Resolution Copper 2023 Yearend Review

Throughout my career with Resolution Copper, I have been constantly impressed by the hundreds of people who keep the operation running, and 2023 was no different. In becoming President and General Manager in March 2023, I’ve continued to see the best of our team—our priority on safety and the care and passion for local communities closest neighbors and where almost 90% of the Resolution Copper workforce lives. As we wait for the republication of the Environmental Impact Statement our work and dedication to local communities in the Copper Triangle – from the San Carlos Apache community, the City of Globe, and the Towns of Superior, Miami, Kearny, Hayden, Winkelman and other areas in Pinal and Gila Counties has not decreased. Heading into 2024, I wanted to reflect on some of this work and take a moment to celebrate some notable achievements and partnerships with Copper Triangle communities and surrounding areas in rural Arizona.

There is no bigger priority for Resolution Copper than the safety of our employees. For the second year in a row, Resolution Copper received the Rocky Mountain Mining Institute’s Safety Award for Small Underground Mine out of an eight-state region. This award is a recognition of employee care and the resulting excellent safety record across all operational and maintenance areas during 2023. Our commitment to safety and wellbeing was also showcased during Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes’ October visit to our East Plant facility, where he traveled 1.3 miles below the surface with a team of employees to see our employee-led industry-leading underground mining capabilities firsthand. U.S. Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) also joined us for a site tour in September, where he met dozens of employees who keep Resolution operating and he saw the serious growth potential that Resolution Copper can further contribute to rural Arizona.

Though not yet fully operational, Resolution Copper still made substantial progress in contributing economically to Arizona specifically the Copper Triangle and other communities in Pinal and Gila County. Over 300 people count on Resolution Copper for employment and we have continued to prioritize and grow business within the local area. Additionally, through our long-term partnership with the Town of Superior and Rebuild Superior Inc., we secured a historic Regional Economic Development (RED) agreement to ensure community prosperity. The three-year, multimillion-dollar agreement includes support for the Superior Multi-Generational Center and the Superior Enterprise Center – a workforce development and community empowerment organization.

Complementary to our motivation for driving significant employment and business, Resolution Copper has partnered with researchers, groups, and organizations to safeguard nature and wildlife around our operations and on our private lands. As one example, in June we partnered with WestLand Resources, the Tonto National Forest, Saguaro National Park, the University of Arizona Herbarium Desert Survivors Nursery, and local conservation leaders to produce a visual guide to identify and protect the Pima Indian Mallow – a plant regarded as a sensitive species by the U.S. Forest Service. Work by Tribal Monitors continued in 2023 to monitor and safeguard springs, seeps, vegetation, and ancestral sites and to ensure tribal voices are represented and guide decision-making.

In 2023, improving youth opportunities was a focus by Resolution Copper employees, connecting with Indigenous high school student-athletes at the NABI Nation College and College Fair, tabling the College and Career Fair at San Carlos High School, and partnering with the Arizona Diamondbacks to support STEM education. We also signed a multi-year partnership with the George Belvado Jr. Memorial Sports Foundation which proudly supports the San Carlos community by offering athletic tournaments and academic scholarships for the Native American youth.

Our educational outreach deepened as Resolution Copper awarded $38,000 through our Resolution Copper Scholarship program, providing financial assistance to 15 graduates as they begin their collegiate careers, and continued our extensive STEM partnership with the Superior Unified School District with funding of $300,000 in 2023. Our commitment to fostering excellence in diverse communities was also featured through efforts made by our Communities and Tribal Affairs Teams, who took part in the Arizona Rural Policy Forum to discuss economic development, workforce growth, and entrepreneurship, as well as a team of Resolution Copper Native American employees recently had the opportunity to participate in the AISES National Conference in Washington State.

As we close the year, I am proud of the work we are doing with our partners throughout the Copper Triangle and surrounding areas in Gila and Pinal Counties to build healthy, strong, and resilient communities where we live and work, while also preparing our project to contribute significantly to the energy security in the United States.

To all Resolution Copper employees and families, community supporters and partners – thank you, and I look forward to what we will achieve in 2024.

Vicky Peacey