State Representative Walt Blackman (R-7) wrote to the U.S. Forest Service urging federal approval of a 2015 land exchange deal for the Resolution Copper project.
Resolution Copper is a copper mining project that has been subject to a decade of environmental review, despite the project being approved by Congress in 2015. The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) has recently been completed, and now the final land exchange approval is all that is needed.
The upcoming project will be located near the town of Superior, and a massive deposit of copper has been found 5,000 to 7,000 ft below the surface. Should the Resolution Copper project receive the final go-ahead, it will be the largest copper mine in North America.
"The Resolution Copper project is a rare opportunity to strengthen Arizona's economy—especially in the historic Copper Corridor and across District 7," said State Rep. Blackman in his letter, adding, "It will bring high-wage jobs, critical infrastructure investments, and lasting economic support for local businesses."
Not only will the potential jobs for Arizonans number in the thousands for initial construction, but mining itself in the Grand Canyon State offers lucrative wages, averaging $100,000 per year.
"The average mining wage in Arizona is approximately $100,000, making these jobs the type that can transform people's lives," State Rep. Blackman continued. "Average mining wage in Arizona is approximately $100,000, making these jobs the type that can transform people's lives. The project should also provide a much-needed boost to local businesses and tens of millions in new tax revenue to state and local governments every year. This will ensure that long-awaited investments for public roads and essential services are made."
Concluding, the 7th District Representative said, "Resolution Copper has made a genuine effort to work with the community and earn local support— truly being a good neighbor. This project is ready to move forward, and it's time it does. I urge the Forest Service to act without further delay."
