06/13/2009
Date: 6/14/2009
On May 20,
A large copper ore deposit sits near and potentially under what is referred to as “Oak Flat.” A little over a year ago, members of the
While Resolution Copper has made good faith efforts to address concerns of the climbing community, they have indicated that the QCC’s primary concern to maintain the surface and ecology of the land above the mine can not be alleviated.
If passed, the new House bill (H.R. 2509) will authorize the land exchange and most likely lead to the destruction of the Oak Flat climbing environment. However, there are other concerns related to this exchange bill that could prevent it from passing, including the lack of an environmental analysis and impacts on Native American cultural resources. A hearing on the “companion” Senate bill (S. 409) has been scheduled for June 17.
For more information, visit the Energy & Natural Resource Committee or the Queen Creek Coalition’s website.