How many active mines are in Arizona?

Of these 401 active mines/projects, 272 are aggregate facilities that include things such as sand and gravel. The second largest category is that of building stone, with 69 sites, and includes products such as decorative stone and dimension stone. The third is metallic mines/development projects, with 24 sites.

Are there any active gold mines in Arizona?

Much of the active placer gold mining in Arizona is around the town of Wickenburg. Areas of high gold potential are located north of Wickenburg in Yavapai county, and south-southwest in Maricopa county.

Where can I pan for gold in Arizona?

Here are some of the most popular spots to prospect for gold in Arizona:

• The Wickenburg Mountains.
• The Hassayampa River.
• Cave Creek area.
• The Agua Fria River.
• The Bighorn Mountains.
• Prescott – Lynx Creek.
• Stanton – Rich Hill.
• Black Canyon City.

What is the largest open pit mine in Arizona?

The Morenci Mine is located in eastern Arizona and is one of the largest copper reserves in the world. The mine is located along US Highway 191 near the small towns of Morenci and Clifton.

Where are gold nuggets found in Arizona?

The desert areas of Arizona are ideally located for nugget hunting. Rich placers have been found in several parts of Arizona, the best known are located at: Lynx Creek, Weaver (Rich Hill), La Paz and Greaterville, but smaller placer gold deposits are found all over the western part of the state.

How many active mines are there in Arizona 2019?

In FY 2019, there were 380 active, full-time mines or development projects in the state of Arizona (Richardson and others, 2019). The new Directory of Active Mines in Arizona: FY 2019, a joint product of the Arizona Mine Inspector’s Office and the Arizona Geological Survey, characterizes those active mines.

Where are the new copper mines in Arizona?

Current mines are mostly clustered in the southeast quadrant of the state east of Phoenix and Tucson — and a brand-new mine is about to join them. In the fall of 2017, the state issued an operating permit for what will be Arizona’s first new copper mine in more than a decade.

What is the history of mining in Arizona?

Mining is part of Arizona’s economic and cultural heritage dating back hundreds of years to when Native Americans plinked for turquoise and coal. Spanish explorers invaded the region in the 1600s looking for silver and gold to carry back across the Atlantic.

Where is the richest gold mine in Arizona?

Northwest of Phoenix, Wickenburg once hosted the Arizona Territory’s richest gold mine. Now you can visit Robson’s Ranch & Mining Camp, which re-creates an old mining camp, or take a self-guided tour of the abandoned Vulture Mine.