REFERENCE TITLE: Rosemont copper mine; support

State of Arizona Senate Fiftieth Legislature Second Regular Session 2012

SCR 1043

Introduced by Senators Melvin, Gray, Griffin; Representatives Gowan: Pratt

 

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 

supporting the rosemont copper mine in southern arizona.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Whereas, the proposed Rosemont Copper Project, a mining operation to be developed on a 15,000-acre site in southern Pima County, will greatly benefit the region and the State of Arizona; and

Whereas, through the use of the latest technology as well as years of prudent planning and exhaustive environmental reviews, Rosemont Copper Mine will provide great economic benefits while maintaining strict adherence to environmental protections; and

Whereas, studies have shown that Rosemont Copper Mine will generate an anticipated $15 billion in local revenues over its lifetime while providing direct employment of more than 400 workers and sustaining an estimated 1,700 indirect jobs for area residents; and

Whereas, local governments would see an anticipated $404 million increase in tax revenues over that same period; and

Whereas, Rosemont Copper Mine water recycling technologies and progressive conservation will use less than half the water of traditional mines.  Rosemont Copper Mine will replace groundwater pumped by recharging water purchased from the Central Arizona Project; and

Whereas, plans are in place to begin reclamation and revegetation efforts from the very beginning of the mine's operations and to implement permanent land conservation and protection efforts; and

Whereas, Rosemont Copper Mine's footprint will be less than half the size of other Pima County mines.  By employing the latest technologies with high efficiency, Rosemont Copper Mine will yield substantially higher amounts of copper per acre; and

Whereas, Rosemont Copper Mine will maintain a 30,000-acre working cattle ranch as part of its revegetation and reclamation effort; and

Whereas, the average person will use more than 1,500 pounds of copper in a lifetime, and the demand for copper is growing as renewable, sustainable "green" energy and new technologies all require large amounts of copper; and

Whereas, Rosemont Copper Mine will reduce the nation's dependence on foreign copper as more than 30% of the country's copper supply currently comes from outside the country.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the Members of the Legislature support Rosemont Copper Mine on its opening and extend best wishes for its successful operation.