Department Services for Potential Purchasers of Arizona Mineral Commodities

Circular No. 95, July, 2001
by Ken A. Phillips, Chief Engineer

The Arizona Department of Mines and Mineral Resources is a nonregulatory agency charged by statute with a number of duties. Among them are:

• Aid in the promotion and development of the mineral resources of the State.
• Assist in discovering sources of supply for those desiring to purchase mineral commodities.

The agency is staffed with mining and field engineers knowledgeable in the fields of metal and industrial mineral deposits, prospecting, mine development, marketing, mineral economics and government regulations. The services of the department are free of charge.

Specific ways in which the department may assist buyers and potential buyers (consumers, suppliers and brokers) of mineral commodities from Arizona include:

• Obtaining samples of minerals and mineral products.
• Recommend sources of supply.
• Recommend exploration targets.
• Recommend knowledgeable private professional geological and engineering services.
• Assist in determining the existence and viability of those who claim to be able to mine and supply mine products.
• Guide in obtaining permits from regulatory agencies.

The following table lists mineral commodities currently and historically produced (as of 2000) in Arizona. Those with known large resources or reserves are noted in the “Known Resource” column. Some are only identified occurrences in need of further investigation, others exist in sizable deposits.

The Department maintains historical and current information on over 10,000 Arizona mines, prospects, and related facilities. A large library on mineral resources is maintained. The staff is available to answer questions and discuss any aspect of mineral resources in Arizona.

Arizona Mineral commodities