SUPERIOR - Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer wants federal lawmakers to pass land-swap legislation that would pave the way for a copper-mining project in Superior.

Brewer voiced her support for the Resolution Copper Mining project Thursday during a tour of the site.

"While some states have been blessed with oil, others with valuable forest, Arizona has been blessed with rich copper reserves," Brewer said. "Copper has done so much over the history of Arizona to provide economic growth, and this copper project spurs economic development far into our future."

Project backers refer to the mine as "Arizona's low-cost stimulus plan."

The venture is expected to generate thousands of jobs and millions a year in taxes that would flow into federal, state and local coffers. Project backers anticipate an economic impact of $46.4 billion over the life of the project. That is equal to "two NFL Super Bowls per year," Brewer said.

The 3,000-acre mine site in Tonto National Forest is thought to contain the largest undeveloped deposit of high-grade copper in the world. Attempts by Resolution Copper to acquire the site have been delayed by environmentalists, Native American protests and a corruption scandal involving former Rep. Rick Renzi.

But David Salisbury, president and CEO of Resolution Copper, remains positive about the most recent incarnation of the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act.

Salisbury said the bill contains "strong provisions," including the protection of Apache Leap, a rock formation considered sacred by native people.

Sens. Jon Kyl and John McCain introduced the legislation in February. There has been little action on the legislation since then.

The Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2009 includes a transfer of land from the federal government to Resolution Copper for mining. In return, Resolution Copper would transfer to the government more than 5,500 acres of conservation lands.

Salisbury said tandem legislation may soon be introduced in the House: His group has been in talks with Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, who took over Renzi's district in January.

The company has claim to the land about 3 miles east of Superior in the historic Pioneer Mining District, where workers are installing a shaft to reach a depth of 7,000 feet. About 680 feet have been installed so far.

Even if the land swap was fast-tracked, the first batch of copper wouldn't show up until 2020. The project is expected to have a life span of about 60 years.

"To ensure we better face the economic cycles of tomorrow, Arizona needs to establish a strong economic foundation comprised of development projects that generate sustainable economic output and new jobs," Brewer said. "The Resolution Copper project is the type . . . to ensure a strong economic environment for our future generations."