MANAGEMENT

Resolution Copper completes US$75M mine reclamation

Resolution Copper is currently developing a modern underground mine at the site.

This article is 4 years old. Images might not display.

The venture is currently developing a modern underground mine at the site. Rio Tinto owns 55% of the project, with BHP holding the balance. 

The Magma Copper Co mined and processsed ore at the site between 1910 and 1996, including smelting operations until 1971.

Resolution Copper has performed reclamation work since 2005, which included more than a decade of soil clean-up, placing a cover with soil and vegetation over the historic tailings, restoring and establishing drainage for the conveyance of stormwater, reshaping and vegetating development rock piles, removing the old concentrator complex and smelter structures.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has approved the work, and Resolution will continue post-closure monitoring for the next three decades, including groundwater monitoring, surface water monitoring, regular inspection of all facilities and monitoring of the vegetative cover.

Resolution Copper recently completed a US$200 million project to deepen Mine Shaft 9, originally constructed in 1971. It has been sunk a further 2,000 feet to over 6,800 feet underground. It now connects to the newer Shaft 10 in two places, improves ventilation, and increases safety by providing a second exit for workers.

The venture will now focus on the maintenance of Shaft 9 and 10 and continuing the underground characterization study to increase ore-body knowledge, as the project continues to progress through a multi-year federal, state and county permitting process. 

 

Expert-led Insights reports built on robust data, rigorous analysis and expert commentary covering mining Exploration, Future Fleets, Automation and Digitalisation, and ESG.

Expert-led Insights reports built on robust data, rigorous analysis and expert commentary covering mining Exploration, Future Fleets, Automation and Digitalisation, and ESG.

editions

Automation and Digitalisation Insights 2025

Discover how mining companies and investors are adopting, deploying and evaluating new technologies.

editions

Mining IQ Exploration Insights 2025

Gain exclusive insights into the world of exploration in a comprehensive review of the top trending technologies, intercepts, discoveries and more.

editions

Future Fleets Insights 2025

Mining IQ Future Fleets Insights 2025 looks at how companies are using alternative energy sources to cut greenhouse gas emmissions

editions

Automation and Digitalisation Insights 2024

Exclusive research for Mining IQ Automation and Digitalisation Insights 2024 shows mining companies are embracing cutting-edge tech