Resolution Copper, a joint venture owned by BHP (45%) and Rio Tinto (55%), and the United States Forest Service (USFS) have completed a federal land exchange in Arizona, enabling the next phase of technical work and development planning for the Resolution Copper project, one of the most significant undeveloped copper resources in the United States.
“The land exchange is an important step forward to advance essential development work at Resolution Copper and help secure the copper needed to power the economy and build critical infrastructure. Resolution Copper has the potential to be the largest copper mine in the U.S., and a game-changer for U.S. domestic supply for hundreds of industries. It is positioned to be an engine for economic growth in the U.S. – creating thousands of high-value local jobs and billions in economic activity nationwide,” stated Brandon Craig, BHP President Americas.
Resolution Copper has received approximately 2,400 acres of land adjacent to the historic Magma Copper mine and above the orebody necessary to advance the project. In exchange, the JV has transferred approximately 5,400 acres of environmentally sensitive and culturally important land to be incorporated into National Conservation Areas for long-term conservation and habitat, cultural heritage protection, and recreational use.
As the project progresses, Resolution Copper said it will continue engagement with local communities and Native American Tribes as further technical studies and permitting activities advance.
The Resolution Copper project is a proposed underground mine located 60 miles east of Phoenix, Ariz., near the town of Superior. The joint venture aims for the mine to produce as much as 40 billion pounds of copper over 40 years.