I have checked a couple of copper companies to see what their production costs per lb. are and they range from $1.15 to $1.55, the $1.55 being for an underground mine.
Another factor is the location of the mine. The Chloride mine is about 20 miles north of I-40, a straight shot to Long Beach where most of the copper is shipped to. That is a plus vs a mine located in southern Arizona which would add another 225 miles to the trip and that copper is heavy!
Since they would start with the tailing piles that have already been mined and milled, the per lb. cost should be under $1.20. With copper currently at $3.80 that would be a profit of $2.60 per lb.
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