Copper

Aston Bay Holdings (TSXV: BAY) is advancing the Storm Copper Project in Nunavut toward potential production by 2028. In a PDAC 2026 interview, CEO Thomas Ullrich outlined a low-capex development plan supported by ore sorting and a funding agreement with Ocean Partners. The project hosts high-grade near-surface copper, while new geophysical work is targeting deeper mineralization. Meanwhile, the Epworth project continues to deliver early exploration results, with new showings and initial drilling planned. The company remains free-carried at Storm through its partnership with American West Metals (ASX: AW1). [more]

Canada One Mining Corp. (TSXV: CONE) is positioning its Copper Dome Project in British Columbia as a low-cost exploration play in a proven copper belt. In a recent PDAC 2026 interview, CEO Peter Berdusco outlined the company’s strategy, including its five-year drill permit, proximity to Hudbay Minerals’ Copper Mountain Mine, and ongoing work to refine drill targets. The project benefits from road access and nearby infrastructure, helping keep exploration costs lower than remote projects. With multiple zones identified and additional geophysical work underway, the company is working toward a future drill program aimed at advancing the project toward potential discovery. [more]

Watch our PDAC 2026 interview with Peter Clausi of Silver Bullet Mines (TSXV: SBMI). The discussion focuses on active production at the King Tut and Super Champ mines in Arizona, supported by a company-owned mill. Clausi outlines the dual revenue approach, combining concentrate sales and direct shipping ore, and explains how high-grade material supports margins. The interview also touches on recent acquisitions and upcoming work at the Washington Mine in Idaho. The conversation provides a direct look at how Silver Bullet Mines is moving from development toward steady operations. [more]

Upside Gold Corp. (CSE: UG) is advancing its Kena Gold-Copper Project in British Columbia following its January 2026 listing. CEO Sophy Cesar outlined plans to complete a 5,000-metre drill program this year, with results expected in September. The project hosts a 3.31 million ounce historical gold resource, which the company aims to upgrade to NI 43-101 standards by year-end. Upside Gold is also evaluating silver and copper contributions, which could expand the overall resource. The company is working with a lean team and existing infrastructure to advance the project in a cost-conscious manner. [more]

BHP’s artificial intelligence (AI) mining strategy centers on execution, not technology alone. At PDAC 2026, Mikko Tepponen outlined how data integration, AI, and system-level platforms are reshaping mining decisions from exploration to operations. As ore bodies become deeper and more complex, and demand for critical minerals rises, BHP is prioritizing faster decision cycles, improved capital allocation, and operational stability. Key initiatives include centralized exploration data platforms, computer vision in iron ore operations, and digital twins at Escondida. The company reports over US$2 billion in value from digital initiatives, but emphasizes that scalable execution and integrated systems will define long-term competitive advantage. [more]

At the PDAC 2026 Investment Leaders Forum, Rick Rule argued investors may be entering a rare period when precious metals and industrial commodities advance together. He tied the setup to governments devaluing currencies and decades of underinvestment in mining exploration and broader industrial supply. Rule said the US dollar could lose up to 75% of its purchasing power over the next decade, a backdrop that could lift the nominal price of gold and reprice hard assets. His framework is to build a conservative base first, then add selective higher-risk positions where the market shows hate or boredom. [more]

At PDAC 2026, Vale S.A. CEO Gustavo Pimenta outlined a five-pillar strategy at Vale that he believes can help reshape mining’s role in the global markets. He said mineral demand could rise five to six times, driven by electrification, AI infrastructure, and global development. However, mining company valuations remain low due to weak public perception. Vale plans to meet this demand by focusing on iron ore, copper, and nickel, leveraging existing infrastructure, automation, and lower-carbon products. Pimenta emphasized that execution and social license, not just production growth, will determine whether mining companies can close the valuation gap. [more]

PDAC 2026 will feature two technical sessions examining brownfield and greenfield exploration strategies. The brownfield session focuses on expanding resources around existing or past-producing mines, highlighting lower geological risk, faster timelines, and capital efficiency. Case studies include copper, gold, and IOCG systems in established districts. The greenfield session reviews recent discoveries and emerging districts, including gold, potash, copper-gold, and uranium projects. These presentations illustrate differing risk-return profiles, infrastructure requirements, and exploration economics. Together, the sessions demonstrate how brownfield extensions and greenfield discoveries both contribute to long-term mineral supply and reserve replacement across global jurisdictions. [more]