By Jim Becker, KOLD News 13 Reporter
Posted 6-28-06
Nine years after environmentalists and low copper prices thwarted a project by Asarco, a Canadian firm is now assessing whether to draw ore from the Santa Ritas.
Just last week, Augusta Resource Corporation got the go ahead for CAP to be delivered to the site.
The company says it will replenish the aquifer with CAP and save even more water by eliminating tailings ponds and using dry tailings instead.
It's one example where this mining project will be different than any other in Arizona, representatives say.
"The size is smaller. The location is not immediately adjacent to large communities," explains Jamie Sturgess, a vice president in charge of projects and environment for Augusta.
In addition, Augusta says it will use low-profile buildings on the site, in the interest of preserving as much of the scenic view along Highway 83 as possible.
Plus the company says it will observe lighting ordinances, so as not to disturb nearby observatories.
Once the mining operation is nearly complete, the company says it will begin restoring the landscape.
Environmentalists say the proposals are pipe dreams.
"Augusta Resource has no track record," said Daniel Patterson, an ecologist for the Center for Biological Diversity. "This is a corporation that has never done a big mine, so talk is cheap, and there is certainly a legacy of damage to the landscape across Arizona from mining."
Augusta bought the nearly 3,000 acre parcel from Triangle LLC for $20-million in June 2005.
Pima County could have bought the land for $11-million, but a citizens advisory panel thought the price was too high.
With copper prices near an all time high at just over $3 a pound, Augusta believes its investment is worth while.
The company says its economic studies indicated it would profit with copper less than half that price.
Augusta says an open pit mine on the Rosemont site would employ 350 workers, with twice that many jobs created in support areas.
Representatives say they are still in preliminary assessment stages but expect to apply for permits in a few months.
