$1.48B Acquisition Creates Massive Copper District
copper wires

Image courtesy of Alex Tepetidis.

3rd Largest Copper District in North America

A new $1.4 billion deal combines two highly complementary copper growth assets in Arizona. Hudbay Minerals will acquire all remaining shares of Arizona Sonoran Copper Company in a stock transaction, giving Hudbay full ownership of ASCU’s Cactus project. The transaction strengthens Hudbay’s position as a leading copper producer focused on the Americas. It also expands the company’s portfolio of long-life, low-cost projects in tier-one mining jurisdictions.

The acquisition is expected to improve Hudbay’s long-term copper production outlook and create the third largest copper district in North America. It adds depth to the company’s U.S. development pipeline. The move also positions Hudbay to benefit from rising demand for domestically-sourced critical minerals across the United States.

Hudbay Minerals Inc. (“Hudbay”) and Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. (“ASCU”) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a definitive agreement (the “Arrangement Agreement”) pursuant to which Hudbay has agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of ASCU, not already owned by Hudbay, for consideration of 0.242 of a common share of Hudbay per common share of ASCU (the “Transaction”). The offer implies a value of C$9.35 per ASCU share based on Hudbay’s closing share price on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) on February 27, 2026, and represents a premium of 30% to ASCU’s closing share price on February 27, 2026. The offer implies a premium of 36% based on Hudbay’s and ASCU’s 20-day volume-weighted-average share prices (“VWAP”) on the TSX for the period ending February 27, 2026. The Transaction will result in Hudbay owning a 100% interest in ASCU’s Cactus project (“Cactus”).

The Transaction brings together two highly complementary copper growth assets in Arizona and strengthens Hudbay’s position as a premier Americas-focused copper company with a pipeline of long‑life, low‑cost assets located in tier-one jurisdictions. The acquisition is expected to enhance Hudbay’s long‑term copper production profile, expand its U.S. growth pipeline, and benefit from increasing demand for domestically produced critical minerals in the U.S.

Peter Kukielski, Hudbay’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “The acquisition of ASCU is a highly compelling transaction that further enhances Hudbay’s copper growth platform in the U.S. Cactus is a high-quality, large‑scale copper development asset in a mining jurisdiction that we know well. Together with the advancement of Copper World, this transaction creates one of the most significant copper districts in North America and reinforces Hudbay’s position as a premier copper growth company, while preserving financial flexibility and delivering long‑term value for shareholders.”

George Ogilvie, ASCU’s President and Chief Executive Officer, stated: “This transaction delivers ASCU shareholders compelling value today while preserving meaningful exposure to the long‑term upside of Cactus. Through ownership in Hudbay, our shareholders will gain immediate exposure to strong cash flow generation from a larger, diversified and well‑capitalized operating platform, while continuing to participate in the long‑term value of Cactus and adding exposure to Hudbay’s Copper World project as part of a new major copper hub in Arizona. Hudbay’s strong balance sheet, proven track record in Arizona, and disciplined approach to project development meaningfully de‑risks the development of Cactus and positions it for long‑term success. I would like to thank our whole team for their tremendous efforts advancing the Cactus project and creating lasting benefits for all stakeholders.”

David Laing, ASCU’s Chair of the Board of Directors, added: “We are delighted to have the opportunity for our Cactus project to be sequenced into Hudbay’s portfolio of long-life and high-quality assets in the Americas. As part of Hudbay, the financial dilution and execution risks of constructing Cactus are significantly lessened, providing a clear path to copper cathode production. More importantly, in joining with Hudbay, we put the project in the good hands of the 3rd largest copper producer listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and in what will become the 3rd largest copper district in North America. Thank you to George and the whole Arizona Sonoran team for their tireless and methodical approach to delivering value for the ASCU stakeholders.”

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About Hudbay

Hudbay is a copper-focused critical minerals mining company with three long-life operations and a world-class pipeline of copper growth projects in tier-one mining jurisdictions of Canada, Peru and the United States.

Hudbay’s operating portfolio includes the Constancia mine in Cusco (Peru), the Snow Lake operations in Manitoba (Canada) and the Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia (Canada). Copper is the primary metal produced by Hudbay, which is complemented by meaningful gold production and by-product zinc, silver and molybdenum.

Hudbay’s growth pipeline includes the Copper World project in Arizona (United States), the Mason project in Nevada (United States), the Llaguen project in La Libertad (Peru) and several expansion and exploration opportunities near its existing operations.

The value Hudbay creates and the impact it has is embodied in its purpose statement: “We care about our people, our communities and our planet. Hudbay provides the metals the world needs. We work sustainably, transform lives and create better futures for communities.” Hudbay’s mission is to create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging its core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

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