It’s important to remember: Copper World is not a done deal. Mining attempts in this area have repeatedly failed over the past 30+ years. This project continues to be strongly opposed by the community, environmental organizations, and local governments.
Maintaining pressure against this project is the only way forward.
If allowed to continue, Hudbay’s plans would mean that most of the ridge in the middle of this photo would be razed. The Copper World mine would not only disturb this landscape’s creatures, but its geological features!
Successful town hall meeting
On January 31, CSDP staff attended Save the Scenic Santa Rita’s Community Town Hall in Sahuarita for their presentation on Copper World’s threats to the aquifer, public health, and the environment.
To watch a recording of the presentation and view the full slides, please visit SSSR’s website.
Dangerous land acquisition
A 160-acre Arizona State Land Department parcel next to the Copper World facilities will be auctioned off by the state on April 29th, 2026 and we expect Hudbay will try to acquire it. The land will allow them to significantly increase their tailings piles (mine waste), which means they would be able to mine even more.
Click below for more information and for sample text for writing a letter to Governor Hobbs, urging her to reject this land auction.
A future ordinance
In December 2025, the Pima County Board of Supervisors introduced an ordinance that would limit heavy truck traffic across unpaved roads in the county, protecting our air quality and public health. Hudbay’s operations would entail more than 110 heavy trucks a day, creating significant air pollution. After consulting with attorneys, the county decided to withdraw the ordinance from the December agenda.
However, considering the strong support from both the community and the county, we expect this ordinance will return in the future. SSSR continues to work closely with Pima County to seek a path forward.
How can you help today?
- Spread the word! Share this information with your communities, networks, family and friends.
- Stay informed! Save the Scenic Santa Rita’s website is always updated with the latest information.
- Speak up! Call your representatives and voice your opposition to Hudbay’s Copper World Project.
What is Copper World?
The Coalition has long opposed mining in the Santa Rita Mountains, including previous opposition to the Rosemont Mine and current opposition to the Copper World mining facilities.
This open-pit mine complex threatens the ecologically valuable land within the Santa Rita mountain range, creating air and water pollution, particularly within the Santa Cruz River and our aquifers, and destroying cultural resources and sacred lands to the Tohono O’odham. Additionally, this project disrupts critical wildlife corridors that allow animals to migrate between the Santa Rita Mountains and other Sky Islands.
Click here for the latest updated fact sheet and information.
One of our member groups, Save the Scenic Santa Ritas (SSSR), is leading the opposition with:
- A lawsuit challenging the Arizona State Land Department over the granted right-of-way for the construction of two mine tailing transportation pipes,
- An appeal of Hudbay’s insufficient air quality permit,
- Continuous advocacy for the protection of the Santa Rita Mountains,
- And more!
For more detailed information, head to the Save the Scenic Santa Ritas website.