Can Bisbee mine tours be kept open?

Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold is working with local officials on ways to keep the Queen Mine in Bisbee open for public tours.  The company recently announced plans to not renew a lease on the mine due to concerns over radon levels and stability of the underground tunnels.  But the mine is a significant tourism attraction in the area, drawing an estimated 40,000 visitors a year.  [Right, photo credit, "Vision and Enterprise: Exploring the History of Phelps Dodge Corporation," by Carlos A. Schwantes.   Posted on Arizona Experience]


The radon levels reported do not appear to be a problem for occasional visitors, but tour guides and  other staff who spend extensive time in the mine could be at risk. However, the usual solution to increased radon levels is to provide greater ventilation and dilute any radon-bearing air.

Some of the news coverage of the story:

http://azstarnet.com/news/local/bisbee-mine-tour-to-end-under-lease-termination/article_ca67636b-83a7-5a5b-97b4-6c5f0e876975.html

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/23117152/2013/08/12/bisbee-underground-mine-tour-may-close

http://www.kvoa.com/news/bisbee-s-copper-queen-mine-tours-in-danger-of-shutting-down/#_

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/23119296/city-of-bisbee-takes-measures-to-keep-mine-tour-guides-safe

 http://www.willcoxrangenews.com/news/article_210793f8-0467-11e3-b832-001a4bcf887a.html