I thought I would share some info I found regarding this topic specifically.

The original plan back in the 1970s was to do ISL underground. The main copper body resides 1000-2000ft below the town (and IMHO more importantly beneath the Gila Comglomorate aqifer).

It may actually make more sense to proceed in this fashion environmentally, and possibly finacially? I would assume permitting would be easier to aquire due to less enviromental risk?

The ISL method has been considered for many years, but it seems no one as of yet has put one into production.

Here is a good link looking at this particular issue in detail: (I cant get this damn thing to post the links properly, so you will have to copy and paste the URLs to view)

https://arizona.openrepository.com/arizona/bitstream/10150/301063/1/hwr_08-137-145.pdf

and a screen shot of the cross section of the origianlly proposed ISL operation:

http://oi62.tinypic.com/339r0gm.jpg


From the original plan, the shaft does look like it will have to go down approx 1000 feet before drifting horizontally. I'm not sure if existing shafts will be of use? I have no idea what the cost would be to sink a 1000 ft shaft and drift out to drill holes for ISL? Maybe someone with more mining knowledge could give us an idea?

BTW, Elmer never did answer the emailed question regarding secured water rights or assumption we will get them easily...