BHP and Rio Tinto Seek Trump's Support Amid Copper Mine Setback

Mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto seek Trump's support after a US court ruling stalls their Arizona copper project. The setback has pushed the companies to lobby Trump as they look to keep the project on track. BHP stock has declined by 1% in pre-market trading, while RIO has fallen by 0.64%. Analysts rate RIO stock as a Moderate Buy, while BHP carries a Hold rating.

Mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto are seeking the support of U.S. President Donald Trump after a U.S. court ruling temporarily blocked a land transfer essential for their Arizona copper project. The setback has prompted the companies to lobby Trump as they look to keep the project on track.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary restraining order on Monday, halting a land transfer needed by the companies to develop the Resolution Copper mine. The court is considering challenges brought by opponents, including the San Carlos Apache Tribe, which seeks to block the project over religious, cultural, and environmental reasons [1].

Following the ruling, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to criticize the decision. He described the court as a "radical left court" and accused opponents of being "Anti-American" and representing other copper-competitive countries [1].

The Arizona copper project is a joint venture between Rio Tinto and BHP, with Rio Tinto owning 55% and BHP owning 45% of the project. The project is estimated to supply as much as 25% of current U.S. demand for copper, making it one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in the world [1].

The setback has led to a decline in stock prices for both companies. BHP stock has declined by 1% in pre-market trading, while Rio Tinto's stock has fallen by 0.64% [2]. Analysts rate Rio Tinto's stock as a Moderate Buy, while BHP carries a Hold rating [2].

BHP CEO Mike Henry thanked Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for their support, stating that the meeting underscored the company's commitment to developing the Resolution Copper project [1].

The companies have been trying to develop the Arizona copper project for roughly two decades, but the procedures have been beset by legal issues. The project is a proposed underground mine located roughly 60 miles east of Phoenix, near the town of Superior [1].

The ruling has sparked a debate over the balance between economic development and environmental and cultural preservation. The San Carlos Apache Tribe has argued that the planned mine will destroy a sacred area, decimating the environment and threatening water rights [1].

The companies have expressed confidence that the court will ultimately affirm the necessary land transfer, describing the ruling as "merely a temporary pause" [1].

References:
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/20/copper-trump-slams-anti-american-pushback-over-arizona-project.html
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4487265-trump-slams-court-ruling-blocking-land-transfer-for-rio-tinto-bhp-copper-project-in-arizona