When it commenced operation in 1971, the Nacimiento Copper Mine provided 135 new jobs. This was about half of the 278 new permanent jobs created in Cuba, New Mexico, from 1970 to 1974. Concurrent and independent development of the Checkerboard Health Clinic and expansion of the school system accounted for most of the remaining new employment. Population of Cuba and the immediate surrounding area increased some 55 percent from 819 to about 1,270. Average personal income increased substantially over the period. Gross business receipts increased from an average of $125,000 per month in 1969-70 to more than $300,000 per month since 1971. A few new businesses were established and many were expanded or improved their appearance with new facades. Most community services handled the increased population with minimum strain. Exceptions were the water and sewage systems. Municipal revenues increased rapidly enough to allow the city to operate in the black every year. Municipal officials, school administrators, mine officials, businessmen, ranchers, teachers, clergy, students, retirees, civic groups, and others were almost unanimous in their favorable reactions to the Nacimiento Mine operation. Some relatively minor reservations and concerns were expressed. Most Cuba residents favored development on the scale of that since 1970. (Author/NQ)