The town of Florence and Florence Copper have agreed to end the years-long legal battle that played a part in keeping the mining operation from fully opening.
In the settlement, officially announced at the Monday, May 3 Town Council meeting, Florence council members voted nearly unanimously to drop the town’s lawsuit against Florence Copper. Mayor Tara Walter abstained from the vote.
The vote ends a court battle between the town and the mining company owned by Canadian Taseko Mines.
In October 2013, the town filed a civil action against Florence Copper to keep it from fully operating. In January 2019, a court in Maricopa county ruled on behalf of Florence Copper. The town appealed the ruling, which was re-affirmed by an appeals court in March.
Under the terms of the settlement, both sides will drop all legal claims and counterclaims. The town agrees to pay Florence Copper’s legal fees to the tune of more than $1.73 million, as well as more than $214,000 in accrued interest and more than $193,600 in appeal’s fees.
The settlement also calls for Florence to formally withdraw from participation in a joint petition filed along with Southwest Value Partners in May 2020 requesting that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency review the aquifer exemption permit associated with Florence Copper’s underground injection permit for its project test facility.
“I’m glad this is finally coming to a close and that we as a town can move forward and I hope that we have a good partnership with Florence Copper,” said Vice Mayor Michelle Cordes during the council meeting. “If you look at our neighbors that have similar partnerships with the mines in their towns as well, for us as a town I think it’s a great thing that we are moving forward and plan to end all of this.”
Florence Copper was just as upbeat.
“We are pleased that these legal matters are now resolved and behind us,” according to a press statement. “The Florence Copper Community Foundation has funded local initiatives like the Florence High School scoreboard, veterans projects, community gardening projects, food banks, and many other initiatives that provided value to Florence.”
The company also applauded Florence residents.
“They asked the tough questions. They put in the time to learn about us and our plans. They came to recognize the value of our work and welcomed and encouraged our investment in the area," the statement continued. “They placed their confidence in us and in our science and engineering. They stood beside us and never wavered, and we will not forget all that they have done.”
Florence Copper added it will now turn its full attention and efforts “associated with getting the $230 million commercial operation up and running.”
Janet Perez News Editor | Queen Creek &
San Tan Valley @AzNewsmedia
Meet Janet Janet Perez joined Independent Newsmedia as editor of the Queen Creek Independent and Florence Independent in 2020. She started her career in 1989 with the Gannett-owned El Paso Times. In 1992, she moved to Tempe and has worked in newspapers, magazines, radio and television. She left Arizona for three years to work at New Mexico State University and Baylor University before returning to work at Arizona State University. Missing the business, she went back to journalism in 2017.
Community: A long-time pet owner, she supports animal welfare causes.
Education: University of Texas at El Paso with a BA in journalism and a minor in political science.
Random Fact: She had a head full of random facts.
Hobbies: Reading, watching documentaries, cooking and playing with her dogs.
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