Freeport McMoran

Freeport's Support of Neighboring Communities Recognized by Local Government Proclamation

June 10, 2025

Even though Global Volunteer Month has come and gone, New Mexico Operations’ commitment to supporting its local communities still is going strong – and those efforts have not gone unnoticed.

The Village of Santa Clara in New Mexico recently released a proclamation thanking Freeport for its part in a cleanup that saw employees volunteer to clean properties for seniors and the disabled. Alongside the City of Bayard and the town of Hurley, the Village of Santa Clara is one of the three municipalities that make up the Mining District near the company’s Chino mine.

“The village of Santa Clara hereby expresses our heartfelt gratitude to all the Freeport-McMoRan employees and volunteers who participated in the city-wide clean-up event,” the proclamation read. “Your contributions have made a significant difference in the Tri-City area and gives the community excitement for future collaborations.”

The cleanup was a part of the Copper Collaborative, a coalition in Grant County, New Mexico focused on working with various local, state and federal organizations to establish a strategic plan for the area’s Mining District. The collaborative also encourages residents and employees to volunteer for these types of community improvement and beautification efforts.

“I am incredibly proud to see our sites recognized once again for the work we’re doing,” said Randy Ellison, General Manager-New Mexico Operations. “And I hope every employee who volunteered feels proud, too, because these partnerships between local industry and the communities that support them make us all stronger.”

The Santa Clara cleanup saw 15 employees volunteer and fill six garbage dumpsters. Additional cleanups are scheduled for the coming months, including one in Bayard in June and Hurley in July.

Sharon Offutt, Social Performance Manager-New Mexico Operations, has watched the Copper Collaborative grow as one of the driving forces behind how Chino interacts with its neighbors and views it as a cornerstone of the site’s efforts to support and uplift local communities.

“It’s been inspiring to see how the Copper Collaborative has evolved from an idea into a movement that’s truly making a difference,” Offutt said. “When our employees step up to support their neighbors, it shows the heart of who we are – not just as a company, but as a community partner. I’m excited to see how these efforts continue to grow and help meet real needs in our local communities.”

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