Congress approves colossal Ariz. copper mine

by Rebekah L. Sanders | The Republic

copper mine

Native copper

A colossal copper mine that could pump billions into the Arizona economy is charging ahead, after nearly a decade of Washington roadblocks.

In a rush of votes Friday, the Senate passed the measure 89-11 before the Christmas recess. The federal land swap paves the way for the mine to be built near Superior. It is expected to produce a quarter of the current annual demand for copper in the United States, though its output would be sold throughout the world.

The bill was tucked into the must-pass Defense Department spending measure, along with a package of other public land bills, drawing criticism from lawmakers who wanted the unrelated provisions considered separately. Their efforts to derail the bill went nowhere.

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