Commissioners approve resolution backing Tyrone Peak exploration after public hearing

Grant County commissioners on Feb. 13 approved Resolution R-25-15 supporting exploration activity near the Tyrone Mine, a move proponents said will support local jobs and the county economy.

The resolution drew public comment from residents, business groups and company representatives during the meeting’s public-input period. The measure passed on a voice vote after brief comments from commissioners; a roll-call tally was not recorded in the minutes presented at the meeting.

Supporters told the board the exploration permit is important to extending the mine’s life and the county’s economy. “This exploration project permit is essential for the long term development of Freeport's copper mining and the economic future of Grant County,” said Kim Clark, a fifth-generation resident. Peter Stubin of Silver City cited demand projections for copper and said, quoting a summary of widely published figures, that…