Chino Copper Mines and Smelter

A viewpoint along NM 152 provides great views of the giant, historic Chino open pit copper mine.  I couldn’t see that anything was happening there—no truck traffic like at other such mines.  According to the brochure, the Santa Rita/Chino Mines Open Pit Copper mine is the oldest active mine in the southwest.  The “Santa Rita del Cobre” was worked as early as 1800.  It was abandoned eventually due to the Apaches.  In the late 19^th century, the mine was reopened and the town of Santa Rita reborn.  When open pit mining began around 1910, Santa Rita was soon consumed.  The mine is now operated jointly by Phelps Dodge/Mitsubishi.  The pit is 1,900 feet deep, 1 ½ mile-wide.

Trails and Treasures Home Page   Journey to the American Southwest 2003   Search for Fred Harvey