(Kitco News) - Copper plays a critical role in the energy transition, said Tim Smith, CEO of U.S. Gold Mining, adding that the company’s Whistler Project in Alaska is a vital asset in meeting growing demand.
With the U.S. Department of Energy recently elevating copper to critical metal status, Smith highlighted the strategic potential of Whistler’s substantial copper reserves as part of its 6.5 million gold-equivalent ounces in indicated resources.
“Copper comprises about 30% of the project’s value, making it a significant copper deposit in its own right,” Smith told Kitco News anchor Jeremy Szafron on the sidelines of the New Orleans Investment Conference. “This recognition of copper’s critical importance is opening doors for stakeholder engagement, social license, and government support. Alaska has a wealth of copper, and projects like Whistler are ideally positioned to contribute to domestic resiliency and resource security.”
Smith pointed to the broader market dynamics driving copper’s importance. “The energy transition is fueling strong support for copper prices over the longer term. It’s not just about electric vehicles but about the entire electrification movement, from grid infrastructure to charging stations. That demand story is not going away,” he explained.
With U.S. copper demand set to rise sharply in the coming years, Whistler’s proximity to key infrastructure, including potential federal investment in the West Susitna Access Road, adds to its appeal. “Federal funding for road development to connect Whistler to Anchorage is already in place for the first 25 miles, and there’s significant optimism for further progress under the current political landscape,” Smith added.
As copper demand outpaces supply globally, Smith emphasized the importance of domestic projects like Whistler. “The U.S. cannot rely solely on imports for critical metals like copper,” he said. “Whistler’s strategic location and resource size put us in a strong position to support the country’s growing copper needs, while also being an attractive asset for partnerships or acquisition by major producers looking to replenish their reserves.”
For more on U.S. Gold Mining’s Whistler Project, its role in the energy transition, and the outlook for copper, watch the full interview.
This video is brought to you by Uranium Energy Corp and U.S. GoldMining Inc.