Highland Copper Company Inc. has disclosed that its joint venture, White Pine Copper, LLC, in collaboration with Kinterra Copper USA, LLC ("Kinterra"), has commenced a drilling program at the White Pine North Project located in Ontonagon County, Michigan.
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The goal of the winter drilling program, which was started in mid-January, is to gather material for further test work programs in geotechnical and metallurgical areas. The drilling program's primary goal is to gather data to enhance project development. It is scheduled to run through Q2 2024.
Ten drill holes, three of PQ size and seven of HQ size, will be finished, totaling about 6,460 m. For the purpose of supporting mine design engineering, downhole geotechnical imaging is scheduled for every drill hole. The weather for the next few months will determine whether or not the program will be completed successfully.
The joint venture's dedication to developing the White Pine North Project while advancing engineering and permitting studies is demonstrated by the start of this drilling campaign. The upcoming testing will help improve the economic findings found in the preliminary economic assessment 2023.
Additionally, White Pine Copper, LLC. recently engaged a senior environmental representative to oversee permitting, future environmental baseline work, and environmental compliance requirements. Highland's primary goal is to continue operating responsibly in Michigan.
We are very excited about the focus our joint venture partner, Kinterra, is putting on White Pine North. Kinterra has assembled a strong project leadership team to take charge of the development of the Project and is proactively moving it forward. We created the joint venture on White Pine North to draw on Kinterra’s expertise in permitting and technical studies, in addition to their strong balance sheet.
Barry O’Shea, Interim CEO, Highland Copper Company Inc.
Barry O’Shea continued, “This has allowed Highland’s management to focus its time and capital on progressing the fully permitted, 100% owned, Copperwood Project, building value at both assets simultaneously.”