The great copper migration: ASX juniors head to South America
Copper prices have risen nearly 50% over the past year, reaching about US$6.56 per pound, driven by strong demand from electric vehicles, AI data centres, and renewable‑energy infrastructure. Analysts forecast a supply deficit as existing mines face declining grades, limited new discoveries, and lengthy permitting processes. Australian junior miners are increasingly targeting South America despite operational challenges such as sulfur and acid supply constraints and difficult infrastructure.
- ▪Copper spot prices have surged to US$6.56 per pound, reflecting a 50% increase in the last 12 months.
- ▪Goldman Sachs and other analysts predict a significant supply shortfall as early as next year, suggesting a prolonged bull market for copper.
- ▪Australian junior mining companies are focusing on South American projects, despite hurdles like limited sulphur and sulphuric acid availability, water scarcity, and complex permitting timelines.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","dateModified":"2026-07-24T01:17:47Z","datePublished":"2026-07-24T01:17:47Z","description":"As copper prices soar, some Aussie juniors are braving South America’s water, acid and infrastructure hurdles in the hunt for giant copper-gold discoveries beside mining giants.","headline":"The great copper migration: ASX juniors head to South America","keywords":"Bulls N' Bears, Sharemarket, Shares","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Murray…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.