Gila Herald Staff Reports
TUCSON — A major boost to Arizona’s mining industry was announced last week, featuring a $1 billion investment in a Pinal County copper project and $180 million in federal grants to strengthen mining education programs, including those at the University of Arizona.
The announcement highlights a $1 billion investment in the Ivanhoe Santa Cruz Copper Project near Casa Grande, as well as significant federal funding to expand training programs for the next generation of engineers and miners.
U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ06) praised the investments, framing them as a critical step forward for domestic energy production and regional workforce development.
“Arizona is leading America’s effort to produce the critical minerals our economy and national security depend on,” Ciscomani said. “These once-in-a-generation investments will create good-paying mining jobs, strengthen our workforce, and train the next generation of miners and engineers right here in Arizona.”
Arizona industry leaders attended a ceremony at the White House to mark the news. Kray Luxbacher, executive director and head of the School of Mining Engineering & Mineral Resources at the University of Arizona, expressed gratitude for the educational funding and efforts to streamline industry permitting.
“This was a historic investment in American mining engineering schools, and we’re really grateful,” Luxbacher said, also acknowledging administrative steps taken toward accelerating permitting for domestic mining operations.
Vicky Peacey, president and general manager of Resolution Copper, also attended the event and commended federal leaders for prioritizing the domestic mining sector.
Arizona contains vast reserves of copper and critical minerals essential to manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy technology. The University of Arizona’s mining engineering program, recognized as one of the top programs in the nation, boasts a 100% job placement rate for graduates looking to enter the growing field.
Ciscomani has consistently advocated for legislation supporting domestic mineral production. He championed the Critical Mineral Consistency Act, aimed at aligning the Department of Energy and U.S. Geological Survey lists to consistently recognize copper as a critical mineral, thereby reducing administrative delays and expediting project permits.
Earlier this year, Ciscomani hosted Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for a tour of the University of Arizona’s San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory alongside local stakeholders to discuss expanding state mineral production.
