Gunnison Copper Corp (TSX:GCU, OTCQB:GCUMF, FRA:3XS0) earlier this week outlined an expanding drilling and metallurgical testing programme at the Gunnison project, alongside a series of expected catalysts stretching into 2027.
Chief Executive Officer Craig Hallworth told Proactive that two drill rigs were currently operating at the project, with the company planning to increase the programme to six rigs in September.
Hallworth said drilling associated with metallurgical testing on the main deposit had been completed and activity had moved to Strong & Harris. The expanded drilling programme would also target resource growth.
He said investors wanted to see “more metal in the project” and added: “I think we’re going to see a lot more copper, particularly in the sulfide zones.”
Metallurgical testing represents another important component of the company’s upcoming news flow. Hallworth said the project’s March 2026 PEA had generated interest in its economics, referencing a figure of “$2 billion after tax at 8%”.
He said the metallurgical dataset underpinning the PEA included about 25 column leach tests, prompting calls for additional data. Gunnison Copper initially announced plans for 270 tests but had since expanded the programme to 405 following further analysis.
Hallworth said some core was already in the laboratory and he expected the company to bring metallurgical results to market later in the calendar year.
Vice President of Investor Relations Melissa Mackie said Gunnison Copper expected “a lot of catalysts in the next six, 12 months”.
Mackie said early metallurgical results would form part of that news flow, alongside results from conversion and expansion drilling. The company hoped to report several intersection results during the current quarter, with drilling results continuing into 2027.
Permitting represents another potential catalyst. Mackie said Gunnison Copper hoped to have its first permit amendment, covering the mine land reclamation plan, completed by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Johnson Camp is expected to reach commercial production during the third quarter before reaching full nameplate capacity by year-end.
Mackie also highlighted the strategic importance of producing American copper domestically for domestic consumption, with the company planning to attend industry events in Philadelphia and Beaver Creek as it markets the story to investors.
