TSX- and NYSE-listed Hudbay Minerals, in collaboration with several labour unions, has announced the signing of a letter of intent to enter into a project labour agreement (PLA) for the construction of the Copper World mine, in Arizona.
The agreement involves the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Forgers and Helpers Local 627; the Laborers International Union of North America Local 1184; and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 1912.
"We recognise and acknowledge the skill and professionalism of local construction unions," says Hudbay senior VP South America and the US, Javier Del Rio.
"Recognising how substantial the construction of this project will be, we are delighted to have our construction team include their trained and able workforce."
The Copper World mine, near Tucson, is poised to be one of southern Arizona's biggest non-government-funded construction projects.
Over its anticipated 20-year lifespan, the first phase is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, including more than $850-million in US taxes and about $170-million in state taxes.
Hudbay expects the project to create over 400 direct jobs and up to 3 000 indirect jobs.
Copper World aims to produce ‘Made in America’ copper cathode by building a concentrate leach processing facility in its fourth year of operations, thereby reducing energy requirements and greenhouse-gas emissions by eliminating overseas processing activities.