RESOLUTION COPPER AND THE SUPERIOR, AZ COMMUNITY WORKING GROUP SIGN LANDMARK GOOD NEIGHBOR AGREEMENT
The Mining Company and Local Communities and Organizations Pledge to Maintain Open Communication
SUPERIOR, AZ, March 22, 2024 — Representatives from Resolution Copper, a joint venture between Rio Tinto and BHP, and communities and organizations around Superior, Arizona, met on March 20 to sign a novel agreement, a Good Neighbor Agreement, forging a commitment for a two-way dialogue that will provide both sides with a means to meet the needs and interests of citizens, protect the environment and communities, help drive the local economy, support regional infrastructure, and plan for anticipated growth.
In so doing, the parties commit to resolving issues and fostering continuous, open communication among stakeholders. More than a dozen community governments, non-profit organizations and local citizens representing the interests of their communities, signed the agreement at the Town of Superior offices.
Historically, Good Neighbor Agreements have been established between U.S. Government Agencies, like the U.S. Forest Service, and communities to foster better communication, ensure safety and build trust. In this case, the agreement outlines in general how communities, governmental entities, businesses, organizations and Resolution Copper Company intend to work together to resolve potential issues.
Resolution Copper looks to develop a world-class underground copper mine in the footprint of the Magma Copper Mine, near Superior. This historic mining region has experienced a boom-bust economy as a mining legacy. However, this Agreement stands in stark contrast from the days of company towns and disregard for the
environment.
“We are honored and grateful to enter into this historic agreement with the Town of Superior, local Copper Triangle communities and Pinal and Gila County,” said Vicky Peacey, Resolution Copper President. “At Resolution Copper, we have co-designed the mine with local communities and we recognize the importance of continuing to
actively engage with our neighbors and addressing their concerns. This agreement underscores our commitment to transparency, sustainability, and responsible mining practices.”
“Developing and signing the Good Neighbor Agreement is a historic milestone for the Town of Superior and our Copper Corridor Region,” said Town of Superior Mayor Mila Besich. “This agreement will ensure that future generations of leaders in our communities and Resolution’s leadership have mutual assurances that we can all
work together to grow thriving communities. It is also proof that when people gather together, break bread and have meaningful conversations, we can create sustainable solutions and long-lasting agreements.”
More than 40 people attended the two-hour event. In addition to Mayor Besich and Ms. Peacey, the signatories included representatives from:
- Citizens from Superior, Queen Valley, and Top of the World
- Arizona Trail Association
- Arizona Wildlife Association
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum
- Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center
- Copper Community Alliance
- Rebuild Superior
- Superior Optimist Club
- Queen Valley Fire Department
- Queen Valley Golf Association
- Superior Chamber of Commerce
- Superior Unified School District
- Town of Miami
- Town of Superior
About the Community Working Group
The CWG focuses on potential environmental impact issues, science and policy, economic development and growth, and the pros and cons of the proposed development of the Resolution Copper mine, which could become one of the world’s largest copper mining ventures. Members include residents and stakeholders from the Town of Superior, Queen Valley, and nearby communities. Topics include environmental stewardship, transportation, education, health, safety, natural resource issues, water and air quality and quantity, community investments, recreation, social changes and many other related subjects. The group was formed and has been meeting to discuss these issues and find consensus since 2013.
For more information on the CWG, please visit the CWG website at http://SuperiorAZCWG.org/. The site posts
summaries of all past meetings, presentations, and other related articles.
About Resolution Copper
The Resolution Copper project is a proposed underground mine 60 miles east of Phoenix, Arizona, near the town of Superior. The project is a joint venture owned by Rio Tinto (55%) and BHP (45%). The ore deposit lies nearly 7,000 feet below the earth’s surface. It represents one of the most significant untapped copper deposits today. The mine has the potential to supply nearly 25% of US copper demand.
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Contact:
Jody LoMenzo, Superior CWG facilitator, 804.852.5388 Jody@godecrandall.com
Tyson Nansel, Resolution Copper, 520.827.9056, Tyson.Nansel@riotinto.com