Wheaton Precious Metals CorpWheaton's CEO highlights its capacity to fund large deals, positioning it as a key financier in the copper sector.

Mining royalty and streaming companies are emerging as key financiers for a sector facing a $250 billion capital shortfall to sustain current copper output, according to veteran investor Rick Rule. Wheaton Precious Metals CEO Haytham Hodaly said his company could complete roughly one transaction the size of its $4.3 billion silver stream on BHP's Antamina mine annually over the next three to four years, supported by about $2.7 billion in annual free cash flow and more than $2.5 billion of revolving credit capacity. Rule expects $30 billion to $75 billion of unconventional finance will be needed, with major streamers leading syndicates that may include mid-tier royalty companies and private funds. However, McEwen Inc. founder Rob McEwen warned that royalties and streams weaken operators by giving away future margins, though he acknowledged their appeal for investors seeking lower-risk exposure to gold or silver.
Wheaton Precious Metals CorpWheaton's CEO highlights its capacity to fund large deals, positioning it as a key financier in the copper sector.
BHP Group Limited
McEwen Mining Inc.