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Ajo Copper News, October 3, 2012, Page 5
Update to
the Community
Ajo Community Partnership Panel
Partnership Panel Reviews Company Operations and More
The Ajo Community Partnership Panel, hosted by Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., seeks to keep the
community informed about its operations, and to foster open and ongoing dialogue to develop thoughtful
solutions to address community issues.
The Ajo Community Partnership Panel met September 5. Topics included a company update, Ajo
Improvement Co. activities, an economic impact report, community engagement updates and local social
investments by the Company.
Company Update
Freeport-McMoRan has begun a limited exploration drilling program at Ajo as part of an effort to obtain samples
for metallurgical test work and to generate additional geologic information. The Ajo deposit is a resource that
looks attractive for possible further development; however, the company does not currently have any plans
for a restart of the Ajo mine. Drilling will be conducted in the pit and the immediate surrounding area, and is
expected to be completed late this year or early 2013.
Ajo Improvement Co.
AIC will begin paving the roads from Curley School to the mine pit and from the Greenway Mansion to Ajo High
School now that all the sewer and water replacement work in this area has been completed.
The sewer replacement project will begin soon and continue through 2014 for the following areas:
• East of the railroad tracks from Ajo High School to the Pima County Sheriff Station and west of the
tracks from Solana Ave. to W. Cholla Ave.
• From W. Cholla Ave. to Ave. to Rasmussen Rd. and from the cemetery to the railroad tracks.
Economic Impact Report
In 2011, the estimated direct and indirect economic impact of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold on Arizona was
approximately $2.8 billion. Freeport-McMoRan also employed over 7,600 workers at year end. The total direct
and indirect impact of Freeport-McMoRan on the Arizona economy was estimated to be nearly 30,000 jobs.
In 2011, we contributed over $26 million to Arizona communities focusing our efforts on education and training,
economic development, safety and wellness, the environment and cultural heritage programs.
Community Engagement Updates & Discussion
Four applications for the Company’s Social Investment Grant program were received that were tied to the
priorities identified by the Ajo Community Partnership Panel. Awards will be announced in early 2013.
Freeport-McMoRan announced a new statewide partnership with the Arizona College Scholarship Foundation
(ACSF), www.azcsf.org, which provides scholarship opportunities for Arizona youth – including those in rural
communities like Ajo. The successful program offers students mentoring/coaching and other support
throughout their college careers to help ensure they achieve their goal of a college degree. ACSF will be
increasing their outreach to Ajo students to ensure they are aware of the program and receive any
technical assistance needed to apply.
The Mini Grants for Education deadline is October 30 th . These grants provide up to $500 for K-12 classrooms
in Freeport-McMoRan communities.
The company also recently launched a new website, www.FreeportInMyCommunity.com, to share
comprehensive information about its various community involvement programs, including education and
social investment program applications, as well as other useful information. The website is designed to
engage all types of partners – from communities, nonprofits and schools to stakeholders and employees,
with the goal of “transforming tomorrow together” in each of our communities.
Local Social Investments
During the second quarter of 2012, Ajo Operations invested almost $7,000 locally including the Ajo High
School (sports program), the Ajo Gibson Volunteer Fire Department, the 4 th of July Celebration and the
1st Annual Steel/Peek Memorial Golf Tournament.
For questions or more information, please contact our Operations Community Hotline at (520) 387-2098.
www.fcx.com