By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), alongside fellow Republican Congressmen Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09) and Eli Crane (R-AZ-02), is urging the U.S. Department of War to explore opportunities to expand domestic copper production on military lands across Arizona.
In an October 19 press release, Biggs announced that the three lawmakers sent a letter dated October 9, 2026, to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, requesting that the department identify opportunities for copper mining, processing, refining, and recycling on approximately 3.12 million acres of defense land under its management in Arizona.
The lawmakers emphasized Arizona’s position as the nation’s leading copper-producing state, accounting for approximately 70% of all copper mined in the United States.
With its extensive mineral deposits, skilled workforce, established infrastructure, and significant military presence, the state is positioned to play a central role in strengthening domestic mineral supply chains and reducing dependence on foreign sources.
“Arizona has been blessed with an abundance of natural resources that are essential to America’s economic prosperity and national security,” stated Congressman Biggs. “For too long, our country has allowed unnecessary barriers and an overreliance on foreign supply chains to undermine our ability to produce the critical materials our military needs.”
“Arizona already leads in copper production, and we have a tremendous opportunity to build on that strength. We should be looking at every responsible avenue to expand domestic production, unleash American industry, and ensure our military has a reliable supply of the resources necessary to defend our citizens and freedoms,” added Biggs.
In their letter, the congressmen highlighted copper’s importance to military readiness, noting its widespread use in electrical systems, communications equipment, munitions, aircraft, naval vessels, and military installations.
The lawmakers also cited three executive orders aimed at strengthening domestic mineral production and national security.
These include Executive Order 14220, which identified copper as essential to national security, Executive Order 14241, which directed efforts to accelerate domestic mineral production, and Executive Order 14415, signed July 20, 2026, which established a policy prioritizing domestic and allied sources for critical materials used by the military.
The letter requests that the Department of War identify suitable military lands in Arizona for copper and other critical mineral development while ensuring that any proposed activities remain consistent with military training, testing, and operational readiness requirements.
Additionally, the lawmakers asked the department to evaluate existing federal authorities, programs, partnerships, and investments that could accelerate domestic mineral production and processing, while identifying potential legislative changes Congress could consider.
Biggs, Gosar, and Crane also requested a briefing within 90 days outlining potential development sites, available resources, and any outstanding infrastructure or permitting requirements.
“Arizona has the resources, workforce, infrastructure, and military presence to play a central role in securing America’s copper supply,” the lawmakers wrote. “We urge the Department to put these assets to work.”
The congressmen argued that expanding domestic copper production and processing would strengthen the nation’s defense supply chain, create opportunities for American workers, and reduce reliance on foreign mineral suppliers.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
