(Photo courtesy of Resolution Copper, ©David Howells 2022, davehowellsphoto.com)
(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents Resolution Copper.)
By Kyle Backer | AZ Big Media
Since Pinal County was formed in 1875, copper mining has been an integral part of the region’s economy, creating thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in tax revenue. Today, Arizona leads the nation in copper production, accounting for approximately 70% of U.S. domestic output according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Arizona Mining Association reports that the mining and rock products industries support over 74,700 jobs in the state.
As the demand for copper increases thanks to electric vehicles and other technological advances, Pinal County is seeing a resurgence of copper mining, with operations such as Florence Copper and Resolution Copper hitting important project milestones.
“Florence Copper is at a very exciting point in our project’s history,” explains Sophie Dessart, manager of communications and public affairs for Florence Copper in an email interview. “Following receipt of our final major federal permit in the fall of 2023, we are advancing toward commercial operations. This expands our smaller-scale production test facility, which successfully produced over 1 million pounds of copper on site using [in-situ copper recovery (ISCR)]. The first copper cathode from Florence Copper’s commercial facility is expected at the end of next year (2025).”
