Rio Tinto is expressing renewed optimism that the Trump administration will finally approve its long-delayed Resolution copper project in Arizona. The project has been mired in a 12-year permitting battle, but the mining giant believes that, under the current U.S. administration, it stands a real chance of progressing. The Resolution mine, if developed, could provide up to 25% of the U.S.'s copper needs for decades, a significant contribution to both the country’s industrial sector and its push to secure critical mineral supplies.

Rio Tinto’s CEO, Jakob Stausholm, voiced confidence in the mine’s future. “I do think that we have really good chances now to progress that project,” Stausholm said, highlighting the substantial progress the company has made in addressing regulatory hurdles. The mine’s development would involve advanced underground mining techniques, such as "block caving," to access copper deposits deep underground. Once operational, the mine is projected to become the largest copper producer in North America, capable of meeting up to 25% of U.S. copper demand while creating thousands of jobs across the country.

Despite its promising potential, the Resolution copper project has faced significant opposition and delays. One of the primary obstacles has been objections from Native American groups, especially the San Carlos Apache Tribe, who argue that the development would desecrate a sacred site, where their religious ceremonies have been held for generations. The tribe has launched legal challenges to halt the mine's development, and the U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing a case brought by the tribe. The court's decision will determine whether the mine can move forward or if legal challenges will continue to block its progress.

The project has also faced land ownership disputes, water usage concerns, and shifting political landscapes that have complicated the approval process. However, Stausholm remains optimistic that the Trump administration’s stance on accelerating large-scale infrastructure projects will be beneficial for the mine. Trump previously promised to fast-track permits for investments exceeding $1 billion in the U.S., a pledge that could bode well for Resolution's approval.

Rio Tinto owns 55% of the Resolution copper project, while BHP, another global mining giant, holds the remaining 45%. Both companies have emphasized the strategic importance of the project in bolstering U.S. copper production and reducing reliance on imports. Stausholm underscored the national security angle, stating that if the U.S. is serious about securing its own critical mineral resources, advancing Resolution would be a major step forward.

In addition to geopolitical tensions and environmental concerns, the Biden administration’s policies on mineral extraction have created uncertainty around the project. However, the favourable pro-business environment under Trump, combined with his administration's focus on domestic resource development, gives Rio Tinto hope for a breakthrough. Trump’s Secretary of the Interior nominee, Doug Burgum, has previously expressed strong support for U.S. energy and mining projects, reinforcing the belief that Resolution could benefit from a more industry-friendly regulatory environment.

As Rio Tinto and BHP wait for a Supreme Court ruling on the tribe’s objections, the future of the Resolution copper project hangs in the balance. Should the court rule in favour of the project, Rio Tinto is poised to lead the charge in boosting U.S. copper production, strengthening supply chains, and contributing to economic growth. However, ongoing opposition and legal challenges may continue to delay its long-awaited development.