Lion Copper and Gold Announces Pre-Feasibility Study Results for Brownfield Yerington Copper Project and Maiden Mineral Reserve

Core Insights - Lion Copper and Gold Corp. has completed a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for its Yerington Copper Project, indicating its potential as a significant refined copper cathode producer in the U.S. [1][4] - The project is expected to produce an average of 120 million pounds of refined copper annually over a 12-year mine life, with a peak production of 151 million pounds in years 5-7 [4][6]. - The PFS demonstrates a post-tax NPV of $694 million and an IRR of 14.6% based on a base case copper price of $4.30 per pound [1][7]. Project Overview - The Yerington Copper Project integrates the Yerington and MacArthur deposits, benefiting from excellent infrastructure and secured water rights [13][16]. - The project plans to utilize a heap leach operation with solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX/EW) technology, enhancing copper recovery rates [16][44]. - The project is strategically located approximately 70 miles from Reno, Nevada, and is expected to create around 400 direct jobs during construction and up to 250 permanent jobs during operations [15][13]. Economic Highlights - The initial capital expenditure is estimated at $724 million, with a sustaining capital of $1,008 million over the life of the mine [20][22]. - The average cash cost is projected at $1.92 per pound of copper, with all-in sustaining costs (AISC) at $2.67 per pound [11][18]. - The project has a base case NPV-to-initial capital ratio of 0.96, indicating a strong economic viability [7]. Resource and Reserve Estimates - Proven and probable reserves are estimated at 506.5 million tons at a grade of 0.21% CuT, containing approximately 2.14 billion pounds of copper [6][24]. - Additional measured and indicated resources total 293.3 million tons at 0.18% CuT, containing 989 million pounds of copper, along with inferred resources of 158.1 million tons at 0.14% CuT, containing 443.4 million pounds of copper [6][28]. Environmental and Community Impact - The project aims to utilize previously disturbed land for mine infrastructure, ensuring zero discharge of water from processing operations and lower carbon intensity [14][16]. - The project is positioned to contribute significantly to the local economy and foster growth in the Mason Valley through partnerships with local stakeholders [14][16]. Future Opportunities - The Yerington Copper Project covers a strategic land package that includes the Bear Deposit and other underexplored targets, creating potential for future consolidation with adjacent copper projects [51][53]. - The project is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening North America's critical minerals supply chain amid rising domestic demand [4][60].