Wellfield operations have commenced and injection and recovery systems have now been fully ramped up at site.
The preliminary tests, which began in the last quarter of 2018, have shown good results and, in some cases, better than modeled in the 2017 technical study.
ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
This has been one of the longest, most thorough and detailed examinations of a mining project in the history of Arizona. Why? Because the protection of water is of the highest priority. And that is as it should be.
Florence Copper has met every requirement, satisfied every point of examination, and both the state and the federal government has found to be environmentally sound and secure.
People can put their confidence in over 20 years of scientific evaluation undertaken and concluded by state and federal authorities.
THE PROJECT TEST FACILITY
The test facility is designed to prove the integrity of the in-situ copper recovery process as well as provide important technical information.
The project represents a US$25 million investment right here in Florence.
Over the course of construction, 80 construction jobs were created.
Now, with the PTF being operational, there are an additional 39 permanent jobs within the Florence economy. The test facility will operated for 20-24 months and, once proven successful, will lead to commercial copper production.
COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION: THE GOAL
The goal is commercial production; that’s where the real benefits are for people.
Commercial production will create a legacy of skilled, experienced tradespeople and allow them to work close to home. Better for families, better for communities.
800 direct and indirect jobs in Arizona annually, of which 480 will be in Pinal County.
170 jobs at site for mineral recovery during the operations phase.
96 per cent of wages paid by the mine are expected to stay in the local community.
Over $460 million of Arizona government combined state and local revenues.
Over $60 million directly accruing to the Town of Florence, and $33.5 million directly accruing to Pinal County.
Read the full news release from Taseko Mines Limited: