"What came to mind for the reporter was how wild animals, such as the big horns, live in what certainly appears to be a peaceful coexistence with the giant mine." Walt Mares, Gila Valley Central News
A typical load of copper cathodes being shipped out of the mine. Contracted truckers are instructed to cover the copper with tarps for security and driver safety.
The first clear view of Morenci Mine traveling South on US-191, the Coronado Trail- photographed from the Forest Trail 13 trailhead in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Site of the former drive-in at Three Way, approaching Morenci from the South
John, a first-year independent contractor working for the mine, spending a day off along the Black Hills Country Byway, just a few miles south of operations
Crushed Morenci Mine material flowing off the conveyor on its way to further milling
Morenci Mine rising above the San Francisco River Valley
Markeen Mountain rising above Morenci open pit mine
Haul trucks approaching the Santa Rosa Gulch, the western edge of the mine
"Down in the hole" section of Freeport-McMoran Morenci housing
“Copper Verde” Freeport-McMoran home facade and lawn #1
“Copper Verde” Freeport-McMoran home facade and lawn #2
The end of Wildcat Drive, "Down in the hole" section of Freeport-McMoran Morenci Housing
South Clifton is directly east and lower in elevation than Morenci, and is the county seat of Greenlee County.
501 Leonard Avenue, Clifton
Goofing around at the 2024 Frisco River Festival in Clifton, envisioned as "a family-friendly event to support the San Francisco River Revitalization Plan"
Tucked away on the banks of the San Francisco River, Clifton
Clifton City Council Meeting, March 14, 2024
Clifton Town Hall Interior
"Copper Verde" section of Freeport-McMoran Morenci housing
Volunteer trail work session on a new multipurpose route in Morenci, organized by the Copper Mountain Trail Alliance, with grant assistance from Freeport-McMoran
"Copper Verde" Freeport-McMoran Morenci housing with the town of Clifton and Mulligan Peak in the background
Pit of the Morenci Mine from US-191
Freeport-McMoran Morenci Housing- intersection of Copper Verde Lane and Shannon Road
The Park Avenue neighborhood of Clifton, and the San Francisco River.
Morenci Open Pit Mine, photographed from the US-191 shoulder
Stone wall constructed with "fire rocks," material from the mine that if caught removing would get you fired. Shannon Hill neighborhood of Clifton.
Unidentified park with baseball field and Red Canyon, Clifton AZ. Clifton is adjacent to Morenci, and together are considered to be an economic unit by the Arizona Department of Commerce.
Community photography exhibition winning entry, hosted by the Art Depot of Clifton
"Scenic View" area off US-191
Semiannual floodgate inspection and test, an 11-yr construction project, built in response to the catastrophic 1983 flood of the San Francisco River
Clifton Fire Department, Police Department, and Public Works staff, after the successful operation of the floodgate for the semiannual drill, 2024
Backyards in the East Plantsite section of company housing
Freeport-McMoRan training facility housed in a former Clifton school. Clifton residents now all attend the Morenci Unified School Distract.
Haul truck cab at the Freeport-McMoRan training facility.
Freeport-McMoran Public Townhall Meeting, reporting on highlights of the mine operations, and community initiatives, March 27th, 2024
Freeport-McMoran Community Development Staff, photographed in the former Clifton Junior High School Gym, now owned and operated by FMI as a multi-purpose recreation center
"Copper Verde" Freeport-McMoran Morenci home rear yards
Rob, originally from California, living in one of the few Clifton Chase Creek boarding house rooms (in the background), after work as an independent contractor
Wildflowers blooming atop a bluff along the Gila River
Gila Street homes on the edge of Morenci housing, adjacent to tailings operations
Muscle and luxury cars, parked at a Freeport-McMoran Morenci Home. The phrase "Morenci Rich" was used to describe a phenomena of excess spending given the high wages and low cost of living for mine workers.
The Verde Lee 'forever' home of Alfonso "Poncho" Zepeda, who built a replica Morenci property while still an active Phelps Dodge worker, and lived here until his death at 96 years old
Sally and her dream retirement property, South of Clifton and directly above the Gila River
Monday night bingo, Chase Creek section of Clifton
Wrecked cars near the "Copper Verde" neighborhood
Horseshoe curve, US-191 and Morenci Mine, Clifton, AZ
Anthony, originally from Chinle, AZ on the Navajo Nation, cooks his dinner at a small Clifton Park. As an independent contractor without any housing support, he had been camping in his truck working the past week for FMI.
Rick, also an independent contractor from Chinle, AZ, is staying at the Rode Inn in Clifton, one of the few lodging options in the immediate area
Adorned Yuma Street Home. Considering all homes are rentals, modification seems quite common
Copper Mountain's peak remains intact above the mined lower flanks
Yucca Avenue yard, mine tailings in the background
Loma Linda Park in Clifton, AZ. Loma Linda is one of a few small communities nearby to the mine, with privately-owned housing outside of the company town model
Markeen Road Freeport-McMoran Morenci homes. A cul-de-sac atop an isolated ridge, numerous residents named this "Snob Hill," declaring these residences housed top executives
Ironwood Road home, a section of the Freeport-McMoRan Morenci housing described by residents as available only for higher level employees
East Plantsite Freeport-McMoRan Morenci home. Assignment of a brick-constructed home signified elevated employment status during this era of growth.
Longfellow Apartments appear to be studio apartments to house workers without families. Morenci mine tailings visible in the background.
Studio apartment Freeport-McMoRan Morenci housing located in the Bashas Shopping Center parking lot
Common in Morenci foiled-windows to block the Arizona sun. Freeport-McMoran operates the mine 24/7, necessitating shift work. Home Owners Associations (HOAs) often ban such window treatments.
Two gun event hosted at the Table Top Shooting Range in Clifton
Constiutuent Services Mobile Office Hours, hosted in the Clifton Historic Train Depot. Steve and Anna from Mark Kelley's office discussed issues concerning the Mares Bluff Veteran's Memorial.
Verde Lee neighborhood of Clifton, AZ. Verde Lee is one of a few small communities nearby to the mine, with privately-owned housing outside of the company town model. The mountain cut appears tied to efforts carving out a few new housing lots.
Tire swing and wild arugula growing along the banks of the Gila river in adjacent Clifton, AZ
12 foot diameter Bridgestone Mining Dump Truck Radial Tire on display at the "Scenic View" area.
Morenci Open Pit Mine, photographed from the US-191 shoulder.
Clifton Town Cemetery with Morenci Mine Operations in the background.
Sacred Heart Cemetery located on Freeport-McMoran land.
Daniel visiting his family's plot at the Sacred Heart Cemetery
R&R Pizza Express in the Morenci Plaza.
"Copper Verde" Freeport-McMoran Morenci Homes, built with modular construction. A resident suggested this type of fabrication suited a likely scenario where the neighborhood would be moved elsewhere, to allow mining in this location.
Copper concentrating plant of the Freeport-McMoRan mining cooperation.
Sheet metal cactus corners on a South Clifton home.
Rae picking grapefruits from a small group of citrus trees along the San Francisco River
Bashas' Supermarket Hwy-191 & Burro Alley.
The Morenci Conoco is operated by Freeport-McMoRan employees. Traveling through Arizona, at the time this was the lowest observed fuel price in the state, suggesting a Freeport McMoRan subsidy.
Poplar Street home, East Plantsite neighborhood. The construction dumpster signifies ongoing renovations, which the contractors described as typical after an extended employee lease. Freeport-McMoRan housing is only available to current employees, so retirees must exit the community.
Trampolines in Wildcat Drive backyards.
Morenci Mine, tailings, and Freeport-McMoran company housing. Sunrise vantage from Table Top Gun Range.
Mulligan Peak, located on National Forest lands, stands tall just east of Morenci Mine.
Red Canyon cliffs in adjacent Clifton, AZ.
A portion of neighboring Clifton appears to built upon slag, a byproduct of the copper smelting process. In 1984, owned by Phelps-Dodge at the time, the Morenci Mine abandoned smelting at this site and has since been shipping its copper concentrates to its smelter in Chino, New Mexico.
RV storage for Freeport-McMoRan employees. With heavily subsided rentals, published rates ranging from $200/month for a 1 bedroom apartment, to $500/month for a 4 bedroom modular home, employees may enjoy comparatively less of their wages devoted to primary housing.
116 Ash Street mailbox
Morenci from the summit of Mulligan Peak. There is no trail or road to aide the difficult climb up the 5612' peak, and a sparsely signed summit register. A plaque was installed reading "The Hike of Champions, Morenci High School Wrestlers, 2004/2005.”
Sacred Heart Parish Center in Chase Creek, Clifton
Holy Cross Catholic Church above Turquoise and Tenorite Road Communities
Morenci layers. Mine operations on top. Commercial sector with a supermarket, motel, and bowling alley in the middle. "Down in the hole" section of Freeport-McMoran Morenci Housing below.
"What came to mind for the reporter was how wild animals, such as the big horns, live in what certainly appears to be a peaceful coexistence with the giant mine." Walt Mares, Gila Valley Central News
A typical load of copper cathodes being shipped out of the mine. Contracted truckers are instructed to cover the copper with tarps for security and driver safety.
The first clear view of Morenci Mine traveling South on US-191, the Coronado Trail- photographed from the Forest Trail 13 trailhead in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Site of the former drive-in at Three Way, approaching Morenci from the South
John, a first-year independent contractor working for the mine, spending a day off along the Black Hills Country Byway, just a few miles south of operations
Crushed Morenci Mine material flowing off the conveyor on its way to further milling
Morenci Mine rising above the San Francisco River Valley
Markeen Mountain rising above Morenci open pit mine
Haul trucks approaching the Santa Rosa Gulch, the western edge of the mine
"Down in the hole" section of Freeport-McMoran Morenci housing
“Copper Verde” Freeport-McMoran home facade and lawn #1
“Copper Verde” Freeport-McMoran home facade and lawn #2
The end of Wildcat Drive, "Down in the hole" section of Freeport-McMoran Morenci Housing
South Clifton is directly east and lower in elevation than Morenci, and is the county seat of Greenlee County.
501 Leonard Avenue, Clifton
Goofing around at the 2024 Frisco River Festival in Clifton, envisioned as "a family-friendly event to support the San Francisco River Revitalization Plan"
Tucked away on the banks of the San Francisco River, Clifton
Clifton City Council Meeting, March 14, 2024
Clifton Town Hall Interior
"Copper Verde" section of Freeport-McMoran Morenci housing
Volunteer trail work session on a new multipurpose route in Morenci, organized by the Copper Mountain Trail Alliance, with grant assistance from Freeport-McMoran
"Copper Verde" Freeport-McMoran Morenci housing with the town of Clifton and Mulligan Peak in the background
Pit of the Morenci Mine from US-191
Freeport-McMoran Morenci Housing- intersection of Copper Verde Lane and Shannon Road
The Park Avenue neighborhood of Clifton, and the San Francisco River.
Morenci Open Pit Mine, photographed from the US-191 shoulder
Stone wall constructed with "fire rocks," material from the mine that if caught removing would get you fired. Shannon Hill neighborhood of Clifton.
Unidentified park with baseball field and Red Canyon, Clifton AZ. Clifton is adjacent to Morenci, and together are considered to be an economic unit by the Arizona Department of Commerce.
Community photography exhibition winning entry, hosted by the Art Depot of Clifton
"Scenic View" area off US-191
Semiannual floodgate inspection and test, an 11-yr construction project, built in response to the catastrophic 1983 flood of the San Francisco River
Clifton Fire Department, Police Department, and Public Works staff, after the successful operation of the floodgate for the semiannual drill, 2024
Backyards in the East Plantsite section of company housing
Freeport-McMoRan training facility housed in a former Clifton school. Clifton residents now all attend the Morenci Unified School Distract.
Haul truck cab at the Freeport-McMoRan training facility.
Freeport-McMoran Public Townhall Meeting, reporting on highlights of the mine operations, and community initiatives, March 27th, 2024
Freeport-McMoran Community Development Staff, photographed in the former Clifton Junior High School Gym, now owned and operated by FMI as a multi-purpose recreation center
"Copper Verde" Freeport-McMoran Morenci home rear yards
Rob, originally from California, living in one of the few Clifton Chase Creek boarding house rooms (in the background), after work as an independent contractor
Wildflowers blooming atop a bluff along the Gila River
Gila Street homes on the edge of Morenci housing, adjacent to tailings operations
Muscle and luxury cars, parked at a Freeport-McMoran Morenci Home. The phrase "Morenci Rich" was used to describe a phenomena of excess spending given the high wages and low cost of living for mine workers.
The Verde Lee 'forever' home of Alfonso "Poncho" Zepeda, who built a replica Morenci property while still an active Phelps Dodge worker, and lived here until his death at 96 years old
Sally and her dream retirement property, South of Clifton and directly above the Gila River
Monday night bingo, Chase Creek section of Clifton
Wrecked cars near the "Copper Verde" neighborhood
Horseshoe curve, US-191 and Morenci Mine, Clifton, AZ
Anthony, originally from Chinle, AZ on the Navajo Nation, cooks his dinner at a small Clifton Park. As an independent contractor without any housing support, he had been camping in his truck working the past week for FMI.
Rick, also an independent contractor from Chinle, AZ, is staying at the Rode Inn in Clifton, one of the few lodging options in the immediate area
Adorned Yuma Street Home. Considering all homes are rentals, modification seems quite common
Copper Mountain's peak remains intact above the mined lower flanks
Yucca Avenue yard, mine tailings in the background
Loma Linda Park in Clifton, AZ. Loma Linda is one of a few small communities nearby to the mine, with privately-owned housing outside of the company town model
Markeen Road Freeport-McMoran Morenci homes. A cul-de-sac atop an isolated ridge, numerous residents named this "Snob Hill," declaring these residences housed top executives
Ironwood Road home, a section of the Freeport-McMoRan Morenci housing described by residents as available only for higher level employees
East Plantsite Freeport-McMoRan Morenci home. Assignment of a brick-constructed home signified elevated employment status during this era of growth.
Longfellow Apartments appear to be studio apartments to house workers without families. Morenci mine tailings visible in the background.
Studio apartment Freeport-McMoRan Morenci housing located in the Bashas Shopping Center parking lot
Common in Morenci foiled-windows to block the Arizona sun. Freeport-McMoran operates the mine 24/7, necessitating shift work. Home Owners Associations (HOAs) often ban such window treatments.
Two gun event hosted at the Table Top Shooting Range in Clifton
Constiutuent Services Mobile Office Hours, hosted in the Clifton Historic Train Depot. Steve and Anna from Mark Kelley's office discussed issues concerning the Mares Bluff Veteran's Memorial.
Verde Lee neighborhood of Clifton, AZ. Verde Lee is one of a few small communities nearby to the mine, with privately-owned housing outside of the company town model. The mountain cut appears tied to efforts carving out a few new housing lots.
Tire swing and wild arugula growing along the banks of the Gila river in adjacent Clifton, AZ
12 foot diameter Bridgestone Mining Dump Truck Radial Tire on display at the "Scenic View" area.
Morenci Open Pit Mine, photographed from the US-191 shoulder.
Clifton Town Cemetery with Morenci Mine Operations in the background.
Sacred Heart Cemetery located on Freeport-McMoran land.
Daniel visiting his family's plot at the Sacred Heart Cemetery
R&R Pizza Express in the Morenci Plaza.
"Copper Verde" Freeport-McMoran Morenci Homes, built with modular construction. A resident suggested this type of fabrication suited a likely scenario where the neighborhood would be moved elsewhere, to allow mining in this location.
Copper concentrating plant of the Freeport-McMoRan mining cooperation.
Sheet metal cactus corners on a South Clifton home.
Rae picking grapefruits from a small group of citrus trees along the San Francisco River
Bashas' Supermarket Hwy-191 & Burro Alley.
The Morenci Conoco is operated by Freeport-McMoRan employees. Traveling through Arizona, at the time this was the lowest observed fuel price in the state, suggesting a Freeport McMoRan subsidy.
Poplar Street home, East Plantsite neighborhood. The construction dumpster signifies ongoing renovations, which the contractors described as typical after an extended employee lease. Freeport-McMoRan housing is only available to current employees, so retirees must exit the community.
Trampolines in Wildcat Drive backyards.
Morenci Mine, tailings, and Freeport-McMoran company housing. Sunrise vantage from Table Top Gun Range.
Mulligan Peak, located on National Forest lands, stands tall just east of Morenci Mine.
Red Canyon cliffs in adjacent Clifton, AZ.
A portion of neighboring Clifton appears to built upon slag, a byproduct of the copper smelting process. In 1984, owned by Phelps-Dodge at the time, the Morenci Mine abandoned smelting at this site and has since been shipping its copper concentrates to its smelter in Chino, New Mexico.
RV storage for Freeport-McMoRan employees. With heavily subsided rentals, published rates ranging from $200/month for a 1 bedroom apartment, to $500/month for a 4 bedroom modular home, employees may enjoy comparatively less of their wages devoted to primary housing.
116 Ash Street mailbox
Morenci from the summit of Mulligan Peak. There is no trail or road to aide the difficult climb up the 5612' peak, and a sparsely signed summit register. A plaque was installed reading "The Hike of Champions, Morenci High School Wrestlers, 2004/2005.”
Sacred Heart Parish Center in Chase Creek, Clifton
Holy Cross Catholic Church above Turquoise and Tenorite Road Communities
Morenci layers. Mine operations on top. Commercial sector with a supermarket, motel, and bowling alley in the middle. "Down in the hole" section of Freeport-McMoran Morenci Housing below.
