AP reported that an expansion of one of the world's largest open pit copper mines received an important boost after Utah regulators signed off on a permit allowing an increase in the amount of mined rock, despite concerns from clean air advocates about an increase in pollution from fine dust particles.
Mr Kyle Bennett spokesman said that Kennecott Utah Copper can now begin to actively pursue almost two dozen other permits that are needed for the mine's expansion including approvals for the conversion of a coal-fired power plant to natural gas.
The expansion will allow the company to extend the life of the mine until 2028, adding almost a decade to its current projected life. The Cornerstone Project would widen the mine by about 1,000 feet and deepen it by about 300 feet. The amount of rock mined would jump from 197 million tonnes to 260 million tonnes and would result in about 15% increase in pollutants from dust.
Mr Bennett said that along with the power plant conversion, Kennecott is also purchasing more fuel efficient trucks to reduce overall emissions. When the project is complete, there will be a significant reduction in air emissions from the mine.
The Utah Air Quality Board approved the increases in May after two public hearings and an extended comment period. Because of the public feedback, regulators added some tighter requirements to the permit. Those include an ongoing review of dust control measures, a stricter cap on other pollutants and continued proof that efforts to reduce overall emissions of all pollutants are working.
Mr Bryce Birds director of the Utah Division of Air Quality said that although the company is being allowed to increase its emissions from dust the mine's overall emissions will be reduced. After extensive evaluation, we have determined that the permit conditions are consistent with state and federal standards established for air quality permits. With the conditions in the approval order, the expanded operations do not cause air quality to exceed the federal standards and are protective of health and the environment.
Opponents of the permit have said that allowing such a significant increase in pollution from dust will further foul the already polluted air along the urban Wasatch Front in northern Utah. Additionally, while a natural gas power plant will reduce pollutants, it may also operate during the winter months when Utah's air is some of the worst in country.
Ms Cherise Udell co founder of Utah Moms for Clean Air said that her group doesn't want to stop the expansion. Instead, it wants Kennecott to take all of the necessary steps to reduce air and water pollution as much as possible. All we ask is that Kennecott pays the true cost of doing their business and stop externalizing their business onto the people of Utah.
(Sourced from Associated Press)
