Feb 14 2013
Prospect Global Resources, Inc. today announced that it has taken an important step forward in its long-term plan to be first to market with potash from the Holbrook Basin of eastern Arizona, one of the most promising potash fields in the United States.
Prospect Global, through its wholly-owned subsidiary American West Potash LLC, has submitted applications for two key permits with the State of Arizona. The Company filed with the Arizona State Land Department its Draft Mineral Development Report as part of an application to convert certain of its state exploration permits into mineral leases. The Mineral Development Report discusses the mining, geology, processing, environmental impact and economics of the Company's proposed annual production of 2 million metric tons of potash. The Company also submitted an application for its Air Quality Control Permit to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality for administrative review.
In its Mineral Development Report, Prospect Global cites expert analysis indicating that the project will have minimal environmental effects on the surrounding area in terms of water use, air quality and visual impact, while providing significant socioeconomic benefits to Apache and Navajo County municipalities and the State of Arizona.
Brian Wallace , Chief Operating Officer of Prospect Global, said: "Experts anticipate that our Holbrook Project will create up to 4,500 direct, indirect and induced jobs during construction and more than 1,200 direct, indirect and induced jobs during the productive life of the mine. During the life of the mine, we anticipate generating tax revenue in excess of $1.5 billion for Arizona at the state, county and local levels. In all, we estimate that the Holbrook Project will generate nearly $1.9 billion in wages and nearly $5.5 billion in total economic output."
The Company is also finalizing its application for the Aquifer Protection Permit with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, which it plans to submit in the second quarter of 2013.