I'd say the word in Tucson is that Rosemont will eventually happen. But you'd be surprised at some of the people who are against it or uncertain about whether it should be permitted. That is because the surroundings in the Santa Rita Mountains are considered pristine and beautiful and many people have a long family history of hunting or hiking there and are afraid the mine will destroy that. The company ad campaign (I think) did a strong job of trying to alleviate those concerns. The land in Tombstone, on the other hand, is really not so breathtakingly beautiful. And, of course, that whole area of southeastern Arizona has set a long precedent for mining and Nord is pretty much right up the road already. One more factor: I think those who oppose Rosemont might choose their battles and leave TSP alone. It dilutes their efforts and makes them look even more anti-everything if they share the focus with all these claims southeast of Tucson.
EDIT: just reread your post. Was that land exchange for the Rio Tinto mine near Superior and not Rosemont which is closer to Tucson? I could be wrong.