US President Donald Trump has overturned a Biden-era regulation on air pollution from copper smelters, granting a two-year exemption from compliance for affected facilities. The copper rule, finalized in May 2024, had imposed stricter limits on emissions of pollutants such as lead, arsenic, and mercury. The White House stated that the exemption would help promote American mineral security by reducing regulatory burdens on domestic copper producers.

The proclamation specifically references the two copper smelters in the United States, operated by Freeport-McMoRan and Rio Tinto. While it is clear that the order will apply to Freeport’s smelter, the impact on Rio Tinto’s facility is not immediately apparent. The two companies have not yet responded to requests for comment on the development.

The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to boost domestic copper production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Earlier this year, the President signed an executive order identifying copper as a critical material for defense, infrastructure, and emerging technologies, including clean energy and electric vehicles. This led to a Section 232 investigation into the potential threat to US national security posed by copper imports.

Following the review, the administration imposed a 50% tariff on certain imported copper and mandated that a growing percentage of high-quality scrap copper produced in the US be sold domestically. The latest exemption is intended to support the domestic copper industry, which is seen as crucial for the country’s industrial base and mineral independence.

The reversal of the Biden-era rule has significant implications for the US copper industry and the country’s efforts to reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers. As the Trump administration continues to prioritize American mineral security, it is likely that further developments will emerge in the coming months. The exemption is set to last for two years, during which time the affected facilities will not be required to comply with the stricter emissions limits imposed by the previous administration.