A startup backed by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz is preparing to revive an idled copper mine in Utah as part of efforts to modernize mining operations in the United States. Mariana Minerals has acquired the dormant Centennial copper mine and plans to restart production in April.
The mine, previously operated by Lisbon Valley Mining Co., produced around 2,500 tons of copper annually. Mariana Minerals aims to significantly increase output, targeting as much as 50,000 tons of copper cathode per year by 2030.
The company intends to deploy advanced technologies, including autonomous haul trucks and automated drilling systems, to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. The project will also serve as a testing ground for automation-driven mining methods.
Industry observers say the move reflects a growing trend of reviving dormant mining assets in the United States as demand for critical minerals such as copper rises, driven by clean energy technologies and electrification.
Mariana Minerals previously secured funding from investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and Khosla Ventures to support its technology-focused mining strategy.