This site provides general negotiation updates and does not replace communications from the Unions, the employees’ bargaining representative.
Update · October 22, 2026
123 years of copper. Built by people like you.
For more than a century, Kennecott has supplied domestically sourced copper to the U.S. and beyond, one of the critical materials inside our phones, computers, cars and homes. None of it happens without you. Our employees are the heart of this operation, delivering safe and stable copper production for our community and our country.
Generations of families have built their lives here. With Apex, the proposed mine-life extension up for approval, we have a chance to carry that legacy into the next generation.
Current timeline
Oct 13–14
Kennecott and Union leadership negotiate a 3-year extension and reach a Tentative Agreement.
Oct 16
A majority of represented employees vote not to ratify.
Nov 16
Mid Nov
Rio Tinto Investment Committee meets to decide on Apex.
Early Dec
Why we're talking now
The current CBA doesn't expire until March 2027. Rather than wait, Kennecott proposed early negotiations to Union leadership, limited to a 3-year extension of the current CBA and wages, as part of the Apex review process to show labor stability.
Since the vote, we've heard your comments and questions. We understand employees may have questions about the proposal. This site is here so everyone has a shared understanding and can get their questions answered.