Molybdenum-Producing Mines In The United States In 2023

This table provides a comprehensive overview of the molybdenum-producing mines operating in the United States during 2023, detailing their locations, operators, and the sources of molybdenum extracted. Molybdenum is a critical industrial metal widely used to enhance the strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance of steel and other alloys, making it essential for sectors such as construction, automotive, aerospace, and energy. Tracking the production sites and their operators offers valuable insight into the domestic supply chain stability, economic contributions of mining regions, and the capacity of the U.S. to meet both national and global demand for this strategic mineral.

In 2023, molybdenum production in the U.S. was concentrated in a handful of states, with Arizona and Colorado hosting the majority of active mines. Notably, Freeport-McMoRan Inc. operated four key copper-molybdenum ore mines in Arizona—Bagdad, Morenci, Pinto Valley, and Sierrita—highlighting its dominant position in the sector. Colorado’s Climax and Henderson mines, also operated by Freeport-McMoRan, focus on molybdenum ore concentrated directly, underscoring a diversity in ore processing methods. Other significant producers include Montana Resources LLP at the Continental Pit in Montana, Robinson Nevada Mining Co. in Nevada, and Rio Tinto Kennecott at Utah’s Bingham Canyon mine. The presence of both copper-molybdenum and molybdenum-specific ore sources reflects a strategic blend of production approaches, supporting robust supply chains. The continued operation of these mines, many under large multinational corporations, indicates sustained investment and importance of molybdenum mining within the U.S. mineral industry.