Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. reported positive preliminary column leach metallurgical extraction rates using the NutonTM technologies as part of the Phase 1 testing program with Nuton LLC, a Rio Tinto venture. Primary sulphide extraction ranges from 61% to 82% based on 5 columns, including 2 early cycle columns returning 83% and 61%, 2 mid-cycle columns above 70% and 1 with lower extraction based on biotite content. Nuton is currently reassessing the additives for this low extraction column to address future biotite exposure, which accounts for approximately 1-2% of the Cactus West deposit in the primary zone.

A total of 13 ongoing columns are approximately 75-150 days through their 300-day leach cycle and include samples from the sulphide, both primary and enriched (secondary sulphide) zones from both Cactus and Parks/Salyer deposits, as well as from the tailing facility, all of which are situated on wholly-owned private land in Pinal County, Arizona. Nuton offers a portfolio of proprietary copper leach related technologies and capabilities, developed by Rio Tinto to deliver increased copper recovery and leading environmental performance. In December, samples were sent to the Nuton testing lab to begin column leach testing, following initial mineralogical analysis and associated performance modelling of ASCU material.

The columns are leaching under a range of conditions and additive combinations with a view towards identifying the ideal Nuton offering for further test work and commercial deployment. With ASCU input, the metallurgical programs are overseen by the Nuton technical team and have been provided Qualified Person confirmation by Samuel Engineering. Sample Location and Preparation.

Samples were prepared and composited from enriched and primary material from drill holes SE-02, ECP-019, ECW-011, SE-10 and SE-12 from the Cactus East, West and Parks/Salyer deposit. Additional samples from the historic Cactus tailings were also collected for the Phase 1 metallurgical test work program. Chemical and mineralogical analyses of each column sample were completed by Nuton to obtain a full chemical and mineralogical understanding of the material introduced to each individual column test.

Chemical and mineralogical assay data was used to predict column test results. The Nuton flowsheet is a conventional crushed and agglomerated feed, bio-heap leach flow sheet, for heap leaching of copper sulphide minerals, however, it includes the addition of catalytic and other reagents, as well as a bacterial growth and inoculation facility. blended sulphide approach, and is subject to further ASCU-only metallurgical test work and the impact of a commercial framework with Nuton.