Overview

Largest copper mine in North America by production. Extensive supergene enrichment.

Geological Context

Host Rock: Granodiorite porphyry (Paleocene-Eocene (Laramide))

Tectonic Setting: Continental arc

Geological Province: Basin and Range

Metallogenic Belt: Western US Porphyry Belt

Operator: Freeport-McMoRan

Mining Method: Open Pit

Production Start: 1872

Source: Freeport-McMoRan reports

Last Verified: 2026-01-15