Note:
All financial amounts expressed
throughout this report are in US dollars.

Environment

Environmental case study: Putting the Desert Back In

Resolution Copper's effort to rehabilitate the Superior-based West Plant site affected by previous mining operations is an example of both environmental stewardship and socio-economic contribution. The work is being completed almost entirely by contractors who live in and around Superior, thereby adding jobs and supporting the local economy.

One local contractor in particular has been at the heart of this project. Superior Environmental Solutions, owned by local resident Mario Sanchez, is driving important rehabilitation efforts, including weed control and abatement, erosion and stormwater prevention. Mario's team also helps ensure that Resolution Copper's work on the West Plant site is in compliance with safety and other regulatory issues. For example, his workers are currently undergoing certification in stormwater containment.

Mario explains his team's approach, "Stormwater management is important in areas where past mining took place. Our job is to ensure that stormwater that might contain possible harmful sediment does not leave the site. We're constantly checking for breeches in the system and we also slow the flow of water so that it does not cause soil erosion."

Superior Environmental Solutions is also leading the re-vegetation of the site. They help stabilize soil to ensure the area does not erode, then re-plant the space with native shrubs, grasses and flowers. The result is a rehabilitated landscape with a sustainable cover of native desert plants. It's not an approach everyone takes. "What's rewarding about Resolution Copper's approach is that while many companies over time have torn up the desert, there are not many that work to put the desert back in," says Mario.

Mario's team is also involved in site management at the No. 9 mine shaft where they ensure Resolution Copper remains compliant in dust control and water management. The company maintains the grounds around Resolution Copper's historic Verde Building and corporate headquarters in Superior, and also helps with remodeling bathrooms and other older areas inside the structure.

While Mario credits his partnership with RCM in helping him to grow his environmental business, he stresses that Resolution Copper urges all contractors and local community businesses not to rely solely on the company to help achieve their economic goals. Superior Environmental Solutions takes that advice to heart and has expanded to work with other companies in neighboring areas of Globe, Miami and Phoenix. Mario explains, "Resolution Copper has helped us lay the groundwork for a viable business independent of the company's mine development progress. And by hiring local workers who appreciate the value of both living and working in Superior, they've help create an immensely loyal contractor workforce."