Ciscomani Applauds $1 Billion Copper Investment for Arizona Copper and $180 Million for Mining Education

Tucson, AZ - Congressman Juan Ciscomani applauded two major announcements that further solidify Arizona's position as the nation's leader in critical minerals and copper production. These include a $1 billion investment in the Ivanhoe Santa Cruz Copper Project near Casa Grande and $180 million in grants to bolster mining education, including at the University of Arizona.

Arizona is home to some of the world's largest copper deposits and an abundance of other critical minerals essential to America's energy and manufacturing sectors. The University of Arizona is consistently ranked among the nation's top mining engineering programs and boasts a 100% job placement rate for graduates, preparing the workforce needed to meet growing demand.

Two industry leaders from Arizona attended and praised today's announcement at the White House. Click HERE to watch Kray Luxbacher from the University of Arizona and HERE to watch Vicky Peacey, President and General Manager of Resolution Copper.

"This was a historic investment in American mining engineering schools, and we're really grateful. I also want to say thank you for what you've already done toward accelerating permitting for mining in the United States. It's really been unbelievable," said Kray Luxbacher, Executive Director and Head of the School of Mining Engineering & Mineral Resources at the University of Arizona.

"Mr. President, you have brought mining back to America, single-handedly," said Vicky Peacey, President and General Manager of Resolution Copper.

Ciscomani praised today's announcement landmark investment in Arizona's mining.

"From a $1 billion investment in the Santa Cruz Copper Project to $180 million to strengthen mining education, including at the University of Arizona, these are major wins for Arizona," said Congressman Ciscomani. "Arizona is leading America's effort to produce the critical minerals our economy and national security depend on. These once-in-a-generation investments by President Trump and the administration will create good-paying mining jobs, strengthen our workforce, and train the next generation of miners and engineers right here in Arizona. I am proud to see Arizona's local leaders Vicky and Kray at the table. They are leaders in this industry and this is a transformational moment for Arizona and America's mining future."

Ciscomani has been a leading advocate in Congress for strengthening America's domestic critical minerals supply chain. He championed the Critical Mineral Consistency Act to to align the Department of Energy's and U.S. Geological Survey's separate lists so they consistently list copper as a critical mineral, cutting red tape and speeding up permitting for copper and other minerals essential to America's energy future, national security, and supply chain independence. He has also urged the Department of the Interior to support Arizona's mining industry and ensure the resources necessary for continued growth.

Earlier this year, Ciscomani hosted the Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum in Arizona's Sixth District for a tour of the University of Arizona's San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory with Kray Luxbacher and convened mining stakeholders for a roundtable discussion. With world-class mineral resources, a top-ranked mining education program, and continued investment in production, Arizona is well positioned to lead America's mining resurgence.

###