Rio Tinto Eyes U.S. Copper Expansion Amid Tariff Push and Energy Transition
Rio Tinto Signals Major U.S. Copper Investment Plans Amid Trump Tariff Proposal
Rio Tinto has signaled a strong interest in expanding its copper operations in the United States, following former President Donald Trump’s proposed 50% tariffs on imported copper.
The move is intended to bolster domestic production of critical materials essential for manufacturing and clean energy infrastructure.
“There is increasing recognition by the U.S. government of the need for domestic sources of copper and other critical materials to support manufacturing and to power the country’s energy future,” said Katie Jackson, Rio Tinto’s Copper CEO, in a statement.
“We have a strong desire to invest more in American copper, and we see significant opportunities to grow our business in the United States.”
Trump’s proposed tariffs are expected to raise input costs across several industries—ranging from consumer electronics and electric vehicles to housing and clean energy infrastructure—all of which depend heavily on copper.
The policy aims to revitalize domestic mining and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains. However, industry analysts caution that regulatory permitting challenges and litigation continue to delay mine development.
While Rio Tinto has not disclosed the potential size or scope of new investments, the company has consistently voiced support for U.S. efforts to enhance domestic critical mineral production.
A key example is the Resolution Copper Project in Arizona—an underground mine that could become the largest copper operation in North America.
Jointly owned by Rio Tinto (55%) and BHP Group (45%), the project recently received a significant legal boost following a favorable U.S.
Supreme Court ruling, allowing it to move forward after years of regulatory and legal delays.
Rio Tinto also owns and operates one of the only two copper smelters in the U.S., located at its Kennecott site in Utah.
The facility plays a strategic role in processing domestically mined copper and supporting downstream supply chains.
As U.S. demand for copper continues to grow—driven by clean energy goals, electrification, and geopolitical shifts—Rio Tinto’s expansion could play a vital role in securing stable and sustainable copper supply for decades to come.
