We outline the redistributive challenge (Eggert, 2001) associated with resource-led development posed by entrenched spatial divisions of labour (SDL) and absent or weakly aligned fiscal, industry and regional policies that undermine processes of strategic coupling in mining global production networks (GPNs). We illustrate this redistributive challenge of resource-led development with respect to copper mining communities in Australia, Chile and Zambia drawing lightly upon extant literature and secondary data. In conclusion we note how the framing and effects of redistributive policies might be better incorporated into economic geographical theory and the need for policy experimentation with regard to the redistributive challenge of resource led development.