Gunnison Copper Corp. Advances Johnson Camp Mine Operations for Sustainable Copper Production

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6 days ago

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Gunnison Copper Corp

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Gunnison Copper Corp. Prepares for Operations at Johnson Camp Mine

Gunnison Copper Corp. announces significant progress at its Johnson Camp Mine (JCM) in southeast Arizona, with mineral processing slated to commence by July 2025. As construction advances, essential infrastructure, including haul roads and pipelines, nears completion, setting the stage for the first acid irrigation. The Phase-1 pad is on track for irrigation this July, allowing for the initiation of copper production through conventional leach technology by September. Notably, the mine, which has a projected production capacity of up to 25 million pounds of finished copper cathode annually, is fully funded by Nuton LLC, an initiative backed by Rio Tinto.

The operational timeline for the Johnson Camp Mine signals a transformative phase for Gunnison Copper Corp., as the company anticipates its first copper sales to materialize by September 2025. Following the initial production using conventional methods, Gunnison expects to leverage Nuton technology for subsequent copper extraction later in the year. This dual approach aims to enhance efficiency and output, positioning the JCM as a cornerstone of the company’s growth strategy. The mine not only represents a vital step for Gunnison Copper but also underscores the increasing demand for sustainable copper sources in the context of global energy transition efforts.

In addition to the JCM, Gunnison Copper holds a robust portfolio in the Cochise Mining District, including several significant deposits that could act as economic satellite feeders for the JCM operations. The flagship Gunnison Copper Project boasts an impressive measured and indicated mineral resource of over 831 million tons, with a total copper grade of 0.31%. This promising resource base is complemented by a preliminary economic assessment revealing a net present value (NPV) of $1.3 billion and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 20.9%. Dr. Stephen Twyerould, the Qualified Person overseeing the project’s technical aspects, affirms the project’s strong economic viability.

Gunnison Copper emphasizes the critical role of copper production in supporting not only energy transition initiatives but also national defense requirements. With global demand for copper projected to rise sharply, the company is well-positioned to contribute to both economic growth and environmental sustainability through its innovative mining practices and strategic use of advanced technologies. As operations at the JCM ramp up, Gunnison Copper Corp. is poised to become a significant player in the copper mining sector.