COMPANY PROFILE
"Building America’s copper supply, boosting Arizona’s economy"
Summary
Resolution Copper is a joint mining venture between Rio Tinto and BHP in Superior, Arizona, founded in 2004 to develop one of the largest copper deposits in the U.S. and the world. Once operational, Resolution Copper will supply up to 25 percent of the U.S. copper demand, enabling the U.S. to become energy-independent and strengthen supply chains. With strong commitments to sustainable mining, Resolution Copper has invested heavily in environmental conservation and water management, including initiatives to protect local ecosystems. Resolution Copper also works closely with local community members, including Native American tribes, to ensure that cultural heritage and community interests are respected.
Resolution Copper aims to play a vital role in strengthening U.S. supply chains and manufacturing through a responsible production of copper.
Pending approvals from federal, state, and local agencies, the Resolution Copper project will receive mining rights to the Magma Mine site. Magma Mine site is estimated to contain over 1.7 billion tons of mineralized ore with a grade of 1.52 percent copper, making it one of the richest and largest copper resources globally. The project could produce approximately 40 billion pounds of copper with mining rights, meeting 25 percent of the U.S. annual copper demand.
Corporate Presentation
History
Established in 2004, Resolution Copper is a joint venture between Rio Tinto (55%) and BHP (45%) to develop a copper mine in Superior, Arizona. The proposed site, located within the historic Magma Mine, builds on a mining legacy that ceased in the 1990s. The 2014 National Defense Authorization Act authorized a land exchange, transferring 2,422 acres of the Tonto National Forest to Resolution Copper in exchange for 5,459 acres of conservation land in Arizona. However, the project has faced delays due to regulatory challenges and opposition, particularly from the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
In response, Resolution Copper funded a Tribal Monitor Program hosted by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to employ tribal members alongside archaeologists to identify and protect culturally significant sites. In 2019, the USFS released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a key milestone for the project. However, progress stalled due to claims of inadequate tribal consultation and concerns over water use, land subsidence, and environmental impacts.
To address these challenges, Resolution Copper has taken significant steps, including designating over 800 acres as the Apache Leap Special Management Area for permanent protection and implementing robust water conservation and monitoring programs.
While the project has yet to receive final approval, Resolution Copper continues to engage with stakeholders and adopt environmental measures. If operational, the mine is projected to supply up to 25% of U.S. copper demand, generate thousands of jobs, and deliver billions of dollars in economic benefits for Arizona and the U.S., while strengthening domestic copper supply chains.
Main Leadership
- Vicky Peacey, President and General Manager
- Sterling Hundley, Financial Operations Officer
- Curtis Thomas, General Manager, Communities, Social Performance, Cultural Heritage, and Permitting
- Willard Antone III, Senior Manager, Permitting, Approvals, and Cultural Heritage
- Rob Tobin, Manager, Underground Operations & Maintenance
- Ryan Ewing, Manager, Surface Operations & Maintenance
- Brad Lingard, Business Partner, Health, Safety, Environment & Security
- Tyson Nansel, Principal Advisor, Communications
Sustainability and Community Engagement
Water Efficiency:
- Resolution Copper is set to become the most water-efficient mine in Arizona, using less than 5 gallons of water per pound of copper produced, compared to 10-50 gallons at other mines. Resolution Copper ensures efficient resource use by minimizing evaporation and maximizing water recycling.
- Resolution Copper has already stored enough water to sustain operations for over half the mine’s lifespan at maximum production, with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) confirming an adequate water supply for all uses over the next 100 years.
- Resolution Copper adheres to all federal, state, and local water quality and usage laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Clean Water Act and established a comprehensive surface and groundwater monitoring network overseen by multiple regulators, and collaborates with the Town of Superior on water studies, monitoring, and restoration initiatives.
Tribal Monitor Program:
- In 2018, Resolution Copper funded the creation of a Tribal Monitor program, hosted by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to ensure that tribal members are directly involved in decision-making processes to identify areas, resources, and sites of cultural and historical importance.
- The program enables the USFS to train and employ over 30 members from seven Native American tribes to collaborate with archaeologists in the field.
- The program has received recognition at the Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Awards, hosted by the Arizona Preservation Foundation and State Historic Preservation Office, for its innovative approach to cultural preservation.
Contact
Website - resolutioncopper.com
LinkedIn - /company/resolution-copper
Email - tyson.nansel@riotinto.com