Kutcho Copper Commences Metallurgy Optimization Program; Retains Len Holland

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 11, 2018 / Kutcho Copper Corp. (TSX-V: KC) ("Kutcho Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has retained the engineering services of Len Holland and has launched a comprehensive metallurgical study for the Kutcho high grade copper-zinc development project. This study is expected to optimize metallurgical processes and will provide vital support for the Feasibility Study.

Mr. Len Holland, of Holland & Holland Consultants, UK, will lead the 2018 metallurgical program. Mr. Holland is an experienced mineral processing engineer with considerable expertise in the recovery of metals from poly-metallic ores spanning several decades on deposits around the world. Most recently, he spearheaded the re-commissioning of Trevali Mining Corp.'s Caribou polymetallic base metal deposit in New Brunswick. Mr. Holland currently consults with several different groups at various stages of projects, including, but not limited to, Glencore, SNC Lavalin UK (mining and metallurgy), and First Quantum Minerals.

"Kutcho has a relatively coarse primary grind size for a typical VMS deposit, compatible with a standard flotation recovery process, facilitating a simplified mill design," commented Mr. Holland. "I look forward to the opportunity of advancing metallurgical processes at Kutcho for the feasibility study."

Historical Metallurgical Results

Historical metallurgical work used in the 2017 Prefeasibility Study (2017 PFS) on the Kutcho project provides the basis for the 2018 metallurgical program. The 2017 PFS indicates that Kutcho ores require primary crushing to 80% passing 125mm followed by grinding to 80% passing 75 microns. Flotation of a copper and zinc concentrate is achieved sequentially with a regrind on the copper circuit of 80% passing 35 microns. These grind parameters are typical of those used for polymetallic deposits similar to Kutcho. The 2017 PFS utilized life of mine average recoveries of 84.7% copper, 75.7% zinc, 48.0% silver and 41.2% gold, with the copper concentrate anticipated to grade 27.6% copper and the zinc concentrate anticipated to grade 55.1% zinc.

Planned Optimization Program

"Commencing the metallurgical program immediately following the acquisition gives us a solid head start on optimizing metal recoveries and process plant design for the feasibility study," said Vince Sorace, President and CEO of Kutcho Copper Corp. "We are extremely pleased to have someone of Mr. Holland's experience and stature working on the Kutcho project with us."

The 2018 metallurgical program will concentrate on optimizing grind size versus recovery incorporating test composite samples from across the Main and Esso lenses, and establish the recoveries to be expected from the Sumac lens. A combination of batch flotation and Lock Cycle testing will be undertaken.

In addition, the Company has acquired 10 tonnes of mineralized material from Capstone Mining that has been refrigerated and packed in nitrogen from a previous study. Kutcho Copper will evaluate the integrity of the material for use in the 2018 test work, which could allow the Company to realize significant time and cost savings as compared to gathering new metallurgical sample material.

Qualified Person

Rory Kutluoglu, B.Sc. P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has read and approved all technical and scientific information contained in this news release. Mr. Kutluoglu is the Company's Vice President Exploration.

About Kutcho Copper Corp.

Kutcho Copper Corp. is a Canadian resource development company focused on expanding and developing the Kutcho high grade copper-zinc project in northern British Columbia. Committed to social responsibility and the highest environmental standards, the Company will progress the Kutcho Project through feasibility and permitting to a positive construction decision.

Vince Sorace
President & CEO, Kutcho Copper Corp.

For further information regarding Kutcho Copper Corp., please email info@kutcho.ca or visit our website at www.kutcho.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company's future operational plans, estimated mineral resources and mineral reserves, the timing and amount of estimated production, costs of production, capital expenditures, commodity price assumptions, the Company's ability to successfully obtain all regulatory approvals and permits to commence and conduct mining operations, environmental risks and title challenges. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could," or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to obtain all requisite approvals, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and securities regulatory authorities, if required for a transaction or financing, the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward, to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing, to explore and develop the Kutcho project or its other projects, to repay its debt and for general working capital purposes; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration, and mining operations, future prices of copper and other metals, changes in general economic conditions, accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the Kutcho project and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the projects; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, aboriginal title claims and rights to consultation and accommodation, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

SOURCE: Kutcho Copper Corp.