Resolution Copper: Supreme Court Greenlight Ignites Copper's Next Bull Run – Act Now Before the Rush Begins

The U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to intervene in Apache Stronghold v. United States (No. 24-291) in early 2025 has removed the final major legal obstacle to the $8.3 billion Resolution Copper Mine, a project poised to redefine America's strategic mineral independence. This decision, marking a definitive victory for Rio Tinto (RIO) and BHP (BHP), transforms the mine from a high-risk legal battleground into a near-term catalyst for copper production—and investors who act now stand to capitalize on a confluence of rising demand, geopolitical urgency, and regulatory clarity.

The Legal Barrier Is Gone—Resolution Copper's Timeline Is Now Clear

The Supreme Court's denial of certiorari (a 6–3 decision with scathing dissents from Justices Gorsuch and Thomas) upheld lower court rulings that the Oak Flat land transfer to Resolution Copper does not violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) or the First Amendment. This clears the way for the mine to proceed as planned, with production expected to begin by 2028. The project's 100-year copper reserves—estimated at 1.7 billion pounds annually, or 25% of U.S. current demand—are now positioned to become a cornerstone of domestic supply, reducing reliance on imports from China and Chile.

Why Copper's Bull Market Is Here to Stay—and Resolution Copper Will Lead It

The global copper deficit is widening, with demand for EVs, solar panels, and grid infrastructure surging. The International Energy Agency estimates that renewable energy systems will require 2,000% more copper by 2040 than current production levels. Resolution Copper, the largest undeveloped copper project in the U.S., is uniquely positioned to fill this gap:

• Strategic Scale: At full capacity, it will produce 1.7 billion pounds of copper annually—equivalent to 40% of U.S. domestic production today—and contain critical cobalt and molybdenum reserves.
• Geopolitical Imperative: The U.S. currently imports 70% of its copper. Resolution Copper's output would slash reliance on politically volatile suppliers like China and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Near-Term Catalysts: With regulatory hurdles resolved, construction timelines could accelerate. The Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) also offers tax credits for U.S. mineral projects, further incentivizing development.

Rio Tinto's shares have risen 18% since the Supreme Court ruling, reflecting investor confidence in the project's viability.

The Regulatory Risk Is Gone—Focus Now Shifts to Profits

The Supreme Court's decision eliminates the project's most significant risk: the threat of prolonged litigation over Oak Flat's cultural significance. Apache Stronghold's legal challenges, which had delayed the project for years, are now exhausted. The mine's environmental permits, finalized in 2021, remain intact, and the Biden administration has reaffirmed support for domestic mineral production under the Critical Minerals Strategy.

Geopolitical Mineral Security: A Political and Investor Darling

Resolution Copper's alignment with U.S. national security priorities cannot be overstated. In a world where China controls 60% of global lithium refining and 50% of rare earth processing, the U.S. is aggressively prioritizing domestic mineral projects. The mine's approval under the Trump administration and Biden's sustained backing underscores its bipartisan appeal—a rarity in today's polarized political climate.

The Bottom Line: Act Now—This Is a Once-in-a-Decade Opportunity

Resolution Copper's path to production is now unimpeded, and the timing could not be better:

• Copper Prices: The red metal's price is up 25% year-to-date amid supply disruptions in Peru and political tensions in Chile.
• IRA Incentives: Tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act could reduce Resolution Copper's capital costs by up to $1 billion.
• Long-Duration Value: With a 100-year reserve life, the mine offers exposure to a secular copper bull market.

Analysts project copper prices to reach $5.50/lb by 2027—up 40% from current levels—as demand outpaces supply.

Final Call to Action: Buy Rio Tinto or BHP—This Is a Game-Changer

The Supreme Court's greenlight has transformed Resolution Copper from a legal liability into a profit engine. For investors, this is a rare chance to bet on a project that:
1. Dominates a strategic commodity critical to the global energy transition.
2. Benefits from geopolitical tailwinds driving U.S. mineral independence.
3. Offers a clear, near-term earnings catalyst with 2028 production timelines.

Act now—before the rush begins.

Disclosure: This article is for informational purposes only and not a recommendation to buy or sell securities. Investors should conduct their own due diligence.