Interview with Craig Hallworth, President & CEO of Gunnison Copper

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/gunnison-copper-tsxgcu-new-pea-with-18-24-month-pfs-timeline-9611

Recording date: 8th July 2026

Gunnison Copper is positioning itself as a rising U.S. copper producer under new CEO Craig Hallworth, who recently stepped up from CFO following a leadership transition. The company has rapidly advanced its operations, bringing the Johnson Camp mine in Arizona into production within 18 months and using that momentum to progress its much larger flagship Gunnison project, which could supply up to 10% of current U.S. refined copper demand.

A major priority has been financial restructuring. Gunnison successfully eliminated legacy secured debt in early 2026 and settled convertible debentures at a significant discount, strengthening its balance sheet and improving investor confidence. Institutional ownership has grown substantially, reflecting increased market credibility.

Operationally, Johnson Camp is already producing copper cathode using Rio Tinto’s Nuton leaching technology, with output sold domestically, including to Amazon Web Services. The project has also qualified for U.S. federal tax credits and may benefit from additional state-level incentives.

The flagship Gunnison project presents compelling economics, with an estimated after-tax value of nearly $2 billion and a 22.5% internal rate of return. Despite this, the company trades at a steep discount to peers. Management attributes this gap to its earlier-stage development status and sees significant upside as permitting, drilling, and feasibility work advance.

A key differentiator is Gunnison’s integrated acid plant strategy, designed to mitigate supply chain risks and reduce reliance on imported sulfuric acid. Combined with an already-permitted site and low litigation risk, this supports a streamlined development pathway.

With a large-scale drilling program underway and ongoing metallurgical testing, Gunnison aims to expand its resource base and attract a strategic partner ahead of a targeted construction decision by mid-2028, aligning with growing U.S. demand for domestically sourced critical minerals.

View Gunnison Copper's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/gunnison-copper