Arizona is rated #5 in the 2026 Fraser Institute Global Ranking of 68 Jurisdictions
- Arizona ranked 5th, out of 68 jurisdictions, as the most attractive jurisdiction for mining investment in the Fraser Institute’s Annual Mining Survey Investment Attractiveness Index released on February 26, 2026 and may be viewed at the link News Release, Investment Attractiveness’ Index, February 26, 2026. As per the Fraser Institute news release, “this year’s report ranks 68 jurisdictions around the world based on their geologic attractiveness (minerals and metals) and government policies that encourage or deter exploration and investment”.
Arizona’s Mining Industry
- Arizona ranks fifth in the United States for gold production, with over 17 million troy ounces produced to date (World, 2026).
- Arizona is a world class copper producer and leads the United States in copper production. Arizona produced approximately 72% of the newly mined copper in the U.S. (Arizona Mining Assn.,2025).
- The Arizona mining industry annually contributes $20 billion in total output and sales, with more than 27,000 direct jobs and nearly 75,000 jobs supported and is the largest U.S. copper provider (GPEC Link, 2026).
Aztec Minerals Tombstone Project – Patented Mining Claim Advantage
- Aztec holds an 85% interest across 2,058 acres, of patented (46) and unpatented (73) claims which includes most of the original patented claims in the heart of the historic Tombstone Silver Mining District, including the Contention Pit, with access to full services including water, power, roads and permitting for current exploration.
- Patented mining claims in Arizona convey ownership of surface and mineral rights.
- Ease of permitting for drilling and surface disturbances on patented lands in Arizona.