SUPERIOR, Ariz., Nov. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Answer Copper has reached a big milestone with the of entirety of its multi-year, $200 million rehabilitation and deepening of the ancient Incorrect. 9 Shaft, a essential step in paving the best way for some of the people’s maximum notable fresh assets of copper and significant minerals.

Initially built in 1971 by means of the Magma Copper Corporate in Oak Flat and operated as a manufacturing shaft till the mid-Nineties, the refurbished and deepened shaft now extends to a last intensity of 6,898 toes underground, just about 5 Empire Shape Structures imposing, and measures 22 toes in diameter. The finished Incorrect. 9 Shaft is now the second one private unmarried carry mine shaft in the USA, in the back of best Answer Copper’s Incorrect. 10 Shaft at 6,943 toes.

Rehabilitated and deepened from 4,800 toes to over 6,800 toes, the Incorrect. 9 Shaft now connects to the Incorrect. 10 Shaft, serving as air flow and get right of entry to for generation underground building. In combination, the community of underground mine workings method the spine of the undertaking’s after section of underground building, developing the substructure for generation copper manufacturing that can reinforce the U.S. provide of this essential mineral.

“Completing the No. 9 Shaft is a huge milestone and a testament to the dedication and expertise of our underground team and contracting partners,” mentioned Vicky Peacey, President and Basic Supervisor of Answer Copper. “This achievement underscores what’s possible when American miners, homegrown talent from local communities including the Superior, Miami, Globe, San Carlos Apache Tribe, Hayden, Kearny and Winkleman, come together to do the job safely. While ongoing litigation continues to stall development, we are ready to advance this important copper project, enabling thousands of high-paying jobs, billions in economic development for rural Arizona, and access to a domestic supply of copper essential to American security and modern infrastructure. The sooner the litigation delays stop, the sooner this project can move forward, and the sooner Arizona and the nation will benefit.”

The hot shaft-sinking undertaking additionally accomplished two years and not using a unmarried clinical shock or lost-time incident, underscoring Answer Copper’s sturdy loyalty to protection. Over the process the paintings, crews drilled just about 14, 500 toes, poured greater than 560 cubic yards of concrete, and put in just about 140 yards of shotcrete.

“This accomplishment reflects years of planning, discipline, and teamwork between our people and partners,” mentioned Rob Tobin, Operations and Repairs Supervisor at Answer Copper. “Achieving this safely for more than two years without a recordable injury shows the professionalism and dedication of everyone who worked underground to bring No. 9 back to life in a modern way.”

Redpath USA, the undertaking’s top contractor, controlled sinking and development, supported by means of Globe-based Oddonetto Building underground concrete and floor accumulation plant operations and logistics.

“We are proud of the innovative solutions developed in partnership with Resolution Copper, and Oddonetto Construction and the flawless safety performance achieved along the way,” mentioned Eric Stoll, Challenge Supervisor at Redpath USA.

“Completion of the No. 9 Shaft shows what can be achieved when local companies and national partners work side by side with a shared commitment to safety and excellence,” mentioned Kim Oddonetto, President Oddonetto Building “This project demonstrates that with the right training and opportunities, we can build a skilled underground workforce right here in our communities, one that will help power Arizona’s future for generations to come.”

About Answer Copper

Answer Copper is Arizona Copper. The Answer Copper Challenge is operated by means of Answer Copper Mining, a restricted legal responsibility corporate owned 55 p.c by means of Answer Copper Corporate (a Rio Tinto PLC subsidiary) and 45 p.c by means of BHP Copper Inc. (a BHP PLC subsidiary). Be informed extra at resolutioncopper.com.

About Redpath USA Company

Redpath USA Company is a full-service underground mining contractor. Our experience contains lateral building, shaft sinking, mechanized lift paintings, underground development, and lift dull. The corporate attracts on a immense community of firm professionals and over 60 years of provider to the worldwide mining business.

About Oddonetto Building Inc.

Oddonetto Building, Inc. is a minority- and woman-majority-owned Basic Contractor proudly serving Arizona for over 40 years. Oddonetto Building is devoted to appearing constituent development products and services with an uncompromising loyalty to protection and excellence. Oddonetto Building takes satisfaction in handing over constituent paintings pushed by means of our devoted workforce whose roots run deep within the Copper Triangle section.

SOURCE Answer Copper