663 The ISCR process is feasible at Florence Copper due to the deposit’s hydrogeologic conditions. In particular, the deposit is composed of a highly fractured, saturated, and porous orebody made up of quartz monzonite, granodiorite, and associated dikes. These conditions align to allow the ISCR process to occur without the use of high pressure or other modifications or enhancements. Ultimately, Florence Copper’s innovative and proven ISCR process allows for the production of copper without the large-scale blasting, hauling, dumping, and crushing of mineralized materials typically associated with an open-pit or underground mining operation. As such, the project has a significantly smaller environmental footprint, as shown by Figure 1 below. Due to the unique characteristics of the ISCR process, Florence Copper boasts 75% fewer carbon emissions, 65% less energy used, and 78% less water consumed per pound of copper produced compared to a conventional open-pit copper mine in Arizona (Taseko Mines Limited, 2024). In general, Florence Copper recycles the majority of water it uses in the ISCR process, and the project will be the lowest greenhouse gas and energy intensive copper producer in North America under commercial operations. In addition to these significant environmental benefits, the ISCR process also brings efficiency and attractive cost savings, with Florence Copper’s average projected operating cost of $1.11 being in the lowest quartile globally (Rotzinger, Tremblay, & Weymark, 2023). Figure 1 – Aerial shot of Florence Copper wellfield 4. COMMUNITY BENEFITS For the United States, Florence Copper represents an opportunity to augment domestic production of refined copper and strengthen supply chain security through an environmentally responsible supply of copper. At the same time, locally, the project represents a key economic driver. Florence Copper is expected to contribute $4.3 billion in economic activity to the state of Arizona over the course of its operating life (L. William Seidman Research Institute, 2024). In addition, the project is committed to supporting local job opportunities. Between January 2023 and January 2026, Florence Copper’s direct workforce grew from approximately 35 employees to over 150, with the majority of those hired being local Pinal County residents. Since 2011, the project also has donated over $300,000 in local scholarships and grants via the Florence Copper Community Foundation and Creating Opportunities Scholarship Program. Finally, due to the unique nature of the ISCR process and the novelty of the technology, Florence Copper has remained active in engaging with and educating local community members about its operation. Since 2010, over 3,360 people have toured the Florence Copper site, and representatives from the project have actively pursued community events, open houses, and presentations as opportunities to share information about Florence Copper with the local community. For instance, in 2025, Florence Copper
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