Arizona’s mining potential noticed by national energy and Congressional leaders

The Copper State has seen increased interest from industry leaders and government representatives as the push to bolster American mining capabilities gains momentum. With the need for domestic mineral resources becoming more urgent, Arizona is primed to take a leading role in the production of minerals, like copper, that are critical to advancing our national security and climate-related goals.

Recently, Resolution Copper had the pleasure of leading Morgan Bazilian, Director of the Payne Institute and Professor of Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines, on a tour of our project’s facilities. Journeying 7,000 feet underground, Professor Bazilian – a renowned energy scholar and vocal advocate for the U.S. mining sector – was able to see firsthand the potential mines like ours have to contribute to the domestic energy supply chain.

“Copper is a critical mineral for clean energy, national security, and across modern economies,” Professor Bazilian wrote following the experience.

Just two weeks before Bazilian’s visit, Resolution Copper President and General Manager Vicky Peacey also joined Representative Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) and Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), as well as nine other Western Caucus Members and over 40 Congressional staffers, on a field tour of the University of Arizona’s San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory. During the visit, the group heard from students, faculty and industry leaders about pressing challenges faced by the mining sector and the university’s related research and educational programs.
Descending 150 feet into the nationally recognized training facility, the delegation saw the direct efforts being made to prepare America’s future miners with practical skills that are key to sustainably achieving national green energy goals. Thanking the Congressmembers for their support and interest, University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins, expressed, “The university is primed to pioneer the future of domestic critical mineral production, processing and recycling, as well as produce high-quality, prepared graduates who are ready to join the nation’s mining workforce.”

These views are strongly shared by Resolution Copper, which champions the Arizona mining industry’s historic and ongoing role in bolstering the U.S. workforce, economy, and energy security. Resolution will need skilled employees – like those who graduate from the University of Arizona – to advance domestic copper production and contribute our significant reserves toward advancing the energy transition in the United States.

Recognizing the importance of programs like San Xavier, Representatives Newhouse and Ciscomani jointly emphasized, “Supporting America’s miners and mining jobs in rural communities is vital for both local economic growth and national security, and remains a top priority of the Western Caucus.”

As the mining sector’s role in green energy and technology development only sees increased demand, it will be critical for the U.S. to look inward and leverage projects that are ready and able to deliver. Resolution Copper – and Arizona at large – await the greenlight, leaning on the state’s robust mining tradition to carry America forward.