Western Upper Peninsula Communities Demonstrate Continued Support for the Copperwood Mine Project Ironwood Township, Wakefield Township, Erwin Township, Gogebic County Board of Commissioners and Gogebic County Road Commission Unanimously Approve New
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 20, 2025
Western Upper Peninsula Communities Demonstrate Continued
Support for the Copperwood Mine Project
Ironwood Township, Wakefield Township, Erwin Township, Gogebic County Board of
Commissioners and Gogebic County Road Commission Unanimously Approve New
Resolutions of Support
MARQUETTE, Mich. and VANCOUVER, Canada — Communities in the Western Upper
Peninsula of Michigan are reaffirming their support for Highland Copper Company’s
Copperwood Mine, a project that is expected to create more than 700 direct and indirect jobs
while safeguarding the surrounding natural resources. The board members for Ironwood
Township, Wakefield Township, Erwin Township, Gogebic County Board of Commissioners and
the Gogebic County Road Commission have once again unanimously approved resolutions of
support for the Copperwood Mine, demonstrating the local communities’ continuing desire for
the project to move forward to the benefit of its residents, businesses and the region’s economic
growth.
“The resolution that the Gogebic County Board adopted supports the Copperwood Mine Project,
knowing that they are transparent in their work and developing safe and accountable mining,”
said Dan Siirila, Chairman of the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners. “The County
Board realizes the critical importance of the approval of the grant for energy, infrastructure for
roads and broadband. This mine will give Gogebic County’s economy the boost that it so needs
and deserves.”
The Copperwood project in Wakefield and Ironwood Townships in Gogebic County presents a
once-in-a-generation opportunity for Michigan and the Western Upper Peninsula. Highland’s
grant request from the State of Michigan to advance the project will help make possible critical
infrastructure investments the region cannot afford on its own. Investments like improvements
and upgrades to local roads, power and telecommunications will support the project and
surrounding communities for years to come.
"Wakefield Township has long supported Highland Copper and its commitment to responsible
mining," said Mandy Lake, Wakefield Township Supervisor "This project will bring good-
paying jobs, strengthen our economy and create new opportunities for families in the Western
UP. We’re excited to see the Copperwood Mine move forward and create a stronger future for
our township and beyond."
“Ironwood Township knows the importance of its mining heritage and the opportunities it brings
for the future, which is why we have approved a new Resolution of Support for the Copperwood
Mine project,” said Ironwood Township Supervisor Jay Kangas. “Mining has long been a
cornerstone of the Gogebic Range, shaping our identity and community. We deeply appreciate
the commitment of Highland Copper and everyone involved in moving this project forward.”
The Copperwood project is one of very few fully permitted greenfield copper mines in the United
States and meets the strict environmental standards established by the State of Michigan.
Michigan’s mining laws, passed with the support of environmental advocacy groups, are
regarded as the most stringent mining regulations in the nation. The project design seeks to
minimize and mitigate environmental impact, monitor and protect local water, and safeguard
Lake Superior and the Porcupine Mountain State Park. To this end, Copperwood will preserve
or create wetland at a factor of 12:1 relative to wetland impacted. The project will not draw water
from Lake Superior, and it will self-fund a responsible closure plan that includes dismantling key
infrastructure and restoring natural habitats at the end of mine life.
“I am confident that the state of Michigan has done their due diligence to protect the
environment,” said Erwin Township Supervisor Larry Grimsby. “This mine represents a
major opportunity. Not just for Gogebic County, but for the entire region to bring good jobs,
economic growth and long-term stability to our communities."
Twenty-one units of government, ranging from townships to county boards, have issued
resolutions of support, nearly ten local institutions have submitted letters of support and dozens
of community leaders and elected officials have spoken publicly in support.
“The Copperwood Mine will keep our families in the U.P,” said Garth Stengard, manager of
the Gogebic County Road Commission. “My son, like many other young people, would love
to build his future here. Without good-paying jobs, that dream is not an option. This project has
the potential to bring stability to our communities. It means better infrastructure, thriving
businesses and a future where younger generations can stay and succeed.”
“America’s advanced manufacturing and national security depend on our ability to mine
materials like copper locally. That’s why projects like Copperwood are so important to the future
of the U.P. and our country,” said Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP. “For decades, the U.P.
has proven that mining can be done safely while protecting the environment and creating jobs
for the local community.”
“The people who live in the Western Upper Peninsula know it is possible to balance mining,
recreation and a desire to protect our environment. We are grateful that the representatives of
the people of the Western U.P. stand in support of Copperwood,” said Barry O’Shea, CEO of
Highland Copper, Copperwood’s parent company. "The strong support the Copperwood
Project has received from local boards is a clear testament to how much these communities
want this project to move forward.”
To learn more about the Copperwood Mine, please visit
https://www.highlandcopper.com/projects/copperwood-project/
About InvestUP
InvestUP is the regional economic development organization for the Upper Peninsula, working
to advance prosperity across all fifteen counties of the U.P. Leveraging the region’s strengths,
assets, and stakeholders, it works in partnership with the private sector, municipal and non-
profit leadership, and institutions to drive the Upper Peninsula’s economy by seizing near-term
opportunities and addressing long-term strategic objectives that center on people, projects,
place, and promotion. Investupmi.com.
About Highland Copper Company
Highland Copper Company Inc. (the “Company”) is a Canadian company focused on exploring
and developing copper projects in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, U.S.A. The Company owns
the Copperwood deposit through long-term mineral leases and 34% of the White Pine North
project through a joint venture with Kinterra Copper USA LLC. The Company also owns surface
rights securing access to the Copperwood deposit and providing space for infrastructure at
Copperwood as required. The Company has 736,363,619 common shares issued and
outstanding. Its common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "HI"
and trade on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol "HDRSF."
More information about the Company is available on the Company’s website at
www.highlandcopper.com and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information”
(collectively “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities
legislation. These statements include, without limitation, statements with respect to:(i) the
anticipated wetland preservation or creation factor; (ii) the number of jobs expected to be
created by the Copperwood Mine; and (iii) statements relating to closure of the Copperwood
Mine. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the
forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be
placed on forward looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this press release are
based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof, and the Company
undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined
in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
For further information or media requests, please contact:
InvestUP
Media Contact InvestUP: [email protected]
(906) 376-0676
Highland Copper
Barry O’Shea, CEO
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.highlandcopper.com