Kinterra Capital Strengthens Its U.S. Copper Portfolio Through Antler Project Acquisition
Kinterra Capital Corp. has made a significant move in the mining sector by completing the acquisition of 100% of the issued shares of the Australia-listed New World Resources Ltd. This deal is centered around the Antler Copper Project, located in Arizona, which is recognized as a high-grade underground copper asset. With this acquisition, Kinterra now boasts an impressive annual production capacity of approximately 175,000 tonnes of copper, extending its reach across several key locations including White Pine in Michigan and Pumpkin Hollow in Nevada. Cheryl Brandon, Co-Managing Partner at Kinterra, emphasizes the acquisition's role in establishing the company as a key player in the U.S. copper industry, particularly in supplying critical minerals for the power grid and clean energy sectors.
Kinterra initiated this acquisition process following a successful takeover bid where it secured over 90% of New World’s shares, allowing it to complete the compulsory acquisition in accordance with Australian legal regulations. The total financial commitment for this acquisition was around USD 160 million. The Antler project itself is not only a high-grade copper source but also situates itself within a well-established jurisdiction, benefitting from strong infrastructure and workforce capabilities essential for efficient mining operations.
The Antler Copper Project is particularly noteworthy as it possesses an average copper grade of 3.8%, significantly higher than the global average for underground copper development projects. This characteristic positions Antler as one of the most promising development projects in the realm of copper mining, capable of making a considerable impact on the immediate supply of copper in the United States.
In light of the growing emphasis on securing and diversifying mineral supply chains, the U.S. administration has identified the enhancement of domestic production capabilities as a priority. Current analyses suggest that the country faces a structural copper deficit heading into the 2030s unless there’s an expedited development of new mining operations and refining capacities. The U.S. currently imports nearly one million tonnes of refined copper annually to meet around half of its domestic consumption, underscoring the critical need for high-grade domestic sources such as Antler.
In addition to the acquisition of Antler, Kinterra has announced its intention to review and advance sulphide leach processing technologies aimed at boosting domestic copper production. This evaluation will focus on leveraging existing methodologies to convert sulphide ores into refined copper, thereby creating more resilient domestic supply chains. Kamal Toor, Co-Managing Partner, expresses that the goal is to develop a comprehensive processing strategy that not only adheres to industrial policies but also enhances market competitiveness. Early collaborations with technology developers are already underway, with the aim of beginning initial tests and pilot projects in early 2026, which could usher in significant advancements in domestic copper cathode production.
Kinterra Capital, as a private equity firm, actively invests in sectors that include critical materials and strategic infrastructure necessary for the modern economy. With nearly two decades of investment experience in mining, the firm plans to utilize its technical and transactional expertise to further enhance its investments while contributing positively to the communities involved. This acquisition is a step forward in ensuring sustainable, strong, and secure supply chains in a critical industry for the future growth of the economy.
For more information, visit Kinterra Capital's official website at www.kinterracapital.com.