(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents Arizona Sonoran Copper Company and Resolution Copper.)
By Pinal Central
Arizona has long been proud of its copper, although mines claim a hefty share of precious groundwater.
A study conducted for the San Carlos Apache Tribe three years ago estimated Resolution Copper next to Superior will use 250 billion gallons of water over the course of the mine’s life. But the company says it’s focused on reducing its usage and is pleased enough with the success of its water savings and recycling to take out a billboard on eastbound U.S. 60.
The company says it recycles 1.4 million gallons daily for local farmers and has provided 7 billion gallons to farmers for free since 2009. “By using our treated water, farmers pump less fresh groundwater themselves, leaving more water in the ground,” a Resolution spokesman said.
“Resolution Copper will be a leader in water efficiency,” the spokesman told PinalCentral, “using fewer gallons of water per pound of copper produced than any other mine operating in Arizona. That means every drop of water used at Resolution Copper goes further than water used in other copper mines and brings more benefits to the region.
