New Leaching Lab Opens Doors in Tucson

November 24, 2025 - A new research facility recently opened in Tucson, giving the company additional space to support ongoing leaching initiatives.

The new Center for Innovative Solutions Tucson officially began operation after a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Justin Cross, Vice President-Operational Improvement, Bill Sircy, General Manager-FM Technology Center, and other Freeport team members.

The new facility houses over 200 column cells used to simulate heap leaching on a smaller scale, giving researchers a faster, more focused way to advance the company’s Leach to the Last Drop and reagent artificial intelligence initiatives. The specialized lab was conceived last year, as the organization looked to find ways to speed up the development of its leaching innovations, said Ethan Bailly, Chief Metallurgist-FM Technology Center, who oversaw completion of the facility.

“Thanks to a team of motivated individuals and leadership that believe in making the impossible possible, we have been trusted with the responsibility of setting up this new column facility,” Bailly said. “This new venture comes with the expectation to push this major initiative to new heights. “This new addition will play a major role in improving upon our success as we continue to change the industry.”

The center occupies leased commercial space located several blocks from the Technology Center Tucson. Moving forward, the team is exploring more permanent options, including constructing a new building or repurposing an existing structure.

Photo(top):  Some of the more than 200 column cells stand ready for the site’s 15 employees.