Rio Tinto eyes greater U.S. copper investments amid Trump tariffs, emphasizing domestic supply growth and critical mineral security initiatives.
Rio Tinto has expressed a strong interest in expanding its copper mining operations within the United States, particularly in light of former President Donald Trump's proposed 50% tariffs on copper imports. The global mining giant views these protectionist measures as a strategic incentive to invest more heavily in American copper, a metal deemed critical for manufacturing, energy infrastructure, and national security.
Katie Jackson, Rio Tinto's CEO for copper, stated in an email that there is growing acknowledgment within the U.S. government of the importance of securing domestic sources of copper and other key minerals. These resources are vital for sustaining industries such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, construction, and consumer electronics. "We have a strong desire to invest more in American copper and we see significant opportunities to grow our business in the United States," Jackson said.
While the proposed tariffs aim to reduce dependency on foreign imports and strengthen domestic supply chains, they could also have widespread cost implications for multiple sectors of the U.S. economy that rely on copper. This includes industries like housing, automotive manufacturing, and technology. Despite this, Rio Tinto appears to view the political environment as favorable for long-term investment, particularly given the federal push to secure critical minerals.
Although Rio Tinto has not disclosed specific figures regarding its future investment plans in the U.S., the company remains encouraged by recent legal developments that may expedite project approvals. A notable example is the Resolution copper mine project in Arizona, a joint venture between Rio Tinto (which owns 55%) and BHP Group (holding the remaining 45%). The project recently cleared a major hurdle when the U.S. Supreme Court issued a favorable ruling, paving the way for it to move forward after years of delays.
If developed successfully, the Resolution mine has the potential to become the largest copper mine in North America, significantly boosting domestic output. This would align with broader national goals to build a self-reliant supply of critical minerals.
In addition to its prospective projects, Rio Tinto already operates a major copper smelting facility in the U.S.—one of only two such facilities in the country—through its Kennecott operations located in Utah. This existing footprint provides a foundation for further scaling operations as U.S. policy shifts toward promoting local production.
While analysts caution that bureaucratic hurdles, permitting delays, and legal challenges still pose risks to rapid development, Rio Tinto’s renewed interest highlights the strategic value of U.S. copper resources in an increasingly protectionist and resource-secure global market.
