Original News Release
XXIX Metal thanks Chapais for Opemiska project input
Mr. Guy Le Bel reports
XXIX METAL CORP. THANKS CHAPAIS RESIDENTS FOR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN OPEMISKA PROJECT CONSULTATIONS
XXIX Metal Corp. has thanked the residents of Chapais for their participation in the public information and discussion evening and citizens' cafe held on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22. The company also met with Chapais City Council on Oct. 21. These events marked an important milestone in XXIX's continuing collaboration with the local community as the company presented the results of its preliminary economic assessment (the PEA) for the Opemiska copper project, located within the municipal boundaries of Chapais.
Highlights:
XXIX met with Chapais citizens and Chapais City Council on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22 as part of its voluntary preconsultation process.
Opemiska is a transformative project for Chapais and the region, with estimated investments of over $3.5-billion over about 20 years.
XXIX to continue with open dialogue and citizen engagement with upcoming thematic workshops, regular newsletters and the creation of a monitoring committee.
These meetings were part of XXIX's voluntary preconsultation process designed to promote open dialogue, share information and hear directly from residents as the company advances the redevelopment of this historic copper mine into a modern, sustainable operation.
A project with strong potential to transform the region
The Opemiska project envisions the reactivation of a historic high-grade copper mining site, with estimated investments of more than $3.5-billion over about 20 years, and a processing plant located within the municipal boundaries of Chapais to maximize local benefits.
Opemiska demonstrates strong economic potential and is among Canada's most promising copper development projects. Full details for XXIX's PEA are available in the company's news release dated Oct. 21, 2025, including:
Robust after-tax base case economics:
$505-million after-tax NPV (net present value) (8 per cent);
27.2-per-cent after-tax IRR (internal rate of return).
Using spot metal prices:
$897-million after-tax NPV (8 per cent);
39.3-per-cent after-tax IRR.
Rapid payback: 2.3 years on $617-million initial capital;
High-grade early years: average annual production of 59 million pounds of copper, 34,000 ounces of gold and 174,000 oz of silver over the first six years;
Low-cost producer: $1.03 (U.S.)/lb C1 cash cost (net of byproduct credits) during the first six years, placing Opemiska in the lower quartile of the global cost curve.
The PEA further highlights significant leverage to rising copper and gold prices, with an estimated $4.4-billion in life-of-mine revenue, and identifies strong resource expansion potential, particularly at the Cooke gold zone where exploration drilling continues.
Open dialogue and citizen engagement
The Oct. 21 and Oct. 22 sessions allowed residents to ask questions and share feedback directly with XXIX's management and technical team, including Guy Le Bel, Stephen Stewart, Denis McNichols, Marcelino Jobin, Ahcene Gaoui, Andre Bouchard and Antoine Schwartzmann.
Citizen discussions focused on topics such as:
Management of mining waste and environmental safeguards;
Positive economic and demographic impacts for Chapais;
Local hiring for approximately 450 employees and support for new families;
Relocation of residents and businesses;
Infrastructure improvements and the proposed bypass route;
commitments to transparency and citizen participation.
XXIX reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining an open, ongoing dialogue with residents as the project advances.
Next steps
The company's next phase of engagement includes:
A minimum of three thematic workshops over the next 12 to 18 months;
The creation of a monitoring committee;
Regular newsletters and open communication channels for residents.
The presentation used during the information evening and meeting summaries will be made available on the XXIX website dedicated to Chapais community.
"The results of the PEA confirm that Opemiska has the potential to be a profitable, low-cost copper operation that brings long-term economic and social value to Chapais and the region," said Guy Le Bel, president and chief executive officer, XXIX Metal.
About XXIX Metal Corp.
XXIX is advancing its Opemiska and Thierry copper projects, two significant Canadian copper assets. The Opemiska project, one of Canada's highest-grade open pitable copper deposits, spans 21,333 hectares in Quebec's Chapais-Chibougamau region, with strong infrastructure and nearby access to the Horne smelter. An October, 2025, preliminary economic assessment outlined a 12,500-tonne-per-day open pit operation over a 17-year mine life, generating an after-tax NPV 8 per cent of $505-million, IRR of 27.2 per cent and a 2.3-year payback period ($4.35/lb copper price, $3,000/oz gold price, $30/oz silver price). The Thierry project hosts the K1 (near-surface) and the past-producing K2 (underground and surface) zones (see XXIX news release dated Oct. 1, 2024, for details regarding resources). Thierry has significant infrastructure in place including an all-season road, an airport within five kilometres, a provincial power grid within eight km and nearby rail. With these two high-potential projects, the company has solidified its position as a key player in the Canadian copper sector and has established itself as one of Eastern Canada's largest copper developer.
We seek Safe Harbor.
View at source ↗