Frequently Asked Questions

Rather than extracting and processing massive quantities of mineralized rock, Florence Copper’s in-situ copper recovery (ISCR) process dissolves copper minerals below ground, pumps a copper-rich solution to surface, and processes it into pure copper cathode sheets on site.

The ISCR process occurs 400 to 1,200 feet below surface in a bedrock layer known as the copper oxide zone. A slightly acidic solution (similar in pH to household vinegar) is used to dissolve copper minerals within the copper oxide zone. Copper-rich solution is then pumped to surface through recovery wells for processing into LME grade “A” copper cathode sheets using an electro-chemical process that separates the copper from the solution. The solution is then recycled back into the deposit, and the process repeats.

Florence Copper creates LME grade “A” copper cathode (copper sheets) using a well-known and established technology called Solvent Extraction/Electrowinning (SX/EW). Once the copper-rich solution produced in the ISCR process is above ground, it travels to Florence Copper’s SX/EW plant for processing. At the plant, a chemical process first removes the dissolved copper from solution, and then electricity is used to plate the copper into cathodes.

Copper is an essential component of our everyday lives. Copper is used in wiring, plumbing, cars, trains, airplanes, electronics, building construction, cookware, coins, and a host of other products and applications. You’ll even find copper in the computer, phone, or tablet you’re using to access this website. 

 Copper is also foundational to America’s energy, technology, and security future. Expanding power grids, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, data centers, and national defense systems all depend on copper. As electricity demand accelerates and digital infrastructure expands, so does the need for reliable copper supply. 

In January 2026, S&P Global published Copper in the Age of AI: The Challenges of Electrification, projecting that global copper demand could grow by 50% by 2040, reaching 42 million metric tons annually. Without significant new investment in mining, the study warns the world could face a copper supply deficit of approximately 10 million metric tons by 2040. 

At a time when the United States has designated copper as a critical material, developing responsible domestic sources of copper is more important than ever. 

Florence Copper is a new domestic source of U.S. copper production — helping strengthen supply chains, support economic growth, and ensure the materials needed for electrification, innovation, and national security are produced here at home. 

Florence Copper operates under stringent local, state, and federal regulations to ensure our operations protect and preserve our local environment and natural resources. Florence Copper’s unique in-situ copper recovery process has been acknowledged for its environmental benefits, including limited land disturbance, low-impact operations, reduced carbon emissions, and conservation of energy and water. Operations at Florence Copper do not require blasting, loading, hauling, crushing or conveying of mineralized material, resulting in 75% fewer GHG emissions, 65% less energy use and 78% less water consumed per pound of copper produced compared to conventional open-pit copper mines in Arizona.  Once Florence Copper’s operations are complete, the Florence Copper property will look much as it does today and could be used for a variety of future purposes – including parkland, residential housing, manufacturing activities, or simply returned to its natural desert landscape. 

Beginning in 2018, Florence Copper operated a successful Production Test Facility (PTF) at site to demonstrate the safety and viability of the in-situ copper recovery (ISCR) process. That goal was met, with more than one million pounds of copper produced using this green method of copper production. In 2022, Florence Copper was named a finalist for two environmental awards from Arizona Forward due to the success of the PTF and the environmental benefits of the ISCR process.

Florence Copper is committed to providing local job opportunities. Florence Copper hires for all skill levels and across various disciplines and fields and provides competitive, family-supporting wages and compensation. Employment opportunities include but are not limited to: Electricians, Administration Support Staff, Purchasers, Accountants, Welders, Laborers, Operators, Shift Supervisors, Engineers, Technicians, and Mechanics. Some positions require specific education and experience, but others do not, with training provided on site. Interested workers should apply online to be considered at www.florencecopper.com/careers

Over the life of the mine, Florence Copper is expected to generate more than $4.3 billion for Arizona’s economy (gross state product). Florence Copper is committed to providing local supplier opportunities. To learn more about becoming a Florence Copper supplier, contact supplychain@florencecopper.com.

Florence Copper has a mine life of 22 years. Once operations are complete and the Florence Copper site has been reclaimed, the land will look much as it does today and could be redeveloped for a range of potential purposes –  such as parkland, residential housing, or manufacturing activities. 

Florence Copper completed the construction of its commercial production facility in Fall 2025 and produced its first copper cathode from the commercial facility in February 2026.  

During full commercial operations, Florence Copper has the capacity to produce 85 million pounds of copper per year. According to an economic impact study conducted by the L. William Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State University, this will support more than 810 direct, indirect, and induced jobs in Arizona, with an estimated economic contribution of $4.3 billion to the State of Arizona over the 20+ year life of the project.