Mining News May 20, 2009

Resolution Mine: Forest Service Evaluation Underway, by Ted Lake

Twenty-one persons, both for and against the new proposed $4 billion Resolution Copper underground mine East of Superior submitted their written comments by an April 30 deadline set by the U.S. Forest Service. All of these statements are now being reviewed by various staff members of the Tonto National Forest. It's all part of the process where public comments were sought for an Environmental Assessment of the Copper Company's Plan of Operation for Pre-Feasibility Activities which was submitted earlier to the U.S. Forest Service. The Tonto National Forest Offi ce in Phoenix provided the Copper Country News with the following list of persons whose statements are now being evaluated. Comments Received to the Resolution Pre-Feasibility Plan of Operations include: Shirley Dawson, Chairwoman, Gila County BOS, County Supervisors Assoc President, Sharon Bronson, Wayne Granger, private citizen, Wendsler Nosie, Chairman San Carlos Apache Tribe and dozens of others. What Resolution Copper Company is now proposing to do on Tonto Forest Land East of Superior: To initiate five exploration drill sites impacting 1.14 acres. Developing eight drill sites to accommodate a total of three deep and six shallow groundwater testing and monitoring wells involving some 1.78 acres. To construct nine drill sites impacting approximately 1.8 acres to accommodate a total of nine geotechnical characterization bore holes. Continuation of exploratory and monitoring activities at previously authorized drill sites involving 3.02 acres. Complete necessary road improvements on 16.7 miles of existing roads impacting 0.55 acres. Building 0.33 miles of new roads impacting 0.55 acres.