Freeport-McMoRan Greenlights $4.5B Arizona Copper Mine Expansion
Mining News | 2026-11-05 04:56:44
Copper production is projected to rise by approximately 225 million pounds annually to more than 400 million pounds.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Freeport-McMoRan has approved a $4.5 billion investment to expand and modernize its Bagdad copper and molybdenum operation in northwestern Arizona. The development marks a major step forward in the company's U.S. copper production growth strategy.
The project is expected to more than double the mine's mining and milling capacity, positioning Bagdad as the second-largest copper mine in the United States. Copper production is projected to rise by approximately 225 million pounds annually to more than 400 million pounds. Molybdenum output is also expected to increase by 12 million pounds a year, exceeding 20 million pounds annually.
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Freeport president and CEO Kathleen Quirk described the investment as a low-risk brownfield development, leveraging the mine's substantial reserves, established infrastructure, long operating history and skilled workforce. The expansion would play a significant role in strengthening domestic supply of copper and molybdenum, Quirk added.
The modernization programme includes additional processing capacity, new concentrator facilities, a primary crusher, overland conveyor, water pipeline, power line and supporting mining equipment.
The project is forecast to generate more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction. Construction is expected to take approximately three and a half years, with initial production targeted for mid-2030.
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What is the approved investment for Freeport-McMoRan's Bagdad copper mine expansion?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much is Freeport-McMoRan investing in the Bagdad copper mine expansion?
Freeport-McMoRan has approved a $4.5 billion investment to expand and modernize its Bagdad copper and molybdenum operation in northwestern Arizona. The brownfield development will leverage existing infrastructure, established reserves and the mine's long operating history to increase production capacity.
- How much will copper production increase following the Bagdad mine expansion?
The project is expected to increase annual copper production by approximately 225 million pounds, taking total output to more than 400 million pounds. Mining and milling capacity is also expected to more than double, making Bagdad the second-largest copper mine in the United States.
- When will the expanded Bagdad copper mine begin production?
Construction is expected to take approximately three and a half years. Freeport-McMoRan is targeting initial production from the expanded operation in mid-2030. The project is also expected to generate more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase.
