Resolution Copper project advances in US permitting process
Published by John Williams,
Editorial Assistant
Global Mining Review,
Rio Tinto’s Resolution Copper project in the US has achieved a major permitting milestone with the release of an independently prepared Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the project. The rigorous review, conducted by the US States Forest Service over a 6 year period included broad public engagement.
Resolution, one of the most significant undeveloped copper deposits in the world, started the US permitting process in 2013 and the US Forest Service has conducted a comprehensive independent review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The publication of the DEIS triggers a further public consultation process over a 90 day period, which will inform the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and the next steps in the permitting process for the project.
“Achieving this significant milestone in the rigorous US permitting process allows us to continue progressing one of the world’s most significant untapped copper deposits towards development. Resolution has the potential to supply up to 25% of the US’ copper demand and complements Rio Tinto’s other copper projects.
“Long-term copper fundamentals remain strong – with supply challenged and demand driven by the adoption of electric vehicles, the electrification of industry and a growing share of renewables in the energy mix. Rio Tinto will be well positioned to benefit from this demand outlook and to provide North American manufacturers with the materials that are essential to their products.”
The project partners will have spent over US$2 billion by 2020 to develop and permit the Resolution copper project, including US$302 million of additional expenditure approved earlier this year. Work being undertaken includes reclamation of the historic Magma Copper Mine site, sinking a second shaft to mining depth, rehabilitating an existing shaft, extensive drilling and ore body testing, and the permitting and public engagement process.
Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/12082019/resolution-copper-project-advances-in-us-permitting-process/
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