Copper Rush: Why New World Resources' Antler Project is the Next Big Thing in Mining

The U.S. is in the middle of a critical mineral gold rush, and copper is the shiny metal at the center of it all. With the Biden administration's push to slash reliance on foreign supply chains and the global energy transition demanding millions of tons of copper annually, projects like New World Resources' Antler Copper Project are no longer just mining ventures—they're geopolitical power plays. And right now, the stars are aligning for this Arizona-based project to leapfrog into production, making its stock a must-watch for investors.

Let's start with the de-risking milestones that are turning skeptics into believers. New World's Antler Project has just cleared two of the biggest hurdles in its permitting process: the Aquifer Protection Permit (APP) and the Mined Land Reclamation Plan (MLRP). The APP, which ensures the project won't contaminate groundwater, was deemed “Technically Complete” by Arizona regulators in late 2024—meaning no major revisions are needed. This is a massive win because the APP was flagged as the longest-lead permit, with approval now expected by early 2026. Meanwhile, the MLRP's approval in 2024 means New World can start breaking ground as early as late 2025, with full permitting locked by Q1 2026.

This isn't just about permits—it's about policy tailwinds that are turbocharging the timeline. The White House's Executive Orders on critical minerals have fast-tracked environmental reviews, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has given the Antler Project a green light under NEPA, shaving months off the federal approval process. Add to that Arizona's pro-mining state government, and you've got a regulatory trifecta.

Now, the investment thesis is straightforward: Copper is the new oil, and Antler is positioned to cash in. The project's 11.4 million-tonne resource at 4.1% copper-equivalent is high-grade, with production targeting 341,000 tonnes of copper-equivalent by 2027. That's right when the world will be screaming for copper—think EVs, solar panels, and grid upgrades. With copper prices averaging over $4 per pound in 2025 (up 25% from 2022 lows), the math here is simple: more copper = more profit.

But wait—there's more! New World isn't just relying on copper prices. The company is hunting for financing partnerships to de-risk the $300M capital bill. Talks with precious metals streamers (like Silver Wheaton or Franco-Nevada) could lock in upfront cash without diluting shareholders. Plus, the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) is underway, which will further solidify the project's economics—a pre-tax NPV of $636M isn't bad.

So where's the risk? Regulatory delays? Unlikely—this project is moving faster than a Tesla on a highway. Commodity price collapse? Copper's fundamentals are too strong with EV adoption and green infrastructure. The bigger risk? Missing the boat on a project that's already 90% de-risked.

Action Alert: This is a buy now situation. With construction starting in late 2025 and production by 2027, the next 18 months will be all about milestones that juice the stock. Don't wait for the “official” green light—get in now while the discount lasts.

Final Take: New World Resources' Antler Copper Project isn't just a mining play—it's a bet on America's energy future. With permits on track, policy backing, and a copper market primed to explode, this is the kind of stock that doubles in a bull market. Buckle up—it's going to be a wild ride.