May 1999 BHP smelter in AZ idled

BHP Billiton have altered the status of their copper smelting and refining plant at San Manuel,[AZ] USA from care and maintenance to permanent closure. [Used Pierce converters and flash furnace]

The plant has been idle since May 1999 when it entered into care an maintenance mode. Since then they have looked at numerous strategies to bring the plant back online, but none proved economically viable.

The remaining staff will be focus on safety and environmental issues, while the decommissioning and reclamation of the site will be completed over the next 5 to 7 years.

The closure brings to an end 50 years of operation for the San Manuel smelter....

Posted October 27th, 2003
http://www.azom.com/details.asp?newsID=864

"1997: After next year's major rebuild, the San Manuel [BHP] smelter will operate for another 10 years on mini-shutdowns. This strategy will save BHP roughly $200 million over the next 10 years before the next major rebuild, resulting in more cash flow and value for BHPstakeholders.

Craig Steinke is Group General Manager and Senior Vice President of Metals in San Francisco and Pj Cannon, an Assistant Editor for On Cu.
This article is reprinted with permission from the publication,
On CU, April – June, 1997,Vol. 1, No. 3."

Asarco Noose Tightens, But Who Will Hang?

"Asarco Noose Tightens, But Who Will Hang?

by Sito Negron

It’s possible the issue could be decided by August, although because the process already has taken many twists, various elements could slow it down. That includes a potential change on the Commission that will decide the issue. Meanwhile, the TCEQ is reviewing the comments filed June 18.

Posted on June 29, 2007

The Asarco saga will come to a head this summer. Or not. But the noose is tightening …........................................"
[complete story is on page
http://www.newspapertree.com/politics/1504-asarco-noose-tightens-but-who-will-hang]

"But Asarco’s history also is an issue raised by permit opponents. The single largest issue is the question of hazardous waste illegally disposed at Asarco – how much, and what type? That question was raised in an agreed order in 1999, in which Asarco agreed to pay a fine but did not admit to wrongdoing. However, an EPA memo indicated that the agency wanted to take legal action. [Read the background for that story.]

As a result of that order, Asarco agreed to pay the city for paving alleys. [story]

For a primer on the Asarco issue, please see
Asarco Links.

Back to the most recent: Newspaper Tree presents seven documents filed June 18, 2007, outlining the issues now being argued by permit opponents and by Asarco.

Asarco [link]

New Mexico Department of Environmental Quality [link]

Office of Public Interest Counsel [link]

City of El Paso [link]

State Sen. Eliot Shapleigh [link]

Sierra Club [link]

Sunset Heights Acorn [link]"