Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold receives Award of Excellence for Environmental Stewardship and Wildlife Management

February 26, 2013 /3BL Media/ - The Arizona Game and Fish Commission recently awarded Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold its Award of Excellence for environmental stewardship and wildlife management, specifically noting Freeport-McMoRan’s Mexican Free-tail bat habitat conservation efforts in Morenci, AZ.

Freeport-McMoRan was presented the award which recognizes individuals and organizations for significant contributions to the conservation of Arizona’s wildlife, outdoor heritage and the mission of Arizona Game and Fish to conserve, enhance and restore diverse wildlife resources and habitats through protection and management programs.

In 2010, Freeport-McMoRan’s Morenci Mine partnered with Arizona Game and Fish and others to specially design and construct a bat-compatible gate at the entrance of the Eagle Creek Bat Cave. The cave historically has served as one of the largest maternity roosts for Mexican free-tail bats in the Southwest. Previously at risk of vandalism and human traffic, the gate now protects the roost from disturbance while allowing the bats free movement.

Freeport-McMoRan’s Morenci Mine is also working with Arizona Game and Fish on its Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep management program. The program aims to ensure sustainable population levels for hunting and wildlife viewing, while reducing potential wildlife-vehicle collisions and other human-wildlife conflicts in the area.

For further information about how Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. protects and enhances the environment and wildlife habitats surrounding its areas of operations, please visit their website at http://www.fcx.com/envir/envir.htm

Please see the 2011 Working Toward Sustainable Development Report for more information on all of their social, economic and environmental efforts. http://www.fcx.com/envir/wtsd/pdf-wtsd/2011/WTSD_Bk_2011.pdf