Traditional open-pit mines permanently scare the natural landscape. Open-pits often fill with ground water that becomes acidic (acid mine drainage). Remediating acid mine drainage is difficult and can last centuries. Acid mine drainage is not possible with in-situ copper mining.
Excelsior’s mine closure plan will allow for the land to be used for any purpose once operations conclude.
Unlike traditional mining that uses water for dust suppression or mineral extraction, Excelsior’s in-situ mine mostly recycles all the water used during operations.
Average, 2004-2008, in gallons per pound of copper
Source: Arizona Department of Mines & Mineral Resources SR 29 2010
Excelsior’s Gunnison copper mine will be one of the lowest consumers of water in the world.
An on-site water treatment facility will further decrease total water consumption and ensure water quality meets regulatory standards.
Principal water consumers in the Willcox Basin,
2006-2010 average, in acre-feet per year.
Average, 2004-2008, in acre-feet per year
Source: Arizona Department of Mines & Mineral Resources SR 29 2010
Gunnison Copper Project – First Cathode, December 2020
