A New Chapter of Copper Mining in Michigan.
White Pine Copper is advancing the historic White Pine Mine using a modern approach to underground copper and silver mining in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The White Pine Copper team is focused on responsible redevelopment of a historic industrial site, long-term economic opportunity, and thoughtful planning for the future.
The numbers below are based on pre-feasibility estimates.
Project at a Glance
26
Year Mine Life
800
Estimated Jobs
$350+
Million in Severance Taxes
15,000
Metric Tons Mined Per Day
Renewing Places, Rebuilding Infrastructure, Restoring Opportunity
Our investment in the community will extend beyond new infrastructure to include the replacement of unusable structures and the redevelopment of brownfield sites. We are developing a phased improvement plan aligned with future project milestones.
Modern Approach
To a Historic Mining Legacy
White Pine Copper is focused on redeveloping a historic industrial site and utilizing current infrastructure wherever possible. The project includes plans for underground mining, onsite mineral processing, water treatment infrastructure, and the re-use of existing tailings facilities within their current footprint.
The project is currently in the pre-feasibility stage, with engineering studies, environmental baseline work, hydrology programs, metallurgical testing, and permitting activities actively underway.
The project is being designed with a strong focus on:
Responsible water management
Modern environmental controls
Reduced surface disturbance
Brownfield redevelopment
Long-term community engagement
Project Development
Reimagining Copper Development
White Pine Copper is progressing through advanced technical and environmental evaluation as part of the pre-feasibility process.
Completed Development Activities Include:
Infill drilling and resource confirmation
Engineering and trade-off studies
Metallurgical testing programs
Hydrology and groundwater modeling
Environmental baseline studies
Infrastructure and site layout planning
Permit applications are anticipated to be submitted in Q3 2026 as the project advances toward feasibility-level development.
Our Process
Our engineering partners have developed processes to safely and efficiently extract and process ore into a copper concentrate. The processes optimize metal recovery and water recycling and are designed with emphasis on safety and environmental stewardship to ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Environmental & Site Responsibility
Designed Around Existing Infrastructure
White Pine Copper is evaluating a development approach that minimizes new surface disturbance by repurposing and upgrading existing industrial areas and tailings facilities at the historic White Pine site.
Underground mining method results in less surface impact compared to open pit mining
Re-use of existing industrial areas
Re-use of existing tailings facilities, no expansions require
Lined facilities for storage of ore and process related water
The project’s ore and tailings materials are also characterized as having low acid-generation potential, helping reduce risks commonly associated with sulfide mineral oxidation in some mining environments.
Advanced Water Management Systems
The planned Water Treatment Plant will incorporate advanced Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technologies, including ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, evaporation, crystallization, and remineralization to maximize water recycling and minimize the volume of treated water discharged to the environment.
Experts in Action
Proven Industry Leadership
White Pine Copper is supported by an experienced team of mining, engineering, environmental, hydrology, metallurgy, and permitting specialists.
The project team includes collaboration with nationally recognized engineering firms, technical consultants, environmental scientists, and regional stakeholders.
Areas of expertise include:
Underground mining engineering
Tailings and water management
Environmental science and permitting
Geochemistry and hydrology
Socioeconomic impact assessment
Metallurgy and mineral processing
Community Focused
Committed to Engagement
White Pine Copper is committed to maintaining open communication with local communities, stakeholders, and regional partners throughout project development.
Ongoing engagement efforts include:
Community meetings and updates
Local surveys and feedback opportunities
Socioeconomic impact assessment work
Workforce and training partnerships
Local hiring priorities during operations
The project team believes long-term project success depends on transparent communication and meaningful local engagement.
Why White Pine Copper
Advanced Planning for a Long-Term Operation
Copper is an essential material for modern infrastructure, electrification, manufacturing, energy systems, and advanced technologies. White Pine Copper represents an opportunity to help strengthen domestic copper supply while supporting economic development in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.