/ Strategic Minerals

Copper is the gateway to strategic and critical minerals

While Resolution Copper will be one of the largest copper mines in the United States, the mine will also be a tremendous source of other strategic and critical minerals that are essential to helping the United States enable the energy transition domestically.

State of critical minerals

Domestically mined and refined strategic and critical minerals are needed for the United States to reach its clean energy goals, bolster supply chain resiliency, and boost national security. However, the United States is currently heavily reliant on imported critical minerals at a time when the world is transitioning to a clean energy economy. Although global demand for critical minerals is set to skyrocket by 400-600 percent over the next several decades,1 the United States is increasingly dependent on foreign supplies for many of the processed versions of these minerals.

Resolution Copper is part of the solution.

Overseas development and dominance of the critical mineral industry places the United States at a strategic disadvantage, and projects like Resolution Copper are needed to meet current needs and future demands.

In addition to copper, Resolution Copper will also be a tremendous source of other strategic and critical minerals. Resolution Copper can be a domestic source of at least seven other strategic and critical minerals that are found in the mine’s deposit. These minerals can be used in a variety of materials and technologies ranging from semiconductors to solar panels to electric vehicles; all of which are essential to the clean energy transition and national security.

Superior’s role in the energy transition

Resolution Copper is more than a mine. It’s a team of dedicated people working toward the common goal of providing the strategic minerals and metals needed to power everyday life.

Resolution Copper is made up of people who live and work in the Copper Triangle, Copper Corridor, and nearby tribal communities. We are proud that the town of Superior, Arizona is playing such an important role in supplying the critical materials needed for United States national security and the energy transition.

Resources

Our Work

The Descent: What It’s Like Traveling Nearly 7,000 Ft. Underground

From the surface, 7,000 ft. is hard to picture. It is just a number until you walk toward the shaft, pass beneath the headframe and reach the collar, where the scale starts to come into focus. The opening drops below, surrounded by steel, hoisting equipment and the systems that move people safely between the surface and the underground workings.

Testing What Matters Most: How One Team Helped Make Underground Refuge Chambers Even Safer

When people think about mine safety, they often picture hard hats, reflective clothing and safety inspections. Those are all important, but some of the most important safety work happens long before an emergency occurs, through planning, testing and preparation.

8 Billion Gallons Recycled: Our Commitment to Responsible Water Management

Since 2009, Resolution Copper has treated and provided more than 8 billion gallons of water for agricultural use in Arizona. It is a major milestone for a program that starts nearly 7,000 feet underground and ends in local farm fields.

Resolution Copper awards $110 million in US contracts to advance underground mine

Resolution Copper has awarded approximately $110 million in contracts to Major Drilling America Inc. and Redpath USA Corporation to advance exploration and underground development at the proposed Resolution Copper mine in Arizona.

Every gallon has a job: David’s work in water services

Before anyone can mine copper nearly 7,000 feet underground, someone must move the water. That’s where David comes in. As Water Services Supervisor at Resolution Copper, David helps oversee the systems that treat water pumped from the mine workings while also supporting the site’s potable water system. It’s work that blends science, troubleshooting and teamwork, all with one goal: keeping water moving safely and putting it to good use.

Resolution Copper Establishes $54 Million Tribal Trust

Resolution Copper has provided $54 million to establish the Resolution Copper Tribal Trust, a perpetual endowment that will deliver annual funding to eleven Tribal Nations located in Arizona and New Mexico for cultural preservation, education, youth development, workforce opportunities, language revitalization and other priorities they determine.

Q2 2026 Scorecard: Looking at the Numbers Behind Our Work

Every few months, we publish a scorecard to share where the project stands and what we've been working on. Numbers never tell the whole story, but they help show where we're making progress, where we're investing, and where our attention remains focused. 

Stewardship You Can See at Oak Flat Campground

If you're planning a visit to Oak Flat, here's the most important thing to know: Oak Flat Campground remains open.

Resolution Copper Awards $51,000 in Scholarships to 20 Local Students

Resolution Copper is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Scholarship Program, awarding 20 scholarships totaling $51,000 to outstanding students from communities across the Copper Triangle.