TSX-V-listed Highland Copper has received the mining, air and dam safety permits from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) for its Copperwood project located in the Upper Peninsula, in Michigan, in the US.

Based on the 2018 updated feasibility study on Copperwood, the company has filed applications with the MDEQ to either amend, renew or obtain all other permits required to begin mine construction at Copperwood.

The MDEQ approved the request to amend the 2012 mining permit, but under the condition that the company will provide a revised subsidence monitoring plan for the life-of-mine (LoM) and post-closure period; while also providing a plan to conduct confirmation baseline environmental sampling and review before the start of mining operations.

Further, Highland will also reclaim the ore stockpile area and dispose of the geomembrane liner according to regulations and reclaim, or remove, water intake and power supply infrastructure according to approved plans unless beneficial agreements are established with another party.

In addition to the mining permit, the company has received three additional key permits from the MDEQ, namely the Part 55 Air Discharge Permit, the Part 315 Dam Safety Permit-Tailing Dam and the Part 301/303/325 Wetland Permit.

The application to obtain a Lake Superior water intake permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers is outstanding and a final decision is expected in the next few weeks.

Commenting on the milestone achievement, Highland Copper president and CEO Denis Miville-Deschênes said that with the receipt of all major permits required, the company could continue to build and operate the Copperwood mine.

According to the 2018 feasibiliy study, the mine will produce an estimated 300 000 t of copper, with an average of 28 000 t/y over its 10.7-year mine life. It will also produce an average of 1.10-million ounces of silver over the LoM.