Ray Mine
Scott Mountain, Pinal County, Arizona, USA
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Ray Mine, near Kearny in Pinal County, Arizona, is a significant copper mine with a rich history and diverse mineral offerings.
It produces copper, silver, gold, and other minerals like azurite and malachite, appealing to mineral enthusiasts.
The mine is a porphyry copper deposit, formed through hydrothermal activity, located in a desert environment with hot summers and mild winters.
Mining began in the late 19th century, transitioned to open-pit in the 1940s, and is currently operated by ASARCO, a subsidiary of Grupo México.
The local culture is tied to mining, with the town of Ray relocated to Kearny in the 1950s due to mine expansion, and the area offers viewing opportunities for tourists.
Geographic Location
The Ray Mine is located in Pinal County, Arizona, about 105 km north of Tucson, near the town of Kearny and Scott Mountain. It sits in the southeastern part of the state, within the Mineral Creek Mining District, and is visible from Highway 177, offering scenic views for visitors.
Minerals Produced
This mine is renowned for copper, but also yields silver, gold, molybdenum, lead, and zinc. For collectors, azurite, malachite, chrysocolla, and native copper stand out due to their vibrant colors and unique crystal formations, making it a treasure trove for mineral enthusiasts.
Geological Structure
The Ray Mine is a porphyry copper deposit, characterized by a large, low-grade copper ore body linked to an igneous intrusion. The orebody, horse-shoe shaped, is hosted in Mesoproterozoic diabase sills, Apache Group, and over-faulted Pinal Schists, with mineralization driven by hydrothermal activity and secondary oxidation.
Mining History
Mining in the area started in the late 19th century, with the Ray Mining District organized in 1873. The town of Ray was established in 1909 by the Arizona Hercules Copper Company, and by the late 1940s, operations shifted to open-pit mining. This expansion led to the relocation of Ray to Kearny in the late 1950s. The mine has been owned by Kennecott Copper and is now operated by ASARCO, part of Grupo México, and remains active.
Local Culture and Characteristics
The local culture is deeply rooted in mining, with Kearny preserving the legacy of the original town of Ray. While there’s no dedicated museum in Kearny, the area’s history is reflected through local historical societies and mine viewing areas, offering insights into its mining past. The mine itself is a landmark, attracting tourists along Highway 177.
Climate and Ecology
Pinal County has a desert climate, typical of the Sonoran Desert, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, averaging temperatures from 40°F to over 100°F. The ecology features desert-adapted plants and animals, and the mine’s operations must manage water resources carefully due to low precipitation, impacting sustainability.