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.
From Community Roots to Principal Advisor of Economic Development
In 2013, Bryan had graduated and was working in retail when he learned about a community engagement position with Resolution Copper, the company that took over the Magma Copper Mine. At this time, Bryan’s father was back working at the mine, and the current technology was revolutionizing the industry. It made work safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly. A massive copper ore was also discovered, giving the mine the potential to become one of the biggest operations in the country.
Bryan now serves as Resolution Copper’s principal advisor of economic development and social investment, leading initiatives that help the community grow beyond reliance on the mine.
“When I first started with Resolution Copper, we were making a lot of one-off donations to local charities and causes. Now, there’s a strategic vision behind the financial support we provide.” – Bryan Seppala
Leading a $4.5 Million Social Investment
Resolution Copper invested more than $4.5 million in community and social initiatives in 2025.
Resolution Copper has partnered with Superior, Globe, and Miami through several multi-year agreements that support workforce training, STEM education, and business development. Bryan and his team manage more than 50 local initiatives focused on education, environment, community development, arts, and culture.
Neighbors Help Neighbors: A Personal Response to the 2025 Floods
In October 2025, a historic flood devastated Globe and Miami. Bryan and his colleagues showed up to help their neighbors. Over the course of a month, they provided assistance by:
- Digging mud out of houses and filling sandbags for upcoming rainfall
- Lending a hand to local businesses
- Coordinating support from their contractors with road cleanup
- Securing a $1 million donation from Rio Tinto to the United Fund of Globe-Miami, Arizona. Enabling the purchase of emergency cleaning supplies, regional flood mitigation planning and long-term recovery for affected families and businesses
A Personal Stake in the East Valley
Bryan donates a lot of his time to the Copper Corridor, serving on the board of six nonprofit organizations and volunteering at Queen Creek School, where his children attend. He and his team also seek out opportunities to engage in the East Valley.
Strengthening the Regional Footprint
- Regional Economic Ties: Bryan oversees partnerships with several East Valley suppliers, representing a $2.5 million investment in the local economy last year alone.
- Local Workforce: He takes pride in the fact that over 250 of his colleagues commute from within 40 miles of the project, bridging the gap between the mine and the growing East Valley.
Building a Foundation for Future Generations
Bryan is proud to be part of the ever-evolving mining industry.
“It’s very rewarding to know that we are making a difference together with our community partners,” he said. “We’re building the foundation now, so future generations will continue to prosper in their communities long after the mine is gone.”
You can learn about more people like Bryan, shaping the future of copper and modern mining by exploring more of our website.