Silver Bell Mining District

Over more than 150 years, the Silver Bell Mining District, roughly 35 miles northwest of Tucson,  has evolved into a small but effective cog in the copper mining industry. Evidence of mining here actually dates back to the 1500s when the Tohono O’odham dug shallow pits and trenches, according to the Arizona Geological Survey. But, mining at Silver Bell would increase during the 1800s thanks to the Southern Pacific Railroad and growing demand for copper. Various companies and entrepreneurs would acquire and develop the district over the century, succeed and fail, until the American Smelting and Refining Company – more commonly known as ASARCO − took over the property in 1916. Through ASARCO’s innovative mining practices and tech improvements, production at the Silver Bell property is expected to continue until 2034. 

PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA