Renowned Environmentalist Amory Lovins Visits Resolution Copper to Assist in Clean Energy Planning

In late June, Resolution Copper welcomed a visit from renowned environmentalist Amory Block Lovins of the nonprofit Rocky Mountain Institute. Lovins is helping the company to examine potential processes as well as mill and tailings sites to determine the most energy-efficient approach to future mining operations.

Lovins has been one of the most influential American voices advocating a “soft energy path” for the U.S. and other nations. He advocates energy use and production based on conservation and efficiency, and recommends use of renewable energy sources that can be generated at or near the site where the energy is actually used.

“Amory is simply a genius when it comes to energy and seeing the future,” said Bruce Marsh, environmental impact study manager for Resolution Copper’s pre-feasibility study group. “He is coming in at this early stage, along with teams of experts from his institute, APS, Salt River Project and Rio Tinto’s operations around the world, so that we can look at energy alternatives, including geo-thermal, wind, solar, and more traditional coal and hydroelectric power supplies,” Marsh said. “He’s also helping us to identify different mill and mining options, including motors that consume the least amount of energy. Our overriding goal is to use as little energy as possible and to use clean energy in a way that minimizes greenhouse gases and other global warming effects.”

Resolution Copper hosted a dinner for Lovins on June 28, which was attended by industry, government and environmental groups including Sonoran Institute, The Nature Conservancy and Audubon Arizona.

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