Rio Tinto Targets 2030s Opening for Arizona Copper Mine, May Export Concentrate Due to US Smelting Costs

Published: Mar 25, 2026 16:15

Save

Rio Tinto aims to open Arizona’s Resolution Copper mine by the mid-2030s but may need to export some of its copper concentrate due to the challenging economics of smelting in the US, a senior executive told Reuters on Tuesday.The Anglo-Australian mining giant this month gained control of acreage needed to build one of the world’s largest copper mines after a years-long court fight in which rising US demand for the red metal clashed with the religious rights of the San Carlos Apache people.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

1 hour ago

SHFE: Approved Guangdong CMST Shengshi Zhaobang Logistics Co., Ltd. as a Copper Delivery Warehouse

1 hour ago

China’s Copper Anode Imports Edged Up YoY in January-February 2026, with Growth Expected in Q2 [SMM Analysis]

SMM Analysis: According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China imported 64,900 mt of copper anode (HS code: 74020000) in January 2026, up 5.74% MoM and up 1.48% YoY...

1 hour ago

Mitsubishi to Halt Onahama Copper Smelter Operations by March 2027 Amid Global Competition Concerns

According to foreign media reports, Mitsubishi Materials has stated that it will cease production operations at the Onahama copper smelter by the end of March 2027. This is mainly due to the rapidly deteriorating TC/RCs for copper concentrates, driven by intensifying competition among global copper smelters, which has raised concerns over the business outlook. The Onahama copper smelter has a smelting and refining capacity of 230 ktpa.

1 hour ago