Rio Tinto Vows to Keep All Copper from Resolution Mine in the United States
Rio Tinto, a leading mining company, is determined to ensure that all copper extracted from its Resolution mine remains within the United States if the project receives regulatory approval, a senior executive revealed on Tuesday.
Situated in Arizona, the proposed mine has the potential to yield over 40 billion pounds (18.1 million metric tons) of copper throughout its lifespan, catering to more than a quarter of the country’s demand.
However, it faces staunch opposition from some Native American groups due to concerns about potential damage to culturally significant sites.
Bold Baatar, the head of Rio’s copper business, dismissed claims that the company intends to export the copper, emphasizing the strong domestic demand within the United States.
He stated in an interview during the World Copper Conference in Santiago that Rio aims to sell all of the project’s copper domestically.
Rio Tinto already operates the Kennecott copper mine and smelter in Utah, with its entire production serving the domestic market.
Baatar highlighted the rigorous environmental and regulatory standards in the United States, expressing confidence in the safe development of the Resolution project.
The project has faced legal challenges, with a Native American group appealing a court ruling that granted land to Rio and its partner BHP for development. Additionally, President Joe Biden halted regulatory decisions on the project in 2021.
Baatar emphasized the importance of securing copper supplies amid rising global demand, driven by various industries such as personal electronics and artificial intelligence.
He underscored the urgency of addressing supply challenges to meet the growing demand for copper in the energy transition.
As concerns mount over the supply of critical minerals like copper, Rio Tinto remains committed to leveraging domestic resources to support the United States’ transition to clean energy.
