Meeting Details

• Tuesday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Location at Corona Foothills Middle School, 16705 S. Houghton Road in Corona de Tucson. This session aims to provide information and address queries regarding the draft Individual Aquifer Protection Permit for Copper World.
• Tuesday, March 5, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Same location. This session is specifically organized for ADEQ to gather feedback from concerned parties regarding the project and its procedural aspects. For further details, visit adzes.gov/publicnotices.

Overview of the Copper World Complex

The Copper World Complex, encompassing the entire project area on both sides of the range, including Rosemont, is slated for development in two phases with an anticipated mine life of 44 years. The project is under the ownership of Hudbay Minerals based in Toronto, Canada.

Project Scope and Operations

Hudbay Minerals has outlined that the nearest of the five open pits will be approximately eight miles away from Quail Creek. Notably, the company plans to conduct onsite processing to produce refined copper without the need for overseas shipping of copper concentrate for smelting or refining. While this approach aims to streamline operations, it has prompted inquiries regarding its efficacy and safety measures.

Addressing Concerns and Impacts

Environmental Impact

The proposed mining project has raised concerns about its potential environmental impact on the surrounding area, including water sources, wildlife habitats, and air quality. Community members and environmental groups have voiced apprehensions regarding the long-term repercussions of such large-scale mining operations on the local ecosystem.

Economic Considerations

While the project promises economic benefits such as job creation and revenue generation for the region, there are also concerns about its sustainability and the potential for adverse effects on other sectors such as tourism and recreation, which are vital contributors to the local economy.

Regulatory Oversight and Public Engagement

Permitting Process

ADEQ’s involvement in the permit issuance process signifies the regulatory scrutiny applied to ensure compliance with environmental standards and regulations. The public meetings serve as a platform for stakeholders to engage with regulatory authorities, express their concerns, and contribute to the decision-making process.

Community Engagement

Community involvement and public participation are crucial aspects of the decision-making process for projects of this scale. The opportunity for residents, environmental advocates, and other stakeholders to voice their opinions and raise pertinent questions fosters transparency and accountability in the project’s development and implementation.

Ensuring Responsible Resource Extraction

As discussions surrounding the Copper World open pit mining project continue, it is imperative to strike a balance between economic development and environmental conservation. Robust regulatory oversight, informed public engagement, and thorough environmental assessments are essential to mitigate potential risks and ensure that resource extraction endeavors are conducted responsibly and sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations.