There are a number of signs that the metal should remain on its longer-term climb.
Argentina's mining exports will more than double to around $10 billion in 2027 from some $4 billion this year, the country's Mining Secretary Luis Lucero told Reuters, driven by a spate of lithium projects coming online and a nascent push into copper.
NV Gold Corporation (TSX-V:NVX, OTC:NVGLF) has completed a technical analysis of its Oasis gold and copper project in Nevada, revealing significant potential for economic mineralization. The project, located in the Walker Lane structural and mineral belt of west-central Nevada, sits approximately 30 miles southwest of the Goldfield district, which has produced over 4 million ounces of gold.
Prices of the red metal have been climbing steadily in recent weeks, paring losses after falling to a four-month low in early August. Saxo Bank's Ole Hansen said copper's recent rally had been bolstered by renewed demand from hedge funds which had previously cut their exposure "during the recent and deep 24% correction.
The copper market faces potential supply constraints as the number of new copper projects being sanctioned has significantly declined, according to a recent report by Jefferies. The report highlights that the annual production capacity from newly sanctioned copper projects has fallen by 40% over the past five years, which has caused production to drop to approximately 900,000 tonnes per annum (ktpa) from nearly 1.5 million tonnes in the previous five-year period (2009-2013).
Chilean copper giant Codelco, under growing pressure from global clients demanding sustainable mining credentials, is trying to give itself a green makeover by investing in electric buses, cactus nurseries and recycling metal materials and tools.
Copper futures hit a record high of $5.20 per pound in May 2024 before falling below $4 in August. Chinese economic weakness and rising inventories weigh on copper prices, but the long-term bullish trend remains intact. A compelling case for higher copper prices includes green energy initiatives, potential U.S. recession, and weakening U.S. dollar.
A strike by a workers' union at Lundin Mining's Caserones copper mine in Chile that has dragged on for more than a week is not showing any signs of resolution, the union's president said on Monday.
A shift by Western economies away from China's copper supply chain could raise costs and delay the energy transition, says Wood Mackenzie. While supply chain risks can be mitigated in various countries, the scale of China's dominance in the downstream supply chain means complete replacement is 'unfeasible,' said a mining expert.
TNR Gold Corp (TSX-V:TNR, OTC:TRRXF) announced an update from McEwen Mining regarding the Los Azules copper, gold, and silver project in San Juan, Argentina. TNR Gold holds a 0.4% net smelter returns royalty (NSR) on the project, which is operated by McEwen Copper, a subsidiary of McEwen Mining.
Coniagas Battery Metals (TSX-V:COS) has identified new cobalt-copper concentrates for processing using its advanced Re-2Ox process. The company has secured potential monthly shipments of 200 to 500 tonnes of these concentrates from European warehouse operators, ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality raw materials.
Michael McCrae is leading Kitco's coverage of the mining sector. McCrae, who has both an MBA and CMA, knows how to build digital media properties.