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Superior Sun
Resolution Copper held its first project update for 2015 last week. The open house was held at the Superior Junior Senior High Multipurpose Room and was well attended by supporters, opposition and those just wanting to learn about the project.
In the last few months of the year, the company accomplished many milestones that they had been working towards. Completion of the construction of the number 10 shaft was one of the major accomplishments and project managers for shaft development explained that now that it is complete they will begin to work to build the tunnel from number 10 shaft to number 9 shaft then eventually construct the number 9 shaft to be as deep as the number 10 shaft.
Another milestone completed in 2014 was the announcement from Tonto National Forest that the Mine Plan of Operations was declared complete. Once the mine plan of operations was declared complete, the Tonto National Forest is able to hire a third party to complete the NEPA process.
The third milestone for the project included the passage of the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act by Congress in December. This particular milestone has been one the company and its supporters have been working to complete for 12 years. The passage of the land exchange has brought much attention to the project and to Superior as opposition groups have expressed their concern over the exchange.
Following the presentation the company opened the meeting to the public for questions. One question that came from the opposition was the concerns for the San Carlos Apaches. The man’s concern was that the Apaches were not given enough opportunity to weigh in on the project and the exchange.
Tera Kitcheyan, a Native American Advisor in the Communications department of Resolution, answered the question. She introduced herself in her native Apache language and announced her family members. This is a tradition of the Apaches when speaking.
In her response to the question she explained that she did not take her position with the company lightly. She sought the advice of her elders and family before taking the position. She spoke of the many social struggles plaguing the reservation such as domestic violence and drugs. She explained that many of members of the tribe want to see these jobs available so they can be self sufficient.
Editor’s Note: Those attending the Resolution Copper open house in opposition of the mine announced the Save Oak Flats rally and march from San Carlos to Oak Flats over the weekend. The Superior Sun attempted to cover the event however was told that no photos could be taken of the rally. Facebook posts from those attending the event had photos of the event.
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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