Courtesy photo [The Pinto Valley Mine will enjoy another 19 years of production, thanks to Forest Service approval of the mine’s operations plan.]
By Arizona Silver Belt
Pinto Valley Mining Corporation has received final approval from the US Forest Service (USFS) for plans that will keep the Pinto Valley Mine operating another 19 years. The mine plan of operations, approved by Tonto National Forest Supervisor Neil Bosworth, allows Pinto Valley to utilize an additional 229 acres of National Forest System lands surrounding the mine.
“This is a truly a historic day for Pinto Valley,” said Mike Wickersham, the mine’s general manager. “Getting to this approval took more than five years. We want to thank the Forest Service employees who helped keep this project on track.”
Expansion of the mine will maintain 690 jobs and protect related economic activity, largely in Gila County, for nearly 20 years. “This is a huge win for Globe-Miami and surrounding communities. Both our local businesses and our local workforce have an abundance to gain from this, and the cherry on top is seeing two entities that do so much for our community work together to form this agreement,” said Tianna Holder, executive director of the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce.
