Power Metallic Mines: A Crucial Phase Is Underway
“Everyone is watching the SpaceX ticker. Almost no one is asking where the copper comes from.” With these words, CEO Terry Lynch points out on LinkedIn the real bottleneck of the AI revolution. While billions are flowing into data centers, satellites, and electrification, copper is becoming a critical raw material. Power Metallic Mines is strategically well-positioned with its Lion project in Québec.
The Canadian company has now released the latest assay results from its winter drilling program, thereby establishing the data foundation for its first NI 43-101-compliant mineral resource estimate, which is expected by the end of July. Drill hole PML-26-116 stands out in particular, with 36.42 m at 2.83% copper equivalent (CuEq), including 6.00 m with an above-average 12.38% CuEq. The infill drilling also enhances the reliability of the resource model and provides important data for a potential open-pit mine in the Lion Zone.
Immediately following the completion of the upcoming mineral resource estimate, a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) is scheduled to begin, marking two crucial milestones on the path to mine development. At the same time, shareholders at the Annual General and Special Meeting (AGSM) set the course for a potential listing on a US stock exchange. The approved amendment to the articles of association will meet the requirements of US stock exchanges in the future and could significantly increase visibility among institutional investors.
The 313 km² Nisk Project in Québec is considered one of the most exciting polymetallic exploration projects in North America. In addition to copper, the deposit contains nickel as well as platinum, palladium, gold, and silver mineralization. Metallurgical tests show copper recovery rates of over 95%. The company also recently received a boost from a financing round of approximately CAD 28 million, in which commodities investor Eric Sprott participated.
Analysts at GBC have set a price target of CAD 3 for the shares, which is significantly above the current share price of CAD 1.10.
Southern Copper: Declining Production Figures
Southern Copper Corporation, one of the world’s largest copper producers, which operates large open-pit mines and processing facilities in Peru and Mexico, released data on the volumes of raw materials mined for the second quarter and the first six months of 2026. At the same time, the company announced an upcoming dividend payment to shareholders.
An analysis of the production figures reveals an industry-wide downward trend in the company’s core raw materials. Southern Copper’s copper production fell to 230,662 metric tons during the period from April to June 2026. This represents a decrease compared to the 238,980 metric tons recorded in the same quarter of the previous year. Copper sales volume for the first half of 2026 totaled 461,206 metric tons, which is below the prior-year figure of 479,206 metric tons.
Similar trends are evident for molybdenum and zinc. Molybdenum production for the past quarter totaled 7,046 metric tons (same quarter last year: 7,919 metric tons). In the first six months, 14,562 metric tons were mined, representing a decline from the 15,603 metric tons produced in the first half of 2025. Zinc production declined to 39,257 metric tons in the second quarter. Half-year production fell to 79,421 metric tons compared to 85,274 metric tons in the prior year. Only silver presents a different picture. Although quarterly production fell slightly to 5,759,000 ounces (5,984,000 ounces in the prior year), production for the half-year as a whole increased to 11,806,000 ounces, compared to 11,426,000 ounces in the prior year.
Along with the release of its operating metrics, the Group’s management announced decisions regarding capital allocation. At its meeting in mid-July, the Board of Directors of Southern Copper Corporation approved a dividend payment for the second quarter of 2026. Shareholders will receive a dividend of USD 1.10 per common share.
Vale: Analysts Skeptical
In contrast, the Brazilian mining group Vale reported a slight increase in iron ore production during the second quarter. Production volume totaled 84.3 million metric tons, representing a 1% increase from the same quarter last year. This increase was primarily driven by high production volumes at the S11D and Brucutú mines, as well as capacity expansions at the Capanema and VGR1 projects. Pellet production, however, declined by 7% to 7.3 million metric tons due to a temporary operational shutdown in Oman. Total iron ore sales rose by 3% to 79.7 million metric tons, with the average selling price for fine ore increasing by just over 11% to USD 95 per metric ton. The Group is maintaining its full-year forecast for 2026.
In addition to operational progress in mining, Vale is modernizing its logistics infrastructure. The company commissioned the US supplier Wabtec to implement a new train control system for the Carajás and Vitória-a-Minas rail lines. This project involves an interoperable electronic train management system to be integrated into the existing infrastructure and onboard systems. The investment volume amounts to approximately EUR 166.5 million. Full commissioning is scheduled to take place in phases through 2031. With this technological upgrade, the company aims to enable real-time monitoring of rail operations. Automatic control interventions in hazardous situations are intended to reduce operational disruptions and enhance overall transportation safety.
On the capital market, however, analysts are currently skeptical about Vale’s current business environment. The US investment bank Morgan Stanley downgraded its investment rating for Vale shares from “Overweight” to “Equalweight” and lowered the price target from USD 19.50 to USD 16.50. The downgrade is attributed to an expected decline in the iron ore market. Weaker global steel production, particularly a projected decline in China, is likely to lead to a growing supply surplus in the seaborne trade.
Rising demand for copper and other strategic commodities is likely to separate the wheat from the chaff. While Power Metallic Mines faces key catalysts such as high-grade drill results, an upcoming resource estimate, and a potential US listing, Southern Copper, as a global producer, stands to benefit from high copper prices in the long term. Although Vale scores points for its strong market position, it must contend with a more challenging iron ore environment and a more cautious analyst outlook in the short term.
Conflict of interest
Pursuant to §85 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), we point out that Apaton Finance GmbH as well as partners, authors or employees of Apaton Finance GmbH (hereinafter referred to as “Relevant Persons”) may hold shares or other financial instruments of the aforementioned companies in the future or may bet on rising or falling prices and thus a conflict of interest may arise in the future. The Relevant Persons reserve the right to buy or sell shares or other financial instruments of the Company at any time (hereinafter each a “Transaction”). Transactions may, under certain circumstances, influence the respective price of the shares or other financial instruments of the Company.
In addition, Apaton Finance GmbH is active in the context of the preparation and publication of the reporting in paid contractual relationships.
For this reason, there is a concrete conflict of interest.
The above information on existing conflicts of interest applies to all types and forms of publication used by Apaton Finance GmbH for publications on companies.
Risk notice
Apaton Finance GmbH offers editors, agencies and companies the opportunity to publish commentaries, interviews, summaries, news and the like on news.financial. These contents are exclusively for the information of the readers and do not represent any call to action or recommendations, neither explicitly nor implicitly they are to be understood as an assurance of possible price developments. The contents do not replace individual expert investment advice and do not constitute an offer to sell the discussed share(s) or other financial instruments, nor an invitation to buy or sell such.
The content is expressly not a financial analysis, but a journalistic or advertising text. Readers or users who make investment decisions or carry out transactions on the basis of the information provided here do so entirely at their own risk. No contractual relationship is established between Apaton Finance GmbH and its readers or the users of its offers, as our information only refers to the company and not to the investment decision of the reader or user.
The acquisition of financial instruments involves high risks, which can lead to the total loss of the invested capital. The information published by Apaton Finance GmbH and its authors is based on careful research. Nevertheless, no liability is assumed for financial losses or a content-related guarantee for the topicality, correctness, appropriateness and completeness of the content provided here. Please also note our Terms of use.
Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For full disclaimer information, please click here.
