Gunnison produces first copper cathode from Johnson

Executive Summary

• Gunnison Copper Corp. announced the commencement of first pure copper cathode production from its fully operational Johnson Camp Mine (JCM) in southeastern Arizona, marking the company as the newest U.S. copper producer.
• Production began ahead of schedule following successful start‑up of the solvent extraction/electrowinning (SX/EW) circuit, with no safety incidents reported during commissioning.
• The project is fully financed by Nuton LLC (a Rio Tinto venture) and has been awarded $13.9 million in DOE 48C tax credits; ramp‑up continues toward a name‑plate capacity of 25 M lbs of copper cathode per year.

Key Details

• First Production Milestone: Pure copper cathode production from run‑of‑mine (ROM) ore started in the last week of August 2025, ahead of schedule.
• Production Capacity Goal: Ramp‑up underway toward 25 million pounds (≈11,340 t) of finished copper cathode annually.
• Safety Performance: Commissioning completed without any incidents, underscoring a strong health and safety record.
• Strategic Partner Support: Nuton LLC provided exclusive leaching technology and full financing for the JCM restart; its CEO Adam Burley highlighted upcoming use of Nuton technologies later in 2025.
• Government Incentives: Received $13.9 million (U.S.) in Department of Energy 48C tax credits (see Gunnison press release dated Jan 16 2025).
• Resource Context: The flagship Gunnison project holds a measured and indicated resource of 831 Mt at 0.31% Cu, with a PEA net present value of $1.3 billion and IRR of 20.9%.
• CEO Quote: “This is an incredible moment for Gunnison… we are now producing 100‑percent American‑made copper at a time when our nation needs it most.” – Dr. Stephen Twyerould, President & CEO.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Stephen Twyerould (President & CEO): “Even more exciting is that we are now producing 100‑per‑cent‑American‑made copper at a time when our nation needs it most.”
• Adam Burley (CEO, Nuton LLC): “We look forward to first copper production using Nuton technologies later this year, unlocking copper through innovation and partnership.”