Arizona congressmen push for copper mining on military lands

Three Arizona congressmen want the Pentagon to consider opening some of its roughly 3.12 million acres in the state to copper mining, processing and refining.

Republican Reps. Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar and Eli Crane sent an Oct. 9 letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whom the administration calls secretary of war.

The letter asks the department to identify defense lands that could host mining without interfering with military training, testing and readiness. The lawmakers also requested a briefing within 90 days on potential sites, permitting hurdles and any law changes Congress should consider.

“For too long, our country has allowed unnecessary barriers and an overreliance on foreign supply chains to undermine our ability to produce the critical materials our military needs,” Biggs said in a statement Monday.

Arizona produces about 70% of the copper mined in the U.S., according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

That copper, the letter explains, is used in military electrical systems, munitions, aircraft and naval vessels. It also cites executive orders from President Donald Trump declaring the metal essential to national security.

Arizona mining surge fuels copper demand and debate

The request comes during what state officials describe as an unprecedented mining boom.

In September, South32’s Hermosa mine in the Patagonia Mountains became the first U.S. mining project to complete the federal FAST-41 fast-track permitting process, clearing review in about two years.

An S&P Global study projects global copper demand will rise 50% by 2040.

The push to speed up mining has drawn opposition.

Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva and local environmental groups have raised concerns about groundwater, tribal consultation and environmental review.

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