Copper Fox Advances Van Dyke Project, Seeks Restart of Historic Mine

Copper Fox Metals Inc., through its subsidiary Desert Fox Van Dyke Co., has made significant progress on the updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for its Van Dyke in-situ copper recovery project.

The company, focused on re-starting copper production at the historic mine in Arizona's Globe-Miami Mining District, has completed several key study components and trade-off studies to improve operational efficiency. The updated PEA will be finalized once key operating and cost components are optimized using current copper prices.

Underground development for the project involves a two-phase approach with approximately 4,900 meters of excavation in the Gila Conglomerate. A roadheader will be used to improve safety and ground stability, replacing traditional drill and blast techniques that can produce noxious gases. Additional support includes shotcrete and Swellex rock bolts.

The Phase I development plan covers a higher-grade portion of the deposit, expected to increase copper production in early years and accelerate capital cost recovery. Phase II will access lower-grade areas. The leach schedule prioritizes higher-grade panels first, with each panel taking five years followed by one year of rinsing subject to copper content and permitting requirements.

The company has also established a permanent office, core storage, and sampling facility in Miami, Arizona. Installation of SX-EW facilities and Phase I water treatment facilities are planned later in the project development schedule. The Phase II expansion of the water treatment facility is set for 3-4 years after leaching operations begin.