County Mayor Hopes to Preserve Open Space by Yellow Fork

Apr 25, 2008 by Jeff Robinson

Kennecott Plans to Explore Mining Potential

(KCPW News) Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon is hoping Kennecott's plans to explore mining potential near Herriman don't interfere with the county's plans to turn 1,700 acres it recently purchased next to Yellow Fork into open space. But, the county was aware of Kennecott's plans when it finalized the purchase.

"When we first started exploring and negotiating the sale with the owners, that's when Kennecott filed its mining claims to preserve its rights," he said. "We were aware by the time we purchased the land that they had started that, but when started the negotiations, Kennecott had not filed its claims."

Corroon says the county plans to meet with Kennecott to discuss its concerns. He adds that the decision is ultimately up to the Bureau of Land Management.

"First, they fly helicopters over to see if there's anything worth exploring," he said. "If they want to explore further, they have to file a plan with the Bureau of Land Management, and then the Bureau of Land Management gets to make a decision as to whether they can do that or not. If they did it, they would certainly have to remediate it back into the condition it should be in and not do extensive damage, but we're hoping we don't have to go that far."

The mining company would be obligated to return the land to its original condition after conducting the exploration. To listen to a conversation with Mayor Corroon, visit the Midday Metro page.

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