Arizona Congressmen Seek Mining on Military Lands

Lawmakers urge the Pentagon to identify federal sites suitable for copper extraction to bolster domestic supply chains.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Military

Arizona Congressmen Seek Mining on Military Lands

Live Poll

Should the government open military-controlled land to commercial mining operations?

Three Arizona congressmen have requested the Department of Defense identify military-owned land within the state that could be used for copper mining. The request aims to address critical mineral supply concerns as global demand for copper is projected to increase by 50% by 2040.

Why it matters

The effort seeks to reduce United States overreliance on foreign supply chains for essential materials by leveraging Arizona's significant copper output. Proponents argue this removes unnecessary barriers to mineral production, which President Donald Trump has declared vital to national security.

The Pentagon currently oversees approximately 3.12 million acres of land within Arizona. Lawmakers have requested a comprehensive briefing regarding potential mining sites and permitting hurdles within 90 days.

The players

Andy Biggs

He is a U.S. Representative serving Arizona who previously served as the chairman of the House Freedom Caucus.

Paul Gosar

He is a U.S. Representative for Arizona who has served in Congress since 2011 and is known for his focus on land management issues.

Eli Crane

He is a U.S. Representative representing Arizona who is a former Navy SEAL and a member of the House Committee on Armed Services.

Pete Hegseth

He is the Secretary of Defense who oversees the Department of Defense and its management of millions of acres of federal property.

Adelita Grijalva

She is a U.S. Representative for Arizona who focuses on environmental policy and the protection of natural resources in the state.

The details

Representatives Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar, and Eli Crane sent a formal letter to Secretary Pete Hegseth outlining their proposal to open military acreage for mining. The push follows the September 2026 completion of the federal FAST-41 permitting process for the Hermosa mine in the Patagonia Mountains, though Rep. Adelita Grijalva and environmental groups have raised concerns regarding tribal consultation, groundwater, and environmental review.

September 2026: The Hermosa mine completed the federal FAST-41 permitting process.
October 9, 2026: Reps. Biggs, Gosar, and Crane sent a letter to Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Within 90 days of October 9, 2026: The deadline for the Pentagon to provide a briefing on sites and permitting.
2040: The projected date for a 50% rise in global copper demand.

Political Context

The proposal aims to expand mining access following the recent use of the FAST-41 permitting process to expedite major infrastructure projects. Opponents, including Representative Adelita Grijalva, argue this approach threatens critical tribal consultation protocols and local environmental standards.

Residents in the vicinity of potential mining sites may face new developments regarding groundwater usage and environmental protections. The final decision on these lands could shift the local economic landscape and state regulatory requirements for large-scale extraction projects.

The takeaway

The move underscores the growing tension between national security resource requirements and regional environmental preservation. Readers should monitor upcoming congressional hearings for updates on how these land-use requests may impact state-level environmental regulations.

What happens next

The Department of Defense is expected to provide a briefing to the congressmen regarding potential mining sites and necessary regulatory or law changes within 90 days of the October 9, 2026 request.