Attitudes Toward the Mine: 2007 Copper Triangle Stakeholder Survey

Resolution Copper regularly surveys stakeholders regarding their views of our proposed mine and the land exchange needed to develop it. In September 2007, a telephone survey was conducted of 304 adult heads of household living in an area known as the Copper Triangle.

The survey encompassed the Arizona communities of Globe, Miami, Hayden, Kearny, Superior and Winkelman.

Statistics generated in the sample compared favorably with known population parameters for the area. This indicates that the sample is a representative microcosm of the population it was designed to represent. The study was designed and directed by Dr. Bruce D. Merrill, Professor Emeritus of Mass Communication and Director of the Media Research Program at Arizona State University. Dr. Merrill conducted the research as a consultant for Resolution Copper.

Result highlights include:

• Copper mining tops the list of regional industries that are perceived to be economically important. Ninety-seven percent of respondents rated copper mining as important or very important to the local economy. Other industries included cattle ranching (95 percent), tourism (89 percent) and citrus farming (87 percent).


• There is strong support for development of the Resolution Copper mine in Superior. Eighty-six percent of Copper Triangle residents are very or generally supportive of a new copper mine. Top reasons given were economic stimulation, revival of the area and job creation. Over one-half of all families (56 percent) say opening the mine is crucial or important for them and their families.


• There is strong support in the Copper Triangle for the proposed land exchange. Two-thirds or 86 percent of those interviewed approve of the land exchange, with 79 percent saying they want elected officials to work toward getting the mine opened. Sixty-two percent of all residents say they would sign a petition supporting opening the mine.


• Resolution Copper Mining has a positive image in the area. Eighty percent say the company is doing a good job keeping people informed; 82 percent approve of the job the company is doing trying to protect the environment; and 81 percent give Resolution Copper high marks for contributing to the community.

Environment is Top Concern

Of those who oppose the mine, environmental concerns are the top reasons for doing so. Twelve percent of those in the Copper Triangle (compared with 23 percent of Superior residents) are concerned with the loss of the Oak Flat Campground which would go to Resolution Copper as part of the land exchange. Twenty-five percent of those in the Copper Triangle (compared with 19 percent of Superior residents) are concerned that development of the mine would negatively impact the land. Summary results can be viewed on the
Resolution Copper website.

Return to the Issues Brief Winter 2007

View the pdf version here.