arizonamining tours

Never seen a mine site? Not a problem! Arizona has several locations and tours which allow you to get a view of what mining looks like up close.  There are both lookout points and guided tours which will help your understanding of what mining is and how it works.

Museums featuring mining exhibits abound throughout the state of Arizona. Some exhibits tell the history of mining while other showcase gems and minerals. Several offer tours of mock mines.

ASARCO Mineral Discovery Centermine tour

The only public tour of a modern working copper mine in Southern Arizona; which features a free exhibit center, video theater, cactus garden, and The Company Store gift shop. One-hour bus tours of the ASARCO Mission mine take visitors to the rim of the open pit mine and into the heart of the grinding mill building.

Mine Tour Schedule
  • Oct – April: Tuesday through Saturday at 9:30A.M., 11:00 A.M., 12:30 P.M., 2:00 P.M., 3:30 P.M.
  • May – Sept: Saturdays only at 9:30A.M., 11:00 A.M., 12:30 P.M., 2:00 P.M., 3:30 P.M.
  • Tour schedule is subject to change, so please call for reservations. (520) 625-7513 or (520) 625-8233
  • Call to reserve a tour time
  • The Mineral Discovery Center is 12 miles south of Tucson on Interstate 19 at Pima Mine Road (Exit 80).
    1421 W. Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita, AZ 85629.
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Let's Mine Online

mineoverlooks

Morenci Minemine overlook

Located in eastern Arizona about an hour drive northeast of Safford on the scenic Coronado Trail, this site provides a spectacular view of Arizona’s largest mining operation, Freeport McMoRan Morenci mine.

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Ray Minemine overlook

Approximately 85 miles east of Phoenix is the ASARCO-owned Ray mine, and a major Arizona copper producer. Mining operations and equipment may be viewed here daily from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm or until dusk. (520) 356-7811

  • Daily from 7:00am to 2:00pm
  • The overlook is located approximately 12 miles south of Superior on Highway 177.
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