Mining Stock Daily How Milei's RIGI became a Cornerstone of Rob McEwen's $3.17B Los Azules Copper Project
Oct 20, 2025
Rob McEwen, Chairman of McEwen Mining, and Michael Meding, VP of McEwen Copper, discuss the Los Azules copper project and its promising feasibility study. They reveal a potential $2.2 billion annual revenue, impressive margins, and a swift payback period. McEwen highlights Argentina's new RIGI, which enhances investment stability and restores confidence in its mining sector. The conversation touches on automation in mining, the demand for green copper, and forecasts a significant multi-year copper deficit driven by electrification.
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Feasibility Delivers Strong Economics
- The Los Azules feasibility shows a $3.17B initial capex with >65% gross margins and ~4-year payback at current prices.
- The project targets 450M lbs of copper cathode/year and offers multi-decade production with strong economics.
Low-Impact Heap/Bioleach Processing
- Los Azules will use heap/bio-leach technology, avoiding a concentrator and reducing environmental footprint.
- The process yields 100% renewable operation targets, using far less water and energy than conventional mines.
Market For Green Copper Exists
- Rob argues there is a growing market for low-carbon 'green' metals as companies seek smaller environmental footprints.
- He believes greener mining can improve public acceptance and model industry change.