Gunnison Copper plans second Arizona mine that could produce 175 million pounds of copper a year

Gunnison Copper is in the early stages of planning a second mine in Cochise County. The proposed project could produce 175 million pounds of copper each year for 21 years.

The mine is expected to create at least 500 permanent jobs, plus additional temporary construction work, in a rural area with relatively few large employers. Company officials say the project could strengthen U.S. copper production and reduce reliance on supplies from other countries.

Gunnison Copper’s Johnson Camp Mine in Dragoon reopened last summer and currently produces about 25 million pounds of copper annually. The company says production there is continuing to increase, and local workers have benefited from having jobs closer to home.

The proposed second site still has about four years of studies to complete before the company can move ahead.