Arizona isn’t called the Copper State for nothing. According to U.S. Geological Survey data, Arizona produces roughly 70% of all copper mined in the United States — meaning about 7 out of every 10 pounds of American-mined copper comes from right here. No other state is even close. Copper is used in way more than people think: homes, electrical wiring, vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, charging systems, and major infrastructure projects all rely on it. And as demand grows for renewable energy, electric vehicles, data centers, and new construction, Arizona is sitting at the center of one of the most important resources in the modern economy. Some of the country’s biggest copper mines are also right here in Arizona, including Morenci, Safford, and Sierrita. Mining has shaped Arizona’s economy for more than a century — and whether people love it or criticize it, copper is still one of the state’s biggest global power plays. Did you know Arizona produced this much of the country...