Florence Copper is proud to announce the successful harvest of its first copper cathode in Florence, marking the first major new source of copper production in the United States in more than a decade from a greenfield operation.
This milestone represents a significant step forward for U.S. domestic copper production at a time of rapidly growing demand driven by electrification, advanced manufacturing, national defense, data centers, and AI. Florence Copper’s commercial facilities produce refined LME Grade A copper cathode, supplying critical U.S. industries while strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chain security.
“The harvest of Florence Copper’s first copper cathode is a milestone for our community and for American manufacturing,” said Keith Eaton, Mayor of the Town of Florence. “This achievement reflects years of collaboration and investment, brings high-quality jobs to our residents, and positions Florence as a contributor to the nation’s domestic copper supply. We’re proud to say that right here in Florence, our town is helping supply the copper America needs.”
Once fully operational, Florence Copper will have an annual average production capacity of 85 million pounds of copper, increasing U.S. refined copper production by 5% compared to 2025 levels.
Florence Copper’s expansion into commercial operations has already driven substantial local economic benefits. Since early 2023, the company’s workforce has grown from approximately 35 employees to more than 170, with plans to reach around 200 employees in the coming months. The majority of these positions are filled by Pinal County residents, many of whom live in Florence and the surrounding area. The project will contribute $4.3 billion to the Arizona economy over the course of its operating life.
“This first cathode represents years of technical work, perseverance, and collaboration,” said John Mays, General Manager of Florence Copper. “It marks the beginning of a new chapter not only for Florence Copper, but for U.S. copper production. As we ramp up operations, we are proud to deliver a new domestic source of refined copper metal while creating long-term value for our employees, our community, and the country.”
In addition to its operational impact, Florence Copper has a long-standing commitment to the local community through philanthropy, scholarships, and sponsorship of local events and looks forward to continuing to support Florence, Pinal County, and the State of Arizona as the project advances into full commercial production.
