Sailors SocietyCimbriaVan AalstPort of South LouisianaTelestackTBA Group
  • Vigan
  • TBA Group
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • Telestack
  • Geneva Dry
  • Port of Stockton

Rio Tinto progresses studies for underground mining at Kennecott

Rio Tinto progresses studies for underground mining at Kennecott

(Posted on 26/07/21)

Rio Tinto has approved a $108 million investment in underground development to enable early orebody access and undertake orebody characterisation studies for underground mining at the Kennecott copper operations in the United States.

The investment builds on $25 million approved in early-2020 to complete a pre-feasibility study to determine the viability of underground mining operations at Kennecott. Potential underground mining would occur concurrently with open pit operations and result in increased copper output.

Kennecott holds the potential for a significant and attractive underground development, with declared Mineral Resources of 20 Mt at 3.65% copper and 1.62 g/t gold1 with further upside potential based on drilling.

The feasibility study work will focus on gathering critical geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological data to inform Rio Tinto’s assessment of underground development options and is expected to be completed in 2024. Existing infrastructure from previous underground projects will be extended to access the North Rim Skarn orebody, allowing for the development of crosscuts and further drilling of the resource. The project includes approximately 15,000 feet (4,500 metres) of lateral development, 1,000 feet (300 metres) of vertical development and associated support infrastructure.

The project will also include the trial of underground battery electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions at Kennecott and across Rio Tinto’s global operations. Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions will supply a battery electric haul truck and loader to evaluate performance and suitability for future underground mining fleets.

Pre-feasibility studies are also being progressed to extend open pit mining at Kennecott beyond 2032, with a further push back of the North Wall to allow access to Mineral Resources. This follows a $1.5 billion investment in the second phase of the South Wall Pushback project, approved in 2019, to allow open cut mining to continue between 2026 and 2032.

Rio Tinto Copper Chief Executive Bold Baatar said: “Kennecott holds a range of options to extend our supply of copper and other critical materials, to meet the strong demand being driven by electric vehicles and renewable power technologies.

“The operation is uniquely positioned to supply these emerging markets, with one of only two operating smelters in the United States that also processes concentrates from third parties, a long history delivering high quality products and significant resources that are yet to be developed.”

Latest News

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


Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting invest $1.6 billion in Pilbara iron ore project

(Posted on 25/06/25)

Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting will invest $1.61 billion (Rio Tinto share $0.8 billion) to develop... Read more


SSAB postpones commissioning of new steel mill in Luleå by 12 months

(Posted on 20/06/25)

SSAB has commenced preparatory work to build a new, state-of-the-art steel mill in Luleå, Sweden... Read more


Anglo American streamlines leadership team to reflect portfolio progress

(Posted on 20/06/25)

Anglo American plc has streamlined its executive leadership team to reflect substantial progress with... Read more


NeoSmelt welcomes Government support for steel decarbonisation project

(Posted on 20/06/25)

NeoSmelt, a consortium of leading resources, energy and manufacturing companies working together on... Read more


Telestack announces new iron ore project

(Posted on 16/06/25)

Northern Ireland based Telestack have announced that they have been awarded a contract for the supply... Read more


Geneva DryTMS Awards 2023Port of StocktonBühler GmbHVigan
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Sailors Society
  • Van Aalst

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping