RE: Not worried...21 Apr 2021 18:39
https://www.mining-journal.com/digital_assets/1b1a9d1f-6ebb-42ef-86f7-79fec83f3756/MJ-Copper-Outlook-Supplement_13-04-21_HR_v05.pdf
"In its 2018 report, Copper M&A: The Cupboard is Nearly Bare, RFC Ambrian concluded that of 55 development projects around the world only 21 had the potential to involve a third party and just five had a high possibility of being subject to a transaction. A year ago the bank published an update and observed that there were now 64 development projects, yet still just five with a high possibility of being subject to a transaction.
The five are: Cascabel, Los Helados, Vizcachitas, Casino and Santo Tomas."
"Stimulus is also coming from an unexpected direction in the shape of gold producers since Barrick Gold president and CEO Mark Bristow spoke about the company needing to increase its exposure to copper."
"Ecuador has increasingly taken the copper exploration spotlight in recent years.
The 2013 Alpala discovery by SolGold at Cascabel reinvigorated interest, leading to BHP and Newcrest Mining investing in the company"
"Concessions are awarded during certain windows via a Swiss auction system. The last auction was in 2017 and another is due this year, although it will depend upon the results of the current presidential elections. SolGold took advantage of its early presence to be one of the winners during the last round, picking up concessions throughout the country."