Emerald Isle Mine in Santa Claus, Arizona

Emerald Isle Mine in Santa Claus, Arizona

This abandoned former open pit copper mine and processing facility, easily found on a map and not difficult to access, is an ideal destination for rockhounds and mining history enthusiasts.  Based on reports, this mine was worked at various times from 1917 all the way up until 1998 by companies including the Emerald Isle Copper Co. and the Lewin-Mathes Co. During 1943-48 alone, 55,000 tons of copper was recovered from the ores.   Mining was orig…