by 
Sam Hosler
Old things are passing away. New things are coming into being.
Resolution Copper in Superior will be taking down the old Magma smelter stack overlooking the town. The old smelter buildings have already been taken down, and the old diesel-electric locomotive has been moved into storage.
The date and time for demolishing the stack is yet to be determined. It is no easy task to place the charges appropriately, to make sure that the area is clear of people, and also deal with the vagaries of weather. Resolution Copper intends to do the demolition in the morning, preferably before noon, but later if necessary.
I hope to experience the stack coming down. The demolition of the stacks in San Manuel 11 years ago caught me by surprise, else I would have done my best to be there. Copper mining has always had a changing face. Small mining operations became big ones. High grade mines succumbed as smelter operations made the mining of low grade ore economically feasible. With that, open pit mines replaced underground operations. Like ripples in a pond, one thing affects another.
And the mines always affect the mining towns. It’s not just the large physical presence but the social reality that the economy of the area is largely dependent on the operation of the mines. They are part of our history, our culture, and our future.
The Magma stack, which started operation in 1924, has been a visible presence for the people of Superior.
With the writing of this column, I am hanging up my spurs. I have a nervous system problem which has, so far, stumped the neurologists. My vision is deteriorating, and my hearing has declined significantly. I am plagued with fatigue and, more significantly, with imbalance. The people at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix are working with me to find a diagnosis and possible treatment.
Starting last year, my physical condition forced me to cut back on many things. I am adding more things to the list as I announce my intention to step down from the Board of the Copper Basin Chamber of Commerce soon.
I don’t want to give up on all these things which have given me such delight and a strong sense of purpose. I truly valued my time as Mayor of Kearny, my involvement with the Winkelman Natural Resources Conservation District and the CCEDC. My first retirement was from the parish ministry, in which I have been a parish priest of The Episcopal Church since 1970, and I will continue my ecumenical relationship with the people of The Church of the Good Shepherd in Kearny. I don’t intend to become a hermit, but I do need time to attend to my physical needs.
I’m a native Arizonan and I’m proud of that. I live in Kearny and I’m proud of that too. My first civic act after hanging up my spurs will be to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 6. I hope you will join me, if you haven’t voted already.
Thank you for all your encouragement to me over the years. May God bless us all.
Editor’s Note: Thank you, Sam, for all the wonderful words you have given us at Copper Area News Publishers over the past years. We are sending you our good thoughts and prayers that you are well soon. ~jrc
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