ARIZONA NEWS

Joe Hart, former Arizona mine inspector and state lawmaker, dead at 78

Sep 13, 2022, 8:30 AM

Joe Hart (Arizona State Mine Inspector's Office via AP)...

Joe Hart (Arizona State Mine Inspector's Office via AP)

(Arizona State Mine Inspector's Office via AP)

PHOENIX (AP) — Joe Hart, a businessman and former state lawmaker who served as Arizona’s elected mine inspector for 15 years before resigning last year, has died, Gov. Doug Ducey’ office announced Monday.

Hart was 78 and died on Sunday, according to Ducey’s office. The cause of death and where Hart died was not known.

Ducey called Hart “a pillar of state government,” who was a dedicated advocate for the mining industry and mine safety. He ordered flags lowered to half-staff in Hart’s honor.

“A lifelong Kingman resident, Inspector Hart proudly served the people of Arizona for decades,” Ducey said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this time.”

Hart was an advocate for closing off the tens of thousands of abandoned mines that are the remnants of Arizona’s past, and have at times been deadly. In 2007, two girls riding an ATV in western Arizona drove into an abandoned shaft and plunged into a 125-foot deep mine shaft near the town of Chloride, 220 miles (354 milometers) northwest of Phoenix. A 13-year-old died, and rescuers found a 10-year-old in the old mine the next day.

While seeking reelection in 2018, Hart noted his efforts to close off some of the old mines that litter the state.

“During my time in office, hundreds of abandoned mines have been permanently sealed and many more have been fenced and posted to advise the public of their danger,” Hart wrote.

Hart resigned last October, telling Ducey in a letter that he was doing so “with a heavy heart.”

“As a fourth generation Arizona miner, the profession of mining has long been a personal passion. It is an industry so fundamental to the success and progress of Arizona’s past, present and future,” Hart wrote. “However, the time has come for my wife Rhonda and I to focus our undivided attention on our health and our family.”

Arizona is the only state with an elected mine inspector, and mining is a major Arizona industry. The state leads the nation in copper production.

The mine inspector is responsible for overseeing the safety and overall condition of mines to ensure worker and public safety. The office also oversees an abandoned mine program that helps identify and ensure the safety of mine shafts and mining sites and close them to public access.

Hart was a member of the Arizona House of Representatives from 1992 to 2001, and served as speaker pro tem.

Hart and his wife owned several radio stations serving the northern part of Arizona and the Grand Canyon. His official biography from 2021, no longer available on the mine inspector’s website, said he was a a fourth generation Arizonan and he and his wife have four daughters and 10 grandchildren. Hart worked in the mining industry for 20 years.

He closed his resignation letter to Ducey by wishing continued blessings to the state of Arizona.

“For this cowboy, it was one heckava ride.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning...

David Veenstra

CarMax hiring for new West Valley reconditioning and auction center

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning and auction center in the West Valley on Thursday.

1 hour ago

Emergency air medical base opens at Abrazo West Campus Goodyear...

Serena O'Sullivan

New emergency helicopter base opens at West Valley hospital

A new emergency air medical base in Goodyear will expand the presence of life-saving care provider Air Methods, the company said on Wednesday.

3 hours ago

DOGE access lawsuit...

KTAR.com

Arizona to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

Arizona is about 12 states that plan to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

4 hours ago

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay on Thursday during an event to ...

Kevin Stone

Arizona governor calls for pay raise for firefighters while honoring those who battled LA wildfires

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay while honoring the task force members who helped battle the Los Angeles wildfires.

7 hours ago

free wigs...

Kevin Stone

Arizona cancer support group opening free wig salon in Phoenix

An Arizona cancer support organization is launching an initiative to provide patients and survivors experiencing hair loss with free wigs.

8 hours ago

fatal Glendale car crash killed mother car crashed into Glendale home Arizona...

Serena O'Sullivan

Suspect arrested after car crashes into house in Glendale, killing homeowner, 3 months ago

Celeste La Sean Downer, 22, was arrested on Tuesday for the fatal Glendale car crash that struck a mother of two on Nov. 10, 2024.

9 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

Joe Hart, former Arizona mine inspector and state lawmaker, dead at 78