Gold prices hold losses as US-EU trade deal eases safe‑haven demand
On Thursday, Goldman Sachs began covering Lundin Mining (OTC:LUNMF) Corp. (LUN:CN) (OTC: LUNMF), currently valued at $7.32 billion, with a Buy rating and set a price target of C$16.60. According to InvestingPro data, the company has demonstrated strong financial performance with revenue of $3.42 billion. The initiation of coverage is based on the promising prospects of Lundin Mining’s Vicuña project in Argentina, which is seen as a world-class copper opportunity.
The Vicuña project, with BHP as a joint venture partner, is expected to require a development cost of approximately $15 billion, with the potential to deliver up to 480,000 tonnes per annum of copper, which equates to roughly 600,000 tonnes per annum of copper equivalent by the mid-2030s. Goldman Sachs analysts forecast that the project could yield a 15% internal rate of return (IRR) with copper prices at $4.50 per pound. InvestingPro analysis shows the company maintains a GOOD financial health score, with multiple analysts revising earnings estimates upward.
The analysts also noted that an update on the Filo del Sol (FDS) sulphide resource, expected in the second quarter of 2025, will be an important milestone. They believe that the market is currently underestimating the value of the Vicuña project. Goldman Sachs estimates that Lundin Mining will require additional equity funding in the range of $2 to $2.5 billion beyond 2028. With a strong free cash flow yield and current ratio of 1.72, the company has various options to raise this capital, including a sell-down of the Vicuña project, a shareholder loan from BHP, or issuing new equity. Get detailed insights and 7 additional ProTips with a InvestingPro subscription.
The firm projects that the post-development value of Vicuña could exceed $30 billion, putting it on par with mega-mines like Escondida. This projection underscores the potential for the project to significantly increase value for Lundin Mining’s shareholders, particularly given the company’s beta of 1.67 indicating higher potential returns with increased volatility.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.