/ Land Exchange

Land Exchange

The Resolution Copper land exchange was completed on March 16, 2026. This is a key step in developing a safe, modern mining operation.

Through the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act, the federal government and the public received more than 5,400 acres of high-value conservation land, including riparian habitat, wildlife corridors, and culturally significant landscapes. These lands will be permanently protected and managed for public benefit.

In return, Resolution Copper received approximately 2,400 acres adjacent to the historic Magma Copper mine to enable exploration and development of the Resolution Copper deposit.

Over more than a decade, input from a wide range of stakeholders including the Town of Superior, nearby Native American Tribes, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Audubon, and The Nature Conservancy helped shape the land exchange process. These voices guided the selection of parcels that would provide the greatest public benefit. Take a closer look at each land parcel the public received as part of the land exchange.

Maintaining public access to Oak Flat Campground

Mining and public use have coexisted in the Oak Flat area for decades. As part of the land exchange, Resolution Copper is committed to keeping Oak Flat Campground open and accessible to the public, including local communities and Native American Tribes.

Visitors can expect the same experience they’ve always enjoyed, with no noticeable changes from the previous Tonto National Forest practices for decades to come. To ensure continued access and on-the-ground stewardship, the Oak Flat campground will be managed by 4Winds Contracting, a company owned by a San Carlos Apache Tribe member, which will oversee campground maintenance, facilities, and road access. Learn more >

For more information on the Oak Flat Campground, please visit azoakflat.com.

Resources

Our Work

Town of Superior Approves Historic Water Agreement with Resolution Copper

The Town of Superior Town Council has unanimously approved a landmark water agreement with Resolution Copper, securing a long-term, more than $20 million water mitigation commitment designed to protect and enhance the community’s water future.

Resolution Copper’s Funding of Globe High School Robotics Lab Prepares Students for Competitive Careers

In the small town of Globe, Arizona, with a population of just over 7,000 people, big ideas for the future are brewing among high school students.

Copper Strong: April Community Impact Across Arizona

Across Arizona, students explored future careers, volunteers served neighbors in need, families gathered at community events, and local partnerships continued creating real impact.

Resolution Copper employee Bryan Seppala awarded 2026 AAED Member of the Year

The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) honored Resolution Copper employee Bryan Seppala, AZED Pro, with the prestigious Member of the Year award.

New Water Recycling System Reduces Annual Use by One Million Gallons

A new Potable Water Recycling System is now operating on site, reducing water use by an estimated one million gallons per year. The system captures clean analyzer water and returns it to the plant for reuse, replacing water that was previously discharged onto the ground.

Reflecting on His Past, Bryan Mines a New Future

Bryan’s family is no stranger to mining. Born and raised in Globe, Bryan grew up watching his father and uncles work at the Magma Copper Mine. The industry was volatile at the time, and Bryan’s father was laid off three different times. Wanting a more stable path for his son, Bryan’s father encouraged him to do anything else for a living. Bryan followed that advice and decided to enroll at the University of Arizona, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in economic development.

Apache Owned Business to Manage Oak Flat Campground

Resolution Copper reaffirms that public access to the Oak Flat Campground, as well as to recreational roads and climbing areas on private land in the Oak Flat area, will remain open for the foreseeable future following completion of a federal land exchange this month.

United States Forest Service and Resolution Copper Complete Land Exchange

The U.S. Forest Service and Resolution Copper, a joint venture owned by Rio Tinto and BHP that represents one of the world's most significant untapped copper deposits, have completed a Federal land exchange required to unlock the full potential of the project.

Eight Years of Emory Oak Restoration and Cultural Stewardship

Across Arizona’s National Forests, Emory oak trees and the restoration of their groves support far more than wildlife and shade. For Western Apache communities, these trees provide acorns that are central to food traditions, ceremonies, and cultural practices that stretch back generations.