Resolution Copper has awarded approximately US$110 million in contracts to Major Drilling America Inc. and Redpath USA Corporation to drive exploration and underground development at the proposed Resolution Copper mine in Arizona.

The awards form part of an initial US$500 million investment program launched following the completion of the Final Environmental Impact Statement process, Record of Decision and land exchange earlier this year. The 55:45 joint venture between Rio Tinto and BHP is positioned to supply up to 25 percent of United States copper demand for decades.

Major Drilling America has secured a two-and-a-half-year contract to execute deep-hole directional diamond core drilling from both the surface and approximately 6,800 feet underground. The program deploys four high-capacity surface core rigs from Boart Longyear, including two LF-350 units already on site and two next-generation LF-300 rigs scheduled for delivery by the end of the year.

Redpath USA Corporation has been contracted to begin the first phase of underground development. The scope covers converting two existing 7,000-foot-deep shafts to development configuration, installing new structural steel, and building a new mine station approximately 6,800 feet below ground with around 1,500 feet of tunnels, truck and drill bays, and a maintenance shop. Procurement includes a production drill and two Caterpillar loaders via Empire CAT.

“Federal action is translating into tangible progress at Resolution Copper. Completion of the FEIS process and land exchange has enabled us to move quickly into this next phase, with approximately $110 million in contracts now awarded to American companies for drilling and underground development. This is a major early commitment within our broader $500 million investment program, and we appreciate the Trump Administration prioritizing domestic mineral development and helping move this nationally significant project forward.”

— Vicky Peacey, President and General Manager

The construction and exploration contracts are expected to support 100 new full-time positions at Resolution Copper, alongside additional hiring by the contracting firms. Recruitment is currently underway for the first 50 operational, engineering and trade roles.

The developments coincide with broader portfolio initiatives. On July 29, 2026, Resolution Copper established a $54 million perpetual Tribal Trust to provide annual funding to eleven Tribal Nations across Arizona and New Mexico.

Copper traded at US$0.41 per pound on August 7, 2026, reflecting a 7.61% increase over the preceding 30-day period. A final investment decision for the project remains subject to further data collection, state permits and partner approvals.

Read the full announcement: Resolution Copper awards $110 million in US contracts to advance underground mine