#United States #copper mining #Resolution Copper #Superior, Arizona #No. 9 Shaft

Achievement in Mining: No. 9 Shaft Rehabilitation

Resolution Copper has proudly announced an important milestone in the mining industry with the recent completion of its No. 9 Shaft rehabilitation and deepening project. This initiative, costing approximately $200 million, showcases the dedication and skill of a team committed to revitalizing one of the country's crucial sources of copper and other essential minerals.

Originally built in 1971 by the Magma Copper Company in Oak Flat, the No. 9 Shaft served as a production point until the mid-1990s. Following extensive rehabilitation, this shaft has been deepened to an impressive final depth of 6,898 feet, equivalent to nearly five Empire State Buildings stacked one on top of the other, and is now 22 feet in diameter. Notably, it stands as the second-deepest single lift mine shaft in the United States, just behind Resolution Copper’s own No. 10 Shaft, which extends 6,943 feet deep.

The revitalized No. 9 Shaft now plays an integral role by connecting with the No. 10 Shaft, providing both ventilation and access for future underground developments. These interconnected mining workings form the infrastructure foundational to the next phase of the project's underground operations, setting the stage for increased copper production vital to strengthening the domestic supply chain of this critical mineral.

Vicky Peacey, President and General Manager of Resolution Copper, emphasized the achievement as a monumental milestone, attributing it to the expertise and commitment of both the underground team and construction partners. She highlighted that the completion of No. 9 Shaft is not merely an operational accomplishment but is symbolic of the thriving collaboration among American miners and local communities, including Superior, Miami, Globe, and the San Carlos Apache Tribe. Peacey underscored the potential economic benefits of the copper project, which is poised to create thousands of well-paying jobs and stimulate economic development across rural Arizona.

While ongoing litigation poses challenges and delays to the project's progress, Peacey expressed optimism, stating that once these legal obstacles are resolved, the project can advance, bringing significant advantages to Arizona and the wider nation.

A significant aspect to note is the safety record achieved during the shaft-sinking project. Resolution Copper successfully completed two consecutive years without any medical injuries or lost-time incidents, reinforcing its commitment to safety. During the project timeline, crews drilled an astounding 14,500 feet, poured over 560 cubic yards of concrete, and installed nearly 140 yards of shotcrete, demonstrating both capability and dedication to safe working practices.

Rob Tobin, Operations and Maintenance Manager at Resolution Copper, lauded the success as a reflection of years of meticulous planning and teamwork. He noted that achieving the goals safely, particularly over two years without any recordable injuries, is a testament to the professionalism of all involved.

The project's lead contractor, Redpath USA, managed the sinking and construction phases. Their collaboration with local contractor Oddonetto Construction, based in Globe, proved vital in ensuring efficient logistics and safety performance. Redpath USA's Project Manager, Eric Stoll, expressed pride in the innovative solutions developed in partnership with Resolution Copper, emphasizing the strong safety performance achieved throughout the project.

Kim Oddonetto, President of Oddonetto Construction, also recognized the successful combination of local and national partnership efforts. She stated that such projects not only highlight the importance of skilled training but also foster community development, paving the way for a robust workforce ready to meet the future demands of Arizona's mining industry.

In summary, the completion of the No. 9 Shaft project is more than just a technical achievement; it represents a collaborative victory for local communities and the mining sector. As Resolution Copper continues to advance, it holds the promise of bolstering not just local, but also national economic stability and independence in critical mineral supply.

About Resolution Copper

Resolution Copper is the leading copper mining company based in Arizona. The Resolution Copper Project operates under the auspices of Resolution Copper Mining, a joint venture seeing major participation from Resolution Copper Company, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto PLC, and BHP Copper Inc., a subsidiary of BHP PLC.

About Redpath USA Corporation

Redpath USA Corporation is an established full-service underground mining contractor with extensive expertise in lateral development, shaft sinking, and more, contributing significantly to global mining endeavors for over six decades.

About Oddonetto Construction Inc.

Oddonetto Construction, a minority- and woman-majority-owned General Contractor, has been serving Arizona for over 40 years, emphasizing quality construction and a steadfast commitment to safety.