Rosemont Mine Economic Impact

Economic Impact

On 2/11 2007 the Sonoran Desert Institute released their Final mining study.  The study says if the mines displaced only one percent of travel and tourism-related spending in the region, the economic loss would be greater than the entire annual payroll of the mine  http://www.sonoran.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=238&Itemid=267 

Why don't we as a nation manage our mineral resources in a more intelligent manner?  In 1999 the San Manuel mine was shut down due to low copper prices.  It devastated the community and left  large copper reserves  "The Lower Kalamazoo orebody has estimated ore reserves of 2.5 billion pounds of contained copper. San Manuel's and Lower Kalamazoo's ore reserves were 226 million tons of sulfide ore at an estimated grade of 0.62 percent copper as of 1998."  Read the full article http://www.admmr.state.az.us/Info/mining_update1999.html 

The pro mine advocates constantly remind us of our need for copper.  Why not reopen existing mines with known large reserves instead of opening new mines?  We could have the best of both worlds, plenty of copper, plenty of jobs, and a protected Sonoita-Patagonia Corridor.  Seems like a win-win situation that most would be happy with.  Of course Augusta would  not be too happy, but that's not our problem.

The folks in San Manuel were sad to see the Smelter tumble.  Lets see, we destroyed a town, wasted $66 million in smelter improvements, then tore it down?  Sounds like a great way to handle mining.  Read about the Smelter and its effect on San Manuel http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/165132 

in 2003 the State of Arizona conducted a study on the Economic Importance of OHV Recreation to Pima County.  Creates a Statewide economic impact of $403.5 million (multiplier effect).  Contributes $323.6 million to local economies through OHV-related expenditures. Adds $17.7 million to annual state taxes, Provides $84.3 million in income (salaries/wages) for Pima County residents. Supports 3.307 jobs in Pima County. That beats what the mine is offering.  Read the State of Arizona's information http://www.pr.state.az.us/partnerships/ohv/OHVEcon/911pima.pdf .  Wonder what the numbers would look like in 2008?

In Pima county, less than one percent are employed in mining, agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting combined. http://www.census.gov/acs/www/Products/Profiles/Single/2003/ACS/Narrative/001/NPA4000US001.htm 

1.      Augusta Resources tries to gain public approval of the mine by advertising the jobs and tax revenue for both the state of Arizona and the Fed's.  Does the study take into account the loss of tourism dollars and land values?

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