智通财经网·2025-10-25 06:49Group 1 - The Trump administration has overturned a Biden-era air pollution regulation that imposed stricter emission limits on copper smelters, known as the "copper rule," which was set to be finalized in May 2024 [1] - The new announcement provides a two-year compliance exemption for affected fixed pollution sources, aiming to reduce regulatory burdens on domestic copper producers and enhance mineral security in the U.S. [1] - The White House stated that imposing such requirements on a limited and already burdened domestic industry could accelerate factory closures, weaken the national industrial base, and increase reliance on foreign-controlled processing capacity [1] Group 2 - The announcement specifically mentions the two existing copper smelters in the U.S., operated by Freeport-McMoRan (FCX.US) and Rio Tinto (RIO.US), with the order applying to Freeport-McMoRan's facility, while the impact on Rio Tinto's plant remains unclear [1] - Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order designating copper as a critical material needed for defense, infrastructure, and emerging technologies, including clean energy and electric vehicles [1] - The administration initiated a Section 232 investigation to determine if copper imports pose a national security threat, leading to a 50% tariff on certain imported copper and requirements for a higher proportion of domestically produced high-quality scrap copper to be sold domestically [2]