Ivanhoe Electric to Acquire Robbins Tunnel Boring Machine and Material Handling System for Mine Access Development at the Santa Cruz Copper Project
Rhea-AI Summary
Ivanhoe Electric (NYSE American: IE) plans to acquire a Robbins Crossover XRE tunnel boring machine and material handling system for the Santa Cruz Copper Project in Arizona.
The $64.7 million TBM investment is projected to increase initial project capital by less than $20 million and remove the need for a Class V UIC silica gel permit, while supporting mine access, future Texaco expansion and a development schedule targeting first copper cathode production in Q2 2029.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Positive
- TBM and handling system acquisition cost approximately $64.7 million, with net initial capital impact under $20 million
- TBM replaces roadheader decline, silica gel grouting and Railveyor capital from the 2025 PFS
- New decline method removes need for Class V UIC silica gel permit
- TBM designed to excavate four-kilometer decline in about twelve months
- Ownership of TBM supports future access options for nearby Texaco deposit
- Project debt financing applications advanced with U.S. Export-Import Bank and commercial banks
Negative
- Definitive agreements for TBM purchase still pending completion this month
- First copper cathode production at Santa Cruz now anticipated in Q2 2029, implying long lead time
News Market Reaction – IE
On the day this news was published, IE gained 7.05%, reflecting a notable positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +3.4% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -6.9% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 24 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $156M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $2.38B at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
IE gained 1.31% while copper peers were mixed: TGB +0.4%, ERO +1.71%, HBM +1.5%, FCX -0.11%, and MTAL flat, suggesting a stock-specific reaction rather than a coordinated sector move.
Previous Acquisition Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 19 | Project land acquisition | Positive | -4.8% | Accelerated $39.3M final land payments to clear path for Santa Cruz build-out. |
Prior acquisition-related project advances at Santa Cruz coincided with a negative 1-day move, indicating a tendency for the stock to trade lower on capital-intensive derisking steps.
Over the past several months, Ivanhoe Electric has steadily advanced and financed the Santa Cruz Copper Project. A key prior acquisition event on Nov 19, 2025 involved accelerating $39.3 million of land payments, yet the stock fell 4.78% the next day. Subsequent news highlighted additional funding, strategic partnerships, and U.S. policy support. Today’s TBM and material handling system acquisition continues this pattern of front-loaded investment to derisk mine access and timeline execution at Santa Cruz.
Historical Comparison
Past acquisition news at Santa Cruz (land payments) saw a -4.78% reaction. This TBM acquisition is another capex-heavy derisking step that investors may compare to that pattern.
Acquisition activity has progressed from securing the Santa Cruz land package to purchasing specialized TBM infrastructure, signaling a shift from land control toward execution-focused mine access development.
Market Pulse Summary
The stock moved +7.0% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with Ivanhoe Electric’s strategy of front-loading investment to derisk Santa Cruz. The TBM purchase adds approximately $64.7 million of targeted capex with a projected net capital impact of less than $20 million, while prior acquisition news saw a -4.78% move. Investors evaluating sustainability would focus on execution of the 2027–2029 development milestones and the company’s ability to secure and structure project financing on supportive terms.
Key Terms
tunnel boring machine technical
class v underground injection control ("uic") permit regulatory
heap leach technical
preliminary feasibility study ("pfs") technical
s-k 1300 regulatory
ni 43-101 regulatory
export-import bank of the united states financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
State-of-the-Art Mechanized Tunneling Derisks the Project by Providing Proven Mine Access Method through Variable Ground Conditions
Development Includes 9.3 Meter Diameter Steel-reinforced Concrete Tunnel and Conveyor System for Material Handling
Application of Made-in-the-USA Mechanical Excavation Technology Enhances Safety and Efficiency
Ownership of Crossover TBM Enhances Future Access Options for Nearby Texaco Deposit
Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - May 11, 2026) - Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (NYSE American: IE) (TSX: IE) ("Ivanhoe Electric") Executive Chairman Robert Friedland and President and Chief Executive Officer Taylor Melvin are pleased to announce that Ivanhoe Electric intends to acquire a purpose-built, Crossover XRE Tunnel Boring Machine ("Robbins TBM" or "TBM") and material handling system from The Robbins Company ("Robbins"), of Solon, Ohio. Robbins is a U.S.-based, global leader in tunnel boring machines and associated technology. Ivanhoe Electric initially will use the Robbins TBM for decline development at the Santa Cruz Copper Project in Arizona. Robbins recently reacquired the TBM from a division of Anglo American plc ("Anglo"), who originally purchased the machine for use at its Grosvenor coal mine in Queensland, Australia, where it successfully completed two declines totaling 1.8 kilometers in 1,000 hours of total use underground.
In late 2025, Ivanhoe Electric identified the opportunity to acquire the Robbins TBM that was on care and maintenance at the Grosvenor coal mine in Queensland, Australia. After a review of the machine's specifications and history and extensive discussions with Robbins, Ivanhoe Electric secured a legally binding option to acquire the TBM from Robbins in March 2026, subject to completion of due diligence and trade-off studies. Robbins entered into a separate binding agreement to acquire the machine from Anglo. Upon completion of due diligence, including two site visits accompanied by representatives from Robbins to inspect the condition of the machine and critical components, Ivanhoe Electric notified Robbins on May 8 of its intent to exercise its option to acquire the Robbins TBM. The final purchase is subject to completion of definitive agreements, which are expected before the end of this month.
The acquisition of the TBM also provides Ivanhoe Electric with the tunnel boring technology assets to pursue future expansion opportunities at the Santa Cruz Copper Project, including the nearby Texaco Deposit, located approximately two kilometers to the northeast of the Santa Cruz Deposit. Significant extensions were identified using Ivanhoe Electric's proprietary Typhoon™ surveying technology. Texaco received an initial Mineral Resource Estimate in 2023, with subsequent drilling at the edge of the deposit confirming broad zones of high-grade copper mineralization that remain open. The 2025 Preliminary Feasibility Study ("PFS") outlined an Inferred Resource at Texaco totaling 2.7 million tonnes of contained copper at
Mr. Friedland commented: "Tunnel boring machines are state-of-the-art tools custom-built for incredibly safe and efficient development of underground tunnels through all types of ground conditions. Robbins is an American company that pioneered the modern TBM and remains at the forefront of tunneling innovation. TBMs have been deployed globally for more than half a century in mining and countless civil engineering projects. This specific crossover TBM is perfectly suited for accessing our high-grade ore bodies at Santa Cruz and continues the derisking of our mine development with the best tunneling technology America has to offer. Santa Cruz continues its journey to become the next large-scale
Mr. Melvin commented: "Our team became aware in late 2025 of the potential availability of the Robbins TBM at Grosvenor. Since that time, we have been engaged in extensive due diligence with Robbins while advancing the detailed engineering of our Project. We commend the exhaustive work by our team of engineers over the past few months, in cooperation with Robbins, to arrive at this decision. Acquiring the Robbins Crossover XRE TBM will marry America's best tunnel boring technology to America's next great underground porphyry copper producer."
Proven crossover tunnel boring technology ideally suited for Santa Cruz Copper Project mine access development
This specific Robbins Crossover XRE TBM is purpose built to operate in variable ground conditions encountered in underground infrastructure development. The Robbins TBM can move through hard rock, wet, and mixed-face ground within a single drive, eliminating cost, schedule, and safety risks associated with machine swaps or re-mobilization. Our extensive testwork indicates these mixed ground conditions are present through the decline development phase at Santa Cruz.
The Robbins TBM's earth pressure balance capability pressurizes the cutterhead chamber against prevailing groundwater, directly controlling face stability and mitigating inflow through water-bearing zones and aquifer intersections. A bi-directional cutterhead is utilized for excavation in soft soils, mixed-face and hard rock geology, while a high-torque/high-speed cutterhead drive system delivers the needed power to pass through challenging geology and structures.
During decline development, the TBM system installs a continuous, fully supported and sealed segmental steel-reinforced concrete lining, preserving geotechnical integrity, enhancing long-term safety, and producing a permanent, flat-bottomed decline structure suitable for life-of-mine design. The integrated process also includes the construction of a permanent conveyor system for material handling during development and ore handling during production.
As part of Ivanhoe Electric's purchase, Robbins will perform a substantial overhaul of the machine, which includes a fully refurbished 9.3-meter diameter cutterhead manufactured in Ohio. During refurbishment, Robbins will upgrade the machine with current technology, including customized features designed for the geological conditions at the Santa Cruz Copper Project.
Watch the video here Robbins YouTube Video explaining how the Robbins Crossover XRE TBM works:
Photo 1. Photo of a Robbins Crossover XRE TBM
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3868/296836_53e022f174be2a02_001full.jpg
Photo 2. Photo of a Robbins Crossover XRE TBM
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3868/296836_53e022f174be2a02_002full.jpg
Benefits of TBM acquisition to the Santa Cruz Copper Project
Capital
The acquisition cost of the Robbins TBM and material handling system, including refurbishment, is approximately
Permitting
Under the new decline development method, Ivanhoe Electric no longer requires a Class V Underground Injection Control ("UIC") permit for silica gel.
Ivanhoe Electric received approval of the Site Development Plan from the City of Casa Grande in March 2026 and has all necessary permits to commence initial construction activities. Our Project team continues to advance all other required permitting activities for required for future production.
Development timeline
Arrival and assembly of the TBM is expected to begin onsite in Arizona in the first quarter of 2027. Following assembly, decline development is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2027. The TBM is designed to excavate a four-kilometer-long single decline in approximately twelve months. The TBM requires a smaller box cut design, and excavation of the box cut is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2026. Underground mine development is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2028, with first oxide copper ore placed on the heap leach pads expected in the fourth quarter of 2028.
While underground development is ongoing, major surface infrastructure construction is scheduled to take place from the third quarter of 2027 through 2028. First copper cathode production is now anticipated to commence in the second quarter of 2029. Our team of engineers and consultants continue to work on optimization scenarios. We are advancing site preparation activities, including interior road access construction and preparations for commencement of the box cut.
The TBM decline development plan does not impact the rest of the Santa Cruz Copper Project design, including the mining method, mining rates, and surface processing as described in the 2025 PFS.
Our engineers are preparing an updated Santa Cruz Copper Project S-K 1300 Preliminary Feasibility & Technical Report Summary and NI 43-101 Feasibility Study & Technical Report to incorporate the engineering details of the TBM and material handling system. We expect to complete this study during the third quarter of 2026.
Project financing process
Ivanhoe Electric is in the advanced stages of the application process for project debt financing with the Export-Import Bank of the United States. We also continue to advance discussions with a group of leading commercial banks, as well as potential sources for non-debt funding.
Santa Cruz is a high-quality, advanced-stage U.S. copper project located entirely on private land in Arizona, with direct access to established infrastructure and a clear pathway toward near-term production. Santa Cruz is designed to produce
Ivanhoe Electric to host conference call on the Santa Cruz Copper Project
DATE: Monday, May 11, 2026
TIME: 11:00 am Eastern / 8:00 am Pacific
LINK: ivanhoe-electric-may-2026-webcast.open-exchange.net/
A replay of the webcast, together with supporting presentation slides, will be made available on Ivanhoe Electric's website at www.ivanhoeelectric.com following the event.
Qualified Persons
Disclosures of a scientific or technical nature included in this news release regarding the Santa Cruz Copper Project, have been reviewed, verified, and approved by Glen Kuntz, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by Regulation S-K, Subpart 1300 promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and by Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Kuntz is an employee of Ivanhoe Electric Inc.
For the Texaco Mineral Resource Estimate, refer to the S-K 1300 Preliminary Feasibility & Technical Report Summary, Santa Cruz Copper Project, Arizona, available on the SEC's EDGAR website, and the NI 43-101 Feasibility Study & Technical Report, Santa Cruz Copper Project, Arizona, available on SEDAR+.
About Robbins
The manufacturer of the TBM, The Robbins Company, is a leading global manufacturer of tunnel boring machines with 70 years of engineering experience and over 1,000 projects completed worldwide. Robbins holds close to
Robbin's TBMs have been used in the United States mining industry for projects such as the San Manuel Mine tunnel to extend the life of the mine in Arizona, as well as globally significant projects including the Dulles Airport Train System in Virginia, the Niagara Tunnel Project in Canada, and the Channel Tunnel linking the United Kingdom and France.
Website: www.robbinstbm.com
About Ivanhoe Electric
We are a United States domiciled minerals exploration company with a focus on developing mines from mineral deposits principally located in the United States. We seek to support American supply chain independence by finding and delivering copper and other critical metals vital to advanced manufacturing, infrastructure development, technology, and national security. We use our powerful Typhoon™ geophysical surveying system, together with advanced data analytics provided by our
Website: www.ivanhoeelectric.com
Contact Information
Mike Patterson
Vice President, Investor Relations and Business Development
Email: mike@ivnelectric.com
Phone: 1-480-601-7878
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Ivanhoe Electric's Executive Chairman Robert Friedland: @robert_ivanhoe
Ivanhoe Electric: @ivanhoeelectric
Ivanhoe Electric's investor relations website located at www.ivanhoeelectric.com should be considered Ivanhoe Electric's recognized distribution channel for purposes of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation FD.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable U.S. and Canadian securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Ivanhoe Electric, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict", "target", "project" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect Ivanhoe Electric's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this news release.
Such statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements relating to: the completion, timing, and final details of Ivanhoe Electric's acquisition of the TBM and material handling system; the impacts of the acquisition and deployment of the TBM at Santa Cruz; the use of the TBM to access the Texaco Deposit; the expansion potential of the Texaco Deposit; the development of Santa Cruz as the next large-scale
Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various factors, including changes in the prices of copper or other metals Ivanhoe Electric is exploring for; the results of exploration and drilling activities and/or the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations; the final assessment of exploration results and information that is preliminary; the significant risk and hazards associated with any future mining operations, extensive regulation by the U.S. government as well as local governments; changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with Ivanhoe Electric to perform as agreed; and the impact of political, economic and other uncertainties associated with operating in foreign countries, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economy. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements and risk factors described in Ivanhoe Electric's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed and other disclosures with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
No assurance can be given that such future results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Ivanhoe Electric cautions you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Subject to applicable securities laws, Ivanhoe Electric does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release, and Ivanhoe Electric expressly disclaims any requirement to do so.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/296836