Copper World, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hudbay Minerals Inc. (“Hudbay”), today announced the selection of several companies to conduct feasibility studies and drive early-stage project development for the Copper World project. This milestone marks the continued advancement of the fully permitted mine that is one of the most significant economic development projects in Southern Arizona’s history.
The selected firms include Arizona-based Sundt Construction and M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation, each with extensive experience delivering complex infrastructure and mining projects across the state. They are joined by Ames Construction, DRA Global Limited, Knight Piésold, Mipac, and Stantec. Together, these firms bring a wealth of expertise in mine design, infrastructure development, mineral processing and environmental management. Several have been significantly involved in local projects, contributing to a local workforce that is already familiar with Southern Arizona and its communities.
This development is structured under an integrated project delivery model, a collaborative approach designed to align engineering, construction, and technical partners from the earliest stages. This model fosters more efficient planning, enhances risk mitigation, and streamlines execution across all phases of the project lifecycle.
“We are proud to partner with some of the most respected engineering and construction firms in the industry,” said Javier Del Rio, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Business Unit for Hudbay. “These companies have a strong presence in Arizona, and their regional knowledge and technical capabilities are instrumental as we advance the Copper World project with a focus on quality, safety and local community benefit.”
Building upon its commitment to providing community benefits and leveraging local expertise, Copper World Inc. and a coalition of local union building trades recently announced a letter of commitment for the construction of Copper World. The letter outlines Hudbay’s commitment to providing union contractors with a significant opportunity in the construction of the Copper World mine.
Located 28 miles southeast of Tucson, Copper World is a fully permitted project that is expected to generate significant benefits for the community and local economy. Over the anticipated 20-year life of the fully permitted mine, Hudbay expects to contribute more than $850 million in U.S. taxes, including over $420 million in state and local taxes. Copper World is also projected to create over 400 direct jobs and up to 3,000 indirect jobs in Arizona. Furthermore, Copper World is expected to bolster the domestic U.S. supply chain with Arizona “Made in America” copper by building a concentrate leach processing facility in the fourth year of operation. This local production of copper cathode would significantly reduce the project’s carbon footprint by eliminating overseas shipping and refining. Copper World is expected to help meet the growing demand for critical minerals in the U.S. related to increased manufacturing capacity, infrastructure development, increased energy independence, domestic battery supply chain needs and strengthening the nation’s security.
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