CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — President Donald Trump is making significant strides in fulfilling the U.S. mining industry’s key objectives by spotlighting one metal as the focal point of his domestic minerals policy: copper. From discussions about acquiring Greenland and its rich mineral resources to urging Ukraine for minerals in exchange for assistance against Russia’s invasion, Trump has prioritized the essential raw materials of modern society in his foreign policy initiatives. In a move aimed at boosting the domestic copper industry, Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday that calls for an evaluation of the national security implications of copper imports and the consideration of tariffs as a potential response.
“The United States possesses abundant copper reserves; however, our smelting and refining capacity significantly lags behind global competitors,” states the order. This development could herald a new era for U.S. copper mining but also raises concerns for environmental organizations opposing projects like the halted Twin Metals endeavor near the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota, a pristine wilderness area on the U.S.-Canada border.
Ingrid Lyons, executive director of the Save the Boundary Waters group, expressed her apprehension about the potential trade-offs involved, stating, “The White House acknowledges that America has ‘ample supplies’ of copper. Sacrificing a priceless national treasure for a meager amount of copper is unwarranted and hazardous.”
Copper’s Vital Role
Copper holds immense importance comparable to lithium, cobalt, and rare-earth elements in various technological applications such as rechargeable batteries, electronics, and energy infrastructure. Being essential for electrical conductivity, copper is indispensable for transmitting power through cords and lines that connect devices to electricity sources.
Debra Struhsacker, a mining industry policy consultant, emphasized the critical nature of copper, saying, “Copper is the most vital metal as it is the electricity metal. The demand for electricity is projected to remain high, and copper is crucial for meeting that demand.”
Challenges and Opportunities
While the U.S. mined approximately 1.1 million tons of copper in 2024 and exported about one-third of that in raw form, the nation imported 810,000 tons of refined copper, primarily from countries like Chile, Canada, Mexico, and Peru. China, the leading global copper refiner, plays a significant role in the market.
Despite fluctuations in U.S. copper use, imports, and exports over the years, the deficiency in smelting compared to domestic mining output remains a consistent issue. The executive order reflects a strategic approach to address this gap and enhance the nation’s copper production capabilities.
Looking Ahead
As the demand for copper escalates due to the construction of infrastructure like transmission lines and the manufacturing of renewable energy technologies, the U.S. aims to bolster its position as a key player in the global copper market. With projections indicating a doubling of global demand by 2030, initiatives like Trump’s executive order
“The president of the National Mining Association, Rich Nolan, highlighted the strong support of American mining and miners for the current administration. However, several copper projects have encountered delays. The association’s key focuses include the contentious Twin Metals mine in Minnesota, facing opposition due to environmental concerns, and the NewRange Copper Nickel mine, which is undergoing redesign efforts to enhance its environmental and cost efficiency.
Another project in the spotlight is the Resolution Copper venture in Arizona, embroiled in a conflict between local economic interests and indigenous communities who view the land as sacred. Additionally, the planned Copper World mine in Southern Arizona, formerly known as the Rosemont mine, has been held up by legal challenges restricting mining practices.
These projects, spearheaded by foreign companies like Hudbay Minerals Inc. based in Toronto, Canada, are crucial to the industry’s growth. However, some mines are not operating at full capacity, prompting calls for a national strategy to balance production levels and environmental protection. Rob Peters, from Save the Scenic Santa Ritas group, advocates for a more coordinated approach to mining operations to safeguard public health and the environment.
Arizona, once a leading copper producer, now ranks fifth globally. Industry experts like Struhsacker emphasize the need for streamlined permitting processes to boost mine development. President Trump’s executive orders aim to address these challenges and revitalize the mining sector.”
