Lundin Mining and BHP Announce Significant Copper-Gold-Silver Resource in Argentina-Chile Border

Lundin Mining and BHP have unveiled a substantial mineral resource at the Filo del Sol project, situated along the Argentina-Chile border. This announcement follows their joint acquisition of Filo Corp. in January 2025, leading to the formation of a 50/50 joint venture named Vicuña Corp., which also encompasses the nearby Josemaría project.

The initial mineral resource estimate for Filo del Sol's high-grade sulphide core indicates 606 million tonnes of measured and indicated resources with a copper-equivalent grade of 1.14%. This translates to approximately 4.5 million tonnes of copper, 9.6 million ounces of gold, and 259 million ounces of silver. Additionally, the oxide layer comprises 434 million tonnes at 0.34% copper, 0.28 g/t gold, and 2.5 g/t silver. The Josemaría project contributes further with 196 million tons of measured and indicated resources at 0.73% copper equivalent, containing 978,000 tons of copper, 2.4 million ounces of gold, and 11 million ounces of silver. Combined, these projects position the Vicuña district among the world's largest undeveloped copper, gold, and silver resources.

Jack Lundin, President and CEO of Lundin Mining, remarked, "Filo del Sol has been one of the most significant greenfield discoveries in the last 30 years... poised to develop into a world-class deposit that will support a globally ranked mining complex." The joint venture aims to leverage shared infrastructure and economies of scale to optimize development. A comprehensive technical report outlining the phased construction plan for the district is anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. This development aligns with the global demand for critical minerals essential for the energy transition, positioning the Vicuña district as a significant contributor to future copper, gold, and silver supplies.