Associated Press - October 25, 2009 10:14 AM ET

GREEN VALLEY, Ariz. (AP) - A U.S. Department of Agriculture official says a decision on a proposed copper mine in southern Arizona could come as early as the middle of next year.

Deputy Undersecretary Jay Jensen visited Green Valley on Saturday to address the Rosemont project in the Santa Rita Mountains.

Opponents have asked the department to decide whether the Forest Service has the authority to reject it. They also want the department to submit a "no action" alternative in an environmental review of the site near Green Valley.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's office had sent a letter Oct. 14 supporting the service's position that it cannot reject it under the 1872 Mining Act, which declares that mining is a priority for public lands as long as no laws are violated.

Vilsack later said the letter was sent without his approval.

Information from: Green Valley News, http://www.gvnews.com

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