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Monterrico leaps on approach
Kam Patel, 20/10/06 14:17
Shares in Monterrico Metals, the copper miner boasting a potentially world class find in Peru, shot up after it revealed it is the subject of a 'very preliminary approach'.
The company's shares have raced ahead in recent days, rising a hefty 33% in just the last seven days to yesterday's close of 261p. The announcement of an approach today led to them soaring another 20% or 51.5p to 312.5p by midday.
In its very short statement, Monterrico says that no terms have been indicated or details provided by the party that has approached it.
Monterrico's flagship project is the 100% owned Rio Blanco copper/molybdenum prospect in Northern Peru. A bankable feasibility study for the prospect is underway with the group reckoning on low-cost open pit mining operation.
Production is due to start in 2010 and reach 25m tones per annum of ore producing 220,000 tonnes per annum of copper in concentrate and 2,500 tonnes per annum of molybdenum, which would make Rio Blanco one of the 20 largest copper mines in the world.
There is plenty of upside potential, however, with broker Numis reckoning that there is 'excellent' potential to double ore production at the site, which would more than compensate for a fall off in the grade.
Results of the feasibility study are due for release in December. An environmental impact survey is also near completion.
In the wake of today's statement from Monterrico, broker Numis reiterated its buy stance on the stock. It has a price target of 607p.
Seymour Pierce, meanwhile, cautioned todays news might be a little premature as any bidder may want to await full details from the feasibility study. Still, it believes the shares look 'very good value' and reiterates its 'buy' stance.
It has not been plain sailing for Monterrico in Peru. Last year its share price suffered after violent protests by protesters who allege mining at Rio Blanco will contaminate coffee crops and water supplies for farmers across the region.
The company has always insisted it has strong local and national political support for the operation.
A delay to the bankable feasibility study for Rio Blanco earlier this year further dented sentiment over the stock.
Even after the sharp appreciation in the share price in recent days and today, the stock is well off the 590p all time hit in October 2004.