U.S. Grants Fast-Track Status to Rio Tinto, BHP Copper Mine in Arizona

The U.S. government has granted 'Fast-41' fast-track status to the Resolution Copper project in Arizona, jointly owned by Rio Tinto and BHP Group, as part of an effort to expedite approvals for key infrastructure projects. This designation is expected to significantly accelerate the development timeline for one of the largest copper deposits in the U.S., which could supply up to 25% of the country's annual copper demand for four decades. The move is seen as a strategic effort to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals, particularly as tensions with China over mineral supply chains intensify. However, the project remains controversial due to longstanding opposition from local indigenous groups who argue it is located on sacred land.