Excelsior Mining Corp. announced the results of Well Stimulation modelling for the Gunnison Copper Project, located in Cochise County, southeastern Arizona. Well stimulation has the potential to fundamentally change the performance of the wellfield, reduce the need for raffinate neutralization or change the design criteria for the neutralization plant.

Well stimulation is primarily intended to inflate (open-up) the pre-existing mineralized facture network in the wellfield to help gas bubbles (CO2) escape. It can enlarge pre-existing channels and flow paths, increase pore space and make it possible for solution to move more readily from injection to recovery well. Doing so would improve connectivity between these wells, improve flow rates and copper production.

To this end Excelsior commissioned a leading engineering and environmental consulting firm to undertake well stimulation modelling on a selection of wells within the current wellfield. The model showed that well stimulation successfully inflated pre-existing fractures over significant volumes around the central well within the 5-spot pattern. Based on the successful modelling results, Excelsior is excited to proceed to field trials in 2023, subject to EPA approval.

The EPA is currently processing Excelsior's permit amendment to allow well stimulation, which is expected to be approved in First Quarter 2023. Field trials are planned shortly thereafter.