Workflow
Mineralized Material Sorting
icon
Search documents
Gunnison Copper Reports Positive Results from Initial Mineral Sorting "High-Value-Add" Work Program at the Gunnison Copper Project in Southeast Arizona
Newsfileยท 2025-09-15 10:30
Core Viewpoint - Gunnison Copper Corp. has reported positive results from its initial mineral sorting test program at the Gunnison Copper Project, indicating a significant reduction in acid consumption while maintaining copper recovery, which could enhance the project's economic viability [1][2]. Summary by Relevant Sections Initial Mineralized Material Sorting Results - The sorting tests revealed that 57% of the sample was sorted to mineralized material, while 43% was sorted to waste [3]. - The total copper grade for all materials was 0.35%, with sorted mineralization showing a higher grade of 0.62% [4]. Waste Reduction and Acid Consumption - Over 90% of the internal acid-consuming waste was successfully removed from the mineralized material using optical mineral sorting equipment [5]. - The sorted material is expected to require up to 4 times lower acid consumption due to the removal of high-acid-consuming waste [5]. Copper Recovery - Less than 1% of total copper was lost to waste during the sorting process, ensuring strong copper recovery and protecting revenue [5]. Future Steps and Economic Impact - If further tests confirm initial results, approximately 40% of the mined Martin Formation could be removed as internal waste, potentially doubling the process head grade and significantly reducing operating costs [6]. - The company plans to incorporate these results into an updated preliminary economic assessment (PEA) expected in the first quarter of 2026 [9]. Project Overview - The Gunnison Copper Project has a Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of over 831.6 million tons with a total copper grade of 0.31% [10]. - The preliminary economic assessment indicates a net present value (NPV) of $1.3 billion, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 20.9%, and a payback period of 4.1 years [10].