Though talks are reportedly in early stages, bidders like Rio Tinto, Mitsubishi and Mitsui could be interested in buying a minority stake in the mine from the Vancouver-based copper giant. (Bloomberg)

Talking point: Securing copper continues to be a major deal driver for mining companies that want to supply more metal for the wires and batteries powering data centres, electric vehicles and power grids. For example, Teck and Anglo American cited their combined power in the copper market in their merger announcement. First Quantum’s Argentina mine, Taca Taca, has remained in the early stages of development as the company dealt with years of political and legal fights over a mine it owns in Panama. First Quantum and Rio Tinto declined to comment on Bloomberg’s report; Tokyo-based Mitsubishi and Mitsui had not responded to requests for comment by the time of publication.