Morenci Copper Mine

The Morenci Mine is a large copper mine located near Morenci, Arizona, United States. Morenci represents one of the largest copper reserves in the United States and in the world. In 2016, copper production at Morenci was 848 million pounds (385,000,000 kg). In 2017, copper production at Morenci was 737 million pounds (334,000,000 kg). 3,300 people were employed there. As production declined, it was estimated in 2023 that the mine would be exhausted in 20 years.

If you drive north from Three Way, AZ on Hwy 191, you will drive straight through the heart of the mine. The mine has built tunnels on 191. Highway traffic passes through and mine traffic passes over. As areas are exhausted of copper, the land goes through a reclamation process. It was refreshing to see the reclaimed area, still in tiers, but covered with homes, grass and trees.

We went a little out of our way in order to visit this mine at its overlook. It is overwhelming and fascinating. When I purchase copper wire to wrap the stones we find, I make a point to buy "made in the USA". With that in mind, I have to wonder if the copper I travel with (I carry wire and polished stones with me and wire wrap when we travel) has returned to the place where it was first found. What a homecoming.

Enjoy!