by 
Superior Sun
During a recent community open house, last week Resolution Copper Project Director Andrew Taplin updated the public on the mining project. Following his update, the public was able to meet with senior leadership at Resolution about the various segments of the project such as the land exchange legislation, water reclamation, community involvement and geology.
During his presentation, Taplin explained that Resolution is still trying to work with the officials from the Town of Superior on their support for the project. While the Town of Superior has yet to renew their support for the project, the project continues to move forward. In late 2013 the shaft sinking of the number 10 shaft was halted, and many crew members were laid off due to the extreme temperatures underground. Sundt construction, an Arizona based construction company has been awarded the bid to install the necessary cooling and ventilation system that will allow the shaft sinking to continue.
The company will be starting to work on tailings reclamation in the lower smelter pond area in the coming months. Taplin also reported that the Forest Service is moving steadily through the review of the Mine Plan of Operations, he explained that the public participation process will begin in April regarding the baseline studies and NEPA for the tailings site. The community will have several opportunities to express their support or concerns through these public participation processes.
The Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act is still being supported by Representatives Ann Kirkpatrick and Dr. Paul Gosar in the US House of Representatives. In the Senate, Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake are working to move the bill through committees for a vote in the Senate. At this time there are no hearings set for the legislation at this time.
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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