By Mary Alice Murphy
Today, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at the Santa Clara National Guard Armory, New Mexico Environment Department Cabinet Secretary Ryan Flynn discussed the Copper Rule, which faces a New Mexico Supreme Court battle.
The meeting, which was sponsored by the village of Santa Clara, the Gila Economic Development Alliance and the Silver City-Grant County Chamber of Commerce, featured the presentation by Flynn.
Jeremiah Garcia, Gila EDA chairman, had attendees introduce themselves. Santa Clara Mayor Richard Bauch gave a short welcome, and Rep. John Zimmerman gave some facts about copper production in the area.
"Last year, copper prices dropped by 25 percent," Zimmerman said. "The drop caused Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. to curtail production. There has been a 50 percent reduction in mining at Tyrone, causing a reduction in force of about 200 people. Chino Mine has absorbed some of the employees and retirement packages were offered to others. I recently was given a tour of the mine, which was enlightening. Copper prices fluctuate up and down, usually in concert with construction.