Copper Giant Phelps Dodge Morenci Fined for Bird Deaths

The mining giant Phelps Dodge Morenci, Inc., has pled guilty to a single misdemeanor count of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in federal district court in Phoenix for exposing migratory birds to acidic mine waste water. The company will spend more than $100,000 in penalties and remediation to settle the charge.

Information presented in court alleges that more than 60 birds were found dead on the Morenci Mine Site between October 2000 and March 2001. Since then, additional dead birds were found on the site in eastern Arizona.

Phelps Dodge Morenci is charged with the deaths of 43 birds identified as being migratory species protected under the act.

Phelps Dodge Morenci, Inc., is the largest copper producing operation in North America. Active operations include an open-pit mine, numerous leach stockpiles, four solution extraction plants and three electrowinning tankhouses.