Gunnison Copper Begins Production at Johnson Camp Mine, Boosting US Copper Supply

Gunnison Copper Corp. has commenced copper cathode production ahead of schedule at its Johnson Camp Mine in southeastern Arizona, marking it as America's newest copper producer. The mine, supported by Nuton LLC—a Rio Tinto venture—and backed by $13.9 million in U.S. Department of Energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, is positioned to produce up to 25 million pounds of copper annually by mid-2026. Johnson Camp integrates conventional open-pit mining with innovative processing technologies, benefiting from existing infrastructure and a strategic location near major transportation routes. Gunnison's partnership with Nuton provides $100+ million in funding and proprietary sulfide heap leaching technology, enabling a low-risk, sustainable, and economically viable production model with strong projected financial returns. The company is led by an experienced management team focused on capitalizing on copper's critical role in electrification and supply chain security, with direct interest from U.S. government agencies emphasizing domestic critical mineral production. Gunnison aims to optimize operations further through mineral sorting and byproduct revenue, enhancing its position as a key domestic supplier amid increasing demand for American-made copper.