Copper mining in Arizona has taken place since ancient times.
Today, it is still one of the largest copper producing areas, if not the largest copper producer, in the United States.
Here’s what you should know about the modern mining industry (for better and for worse).
1. What is copper mining?
Copper mining is the process of extracting copper ore from the Earth’s crust for industrial use.
As a valuable metal, copper has been utilized by humans for thousands of years.
It is particularly useful when it comes to conducting electricity and heat, resisting corrosion, and forming essential materials in the electronics, telecommunications, and renewable energy industries due to its malleable nature.
2. What is the process of copper mining?
Here are the primary steps you’ll see followed in any copper mining operation.
Exploration
To mine copper, you must first identify potential copper deposits.
Geologists and mining companies conduct exploration activities through several meanings, including geological surveys, soil sampling, and remote sensing techniques.
This allows mining companies to locate areas with copper-bearing ores.
Planning and development
After a promising deposit has been identified through exploration, additional studies must be conducted.
This allows a mining company to assess the feasibility of mining operations.
During these studies, the company will evaluate the size and grade of the deposit, the depth of the ore, and the potential environmental and social impacts.
Only after all of these factors have been evaluated will the project proceed.
Mine site preparation
Site preparation must occur before mining.
This process includes clearing vegetation, constructing access roads, establishing infrastructure (i.e., power supply and water sources), and creating facilities for workers.
Extraction and drilling
Copper is primarily extracted through drilling and blasting.
Large drills will bore holes into the rock.
Explosives are then placed into those holes to break the rocks into smaller fragments (ore).
The ore is collected and transported to the surface for further processing.
Hauling and transportation
After the ore is extracted, it is transported to the surface using various methods like trucks, conveyor belts, and underground rail systems depending on the site.
Ore processing
This extracted ore will contain copper minerals and other impurities that will need to be removed.
Removal includes a variety of steps such as crushing, grinding, flotation, and smelting.
Refining and purification
Copper concentrate is refined and purified to remove impurities.
This process results in a high-grade copper product that meets industry standards.
Tailings management
Tailings are the waste material produced during the extraction process.
It’s stored in designated facilities to prevent environmental contamination.
Environmental and social responsibility
When not performed responsibly, mining can be highly damaging to the environment.
Some of its best-known impacts involve soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction.
Mining companies must engage with local communities and respect cultural heritage and land rights.
This has become a hot-button issue with copper mining in Arizona particularly due to the native land that is present in the state.
We’ll discuss this in additional detail below.
3. What is the history of copper mining in Arizona?
Copper mining has taken place in Arizona for centuries.
Native American tribes have always extracted this valuable metal as a way to decorate their homes, make jewelry, and create tools.
In the mid-19th century, during the Wild West era, the U.S. began rapidly expanding.
This is when copper mining in Arizona took off.
Prospectors and miners began to rush to the region after massive copper deposits were discovered.
Settlements and towns were created to sustain the interest in mining, and people from all walks of life began to live in Arizona.
4. Where are the most prominent copper mines in Arizona?
Arizona contributes significantly to the global copper supply.
Here are the top 4 most prominent mines in the state.
Morenci Mine: This mine is located in southeastern Arizona.
It is one of the largest copper mines in North America.
It’s been operational since the 1970s and continues to produce copper and molybdenum, which is a valuable byproduct of copper.
Bisbee Mine: This mine is located in southern Arizona.
The mine is no longer in operation despite once having a large copper deposit.
That said, the town has been significantly shaped by the mine’s legacy and continues to draw visitors each year.
Bagdad Mine: This mine is located in northwestern Arizona.
It has been a significant contributor to the state’s copper production since the early 1960s, and it’s an open-pit copper mining operation.
Sierrita Mine: This mine is located near Tucson in the southern portion of the state, playing a significant role in the local economy and job market.
It is known for its large copper and molybdenum reserves.
5. What economic impact does copper mining have on the state of Arizona?
Copper mining helps to drive Arizona’s economy and provides stable employment to thousands of people.
Here are the industries that mining supports:
Transportation
Equipment suppliers
Construction
Taxes and royalties generated from copper mining contribute significantly to the state’s revenue, funding of public services, education, and infrastructure.
Still, the industry is not without its challenges or drawbacks.
Copper mining consistently receives criticism for its impact on the environment.
To make this a sustainable industry, companies must focus on minimizing their ecological footprint, preserving wildlife, and conserving water.
6. How will copper mining continue to evolve?
The technology that mining companies use has only continued to improve.
This is good news for Arizona because it means that the copper mining process will become even more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Additionally, as innovative techniques are developed and used, we will be able to extract previously untapped resources to meet both domestic and global copper demand.
7. Is copper mining in Arizona performed on native land?
Yes, copper mining in Arizona was performed by natives on native land centuries ago, and today, mining companies continue to conduct this process on indigenous lands.
The state is home to a handful of Native American tribes such as the Navajo, Hopi, Apache, and Tohono O’odham.
Due to the ancestral and spiritual connections that these native tribes have to this land, mining activities can be distressing.
As a result, complex relationships exist between mining companies, government entities, and Native American tribes over issues of land rights, environmental impact, and cultural preservation.
Both the federal and state government are legally obligated to consult and work with the Native American tribes when they are planning projects on or near tribal lands.
This consultation is intended to respect and protect everything from cultural heritage and religious sites to traditional resources like water or natural landscapes.
Mining activities have previously affected these resources for Native Americans, which has presented challenges.
For example, the San Carlos Apache Tribe is currently in court fighting the United States government to stop a planned land swap that would give Oak Flats to Resolution Copper.
The company plans to mine the area, which is projected to eventually turn much of the sacred land into a crater.
More recently, there have been increased efforts to improve collaboration and communication between all parties.
While economic development is important, it is even more critical that we strike a balance that allows us to properly care for our environment and the sites of cultural importance to our nation’s first peoples.
8. Can you mine copper and still be respectful of the land?
Is it possible to conduct copper mining in a way that is respectful of the land?
Here are some strategies that you, as a land or resource owner, may consider if you want to extract this resource.
Conduct an environmental impact assessment
Perform a comprehensive environment impact assessment (EIA) before you initiate any mining operation.
This assessment will evaluate the potential effects the mining will have on the land, water sources, wildlife, and ecosystems.
You can then use the findings from this assessment to guide mitigation plans and operational practices.
Engage with local communities
Mining affects the local community deeply, and thus, mining companies need to establish open and transparent communication with the people that it impacts most.
In Arizona, this is often Native American tribes who have ancestral, cultural, and spiritual ties to the land.
Seeking their input and involving them in the decision-making is a great way to ensure you understand their environmental, cultural, and social concerns.
Preserve cultural heritage
If there are any culturally significant sites, artifacts, and landmarks, they must be protected during mining.
Work with Native American tribes and locals to properly identify and guard them.
Managing water resources
An abundance of water is used in mining operations.
To avoid water waste, explore everything from recycling water to treating water.
In arid regions like Arizona, this is an essential step because water is only so available.
Reclaim and restore the land
Create a comprehensive reclamation plan to restore mined areas to their natural state once mining activities have ceased.
These plans often use steps like planting native vegetation and ensuring stability to prevent erosion.
Conserve biodiversity
Consider how you can protect and preserve flora and fauna in your local area.
Implementing these practices can ensure that wildlife is not impacted by your work — including endangered species.
If you’re not sure of the best steps to take, work with an environmental expert to create a biodiversity conservation plan.
Reduce waste and pollution
Mining can produce a great deal of waste, which is detrimental to the environment.
Use best practices to reduce waste generation altogether and dispose of hazardous materials.
Create economic opportunities locally
One of the greatest benefits of mining locally is the boost to the economy through job training and employment.
Reach out to local populations and foster positive relationships.
You can offer employment and ensure people are able to provide for their households.
Invest in research and innovation
Another easy way to support the environment is through donations to research and development.
R&D efforts are currently underway to find more sustainable and eco-friendly mining techniques.
Follow the proper regulations
If you’re going to mine, you must follow the local, state, and federal regulations put in place for mining.
Many of these are created specifically with the environment in mind.
9. What are the challenges?
Copper mining is an industrial activity that has its own share of challenges and drawbacks.
Here are some reasons you should approach copper mining with caution.
Environmental impact: The impact mining causes on the environment is always a top concern.
The consequences include habitat destruction, soil erosion, water pollution, and air pollution.
Most of these issues result because copper is extracted from the earth in large quantities which disturbs ecosystems and poorly affects biodiversity.
Water usage and contamination: Copper mining is not a water-friendly activity.
Between the processing of the copper itself as well as the dust suppression from the mining, this activity puts a lot of pressure on local water resources.
If you’re in an arid region like Arizona, it can be a questionable practice.
Tailings management: Tailings can be environmentally hazardous if they aren’t properly managed after the copper extraction process.
You must properly store and contain tailings to prevent potential spills and water containment.
Energy consumption: Mining is an energy-intensive process, especially in the early stages of extraction and processing.
Fossil fuels are often used to power mining equipment, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Social and cultural concerns: When copper mining projects are not handled correctly, they can lead to the displacement of local communities.
Mining activities near Native American and other indigenous lands can also raise concerns.
This is common with copper mining in Arizona.
Health and safety risks: Mining is dangerous.
It presents various occupation hazards like cave-ins, equipment failures, and exposure to harmful substances.
Market volatility: Copper prices are impacted by the market.
When economic downturns occur or there is a change in demand, it can impact the viability of existing mines and the exploration of new deposits.
Regulatory compliance: Mining companies can have trouble complying with environmental and safety regulations.
This can lead to increased costs and delays in obtaining permits for new projects.
Reclamation and closure: To properly care for the environment, companies need to reclaim and close a mine site after operations.
However, this can be a complex process that is expensive and time-consuming for mining companies.
Water scarcity: Regions facing water scarcity should approach copper mining with caution because the process can exacerbate water stress.
Especially if the area relies on agriculture, it can be difficult to ensure both industries have the water they need to be successful while also supporting people.
10. Are there benefits to copper mining in Arizona?
Absolutely!
If there weren’t any benefits, no one would do it.
This type of mining has everything from economic, societal, and technological advantages.
Here are some of the benefits to keep in mind.
Economic contribution: Copper drives the Arizona economy, especially in mining-specific regions.
Wealth generation: Since copper is a valuable commodity, its extraction and export help to generate substantial revenue for both governments and mining companies.
These funds help fund public services, infrastructure development, and social programs.
That said, the government and mining companies must be careful not to prioritize money over the health of the environment or the wellness of their people.
Technological advancement: Copper is an important component of industries like electronics, telecommunications, energy, and construction.
Its ability to conduct heat and electricity makes it especially valuable for electrical wiring, motors, generators, and electronic devices.
Sustainable energy transition: Copper is used in renewable energy technologies like wind turbines, electric vehicles, and solar panels.
As these energy sources become increasingly popular, the demand for copper is expected to increase as well.
Infrastructure development: Copper is used in construction materials like pipes, wiring, and roofing.
Communities looking to develop and urbanize require access to a significant subset of copper.
Supporting local communities: As noted above, copper mining projects can be beneficial to local economies because they provide job prospects and other production opportunities to an area.
Recycling and circular economy: Copper is a highly recyclable resource.
National security defense: Copper is applicable for defense purposes.
It is used in both military equipment and electronics.
Final Thoughts
Copper mining in Arizona can have numerous benefits.
However, we must find a way to strike a balance between these obvious advantages and the very real environmental and social concerns that come with using the land this way.
If you’re looking to engage with the copper mining industry, be mindful of the land you’ll be mining on, who it might belong to, and the community that surrounds it.
It’s likely that the community and those people will remain long after the mine closes.
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Disclaimer: we are not lawyers, accountants or financial advisors and the information in this article is for informational purposes only. This article is based on our own research and experience and we do our best to keep it accurate and up-to-date, but it may contain errors. Please be sure to consult a legal or financial professional before making any investment decisions.
Prior to starting Gokce Capital, Erika received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California and a graduate degree in Urban Policy from Columbia University. She worked as both an architectural designer and engineer in New York before joining the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.
Erika currently lives in the New York Metropolitan area with her spouse, daughter and cat. She is originally from Chicago and still considers herself a midwesterner at heart.
Erika also loves to read, write and travel (fun fact, she has visited all 50 states and more than 30 countries!). Her new book, Land Investing Mistakes: 11 True Stories You Need To Know Before Buying Land, is now available on Amazon.