Kinterra Capital Corp. has successfully completed a strategic equity financing of US$80 million, led by Lionhead, to support the revival of the Pumpkin Hollow underground copper mine in Nevada. The financing, finalized in the second quarter of 2025, is expected to facilitate the restart of operations at Pumpkin Hollow and advance the adjacent Southwest Open Pit project towards construction readiness.
Cheryl Brandon, Co-Managing Partner at Kinterra, emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, “Kinterra’s restart of Pumpkin Hollow and the advancement of the Southwest Open Pit are pivotal milestones for our large and growing U.S. copper portfolio and for U.S. copper supply chains.” The two projects have the potential to yield approximately 228 million pounds of copper annually, accounting for roughly 5–6% of current U.S. copper demand.
Strategic Importance of Pumpkin Hollow
With over US$800 million invested in infrastructure, Kinterra aims to resume copper production at Pumpkin Hollow within the next 24 months. The mine is estimated to contain 1.7 billion pounds of copper resources, is fully permitted, and carries no debt or stream obligations. The focus will be on closing existing gaps, conducting comprehensive data collection, and advancing engineering across all disciplines to meet industry standards. This includes a complete geological resource update incorporating advanced core scanning techniques to enhance mineral identification.
In addition, Kinterra is engaging in discussions for offtake financing with potential downstream partners to secure the financial underpinning for the project.
Advancements at Southwest Open Pit
Simultaneously, Kinterra plans to carry out trade-off studies and a feasibility study for the Southwest Open Pit, which is expected to have a mine life of 20 years. This project is estimated to contain 3.6 billion pounds of copper. All major project permits are already in place, and studies supporting the feasibility analysis are currently underway. Key initiatives include various geophysical surveys, development of a new three-dimensional geological model, and ongoing metallurgical testing aimed at optimizing copper recovery.
Kinterra is also conducting grid connection studies with NV Energy and cultural site evaluations to ensure compliance with local regulations.
The combined efforts at Pumpkin Hollow and the Southwest Open Pit, along with the recently acquired Antler Copper Project in Arizona, form a robust copper portfolio aimed at delivering a stable and tariff-free domestic copper supply. This comprehensive approach is crucial as global copper demand is projected to surge through 2035, particularly as domestic supply deficits widen.
Kinterra’s plans are expected to bolster local economies significantly, creating around 1,000 jobs during the restart and construction phases, with nearly 600 permanent operating roles anticipated.
Gneiss Energy served as the financial advisor for the strategic equity raise associated with these projects.
Kinterra Capital is a private equity firm specializing in investments that accelerate the development of critical materials and strategic infrastructure, drawing on nearly two decades of mining investment experience. Meanwhile, Lionhead focuses on partnering with top-tier sponsors and operators to unlock value in essential industries, targeting projects that are vital to global supply chains and national security.
For further information about Kinterra Capital, visit their official website at www.kinterracapital.com.
