TUCSON, Ariz. — Jobs and economics, versus protecting the enviornment. Those are the issues that have been debated over the Rosemont Copper Mine for more than a decade.
There was a hearing in Federal Court that could stop the proposed mine, at least temporarily.
Judge James Soto heard arguments from five groups looking for an injunction to stop the activity at the mine. Three were from conservation groups, and two were from Native American tribes.
The Rosemont site is in the Santa Rita Mountains, about midway between Interstate 10 and the town of Sonoita.
In March, Hudbay, the company that owns the Rosemont Mine site, had plans approved by the U.S. Forest Service. They say there's enough copper there to create the third largest open pit in the country.
But the groups who oppose the mine, say the project will destroy nearly 4,000 acres of public land, and endanger wildlife.
Rosemont Copper shared this statement with KGUN9:
"Our team is confident that we have made a strong case against granting a preliminary injuction, and we will await Judge Soto's decision."
The decision is expected to be made by Aug. 1.
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