Newsletter September 2020
Dear Neighbors:
I hope this note finds you all healthy and well. This year has definitely been an adjustment for us all. Our team has been working hard to rethink – and sometimes reinvent – how we do our work, putting the health and safety of our people and the community first. We want you to know that Resolution Copper continues to invest in the community. And we are committed to doing all that we can to help citizens and businesses emerge from this crisis stronger than ever. As you'll read below, we've been working with local partners to lend support where it's needed most. Along the way, we've made substantial progress on our project, bringing jobs and lasting economic benefits to the entire region.
Stay healthy and safe,
Andrew Lye, Project Director
RIGOROUS FEDERAL PERMITTING PROCESS CONTINUES
The Resolution Copper project is being evaluated and shaped through a rigorous, independent federal review process, led by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Community feedback has shaped the project every step of the way. We’re grateful to everyone who has participated in the hundreds of consultations and public meetings that have taken place over the past several years.
We look forward to seeing how public consultation shapes the Final EIS, which we expect the USFS to release this year. The full schedule and other detailed information on the NEPA process is available on the USFS website at www.resolutionmineeis.us.
SUPPORTING LOCAL COVID-19 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY EFFORTS
Resolution Copper is investing $780,000 in 2020 to assist organizations throughout the broader community during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Nearly half of the funds pledged have already gone to community organizations, focusing on four key areas: education, health and well-being, vulnerable populations, and economic resiliency. These funds have provided personal protective equipment (PPE) to communities, first responders, tribal nations and childcare funding for essential workers and emergency medical service professionals.
We've also helped provide grants to local small businesses, expanded school access to remote learning technology, and supported domestic violence shelters. Working in partnership with United Food Bank, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, and Can'd Aid, we helped distribute about 233,000 meals and more than 50,000 cans of clean drinking water to those in need. And we'll continue to do as much as we can to help as our area recovers from this crisis.
PLACING HEALTH AND SAFETY FIRST
For the last six months, we’ve worked hard to protect our employees and do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. We suspended visitors, working remotely when possible, alternating on-site teams to the extent possible, and practicing social distancing, including face coverings. We have also partnered with local health providers to offer testing for employees and contractors. When it is safe to do so, we are planning a phased return to the site for employees and contractors currently working from home. We will strictly adhere to public health authorities' guidance as we plan our return to keep our employees and our community safe.
COMPLETING A SIGNIFICANT RECLAMATION PROJECT
Many people have followed the reclamation work at the old Magma Mine West Plant, which began milestone, as we expect to complete the final phase this fall. Resolution Copper will have invested $80 million to reclaim over 230 acres historically used for mining. The work includes removing contaminated soils, stormwater management, plus recontouring and seeding the land with natural vegetation.
We are committed to helping make our community a cleaner and safer place to live and work. And because we hire local people to do the work, it's creating jobs for our neighbors.
RESOLUTION COPPER IS COMMITTED TO A TWO-WAY DIALOGUE WITH THE COMMUNITY TO ENSURE LOCAL RESIDENTS UNDERSTAND OUR PROJECT
If you have any questions or would like more information about a particular topic, please contact us at 520 689 9374, info@resolutioncopper.com, or go to resolutioncopper.com/contact. If you want to sign up for the newsletter, go to our home page and scroll to the bottom of the page.
ABOUT RESOLUTION COPPER
The Resolution Copper project is operated by Resolution Copper Mining, which is a limited liability company owned 55% by Resolution Copper Company (a Rio Tinto PLC subsidiary) and 45% by BHP Copper Inc. (a BHP PLC subsidiary).
Contacts
Dan Blondeau
Mobile: +1 520 827 9037
dan.blondeau@riotinto.com
Follow @resolutioncu on Twitter
