The Phelps-Dodge Copper Rod Plant (owned by Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold since a 2007 merger) is located in Claypool, Arizona, between Globe and Miami.  This modern plant melts pure copper cathode sheets from copper refineries and casts coils of copper rod for wire producers.  The rod plant is across the highway from the Phelps-Dodge (now Freeport-McMoRan) Miami Mine and Smelter.  These operations were originally part of the Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company which along with the Miami Copper Company and the International Smelting and Refining Company began operations in 1909, 1907, and 1915 respectively.  The original underground mines have been converted to open pits with dump leaching of low grade copper ore.  The smelter has been reconstructed with modern technology that meets air pollution regulations.

(Written by Mike Kaas, 2011)

PHOTO GALLERY

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Incoming Refined Copper Cathode Sheets at the Phelps-Dodge Rod Plant, Miami, Arizona	View of the Melting Furnace
Another View of the Melting Furnace	Continuous Casting of Copper Rod from Molten Copper
Packaging the Coils of Copper Rod	Coils of Copper Rod in the Warehouse Ready for Shipment
MHAers Discussing the Process with the Phelps-Dodge Staff	Just Down the Road, the Phelps-Dodge Miami Mine and Smelter near the Site of the Historic Inspiration Copper Mine and International Smelter

 

 

Photo Credits Johnny Johnsson