Kincora Copper (TSXV:KCC) - Project Generator Strategy Transforms Company's Growth Path

Apr 14, 2025

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Interview with Sam Spring, President & CEO of Kincora Copper Ltd.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/kincora-copper-tsxvkcc-explorer-advances-12-project-portfolio-through-major-partnerships-6580

Recording date: 7th April 2025

Kincora Copper has strategically shifted to a project generator business model, securing six asset-level deals that could unlock over $110 million in partner funding for exploration. This approach allows the company to advance its portfolio while minimizing shareholder dilution during challenging market conditions.

The company's flagship partnership with AngloGold Ashanti consolidates a 100-kilometer strike with potential $100 million earn-in funding. Active exploration is underway, with the 12th drill hole currently in progress. The relationship extends beyond mere funding, with Spring describing it as "a real partnership and collaboration" that includes knowledge-sharing and technical expertise.

Kincora's core objective is to manage approximately $10 million in annual partner-funded exploration, earning a 10% management fee to cover general and administrative expenses. This would create a self-sustaining business model that eliminates the need for regular dilutive financings.

While AngloGold Ashanti is a key partner, Kincora has diversified its relationships with partners including Fleet Space, which provides ambient noise tomography technology; Earth AI, which is earning into an NSR royalty only if they make a discovery; and OB1 for their Mongolian assets.

The company maintains a portfolio of 14 projects, primarily focused on porphyry copper-gold exploration in New South Wales, Australia. They're particularly interested in the undercover northern extensions of the Macquarie Arc, a region that has already produced world-class deposits and seen $16 billion in M&A activity.

For more advanced projects like Trundle, Fairholme, and Jemalong, Kincora is being selective with partnerships, preserving these assets for potentially more favorable deals. CEO Sam Spring explained, "We're not going to go out there and do a cheap deal for Trundle. We know it's got existing large mineral systems."

Despite the strategic progress, Kincora's share price has faced pressure, trading down from "six, six and a half" to "the twos." Spring attributes this partly to a significant shareholder offloading shares, a situation he suggests is nearing resolution.

Looking ahead, Kincora has multiple potential value catalysts, including ongoing drilling results, new exploration initiatives, and potential new partnerships. The company aims to reach $10 million in annual partner-funded exploration while creating significant upside exposure to discovery potential in one of Australia's premier porphyry copper-gold districts.

View Kincora Copper's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/kincora-copper-limited