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Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Mar 19 2008 8:31 am
by Jeffshadows
For those following what's shaping up for the Santa Ritas by way of the mining operation that wants to come to town, the Forest Service is planning on preparing an Environmental Impact Statement and wants your input. The project notice of intent is available on the FS website and I've also attached it to this posting:
I can't make any of the meetings, but I wish I could because we need as many people like us there as possible to show that opposition to the mine will not pass away with the contingent of retired folks in Green Valley that are championing the cause. No offense meant in what I just said, because I've heard that their new strategy is to wait a few more years until the "Political climate might be more favorable" (What else could they mean by that statement?) I know this is a heated topic, and I'm not advocating bad behavior or fanaticism; I just think we are a community that needs to be heard on these issues, once in a while...
Anyway, for those who can get out there, here's the meeting schedule:
1. March 18, 2008, Pima Community College Desert Vista Campus, 5901 South Calle Santa Cruz, Tucson, Arizona. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
2. March 19, 2008, Canoa Hills Recreation Center, 3660 South Camino del Sol, Green Valley, Arizona, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
3. March 20, 2008, Patagonia Union High School, Highway 82, Patagonia, Arizona, 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m
The FS is planning another meeting for the Vail area; date, time, and location TBD. If you can't make it please take a few minutes and do like I did - send your comments on the proposal in by one of these channels:
• Mail comments to Team Leader, Rosemont Copper Project, Coronado National Forest, 300 W. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona 85701
• FAX comments to (520) 388–8305, ATTN: Rosemont Team Leader
• Or email to
comments-southwestern-coronado@fs.fed.us
If you feel the mine is a good idea and have come up with a novel solution to the groundwater issue (among other things) you should comment, as well. This is a democracy, after all!
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Mar 19 2008 9:48 am
by rally_toad
I wish I lived close enough where I could make it. Edward Abbey is rolling over in his grave.... If only George Hayduke could attend those meetings. Anyone who can make it I urge you to protect our public lands! Some things are more important than money. Anyonw who cant lets overflow their mailboxes with opposition!
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Mar 19 2008 10:29 am
by Jeffshadows
Luckily, Ray Carroll sees to be standing strong. This is one of those times I wish David Yetman was still in the loop on these kinds of things...
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 03 2008 8:22 am
by Jeffshadows
There was an opinion article in the Tucson Weekly today (3 April) that someone who attended a couple of the hearings sent in for publication. Apparently the Forest Service is full-on "In cahoots" with the mine developers, and not even open to public discourse (If the author is taken at her word). This is dismaying. We pay these people to be our representatives and act as stewards of the places we love on our behalf, not to capitalize on the very assets they are enjoined to protect. I don't even know where to go from here with this issue...
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 03 2008 9:26 am
by chumley
While I know absolutely nothing about this particular mining project, and the FS may be "in cahoots" with the developers inappropriately, I must remind everybody that the National Forest Service was created to manage public lands for "multiple-uses" and for the "common good." One of the multiple uses includes recreation, but other intended uses actually include mining, forestry, grazing, etc.
Many don't realize it, but the National Forest Service was actually created to allow mining and cutting down trees! (among other things)
Public comment periods are crucial in determining how the land is managed, so I encourage those in the area to participate in the meetings to express your desire that recreation and/or preservation take precedent over the other uses. Because you can be sure that whoever wants to mine there is going to be present to have their voice heard.
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 03 2008 9:45 am
by Jeffshadows
You're correct, of course. But I think most Americans would agree that a charter written in the early 1900's that included those activities needs revision. As our population grows, the areas under Forest Service control become less and less remote and more and more sensitive and endangered. Recreation has taken center-stage in almost every forest near Tucson, as I'm sure it has most that fall near large communities. There was a time when no one would have noticed this mine, perhaps in the 50's. Now it has a *massive* impact, when taken into account with all of the development that has sprung up in that area.
In a similar vein, I can imagine that there was probably a time when logging in the Catalinas was common-place, especially since the range hosts sites whose names and artifacts bear witness to such an operation. It's still legal to remove forest products from the Catalinas (by permit) and the FS regularly invites the public to pay a small fee and haul off some of the stock from their thinning and clearing operations. Now, imagine they said: "Hey, since this is okay, we're starting a full-scale logging operation." It's unconscionable.
I suspect the FS believes that they are doing a "Little wrong for a bigger right." They probably expect a large revenue from this mine that they will, ostensibly, use to improve the Coronado National Forest in some way. Either that, or, even more frighteningly, the FS back in Washington is expecting a windfall and we will be left with the consequences of their short-sightedness offset by little or none of the financial gain for our AZ forests...
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 04 2008 4:04 am
by azbackpackr
The area described on the attachment is in the far northern area of the range, not even up in the high country, nor very near any of the trails listed on the top of this page. If you have ever been to Helvetia or Rosemont ghost town sites you will know this area as being quite deserty, not forested. And there are many small mines all over the place in that area, also. I suspect most hikers in the Santa Ritas, on the trails listed, could not see the mine except from the tops of some of the peaks, where you can already see lots of other mines and way, way, WAY too much urbanization. If there are ground water and drainage issues, etc., these need to be addressed, but hikers who stick to those listed trails aren't going to be affected by this very much.
On the other hand, I don't see why the retired people of Green Valley, some of whom are hikers, would want this mine. Their area is already too crowded and noisy.
I'm not really in favor of the mine. I'm only playing devil's advocate here because some people obviously are going to scream and holler without bothering to look at a map or visit the area in question, and they are going to think the mine is located in the heart of the area most used for recreation in the Santa Ritas. And having those trails listed at the top of your page just feeds the fire and adds to the confusion. Go to Helvetia and Rosemont ghost town sites--you will need a 4WD to get there, unless the roads have been upgraded lately--and check it out for yourself. You'll need a Coronado National Forest map of the Nogales/Sierra Vista Ranger Districts. From that area you can see, 12 miles southwest as the crow flies, but dozens of miles by foot, Mt. Wrightson.
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 04 2008 12:10 pm
by joebartels
Like everything else in the world, it has more impact when it affects you.
I don't know for sure but it seems various deposits will mostly be concentrated in mountain ranges. Be it copper, gold, pumice or whatever these things are needed in the world we live. For that reason I think they need to be allowed to some degree. The problem is the big companies don't want to spend the extra money to do it low impact digging deeper instead of wider.
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 05 2008 7:27 am
by Jeffshadows
azbackpackr wrote:The area described on the attachment is in the far northern area of the range, not even up in the high country, nor very near any of the trails listed on the top of this page. If you have ever been to Helvetia or Rosemont ghost town sites you will know this area as being quite deserty, not forested. And there are many small mines all over the place in that area, also. I suspect most hikers in the Santa Ritas, on the trails listed, could not see the mine except from the tops of some of the peaks, where you can already see lots of other mines and way, way, WAY too much urbanization.
I hope your observations prove correct, and remain that way. I'm a little more skeptical. And, yes, I've been back in that area more times than than I can count on two hands. I have some great shots of the remains of Harshaw I'll have to post up. I don't like the idea of all of those old mining ghost sites getting destroyed much, either. But, to think that the water they siphon off to run that thing isn't going to
directly affect the Santa Ritas, and the trails listed, is sheer madness...
Jeff
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 06 2008 4:36 am
by azbackpackr
Well, to the extent that any so-called "progress" does affect natural areas, yes. If I'm not mistaken, I recall you can see at least two large open-pit mines from the top of Mt. Wrightson. So this will be one more. No, I'm not happy about it at all. All I meant was to say if you are hiking up Temporal Gulch Trail you are not going to notice a new mine very much.
This brings me back to the topic of Oak Flat. The new mine there is supposed to be underground, yet they want to close that whole area. The entire area along Hwy. 60 between Miami and Superior is already honeycombed with underground tunnels, which you are driving over without even knowing they exist.
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 06 2008 11:48 am
by Hoffmaster
azbackpackr wrote:This brings me back to the topic of Oak Flat. The new mine there is supposed to be underground, yet they want to close that whole area. The entire area along Hwy. 60 between Miami and Superior is already honeycombed with underground tunnels, which you are driving over without even knowing they exist.
I don't mean to get off-topic, but since you brought it up, google "QueenCreekCoalition" for the latest info on the Oak Flat mining debacle.
Fortunately, everyone's favorite corrupt AZ politician, Rick Renzi, stalled this for a bit.
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 07 2008 4:59 am
by azbackpackr
Yeah, I saw that on the news. Hope it is stalled long enough for people to wake up and smell the flowers (and rocks and trees and waterfalls and 5 pools and Apache Leap, etc.) I'll check that site, thanks.
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 07 2008 8:13 am
by Jeffshadows
Hey guys,
I was actually going to reply and suggest looking at something like Oak Flat, or even a "what if" like the Supes, or something. I know a lot of the active folks on here are up in Phoenix or the northern part of the state, so it has to be hard to really concern yourselves with what's going on down here when you have issues closer to home, and that's cool...
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Jun 10 2008 3:58 pm
by Jeffshadows
Citizens' Forum on the Proposed Rosemont Mine
Date and time:
Wednesday, June 18th, 6-8:30pm
Location:
Parish Hall, Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church,
2331 E. Adams St., Tucson Arizona
520.327.6857
Directions:
1-1/2 blocks west of Tucson Blvd, south of Pima, parking on north side of the church
Event contact:
Kim Beck, Save the Scenic Santa Ritas
520.495.4339
google scenicsantaritas
Event description:
Conservation groups and concerned citizens have organized a free public event to address the proposed Rosemont Mine in the Santa Rita Mountains near Tucson, AZ. Speakers will give presentations on how the proposed mine will affect the environment, among other impacts. Questions will be taken from the audience.There will also be an opportunity for participants to fill out comment sheets and submit to the Forest Service.
Introductory remarks will be by:
A representative from Congresswoman Giffords office
Supervisor Richard Elias
Mayor Robert Walkup
Featured speaker will be:
Dinah Bear, former Counsel General to the Council on Environmental Quality.
Other speakers include:
Randy Serraglio
Gayle Hartmann
Trevor Hare
Lainie Levick
Roger Featherstone
Sponsors (at present) include:
Save the Scenic Santa Ritas
Sierra Club
Center for Biological Diversity
Sky Island Alliance
Earthworks.
Please join us and learn all about the environmental impacts of the proposed mine and what you can do!
And dont forget the next Public Hearing on Rosemont, June 30th at Rincon High School in Tucson
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 24 2009 10:44 am
by chumley
The new governor is pushing for mine. (Not sure if its the Rosemont mine? or another in the same vicinity). If you're interested in reading a bunch of inflammatory comments, check out azcentral.
SUPERIOR - Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer wants federal lawmakers to pass land-swap legislation that would pave the way for a copper-mining project in Superior.
Brewer voiced her support for the Resolution Copper Mining project Thursday during a tour of the site.
"While some states have been blessed with oil, others with valuable forest, Arizona has been blessed with rich copper reserves," Brewer said. "Copper has done so much over the history of Arizona to provide economic growth, and this copper project spurs economic development far into our future."
Project backers refer to the mine as "Arizona's low-cost stimulus plan."
The venture is expected to generate thousands of jobs and millions a year in taxes that would flow into federal, state and local coffers. Project backers anticipate an economic impact of $46.4 billion over the life of the project. That is equal to "two NFL Super Bowls per year," Brewer said.
The 3,000-acre mine site in Tonto National Forest is thought to contain the largest undeveloped deposit of high-grade copper in the world. Attempts by Resolution Copper to acquire the site have been delayed by environmentalists, Native American protests and a corruption scandal involving former Rep. Rick Renzi.
But David Salisbury, president and CEO of Resolution Copper, remains positive about the most recent incarnation of the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act.
Salisbury said the bill contains "strong provisions," including the protection of Apache Leap, a rock formation considered sacred by native people.
Sens. Jon Kyl and John McCain introduced the legislation in February. There has been little action on the legislation since then.
The Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2009 includes a transfer of land from the federal government to Resolution Copper for mining. In return, Resolution Copper would transfer to the government more than 5,500 acres of conservation lands.
Salisbury said tandem legislation may soon be introduced in the House: His group has been in talks with Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, who took over Renzi's district in January.
The company has claim to the land about 3 miles east of Superior in the historic Pioneer Mining District, where workers are installing a shaft to reach a depth of 7,000 feet. About 680 feet have been installed so far.
Even if the land swap was fast-tracked, the first batch of copper wouldn't show up until 2020. The project is expected to have a life span of about 60 years.
"To ensure we better face the economic cycles of tomorrow, Arizona needs to establish a strong economic foundation comprised of development projects that generate sustainable economic output and new jobs," Brewer said. "The Resolution Copper project is the type . . . to ensure a strong economic environment for our future generations."
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 24 2009 10:49 am
by dysfunction
the new governor pushing for business interests over public ones? Doesn't surprise me
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 24 2009 1:59 pm
by JimmyLyding
The mine that Gov. Brewer is pushing is near Superior. I believe that it's right about Oak Flat-Top Of the World (jerky capital of Arizona) between Superior and Globe
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 24 2009 6:39 pm
by azbackpackr
This mine that Brewer is pushing is the one most of us signed that petition against last year. It's the one that will close and maybe destroy that 5 pools area, close the Oak Flats area, close a lot of the rock climbing areas around there. It is pretty awful.
The Rosemont mine is also absolutely going to be a disaster for the northern end of the Santa Ritas and the general beauty of So Az. It is going to be a huge open-pit mine that operates 24 hours a day. It is going to be next to a scenic highway. I am not sure why we don't talk about it more on here, other than there aren't a lot of Tucson people on here.
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 24 2009 7:59 pm
by Jeffshadows
The last time I spoke about it you said it wouldn't affect any of the trails I linked!!
Re: Rosemont Mine EIS
Posted: Apr 25 2009 12:46 pm
by azbackpackr
It won't! Your linked hikes were all in the s. end. So that was factual.
However, that doesn't mean it's a good idea to have this huge pit on the side of a scenic highway. It's in the northern end, in the Rosemont area. I talked to my sister about it recently, though--she lives down there and she recently visited Helvetia site, but said the Rosemont mine is going to be on the OTHER (East) side of the ridge from Helvitia site, near Hwy 83. Consult your Coronado National Forest map--Sierra Vista and Nogales Ranger District edition. Driving 83 from the 10 down to Gardner Canyon and Sonoita, that is where you will be able to see it, from what my sister was telling me. You would pass it on your way to Gardner Canyon.
If you have any new info about this, let us know, please. Sis said there will be heavy truck traffic, with the mine operating 24/7, also necessitating a huge amount of lighting, etc.
I am not sure how it will affect the AZT, which does go north somewhere along there, past Kentucky Camp, etc. Rosemont is about 6 miles due north of Kentucky Camp.
I looked at your list again. I doubt if there will be much impact on those listed trails. The closest one to the mine is maybe the Florida trail, which is about 8 miles as the crow flies, and on the other side of the ridge. You didn't list the AZT, and I would be interested to know how it will affect that one.
All this talk of trails is beside the point anyway. The best hikes are off-trail, up canyons and up peaks. There are some neat peaks and canyons right there in that area.
I am also going to contact my sister now about this, see if she knows anything new. The price of copper is rising again, after crashing right along with the stock market. The mine at Morenci, which laid off many workers, and cut everyone else's hours, is adding hours and bringing people back right as we speak.