Gunnison Copper (TSX:GCU) has appointed Craig Hallworth as CEO, designed to strengthen the company’s capabilities as it advances its namesake project in Arizona through key de-risking milestones.
These milestones include completing a Prefeasibility Study, which is targeted for Q2 2028, and associated permit amendments.
Hallworth previously served as the company’s Senior Vice President and CFO, where he led the strengthening of Gunnison Copper’s balance sheet including eliminating secured debt and improving the project’s economics.
“We have made meaningful progress over the past year and a half, gaining significant momentum in the market, and increasing confidence in our strategy and ability to execute as Gunnison Copper,” Hallworth says.
“With an enhanced leadership and technical team, including key internal promotions in place, we are focused on delivering our Prefeasibility Study and permit amendments, while continuing to advance the project toward construction and production of finished copper for the US domestic market.”
He is replacing Stephen Twyerould who has led the company since 2010 and is stepping down as part of a planned transition to retirement. Twyerould will remain on Gunnison Copper’s board of directors.
Fabio Rocha will be appointed as the interim CFO while the company continues the process to find a permanent replacement.
Leadership appointments
In conjunction with Hallworth’s promotion, Gunnison Copper has strengthened its leadership team across permitting, legal, investor relations, and finance, while also adding key technical capabilities in metallurgy and geology.
Gunnison Copper says these appointments and promotions enhance its ability to execute on critical workstreams. The workstreams include permitting, stakeholder engagement, metallurgical testing, and resource development.
Brian Penney will be nominated to join the company’s board of directors at the next annual general meeting scheduled for 25 June 2026. Penney is a seasoned mining executive with experience in building and operating large-scale mining operations. He is currently CEO of Tacora Resources.
Mining and environmental attorney Matt Bingham has been appointed as Senior Vice President of Permitting and External Affairs.
Olen Aasen has been promoted to general counsel and corporate secretary, while Melissa Mackie has been promoted to vice president of investor relations and communications.
Ron Nunley has been appointed as chief metallurgist, while Perseo Anaya has been appointed as chief geologist.
Gunnison Copper is a multi-asset, pure-play copper developer and producer. The company’s flagship Gunnison Copper Project has a main pit measured and indicated resource containing 846.1 million tonnes @ 0.33% copper.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Gunnison Copper
