Mining in Arizona
Exploring the laws, policies, and land management decisions shaping mineral development in Arizona.
Mining plays a vital role in Arizona's economy, national security, and the technologies that support modern life. The Natural Resource Users Law and Policy Center advances research, education, and stakeholder engagement on the legal and policy issues shaping mineral development, responsible resource management, and the future of mining in Arizona and beyond.
~70% of U.S. Copper
Arizona produced approximately 70% of the nation's mined copper in 2025, supplying a material essential to infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing.
$21.2 Billion in Economic Output
The Arizona Mining Association estimates that mining supported $21.16 billion in statewide economic output in 2024, including direct activity and multiplier effects.
Nearly 59,000 Jobs Supported
Mining supported an estimated 58,919 Arizona jobs in 2024, including 14,580 direct jobs and 44,339 job supported through broader economic effects.
Supporting the future of sustainable mining and critical minerals
The University of Arizona has identified sustainable mining and critical minerals as a strategic research priority, bringing together expertise in engineering, geosciences, environmental science, law, and public policy.
The NRULPC contributes to this university-wide effort by examining the legal and regulatory frameworks that shape mineral development. Through applied research, educational programs, and stakeholder engagement, the Center helps connect emerging mining technologies and research with the policies and practical considerations affecting Arizona's mineral resources.
Making Mining Law & Policy Accessible
Mining stakeholders must navigate a complex landscape of federal and state laws, regulations, and administrative decisions. The NRULPC translates these developments into accessible information through presentations, publications, and educational programming, helping industry professionals, policymakers, students, and communities better understand the changing regulatory environment.
2026 Mining Law Summit
The Mining Law Summit is an annual event sponsored and hosted by the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law Global Mining Law Program and the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources. It features internationally recognized authorities on mining law.
Connecting Research, Industry, and Communities
Mining policy requires coordination among industry, researchers, government agencies, and communities. The NRULPC seeks to strengthen these connections through dialogue, collaborative research, and educational engagement.
Connecting legal and policy perspectives with expertise from the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources, Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources, and Global Mining Law Center.
Engaging mining operators and resource users to better understand operational challenges, regulatory uncertainty, and emerging policy needs.
Supporting informed discussions about mineral development, public lands, environmental stewardship, and community interests.
Have a question or want to learn more about our work on mining?
Contact Colin McKenzie with questions about navigating regulatory and policy hurdles, or opportunities to partner with us.
Researching the Laws & Policies Shaping Mining and Mineral Resources
The NRULPC monitors and analyzes legal and regulatory developments affecting mineral exploration, extraction, and land management. Its work supports informed decision-making and helps stakeholders understand the implications of changing federal and state policies.
Understanding how land status and agency decisions shape opportunities for mineral exploration and development.
Analyzing the legal and regulatory frameworks governing geothermal exploration and development, including resource access, leasing, permitting, and environmental considerations.
Examining how community engagement, public trust, and legal and regulatory frameworks influence public acceptance of mining projects and their long-term viability, including through the use of mining community agreements.
Examining the intersection of mining operations, water rights, and environmental stewardship, with particular attention to groundwater management, groundwater dependent ecosystems, and the legal and regulatory frameworks governing water use and protection.