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Kathy Kitcheyan, left, presents an authentic hand woven Apache basket to Rio Tinto Global Leader Sam Walsh. Mila Besich-Lira | Copper Area
Leaders from throughout the Copper Corridor met with Rio Tinto Global Leader Sam Walsh and Jean-Sebastian Jacques, Rio Tinto Chief Executive of Copper and Coal. The local leaders were hosted at Resolution Copper east plant operations. The meeting consisted of brief remarks by Walsh and Jacques followed by a question and answer session.
This was the first time that Sam Walsh had visited the project. Earlier in the day they took arial tours of the region and they had a barbecue with local contractors and staff at the mine.
Much of the discussion during the meeting focussed on the needs of the region including education and infrastructure needs to be able to support the growing mine and work force. The supporters in the room also encouraged the executives to continue their investment in the Resolution Copper project.
Walsh stressed Rio Tinto’s global commitment to health and safety along with social performance. He explained that they want to work with the local communities.
Leaders in attendance included representatives from the Gila County Board of Supervisors, Pinal County Board of Supervisors, Town of Kearny, Town of Miami, City of Globe, White Mountain Apache Tribal council members along with former San Carlos Apache tribal council members, the Superior Chamber of Commerce and representatives from the Bullion Plaza Cultural Center in Miami.
The meeting lasted about an hour, just as the question and answer period was about to end, former San Carlos Apache Tribal Council Chairwoman Kathy Kitcheyan presented an authentic hand woven Apache basket, wove by one of the most talented basket weavers from the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
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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