Q&A
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Who is Arizona Standard? |
Arizona Standard is a subsidiary of Barksdale Resources, a publicly traded mineral exploration company. |
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What are we exploring for? |
Arizona Standard is exploring for copper, zinc, lead and silver. |
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Why is Arizona Standard exploring in southern Arizona? |
As the top base metal producer in the USA, Arizona's past provides a roadmap for fresh exploration opportunities. Arizona, a beacon of American base metal production, boasts a rich history of exploration and mining. Its sun-soaked landscape, abundant in copper, gold, and silver, echoes the spirit of discovery. Promising new chapters for the marked history. |
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Why do you need to drill? |
In the past, explorers dug into hillsides to uncover mysteries, leaving scars on canyon walls in the Patagonia Mountains. Today, we're smarter – using drilling to gather rock data efficiently without major impacts like mining. To test our hypotheses, we need data, and drilling is the key without causing harm. Welcome to modern exploration! |
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Where will you get your water for drilling? |
From the very inception of crafting our permit application, we understood that water quality wasn't just a checkbox; it was a front-row seat concern for our local stakeholders. Instead of tapping into local water sources, we've orchestrated a dynamic routine where clean water is transported with a convoy of trucks from municipal water systems to our drilling sites. It's not just about the science of drilling; it's about harmonizing with our surroundings. |
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What measures will be implemented to safeguard vulnerable bird species in the vicinity from any potential impact caused by the work program? |
In the Project Area, we cherish the presence of two federally listed bird species: the Mexican Spotted Owl and the Western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo. Our dedicated biologists from the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have carefully evaluated their habitats. We've crafted and implemented measures, as outlined in the approved Plan of Operations, to ensure the well-being of these beautiful birds and mitigate any potential impacts. Their safety is our commitment. |
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Where are sensitive bird species in the area – how will you ensure that they are not affected by the work program? |
The Project Area contains known occurrences of two federally listed bird species: the Mexican Spotted Owl and the Western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo. Potential impacts to these species from the proposed program will be evaluated by Forest Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologists and specific measures designed to eliminate or mitigate impacts to these species will be developed, as appropriate. |
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What happens if you find what you are looking for? |
If we fail to find an economic resource, we will likely stop our drilling program, complete our remediation requirements, and shift our focus to another exploration project. |
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What happens if you don’t find what you are looking for? |
If we fail to find an economic resource, we will likely stop our drilling program, complete our remediation requirements, and shift our focus to another exploration project. |
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What type of disturbances will occur? |
Disturbances, in general, will be minimal. The total area impacted is less than 12 acres. These impacts include minor road upgrades and repairs that will occur on pre-existing roads as well as the construction of new drill pads and temporary roads. We are focused on using the existing road system for as much of our work as possible so that we can minimize disturbance as much as possible. All new roads and drill pads will be reclaimed and reseeded following the completion of project activities. |
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How many trucks will you have on the road each day? |
If we have two active drill rigs, which is the maximum under our permit, there will be several support vehicles that will be on the roads each day. These vehicles will include a water truck, which will make a few trips a day on Flux Canyon road to fill our water tanks, as well as a couple of pick-up trucks that will be used to transport the drilling staff and the Arizona Standard geologist to and from the drill rigs on each shift (12 hour shifts). Additionally, maintenance crews and drilling foremen will be on the roads to check in on the drills from time to time. In an average day we estimate that there will be up to 30 round trips completed during a day, with most of these occurring during daylight hours. If we only have one drill rig active the number of trucks on the road will drop. Additionally, the water truck will only work if we need water, so if water consumption is low, we’ll use that vehicle less. |
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What happens if our drilling uncovers a significant mineral resource? |
Our primary objective is the meticulous identification and quantification of mineral resources within the Sunnyside claims area. Upon confirming the presence of economically viable resources, our focus will shift to de-risking the project. This entails an extensive collection of additional drill data and the completion of comprehensive studies encompassing hydrology, geotechnics, metallurgy, and environmental impact. It is imperative to emphasize that any subsequent phase of this project, extending beyond mineral resource exploration, necessitates a meticulous process of acquiring additional permits and crafting a new, detailed project proposal. Our commitment to precision and adherence to regulatory protocols underscores our dedication to ensuring the thoroughness and success of this venture. |
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Will you be drilling 24/7 for seven years? |
Embarking on a dynamic drilling initiative, we've obtained a seven-year permit, yet the timeframe is subject to adjustments based on early results. This lively, round-the-clock drilling operation is approved for seven years initially, but the project's duration may be curtailed depending on our ongoing progress. |
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What ensures that you’ll clean up after the work ends? |
Through meticulous collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, we have crafted an exemplary reclamation plan integral to our drilling operations. Notably, reclamation efforts on the drill pad commence promptly upon project completion, showcasing our proactive commitment to environmental responsibility. Moreover, our dedication extends to the comprehensive reclamation of temporary roads, a testament to our rigorous standards. The earmarking and deposition of requisite funds into a trust account further underscore our financial prudence and unwavering commitment to fulfilling all reclamation obligations. In summary, our approach reflects a synthesis of regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and financial foresight. |
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What type of jobs can be expected in the future? |
As we gear up for this new chapter, we're not just creating jobs; we're dedicated to fostering growth within our community. Geologists, geotechnical staff, and administrative roles have and continue to be filled with experienced candidates locally and internationally. Beyond that, we've established local partnerships with experts in drilling, water haulage, earthworks (including road construction and maintenance), and reclamation. Our commitment goes beyond the project; it's about enriching the community with valuable job opportunities. Join us in building a better tomorrow. |