**Gunnison Releases PEA for Arizona Copper Project: Plans for Open-Pit Heap Leach Operation**
Gunnison Copper released its Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Copper King project in Arizona, outlining the company’s plans for an open-pit heap leach operation. The proposed project aims to leverage the rich copper deposits in the region while minimizing the environmental impact and operational costs.
**Resource Estimation and Geological Setting**
The PEA report highlights the significant copper resource estimated at over 5.6 billion pounds of copper in the measured and indicated categories. The mineralization is hosted in a shallow, oxidized blanket that extends over 1,000 acres, offering favorable conditions for open-pit mining and heap leaching.
Gunnison’s geological team conducted detailed mapping and drilling to delineate the mineralized zones and establish the continuity of the ore body. The project’s geology is characterized by a series of fault-controlled structures that host the copper mineralization, indicating the presence of high-grade zones within the deposit.
**Processing Overview: Open-Pit Heap Leach Operation**
The proposed mining operation at Copper King involves the development of an open-pit mine to extract the ore, which will then be crushed and placed on a lined heap leach pad for copper extraction. The heap leach process involves the application of a leaching solution to the ore pile, allowing the copper to dissolve and be recovered through a solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX-EW) process.
By utilizing heap leaching, Gunnison aims to minimize the environmental footprint of the operation compared to conventional milling methods. The company plans to implement best practices in water management, dust control, and reclamation to ensure sustainable mining practices in the region.
**Economic Analysis and Financial Projections**
The PEA outlines the economic viability of the Copper King project, projecting a robust pre-tax net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) based on the current copper price and operating parameters. The economic analysis factors in the capital and operating costs, metal recovery rates, and long-term copper price assumptions to assess the financial performance of the project.
Gunnison’s financial projections demonstrate the potential for sustainable cash flow generation over the life of the mine, supporting the company’s growth strategy and shareholder value creation. The detailed economic model considers various scenarios and sensitivities to evaluate the project’s resilience to market fluctuations and operational uncertainties.
**Community Engagement and Stakeholder Consultation**
As part of its commitment to responsible mining practices, Gunnison has engaged with local communities, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders to address concerns and incorporate feedback into the project planning process. The company aims to foster positive relationships with the surrounding communities and ensure transparent communication throughout the project lifecycle.
By prioritizing environmental stewardship, safety, and community involvement, Gunnison strives to develop the Copper King project as a model for sustainable mining in Arizona. The company’s social license to operate is contingent on maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and upholding the highest standards of corporate responsibility.
**Conclusion**
The release of the PEA for the Copper King project marks a significant milestone for Gunnison Copper as it advances towards the development of an open-pit heap leach operation in Arizona. With a robust resource base, efficient processing methods, and strong economic fundamentals, the project holds the potential to become a key player in the region’s copper mining sector. Gunnison’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement underscores its vision for responsible and sustainable mining practices in Arizona’s rich mineral landscape.
