The Aquifer Protection Permit for the Copper World mine southeast of Tucson is a done deal, now that permit opponents have chosen not to appeal the state’s approval. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued the permit on Aug. 29. Opponents including Pima County officials and the group Save the Scenic Santa Ritas had until Monday to file a request to appeal but did not, and no other appeals were filed. This clears a major legal hurdle for the mine to be built. When constructed, it would mine copper from six open pits in the Santa Rita Mountains 28 miles southeast of Tucson and 12 miles southeast of Sahuarita. Copper World developer Hudbay Minerals Inc. also needs an air quality permit from the state — which is now pending — before it can build and operate the mine. ADEQ said it will allow the mine to operate while not causing or contributing to violations of state groundwater quality standards.