Name of the Project
Resolution copper mining (RCM) project.
Location
Arizona, in the US.
Project Owner/s
Resolution Copper Mining, owned by Resolution Copper Company (55%), a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, and BHP Copper (45%), a subsidiary of BHP.
Project Description
Resolution is one of the most significant undeveloped copper deposits in the world.
When fully operational, the project has the potential to supply nearly 25% of the US’ copper demand.
Potential Job Creation
The project is expected to create several thousand direct and indirect jobs in the Pioneer mining district of Arizona.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.
Capital Expenditure
Funding for the project is proportional among the project partners.
Planned Start/End Date
BHP reported in January 2021 that any mine construction is expected to be several years away and will be subject to additional regulatory and government approvals, as well as stakeholder consultation, including with the relevant Native American tribes, to obtain consent.
Latest Developments
The US Forest Service has told a federal court it is not sure when it could approve a land swap, allowing for Rio Tinto’s developing the Resolution Copper mine, a reversal that boosts several Native American groups opposed to the project.
The complex case involves a long-running conflict between a mining company hoping to supply more than a quarter of US copper demand for the green energy transition and Indigenous groups seeking to preserve Arizona's Oak Flat campground, a site of religious importance that would be destroyed by the mine's construction.
In 2014, the US Congress approved a land swap that required an environmental report to be published, which former President Donald Trump's administration did shortly before leaving office.
President Joe Biden revoked that report in March 2021 to give his administration time to review concerns from Native Americans, though he was not able to permanently block the mine.
The case has wound its way through several courts. Forest Service attorney Joan Pepin told judges during a March hearing the report would be republished "this Spring”.
It is believed that the Biden administration is on the verge of republishing that report.
Previously, officials said they would alert the court at least 60 days before republishing the report. Once republished, officials will have an additional 60 days to transfer the land to Rio Tinto.
Rio Tinto has said that it will continue to negotiate with tribes and believes that there is significant local support for the mine.
However, representatives for the San Carlos Apache tribe have vowed that if they lose, they will appeal the ruling to the US Supreme Court.
"There is overwhelming opposition in Indian Country to the Resolution mine and that will not change," San Carlos Apache tribal chairperson Terry Rambler has said.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
Resolution Copper Mining, tel +1520689 9374 or email info@resolutioncopper.com.
Resolution Copper Mining project information line, tel +1520689 3409.