VOL. 09 | ISSUE 3 | Fall 2026
Our Voices
What’s an innovation or improvement at your site that people may not realize is making a big difference?
Brian Tromblay
Driller II-Safford
“What stands out from the field is how much connectivity has expanded what we are able to do in real time. Even though it may seem obvious, connectivity has become a great expansion to our functions across the site. With Enterprise Workspace, phones, tablets, photos, inspections and records all working together, information can move from the field to the right people much faster than before.”
Chris Garza
Senior Supervisor, Security-Morenci
“The K-9 program is one of the most effective tools we have for keeping controlled substances off site. In my opinion, the K-9 is a tremendous asset, and expanding its use, especially at site entry points, would further strengthen our efforts to maintain a safe, drug-free workplace.”
Steve Gerber
Chief Metallurgist-Climax
“One of the biggest improvements at our site has been a daily operational alignment meeting. By bringing operations and technical teams together each morning to review changes, impacts and priorities, we’ve improved coordination and execution across the plant. That alignment played an important role in the success of several reagent and plant optimization trials and ultimately helped us achieve Grade A specifications for the first time in Climax history.”
Robert Kurtz
Diesel Diagnostic Mechanic-Bagdad
“We created a tool to both remove the cutting edge bolts on bulldozers and protect our hands while doing it. Before this tool, our hands were much more susceptible to injury.”
Luke McCulloch
Senior Metallurgist-Sierrita
“We added automated valves to stabilize flocculant dosing and give operators better visibility into thickener performance. Before the valves, flow interruptions could go unnoticed, negatively impacting operations and production.”
Hector Romo
Supervisor, Hydroment Leaching-Morenci
“I would say the new long-slope deployment techniques used in the leaching process are having a tremendous impact on our operations. Through helicopter-assisted deployment, we’ve improved safety, reduced employee fatigue, and significantly accelerated installation. These advancements have increased efficiency and productivity in the field, and the results have been so successful that the practice has now been adopted across all Freeport-McMoRan sites in North America.”
Eva Schiaffino Bustamante
Project Engineer I-El Paso
“An improvement over the last year has been replacing the forklift crossovers used to transport copper coils between facilities. The previous design wasn’t built for that level of weight, causing excess vibration and wear. While the new crossovers may seem like just a smoother path, they reduce stress on the equipment, lowering maintenance needs and improving reliability in a way most people don’t see.”
Matt Shaw
Senior Metallurgist-Fort Madison
“Replacing old ductwork with new materials and new design is resulting in increased draft and better quality from the roasters.”
John Swagzdis
Shared Services Manager-New Mexico Operations
“Chino mill installed smart bolts that monitor SAG shell flange bolts to enable online torque monitoring. The prior method to check torque was manually going bolt by bolt during a planned maintenance and using a torque wrench. This technology gives us the ability to identify torque deviations in real time, saving considerable maintenance downtime and allowing us to control our destiny.”
Jeffrey Thompsen
Principal Chemist-Technology Center Tucson
“The TC-Tucson Analytical Lab will launch an autonomous auto-dilution system, introducing advanced automation to the lab for the first time. This continuous improvement initiative will reduce technician fatigue, enhance ergonomics and accelerate sample turnaround times. Ultimately, these efficiencies will allow the lab to successfully manage rising sample volumes driven by expanding, companywide testing and experimental initiatives.”