Federal prosecutors today issued a corporate disclosure statement naming Resolution Copper Mining LLC of Superior, and two other companies as "for-profit corporate victims of criminal activity" alleged in the indictment against Congressman Rick Renzi and his business associates earlier this year. At the same time, prosecutors delivered copies of the evidence against Renzi to his lawyers.
Resolution Copper Mining is owned by Resolution Copper Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto PLC and BHP Copper, which is owned by BHP Billiton. Development of the mine is dependent on a swap of federal, state, and private lands. [right, main shaft to the right of crane]
Among other things, the indictment accuses the congressman of crafting a swap of federally owned mining land that would benefit himself and a business partner. Today's action by prosecutors supports news reports that Resolution Copper refused to go along with the alleged deal.