Anaconda Copper Mine cleanup meeting set for Dec. 15

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection is hosting a public meeting to share updates on Anaconda Copper Mine Site cleanup activities. The meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at the City of Yerington Public Works Building (Building B), 14 E. Goldfield Ave., known locally as Joe Parr Way.

Regrading and capping closure work comprising 360 acres of the Arimetco Heap Leach Pads and affected peripheral areas was completed in September, in addition to construction of five new ponds for the containment and storage of HLP drain down fluid completed in August 2020. These actions comprise the bulk of the Phase 1 cleanup work at Anaconda.

The next phase of site cleanup encompasses the northern operable units, which include the former ACMS evaporation ponds, processing area, tailings piles, Wabuska Drain and site-wide groundwater. Final evaluations of potential risk to human health and the environment are expected to be completed by mid-year 2023, and the subsequent draft feasibility study is expected to be submitted during the first half of 2024. The FS, which evaluates cleanup options, will inform the choice of a CERCLA-protective, holistic and comprehensive cleanup remedy for these areas under ROD 2, slated for 2025.

Anaconda site cleanup construction activities are currently on track to be complete by 2029, with necessary operation, maintenance and monitoring activities continuing thereafter.

For information about the Anaconda Copper Mine Site cleanup project, visit https://ndep.nv.gov/land/abandoned-mine-lands/anaconda-home.

A meeting agenda and informational bulletin will be posted one week prior to the public meeting. Copies of the agenda and bulletin will be available at the meeting Dec. 15.