The Copper We Need. Made in Arizona.
ABOUT
The Copper World Complex is a proposed copper mine located 28 miles southeast of Tucson, AZ in the northern Santa Rita Mountains. The project consists of seven mineralized deposits and includes a facility that will produce finished copper on-site.
In 2022, Hudbay released a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Copper World Complex, marking a significant milestone for the project. The PEA outlines our two phased approach to not only responsibly extract minerals, but also produce finished copper on-site. The first phase is a standalone project consisting of four open pits, located entirely on private land and requiring state and local permits. Phase I is anticipated to have a 16 year mine life. Phase II would expand the operation onto federal land, requiring Hudbay to obtain federal permits and will extend the mine life by an additional 28 years.
Through producing finished copper on-site, Copper World will support a stronger domestic supply of the copper we need to drive our green energy future. It also allows us to reduce our impact on the environment by eliminating emissions caused by shipping unfinished copper overseas for processing.
SEE THE EXPLORATION RESULTS
A Private Land Project
The first phase of the Copper World Complex’s planned mining operations will be on private land. Private property owners have a constitutional right to use and develop their property, subject to reasonable regulation by the government.
Because it is on private land, Copper World will obtain permits from state and local agencies, placing the review and approval of operations with local decision makers from the Copper State, who know and understand the importance of mining to our region.
Copper Made in Arizona
One of the most exciting parts of Copper World is the ability to produce finished copper on-site that will be sold to domestic customers.
The mineralization at the Copper World Complex will allow for the production of finished copper on-site. Utilizing a Solvent Extraction and Electrowinning (SX/EW) process, Copper World will produce copper cathodes that can be used in the development of materials for green energy production, pipes for homes and the wiring that keeps us connected. Producing copper on-site will also help reduce emissions by eliminating unnecessary ocean transportation of concentrate for processing overseas.
Green Economy
From solar panels to electric vehicles—copper is a key element in de-carbonization efforts and the shift to renewable energy sources. Hudbay will support America's transition to a cleaner future, by providing the copper we need to build the innovative products and technologies that will power our new sustainable future.
Permitting Process
Phase I of Copper World will require Hudbay to obtain state and local permits to begin operations. Hudbay initiated the permitting process for Copper World in June 2021 with the submission of our Mine Land Reclamation Plan. The next permitting steps will begin later in 2022 with our applications to state regulators for aquifer protection and air quality permits. Hudbay will work with the agencies responsible for issuing these permits, to demonstrate that operations at Copper World will meet environmental standards.
The state’s permitting process includes the opportunity for members of the public to review the data and information, ask questions and provide comments to regulators prior to the issuance of the permits. Once issued, the permits will include monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure that the mine meets air and water quality standards.
Environmental Stewardship
Modern mining begins with the end in mind. For Copper World, that means planning for the closure and reclamation of the land will be one of the first steps in developing the mine.
Hudbay submitted and received approval from the Arizona State Mine Inspector for our initial reclamation plan for Copper World. The state has required Hudbay to post a bond for the full cost of the reclamation. Bonding to ensure that the funds will be available for reclamation regardless of the financial resources of Hudbay or a subsequent owner at the time reclamation needs to begin.
Copper for America
In 2021, the U.S. used over 80% more copper than we produced. Relying on foreign countries, especially those with questionable labor and environmental regulations, to supply the minerals we need is unsustainable and irresponsible.
Copper World will supply the copper that we use every day and will be needed to power our green energy future. By selling finished copper exclusively to customers in the United States, Copper World will help ensure a strong domestic supply of the copper we need to meet our growing demand. American consumers aspire to use responsibly sourced materials ranging from diamonds, to sneakers and coffee. It should be no different for copper and the products made from copper that are essential for almost every aspect of our modern, connected lifestyle.