Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 17

First up, President Donald Trump has sharply criticized a federal appeals court for halting a land transfer tied to the massive Resolution Copper project in Arizona. The San Francisco-based 9th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the transfer after the San Carlos Apache tribe argued the mine would devastate sacred land and harm the environment. Trump fired back on his Truth Social platform, calling the decision the work of a “radical left court” and accusing opponents of undermining America’s copper supply. He stopped short of outlining specific next steps but stressed that the country “needs copper — and now.” Tribal leaders countered, saying the project would hand U.S. resources to foreign companies, given that both Rio Tinto and BHP are based overseas. Resolution, if approved, could supply more than a quarter of U.S. copper demand, but for now, the future of the project remains in the court’s hands.

Next, Argentina’s Gualcamayo gold mine is positioning itself for a major expansion under a new government incentive program. Minas Argentinas, part of Aisa Group, is seeking approval for a scaled-down $665 million investment that includes a new underground mine, a pressure oxidation plant and a solar park to power operations. The project is expected to double its output to 120,000 ounces of gold annually starting in 2029, with an estimated 17-year mine life. Executives say the government’s Large Investment Incentive Regime is crucial for attracting foreign capital, offering tax breaks and legal protections for projects exceeding $200 million. With Argentina’s gold sector aging and production declining, the Gualcamayo expansion could be a rare bright spot, promising $400 million in yearly exports at a time when global gold demand and prices remain strong.

Finally, a major equipment deal signals a deepening partnership between Liebherr-Australia and Glencore. The two companies have signed off on a 17-machine delivery plan across six operations in Queensland and New South Wales, running through 2026. The fleet includes massive R 9600, R 9400, and R 9800 excavators, several already in service at sites like Hail Creek and Ravensworth. This is the first time Liebherr equipment has operated at those mines, marking a milestone in Glencore’s fleet strategy. To support the rollout, Liebherr will embed technicians at key sites, provide tailored operator training, and manage proactive maintenance programs. Both companies describe the agreement as a long-term partnership built on efficiency, reliability, and safety, with additional deliveries expected into 2027 and beyond.

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