By Kim Steele Kingman Daily Miner Staff
Despite negative company filings, an $11.2 million deficit and a serious lack of funding, Sierra Resource Group’s director says he is still pursuing plans to re-open the Chloride Copper Mine.
“We’re moving forward and intend to complete this project,” said Sierra CEO Rod Martin. “We’ve had some delays, but what company doesn’t?”
Martin said the company recently contracted the firm CDM Smith to handle its air quality permit and all electrical work associated with the mine and building a substation there. CDM Smith oversaw the transfer and modification of the mine’s existing aquifer protection permit, which was handled through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Last year, the Bureau of Land Management accepted the company’s Mine Plan of Operation, which was completed by Paul C. Rizzo Associates, Inc.
Sierra anticipated hiring up to 40 employees and opening earlier this year, but production has has been placed on hold because of financial problems with the company.
