Overview

Type example of porphyry Cu system. One of the world's most productive deposits.

Geological Context

Host Rock: Quartz monzonite porphyry (Eocene (Laramide))

Tectonic Setting: Continental arc

Geological Province: Basin and Range

Metallogenic Belt: Western US Porphyry Belt

Operator: Rio Tinto

Mining Method: Open Pit

Production Start: 1906

Source: Rio Tinto reports; John (2010)

Last Verified: 2026-01-15

References: