Republican lawmakers back copper mining air quality permit

Three Arizona Republican lawmakers wrote to the state's Department of Environmental Quality in hopes that a copper mining project will be given a Class II air quality permit.

The Canadian company Hudbay Minerals in developing a project known as Copper World in the Santa Rita Mountains near Tucson, which is a "proposed open pit copper mine" after a study was conducted on the land, according to the company's website.

"As you know, Class I permits are intended for large industrial emitters like thermal electric power plants and smelters that emit greater than 100 tons per year of criteria air pollutants," Reps. Lupe Diaz, Gail Griffin, as well as Sen. David Gowan, wrote in a letter on Thursday. "In addition, Hudbay is going above and beyond that which is required by a Class II permit to mitigate dust, protect the public, and ensure a healthy environment for residents of the local community at and around the project site, demonstrating that stricter requirements beyond those of a Class II permit are not required."

The copper mining industry throughout rural Arizona continues to serve as a critical component of the state's economy. Sixty-eight percent of all copper in the United States is sourced from Arizona, according to Resolution Copper.

“Mining has long been a cornerstone of Arizona’s economy, providing vital jobs and driving economic growth,” Diaz, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs, said in a statement. “The Copper World project is poised to continue this tradition, offering employment opportunities and economic benefits for our community."

The company suggests that the project would generated $850 million in American tax revenue, including $170 million to the state government over the 20-year expected span of the project. In addition, they estimated 400 "direct jobs" would be created.

The potential of a mine in the mountain range has garnered some pushback, KOLD reported in April.