Cowboy copper is a term used to refer to the copper mining industry in Arizona, particularly in the area known as the Copper Corridor. Copper has played a significant role in the state’s history and economy, with numerous mining operations and stakeholders involved, including federal agencies regulating mining practices, major mining companies driving economic development, conservation organizations advocating for environmental protection, tribal nations with cultural ties to the land, historical institutions preserving mining heritage, educational institutions conducting research and education, industry associations representing companies’ interests, and diverse perspectives on sustainable and responsible mining practices in the region.
