A proposed copper mining project on federal land in Arizona has ignited a firestorm in Washington, with senators from both parties raising red flags over Chinese connections. Four top Democrats, including Rep. Maxine Waters, urged Treasury chief Scott Bessent to activate the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) for a probe.
Resolution Copper, owned by BHP and Rio Tinto, stands to gain control of Oak Flat, home to massive undeveloped copper reserves. These firms derive substantial revenue from mineral exports to China, and Rio Tinto’s top stakeholder is a Beijing-backed entity—a combo senators deem too risky.
Proximity to national security assets amplifies the threat. Oak Flat sits near Luke Air Force Base, and planned underground operations could introduce vulnerabilities through shafts, roads, and utilities. Future hypersonic weapons testing nearby adds urgency.
Beyond defense, economic sovereignty hangs in the balance. Copper fuels everything from EVs to defense tech, classified as critical by federal experts. Yet, extracted metal could ship straight to China without domestic beneficiation requirements.
Republicans piled on, criticizing lax oversight of U.S.-China research collaborations that allegedly funnel IP to adversaries. This bipartisan outcry signals a pivotal moment in U.S. efforts to reclaim control over essential resources from foreign influence.
