Glencore targets 2027 environmental filing for El Pachón

KGHM Polska Miedź has marked the start of Sierra Gorda’s US$725 million fourth grinding-line expansion in Chile. The project will add crushing, grinding, flotation and associated infrastructure, increasing annual ore-processing capacity from about 48 million tonnes to 60 million tonnes. Completion is scheduled for late 2029, with full production expected in H2 2030. On a 100% mine basis, post-expansion average payable molybdenum production is expected to reach approximately 6,000 tonnes per year. KGHM reported that Sierra Gorda produced more than 8 million lb, or about 3,629 tonnes, of molybdenum in 2025. SMM analysis: the project represents a material medium- to long-term overseas molybdenum supply increment, but it will not add near-term supply.

Codelco reported a fatal accident on October 1 in the crushing and material-handling area of its Radomiro Tomic operation. Activities in the affected area were immediately suspended and an investigation was launched. Codelco has identified Radomiro Tomic as one of its molybdenum-producing mines, with sulphide ore processed through the Chuquicamata concentrator. The company has not disclosed the duration or scope of the suspension or any impact on copper and molybdenum output. SMM analysis: a prolonged or wider suspension could disrupt the processing cadence of Mo-bearing sulphide ore, but there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that molybdenum production has declined.

BHP Metals Exploration and Canada's Kobrea Exploration have formed an exploration alliance across Kobrea's seven Western Malargüe copper projects in Mendoza province, Argentina. BHP will pay a one-time US$3 million advance and fund at least US$5 million over an initial two-year project-generation phase. For each selected project, BHP may earn a 75% interest by sole-funding at least US$40 million of exploration over eight years, with up to four projects advancing to joint ventures (BHP 75%, Kobrea 25%). The land package spans 73,334 hectares over prospective copper-gold-molybdenum porphyry terrain. Kobrea's earlier El Perdido campaign completed six holes totalling 2,358 m confirming porphyry mineralisation, and a US$4 million BHP-funded 2026/2027 program with diamond drilling at El Destino has been approved.