by 
Compiled by Mila Lira
Copper prices remained steady over the past few weeks. At the close of business on Monday Copper was being sold at $3.42 a pound.
Local mining companies Resolution Copper and Asarco continue to move forward with their separate land exchanges. Both companies are working on land exchanges that are necessary to expand their mining operations in the region.
There have been no major indications from Congress that any new progress has been made on the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act which has been proposed by Resolution Copper Mining.
Resolution Copper Mining reported that they continue to sink the number 10 shaft and rehabilitate the number 9 shaft at their east plant operations. At press time the number 10 shaft has been sunk to the 5,780ft level and the rehabilitation of the number 9 shaft is at the 4,182 ft level.
BHP continues to advertise heavily for job openings at their Pinto Valley operations. They expect to hire 650 new employees by the end of 2012.
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold reported a second quarter 2012 net income attributable to common stock of $710 million. The reported net income includes charges for environmental obligations and related litigation reserves totaling $53 million according to a recent press release.
Curis Resources/Florence Copper Project announced that they have hired Rita Maguire as the companies Senior Legal and Government Affairs Advisor.
Ms. Maguire is a highly respected water rights attorney, natural resource policy expert and business leader with a successful career spanning the private, non-profit and public sectors. Maguire served as Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources from 1993 through 2001.
During her tenure as director, Ms. Maguire represented the state’s interests in the Colorado River Basin, was a key figure in the development of the Arizona Water Bank Authority and played a central role in Native American water rights negotiations in Arizona. As Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Fife Symington, Maguire oversaw the operation of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the State Land Department.
Maguire will guide the company’s commitment to responsible mineral development and environmental stewardship of its flagship Florence Copper project in central Arizona.
by by