Description:
As it has for many years, Arizona ranked first in nonfuel mineral production in the U.S. in 2007
with a production value of $7.58 billion according to preliminary unpublished figures of the USGS and
ADMMR. Arizona leads the Nation in copper and ranks in the top five in molybdenum, sand and
gravel, gemstones, perlite, silver, zeolites, and pumice. Additionally, Arizona produces, or has
produced, zinc, lead, beryllium, vanadium, uranium, tungsten, rare earths, manganese, coal, and at
least 18 varieties of industrial minerals.
In 2006 Arizona accounted for 62 percent of the U.S. copper production. The copper industry had a
$4.7 billion direct and indirect impact on the Arizona economy.