Published: February 7, 2025 |

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Federal permit application for New World Resources’ Antler Copper Project has received the determination of NEPA adequacy by the Bureau of Land Management, putting the project on track to be fully permitted within 12 months.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the progress of our permitting process to date. Receiving the determination of NEPA adequacy and confirmation that our mine plan of operations will be evaluated under an environmental assessment puts us on a clear 12 month path to achieving full federal approval. With this being our only required federal permit and Arizona state permits expected to be finalized throughout the course of 2025, we are on track to commence construction activities in H2 2025, be permitted for full operations by early 2026, and shipping concentrate by 2027,” said New World’s Managing Director and CEO, Nick Woolryh.

“Beyond permitting, we remain fully committed to industry best practices in mine design, water management, and responsible resource development at the Antler Copper Project. Our development approach prioritizes sustainable water use, environmental stewardship, and meaningful engagement with local communities and Tribal partners to ensure shared benefits,” added Woolryh.

“Our funding strategy is also well advanced with exceptionally high-quality counterparties contemplating partnering with New World on the development of Antler via precious metals streaming, strategic project investment and/or project financing commitments. Coupled with strong local, state, and federal support for critical minerals and streamlined permitting pathways, the momentum behind the Antler Copper Project has never been stronger,” concluded Woolryh.

MINE PLAN OF OPERATIONS OVERVIEW

The mine plan of operations (MPO) is the only federal permit required to develop the Antler Copper Project. The BLM now requires an environmental assessment (EA) to be completed as part of the federal permitting process. The EA will evaluate the potential environmental, cultural, and social impacts of proposed mining activities. The EA will be conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to ensure that the project aligns with federal environmental standards. It will include a comprehensive analysis of the project’s scope, including mining techniques, land disturbance, water usage and waste management plans, while also assessing potential impacts on wildlife, vegetation, cultural sites, and nearby communities.

In accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality, adjudication of the MPO is limited to one year for an EA. The expectation of approval for the MPO in early 2026 coincides with Arizona mine permits, which are expected to be progressively issued over the course of 2025 following receipt of completeness determinations in late 2024, meaning that the Anter Copper Project is on track to be fully permitted by Q1 2026.

The political landscape in the U.S. is increasingly favorable for development of copper (and other critical mineral) mines, with strong momentum behind permitting reform and domestic mineral production. Recent White House Executive Orders from the Trump Administration have reinforced the prioritization of critical minerals, emphasizing streamlined and efficient permitting processes to accelerate domestic resource development. These pro-mining policies are creating a more predictable and supportive regulatory environment, positioning the U.S. as a prime jurisdiction for new copper projects.

Antler is well advanced in securing all major state permits and authorizations required for operations, including an aquifer protection permit (from the ADEQ), air quality permit (ADEQ), and a mined land reclamation plan (Arizona state mine inspector) all of which are currently under assessment and expected to be approved over the course of 2025.

The permitting process is continuing in parallel with other key programs including a definitive feasibility study, financing process, and local and regional exploration to further de-risk and enhance the highly robust, stand- alone development credentials of the Antler Copper Project as outlined in the pre-feasibility study released in July 2024.

New World Resources is an Australian company focused on the exploration and development of mineral resources projects in North America. Its exploration projects include the Antler Copper Project in Arizona, the Tererro Copper-Gold-Zinc VMS Project in New Mexico, and others.

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