Proposed land swap for Resolution Copper mine topic of June 9 meeting
No. 6 on the map is where a proposed filter plant between San Tan Valley and Florence Junction where water will be removed from the copper ore. (Special to the Independent/National Forest Service)
by Richard H. Dyer | Queen Creek Independent
Queen Creek and San Tan Valley residents can weigh in this week on a proposed land swap of 5,344 acres of privately held land for 2,422 acres of federal land for a Resolution Copper mine.
A public scoping meeting will be held 5-8 p.m. June 9 at the Central Arizona College San Tan Campus, 3736 E. Bella Vista Road in San Tan Valley. A presentation begins at 5:30 p.m., according to a press release.
“Tonto National Forest officials have extended the public scoping period for the proposed Resolution Copper mine and associated land exchange environmental impact statement,” Carrie Templin, Tonto National Forest spokeswoman, said in the release. “The EIS will analyze the environmental effects of a mining proposal submitted to the Tonto National Forest by Resolution Copper Mining LLC; the exchange of 2,422 acres of federal land near Oak Flat for 5,344 acres of privately held land elsewhere in Arizona; and any necessary amendments to the Tonto National Forest land and resource management plan.”
