Resolution Copper Mining

Possibly the largest copper deposit in the world

The Resolution Project is a joint venture between Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton. Managed by Rio Tinto, the site is located three miles east of Superior, Arizona, US in the historic Pioneer Mining District.

Exploration conducted between 2001 and 2003 indicates the presence of what may be one of the largest copper resources ever found in North America and possibly worldwide. This deposit is very deep (over one mile below the surface), very hot (up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit), and is situated in an environment where ground pressure exceeds rock
strength.

The project, which is still at the feasibility stage, comprises two sites. The West Plant site is the original location of the mining and smelting activities of the historic Magma mine and is today the focus
of reclamation efforts. The East Plant or project study site, located
at the Magma mine's #9 shaft, is the focus of future mining
development.

The site will be mined using the block caving technique whereby a cave is created beneath the orebody and the ceiling blasted to bring down the ore.

The project will be completely underground and there will be no onsite smelting or refining.