As I read the report of Apache Junction Unified School District students learning about Resolution Copper’s proposed mine near Superior (“AJUSD students learn about mining, geology: Resolution Copper employees speak at school” on page 12 of the March 2022 Apache Junction/Gold Canyon Independent), I was disturbed to see no mention of environmental and cultural objections to the project.

Regardless of whether one is for or against the mine, a reader should be able to expect balance in reporting, and that surely should include a mention of any downside.

As I understand it, the downside in this case is literal. The area of Oak Flat that would be above the extraction of ore will collapse. There is opposition from some indigenous people who regard this area as sacred, as well as from others concerned about environmental and recreational impact.

As your correspondent for this story apparently did not mention this, I think a brief editor’s postscript was warranted. From a publication with “Independent” in its name, I would expect nothing less.

Editor’s note: Andrew Means is a resident of Apache Junction. The story “AJUSD students learn about mining, geology: Resolution Copper employees speak at school” was written by an AJUSD employee.