDAR+ of an updated Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment (the “Altar PEA”) on the Altar copper-gold project located in San Juan Province, Argentina, prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure in Mineral Projects. The Altar PEA has an effective date of September 1, 2025, an ...

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].

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]