Freeport McMoRan to organize panel

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold is starting a citizen input group to address issues affecting the mine and the local communities.

The organization, Green Valley/Sahuarita Community Partnership Panel, will hold its first meeting Thursday.

The company drew up a list of participants it says are “experts and community leaders like you.”

In a letter from John Broderick, vice president and general manager of the local mine, he said he envisions the group as a two-way forum where participants can offer questions and comments that will reflect community concerns and suggestions.”

One of the first things it will do, according to the introductory letter, will be to survey those attending to see who was left out and should participate.

Broderick’s letter said the company has worked with such community panels in other locations.

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