The annual review of southern Arizona's top 200 employers by the Arizona Daily Star reports that "mining and agriculture added more than 1,000 jobs in 2010, an increase of 13.5 percent, as Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold added more than 800 jobs and Asarco LLC added another 140 as copper prices rallied."
In a companion story, Freeport is said to be trying to fill 500 positions at 4 southern Arizona sites while Asarco is adding 100 workers at 3 locations. [right, copper mines south of Tucson. Credit NASA, image ISS022-E26137]
Freeport is considering reopening the Twin Buttes mine south of Tucson and major mines are proposed at Rosemont and Resolution, which would all add jobs if they go forward.
The Star reports that "Of Southern Arizona's top 200 employers, 91 companies reported adding jobs in 2010, including 76 that added at least 10 full-time-equivalent positions. Seventy-six employers reported cutting jobs, while 24 employers reported no change."