Highland Copper Company Inc. announced that White Pine Copper, LLC, its joint venture with Kinterra Copper USA, LLC, has initiated a drilling program at the White Pine North Project in Ontonagon County, Michigan. The winter drilling program initiated mid-January intends to obtain material for additional metallurgical and geotechnical test work programs. The drilling program, which will run through Second Quarter 2024, focuses on data collection to advance project development. The intent is to complete ten drill holes, three PQ and seven HQ sized, for a total of approximately 6,460 metres.

Downhole geotechnical imaging is planned for all drillholes to support mine design engineering. The successful completion of the program will be dependent on weather conditions over the course of the upcoming months. The initiation of this drilling program demonstrates the joint venture's commitment to advancing the White Pine North Project, while at the same time progressing permitting and engineering studies.

The forthcoming testing will contribute to further refining the economic results obtained in the 2023 Preliminary Economic Assessment. White Pine Copper, LLC. has also recently hired a senior environmental representative that will manage environmental compliance requirements, future environmental baseline work, and permitting activities.

Operating responsibly in Michigan remains a key focus of Highland.