A former surface and underground Cu-Ag-Mo-Au-Ti-Rh-V mine located in sec. 35, T8S, R16E, about 6¾ miles NW of San Manuel and about 4¼ miles SW of Mammoth, on private land (NOTE: mineral rights are a combination of patented and leased from the state). Originally discovered in 1879 by Frank Schultz. Main body discovered 1942 by Henry W. Nichols. Drilling exploration extended from 1943-1948. First shaft sunk in 1948 with first production in 1955.

Mineralization is a porphyry copper deposit hosted in the Ruin (Oracle) Granite and Gila Conglomerate. The San Manuel ore body is tabular with a strike of N61E & N55E, dipping 50S & 15S, 300 meters thick, plunging 10NE; at the east end of the mine - NE, depth-to-top of 520 meters, width of 1160 meters, and 2400 meters long. The Kalamazoo ore body is also U-shaped with a strike of N61E & N55E, dipping 50S & 15S, with a depth-to-top of 1140 meters. Ore control was rock permeability due to fracturing and contact between the Ruin (Oracle) Granite and Cretaceous quartz monzonites. Ore concentration was hydrothermal with secondary supergene enrichment and oxidation of the upper zone of the San Manuel ore body. The orebodies are tabular and "U" shaped. Alteration is potassic, phyllic, argillic, propyllitic. The ore zone overlaps the potassic and phyllic zones.

The mineralization is associated with intrusion of Lower Cretaceous- Early Tertiary monzonite porphyry and mineralization occurs in both the porphyry and the Precambrian intrusive rocks. The ore body has two main parts (created by faulting of the original ore body), separated by a zone of scarce sulfides. At depth the two parts converge. The San Manuel fault divided the original cylindrical ore body into two halves, the upper San Manuel and the lower Kalamazoo ore bodies, with a displacement of about 8000 feet.

Local structures include NNW-trending block faulting, the San Manuel Fault striking N66°W and dipping 26°SW, which displaces the ore body. Also younger, normal faults.

This great mine was operated by Magma before being bought out by BHP and closed. It is a massive sulfide deposit mined with five shafts, each over 1,000 meters deep, and with headframes over 60 meters high. Over 700,000,000 tons of ore were extracted using the block caving method. Workings were divided into the sulfide mine and the oxide mine (Chrysocolla and Tenorite). Specimens are very rare due to the security of the operation and minimal number of showy specimens encountered. The entire huge site was scheduled for reclamation.

The mineralized zone, which includes the ore deposit, is about 8,000 feet to 9,000 feet wide and more than 9,300 feet long. It trends ENE.

Select Mineral List Type

Standard Detailed Gallery Strunz Chemical Elements

Mineral List

12 valid minerals.

Detailed Mineral List:

ⓘ 'Apatite'

Formula: Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Aragonite

Formula: CaCO₃

ⓘ Baryte

Formula: BaSO₄

References:

Schwartz, G.M. (1953), Geology of the San Manuel copper deposit, AZ, USGS PP 256.

ⓘ Calcite

Formula: CaCO₃

References:

Schwartz, G.M. (1953), Geology of the San Manuel copper deposit, AZ, USGS PP 256.

ⓘ Enargite

Formula: Cu₃AsS₄

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Fluorite

Formula: CaF₂

References:

MRDS database MRDS ID #M050188, Dep. ID #10106909.

ⓘ Gold

Formula: Au

References:

MRDS database Dep. ID #10113259, MRDS ID #M050188, MAS ID #0040210001.

ⓘ Gypsum

Formula: CaSO₄ · 2H₂O

References:

Tony Peterson specimen: https://www.mindat.org/photo-229308.htmlIdentification: Visual Identification

ⓘ Hematite

Formula: Fe₂O₃

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Hematite var. Specularite

Formula: Fe₂O₃

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ 'Limonite'

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Magnetite

Formula: Fe²⁺Fe³⁺₂O₄

References:

MRDS database MRDS ID #M050188, Dep. ID #10106909.

ⓘ 'Psilomelane'

References:

Schwartz, G.M. (1953), Geology of the San Manuel copper deposit, AZ, USGS PP 256.

ⓘ Pyrophyllite

Formula: Al₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Silver

Formula: Ag

References:

MRDS database Dep. ID #10113259, MRDS ID #M050188, MAS ID #0040210001.

ⓘ Wulfenite

Formula: Pb(MoO₄)

References:

MRDS database MRDS ID #M050188, Dep. ID #10106909.

Gallery:

List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification

Group 1 - Elements
ⓘ	Silver	1.AA.05	Ag
ⓘ	Gold	1.AA.05	Au
Group 2 - Sulphides and Sulfosalts
ⓘ	Enargite	2.KA.05	Cu₃AsS₄
Group 3 - Halides
ⓘ	Fluorite	3.AB.25	CaF₂
Group 4 - Oxides and Hydroxides
ⓘ	Magnetite	4.BB.05	Fe²⁺Fe³⁺₂O₄
ⓘ	Hematite	4.CB.05	Fe₂O₃
ⓘ	var. Specularite	4.CB.05	Fe₂O₃
Group 5 - Nitrates and Carbonates
ⓘ	Calcite	5.AB.05	CaCO₃
ⓘ	Aragonite	5.AB.15	CaCO₃
Group 7 - Sulphates, Chromates, Molybdates and Tungstates
ⓘ	Baryte	7.AD.35	BaSO₄
ⓘ	Gypsum	7.CD.40	CaSO₄ · 2H₂O
ⓘ	Wulfenite	7.GA.05	Pb(MoO₄)
Group 9 - Silicates
ⓘ	Pyrophyllite	9.EC.10	Al₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
Unclassified
ⓘ	'Limonite'	-
ⓘ	'Psilomelane'	-
ⓘ	'Apatite'	-	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)

List of minerals for each chemical element

H	Hydrogen
H	ⓘ Gypsum	CaSO₄ · 2H₂O
H	ⓘ Pyrophyllite	Al₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
H	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
C	Carbon
C	ⓘ Aragonite	CaCO₃
C	ⓘ Calcite	CaCO₃
O	Oxygen
O	ⓘ Aragonite	CaCO₃
O	ⓘ Baryte	BaSO₄
O	ⓘ Calcite	CaCO₃
O	ⓘ Gypsum	CaSO₄ · 2H₂O
O	ⓘ Hematite	Fe₂O₃
O	ⓘ Magnetite	Fe²⁺Fe₂³⁺O₄
O	ⓘ Pyrophyllite	Al₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
O	ⓘ Wulfenite	Pb(MoO₄)
O	ⓘ Hematite var. Specularite	Fe₂O₃
O	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
F	Fluorine
F	ⓘ Fluorite	CaF₂
F	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
Al	Aluminium
Al	ⓘ Pyrophyllite	Al₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
Si	Silicon
Si	ⓘ Pyrophyllite	Al₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
P	Phosphorus
P	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
S	Sulfur
S	ⓘ Baryte	BaSO₄
S	ⓘ Enargite	Cu₃AsS₄
S	ⓘ Gypsum	CaSO₄ · 2H₂O
Cl	Chlorine
Cl	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
Ca	Calcium
Ca	ⓘ Aragonite	CaCO₃
Ca	ⓘ Calcite	CaCO₃
Ca	ⓘ Fluorite	CaF₂
Ca	ⓘ Gypsum	CaSO₄ · 2H₂O
Ca	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
Fe	Iron
Fe	ⓘ Hematite	Fe₂O₃
Fe	ⓘ Magnetite	Fe²⁺Fe₂³⁺O₄
Fe	ⓘ Hematite var. Specularite	Fe₂O₃
Cu	Copper
Cu	ⓘ Enargite	Cu₃AsS₄
As	Arsenic
As	ⓘ Enargite	Cu₃AsS₄
Mo	Molybdenum
Mo	ⓘ Wulfenite	Pb(MoO₄)
Ag	Silver
Ag	ⓘ Silver	Ag
Ba	Barium
Ba	ⓘ Baryte	BaSO₄
Au	Gold
Au	ⓘ Gold	Au
Pb	Lead
Pb	ⓘ Wulfenite	Pb(MoO₄)

Other Databases

Wikipedia:	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Manuel_Copper_Mine
Wikidata ID:	Q7414789
Link to USGS MRDS:	10113259

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

Mexico

Sierra Madre OccidentalMountain Range

North America

Sonoran DesertDesert

North America PlateTectonic Plate

Basin and Range BasinsBasin
Mazatzal DomainDomain

This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.

References

Minerals Yearbook - Mining & Quarrying Trends: 14, 31.

MRDS database Dep. ID #10113259, MRDS ID #M050188, MAS ID #0040210001; Dep. ID #10106909.

Chapman, T.L. (1947), San Manuel copper deposit, Pinal Co., Arizona, US Bureau of Mines Report of Investigation 4108.

Galbraith, F. W. (1947) Minerals of Arizona (Second Edition, Revised) University of Arizona Bulletin 153. Arizona Bureau of Mines

Schwartz, George Melvin (1947) Hydrothermal alteration in the "porphyry copper" deposits. Economic Geology, 42 (4) 319-352 doi:10.2113/gsecongeo.42.4.319

Lovering, T.S. (1948), Geothermal gradients, recent climate changes, and rate of sulphide oxidation in the San Manuel district, Arizona, Economic Geology: 43: 1-20.

Schwartz, G.M. (1949), Oxidation and enrichment in the San Manuel copper deposit, Arizona, Economic Geology: 44: 253-277.

Lovering, T.S., et al (1950), Dispersion of copper from the San Manuel copper deposit, Pinal Co., Arizona, Economic Geology: 45: 493-514.

Schwartz. G.M. (1953), Geology of the San Manuel copper deposit, Arizona, USGS PP 256.

Schwartz, G.M. (1958), Alteration of biotite under mesothermal conditions, Economic Geology: 53: 164-177.

Creasey, S.C, (1959), Some phase relations in the hydrothermally altered rocks of porphyry copper deposits, Economic Geology: 54: 351-373.

Bideaux, R.A., et al (1960), Some new occurrences of minerals of Arizona, Arizona Geological Society Digest: 3: 53-56.

Buchanan, John F. and Buchella, Frank H. (1960) History and Development of the San Manuel Mine. A.I.M.E. Vol. 217, Feb 1960.

Dale, V.B. (1962) Mining, milling, and smelting methods, San Manuel Copper Corp., Pinal County, Arizona: U.S. Bureau of Mines Information Circular I.C. 8104, 145 p.

Burke, H.K. and Shirley, J.F. (1965) San Manuel’s New Process for Molybdenite Recovery. Mining Engineering: 17(3).

Creasey, S.C. & J.D. Pelletier (1965), Geology of the San Manuel Area, Pinal County, Arizona, USGS PP 471.

Thomas, L. A. (1966) Geology of the San Manuel Ore Body. In Geology of the Porphyry Copper Deposits. The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ. p.133-142.

Creasey, S.C. (1967) General Geology of the Mammoth Quadrangle, Pinal County, Arizona, USGS Bulletin 1218.

Lowell, J. David (1968), Geology of the Kalamazoo orebody, San Manuel district, Arizona, Economic Geology: 63: 645-654.

Lowell, J. David and Guilbert, John M. (1970) Lateral and Vertical Alteration-Mineralization Zoning. In: Porphyry Ore Deposits. Economic Geology: June-July 1970: 65(4): 373-408.

Anthony, John W., McLean, W. John (1976) Jurbanite, a new post-mine aluminum sulfate mineral from San Manuel, Arizona. American Mineralogist, 61 (1-2) 1-4

Rocks & Minerals (1982): 57: 16.

Mining Annual Review (1985): 55.

Welty, J.W. (1988) Strontium isotopic compositions of igneous rocks at the San Manuel-Kalamazoo porphyry copper deposit, Pinal County, Arizona: Tucson, University of Arizona, M.S. prepublication manuscript, 27 p.

Niemuth, N.J. & K.A. Phillips (1992), Copper Oxide Resources, Arizona Department Mines & Mineral Resources Open File Report 92-10: 15 (Table 1).

Sawyer, M.B., Gurmendi, A.C., Daley, M.R., and Howell, S.B. (1992) Principal Deposits of Strategic and Critical Minerals in Arizona, U.S. Bureau of Mines Special Publication, 334 pp.

Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd. ed.: 105, 107, 113, 121, 126, 132, 143, 164, 167, 174, 179, 186, 191, 197, 203, 213, 215, 216, 233, 251, 254, 257, 262, 264, 266, 287, 302, 309, 330, 341, 359, 370, 380, 391, 432.

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

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