Exciting News: Gunnison Unveils PEA for Arizona Copper Project with Innovative Open-pit, Heap-leach Plans
Gunnison Releases PEA for Arizona Copper Project: Plans for Open Pit Heap Leach Operation
The recent release of the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Gunnison Copper Project in southern Arizona has generated significant interest and speculation within the mining community. The PEA outlines the plans for developing an open pit heap leach operation, highlighting key aspects related to the project’s economic viability, sustainability, and potential environmental impacts.
Overview of the Project
Gunnison Copper, a subsidiary of Excelsior Mining Corp., aims to develop the Gunnison Copper Project as a modern and low-cost copper mining operation utilizing in-situ recovery (ISR) technology. Located in Cochise County, Arizona, the project boasts significant copper reserves, estimated at over 4 billion pounds of contained copper.
One of the primary features of the project is the deployment of an open pit heap leach operation, which involves excavating ore from an open pit mine, crushing it, and stacking it on lined pads for leaching. The leaching process involves the application of a leach solution to dissolve the copper minerals, with the enriched solution collected and processed to produce copper cathode.
Economic Viability
The PEA provides a detailed economic analysis of the Gunnison Copper Project, outlining key financial parameters and metrics. The project is anticipated to have a mine life of 24 years, with an average annual production of approximately 125 million pounds of copper in the form of cathode. The estimated pre-production capital cost for the project is around $234 million, with all-in sustaining costs projected at $1.55 per pound of copper.
The PEA also highlights the robust economics of the project, with a pre-tax Net Present Value (NPV) of $409 million at an 8% discount rate and an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 23.7%. These figures point towards a financially attractive investment opportunity for stakeholders involved in the project.
Environmental Considerations
In addition to focusing on economic aspects, the PEA also addresses environmental considerations associated with the Gunnison Copper Project. The use of ISR technology and heap leach methods is recognized for their relatively low environmental footprint compared to traditional mining techniques.
The project’s water management plan, including the use of conservative water consumption practices and a closed-loop water recycling system, aims to minimize the overall water usage and potential impacts on local water resources. Additionally, the project team is committed to employing best practices in environmental stewardship, reclamation, and closure planning to ensure long-term environmental sustainability.
Community Engagement and Social Responsibility
As part of its commitment to responsible mining practices, Gunnison Copper actively engages with local communities and stakeholders to address any concerns and foster positive relationships. The project team emphasizes the importance of community involvement, job creation, and local economic development as essential components of its social responsibility strategy.
Through collaboration with regulatory authorities, Indigenous groups, and local residents, Gunnison Copper seeks to ensure that the project proceeds in a transparent and socially responsible manner. By prioritizing community engagement and sustainable development practices, the project aims to create lasting benefits for the region while upholding the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility.
In conclusion, the release of the PEA for the Gunnison Copper Project signifies a major milestone in the development of this prominent copper mining operation in Arizona. With a focus on economic viability, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility, the project aims to set a new standard for modern mining practices in the region. As stakeholders continue to evaluate the project’s potential, the Gunnison Copper Project stands poised to make a significant contribution to the local economy while adhering to the highest standards of responsible mining.