Highland Copper Reveals Enhanced Copper Recovery and Cost Reduction
Vancouver, Thursday, 4 September 2025.
On September 4, 2025, Highland Copper reported an updated plant process that boosts copper recovery to 87.6% and lowers costs, enhancing its market competitiveness.
Innovative Metallurgical Advances
Highland Copper Company Inc. (TSXV: HI; OTCQB: HDRSF) has introduced an innovative process plant flow sheet at its Copperwood Project in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which significantly increases copper recovery rates to 87.6% while reducing processing costs [1]. This development is a part of Highland’s ongoing efforts to optimize their mining operations through advanced metallurgical techniques. The process redesign includes a more efficient comminution circuit and the incorporation of Jameson cell ultrafine flotation technology [1].
Strategic Partnerships and Performance Guarantees
Highland Copper’s collaboration with Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd. and oversight by DRA Americas Inc. has been crucial in achieving these results [1]. The company’s partnership with Glencore Technologies, which has offered a performance guarantee related to the improved recovery rates, provides a robust assurance of the test program’s reliability [1]. These relationships underscore the strategic alliances Highland Copper has formed to bolster its technical advancements.
Impact on Market Position and Future Plans
These metallurgical advancements are expected to strengthen Highland Copper’s competitive edge in the global copper market, a vital component in meeting the rising demand for this essential metal [1]. The updated process not only promises enhanced copper recoveries but also suggests a pathway to lower processing costs, which could lead to significant operational savings [1]. Looking forward, Highland plans to conduct further lock-cycle variability testing on the finalized flowsheet and confirm the final process design criteria as part of Phase 2 of the detailed engineering program set to commence in 2026 [1].
Global Copper Market Dynamics
The copper market remains tightly balanced due to a combination of increasing demand driven by green energy initiatives and the challenges of declining ore grades [2]. Companies like Highland Copper are pivotal in addressing these challenges by optimizing existing resources and improving technological efficiencies. As the industry strives to meet the ambitious net-zero goals by 2050, significant investments in copper production and innovative engineering solutions will be essential [3].