Mining company Freeport-McMoRan has purchased 16,000 acres in western Yavapai County to be used for storing rock and tailings from its nearby open-pit mine.
The Bagdad Mine represents one of the largest copper reserves in the country, producing about 200 million pounds each year. The purchase increases its size to around 38,000 acres.
Freeport-McMoRan paid about $13.5 million for the land in an Arizona State Land Department auction.
It was the lone bidder.
A company statement says the land will allow operations to continue at the mine for its remaining lifetime.
