Florence planning commission recommends heavy‑industrial rezoning and approves mining conditional‑use permit for Rankin site

The Planning & Zoning Commission on Nov. 6 voted unanimously to recommend rezoning the Rankin Mine site to a heavy industrial district (PLZ‑25‑0001) and to recommend approval of a conditional‑use permit for mining activities (PZ‑25‑37), both with staff stipulations.

Staff told commissioners the actions follow a recent major general plan amendment and establishment of a mining overlay for the area north of the Gila River and south of Hunt Highway. Paul Gilbert, the applicant's representative, said the council previously approved the general plan amendment and that "the general plan says this property needs to be zoned for mining," adding that the rezoning aligns the zoning map with the plan.

Gilbert and his team told the commission they agreed to the stipulations in the staff report. Regarding reclamation, Gilbert said the applicant will file a reclamation plan as required by the state mine inspector: "We do have an obligation to file as required by ... the state mine inspector's office. We do have an obligation to file a reclamation plan ... it's required by state statute." Staff emphasized stipulations and that the conditional‑use permit carries standard mine mitigation and reclamation conditions.

Commissioners moved and seconded the motions to recommend rezoning and to recommend the conditional‑use permit; both motions passed by voice vote (four ayes). The commission asked staff to receive a copy of the reclamation plan when it is filed and to keep the commission apprised of reclamation commitments required by the Arizona State Mine Inspector (ASMI).

The recommendations go to the Town Council for final action, and the applicant will continue working under state reclamation requirements, town stipulations and any conditions imposed by review agencies.