Copper-mining remains strong in Arizona

In 2011, Arizona produced more than $2 billion worth of nonfuel mineral commodities and more copper than any other state, according to the USGS Minerals Commodity Summary. With copper-mining remaining a cornerstone of the state’s economy, a Tucson-based copper-mining company—Asarco—celebrated more than 100 years of operations today.

The company operates the Mission mine near Sahuarita, the Ray mine near Kearny and the Silver Bell mine near Marana and employs more than 2,500 people in Arizona.