Rio Tinto Injects $144 Million into Resolution Copper After Arizona Land Battle Victory

SUPERIOR, ARIZONA, November 6, 2026: Global mining giant Rio Tinto has approved a fresh investment of $144 million to advance its Resolution Copper project in Arizona, marking another major step towards developing one of the largest untapped copper deposits in the United States.

The investment comes eight months after the completion of a controversial land exchange in March 2026, which gave Resolution Copper access to the land required for the proposed mining operation following years of legal challenges.

The latest funding will support feasibility studies, engineering work, underground mining development, exploration drilling and the installation of new water treatment facilities. Rio Tinto will contribute approximately $79 million, reflecting its 55% ownership in the joint venture, while BHP holds the remaining 45%.

The investment is additional to approximately $500 million in preliminary spending announced earlier this year.

Resolution Copper Project Moves into Next Development Phase

Located near Superior in Arizona, the Resolution Copper deposit is situated between 5,000 and 7,000 feet underground. The project is estimated to contain more than 40 billion pounds of copper, equivalent to approximately 18.1 million tonnes.

The latest investment will finance the final design and engineering of material-handling equipment for both mine shafts, along with new water treatment infrastructure.

The development programme will also cover underground mining and production equipment, exploration drilling and long-lead electrical components, including transformers, circuit breakers and switchgear.

Rio Tinto expects the latest investment programme to create approximately 50 additional jobs across mining, geology, geotechnical operations, engineering and project services.

Land Exchange Victory Ends Major Legal Roadblock

The investment follows the completion of a long-running land exchange between Resolution Copper and the US Forest Service in March 2026.

Under the agreement, the mining company transferred more than 5,400 acres of land to the US government in exchange for approximately 2,400 acres containing the copper deposit.

The land exchange was authorised by legislation passed by Congress in 2014 but faced years of legal challenges from Native American groups and environmental organisations.

A major point of opposition has been Oak Flat, also known as Chi’chil Biłdagoteel, a site considered sacred by the San Carlos Apache Tribe and other Native American communities.

Opponents argue that underground mining could eventually cause the destruction of the culturally and religiously significant landscape, threatening traditional ceremonies and access to sacred land.

Although courts rejected efforts to block the land transfer, concerns about Indigenous religious freedom, environmental protection and water resources remain central to the controversy.

Rio Tinto Targets Major Share of US Copper Demand

Rio Tinto believes the Resolution Copper project could eventually supply up to 25% of US copper demand for decades.

The project is expected to become an important domestic source of copper as the United States seeks to reduce its dependence on overseas mineral supply chains.

Copper is a critical raw material for electricity networks, electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, artificial intelligence data centres, defence equipment and advanced manufacturing.

Growing investment in electrification and digital infrastructure is increasing the strategic importance of securing reliable copper supplies.

Rio Tinto Copper Chief Executive Katie Jackson said the latest investment would accelerate underground development, create skilled employment opportunities and prepare the project for its next investment decision.

The company estimates that Resolution Copper could contribute approximately $1 billion annually to Arizona’s economy and generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

BHP and Rio Tinto Strengthen Copper Partnership

Resolution Copper is operated by Resolution Copper Mining LLC, a joint venture in which Rio Tinto owns 55% and BHP owns 45%.

Both mining companies have invested more than $2 billion in the project over the years, despite the absence of commercial copper production so far.

The latest investment reflects the companies’ continued focus on expanding their copper portfolios amid expectations of rising long-term demand.

Rio Tinto has increasingly prioritised copper as part of its broader strategy to strengthen its position in metals required for the global energy transition.

Production Timeline and Challenges Ahead

Despite the latest funding commitment, Resolution Copper is still in its development phase. The company has previously targeted the mid-2030s for the mine to begin operations, subject to further studies, regulatory approvals and construction progress.

The project also faces continuing environmental and cultural concerns, particularly regarding its potential impact on Oak Flat and surrounding water resources.

The latest $144 million investment represents a significant development milestone, but the mine’s ultimate production capacity, commercial timeline and environmental impact will remain important factors for investors and policymakers.

As the United States looks to strengthen domestic critical mineral production, Resolution Copper is emerging as a strategically important project in the country’s long-term copper supply ambitions.