In Arizona we love our copper. It’s in our buildings, restaurants, statues and decor. Probably because our state happens to be one of the largest producers of copper in the United States. It is one of the most valuable metals on the planet. While it may not have the allure of gold, silver or platinum, without copper the world would not operate. If you have electricity you need copper, and where would we be without that!
Here are some interesting facts about copper:
• Did you know that the Statue of Liberty is made up of approximately 62,000 lbs of copper? While this copper came from an island in Norway, we can all agree that she is one of the most well-known copper sculptures in the world.
• Whether you personally own copper items or not, every household in America has copper in it. Why? Copper is commonly used in appliances, electrical wiring and piping.
• Copper is a recyclable material.
• Copper and brass are commonly used for railings around ARIZONA‘s public buildings because of its anti-microbial nature. Copper actually reduces the spread of bacteria.
• Copper is one of ARIZONA’s five C’s which are: copper, cattle, cotton, citrus and climate.
Copper News:
In August 2019 Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, one of the world’s largest mining companies, were given permission from the U.S. Forest Service to move ahead on the resolution Prospect near Apache Leap in Arizona. If this project goes through, it will become the largest copper mine in North America. The mine would be one of the deepest in the world at nearly 7000 feet.