Resolution Copper Project Moves Forward After Supreme Court Ruling

Arizona Copper Project

Landmark Legal Decision Clears Path for Major US Copper Development

The Resolution Copper project in Arizona can now proceed after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by Apache Stronghold, a group opposing the land transfer. The court’s decision upholds a lower ruling, enabling the land exchange between the U.S. government and the Rio Tinto/BHP joint venture. This move allows the controversial project—set to become the largest copper mine in the U.S.—to move into its next phase.

Oak Flat Land Swap Marks Turning Point for US Critical Minerals

The land deal involves a swap of 2,422 acres of Oak Flat for 5,344 acres of other lands, approved by Congress in 2014. However, it had been blocked for years by legal challenges from Apache Stronghold, which claims Oak Flat is sacred ground. Despite strong dissent from Justices Gorsuch and Thomas, the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case effectively ends legal opposition at the federal level. As a result, Resolution Copper now holds a legal green light to develop what is estimated to be 1.787 billion metric tonnes of copper resources.

Critical Minerals Strategy Accelerates with Resolution Copper

The Resolution Copper project is a centerpiece of the U.S. government's strategy to secure domestic mineral supply chains. It has already received $2.7 billion in investment from Rio Tinto and BHP and has been designated as one of the first ten projects under the new federal expedited permitting initiative. This classification aims to streamline U.S. mineral development, especially for critical resources like copper, which is vital for energy infrastructure, EVs, and defense technologies. Therefore, the project holds both economic and strategic significance for the nation’s industrial future.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Supreme Court’s move not only clears a critical hurdle for Resolution Copper but also signals a shift in U.S. mineral policy. As geopolitical competition intensifies, securing domestic supply of copper is becoming a strategic imperative. The expedited permitting status reflects Washington’s growing urgency in reshaping its resource independence narrative.