Located on privately held land, the project bypasses federal nexus, allowing for a more streamlined, state-led permitting process.
Anticipated completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and receipt of major permit amendments (including Aquifer Protection and Industrial Air permits). Q4 2026: Target for a Final Investment Decision (FID) . 2027: Expected initiation of mine construction.
Targeted output of 113,000 short tons of copper cathode annually for the first 10 years. Mine Life: Expected to operate for 22 years . Arizona Sonoran Copper aims to restart Cactus mine
The company is currently executing its , focusing on operational readiness with a budget of approximately US$75 million.
Arizona Sonoran Copper Company (ASCU) is actively working to restart the (the former ASARCO Sacaton Mine), located just outside of Casa Grande, Arizona . The project aims to transform this brownfield site into one of the largest copper cathode producers in the United States. Project Overview and Economics Located on privately held land, the project bypasses
Underpinned by approximately 5.3 billion pounds of copper mineral reserves. Restart Timeline and Milestones
Features an after-tax Net Present Value (NPV) of US$2.3 billion and an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 22.8% based on a copper price of $4.25/lb. 2027: Expected initiation of mine construction
According to the October 2025 Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), the Cactus Project is envisioned as a long-life, low-cost operation with the following key highlights: