Partnering for Success

Resolution Copper's partnerships enable us to offer unique solutions to challenges in the areas of environmental, economic and social well-being. Whether sponsoring an after-school environmental club for Superior students or supporting regional economic development, we view partnerships as an integral part of the way we work within the community.

Progress is made possible by partnering with the following civic, environmental, educational, regional and state organizations:

• Audubon Arizona show/hide
  
  RCM and Audubon Arizona partner on initiatives to support bird conservation across Arizona. This includes designation of Important Bird Areas – areas that have tremendous value to birds for wintering, foraging, or nesting.
  
  Resolution Copper's partnership with this government agency is furthering community development programs across Superior and the Copper Triangle region. Projects include bringing low-cost, high-speed wireless Internet access to the Greater Superior area; transforming a historic caboose into the downtown Superior Visitors Center; and participating in/supporting a range of local initiatives focused on tourism and workforce development.
   
• Arizona State University (ASU) show/hide
  
  ASU and Resolution Copper are partnering for a third year in a hands-on science and math program that will build student capacity and interest in these areas.
   
• Arizona Trail Association show/hide
  
  Resolution Copper and the Arizona Trail Association partner on the Copper Butte Project, developing one of the last unfinished sections of 800+-mile trail that connects the state's north and south borders. This five-year partnership began in 2005 and includes a match from the Arizona Trail Association in the form of volunteer labor and administrative coordination among all partners. Resolution Copper employees and contractors volunteer time to trail building each year.
   
• Boyce Thompson Arboretum show/hide
  
  Resolution Copper's partnership with Boyce Thompson Arboretum includes financial and human resources support. The partnership enables students to visit the arboretum annually, and includes an annual International Migratory Bird Day celebration.
   
• The Nature Conservancy show/hide
  
  RCM and The Nature Conservancy partner to manage 7B Ranch, which will be given to the federal government as part of proposed land exchange. As partners, we also consult and collaborate with private landowners on conservation issues affecting the Lower San Pedro River.
   
• Town of Superior show/hide
  
  RCM partners with the Town of Superior in a number of ways that positively impact community development and economic diversification. RCM employees also volunteer their time to support local initiatives.
   
• University of Arizona (U of A) show/hide
  
  Resolution Copper provides support for a graduate student and for university mine design and geomechanics classes. RCM staff serve as guest lecturers and host Resolution Copper site tours for mining engineering students. The company and the university also coordinate on Mine Rescue Team training and are collaborating on projects with team members in the Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences. Resolution Copper’s president serves on the Industry Advisory Board for the university’s College of Mining and Geological Engineering. RCM also works in concert with the university on internships, scholarships and recruitment opportunities.
  
  Resolution Copper has joined 14 other mining companies, the Science Foundation Arizona and the University of Arizona (UA) in a $17.5 million partnership to find ways of making mining safer, more productive, sustainable and less harmful to the environment. On November 18, we were part of a major press event in Phoenix and Tucson announcing a partnership grant to help fund formation of the UA-based Institute of Mineral Resources. The Institute will gather together academic, industry and technical leaders from around the globe to study Arizona's rich mineral resources to determine new, efficient mine exploration, development and production technologies. Researchers will have access to The San Xavier underground mining laboratory which was once part of the oldest underground mine in Arizona.
  
  Why is RCM involved in this initiative? We're participating because in-depth research is the best way to discover innovative solutions to the challenges facing our industry. The Institute's work also melds with our goal of furthering student interest in science, technology, engineering and math.
  
  The Institute will pursue projects that directly relate to Resolution Copper's own mine research and sustainability efforts, including:
  

  • Reducing water and energy consumption
  • Utilizing low quality for processing instead of potable water
  • Innovating new methods and programs to ensure the safety and health of the workforce and communities near mines.
  • Increasing the understanding of critical mineral resources and their locations.

  
  For more information about Resolution Copper's part in this important research collaboration, contact Jennifer Russo, jennifer.russo@riotinto.com or Brad Ross, at brad.ross@riotinto.com, or go online to www.sfaz.org.