New copper plant in Florence brings 800 jobs to Arizona

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): A new copper plant just opened in Florence, bringing hundreds of jobs and more copper made in the U.S.

Leaders from the community, government and industry came together to celebrate the start of the Florence Copper plant. It's the first new copper source in the country since 2008.

The plant will make 1.5 billion pounds of copper over 22 years. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin says this plant impacts everyone.

"When you think of how long it's been, how much of a need exists, how much Americans rely on copper in our lives, this a big deal — not just for the local community, for the state. This is a big deal for our country, and it's really a big deal for the world," Zeldin said.

The plant is expected to boost U.S. copper production by 5 percent and support more than 800 jobs. It will add $4 billion to Arizona's economy.

Courtesy: www.kvoa.com