ADEQ Issues Air Quality Permit For BHP Copper Pinto Valley Mine

PHOENIX - Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Director Steve Owens announced that ADEQ has issued an air quality permit for the BHP Copper Pinto Valley mine near Miami in Gila County. The permit will regulate emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds and sulfur dioxide from the open-pit copper mine, associated crushing equipment, leach pad, extraction facility, and electrowinning operations. "The permit will protect air quality in the area, while enabling BHP to continue moving forward toward re-opening the mine and creating much-needed jobs in the Miami area," Director Owens said. Owens added that his office has worked hard to expedite permits in rural areas, to help support economic growth, while protecting air and water quality.