US Copper Releases Study on Economic Benefits for Plumas County of the Moonlight-Superior Copper Project
US Copper Corp. (TSXV: USCU) has released a comprehensive economic impact study for its Moonlight-Superior Mining project in Plumas County, California. The study projects significant economic benefits including 689 new annual jobs and $234.9 million in annual Gross Regional Product during the first 10 years of operations.
The project requires $1.3 billion in capital investments and will generate annual mining revenues of $568 million. The mine will produce 60 million pounds of copper annually, totaling 1.7 billion pounds over its 15-year lifespan. Tax revenues are projected at $15.3 million annually for Plumas County and $9.8 million for California, with total tax revenues exceeding $750 million across local, state, and federal levels over 15 years.
During peak construction, the project will create 1,661 annual jobs and generate $172.7 million in GRP. The average annual salary for mine workers is expected to exceed $75,000.
US Copper Corp. (TSXV: USCU) ha pubblicato uno studio completo sull’impatto economico del progetto minerario Moonlight-Superior nella contea di Plumas, California. Lo studio prevede significativi benefici economici, tra cui 689 nuovi posti di lavoro annuali e 234,9 milioni di dollari di Prodotto Regionale Lordo annuo nei primi 10 anni di attività.
Il progetto richiede investimenti di capitale per 1,3 miliardi di dollari e genererà entrate minerarie annue per 568 milioni di dollari. La miniera produrrà 60 milioni di libbre di rame all’anno, per un totale di 1,7 miliardi di libbre nell’arco dei 15 anni di vita utile. Le entrate fiscali sono stimate in 15,3 milioni di dollari annui per la contea di Plumas e 9,8 milioni per la California, con entrate fiscali complessive superiori a 750 milioni di dollari tra livelli locali, statali e federali in 15 anni.
Durante il picco dei lavori di costruzione, il progetto creerà 1.661 posti di lavoro annuali e genererà 172,7 milioni di dollari di Prodotto Regionale Lordo. Lo stipendio medio annuo per i lavoratori minerari è previsto superiore a 75.000 dollari.
US Copper Corp. (TSXV: USCU) ha publicado un estudio exhaustivo sobre el impacto económico de su proyecto minero Moonlight-Superior en el condado de Plumas, California. El estudio pronostica beneficios económicos significativos, incluyendo 689 nuevos empleos anuales y 234.9 millones de dólares en Producto Regional Bruto anual durante los primeros 10 años de operación.
El proyecto requiere 1.300 millones de dólares en inversiones de capital y generará ingresos mineros anuales de 568 millones de dólares. La mina producirá 60 millones de libras de cobre anualmente, sumando un total de 1.7 mil millones de libras durante sus 15 años de vida útil. Se proyectan ingresos fiscales de 15.3 millones de dólares anuales para el condado de Plumas y 9.8 millones para California, con ingresos fiscales totales que superan los 750 millones de dólares a nivel local, estatal y federal en 15 años.
Durante el pico de construcción, el proyecto creará 1,661 empleos anuales y generará 172.7 millones de dólares en Producto Regional Bruto. El salario promedio anual para los trabajadores mineros se espera que supere los 75,000 dólares.
US Copper Corp. (TSXV: USCU)는 캘리포니아 플루마스 카운티에 위치한 Moonlight-Superior 광산 프로젝트의 종합 경제 영향 연구를 발표했습니다. 이 연구는 중대한 경제적 이익을 예상하며, 운영 첫 10년 동안 연간 689개의 신규 일자리와 2억 3,490만 달러의 연간 지역 총생산(GRP)을 전망합니다.
이 프로젝트는 13억 달러의 자본 투자가 필요하며 연간 5억 6,800만 달러의 광산 수익을 창출할 것입니다. 광산은 연간 6천만 파운드의 구리를 생산하며, 15년 수명 동안 총 17억 파운드를 생산할 예정입니다. 세수는 플루마스 카운티에 연간 1,530만 달러, 캘리포니아주에 980만 달러가 예상되며, 15년간 지방, 주, 연방 차원에서 총 7억 5천만 달러 이상의 세수 수입이 예상됩니다.
건설 피크 시점에는 연간 1,661개의 일자리가 창출되고 1억 7,270만 달러의 GRP가 발생할 것입니다. 광산 근로자의 평균 연봉은 75,000달러를 초과할 것으로 기대됩니다.
US Copper Corp. (TSXV : USCU) a publié une étude complète sur l’impact économique de son projet minier Moonlight-Superior dans le comté de Plumas, en Californie. L’étude prévoit des bénéfices économiques importants, incluant 689 nouveaux emplois annuels et 234,9 millions de dollars de produit régional brut annuel durant les 10 premières années d’exploitation.
Le projet nécessite 1,3 milliard de dollars d’investissements en capital et générera des revenus miniers annuels de 568 millions de dollars. La mine produira 60 millions de livres de cuivre par an, soit un total de 1,7 milliard de livres sur une durée de vie de 15 ans. Les recettes fiscales sont estimées à 15,3 millions de dollars par an pour le comté de Plumas et 9,8 millions pour la Californie, avec des recettes fiscales totales dépassant 750 millions de dollars aux niveaux local, étatique et fédéral sur 15 ans.
Au pic de la construction, le projet créera 1 661 emplois annuels et générera 172,7 millions de dollars de produit régional brut. Le salaire annuel moyen des travailleurs miniers devrait dépasser 75 000 dollars.
US Copper Corp. (TSXV: USCU) hat eine umfassende Studie zur wirtschaftlichen Auswirkung seines Moonlight-Superior-Bergbauprojekts im Plumas County, Kalifornien, veröffentlicht. Die Studie prognostiziert erhebliche wirtschaftliche Vorteile, darunter 689 neue jährliche Arbeitsplätze und 234,9 Millionen US-Dollar jährlich am Bruttoinlandsprodukt der Region in den ersten 10 Betriebsjahren.
Das Projekt erfordert 1,3 Milliarden US-Dollar an Kapitalinvestitionen und wird jährliche Bergbaueinnahmen von 568 Millionen US-Dollar generieren. Die Mine wird jährlich 60 Millionen Pfund Kupfer produzieren, insgesamt 1,7 Milliarden Pfund über ihre 15-jährige Lebensdauer. Die Steuereinnahmen werden auf 15,3 Millionen US-Dollar jährlich für Plumas County und 9,8 Millionen für Kalifornien geschätzt, mit insgesamt über 750 Millionen US-Dollar Steuereinnahmen auf lokaler, staatlicher und Bundesebene über 15 Jahre.
Während der Bauphase auf dem Höhepunkt werden 1.661 Arbeitsplätze jährlich geschaffen und 172,7 Millionen US-Dollar am regionalen Bruttoinlandsprodukt generiert. Das durchschnittliche Jahresgehalt der Bergbauarbeiter wird voraussichtlich über 75.000 US-Dollar liegen.
- Project will create 689 new annual jobs with average salaries exceeding $75,000
- Annual mining revenues of $568 million expected
- Significant tax revenue generation: $15.3M annually for County, $9.8M for State
- 60 million pounds of copper production annually for domestic US market
- 7% increase in county jobs and 21% increase in county GRP
- Total capital investment of $1.3 billion shows strong economic commitment
- High initial capital requirement of $1.3 billion may pose funding challenges
- Project success dependent on copper market prices over 15-year mine life
- Environmental impact considerations for mining operations not detailed in study
- Total economic benefit of 689 new annual jobs and
$234.9 million in annual Gross Regional Product in the first 10 years of operations. - Annual mining revenues of
$568 million would support 465 direct annual jobs and an additional 224 secondary jobs. - Annual tax revenues of
$15.3 million for the County of Plumas and$9.8 million for the State of California. - Total tax revenues over 15 years in excess of
$225 million for the County of Plumas,$150 million for the State of California, and$375 million for the Federal Government. - Total capital investments are anticipated to be
$1.3 billion in 2024 dollars.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 15, 2025) - US Copper Corp., (TSXV: USCU) (FSE: C730) ("US Copper" or the "Company") today released the findings of a comprehensive study (the "Study") of the potential economic benefits of building and operating a mine at its Moonlight-Superior Mining property, located in Plumas County, California.
The Study was prepared by Pinyon Environmental, Inc, based in Lakewood, Colorado, a provider of environmental consulting services to private and public clients since 1993. Pinyon used the capital and operating expenses described and summarized in the Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") prepared by Global Resource Engineering ("GRE") in 2025 for U.S Copper, along with the IMPLAN data and software system, to estimate the economic impacts in terms of economic output, employment and Gross Regional Product ("GRP") in Plumas County for the mine construction and mining of the Moonlight-Superior copper deposits owned by US Copper. Gross Regional Product is a measure of economic value added through the production of goods and services in the local economy.
The economic benefits of the initial construction phase were first considered then followed by the ongoing economic benefits of operating the mine and processing facilities. The entire project would develop the copper resources within the Moonlight, Superior, and Engles deposits located within the historic Lights Creek District. The Project will include the mine as well as two recovery methods (heap leach and conventional floatation) as well as other supporting infrastructure (e.g., access roads, buildings and facilities, labs, fuel and water storage, power supply and distribution).
Economic Benefits of Capital Investments
Capital investments would primarily occur during the construction phase but would also occur over the 15-year life of the Project. In total, capital investments are anticipated to be
Economic Benefits from Operations of the Mine and Process Facilities
Once the mine and process facilities are operational, mine revenues of
Tax Receipts from Operations of the Mine and Process Facilities
The development and operation of the Moonlight Mine Project will result in various tax receipts for federal, state, and local government entities. These include but are not limited to property taxes, sales and uses taxes, and income and payroll taxes. On average, tax revenues to the state of California are estimated to exceed
In addition to the taxes paid to the state of California, several county and sub-county entities would also assess taxes on the operation of the Project. On average, the operation of the Project is expected to generate
Stephen Dunn, CEO of US Copper, commented, "The Moonlight-Superior Mining Project would become a cornerstone of economic growth, prosperity, and community development in the Plumas County region for more than two decades, providing career opportunities and family-supporting employment for years to come. It would transform the economy of the region by establishing a stable source of economic activity that would support further development in areas such as power generation, education, home development, the food industry and a myriad of other industries and professions. Mining jobs in the United States are well paid; the average annual salary for the Moonlight Project is estimated to be in excess of
"Copper is a key element in a wide range of energy technologies and is designated as a Critical Mineral by the government the United States. Moonlight would become an integral supplier of copper metal to the U.S. domestic market with average annual production of 60 million pounds of copper and 1.7 billion pounds over the life of mine. For example, that would be enough copper to supply 12 million electric vehicles. Copper is a critical material for an extensive range of important applications ranging from renewable power generation to electric vehicles. As such, it is vital that the US has a strong and viable domestic source of copper supply."
"Moonlight Superior will be an important direct contributor and catalyst for government revenues at the local, provincial and national levels, supporting vital programs and services that benefit all Americans. Total government revenues generated by the mine for all three levels of government are forecasted to exceed
The full report will be on the US Copper website; visit http://www.uscoppercorp.com and click on the "Moonlight Mine Economic Benefit Study".
About US Copper Corp.
US Copper controls approximately 10 square miles of patented and unpatented federal mining claims in the Light's Creek Copper District in Plumas County, NE California; essentially, the entire District. The District contains substantial copper (silver) sulfide and copper oxide resources in three deposits - Moonlight, Superior and Engels, as well as several partially tested and untested exploration targets.
The Superior and Engels Mines operated from about 1915 to 1930 producing over 161 million pounds of copper from over 4 million tons of rock containing
The Moonlight deposit was discovered by Placer Amex during the 1960s and a resource was calculated after the drilling of over 400 holes. A development decision was made but then put on hold in 1972 when copper prices were weak. US Copper has owned the project since 2013 and has advanced the project with three different drill programs and a number of engineering studies.
US Copper recently reported an after-tax NPV of US
GRE calculated a new mineral resource for the purposes of this PEA that included all recent drill programs on the property. This resource is summarized below:
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1768/258858_uscopper_table1.png
Notes:
1. The effective date of the Mineral Resource is December 16, 2024.
2. The Qualified Person for the Mineral Resource Estimate is Terre Lane of GRE.
3. Mineral resources are reported at a
Further details of this Resource, and the Preliminary Economic Assessment NI43-101 Technical Report on the Moonlight-Superior Project, Plumas County, California, USA with an effective date of December 16, 2024 can be found on Sedar+ at sedarplus.ca or at the Company's website at www.uscoppercorp.com.
The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves under CIM Definition Standards. Readers are advised that there is no certainty that the results projected in this preliminary economic assessment will be realized.
For Further Information Contact:
Mr. Stephen Dunn, President, CEO and Director, US Copper Corp. (416) 361-2827 or email info@uscoppercorp.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and regulations, including statements regarding the future activities of the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management and are identified by the use of words including "will", "hopes", "anticipates", "expected to", "plans", "planned" and other similar words. Actual results may differ significantly. The achievement of the results expressed in forward-looking statements is subject to a number of risks, including those described in the Company's management discussion and analysis as filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258858
FAQ
What is the expected annual copper production from US Copper's Moonlight-Superior project?
How many jobs will the US Copper Moonlight-Superior mining project create?
What are the economic benefits of the Moonlight-Superior project for Plumas County?
How much tax revenue will the US Copper Moonlight project generate?
What is the total investment required for the US Copper Moonlight-Superior project?
