Land Exchange | Resolution Copper Mining | A member of the Rio Tinto Group

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 non-government 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 and also visit the www.securearizonasfuture.com website.

Major provisions of the legislation include:

Transfer from the federal government to Resolution Copper land needed for our mining operations in and around the Oak Flat Campground. In return, Resolution Copper will transfer to the government over 5,500 acres of high-priority conservation lands.
Resolution Copper’s private lands on Apache Leap transferred to the Forest Service.
The scenic escarpment above the Town of Superior known as Apache Leap will remain under management of the Tonto National Forest.

The latest version of the land exchange bill includes the following improvements:

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): New language to require a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) subject to full National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance on both the exchange and all mine activities prior to consummation of the land exchange. This action will be subject to public comment and review.

Protection and Conservation of Apache Leap: Apache Leap to remain in federal ownership. Resolution Copper’s 110 acres of private land accompanied by provisions for permanent management and a four-year protection study were added to ensure public ownership and conservation of Apache Leap. Resolution Copper surrenders all rights to mine under Apache Leap and will not disturb the surface.

Fair Value Guarantee for the Land Exchange: The lands included in the exchange will go through an independent appraisal conducted under the direction of federal regulations. Through this process, the federal government will determine the fair market price of the property. This valuation will likely consider the size and value of the ore body.

Resolution Copper’s 95-acre "Pond" parcel added to lands conveyed to Forest Service for the benefit of area recreation groups.
Resolution Copper will pay $1,250,000 to Forest Service to improve dispersed recreation, such as rock climbing and access at Pond, Upper Pond, Inconceivables and Chill Hill areas.
The Magma Mine Road, Eurodog Valley and Looner Land climbing areas to remain open after bill enactment for a longer period.

On June 17, supporters told the Senate Energy Committee, Sub-committee on Forests and Public Lands that proposed land exchange bill S. 409 would provide jobs and sustainable economic development for Arizona, protection for the surrounding environment and copper vital to an increasingly "green" world.

The bill would preserve more than 5,500 acres of high-quality Arizona conservation lands. It would also give Resolution Copper access to land needed to complete a $1 billion exploration effort and develop a mine using new techniques that minimize the impact on the environment.

Arizona Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl urged Congress and the Obama administration to support the bill, which they see as critical to Arizona's future and to global development—especially as the world pursues new, environmentally friendly technologies.

On December 16, 2009 the full United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources amended the bill and voted to send to the floor of the Senate for final Senate action. The amended bill provides the following:

This sub-committee hearing and Full Senate Energy Committee markup were important steps in a lengthy process, and while we feel good about the bill and the strong support from Senators Kyl and McCain, it's too soon to predict an outcome given that we don't yet know what Congress and the Obama administration will do. We will continue to give you updates along the way and ask for your ongoing support.

On March 18, 2010, Congresswomen Ann Kirkpatrick introduced complementary legislation HR 4880 into the House of Representatives. The revised legislation reflects changes agreed to by bipartisan members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Outside of the legislation Resolution Copper has committed to a public process and full funding for a new campground near Superior.