Legislation to authorize the exchange of federal land for private land, a prerequisite for the mine, was introduced in 2005 but stalled in 2007, after then-Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz., was accused of trying to pressure the company to buy unrelated property from his former business partner in exchange for his help on the deal. Renzi has pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges.
Arizona Sens. Jon Kyl and John McCain, both Republicans, are longtime supporters of the mine development and helped Gosar craft his bill.
Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., who blocked the project in the past Congress, said he remains opposed to the development because of concerns it will harm the environment and sacred tribal lands in the area. He also questioned how many jobs will be created at the highly automated mine and how much of its copper will benefit the United States rather than being exported to foreign nations.
Land swap for Arizona mine faces challenges
This has been an issue for a little while now, mining in Arizona has been as much apart of this states lore since its creation and even before that when Arizona used to be known by the 3C's Cotton, Copper, Citrus, and now that two of them are pretty much gone, as long as its done in a manner that sensitive to the environment then there should not be a large issue with it. Frankly I for one am surprised our Senators are actually doing something that on the surface might benefit the state besides taking trips to Pakistan and going down to the Senate Floor and grandstanding. If one cares to look right behind the good Sem from Nevada in poor ratings is our very own, I for one am quite happy that Sen. Kyl is about to retire and it could not come soon enough to suit me, it's a shame Sen. McCain cannot follow his lead. However, its good to see they finally remembered they represent our state.
