Mineral Resources

Mission

The mission of the Mineral Resources Program is to protect and develop the mineral resources of the Tohono O’odham Nation as directed by the Nation’s leadership.

Services Provided

• The Mineral Resources Program is responsible to oversee the operation of Hard Rock Minerals mining at Cyprus Tohono Corporation mine and that portion of the ASARCO Mission mine located on the Reservation to provide income for the Nation, Districts, and Allottees, as well as to help develop potential mining related job opportunities for the Tohono O’odham people.
• The Mineral Resources Program is responsible for monitoring patented and unpatented mining claims located within the boundaries of the Reservation, and assisting in acquiring these claims for the Nation as necessary.
• Industrial mineral sites such as sand and gravel operations, quarries, and/or aggregate minerals, also classify as mining operations and thus their oversight is part of this program.
• It is the responsibility of the Mining Office to educate about mining related issues and to provide information for the Nation’s tribal members and leadership to inform those who make decisions. The Mining Office gives and facilitates numerous educational presentations to Tribal entities and schools about mining activities and mining history on the Tohono O’odham Nation lands.
• The Program supports the re-development of mine scarred lands including assessments of abandoned legacy sites which are owned by the Nation.

Contact Us

Mineral Resources
Office: (520) 383-3031