Idaho Copper's Strategic Move: Retaining Barr Engineering and Whittle Consulting for PEA Update

In the ever-evolving landscape of the mining industry, strategic partnerships and technological advancements can make or break a project. Idaho Copper Corp. (OTC Pink: COPR) has recently taken a significant step forward by retaining Barr Engineering Co. and Whittle Consulting Pty Ltd to aid in its forthcoming, updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) Technical Report. This move is set to enhance the credibility and reliability of the PEA, which is anticipated to be released in mid-year 2025. Let's delve into the details and implications of this strategic decision.



The Expertise Behind the PEA Update

Barr Engineering, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, will act as the study manager and lead author of the updated PEA. With decades of experience in environmental and geologic services, mine engineering, process engineering, civil engineering, and facility and infrastructure design, Barr brings a comprehensive skill set to the table. Their involvement ensures that the PEA will be thorough and technically sound, covering all critical aspects of the mining project.

Whittle Consulting, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, is renowned for its optimization of mining projects and operations. Since 1999, they have conducted over 180 optimization studies worldwide, improving cash flow, Net Present Value (NPV), and overall economic performance for both open pit and underground mines. Their expertise in materially improving project economics adds another layer of credibility to the PEA update.

The Role of Ore-Sorting Technology

One of the key components of the updated PEA is the integration of ore-sorting technology. Idaho Copper has been working on this update since March 2024, and the inclusion of ore-sorting is expected to significantly reduce initial capital and operating costs. This technology optimizes the separation of higher-grade mill feed from lower-grade stockpile ore and waste, dramatically increasing project economics compared to the 2020 PEA.

The company has also engaged Lycopodium, Inc., experts in ore-sorting technology, to review extensive test work conducted during 2024. This test work demonstrated the variability of the CuMo orebody and its strong amenability to ore sorting, further validating the decision to integrate this technology into the mine design and production schedule.

The Economic Impact

The updated PEA is expected to be compliant with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and US SEC Regulation S-K 1300, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of transparency and reliability. The integration of ore-sorting technology is anticipated to produce enhanced waste separation, allowing Idaho Copper to design a much smaller concentrator at a greatly reduced initial capital cost and operating cost. This is a game-changer for the project, as it not only reduces costs but also improves the overall efficiency of the mining operation.

The Future of Idaho Copper

Idaho Copper's CuMo project is one of the largest and most promising copper ventures in the United States. With a massive copper-molybdenum-silver deposit in Idaho, the project has the potential to meet future copper demand while maintaining sustainability and efficiency. The strategic move to retain Barr Engineering and Whittle Consulting, along with the integration of ore-sorting technology, positions Idaho Copper for success in the competitive mining industry.

In conclusion, Idaho Copper's decision to retain Barr Engineering and Whittle Consulting for the PEA update is a strategic move that enhances the credibility and reliability of the project. The integration of ore-sorting technology is expected to significantly reduce costs and improve project economics, positioning Idaho Copper for long-term success in the mining industry. As the updated PEA is released in mid-year 2025, investors and stakeholders will be watching closely to see the impact of these strategic decisions on the company's future.