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Category: Front Page News Front Page News
Published: 29 August 2015 29 August 2015

By Mary Alice Murphy

According to a release sent to Freeport-McMoran Copper and Gold Inc. Community Partnership Panel members, the company has revised operating plans at several of its U.S. operations.

"Chino Mine will see no changes to our current mine plan," the release states. "The mine plan at Tyrone will temporarily reduce the mining rate by 50 percent. The transition has begun."

The reduction will cause an approximate reduction in the mine workforce of 210 jobs to be implemented in the coming months. Because Chino will see no changes to its plan, and has about 100 openings, those holding jobs at Tyrone that will be eliminated are encouraged to apply at Chino or at other Freeport-McMoRan operations in Morenci, Ariz., and Climax, Colo. The company is offering early retirement at Tyrone for those eligible, before implementing any involuntary reductions.

The release emphasizes that Freeport-McMoRan will continue its community engagement programs, although they face potential reductions.

In late 2008, when Chino Mine shut down operations to a bare minimum of workers, many of those impacted by the loss of jobs had the opportunity to attend Western New Mexico University to gain enhanced training for participating in the workforce in other jobs or back in mining-related positions. It is expected the university stands ready to accept those students again.