Interview with Stephen Stewart, CEO of QC Copper & Gold

Our previous interview: https://youtu.be/AGIoqUs4BAA

Recording date:18th January 2024

QC Copper Positions for a Copper Breakout in Quebec

With copper supply deficits projected for the coming decade against the backdrop of rising demand from global decarbonization initiatives, few Canadian-listed junior mining companies hold assets boasting grades that could attract major producer interest quite like QC Copper & Gold Corp. The company’s flagship Opemiska Copper Complex in Quebec’s Chapais-Chibougamau region contains an in-pit constrained resource with over 2 billion pounds of copper. With a copper grade of nearly 0.8%, Opemiska’s standalone copper grades run 2-3x higher than comparable large-scale projects. Yet the asset benefits tremendously from existing local infrastructure thanks to over 50 years of prior production history under previous operators.

Now with an updated technical report in hand validating the impressive copper grades, QC Copper turns its focus to demonstrating feasibility for restarting production. Defining infrastructure requirements and pit parameters will clarify potential social or environmental impacts, which remain top of mind given Opemiska’s proximity to the local town center. However, the company maintains excellent relations with local community stakeholders, grounded in transparency of intentions balanced by a track record of creating positive economic opportunities. Regional support from the Quebec government also bodes well for permitting and development timelines while containing jurisdictional risks.

Looking beyond the main deposit, QC Copper views Opemiska as an under-explored district play with several near mine satellite targets already identified but never systematically assessed using modern exploration techniques. Prior owners focused efforts on underground production, leaving substantial discovery potential at depth and more critically for QC Copper, also laterally from open pit friendly zones. The company’s methodical approach towards compiling and analyzing the region’s robust exploration database prior to drilling speaks to both technically and financially disciplined leadership. Any exploration success could meaningfully bolster already impressive copper grades as the company examines a range of scalable mining scenarios.

While a hesitant junior mining investment environment may temper expectations for QC Copper’s valuation in the coming months, the project’s copper endowment and infrastructure advantages position the company exceedingly well for accretive transactions. The notion of majors paying substantial premiums to secure copper production in mining-friendly jurisdictions carries plenty of recent industry precedent. As QC Copper’s exploration and study work progresses further de-risking future production potential, expect Opemiska to attract no shortage of suitors. Sooner or later, one of them will prise this copper-rich asset from the hands of QC Copper’s shareholders – albeit likely at an offer too good to refuse.

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