Investment Q&A

Q: Someone asked a question about Taesko TKO mining the other day especially they asked about valuation. Your comment was that it trades at a very high PE and that Lundin Mining was perhaps a better pick. I agree with both of your comment but I think it is important to note that TKO is on the verge of transitioning from a 1 operating mine miner to a miner with two operating mines. The Florencia mine in Arizona is in the start up phase. Florencia is one of the world's first solution mines for copper (kind of like SAGD from the heavy oil industry). Solution is pumped underground, it dissolves (perhaps that is not the correct technical term) the host rock and another well collects the dissolved solution and brings it to the surface where the copper is stripped out of the solution (I believe the solution is then reused). The end product copper needs very little processing (no electrowinning at least). IFFF this new mining system works as well as the pilot plantw orked then the copper production costs are supposed to be very low. That is one of the reasons, along with high copper prices, that TKO has been on a solid uptrend lately. So there are valid reasons why TKO might deserve a seemingly high valuation. But I agree with you that Lundin is the better/safer copper miner so I have a good position in Lundin and a much smaller, more speculative position in TKO> Just a little extra color on TKO story.

Q: Is TKO overvalued at it is current price. Is there other copper miners that you prefer. Thanks for expertise.

Q: Peter; I’m overweight in the above copper stocks and would like to trim/sell and end up with just one . What would be your suggestions? Thanks.
Rod

Q: Further to my earlier question I would appreciate your comments on both TKOs mining/refining processes and an evaluation of the stock's potential.
My research suggests that the company has a significant mine, Gibraltar, in BC and a copper in-situ mine under construction in Florence, Arizona which should be operational within 3 months. It is my understanding that a major pilot project at the Florence mine has been very successful using the in-situ process. In this process the ore body was drilled and fraced, a low ph solution is pumped down the drill holes dissolving the copper and then pumped back to the surface. The copper retrieved from the solution was of cathode grade. No crushing or smelting.
There was considerable public support from the environmental community when this pilot project was completed.
Please correct any errors in my comments/statements as the results of this process appear to be too good to be true.
With appreciation,
Ed

Q: Is it too late to get into to Taseko Mines? Is there a similar copper producer you would prefer?
With appreciation,
Ed

Q: As I read their press releases TKO has a new mine which should be producing copper towards the end of this year and the CEO has noted that the new mine will increase production and cash flow etc - although the extent of the increase is not defined. Could you please provide some guidance on the extent this new mine will have on the profitability of this company. Thank you.

Q: Can you name two medium size and 2 small size Canadian copper mining companies trading on the TSX that in your opinion are susceptible to takeover in the next few years. Thanks

Q: May I please have your analysis and opinion of Taseko Mines with particular focus on their recent financial results?
With appreciation,
Ed

Q: I sent you a question on CMMC and right after that I started to read up on TKO which is a very similiar sized, low grade Canadian copper miner. The difference is TKO is on the way to a second copper mine in a Tier 1 mining jurisdiction (Still waiting for a final permit) while CMMC just sold off their chance to TKO still has debt although they seem to have most of the capital required to build the second mine. TKO also gets credit for having a lot of moly with their copper while CMMC has more silver and gold by products. Moly prices have gone up substantially but then again gold and silver having been doing well. For 2023 TKO has about 70 per cent of their production hedged at $3.75 (Collars??) so even if copper prices tank in 2023 (doubtful) they should cash flow at their BC mine whereas CMMC is struggling to cash flow in BC. So what do you prefer, CMMC, TKO or some other copper play? I vaguely remember moly $ to be very cyclical. I know moly is only a by-product of TKO's copper mining but if you can comment on that it would be appreciated.

Q: is there any copper miners in the mid cap space in Canada that have a long term deposit ?

Q: Can you please comment on Taseko's recent quarter. Copper price volatility notwithstanding, do you see further upside for the share price? Thanks.

Q: I own a small position in TKO as part of a basket of copper stocks. It appears to be underperforming the others. My question is whether you see potential for it so as to maintain or add to the position or whether you would sell and transfer the proceeds to stocks I also own such as CS and ERO? Thank you for your advice.

Q: I am considering Taseko Mining and ERO Copper as possible purchases. Which would you prefer? Is there another company of similar size that you would prefer to these two?
With appreciation,
Ed

Q: Can i get your top 3 picks in small and midcap stocks in the copper sector -thanks harris

Q: Hi,

I'd like to take some positions in copper producers. I have read some of your recent comments on mid cap producers and will be taking positions in 3 of them. I'd also like to get your thoughts on these smaller producers from an article I read recently.
Aura Minerals, Capstone Mining, Copper Mountain, Taseko, Marimaca Copper (note Marimaca symbol would not come up.)
Looking out at each companies FY20 and FY21 potential earnings, Capstone offers the highest earnings potential (from your Companies page data).
I also see that these collectively have had pretty good % moves in the last 3-5 years. I assume this is because of perhaps mines coming onstream/newly developed.
Which of these above companies are most investable? Or do you prefer other juniors to add to this list you? Please list in order of investing preference.
I think I'll get the most torque (albeit risk) by adding mid cap and juniors. My objective is to add 5 copper miners total...3 mid, 2 junior.

Cheers,
SteveMc

Q: With copper prices moving higher and a good probability that demand will continue to increase due to economic recovery and possible infrastructure spending etc, what is the best way to position for an uptrending copper price? I think it makes sense to have a position in a mid or large cap producer for exposure. However, I'm also wondering if there are any companies on your radar that have "good" projects that are uneconomical at lower copper prices but could come online if we see copper above $4-$5. My understanding is that copper reserves are dwindling and demand could outpace supply into the near future or longer. So if we see new all time highs in the copper price, what companies could see the best returns in this scenario. I realize this situation has a few 'ifs' but would appreciate your insights. Thanks very much for your service.

Q: Hello Team,
What are your thoughts on TKO in the current copper price environment and the companies ability to mange its debt?

Q: Your thoughts on TKO please. I don't understand its low price?

Q: Hi Team,
I would appreciate your thoughts on why Taseko Mines dropped over 12% rather abruptly today on a higher than average volume?

Thanks, John

Q: Hi 5i.
I would like to know what your picks would be for North American Cobalt producers. One or two names would be great (US or Canadian listing).
Thank you.