Arizona’s San Xavier Mine Gains Federal Support for Modernization

The San Xavier research mine, located in Sahuarita, Arizona, has become a focal point for innovation in mining technology. With increasing demand for critical minerals in the United States, both industry experts and the federal government are investing to transform the site into a hub for research and development.

In February, nearly $4 million was allocated by the federal government and Arizona Legislature for a mineral waste recovery and processing facility at the mine.

On September 9, the Department of Energy awarded a $20 million grant aimed at expanding and modernizing the mine, promoting both student research and industry partnerships.

James Werner, director of the San Xavier Mine, emphasized the excitement surrounding these developments. “What excites me is the industry coming back,” he stated. “If you look at how you know mining kind of died in the United States, we became very heavily reliant on importing everything. Bringing it back stateside to me is a good thing. It provides jobs. It provides the minerals we need for everyday life.”

History of San Xavier Mine

Originally a commercial producer of silver, lead, zinc, and copper for around 70 years, the San Xavier Mine was acquired by the University of Arizona in 1975. It has since served as a training ground for future mining engineers.

As mining technology advances, the mine’s traditional infrastructure has become outdated. Werner noted that the mine has outgrown its old framework, stating, “Machines got bigger and the size of excavations underground got bigger — we kind of outgrew what the mine used to be — being a very historic, old-school, pushing ore carts around underground.”

In 2020, upgrades were made to the mine entrance, allowing access for larger vehicles and equipment.

Current Developments at the Mine

The San Xavier Mine is poised to continue its role as a research facility, but with a broadened scope. Over the past seven years, it has attracted collaborations with federal agencies, local industries, and startups that require a testing ground for their technologies.

According to Moe Momayez, associate head of the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources, this setup offers mutual benefits. “The advantage that the mine has is that we are a non-producing mine. So if the partner companies want to test a new technology, for example, they can have access 24/7,” he explained.

Enhancements funded by the recent $20 million grant will include expanded facilities and cutting-edge technology, such as a microgrid, according to a University of Arizona press release.

Arizona’s Role in Mining

Arizona stands as a leader in the mining industry, with a workforce of approximately 50,000 and producing 75% of the nation’s copper. The University of Arizona hosts one of the oldest and most prestigious mining programs, graduating 15 to 25 students annually.

Momayez mentioned that the program currently includes 50 postgraduate students addressing numerous industry challenges, from geomechanics and mine planning to mineral processing and materials characterization.

Exploring Sustainable Mining Practices

The site is also set to host a pilot plant for processing mineral waste. Werner pointed out that Arizona has significant quantities of mine tailings—byproducts from past mineral processing—that could yield additional metals. He remarked, “So there’s a lot of research going into how you can economically go back in and mine some of this old waste in a tailings pond or a tailings impoundment to be able to recover some of the additional metals that we know are still left in there.”

This initiative, funded earlier this year, aligns with the mine’s expansion and commitment to fostering in-house research and sustainable practices.