Betty Lee Mine on the Barry Goldwater Range Arizona

The Betty Lee Mine is located in the very rocky Copper Mountains approximately 20 miles south of Wellton, Arizona. Since it is on the Barry Goldwater Bombing Range permits were required to visit this area. Regulations were different here than the eastern portion of the range. There were no locked gates to pass through to get to the Betty Lee Mine.

The mine operated from about 1910 until 1930 or so with a recorded output of 450 tons of ore containing copper and a bit of gold and silver. The workings are reported to have included a 700 foot shaft and tunnels on seven different levels.

It was necessary for us to walk the last 3/4 mile or so to the mine area on an old trail. Rock retaining walls and foundations can be seen at the end of the road where we parked and around the mine. A pile of lumber outlines the remains of at least one building. And an old mine hoist still sits on its pedestal.