Southeastern Arizona has one of the most diverse mining localities in the state. Towns such as Bisbee, Clifton, Globe, Miami, Ray, Silverbell, and Superior have earned reputations as premier metal producers that are most notably known for their copper. Other mining towns that have made their marks in the region include Dos Cabezas, Gleeson, Harshaw District, Helvetia, Patagonia District, Pearce, Ruby, and Tombstone. Mining in southeastern Arizona has significantly influenced the development of mines in northern Sonora, Mexico. The foundation of Mexico’s largest copper mine in Cananea was financed by American capital, specifically under the direction of miners and investors from southeastern Arizona. Overall, the process of mining has established the economy of southeastern Arizona, making it a viable source of copper-related minerals in the 21st century’s global market.
About the Author
Auther of Southeastern Arizona Mining Towns, William Ascarza writes the Arizona Star column Mine Tales about Arizona mining history. An entrepreneur, historian, researcher and travel guide, Ascarza is author of five books, including Zenith on the Horizon: An Encyclopedic Look at the Tucson Mountains from A to Z and Tucson Mountains, Sentinel to the North: Exploring the Tortolita Mountains.
