Project Overview

The Resolution Copper deposit ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 ft (1,500 to 2,130 m) below the surface. The deposit’s average grade is estimated at 1.5% copper. The proposed underground mine is expected to become the largest copper mine in North America, capable of producing up to 25 percent of U.S. copper demand each year.

Ore production from the operations will be approximately 132,000 tons (120,000 tonnes) per day after extensive construction and ramp-up periods. The mine is estimated to produce as much as 40 billion pounds of copper over 40 years.

History

The area around Superior, Arizona, has a long mining history dating back to the 1870s. The Magma Mine, located in the Town of Superior, started production in 1910 and operated until 1996.

The potential to develop a rich new copper deposit near Superior and reuse the already disturbed historic Magma Mine kept the site active and alive after closure. In 2004, Resolution Copper Mining assumed control of the Magma Mine site.

Resolution Copper started the US permitting process in 2013, and since the US Forest Service (USFS) has conducted a comprehensive independent review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Following a rigorous and lengthy permitting process, a decade of construction will occur before mining can begin.

To date, project partners (55% by Rio Tinto and 45% by BHP) have spent over $2 billion to develop and permit the Resolution Copper project.

Permitting

There is no doubt that mining changes the landscape. We’re committed to protecting the land and surrounding area while we operate and after mining is complete.

To date, we have initiated a variety of land management and restoration programs to protect and balance the delicate interaction between critical environmental factors. Examples include cleanup of the historic Magma Mine site, Arizona hedgehog cactus preservation, and monarch habitat conservation.

We will continue to work with the community and our partners to progressively rehabilitate land during the life of our operations.

Before we can construct or operate the proposed mine, we need approval from federal, state, and local agencies. This process includes getting our plans for the mine approved by the federal government in accordance with the NEPA requirements.

The Permitting Process

In 2013, Resolution Copper submitted a Mine Plan of Operations to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the federal agency in charge of the approval process. The document outlined our proposed plans to design, construct, operate, and close the mine. We also stated how we would reclaim and restore the area once mining is complete. The plan included baseline data about the water, air, and biology in and around the project and our plans to protect these valuable resources.

Next, the USFS formally announced its plan to develop a Draft Environment Impact Statement (EIS) for the project, which provided the public opportunity to comment on the proposed plan. What followed was years of community engagement in the review process.

In August 2019, the agency issued a Draft EIS. The Draft EIS included information about project impacts on the environment, how to mitigate or offset those impacts, and alternatives to the mine plan. After the public reviewed and commented on the draft EIS, the USFS and other agencies began conducting additional analysis of our plan. As a result, the agency may require us to change or refine our proposal.

In January 2021, the USFS published a Final EIS that addresses the public’s comments and any changes made, six months behind the target date in its original project schedule set in 2015. The USDA directed the USFS to rescind the FEIS in March 2021 to allow the agency to undertake a further review. A federal land exchange will take place not later than 60 days after the publication of the Final EIS.

Once the Draft ROD is released, the public has 45 days to object to the decision, and the USFS must respond and address any concerns within 90 days. Once this period is complete, and we receive a Final ROD and the USFS can issue a final approved plan of operations.

Only after we receive final approval, and dozens of additional permits, can the Resolution Copper project move forward and begin producing copper.

Learn More

Our Work

Resolution Copper Names Victoria Peacey As President and General Manager

A longtime copper and mining industry veteran who has served as acting Project Director since the summer, Peacey has held a number of leadership roles at

Arizona Mining Association Awards Resolution Copper 2022 SPADE Award

The Arizona Mining Association (AMA) awarded Resolution Copper the 2022 Sustainability, Preservation, and Diversity in the Environment Award (SPADE) for Public Education.

9th Circuit Ruling Statement

We understand that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has decided to rehear the case brought by Apache Stronghold. We respect the legal process and will await the 9th Circuit Court's decision.

Resolution Copper Receives Rocky Mountain Mining Institute Safety Award

Resolution Copper accepted the Rocky Mountain Mining Institute’s (RMMI) 2022 Safety Award for Small Underground Mine.

Ninth Circuit Ruling Statement

Resolution Copper notes the 9th Circuit’s decision to uphold the lower court ruling denying the request for injunctive relief. Over the past 11 years, the U.S. Forest Service has shaped the Resolution Copper project through a rigorous, independent review under the National Environmental Policy Act,

Resolution Copper partners with the University of Arizona on Reclamation

Resolution Copper has partnered with The University of Arizona since 2014 on research of revegetation methods for mining reclamation purposes

National Transportation Week: A Reminder of Our Rare Mineral Needs

Last week the U.S. recognized National Transportation Week, a time dedicated to the appreciation of our nation’s key infrastructure

Understanding of a Unique Native Plant Species in Arizona

At Resolution Copper, we take special care to proactively minimize environmental impacts of the project and we do that in consultation

Vandalism at Oak Flat

A member of the Resolution Copper team discovered that a number of crosses located at the Oak Flat Campground had been removed from their place and left on site. We are dismayed by this disrespectful act and have notified the U.S. Forest Service of the incident.