(Photo by Carrie Jung - KJZZ)

Asarco's Ray Mine is located about 10 miles west of Kearny, Ariz.

Copper and nickel production are on the rise in Arizona. The 5-year economic census for U.S. mining shows the state in the lead in a number of key materials production.

More than half of the 26 companies across the U.S. that mine for copper and nickel are here in Arizona. The industry employs over 12,500 people nationwide.

Edward Watkins, branch chief of the U.S. Census’ Economy Wide Division said Arizona was and still is the nation’s leading producer of copper and nickel.

“The industry is up from 2007," Watkins said. "Receipts are up 15.5 percent from 2007. And payroll and employment are also up at 36 and 23 percent respectively, from 2007.”

Arizona’s annual copper and nickel production now total $6.9 billion. Watkins said Arizona accounts for 65 percent of all U.S. copper and nickel mining.

The census provides a comprehensive look at the mining industry every 5 years.