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Superior, Arizona Resolution Copper hosted an open house at the Superior Junior-Senior High School last week. Project Director, Andrew Taplin gave a brief update on the project then opened the forum up to the public for questions.
Taplin reported that the project had to lay off 36 workers. For a decade, the company marketed that there would be 3,700 jobs following the completion of the land exchange. Taplin apologized for the miscommunication and he further explained that the company needs to conduct further studies on the drilling and engineering before they can complete sinking the number nine shaft to meet the depth of the number ten shaft. The number ten shaft was completed in December and many of those workers have been laid off due to the work not progressing on completing the number nine shaft. A few have been hired by local firms that will be conducting drilling on the project.
Taplin explained that the Tonto National Forest has selected their third party consultants to conduct the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) permitting. The NEPA process will allow the public to comment on the project. It is expected that this public hearing process will begin in early 2016. The company expects the permitting to take up to five years to complete.
Safety continues to a main topic for the company. Taplin reported that the company works relentlessly to ensure a safe working environment. Resolution Copper has went 1,000 days injury free at their drilling projects.
Resolution Copper has received confirmation that Rio Tinto will fund their 2016 budget in the amount of $100 million to maintain current assets, understand the ore body better and continue the permitting process; $50 million will be spent on reclamation, explained Taplin. They will also use the funding to refine the studies of number nine shaft with hopes that shaft sinking will resume in 2017.
The four main goals for the company in 2016 are safety, permitting, engaging the support from local communities and maintaining a solid business case to move the project forward.
Resolution Copper is hosting two public events. Oct. 10 is a tour of the reclamation areas. The tours are schedules for 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. On Oct. 21, the core processing facility will be open for tours by the public. For more information, please contact Resolution Copper at 520-689-3409 or info@resolutioncopper.com
**Author’s note: If you missed the core processing facility tour last year, make sure you attend this year. It is a hands on tour and very interesting.
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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