Trump overturns copper smelting plant regulations from the Biden era, loosening oversight for domestic copper producers in the U.S

Former U.S. President Donald Trump overturned the air pollution regulations established during the Biden administration, easing emission restrictions on copper smelters and granting a two-year compliance exemption period. This move aims to reduce the regulatory burden on domestic copper producers and enhance mineral security. The White House stated that strict requirements could lead to plant closures and increase reliance on foreign processing capabilities. The two smelters mentioned in the announcement are operated by Freeport-McMoRan and Rio Tinto, and Trump had previously listed copper as a critical material needed for defense and infrastructure