Forest Service expects to release key Rosemont Mine report next week
Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Friday, October 7, 2011
The U.S. Forest Service expects to post the draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Rosemont Mine next Wednesday, on the service’s website, spokeswoman Heidi Schewel said today.
The long-awaited environmental report will be released 10 days before the service holds the first of six public meetings in Southern Arizona on the proposed mine, which would be one of the country’s largest copper mines. Rosemont Copper has proposed to dig an open pit on its private land, and to dispose of waste rock and tailings on federal land.
The mine has drawn widespread opposition from people who say it will degrade the landscape, air quality and water supplies, and strong support from others who say it will be an economic boon with about 400 long-term, good-paying jobs.
The first public meeting will be held on Oct. 22, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the Desert Diamond Conference Center, at 1100 W. Pima Mine Road in Sahuarita. The remaining five meetings will be held in Tucson, Sahuarita, Elgin and Benson between then and Jan. 7.
