Trafigura Exits 2,000 MW Angola-DRC-Zambia Power Project Amid Financing Challenges

According to foreign media reports, global mining company BHP has forecast lower copper production for the 2027 financial year, mainly owing to declining ore grades at its flagship Escondida mine in Chile. The guidance comes despite the company delivering another strong operating year, underpinned by robust copper and iron ore production and continued progress on its long-term growth strategy. BHP produced approximately 1.95 million tonnes of copper during the financial year ended June 30, 2026, meeting its production guidance of 1.9 million to 2.0 million tonnes. The company also achieved record iron ore production of 265 million tonnes, reflecting stable operations across its major mining assets. Despite the expected decline in copper output next year, BHP remains optimistic about its long-term growth prospects. The company continues to advance several key development projects, including expansion pathways at Escondida, Spence and Copper South Australia. It is also progressing the Resolution copper project in the United States, expanding its investment in Faraday, and moving forward with the Vicuña copper project in Argentina after it received approval under the country's large investment incentive programme. Meanwhile, construction of the Jansen potash project in Canada remains on schedule, with first production expected next year. The lower production outlook from Escondida, the world's largest copper mine, could provide additional support to global copper prices if market demand remains strong. At the same time, BHP's continued investment in new copper projects reflects confidence in the long-term demand outlook driven by electrification, renewable energy infrastructure and electric vehicle manufacturing.

Data released by LME showed that on July 21, copper inventories stood at 284,175 mt, down 6,750 mt from the previous period, while cancelled warrants reached 177,025 mt, with the proportion rising to 62.29%. US tariffs remain unresolved, and the current LC nearby price spread has widened again to above $400/mt, while the far-end spread has widened to $700-900/mt. China's social inventory of copper cathode has fallen to a low level, and recently the CIF China spot copper cathode premium has continued to surge. The ratio of cancelled warrants in US and Asian warehouses has been rising continuously.

Barrick Mining will invest C$20.88 million (US$14.8 million) in Canadian explorer Kingfisher Metals through a non-brokered private placement, acquiring an initial 9.9% equity stake that could increase to 14.1% if all warrants are exercised. Barrick will subscribe for 15.47 million units at C$1.35 per unit, with each unit consisting of one common share and one-half warrant. At least 80% of the proceeds will be used to advance exploration and development at Kingfisher's HWY 37 copper-gold project in British Columbia's Golden Triangle, with the remaining funds allocated to working capital and general corporate purposes. Following the financing, Kingfisher expects to hold approximately C$47 million in cash to accelerate exploration at its Hank porphyry discovery and across its broader land package. Barrick said the investment is strategic and that it may adjust its ownership position depending on market conditions.