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Gladiator Metals is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the geological evaluation of the Whitehorse Copper Project, a 35km X 5km land package comprising 314 contiguous mineral claims along the mineral-rich Whitehorse Copper Belt. Several prospects at the Whitehorse Copper Project have a history of high-grade copper production and, although exploration drilling has been an ongoing process since mine closure in 1982, the land has previously never been explored using modern technologies.

Through a highly regulated and permitted exploration process, Gladiator’s objective is to better define and understand the mineralogy of the Whitehorse Copper Project, and to determine if target areas can be developed into a safe, environmentally and socially responsible source of copper that will serve Canada’s (and potentially the world’s) transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

Planned mineral exploration activities by Gladiator pose no risk to water wells. Whitehorse Copper Project exploration activities are planned well away from residential homes (typically over a kilometre away) and follow strict environmental regulations and industry standards that prevent contamination of waterways. No toxic additives or chemicals are used during drilling. Watershed data is available and used during exploration planning. There are no private or domestic wells within the current work areas of the Whitehorse Copper Project.

Currently, Gladiator's exploration activities do not require the injection of water or other materials into drill holes. Gladiator's exploration activities are limited to the drilling of 6-inch holes into bedrock for extraction and further geological analysis.

Diamond drilling requires the use of natural surface water during operation (to cool and lubricate the rods downhole). Any water that comes back to surface will have some amount of natural rock flour/chips formed from the break-up of local rock during drilling. If additives are required to further lubricate the rock/drill rods, very small amounts of environmentally safe materials such as linseed soap or bentonite (clay) powder are used. All return water is trapped in a sump to naturally filter out any suspended particles before being returned to the area. Additionally, Gladiator has implemented the use of a technologically advanced centrifuge to recycle water and capture most drill cuttings, decreasing the requirement of additives and reducing the amount of water entering the sump.

It is important to note that the area comprising the Whitehorse Copper Project has been intensely drilled since the 1960s, and there has been no effect on water quality from that work. Due to the historically producing Whitehorse Copper mine that existed in the area between the 1960s - 1980s there is roughly 40km of underground development, including roadways. During the past 40 years of water monitoring downstream from the mine site, no contaminants have ever been picked up. Gladiator is also engaged in regular discussions with Yukon Water and the Yukon Geological Survey with regard to the ongoing monitoring of well water in and around the Whitehorse area.

Historical claims under the Quartz Mining Act provide a legal framework for exploration and other mining activities, including potential development. Key advantages of continued exploration and mining in Whitehorse include:

1) Enhanced Geological Understanding and Land Use Opportunities:

‍Data collected during exploration contributes to a better understanding of the region’s geology, potentially opening up new opportunities for land use (including further mineral exploration and/or mining).
Integration of exploration and mining activities with urban planning can minimize disruption to the urban environment, and in some cases, be part of urban regeneration projects (especially in repurposing post-industrial sites).
Maintenance of existing infrastructure and post-operation repurposing of infrastructure (e.g., Copper Haul Road becomes the Trans-Canada Trail)

2) Economic Development and Diversification:

Exploration and mining activities provide both direct and indirect employment in mining and supporting sectors. Additionally, the presence of local skilled labour can support more modern, high-tech industries.
Mining activities also diversify the local and regional economy, adding resiliency to an economy otherwise dependent on a limited number of industries.
Exploration/mining companies’ investment in infrastructure and involvement in local community programs can ensure mutual benefits from mining activities and operations.
Rising asset values from increased demand for housing, retail and commercial goods and services and associated businesses and property.

3) Strict Environmental and Community Standards:

Modern mining activities are governed by stringent environmental regulations and reporting, requiring comprehensive environmental impact assessments and standards to minimize environmental damage, like pollution and land degradation.
Transparent compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks, including obtaining necessary permits, post-operations reclamation/rehabilitation, and ensuring transparent operations, is crucial for exploration/mining companies.
Exploration/mining companies are expected to focus on community engagement and relations, continuously contributing to local community initiatives and development.

4) Reduced Environmental Footprint:

The Whitehorse Copper Belt is a collection of low tonnage, high-grade copper deposits, most of which would likely be mined underground (therefore reducing the surface footprint) rather than open pit, as was done at the site in the past. These types of operations would be comparable to one-third the area of a local golf course.
Access to existing infrastructure, such as modern roads and grid hydro power, facilitates lower operational costs and reduces environmental impacts like land disturbance and emissions.
Technological advancements in the exploration and mining industry allow for more efficient and less invasive mining methods, reducing overall emissions and environmental footprint.

5) Contribution to Rising National and Global Demand for Copper and other Critical Minerals:

The increasing demand for copper is best met by responsible mining operations in safe and stable jurisdictions such as Whitehorse.
By-products of mining copper, such as the critical minerals molybdenum and cobalt found at the Whitehorse Copper Project, could lead to more efficient utilization of resources, maximizing value and reducing overall environmental impacts.
Additionally, Copper is a critical mineral that also retains its properties during recycling, extending resource use and minimizing waste.

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