The mayor of Clifton, Laura Dorrell, recently discussed the Morenci Mine’s impact on the community, focusing on its significance to copper mining. Meanwhile, concerns about air pollution have arisen regarding the proposed Copper World mine south of Tucson.
Two environmental groups and a pecan farm company have filed an appeal to revoke the mine’s air pollution permit, which was granted on January 2. The Center for Biological Diversity, Save the Scenic Santa Ritas, and Farmers Investment Co. argue that the current permit lacks enough safeguards against harmful emissions from mine waste. They fear that dust possibly containing arsenic, cadmium, and lead could affect nearby residents in the Santa Rita Mountains.
Additionally, they claim the permit doesn’t adequately address dust created from heavy trucks using an unimproved dirt road that crosses the University of Arizona’s Santa Rita Experimental Range. Nan Stockholm Walden from Farmers Investment Co. criticized the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) for neglecting the significant air pollution caused by increased truck traffic, which could endanger environmental studies and disrupt the community.
Developers of the Copper World mine plan to create at least four open pits across over 4,000 acres and predict around 400 job opportunities in mining. However, local groups, including the Tohono O’odham Tribe’s San Xavier District, have voiced strong opposition. They believe that mining will damage the culturally and spiritually important Santa Rita Mountains.
Nunez, representing the Tohono O’odham Tribe, stated that the flawed permit threatens both public health and the environment. He emphasized the need for the ADEQ to reconsider its decision. The appeal aims to prompt a hearing with ADEQ within 60 days, although the department has not commented on the ongoing case.
Hudbay Minerals, responsible for the Copper World project, intends to challenge the appeal. The company expressed confidence that its permit is sound and reiterated its commitment to responsible mining that benefits southern Arizona, emphasizing job creation and a stable supply of copper essential for the nation’s infrastructure.
As discussions continue, the implications for both the environment and the local economy remain a hot topic among residents and officials alike.
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