Mineralization at Copper Mountain is classified as an alkalic porphyry deposit(s). As a broad simplification, mineralization at Copper Mountain consists of structurally controlled, multidirectional veins and vein stockworks. Mineralization had been subdivided into four types, as follows: 1) disseminated and stockwork chalcopyrite, bornite, chalcocite and pyrite in altered Nicola and LHIC rocks; 2) hematite-magnetite-chalcopyrite replacements and/or veins; 3) bornite-chalcocite-chalcopyrite associated with pegmatite type veins and 4) magnetite breccias.

Each mineralization type can be found in all pit areas, but each pit is unique with respect to the relative quantities and character of mineralization type. The alteration that is associated with each mineralization type has some degree of variation as well. Each pit area also has distinctive Cu:Ag:Au ratios which may reflect the relative abundance of mineralization/alteration type or zonation caused by a camp scale thermal regime.

Mining at Copper Mountain is by standard truck and shovel, open pit methods utilizing a 15m bench height. Pit walls are designed to geotechnical specifications and vary in slope angle depending upon lithology, alteration and local ground conditions, with bench face angles of 70 to 73 degrees and berms of 9 to 14m resulting in inter-ramp pit walls varying from 45 to 52 degrees. Ramps are generally 35m wide.

Mining is done on a 24 hour, 7 days/week basis and the mining rate varies from 150,000t/d to 200,000t/d, depending on haulage distances and ore-waste ratios etc. Blast-hole pattern drilling varies depending upon drill diameter and rock hardness but is typically an 7m x 8m pattern. All blast-holes are analyzed for Cu for grade control purposes and blast-hole samples are composited and analyzed for sulphur and carbonate to determine potential for acid rock drainage. Any waste rock that is analyzed as potentially acid generating (PAG) is stored separately from non-acid generating (NAG) rock and may be backfilled into the pits at the end of the mining operation. Blast-hole copper assays are input into a computer and interpolated into 7.5 by 7.5m blocks; with the subsequent high grade, low-grade and waste boundaries drawn on dig plans. The dig plans also contain the classification of waste rock as NAG or PAG, and are circulated to operators and the dispatch system. The mix of disseminated and stockwork mineralization has ore-waste boundaries that are usually vertical, but can be irregular, which results in both internal and external dilution during mining, that is accounted for in the resource estimate.

The mine utilizes a conventional crushing, grinding, and flotation to produce copper concentrates with gold and silver credits.