Business & Industry
Superior is home to several global and domestic employers, such as Imerys, Omya, Resolution Copper and others.
These companies are part of a growing local employment base.
Imerys
Based in Paris, France, Imerys is a global producer of synthetic graphite powder which goes into lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells applications at industrial scale.
“The Imerys perlite mine located in Superior, AZ relies heavily on access to a sustained and skilled talent pool, which the community and nearby Phoenix Metro Area readily provide. Additionally, the Town’s business friendly environment is a major contributor to Imerys’ continued success and production output of our Superior operations. This facility plays a significant role in supplying high-quality minerals to such key industries as construction, filtration, agriculture and manufacturing.”
– Drew Duncan, Plant and Mine Manager, Imerys Perlite USA, Inc.
In Superior, the company operates a mining facility, focusing on the extraction and processing of industrial minerals, particularly perlite and kaolin. These minerals are crucial for a variety of applications, including construction, filtration, agriculture and manufacturing. Imerys’ Superior facility plays a significant role in supplying high-quality minerals to meet the demands of these industries.
The company employs advanced mining and processing techniques to ensure efficient and environmentally responsible production.
Omya
Based in Switzerland and founded in 1882, Omya is a global producer of industrial minerals, primarily focused on calcium carbonate and dolomite.
“Omya’s facility in Superior produces high-quality calcium carbonate products, including materials used in food-grade applications. The operation plays an important role in supplying essential mineral ingredients to industries across the Americas while maintaining rigorous quality and safety standards.
A key strength of Omya Superior is its people. The majority of Omya employees at this location live in the Superior community or surrounding areas, bringing experience and a strong local connection to their work every day. Omya’s partnership with the Town of Superior is also central to the facility’s success. Reliable utilities, wastewater treatment infrastructure, and responsive emergency services provide the essential support needed to operate a modern production facility safely and efficiently.
Beyond day-to-day operations, Omya values its role as a member of the Superior community. The company supports and participates in local events and initiatives throughout the year, reinforcing its commitment to the town and the people who call Superior home. Through these connections, Omya continues to invest not only in its operations, but also in the long-term vitality of the community.”
– Corey Van Rensburg, Plant Manager, Omya Arizona
Omya’s operations in Superior involve the extraction and processing of these minerals, which are essential for various applications, including paper, plastics, paints, coatings and construction materials.
The Superior plant is one of Omya’s most technologically advanced facilities and is a key component of Omya’s supply chain in North America, contributing to the company’s ability to meet the demand for high-quality mineral products.
Resolution Copper
Resolution Copper, located near Superior, AZ, is one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in the world.
Jointly owned by Rio Tinto (U.K.) and BHP (Australia), the mine is projected to produce up to 40 billion pounds of copper over its lifetime. The project involves developing an underground mine that will utilize a block caving technique, allowing access to deep ore deposits.
The proposed underground mine, which currently is going through the Federal EIS process, is expected to become the largest copper mine in North America, capable of producing up to 25 percent of U.S. copper demand each year, which is critical to support the global economy. Of all U.S. states, Arizona is the largest exporter of American copper, accounting for more than 60 percent of U.S. exports of this mineral.
Visit the Workforce Training page to learn more about talent development in Superior.