BHP, Rio Tinto secure US land exchange for Resolution Copper venture

Tue, 17th Mar 2026 01:13

(Alliance News) - BHP Group Ltd and Rio Tinto PLC on Tuesday announced that Resolution Copper, their joint venture in Arizona, has completed a federal land exchange with the US Forest Service.

BHP, a Melbourne, Australia-based diversified miner, and London-based miner Rio Tinto said the transaction transfers about 2,400 acres near the historic Magma Copper mine to Resolution Copper, while 5,400 acres of environmentally sensitive land move into National Conservation Areas for long‑term protection.

The exchange, mandated by the US Congress in 2014, followed years of consultation with native American tribes, local communities and government agencies.

With the milestone complete, Resolution Copper said it will advance technical studies and development planning for one of the largest undeveloped copper resources in the US.

BHP Americas President Brandon Craig said: "The land exchange is an important step forward to advance essential development work at Resolution Copper and help secure the copper needed to power the economy and build critical infrastructure. Resolution Copper has the potential to be the largest copper mine in the US, and a game changer for US domestic supply for hundreds of industries. It is positioned to be an engine for economic growth in the US — creating thousands of high value local jobs and billions in economic activity nationwide."

Shares in BHP were up 0.9% at AUD49.65 in Sydney on Tuesday morning while Rio Tinto shares were 1.7% higher at AUD57.32.

By Judy Amaca, Alliance News reporter Asia-Pacific

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