The innovative Railveyor system is set to revolutionize material transport at the Santa Cruz Copper Project.
Railveyor has been chosen as the haulage solution provider for Ivanhoe Electric’s Santa Cruz Copper Project in Arizona. This sustainable mining initiative aims to produce high-grade copper while reducing emissions and operating costs. The project, set to begin construction in 2026, will utilize Railveyor’s zero-emission technology to transport materials and strengthen domestic copper supply. With significant financial backing and an eco-friendly focus, the collaboration underscores the industry’s shift towards sustainable practices.
Arizona — Railveyor has been selected as the preferred haulage solution provider for Ivanhoe Electric’s Santa Cruz Copper Project, a significant development in mining located near Phoenix. This project is projected to become the largest high-grade copper oxide orebody in the United States.
The Santa Cruz Copper Project is currently in the preliminary feasibility study phase, as Ivanhoe Electric seeks financing for its construction. Construction of the underground mine is anticipated to begin in the first half of 2026, with the first copper production expected to commence in 2028. The project’s immediate goal is to produce a 99% pure copper cathode product, which will be targeted at U.S. customers across various industries, including homebuilding, manufacturing, and defense.
The Railveyor system is notable for its fully electric and zero-emission technology, which eliminates the reliance on diesel trucks in mining operations. This innovative haulage solution aims to significantly reduce mine-wide emissions, with engineering studies indicating a potential reduction of up to 39% compared to traditional diesel trucks. Moreover, the Railveyor’s advanced system could reduce operating costs by as much as 75%, providing not only an eco-friendly option but also a more cost-effective method of material transport in mining.
The Santa Cruz project spans an area of 24.2 square kilometers of private land, complete with associated water rights. The pre-feasibility study estimates that the mine will have a production capacity of 72,000 tonnes of copper cathode annually during its first 15 years. Additionally, Ivanhoe Electric has invested over $100 million in technical studies and drilled 329 holes for a total of 279,000 meters since exploration began in 2021.
To support the financing of this ambitious project, Ivanhoe Electric has secured a letter of interest from the U.S. Export-Import Bank for up to $825 million in debt funding. This financial backing is crucial as the company moves forward with its plans for construction and aims to create a low-impact mining operation that prioritizes renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions.
Railveyor specializes in autonomous light rail systems designed specifically for material haulage, making it an ideal partner for Ivanhoe Electric’s sustainable mining objectives. The company has successfully implemented its systems in various mining projects worldwide, including locations in Canada, Kazakhstan, and South America, establishing a strong reputation in the industry.
Overall, the collaboration between Railveyor and Ivanhoe Electric at the Santa Cruz Copper Project signifies a step towards modernizing mining operations and emphasizes the importance of sustainable and efficient practices in the mining sector. With an estimated mine life of 20 years, the project has the potential to contribute significantly to the U.S. copper supply while adhering to environmental standards.
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