USFS Greenlights Drilling at Idaho Copper's Flagship CuMo Project
Summary
Idaho Copper received U.S. Forest Service approval for its Exploration Plan of Operations and 2026 operating plan, authorizing drilling to commence at the CuMo project. The company targets up to 15,000 feet of drilling this season.
Key Events · Product Development and Regulatory · COPR
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USFS Approves Exploration Plan
The U.S. Forest Service approved the Exploration Plan of Operations and 2026 annual operating plan for the CuMo project, effective for six years from the first day of operations.
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Drilling Authorized to Commence
The company is targeting up to 15,000 feet of additional diamond core drilling this season, with a substantially larger campaign planned for 2027 to support a Prefeasibility Study.
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Reclamation Bond Accepted
The USFS accepted the company's reclamation surety bond and confirmed all other permits are in place and in good standing.
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Decade-Long Permitting Milestone
Approval follows the March 14, 2025 Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact, satisfying remaining administrative conditions to begin work.
Analysis · COPR · Energy & Transportation
The U.S. Forest Service has approved Idaho Copper's Exploration Plan of Operations and 2026 annual operating plan, clearing the way for drilling and roadbuilding at the CuMo copper-molybdenum-silver project. This approval caps a decade of federal permitting work and removes the single largest regulatory obstacle to advancing the project. With the green light in hand, the company can now begin up to 15,000 feet of diamond core drilling this season, and a substantially larger campaign is planned for 2027 to complete a Prefeasibility Study. For a company carrying a going concern warning and a $20M funding need, this approval transforms the project from a concept into an active drill program—a meaningful de-risking event that could improve financing prospects.
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