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MichAuto Advocates for the Copperwood Mine Project Coming to Western Upper Peninsula

August 25, 2026

Photo credit: Highland Copper

On Aug. 25, 2026, MichAuto’s Executive Director and the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Chief Automotive and Innovation Officer, Glenn Stevens Jr., provided comment on the support for critical site readiness and infrastructure improvements to develop the Copperwood Mine Project in the Western Upper Peninsula. Stevens presented before the Michigan Strategic Fund Board because the project will strengthen Michigan’s automotive supply chain while providing an economic boost in the U.P., which has long helped sustain this country’s manufacturing industry.

Why it Matters: Copper is essential to the future of automotive and mobility, powering everything from EV batteries and charging infrastructure to advanced manufacturing and clean energy systems. For Michigan, the project represents an opportunity to strengthen domestic supply chains, reduce reliance on foreign mineral sources, support job creation, and advance the state’s leadership in next-generation mobility and the circular economy. As demand for copper continues to grow, projects like the Copperwood Mine Project can help position Michigan as a key player in building a more resilient and competitive automotive future.

Glenn Stevens Jr. Headshot

“Copper demand is surging and the Copperwood Mine project will strengthen Michigan’s automotive supply chain while providing an economic boost in the U.P., which has long helped sustain this country’s manufacturing industry,” said Glenn Stevens, Executive Director of MichAuto and Chief Automotive and Innovation Officer with the Detroit Regional Chamber. “Having U.S.-sourced critical minerals is essential to supply chain resiliency and ensuring our manufacturers have secure resource options as they compete globally to develop next-generation mobility and new-energy technologies and products.” Read the press release.

View Stevens testimony, as prepared for delivery, below.

“Dear Michigan Strategic Fund Board,

 

MichAuto is strongly in support of the Copperwood Mine project. This project is an important economic development endeavor for the state and its signature auto industry. It will create jobs, enhance the economic vitality of the state, and help strengthen Michigan’s leadership in the resilient automotive and mobility supply chains, and the advancement of the new energy economy.

 

From mining to the recycling of those same minerals, Michigan must play a leadership role in bolstering U.S. competitiveness and reducing dependence on foreign supply chain sources. As we look at the production of everything from EV batteries to wind turbines, Copperwood can play a critical role.

 

In Michigan, we are part of a complex global supply chain. Resiliency in that supply chain is critical. Minerals and mining have long been key parts of that supply chain from iron ore to nickel and copper as has the U.P. – where Michiganians have helped build and sustain manufacturing in this country.

 

Copper demand is growing – set to double globally by 2035 – and is used in vehicle manufacturing and sustainable energy technologies. EVs, for instance, require twice the amount of copper as a traditional car or truck. Copper is also known as the most recycled mineral and can be recycled an infinite number of times with a higher recycling rate than any other metal.

 

Copper is also a key material in the core technologies of the energy transition – wind turbines, power cables, and energy storage systems. However, copper shortages could delay timelines for achieving carbon-reduction targets and hinder development of cleaner energy alternatives.

 

Your support for this important project is essential to ensuring that this project can open and ultimately position Michigan to continue to lead in the areas of sustainable energy technologies and next-generation mobility.

 

Michigan must take every opportunity to be a leader in the circular economy – focusing on extending product lifespan, reusing materials, and minimizing waste through recycling. For Michigan to lead in the circular economy of automotive, EVs, and the sustainable energy future – copper mining at Copperwood should and must play a crucial role.”