PROTECTING AND CONSERVING WATER

Water is limited in Arizona. We plan for its careful use from the earliest stages of the project. We take water conservation seriously and focus on reducing use, reusing water, and sharing information openly with the community as science and technology evolve.

Water Efficiency

Resolution Copper is designed to be among the most water‑efficient copper mines in Arizona, based on projected gallons of water used per pound of copper produced. At full production, the mine is expected to use less than 5 gallons of water per pound of copper produced. Other Arizona copper mines typically use 10 to 50 gallons per pound. This efficiency comes from an underground mine design, reduced evaporation, and high levels of water recycling across operations.

Water Supply and Sources

We have already secured enough water to support more than half of the mine’s operating life at maximum production.

The Final Environmental Impact Statement published by the U.S. Forest Service in March 2026 confirms there is adequate water supply, in compliance with the law, to support all cumulative uses for the next 100 years.

Resolution Copper does not withdraw water from the lands of the San Carlos Apache Tribe or the Cutter Basin and does not have the infrastructure or legal authority to do so under current project design.

Recycling and Technology

We design our operations to reuse water wherever possible, with a clear focus on conserving a shared local resource. By operating underground, we reduce the need for water used for dust control compared to open‑pit mining. With more than a decade before full operations, we will continue exploring new technologies to further reduce water use and reflect community priorities.

Supporting Local Agriculture

Water removed from deep underground mining zones is treated on site and delivered to a local irrigation district. This treated water helps local farmers grow crops and reduces the need for additional groundwater pumping, leaving more water in the ground. Since 2009, approximately 8 billion gallons of treated water have been provided for agricultural use. Water quality is continuously monitored to meet regulatory standards.

Monitoring, Transparency, and Regulation

Resolution Copper complies with all applicable federal, state, and local water laws, including NEPA and the Clean Water Act. We operate an extensive surface and groundwater monitoring network overseen by multiple regulatory agencies and work closely with the Town of Superior on water studies, monitoring, and restoration efforts.

Since 2017, an independent community monitoring program led by the local Community Working Group has conducted quarterly groundwater sampling, with results shared openly and discussed directly with the community.