The price of copper as of February 15, 2026 was about $5.76/lb, which is approximately $11,520/mt, representing continuing strength of copper in spite of the fact that it has also had some short term price volatility in recent times.
The most recent price swings for copper have been primarily due to macro economic factors including inflationary expectations related to interest rates, concerns regarding global economic growth and inventory levels.
However, the price of copper continues to be higher than historical averages and clearly demonstrates that there is still a supply/demand imbalance in the copper space as a direct result of the increasing demand for copper as a result of electrification and infrastructure spending.
Why Copper Exploration Will Receive Increasing Attention
One of the largest differences between copper and gold is that the supply of copper cannot be increased significantly and rapidly. The majority of the world’s large copper mines are aging, and major discoveries of new large-scale copper deposits are decreasing in number. Therefore, the level of success in the area of exploration will provide a competitive advantage for major copper producers.
Additionally, this creates opportunities for junior copper explorers that operate in established jurisdictions, because the discovery of copper deposits in those areas can attract strategic partnerships or acquisition interest from other major copper mining companies seeking future supplies of copper.
Characteristics That Determine Success in Copper Exploration
In order to achieve successful copper exploration results, certain characteristics generally apply to all successful stories: the quality of the underlying geology; proximity to established infrastructure; the experience and quality of the technical team; and the stability of the jurisdiction in which the project is located. Projects that are located near an existing mine, or along a known mineralized belt, generally represent less geological risk than other types of projects.
Another equally important characteristic is the discipline of the company’s balance sheet. Companies with reasonable and manageable capital structures and clear plans for exploring their properties are generally able to advance their projects in an efficient manner and avoid excessive dilution of ownership.
Top Copper Stocks
Stock #1: Ivanhoe Electric
Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (IE) is a publicly traded Canadian company listed on both the NYSE American (IE) and the TSX (IE). Ivanhoe Electric is developing several large-scale copper projects using modern geophysical methods and data-driven exploration techniques. Ivanhoe Electric is focused on discovering new copper systems as opposed to simply expanding the size of current resource areas.
On February 15, 2026, the price of Ivanhoe Electric shares was approximately $15.79 per share, resulting in an intraday market capitalization of approximately $2.29 billion. Although the price of Ivanhoe Electric has experienced some volatility, it has remained above the multiple year lows.
A significant recent advancement made by Ivanhoe Electric includes the continued progression of the Santa Cruz Copper Project in Arizona. Additionally, Ivanhoe Electric is working to develop infrastructure and secure funding to move the project into the development phase.
Stock #2: Solaris Resources
Solaris Resources Inc. (SLS) is another Canadian based publicly traded company, listed on both the TSX (SLS) and the NYSE (SLSR). Solaris Resources is focused on discovering large-scale copper-gold systems within established mineral belts. The assets of Solaris Resources are considered to be among the best in terms of scale potential and long-life development optionality.
On February 15, 2026, the price of Solaris Resources shares was approximately $13.26, resulting in an intraday market capitalization of approximately $2.21 billion. As one of the more liquid and institutionally followed copper development companies, Solaris Resources continues to receive significant attention from investors.
A significant recent advancement made by Solaris Resources includes the continuation of drilling and technical work designed to expand and upgrade its resources. These efforts continue to reinforce Solaris Resources’ position as one of the leading copper development stories.
Stock #3: Copper Quest Exploration
Copper Quest Exploration Inc. (CQX) is a Canadian-based public junior copper explorer engaged in the exploration of copper-bearing projects. The primary focus of Copper Quest Exploration is to advance its exploration-stage projects in an effort to take advantage of the increased value associated with copper prices.
On February 15, 2026, the price of Copper Quest Exploration shares was approximately C$0.15, resulting in an intraday market capitalization of approximately C$14.7 million. In addition to experiencing strong momentum over the last year, Copper Quest Exploration shares have received increased attention from investors due to the current high prices of copper.
A recent advancement made by Copper Quest Exploration includes ongoing project-level exploration progress and increased attention from investors as a result of the elevated copper prices. As a result, Copper Quest Exploration represents a high-risk, high-reward junior copper exposure.
Conclusion
Although the price of copper may experience short-term price swings as a result of various macro-economic factors, the long-term supply/demand imbalance for copper is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. As such, we believe that the time is right for investors to consider participating in the junior copper exploration segment of the mining industry. Companies that possess quality assets, have a solid technical foundation and maintain a disciplined approach to managing their financials are likely to benefit as the next copper cycle begins to unfold.
Marc has been involved in the Stock Market Media Industry for the last +5 years. After obtaining a college degree in engineering in France, he moved to Canada, where he created Money,eh?, a personal finance website.
