FLORENCE, Ariz. (AP) — Hundreds of people are objecting to a proposed, underground copper mine within the Florence town limits.
Canadian company Curis Resources wants to develop an in-situ leach mining operation. The process involves injecting chemicals into the ground to release the copper, then pumping the solution to the surface for processing.
The Arizona Republic (https://bit.ly/11K9foM) reports that the project was voted down by the Florence Town Council. But Florence has no jurisdiction over state trust land surrounded by the town.
More than 300 people packed a high school gym Wednesday to oppose the project they say would pollute their groundwater.
Supporters say the mine would create much-needed jobs.
Curis has been gathering data under a temporary permit issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
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Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com
