SMM Daily Comments (May 29): Base Metals Close Mostly Higher, Ferrous Metals Rose across the Board, Tin and Iron Ore Soar, Markets Eyes on OECD Economic Outlook Report

Vicuña Corp., the 50/50 joint venture between BHP and Lundin Mining, has awarded the construction contract for Sections A1 and A2 of the Northern Corridor in Argentina, advancing enabling infrastructure for the integrated Josemaria and Filo del Sol copper-gold-silver project. The contract was awarded to a joint venture comprising Contreras, BBC (Boetto y Buttigliengo Constructora) and San Juan-based Construmin following a technical and economic evaluation process that also considered local participation. The awarded sections cover 63.6 kilometres between Angualasto and Junta La Palca, passing through Malimán, and form the first portion of the broader Northern Corridor, which is reported at approximately 220 kilometres. The route is intended to provide future access to the Vicuña project through San Juan Province and support logistics requirements associated with upcoming development stages. The scope of work includes earthworks, embankment construction, excavation and blasting, drainage systems, retaining structures, signage and other road-safety infrastructure. Vicuña is being advanced through a staged development strategy, with Josemaria expected to form the first stage of development, followed by subsequent development of Filo del Sol. BHP has indicated that a Stage 1 final investment decision could occur as early as the end of 2026. The contract award marks another tangible infrastructure milestone for Vicuña as BHP and Lundin Mining advance one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper districts. Development of reliable road access will be important for construction logistics and future operations at the remote project. While the award does not alter the current production timetable, it demonstrates continued progress on enabling infrastructure ahead of a potential Stage 1 final investment decision.

Algo Grande Copper announced first assay results from its Phase II drilling programme at the Adelita Project in Sonora, Mexico, confirming high-grade copper-silver-gold skarn mineralisation at the Cerro Grande discovery. Hole AG-CG-PH2-002 intersected 30.23 metres grading 1.5% copper equivalent from 146.70 metres, comprising 0.83% copper, 47.3 g/t silver and 0.40 g/t gold. The interval included 3.55 metres grading 9.4% CuEq, containing 5.26% copper, 311.8 g/t silver and 2.22 g/t gold, as well as a 1.20-metre interval grading 15.8% CuEq, including 9.84% copper. The company said the mineralisation was intersected approximately 100 metres above the high-grade zone encountered during its Phase I drilling programme, indicating that the Cerro Grande system extends closer to surface than previously recognised. The hole was completed at a final depth of 661.8 metres. Assays remain pending below 179 metres, where a further 40.40 metres of visually mineralised core was logged between 179 and 301 metres. Additional Phase II holes along the Cerro Grande magnetic corridor also contain visually logged copper mineralisation, although assay results for those intervals remain outstanding. The Phase II programme is designed to expand the Cerro Grande skarn discovery along a 2.5-km magnetic corridor, with approximately 7,200 metres across 15 holes planned. The latest results extend high-grade copper-silver-gold mineralisation into a shallower part of the Cerro Grande system and provide further evidence of continuity along the skarn horizon. However, significant portions of the ongoing Phase II drilling remain supported only by visual observations, making forthcoming assays important in determining whether the mineralised footprint can be materially expanded. CuEq values are based on assumed recoveries, while true widths have not yet been established.

According to foreign media reports, copper recorded its first weekly decline since June as uncertainty over potential US tariffs on refined copper triggered a sharp reversal from record highs. Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange traded at around US$14,238/mt on Friday, leaving prices approximately 1.2% lower for the week and ending a 10-week winning streak. Copper had reached a record US$14,875/mt before falling 3.6% on Thursday, after Reuters reported that the White House had not yet made a decision on whether to impose tariffs on refined copper imports. The pullback reflected a reduction in bullish positioning following the recent rally. However, underlying physical-market conditions remained relatively tight. Available LME copper inventories stood at 117,600 tonnes, while copper stocks monitored by the Shanghai Futures Exchange fell 13% week on week to 54,780 tonnes, their lowest level since January 2024. Near-term tightness on the LME also eased. The cash-to-three-month spread shifted into contango on Thursday, with cash copper trading at a US$4.50/mt discount to the three-month contract, indicating reduced concern over immediate metal availability. Uncertainty surrounding US trade policy remains an important driver of copper flows. Reuters reported that the White House has not yet made a decision on refined copper tariffs, as officials weigh concerns over higher manufacturing costs against the potential benefits of encouraging domestic mining. Expectations of possible tariffs had previously encouraged greater copper flows into the US, contributing to regional inventory imbalances. Copper's retreat from record highs suggests that tariff expectations had become an important component of recent bullish positioning. While uncertainty over US trade policy could continue to generate short-term volatility, falling Chinese inventories and geographically concentrated stocks indicate that underlying physical supply conditions remain relatively tight. The shift of the LME spread into contango, however, suggests that immediate availability concerns have eased compared with earlier in the rally.