Ivanhoe Electric Partners with SQM for Copper Exploration in Chile
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Source: seekingalpha
- Collaboration Agreement: Ivanhoe Electric has signed a three-year collaboration agreement with Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) to explore copper deposits in northern Chile using Typhoon geophysical survey technology, marking a strategic partnership in resource development.
- Funding Commitment: SQM will provide an initial funding of $9 million for the collaboration covering 2,002 square kilometers of mining concessions in the Atacama Desert, reflecting its commitment to copper resource development and expectations for future market demand.
- Potential Gains: Upon identifying qualifying copper deposits of at least 1 million metric tons of contained copper or equivalent, Ivanhoe Electric will have the option to acquire a 50% interest by paying twice SQM's exploration expenditures, forming a 50-50 joint venture that enhances its competitive position in the copper market.
- Geological Challenges Addressed: The exploration area is located on major copper belts but is concealed beneath electrically resistive caliche cover that hinders traditional exploration methods; Ivanhoe Electric's technological innovations will help overcome these challenges and improve exploration efficiency.
Analyst Views on IE
Wall Street analysts forecast IE stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for IE is 22.67 USD with a low forecast of 17.50 USD and a high forecast of 28.50 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
3 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 18.910
Low
17.50
Averages
22.67
High
28.50
Current: 18.910
Low
17.50
Averages
22.67
High
28.50
About IE
Ivanhoe Electric Inc. is a minerals exploration company with a focus on developing mines from mineral deposits principally located in the United States. The Company uses its Typhoon geophysical surveying system, together with advanced data analytics provided by its subsidiary, Computational Geosciences Inc., to accelerate and de-risk the mineral exploration process. Its sole material mineral project is the Santa Cruz Project, a copper exploration project situated in a prolific mining region that hosts some of the copper mines in the United States. The project encompasses approximately 5,975 acres on private land and includes associated water rights. Its other mineral projects in the United States include the Tintic Project, located in Utah, and the Hog Heaven Copper-Silver-Gold Project, located in Montana. It also holds a portfolio of exploration projects in the western United States, including projects in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Montana.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
