Senior Democratic lawmakers have called on the US Treasury to scrutinize the transfer of federally owned land in Arizona to a foreign mining company. They expressed concerns about potential national security risks due to the company’s ties with China and its proximity to sensitive military installations. The lawmakers emphasized the need for a review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) regarding the transfer of thousands of acres of US Forest Service land to Resolution Copper Mining, LLC.
The legislators pointed out that the land transfer would place a significant amount of copper and other critical minerals under the control of a company with strong connections to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Resolution Copper is owned by major global mining firms BHP and Rio Tinto, both of which have substantial commercial relationships with China. The lawmakers highlighted that these mining giants derive a significant portion of their revenue from exporting minerals to China.
Moreover, the lawmakers raised concerns about the site, known as Oak Flat, being situated within 100 miles of Luke Air Force Base, a crucial US military training facility. They stressed that such proximity could pose risks under federal regulations governing foreign investment near defense installations. The lawmakers urged CFIUS to conduct a review considering the strategic importance of copper to US national security and the potential vulnerabilities that could arise from the planned mining operations.
In addition, the legislators pointed out the extensive infrastructure that would be involved in the mining operations, including tunnels, transport routes, and electrical systems. They cautioned that such infrastructure developments could heighten vulnerabilities in a region of strategic importance. The lawmakers also highlighted the economic significance of copper, designated as a critical mineral by the US Geological Survey, due to its essential role in manufacturing and power infrastructure.
