At the end of 2017, we had 35 employees in our Arizona Business Unit, and we re-established the core team for project delivery after receiving the Record of Decision from the US Forest Service. With the final permit to commence construction still outstanding, our Arizona Human Resources team focused on employee retention and engagement programs, including community fundraisers and wellness events such as fitness walks.

When construction begins, we plan to hire as many workers as possible from within the local communities, and we will engage with the local business community about our efforts. According to an economic study conducted by Arizona State University, in addition to the approximately 400 direct jobs during operations, Rosemont will stimulate another 1,700 indirect jobs, resulting in total personal income generation of $3.3 billion over the life of the mine.

No lost time accidents occurred during 2017, although a wildfire that swept through the site in April brought increased attention to the site’s exposure to wildfire risks. Afterwards, we developed a wildfire protection and prevention guidance document, which requires biannual audits of the property, structures and utilities to ensure survivable space around those structures, and includes an assessment by the local fire department. During the year, we discussed site design and planning with the US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).