Aston Bay Partners for Storm Copper Project Success

In the ever-evolving landscape of the global copper market, strategic partnerships and robust funding mechanisms are pivotal for the success and sustainability of mining projects. Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSXV:BAY) (OTCQB:ATBHF) has recently announced a significant strategic partnership with American West Metals Limited (ASX: AW1) and Ocean Partners Holdings Ltd (OP) for the development of the Storm Copper Project in Nunavut, Canada. This partnership, coupled with substantial funding from Taurus Mining Royalty, positions the Storm Copper Project for long-term success and sustainability in the global copper market.

The strategic partnership between Aston Bay and American West Metals Limited, along with the funding from Taurus Mining Royalty, provides the Storm Copper Project with the necessary financial resources, technical expertise, and market advisory services to position it for long-term success and sustainability in the global copper market.



The partnership includes a US$2m Private Placement, project financing up to 80% of initial capital for the development of the Project via a senior secured loan facility, and an offtake agreement securing OP 100% of the offtake of copper and silver products from the Project forecast under the Preliminary Economic Analysis (PEA). This strategic partnership and funding package secure the long-term future of the Project, positioning Storm as the next potential copper mine in Canada, joining other very successful base metal mines in the region.

The funding package and strategic partnership will allow American West to execute the dual strategy of aggressive exploration and streamlined development during 2025. This financial backing ensures that the project has the necessary resources to move forward with development and exploration activities. The funding will be used to progress the Storm Copper Project, including an expansion of exploration activities, a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), and permitting activities to advance the development of the Storm Project. This includes securing key, long-lead processing, and mining equipment.

The discovery drill holes show similarities to many of the world's major sediment-hosted copper systems, including the deposits of the Kalahari Copper Belt and Central African Copper Belt. This suggests that the project has the potential to become a major, regional-scale copper system. The funding has enabled an expansion of the exploration and development activities conducted by American West at Storm, including an expansion of the 2024 drill program, which will underpin a maiden resource currently being constructed to Canadian Institute of Mining standards, as well as a significant anticipated upgrade to the American West's JORC-compliant estimate.

The partnership with Ocean Partners, a global metal trading, technical advisory, and financing company, will provide technical and copper market advisory services. This alliance will work together to optimize and advance the development activities to define the best outcomes for the Project. Ocean Partners' experience with ore-sorting and direct shipping ore (DSO) copper products is a natural fit with Storm and will help strengthen and streamline the technical aspects of the processing workflow for the PFS and beyond.

Ocean Partners has extensive experience in marketing and trading DSO into global markets and is confident in the marketability and attractiveness of the Storm copper-silver product. This ensures that the project has a strong market position and can compete in the global copper market.

The development of the Storm Copper Project faces several potential risks and challenges, including financial, technical, and operational hurdles. However, the partnership with Ocean Partners Holding Ltd (OP) aims to mitigate these risks through various strategic initiatives.

The partnership includes a US$2m Private Placement, project financing up to 80% of initial capital for the development of the Project via a senior secured loan facility, and an offtake agreement securing OP 100% of the offtake of copper and silver products from the Project forecast under the Preliminary Economic Analysis (PEA). This strategic partnership and funding package secure the long-term future of the Project, positioning Storm as the next potential copper mine in Canada, joining other very successful base metal mines in the region.

The funding package and strategic partnership will allow American West to execute the dual strategy of aggressive exploration and streamlined development during 2025. This financial backing ensures that the project has the necessary resources to move forward with development and exploration activities. The funding will be used to progress the Storm Copper Project, including an expansion of exploration activities, a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), and permitting activities to advance the development of the Storm Project. This includes securing key, long-lead processing, and mining equipment.

The discovery drill holes show similarities to many of the world's major sediment-hosted copper systems, including the deposits of the Kalahari Copper Belt and Central African Copper Belt. This suggests that the project has the potential to become a major, regional-scale copper system. The funding has enabled an expansion of the exploration and development activities conducted by American West at Storm, including an expansion of the 2024 drill program, which will underpin a maiden resource currently being constructed to Canadian Institute of Mining standards, as well as a significant anticipated upgrade to the American West's JORC-compliant estimate.

The partnership with Ocean Partners, a global metal trading, technical advisory, and financing company, will provide technical and copper market advisory services. This alliance will work together to optimize and advance the development activities to define the best outcomes for the Project. Ocean Partners' experience with ore-sorting and direct shipping ore (DSO) copper products is a natural fit with Storm and will help strengthen and streamline the technical aspects of the processing workflow for the PFS and beyond.

Ocean Partners has extensive experience in marketing and trading DSO into global markets and is confident in the marketability and attractiveness of the Storm copper-silver product. This ensures that the project has a strong market position and can compete in the global copper market.

The development of the Storm Copper Project faces several potential risks and challenges, including financial, technical, and operational hurdles. However, the partnership with Ocean Partners Holding Ltd (OP) aims to mitigate these risks through various strategic initiatives.

In summary, the strategic partnership between Aston Bay and American West Metals Limited, along with the funding from Taurus Mining Royalty, provides the Storm Copper Project with the necessary financial resources, technical expertise, and market advisory services to position it for long-term success and sustainability in the global copper market. The partnership with Ocean Partners mitigates the risks associated with the Storm Copper Project by providing financial support, technical expertise, and operational efficiency. This strategic alliance positions the project for successful development and long-term sustainability.