Gunnison Copper (TSX:GCU) has declared commercial production at its Johnson Camp mine in Cochise County, Arizona, US, following record August output and sustained operations in September.
The mine produced 1,304,448 pounds of copper cathode in August, which the company says is its highest monthly output since restarting operations. A further 894,767 pounds were produced between 1 and 17 September.
Gunnison says ‘strong’ production continued through the first half of September, supporting its commercial production declaration. The company is progressing towards Johnson Camp’s nameplate capacity of up to 25 million pounds of copper cathode annually.
President and CEO Craig Hallworth says the milestone reflects the work of Gunnison’s operating team and its partner Nuton, a Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) venture.
“Following record production of more than 1.3 million pounds of copper in August, the continued operating performance through September demonstrates the progress we have made in establishing sustained operations at Johnson Camp,” Hallworth says.
Johnson Camp produces 99.999% pure copper cathode on-site, providing finished metal without offshore smelting and refining.
Hallworth says the operation is intended to support numerous US sectors.
“Our copper is mined and converted into finished copper cathode at site, providing domestically produced metal to support America’s defence, energy, and technology supply chains,” Hallworth explains.
Nuton partnership supports ramp-up
The milestone follows a revised stage-two mine plan agreement with Nuton, adding approximately 2.72 million tonnes of mineralised material for mining between 2027 and 2029.
The additional material is expected to be mined within the existing demonstration schedule. Gunnison says the revised plan supports operational continuity and retention of its experienced workforce.
Nuton fully funds the Johnson Camp operation, while Gunnison also advances its flagship Gunnison Copper Project towards development.
The separate project is planned as an open-pit operation using heap leaching and an on-site solvent extraction and electrowinning refinery to produce finished copper cathode, with a direct rail link to the project.
Gunnison Copper is a copper producer and developer controlling the Cochise Mining District in southern Arizona, which contains 12 known deposits within an 8km radius.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Main image: Gunnison Copper
