The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 4‑1 to reaffirm long‑standing county opposition to the proposed Copper World mining complex in the Santa Rita Mountains, citing projected groundwater depletion, hazards from mine tailings and damage to wildlife habitat.

Supervisor Andres Cano presented the resolution, saying the project would “dig multiple open pit mines into the Santa Ritas, pump thousands of acre feet of groundwater from the Santa Cruz River Basin, release harmful dust and emissions, and cause lasting damage to the Cienega Creek and the Maeveen Marie Behan conservation land system.” He framed the vote as defending the county’s water, air and wildlife and said the resolution directs county staff to advocate against the mine and any related land sales at state and federal levels.

Board action and vote: The resolution (2025‑49) was moved and seconded; the final vote was 4 in favor, 1 opposed (Supervisor Christie). The board’s action reaffirmed earlier county resolutions opposing large open‑pit copper mines in the Santa Ritas that date back to prior years.

Reasons cited by officials and speakers
- Water use: Presenters and members of the public warned the operation would consume large volumes of groundwater and reduce flows to the Santa Cruz watershed. John Doherty of Save the Scenic Santa Ritas told the board he believes estimates that the mine would pump billions of gallons per year and said the company had “no chance of replenishing that water.”
- Air and dust: Multiple speakers, including Dr. Nina Luxenberg, warned that wind could carry tailings dust from proposed above‑ground tailings facilities into populated areas and schools, raising long‑term health concerns.
- Environmental and cultural harm: Speakers and the resolution cited threats to endangered species, regional sky‑island ecosystems and cultural values tied to the Santa Rita Mountains.

Public testimony: Dozens of residents and conservation advocates from groups such as Save the Scenic Santa Ritas addressed the board during call to the public. Commenters included community leaders and residents who described the mine as an “extractive” project that would leave local harms while profits flow elsewhere.

What the resolution requires: The text directs county staff to continue opposing the project at state and federal levels, including advocacy against land sales that would expand tailings areas and other mine infrastructure.

Legal and next steps: Supervisors asked county staff to coordinate with state agencies and to examine whether additional land sales would alter previously issued permits. Supervisor Hines said expanding the tailings footprint could affect the validity of existing state air permits and urged county staff to pursue those questions with state regulators.

Ending: The board’s vote signals a renewed formal opposition from Pima County to the Copper World proposal and directs staff to lobby state and federal officials; the vote was 4‑1 with Supervisor Christie dissenting.