The upcoming U.S. presidential election in 2024 could be swayed by a contentious issue in Arizona: the Resolution Copper Mine. This project, led by mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP, aims to meet over a quarter of America’s copper demand. However, strong opposition from Native American groups and environmental activists poses significant challenges to its development.
A Mine with National Importance
The Resolution Copper Mine is a key part of Washington’s strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese copper production. The United States imports nearly half of its copper and only has two domestic smelters. The Arizona-based mine, if developed, could supply a substantial portion of the nation’s copper needs, supporting the energy transition and clean technologies.
Yet, the mine’s future hangs in the balance as the country approaches the presidential election. The election outcome will likely decide whether the project moves forward or remains stalled.
Opposition from Native American Tribes
The mine faces strong opposition from most of Arizona’s 22 Native American tribes, particularly the San Carlos Apache. The mine would create a massive crater that would destroy a sacred religious site, intensifying opposition. Native American groups, including the Apache Stronghold, have filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court to block Rio Tinto and BHP from accessing the land.
Native American voters played a critical role in delivering Arizona to President Biden and Vice President Harris in 2020. Now, they are again flexing their political muscle, urging the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, to block the copper mine if elected.
Environmental Concerns and Legal Battles
The environmental concerns surrounding the Resolution Copper Mine are substantial. In 2021, President Donald Trump approved an environmental report for the mine just before leaving office. However, the Biden administration reversed that decision two months later, keeping the project frozen.
The Supreme Court of United States may hear the appeal that could determine whether the mine will proceed. Meanwhile, tribal and environmental activists continue to oppose the project, fearing its impact on sacred lands and the environment.
Arizona’s Role in the 2024 U.S. Elections
Arizona, one of the critical battleground states in the upcoming election, could play a decisive role in determining the fate of the copper mine. Native American voters, making up nearly 5% of the state’s population, have become a significant political force. In the 2020 election, their votes helped tip the state in Biden’s favour. Now, the same groups are looking to influence the 2024 election.
Wendsler Nosie, head of the Apache Stronghold, said, “All Native people are watching this issue because this sacred space is the heart of who we are.” He believes that Native American voters could once again be the determining factor in Arizona’s election outcome.
The Stakes for the Mining Industry
Mining has historically been an essential part of Arizona’s economy, and the Resolution Copper Mine has the potential to bring economic growth to the region. However, the mine’s future is also tied to global and domestic energy policies. The project could help the U.S. secure the copper it needs for renewable energy projects, electric vehicles, and other technologies that require critical minerals.
The stakes are particularly high for Rio Tinto and BHP, as the Resolution Copper Mine is expected to keep copper in the U.S. if it is developed. However, tribal opposition and environmental concerns continue to create tension, and both companies have remained relatively quiet on the political aspects of the project.
Harris and Trump’s Stances on the Mine
Kamala Harris, who is running for president in 2024, has largely avoided taking a clear stance on the Resolution Copper Mine. Her campaign has remained strategically ambiguous on energy-related issues, especially those involving critical minerals. However, her administration previously blocked the mine in 2021 after appeals from Native American groups.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump has supported most mining projects. Although he has not explicitly commented on the Resolution Copper Mine during this election cycle, his pro-mining stance is well known. Some of his campaign members have already expressed support for the project.
Local Communities and Economic Impact
The Resolution Copper Mine is also critical for the small town of Superior, Arizona, located near the proposed mine site. Superior’s mayor, Mila Besich, has endorsed Harris but also supports the mine. She sees the project as a key to economic growth, particularly in a town struggling with a 45% unemployment rate.
Besich has been lobbying Harris’s team to support the copper mine, emphasising the importance of the 2014 law that approved a federal land swap with Resolution. This law would allow Superior to access land for economic development projects, helping to create jobs and reduce unemployment in the area.
Conclusion
The fate of Arizona’s Resolution Copper Mine hangs in the balance as the U.S. presidential election approaches. While crucial for meeting America’s copper needs and advancing its energy transition, the project faces opposition from Native American groups and environmental activists. Arizona’s role as a battleground state, combined with the influence of Native American voters, could determine not only the future of the mine but also the outcome of the 2024 election.
The battle over the copper mine in Arizona highlights the broader challenges of balancing economic growth, environmental preservation, and the political landscape. As both sides prepare for the election, the future of the Resolution Copper Mine remains uncertain, with its potential to impact the local economy and the national energy transition still in question.
