County leaders support mining project, despite concerns environmental review was rushed
by Aaron Dorman | Coolidge Examiner
As federal agencies have weighed in recently, several Pinal County leaders expressed their support for Resolution Copper’s controversial mining project slated for Oak Flat, in the north-central portion of Pinal County. But while local business leaders believe the mining project would boost the local economy, the nonprofit Apache Stronghold filed an emergency appeal on Feb. 23, as opponents maintain the operation would devastate the local environment and an Apache religious site.
Monday afternoon, the U.S. Department of Agriculture pushed back the early-March date for a federal land swap in order to consult with Native American tribes and other concerned groups for further environmental review.
Gov. Doug Ducey blasted the delay Monday.
