The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued a water quality certification to the Rosemont Copper Project southeast of Tucson.
The project has faced opposition from conservation groups concerned about the mine's effect on water and air quality. Linda Taunt with the Department of Environmental Quality said the certification was contingent on a detailed surface water mitigation plan developed by the company.
“As the mine develops, what is the potential impact on downstream waters,” she said. “We feel like that’s…the key to the certification. We can be proactive rather than reactive to any changes.”
Rosemont’s parent company said it’s optimistic the final steps of the permitting process will be completed in a timely manner. The mine still needs federal approval from the Forest Service and the Army Corp of Engineers.
