04:16 PM EDT, 09/04/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Highland Copper Company ( HDRSF ) announced Thursday that its metallurgical test work program for the Copperwood Project in Michigan's Upper Peninsula showed "positive" results.

In a statement it said a redesigned process plant is anticipated to deliver an increase in copper recoveries to 87.6% at lower plant capital and processing costs.

It added this metallurgical update is an important component of Phase 1 detailed engineering, also initiated in Q1 2025. The goal of Phase 1 engineering is to finalize design criteria related to process plant, mine, tailings, and water management. As demonstrated by the redesigned process plant, Phase 1 engineering represents a significant re-evaluation by Highland Copper's ( HDRSF ) project team, overseen by Project Director, Dr. Wynand van Dyk.

Highland will provide further project design updates as Phase 1 engineering concludes September 2025.

Barry O'Shea, President and CEO, said the metallurgical results were a "key milestone" as the company advances toward a construction decision in 2026.

Highland Copper ( HDRSF ) shares were unchanged at $0.12 on the TSXV.