Arizona Lawmaker Pushes for Action on Long-Delayed Copper Mine

Representative Walt Blackman, Chairman of the Arizona House Government Committee, is calling on the U.S. Forest Service to move forward with final approval of the long-awaited Resolution Copper project, citing the potential for transformative economic growth and high-wage job creation across Arizona’s Copper Corridor and District 7.

In a formal letter sent to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Rep. Blackman expressed strong support for the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) recently completed by the agency. The FEIS, which marks a significant milestone in the project’s multi-year review process, is the product of over a decade of environmental assessments, consultations, and public input. Blackman is urging the federal agency to finalize the land exchange authorized by Congress in 2015—an action that would pave the way for full development of the copper mining operation near Superior, Arizona.

“The Resolution Copper project is a rare opportunity to strengthen Arizona’s economy—especially in the historic Copper Corridor and across District 7,” said Rep. Blackman. “It will bring high-wage jobs, critical infrastructure investments, and lasting economic support for local businesses.”

With average mining wages in Arizona surpassing $100,000 per year, the project promises to deliver substantial benefits for working families and communities across the region. Thousands of construction jobs are anticipated during the initial development phase, followed by long-term employment through mining operations that could extend for decades.

The Resolution Copper project is one of the largest undeveloped copper deposits in the world, and its development has been closely followed at the state and federal levels. The land exchange required to facilitate mining activities was approved by Congress as part of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, but the final implementation has been delayed by extended environmental review and ongoing stakeholder engagement.

Now, with the FEIS complete, Rep. Blackman believes the project is ready to move forward—and that any additional delay would stall critical economic development for rural Arizona.

“The community is behind this effort, and the company has taken real steps to be a responsible and collaborative partner,” he noted.

Indeed, more than 23 local organizations have signed Good Neighbor Agreements with Resolution Copper, signaling strong regional support and laying the groundwork for ongoing collaboration and accountability. These agreements represent commitments to responsible development, environmental stewardship, and long-term investment in local communities.

Blackman emphasized that tribal governments, community leaders, and stakeholders have had ample opportunity to weigh in throughout the FEIS process. While the project has not been without controversy—particularly among some tribal groups concerned about cultural and environmental impacts—the representative acknowledged the extensive efforts made to engage and consult with all parties involved.

“Resolution Copper has made a genuine effort to work with the community and earn local support—truly being a good neighbor,” said Rep. Blackman. “This project is ready to move forward, and it’s time it does. I urge the Forest Service to act without further delay.”

The Resolution Copper site sits in a region with deep ties to Arizona’s mining legacy. Supporters of the project believe it can serve as a catalyst for revitalization in rural areas that have long relied on mining as an economic backbone. With demand for copper continuing to rise due to its use in electronics, clean energy technologies, and national infrastructure projects, proponents argue that domestic production is both a strategic and economic imperative.

Blackman emphasized that tribal governments, community leaders, and stakeholders have had ample opportunity to weigh in throughout the FEIS process. While the project has not been without controversy—particularly among some tribal groups concerned about cultural and environmental impacts—the representative acknowledged the extensive efforts made to engage and consult with all parties involved.

“Resolution Copper has made a genuine effort to work with the community and earn local support—truly being a good neighbor,” Blackman said. “This project is ready to move forward, and it’s time it does.”

As federal officials weigh their next steps, Blackman’s message is clear: the groundwork has been laid, the community is on board, and Arizona is ready to seize a major economic opportunity. Now, he says, it’s time for Washington to act.