Why Copper’s Rally Is Different This Time | Rob McEwen

McEwen Mining (NYSE: MUX; TSX: MUX) Executive Chair and Chief Owner Rob McEwen joins Kitco Mining’s Paul Harris at Future Minerals Forum 2026 in Riyadh as copper trades near $6 per pound.McEwen says copper’s surge is being driven by excitement around future uses and a growing shortage of supply. He points to AI, electrification, energy infrastructure, long lead times, and the scarcity of major discoveries as structural forces reshaping the market, noting that for new copper projects, “it might take you 15 years” to move from discovery to production.He highlights McEwen Copper’s Los Azules project in Argentina, where a feasibility study completed last fall showed an after-tax NPV of $2.94 billion at a $4.35 per pound copper price. With copper trading near $6 per pound, McEwen says the project’s economics strengthen significantly, adding, “at current prices, we’d have a gross margin in excess of 71%.” He outlines a mine life of more than 20 years with expansion potential, capital costs of about $3.2 billion plus working capital, and a timeline targeting construction in late 2026 or early 2027, with production around 2030.McEwen also discusses financing pathways, including strategic partners, sovereign funds, equipment suppliers, and a potential public listing for McEwen Copper. He closes by explaining how copper, alongside gold and silver, positions the company to build long-term value as demand rises and supply remains constrained.Don’t forget to subscribe to the Kitco Mining & Kitco News YouTube channels to stay up to date on the latest industry news and interviews.00:26 – Copper Near $6 as Supply Tightens01:09 – Geopolitics and Copper as a Critical Mineral01:46 – Industry Restructuring and Copper M&A02:54 – McEwen Copper’s Los Azules Project Economics04:39 – Financing Strategy and IPO Options06:47 – Gold, Silver, and Portfolio Strategy08:57 – Copper Cycles, Supply Risks, and Sustainability10:48 – AI, Data Centers, and Rising Copper Demand14:53 – Outlook and McEwen’s Goals Ahead__________________________________________________________________Kitco Mining is dedicated to reporting on the mining industry. Our mandate is to be the top resource for all mining information and news, offering a clear perspective on where the industry is going through breaking news coverage, mining trends, and in-depth reporting, presented with precious, rare earth, base metals, and industry stock prices.Get important precious and base metal updates while on the go with the Kitco Gold LIVE! app - https://applications.kitco.comStay connected with usX - https://x.com/KitcoMiningInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kitcominingLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kitco-miningFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/KitcoMiningConnect with the Kitco Mining anchorsPaul Harris - https://x.com/paulharrisgold For more in-depth mining coverage, visit us here - https://www.kitco.com/miningDisclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.