La plus grande entreprise du monde ajoute un deuxième projet de cuivre en Argentine

BHP, one of the world’s largest copper producers, has announced its second mining project in Argentina, marking a new chapter for the country's mineral exploration sector. The agreement was reached through BHP’s unit, BHP Metals Exploration, with Kobrea Exploration Corp, a Canadian company. Together, they will explore a portfolio of copper projects located within the Western Malargüe Copper Projects in southern Mendoza province. This move positions Mendoza as a growing hub for copper exploration, following the long-standing prominence of provinces such as Catamarca and San Juan. The partnership began with an initial payment of US$3 million from BHP, which Kobrea will use to advance the projects. Additionally, BHP has committed to investing a minimum of US$5 million over the first two years of the initiative, which could be extended depending on progress. During this period, BHP will have the option to select up to four projects from Kobrea’s portfolio to enter an "earn-in" phase. In each case, BHP can acquire a 75% stake by financing at least US$40 million in exploration over eight years. Upon completion of this stage, joint ventures will be formed, with BHP retaining 75% and Kobrea holding the remaining 25%. Mendoza, historically less prominent in the country’s mining landscape compared to Catamarca and San Juan, is now emerging as a key player. This shift is largely attributed to the Western Malargüe Mining District (MDMO), a government-led initiative that has opened up the region for exploration near the border with Chile and Neuquén. Since December, when the Mendoza legislature approved several critical measures, including the Law of Mining Royalties, an Environmental Compensation Fund, and environmental impact assessments, the provincial government under Governor Alfredo Cornejo has intensified efforts to establish the area as a new center for copper production. As of now, the district hosts more than 30 active exploration projects, with plans to add over 100 more. Kobrea, listed on the Canadian stock exchange and the U.S. Over-the-Counter (OTC) market, holds rights to explore seven projects totaling more than 733 square kilometers in the southwest of Mendoza. These projects are described as highly prospective for porphyry copper and copper-gold deposits. James Hedalen, CEO of Kobrea Exploration, stated in a press release that the alliance with BHP represents a transformative milestone for the company. He emphasized the confidence placed in the copper projects of western Malargüe and the technical work carried out by Kobrea’s team. Hedalen noted that the company maintains a meaningful long-term exposure to any project that progresses into a joint venture with BHP. BHP, the world’s leading copper producer, operates some of the largest mines globally, including Escondida in northern Chile, the planet’s biggest copper mine. The company manages operations and projects across more than 90 locations worldwide. Its Metals Exploration division focuses on identifying and evaluating new opportunities for mineral exploration. With this latest agreement, BHP continues to expand its footprint in Argentina, reinforcing the country’s potential as a major supplier of copper in the global market.