(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents Ivanhoe Electric and Arizona Sonoran Copper.)
By Jodie Newell | Pinal Central
Representatives from three major Pinal County copper projects told business and community leaders that mining is entering a new era driven by technology, growing copper demand and the need for locally produced critical minerals.
The discussion came during a Pinal County mining update panel held during the Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce’s Biz Outlook luncheon at Robson Ranch on July 17.
Moderated by Arizona Mining Association President Steve Trussell, the panel featured Ivanhoe Electric Director of Environmental Permitting and Social Responsibility Kami Ballard, Cactus Mine Vice President of Sustainability and External Relations Travis Snider and Florence Copper Communications and Public Affairs Manager Sophie Dessart.
Before opening the discussion, Trussell said Arizona remains one of the nation’s most important mining states and is experiencing renewed interest and investment in copper production.
“Arizona is a mining state. It’s the copper state,” Trussell said. “We have a copper dome on our State Capitol. We have a miner on our state seal and we have a copper star on our state flag for a reason.”
Trussell said the local mining industry is currently experiencing a high sense of optimism.
“I have never seen this type of excitement and energy around mining, which is a very good thing,” he said.
