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In the near future, Florence Copper will operate a small-scale Production Test Facility off Hunt Highway in Florence, Arizona. This test facility will involve the in-situ recovery of a large copper deposit deep below the Earth’s surface. In-situ copper recovery – the method that will be used at Florence Copper – is environmentally responsible and one of the least disruptive ways of extracting copper from the ground.
The Production Test Facility or “PTF” will operate for 12-18 months and require approximately 35 employees. Florence Copper will produce between 1 and 2 million pounds of copper cathode during this test phase.
The Florence Copper operations team who will oversee the PTF has extensive combined experience in in-situ copper recovery, hydrology, and environmental project management. Together, they will ensure the goals of the PTF:
• Test in-situ copper recovery and demonstrate its safety and reliability
• Demonstrate and enhance best water management practices for full-scale operations
• Evaluate design improvements to ensure full compliance with permits
• Enhance and optimize the economic recovery of copper for full-scale operations
You’re invited to meet the operations team! Dan, Glenn, Ian and Greg are working hard on the final phases of the PTF and will start building this facility that will use modern extraction technology once the project’s federal and state permits are finalized. You can contact them or anyone on the Florence Copper team to learn more by emailing info@florencecopper.com.
Dan Johnson – Vice President & General Manager
Dan Johnson is a resident Arizonan with a career spanning over 25 years of environmental management, hydrology and geochemistry, geological engineering, and project management experience in the state’s mining industry. Dan is a graduate of the University of Arizona, and is a registered Geologist, Hydrologist, and Professional Engineer.
Prior to joining Florence Copper, Dan worked with QuadraFNX, where he served as Technical Services and Environmental Manager/Director for projects in North America and Chile. He has also worked at senior levels for Phelps Dodge, Freeport-McMoran, Rio Tinto, and Montgomery Watson.
Dan joined Florence Copper in 2011, and has led the company’s environmental, permitting and technical efforts with the support of the project team. He currently sits on the Arizona Mining Association Board as Secretary and Treasurer.
Glenn Hoffmeyer – Technical Services Manager
Glenn Hoffmeyer, a graduate of Michigan Technology University, has lived in Arizona for over twenty years. He has over 25 years of senior level metallurgical and mineral processing engineering experience, focused on the copper industry within the United States.
Glenn has extensive experience in hydrometallurgical operations, process development and project management focused primarily in the southwestern United States. His professional experience includes copper leaching, SX/EW, Electro-refining and other extractive metallurgy projects for companies such as Freeport-McMoRan, Asarco, Santa Fe Pacific Gold, Cyprus Amax, and Phelps Dodge.
Glenn joined Florence Copper in 2011 as the Technical Services Manager and is responsible for coordinating short and long term planning for the operation, implementing and managing technical systems, and providing leadership to the engineering function. As the project progresses into operation, he will lead the metallurgical engineering and mineral processing studies at site.
Ian Ream – Senior Hydrogeologist
With over 15 years of experience as a field hydrologist and a consultant with Water Management Consultants and Schlumberger Water Services and Tucson Water, Ian Ream has extensive experience in water production and environmental monitoring well installation, well testing and rehabilitation, water quality sampling, datalogger installation and maintenance, and the design and testing of pilot infiltration basins for aquifer storage and recovery projects in Arizona.
Since joining Florence Copper in 2012, Ian has been responsible for design, procurement, and construction oversight for the Production Test Facility well field, leading feasibility studies, and compliance monitoring. As the Florence Copper Project progresses into operation, Ian will continue to lead well field optimization, environmental compliance, and data management and reporting.
Ian graduated with a Bachelor of Science focused on Hydrology from Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. He currently sits on the Arizona Mining Association Water Quality Sub Committee. In his free time, he is often camping, biking, swimming or fishing.
Greg Phillips -Process Superintendent
Greg Phillips is long-term Arizona resident and a graduate of Eastern Arizona College.
He has 25 years’ experience in the mining industry, with over 17 years’ experience in the fields of mineral processing and solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX/EW) plant operations. Prior to joining Florence Copper, Greg worked at the Carlota Copper operation in Miami, Arizona and spent 19 years advancing his career at Phelps Dodge in various roles.
Joining the Florence Copper team in 2012, Greg is responsible for the review and approval of engineering drawings, procurement, safety, and maintenance of the site.
In his spare time, he can be found enjoying the outdoors on the golf course, hunting or fishing.
Florence Copper is committed to making a valuable contribution to the Town of Florence and surrounding communities while operating a project that protects our water and the environment. If you have questions or require additional information about the proposed Production Test Facility in Florence, please contact the Florence Copper offices at (520) 374-3984 or stop the Florence Copper Community Center, located at 130 N. Main St., Florence. More project information is also available at www.florencecopper.com.
The Florence Copper Project is located at 1575 W. Hunt Highway in Florence
Florence Copper’s PTF will cover less than two acres and consist of 24 wells
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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