Rio Tinto Calls for Faster U.S. Copper Mine Permitting
Rio Tinto's Chief Commercial Officer, Bold Baatar, has urged U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration to prioritize expediting the permitting process for critical mining projects, like the stalled Resolution copper mine in Arizona. According to Baatar, this move is essential to ensure a sufficient supply of copper, a key material needed for the energy transition.
Resolution Copper Mine and Its Importance
Rio Tinto, in partnership with BHP Group, is developing the Resolution copper mine, which has the potential to supply more than 25% of the U.S.’s domestic copper demand. However, mining projects globally are often delayed for years due to lengthy permitting processes, Baatar explained during a speech at the Financial Times commodity summit in Singapore.
The Resolution mine's development has been halted by legal challenges, particularly from Native American groups. These groups oppose the project because it threatens a sacred site for the San Carlos Apache tribe. The new administration’s stance on the mine could determine whether development progresses or remains in legal limbo.
Rio Tinto's Commitment and Future Plans
Baatar emphasized that Rio Tinto is committed to working with Native American communities to address their concerns. Meanwhile, the company is focusing on expanding its presence in Argentina, particularly through the Rincon lithium project and its $6.7 billion acquisition of Arcadium Lithium.
Shifting Market Demands for Iron Ore and Lithium
As for Rio’s core business, Baatar highlighted the rising demand for higher-grade iron ore in China, driven by the energy transition and the growing electric vehicle sector. This demand is helping to offset the decline in housing sector steel consumption.


ANZ Faces Legal Battle as Former CEO Shayne Elliott Sues Over A$13.5 Million Bonus Dispute
China Adds Domestic AI Chips to Government Procurement List as U.S. Considers Easing Nvidia Export Curbs
Coca-Cola’s Proposed Sale of Costa Coffee Faces Uncertainty Amid Price Dispute
Apple App Store Injunction Largely Upheld as Appeals Court Rules on Epic Games Case
Nvidia Develops New Location-Verification Technology for AI Chips
SpaceX Begins IPO Preparations as Wall Street Banks Line Up for Advisory Roles
Trello Outage Disrupts Users as Access Issues Hit Atlassian’s Work Management Platform
SK Hynix Considers U.S. ADR Listing to Boost Shareholder Value Amid Rising AI Chip Demand
Mizuho Raises Broadcom Price Target to $450 on Surging AI Chip Demand
Evercore Reaffirms Alphabet’s Search Dominance as AI Competition Intensifies
Rio Tinto Signs Interim Agreement With Yinhawangka Aboriginal Group Over Pilbara Mining Operations
Coca-Cola’s Costa Coffee Sale Faces Uncertainty as Talks With TDR Capital Hit Snag
JD.com Pledges 22 Billion Yuan Housing Support for Couriers as China’s Instant Retail Competition Heats Up
United Airlines Tokyo-Bound Flight Returns to Dulles After Engine Failure
SpaceX Insider Share Sale Values Company Near $800 Billion Amid IPO Speculation
Air Force One Delivery Delayed to 2028 as Boeing Faces Rising Costs 



