Expansion of Little Rock Mine

Category: Editorials Editorials
Published: 22 September 2015 22 September 2015

Op-Ed Piece from:Scott C. Terry, President - CEO of the
Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce
Date: September 22, 2015

As you are aware, Freeport-McMoRan recently announced a reduction in mining operations at the Tyrone Mine along with cuts in employment. The announcements contained both good news and bad news. The good news was that the Chino Mine will continue at its current strength, and despite some reductions, the Tyrone operations will stay in business and will maintain a great number of jobs in Grant County. The bad news: there will inevitably be some layoffs. Layoffs are always difficult to deal with in a community -- especially for those workers and their families that are directly impacted. The negative impact of losing those jobs will be felt throughout not only Grant County, but surrounding areas as well.

The positive influence Freeport-McMoRan has on the economy of Grant County, and yes, even New Mexico, cannot be overstated. It is my understanding that last year the Tyrone and Chino mines generated an estimated $170.4 million in economic benefits for Grant County and approximately $443.7 million for the State of New Mexico.

Sometimes it is easy to forget the degree of contributions and significant positive impact that the largest employer in southwest New Mexico has on our communities. It seems that we simply take it for granted that Freeport-McMoRan will always be there to help our communities and various organizations. It is unfortunate that we wait until bad news is announced to realize the regional importance of this industry. It often seems that we don €™t really show our appreciation for everything they do until there are possible cut-backs in community giving. This is why, when the bad news does arrive, it becomes all the more important that we, as a community, do everything in our power to support Freeport-McMoRan in its efforts to continue to stay in business and employ the residents of Grant County.

Just recently, the New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division had a public hearing right here in Silver City on a permit expansion of Little Rock Mine. In my opinion, the expansion permit implies not only continuing current jobs at Tyrone, but also gives us the hope that Freeport-McMoRan may be able to rehire some of the employees who were previously laid off. Anytime there are increased job opportunities in Grant County, the Chamber of Commerce should always stand in support of those jobs.

Therefore, I strongly encourage all our government officials and anybody else interested in the economic development in Grant County and the State of New Mexico to support Freeport-McMoRan €™s proposed permit to expand the Little Rock Mine. Today, I submitted a letter on behalf of the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce to Mr. Fernando Martinez, Director of the Mining and Minerals Division. The public comment period ended on September 23, but there will no doubt be future opportunities for you to show your support for the employment opportunities Freeport-McMoRan produces in southwest New Mexico.

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