Oroco Engages Whittle Consulting Ltd.

Rhea-AI Summary

Oroco Resource Corp. (OTC: ORRCF) has engaged Whittle Consulting Ltd. to conduct a Strategic Option Study for its Santo Tomás porphyry copper project in Mexico. The study will utilize Whittle's "Integrated Strategic Planning" methodology to optimize mining operations and enhance project value.

The study will focus on key areas including alternative power sources, mining fleet electrification, processing technologies, and tailings storage options. It will use data from Oroco's Q3 2024 Preliminary Economic Assessment and leverage Whittle's proprietary "Prober-F" software. As compensation, 60% of Whittle's consulting fee will be paid in Oroco common shares, pending TSX Venture Exchange approval.

Positive

• Engagement of experienced consulting firm with over 120 Enterprise Optimization studies
• Study will optimize mining operations and potentially enhance project value
• No additional data collection required, leveraging existing PEA data
• 60% of consulting fee to be paid in shares, preserving cash

Negative

• Potential share dilution from consulting fee payment in stock
• Study results and implementation timeline uncertain

VANCOUVER, Canada, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oroco Resource Corp. (TSX-V: OCO; OTC: ORRCF) (“Oroco” or the “Company”) is excited to announce that it has retained Whittle Consulting Ltd., based in Melbourne, Australia, to undertake a Strategic Option Study (the “Study”) for Oroco’s Santo Tomás porphyry copper project in northwestern Mexico.

Strategic Option Study Overview

Whittle Consulting Ltd. (“Whittle”) will collaborate with Oroco’s team to evaluate innovative operating strategies and technologies that have the potential to enhance the Project’s value.  Utilizing Whittle’s “Integrated Strategic Planning” methodology, the Study will employ advanced cost modeling and system constraint analysis to optimize all facets of the Santo Tomás mining process, including an expanded North Zone mine plan.  Key areas of focus will include:

• Alternative power sources
• Mining fleet electrification
• Processing technologies
• Tailings storage options

These analyses will refine pit size, stripping ratios, and cut-off grades, providing critical guidance for the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) by identifying optimal operational structures and technologies for further evaluation.

Data and Expertise

The Study will leverage the existing Mineral Resource Estimate from Oroco’s Q3 2024 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) and the Company’s project database, requiring no additional data collection.  Whittle’s proven track record, with over 120 Enterprise Optimization studies, demonstrates its ability to significantly improve project economics through its proprietary “Prober-F” software.  This advanced tool integrates Linear Programming with a sophisticated Search Algorithm, utilizing over 300 computer cores to tackle complex, multi-variable mining challenges.

Whittle’s team of industry experts brings extensive experience in geology, mining engineering, metallurgy, finance, and operational modeling, ensuring a comprehensive and practical approach to optimization.

Payment Structure

Whittle will receive 60% of its consulting fee in Oroco common shares (“Fee Shares”), to be issued in alignment with the Company’s next equity financing, expected in 2025. The issuance is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

ABOUT OROCO

The Company holds a net 85.5% interest in those central concessions that comprise 1,173 hectares “the Core Concessions” of The Santo Tomas Project, located in northwestern Mexico. The Company also holds an 80% interest in an additional 7,861 hectares of mineral concessions surrounding and adjacent to the Core Concessions (for a total Project area of 9,034 hectares, or 22,324 acres). The Project is situated within the Santo Tomas District, which extends up to the Jinchuan Group’s Bahuerachi Project, approximately 14 km to the northeast. The Project hosts significant copper porphyry mineralization initially defined by prior exploration spanning the period from 1968 to 1994. During that time, the Project area was tested by over 100 diamond and reverse circulation drill holes, totaling approximately 30,000 meters. Commencing in 2021, Oroco conducted a drill program (Phase 1) at Santo Tomas, with a resulting total of 48,481 meters drilled in 76 diamond drill holes.

The drilling and subsequent resource estimates and engineering studies led to a revised MRE and an updated PEA being published and filed in August of 2024, which studies are available at the Company’s website www.orocoresourcecorp.com and by reviewing the Company profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The Santo Tomás Project is located within 170 km of the Pacific deep-water port at Topolobampo and is serviced via highway and proximal rail (and parallel corridors of trunk grid power lines and natural gas) through the city of Los Mochis to the northern city of Choix. The property is reached, in part, by a 32 km access road originally built to service Goldcorp’s El Sauzal Mine in Chihuahua State.

Additional information about Oroco can be found on its website and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Richard Lock, CEO
Oroco Resource Corp. 
Tel: 604-688-6200 
Email: info@orocoresourcecorp.com 
www.orocoresourcecorp.com

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to future events or achievements of the Company, and the use of funds from the Offering, are forward-looking statements. There is no assurance that the proceeds of the Offering will be expended as contemplated. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these matters. Oroco does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements should they change, except as required by law.

Christy Fabros
Oroco Resource Corp. 
(604) 688-6200
info@orocoresourcecorp.com

FAQ

What is the purpose of Oroco's (ORRCF) Strategic Option Study with Whittle Consulting?

The study aims to evaluate innovative operating strategies and technologies to enhance the Santo Tomás copper project's value, focusing on power sources, fleet electrification, processing technologies, and tailings storage options.

How will Whittle Consulting be compensated for the Strategic Option Study?

Whittle will receive 60% of its consulting fee in Oroco common shares, to be issued with the company's next equity financing in 2025, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

What data will be used for ORRCF's Strategic Option Study?

The study will use existing data from Oroco's Q3 2024 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) and the company's project database, requiring no additional data collection.

What technology will Whittle use for Oroco's mining optimization study?

Whittle will use their proprietary 'Prober-F' software, which integrates Linear Programming with a Search Algorithm and utilizes over 300 computer cores for complex mining optimization.

How will the Strategic Option Study benefit Oroco's Santo Tomás project?

The study will refine pit size, stripping ratios, and cut-off grades, providing critical guidance for the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study by identifying optimal operational structures and technologies.