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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
minerals; metals; supporting domestic supply
Purpose
Expresses the Legislatures recognition of the importance of Arizona's mineral and metal resources and the Legislatures support of policies and initiatives that promote mining and a domestic supply of mineral and metal resources.
Background
The State Mine Inspector is a constitutionally established elected office that is statutorily charged with inspecting every active underground mine with 50 or more employees at least once every three months and all other mines at least annually. The State Mine Inspector must inspect the operation, conditions, safety appliances, machinery, equipment, sanitation and ventilation, the means of ingress and egress, the means taken to protect the lives, health and safety of the miners, the cause of accidents and deaths occurring at the mine and the means taken to comply with the statutorily outlined regulations relating to minerals, oil and gas (Ariz. Const. art. 19 § 0 vers.1 and A.R.S. § 27-124).
The Arizona Geological Survey's FY 2022 Directory of Active Mines in Arizona lists that there are 441 active, full-time mines or development projects in Arizona. Since 1970, Arizona has been the leading producer of mined copper in the United States, accounting for more than 60 percent of the United States copper production, and in 2021, Arizona accounted for 71 percent of the United States copper production (AZGS).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. States that the Legislature:
a) recognizes and affirms the critical importance of Arizona's mineral resources and mining industry to the state, national and global economies;
b) supports policies and initiatives that promote domestic production, refining and recycling of critical and strategic resources to reduce reliance on foreign imports;
c) beseeches federal, state and local governments to streamline the mining permitting process to expedite the responsible development of Arizona's resources;
d) commits to fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages mining investment in Arizona, to sustaining Arizona's leadership in the mining sector and to aiding in the establishment of a domestic supply chain for resources that are critical to the nation's economy and national security; and
e) requests that the federal government develop a comprehensive and strategic critical minerals policy that prioritizes national security, economic stability and environmental sustainability.
2. Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a copy of the resolution to the President of the U.S. Senate, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and each member of Congress from Arizona.
House Action
NREW 2/4/25 DP 6-4-0-0
3rd read 2/20/25 35-24-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 7, 2025
SB/SN/slp