The Controversial History of Copper Mining in Arizona

Most of us know Arizona by its nickname, the Grand Canyon State. Did you know it has another famous moniker?

Arizona is also known as the Copper State. One trip to Bisbee in Cochise County makes it easy to see why our state earned this nickname. The copper-colored mountains still hint at the rich history of our state's abundant copper mining industry.

While copper mining ended in Bisbee in the 1970s, Arizona is still world-famous for its mining history. In fact, copper mining in Arizona is so intertwined that it even appears on the Seal of the Great State of Arizona, which incorporates the likeness of one of Arizona's most famous and innovative miners, George Warren.

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Mineral Mining in Arizona

Copper mining in Arizona began in the 19th century. Significant deposits of copper and other minerals were discovered in areas like Bisbee and Jerome, and by 1907, Arizona was producing more copper than any other state.

Almost 120 years later, that trend continues. Arizona still leads the United States in copper production.

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The History of Mining in Arizona

Copper, gold, and silver mining shaped Arizona's early economy. The industry helped Arizona transition from a dry, dusty, sparsely populated state to a thriving land of opportunity that attracted workers and investors worldwide.

Copper is still an important part of Arizona's economy. Copper is used in a wide variety of products manufactured across the globe, from electrical wiring to electronics to medical products. You can even find copper in jewelry and art.

Arizona's copper industry still contributes billions of dollars to the economy and provides thousands of jobs.

The Controversy of Mining in Arizona

Arizona's mining industry has run into some controversy over the last few years. The proposed copper mine at Oak Flat in the Tonto National Forest has faced significant opposition from Native American groups and environmentalists.

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The site is considered sacred by the Apache people. It's currently ensnared in legal battles and environmental debates. The project may bring in millions, even billions to our state, but at what cost?

Critics argue that such projects like the proposed mining of Oak Flat threaten cultural heritage and critical ecosystems.

Sources: NCESC | Geo.Arizona.edu | InfoArizona | AZ Central | Arizona News | Kitchen Table News