BHP Metals and Kobrea Exploration launch $168 million copper exploration partnership in Argentina

BHP Metals Exploration, the exploration arm of the global mining giant BHP, and Canadian miner Kobrea Exploration have signed a strategic alliance to advance copper exploration in the Western Malargüe district of Mendoza Province, Argentina. Under the agreement BHP will make an upfront cash payment of US$3 million and fund a minimum of US$5 million in exploration over an initial two‑year generation phase, during which Kobrea will remain the operator.

The partnership gives BHP the option to select up to four of Kobrea’s projects for deeper exploration. For each selected project BHP may earn a 75% stake by financing at least US$40 million of work over eight years, potentially bringing total investment to US$168 million. The projects cover about 73,334 ha and host more than a dozen porphyry copper‑gold prospects. Kobrea CEO James Hedalen said the alliance provides technical expertise, best‑practice standards and financial strength to responsibly develop the district‑scale land package.