Copper on the rise: Kodiak Copper, BASF and JinkoSolar benefit

Kodiak Copper: Drill results overwhelm, demand unabated

Good news is reported by Canadian company Kodiak Copper (ISIN CA50012K1066 ) on results from the recently completed 2022 drill program of over 26,000 meters at the Company's 100% owned MPD copper-gold porphyry project in southern British Columbia. Copper is among the few metals that exist naturally in a pure or immediately useful metallic form.

"The assay results extend the Prime mineralized envelope from ground to a depth of 780m, underpinning the continuity of mineralization within the Prime and Gate zones, and demonstrate the potential to extend the copper-gold mineralization at depth and outward of Gate.

"These results are further evidence of the extensive mineralized envelope associated with the Gate/Prime porphyry system, which continues to grow and show strong mineralization continuity", continues Tornquist.

"With copper prices on the rise and long-term conditions remaining strong, there couldn't be a better time to advance a copper porphyry project - especially one located in a secure jurisdiction and a renowned mining district with existing infrastructure like Kodiak's MPD project." Increasing demand in the electronics sector makes copper an irreplaceable resource. It is a major element of superconductors and has much higher electrical and thermal conductivity than silver. This property enables the production of electromagnets, semiconductors, heat sinks, electrical wires, heating elements, microchips and welding electrodes without electrical resistance.

As a result, the team at Kodiak Copper is fully engaged in preparations for the extensive drilling program in 2023, which will start before the end of Q1. CEO Tornquist will reveal more details in a live presentation on February 15 at the 6th International Investment Forum to all interested investors. To register, click here.

Preparations are already underway for another comprehensive drilling program in 2023 that will commence later in the first quarter and test several promising targets at MPD, such as the Dillard, Man, Blue, 1516 and Beyer zones.

BASF participates in innovation to accelerate copper production

According to a recent S&P Global Market Intelligence study, annual copper demand is expected to increase to 50 million tons by 2035, up from 25 million tons today. The study also points to a potential copper deficit of up to 10 million tons due to the high demand and resources to be mined.

Copper is in hot demand at BASF. So BASF and Moleaer are entering into a strategic alliance that combines knowledge and expertise in chemistry, mineral processing, gas transfer and nanobubble technology for the mining industry.

The main objective of the collaboration is to optimize the copper leaching process in the mining industry and improve the harvesting of copper ores with a high content of chalcopyrite, which was previously difficult to leach.

Caren Hoffmann, head of BASF's global mining business, explains: "Technological improvements and collaborations like the one we announced today are essential if the industry is to maximize copper recovery from existing mines. By combining BASF's LixTRA reagent, which enables better contact between ore and leachant, with Moleaer's nanobubble technology, which enables a higher oxidation environment, we are offering the industry a technology that can significantly increase copper recovery."

Based on tests conducted by BASF, Moleaer's nanobubble technology improves the extraction process of valuable metals such as copper. Using a gas infusion, nanobubbles inject oxygen into water, allowing for deeper penetration into the soil than is possible through standard aeration methods using blowers and air hoses. This increased oxygen saturation results in more efficient extraction from the leach pile while increasing ORP levels to promote iron oxidation and enhance copper recovery.

Additionally, both companies are exploring whether synergies between BASF's extraction efforts and Moleaer's nanobubble technology are possible for other areas of mineral extraction.

Hedge funds back JinkoSolar, and project in Saudi Arabia fully funded

Copper is used extensively in renewable energy technologies. So it is no wonder that renowned hedge funds are currently betting on the Chinese solar equipment manufacturer. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in JinkoSolar by 1,240.7% in the 1st quarter. They now own 100,456 shares of the semiconductor company's stock worth EUR 4,449,483 after acquiring an additional 92,963 shares in the last quarter.

BlackRock Inc. raised its position in shares of JinkoSolar by 16.2% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,632,512 shares of the semiconductor company's stock worth EUR 116,601,043 after buying an additional 366,251 shares in the last quarter.

The German Allianz Asset Management GmbH also increased its position in shares of JinkoSolar by 1.0% in the 1st quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 1,131,353 shares of the semiconductor company's stock worth EUR 50,111,442 after buying an additional 11,700 shares in the last quarter.

The average 1-year price target of analysts who have covered JinkoSolar over the past year is EUR 53.42. The Chinese company continues to expand. Just this week, it was announced that a 300 MW solar project in Saudi Arabia had reached financing closure.

Kodiak Copper has been focused on low-emission copper discoveries, and investors should take notice based on assay results from recently completed drilling at the MPD project. The MPD project provides all the components of a district-scale porphyry system and can boast several similarly structured target zones, such as the Gate Zone. Given the many additional potential discoveries at the MPD Project, Kodiak will continue to pursue its regulated and structured exploration strategy. It will commence the next drill program before the end of Q1/23. BASF also knows how urgent the need for copper is for industries. Through their strategic alliance with Moleaer, they are focusing on accelerating the mining of copper in the mining sector. Copper is currently in particularly high demand in the renewable energy sector. JinkoSolar, as one agent, is meanwhile expanding into Saudi Arabia. Hedge funds are betting on the Chinese company and have further increased their positions.