Chino/Cobre

About the Program
Freeport-McMoran’s Chino/Cobre program facilities are 15 miles east of Silver City in rural New Mexico. The company operates a large-scale open-pit copper mine with a property that extends over 120,000 acres. Three thousand acres are managed to restore habitat affected by mining and support the reestablishment of native species. The team also actively monitors for invasive species on 20,400 acres to help improve the habitat and watershed. The site’s habitats include typical grasslands for the region, with grasses, shrubs, and forbs, and wildlife, such as jackrabbits, squirrels, javelina and snakes.  The company also aims to educate and spread awareness about the importance of mining reclamation, agaves and bat conservation and invasive species management. 

• Since mid-2008 the grassland project has reclaimed areas previously mined and now extends 3,000 acres. In 2023, an inventory found 72 plant species, four of which are non-native, within the habitat. The project is successfully attracting diverse wildlife, such as mule deer and horned lark, and restoring a native vegetation habitat that limits erosion.
• Since early 2009, Chino/Cobre has targeted four invasive species identified in the grasslands habitat, including Siberian elm and African rue, along with some found in neighboring habitats like musk thistle.
• Currently, 296 acres are actively controlled within the project’s Integrated Vegetation Management plan. Actions like washing equipment, early detection and chemical and mechanical treatment of targeted species help to prevent and control invasive species.
• Employees are also engaged in education and awareness activities related to invasive species management.
• Each year, 80 students from elementary through college learn about mining closure and reclamation, along with its value to ecosystem health through interactive presentations.
• Since 2019, the agave salvage and education project has engaged about 70 staff, tribal members and conservation partners like Bat Conservation International and the Gila Native Plant Society each year. Through presentations, participants learn about how bats and agaves are connected and important for local habitats.
• By harvesting and replanting agave specimens found within the grassland reclamation project, the project supports local conservation and addresses the interests of the local Mescalero Apache for access to agaves.