- Hudbay Minerals paying $439 million in June 2023 for 75% stake in Copper Mountain Mine exemplifies potential for Canada’s emerging “Copper Highway”
- Torr Metals recently expanded its land package at its Kolos Copper-Gold project in the heart of the region by 75% to 240-square kilometers
- Historical rock grab samples at Kolos have yielded high grades, such as 4.24 g/t Au, 0.52% Cu, and 11.3 g/t Ag, yields that company hopes will be further validated soon with the arrival of a spate of samples and survey data
Canada’s mining industry is booming and gaining steam, fueled by an increased focus on copper exploration and development. It’s no secret that metals like copper are in tremendous demand owing to sustainability goals worldwide. British Columbia’s south-central region stands out as a crown jewel in this exciting trend, as a highly attractive and the most productive copper mining district in all of Canada.
Several established copper mines have already cemented the south-central region’s reputation as a copper powerhouse. Hudbay Minerals Copper Mountain copper-gold open-pit mine, for instance, has been churning out valuable resources since August 2011, with a milling capacity of 45,000 tones per day. In June 2023, Hudbay paid an estimated $439 million to buy Copper Mountain Mining Corp. to gain a 75% interest in the mine. This strategic move solidified Hudbay’s position as the third largest copper producer in Canada, highlighting the immense potential of the region.
But the story doesn’t end there. The future promises even more. Exploration activity is booming, with estimates suggesting over $83.7 million dedicated to exploration expenditures and over 110,000 meters of drilling planned, according to the BC Geological Survey.
Torr Metals (TSX.V: TMET) and its Kolos copper-gold project are a prime example of the new wave of exploration driving this economic security of the nation and North America. Located in the heart of this prolific copper/gold belt, the Kolos project is underlain by Nicola Group (Late Triassic) volcanic and sedimentary rocks, which are intruded by Late Triassic granodiorite to quartz monzonite rocks – a geological sweet spot for copper porphyry deposits in the region. The company’s recent 75% expansion of the project to 240-square kilometers demonstrates their unwavering commitment to unlocking the region’s major copper porphyry discovery potential.
Historical rock grab samples at Kolos have yielded high-grades, such as 4.24 g/t Au, 0.52% Cu, and 11.3 g/t Ag within a newly established seven-kilometer trend of untested >200 ppm Cu soil anomalies. To that end, the company and its investors are eagerly awaiting pending assay results from 2023 rock (46) samples as well as phase 1 of 2024 surface sampling that will offer further insights into planning expanded operations in 2024.
While Kolos is an exciting opportunity, it is only a piece of the Torr portfolio. Torr holds 100% ownership in over 1,000-square kilometers of strategically located gold and copper projects across Canada, positioning the company for potentially significant returns in multiple favorable regions. These include the Filion Au Project (261 km2) in northern Ontario and the Latham Cu-Au Project (689 km2) in BC’s Golden Triangle.
The activity of Torr and others in south-central BC is a beacon for investors looking to capitalize on the rush. This combined effort positions the south-central region as a true “Copper Highway” – a corridor of mining activity that will not only benefit mining companies but also generate significant economic prosperity for local communities and the nation.
Copper Mountain is just one example of lengthy mine life potential that Torr is aiming to replicate across its expansive property. Within 30 kilometers of Kolos are two additional established copper porphyry mines, including Teck Resources’ Highland Valley Copper Mine and New Gold’s New Afton Mine that are seeing efforts to extend their life; demonstrating the long-term commitment to this copper and gold-rich area.
With its potential and ongoing exploration activity, the region is poised to remain a leading light in Canada’s copper boom. Companies like Torr Metals are at the forefront of this development, and their success will be a key driver of future deal flow in the Canadian mining industry. With the recent expansion at Kolos, a spate of survey data anticipated, and more exploration on tap, this story is just beginning to be told.
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.TorrMetals.com.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to TMET are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/TMET
