McEwen Copper Sees $1.1B Funding Interest for Los Azules Buildout
Description
McEwen Copper Vice President and General Manager Michael Meding joins Kitco Mining at the NBF CEO Mining Conference in London to discuss the new feasibility study for the Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina. Meding says the country’s new RIGI fiscal regime “recovers lost trust in Argentina” by restoring clear, long-term legal and tax stability. The study outlines annual production of 148,000 tons of copper cathode over 21 years, with the potential to extend the operation beyond 50 years as new technologies are applied.
Meding says financing momentum is strong, with export credit agencies and development banks showing early interest. McEwen Copper has already received about $1.1 billion in letters of interest, even before releasing the feasibility study, and he highlights unprecedented support from the U.S. government for Argentina’s economic reset. Early construction could begin in late 2026, with full buildout through 2029 and targeted first production in 2030, while the company also evaluates the best timing and venue for a potential IPO.
In this interview, Michael Meding also discusses:
• Why RIGI improves Argentina’s competitiveness
• Multi-decade expansion potential at Los Azules
• U.S. government support for investment in Argentina
• Why San Juan is considered like “Nevada to the U.S.”
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https://youtu.be/1ZY-5ac8bso?si=mNPqDbEPP4L4LVm8
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