Tonto National Forest has released its final Record of Decision for Pinto Valley Mine.

The mine is located west of Globe and has operated for decades.

Although much of the mine is situated on private property, some of it is located on Forest Service land.

The agency will renew old permits that had expired and allow the mine to expand its operation and tailings into the forest for another 229 acres.

The decision finalizes an Environmental Impact Statement and will extend the life of the mine for about 19 years.