Selkirk Copper Funds Up to US$200,000 for Skagway Port Shipping Study with KPFF

Selkirk Copper Mines and the Municipality of Skagway Borough have begun work on a scoping study into options for shipping critical mineral concentrates through the Port of Skagway. Selkirk Copper is providing up to US$200,000 in funding under a Funding Agreement entered into by the parties on July 17, 2026. Skagway awarded the study to KPFF Consulting Engineers (KPFF) in May 2026 following a competitive selection process, with completion targeted for September 2026.

Company Overview

Selkirk Copper Mines (TSXV: SCMI | OTCQX: SKRKF | FRA: IO20) is advancing a restart and redevelopment plan for the former Minto copper-gold-silver mine in Yukon, Canada, in partnership with the Selkirk First Nation, which indirectly holds a controlling interest in the company through a wholly owned subsidiary. Selkirk Copper controls 26,850 hectares of mineral claims in the Minto-Carmacks copper belt, along with existing open-pit and underground infrastructure, including a 4,100-tonne-per-day processing plant and a 400-person camp.

Funding Agreement & Study Scope

Work on the scoping study is proceeding under a Funding Agreement that Selkirk Copper and Skagway entered into on July 17, 2026. Selkirk Copper will provide up to US$200,000 to complete the study, which evaluates options for safely, environmentally responsibly, and sustainably shipping critical mineral concentrates through the Port of Skagway. The purpose is to establish a critical mineral shipping methodology that meets the needs of Skagway and its citizens, as well as Selkirk Copper's future shipping requirements.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Selkirk Copper Mines, M. Colin Joudrie, places the shipping question inside the company's plan to restart the Minto mine:

"Creating a modern, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible option to ship Selkirk Copper's high-value copper-gold-silver concentrate to the global market is a critical part of our mine restart strategy. Working with the Municipality and Port of Skagway over the past year, to create a detailed assessment of the options available for shipping critical mineral concentrates to market that meet the needs and expectations of the community and the operational requirements of the Port of Skagway, has been time well spent."

Selkirk Copper and Skagway worked together during 2025 and 2026 to develop the scope of work and the objectives that the study now carries out.

Selecting the Engineering Consultant

Skagway ran the consultant selection. It conducted a competitive process to appoint an engineering firm experienced in port design and operations and in the use of modern equipment, controls, and management systems, and awarded the study to KPFF Consulting Engineers (KPFF) in May 2026. Finalizing the terms of the Funding Agreement allows Skagway and KPFF to proceed.

KPFF was founded in 1960 in Seattle, Washington, and now employs over 1,500 people across 36 offices in the US. The firm works in civil, structural, mechanical, transportation, environmental, and other specialty engineering, as well as surveying and construction management.

The Port of Skagway

The port at the center of the study is the northernmost ice-free, deep-water port in North America, providing year-round transportation access and capacity between the contiguous US, Interior Alaska, Canada, Asia, and Europe. It operates 2 cruise ship terminals that host over 500,000 passengers annually, alongside an industrial port. The Municipality of Skagway is an incorporated first-class borough in Southeast Alaska.

Mayor of the Municipality of Skagway, Orion Hanson, explains what the borough wants out of the arrangement:

"The Port of Skagway is an integral part of tourism, industry, and commerce in Southeast Alaska and the Yukon Territory. Our Ports and Harbors Advisory Board and the Borough Assembly are looking for opportunities to diversify the economy of Skagway in an environmentally responsible manner. Working with Selkirk Copper presents Skagway with the opportunity to assist in responsibly delivering critical mineral concentrates to market in a mode that meets the needs of the citizens of Skagway. Our team looks forward to working with Selkirk Copper and KPFF to create sustainable value for the citizens of Skagway."

The industrial port already ships and receives critical minerals, diesel, and a range of containerized and break-bulk goods, servicing Southeast Alaska and the Yukon.

Next Steps

Skagway and KPFF are carrying out the scoping study, with completion targeted for September 2026. Selkirk Copper is completing an exploration drilling campaign alongside its restart and redevelopment plan for the former Minto mine, working in partnership with the Selkirk First Nation, which indirectly holds a controlling equity stake in the company.