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Mayor: Superior can't reach full potential without mine

Lawmakers accepted tickets from casino owner
Posted at 3:09 PM, Apr 13, 2021
and last updated 2021-04-13 18:09:44-04

The mayor of a small Arizona town is urging members of Congress to reject a bill that would kill plans for a huge copper mine.

Mayor Mila Besich says Superior cannot build its reputation as a recreational getaway without financial support from Resolution Copper.

The company so far has invested in the town's school, advertising and a community center.

Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva has introduced a bill to rescind a land exchange for the company's planned operation, east of Phoenix and adjacent to Superior.

Tribes hold the land known as Oak Flat sacred and say the copper mine would desecrate a site that's central to their spiritual and cultural wellbeing.