Tag: domestic production

Oak Flat, Copper Dreams, and the Long Road to Resolution

May 27th, 2025
By Mark Travis | May 27, 2025

“If mining is the front end of every supply chain, then permitting is the front end of every bottleneck.”

The U.S. Supreme Court has just handed down a decision that echoes through copper country like a rock hammer in a silent drift: they won’t hear Apache Stronghold’s final appeal to halt the Resolution Copper project in Arizona. That means, after decades of debate, delay, and deep division, the project may finally break free of its legal chains.

But before we pop the champagne—or grab the pickaxe—it’s worth pausing to ask: why did it take nearly 20 years to reach this point? And what does this drawn-out saga say about the future of domestic mining in the United States?

A Copper Giant, Chained by Red Tape

The Resolution Copper deposit is no minor prize. Tucked deep beneath Arizona’s Tonto National Forest, the mine holds what’s believed to be the third-largest copper deposit on Earth. If brought online, it could supply 25% of U.S. copper demand for decades—a critical win in a world marching headlong into electrification, AI hardware, EVs, and renewable energy.

Yet since the early 2000s, this project has been stuck in slow-motion—a labyrinth of environmental reviews, legislative wrangling, tribal legal challenges, and shifting political tides.

Yes, mining must be done responsibly. Yes, communities deserve a voice. But what we’ve witnessed here is something else entirely: a cautionary tale of policy paralysis and bureaucratic stagnation.

Oak Flat: Sacred Ground, or Stalled Progress?

At the center of the controversy is Oak Flat, known to the Western Apache as Chi’chil Biłdagoteel. It’s sacred land. And that’s not metaphorical—Apache Stronghold has argued passionately and consistently that mining operations would obliterate a ceremonial site tied to generations of cultural and spiritual practice.

Their legal case, filed in 2021, invoked religious freedom and treaty rights, even citing an 1852 federal agreement promising protection and prosperity to Apache lands. Lower courts sided with the government, citing Congress’s 2014 defense spending bill, which included a provision for the land swap that enabled the project. That bill—quietly signed by President Obama—was the bureaucratic key that opened the door for mining.

But the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case signals the end of the legal line. With that, the mine’s developers—Rio Tinto and BHP—can move forward. The U.S. Forest Service is expected to reissue the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as soon as June 16.

$2 Billion Invested. Zero Pounds of Copper Mined.

It’s worth stating plainly: over $2 billion has already been sunk into Resolution Copper, and not a single pound has made it to market. Let that sink in.

For perspective, that’s enough to build three medium-sized uranium mills, fund 100 junior exploration programs, or pay for an entire domestic supply chain initiative. Instead, it’s just the cost of waiting.

In a world where China streamlines mining permits in months, and resource-rich nations in Africa are fast becoming the new frontiers for copper giants, the U.S. cannot afford 20-year approval cycles.

If we want energy security, technological independence, and real momentum toward a low-carbon economy, we need permitting reform that preserves environmental and cultural values without stalling progress into geological purgatory.

The Bigger Picture: America’s Mineral Awakening

Resolution is just one battle in a much larger resource war. The U.S. needs copper, uranium, lithium, REEs, and graphite—not just to decarbonize but to defend, to manufacture, to compete. And yet, we’ve allowed a thousand roadblocks to rise: overlapping jurisdictions, lawsuits without end, missing timelines, and agencies afraid to make a decision.

Rio Tinto knows this. That’s why they’ve hedged their bets: expanding into Peru with La Granja, going full-speed underground in Mongolia with Oyu Tolgoi, and investing in next-gen leaching tech like Nuton to squeeze copper from the margins.

If America wants to be a leader in this new mineral age, it must not just produce—it must permit. Not recklessly, but responsibly and resolutely.

Let’s Talk:
- What lessons can we take from Resolution Copper’s permitting saga?
- Should sacred lands be permanently protected from development, even when national resource needs are at stake?
- What would a just, streamlined permitting process actually look like in the U.S.?
- Is the real battle over minerals—or over who gets to decide?
Let’s open the floor. The future is underground—but we’ve got to start digging smarter.
“Unleashing American Energy”, Trump Day 1 Executive Order – What’s up?!

January 22nd, 2025

On January 20th, 2025 Pres. Donald Trump signed a flurry of executive orders and directives to rollback many of the Biden-era’s policies. The recent executive order titled “Unleashing American Energy” aims to significantly boost domestic energy production across various sectors. A key focus lies on streamlining regulations and accelerating the development of critical minerals and nuclear energy resources. This strategy has the potential to fuel a nuclear renaissance, enhancing energy security and independence for the United States.

The order recognizes the critical role of critical minerals in modern technology, from renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels to advanced manufacturing and defense applications. By prioritizing domestic mining and processing of these minerals, the United States aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, many of which are located in geopolitically unstable regions. This move strengthens supply chains, enhances national security, and supports the growth of key industries.

Furthermore, the order emphasizes the importance of nuclear energy as a reliable, carbon-free source of electricity. The United States possesses vast uranium reserves and advanced nuclear technology, making it well-positioned to lead in this sector. By streamlining the licensing and permitting processes for new nuclear power plants and supporting research and development in advanced reactor technologies, the order seeks to revitalize the nuclear industry. This could lead to a significant increase in nuclear power generation, providing a stable and abundant source of electricity while reducing carbon emissions.

A nuclear renaissance would have profound implications. It would enhance energy security by diversifying the nation’s energy mix and reducing dependence on volatile global energy markets. Additionally, it would contribute significantly to decarbonization efforts, aligning with national climate goals. Furthermore, a revitalized nuclear industry would create high-skilled jobs and stimulate economic growth in related sectors.

However, the successful implementation of this executive order will depend on several factors. Addressing public concerns about nuclear safety and waste disposal will be crucial. Continued investment in research and development of advanced reactor technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), is essential to improve safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Finally, fostering international cooperation on nuclear energy technologies and ensuring the responsible use of nuclear materials will be vital for long-term success.

In conclusion, the “Unleashing American Energy” executive order presents a significant opportunity to bolster domestic energy production, enhance national security, and advance climate goals. By prioritizing the development of critical minerals and nuclear energy resources, the United States can pave the way for a nuclear renaissance, ensuring a reliable, clean, and abundant energy future