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(The staff of Congressman Gosar touring the Mineral Park Mine near Kingman, AZ in August of 2015)
Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after introducing legislation, H.R. 6344 to initiate a land conveyance that will help create approximately 400 new jobs by facilitating the reopening of a large copper mine near Kingman, Arizona:
“As one of the foundations of Arizona’s economy, I’m proud to see copper development back on the rise in the Grand Canyon State. Congress has a responsibility to continue supporting this vital industry which provides good-paying jobs and reduces the U.S. dependence on foreign critical minerals. The misguided Keep It in the Ground campaign, pushed by the Obama Administration and extremist environmentalist’s, has wreaked havoc on the mining industry and negatively impacted Americans in rural communities across the country. This commonsense legislation will create 400 jobs in one of the fifth poorest communities in the nation. It’s time for the BLM to stop playing politics so we can put Americans back to work.”
Following introduction of H.R. 6344, President of the Arizona Mining Association, Kelly Shaw Norton stated, “The closing of Mineral Park was devastating to many multi-generational mining families in the Kingman area and passing this legislation will allow Origin Mining Company, LLC to take the mine out of care and maintenance and put those miners back to work. These miners will once again be able to contribute and be productive members of their community.”
Mohave County District 4 Supervisor, Jean Bishop said, “This is wonderful news for my District! Thank you for letting us know as I will be waiting patiently to hear the end result. My regards and thanks to Congressman Gosar and all the staff working on this important land conveyance in Mohave County!”
Mohave County District 1 Supervisor, Gary Watson added, “I would like to extend my appreciation to Representative Gosar for this legislation. It means a great deal to have his support for our County and its citizenry. 400 good paying jobs will have a huge impact on our struggling economy.”
Background:
Cosponsors of the legislation include Representatives Mark Amodei, Mo Brooks, Jeff Duncan, Trent Franks, Bill Johnson, Alex Mooney, Pete Sessions, Chris Stewart and Don Young.
The legislation is endorsed by the Arizona Mining Association.
The full bill text of H.R. 6344 can be found HERE.
This legislation will allow Origin Mining Company, LLC (“Origin”) to purchase, for fair market value, up to 4,276 acres of mining claims held by Origin and comprising the Mineral Park Mine (the “Mine”). The mining claims are under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”). The BLM owns approximately 55% of all the land in the county where the sale will take place. When this bill is signed into law, the mine will still have to comply with environmental laws and will be regulated by the state of Arizona. Click HERE to view the proposed map.
Copper mining first began at the Mine in 1958. The Mine has changed ownership several times since then. Due to mismanagement and low commodity prices, Origin’s predecessor filed bankruptcy in December of 2014. Origin purchased the Mine out of bankruptcy in January of 2015. Since January 2015, Origin has gone to great lengths to ensure the safety and compliance of the Mine, receiving praise from the local community and its County Commissioners.
Specific Benefits:
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