Final Approval Granted for Utah Copper Mining Project

Federal and state regulators have approved an aquifer exemption clearing the way for in-situ copper recovery at Lisbon Valley, balancing mineral demand with groundwater protection.

• By Stasia DeMarco
• October 30, 2025

The EPA has issued final approval for a copper mining project in southeastern Utah, allowing operations to move forward under a key aquifer exemption.

The decision grants Lisbon Valley Mining Company, LLC permission to operate underground injection wells used for in-situ copper recovery at its site in San Juan County. The EPA worked in coordination with the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ) to determine that the portion of the Burro Canyon aquifer affected by the project is not currently served and is not expected to serve as a source of drinking water.

“This decision reflects EPA’s commitment to advancing economic growth while maintaining strong environmental safeguards that protect our water for future generations,” said Cyrus Western, EPA Region 8 administrator.

Background on the Project

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, injection of fluids into underground sources of drinking water is prohibited unless the EPA grants an exemption. The approval clears the way for Lisbon Valley Mining to obtain a Class III injection-well permit, which will allow the company to use a solution-mining process to extract copper from subsurface rock formations.

Earlier this month, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also approved the mine’s expansion plan, which is expected to yield hundreds of millions of pounds of copper—considered a critical mineral for U.S. infrastructure and clean-energy development.

Environmental Oversight and Next Steps

EPA and UDEQ officials said the exemption includes monitoring and reporting requirements intended to protect nearby groundwater resources. Both agencies emphasized that federal and state oversight will continue as mining operations progress.

“This rigorous process ensures that we can responsibly support economic development and growth while preserving Utah’s precious land and water resources,” said Tim Davis, UDEQ executive director.

The project is also covered under the FAST-41 federal permitting program, which coordinates interagency reviews to streamline large-scale infrastructure and resource development projects.

Copper’s Role in the Energy Transition

The Lisbon Valley project contributes to growing national efforts to boost domestic production of critical minerals such as copper—essential for electric vehicles, power transmission, and renewable energy systems.

Environmental advocates, however, have raised concerns about long-term aquifer protection and potential contamination, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring as mining operations expand.