Gunnison Copper Corp. Advances to Production at Johnson Camp Mine, Targeting September 2025 Sales
- Gunnison Copper Corp. will start mineral processing at Johnson Camp Mine by July, with first copper sales expected in September 2025.
- The mine aims for an annual production capacity of 25 million pounds of copper, utilizing both conventional and Nuton technologies.
- The Gunnison Copper Project shows strong economics with a projected NPV of $1.3 billion and significant mineral resources.
Gunnison Copper Corp Prepares for Major Milestone at Johnson Camp Mine
Gunnison Copper Corp. announces a significant development at its fully-permitted Johnson Camp Mine (JCM) located in southeast Arizona. The company reveals that mineral processing will commence by July, with expectations for the first copper sales to occur in September 2025. This initiative marks a pivotal moment for Gunnison as it transitions from project development to actual production. The construction at JCM is progressing smoothly, with essential infrastructure such as haul roads and pipelines nearing completion. This groundwork is crucial for the upcoming acid irrigation process, which is set to begin on the Phase-1 pad by July.
The projected copper production at JCM utilizes conventional leach technology, with the initial output anticipated in September. Furthermore, the first copper produced using Nuton technology is expected later in the year, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovative methods in mining. The JCM is designed to achieve an impressive production capacity of up to 25 million pounds of finished copper cathode annually, positioning Gunnison to meet increasing global demands for copper. This project is fully funded by Nuton LLC, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, reflecting strong industry confidence in Gunnison Copper's operational strategy and the viability of its assets.
In addition to the immediate developments at JCM, Gunnison Copper’s flagship asset, the Gunnison Copper Project, contains a measured and indicated mineral resource of over 831 million tons, grading at 0.31% total copper. A preliminary economic assessment of this project indicates a net present value (NPV) of $1.3 billion and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 20.9%, underscoring its strong economic fundamentals. The company also controls several significant deposits in the Cochise Mining District, which could serve as valuable supplementary sources for its operations. Dr. Stephen Twyerould, the Qualified Person overseeing the project’s technical aspects, supports its viability, reinforcing the strategic importance of copper production for both energy transition initiatives and national defense.
As Gunnison Copper prepares to enter the production phase at the JCM, the company emphasizes the role of copper in supporting sustainable energy and infrastructure development. With the global transition towards greener technologies, the demand for copper is expected to rise significantly, positioning Gunnison to play a crucial role in meeting these needs. The imminent start of mineral processing at JCM represents not just a major milestone for the company but also an important development in the broader context of the copper industry and its contributions to a sustainable future.