Dec. 5 at 2:31 PM
$HBM 🔥 Important copper technology validation yesterday — relevant for
$HBM 🔥
Rio Tinto has achieved the first-ever commercial copper production using its Nuton® bioleach process on primary sulphide ore.
Why this matters for
$HBM:
• Hudbay’s portfolio includes large sulphide ore systems
• Nuton may increase recoveries from low-grade or complex zones
• Eliminates smelting → shorter, cleaner copper supply chain
• Lower CO₂ + vastly reduced water intensity
• Potential to extend mine life or improve economics
Full announcement:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251203998984/en/Rio-Tintos-Nuton-technology-produces-first-copper
Highly relevant also for two affected small caps:
•
$GCUMF — the Gunnison site where Nuton was proven at industrial scale
• OTC:
$LCGMF /
$LEO.CED — Rio’s partner in Nevada and a likely next large-scale Nuton deployment