Vancouver-based Highland Copper has set out its 2026 work programme aimed at advancing its Copperwood copper project in Michigan, US, towards a construction decision, while also initiating a search for a new project director following the planned departure of Dr Wynand van Dyk.

Van Dyk will leave at the end of February after accepting a position as an associate professor at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. He will, however, remain involved in the project in a consulting capacity and is committed to completing the integrated mine plan review.

Highland has begun the process of appointing a replacement and said it does not expect the transition to affect delivery of its 2026 work plan.

Highland Copper CEO Barry O’Shea said Highland was thankful to Van Dyk for his service to the Copperwood project.

"During his tenure, the project has rapidly advanced from an engineering and site readiness perspective, as evidenced by the strong execution in 2025. Most impactful, Wynand’s metallurgical expertise was instrumental in the process plant design and improved copper recoveries. I am also very thankful that he will remain integrated in the project when he takes on his professor role in South Africa," said O'Shea.

The company on January 27 outlined its 2026 programme, which focuses on completing front-end engineering design (FEED), advancing project financing and progressing technical and commercial workstreams to support a near-term construction decision.

Highland said strong execution in 2025 had laid the foundation for the upcoming work plan. Key achievements included the awarding of FEED contracts to DRA Americas for mine and process plant engineering, improvements in copper recoveries to 87.6% through the adoption of ultrafine flotation technology, and the receipt of a $250-million letter of intent from US EXIM for project financing.

The company also finalised the divestment of its White Pine asset, which is expected to leave Highland debt-free with more than $20-million in cash, and completed a block trade to facilitate the exit of major shareholder Greenstone Resource Partners.

In addition, Highland secured approval of an amended air permit, received multiple community resolutions of support and completed concurrent reclamation projects, including the construction of compensating wetlands and large-scale revegetation.

"We are very pleased with our execution in 2025, advancing Highland in all key areas of engineering, site work, project financing and corporate development. Despite the strong execution, share price was potentially impacted by a trading overhang related to the Greenstone position. The block trade to facilitate their exit in late 2025 has removed this key trading impediment. From a project and corporate perspective, we are excited to lay out our 2026 work plan and drive value for our shareholders and regional stakeholders," said O’Shea.

For 2026, Highland plans to undertake a detailed integrated mine plan review, incorporating revised cutoff grades, updated labour costs and potential modifications to mining methods and equipment strategies. The company will also assess the potential application of a drift-and-fill mining method to improve recoveries, subject to successful paste-fill testwork.

Phase 2 FEED engineering is expected to advance overall design to about 40%, with tailings engineering reaching roughly 80%, to support financing due diligence. Capital and operating costs will also be updated to reflect inflation and market changes since the feasibility study.

Engineering packages will continue to be led by DRA Americas, with WSP, Tetra Tech and Foth Infrastructure and Environment supporting geotechnical, tailings and water balance work. Highland also intends to award contracts for regional infrastructure upgrades, telecommunications and power supply.

Site work in 2026 will focus on environmental mitigation monitoring, installation of additional groundwater monitoring wells and construction-readiness activities, including workforce housing assessments.

The company is also establishing a technical committee, expected to include board members Jon Cherry and Melanie Miller, alongside independent advisers, to oversee project development. An offtake adviser and a debt finance adviser are also expected to be appointed.

On the financing front, Highland plans to initiate a formal debt process, assessing funding options from US federal agencies, private equity, offtake partners and traditional banks. The company is also pursuing potential grants and equity funding linked to copper’s designation as a critical mineral in the US.