In November 2022, the Tucson Metro Chamber, in partnership with the Arizona Mining Association, released the results of a poll they conducted with 400 likely voters in southern Arizona that showed more than 66% of those surveyed supported the Arizona copper mining industry. Although most participants were unfamiliar with Hudbay’s Copper World project, when given a brief overview, more than half (52.6%) indicated support for the project.
Although the poll results are encouraging, we recognize that social acceptance can change over time, and that responsible mining practices, a commitment to transparency and meaningful stakeholder engagement are essential for us to be able to develop Copper World into a world-class mining operation.
We are applying several lessons learned to the development of Copper World. For example, we are conducting archaeological surveys on all our land before any ground- disturbing activities take place. For any archaeological resources identified that are potentially eligible for being added to the National Register of Historic Places, we have a data recovery plan to excavate in a manner protective of the items. We are also conducting biological surveys to identify any special-status species that may exist within the project’s footprint.
Although phase one of the proposed project is entirely on private land and there are no legal requirements to consult with stakeholders, we adopted a commitment to engage with key stakeholders based on Hudbay’s standards and values, including the local Native American tribes, on matters of interest. In 2022, we invited the chairman and council members of a local Native American tribe to tour the site and discuss our approach to identifying and mitigating impacts to cultural resources. The face-to-face meeting with around 20 members of the tribe provided an opportunity for them to ask questions, express concerns and provide feedback.
With this approach to early and ongoing engagement with all interested stakeholders, Hudbay aims to build mutual respect and understanding that will translate into social acceptance that lasts throughout all the stages of the Copper World project.