Land Exchange

The Resolution Copper land exchange is a key step in developing a safe, modern mining operation. Authorized by the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2013, which passed with bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Obama in December 2014, the exchange was part of a package of more than 80 land bills included in the National Defense Authorization Act. Importantly, the bill carefully addressed the needs for conservation and cultural heritage protection, as well as economic development and jobs. This land exchange is the only congressionally mandated land exchange bill requiring a comprehensive environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Learn more about the Resolution Copper Project and Land Exchange Environmental Impact Statement.

What is a land exchange?

A land exchange is a commonly used tool for managing federal lands. It involves transferring public land managed by a federal agency to another party in exchange for other land, typically through an open and transparent process. Exchanges can be authorized administratively or through legislation passed by Congress, and they serve the public interest by supporting conservation, recreation, cultural preservation, and economic development.

When will the land exchange take place?

The land exchange is congressional mandated to proceed 60 days following the U.S. Forest Service’s republication of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), which occurred on June 16, 2025. As a result, the land exchange is expected to be finalized on August 19, 2025

What lands are part of the exchange?

As part of a congressionally mandated land exchange, Resolution Copper will transfer more than 5,400 acres of environmentally sensitive and culturally significant land across Arizona to the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. In return, the company will receive over 2,400 acres of Tonto National Forest land, located directly above the area where Resolution Copper holds existing mining claims.

Resolution Copper will receive 1 parcel near Superior, Arizona, totaling over 2,400 acres.

Oak Flat (Pinal County): 2,422 acres of federal land located within the Tonto National Forest. This mineral rich, high desert land has been identified as a significant domestic source of copper. Resolution Copper will maintain public access to the Oak Flat Campground, recreational trails and climbing for as long as it is safe to do so.

The Public will receive 8 parcels of environmentally sensitive and culturally important land across Arizona, totaling more than 5,400 acres. These lands will be managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Learn more about the lands being exchanged here.

East Clear Creek (Coconino County): 640 acres along a perennial stream adjacent to the Coconino National Forest, encompassing a diverse landscape of Colorado Plateau forested woodlands and canyon riparian zones. In addition to its ecological significance, the area is home to iconic wildlife, offering exceptional opportunities for biodiversity conservation as well as recreational hunting and fishing.

Tangle Creek (Yavapai County): 148 acres, rugged, scenic terrain known for its remote beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, and hunting. Located within a broader wildlife corridor, its inclusion in the land exchange enhances public access to a pristine natural area with high conservation and recreational value.

Cave Creek (Maricopa County): 149 acres of Sonoran Desert landscape rich in archaeological and cultural resources surrounded by the Tonto National Forest. Ecologically, the parcel provides suitable habitat for ESA-listed and other special-status species. Its unique combination of natural and cultural assets makes it an important site for integrated conservation efforts.

Turkey Creek (Gila County): 147 acres of riparian and upland habitat supporting diverse wildlife and native fish species. The area is part of a broader conservation strategy for native aquatic species and offers potential for restoration and long-term habitat management. Its protection helps sustain Arizona’s unique desert stream ecosystems.

Apache Leap South End (Pinal County): 140 acres at the base of the iconic Apache Leap escarpment, a site of deep cultural significance to Native American tribes, the Town of Superior and surrounding areas. The land includes scenic cliffs, archaeological sites, and traditional use areas, and will be added to the Apache Leap Special Management Area. Its inclusion ensures the protection of cultural, recreational, and visual resources, while honoring tribal heritage and public interest.

Dripping Springs (Gila & Pinal Counties): 160 acres located in the Dripping Spring Mountains. Recognized by the national climbing community as a significant rock-climbing destination, the area features rugged granite formations and striking desert landscapes that offer unique recreational opportunities.

Lower San Pedro River (Pinal County): 3,063 acres, known as the 7B Ranch, lies along the Lower San Pedro River and will be added to the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Recognized by The Nature Conservancy as one of the “Last Great Places on Earth,” the 7B Ranch serves as a vital wildlife corridor and research site, contributing to long-term conservation, ecological monitoring, and the protection of Arizona’s desert riparian ecosystems.

Appleton-Whittell Ranch (Santa Cruz County): 957 acres of semi-desert grassland, oak savanna, and wetland habitat will be added to the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, expanding the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch, managed by the National Audubon Society. This area serves as a vital wildlife sanctuary and research site, supporting a wide variety of grassland bird species and showcasing exceptional biodiversity, as well as designated Critical Habitats.

How were the land parcels chosen that will be exchanged?

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. As a result, the lands being transferred to the public will protect more than 5,400 acres of Arizona’s most treasured landscapes, supporting ecological preservation, cultural heritage, and public recreation. This exchange is not only a step forward for the project; it also reflects a strong, long-term commitment to conservation and stewardship.

How is the land valued?

The lands involved in the exchange must be of equal value. Before the exchange is finalized, all parcels undergo an independent appraisal process, overseen and approved by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The federal government will determine the market value of each property using established U.S. Forest Service (USFS) appraisal standards. If the appraised value of the federal land is higher than that of the land offered by Resolution Copper, the company is required to make up the difference, either through a payment to the U.S. Treasury or by donating additional lands.

Additionally, the Act also creates a mechanism by which the federal land appraisal links to Resolution Copper’s future production. In the future, if the mine’s cumulative production of commercial quantities of minerals exceeds the amount estimated for the appraisal, Resolution Copper must make an annual adjustment payment to the United States.

How will the land exchange affect the public?

The land exchange will provide the public with more than 5,400 acres of environmentally sensitive, culturally significant, and recreationally valuable land across Arizona. These lands include critical wildlife habitats, archaeological and tribal heritage sites, and popular areas for hiking, hunting, fishing, and climbing. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, these lands will be permanently protected for conservation, cultural preservation, and public enjoyment.

In return, the project will unlock access to one of the largest undeveloped copper deposits in the U.S., helping to strengthen domestic mineral supply chains. With strong community and regional support, the project is expected to contribute $1 billion annually to Arizona’s economy, create thousands of local jobs, and position the Copper Triangle as a hub for responsible resource development. Resolution Copper remains committed to working closely with stakeholders to ensure the project advances in a way that is sustainable, respectful, and beneficial to Arizona and the nation.

How are culturally significant lands being protected?

Resolution Copper is committed to managing lands with cultural, historical, and spiritual significance with care and respect, for both Native American Tribes and the local community. As part of the multi-year environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Forest Service conducted extensive consultations with tribes in Arizona and New Mexico to understand their concerns and identify ways to avoid or reduce potential impacts from the project. To help protect these important places, a legally binding agreement has been established between the Forest Service, Resolution Copper, and other federal and state agencies. This agreement outlines how cultural heritage sites will be identified, preserved, and managed to ensure long-term protection.

Resolution Copper is already implementing measures agreed upon with Native American Tribes as part of the land exchange legislation. The mine plan was designed to protect Apache Leap, a site of deep cultural importance, by setting aside more than 800 acres as a Special Management Area (SMA) overseen by the Forest Service. This area will remain permanently protected, with specific provisions for public access, grazing, and other traditional uses. Ongoing monitoring will continue throughout the life of the mine, from construction through closure, with regular reports made publicly available by the Forest Service.

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, as long as it remains safe to do so. The company is also required to provide an alternative campground site to ensure continued recreational access.

Visitors can expect the same experience they’ve always enjoyed, with no noticeable changes from the current Tonto National Forest practices. To support this, Resolution Copper is partnering with a local small business owned by a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe to help maintain campground facilities and access trails.