Ray Mine, Arizona

Ray is one of the largest open pit mines in the country. It is part of Asarco's "Ray Complex" which includes the associated crushing, heap-leaching, and smelting facilities (including the Hayden Smelter), 20 miles away. The Ray Complex covers 53,000 acres and employs over 1,400 people. Ray is usually ranked as the second largest copper mine in Arizona, the state that produces 65% of the nation's mined copper. This mine was purchased from Kennecott in 1986. Since 1999, Asarco has been owned by Grupo Mexico, Mexico's largest mining company.