Excelsior Mining has secured the final permit needed to restart operations at the Johnson Camp Mine (JCM) in south-east Arizona, marking a significant milestone for the company’s copper production ambitions.

The State of Arizona granted the amended Mined Land Reclamation Plan (MLRP), completing the suite of approvals needed to restart copper production at JCM.

The MLRP, alongside the previously granted Air Quality Permit and Aquifer Protection Permit, ensures that Excelsior Mining has met all regulatory requirements to initiate production.

JCM, a former open-pit, heap leach operation, is collaborating with Nuton, a Rio Tinto Venture, and is currently in stage two of the process to reboot the mine using Nuton’s technologies.

Last year, Excelsior signed an option agreement with Nuton to evaluate the use of Nuton’s copper heap leaching technologies at JCM.

The site includes two open pits, a fully operational SX-EW (solvent extraction and electrowinning) plant with a production capacity of 25 million pounds of cathode copper annually, and complete infrastructure including PLS (pregnant leach solution) and raffinate ponds.

This development is poised to contribute to the Made in America initiative, with the copper produced expected to bolster domestic supply chains.

The first copper output from the mine is projected for H1 2025.

Excelsior Mining Operation and GM senior vice-president Robert Winton said: “This final permit is a key milestone bringing us one step closer to copper production at JCM.

“We believe the partnership with Nuton LLC for the first industrial-scale deployment of their sulphide leaching technology, combined with the oxide ore production, generates an exciting opportunity for both organisations and the wider copper industry.

“Excelsior’s local and state engagement continues to deliver opportunity in south-eastern Arizona.”