The regulatory approval marks a major step in the permitting process, allowing the firm to appoint contractors for this year’s activities.

Sinohydro Corp and China Railway Group will invest up to $7 billion in infrastructure projects as part of an agreement over their Sicomines copper and cobalt JV in the DRC.

The move follows and exponential rise in the number of mining claims being staked over the past year on First Nations territories.

Alphamin said it expects contained tin production of between 17,000 and 18,000 tonnes for this year.

"We think copper is making a bottom. I'd be willing to wager on $9,500/tonne before you go down to $7,500," he said.

Mine planning is underway for an updated feasibility study on Eagle’s Nest next year.

Grappling with falling metal prices, the company has reported profit falls since the first quarter of 2022.