Arizona Corporation Commission Votes 5-0 to Approve Tucson Electric Power Transmission Line Route to Rosemont

TUCSON, Ariz., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) voted unanimously to allow the transmission lines to serve Rosemont Copper without any additional hearings following Rosemont receiving the major permits required for the mine itself.

The ACC voted 5-0 to grant the Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) for the Tucson Electric Power (TEP) Transmission Line Project. The transmission line will be used to supply power to Rosemont Copper Company's proposed copper mine southeast of Tucson. 

Rosemont Copper applauded the ACC members for working with all parties through the issues and concerns regarding the transmission line prior to approving the CEC.

"The ACC decision is another huge step forward for Rosemont, we now have approval to bring electricity to operate the mine," stated Kathy Arnold, Rosemont Copper Vice President of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs.

"In addition to the approval of the CEC, we are equally pleased that the decision is final and there be no more hearings on this issue," added Arnold.

The approved CEC ensures Rosemont has obtained the eight major permits required, prior to starting construction of the transmission line. 

To date, Rosemont has already received six of the eight major permits with the remaining (Air Quality Permit and the Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit) expected mid-year.

"These permits, certifications, and approvals required by the CEC are all necessary steps that will be included in the final record of decision," Arnold said.  "The agencies are all working toward issuing permits and approvals as projected."

"With the necessary permits to operate the mine, it makes sense to begin construction of the transmission line," added Arnold.

ABOUT ROSEMONT COPPER COMPANY The Rosemont Copper project is located in Pima County, approximately 30 miles southeast of Tucson, Arizona, and contains a world-class open-pit copper/molybdenum/silver deposit.  Located in an existing mining district, Rosemont Copper will set a high standard for sustainable mining practices, including using solar power, consuming less than half the water as traditional mines, and reclaiming the site from the start of operations as permanent open space. Arizona, the copper state, produces 65 percent of the United States' supply of copper on only a quarter of one percent of the state's land. Rosemont Copper is expected to provide more than 10 percent of the U.S. copper supply while requiring less than half the land area of other Pima County mines.  A recent study by Arizona State University showed the region would benefit over the life of the mine, adding 406 direct and 1700 indirect jobs, $3 billion in increased personal income, $404 million in local taxes and $15 billion in local economic revenue. For more information, visit the Rosemont Copper website at www.rosemontcopper.com.

ABOUT THE Certificate of Environmental Compatibility The CEC was issued December 19, 2010, by the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee, following a four-day public hearing in Tucson. The CEC authorizes the construction of a 138 kV transmission line along a 13-mile route proposed jointly by Rosemont and TEP, the electric utility that will provide service to the mine. The ACC has oversight authority over the Line Siting Committee, and is required by statute to review and approve CECs issued by the Committee. 

SOURCE Rosemont Copper Company