Hudbay Chooses Local Companies to Propel Copper World Feasibility Study Forward

Advancing the Copper World Project

Hudbay Minerals Inc., through its subsidiary Copper World, Inc., is taking significant strides in the development of the Copper World project located in Southern Arizona. The company recently announced the selection of several local firms to spearhead feasibility studies and early-stage project development, marking a pivotal step in one of the region's most influential economic initiatives.

Selection of Experienced Partners

Among the chosen companies are Sundt Construction and M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation, both of which have demonstrated extensive expertise in executing complex infrastructure and mining projects across Arizona. Additionally, firms such as Ames Construction, DRA Global Limited, Knight Piésold, Mipac, and Stantec have been brought on board. This diverse group offers a wealth of experience in crucial areas such as mine design, infrastructure development, mineral processing, and environmental management.

A Collaborative Approach

The development strategy for Copper World is structured around an integrated project delivery model. This collaborative framework is designed to tightly align engineering, construction, and technical partners right from the onset of the project. By fostering such collaboration, Hudbay aims to enhance planning efficiency, improve risk mitigation, and streamline execution throughout all project phases.

Javier Del Rio, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Business Unit for Hudbay, stated, "We are proud to partner with some of the most respected engineering and construction firms in the industry. Their regional expertise and technical capabilities are essential as we move forward with the Copper World project, with an emphasis on quality, safety, and community benefit."

Commitment to Local Workforce

In alignment with its commitment to community benefit, Copper World, Inc. has recently entered into a partnership with local union building trades. This coalition has drafted a letter of commitment that guarantees significant opportunities for union contractors in the construction of the Copper World mine. This initiative not only helps build a local workforce that is familiar with Southern Arizona but also enhances the economic impact of the project on the community.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

Copper World is strategically located 28 miles southeast of Tucson and is designed to be a fully permitted mine. Over its expected 20-year operational life, Hudbay forecasts that the project will contribute more than $850 million in U.S. taxes, including over $420 million in state and local taxes. Moreover, Copper World is set to create over 400 direct jobs and an estimated 3,000 indirect jobs within Arizona.

Furthermore, the project is anticipated to strengthen the domestic supply chain by providing Arizona with locally produced copper. This proactive measure addresses the growing demand for critical minerals, driven by increased manufacturing, infrastructure enhancement, and energy independence. By establishing a concentrate leach processing facility in the project's fourth operational year, Hudbay plans to significantly cut its carbon footprint by obviating the need for overseas shipping and refining.

Hudbay's Commitment to Sustainability

Hudbay is committed to fulfilling its corporate mission by ensuring the project not only drives significant economic benefits but also adheres to sustainable practices. The company's overarching goal is to transform lives while ensuring that its operations contribute positively to the environment and local communities. Hudbay aims to deliver the essential metals the world requires through sustainable practices, and the Copper World project embodies this commitment.

In conclusion, Hudbay's forward-thinking approach and strategic collaborations position the Copper World project not just as a mining initiative but as a beacon of economic revitalization and sustainable growth for Southern Arizona.