Name of the Project
Antler copper project.

Location
Arizona, US.

Project Owner/s
Exploration and development company New World Resources.

Project Description
The project proposes the development of a 1.2-million-tonne-a-year underground operation with a 12.2 year life, comprising 13.6-million tonnes at 1.6% copper, 3.7% zinc, 0.6% lead, 24.5 g/t silver and 0.26 g/t gold. 

About 341 100 t of copper-equivalent metal will be payable over the life-of-mine, or 30 100 t copper equivalent a year.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has a pretax net present value, at a 7% discount rate, of $636-million and an internal rate of return of 34.3%, with a payback of 3.3 years after tax.

Capital Expenditure
$298-million.

Planned Start/End Date
Production is targeted for 2027.

Latest Developments
New World Resources has secured a key regulatory milestone for its Antler project, with the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) granting a determination of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) adequacy for its mine plan of operations.

The decision, New World has said, sets the project on a clear 12-month timeline for full federal approval.

The plane, submitted in January last year, is the only federal permit required for the project. The BLM has determined that the plan will be subjected to an environmental assessment, which will evaluate potential environmental, cultural and social impacts under the NEPA.

With Arizona state permits expected to be issued progressively over 2025, the project remains on track for construction to start in the second half of the year, with full operational permits expected in early 2026. 

The permitting process aligns with recent US policy directives aimed at prioritising domestic critical minerals production. Executive orders from the White House have reinforced the importance of streamlined permitting for projects, creating a more predictable regulatory framework.

New World is progressing a definitive feasibility study and a financing strategy, which includes discussions with potential partners for project investment and funding through precious metals streaming and other financial structures.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
New World Resources, tel +61 9226 1356 or email info@newworldres.com.