Copper-mine land swap moves closer to reality

WASHINGTON - Democrats and Republicans on the Senate energy committee confirmed Monday that they have reached a compromise on a controversial federal land swap that could lead to the development of North America's largest copper mine near Superior. The bill is expected to be considered and approved by panel members on Wednesday, said a spokesman for Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., serves on the committee and has been pushing for a vote to take place before year's end. He has been trying for about four years to win approval for the project, which developers estimate could bring $46.4 billion to Arizona over the expected 66-year life of the mine.

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