Congressman Andy Biggs Calls on Department of War to Unlock Arizona's Copper Resources to Strengthen National Security

October 19, 2026 Press Release GILBERT, ARIZONA – U.S. Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05), alongside Arizona Congressmen Paul Gosar (AZ-09) and Eli Crane (AZ-02), sent a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth urging the Department of War to identify opportunities to expand domestic copper mining, processing, refining, and recycling on the approximately 3.12 million acres of defense land under its management in Arizona. Arizona is the nation's leading copper-producing state, accounting for approximately 70 percent of all copper mined in the United States. With its abundant mineral deposits, skilled workforce, established infrastructure, and significant military presence, the state is uniquely positioned to play a central role in securing America's defense-related mineral needs. "Arizona has been blessed with an abundance of natural resources that are essential to America's economic prosperity and national security," said Congressman Biggs. "For too long, our country has allowed unnecessary barriers and an overreliance on foreign supply chains to undermine our ability to produce the critical materials our military needs. Arizona already leads in copper production, and we have a tremendous opportunity to build on that strength. We should be looking at every responsible avenue to expand domestic production, unleash American industry, and ensure our military has a reliable supply of the resources necessary to defend our citizens and freedoms." The letter specifically requests that the Department of War: Identify suitable defense lands in Arizona that could support copper and other critical mineral mining, processing, and refining while remaining consistent with military training, testing, and readiness requirements. Evaluate existing federal authorities, programs, partnerships, and investments that could accelerate domestic mineral production and processing, while identifying any additional legislative action Congress should consider. Provide a briefing to the lawmakers within 90 days detailing potential sites and projects, available resources, and outstanding infrastructure or permitting requirements. The lawmakers emphasized that utilizing Arizona's resources would help advance the administration's national security priorities while creating opportunities for American workers and strengthening domestic industrial capacity. Read the full letter here . ###