{"id":4335,"date":"2026-06-08T23:48:38","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T23:48:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/?post_type=issue-article&#038;p=4335"},"modified":"2026-06-12T19:04:46","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T19:04:46","slug":"breaking-ground","status":"publish","type":"issue-article","link":"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/issue-article\/breaking-ground\/","title":{"rendered":"Breaking Ground"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#f9f9f9&#8243; max_height=&#8221;55px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-20px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||40px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Date Line Summer 2026&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Fira Sans Condensed||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#2e3545&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;|||15px|false|false&#8221; global_module=&#8221;4320&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">VOL. 09 |\u00a0 ISSUE 2\u00a0 |\u00a0 Summer 2026<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;30px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<!-- ============================================================<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->     THE MINER \u2014 Summer 2026<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->     &#8220;Breaking Ground&#8221; \u2014 SECTION 1 (print page 8 top)  [REV5]<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->     ============================================================ &#8211;><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Taviraj:wght@100;200;300&#038;display=swap\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<style><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s1{<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  --miner-navy:#2e3545; --miner-slate:#3d485e; --miner-gold:#cf9a33; --miner-body:#3a3a3a;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  font-family:'Titillium Web',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; color:var(--miner-body); line-height:1.7em;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->}<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s1 *{ box-sizing:border-box; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s1 p{ font-size:17px; line-height:1.7em; margin:0 0 0.6em; padding-bottom:0 !important; color:var(--miner-body); }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\/* Headline row: wide navy bar in the gutter, headline stacked to two lines.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->   Negative margin (desktop only) pulls the bar into the left gutter. *\/<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s1 .headline-wrap{<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  display:flex !important; align-items:stretch !important; gap:28px !important;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  margin:0 0 0 -84px !important; width:auto !important; max-width:none !important;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  overflow:visible !important;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->}<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s1 .headline-bar{<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  flex:0 0 60px !important; width:60px !important; background:var(--miner-navy) !important;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  align-self:stretch !important;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->}<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s1 .headline-col{ flex:1 1 auto !important; min-width:0 !important; display:flex !important; align-items:center !important; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s1 .headline-wrap h1{<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  margin:0 !important; line-height:1.02 !important;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  font-family:'Taviraj',Georgia,serif !important; font-weight:200 !important;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  font-size:84px !important; color:var(--miner-gold) !important; letter-spacing:-1px !important;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->}<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s1 .miner-deck{<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  font-family:'Fira Sans Condensed',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif !important;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  font-weight:400 !important; font-size:34px !important; line-height:1.18em !important;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  letter-spacing:-.5px !important; color:var(--miner-slate) !important; margin:18px 0 22px !important;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->}<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s1 .body-wrap{ max-width:1100px; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s1 .deck-break{ display:inline; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\/* MOBILE: kill negative margin so bar is on-screen + flush-left; bar stays a<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->   substantial width that sits to the LEFT of the subhead\/body. *\/<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->@media (max-width:767px){<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  .bg-s1 .headline-wrap{ margin-left:0 !important; gap:18px !important; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  .bg-s1 .headline-bar{ flex:0 0 24px !important; width:24px !important; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  .bg-s1 .headline-wrap h1{ font-size:46px !important; line-height:1.05 !important; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  .bg-s1 .miner-deck{ font-size:26px !important; margin:16px 0 16px !important; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  .bg-s1 .deck-break{ display:none !important; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->}<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/style>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<div class=\"bg-s1\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/p>\n<div class=\"headline-wrap\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/p>\n<div class=\"headline-bar\"><\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/p>\n<div class=\"headline-col\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<h1>Breaking<!\u2013- [et_pb_br_holder] -\u2013>Ground<\/h1>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/p>\n<div class=\"body-wrap\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"miner-deck\">With a Legacy of Powering America&rsquo;s Progress, Freeport<span class=\"deck-break\"><!\u2013- [et_pb_br_holder] -\u2013><\/span> is Fully Focused on the Future<\/h2>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <pee>For more than a century, Freeport has helped supply the materials that built the nation and powered its growth, from early infrastructure projects to modern manufacturing and energy systems.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <pee>Today, the company is building on that legacy while helping shape the future of mining.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <pee>Understanding where the next major technological advances are emerging is critical to ensuring Freeport can take advantage of them, said Bert Odinet, Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer. One example is artificial intelligence, where global spending reached nearly $1.5 trillion in 2025 and continues to grow. For Freeport, it&rsquo;s one signal among many that technology will play an increasingly important role in positioning the company for the future.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <pee>&ldquo;Our entire business is interrelated,&rdquo; Odinet said. &ldquo;From supply chain and finance to trucks and shovels to crushers and SXEW plants, having all those systems available for analytics and AI is going to be critical in advancing our business. Having that base foundation is something that we&rsquo;ve worked on for the better part of a decade.&rdquo;<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <pee>The issue isn&rsquo;t whether people can do the job but whether they can do it with the speed, scale and efficiency AI makes possible, Odinet said.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <pee>He pointed to systems that monitor truck performance in real time, where AI can analyze data, identify potential maintenance issues, assess their urgency and trigger the appropriate response &ndash; sometimes immediately.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <pee>The Integrated Remote Operations Center, or IROC, is another step toward that goal, creating a more standardized approach to monitoring, data analysis and response across the company. The new Phoenix-based facility also gives AI a clearer view into Freeport&rsquo;s operating standards and priorities, helping to shape future strategies and decision-making.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- END SECTION 1 -->[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;30px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<!-- ============================================================<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->     THE MINER \u2014 Summer 2026<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->     &#8220;Breaking Ground&#8221; \u2014 SECTION 2 (print page 8 lower)<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->     2 EQUAL cols, WHITE background.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->     COL 1: subhead &#8220;Laying the groundwork&#8221; + 2 paragraphs<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->     COL 2: photo with cutline (IROC)<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->     Paste into ONE Divi Code Module. Photo = GRAY PLACEHOLDER.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->     ============================================================ &#8211;><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Taviraj:wght@100;200;300&#038;display=swap\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<style><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s2{<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  --miner-navy:#2e3545; --miner-slate:#3d485e; --miner-cream:#d8d4ca; --miner-red:#9e1b32; --miner-body:#3a3a3a;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  font-family:'Titillium Web',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; color:var(--miner-body); line-height:1.7em;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->}<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s2 p{ font-size:17px; line-height:1.7em; margin:0 0 0.6em; padding-bottom:0 !important; color:var(--miner-body); }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.s2-cols{ display:grid; grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr; gap:46px; align-items:start; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\/* red-square subhead *\/<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s2 .sidebar-headline{ position:relative; font-family:'Titillium Web',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif !important; font-weight:600 !important; color:#3e485e !important; font-size:30px !important; line-height:1.15em !important; margin:0 0 14px !important; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s2 .sidebar-headline-line{ position:absolute; top:6px; bottom:6px; left:0; width:14px; height:auto; background:var(--miner-red); }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s2 .sidebar-headline > span:last-child{ display:inline-block; padding-left:26px; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\/* cutline photo (no red strip) *\/<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s2 .miner-cutline-photo{ position:relative; line-height:0; margin:0; width:100%; display:block; overflow:visible !important; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s2 .miner-cutline-photo img{ width:100% !important; display:block; height:auto; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s2 .miner-ph{ width:100%; aspect-ratio:4\/3; background:#c9ccd1; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; color:#6b7280; font-size:13px; letter-spacing:.03em; font-family:'Fira Sans Condensed',Arial,sans-serif; text-transform:uppercase; line-height:1.3; text-align:center; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s2 .miner-cutline-text{ position:absolute; width:80%; max-width:80%; padding:12px 16px; background:rgba(46,54,69,0.82); font-family:'Fira Sans Condensed',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-weight:700; line-height:1.45em; color:var(--miner-cream); z-index:10; box-sizing:border-box; margin:0; text-align:left; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s2 .miner-cutline-text.bottom-right{ right:0; bottom:42px; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->@media (max-width:980px){ .s2-cols{ grid-template-columns:1fr; gap:24px; } }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/style>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<div class=\"bg-s2\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/p>\n<div class=\"s2-cols\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/p>\n<div class=\"bg-col1\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"sidebar-headline\"><span class=\"sidebar-headline-line\"><\/span><span>Laying the groundwork<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <pee>Of course, while the company has an eye on the future, some of the biggest changes are occurring here and now.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <pee>With the Reinvent Mining initiative, Steven Bradbury, Director-Operations Strategy, said that the company already is rethinking and rebuilding how Freeport operates from the ground up to address modern challenges.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/p>\n<div class=\"bg-col2\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<div class=\"miner-cutline-photo\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/breaking-ground-integrated-remote-operations.jpg\" alt=\"The new Integrated Remote Operations Center allows Freeport to standardize operational monitoring and response.\" style=\"width:100%; aspect-ratio:1.66\/1; object-fit:cover; display:block;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<div class=\"miner-cutline-text bottom-right\">The new Integrated Remote Operations Center allows Freeport to standardize operational monitoring and response.<\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- END SECTION 2 --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;30px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_code _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<!-- ============================================================<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->     THE MINER \u2014 Summer 2026<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->     &#8220;Breaking Ground&#8221; \u2014 SECTION 3 (print page 9)  [REV]<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->     2 EQUAL cols, GRAY background.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->     ============================================================ &#8211;><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Taviraj:wght@100;200;300&#038;display=swap\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<style><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s3{<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  --miner-navy:#2e3545; --miner-slate:#3d485e; --miner-cream:#d8d4ca; --miner-red:#9e1b32; --miner-body:#3a3a3a;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  --miner-graybg:#ECEBE8;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  font-family:'Titillium Web',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; color:var(--miner-body); line-height:1.7em;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->}<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.s3-band{ background:var(--miner-graybg); margin-left:-9999px; margin-right:-9999px; padding-left:9999px; padding-right:9999px; padding-top:46px; padding-bottom:46px; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.s3-inner{ max-width:1100px; margin:0 auto; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s3 p{ font-size:17px; line-height:1.7em; margin:0 0 0.6em; padding-bottom:0 !important; color:var(--miner-body); }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.s3-cols{ display:grid; grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr; gap:46px; align-items:start; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\/* red-square subhead *\/<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s3 .sidebar-headline{ position:relative; font-family:'Titillium Web',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif !important; font-weight:600 !important; color:#3e485e !important; font-size:30px !important; line-height:1.15em !important; margin:50px 0 14px !important; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s3 .sidebar-headline-line{ position:absolute; top:6px; bottom:6px; left:0; width:14px; height:auto; background:var(--miner-red); }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s3 .sidebar-headline > span:last-child{ display:inline-block; padding-left:26px; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\/* cutline photos (no red strip) *\/<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s3 .miner-cutline-photo{ position:relative; line-height:0; margin:0 0 26px; width:100%; display:block; overflow:visible !important; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s3 .miner-cutline-photo img{ width:100% !important; display:block; height:auto; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s3 .miner-ph{ width:100%; aspect-ratio:4\/3; background:#c9ccd1; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; color:#6b7280; font-size:13px; letter-spacing:.03em; font-family:'Fira Sans Condensed',Arial,sans-serif; text-transform:uppercase; line-height:1.3; text-align:center; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s3 .miner-cutline-text{ position:absolute; width:80%; max-width:80%; padding:12px 16px; background:rgba(46,54,69,0.82); font-family:'Fira Sans Condensed',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-weight:700; line-height:1.45em; color:var(--miner-cream); z-index:10; box-sizing:border-box; margin:0; text-align:left; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->.bg-s3 .miner-cutline-text.bottom-right{ right:0; left:auto; bottom:42px; }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->@media (max-width:980px){ .s3-cols{ grid-template-columns:1fr; gap:8px; } .s3-band{ padding-top:32px; padding-bottom:32px; } }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/style>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/p>\n<div class=\"bg-s3\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/p>\n<div class=\"s3-band\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/p>\n<div class=\"s3-inner\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/p>\n<div class=\"s3-cols\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <!-- COL 1 --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<div class=\"bg-col1\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <\/p>\n<div class=\"miner-cutline-photo\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/breaking-ground-autonomous-truck.jpg\" alt=\"At Bagdad, a fleet of autonomous haul trucks is helping Freeport advance mining innovation.\" style=\"width:100%; aspect-ratio:1.38\/1; object-fit:cover; display:block;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->            <\/p>\n<div class=\"miner-cutline-text bottom-right\" style=\"width:64%;max-width:64%;\">At Bagdad, a fleet of autonomous haul trucks is helping Freeport advance mining innovation.<\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>One example is the company\u2019s effort to be more strategic about energy use, whether that\u2019s incorporating the more efficient diesel-electric, ultra-class haul trucks at Morenci or the battery-electric prototype haul truck at Sierrita.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>For Bradbury, though, that\u2019s only the beginning.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>While electric vehicles have become commonplace in the consumer space, their use in large-scale mining has lagged \u2013 but that gap is beginning to close. Haulage operations could see some of the industry\u2019s biggest advances, including dynamic energy transfer systems that can charge battery-electric and diesel-electric haul trucks while they operate. Freeport also is evaluating in-pit crush and convey systems already used in South America for potential application in North America.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>Combined with the company\u2019s expanding energy generation initiatives, broader electrification could give Freeport greater control over costs that traditionally have been driven by external factors, including fuel.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"sidebar-headline\"><span class=\"sidebar-headline-line\"><\/span><span>Familiar challenges, new tools<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>Ore grades and their variability also are factors largely outside Freeport\u2019s control, but advances in sensor technology are helping reduce their impact. Equipment across the value chain, from shovel buckets to processing circuits, is generating increasingly precise, real-time data on material characteristics, allowing teams to make faster, more informed processing decisions and respond to exceptions more quickly.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <\/p>\n<div class=\"miner-cutline-photo\" style=\"margin-top:26px;margin-bottom:0;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/breaking-ground-electric-haul-trucks.jpg\" alt=\"The electric haul trucks being piloted at Sierrita and other electrification projects can give the sites greater control over their energy costs.\" style=\"width:100%; aspect-ratio:1.44\/1; object-fit:cover; display:block;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->            <\/p>\n<div class=\"miner-cutline-text bottom-right\">The electric haul trucks being piloted at Sierrita and other electrification projects can give the sites greater control over their energy costs.<\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <!-- COL 2 --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/p>\n<div class=\"bg-col2\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <\/p>\n<div class=\"miner-cutline-photo\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/breaking-ground-new-market-dynamics.jpg\" alt=\"New market dynamics are reshaping copper demand, positioning Freeport to play a key role in meeting future needs.\" style=\"width:100%; aspect-ratio:1.33\/1; object-fit:cover; display:block;\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->            <\/p>\n<div class=\"miner-cutline-text bottom-right\">New market dynamics are reshaping copper demand, positioning Freeport to play a key role in meeting future needs.<\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>Coupled with automation \u2013 such as the fully autonomous trucks implemented in Bagdad \u2013 those capabilities can reduce inefficiencies that cause unit costs to rise, Bradbury said.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>Like Odinet, Bradbury points to the advantage of an interconnected system. One day, there might be sensors on autonomous trucks that create detailed, real-time maps of road conditions and trigger automated support equipment to be dispatched to maintain them before the situation deteriorates.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>\u201cThis is about more than adopting individual technologies,\u201d Bradbury said. \u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity to rethink how we operate end-to-end and build a better understanding of the critical role our employees play in that equation. We have to upskill our workforce and reimagine our operating strategies to really leverage these new technologies and remain competitive.\u201d<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>At the same time, the market itself is evolving rapidly in fundamental ways.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>Demand for copper is being reshaped by forces significantly different from those that defined previous cycles, said Randy Nickle, Senior Vice President-Sales and Marketing. While traditional drivers such as construction, manufacturing and automotive remain important, growing demand increasingly is driven by long-term, transformational investments shaped by policy decisions and supported by few near-term substitutes.<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->          <pee>\u201cWe\u2019re seeing a fundamental shift in how copper is viewed, as demand is no longer driven primarily by short-term economic cycles,\u201d Nickle said. \u201cIt\u2019s being shaped by long-duration investments in electrification, energy security and digital infrastructure. Copper is becoming a strategic material, and companies that can reliably deliver it are going to play a critical role in building the future.\u201d<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->        <\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->  <\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/div>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- END SECTION 3 -->[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#3d485e&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|50px|0px|50px|false|false&#8221; global_module=&#8221;1861&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_post_nav in_same_term=&#8221;on&#8221; prev_text=&#8221;Prev Page&#8221; next_text=&#8221;Next Page&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_font=&#8221;Fira Sans Condensed|700||on|||||&#8221; title_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_post_nav][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"categories":[24],"class_list":["post-4335","issue-article","type-issue-article","status-publish","hentry","category-summer-2026"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/issue-article\/4335","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/issue-article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/issue-article"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4335"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fmminermag.com\/htdocs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4335"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}