Trump Reverses Biden-Era Copper Smelter Rules

Trump’s Copper Smelter Exemption Supports Domestic Production

US President Donald Trump reversed a Biden-era air pollution rule targeting copper smelters. The 2024 rule limited emissions of lead, arsenic, mercury, benzene, and dioxins. The two-year exemption reduces regulatory burdens on US copper producers. The White House emphasized this move strengthens national mineral security and ensures domestic copper production continues without disruption.

Implications for Freeport-McMoRan, Rio Tinto, and US Copper Market

Freeport-McMoRan welcomed the exemption, noting it provides time to plan regulatory compliance. Rio Tinto has not commented on the rule’s impact. Trump previously declared copper a critical material for defense, infrastructure, and emerging technologies, including electric vehicles and clean energy. The administration also imposed a 50% tariff on certain imported copper and required more US scrap copper to be sold domestically.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

This exemption highlights the US government’s focus on mineral independence and domestic supply resilience. Reducing regulatory pressure may prevent further closures and strengthen strategic copper production. Investors should monitor how this rule affects US copper supply, global prices, and the market share of Freeport and Rio Tinto. This policy shift may accelerate domestic copper availability for defense, EV, and clean energy sectors.