The Environment
Resolution Copper Mining is fully committed to having a positive effect on the environment. One of our first steps toward that goal is to provide over 5,500 acres of conservation lands to the United States through the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act. You can help us in this effort by supporting the Land Exchange Act.
Rehabilitating Legacy Mining Areas
Another important part of our environmental commitment is the voluntary, multi-year, multi-million dollar cleanup of lands in and around Superior that have been affected by almost 100 years of mining activity. The goals of this project are to protect human health and the environment from the legacy-mining residue, restore natural vegetation and reestablish the area for useful purposes.
A Sensitive Approach to Mining
Our approach is to ensure our mine has minimal impact on the environment. Here are some of the ways we're doing that:
- A Small Footprint - If developed, the Resolution Copper mine will be an underground operation with no open pits.
- Offsite smelting - Mined copper ore will be transported through a series of tunnels for offsite smelting. We are considering lands already impacted by previous mining operations as potential sites for our processing facilities and tailings areas. We are also working on the technical aspects of placing tailings in old, mined-out pits near Superior and then reclaiming the site. This means we can reduce environmental impact and help reclaim and restore lands for beneficial use.
- Clean, efficient energy use - We are evaluating energy and water-saving technologies for use in our mining operations and are also considering the use of advanced clean-energy sources like geothermal energy, a byproduct of the mining process.
Managing Water
Responsible water management is a key part of being environmentally conscious in an arid region like Arizona.
Before we begin mine development, we must first remove any accumulated groundwater from mineshafts created by previous mining operations. We've constructed a water treatment facility to treat the water within the old mine workings before it's discharged. Through an agreement with the New Magma Irrigation and Drainage District, we're able to blend our treated water with Central Arizona Project (CAP) water for irrigation purposes. We're continually evaluating ways to maximize the potential of this treated water.
Resolution Copper is committed to using sustainable water sources, and we're currently purchasing and banking Central Arizona Project (CAP) water with two irrigation districts: Hohokam Irrigation and Drainage District and New Magma Irrigation and Drainage District. Other long-term water supply options are also being explored, and we plan to minimize our water consumption through recycling and other efforts.
Environmental Biodiversity and Stewardship Partners
Resolution Copper has joined with the following organizations to further protect and preserve the Arizona environment and the species that inhabit it.
- Arizona Trail Association - As part of our commitment to and interest in the local environment, each year, our employees and contractors volunteer to help build and maintain the Copper Butte Project, a 25-mile section of the 800-mile Arizona Trail.
- Audubon Arizona - The Rio Tinto Partnership Action Fund, a private grant created by our parent company, continues to help support conservation and bird species protection, including Important Bird Area designations in Arizona.
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum - Resolution Copper is a proud supporter of an after-school program that allows Superior elementary students to visit this unique sanctuary and experience the beauty and diversity of the local environment.
- The Lower San Pedro Working Group - We have joined with a group of private businesses, non-government and government agencies formed to address long-term conservation issues facing the Lower San Pedro River.
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
As a part of the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act, Resolution Copper has included language to require a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) on all mine activities prior to mine construction. Completing baseline environmental studies and integrating results into the mine plan is an important part of our prefeasibility evaluation stage. Baseline studies are helping us determine where important biological, cultural and environmental resources reside so that we can design our mine to minimize environmental impact. Part of that process is to identify all potential environmental impacts of our mining operations, and to detail the results in an Environmental Impact Study (EIS).
Our Commitment
Resolution Copper is fully committed to long-term stewardship of the lands we mine. We're doing everything possible to minimize our impact on the environment and to leave a positive legacy to the community and the surrounding area.
Help us give back to the environment by letting your elected officials know you support the Land Exchange Act.