Az Approves Air Quality Permit for Copper World Mine, Enviro Group Labels It a ‘Perilous Gift’

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has approved an air quality permit for the controversial Copper World project, a significant step for the proposed open-pit mine located approximately 30 miles southwest of Tucson. This decision on Thursday was met with mixed reactions, as supporters laud the potential economic benefits, while opponents express deep concerns about environmental impacts.

Owner Hudbay Inc., headquartered in Toronto, claims the $1.7 billion project could yield approximately 85,000 tonnes of copper annually over its 20-year lifespan. They assert that it will create direct employment for over 400 workers and up to 3,000 additional jobs, contributing nearly $850 million in tax revenue to Arizona. However, the Center for Biological Diversity criticized the permit, labeling it as “another dangerous gift to the mining industry,” citing loopholes that could lead to increased pollution.

Hudbay’s president, Peter Kukielski, emphasized the project’s significance, calling it the best-fully permitted copper development in the Americas. The newly granted permit marks the third crucial state-level approval for Copper World, having previously passed a reclamation plan and an aquifer protection permit amid legal scrutiny.

Despite these advancements, environmental advocates argue that the project poses risks to local ecosystems, particularly the Santa Rita Mountains and the Santa Cruz River. They contend that pollutants released could endanger public health through the emission of hazardous materials, prompting ongoing legal challenges to stop the mine’s waste pipelines from intersecting protected state land.

Opponents, including the organization Save the Scenic Santa Ritas, have declared their intent to meticulously analyze the permit terms for further action. As tension mounts, the broader implications of domestic mining initiatives, especially in the context of critical minerals necessary for green technologies, will likely add to the discourse surrounding Copper World.

The federal government has championed new mining operations under President Biden, focusing on metals essential for renewable energy infrastructure, yet the scrutiny from local tribes and environmentalists persists. The ADEQ stated that following public input on the air quality permit, they made several modifications to enhance monitoring and compliance. Despite this, opponents remain skeptical about the adequacy of these measures and are prepared to continue their fight.