SMM Daily Comments (Jun 1): Base Metals Mostly Rose with SHFE Aluminium Surging, Ferrous Metals Rose across the board, Iron Ore Skyrocketed

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.

Prolonged winter rains have triggered severe flooding, mudslides and road disruptions across north-central Chile, leaving at least 10 people dead and tens of thousands isolated. President José Antonio Kast has declared a state of catastrophe in the Coquimbo Region and Huasco Province of Atacama to accelerate emergency response efforts.

[SMM Analysis: Copper Prices Remain Elevated, but Why Has Overseas Copper Scrap Supply Yet to Increase Significantly?] Despite elevated copper prices, overseas copper scrap supply remains tight. Earlier inventories were largely released from Q4 2025 to Q2 2026, while new scrap generation is slow. High funding costs, stronger local absorption and US-Iran-related shipping delays have further limited tradable supply, supporting payabilities.