Ivanhoe Electric and BHP Launch First Survey in Arizona Under Exploration Alliance
Ivanhoe Electric (NYSE American: IE, TSX: IE) has launched its inaugural geophysical survey using the advanced Typhoon data acquisition system as part of a copper exploration alliance with global mining giant BHP (ASX, NYSE: BHP).
The partnership, established in May 2024, aims to uncover hidden mineral deposits across the southwestern United States. The exploration focuses on six areas of interest in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, spanning approximately 3,655 km².
BHP has committed $15 million in funding over a three-year period, while Ivanhoe Electric will serve as the operator, deploying its Typhoon system alongside machine learning and data inversion technologies.
Ivanhoe’s team mobilized in early December to commence the first deep-penetrating geophysical survey along a prominent porphyry copper trend in Arizona, recognized for its substantial copper reserves.
This survey marks the initial phase of the alliance, focusing on early-stage exploration activities designed to identify and secure mineral rights within the target areas.
Once mineral rights are staked, the projects will be managed under a 50/50 joint venture between Ivanhoe and BHP.
Phase one activities have included reconnaissance, geochemical sampling, and detailed geological mapping programs. Additionally, over 5,600 line kilometers of airborne magnetic surveying and 1,500 line kilometers of hyperspectral surveying have been completed.
The data gathered during these surveys, combined with three-dimensional inversion of geophysical data, informed land acquisition decisions and planning for the Typhoon system deployment. To date, more than 110 km² of unpatented mining claims have been staked across Arizona and New Mexico.
After the initial Typhoon survey is completed, Ivanhoe’s subsidiary, Computational Geosciences, will process the results. These data will be integrated with other datasets to identify the alliance’s first drill targets.
This collaboration between Ivanhoe Electric and BHP highlights the potential of innovative geophysical technology and strategic partnerships to unlock new copper resources critical to the energy transition and global electrification efforts.
