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Copper mine. Mining buildings are at lower left. This is the Phelps Dodge copper mine in Morenci, Arizona, USA. An open pit mine, this is the largest copper mine in North America, and one of the largest in the world. Copper deposits were first discovered here in 1872. Mining has taken place here for over 100 years, producing the deeply pitted, stepped excavation landscape seen here. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/ARNO MASSEE)