BHP and Freeport Expanding in Globe-Miami
September 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
By Ted lake teddlake@yahoo.com
New ADEQ permits are needed for additional operations.
Three draft permits for expanded local copper mining operations have now been prepared by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality for proposed issuance. They are called Aquifer Protection Permits. According to the state agency, these permits, if adopted, will enable the two copper companies involved to operate more effectively while protecting groundwater in our area.
BHP Billiton applied for such a permit for its Miami Unit, a 700-acre site that produced copper from leaching operations. The company is also seeking a similar permit for its Copper Cities Unit, which consists of two pits, two main leach dumps, waste rock piles and structures used to transport and or impound mining-process or storm water. ADEQ issued a similar permit early last year to BHP for the then closed Pinto Valley open pit copper mine west of Miami which now employs some 525 persons.
The third Aquifer Protection Permit is being sought by Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold for the resumption of open pit copper mining at its Miami operations near its local smelter.
Steve Owens, Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality says these permits will require operational monitoring at each site to ensure the facilities are inspected and maintained to meet best available control technology standards . The state official adds ground water monitoring is required to ensure that aquifer water quality standards are met.
“These are strong water quality permits that will protect groundwater in the area and will bring these historic mining operations into compliance with current regulations,” says Owens. He points out that issuance of these permits will protect much needed jobs in Gila County and will also safeguard precious water resources in the area.
ADEQ says its public comment period on all three permits is underway and ends October 9th. Written comments can be made to the ADEQ Groundwater Section, 1110 West Washington Street, MC541B-3, Phoenix Arizona 85007. Further information can also be obtained by contacting the state agency.
Resolution Answers Grijalva
August 26, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Miami Building is the Site of Over 7,000 Amazing Core Samples
August 14, 2008 | Leave a Comment
By Michael Casillas
Over 7,000 core samples dating back to the early days of mining in the Globe-Miami area are stored in the basement of a historic Miami building located at 501 Live Oak. The buildings owner, Peter Bronson took it upon himself to stack and organize the thousands of boxes that were at one point scattered throughout the location. The samples were taken from thousands of feet below the surface and were used to locate various valuable metals and minerals that could be mined for profit.
It is believed that the samples were part of an exploration project conducted by the Van Dyke Copper Mine, Show Me Copper Company, as well the Miami Trust Company. The historic samples contain traces of gold, platinum, copper and uranium, and are still being cared for by Bronson through an agreement with the Van Dyke Company.
There is still much more that needs to be learned about the materials. If anyone has any further information about the samples, or would like to tour the building where they are being stored send an e-mail to PeterBronson@att.net or call 480 • 797 • 1211.
Hearing Set on ASARCO
August 14, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Officials of ASARCO Copper have submitted a final plan for reorganization of the company with the bankruptcy court at Corpus Christi, Texas. A judge has set a hearing on the 72-page proposal on November 17. The plan includes details of the offer by India’s Sterlite Industries to purchase ASARCO’s mining operations for $2.6 billion cash. There are also agreements the company has reached with its principal creditors, unsecured creditors and claimants in various states. The company petitioned for Chapter 11 proceedings on August 9, 2005 in the Texas court.
‘Zero Harm’ is BHP Goal
August 14, 2008 | Leave a Comment
By Ed Kuehneman