The Resolution Copper project represents the scale of domestic mining investment needed to strengthen the long-term U.S. copper supply chain and meet growing demand from energy infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology development. The project is expected to supply up to 25% of U.S. copper demand and will play a key role in enhancing U.S. economic competitiveness, energy future, and mineral security.
Resolution Copper is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper projects, located in the “Copper Triangle” region near Superior, Arizona. It is being developed and operated by a joint venture between mining majors Rio Tinto (55% ownership) and BHP (45% ownership).
As a strategically significant resource project, it is estimated to produce up to 40 billion pounds (approximately 18 million metric tons) of copper over a 40-year mine life. Once fully operational, it is expected to supply nearly 25% of U.S. copper demand, critical to the country’s green energy transition, domestic supply chain security, and defense industries. However, the project has been at the center of intense legal and political controversy for over two decades due to concerns over environmental impact and conflict with Indigenous sacred sites.
After prolonged litigation, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Resolution Copper completed a landmark Federal Land Exchange. Through this exchange, the joint venture gained access to the land containing Oak Flat, while the public received over 5,400 acres of permanently protected land.
With federal environmental reviews (NEPA) and the land exchange process largely concluded, the project has moved into preliminary site enablement work, deep underground drilling exploration, and the application for various state-level permits from Arizona. Continued legal challenges and social oversight from opposition groups are expected before a final investment decision and construction begin.
Post time: Jun-01-2026
