• Where is Hercules Metals Corp. located?

Cambridge, Idaho in Washington County.

• In what phase of mining is Hercules Metals?

Hercules Metals is an exploration company focused on developing America’s newest porphyry copper belt. It is currently in the exploration phase.

• How does Hercules Metals search for and discover minerals?

Hercules Metals uses exploration methods such as soil sampling, geophysics, field mapping, and core drilling to locate and assess mineral deposits. 

Sustainability has been universally adopted in the natural resource industry and it is integral in how Hercules Metals approaches and implements its development strategy. During the exploration phase of the project, Hercules Metals aims to minimize the overall disturbance caused by its exploration activities. The Company’s drilling campaigns are backed by ongoing reclamation to support the natural wildlife habitat.

• Does Hercules have other projects in Idaho or other parts of the US or world?

No. Hercules Metals is focused on exploring for copper and silver at the Hercules Project in Idaho.

• How many people does Hercules Metals employ?

Hercules Metals employs 27 people, including 15 local hires and 18 employees from elsewhere in Idaho.

• What is a porphyry?

A porphyry is a type of rock that often hosts large deposits of copper, gold, or silver. These deposits are typically found in zones where magma has cooled and crystallized underground.

• What does porphyry copper belt mean?

A porphyry copper belt is a region with significant concentrations of porphyry-type copper deposits, often associated with tectonic plate boundaries or volcanic activity.

• What is a critical mineral?

A critical mineral is a key natural resource that plays a vital role in the nation’s security, economy, infrastructure, and renewable energy development. The United States Geological Survey Critical Minerals List currently consists of 50 minerals.

• Why is securing a domestic supply of minerals so important to the United States?

Domestic minerals reduce reliance on foreign imports, strengthen national security, support economic growth, and ensure the availability of materials critical for infrastructure, technology, and energy.

Relying on foreign sources for minerals and metals can leave the U.S. vulnerable to disruptions in supply do to political tensions and price manipulations.

• What is rock core? How do you procure it and how is it used in exploration?

A rock core is a cylindrical sample of rock obtained through drilling. It is analyzed to understand the area’s geology and mineral content, providing critical data for exploration.

• What is a mineral lease right?

A mineral lease right is an agreement that allows a company to explore and extract minerals from a property in exchange for payments or royalties to the landowner or state.

• Why is mining important?

Mining is essential for producing the raw materials used in nearly every aspect of modern life, from infrastructure and transportation to technology and renewable energy systems. It supports economic development, innovation, and national security.

• What is the life cycle of a mine?

There are three main phases in a mine’s life cycle. 

1. It involves exploration geologists working to locate and assess potential mineral deposits through methods such as drilling, soil sampling, and mapping. The goal is to prove the resource and the economic viability of it.
2. Once a resource is determined through exploration, then a mine plan is developed on how to extract it best.
   1. Mine Design: Engineers, permitting specialists, GIS analysts, community relations specialists, and more work together to obtain necessary permits and build a project that works for the people, the environment, and the business.
   2. Construction: Construction can include anything from new transmission lines and power grids to buildings and processing facilities, to small airplane landing strips.
3. This is the stage where minerals are extracted and processed for commercial use. This is where the money is made and jobs are abundant. It takes engineers, accountants, environmental specialists, geologists, supply chain specialists, surveyors, operators, and more to keep a mine in production.
4. Once all the possible minerals have been extracted from the mining area, operations begin to ramp down. This includes dismantling buildings, transitioning employees out, and preparing the mine for reclamation. This is done with social and environmental responsibility at the forefront.
5. Reclamation is the process of taking land that has been modified by mining operations and returning it to its original state. This includes revegetation, re-contouring of the earth, and water treatment to return the land to as close to near pre-disturbance conditions as possible that ensures safe conditions for humans and wildlife.

• What is the difference between mining exploration, development, and production?
  • Exploration: Searching for and assessing mineral deposits through exploration methods like core drilling, soil sampling, geophysical techniques, and field mapping.
  • Development: Establishing infrastructure and securing permits for mining operations.
  • Production: Extracting and processing minerals for commercial use.
    
    
• How long does it take to open a mine?

The mining process is lengthy and stringent because it is one of the most regulated industries in the United States. The average time period from resource discovery to mine production is 13 years in the U.S.; the worldwide average is nearly 16 years. This is due to rigorous permitting processes, environmental reviews, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure development.

Hercules Metals is still in the very beginning stages of the exploration process.

• Has the Hercules Project site been mined in the past?

Yes. Past miners primarily mined areas in Washington County for silver.  Modern systematic exploration has since shifted the project’s focus dramatically, uncovering a porphyry copper target within the adjacent andesitic volcanic rocks underlying the Hercules Rhyolite to the east.

• What are examples of modern mining practices?
  • Using advanced technology like GPS and drones for exploration.
  • Minimizing environmental impact through precision drilling and reduced waste. 
  • Implementing sustainable water and energy usage.
  • Bonding regulations.
  • The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations.
• Is mining dangerous?

Mining carries inherent risks that are similar to those in other natural resource industries, such as equipment hazards and exposure to hazardous materials. However, modern safety regulations and technology significantly reduce these risks.

• How will opening a mine affect Washington County?

Washington County would benefit greatly from a new mining operation. Opening a mine would bring more quality job options to Idahoans, boost tax revenues for towns, cities, and counties, contribute royalties to the state economy, and protect the environment using industry best practices not followed in all countries.

• What is the Mining Schools Act of 2023?

The Mining Schools Act funds and expands mining education programs across the nation. This bipartisan congressional legislation is helping meet the needs of today’s workforce by supporting the advancement of training, research, and sustainable mining practices.

• What kinds of jobs are available within the mining industry?

There are an abundance of job opportunities in the mining industry. These include geologists, engineers, equipment operators, metallurgists, environmental scientists, safety officers, surveyors, supply chain specialists, and administrative and internal/external support roles, offering opportunities across a wide range of skills and expertise.

• What is reclamation?

Reclamation involves stabilizing and restoring land affected by mining to a safe, usable state, often for agriculture, recreation, or other productive purposes. It ultimately returns the land to its original state.

• What is restoration?

Restoration seeks to return a disturbed area to its original natural condition, emphasizing ecological recovery and biodiversity. Restoration goes beyond reclamation to focus on regenerating the natural habitat and wildlife species.

• What is the Good Samaritan Act and how does it affect the mining industry?

The Good Samaritan Act encourages the voluntary cleanup of abandoned historical mines by providing liability protection for those who take on these efforts. This helps improve environmental conditions in mining regions.

• What is the NEPA process? How does this affect a mining project?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 created the process that federal agencies follow to protect and enhance the environment. NEPA analyzes potential consequences of proposed projects on the human environment; involves the public for project review and comment; and documents the analysis to ensure informed decision making. The NEPA process can impact timelines and decisions for mining projects.

• Where is Hercules Metals in the NEPA process?

Hercules Metals is not in the NEPA process – it is strictly in the exploration phase, determining if the minerals in Washington County are economically viable enough to extract.

• What is bonding? How do bonds help safeguard the environment?

Bonding requires mining companies to set aside financial resources before starting operations to ensure funds are available for reclamation and environmental restoration. This also ensures that the land will be returned to its natural state, even if the project or company cannot fulfill its commitment and obligation.

• What is a water right? How do water rights work in Idaho?

A water right is the legal permission to use water from a source like a river, stream, or groundwater. In Idaho, water rights are allocated based on the prior appropriation doctrine, also known as “first in time, first in the right,” and are regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources.

• How much water does Hercules Metals exploration operations use?

Hercules Metals’ exploration operations utilize approximately 475 to 1,585 gallons of water per shift. To minimize environmental impact and conserve water, the company employs several practices:

• Centrifuge Recycling: After drilling, the water mixed with cuttings is processed through a centrifuge. This system separates the solid particles, allowing the cleaned water to be recirculated back into the drilling hole, thereby reducing the need for continuous freshwater extraction from natural sources.
• Additives for Sealing: The use of additives like bentonite clays and gels mixed with fresh water helps seal fractures in the drilling holes. This creates a “filter cake” that prevents water loss into the surrounding rock formations. As a result, approximately 90% of the water used in drilling is recovered and recycled.

These methods not only conserve water but also reduce the environmental footprint by minimizing the need for building large sumps to dump contaminated water.

• Is or will hunting/outdoor recreation be affected during exploration?

No, hunting and outdoor recreation will not be affected during exploration. We do not restrict access for individuals engaging in these activities.

• What is the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and how does it work?

MSHA is a federal act that was passed in 1977. It enforces safety and health standards for mining operations to reduce injuries and fatalities. It conducts inspections, provides training, investigates accidents, and ensures compliance with all safety regulations.

• What is OSHA and how does it work?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates workplace safety across many industries, including standards for hazard communication, fall protection, and equipment safety.

• How are OSHA standards implemented at the Hercules Project?

At the Hercules Project, we prioritize the health and safety of our team and contractors by adhering to stringent OSHA standards. Our comprehensive safety program includes regular training, risk assessments, and the implementation of best practices to ensure a safe working environment. From the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to routine safety audits and emergency response planning, every aspect of our operations is designed to meet or exceed OSHA requirements. We are committed to fostering a culture of safety and accountability throughout all phases of exploration.