The Town of Superior, Arizona, unanimously approved a long-term water agreement with Resolution Copper. Resolution Copper is a joint venture between mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP. The company committed over $20 million to secure and enhance the local water supply. This agreement facilitates the development of a project expected to be one of the largest copper mines in the United States.
The deal includes a $5 million endowment dedicated to long-term water management and conservation. Resolution Copper will also fund the restoration of water flows in Queen Creek. Additional funds will go toward rehabilitating local water infrastructure to mitigate the mine's environmental impact.
Mayor Mila Besich characterized the agreement as the first of its kind in Arizona. The cooperation on water resources marks a milestone as the project moves toward a final investment decision.