Land Exchange
The Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act
Introduced in both the House of Representatives and Senate, this legislation not only allows for protection of environmentally sensitive lands throughout Arizona, but also supports the Town of Superior's vision for economic development. The Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act enjoys bipartisan support including endorsements from municipal, county, state, and federal elected officials and governments. Leading nongovernment organizations have also expressed their support for conveyance of particular land parcels currently owned by Resolution Copper to the United States as part of the land exchange. This exchange will allow us to complete our feasibility studies and construct the mine. We invite you to read what people are saying about the land exchange.
Conditions of the Exchange
Provisions of the legislation include:
- Transfer from the federal government to Resolution Copper land in and around the Oak Flat Campground needed for our mining operations. In return, Resolution Copper will transfer to the government over 5,500 acres of high-priority conservation lands.
- A financial commitment from Resolution Copper to support development of one or more campgrounds to replace existing Oak Flat Campground facilities within the Tonto National Forest.
- Conservation and protection of the scenic escarpment above the Town of Superior known as Apache Leap.
- Monies for improved access within and around Apache Leap.
In June 2008, Sen. Kyl introduced a new bill, S.3157 with the following improvements to the past land exchange legislation:
- New language to require a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) subject to full National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance on all mine activities prior to mine opening. This action will be subject to public comment and review.
Resolution Copper has agreed to pay for any ore in excess of the amount determined during the federal appraisal process.
- 956-acre Appleton Ranch parcel added to exchange package in lieu of $7.5 million cash payment to the United States.
- 7B Ranch on San Pedro River added as a new unit of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Cash equalization money paid to the United States placed in a special account to be used solely for San Pedro River land acquisition, management or protection.
- Four years, instead of two years, for the Forest Service to build an Oak Flat Campground replacement(s).
- Funding for Oak Flat replacement campground(s) doubled from $500,000 to $1million to address Forest Service concerns.
- Forest Service will own and operate Oak Flat campground (approx. 75 acres) for four years after bill enactment. Resolution Copper can drill under area, but no surface disturbance allowed until land transfers to Resolution Copper.
- Resolution Copper’s 95-acre “Pond” parcel added to lands conveyed to Forest Service for the benefit of area recreation groups.
- Provision deleted that called for closure of Magma Mine road and Eurodog Valley and Looner Land climbing areas upon bill enactment.
- Tam O’Shanter State Park deleted from legislation.
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