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Press Release

Land Exchange Unleashes American Copper Resources

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 17, 2026 | Committee Press Office (202-225-2761)

This week, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced a Record of Decision authorizing a land exchange with Resolution Copper Mining, LLC, as required by the FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act and the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act. 

“Twelve years later, in a win for our mineral and national security, the Resolution Copper land exchange is complete. At a time when domestic mineral demand is expected to skyrocket, this critical project will secure the United States’ copper supply chains and reduce our, as well as that of our allies’, dependence on foreign adversaries for our mineral needs.” – House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)

“The Ninth Circuit has reaffirmed what Congress already decided: the Resolution Copper land exchange must move forward. This project was authorized by Congress over a decade ago, and the courts have now rejected another attempt to block it. Developing the Resolution Copper mine will strengthen America’s domestic supply of critical minerals, support thousands of good-paying jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign adversaries for copper needed in everything from national defense to modern infrastructure. After years of delays and lawsuits, it’s time to move forward.” – U.S. Representative Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.)