Phelps Dodge

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a draft air quality permit for the Phelps Dodge copper mine near Safford in Graham County. The facility will operate as an open-pit copper mine, with an expected 18-year operating life & expected production of about 961 million tons of ore & development rock. The proposed permit will regulate emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter & sulfuric acid mist from the mine & the associated mineral crusher, extraction facility & leach pad. The draft permit is subject to public review & comment before it can be finalized. The public comment period for the proposed permit ends on May 25th.