YERINGTON, Nev., Oct. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nevada Copper Corp. (TSX: NCU) (OTC: NEVDD) (“Nevada Copper” or the “Company”) today provided a further update on positive September operational performance at the Company’s underground mine at its Pumpkin Hollow Project (the “Underground Mine”). In addition, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Randy Buffington as President and Chief Executive Officer, further strengthening its senior management team as operational productivity and production ramp-up at the Underground Mine.

September Operational Highlights

  • Higher Copper Production: Copper in concentrate produced during September increased by 265% compared to August driven by higher stope production. Approximately 30,386 tons of ore were processed yielding 682 tons of concentrate at an average grade of 22%, resulting in approximately 150 tons of copper production.
  • Improved rate of stope turnover: Stoping has accelerated significantly since mid-August, with the second and third stope panels fully mined and a fourth stope panel expected to be mined this week. Further stopes are planned in October and November, and the high-grade Sugar Cube zone is also expected to begin to be mined during Q4.
  • Increasing Development Rates: September saw the highest monthly development footage achieved since April 2021, with a 12% increase over August. Development activities included completion of the crossing of the water bearing dike, accessing additional stoping zones and installation of development infrastructure. A total of approximately 750 lateral equivalent feet was advanced in September.

Mike Brown, outgoing Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “I am very pleased to see the improved trajectory in our production ramp-up and a recovery in productivities. The increased ore production was a key objective for September, and together with the improving productivities on site, along with the ongoing management strengthening, provide further confidence in the mine ramp-up.”

Management Update

Randy Buffington will join Nevada Copper as President and Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. With extensive experience in underground and open pit mining operations, both in Nevada and internationally, Mr. Buffington has successfully delivered multiple project ramp-ups and productivity improvements in an underground setting, in addition to overseeing the development and operation of multiple large open pit projects. Most recently at Hycroft Mining, he was responsible for the operational reforms, successfully executing a project turnaround and delivering significant shareholder value as President and Chief Executive Officer. Previously, he held various senior management positions with Barrick from 2003 to 2012, overseeing North American and Zambian operations. He also held senior management positions with Placer Dome and Cominco.

Mr. Buffington brings a deep industry network in Nevada and a strong track record of value delivery in both operating underground mines and large open pit projects, ideally positioning him to lead Nevada Copper towards the delivery of steady state production from its Underground Mine and realizing the full potential of its fully-permitted open pit project and extensive landholdings within the Yerington Copper District.

“The addition of Mr. Buffington further strengthens the Company’s senior management team and provides deeply experienced, long-term leadership as the Company moves to complete the ramp-up of the Underground Mine and go on to maximize the full value of its open pit project and exploration targets,” stated Stephen Gill, Chairman of Nevada Copper.

“I look forward to working with the team at Nevada Copper as we continue to push and improve productivity and accelerate our transition into a commercial producer,” stated Randy Buffington, President and CEO of Nevada Copper. “There is a tremendous foundation to build on at Pumpkin Hollow and I am pleased to be leading the Company towards realizing its full potential as a mid-tier copper producer.”

Mike Brown will step down as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer and continue his active involvement and oversight through his ongoing role as director.

“On behalf of the Company, I would like to thank Mike Brown for his commitment as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, and I look forward to his continued active involvement going forward,” stated Mr. Gill.

Qualified Persons
The technical information and data in this news release was reviewed by Greg French, C.P.G., VP Head of Exploration of Nevada Copper, and Neil Schunke, P.Eng., a consultant to Nevada Copper, who are both non-independent Qualified Persons within the meaning of NI 43-101.

About Nevada Copper
Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) is a copper producer and owner of the Pumpkin Hollow copper project. Located in Nevada, USA, Pumpkin Hollow has substantial reserves and resources including copper, gold and silver. Its two fully permitted projects include the high-grade Underground Mine and processing facility, which is now in the production stage, and a large-scale open pit project, which is advancing towards feasibility status.

NEVADA COPPER CORP.
www.nevadacopper.com
Randy Buffington, President and CEO

For further information contact:
Rich Matthews, Investor Relations
Integrous Communications
rmatthews@integcom.us
+1 604 757 7179