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Nuton, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, has implemented a new bioleaching method for extracting copper from low-grade ores at the Johnson Camp Mine in Cochise County. This method, which began operations in March 2025, utilizes naturally occurring microbes to process chalcopyrite, a mineral that contains 70% of the world's copper but is challenging to mine using traditional techniques.

Nuton's process could reduce water use by up to 80% and greenhouse gas emissions by 60%. The company plans to produce about 30,000 tons of copper over four years and has entered a two-year agreement with Amazon Web Services for copper supply.