Last Saturday I attended the open house regarding the proposed Rosemont Copper Mine.  I came away with a lot of information and a greater understanding of what is proposed and some of the concerns and questions that local residents have.  My goal here is to present information without choosing sides.  My readers are intelligent - you can decide for yourselves what your opinion is.

What is the Time-line?

Currently, the plan is in the Scoping Process.  This is the time for the public to analyze the proposal and to make comments or raise concerns.  The next step will be the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  Since community concerns will be considered and addressed in this statement it is important to get your comments in prior to the end of the scoping process.  The good news is that the scoping process has been extended to July 14, 2008 (previously scheduled to end on 4/18/08).  Here is where you can send your comments or concerns:  Team Leader/Rosemont Copper Project, Coronado National Forest Service, 300 W Congress St., Tucson, AZ  85701, fax to (520) 388-8305 or email comments-southwestern-coronado@fsfed.us.

After the scoping process is completed, the EIS will be drafted.  That is expected to take place in March of 2009.  At that time, there will be a period of 45 days during which the public will be able to comment.

Next the Final EIS will be released to the public.  This is anticipated to occur in November of 2009.  After the Final EIS is released, there will be a Record of Decision published in the Federal Register.

Why a Copper Mine?

Well, we use copper all the time.  It is found in our homes, cars, coins, airplanes, etc.  Since it is in high demand, it is likely that mining copper will remain a profitable venture.  However, if you remember a few years ago, ASARCO had some serious financial issues after the price of copper dipped. 

Economic Impact

According to Rosemont Copper, Pima County will receive $256 Million in revenue each year that the mine is in operation.  That is in addition to the $29 Million in annual salaries to Arizonans employed at the mine.  Since the mine is scheduled to be in operation for about 20 years, that could add up.  However, the Sonoran Institute has raised concerns that the profit could be somewhat offset by a reduction in revenue due to decreased tourism.

Environmental Impact - Water

A major concern in Arizona is the availability of water.  Augusta Resource Corporation, developer of Rosemont Copper, has created a plan to utilize water carefully, to do recycling on-site and even claims that they will leave the area with 5% more water available than it started with.  You can read about their plans here: http://www.rosemontcopper.com/communitycommitments.asp.  They did not, however, address the issue of water pollution, which frequently occurs at mining sites.

Environmental Impact - Light

Rosemont Copper Mine is slated to be a project that is operated 24 hours a day, 7 days per week and 365 days per year.  With that in mind, some concerns have been raised that the amount of light may disrupt the observatory at Mt. Hopkins.  This mining operation is not required to observe the Outdoor Lighting Code.  However, they are voluntarily electing to comply with this code, according to their website.

Environmental Impact - Noise and Air Pollution

There is going to be some air pollution from the emissions produced by this mine.  They are required to obtain a permit for the amount of pollution they will be producing.  The issue of noise pollution has not been addressed so that may be a concern that could be raised during the Scoping Process.  For more information on the environmental concerns which Rosemont Copper is addressing, see the following:  http://www.rosemontcopper.com/advanced.asp.

Local Impact - Traffic

Rosemont Copper Mine will be using Hwy 83, which has been designated a scenic highway.  There will also be a secondary access route along the west side of the property.  Since there is no rail access to the site, all transporting of materials in and out of the mine will be done by truck.  Augusta Resource Corporation has promised to modify Highway 83 to provide safe ingress and egress from the site.  However, there was nothing mentioned about the affect on the roadway and local traffic due to the increased truck traffic along this stretch of highway. 

For More Information

Coronado National Forest Supervisor's Office:  Bev Everson, 300 W Congress St, Tucson, AZ  85701.  Phone (520) 388-8300.  Email:  comments-southern-coronado@fs.fed.us.

Rosemont Copper Mine:  www.rosemontcopper.com

Mining Regulations:  www.fs.fed.us/geology/36cfr228a_regs.pdf

Information on the Coronado National Forest:  www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont