Phelps Dodge Corporation Well No. 1
Little Ajo Mountains, Ajo Mining District, Pima County, Arizona, USA
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Phelps Dodge Corporation Well No. 1 is located in the Little Ajo Mountains, Ajo Mining District, Pima County, Arizona, USA, near the town of Ajo in the Sonoran Desert.
It was a water well sunk between 1914 and 1916 to support the New Cornelia Copper Company's operations, producing 750 gallons per minute initially.
The area is rich in minerals like copper, ajoite, and papagoite, with volcanic and granitic rocks forming the geological base.
Ajo has a hot desert climate, with temperatures ranging from 12.4°C in December to 32.7°C in July, and annual rainfall of about 189 mm.
The town of Ajo reflects a mining heritage, now a community with cultural landmarks like the Ajo Plaza and the Ajo Copper News, established in 1916.
Location and History
The Phelps Dodge Corporation Well No. 1 is situated in the Little Ajo Mountains, part of the Ajo Mining District in Pima County, Arizona, USA, approximately 32° North, 112° West. This site, near the town of Ajo, was crucial for the New Cornelia Copper Company, providing water for mining operations from 1914 to 1916, with an initial output of 750 gallons per minute, later increased with larger pumps. The water, at a scorching 120°F, was piped 10-15 miles to support both the mine and the growing town.
Minerals and Geology
While the well itself was for water, the surrounding district is a mineral enthusiast's paradise, known for copper and rare finds like ajoite and papagoite, first discovered at the nearby New Cornelia Mine (Mindat.org - New Cornelia Mine). The geology features volcanic and granitic rocks, with porphyry copper deposits and zeolites like chabazite and erionite in vugs, hinting at past hydrothermal activity.
Climate and Ecology
Ajo's hot desert climate (BWh) sees temperatures from 12.4°C in December to 32.7°C in July, with minimal rainfall of 189 mm annually, mostly in August (Wikipedia - Ajo, Arizona). The Sonoran Desert here hosts over 1,000 species, including saguaro cacti, thriving in this arid, sunny environment, ideal for stargazing at nearby Kitt Peak National Observatory.
Culture and Community
Ajo, once a bustling mining town, now blends history with modern life, home to retired individuals and Border Patrol Agents. Cultural landmarks like the Ajo Plaza and the long-standing Ajo Copper News, first published in 1916, reflect its heritage (Ajo Chamber of Commerce - History of Ajo). The International Sonoran Desert Alliance preserves this charm, maintaining sites like the old Curley School.