Phelps Dodge said Monday it received the air-quality permit needed for its new copper-mining operation to be constructed near Safford, Ariz.
Obtaining the permit allows Phelps Dodge to start construction of the mine and formal construction will begin in early August. The company has been conducting allowable site preparation activity for several months and plans are for the mine to be in full production in the second half of 2008.
The construction budget for Safford is approximately $550 million. Full production is projected to be approximately 120,000 short tons of copper a year, and Phelps Dodge estimates the new mine will employ up to 1,000 construction workers at peak construction, approximately 400 full-time workers and an additional 100 contract workers.