Mining companies know and are committed to providing for the communities that surround operations. For example, Resolution Copper recently provided $54 million to establish the Resolution Copper Tribal Trust, a perpetual endowment that will deliver annual funding to 11 Tribal Nations located in Arizona and New Mexico. This money will go towards cultural preservation, education, youth development, workforce opportunities, language revitalization and other priorities of the community.
“This effort demonstrates what can be accomplished when Tribal Nations and industry commit to listening to one another over time,” says Richard Luarkie, the director of the Native American Mining and Energy Sovereignty Program at Colorado School of Mines’ Payne Institute. “The consultation process produced more than changes to a project; it strengthened relationships built on communication, respect and shared understanding. Those relationships create opportunities that will benefit future generations while providing a model for how Tribes and industry can work together.”
“The Resolution Copper Tribal Trust reflects years of consultation, listening and collaboration with Tribal Nations,” adds Bobby Ramirez, principal adviser for Native Affairs and Cultural Heritage at Resolution Copper. “Tribal leaders, elders, preservation office staff and cultural practitioners dedicated countless hours to reviewing plans, conducting fieldwork and sharing knowledge that helped shape meaningful changes to the project. While consultation has not meant agreement on every issue, it has demonstrated that respectful dialogue can lead to better outcomes, stronger relationships and a lasting commitment to future generations.”
Through collaboration, communication and shared values, this trust and Resolution Copper are providing for those in its community.