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Superior Sun
The Superior Chamber of Commerce hosted their monthly membership luncheon in their new building located on Main Street. The guest speaker for the meeting was Andrew Taplin the project director for the Resolution Copper project. Taplin spoke to close to 40 members of the Superior Chamber of Commerce.
During his presentation Taplin discussed Resolution Copper’s commitment to develop the mining project and to assist the community of Superior to grow and develop. He congratulated the chamber on the ongoing progress in their new building. Resolution Copper made a substantial contribution to help the chamber advance their remodeling of their new offices.
During his presentation Taplin stressed that the company does not want the town to be dependent on the mining operation and would like to help the town diversify the local economy. The project is expected to create 3,700 new jobs in the community. During the presentation Taplin presented two new videos highlighting the project including one that focuses on Resolution Copper’s investment into the community and the Superior Unified School District. Taplin also discussed how the company uses as many local resources and contractors on the world class mining project to the business leaders in attendance. “We want to share the benefits of the project with you (the community),” explained Taplin.
Taplin explained that two of the biggest hurdles in completing the land exchange, which is needed for the mine to begin full construction, is the lack of official support from the elected officials at the Town of Superior and continued opposition from the San Carlos Indian Tribe. Officials at the company have begun talks with the members of the Superior Town Council but a new support resolution has not been brought forward. Currently the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation act is receiving some attention in the United States Senate with support from Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake.
Resolution Copper is planning to complete further environmental reclamation in 2015 of historic mine sites and they are expecting to complete the number 10 shaft in 2014. “We will be having a celebration when the shaft is completed,” explained Taplin. The shaft construction hit a set back late in 2013 when the underground temperatures were too hot to allow crews into work. Additional cooling infrastructure is being constructed at this time to allow crews to return to shaft sinking work. The number 10 shaft, when completed, will be the deepest shaft in the United States.
The Superior Chamber of Commerce is a local organization helping to grow the local economy and support local businesses. The group meets the third Wednesday of every month at noon at their office on Main Street. For more information on the Superior Chamber of Commerce contact Sue Anderson at 520-689-0200.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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