Morenci Copper Mine

"Freeport-McMoRan’s Morenci Operations started in 1872, when the first commercial mining operations were developed. The initial underground mining began in 1881 and the mine later transitioned to open-pit mining beginning in 1937. In 1987 Morenci commissioned its first solution extraction/electrowinning plant and continued as a pioneer for mining technology. Today Morenci is one of North America’s largest producers of copper and one of the largest open-pit mines in the world with great potential for growth and continued prosperity."

open pit mining operation

"We supply natural resources that connect and sustain the world’s infrastructure. In Arizona we primarily produce copper and molybdenum."

"Molybdenum strengthens steel, resists heat and adds corrosion resistance to a wide variety of products. Its chemical products remove sulfur from crude oil, which results in cleaner-burning fuels and cleaner air. Molysulfide is used as a lubricant that can sustain its durability in tough operating conditions, such as with automotive brakes. We operate our business and our development plans prudently with an optimistic view about long-term, global demand for these metals."

this operation is one of the most environmentally 

advanced copper mines ever built

it is a zero discharge facility

one of two tunnels on Hwy 191

"The Detroit Copper Company started mining at Morenci in 1872. Copper Queen consolidated

Mining bought the property in 1885, with the company name changed to Phelps Dodge in 1917. Ninety years later in March 2007, Phelps Dodge merged with Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold." 

 

"Copper is closely tied to economic growth as it is a key component of energy, aerospace, transportation and telecommunications systems throughout the world. Also known as the red metal, copper is essential to plumbing, conductivity and connectivity and is a critical element in new technology. Additionally, antimicrobial copper is gaining prominence for its ability to reduce the spread of infections, specifically in hospital and healthcare settings."

mines 900,000 metric tons a day

(2015) area mines employed 3,100 people

waste is used primarily to backfill the open pit mine

the Morenci mine has one of the world's largest 

copper reserves

looks like a Tonka dump truck

jeep stamped on the tire

truck tire at the viewing area

Jon, Sherry & Dixie checking the view below

a California regiment 'discovered' copper in this area in 1865

Morenci Turquoise was a byproduct of the Morenci mine. For many years heavy-equipment operators at the mine would 'lunch box' the high grade turquoise out. "Many years ago, while mining for copper, workers unearthed a large zone of turquoise-bearing rock and realizing its value, began working this zone, neglecting the copper. In order to ensure copper production continuing, the copper company that held the mine at the time took the entire turquoise deposit, which was extensive, and buried it under thousands of tons of waste rock from the pit and it is still sitting there. Uncovering it would be too massive and expensive a project."

"Though today’s southwestern copper mines produce little turquoise, with the change of mining methods to crushing and acid washing the turquoise is destroys in the copper ore. The fact that Morenci turquoise is no longer being mined along with its beautiful blues and its silver colored matrix make Morenci very sought after in today’s turquoise market."

miners' cemetery on the hillside of the mine

have no idea if the graves are recent or from 

early in the last century

area mines had a $1.1 billion impact on AZ (2015)

mills 11,000 metric tons per day (2015)

rock? ore? riding the conveyor belt to the next step

area mines generated $435.4 million (directly & indirectly)

in Graham & Greenlee counties (2015)

an official mine tour would be very interesting

time did not allow it this trip

NOW the sun decides to shine

(it didn't last long)