Hundreds object to proposed copper mine in Ariz. | News

FLORENCE, Ariz. (AP) - Hundreds of people are objecting to a proposed, underground copper mine within the Florence town limits.

Canadian company Curis Resources wants to develop an in-situ leach mining operation. The process involves injecting chemicals into the ground to release the copper, then pumping the solution to the surface for processing.

The Arizona Republic (http://bit.ly/11K9foM ) reports that the project was voted down by the Florence Town Council. But Florence has no jurisdiction over state trust land surrounded by the town.

More than 300 people packed a high school gym Wednesday to oppose the project they say would pollute their groundwater.

Supporters say the mine would create much-needed jobs.

Curis has been gathering data under a temporary permit issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com

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