The Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act

H.R. 687, The Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act is currently making its way through the House of Representatives. This piece of legislation will facilitate a land exchange that will bring 5,500 acres of high priority conservation into federal stewardship in exchange for 2,600 acres of land located in the national forest system.

At current production rates, this mine will produce the equivalent of more than 25 percent of the annual U.S. copper demand for the next 40 years. As well as,

*1,400 direct jobs and 2,300 indirect jobs (3,700 total jobs) throughout the 40-year mine life.

*3,000 construction jobs during the construction phase of the project.

*$220 million in annual wages.

*$61 billion in economic impact to the state of Arizona.

*$20 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues.

A controversial amendment has been tacked onto the bill that allows a sweeping power be given to the Secretary of the Interior to designate any land as ‘culturally significant’ which could drastically effect potential projects. This amendment has caused quite a stir, read more about it here.

It is a balance and well-planned piece of legislation that is essential for the mining industry, job creation, and domestic manufacturing. Learn more what H.R. 687 means for mining, as well as other important policy issues, at www.nwma.org.