SANTA FE, NM - The State of New Mexico approved a $2 million bonding requirement reduction for Freeport-McMoRan Tyrone Mine for completed reclamation work on closed tailings impoundments. The approval was granted by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department and the New Mexico Environment Department. This is the fifth reduction in five years for the Tyrone Mine, which has now reduced its bonding requirements by over $85 million. The total amount of financial assurance for the closure/closeout of the Tyrone Mine after approval of this permit modification is $185 million, down from the original amount of over $270 million.
“We are very pleased with Freeport-McMoRan’s continuing commitment to reclaim significant portions of the Tyrone Mine,” said Jim Noel, Cabinet Secretary for New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. “This is an excellent example of how a mining operation can reclaim closed areas while continuing to mine at the same time.”
The Mining and Minerals Division reviewed the application and inspected all areas where reclamation occurred. The public was invited to comment on the application and participate in the inspection. This reduction gives Freeport-McMoRan credit for the cost of earthwork, application of cover material and construction of drainage features at the No. 1 stockpile at the Tyrone Mine.
At the No. 1 stockpile, 209 acres of stockpile material plus 79 acres of additional disturbance were reclaimed from February 2005 to August 2009. The reclamation of the No. 1 stockpile involved regrading 1.3 million cubic yards of material, placing 1.6 million cubic yards of fill/cover and constructing 37,700 linear feet of storm water conveyance.
Information about the hard rock mine reclamation and financial assurance requirements can be obtained by contacting Holland Shepherd, Program Manager, at (505) 476-3437 or
holland.shepherd@state.nm.us.
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July 30, 2010
Press Contact: Jodi McGinnis Porter, 505.476.3226 or 505-690-1689
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