Copper - along with Cotton, Cattle and Canyons (the four C’s), was considered one of the four mainstays of Arizona's economy in the 1950's.

The Mission Complex mining operation in Sahuarita still produces copper, silver and molybdenum. Its workforce is greatly diminished, though recent additions include the ASARCOws. This herd of cattle has been ‘cultivating’ the tailings piles (rock with copper removed) by adding natural ‘fertilizer’ and greening these barren mountains, working seed into ground with their hooves as they wander from hay pile to hay pile.

Metal production and pecan growing are becoming becoming less significant as burgeoning Sahuarita evolves into a Tucson bedroom community. Residential and commercial developments are changing the face of this recently incorporated TownTown.

Rick Engineering Company has been working with Sahuarita planners to fulfill the community’s vision of its future. Because a state highway serves a large portion of the town, Rick Engineers lend their experience working with Arizona Department of Transportation to build roads, install utilities, and construct drainage structures to stringent specifications.