US Forest Service Approves Environmental Assessment Report for Resolution Copper Mine Project

According to Mining Weekly, the US Forest Service (USFS) has reissued the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Resolution copper mine project in Arizona and drafted a Record of Decision, clearing a regulatory hurdle for a project that could become one of the world's largest copper mines.

The mine is operated by Resolution Copper Mining, a joint venture between Rio Tinto (55%) and BHP (45%).

US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins stated that the reissuance of the FEIS is "an important step toward achieving President Trump's emergency declaration and mineral independence goals by increasing domestic mineral production."

"The Resolution copper mine project is an example of how we can leverage America's abundant resources to drive development in remote areas, reduce reliance on foreign imports, strengthen our supply chains, and enhance national security," she said.

The reissued document paves the way for Congress to mandate a land exchange under the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2014. However, according to a ruling by a US district court earlier this month, the actual transfer of federal land will not occur until at least August 19, 60 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register.

Resolution Copper Mining welcomed the announcement, as the reissuance allows the USFS to proceed with land exchanges and enable future underground mine development while permanently protecting thousands of acres of land.

"This project has undergone the most complex environmental and social assessment in US history. The reissuance of the FEIS reflects the meticulous work of the USFS, local communities, and Native American tribes, as well as the seriousness with which all stakeholders have approached this matter," said Vicky Peacey, the company's general manager.

"Through this process, we have deepened our relationships with local communities and Native American tribes, including our executives meeting with tribal leaders to listen to their voices and foster mutual understanding," Peacey added. "As we move into the next phase of permitting, we welcome the opportunity to continue these dialogues."

The Resolution copper mine is located on the site of the old Magma copper mine. Once operational, the mine could provide 1,500 jobs, $149 million in wages, and up to $120 million in state and local taxes. The mine could contribute $1 billion annually to Arizona's economy and $200 million to the federal government.

However, the project remains controversial, with some Native American rights groups expressing strong opposition. Last month, the US Supreme Court dismissed an appeal filed by Apache Stronghold (AS), which had attempted to block the mine's development on religious grounds.

Beyond its economic contributions, the Resolution Copper Mine is committed to establishing long-term partnerships and funding cultural preservation, Emory Oak restoration, biodiversity initiatives, and community development projects.