Land Exchange
***Mark-up of S.409 was reported out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on December 16. View details here***
Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act
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.
Conditions of the Exchange read more...
Major 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.
- Resolution Copper's private lands on Apache Leap transferred to the Forest Service.
- 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.
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. 110 acres of Resolution Copper's private land accompanied by provisions for permanent management, and a four year protection study added to package 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. To guarantee a fair exchange for the taxpayer, Resolution Copper has agreed to pay for any ore in excess of the amount determined during the federal appraisal process.
Ecological Benefits: read more...
- 956-acre Appleton Ranch parcel added to exchange package.
- 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.
Replacement of Recreation Areas read more...
- 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.
Congressional Actions on Proposed Land Exchange
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 also would 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:
- A consolidated Environmental Impact Statement for both the land exchange and the mine plan of operations.
- Government to government tribal consultation
- Expanded mineral exploration activities both beneath and above Oak Flat
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 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.
Outside of the legislation Resolution Copper has committed to a public process and full funding for a new campground near Superior.
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