
Santa Rita Mine
Santa Rita Mine, located in New Mexico, is a large open-pit copper mining operation managed by Freeport-McMoRan. It extracts copper ore from a sprawling excavation, using heavy machinery to remove earth and precious minerals. The mine also recovers other metals like molybdenum and silver. Through a combination of drilling, blasting, and processing, the ore is transformed into usable metals essential for electrical wiring, plumbing, and electronics. The operation supports local economies but also involves environmental management to minimize its ecological footprint. Overall, it's a significant site for copper production, contributing to global supply chains while balancing economic and environmental considerations.