Freeport McMoran

New Mexico Operations Recognized for Contributions to Community

January 31, 2025

In New Mexico, site leadership is proving that success isn’t just about what’s extracted from a mine – it’s also about what’s given back.

At an annual legislative forum in December, the Grant County Prospectors took time to recognize the transformative contributions that Freeport’s operations have made to their community. The Prospectors are a coalition of community leaders and business professionals dedicated to informing policymakers about the needs of Grant County, which is home to both the Chino and Tyrone mines.

In recent years, site leadership succeeded in completing an agreement that transferred the rights for 450-acre feet of water from Chino to the Village of Santa Clara and the Town of Hurley, two communities in the Mining District. In addition, the mines committed $1 million to the City of Bayard for improvements to its wastewater treatment plant.

New Mexico Operations also helped form the Copper Collaborative, which partners community members and site employees on volunteer events, like beautification efforts. More importantly, the Collaborative works with various local, state and federal organizations to establish a five-year strategic plan for the Mining District.

“We’re always looking ahead in the mine, looking to the future,” said Randy Ellison, General Manager-New Mexico Operations. “But so are the people who support us. Our success depends on how well we understand the issues of our communities and recognizing those areas where we can make a difference for them.”

Angie Harmon, Regional Manager of Social Performance-North America, agrees.

Harmon notes many communities have developed alongside Freeport properties, and there are countless issues – from environmental to economic – that link operational risks and community priorities. Getting out in front of those issues requires partners in the mine and in the communities around them.

“If we manage these risks taking community considerations in mind, it's a win-win for both the operation and the community and helps with our goal of building community resilience over the long-term,” Harmon said. “Randy's leadership in strategically thinking about the best outcome for both the mine and the community exemplifies smart leadership.”

For Harmon, that leadership – and the recognition it received – serves as a model for how mine management can drive social performance and foster better relationships. Over time, the relationships between leaders in the mine and in the community are critical in establishing the guardrails necessary for those areas to thrive independent of mining activity, Harmon said.

In New Mexico, where several projects designed to extend the mine’s life have been completed or are underway, Ellison sees only continued collaboration.

“When you work for a mine, you have to consider what goes on inside and outside of those gates,” Ellison said. “We live here, work here and are a part of these communities. It’s just part of doing business to be good neighbors.”

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