Rio Tinto Eyes Resolution Copper Production by End of Decade

Rio Tinto Group is aiming to begin production at its Resolution copper joint venture in Arizona, in partnership with BHP Group, by the end of the decade, according to an interview with CEO Jakob Stausholm, reported by Bloomberg News on September 26. The Resolution project, which has faced various delays, is reportedly nearing the end of its permitting process.

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a previous ruling in March, which allowed the transfer of federal lands required for the project. This legal decision was a key step toward advancing the development of the mine.

Rio Tinto holds a 55% interest in the joint venture, with BHP holding the remaining 45%. The project is expected to contribute significantly to copper production at a time when global demand for the metal is projected to increase, driven by decarbonization and energy transition efforts.