Industry Member Spotlight: Highland Copper
This article appeared in the April 2025 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.
Highland Copper is a junior mining company on a mission to supply significant quantities of copper for Michigan and the nation. The company owns the fully permitted Copperwood mining project in the Upper Peninsula and has a 34 percent joint venture interest in the nearby White Pine North project.
Our Key to Success
The responsible development of the Copperwood Project, bolstered by strong community backing and long-standing local partnerships that are essential for building trust and ensuring long-term success.
Highland Copper’s Copperwood Project in Wakefield and Ironwood Townships in Gogebic County is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalize the Western Upper Peninsula, a region that has suffered industry and hospital closures, declining population and degrading infrastructure. The Copperwood Project will create 700 direct and indirect good-paying jobs and meet Michigan’s stringent mining and environmental regulations. It is also expected to generate $425 million in capital investment, causing a ripple effect that will support small businesses, schools and public services for years to come.
Copper is Key to Improving National Security, Economic Prosperity
Beyond the local and regional benefits the Copperwood Project will bring to Michigan, the project’s impact and importance extend far beyond the state.
The U.S. is facing a growing copper supply deficiency driven by rising demand for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles and infrastructure projects. Securing a stable, domestically sourced copper supply is essential to reducing our reliance on foreign markets and strengthening the nation’s supply chain. Investing in domestic copper production will enhance economic and national security and support job creation and ensure the U.S. remains a leader in the industries of the future.
Despite the growing importance of copper, the U.S. can’t keep up with the demand and relies heavily on foreign adversaries like China. As a result, America imported 810,000 tons of copper last year. That’s copper that could have been mined responsibly in our communities by American workers, providing good-paying jobs to support our country’s families. Instead, we are relying on copper from countries that don’t share our environmental values or our commitment to treating and paying workers fairly.
How We Motivate Our Team
Our team is driven by the opportunity to develop a mine that makes a meaningful, positive impact on society while upholding a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
How We’re Innovating
We integrate risk management into every decision we make, thereby delivering a project that is operable, maintainable and sustainable.
The Copperwood Project is a part of the solution to this problem, and it’s right here in our backyard. Michigan has some of the most stringent mining regulations in the nation, allowing projects like Copperwood to balance industry, tourism and outdoor recreation like hunting and fishing. The Upper Peninsula is just one of many communities in our country that stand the opportunity to be reinvigorated if we get serious about mining copper.
“It is Highland Copper’s goal to contribute positively to the economies of the local Upper Peninsula communities and the state of Michigan where we intend on operating,” said Highland Copper CEO Barry O’Shea. “At the same time, we look forward to contributing to critical US domestic copper supply and supporting the ongoing energy transition.”
Western Upper Peninsula Residents Support the Copperwood Project
Highland Copper is proud to stand with 22 units of government, nearly 10 local institutions and dozens of community leaders who are in favor of moving the project forward.
“Ironwood Township knows the importance of its mining heritage and the opportunities it brings for the future, which is why we have approved a new Resolution of Support for the Copperwood Mine project,” said Ironwood Township Supervisor Jay Kangas. “Mining has long been a cornerstone of the Gogebic Range, shaping our identity and community. We deeply appreciate the commitment of Highland Copper and everyone involved in moving this project forward.”
Highland Copper is committed to constructing and operating mines with the utmost respect for every local community as well as the beautiful environment of the Upper Peninsula.To learn more, visit copperwoodproject.com.
Highland Copper is an MMA Industry Member and has been an MMA member company since November 2023. Visit online: highlandcopper.com.