Western Copper and Gold Shares New Developments on Casino Project Infrastructure Initiatives

Infrastructure Update of Western Copper and Gold

Western Copper and Gold Corporation, a company focused on advancing its Casino Project in the Yukon, has recently released a comprehensive update on its infrastructure initiatives. These developments are pivotal for the progress of the Casino Copper-Gold Project and showcase the company's commitment to sustainable mining practices.

Leadership Insights

Sandeep Singh, the President and CEO of Western, has emphasized that infrastructure plays a crucial role in the project's success. He believes that the Casino Project will significantly contribute to enhancing the Yukon region's infrastructure while supporting the local economy. Singh expressed optimism regarding the partnership with the Yukon government, citing their commitment to sustainable mining as a driving force.

The recent economic fluctuations have highlighted two major strengths of the Casino Project. The first is the resilient copper-gold commodity mix that positions the project favorably amid rising gold prices. The second is the increased political backing for mining initiatives, which Singh regards as essential for the project's long-term viability.

B.C.-Yukon Grid Connect Project

In a significant development, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) conditionally sanctioned $40 million for the B.C.-Yukon Grid Connect Project on September 17, 2024. This funding, aimed at creating a high-voltage energy corridor, will integrate the isolated Yukon electrical grid with the North American power grid. Western is pleased to announce that the Yukon Development Corporation (YDC) has fulfilled the conditions required for this funding. Consequently, a contribution agreement was signed with NRCan on February 14, 2025, which marks the initiation of project planning activities.

The Casino Project's substantial industrial load is central to this initiative, signaling confidence in the project's potential to positively influence future infrastructures within Yukon. Western aims to advance LNG as the primary power source while collaborating closely with the YDC and First Nations.

Yukon Resource Gateway Project

On March 22, 2025, an announcement from the Yukon government revealed the inclusion of the Dempster Highway in the Yukon Resource Gateway Project, broadening the project's focus to also cover Arctic security and regional connectivity. However, some funds initially allocated for the Casino Copper-Gold Access Road have been redirected towards this pressing need. Nonetheless, Western continues to engage with the Yukon government, anticipating fruitful discussions regarding future funding as the project progresses through various assessments, including environmental considerations.

Transportation Study for Port of Skagway

Western has also completed a transportation study to analyze viable shipping options for concentrate from the Casino Project to the Port of Skagway. This comprehensive study, developed in partnership with the Municipality of Skagway and the Yukon government, explored both bulk and containerized transportation methods. It sought to evaluate infrastructure necessities at Skagway and provide feasibility-level capital and operational cost estimates across various scenarios. The outcomes revealed several promising transportation alternatives, many of which align with or are less expensive than previous estimates from 2022.

Conclusion

Western Copper and Gold Corporation is determined to leverage these infrastructure developments to foster economic growth in the Yukon Territory. The Casino Project stands as a beacon of hope, promising to not only enhance local infrastructure but to also advocate for responsible mining practices in collaboration with First Nations and community stakeholders. As these initiatives unfold, the company will continue to update stakeholders on its progress and forthcoming activities related to the Casino Project.

For further details, visit Western Copper and Gold.