The writing is on the wall, and it’s written in copper-colored ink: copper demand will outstrip supply within the next decade. Not great news, considering clean energy transition goals will require 115% more copper to be mined over the next 30 years than has been mined throughout history, according to EY Americas. With Arizona producing a large share of this precious commodity, mining operations are accelerating innovation, investment and production strategies to meet growing demand for copper.

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Arizona’s growing role in U.S. copper production

Arizona produces about 70% of the nation’s copper, and projects like Florence Copper and Resolution Copper will further strengthen national supply chains.

“Over its 22-year operating life, Florence Copper is expected to produce 1.5 billion pounds of copper, with a production capacity of 85 million pounds per year when fully operational and $4.3 billion in economic impact,” says Sophie Dessart, manager of communications and public affairs at Florence Copper, “positioning the project to become the third-largest copper cathode producer in the U.S.”

Tyson Nansel, principal advisor of communications and corporate affairs for the copper group at Resolution Copper, explains that once in operation, the Resolution mine could supply up to one-quarter of the nation’s copper demand, delivering vital fuel for American innovation and economic growth.

“We have the potential to produce the entire projected global copper need for wind and solar power generation over the life of the mine,” he says. “We also have the potential to support the manufacturing of almost 220 million electric vehicle batteries, or nearly half of the projected global supply, by 2040.”

Meeting clean energy demand with home-grown copper

Nansel zeros in on a vital issue: rapidly growing clean energy needs. Copper is an essential component in mobile devices, medical equipment, and clean energy technologies, and demand is growing worldwide.

“The World Bank estimates global copper demand could rise by 200% by 2050,” he says. “Having a steady home-grown copper supply will be a competitive advantage for U.S. manufacturing companies with American copper from Resolution Copper.”

National security and the push for domestic supply

Domestic copper production isn’t only vital in terms of supporting the clean energy transition. As of now, the U.S. remains roughly 50% dependent on foreign suppliers, bringing about national security concerns. 

According to the White House, “This dominance, coupled with global overcapacity and a single producer’s control of world supply chains, poses a direct threat to U.S. national security and economic stability.”

Mining innovation reduces environmental impacts

Amid securing copper to meet growing green energy and national security requirements, Arizona’s copper mines must also balance and prioritize environmental stewardship.

“Florence Copper’s in-situ recovery method is forecast to produce 75% fewer carbon emissions, use 65% less energy, and consume 78% less water per pound of copper produced,” Dessart says, “making it one of the lowest-intensity copper producers in the world.”

Technology and AI are transforming copper mining

The advent of modern mining practices, new technologies, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the game in mining operations and environmental responsibility, mitigating pollution risks and other environmental hazards.

“As regulations and accepted science evolve, so do our environmental-management methods,” Nansel says. “We are committed to understanding and mitigating the impacts our operations may have on the environment, starting before the mine is in production through post-closure.”

In closing, Nansel adds, “It’s an exciting time to be in mining, especially here in Arizona. In many ways, our state is serving as a testbed for advanced mining technologies that will improve productivity while mitigating the impacts our operations may have on the environment.”