By Rhiannon Hoyle


The U.S. Forest Service released a long-awaited environmental report for the Resolution Copper mining project in Arizona, a critical step for a land-swap deal that will underpin the development of one of the world's largest untapped copper deposits.

The proposed mine near the town of Superior could supply as much as a quarter of current annual U.S. demand for copper, which would help fulfill President Trump's goal of producing more minerals locally and reducing America's reliance on imported supplies, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.

Rio Tinto, the world's second-largest miner by market value, owns 55% of the project and BHP Group, the most valuable listed miner globally, owns the rest.

"The Resolution Copper project is a prime example of how we can harness America's abundant resources to fuel growth in rural America, reduce our dependence on foreign imports, strengthen our supply chains, and enhance our national security," said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

The Forest Service published a final environmental impact statement in early 2021, but rescinded it weeks later to allow for more time to understand concerns raised by tribes and the broader community. The project has faced legal challenges from a coalition of Native Americans, religious groups and others who say the planned mine will destroy a sacred site.

The republication of the environmental review Monday allows the Forest Service to advance a federal land transfer needed for the companies to develop the mine. However, the land transfer won't be able to take place until at least Aug. 19, according to a recent ruling by the U.S. District Court of Arizona, the Agriculture Department said.

The Resolution Copper joint venture said the report's release is a positive step forward. "This project has undergone one of the most comprehensive environmental and social reviews in U.S. history," said Vicky Peacey, General Manager of Resolution Copper.


Write to Rhiannon Hoyle at rhiannon.hoyle@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

06-16-25 2216ET