The Legacy of Mining in Arizona: Tim Gotto’s Story

In Arizona, mining isn’t just part of the past. It’s the backbone of the present and the promise of the future.

For more than 100 years, copper has helped shape this state. Since 1910, Arizona has led the nation in copper production. From the red rock cliffs of the Copper Triangle to the machinery that hums deep underground, the industry has powered homes, built cities, and sparked innovation across generations.

In towns like Kearny, Superior, Globe, Miami, and Hayden, mining runs deep. It’s more than geology. It’s family history.

Just ask Tim Gotto.

Tim lives in Kearny, Arizona, a quiet town tucked into the hills, where copper isn’t just in the ground. It’s in the blood. Tim has spent the past 15 years working in the mining industry, including at the Hayden smelter, and he’s no stranger to the rhythm of shift work, or the steady hum of machinery that never really stops.

But for Tim, this life isn’t just about copper. It’s about continuing a family tradition. His father put in 33 years in the mines. His brother works in a gold mine in Nevada. And now, Tim carries the torch, not just as a miner, but as a community leader. He’s the assistant fire chief for the local department. He rides horses in his free time. He’s one of those people who shows up, whether it’s to fight a fire, fix a problem, or lend a hand.

“I’ve seen what mining does for families,” Tim says. “It puts food on the table. It keeps towns like this alive. It’s more than a job, it’s a way of life.”

And that’s the truth. Mining has helped build schools, fund hospitals, support small businesses, and spark opportunity across the state. It has launched careers, created friendships, and brought generations of Arizonans closer together.

At Resolution Copper, we’re proud to be part of that legacy. Our project sits on the site of the historic Magma Copper Mine, where miners worked for nearly 80 years. Today, we’re investing in the future with the same grit and vision. Over 90% of our workforce lives in the Copper Triangle, and we’ve already invested over $2 billion into building a smarter, more sustainable mining future right here in Arizona.

Generations of Arizona miners have sweated and sacrificed to shape something bigger than themselves. And while some see mining as part of our past, Tim knows better.
“The history of mining isn’t over yet. It’s just getting started.”

The future here is bright. Not just because of what lies underground, but because of the people. People like Tim, who are shaping what comes next.

So here’s to Arizona’s miners—past, present, and future. You are the heart of this state. You are its storytellers, its stewards, and its strength.

And in the Copper Triangle, your legacy is still being written.