World Copper Ltd (TSX-V:WCU, OTCQB:WCUFF) has said it is set to partner with the University of Chile to research and advance new and more environmentally friendly methods of mining.
The company has struck a memorandum of understanding (MOU), through its Chilean subsidiary with the Advanced Mining Technology Centre (AMTC) at the university.
The deal calls for 'scientific and educational co-operation' between AMTC and World Copper's Escalones project, and for an initial two years, the parties will make joint efforts in a bid to create "sustainable and environmentally friendly" methods aimed at reducing water consumption, environmental footprints, and CO2 emissions.
"This MOU is aligned with World Copper's goals of developing its Escalones project into one of the greenest and most environmentally friendly mining projects in Chile and creating an exemplar mining company of the future," said Nolan Peterson, the CEO of World Copper in a statement. "AMTC will allow us to access some of the best talent and know-how in the country, to help us fast-track these goals."
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Javier Ruiz del Solar, executive director of AMTC, added that he welcomed the opportunity to work "hand-in-hand with a forward-looking company like World Copper".
World Copper noted that the MoU did not commit either party to any specific action, but provided initial principles on which parties will carry out research, development, innovation, and other activities.
Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, World Copper is focused on the exploration and development of its copper porphyry projects - Escalones and Cristal in Chile, and Zonia in Arizona.
Contact the writer at giles@proactiveinvestors.com