Taseko Mines’ Florence Copper
Mining helps drive and build technology and is the very foundation of almost everything around us, from the copper, gold and silver used in electrical equipment, smartphones and healthcare equipment to the critical minerals that build the batteries, wind turbines and solar panels. Copper is crucial in semiconductor development, especially in advanced chip manufacturing processes. Its importance lies in its superior electrical conductivity, which allows for faster signal transmission and greater efficiency in semiconductor devices.
So, as Arizona cements its place as a leading player in the global semiconductor industry, it is ideal that Taseko Mines‘ Florence Copper operation is set to begin its first copper production by the end of 2025. Located in Florence, Arizona, this in-situ copper recovery (ISCR) project could add another layer of local advantage for Arizona’s semiconductor industry.
Construction on the Florence Copper project started in January 2024. It is expected to produce a low-cost, environmentally responsible source of copper — 85 million pounds of LME Grade A copper annually, to be specific. This influx of copper will be crucial for industries that rely on metal.
Stuart McDonald, president and CEO of Taseko, notes, “We are pleased with progress through the first nine months of construction. With approximately 75% of total construction costs now committed, we expect total costs to be within 10–15% of the original US$232 million estimate. The project remains on track for first copper production in late 2025, which will be a transformative event for our company.”
Florence Copper’s innovative ISCR technology offers several advantages over traditional mining. The process eliminates the need for blasting, hauling and crushing ore by injecting a low-pH solution into naturally fractured copper ore bodies and extracting the dissolved copper through recovery wells. Compared to conventional open-pit mining, this leads to 75% fewer greenhouse gas emissions and 65% less energy consumption per pound of copper produced.
McDonald also notes that Taseko has “applied to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C) Program. Florence Copper, which is set to become North America’s lowest GHG-intensity primary copper producer, qualifies as a critical materials project.”
Having a local copper supply would help mitigate risks associated with global supply chain disruptions. Currently, copper is sourced from international producers, with geopolitical tensions and environmental regulations often causing delays. Florence Copper’s proximity to Arizona’s semiconductor manufacturers would reduce transportation costs and ensure a stable, reliable supply of this essential material.
Furthermore, sourcing copper from an environmentally responsible operation like Florence Copper aligns with many tech companies’ broader sustainability goals, especially since they are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact. So, having a local, sustainable source produced with a minimal carbon footprint would offer Arizona a competitive edge by strengthening its supply chain resilience, lowering production costs and attracting further investment.
Moreover, Florence Copper is expected to create more than 800 jobs in Arizona, further boosting the local economy. With the semiconductor industry projected to grow 203% in the U.S. by 2032, the demand for materials like copper is expected to skyrocket. Florence Copper’s production capacity could play a critical role in meeting this rising demand, especially as semiconductor manufacturers look to expand their operations within the state.
As Arizona continues to attract high-tech industries, the local availability of raw materials like copper will only increase the state’s appeal to investors and manufacturers. In addition to serving the semiconductor industry, Florence Copper will support sectors like electric vehicles, renewable energy and defense. These industries are rapidly expanding and depend heavily on copper for their products.
In an industry where every advantage counts, the Florence Copper operation offers Arizona a unique edge — one that will help drive innovation, sustainability and economic growth for years to come.
Photo courtesy of Taseko Mines
