Environmental Assessment Process

Resolution Copper is currently completing the extensive baseline work needed to identify all potential environmental impacts of our mining operations. We will then determine how to maximize positive impact while minimizing negative effect.

Baseline studies include a detailed analysis of all potential mining operation sites in order to examine a broad range of environmental and cultural factors. For example, we study water and air quality, determine if endangered species inhabit the areas, and determine if cultural artifacts are present, and if so, how best to protect them.

2009 Progress

In 2009, Resolution Copper made progress on the following environmental matters:

• Began the three-year Magma mine dewatering process.
• Completed construction of a pipeline to carry treated, naturally-occurring water from the closed Magma mine to the New Magma Irrigation and Drainage District (NMIDD) for crop irrigation. Delivered 535 million gallons of water to the NMIDD through November 2009.
• Fully functional meteorological stations became operational in March 2009 at East and West plants to provide baseline data and real-time weather information.
• Continued ongoing regional hydrology studies to gain a firm understanding of water quantity and quality. We are developing a sustainable water plan to determine water availability, use and protection for future mining activities. Studies include surface and groundwater sampling; common, trace and isotopic element analysis; and weather station data across the entire project site.
• Maintained ISO 14001 certification and regulatory compliance through independent audits and inspections.

2010 Goals

During 2010, we will advance our environmental goals by focusing on the following:

• Comply with all permit requirements:
  • Perform regular internal audits to assure permit compliance
• ISO 14001:2004 certification maintained:
  • Maintain ISO 14001: 2004 certification through regular external certification audit
• Progress rehabilitation of the historic Magma Mine West Plant site:
  • Advance engineering designs for West Plant rehabilitation
  • Design project site with small footprint and best use of existing disturbed lands
  • Train employees and contractor on Resolution Copper Environmental Standards
• Biodiversity - Net Positive Impact:
  • Develop biodiversity strategy and implementation plan to achieve goal of net positive impact
  • Involve stakeholders in the development of both the biodiversity strategy and implementation plan