ISCR is a non-invasive mining method that uses solutions to dissolve and extract copper from deep in the ground without environmental disturbance. A lightly acidic solution similar in pH to household vinegar (between 2-3 pH) is released into a soluble copper oxide deposit 400’ to 1,200’ below ground. The solution dissolves the copper oxide and the resulting copper-rich solution is pumped to the surface where it is manufactured into LME grade "A" copper sheets. ISCR is an environmentally sound process that has been proven successful around the globe for decades in other types of mining activities. The Florence Copper PTF successfully proved that ISCR works in Florence.

This unique mining method is possible because the copper deposit in Florence is unique. ISCR requires specific hydrogeological conditions that happen to be in Florence. Unlike orebodies that are made up of solid rock, this deposit is naturally porous and shattered, allowing the extraction solution to easily flow through it, without the use of pressure.

There will be no impact on local water quality or quantity. ISCR uses significantly less water than what would be used by most types of farming or residential housing on the same area of land. The water used in the process comes from a layer of water deep underground and reused in the ISCR process over and over again for water efficiency. The in-situ process uses a lightly acidic solution (on par in acidity with household vinegar) that slowly dissolves copper in the bedrock. At the same time the water-based solution is being introduced into the copper ore body, it is also being withdrawn through the ore body and transported up to the surface. More solution is pumped out than is pumped in creating a cone of depression in the aquifer, which prevents migration of any mining solution. After the copper extraction is complete, the ore body is flushed with water so none of the solution is left behind. Multiple monitoring wells placed just outside of the project area ensure that the water quality outside the ore body is not impacted.

Florence Copper creates LME grade "A" copper cathode (copper sheets) using a technology called Solvent Extraction/Electrowinning (SX/EW). A chemical process first removes the dissolved copper from the solution and then electricity is used to plate the copper into cathodes.

The economic and social benefits from the project are significant. A study authored by ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business concluded that Florence Copper would create on average 796 jobs in Arizona and generate $3.4 billion in economic activity for the state over its estimated 30-year lifetime. State government will collect approximately $468 million in taxes and royalties. The Town of Florence and Pinal County collectively will receive approximately $102 million in local and county tax revenues. Residents can expect about 480 of the total jobs to be located in Pinal County with 240 workers employed at the site in Florence during commercial operations. Currently, there are approximately 40 employees on-site operating the PTF.

Florence Copper will hire for all skill levels with most jobs being considered head of household wages. This includes but is not limited to: Electricians, Administrators, Accountants, Welders, Laborers, Operators, Shift Supervisors, Engineers, Technicians, and Mechanics. Some positions require specific education and experience, but others do not. The company anticipates creating a training program for SX/EW Operators who may not have prior experience. Florence Copper is committed to its Local Hire policy, which means that applicants living closest to the project will be given preference. Interested workers should apply online once a job has posted to be considered – www.florencecopper.com/careers

There will be no negative impact to air quality. Florence Copper has a minor source air quality permit issued by Pinal County Air Quality Control. There are over a dozen SX/EW facilities in Arizona and none of them – including Florence Copper’s – have had any violations of air quality standards. Florence Copper crew members have decades of experience operating SX/EW facilities, and the company takes additional steps to ensure compliance with air quality standards within the plant beyond what is required by law.

Florence Copper has a regulatory and financial obligation to ensure and maintain compliance with environmental standards and to remediate any permit exceedances should an accident or mishap result in damage or in the event that the company ceased to exist. Currently, Florence Copper has four separate financial assurance bonds totaling $4.5 million, which is expected to increase to over $40 million during commercial operations. ADEQ and EPA require mineral extraction operations like Florence Copper to demonstrate financial capability as a pre-condition to operating.

Florence Copper will recover approximately 85 million lbs. of copper annually for the life of the project, which is anticipated to be twenty plus years. Once the copper has been fully recovered, the land will look much as it does today and can be redeveloped for another use such as parkland, residential housing, or manufacturing activities.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a draft Underground Injection Control Permit for the Florence Copper Project. This is the final permit required to advance the project to commercial operations.

The draft permit was the subject of a 45-day public comment period that began August 11 and concluded September 29, 2022, including a virtual public hearing hosted by the EPA on September 15, 2022.

Public comments submitted to the federal agency demonstrated strong support for the Florence Copper project among local residents, business organizations, community leaders, and state-wide organizations. Over 98% of written comments submitted online were supportive of the project and supplement the unanimous public support voiced at the EPA’s public hearing on September 15, 2022. The EPA is currently in the process of responding to comments received during the public comment period. Once the final permit is received, construction of the commercial ISCR facility can commence.