Ciscomani Welcomes Interior Secretary Burgum to Gunnison Copper’s Johnson Camp Mine in Southern Arizona, Highlights Investments in American Copper Production

Cochise County, AZ - In a powerful show of partnership and progress, Representative Juan Ciscomani and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum came together at Gunnison Copper's Johnson Camp Mine on Tuesday to spotlight Southern Arizona's leadership in American mining. The occasion featured a dedication ceremony, an in-depth tour of the copper operation, and forward-looking discussions on strengthening the nation's future through domestic critical mineral production.

"It was a privilege to join Secretary Burgum at Gunnison Copper today to celebrate the resurgence of domestic copper production, with Arizona leading the way," said Representative Juan Ciscomani. "Copper is a vital part of Arizona's Five C's and an essential resource for our economy and national security. In Congress, I have championed efforts to strengthen domestic mining, expand American production, and reduce our reliance on foreign sources. I'm incredibly grateful for the continued partnership with Gunnison Copper and its valuable contributions to Arizona's economy and America's mineral independence."

The visit highlighted Southern Arizona's pivotal role in restoring U.S. mineral independence. Gunnison Copper marked the event by announcing wage increases and equity stakes for employees, underscoring how investment in workers is essential to building a resilient domestic supply chain for critical minerals. The event also featured the unveiling of a monument honoring the enduring values of country, service, hard work, and shared responsibility. The monument will serve as a permanent gathering place for employees and visitors to reflect on these principles and the purpose behind their work.

"We are honored to welcome Secretary Doug Burgum and Congressman Juan Ciscomani, and we deeply appreciate Congressman Ciscomani's strong advocacy for Arizona's mining industry and its workers," said Craig Hallworth, President and CEO of Gunnison Copper. "Our values-People First, Innovate Boldly, Act Responsibly, Strengthen Communities and Proudly American-guide our work to advance the Gunnison Copper Project, create skilled jobs and produce American copper that strengthens our nation's security, prosperity and industrial independence."

"Under President Trump, America is once again becoming a mineral powerhouse," said Chairman of the National Energy Dominance Council and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "By working with industry partners and leaders like Congressman Juan Ciscomani, we're restoring America's mining legacy and ensuring the minerals that power our economy, national security and modern way of life are mined and processed right here at home. America's vast mineral wealth is one of our greatest strategic advantages, and projects like the Gunnison Copper Mine are helping unlock that potential, strengthen our supply chains and secure a future of American Energy Dominance for generations to come."

Representative Ciscomani's commitment to Arizona's mining future is clear as he fought to secure a historic $20 million investment for the University of Arizona's School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources, supporting research, workforce development, and expansion of the San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory. Copper is the backbone of the nation's electrical grid, defense systems, and manufacturing base, making reliable robust supply of critical minerals not just an Arizona priority, but a domestic imperative.

At Johnson Camp, Gunnison Copper is turning Arizona's mineral potential into American-made copper. Using Nuton, an innovative bioleaching technology developed by Rio Tinto, the operation has begun producing finished copper cathode by combining mining, leaching, and production at a single Arizona site. This breakthrough demonstrates how American innovation can unlock previously uneconomical copper resources, strengthen domestic processing, and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains. The nearby Gunnison Copper Project holds more than 5 billion pounds of measured and indicated copper resources and, at full development, could supply approximately 11% of U.S. refined copper production.

The visit celebrated both Arizona's mining heritage and its future as a leader in American industry. A color guard from the Benson Veterans of Foreign Wars and a local marching band from Cienega High School led a flag-raising ceremony featuring the flags of the United States, Arizona, and Gunnison Copper. Secretary Burgum and Representative Ciscomani also participated in a ceremonial production blast, underscoring the scale of Arizona's mining industry and the skilled workforce driving America's domestic mineral resurgence.

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