The long-running battle over one of the largest proposed copper mines in North America has reached another turning point, as a US federal appeals court temporarily halted the transfer of land needed for the Resolution Copper project in Arizona.
The joint venture, led by global mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP, has been in development for more than two decades and is considered a project of strategic importance for the United States. Copper is a critical mineral for clean energy infrastructure, defense manufacturing, and advanced technology, making the mine central to debates around resource security and economic growth.
White House Engagement
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump met with Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm, incoming chief executive Simon Trott, and BHP CEO Mike Henry in the Oval Office. The discussions centered on the mine’s future and the potential to boost US copper production. Following the meeting, President Trump publicly criticized opposition groups, labeling them as “radical activists” and warning that delays would cost American jobs and competitiveness.
Legal and Cultural Opposition
The project has faced strong resistance from Native American tribes and environmental groups since its inception. At the heart of the dispute is Oak Flat, a site within the federally managed Tonto National Forest. The land holds deep cultural and religious significance for the San Carlos Apache and other Indigenous communities, who have used the area for ceremonies and traditional practices for generations.
The US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued the latest injunction, pausing the handover of the land to the mining companies. Tribal representatives welcomed the decision as a vital step in protecting sacred sites and ecosystems.
Industry Response
Both Rio Tinto and BHP emphasized that the ruling represents only a temporary delay. In a joint statement, Resolution Copper expressed confidence that the courts would ultimately allow the project to proceed, citing previous district court findings that the land exchange meets all legal requirements.
BHP’s CEO Mike Henry reiterated the economic promise of the project, pointing to the creation of thousands of jobs in Arizona and billions in economic activity across the United States.
Strategic Stakes
If approved, Resolution Copper would rank among the largest copper mines in North America, providing a significant boost to US domestic supply at a time when demand for copper is soaring. The versatile metal is indispensable to electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, power grids, and defense technologies — sectors the US government has identified as critical for national security.
For now, the future of the project remains uncertain, caught between the global ambitions of the mining industry, the push for American mineral independence, and the cultural and environmental concerns of Indigenous communities.
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