Recent 9th Circuit Decision

“This is merely a temporary pause so that the court of appeals can consider plaintiffs’ eleventh hour motions, which were submitted on Saturday afternoon asking for a ruling by Monday. We are confident the court will ultimately affirm the district court’s well-reasoned orders explaining in detail why the congressionally directed land exchange satisfies all applicable legal requirements.

“Over the past 11 years, the Resolution Copper project has undergone a rigorous, independent review under the National Environmental Policy Act, led by the U.S. Forest Service. This review has included extensive consultation with numerous Native American Tribes with ancestral ties to this land, local communities, civil society organizations, and a dozen federal, state, and county agencies. The collaborative process has directly led to major changes to the mining plan to preserve and reduce potential impacts on Tribal, social, environmental, and cultural interests. We are encouraged to see so much local support for the Resolution Copper project, and our ongoing dialogue will continue to shape the approach moving forward.

“Resolution Copper has the potential to become one of America’s biggest copper mines, contributing $1 billion annually to Arizona’s economy and creating thousands of local jobs in a region where mining has played an important role for more than a century. Copper is a crucial resource for America’s energy future, modern infrastructure needs, and national defense. Ensuring a domestic supply of this critical mineral supports not only Arizona’s economy but also the nation’s broader economic and security goals.”

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Contacts:

Media Relations, Resolution Copper Tyson Nansel M +1 520 827 9056 E tyson.nansel@riotinto.com