Highland Copper Announces Updated Process Plant Flow Sheet Demonstrating Increased Copper Recoveries of 87.6% and Reduced Processing Costs

Original announcement by tmx on

Company
Highland Copper Company Inc.
Ticker
HI
Exchange
TSX
Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Primary commodity
Copper
Secondary commodities
Silver, Iron ore, Sulfur, Gold
Document categories
Metallurgy
Extracted
2026-09-12 07:25:46 UTC

Analysis by Minestarters Atlas

Minestarters Atlas analysis

Summary

Highland Copper announced positive results from its 2025 metallurgical test work program for the Copperwood Project, demonstrating an updated process plant flowsheet that is anticipated to deliver increased copper recoveries of 87.6% at a 25% concentrate grade. The redesigned plant incorporates an MF2 circuit with Jameson cell ultrafine flotation technology and an optimized reagent scheme, which is expected to reduce processing costs by up to $1.00 per tonne milled. Glencore Technologies is prepared to offer a performance guarantee for the improved recovery estimate, providing strong confidence in the results.

Reasoning: The announcement details significant metallurgical improvements for the Copperwood Project, including higher copper recoveries, lower operating costs, and a more efficient process flowsheet validated by pilot-scale and locked-cycle tests, with a performance guarantee from a major technology provider. This de-risks the project and enhances its economics.

Positive factors

  • Significant increase in projected copper recovery to 87.6% from 86% in 2023 FS, with a performance guarantee from Glencore Technologies.
  • Reduced processing costs by up to $1.00 per tonne milled due to optimized reagent scheme.
  • Implementation of a more efficient MF2 flowsheet and Jameson cell ultrafine flotation technology.
  • Locked-cycle tests confirm improved concentrate grade (32.9% Cu vs 25.1% Cu) at comparable recovery.
  • Pilot-scale testing with Jameson L150 cell shows improved rougher performance and higher concentrate grade (5.4% Cu vs 4.5% Cu baseline).
  • Comprehensive testing program including kinetic, locked-cycle, and pilot-scale tests.
  • Reduced comminution power requirements (10-13.7% reduction).

Low confidence — this extraction should be reviewed alongside the original source.

Facts used in scoring: 20

Classification and evidence

High Recoverypositive

Recovery at or above the exceptional band for the commodity and processing route.

Why it applies: Projected copper recovery of 87.6% is above the exceptional band for flotation (92% for strong, 88% for moderate, 85% for weak). While not exceptional, it is strong and a significant improvement.

Evidence · text

“average copper recovery of 87.6%”

Recovery Improvingpositive

Recovery improved versus a like-for-like prior test program on the same domain and route.

Why it applies: The projected copper recovery of 87.6% is an improvement over the 86% reported in the 2023 Feasibility Study.

Evidence · text

“average copper recovery of 87.6%... This marks a significant step-change from the 2023 Feasibility Study 1 , which reported 86% recovery”

Pilot Scale Completepositive

Pilot or demonstration plant testing completed under continuous operation.

Why it applies: Pilot-scale testing was conducted using a Jameson L150 laboratory unit for ultrafine flotation technology.

Evidence · text

“the program advanced to the pilot application of ultrafine flotation using a Jameson L150 laboratory unit at Base Met Labs.”

Mill Routeneutral

Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation).

Why it applies: The processing route involves a mill-float-mill-float (MF2) flowsheet, indicating a mill/concentrator route.

Evidence · text

“Adopted a mill-float-mill-float (“MF2”) flowsheet”

Multi-Domain Testedpositive

Variability across ore domains (oxide, transition, fresh) has been addressed.

Why it applies: 4 distinct composites were tested

Extracted facts

Stored fact records: 20. Some facts used in scoring do not have a stored record.

Metallurgical Results (20)

pilot plantCopperwood Project · copperRecovery: 87.6 %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
copper
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
detailed
Test Type
pilot plant
Processing Route
mill-float-mill-float (MF2) with Jameson cell ultrafine flotation
Sample
Composite sample

Recovery

Recovery
87.6 %
Recovery Basis
actual_test
Conc. Grade
25
Conc. Grade Unit
%

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: This is the headline result, indicating a substantial improvement in copper recovery with a strong concentrate grade, backed by a performance guarantee.

Positive factors

  • Significant increase in projected recovery compared to previous studies.
  • Performance guarantee from Glencore Technologies adds high confidence.
  • Achieved at a high concentrate grade.
  • Based on pilot-scale testing and simulation.

Evidence · text

“Copperwood is now expected to achieve average copper recovery of 87.6% at a concentrate grade of 25% copper”

Tags used in scoring

Mill Routeneutral

Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation).

Why it applies: processing_route matches the flotation signal

Pilot Scale Completepositive

Pilot or demonstration plant testing completed under continuous operation.

Why it applies: test_type names pilot-scale work

feasibility studyCopperwood Project · copperRecovery: 86 %Historical resultNeeds review: historical_restatementView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
copper
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
detailed
Test Type
feasibility study
Processing Route
unspecified

Recovery

Recovery
86 %
Recovery Basis
unspecified
Conc. Grade
25
Conc. Grade Unit
%

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
Yes
Review Reason
historical_restatement
Historical
Yes
Historical Source Date
2023-03-06T00:00:00.000Z

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: This is a historical benchmark used for comparison, showing the previous recovery and concentrate grade from the 2023 Feasibility Study.

Evidence · text

“This marks a significant step-change from the 2023 Feasibility Study 1 , which reported 86% recovery at 25% copper grade”
kinetic flotationCopperwood Project · copperRecovery: 92.4 %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
copper
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
optimization
Test Type
kinetic flotation
Processing Route
mill-float-mill-float (MF2) with optimized reagent scheme
Sample
Composite sample

Recovery

Recovery
92.4 %
Recovery Basis
actual_test
Conc. Grade
4.5
Conc. Grade Unit
%

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: High kinetic rougher recovery indicates strong initial performance of the new circuit and reagent scheme.

Positive factors

  • High rougher recovery achieved.
  • Statistically significant improvement over 2018 baseline.
  • Demonstrates effectiveness of new flowsheet and reagents.

Evidence · text

“Test work with the MF2 circuit and optimized reagent scheme delivered kinetic rougher copper recoveries of up to 92.4% at the target rougher concentrate grade of 4.5% copper”

Tags used in scoring

Mill Routeneutral

Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation).

Why it applies: processing_route matches the flotation signal

High Recoverypositive

Recovery at or above the exceptional band for the commodity and processing route.

Why it applies: 92.4% is at or above the exceptional band (92%)

locked-cycleCopperwood Project · copperRecovery: 85.4 %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
copper
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
detailed
Test Type
locked-cycle
Processing Route
MF2 circuit, optimized reagent scheme, closed-circuit cleaners
Sample
Test C52, Cycle E+F Average

Recovery

Recovery
85.4 %
Recovery Basis
actual_test
Conc. Grade
32.9
Conc. Grade Unit
%
Mass Pull
5.9 %

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Locked-cycle test results confirm robust performance with a substantial improvement in concentrate grade, which is highly positive for project economics.

Positive factors

  • High concentrate grade achieved (32.9% Cu).
  • Comparable recovery to 2023 FSU but with significantly higher grade.
  • Locked-cycle tests provide a more realistic measure of performance.

Evidence · table

“85.4”

Context: 5.9

Tags used in scoring

Mill Routeneutral

Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation).

Why it applies: processing_route matches the flotation signal

locked-cycleCopperwood Project · iron_oreRecovery: 7.1 %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
iron_ore
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
detailed
Test Type
locked-cycle
Processing Route
MF2 circuit, optimized reagent scheme, closed-circuit cleaners
Sample
Test C52, Cycle E+F Average

Recovery

Recovery
7.1 %
Recovery Basis
actual_test
Conc. Grade
6.6
Conc. Grade Unit
%
Mass Pull
5.9 %

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Iron recovery and grade from locked-cycle test, provided as part of polymetallic results.

Evidence · table

“7.1”

Context: 5.9

Tags used in scoring

Mill Routeneutral

Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation).

Why it applies: processing_route matches the flotation signal

locked-cycleCopperwood Project · silverRecovery: 75.1 %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
silver
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
detailed
Test Type
locked-cycle
Processing Route
MF2 circuit, optimized reagent scheme, closed-circuit cleaners
Sample
Test C52, Cycle E+F Average

Recovery

Recovery
75.1 %
Recovery Basis
actual_test
Conc. Grade
62.5
Conc. Grade Unit
g/t
Mass Pull
5.9 %

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Silver recovery and grade from locked-cycle test, indicating good byproduct recovery.

Positive factors

  • Good silver recovery as a byproduct.

Evidence · table

“75.1”

Context: 5.9

Tags used in scoring

Mill Routeneutral

Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation).

Why it applies: processing_route matches the flotation signal

locked-cycleCopperwood Project · sulfurRecovery: 88.3 %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
sulfur
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
detailed
Test Type
locked-cycle
Processing Route
MF2 circuit, optimized reagent scheme, closed-circuit cleaners
Sample
Test C52, Cycle E+F Average

Recovery

Recovery
88.3 %
Recovery Basis
actual_test
Conc. Grade
9.4
Conc. Grade Unit
%
Mass Pull
5.9 %

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Sulfur recovery and grade from locked-cycle test, provided as part of polymetallic results.

Evidence · table

“88.3”

Context: 5.9

Tags used in scoring

Mill Routeneutral

Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation).

Why it applies: processing_route matches the flotation signal

locked-cycleCopperwood Project · copperRecovery: 85.8 %Historical resultNeeds review: historical_restatementView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
copper
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
detailed
Test Type
locked-cycle
Processing Route
unspecified
Sample
2023 FSU Table 13.29

Recovery

Recovery
85.8 %
Recovery Basis
unspecified
Conc. Grade
25.1
Conc. Grade Unit
%
Mass Pull
7.3 %

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
Yes
Review Reason
historical_restatement
Historical
Yes
Historical Source Date
2023-03-06T00:00:00.000Z

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Historical locked-cycle test results from the 2023 FSU, used as a baseline for comparison.

Evidence · table

“85.8”

Context: 7.3

Tags used in scoring

Mill Routeneutral

Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation).

Why it applies: processing_route matches the flotation signal

locked-cycleCopperwood Project · silverRecovery: 78.8 %Historical resultNeeds review: historical_restatementView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
silver
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
detailed
Test Type
locked-cycle
Processing Route
unspecified
Sample
2023 FSU Table 13.29

Recovery

Recovery
78.8 %
Recovery Basis
unspecified
Conc. Grade
61.2
Conc. Grade Unit
g/t
Mass Pull
7.3 %

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
Yes
Review Reason
historical_restatement
Historical
Yes
Historical Source Date
2023-03-06T00:00:00.000Z

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Historical silver recovery and grade from locked-cycle test in 2023 FSU, used for comparison.

Evidence · table

“78.8”

Context: 7.3

Tags used in scoring

Mill Routeneutral

Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation).

Why it applies: processing_route matches the flotation signal

pilot plantCopperwood Project · copperRecovery: 90 %Head Grade: 2.25Head Grade Unit: %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
copper
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
detailed
Test Type
pilot plant
Processing Route
MF2 circuit with Jameson L150 cell
Sample
BL1847-38 Jamo L150

Recovery

Recovery
90 %
Recovery Basis
actual_test
Head Grade
2.25
Head Grade Unit
%
Conc. Grade
5.4
Conc. Grade Unit
%

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Pilot-scale Jameson cell testing shows improved rougher concentrate grade, indicating enhanced performance of the ultrafine flotation technology.

Positive factors

  • Higher concentrate grade (5.4% Cu) compared to bench-test baseline (4.5% Cu) at comparable recovery.
  • Demonstrates improved selectivity and performance of Jameson cell technology.

Evidence · table

“90.0”

Context: 37.3

Tags used in scoring

Pilot Scale Completepositive

Pilot or demonstration plant testing completed under continuous operation.

Why it applies: test_type names pilot-scale work

grind optimizationCopperwood Project · copperView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
copper
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
optimization
Test Type
grind optimization
Processing Route
primary milling circuit
Grind P80
80 µm

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Extraction of optimized primary grind size, a key process parameter.

Positive factors

  • Optimized grind size for primary circuit.

Evidence · text

“Primary circuit grind P80: 80 µm”
grind optimizationCopperwood Project · copperView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
copper
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
optimization
Test Type
grind optimization
Processing Route
secondary milling circuit
Grind P80
38 µm

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Extraction of optimized secondary grind size, a key process parameter.

Positive factors

  • Optimized grind size for secondary circuit.

Evidence · text

“Secondary circuit grind P80: 38 µm”
grind optimizationCopperwood Project · copperView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
copper
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
optimization
Test Type
grind optimization
Processing Route
regrind mill
Grind P80
10 µm

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Extraction of optimized regrind size for rougher concentrate, a key process parameter.

Positive factors

  • Optimized regrind size for rougher concentrate.

Evidence · text

“a 1.5 MW regrind mill (1.4 MW projected draw) will regrind the rougher concentrate to a target P80 of 10 µm”
reagent scheme optimizationCopperwood Project · copperView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
copper
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
optimization
Test Type
reagent scheme optimization

Reagents

Reagent Notes
Flotation reagents accounted for $6.50 per tonne milled in operating costs in 2023 FSU.

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Historical reagent cost from 2023 FSU for comparison.

Evidence · table

“$ 6.50”

Context: Contribution to operating cost ($/t milled)

reagent scheme optimizationCopperwood Project · copperView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
copper
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
optimization
Test Type
reagent scheme optimization

Reagents

Reagent Notes
Revised 2025 reagent suite projected to reduce cost to $5.49 per tonne milled.

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Optimized reagent scheme leads to substantial cost savings and improved EH&S profile, positively impacting project economics.

Positive factors

  • Significant reduction in reagent operating costs.
  • Improved environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) profile.

Evidence · table

“$ 5.49”

Context: Contribution to operating cost ($/t milled)

sample assayCopperwood Project · copperHead Grade: 2.14Head Grade Unit: %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
copper
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
scoping
Test Type
sample assay
Sample
Composite sample

Recovery

Head Grade
2.14
Head Grade Unit
%

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Head grade of the composite sample used for metallurgical testing.

Evidence · table

“2.14”

Context: 404.0

sample assayCopperwood Project · iron_oreHead Grade: 6.04Head Grade Unit: %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
iron_ore
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
scoping
Test Type
sample assay
Sample
Composite sample

Recovery

Head Grade
6.04
Head Grade Unit
%

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Head grade of iron in the composite sample used for metallurgical testing.

Evidence · table

“6.04”

Context: 404.0

sample assayCopperwood Project · goldHead Grade: 0.02Head Grade Unit: g/tView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
gold
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
scoping
Test Type
sample assay
Sample
Composite sample

Recovery

Head Grade
0.02
Head Grade Unit
g/t

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Head grade of gold in the composite sample used for metallurgical testing.

Evidence · table

“0.02”

Context: 404.0

sample assayCopperwood Project · silverHead Grade: 5.7Head Grade Unit: g/tView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
silver
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
scoping
Test Type
sample assay
Sample
Composite sample

Recovery

Head Grade
5.7
Head Grade Unit
g/t

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Head grade of silver in the composite sample used for metallurgical testing.

Evidence · table

“5.70”

Context: 404.0

sample assayCopperwood Project · sulfurHead Grade: 0.61Head Grade Unit: %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Copperwood Project
Commodity
sulfur
Region
michigan’s upper peninsula
Reported Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Ticker
HI

Test Work

Program Status
scoping
Test Type
sample assay
Sample
Composite sample

Recovery

Head Grade
0.61
Head Grade Unit
%

Lab

Laboratory
Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd.
Consultant
DRA Americas Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Head grade of sulfur in the composite sample used for metallurgical testing.

Evidence · table

“0.61”

Context: 404.0

How Atlas produces this analysis

Minestarters Atlas uses automated extraction to summarize mining announcements, identify reported measurements, and classify supporting evidence. Sentiment reflects the extracted narrative and classification rules; it is an interpretation, not a reported measurement. Evidence quotes and context are provided where available. Missing data, low-confidence results, and review flags indicate limitations. Check the original publisher announcement before relying on an interpretation.