Hudbay Minerals to Open Copper World Mine in 2029
The mining company plans to launch a copper operation southeast of Tucson after securing environmental permits.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Construction
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Hudbay Minerals is set to begin mining at the Copper World site southeast of Tucson in 2029. The company expects to invest $1.9 billion to develop the facility, which will feature four primary open pits.
Why it matters
This project represents a significant industrial expansion in Arizona, aiming to produce over 100,000 tons of copper annually to meet demand. The development follows a long period of regulatory hurdles that previously halted construction on the site under its former name, the Rosemont Mine.
Hudbay Minerals plans to invest $1.9 billion in the project, which is projected to create 1,500 construction jobs and 400 permanent positions. The site is expected to generate $1.1 billion to $1.2 billion in U.S. tax revenue.
The players
Hudbay Minerals
This is a diversified mining company that operates metal projects across North and South America.
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
This state agency is responsible for protecting public health and the environment by regulating land and water usage.
The details
The site will operate as a conventional open-pit, truck-and-shovel mine with integrated waste rock facilities and an in-pit crushing system. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has already granted two critical permits necessary to move the project forward.
Timeline
2019: A U.S. District Court injunction halted initial construction at the site.
October 2026: The company officially announced the target opening date.
Second half of 2029: The mining operation is scheduled to commence.
Market Landscape
The development of Copper World marks a strategic pivot to secure domestic mineral supplies following the legal failure of the Rosemont Mine. This project positions Hudbay Minerals as a major competitor in the regional mining sector by navigating complex regulatory environments.
Local residents in the Tucson area may see significant labor market changes due to the creation of 1,900 total jobs. The project also represents a large-scale shift in land use that could impact regional industrial traffic patterns once construction ramps up.
The takeaway
This project highlights the increasing difficulty of launching major industrial sites in the face of complex environmental regulations. Potential investors and local observers should track future updates on federal land use, which could extend the mine's lifespan to 44 years.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry developments on the Tucson Construction page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Elko Daily Free Press.
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