Copper Queen Mine

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Queen Hill, Bisbee, Cochise County, Arizona, USA

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Key Information

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  • The Copper Queen Mine is located on Queen Hill in Bisbee, Arizona, near the Mexican border, part of a rich mining district.

  • It produced copper, silver, gold, lead, zinc, and gemstones, with notable minerals like azurite and wulfenite.

  • The mine’s geology involves skarn deposits from igneous intrusions and limestone, hosting high-grade copper ore.

  • Mining started in 1877, peaked in the early 1900s, and closed in 1975, with a notable labor dispute in 1917.

  • Bisbee has evolved into an artistic community with historic architecture and cultural events.

  • The area has a semi-arid climate, potentially affecting mining operations and post-mining mineral formation.

Geographic Location

The Copper Queen Mine sits on Queen Hill in Bisbee, Cochise County, Arizona, USA, about 11 miles from the Mexican border. This southeastern Arizona location is part of the Warren District, known for its mineral wealth, with nearby sites like the Halero Mine adding to its significance.

Minerals Produced

This mine is famous for producing copper, silver, gold, lead, zinc, and gemstones, with specific finds including azurite, malachite, cuprite, and the less common wulfenite. Its orebody, running up to 23% copper, was exceptionally rich, attracting mineral enthusiasts.

Geological Structure

The mine lies in the Mule Mountains, where skarn deposits—formed by igneous intrusions interacting with limestone—host the copper minerals. This geological setting explains the variety of specimens, from common to rare, found here.

Mining History

Discovered in 1877, the mine was acquired by Phelps Dodge in 1885 and became Arizona’s most productive copper mine by the early 1900s. It closed in 1975 and reopened as a tour in 1976. A significant event was the 1917 Bisbee Deportation, where over 1,000 striking miners were forcibly removed, highlighting labor tensions.

Local Culture and Characteristics

Bisbee has transformed from a mining town into an artistic hub, featuring Victorian houses, an Art Deco courthouse, and a vibrant downtown with galleries and events. Its pedestrian-friendly layout and cultural festivals make it a charming destination.

Climate and Ecology

Bisbee’s semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters, likely influenced mining operations, such as ventilation needs. Post-mining, the climate may affect secondary mineral formation through oxidation, though the initial deposits formed geologically over millions of years.

Citations

Wikipedia