UA SRP and CESM Present at Carlota Mine-for-Closure Annual Meeting
Jan. 2, 2014
University of Arizona scientists from the Superfund Research Program (UA SRP) and the Center for Environmentally Sustainable Mining (CESM) participated in the KGHM International 3rd Annual Carlota Copper Mine-for-Closure Meeting in Phoenix, AZ on January 21, 2014. The objective of this meeting was to bring together all consultants and research scientists that are working with Carlota Copper on best strategies for executing the mine closure operations in accordance with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Aquifer Protection Plan (APP) created for the Carlota Copper Mine in Miami, AZ. UA research scientists and six consulting firms gave presentations to the Carlota Mine-for-Closure team on the results of investigations conducted over the past year. Information from the diverse consulting firms ranged from data related to compliance with the 5-year APP by Clear Creek Associates to an evaluation of native fish species on the property by Miller Ecological.
Dr. Julie Neilson, research scientist from CESM and the UA SRP, introduced a new CESM-Copper Industry collaboration in which soil biogeochemical indicators will be used by UA researchers to evaluate the revegetation potential of different mine tailings and waste rock materials. These biogeochemical indicators will also be used to evaluate the soil development and plant fertility status of mine wastes that have been revegetated over the past 5 years, as a means of comparing the revegetation progress of different sites. Current revegetation efforts represent diverse concurrent reclamation strategies as implemented by Carlota Copper and Cedar Creek Associates, Environmental Permitting Specialists. A second collaborative initiative was also presented by Gail Heath from the CESM. This initiative involves the installation of a remotely-managed sampling system with the capacity to monitor ground water behavior and surface water quality parameters from onsite wells in real time. This “4D” system will be used after mine closure to monitor the effects of storm events and diurnal, weekly, and seasonal fluctuations that might have environmental impacts on site. Finally, four UA mine engineering students presented work on their Senior Design Capstone project whose goal is to analyze, build and present a business plan for alternative end use of reclaimed Carlota facilities following mine closure. When completed, the design team’s final proposal will be presented to the Carlota Management team and the US Forest Service.
The Carlota management team and their associated consultants are very enthusiastic about the contributions that the UA research teams can bring to the table to assist them with a responsible mine closure process in accordance with their EIS. Dan Ferriter, KGHM International’s Vice President of Environment and Social Responsibility says, “We really value the opportunity to partner with the University of Arizona on developing closure practices that will provide long-term, sustainable land use once mining ceases at Carlota.”