VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Highland Copper Company Inc. (TSXV: HI; OTCQB: HDRSF) (“Highland” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Wynand van Dyk as Project Director for the Copperwood project (“Copperwood” or the “Project”).

Dr Wynand van Dyk is a senior executive with 30 years of experience in mining, metallurgy and capital projects. Wynand began his career with De Beers in South Africa, followed by numerous years at Hatch working as a project manager and lead process engineer for the mining division. He then spent approximately 10 years with Lonmin Platinum (subsequently acquired by Sibanye-Stillwater) focusing on design, construction and commissioning of key capital projects including the development of multiple processing plants and tailings dam expansions. At Lonmin, Wynand also managed the deployment of Lean 6 sigma across the organization, in addition to holding key managerial positions, particularly the Senior Manager for the Base Metal Refinery and Senior Technical Manager for the company’s Process Division. Most recently, Wynand held the position of Vice President, Engineering, R&D and Development at Itafos, a phosphate mining and fertilizer company based in Houston, Texas.

In addition to Wynand’s corporate experience, he has regularly consulted for international mining clients on EHS, operational risk management, process optimization, 6 sigma strategic alignment and project management. Wynand held the position of Adjunct Associate Professor at Stellenbosch University Engineering Faculty, Industrial Engineering Department. Concurrently, he was Adjunct Professor at University of Cape Town Engineering and Built Environment Faculty, focusing on risk, project management and the link to organizational resilience. Wynand holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering (Extractive Metallurgy) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering, both from the University of Stellenbosch.

Barry O’Shea, CEO of Highland Copper, stated, “We are incredibly pleased to have Wynand join at this pivotal time for Highland and the Copperwood project. With permitting and feasibility study complete, we have transitioned to early site works and detailed engineering. Wynand’s experience in project design and development will be critical in advancing Copperwood to a construction decision. Highland remains well positioned to take advantage of long-term copper fundamentals while operating in the supportive Upper Peninsula of Michigan.”

Wynand van Dyk, Project Director, stated, “I am absolutely thrilled to join the Highland Copper team as Project Director. During my visit to the site and through my own due diligence, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication and passion of this team. Their commitment to creating a sustainable mining project that not only meets the highest environmental standards but also adds lasting value to the Upper Peninsula is truly inspiring. I am fully committed to working alongside such a driven group to ensure that our efforts drive shareholder value and leave a positive and lasting impact on the community and the region for generations to come.”