Resolution Copper permitting milestone
(Posted on 13/08/19)
Rio Tinto’s Resolution Copper project in the US has achieved a major permitting milestone with the release of an independently prepared Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the project. The rigorous review, conducted by the US States Forest Service over a six year period included broad public engagement.
Resolution, one of the most significant undeveloped copper deposits in the world, started the US permitting process in 2013 and the US Forest Service has conducted a comprehensive independent review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The publication of the DEIS triggers a further public consultation process over a 90 day period, which will inform the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and the next steps in the permitting process for the project.
Rio Tinto chief executive Copper & Diamonds Arnaud Soirat said “This an important milestone for Resolution, with the future development of the project being shaped by years of engagement with the local community and extensive independent study by the US Forest Service.
“Achieving this significant milestone in the rigorous US permitting process allows us to continue progressing one of the world’s most significant untapped copper deposits towards development. Resolution has the potential to supply up to 25 per cent of the United States’ copper demand and complements Rio Tinto’s other copper projects.
“Long-term copper fundamentals remain strong – with supply challenged and demand driven by the adoption of electric vehicles, the electrification of industry and a growing share of renewables in the energy mix. Rio Tinto will be well positioned to benefit from this demand outlook and to provide North American manufacturers with the materials that are essential to their products.”
The project partners will have spent over $2 billion (Rio Tinto share $1.1 billion) by 2020 to develop and permit the Resolution copper project, including $302 million of additional expenditure approved earlier this year. Work being undertaken includes reclamation of the historic Magma Copper Mine site, sinking a second shaft to mining depth, rehabilitating an existing shaft, extensive drilling and ore body testing, and the permitting and public engagement process.
Resolution Copper Mining is a limited liability company owned 55 per cent by Rio Tinto and 45 per cent by BHP. Funding is proportional among the project partners.
Latest News
Resilient financial results as Rio Tinto grows and diversifies
(Posted on 30/07/25)Rio Tinto has announced a 6% production year-on-year uplift, thereby delivering on strategy through... Read more
K-SURE and Trafigura $200m financing agreement to support Korean shipping
(Posted on 30/07/25)The Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-SURE) and Trafigura, a global leader in the commodities industry... Read more
BHP record copper and iron ore production drives strong 2025 performance
(Posted on 21/07/25)BHP have released their Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2025.BHP Chief Executive Officer... Read more
Dynamic Mining shipping arm and GeoServe’s one-year milestone
(Posted on 15/07/25)A strategic collaboration between Icon Gulf Trading DMCC (part of the Dynamic Group) and GeoServe Energy... Read more
SSAB and Metal Solutions start partnership in fossil-free steel
(Posted on 15/07/25)SSAB and Metal Solutions have entered a long-term partnership for the supply of decarbonized steel with... Read more
NGFA thanks lawmakers for including industry priorities in ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’
(Posted on 08/07/25)The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) in the USA has applauded Congress for including a slate... Read more
Fertilizers Europe: Commission announcement on CBAM falls short
(Posted on 08/07/25)Fertilizers Europe’s have released their reaction to the European Commission announcement on the... Read more
Bunge completes sale of its North America corn milling business
(Posted on 02/07/25)Bunge Global SA has confirmed that it has completed the previously announced sale of its North America... Read more
SSAB secures additional EUR 430 million green financing for Luleå
(Posted on 02/07/25)Following the successful debt raising at the end of April 2025, SSAB has secured an additional EUR 430... Read more
Soaring demand opens up investment opportunities across West Africa
(Posted on 25/06/25)Despite China’s dominant position in securing commodities across Africa, there are still many... Read more
