
Arizona Sonoran Completes 0.64% Buy-down of Cactus Project Royalties
The completion of the Buy-downs is a natural step for the Company to generate potential additional shareholder value and reduce economic encumbrance on the asset as we advance towards project financing.
Share
Nick Nikolakakis, Arizona Sonoran Chief Financial Officer and VP Finance commented, 'Management's focus is driven by delivering copper price exposure and potential upside to our shareholders. The completion of the Buy-downs is a natural step for the Company to generate potential additional shareholder value and reduce economic encumbrance on the asset as we advance towards project financing. In particular, the 2024 PEA demonstrated that the $8.91 million expenditure to complete the Buy-downs improves the Cactus Project valuation at variety of long‑term copper price forecasts and, therefore, increases shareholder value, now and in the long run.'
The Company's subsidiaries, Cactus 110 LLC and Arizona Sonoran Copper Company USA Inc., following execution of definitive documentation, have completed the Buy-downs as follows: (i) Royal Gold's 2.5% NSR to 2.0% for US$7.0 million and (ii) Elemental Altus' 0.68% NSR to 0.54% for US$1.91 million.
Neither the TSX nor the regulating authority has approved or disproved the information contained in this press release.
Links from the PR:
FIGURE 1: '2025 Royalty Map' https://arizonasonoran.com/projects/cactus-mine-project/press-release-images/
June 25, 2025 Press Release:
About Arizona Sonoran Copper Company (www.arizonasonoran.com | www.cactusmine.com)
ASCU is a copper exploration and development company with a 100% interest in the brownfield Cactus Project. The Project, on privately held land, contains a large-scale porphyry copper resource and a recent 2024 PEA proposes a generational open pit copper mine with robust economic returns. Cactus is a lower risk copper developer benefitting from a State-led permitting process, in place infrastructure, highways and rail lines at its doorstep and onsite permitted water access. The Company's objective is to develop Cactus and become a mid-tier copper producer with low operating costs, that could generate robust returns and provide a long-term sustainable and responsible operation for the community, investors and all stakeholders. The Company is led by an executive management team and Board which have a long-standing track record of successful project delivery in North America complemented by global capital markets expertise.
Cautionary Statements regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Other Matters
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained or incorporated by reference in this press release constitute 'forward-looking statements' and 'forward-looking information' (collectively, 'forward-looking statements') within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'anticipated', 'assumptions', 'become', 'believes', 'conceptual', 'could', 'delivering', 'developer', 'emerging', 'estimates', 'exploration', 'expectation', 'focus', 'future', 'generational', 'later', 'long-term', 'objectives', 'options', 'potential', 'proposes', 'risk', 'subject to', 'towards', 'upside', and 'will', or variations of such words, and similar such words, expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results can, could, may, should, would, will (or not) be achieved, occur, provide, result or support in the future, or which, by their nature, refer to future events. In some cases, forward-looking information may be stated in the present tense, such as in respect of current matters that may be continuing, or that may have a future impact or effect. Forward-looking statements include those relating to the implications of the Buy-downs (including impacts on the valuation and other economics of the Cactus Project, and any resulting shareholder value or upside related to such Buy-downs); management's focus and any delivery of copper price exposure and potential upside to shareholders; ); project financing; the 2024 PEA and results thereof (including risk, economic returns, operating costs, production, and proposal of a generational open pit copper mine); and the Company's objectives (including development of the Cactus Project, becoming a mid-tier copper producer with low operating costs, that could generate robust returns and provide a long-term sustainable and responsible operation for the community, investors and all stakeholders, and any other continuing or future successes). Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that those forward-looking statements will prove to be correct, and any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future actions, results or performance. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions, which are considered reasonable and represent best judgment based on available facts, as of the date such statements are made. If such assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions prove to be incorrect, actual and future results may be materially different than expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. The assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions referenced, contained or incorporated by reference in this press release which may prove to be incorrect include those set forth or referenced in this press release, as well as those stated in the Company's prior press releases referenced herein (collectively, the 'Referenced PRs'), the technical report for the Cactus Project filed on August 27, 2024 (the '2024 PEA Technical Report'), the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2025 (the 'AIF'), Management's Discussion and Analysis (together with the accompanying financial statements) for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the quarters already ended in 2025 (collectively, the '2024-25 Financial Disclosure') and the Company's other applicable public disclosure (collectively, 'Company Disclosure'), all available on the Company's website at www.arizonasonoran.com and under its issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of ASCU to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors include, among others, the 'Risk Factors' in the AIF, and the risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors identified in the Referenced PRs, the 2024 PEA Technical Report and the 2024-25 Financial Disclosure. The foregoing list of risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors is not exhaustive; readers should consult the more complete discussion of the Company's business, financial condition and prospects that is provided in the AIF, the 2024-25 Financial Disclosure and other Company Disclosure. Although ASCU has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release (or as otherwise expressly specified) and ASCU disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements referenced or contained in this press release are expressly qualified by these Cautionary Statements as well as the Cautionary Statements in the AIF, the Referenced PRs, the 2024 PEA Technical Report and the 2024-25 Financial Disclosure.
Preliminary Economic Assessments
The Preliminary Economic Assessment (or 2024 PEA) referenced in this press release and summarized in the 2024 PEA Technical Report is only a conceptual study of the potential viability of the Cactus Project and the economic and technical viability of the Cactus Project has not been demonstrated. The 2024 PEA is preliminary in nature and provides only an initial, high-level review of the Cactus Project's potential and design options; there is no certainty that the 2024 PEA will be realized. For further detail on the Cactus Project and the 2024 PEA, including applicable technical notes and cautionary statements, please refer to the Company's press release dated August 7, 2024 and the 2024 PEA Technical Report, both available on the Company's website at www.arizonasonoran.com and under its issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Warning signs in Europe's job market: Workers now brace for tariff effects
Much attention has been given to how US import tariffs might hit Europe's industries and corporate giants as the once-solid transatlantic trading relationship faces one of the biggest challenges of the modern era. One area that has been largely ignored — the fate of workers — could also suffer, as ripples in the EU's economic stability lead to a reduction in job opportunities and weakened employment stability. Here's an overview of what to expect in the months ahead. Job vacancy rate One indicator of labour market health is the rate at which vacancies appear, a sign of how stable businesses feel. When lots of jobs are up for grabs, it tends to be a sign that companies are confident and ready to hire more people. When openings start to dry up, it usually means they're getting cautious. If vacancies are rising while unemployment is low, workers have more choice and bargaining power as demand is high relative to supply. But when available job offers fall, it's often the first hint that the labour market is slowing down. Employers generally hit pause on hiring well before they start letting people go, which is why vacancy rates are such an important early clue as to what's coming. And right now, the data shows risks ahead. In first-quarter figures released by the European Commission in June, there was a slight drop in the job vacancy rate, which came in at 2.4% in the eurozone. That's down from 2.5% in the final quarter of 2024. When looking at the yearly change, the drop is more significant, as the rate for the first quarter of 2024 was 2.9%. As seen in the graph below, the COVID-19 pandemic had the most pronounced impact on job vacancies, much more than the 2008-2009 economic crisis. While the market recovered somewhat in 2021 and 2022, vacancy rates are now dropping again. Vacancy rates dropped the most in Germany, Greece, Austria and Sweden, indicating that employers are growing more reluctant, if only marginally, to hire more people. For workers, a falling vacancy rate often means fewer opportunities to change jobs, less leverage to negotiate higher pay, and a longer wait to re-enter the market if they get laid off. If the decline seen at the start of 2025 continues, workers could find themselves in a much tougher bargaining position by the end of the year. Hours worked and overtime Another important indicator is the squeeze on working hours or indicators that show employers are cutting back shifts, a step often taken before moving to layoffs or instituting a hiring freeze. Overtime hours also decrease when employers trim shifts in response to falling demand or input shortages. In the EU, in 2024, people aged 20-64 years worked 36 hours on average per week, including full- and part-time work. This number refers to the hours people worked in their main job in the reference week. Countries with the longest working week were Greece at 39.8 hours, Bulgaria at 39, Poland at 38.9 and Romania at 38.8. By contrast, when it comes to European Union countries, the Netherlands had the shortest working week at 32.1 hours, followed by Austria, Germany and Denmark (all with 33.9 hours). The number of hours worked decreased by 0.3% in both the eurozone and the European Union in the first quarter of 2025, compared with the previous quarter, according to Eurostat. Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, hours worked increased by 0.1% in the eurozone and decreased by 0.2% in the EU. Fewer hours on the job does not just mean more free time. It often means less pay and fewer benefits, especially for hourly workers. If hours continue to shrink, the impact will be felt fastest among lower- and middle-income households already squeezed by increased living costs. Even if employment levels hold steady, underemployment — when workers have a job but can't get the hours they want — can rise. In the first quarter of 2025, 10.9% of the EU's extended labour force was underutilised, amounting to around 23.6 million people. This suggests that the erosion in job quality can run deeper than headline unemployment figures might immediately show. Labour rights Europe's institutional safeguards for workers are deteriorating, which is worrying when considering the economic shocks that could potentially be caused by tariffs in the future. The Labour Rights Index for 2024 flags gaps in legislation based on its assessment of labour protections across the world. It evaluates aspects like freedom of association, employment security and family responsibilities through a 0–100 scoring system. In Europe, countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, France and Italy score 94, while countries such as Germany and the UK score 88.5 and 88 respectively. While many EU countries score highly on paper, the index highlights persistent legislative gaps in areas such as protection against unfair dismissal and equal treatment for non-standard workers. These gaps mean that even in stable economic periods, large groups of workers remain less shielded from sudden job loss or deteriorating conditions. Related Years at work: Which European countries have the longest average working life? UK job vacancies fall at a slower pace while wage growth holds steady Meanwhile, the ITUC Global Rights Index 2025 shows how these legal weaknesses translate into reality, and tracks violations of labour rights such as restrictions on strikes, the formation of unions, and judicial access and protections on a yearly basis. According to ITUC, Europe saw its worst-ever average score in 2025, at 2.78, compared to 2.73 in 2024 and 2.56 in 2023. "Europe continued a rapid deterioration from 1.84 in 2014 — the biggest decline seen in any region worldwide over the past 10 years," the ITUC report highlights. According to the ITUC index, "nearly three-quarters of European countries violated the right to strike and almost a third of them arrested or detained workers. More than half were denied or restricted access to justice — a sharp increase from 32% in 2024." What does this mean? The economic signals of a slowing labour market — falling vacancy rates, shrinking working hours, and rising underemployment — suggest that workers may have less power to protect themselves just as their jobs and incomes come under strain. In other words, tariffs and other trade shocks could land much harder in 2025, not simply because the economy is cooling, but because the institutional defences that once helped workers weather downturns are eroding at the same time. With early warning signs already visible, the next few quarters will reveal whether these shifts are temporary tremors or the start of a deeper downturn for Europe's workforce. If the combination of tariff pressure and eroding rights persists, the cost could be measured not only in lost jobs, but in lasting damage to workers' bargaining power for years to come. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
2 top AI-related stocks for investors to consider buying!
Companies linked to artificial intelligence (AI) have become highly coveted stocks to buy. We're mainly talking about US tech shares like Nvidia, whose semiconductors power advanced AI models, and businesses like Microsoft, Meta, and Alphabet that are integrating AI into their existing operations. Many investors worry that these AI shares now command sky-high valuations. They fear this leaves them at risk of price corrections if the stocks' momentum slows. But investors don't need to buy these pricey US stocks to target large returns from the AI boom. Here are two UK shares to consider for the new tech revolution. Riding the data centre boom Sophisticated AI models require thousands of chips working in tandem, meaning small server rooms just don't cut it anymore. This is driving demand for industrial-sized data centres with sophisticated cooling systems and robust power infrastructure. This provides an enormous opportunity for warehouse operators like Tritax Big Box (LSE:BBOX). Accordingly, the FTSE 250 real estate investment trust (or REIT) — which chiefly rents it large-scale spaces out to delivery companies, retailers, and fast-moving consumer goods (FCMG) companies — is pushing aggressively into data centres. The company acquired its first data hub site in January, which it predicts will be 'one of the largest data centres in the UK'. And it followed this with a second shortly afterwards. The sites — which have a combined potential capacity of 272 MW — are in well-connected locations in London and have scope for long-term expansion. With a pipeline of another 1 GW, Tritax is positioning itself as a major player in the digital infrastructure boom. The UK currently has 477 data centres in operation. And construction firm Barbor ABI believes almost another 100 new sites will be needed between now and 2030 to meet demand. This provides a wonderful growth opportunity for the likes of Tritax. Be mindful, though, that data centre development carries risks. Like its logistics and storage hubs, returns are at the mercy of rising build costs and interest rates. Please note that tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in future. The content in this article is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended to be, neither does it constitute, any form of tax advice. Another top AI-related stock Cable maker Volex (LSE:VLX) is another great data centre play to consider. The high-speed cables it manufactures are essential tools in ensuring a reliable and fast-moving data connection. More specifically, the company is a pioneer in the direct attach cables (DACs) segment. These are especially critical for AI applications, as they facilitate high bandwidth with minimal latency. And they are helping to drive business with both new and existing customers. Volex sells its cables across the world, leaving it exposed to trade tariff-related pressures. But these troubles haven't yet derailed its ability to deliver strong revenues growth — organic sales leapt 10.4% at constant currencies between April and June. The business said its latest sales numbers reflect 'continued momentum in the Electric Vehicles and Complex Industrial Technology end-markets, notably among Data Centre customers'. As well as data centres, Volex has exposure to multiple other growth areas like electric cars, renewable energy, healthcare, and automation. This provides added profit-making opportunities, while simultaneously broadening its sales base and reducing reliance on any single market to drive earnings. I think it's a great all-rounder to consider for the booming digital economy. The post 2 top AI-related stocks for investors to consider buying! appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. More reading 5 Stocks For Trying To Build Wealth After 50 One Top Growth Stock from the Motley Fool Royston Wild has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tritax Big Box REIT Plc. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Motley Fool UK 2025 Sign in to access your portfolio


Business Insider
3 hours ago
- Business Insider
Associated Capital announces voluntary NYSE delisting, SEC deregistration
Associated Capital (AC) Group announced that it has given formal notice to the New York Stock Exchange of its intention to voluntarily delist its Class A common stock from the NYSE and to deregister under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Following the de-listing from the NYSE, we expect to provide liquidity to AC's Class A stock shareholders by listing AC Class A on the OTCQX platform. AC plans on filing a Form 25 with the U.S. SEC on or about August 25. The last day of trading in AC's common stock on the NYSE will be on or about September 4, when the Form 25 takes effect. Ninety days thereafter, AC's common stock deregistration is expected to become effective. When AC files Form 15 on or about September 4, its filing obligations under the Exchange Act will immediately be suspended or terminated, including the filing of all reports on Forms 8-K, 10-Q and 10-K. AC has filed an application for its common stock to be quoted on the OTCQX platform, operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. AC will continue to provide information to its stockholders and to take such actions to enable a trading market in its common stock to exist. There is no guarantee, however, that a broker will continue to make a market in the common stock and that trading of the common stock will continue on the OTCQX or otherwise or that the company will continue to provide information sufficient to enable brokers to provide quotes for its common stock. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: