Copper Fox starts Van Dyke PEA, groundwater modelling

Executive Summary

• Copper Fox Metals has commenced preparation for a 2026 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) and initiated a preliminary semi-regional 3-D numerical groundwater flow model to support future permitting for its 100%-owned Van Dyke ISCR project in Arizona.
• The company is actively collecting daily hydrogeological data and conducting quarterly groundwater sampling from four existing monitoring wells to augment its database for environmental permitting.
• The Van Dyke project is characterized as a potential near-term, mid-size, environmentally friendly copper operation with a 17-year mine life, targeting 85 million pounds of Grade A copper cathode annually.

Key Details

• PEA Update: Preparation for the 2026 PEA has commenced with an estimated cost of $300,000. Moose Mountain Technical Services has been commissioned to prepare the updated PEA in accordance with NI 43-101 standards.
• Groundwater Modeling: RGC Hydro Services LLC has been contracted to prepare a preliminary semi-regional 3-D numerical groundwater flow model. This model aims to support permitting by predicting hydrogeologic impacts, optimizing well spacing, and defining site-specific water quality conditions (alert levels and aquifer quality limits).
• Hydrogeological Data Collection: Daily collection of hydrogeological data and quarterly groundwater sampling are continuing from four existing monitoring wells to support future permitting strategies.
• Project Specifications:
  • Location: Globe-Miami mining district, Gila County, Arizona (approx. 90 miles east of Florence Copper).
  • Production Capacity: 85 million pounds of Grade A 99.99% pure copper cathode per year.
  • Mine Life: 17 years.
  • Economic Impact (Previous 2020 PEA): Expected to provide ~500 direct/indirect jobs, inject ~$1.07 billion (USD) into the Arizona economy, and contribute ~$355 million (USD) in taxes over the mine life.
  • Infrastructure: Access to local copper rod plant, highways, rail lines, and electrical power.
• Permitting Strategy: The PEA and groundwater model are critical for obtaining an Aquifer Protection Permit (APP) and Underground Injection Control (UIC) permit. The goal is to demonstrate to regulators that hydrogeology and groundwater quality are well understood and that appropriate monitoring/mitigation will be included in future operating plans.
• Qualified Person: Elmer B. Stewart, MSc, PGeol, President and CEO, is the nominated qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical information.

Notable Quotes

• "Our focus in the first half of 2026 is completion of an updated PEA. The PEA is focused on establishing the current technical understanding of the project, optimizing the 2025 PFS execution plan and outlining the environmental permitting required to complete activities identified in the PEA." — Elmer B. Stewart, President and CEO