US mine firm pays historic 1.79 billion dollars for cleanup

[demoleft]

Source: afp/france24

AFP - A bankrupt Arizona copper mining firm has paid 1.79 billion dollars for environmental cleanup and restoration in the largest such payout in US history, US federal agencies said Thursday.

The funds, obtained through Asarco's bankruptcy reorganization, will be used to pay for past and future costs to clean up hazardous mining waste at more than 80 sites in 19 states.

The American Smelting and Refining Company (Asarco), a leading copper producer based in Tucson, will remain liable for any environmental damage at properties it continues to own and operate, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the departments of justice, interior and agriculture announced.

"This will mean cleaner land, water and air for communities across the country," said Cynthia Giles, assistant EPA administrator.


Read more: http://www.france24.com/en/node/4945553

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sounds good.

[Fearless]

1. Not to be a cynic... but how much will it acutually cost to fix the situation?

I'm betting slightly more than 1.79 billion.

[PJPhreak]

3. I fear you are right,this is only one of many Asarco mines...The Lavender Pit Mine in Bisbee Az

How do you fix this?

[AtheistCrusader]

4. Well, they wouldn't fill the hole.

They would just remove any toxic stuff (Sorta) like harsh chemicals used to leech out copper. 'copper puddling' or acid leeching. Doesn't look like that's what was used in your photo though. That's straight-up scoop it out, cart it off mining. Still stuff that needs to be cleaned up though, you can assume diesel was spilled all over the place, for instance.

[No Elephants]

6. Good point.

[truthisfreedom]

2. A US Dollar is .0043" thick. The stack is 1.79 Billion times .0043" is 7,697,000 inches, or

641,416 feet, or 121 miles tall. It would paper 7.145 square miles. That is one hell of a penalty.

[rampart]

5. it's a copper mine

at 1.55mm per penny the stack is about 2,770 kilometers.

edited for greater accuracy.

[Fearless]

7. That'd be great if they're going to fill the mine with paper.

Otherwise, how much money do you think they made mining copper there?