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Los Azules Feasibility Study Confirms Economically Robust Copper Project With Leading ESG Performance
Globenewswireยท 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]