Interview with Hayden Locke, President & CEO of Marimaca Copper Corp.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/marimaca-copper-tsxmari-the-importance-of-skilled-hires-in-de-risking-and-financing-5912
Recording date: 9th October 2024
Marimaca Copper Corp. (TSX:MARI) has taken a significant step in its growth strategy by signing a binding option agreement to acquire the Pampa Medina project from Sociedad Contractual Minera Elenita. This strategic move aligns with Marimaca's goal of expanding its base of leachable copper resources and potentially increasing its production target beyond 50,000 tonnes of copper cathode per annum.
The Pampa Medina project, consisting of four mining concessions totaling 144 hectares, is strategically located within Marimaca's broader 14,500-hectare Sierra de Medina property package. Situated approximately 28km from and 200m higher in elevation than the company's planned processing infrastructure for the Marimaca Oxide Deposit (MOD), Pampa Medina offers significant synergistic development potential.
One of the key attractions of Pampa Medina is its historical resource estimate, which indicates substantial copper mineralization primarily in oxide form. While this estimate is not yet compliant with NI 43-101 standards, it suggests considerable potential, with indicated resources of 12.27 million tonnes at 0.857% total copper and inferred resources of 28.05 million tonnes at 0.659% total copper. The company has inherited approximately 41,000m of historical drilling data and has already commenced a detailed quality assurance and validation program.
Hayden Locke, President & CEO of Marimaca, emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition, noting its alignment with the company's goal of growing its leachable copper resources. The proximity of Pampa Medina to the planned MOD infrastructure presents clear routes for synergistic development, potentially enhancing the overall project economics.
From an exploration perspective, Pampa Medina is situated in one of Marimaca's most prospective target areas within the Sierra de Medina property. The company has already completed surface geology studies and geophysical surveys in and around the historical resource area, revealing exciting potential for resource extension both along strike and down plunge.
The transaction terms involve a series of payments over a five-year option period, totaling US$12 million, with the flexibility for Marimaca to withdraw at any time. This structure provides the company with a low-risk entry into a potentially high-reward asset. Additionally, SCM Elenita will retain a 1.5% net smelter royalty on the property, with Marimaca having the option to buy back 1.0% of this royalty.
For investors, this acquisition represents a significant opportunity for Marimaca Copper. It not only expands the company's resource base but also has the potential to increase production scale and extend mine life. The company plans to release a maiden resource estimate for Pampa Medina in early Q1 2025, which could serve as a major catalyst for the stock.
Furthermore, Marimaca continues to advance its exploration efforts at other targets, including the ongoing drilling at the Mercedes Target. This multi-pronged approach to growth – developing the flagship MOD project, integrating strategic acquisitions like Pampa Medina, and continuing exploration across its property package – demonstrates Marimaca's commitment to creating long-term value for shareholders.
As the global demand for copper continues to rise, driven by the green energy transition and electrification trends, Marimaca Copper is positioning itself as a key player in the copper market. The Pampa Medina acquisition strengthens this position, offering investors exposure to a growing copper resource base in the stable mining jurisdiction of Chile.
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View Marimaca Copper's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/marimaca-copper
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What is Company Interviews?
An insight into junior mining and opportunities to invest.
Company Interviews, a Crux Investor show, exists to cut through the jargon, bias and bluster.
Matthew Gordon, and guest host Merlin Marr-Johnson hone in on the important factors that indicate a company's strong footing for growth and success.