Draft Air Quality Permit for BHP Copper Mine near Miami in Gila Co.

ADEQ Director Steve Owens today announced that the ADEQ has issued a draft air quality permit for the BHP Copper mine near Miami in Gila Co. The proposed permit will regulate emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds & sulfur dioxide from the open-pit copper mine, associated crushing equipment, leach pad, extraction facility, & electrowinning operations.

"The draft permit will protect air quality in the area, while enabling BHP to continue moving forward toward re-opening the mine & creating much-needed jobs in the Miami area," Director Owens said.

The draft permit is subject to public review & comment before it can be finalized. The public comment period for the proposed permit will last through Nov. 8th. A public hearing will be held on Wed., Nov. 8th, at the Town of Miami Council Chambers, 500 Sullivan Street in Miami at 6:30 p.m. where anyone wishing to speak on the draft permit can do so.

Anyone wishing to provide written comments on the draft permit can submit them at the public hearing or mail them to: Director, Air Quality Division, ADEQ, 1110 W. Washington Street, in Phoenix. Mailed comments must be received by Nov. 8th.

After the public comment period closes, ADEQ will review & respond to all comments &, if needed, make any changes to the permit based on public input. Owens added that his office has worked hard to expedite permits in rural areas, to help support economic growth, while protecting air & water quality.