Resolution Copper has awarded approximately USD$110 million in contracts for exploration drilling and underground development at its proposed Arizona copper mine, marking an early commitment under a wider USD$500 million investment programme.
Resolution Copper has awarded contracts to Major Drilling America Inc. and Redpath USA Corporation as it progresses exploration and underground development at its proposed mine in Arizona.
The approximately USD$110 million in contracts form part of the USD$500 million investment programme announced following completion of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) process, Record of Decision and congressionally mandated land exchange earlier this year.
Major Drilling America, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, has secured contracts covering two-and-a-half years of deep-hole directional diamond core drilling.
The programme will involve drilling from the surface and from approximately 6,800 feet underground to continue exploration of the Resolution Copper ore body.
Four high-capacity surface core drilling rigs will be mobilised for deep mineral exploration in hard-rock environments.
Two LF-350 rigs have already arrived at the Resolution Copper site, while two next-generation LF-300 rigs are being manufactured for delivery by the end of the year.
The rigs, supplied by Utah-based Boart Longyear, incorporate safety technologies including remote-controlled drilling and mechanised rod handling. These features are designed to help keep employees separated from moving mechanical equipment.
Resolution Copper has also awarded contracts to Nevada-headquartered Redpath USA Corporation for the first phase of underground development.
The work will convert two existing 7,000-foot-deep shafts from sinking to development configuration and install new structural steel and underground infrastructure.
Redpath will develop a new mine station approximately 6,800 feet below ground. The development will include around 1,500 feet of tunnels, truck and drill bays, a maintenance shop and supporting infrastructure.
New underground mining equipment will include a production drill and two Caterpillar loaders procured through Empire CAT in Mesa, Arizona.
Vicky Peacey, President and General Manager of Resolution Copper, said: “Federal action is translating into tangible progress at Resolution Copper. Completion of the FEIS process and land exchange has enabled us to move quickly into this next phase, with approximately $110 million in contracts now awarded to American companies for drilling and underground development. This is a major early commitment within our broader $500 million investment program, and we appreciate the Trump Administration prioritizing domestic mineral development and helping move this nationally significant project forward.
“Resolution has the potential to supply up to 25 percent of America’s copper demand for decades. Rio Tinto’s existing Kennecott copper smelter and refinery in Utah could also provide a pathway to process Resolution copper concentrate in the United States, subject to technical, commercial and permitting considerations. Together, these assets could help establish a secure American mine-to-metal supply chain supporting the power grid, advanced manufacturing, data centers and national security.”
The work is expected to support 100 new full-time Resolution Copper jobs and help develop the specialist workforce required to build, operate and maintain a deep underground mine.
Recruitment is underway for the first 50 positions, covering geology, electrical and mechanical trades, instrumentation, engineering, hydrogeology, supervision and core handling. Entry-level apprenticeships are also planned across geology, geotechnical and mining disciplines.
A further 50 full-time positions are expected to be advertised over the next six months.
Resolution Copper will work with local schools, apprenticeship programmes and training providers to combine education with practical experience. Major Drilling America and Redpath are also developing local hiring plans and expect to advertise dozens of additional positions.
Resolution Copper will continue engineering, state permitting, Tribal and community engagement and other enabling activities as the project progresses.
The company said environmental stewardship will remain embedded throughout project development, from planning and design to operations, closure and reclamation.
A final investment decision remains subject to further data collection, state permits and partner approvals.
Resolution Copper is a 55:45 joint venture between Rio Tinto and BHP. The proposed underground mine is located in Arizona’s Copper Triangle, approximately 60 miles east of Phoenix.
